Tom Griffin - 2026 ABCA Dave Keilitz Ethics in Coaching Award Recipient

This week on the ABCA Podcast, we’re joined by Tom Griffin, one of the most respected catching instructors and collegiate coaches in the game. Griffin just completed his 20th season leading the Carson-Newman program and has amassed 746 career wins over his 28 years in college coaching. A true authority in catching instruction, Griffin is a staple at national events such as CatcherCon and has been a featured clinician at four ABCA Conventions. He also contributed his expertise as a coach in the Prospect Development Pipeline League from 2021 to 2023. Beyond the diamond, Griffin serves as Assistant Athletic Director for Coaching Development at Carson-Newman, reflecting his commitment not only to players but to advancing the craft of coaching itself. In 2024, his career was recognized with induction into the Tennessee Baseball Coaches Association Hall of Fame. This episode is packed with wisdom on player development, leadership, and the art of catching. Get your pen and notebook ready—Coach Griffin embodies what it means to be a lifelong learner who continues to evolve with the game. This episode is brought to you by Rapsodo Baseball – the trusted player development technology of coaches at every level.Rapsodo has basically become THE gold standard for player development in baseball. Pitchers, hitters, college programs, big leaguers, even their Official Technology Ambassador Shohei Ohtani —everybody’s using it.And it’s not just a radar gun with a fancy name. Rapsodo tracks spin rate, movement, release points, exit velo, launch angle—all the stuff that turns “he looks good” into “here’s exactly why he’s good.”Coaches use technology like PRO 2.0 to build pitching profiles, hitters use it to fine-tune their swing, and parents use it to justify spending a mortgage payment on travel ball. It’s that good.If you're serious about development—or just want to know why your curveball still gets hit 400 feet—go check them out. If you’re a high school program, they are offering $1,000 off, just head to rapsodo.com. It’s like science, but for baseball people.Train smarter. Develop faster. Learn more at rapsodo.com. The ABCA Podcast is presented by Netting Pros. Netting Professionals are improving programs one facility at a time, specializing in the design, fabrication and installation of custom netting for backstops, batting cages, dugouts, bp screens and ball carts. They also design and install digital graphic wall padding windscreen, turf, turf protectors, dugout benches, dugout cubbies and more.