Jeff Schaefer: Jeff Schaefer is a former MLB infielder with a 14-year professional baseball career, including five seasons in Major League Baseball with the Chicago White Sox, Seattle Mariners, and Oakland A's. A standout collegiate player at the University of Maryland, he was a 1st Team All-ACC selection and an honorable mention All-American. After retiring from professional play, Schaefer founded Pro Stock Baseball Academy, where he focuses on training and mentoring post-graduate and high school athletes. He also leads Advocacy Baseball Consultants, helping young players navigate the recruitment process.
Todd Friedman: Todd Friedman is a former Division 1 baseball player for Winthrop University who is actively involved in the baseball industry alongside Jeff Schaefer. He plays a major role in Advocacy Baseball Consultants, supporting the development and recruitment of young baseball players. Additionally, Todd holds a position with Blast Motion, where he focuses on applying advanced technology to enhance player performance and training.
Andrew Zike: Andrew Zike is the Co-Regional Director with Jeff Schaefer and is actively involved with the USA Baseball NTIS program, focusing on scouting and evaluating young athletes. His work centers on identifying elite talent and bringing them to Cary, NC, with the goal of advancing them to the 40-man trials and the National Development Program. Each step provides these athletes with opportunities to make a USA Baseball National Team.
What is the Schaefer Baseball Report mainly about?
Future Guests?
Advocacy Baseball Consultants
Can you explain what Advocacy Baseball Consultants is and the role it plays in helping young athletes?
What challenges do high school players face during the recruitment process, and how does Advocacy Baseball Consultants assist in overcoming them?
With recent changes in the recruiting landscape, how important is it for athletes to have guidance in navigating these complexities?
What sets Advocacy Baseball Consultants apart from other recruitment services?
NCAA Rule Changes
The NCAA has recently made some changes to its rules—what are the biggest impacts you've seen on player recruitment and development?
How do these NCAA rule changes affect the way you advise and guide players through the recruitment process?
What adjustments have programs like yours had to make in response to these changes?
Do you think these new rules are ultimately beneficial for high school athletes, or do they pose more challenges?
Pro Stock Royals Baseball Academy
Tell us about the Pro Stock Royals Baseball Academy. What inspired you to start this program?
What does a typical training session look like at the Pro Stock Royals Academy?
How does your academy prepare players both physically and mentally for the next level, whether that's college or professional baseball?
What are some of the key values you instill in players at the Pro Stock Royals Baseball Academy?
USA Baseball
You've been involved with USA Baseball—how has that experience shaped your approach to coaching and player development?
What makes USA Baseball such an important organization in the development of young players?
How does representing your country through USA Baseball compare to playing for an MLB team?
What are some of the biggest challenges and rewards of working with USA Baseball?
MLB Playoffs
As a former MLB player, what makes the postseason atmosphere different from regular season games?
Which teams do you think have the best chance of winning the World Series this year, and why?
How has the playoff format evolved over the years, and do you think the current format is good for the game? 8. What role do you think veteran leadership plays in the playoffs, especially with younger players stepping up in big moments?