Behind The Lineup

Episode 40 From JUCO to D2: A New Chapter For Lackawanna Baseball Ft. Michael McCarry

In this episode of Behind The Lineup, we are joined by Coach Mike McCarry, head baseball coach at Lackawanna College. Since taking over the Falcons in 2018, Coach McCarry has built one of the most consistent junior college baseball programs in the country. Under his leadership, Lackawanna has made four NJCAA Division II World Series appearances, won four Region 19 championships, captured four District titles, and produced numerous All-Americans, Players and Pitchers of the Year, four-year transfers, and professional baseball players. We dive into Coach McCarry’s coaching journey, beginning with his time at La Salle University and Stephen F. Austin, where he developed as a pitching coach, recruiter, and player development leader. From there, we discuss how he built sustained success at the JUCO level despite constant roster turnover, what recruiting looks like for junior college baseball, and the biggest misconceptions players and coaches have about the JUCO route. Coach McCarry also shares his thoughts on using social media in today’s recruiting landscape, how being active on X has helped him promote his program and players, and why visibility matters for JUCO athletes looking for four-year opportunities. We also look ahead to Lackawanna’s move to NCAA Division II and the PSAC East Division beginning in 2026. Coach McCarry breaks down what will change with recruiting, scholarships, roster construction, scheduling, and competition — and what will remain the same as the Falcons take the next step as a program. Finally, we close with what Coach McCarry looks for in future Lackawanna players and what recruits should do to get noticed by him and his staff. This is a great conversation for players, parents, and coaches who want to better understand junior college baseball, player development, recruiting, and what it takes to build a winning program. Follow Behind The Lineup for more conversations with coaches, players, and baseball minds from across the game.

Episode 39 The Curse of Mookie Betts: The Story of The Boston Red Sox From 2020 - 2026

In this episode of Behind The Lineup, we take a deep dive into the Boston Red Sox from the aftermath of the 2018 World Series championship through the firing of Alex Cora in 2026. What started as one of baseball’s most successful 21st-century franchises quickly turned into a period defined by confusion, contradiction, and organizational dysfunction. We begin with the warning signs after 2018: the departure of Dave Dombrowski, the push to cut payroll, the hiring of Chaim Bloom, and the investigation surrounding the Red Sox sign-stealing scandal. From there, we break down the defining moment of this era: the Mookie Betts trade. That move set the tone for years of uncertainty in Boston. Season by season, we look at the highs and lows of the post-Mookie era: the disastrous 2020 pandemic season, the surprising 2021 ALCS run, back-to-back last-place finishes, major roster turnover, the Rafael Devers extension and eventual trade, the Craig Breslow era, the rise of young talent, the return to the postseason in 2025, and the disastrous 2026 offseason that ultimately ended with Alex Cora being fired. The central question of this episode is simple: what exactly is the Red Sox plan? From Mookie Betts to Rafael Devers to Alex Cora, Boston has repeatedly moved on from franchise-defining pieces without proving it had a better direction in place. This episode examines how one of baseball’s most iconic organizations went from championship standard to organizational uncertainty — and why the “Curse of Mookie Betts” may still be alive and well in Boston.

Episode 38: Player Representation, NIL, and Navigating the Draft ft. Spencer Sundahl

On this episode, I sit down with Spencer Sundahl — a former college baseball player, current MLBPA-certified agent with SSM, and law student — for a conversation packed with insight for players, parents, and coaches trying to better understand today’s baseball landscape. A San Diego native, Spencer shares his path from playing college baseball at Cal State Los Angeles to building a career in player representation. We talk about his journey through the game, what led him from player to agent, and how his experiences in baseball, business, and sports administration helped shape the work he does today. We also take a deep dive into what player representation actually means. Spencer breaks down the differences between an advisor, NIL representative, and professional agent, what representation really looks like at the high school, college, and professional levels, and when athletes truly need someone in their corner. He also shares valuable perspectives on draft decisions, pro ball vs. college, NIL opportunities, honest feedback, and what families should look for before signing with an agent. This episode offers a real look at the business side of baseball and the realities that come with pursuing the game at the next level. Follow SSM on Instagram! @ssmfirm

Episode 37: The Top 10 Most Nostalgic Moments In Sports History

In this episode, I break down my Top 10 sports nostalgia moments, with a couple of honorable mentions thrown in for good measure. From Backyard Baseball and MLB 2K to Sunday Night Baseball, NHL on NBC, Lob City, Little League memories, and the old SportsCenter era, this list is a trip back through the teams, players, events, and sports culture that made growing up a fan so much fun. I also open with a bigger idea: why nostalgia hits so hard in the first place. My take is that nostalgia is powerful not because the past was perfect, but because it feels safe. Looking back on moments that have already been resolved can make them feel warmer, simpler, and more meaningful. This episode is all about revisiting those sports memories that still stick with us and asking what made them so special. Whether you agree with my list or think I left something off, this is a fun one for anyone who loves sports and remembers the eras, moments, and feelings that made fandom great.

Episode 36: Built By Baseball: Success, Setbacks, and Starting Again Ft. Zak Blair

In this episode, I sit down with Coach Zak Blair — former All-American player, professional baseball player, college coach, scout, and now the owner of B2 Baseball and B2 Fastpitch in Ohio. Zak’s journey through the game is one built on performance, resilience, and purpose. From growing up in Jefferson, Ohio, to earning Under Armour All-American honors in high school, he went on to compete at the Division I level at Winthrop before transferring to Mercyhurst, where he put together a record-breaking season and earned All-American recognition. His summer in the Cape Cod League further cemented his reputation, as he became an All-Star, the only Division II starter in the All-Star Game, and the recipient of the Daniel Silva Sportsmanship Award. We talk through his path from college standout to being drafted by the Chicago Cubs, the lessons he learned in professional baseball, and how his experiences in scouting and college coaching helped shape the philosophy he brings into player development today. Zak also shares the vision behind B2 Baseball and B2 Fastpitch, what separates the organization from others, how he develops both the physical and mental side of athletes, and what players and parents often misunderstand about recruiting. This episode is full of insight for players, coaches, and parents who care about long-term development, doing things the right way, and building something that lasts. Interested in the B2 Bulls? Check it out here: https://b2baseball.com/ [https://b2baseball.com/]