2025 Hempstead Baseball Preview with Coach Jeff Rapp

·23 min·2 clips

Hempstead's coach admits they struck out way too much last year and must change their team approach at the plate.

The episode begins with host Coach Nick Manneman introducing the show and guest Jeff Rapp, head coach of the Dubuque Hempstead Mustangs baseball team. Manneman notes his personal connection to Hempstead as his alma mater. Rapp expresses excitement for the upcoming season and discusses productive offseason workouts. Reflecting on the 2024 season, Rapp identifies high strikeout rates as a major problem and emphasizes the need for a better team approach at the plate. He mentions key returners like Reed Strohmeyer, an all-state shortstop committed to Nebraska, and pitcher Xander Wiskus. Rapp outlines team goals focused on mental competitiveness and cohesion rather than win-loss targets. The schedule includes challenging early games against teams like Cedar Rapids-Kennedy and West Dubuque. A format change for intercity games to doubleheaders is discussed, with Rapp noting it will affect pitching strategy. He details the senior-led roster, including players like Jace Canfield and Caleb Paulson, and highlights pitcher Will Steffen's development and fandom of the podcast. Rapp mentions promising newcomers such as Evan Hafel and Colin Brown. Offensive identity is described as between power and small ball, with pitching depth relying on Wiskus, Steffen, and others. Defensively, corner infield is a focus area for improvement. Rapp discusses maintaining program culture and growth despite recent disappointing seasons. He advises young players to be versatile, play multiple sports, and avoid early specialization. The episode concludes with sponsor thanks and Rapp describing the team as 'coachable'.

As heard by us

A grounded Hempstead roster check, centered on returning arms, defensive flexibility, and Reed Strohmeyer's all-state profile.

Jeff Rapp's Hempstead preview works best as a practical roster check on how the program can lean on returning pieces as the season approaches.

Read the full review in PlayNext →

Why you'd press play

Want a Hempstead roster check before the baseball season gets moving?

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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