Cold Weather Bats is your go-to podcast network for everything Michigan high school baseball. Hosted by experienced coaches, we offer a comprehensive collection of shows that cover all aspects of the sport. We talk everything from Michigan high school baseball to recruiting and more. Dive into The Mitten State’s baseball scene with rankings, game previews, exclusive interviews, player development, leadership building, and the unique challenges of baseball in the Midwest.
Whether you’re a coach, player, or fan, Cold Weather Bats brings insightful conversations, expert guests, and actionable advice to help you thrive in Michigan’s cold-weather baseball scene.
"It's Just Baseball": Dante Nori Kicks Off Season 2026
Cold Weather Bats is back for the 2026 offseason, and we're starting with a big one. Michael Rubenstein welcomes new co-host Tom Cavanaugh, the voice behind Wayne State, Macomb Community College, and USPBL broadcasts, as Brandon Justice steps back with his move to Kentucky.
Our first guest is Northville's own Dante Nori. The former Mississippi State commit chose to chase a state title with Dan Cimini his senior year, then went 27th overall to the Philadelphia Phillies. Since then he's climbed to Double-A, helped Reading win its first Eastern League championship since 1995, and earned a spot on the World Baseball Classic All-Tournament Team for Team Italy as the only player on it without big league time.
Dante walks us through the jump from High-A to Double-A, playing through a stress fracture and staying sharp during rehab, standing in left field while Team USA's crowd shook the stadium, sharing a clubhouse with fellow Michigan native Jacob Marcy, and getting tips from Kyle Schwarber and Brandon Marsh in big league camp. He also takes us inside draft night, the combine interviews (including the great peanut butter debate), and every step of Northville's run to the state title over Brother Rice. Before heading to the Arizona Fall League with the Surprise Saguaros, he leaves young players with one simple piece of advice: have fun, because it's a kid's game.
Plus, the CWB Top 100 and our fall preseason Super 25 drop this October on Patreon first, and newly committed Michigan players can build a free commitment graphic at coldweatherbats.com.
Follow @ColdWeatherBats everywhere and subscribe at patreon.com/coldweatherbats.
6 Mar 2026
Recapping the CWB Player Draft and Combine Ahead of Tryouts
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
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📱 @coldweatherbats on all socials
20 Feb 2026
The Player Draft Preview Show
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.
Who has been a guest on Cold Weather Bats
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Brian Sakowski
Broder Katke
Marc Deschanes
Zach Sorensen
Donovan Santas
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
YouTube views
4,612
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Apple Podcasts (US)
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
4 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 44 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
45
Social presence
0
YouTube
74
Engagement
32
Contact Cold Weather Bats
Guest appearances
Books guests
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