Building a Blue-Collar Powerhouse: Jeff May Takes the Reins at Barton College

In this episode, host Robert Frey kicks off the 2026-2027 head coaching changes series with special guest Jeff May, the newly appointed head baseball coach at Barton College. Coach May stops by on campus move-in day to share his journey from being a standout catcher to a successful pitching coach, his strategy for assembling a trusted coaching staff, and his vision for building a blue-collar, developmental-focused powerhouse in eastern North Carolina.Chapters00:06 - IntroductionThe show opens with host Robert Frey welcoming Barton College Head Coach Jeff May to discuss the upcoming 2026-2027 season on campus move-in day.00:21 - Conversations Leading to the Barton JobCoach May discusses his deep familiarity with Conference Carolinas and explains why taking the head coaching position at Barton College felt like the perfect fit given the community's rich baseball history.02:06 - Navigating and Winning in Conference CarolinasCoach May shares his thoughts on whether his decade-plus of experience in the conference provides an advantage, highlighting the depth and toughness of the league's coaching and programs.03:15 - Transitioning from Catcher to Pitching CoachReflecting on his playing career at North Carolina and Lander, Coach May explains how his lifelong background as a catcher helped him transition into a successful pitching coach without preconceived biases.06:16 - Head Coaching Role vs. Assistant Role & Staff InvolvementCoach May outlines his philosophy as a head coach, emphasizing the importance of taking a step back to view the program as a whole while allowing his newly assembled coaching staff to lead their respective positions.08:28 - Building the Barton Coaching StaffA look into how Coach May intentionally recruited a loyal, hard-working staff comprised of trusted peers and former players to foster natural camaraderie and continuity in the front office.10:06 - Selling Recruits on Player DevelopmentCoach May dives into how Barton navigates the shifting landscape of college recruiting, explaining his pitch to high school athletes regarding authentic relationships and a heavy focus on individual player development.12:40 - Summer Recruiting ChallengesCoach May details the quick turnaround and fast-paced challenges of utilizing summer ball leagues, video scouting, and trusted alumni networks to finalize the program's roster goals.14:36 - The Excitement of Nixon FieldCoach May shares his appreciation for Nixon Field, highlighting the stadium's premium Bermuda grass, advanced tracking technology, and the continuous support from dedicated program alumni.14:58 - Defining Traits of the Barton BulldogsLooking ahead to the Spring of 2027, Coach May establishes the exact identity he wants his team to project: a gritty, passionate, blue-collar squad that plays the game the right way.15:23 - Influential People and MentorsIn the final segment, Coach May pays tribute to the key figures who shaped his career, beginning with his father as a long-time high school coach, alongside various mentors from his playing and assistant coaching days.