To join our baseball and softball community for special offers and events text "baseball" to (214) 416-9771A true Texas storyteller, I sat down with Skip Johnson in his office in Norman, OK as he talks baseball, developing young men, hunting, and family. Widely regarded as one of the premier pitching coaches in the country, Skip Johnson has led the Oklahoma baseball program since June 2017. Since taking over the reins after serving one year as the Sooners’ pitching coach, he has led the Sooners to a 85-52 record in three seasons. Johnson’s influence on the program began immediately and has progressed each year. The OU pitching staffs have posted a progressively lower ERA in each of his three seasons in Norman. Oklahoma’s 3.92 team ERA in 2019 was only the seventh team ERA under 4.00 since 1980, and the first since 2015. In his first two seasons, Sooners pitchers posted two of the top five strikeout totals in program history. A total of 14 pitchers have heard their name called in the Major League Baseball Draft over the last four years. In the 2020 season shortened due to COVID-19, the Sooners compiled a 14-4 record and climbed as high as No. 9 in the national polls. In the process, OU turned in some historic performances. Dane Acker pitched Oklahoma’s first individual no-hitter since 1989 against No. 11 LSU in the Shriners College Classic, and the pitching staff combined for a Big 12-record 21 strikeouts in one game against Arkansas-Pine Bluff. Cade Cavalli became OU’s 10th first-round selection in the regular June Major League Baseball Draft when he was selected 22nd overall. A program-record four Sooners were drafted in the first four rounds, including all three pitchers in the weekend rotation (Cavalli, Levi Prater and Acker). Johnson coached OU to the program’s 38th NCAA Regional appearance in 2018. The Sooners posted a 38-25 record – the highest win total since 2013 – and reached the finals of the Tallahassee Regional. In the process, Oklahoma pitchers set a school record with 608 strikeouts. Outfielder Steele Walker was named a Second-Team All-American by Baseball America and the NCBWA, and pitcher Levi Prater was selected as a Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball. Outfielder Kyler Murray, who went on to win the 2018 Heisman Trophy with the OU football team, was the ninth overall selection in the 2018 MLB Draft. Nine players were drafted, including five in the first 10 rounds (Walker in the second round, pitcher Jake Irvin in the fourth round, pitcher Austin Hansen in the eighth round and outfielder Cade Harris in the 10th round). Oklahoma pitchers surrendered the fewest home runs in the Big 12 Conference in 2017 and combined for 531 strikeouts to rank fourth in the league and fourth in OU single-season history. The Sooners’ 9.26 strikeouts per nine innings ranked second in the conference. As a team, OU pitchers struck out 10 or more batters on 24 occasions. Sooner pitchers combined for 17 starts of six innings or more in 2017, including the first two games of the Louisville Regional. Three Oklahoma pitchers were selected in the 2017 MLB Draft. Sooner closer JB Olson was drafted in the 10th round to extend a string of seven straight years with an Oklahoma player chosen in the first 10 rounds. OU saw starter Devon Perez and reliever Vincenzo Aiello selected on day three of the draft. Prior to coming to Oklahoma, Johnson spent a 25-year coaching career in the state of Texas, including the most recent 10 years as an assistant and associate head coach at the University of Texas. Johnson was hired as the pitching coach at Texas for the 2007 season under Augie Garrido, who stepped down from his position as the winningest coach in college baseball in May 2016 to take on new duties in the UT athletics department. In 10 seasons, Johnson helped the Longhorns to seven NCAA Regional appearances, four Super Regionals and three College World Series appearances. During his tenure in Austin, 32 Texas pitchers were selected in the MLB Draft, including 14 in the first 10 rounds and three first-round picks. Johnson also oversaw the development of six Longhorn pitchers who have made it to the big leagues. The Texas pitching staff produced a team earned run average below 3.00 on five occasions and struck out better than 7.5 per-nine-innings in five of his last eight seasons. As Texas reached its second CWS with Johnson on staff in 2011, his pitchers led the Big 12 in ERA (2.35), batting average against (.198) and strikeouts per nine innings (8.28). Prior to his time in Austin, Johnson was the head coach for 13 years at Navarro College of the NJCAA’s Texas Eastern Athletic Conference. From 1994-2006, he guided the Bulldogs to 13 NJCAA Regionals, nine TEAC championships and four regional titles while compiling 450 wins. Johnson has mentored a number of players outside of those he has coached at OU, UT and Navarro, regularly working with three-time Cy Young Award winner Clayton Kershaw of the Los Angeles Dodgers, Homer Bailey of the Kansas Oakland Athletics and Chris Davis of the Baltimore Orioles, among others. A standout baseball player at Denton High School, Johnson began his collegiate playing career at Ranger (Texas) College. After a two-year career there, Johnson moved on to play baseball at the University of North Texas in 1988 before the school dropped its baseball program. He completed his collegiate playing career at UT-Pan American, lettering for the Broncs in 1989 and receiving his bachelor’s degree in 1990. Johnson earned a master’s degree in education from UT-Tyler in 1993. A native of Denton, Texas, Johnson and his wife, Cathy, have two sons, Tyler and Garrett.For more information about D-BAT and to find a location near you https://dbat.net/To join our baseball and softball community for special offers and events text "baseball" to (214) 416-9771For comments, suggestions, or to be considered a guest on the show please email john@behindthedishmedia.com

Behind The Dish

Skip Johnson, Head Coach Oklahoma Sooners Baseball

Eric CrozierOriginally drafted by the Cleveland Indians in June of 2000 out of Norfolk State University, Eric reached Major League Baseball four years later with the Toronto Blue Jays. Eric’s 11 years of professional baseball included stints with New York Yankees, Cincinnati Reds, Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles. Since retiring in 2011, Eric has been intimately involved with youth and scholastic baseball in Northern Virginia. In 2012 he was named Head Varsity Baseball Coach at the Potomac School in McLean, VA. In 2013 he created C5TBA with a vision to trainand develop the complete baseball athlete. In 2014, Eric started C5T Elite; a travel/showcase baseball organization designed to develop middle school baseball players and help high schoolbaseball players get recruited and signed. The organization started with one 16U team and quickly grew the to seven teams by 2016. In 2017, Eric was named the East Coast Director ofD-BAT Elite Baseball out of Dallas, TX. He merged the C5T Elite brand under the D-BAT umbrella.

Eric Crozier, 11 yrs of professional baseball prepared him for his coaching success

I had a chance to sit down live with Coach Goff in Nashville, TN during the American Baseball Coaches Association Annual Conference. Coach Goff is passionate about the game but more importantly leading young men on and off the field. Greg Goff joined Purdue baseball as an assistant coach in July 2017 and was promoted to head coach in June 2019. The 2021 season will be his 16th as a collegiate head coach, including second with the Boilermakers.Previously a head coach at four universities, Goff succeeded his friend and longtime colleague Mark Wasikowski, who returned to the University of Oregon as the Ducks’ new head coach in June 2019.Goff has previously served as the head coach at Campbell University (2008-14), Louisiana Tech University (2015-16) and the University of Alabama (2017) as well as Division II University of Montevallo (2004-07). He also helped lead the Boilermakers to a memorable 38-win season in 2018, punctuated by the program's third NCAA Regional bid in program history. Purdue finished second in the Big Ten standings and was also the runner-up at the Big Ten Tournament in Goff’s first year with the program.“Greg is highly respected by our student-athletes and was an important part of Mark Wasikowski’s staff as we have worked to position Purdue baseball for sustained success,” Purdue vice president and director of intercollegiate athletics Mike Bobinski says. “He is a lifelong baseball person and an experienced and successful head coach who led multiple programs to their highest level of success. Greg understands Purdue and our expectations for academic and athletic success.”

Greg Goff, Head Coach Purdue Boilermakers

I sit down "live" with Sheets during the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) annual meetings in Nashville TN January 2020 two good old Kentucky Boys talking baseball and life. Sheets is back in the dugout to coach Georgia Gwinnett College after a 4-year stint with ABCA. He's a podcaster, baseball ambassador, life long learner, and proud to call him a friend. Experienced collegiate coach and administrator Jeremy Sheetinger became the second coach in program history for the 2020 season. has been hired to continue the Georgia Gwinnett College baseball program’s proud tradition of success in competition nationally and regionally.Sheetinger_BioGraphicIn his first season, the Grizzlies won 22 consecutive games and finished the campaign ranked No. 3 in the NAIA. Ten players received the Association of Independent Institutions all-conference recognition. Sheetinger collected his first win at GGC with a road triumph against No. 4-ranked Southeastern (Fla.).The team's 22 straight victories to end the season is the second-longest winning streak in program history. GGC concluded the 2020 season with a 23-2 record.Senior pitcher Hunter Peck posted a 5-0 record and did not allow an earned run in 38 innings. Freshman reliever Alex Cook recorded nine saves, ranking second in program history.Sheetinger took over a Georgia Gwinnett College program that’s been consistently ranked among the nation’s top NAIA teams. The Grizzlies have advanced to the semifinal round of the Avista NAIA World Series for the past two seasons, along with another world series appearance in 2014. The 2019 team had a 48-13 record, won the Association of Independent Institutions title, and had five players sign to continue their playing careers as professionals.Sheetinger has served as the college division liaison for the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) from 2016-19. He was responsible for organization communications and relationship building within coaches and administrators at NCAA Division II and III, NAIA and junior college levels. He helped facilitate a 200-percent growth rate in ABCA membership and attendance records for three of the organization’s annual conventions.Sheetinger’s recent outreach efforts were as creator and executive producer of the ABCA’s “The Road Show” and “Extra Innings” video features, where he would interview coaches about a variety of subjects about the game, game-day operations, and program management.He has served as an associate scout for the Atlanta Braves since 2015.As a coach, Sheetinger spent three seasons as head coach at Spalding University in Louisville, Ky., posting an 86-43 record, including a school-record 33 victories at the NCAA Division III level in the 2013 season, and three conference postseason tournament appearances. The Eagles had top 10 statistical rankings in numerous offensive and defensive categories among Division III teams.Jeremy Sheetinger can be reached: Sheets@ggc.eduTo be considered a guest on Behind The Dish or request John Piper as a speaker at your event send email john@behindthedishmedia.com Thanks to D-BAT Sports for bringing you this episode. For more information and to find a location near you check out https://dbat.net/

Coach Jeremy Sheetinger talks about his return to coaching Gwinnett College

Tyson Blaser, a Rockridge graduate and the 2006 Quad-City Times Male Athlete of the Year, was a catcher in the Yankees farm system from 2011-15 after completing his collegiate career at Iowa.A free-agent signing of the Yankees, Blaser hit .263 over four seasons with the organization. He rose to the AA level on the field as a New York farmhand, but did spend a couple of days in uniform for AAA Scranton-Wilkes Barre early in the 2014 season.In his new role, he will run the International League team’s bullpen on game days. He will also assist with batting practice duties and handle advance scouting reports to prepare members of the pitching staff for outings against upcoming opponents.Thanks to D-BAT for bringing you this episode - for more information visit https://dbat.net/ for a location near you. With almost 100 locations nationwide. To be considered a guest on Behind The Dish or an idea you have for an episode contact john@behindthedishmedia.com

Tyson Blaser "The 15 Minute Catcher" New York Yankees Organization

John Piper sits down with Dr. Bhrett McCabe in Nashville, TN during the ABCA (American Baseball Coaches Associaton) annual conference to talk how to get the most out of the "Mindside" of your potential. Whether your an athlete, coach, parent, or business leader this is a must listen. Get out of "Suckville" and off the "Struggle Bus" Bhrett pitche for legendary coach Skit Bertmen and the LSU Tigers and now works with the University of Alabama Athletic Department, PGA Tour Players, is a sought after speaker and host of The Secrets to Winning Podcast https://www.bhrettmccabe.com/secrets-to-winning-podcast/https://www.bhrettmccabe.com/Thanks to D-BAT Sports for supporting our message and reaching one player at a time. For more information check out https://dbat.net/If you have a suggestion for a guest you can email john@behindthedishmedia.com John Piper is available to speak to your group or business team to share some insight into having the right gameplan and mindset before you step up to the plate.

Getting out of Suckville with Dr. Bhrett McCabe

John Piper sits down with ABCA National Coach of the year, Coach Ricky Griffin to talk about the challenges and pursuit of not one not two but 3 State Championships since 2015. An assistant football coach for the Argyle Eagles brings a football mindset to the baseball diamond. A father and son success story both on and off the field. Tune in to learn as a coach, player, or parent what it takes to succeed at a high level. https://dentonrc.com/sports/baseball-argyle-s-griffin-duo-savoring-first-season-coaching-together/article_4d18b18a-4495-5ce0-a4c9-8e803bdb821d.htmlAmerican Baseball Coaches Association names Coach Griffin National Coach of the Year https://dentonrc.com/sports/baseball-top-honors----argyle-s-griffin-named/article_32198725-0185-5d21-9d44-92006bd4f847.htmlThanks to our sponsor D-BAT Sports. The largest indoor training academy for baseball and softball in the United States. Check out www.dbat.net for a location near you. No charge to listen just do us a favor and share the podcast, subscribe, and give us a review on iTunes.

Back to Back Texas State Titles, Coach Ricky Griffin Argyle HS

2017 Texas High School baseball coach of the year John Carter live from the floor of the 48th annaul Texas HS Baseball Coaches associationCoach John Carter is a graduate of Round Rock High School and attended Round Rock schools while growing up. Upon graduation from high school, Coach Carter attended Texas Tech, where he played both football and baseball. After his playing days ended, he remained at Tech as a graduate assistant from 1992 – 1994. He continued his coaching career at Killeen Ellison 1994-1995 coaching football and baseball. He finally returned home and has been at Round Rock since 1995, coaching multiple sports including softball, soccer, football, and baseball.Some of his favorites include; Johnny Bench (pro-athlete), Smokey and the Bandit (movie), Hunting and fishing, playing golf, listening to country music, Mexican food (Rio Grande & La Margarita) and spending time with family.Coach Carter teaches 10th grade World History and is active in campus leadership. Teaching more than just the game and making personal connections with the players are important aspects of coaching to him. Coach Carter serves as the U.I.L. Representative of the Board for the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association and is an active member of Central Baptist Church of Round Rock. Coach Carter earned a Masters in Sports Administration as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Texas Tech University. John and Seleta, a Math teacher at Walsh Middle School, have been married for 11 years have twin sons, John (4) and Mark (4)

Coach John Carter Round Rock Dragon Baseball

John Piper sits down with long time catcher turned catching guru Todd Coburn during the 2019 @ABCA Annual Conference in Grapevine TXFor baseball and softball training and equipment check out our sponsor, D-BAT Sports www.dbatsports.com www.dbat.net Over 75 stores in the US and China Instagram - @the_catching_guyTwitter - @TheCatchingGuyFacebook - The Catching GuyCoach Todd’s “Catching Bio:”Former All-Conference Catcher at Butte Junior College.Former catcher & Division II College World Series participant at Cal Poly SLO.Two time draft pick by the Houston Astros.Former professional catcher in the Philadelphia Phillies Organization.Former collegiate catching coach & Strength and Conditioning Coach at Cuesta JC, Cal Poly and the College of Southern Idaho.Former Program Development Coordinator for Velocity Sports Performance.Founder & President of Gamer Baseball & The Catching Guy.Over 25 years experience coaching catchers.Master of Science in Kinesiology (Teaching & Coaching Focus)Author of The View From Behind the Mask, Everything You Need to Know About Catching & More.Featured Speaker at CatcherCON 2016.Featured Speaker at the 2018 Be The Best Coaches Convention.Featured Speaker at the 2018 ABCA Barnstormers USF Coaches Clinic.Featured Speaker at the 2019 ABCA National Convention.Nearly 100,000 followers over several social media platforms.

"The Catching Guy" Coach Todd Coburn

West Texas legendary coach and story teller Coach Halsey joins the show live during his 47th trip to Waco, TX for the Texas High School Coaches Association annual convention. 1999 state champion. 28 years at Andrews H.S. The impact this coach has had on players and coaches may never be matched. We have some fun on this one sharing stories of the West Texas culture and battles on the field.

Texas High School Baseball Association HOF Coach Joe Ray Halsey

I sit down with Slade Heathcott in Dallas at the D-BAT headquarters to hear this amazing store. A late blooming dual sport athlete from Texarkana, TX he bypasses LSU to play football and baseball as he is drafted in the first round 29th overall by the Yankees. Listen to this journey and how Slade managed to change his outlook on life, start helping others after he found help battling his own demons. Slade is now retired from professional baseball and working to impact kids lives.

Slade Heathcott - A story of living on his own in HS to #1 pick with the New York Yankees

@coachferg Former University of Washington assistant coach and recruiting coordinator Donegal Fergus has agreed to terms to become the associate head coach at UC Santa Barbara, head coach Andrew Checketts announced on Monday, June 25, 2018. Fergus, a former assistant at Seattle University and head coach at Lower Columbia College in Longview, Wash., joins the UCSB staff after spending the past five seasons at the University of Washington."I am excited that Donegal and his family will be joining us," Checketts said. "Donegal has a reputation as a relationship builder and is a proven winner with a pedigree of success. He will bring energy and experience with him and I look forward to working together to get the Gauchos back to the postseason and beyond". Upon Fergus' arrival to Washington following the 2013 season, the Huskies enjoyed one of their most successful stretches in program history. In 2014, Fergus' first season as hitting coach, Washington snapped a 10-year postseason drought after going 41-17 and advancing to the NCAA Regionals. The Huskies also achieved their highest ranking in team history, reaching the No. 5 spot in the Baseball America, Perfect Game and Collegiate Baseball Poll.Washington proceeded to advance to three NCAA tournaments in five seasons with Fergus on staff, including an appearance in the College World Series in 2018 after the Huskies won their first ever Super Regional."My family and I could not be more excited to join the Gaucho family," Fergus said. "Coach Checketts and his family could not be more welcoming to my clan. I'm fired up by the opportunity to be at a place that combines incredible educational opportunities with progressive player development. Coach Checketts has shown that he can recruit and grow players as well as anyone in the country and I am honored to be a part of that and I can't wait to get started!"Fergus' recruiting talents have shined through during his tenure as Washington committed the fewest errors in program history in 2017, recording the third-best fielding percentage (.982) in the nation. Furthermore, the Huskies have had more All-Pac-12 position players honored over the past five seasons than any other five-year stretch in program history.In 2016, Fergus assembled the top recruiting class in Washington history after being ranked No. 10 by Collegiate Baseball and No. 9 by Perfect Game. His 2015 recruiting class came in at No. 15 by Baseball America. His eye for talent also translates at the next level as Washington has had 26 players selected in the Major League Baseball draft since Fergus' arrival, including a school record eight selections in 2014.As a head coach at Lower Columbia College in 2013, Fergus led the Red Devils to a 34-14 record and a trip to the West Region playoffs. He also served as an assistant at Lower Columbia where he helped guide the team to four division titles, a NWAACC championship and a 2005 recruiting class that had seven players selected in the MLB draft.Fergus also spent time as an assistant at Seattle University and was a head coach at Tacoma CC for five years.A native of Powers, Ore., Fergus played baseball at Linfield College where he earned a bachelor's degree in political science and later earned a master's degree in homeland security from American Military University. Fergus is married to his wife, Kim, and they have three children, Seamus, Finnegan and Maclean.

UC Santa Barbara Associate HC Donegal Fergus

Coach Whitting shares his message for young players and and the new developments at Houston. 24 years in the coaching profession at only 2 programs. TCU and Houston https://uhcougars.com/index.aspx?path=baseball@toddwhitting Check out our sponsor D-BAT Sports www.dbatsports.com The fastest growing and largest indoor baseball and softball training facility in the nation.

University of Houston Coach Todd Whitting

Caught up with John Smoltz on the road in Waco, TX during the Texas HS Coaches association annual meetings. 22 year career coming back from 7 surgeries. 8 time All-Star and 1995 World Series Champion, one of his greatest accomplishments and honors is receiving the Roberto Clemente award in 2005 for his work off the field and in the community. His will to win and never give up is something that is very special. His #29 retired by the Atlanta Braves His journey is told in the book "Starting and Closing: Perseverance, Faith and One More Year" Now making his mark in the broadcast booth and on the Senior PGA tourThanks to our sponsor D-BAT Sports the largest and fastest growing baseball and softball academy in the country. check out www.dbat.net for a location near you or shop online www.dbatsports.com

Lessons from HOF Pitcher John Smoltz

Kyle Johnston grew up in Flower Mound, TX won a state title with the Flower Mound Jaguars then traveled south to Austin to play 3 years with the Texas Longhorns before being drafted by the Washington Nationals in the 6th round. Check out our sponsor for all your baseball and softball training needs www.dbat.net www.dbatsports.com

Kyle Johnston, Pitcher in the Washington Nationals Organization

Your host John Piper talks with guests from all areas of the game to bring insights and stories about developing players, success on and on the field, College recruiting, Coaching, the business side of baseball and special guests! Tune in weekly starting March 29th.