The Dirty Fish Podcast

Inside the Pacific Empire League: Teams, Tech, and Talent

Summary Join your Dirty Fish Podcast hosts, Jeff Matlock and Shawn Scibek, as they explore the Pacific Empire League. They discuss the teams, leadership, and innovative technology that is transforming collegiate summer baseball. Discover insights into league formation, player development, and behind-the-scenes operations that make this league a rising star in summer sports. Keywords Pacific Empire League, collegiate baseball, summer baseball, baseball technology, player development, league leadership, baseball teams, sports innovation Key topics League formation and leadership Team profiles and rivalries Innovative baseball technology and analytics Takeaways The Pacific Empire League was formed to provide high-caliber competition for college players. League leadership includes passionate individuals like Natalie Norman, Ben Crombie, Matthew Lundgren, Kyle Gross, Joey Gomes, Dave May, and Eric Giacone.  Advanced technology like Trackman and Synergy Sports enhances player development and scouting. The league features top-tier players from D1, D2, D3, and JUCO programs. Teams like the Healdsburg Prune Packers, Lincoln Potters, and the Humboldt Crabs have strong traditions and fan support. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Dirty Fish Podcast 03:40 Upcoming Events and Mudcats News 06:48 Overview of the Pacific Empire League 09:47 League Leadership and Structure 12:51 Quality of Competition in the PEL 15:49 Technological Advancements in Player Development 18:35 Teams in the Pacific Empire League 21:26 Summer Baseball Experience 23:40 Humboldt Crabs: A Unique Atmosphere 27:33 Medford Rogue: New Beginnings 29:34 Marysville Giants: A Nostalgic Rivalry 31:28 Ski-isms: Wisdom from the Field 35:07 Looking Ahead: The Future of the League 37:09 Podcast Outro 2.mp4 Resources Pacific Empire League: https://www.pacificempireleague.org [https://www.pacificempireleague.org] Trackman - https://trackman.com [https://trackman.com] Synergy Sports - https://synergysports.com [https://synergysports.com] Presto Sports - https://prestosports.com [https://prestosports.com]

Jared Carr: From Solano Mudcats Pitcher to High School Head Coach

Most high school coaches dream of coaching at the next level, but Jared Carr's journey from Solano Mudcats pitcher to varsity head coach at Will C. Wood High School proves that dedication, humility, and a deep love for the game aren't bound by age or experience. This episode reveals the behind-the-scenes stories of his rise, from playing at Vanden High School, Butte College, and Holy Names University to mentoring young athletes and building a coaching philosophy rooted in fundamentals and culture. You'll discover: how Jared's playing career shaped his coaching style; what it's like to transition from college player to high school leader; and the vital lessons he learned as a Student Manager at Oregon State University under legendary coaches like Pat Casey. We break down the importance of developing a strong team culture, long-term community engagement, and the challenges of coaching young talent facing faster speeds and higher expectations. Plus, hear hilarious stories from road trips, behind-the-scenes game moments, and the unexpected camaraderie that makes baseball more than just a sport. This episode matters because coaching at the high school level is more than wins and losses — it’s about shaping future generations. Jared's insights provide actionable advice for aspiring coaches, players, and sports enthusiasts eager to understand what it really takes to succeed in baseball and life. If you're passionate about the game or dedicated to mentorship, this conversation will inspire you to look beyond the scoreboard and focus on the intangible lessons that truly matter. With years of experience in big-time college programs and a clear vision for community-based growth, Jared Carr exemplifies the future of high school baseball coaching. Whether you're a coach, athlete, or fan, you'll walk away with a renewed appreciation for the game’s timeless fundamentals and the power of leadership grounded in integrity and love for baseball. Join us as Jared shares the moments that truly define his journey—the wins, the road trips, and the ongoing mission to build a legacy that lasts far beyond the diamond.

Ep. #5: Meet The Voices Behind The Dirty Fish Podcast

The podcast episode covers a range of topics including upcoming Mudcats events, future opportunities for Mudcats involvement, sponsorship, past guest recaps, upcoming guest ideas, coaching history and experience, and a discussion about the journey of coaching and baseball, standout players, coaching philosophy, player development, the mental aspects of baseball, and engaging with Mudcats fans and potential guests on the podcast. It emphasizes the importance of hustle, hard work, and the coaching philosophy that focuses on attitude and effort. Takeaways * Community involvement * Baseball coaching * Guest interviews Importance of hustle and hard work * Mental aspects of baseball * Coaching philosophy and player development Chapters 00:00 Welcome to the Dirty Fish Podcast 00:59 Upcoming Events and Community Engagement 05:21 Reflections on Past Guests 11:12 Coaching Journey and Experiences 20:24 Building Friendships Through Baseball 22:13 Coaching Journey and Experiences 24:06 Transitioning to Varsity Coaching 25:03 The Impact of Coaching on Players 26:40 Standout Players and Memorable Moments 34:37 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development

Ep. #4: Little League to Banana Ball-Bronson Balholm's Playbook for Success and Giving Back (Part 2)

Most players have a straight line to professional baseball from high school, to college, to the pros, but Bronson Balholm took a different route — from swinging at baseballs at age three to catching laser-fast pitches, then transforming his love for physics into a mission to inspire the next generation. In this episode, you'll discover how Bronson’s unique blend of athletic talent, scientific curiosity, and entrepreneurial spirit is redefining how we see sports and education. We break down Bronson’s inspiring journey: from early days swinging Wiffle Ball bats with his family, to growing up a Dodgers fan and understanding the catcher’s role as the 'general' on the field. He shares vivid stories of battling in Little League, facing tough opponents in high school with future MLB stars, and balancing a physics degree at Beloit College while still dreaming of pro baseball. You'll explore how the level of competition pushed him to rise, embrace resilience, and develop grit that took him from the D3 fields to the Pac-12 at Arizona State. In addition, this episode uncovers the secret sauce behind Banana Ball’s rapid rise — including viral tryouts, wild crowds in Savannah and across the nation, and lessons learned in moments of chaos like stadium blackouts and celebrity encounters. Bronson reveals how physics and sports are intertwined, teaching kids STEM through baseball, and creating ripples of kindness called "Catch Kindness." Whether you're an athlete, educator, or just someone hungry for inspiration, you'll walk away with tangible ideas to blend passion with purpose. Why does this matter? Because Bronson’s story demonstrates that unconventional paths — powered by passion, perseverance, and a mission to make others better — can lead to extraordinary results. This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who's ever doubted mixing science with sport or wondered how to make a real impact beyond the game. Get ready to be motivated, entertained, and inspired to catch your own kindness and chase your wildest dreams. Perfect for coaches, players, students, or anyone ready to see sports and education through a new lens — because sometimes the biggest lessons come from the most unexpected places.

From Little League to Banana Ball—Bronson Balholm’s Playbook for Success and Giving Back (Part 1)

Most players have a straight line to professional baseball from high school, to college, to the pros, but Bronson Balholm took a different route — from swinging at baseballs at age three to catching laser-fast pitches, then transforming his love for physics into a mission to inspire the next generation. In this episode, you'll discover how Bronson’s unique blend of athletic talent, scientific curiosity, and entrepreneurial spirit is redefining how we see sports and education. We break down Bronson’s inspiring journey: from early days swinging Wiffle Ball bats with his family, to growing up a Dodgers fan and understanding the catcher’s role as the 'general' on the field. He shares vivid stories of battling in Little League, facing tough opponents in high school with future MLB stars, and balancing a physics degree at Beloit College while still dreaming of pro baseball. You'll explore how the level of competition pushed him to rise, embrace resilience, and develop grit that took him from the D3 fields to the Pac-12 at Arizona State. In addition, this episode uncovers the secret sauce behind Banana Ball’s rapid rise — including viral tryouts, wild crowds in Savannah and across the nation, and lessons learned in moments of chaos like stadium blackouts and celebrity encounters. Bronson reveals how physics and sports are intertwined, teaching kids STEM through baseball, and creating ripples of kindness called "Catch Kindness." Whether you're an athlete, educator, or just someone hungry for inspiration, you'll walk away with tangible ideas to blend passion with purpose. Why does this matter? Because Bronson’s story demonstrates that unconventional paths — powered by passion, perseverance, and a mission to make others better — can lead to extraordinary results. This episode is a wake-up call for anyone who's ever doubted mixing science with sport or wondered how to make a real impact beyond the game. Get ready to be motivated, entertained, and inspired to catch your own kindness and chase your wildest dreams. Perfect for coaches, players, students, or anyone ready to see sports and education through a new lens — because sometimes the biggest lessons come from the most unexpected places.