What We Learned at the ABCA Convention: The Future of College Baseball in 2025
Charting the Future of Baseball
The 2025 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Convention in Washington, D.C., brought together thousands of baseball professionals, from youth coaches to NCAA leaders, to discuss the future of the sport. This annual event serves as a cornerstone for the baseball community, offering a unique platform to share insights, unveil innovations, and inspire the next generation of players and coaches.
From thought-provoking keynotes to cutting-edge technology exhibits, meaningful discussions on youth development, and lessons in mindfulness, this year’s convention reinforced the importance of collaboration and growth within the sport. Here’s a complete look at what made the 2025 ABCA Convention an unforgettable event—and what to expect as the baseball world looks ahead to 2026 in Columbus, Ohio.
1. Clint Hurdle’s Timeless Wisdom: "Hurdle-isms" to Lead By
One of the most talked-about sessions was delivered by Clint Hurdle, whose mix of humor, humility, and leadership lessons captivated the audience. Clint’s “Hurdle-isms,” as shared by coaching legend Jerry Weinstein, offered a masterclass in coaching and life philosophy.
Some of the gems from his talk included:
"Take your job serious, don’t take yourself serious."
"Blend analytics & human analytics."
"Service before self."
"In life, the only thing that is fair is a ball between 1st & 3rd."
"If you are walking & no one is behind you, you are walking alone."
Hurdle also emphasized the importance of quick solutions for players, saying:
"Have ‘pit stop’ quick fixes available for your players to get them through the day."
Hurdle’s message, paired with his upcoming book Hurdle-isms, left a lasting impression on attendees, showcasing how leadership and humility are as vital to coaching as strategy and skill development.
At Baseball Bluebook, we’ve long admired Clint’s message. Last year, we highlighted his X account (@ClintHurdle) as a must-follow for coaches and players alike. After this year’s convention, we’re even more convinced of the power of his insights and encourage everyone to engage with his inspiring posts.
2. Danielle Martin and the Power of Mindfulness
Another standout session came from Danielle Martin, who brought the conversation around mindfulness and mental health to the forefront of the convention. Martin emphasized the importance of cultivating mental strength and focus in athletes, particularly in high-pressure environments.
“Baseball isn’t just a physical game—it’s a mental one,” Martin shared. “Athletes need tools to manage stress, improve focus, and recover from setbacks. Mindfulness gives players the ability to stay present and perform at their best.”
Her session provided practical strategies for coaches to implement mindfulness techniques with their teams, including:
Breathing Exercises: Helping players calm their nerves and reset during high-pressure moments.
Visualization Techniques: Encouraging athletes to mentally rehearse success.
Daily Gratitude Practices: Building resilience by focusing on positive aspects of the game and life.
At Baseball Bluebook, we’ve had the privilege of featuring Danielle Martin on our podcast, where she shared even more insights into the role of mental health and mindfulness in baseball. If you haven’t yet listened, we encourage you to check out the episode—it’s a must for coaches, players, and parents who want to better understand the mental side of the game.
3. Youth Baseball: Building Strong Foundations
Youth baseball was a major focus at the convention, with sessions aimed at improving the developmental experience for young players. Coaches, including high school coach Scott Anderson, offered actionable strategies to improve the game from the grassroots level.
One critical theme was the importance of educating parents about player development. Anderson, who shared his thoughts on X (@LightningPitch), emphasized:
“Parents are the customers. We need to spend more time educating parents. A December tournament might be fun, but is it good for your player?”
Other key points from the youth baseball discussions included:
Balancing Games and Development: Many sessions highlighted the importance of prioritizing practice time over excessive game schedules, allowing players to focus on skill development. As Anderson noted, “Games are just tests in the end. You need time to prepare for the test.”
Promoting Multi-Sport Participation: Encouraging young athletes to play multiple sports was a recurring topic, with coaches emphasizing the benefits of physical and mental recovery between seasons.
Creating Passion Beyond Baseball: Coaches discussed how exposing players to other activities and sports can foster well-rounded athletes and help prevent burnout.
These sessions made it clear that youth baseball is about more than preparing players for the next level—it’s about teaching life lessons, fostering passion, and ensuring the game remains accessible and enjoyable.
4. Coach Rob Henry: Finding Your Coaching Voice
Rob Henry, head coach at Kentucky State University, shared his reflections on how the ABCA Convention has influenced his coaching journey. Having attended the convention since the late 1990s, Henry spoke about the importance of finding your own voice as a coach:
“As a young coach, I wanted to emulate the legends I admired, but I learned that their voice wasn’t my voice. Over time, I’ve discovered what works for me and my players.”
Henry praised the variety of speakers, from big names like Tony Vitello and Clint Hurdle to lesser-known but equally impactful presenters. He highlighted the value of taking small, actionable insights and adapting them to fit your program’s needs.
“The ABCA is about learning from others, but also about applying those lessons in a way that aligns with your philosophy. It’s not just what they say—it’s how you make it work for your team.”
Henry also reflected on the camaraderie at the convention, describing it as a unique opportunity to connect with peers and exchange stories and strategies:
“The relationships you build here are invaluable. Whether you’re sharing stories in a breakout session or catching up with old friends, the ABCA reminds us why we love this game.
5. Groundbreaking Technology in Baseball
The ABCA Trade Show provided a glimpse into the future of baseball, with hundreds of exhibitors showcasing cutting-edge tools and equipment. From advanced data analytics to innovative training aids, the trade show reinforced the transformative role of technology in player development.Highlights included:
TrackMan and Rapsodo: Tools that provide granular data on pitch movement, spin rates, and exit velocity, helping players and coaches optimize performance.
Edutronic Cameras: High-speed cameras offering detailed insights into player mechanics.
Baseball Bluebook: Our platform was prominently featured, showcasing how technology can connect athletes with coaches by allowing players to upload metrics, videos, and academic profiles
“Technology is revolutionizing the game,” one attendee remarked. “It’s giving players and coaches tools to fine-tune their approach like never before.”
6. Recruitment Challenges and NCAA Changes
Recruitment was a major focus at the convention, particularly as the NCAA prepares to announce new guidelines on April 7, 2025. These rulings are expected to address roster caps, scholarships, and JUCO eligibility, reshaping the recruitment landscape for years to come.
Scott Jackson, recruiting coordinator at UNC, spoke about the shifting dynamics:
“Recruiting has become about readiness. Athletes need to show they can contribute immediately—physically, mentally, and emotionally.”
With the growing impact of the transfer portal and JUCO players gaining additional eligibility, high school athletes face a more competitive environment. Families were encouraged to focus on preparation, resilience, and leveraging platforms like Baseball Bluebook to stand out.
7. Leadership and Team Culture
Sessions on leadership and culture emphasized the importance of building strong team dynamics and fostering resilience in players. John Savage, head coach at UCLA, noted:
“Culture is what sustains success. Talent might win games, but culture builds championships. It’s about creating an environment where players feel like they belong and can thrive.”
The emphasis on culture reminded attendees that great teams are built on trust, accountability, and shared values.
8. Amazing Conversations and Innovative Ideas
One of the most powerful aspects of the ABCA Convention is the opportunity for coaches and leaders to connect. Throughout the event, meaningful conversations took place, with attendees sharing experiences, strategies, and innovative ideas.
Whether discussing analytics, team management, or youth development, the convention was a reminder of the collaborative spirit that defines baseball.
Looking Ahead to 2026 in Columbus, Ohio
As the convention concludes, excitement is already building for next year’s event in Columbus, Ohio. Known for its passionate baseball culture, Columbus is set to host an even larger and more dynamic gathering.
What to expect in 2026:
Enhanced Youth Programming: More workshops tailored to grassroots coaches and players.
Expanded Trade Show: New exhibitors and the latest in baseball technology and equipment.
Inspiring Speakers: A diverse lineup of thought leaders and industry experts.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 ABCA Convention was a celebration of baseball’s enduring spirit and a testament to the dedication of those who nurture the game at every level. From Clint Hurdle’s timeless wisdom and Danielle Martin’s mindfulness lessons to youth-focused sessions, groundbreaking technology, and meaningful conversations, this year’s event highlighted the power of collaboration and innovation in driving the sport forward.
At Baseball Bluebook, we remain committed to supporting players, families, and coaches with the tools and resources they need to succeed. As we look ahead to Columbus in 2026, let’s carry the lessons of this year’s convention forward—on the field, in the dugout, and beyond.
Together, we’re shaping the future of baseball—one conversation, one innovation, and one season at a time. See you in Columbus!