In this episode, we sit down with Marc Marizzaldi, one of the most accomplished leaders in college baseball and the architect behind Seton Hill University Baseball. When Marc took over the program in 2003, Seton Hill Baseball was starting from scratch—no tradition, no facilities, and no blueprint. More than two decades later, the Griffins have become a national powerhouse in NCAA Division II baseball.

Under Marc’s leadership, Seton Hill has accumulated over 770 wins, captured twelve regular-season division titles, five conference championships, 14 NCAA Tournament appearances, and reached the World Series three times. His success spans multiple eras, from the program’s early rise in the NAIA to sustained dominance in the PSAC, including Seton Hill’s first PSAC championship in any sport.

Marc takes us through his journey—from his playing days at Duquesne University, to his early coaching stops, and ultimately to the challenge of building a program from the ground up. We dive deep into the realities of creating culture, overcoming early obstacles, learning from failures, and sustaining excellence year after year in a competitive landscape.

The conversation also explores Marc’s impact beyond wins and losses. 16 players have gone on to professional baseball, including 6 MLB Draft picks, and Seton Hill has consistently produced All-Americans, All-Conference performers, and nationally recognized academic success. We also discuss how Marc has developed not just players, but coaches, with multiple former assistants advancing to Division I roles and head coaching positions.

We close with reflections on leadership, longevity, motivation, and legacy—what it truly means to build something lasting in college athletics.

This episode is a masterclass in program building, leadership, player development, and sustained success, from someone who has lived every step of the journey.

We’re back with a full solo episode this week, no interview, after a much-needed winter break. I kick things off by talking about the reset: time to rest, recharge, visit family, get organized, and officially upgrade the podcast setup with new gear. Let me know how the new mic sounds.

From there, we dive into the main event: my Top 5 MLB players at every position from 2000–2025, with honorable mentions included for each group. This list is unapologetically shaped by my childhood, my experiences watching the game, and my own baseball opinions. It’s not just rankings, but I break down accolades, statistical dominance, longevity, postseason impact, and what made these players special during their era.

The episode moves position by position:

• Catcher

• First Base

• Second Base

• Shortstop

• Third Base

• Outfield

• Designated Hitter

• Starting Pitching

• Bullpen Arms

Each section includes an honorable mention and context for why players landed where they did. From Joe Mauer and Albert Pujols, to Chipper Jones and Barry Bonds, to legends on the mound like Randy Johnson, Greg Maddux, Pedro Martínez, and Mariano Rivera, this episode is a full walk-through of 25 years of MLB greatness.

Whether you agree or disagree with the rankings, this episode is meant to spark debate, nostalgia, and appreciation for an incredible era of baseball.

Sit back, enjoy the breakdown, and let me know where you think I got it right... or completely wrong.

In this episode, we sit down with Hadara Katarski to explore the silent battles college athletes face. The challenges that often go unseen but heavily impact performance, confidence, and well-being. Drawing from her firsthand work with athletes during the Fall 2025 semester, Hadara breaks down the three most common issues she observed: coach–athlete communication breakdowns, injury recovery struggles, and declining confidence.

We begin with the complexities of coach–athlete communication, unpacking how misinterpretation, tone, timing, and feedback style can quietly erode trust and confidence. Hadara explains how well-intentioned coaching messages can land differently than expected, creating a cycle of frustration, anxiety, and performance decline. Additionally, she provides listeners with what both coaches and athletes can do to prevent these issues from escalating.

Next, we dive into injury recovery, focusing on the psychological toll injuries take beyond physical rehab. From identity loss and isolation to pressure to return too soon, Hadara sheds light on the emotional timeline athletes experience and offers strategies to rebuild trust in the body, maintain confidence, and stay connected to the team during recovery.

Finally, we address confidence, pressure, and motivation, examining how high expectations—especially self-imposed ones—can lead athletes into negative thought patterns and burnout. Hadara shares practical tools to rebuild confidence, reframe internal dialogue, and shift from fear-based performance to competitive freedom.

This episode provides valuable insight and actionable takeaways for athletes, coaches, and parents, offering a deeper understanding of the mental and emotional challenges athletes face, and how intentional communication, support, and mindset work can make a lasting difference.