The Baseball Forward Podcast
Baseball Forward is a podcast that aims to inspire and elevate the next generation of baseball players, coaches, and families. Hosted by former college/MiLB player Ross Hawley and 3X National Champion Coach Jim Schwanke, the podcast focuses on growth, leadership, and the process of becoming your best—both on and off the field.Through weekly topics and interviews with some of the most respected coaches, players and influencers in the baseball world, Baseball Forward provides an entertaining and valuable resource for those looking to improve and reach their potential in the game of baseball. Whether you’re a player, coac...
Leadership Principles that Build a Winning Culture: Chris Hanks, Colorado Mesa Baseball | Ep. 117
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/.
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: @Ross...
Oklahoma Breakdown: Baseball's Hotbed in the Heartland, 1-on-1 with Shane Hawk of Choctaw High School | Ep. 116
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 s...
Land of Enchantment: 1-on-1 with Jake Angier, New Mexico State Baseball | Ep. 115
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.
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: @Ro...
Coaching Baseball & Raising Ballplayers: Eric Dillinger, Lutheran High School (CO) | Ep. 114
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
Modern Catching: A Conversation with Josh Crouch of @catchers.collective | Ep. 113
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
Winning the Select Baseball Rat Race: 1-on-1 with Rhett Massey, TBT Texas | Ep. 112
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...
Dominating the Diamond: A 1-on-1 conversation with Duke Baxter | Ep. 111
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 h...
The Dancing Umpire: Vincent Chapman of Banana Ball | Ep. 110
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...
Building a Giant: Head Coach Chris Hanks of Colorado Mesa Baseball | Ep. 109
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.
For more episodes and to join the Baseball Forward movement, visit https://baseballforward.com. Go like and subscribe...
Taj Porter, Texas Tailgaters' Catcher Talks Life as a Banana Baller | Ep. 108
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...
2026 WAC Champs: Fuller Smith on Tarleton State's Rise to the Top | Ep. 107
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.
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...
Winning in Omaha: The Men's College World Series Experience | Ep. 106
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 fo...
Five-for-Five: NCAA rule change discussed and more college recruiting insights | Ep. 105
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...
Coaching tips and developing youth baseball players with Justin Sherman, JustinTime Baseball | Ep. 104
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 pl...
Brent Haring talks Nicholls State Baseball, Building a D1Roster, Evaluating Players and more. | Ep. 103
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
On today's episode (#103) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross sits down with Brent Haring, Head Coach at Nicholls State University in Thibodaux, LA. Coach Haring digs in on the current state of college baseball and offers up advice to players, coaches and parents. From playing in the Southland Conference, to constructing a roster in the current college baseball landscape and evaluating players, Coach Haring and Ross cover a lot of ground during their 1-on-1.
For more episodes and to j...
Nutrition: Become an Unstoppable Athlete | Episode 102, Featuring Jeremy Fouts
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
On today's episode (#102) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross and guest Jeremy Fouts, discuss the importance of nutrition in sports and for athletes of all ages and skillsets.
Their focus is 1) Understanding what sports nutrition is and is not, 2) The role it plays in high-performing athletes, 3) Fundamental takeaways for athletes and families looking to add the nutritional element to their player's routine.
01:15 Introduction to Jeremy and his passion for nutrition
06:13 Explaining what a cer...
3 Things every baseball player should know about the college recruiting process. | Episode 101
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
On today's episode (#101) of The Baseball Forward Podcast, Ross and guest host, Aaron Cunningham break down the college baseball recruiting process and what every player should know. Their focus is 1) When the recruiting process starts for a baseball player, 2)Understanding college options and being realistic with the process, 3)Knowing what college recruiting really looks like.
00:35 Introduction and talking about first live episode
04:01 The start to the recruiting process
13:01 Know your options, be realistic
2...
Advice for players, coaches and parents... A conversation and storytelling! | Episode 100
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
On today's episode of The Baseball Forward Podcast #100, Jim and Ross reflect on 100 episodes of the podcast and what a long, strange trip it's been! They dig on the importance of learning, self-coaching and they give some sound advice for baseball players, coaches and parents.
01:13 Reflecting on 100 episodes
04:30 The importance of continuous learning
11:58 Being your own best coach
19:51 Adversity built into the game
33:01 Evaluating players for the next level
40...
How to Get Recruited to a JUCO Baseball Program | Jimmy Martin, Dallas College North Lake - Episode 99
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with the Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator for the Dallas College North Lake Blazers, Mr. Jimmy Martin. Here’s Episode 99 of The Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Is Post Grad Baseball Right for You? Recruiting, Development, and Exposure | Logan Harrington | Episode 98
Episode 98 of The Baseball Forward Podcast features Logan Harrington. Ross
Hawley talks with Logan about the post-grad route, who it makes sense
for, and why it can be a strong option for players still developing and looking for the right fit.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Becoming a top prospect... How Hayden Durke climbed AZ's charts. Episode 97, Baseball Forward
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with one of the most highly regarded Right-Handed Pitching Prospects in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, Mr. Hayden Durke. Here’s Episode 97 of The Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
JUCO Baseball Recruiting and Development at Cisco College | Cam Vega | Episode 96
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with the Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Baseball Coach for the Cisco College Wranglers in Cisco, TX, Mr. Cam Vega. Here’s Episode 96 of The Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
High School Baseball Tryouts, College Camps, and Recruiting Tips | AaronCunningham | Episode 95
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Aaron Cunningham as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
The focus of today’s episode of Recruiting 101: High School Tryouts & College Camps. This is Episode 95 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Junior College Baseball Development at McLennan Community College | Carson Bailey | Episode 94
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with a sophomore LHP for McLennan Community College in Waco, TX, Mr. Carson Bailey. Here’s Episode 94 of The Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Ep. 93 | Shaquille Thomas, Brookhaven College
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with the Head Baseball Coach at Brookhaven College in Dallas, TX, Mr. Shaquille Thomas. Here’s Episode 93 of The Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Dallas Baptist Baseball Recruiting: What College Coaches Look For | Tyler Johnson | Episode 92
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with the Recruiting Coordinator and Assistant Baseball Coach for the Dallas Baptist University Patriots, Mr. Tyler Johnson. Here’s Episode 92 of The Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Banana Ball, Knuckleballs, and Baseball Development | Fisher Polydoroff | Episode 91
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with the widely popular, vintage ballplayer of Banana Ball's newest team, The Indianapolis Clowns, Mr. Fisher Polydoroff. Here’s Episode 91 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Episode Chapter Markers:
03:15 The spirit and heart of Fisher
06:45 Banana Ball over traditional route of baseball
17:30 Ole Knuckles key to a knuckleball
23:05 Fisher's style
35:00 The intentionality of Fisher's day-t...
What Is Banana Ball Like? Christian Davis on Pro Baseball, Travel, and Opportunity | Episode 90
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with a LHP for The Texas Tailgaters of Banana Ball, Mr. Christian Davis. Here’s Episode 90 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Episode Chapter Markers:
02:30 How Christian got into Banana Ball
07:15 Is there competition between Banana Ball and MLB
12:50 Expectations and the business of Banana Ball
20:30 How this experience has helped Christian
29:00 Being on the road<...
College Baseball Recruiting 101 Exposure, Travel Ball, Late Bloomers | Aaron Cunningham | Episode 89
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s episode is dedicated solely to the college recruiting process. This is Recruiting: 101 with Aaron Cunningham and Ross Hawley on Episode 89 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Episode Chapter Markers:
03:45 Player exposure to college programs
11:50 Late bloomers
15:25 Traveling for travel ball
25:00 Regional recruiting
39:10 Transfer portal conversation
MLB Pitching Development, Mentality, and Analytics | Chad Durbin | Episode 88
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with World Series Champion and former MLB RHP, Mr. Chad Durbin. Here’s Episode 88 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Episode Chapter Markers:
00:01:15 Intro and breakfast talk
00:05:40 Chad's optimistic outlook on life
00:11:05 Maturing and smiling at adversity
00:18:20 Winston Churchill mindset
00:22:30 Mentality on the mound for developing pitchers
00:28:45 Chad talks about his wife...
How to Get Recruited by a Top JUCO Baseball Program | Tanner Rockwell | Weatherford College | Episode 87
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with Assistant Coach & Recruiting Coordinator for Weatherford College, Mr. Tanner Rockwell. Here’s Episode 87 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Episode Chapter Markers:
03:00 Reasons for Weatherford success
07:05 Premium JuCo's destination schools now?
13:50 Specific steps to get noticed by Weatherford
16:10 Pro mindset in recruits
21:45 Methods of recruiting
25:00 How Tanner Rockwell became a coach<...
Ep: 86 | Recruiting: 101
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s episode features a new monthly segment we’ve added to the show, dedicated solely to the college recruiting process. This is Recruiting: 101 with Aaron Cunningham and Ross Hawley on Episode 86 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Episode Chapter Markers:
04:10 The start to the recruiting process
08:08 Getting a coach to notice you
11:10 Best way to communicate with college coaches
16:45 Ch...
Ep. 85 | Pat Day, Ranger College
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with an Assistant Coach for Ranger College, Mr. Pat Day. Here’s Episode 85 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Ep. 84 | Scott Lieser, Saint John's University
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with the Head Coach of the Saint John’s University Johnnies, in Minnesota Mr. Scott Lieser. Here’s Episode 84 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Ep. 83 | Jason Botts, Texas Rangers
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with a former OF/1B for the Texas Rangers, Mr. Jason Botts. Here’s Episode 83 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Ep. 82 | Steve Sabins, West Virginia University
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with the Head Coach of the West Virginia Mountaineers, Mr. Steve Sabins. Here’s Episode 82 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Ep. 81 | Recruiting: 101
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s episode features a new monthly segment we’ve added to the show, dedicated solely to the college recruiting process. This is Recruiting: 101 with Aaron Cunningham and Ross Hawley on Episode 81 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Ep. 80 | Scott Stanley, Miami Marlins
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with longtime Miami Marlins Scout, Mr. Scott Stanley. Here’s Episode 80 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Ep. 79 | Tim Huber, Augustana University
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with the head baseball coach of the Augustana University Vikings in majestic Sioux Falls, SD, Mr. Tim Huber. Here’s Episode 79 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
Ep. 78 | Steve Smith, Baylor University, All-Time Winningest Coach
Join hosts Ross Hawley and Jim Schwanke as they elevate the next generation of ballplayers and coaches.
Today’s guest conversation is with the winningest baseball coach in Baylor University history, Mr. Steve Smith. Here’s Episode 78 of the Baseball Forward Podcast.
Learn more about Coach Smith's Does God Care About Baseball?
For more episodes and content, visit https://baseballforward.com.
