The Pencil Talk Podcast

In this episode of Battle of the Stache, host Jack DeLongchamps is joined by Bradley Smart for a rapid-fire, high-energy breakdown of 21 college baseball series across the country. The duo goes head-to-head making picks, debating matchups, dissecting pitching rotations, and spotlighting the biggest storylines shaping the national landscape. From under-the-radar mid-major battles, the conversation blends analytics, gut instinct, and pure college baseball chaos as both try to build the better weekend slate. Along the way, Jack and Bradley dive into postseason implications, and which programs are beginning to separate themselves heading toward May.

Opening Segment (0:00–3:00) Introduce Forrest Allen Explain his role with 643 Charts Tease the creation of DSR Why college baseball analytics are evolving rapidly The Origin of DSR (3:00–12:00) What inspired Forrest to build DSR Problems with existing ranking systems How college baseball differs from other sports analytically The challenge of balancing predictive metrics vs résumé metrics Breaking Down the Metrics (12:00–24:00) DSR Core principles behind Diamond Sports Rankings Inputs and weighting philosophy Contextual data points included Why DSR may better reflect true team quality Team Examples & Case Studies (24:00–37:00) LSU Tigers baseball résumé discussion Clemson Tigers baseball comparison Vanderbilts bubble discussion Teams that DSR loves vs teams traditional metrics love How scheduling impacts rankings Mid-major evaluation challenges Why two teams with similar records can grade out very differently Bigger Picture Discussion (37:00–43:00) The future of analytics in college baseball How coaching staffs use data internally Potential influence on tournament discussions The evolution of fan understanding around metrics Closing Segment (43:00–45:00) Final thoughts from Forrest Where fans can follow DSR and 643 Charts Biggest misconception about analytics in baseball Outro / tease next episode

Lemo walks us through the moment, the love and passion he has for the game of baseball. From his time as a player at the Citadel to his coaching journey, we break down all things college baseball.     

Beyond the highlights, Angel opens up about loyalty, belief, and why returning to Little Rock for the upcoming season meant more than chasing the next opportunity. From unfinished business to setting the standard for the program, this conversation dives into leadership, culture, and what’s driving Cano as he gears up for a big year ahead. A must-listen for college baseball fans and anyone who values staying true to where it all started.

 Coach Curry evaluates talent, the importance of relationships and trust within a program, and how modern tools, data, and preparation play a role in competing year after year. Honest, thoughtful, and packed with insight, this episode is a must-listen for coaches, players, and fans who want a deeper understanding of college baseball and the leadership behind it. Topics Covered• Building culture and accountability at Little Rock, plus their incredible run to the Regional Finals at LSU in 2025. • Recruiting philosophy and player evaluation• Developing hitters and pitchers over the long haul• Leadership lessons learned as a head coach• What separates good programs from great ones

In this episode, we sit down with Western Kentucky baseball standout Ryan Wideman — a junior college sensation now making waves in Division I and a serious Golden Spikes Award hopeful. Ryan opens up about his journey from JUCO grind to NCAA spotlight, sharing the work ethic, mindset, and key moments that fueled his rise. He talks about the transition to WKU, what it means to chase one of college baseball’s most prestigious honors, and how he stays focused under pressure. Whether you’re a baseball junkie or just love a good underdog story, this is one conversation you don’t want to miss.

We discuss his growth as a player, the hard work behind his success, and how he stays focused amid the pressure of being a Golden Spikes hopeful. Martinez also talks about UC Irvine’s season, team chemistry, and his personal goals as he looks to make a deep postseason run.Plus, we dive into his pre-game routines, favorite baseball moments, and what motivates him to push for greatness. We even discuss his time competing for the Collegiate US National Team. Whether you’re a baseball fan, an aspiring athlete, or just love a good underdog story, this episode is packed with insights and inspiration from one of college baseball’s brightest stars. Tune in now to hear Anthony Martinez’s story—before he makes it to the big leagues!

Chase’s Baseball Journey:• College Career at UC Irvine:• Chase talks about his decision to attend UC Irvine, emphasizing the university’s academic and athletic opportunities.• He highlights his freshman year experiences and the transition to collegiate-level play.• Chase shares memorable moments, including bus ride games, team mafia and even the ever famous kangaroo court. • Balancing Academics and Athletics:• He offers advice to aspiring student-athletes on time management and prioritization.• Community Involvement:• He emphasizes the importance of giving back to the community and how it has enriched his college experience.• Looking Ahead:• Chase shares his aspirations to play professional baseball and how his coaches have helped best prepare him for this next adventure. • He reflects on the lessons learned during his time at UC Irvine and how they have prepared him for future endeavors This episode provides an in-depth look at the dedication and multifaceted life of a collegiate athlete, offering inspiration and insights for listeners interested in the world of college baseball.

Key Topics & Notes:• Ben Orloff’s Background• Former UC Irvine shortstop (2006–2009)• Key player in UC Irvine’s College World Series run (2007)• Transition from player to coach• Named head coach in 2018• Coaching Philosophy• Developing players both on and off the field• What he looks for in recruits: character, work ethic, baseball IQ• Challenges & Insights from Coaching• Managing expectations and building a sustainable program• Looking Ahead• Goals for the upcoming season• His thoughts on the evolution of the college gameClosing Thoughts:Orloff shares his excitement for the future of UC Irvine baseball and offers valuable advice for athletes looking to take their game to the next level. Whether you’re a player, coach, or baseball fan, this episode is packed with great insights into the world of college baseball.

In this episode, we sit down with Troy Trojan baseball catcher Brooks Bryan. A golden spikes nominee, Brooks gives us the inside scoop on life behind the plate, his time with Team USA and why Troy is his perfect home. We also dive into the crucial topics: What’s the best roadtrip game? Who’s got the most swag on and off the field? And what sport would he play if it wasn't baseball??Strap in for a hilarious, fast-paced episode full of baseball banter, behind-the-scenes stories, and maybe even a few curveballs you didn’t see coming.  This episode is proudly sponsored by Chinook Seeds 

A new season of Pencil Talk Takeover begins with a reoccurring guest, Head Coach Skylar Meade. We talk college baseball in the 'Fun Belt,' the 2025 Trojan roster, & the beauties he has on his coaching staff.

Pencil Talk Takeover: Flops on the ground in High Point, North Carolina. Where for the first time in program history the Panthers will appear in the NCAA tournament. Head Coach Joey Hammond, a friend of the brand, has changed standard and has got HPU playing unbelievable baseball but more importantly helping mold incredible young men. Alongside Coach, we hear form Peyton Carr & Charlie Klingler to share a few laughs and talk their upcoming regional matchup.

Pencil Talk takeover: Flops on the ground virtually with an exclusive interview with one of the best center fielders in all of college baseball. The leader in W.A.R across the entire country & fearless captain of the Troy Trojans, Kole Myers speaks about running down fly balls, big homers & what its like playing on the biggest stage during tournament time.

Pencil Talk Takeover: Flops on the ground virtually with Troy Head Coach & future star in the game, Skylar Meade. Pencil Talk spoke with the Trojans to learn more about their day to day routine, culture and insane fandom in the Troy community. This is being released months later, because Jack DeLongchamps has the opportunity to broadcast Troy this weekend, so what better way to learn about one of the most exciting clubhouses in the country.

Pencil Talk Takeover: Flops on the Ground- Exclusive interview with South Carolina Gamecock, Will Tippett. Get the behind the scenes looking into the life of the shortstop, as we talk about walk ups, pre game meals & playing in the SEC.

Pencil Talk Takeover: Flops on the Ground- Exclusive interview with South Carolina Gamecock All-American, Cole Messina. Get the behind scenes look into the life of the backstop, as Pencil Talk reveals a genuine look into what makes Messina so special.

Pencil Talk Takeover: Flops on the Ground- Exclusive Interview with South Carolina Gamecock baseball coach, Mark Kingston. Get the behind the scenes look into Founders Park as Pencil Talk sits down with the man running the show. Get ready for a true genuine and authentic perspective behind the highly decorated and respected Kingston.

We sit down with Drew Beam, the standout starting pitcher for the Tennessee Volunteers and projected first-round draft pick. He talks his time with Team USA, experience in Omaha, the most iconic Vols all time and what's to come for Tennessee Baseball this upcoming season

"🎙️ Pencil Talk Takeover: Flops on the Ground - Exclusive Interview with Tennessee Head Baseball Coach, Tony Vitello! ⚾️🍊 Dive into the world of college baseball as Pencil Talk sits down with the dynamic and inspiring Coach Vitello. Get ready for insider insights, behind the scenes info, and the untold stories that make the Tennessee baseball team a force to be reckoned with. Don't miss this in-depth conversation that goes beyond the diamond. Subscribe now and join us for a unique blend of baseball passion and Pencil Talk charisma! #PencilTalk #BaseballInterview #CoachVitello #FlopsOnTheGround"

No Stats. No Standings. Just Stories.Pencil Talk Takeover is a genuine, authentic look into college baseball programs across the country. This podcast episode is part 2 of the takeover with the Northeastern Huskies and we sit down with Freshman standout Cam Maldonado. We discuss his All-American worthy season, his experience of playing in a Regional and what's to come in the North East. 

A new venture. The "Pencil Talk Takeover" is an attempt to dive into every college baseball program in the country through a genuine and authentic lens. 

Wake Forest third baseman Brock Wilken joins the pod after breaking the ACC home run record in dramatic fashion. Talks prepping for Omaha, expectations being the #1 seed in the country and his time in Winston Salem

Texas A&M Corpus Christi Islander Tre Jones joins the pod after ripping the national anthem with his electric guitar on 'Senior Day.' He talks music and baseball inspirations, the craze of being a viral sensation and his band of brothers that double as Southalnd All-First team selections and musical gurus

Kennesaw State weekend starter, Nick Zegna joins the pod to reminisce on times at George Mason, life in the transfer portal, the craft of pitching and humbly recognizing his desire to find a school that would help him get to the next level.

Former Elon Phoenix standout and South Carolina Gamecock grad transfer great, Joe Satterfield joins host Jack DeLongchamps to talk the current college baseball landscape by highlighting the weekends most pivotal matchups. May 12th- 14th South Carolina @ Arkansas Clemson @ Virginia Tech Dallas Baptist @ UTSA

Duke Outfielder Damon Lux joins the conversation to talk Pencil Talk's blood ties to the Blue Devils, Duke's recent success in the ACC, and the topographic characteristics of the state of Indiana

South Carolina backstop Cole Messina joins the pod to talk his colder than ice bat-flip against Clemson, renegade hunting tactics, and the Gamecock’s road through the SEC

Pencil Talk takes self-depreciation to a new level with our dear friend and former South Carolina Gamecock, Jaret Bennett. We talk Jaret's time playing in the SEC, his fear of alligators, and the real reason why he wasn't selected 5th overall by the Orioles in the 2021 MLB Draft

2022 Freshman All-American and current Virginia Tech starting pitcher Drue Hackenberg joins the conversation. We talk Drue's time with Team USA Baseball last summer, the Hackenberg family genetics, and the Hokies goals of spending a week in Nebraska this summer

Florida Gator legend, 2017 College World Series Champion, and current pitcher for the Kansas City Royals, Jackson Kowar stops by to chat it up. The fellas touch on the highly anticipated Charleston Southern/Florida matchup last week, Kowar's road to the big leagues, and the authenticity of the world's bird population

Pencil Talk reunites with former teammate and 2022 Divison 1 All-American, Max Ryerson. We talk about everything from Max's record-setting 2022 campaign, his outlook on the 2023 season, and the danger of sharks.

Gonzaga Assistant Baseball Coach, Antonio Garcia stops by to share his incredible story of perseverance and how it led him on a path of coaching and inspiring others. During the episode, Pencil Talk finally finds out if Gonzaga is actually a real place and if it has a real location

With the 2023 NCAA Baseball season on the horizon, Pencil Talk takes a trip down memory lane to remind ourselves how mediocre we were at baseball but how much fun we really had back in the day. 

Pencil Talk talks shop with the Head Ball Coach of the Lucy Beckham High School Basketball Team, Andrew Glover. Laughs were had, brick walls were run through, and it turns out Josh is still dealing with that temporary wood allegry

Pencil Talk sits down with Charleston-based country singer-songwriter Carter Windham and officially announces their plans to ride Carter's coattails to the top. We also talk Ole Miss, Eric Church's goatness, and Carter's new single "Missin' From Mississippi," out now

Phillies Astros World Series... not too much to say. An eight-year friendship will be tested. Will God's only son (Bryce Harper) fulfill his legacy? Will the Astros prove the haters wrong? We'll have to wait and see

After weeks of trying to spark a relationship with the DIxon Ticonderoga team, Pencil Talk decides to formally open up the conversation. Josh, Jack and Cole plead their case to Ticonderoga leadership as to why a partnership would add value to their organization. Traits such as "Strength", "Commitment", and "Physical Speed" are taken into consideration

Striving to have the most GRIT in the podcast game, Germ battles through severe illness in this Mental Toughness pod edition. The fellas talk, Vegas, the Pocono's, how they continue to sharpen their mental swords

Great friend, ballsy guy, and man of extreme wealth and importance, Josh (JTH) Hall, joins the cult. The self-proclaimed "funny guy" talks his career in finance, his life goals, and just may have inspired Pencil Talk to learn how to edit.

After a long fantasy football draft weekend, Jack and Cole sit down with gambling savant, Aaron Miller for the first ever Mental Toughness Pod. With weak and feeble bodies, the boys discuss Aarons place of employment, the new "#SteeloftheWeek segment", and which football teams have the best costumes.

Pencil Talk sits down with the legends behind our intro music. Jackson and Brendon from the Cookout Line Band discuss their passion for music, hatred for Lizzo, and the future dynasty that is the Pencil Talk x Cookout Line Band duo.

Old friend and Editor of the Colts Wire, Kevin Hickey stops by to talk sports journalism, nostalgia, marvel and why you should marry a doctor.

On an adventure to find those who chase their passion relentlessly, co hosts Cole and Jack kick off their pod by interviewing each other