The Baseball Forward Podcast

On today’s episode, 123 of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross Hawley talks with the Baylor Baseball's all-time winningest coach and the author of the recently released Beyond the Scoreboard, Mr. Steve Smith.

The two talk about Baylor's ascent to the top under Coach Smith, how his assistant coaches played such a pivotal role in their success, his new book and more. Follow Coach Smith on X @HardBallCoach34 and visit https://www.coachstevesmith.com/ for more on Beyond the Scoreboard.

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

On today’s episode, 122 of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross Hawley talks with the Recruiting Coordinator & Pitching Coach for The University of St. Thomas, in Houston, TX, Mr. Mike Williams.

The two talk about the current landscape of college baseball, recruiting at the NCAA D3 level, what type of players The University of St. Thomas looks to recruit, and much more. Follow Coach Williams on X @Williams_Mike44 and UST Baseball @USTCeltsBSB.

Learn more about Coach Mike Williams and University of St Thomas: https://recruiting.baseballforward.com/schools/university-of-st-thomas-2

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

Jim Schwanke, the hitting coach behind LSU's Gorilla Ball era, joins Ross Hawley for the first live session of the BLAST Training Series. Jim built BLAST to give players and coaches a simple, progressive set of drills that help every hitter find and own their best swing. He works through each letter of the system and covers balance at foot strike, what a good take looks like, why a connected swing beats early extension, the "sequential unlocking of body parts," and why timing is the real battle.

He also explains the goal of winning one pitch per at-bat and putting your best swing on it. Ross and Jim close by talking about keeping coaching simple, trusting what works for you, and the joy of dad-and-son moments in the game.

Find the BLAST Hitting System at baseballforward.com. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

On today’s episode, 120 of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross Hawley talks with a MiLB Coach in the Miami Marlins organization and friend of the show, Mr. Cam Vega.

The two discuss Cam's jump into pro ball, biggest surprises vs. college, daily schedule, travel, development plans, working with tech/data and some catching specific concepts. Follow Cam Vega on Instagram @thecamvega.

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

On today’s episode, #119 of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross Hawley talks with a former Wichita State Shocker standout, who is now the founder and owner of Hammer Hands, Mr. Garrett Kocis.

The two discuss Garrett's upbringing in Omaha and the impact it had on his baseball career. They also dig in on the highs and lows of the game, advice for younger players coming up, and Garrett's business https://hammerhandsgloves.com/. Follow Hammer Hands on Instagram @HammerHands_.

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

On today’s episode, #118 of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross Hawley talks with the Head Baseball Coach of Northern Oklahoma College-Tonkawa, Mr. Jonathan Monk. The two talk about NJCAA DII level, the current recruiting landscape, how NOC-Tonk uses analytics and much more. Follow Coach Monk on X: @jonathanmonk26 and for more, visit: https://www.nocmavs.com/sports/bsb/index.

Learn more about Coach Jonathan Monk and Northern Oklahoma College: https://recruiting.baseballforward.com/schools/northern-oklahoma-college

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

On today’s episode, #117 of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross Hawley talks with the Head Baseball Coach of Colorado Mesa University, Mr. Chris Hanks. Their conversation focuses on Leadership Principles that Build a Winning Culture with Coach Hanks discussing 3 specific areas: 1. Out-Team, 2. Out-Compete, and 3. Sustain Success. Follow Coach Hanks on X: @30Skipper and for more, visit: https://coachchrishanks.com/.

Learn more about Coach Chris Hanks and Colorado Mesa University: https://recruiting.baseballforward.com/schools/colorado-mesa-university

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

On today’s episode, #116 of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross Hawley chops it up with the Head Baseball Coach of Choctaw High School in Oklahoma, Mr. Shane Hawk, a former all-decade performer for the Oklahoma State Cowboys and 4th Round Pick of the New York Mets. The two talk about how and why Oklahoma produces such elite talent across all levels of baseball, pitching philosophies, the importance of building relationships in the game and much more. Follow Shane Hawk on X.

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

On this episode, #115, of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross talks 1-on-1 with Jake Angier, the Head Baseball Coach of the New Mexico State University Aggies. The two talk fall ball in Las Cruces, coaching influences, the recruiting landscape in 2026-2027, and much more. Follow Jake Angier on X. Visit https://nmstatesports.com/sports/baseball for more on NMSU baseball.

Learn more about Coach Jake Angier and New Mexico State University: https://recruiting.baseballforward.com/schools/new-mexico-state-university

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

On today's episode (#114) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross sits down with Eric Dillinger, the Head Baseball Coach of Lutheran High School in Parker, CO. He’s a contributor for Three Quarter Slot and most importantly, he’s a dad to ball players. Follow Eric on X @ericwdillinger.

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

On today's episode (#113) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross sits down with a former Tigers & Angels farmhand, an 11th Round Draft pick in the 2021 MLB Amateur Draft out of Central Florida, who now teaches the art of modern catching to the next generation, Mr. Josh Crouch, of @catchers.collective.

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

On today's episode (#112) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross sits down with the co-owner & director of TBT Baseball Texas, Mr. Rhett Massey. The two discuss what it takes to run a success select organization, creating a winning culture in the current landscape, and Rhett shares his relatable experiences of being a baseball dad.

Follow TBT Texas on Instagram at @tbt_texas and learn more at https://tbttexas.com/.

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

On today's episode (#111) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross sits down with Malcom Baxter III, or how the baseball world more affectionately knows him, Duke Baxter. A speaker, clinician and author, Duke has created a massive social media following and runs two very successful baseball companies: Dominate the Diamond and Zoned Sports.

Find him on Instagram at @dukebaxter, and learn more at https://www.dominatethediamond.com/.

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

On today's episode (#110) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross sits down with EASILY the most famous umpire walking the planet. He’s The Dancing Umpire of the world famous Savannah Bananas, Mr. Vincent Chapman on Episode 110 of The Baseball Forward Podcast.

Chapman is the most recognizable umpire in the game — and the only one who dances. But the show is never the whole story. This episode is about treating people well, staying human behind the mask, and remembering why kids fall in love with baseball in the first place.

Find him on TikTok at @dancingumpire, and find merch at https://thedancingumpire.com/.

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

On today's episode (#109) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross sits down with Head Coach of the Colorado Mesa University Mavericks, Mr. Chris Hanks. Coach Hanks talks about building Colorado Mesa into a NCAA Division II powerhouse, what it means to "out-team" and "out-compete" to sustain success, gives advice to parents, younger coaches and much more. Follow Coach Hanks on X: @30Skipper.

Learn more about Coach Chris Hanks and Colorado Mesa University: https://recruiting.baseballforward.com/schools/colorado-mesa-university

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

On today's episode (#108) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross sits down with the catcher for the Texas Tailgaters of the world famous Banana Ball Championship League, Mr. Taj Porter. Taj shines light on all things Banana Ball and opens up about the path that lead him here. Follow Taj Porter on Tik Tok @tajporter and Instagram @_tajporter_.

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

On today's episode (#107) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross sits down with Head Coach of the Tarleton State University Texans, Mr. Fuller Smith. Coach Smith reflects on the 2026 campaign, winning a WAC Championship, making the Austin Regional and much more. Follow Coach Smith on X: @fsmith27.

Learn more about Coach Fuller Smith and Tarleton State University: https://recruiting.baseballforward.com/schools/tarleton-state-university

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

On today's episode (#106) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross and Jim break down the NCAA D1 Men's College World Series experience. The two talk about what it takes to get to Omaha and what Omaha means to college baseball. Jim tells stories of his two National Championships while coaching at LSU and what it feels like to win the last game of the season. Ross and Jim talk about mindset going into the final day and what their hopes are for OU and UNC in the national title game.

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Aaron Cunningham as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

On today's episode (#105) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross and Aaron break down the newly proposed NCAA five-for-five rule change and how it will affect college rosters and players. The two also discuss how players are benefiting, now more than ever, by having an advocate throughout the recruiting process. And, they finish up their conversation by covering the importance of X(formerly Twitter).

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39

Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.

On today's episode (#104) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross sits down with Justin Sherman, Play Ball Ambassador for MLB and owner/founder of JustinTime Baseball. The two discuss the ins and outs of coaching youth baseball players and best practices for developing younger ball players. Justin gives insight on how to deliver instruction, manage practices and how empathy should be a dominant characteristic of youth coaches. Entrepreneurial spirit is also a topic the two connect on. Justin gives excellent advice to players, coaches and parents in this episode.

For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com/. Go like and subscribe to our YouTube channel: @Baseball_Forward and follow us on Instagram: @Baseball_Forward

Connect with Ross Hawley on X: @RossHawley39