Cold Weather Bats

The last pre-season episode of Season 6 is here! Brandon Justice and Griffin Green recap what might have been the biggest weekend in CWB history — the 2026 Player Draft at HVAC on Saturday and the Cold Weather Combine at 2SP on Sunday. The guys break down which team came out on top (spoiler: Brandon isn't shy about it), the biggest steals of the draft, and the players who slipped further than they should have. Griffin shares his analyst perspective on the draft's best roster construction, standout picks like Dominic Bonnetti and Jackson Gilbert, and why guys like Memphis Wirtz and Kellen Ford are names you need to know heading into the spring. From there, the conversation shifts to the Combine — 100+ players, all quality. Kellen Ford takes MVP honors, Cale Hackenberg turns heads behind the dish, Tre Eitniar uncorks 92-93 across the infield like it's nothing, and a pair of Wyandotte right-handers finally get the recognition Brandon's been pushing for all offseason. Tryouts are Monday. Season is here. 📍 More coverage: patreon.com/coldweatherbats 🌐 coldweatherbats.com 📱 @coldweatherbats on all socials

The CWB Player Draft is back — and this episode breaks down everything you need to know before draft night. Michael Rubenstein and Griffin Green preview the 2026 CWB Player Draft taking place Saturday, February 28 at 7:00 PM at HVAC (Huron Valley Athletic Complex) in Milford, MI. In this episode, they explain what the Player Draft actually is, how the live draft format works, and why it’s become one of the most unique events in Michigan high school baseball. Modeled after the MLB and NFL Draft, the CWB Player Draft gives players their true draft moment — walking across a stage, hearing their name called, and thanking the people who helped them along the way. They also discuss: • The origin of the Player Draft and the vision from cofounders Brian Sakowski and Brandon Justice • How the event has evolved since the first draft • Player storylines and what to watch for this year • What families can expect in the building • The sponsors who make this event possible Every player in attendance is guaranteed to be drafted, and the event is free for players and families to attend. Whether you’re a player, parent, coach, or simply someone who loves Michigan baseball — this episode will get you ready for draft night. 📍 Saturday, February 28 🕖 7:00 PM 📍 HVAC – Huron Valley Athletic Complex (201 Lone Tree Rd, Milford, MI) 📺 Live on YouTube via Cold Weather Bats & The Prep This isn’t just a draft. It’s a moment.

Episode 2 of the College Baseball Preview Show gets loud in the best way — Griff Green sits down with Michigan State dudes Parker Pico and Ryan McKay to talk recruiting stories, transferring, coming home, and why this Spartan team is built on competing… and calling each other out (yes, even freshmen getting on upperclassmen). DOMINATE THE MENTAL GAME. GET 10% OFF YOUR PISON ORDER WITH PROMO CWB10: https://pison.com/cold-weather-bats After taking a massive weekend vs Louisville, the guys explain why they saw it coming all fall, who’s impressed them the most so far (freshman 3B CJ Deckinga, Kyle Rudolph, Carter Monke), and why they’re heading into Texas with the “underdogs” mindset — and loving it. Plus: Big Ten talk, UCLA coming to East Lansing, and why every conference game is basically a must-win.

The college season is here, and we’re kicking things off with a deep dive into University of Michigan Baseball. DOMINATE THE MENTAL GAME. GET 10% OFF YOUR PISON ORDER WITH PROMO CWB10: https://pison.com/cold-weather-bats In this episode of Cold Weather Bats, Griffin Green sits down with Noah Miller to preview the Wolverines’ upcoming season and what fans should expect this spring. Noah talks about his growth since arriving on campus, how fall ball and offseason work have shaped this year’s team, and what the mentality is inside the clubhouse heading into Big Ten play. They also dig into his recruitment, how summer baseball in the Cape Cod League has impacted his development, and what younger players should understand about making the jump to this level. If you’re following Michigan baseball this season, this is a must-listen. And we’re just getting started — more college previews from programs around the state are on the way. Subscribe, follow along, and stay tuned.

NIL has officially come to the MHSAA — and the ripple effects are just beginning. In this episode of Cold Weather Bats, we break down what high school NIL really means in Michigan: who stands to benefit, who could get left behind, and who’s quietly paying attention behind the scenes. Next, we dove into news in Alabama where they have separated private and public schools from athletic championships and how that could look here in Michigan. We also tease what’s coming next with the CWB Player Draft, where top talent, exposure, and opportunity collide. If you’re a player, parent, or coach in the Michigan baseball landscape, this is something you’ll want on your radar. Subscribe for more Michigan high school baseball coverage Follow us everywhere: @ColdWeatherBats Visit us: coldweatherbats.com 

It’s January, and baseball season is closer than you think. With 49 days until tryouts, we talk about what this time of year really looks like for high school baseball programs, from ABCA conversations to offseason prep and how teams are positioning themselves before tryouts even begin. We also touch on the Cold Weather Bats Player Draft presented by AstroTurf and how to get involved. Finally, we talk about if we were the MHSAA Director of Baseball, what changes we would make. The snow might still be on the ground and the state under a snow squall warning, but the work has already started. Find us on social media everywhere @ColdWeatherBats.

In this episode of Cold Weather Bats, we welcome back one of our own — CWB co-founder and “prodigal son” Brian Sakowski, now the Director of Recruiting at the University of Virginia. We dive into Brian’s full journey, from growing up in Michigan to his time at Duke, and now building one of the premier recruiting operations in the country at UVA. Brian pulls back the curtain on college baseball recruiting today, including how the transfer portal has changed everything, what coaches are really evaluating, and how players can best position themselves in an increasingly competitive landscape. We also rewind to the early days of how Cold Weather Bats got started, the vision behind it, and why player development in cold-weather regions has never been more relevant. Plus, Brian shares what life is like living in Virginia, adjusting to the ACC grind, and what excites him most about the future of college baseball. Be sure to give five stars on the episode and follow us for more fun episodes to come.

In this episode of Cold Weather Bats, we’re diving straight into why the Player’s Draft is officially returning — what it is, why it matters, how players, coaches, families, and even local businesses can get involved, and what this year’s version is going to look like. If you’re wondering how the whole thing works or where you can plug in, this episode lays it all out. From there, we roll into the next wave of our Top 100 rankings, counting down No. 75 through 66 and breaking down what makes each of these dudes legit standouts as we inch closer to the top of the list. We wrap things up with a look at the holiday season and share some gift ideas from companies we’re working with — Pison, JustBats, and Smackin’ Sunflower Seeds — perfect picks for baseball players, coaches, or anyone who basically lives at the field. If you’re a player, a parent, a coach, or a business looking to plug into something fun and growing, this is a great place to start. Let’s get into it.

In this episode of Cold Weather Bats, we start with the next five names in the CWB Top 100 countdown, highlighting players ranked #85 through #81. It’s another impressive group featuring talent from across the state, including several players poised for breakout seasons this spring. Then, we turn our attention to one of the biggest developments in the Michigan baseball community. Jake Hornbacher and Andrew Meier, who have long been key figures in the state’s tournament scene, join the show to discuss their transition from USSSA to Perfect Game. They share what led to the move, what it means for Michigan’s youth baseball landscape, and how Perfect Game’s model and technology will shape tournaments in 2026 and beyond. In this episode, we cover: The next five players in the CWB Top 100 (#85–81) What to expect as Michigan enters the Perfect Game era How DiamondCast, player profiles, and new tournament technology will change the experience for families and coaches The outlook for Perfect Game’s expansion across the Midwest This episode combines insight on Michigan’s top high school talent with an inside look at how the state’s youth baseball scene is evolving. Cold Weather Bats continues to bring you the stories, people, and programs that make Michigan baseball unique.

In this episode of Cold Weather Bats, we sit down with Broder Katke from Brother Rice High School to talk about his recent commitment to Vanderbilt University. Broder opens up about his recruiting journey, the role his family played throughout the process, and what it means to join one of the top programs in college baseball. We also continue our Top 100 countdown, breaking down #90–86, and talk with Michael on his experience using Pison and how it can be an asset players and families everywhere. Plus, don’t miss out on our JustBats giveaway — head over to our Instagram (@ColdWeatherBats) for all the details! Make sure to follow us everywhere for more episodes, rankings, and stories from around Michigan baseball. Pison -- https://pison.com/cold-weather-bats/ JustBats -- https://bit.ly/4n7WIYW 

In this episode of Cold Weather Bats, we continue our Top 100 countdown with a breakdown of players ranked 95 through 91. We go in depth on each name, giving you insight into what makes these players stand out. Our interview segment features Marc Deschanes, Zach Sorensen, and Donovan Santas of Pison, as we announce an exciting new partnership between Pison x Cold Weather Bats. We dive into what Pison is, how it works, and how it can give players a serious edge on the mental side of baseball. As part of this partnership, CWB listeners get 10% off when purchasing at www.pison.com/cold-weather-bats. Don’t forget to subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube so you never miss an episode. Follow us on all social media platforms @ColdWeatherBats for updates, clips, and more.

Cold Weather Bats kicks off the highly anticipated CWB Top 100 series, highlighting the best high school baseball players in Michigan for the 2026 season. We begin the countdown with players ranked 100 through 95, breaking down their strengths and what makes them stand out on the diamond. This episode also features an in-depth interview with Michigan State commit and Forest Hills Eastern right-handed pitcher, Cam Pallo. Fresh off a Division 2 state championship, Pallo discusses his recruitment process, commitment to MSU, and the outlook for Forest Hills Eastern heading into the upcoming season. Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe to be the first to know every week when we drop the next players in our ranking this offseason!

Welcome to the Rundown Episode 1. Hosted by Griffin Green, we dive into everything baseball. From youth, to high school and beyond, come grab a seat and enjoy the show. Join us every other week for the next edition of the Rundown!

The high school baseball season in Michigan has officially wrapped, and we’re breaking it all down. In this episode, we recap everything that went down across the state — from standout teams and players to the drama of the state title games. We dig into the biggest storylines of the postseason and give our honest take on how things played out across all divisions. Plus, we go deep on the current playoff system: what works, what doesn’t, and how we’d improve it if given the chance. It’s a full-season sendoff packed with insight, analysis, and some forward-thinking ideas for the future of high school baseball in Michigan. Whether you followed every pitch or just want to get caught up, this episode has it all. Tune in and wrap up the season with us. Subscribe, rate, and share if you’re listening with CWB.

In this episode of CWB, we’re joined by Royal Oak Leprechauns standout Tristan Crane, who’s doing it all this summer — pitching, playing shortstop, and holding down the three-hole in the lineup. Tristan talks about the team’s grind through a brutal seven-games-in-seven-days stretch, how he balances his two-way role, and what fans can expect from the Leps in the weeks ahead. We also preview the upcoming matchups, chat about the vibes on the road, and why now’s the time to get behind this team as the season heats up. ✅ Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more Leprechauns content, exclusive player interviews, and behind-the-scenes looks at summer baseball across Michigan. 🎧 Check out more from us on Patreon, including previews of travel and collegiate summer ball programs, plus our brand new Summer Baseball Survival Guide — perfect for families, fans, and players grinding through the season.

Just in time for the start of the College World Series, the Bald Banter crew is joined by Noah Bieniek of @11point7 to dive into everything college baseball. Noah checks in from Charles Schwab Field in Omaha to preview the CWS, break down key teams to watch, and give his take on the wild world of the transfer portal, recruiting trends, and standout storylines — including Michigan native and Murray State head coach Dan Skirka. If you’re a college baseball fan, this is the episode for you. Hit that like button, subscribe for more, and let us know who you’ve got winning it all in Omaha!

Summer baseball is officially here, and we’re kicking it off with one of the biggest names in the game in the state of Michigan. On this episode of Spittin’ Seeds, Michael and Nick sit down with Drew Huard — Head Coach at Madonna University and the man behind one of Michigan’s top exposure events: Exposure at the Grands. We talk about what makes this tournament a magnet for college coaches, how players can stand out, and what recruiters are really looking for. Whether you’re playing in the event or grinding through summer ball elsewhere, this episode’s got something for you. Plus, we shout out our new partnership with the Royal Oak Leprechauns of the Northwoods League and send good luck to all the high school teams still chasing a state title this weekend. Soak it in. Play hard. Have fun. Let’s go. Special thanks G Brand, the official clothing sponsor of CWB.

Welcome to a brand-new season of summer ball — Cold Weather Bats is back with full coverage of the 2025 Royal Oak Leprechauns! In this season preview episode, hosts Michael Rubenstein, Brandon Justice, and Griffin Green dive into everything you need to know about the Leps heading into a highly anticipated summer at The Lucky Corner. We sit down with Head Coach Chris Faust to talk about his journey from player to skipper, what makes this year's team different, and the pride of coaching a roster stacked with 33 Michigan natives — many right from Metro Detroit. Then we’re joined by Ryan Tyranski, who’s off to a red-hot start and quickly emerging as a leader on the field and in the clubhouse. 🔰 This episode kicks off a weekly series, where we’ll bring you recaps, standout performances, player interviews, behind-the-scenes stories, and a look at the community impact of Royal Oak’s hometown team. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and follow the Leprechauns this season as we cover all things Northwoods League and beyond — straight from The Lucky Corner.

In this episode of Cold Weather Bats, Michael and Brandon jump right into previewing Saturday’s regional finals and possible quarterfinal matchups across all four divisions in Michigan high school baseball. We go division by division, break down the key games to watch, and give our picks on who we think moves on.  If you're following the tournament closely, this one's for you.

In this special edition of Spittin’ Seeds, host Michael — Northwood alum and former USA Prime Michigan coach — sits down with two key players from the Northwood Timberwolves baseball team, Josh Getz and Tyler Sager, as they prepare to compete in the 2025 NCAA Division II College World Series in Cary, North Carolina. For the first time in program history, Northwood is headed to the CWS — and it’s no accident. With a 40–20 record, a GMAC championship, and a Super Regional win over UIndy, this team has battled its way to the national stage. Josh and Tyler reflect on the journey, their postseason performances, and what it means to represent Northwood with everything on the line. Michael shares personal stories from their travel ball days, and the full-circle pride of watching two of his former players lead a program-defining moment. Whether you're a Northwood fan, a Michigan baseball supporter, or someone who loves a great underdog story — this one’s for you. Recorded just days before the CWS opener vs. Central Missouri. Subscribe, like, and drop a comment to support these players and follow their journey. Go Timby's. Let’s bring it home.

This week on Spittin’ Seeds, we’re bringing you a special Memorial Day edition packed with playoff buzz, big life news, and real talk for baseball families. We kick things off with a moment of reflection for the meaning behind the holiday — honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice — before diving into Michigan high school baseball playoffs. We’ve got teams to watch, playoff dark horses, and the keys to making a run in June. Then… surprise! We share a major life update for one half of the Spittin' Seeds crew. We also tease our latest Patreon post, "Avoiding Burnout: Building a Summer That Actually Lasts" — covering everything from mental fatigue to rest weekends and how to keep the love for the game alive through the grind. And finally, we go into our Stock Up / Stock Down: Summer Ball Edition — breaking down what’s trending, what’s working, and what we’re already over. Whether you’re road-tripping to a tourney, firing up the grill, or just catching your breath, we’re glad you’re here. Play hard, stay grounded, and keep spittin’ those seeds.

The Cold Weather Bats crew teams up for a special crossover episode to break down eight key districts ahead of the 2025 MHSAA Baseball Playoffs — four from Division 1 and four from Division 2. Joining the show are: Michael Rubenstein and Nick Swanson from Spittin' Seeds Dan Greisbaum Jr. representing Cold Weather Bats Griffin Green from Bald Banter Together, we dive into the toughest matchups, sleeper teams, and potential fireworks in next week’s action. Plus, we talk top-tier playoff atmospheres around the state and what makes certain districts special this time of year. Whether you're a coach, player, or just a fan of Michigan high school baseball, this episode has something for you. Drop your district picks in the comments and don’t forget to like & subscribe for more coverage as the road to East Lansing begins!

We are back for Episode 4 of Spittin' Seeds, and it’s a loaded one. We kick things off with a Michigan high school baseball update and dive into what May really means for coaches and players — from playoff prep to managing the mental game. We spotlight our latest Patreon post on how to keep developing when you don’t have a field (hint: no excuses). Then, it’s the great travel ball debate — is going out of town really helping, or just draining wallets? Nick drops a rant on travel team classifications that’s guaranteed to get some nods (or eye rolls), and we wrap with our new segment: Ban It. Hear what we’d gladly remove from youth baseball forever — and send us yours to get featured in future episodes. As always, subscribe, rate, and share — and check out our Patreon for even more baseball content.

Hosts Griffin Green and Taylor Grzelakowski sit down with guests to discuss their paths through the college baseball recruitment process. Tune in for real stories, helpful insights, and a closer look at what it takes to make it to the next level.

In this episode of the Super 25 Roundtable, the CWB crew and special guests dive into the latest rankings, standout performances, and the biggest movers of the week. Who’s rising, who’s slipping, and which teams are making serious noise? We’ll debate it all, share some bold predictions, and spotlight a few under-the-radar squads you need to keep an eye on. Grab a seat — it’s time to talk shop with the best in the game!

We’re back with another episode of Spittin’ Seeds, presented by Cold Weather Bats! This week, Michael Rubenstein and Nick Swanson dive into the grind of early spring baseball in Michigan — soggy fields, frozen hands, and why it’s all worth it. We also spotlight the USSSA Spring Kickoff, talk about the summer ball mindset, and share a game-changing hitting drill for balance and power. Plus, Nick goes on a certified bunting rant (and you’ll want to hear it). And to wrap it up? We draw some surprising parallels between The Masters and youth baseball — mental toughness, patience, and that one dream ballpark you’ll never forget.

In the debut episode of Bald Banter, we’re pulling back the curtain. It’s a raw, real intro to who we are, what this podcast is about, and why the world of baseball recruiting needs more honest conversations. We share stories, set the tone, and give you a preview of what’s to come — from future guest interviews to behind-the-scenes insights and the kind of talk you’d hear between coaches after the game. Whether you're a player, parent, or just love the game, this is where the journey starts.

Episode 2 of Spittin' Seeds is here, and we’re coming in hot. Nick was MIA, but he's back now as we dive into a packed week across Michigan baseball. We break down MHSAA Opening Week, check in on college teams and standout players, and introduce a brand-new segment: Rant of the Week—where Michael goes OFF about sliding mitts (you’ve been warned). We’re also joined by a special guest: Adam Goodwin of Prep Baseball Report. He talks scouting, player development, and what to watch for this spring and summer. Plus, a look ahead at more youth and summer baseball coverage on deck. Tap in, subscribe, and don’t forget—we’re just getting started. 

Cold Weather Bats returns with a bang, unveiling our Week 1 Super 25 Rankings — a comprehensive look at the top high school baseball teams across Michigan. From powerhouse programs to early-season risers, we break down who made the list, who just missed, and what to watch for as the season heats up. Tune in for deep insights, bold takes, and the kind of coverage only CWB can bring to Michigan’s diamond scene.

The Cold Weather Bats network is growing! In this episode, we introduce Spittin' Seeds, our newest show dedicated to raw, unfiltered baseball talk. We break down what to expect from the show, the personalities behind the mic, and why this addition makes the CWB Network even better. Plus, a look at what’s ahead for the podcast, upcoming content, and how you can get involved. Tune in and start spittin' seeds with us! ⚾

Cold Weather Bats is back for Season 5! In this episode, we break down the exciting changes ahead, including our new network format, additional shows, fresh merch, and the launch of coldweatherbats.com. Plus, we talk about what listeners can expect this season and how TeamFi is helping us grow. Buckle up! #CWB