Ep. 58: The Next Generation: Cole Schaefer on Modernizing Thomas More Baseball

Want to be a part of a vibrant and growing community of baseball fans? Consider joining the D2 Baseball Patreon! patreon.com/diviibaseballIn this episode of the 2025 Coaching Changes Series, Robert sits down with Thomas More Head Coach Cole Shaffer.At just 27 years old, Cole Shaffer is ready to lead the Thomas More Saints into a new era of Division II baseball. In this episode, he discusses his journey to becoming a head coach and the unique advantage of working with an athletic administration that has deep ties to the program's successful past, including a former head baseball coach and athletic director.Shaffer, who comes to Thomas More after a two-year stint at Ohio Dominican, talks about the offensive philosophy he plans to bring to the Saints, which is based on plate discipline and individualized approaches rather than a "cookie cutter" system. He details the challenges of inheriting a team in late July and his excitement for the 32 players who are committed to the program's new winning mindset.The new coach also highlights the program's state-of-the-art facilities, including Thomas More Stadium, which offers a professional-quality locker room, indoor cages, and Trackman data for player development and recruiting. He emphasizes that his program is about more than just baseball; it's about providing an experience that will have a "profound impact on the next 40 years of their life". Finally, he discusses the high-energy, fast-paced culture he is building and how his players are embracing the challenge of being coached hard.Don't miss this episode with Cole Shaffer, head coach at Thomas More!