Cold Weather Bats

Recapping the CWB Player Draft and Combine Ahead of Tryouts

The last pre-season episode of Season 6 is here! Brandon Justice and Griffin Green recap what might have been the biggest weekend in CWB history — the 2026 Player Draft at HVAC on Saturday and the Cold Weather Combine at 2SP on Sunday. The guys break down which team came out on top (spoiler: Brandon isn't shy about it), the biggest steals of the draft, and the players who slipped further than they should have. Griffin shares his analyst perspective on the draft's best roster construction, standout picks like Dominic Bonnetti and Jackson Gilbert, and why guys like Memphis Wirtz and Kellen Ford are names you need to know heading into the spring. From there, the conversation shifts to the Combine — 100+ players, all quality. Kellen Ford takes MVP honors, Cale Hackenberg turns heads behind the dish, Tre Eitniar uncorks 92-93 across the infield like it's nothing, and a pair of Wyandotte right-handers finally get the recognition Brandon's been pushing for all offseason. Tryouts are Monday. Season is here. 📍 More coverage: patreon.com/coldweatherbats 🌐 coldweatherbats.com 📱 @coldweatherbats on all socials

The Player Draft Preview Show

The CWB Player Draft is back — and this episode breaks down everything you need to know before draft night. Michael Rubenstein and Griffin Green preview the 2026 CWB Player Draft taking place Saturday, February 28 at 7:00 PM at HVAC (Huron Valley Athletic Complex) in Milford, MI. In this episode, they explain what the Player Draft actually is, how the live draft format works, and why it’s become one of the most unique events in Michigan high school baseball. Modeled after the MLB and NFL Draft, the CWB Player Draft gives players their true draft moment — walking across a stage, hearing their name called, and thanking the people who helped them along the way. They also discuss: • The origin of the Player Draft and the vision from cofounders Brian Sakowski and Brandon Justice • How the event has evolved since the first draft • Player storylines and what to watch for this year • What families can expect in the building • The sponsors who make this event possible Every player in attendance is guaranteed to be drafted, and the event is free for players and families to attend. Whether you’re a player, parent, coach, or simply someone who loves Michigan baseball — this episode will get you ready for draft night. 📍 Saturday, February 28 🕖 7:00 PM 📍 HVAC – Huron Valley Athletic Complex (201 Lone Tree Rd, Milford, MI) 📺 Live on YouTube via Cold Weather Bats & The Prep This isn’t just a draft. It’s a moment.

College Baseball Season Preview: Michigan State University

Episode 2 of the College Baseball Preview Show gets loud in the best way — Griff Green sits down with Michigan State dudes Parker Pico and Ryan McKay to talk recruiting stories, transferring, coming home, and why this Spartan team is built on competing… and calling each other out (yes, even freshmen getting on upperclassmen). DOMINATE THE MENTAL GAME. GET 10% OFF YOUR PISON ORDER WITH PROMO CWB10: https://pison.com/cold-weather-bats [https://pison.com/cold-weather-bats] After taking a massive weekend vs Louisville, the guys explain why they saw it coming all fall, who’s impressed them the most so far (freshman 3B CJ Deckinga, Kyle Rudolph, Carter Monke), and why they’re heading into Texas with the “underdogs” mindset — and loving it. Plus: Big Ten talk, UCLA coming to East Lansing, and why every conference game is basically a must-win.

College Baseball Season Preview: University of Michigan

The college season is here, and we’re kicking things off with a deep dive into University of Michigan Baseball. DOMINATE THE MENTAL GAME. GET 10% OFF YOUR PISON ORDER WITH PROMO CWB10: https://pison.com/cold-weather-bats [https://pison.com/cold-weather-bats] In this episode of Cold Weather Bats, Griffin Green sits down with Noah Miller to preview the Wolverines’ upcoming season and what fans should expect this spring. Noah talks about his growth since arriving on campus, how fall ball and offseason work have shaped this year’s team, and what the mentality is inside the clubhouse heading into Big Ten play. They also dig into his recruitment, how summer baseball in the Cape Cod League has impacted his development, and what younger players should understand about making the jump to this level. If you’re following Michigan baseball this season, this is a must-listen. And we’re just getting started — more college previews from programs around the state are on the way. Subscribe, follow along, and stay tuned.

NIL Comes to MHSAA: Who Wins, Who Loses, and Who’s Watching

NIL has officially come to the MHSAA — and the ripple effects are just beginning. In this episode of Cold Weather Bats, we break down what high school NIL really means in Michigan: who stands to benefit, who could get left behind, and who’s quietly paying attention behind the scenes. Next, we dove into news in Alabama where they have separated private and public schools from athletic championships and how that could look here in Michigan. We also tease what’s coming next with the CWB Player Draft, where top talent, exposure, and opportunity collide. If you’re a player, parent, or coach in the Michigan baseball landscape, this is something you’ll want on your radar. Subscribe for more Michigan high school baseball coverage Follow us everywhere: @ColdWeatherBats Visit us: coldweatherbats.com