Moms and Baseball: Recent Episodes
Diana Stephens & Stephanie Malley
Moms and Baseball is a podcast for youth baseball moms, dads, coaches, and players. Co-hosts Diana Stephens and Stephanie Malley share their thoughts and stories--but more importantly, interview experts--relating to all levels of baseball: Little League / rec, travel / select, high school / showcase, college, and beyond. Plus look for appearances by special guest hosts, including Patrick and Trevor, for special Baseball Dads episodes and more! Check out our Facebook group, "Parents and Baseball." @momsandbaseball on Facebook and Instagram. https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Diana and Stephanie do a quick update on life, talk about the upcoming baseball season, and discuss the hot topic of Alyssa Milano’s gofundme for her son’s Cooperstown baseball trip.
Apologies for the robotic-sounding audio on this one -- we were having some technological difficulties on Diana's end!
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Mentions:
Alyssa Milano GoFundMe story
NBC News Alyssa Milano
Episode 19 Moms and Baseball Fundraising Ideas
Diana and Stephanie discuss The 5 Love Languages by Gary Chapman.
- Words of Affirmation
- Acts of Service
- Quality Time
- Giving Gifts
- Physical Touch
They discuss what love language their teens speak. Take the quiz here to find out your love language, as well as your teens love language to improve the way you communicate.
Follow Moms and Baseball:
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Holiday Gift Guide for Baseball Families
Youth
- Kids Electronic Baseball Pitching Machine
- Crocs with jibbitz
- Blitzball Starter Pack
- WebGlove Training Glove
- Sliding mitt, Black Friday deals on elbow guards
- Baseball Lifestyle 101 clothes
- Baseballism clothes
- Personalized Number Charm Necklace
- Subscription boxes: Plate Crate, Inside the Batters Box, The Baseball Box, Sports Box Co.
- Camwood training bat
- Baseball cards - holiday mega box at walmart $25, Topps Value box
Teen
- Bruce Bolt Batting Gloves
- Weighted Blanket: Black Friday Deal $34.87
- Necklace: Iced Out Diamond Chain, $16.88 with 20% off coupon
- Victus No. 2 wooden bat
- Oakley Men's Sunglasses: Black Friday Deal $118.95
- Blenders sunglasses –Black Friday Deal $41.30
- Number necklace (black friday deal - $7.91)
- Beats by Dr. Dre Solo3 Wireless On-Ear Headphones: Black Friday Deal $99.95
- Gym Membership
- Batting Cage with HitTrax Membership
Adults
- Hooded Stadium Blanket: Black Friday Deal $29.58
- Hand Warmers Rechargeable- Black Friday Deal $24.99
- Portable Charger-Black Friday Deal $31.99
- Simple Modern 40oz tumbler $29.99
- GCI Outdoor Big Comfort Stadium Chair With Armrests $92.39
- GCI Rocker Chair Black Friday Deal $55.99
- Baseball diffuser necklace (charm - $8)
- Large (golf) umbrella Black Friday deal $20.90
- Weather pod $69.99 after $30 coupon
- Savannah Banana tickets
Gifts under $20
- Bat tape: Lizard skins
- Athletic tape in team colors
- Pine tar grip spray
- Hydration packets: Prime, LMNT, Liquid IV
- Silicone wristbands with motivational words
- Customized arm sleeve with initials or number
- Eye black
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Stephanie and Diana discuss a poll from Parents and Baseball and share the honest truth about why we started down the travel baseball path.
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Diana and Stephanie sit down to update a bit about what our summer baseball season looked like and try to examine where the newfound feeling of baseball burnout is coming from.
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This episode we are reviewing the WWBA 2026 Grads Tournament with special guest, Patrick Malley. The WWBA 15u National Championshiptook place at East Cobb Complex and surrounding Atlanta facilities.
Location(s):PG East Cobb Complex
Hog Mountain Sports Complex, Flowery Branch, GA
Alpharetta High School, Alpharetta, GA
North Forsyth High School, Cumming, GA
Rating
- Facility: 4/ 5 points
- Tournament Management: 4/ 5 points
- Fees: 3/ 5 points
- Restrooms: 5/5 points
- Umpires: 3/ 3 points
- Concessions: 1/ 2 points
- Miscellaneous: 4/ 5 points
TOTAL RATING: 24/ 30 (Triple)Note: Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us.
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Follow Moms and Baseball:
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We all know how all the expenses from travel baseball can add up over the season, so today we are going to talk about why you are spending too much money on travel baseball, and what you can do to lower the overall cost.
Follow Moms and Baseball:
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Mentions
Episode 019: Moms and Baseball Fundraising Ideas
Episode 026: Interview with Minor League Mom, Debbie Mikolajchak
Today we are talking about the inside scoop of college recruiting from a former Ivy League coach’s perspective. To help us with this topic we invited special guest Kayla Noonan. Kayla was the head softball coach at Columbia University for 14 years and she is sharing her expertise on recruiting, athlete characteristics coaches look for, and expectations as a college freshman.
Follow Moms and Baseball:
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Mentions:Highest Degree: Former Bay City All Saints standout Kayla Noonan finishes her ninth season at the helm of the Columbia University softball program
Today we are reflecting on our 15-years-combined experience of being a baseball parent and discussing all the things we have learned that we wish we knew when our kids started travel ball. Listen and find out what made our top 9 list.
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Mentions:Episode 7: Moms and Game Day EssentialsEpisode 100: Baseball and More from a 15 yo Perspective, Part 2"Going Out to Eat" Interview
This is our 100th episode and we want to thank all our listeners for continuing to share and listen to our episodes. We are so proud and happy to create some great content for parents, coaches, youth athletes and anyone else that loves baseball.
Today, Stephanie interviews Keegan, her 15-year old son, to hear his perspective on some baseball topics. They discuss his favorite Little League memories, favorite tournament destination, and his thoughts on negative comments on social media, sports anxiety, his view on the new MLB rules, his goal of playing D1 college baseball, and more.
You can follow Keegan and his journey on Instagram @Keegan_m.15 or on Twitter @Malley_k
Follow Moms and Baseball:
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We are so excited to welcome back special guest Susana Lluch. Susana is Alek Manoah & Erik Manoah’s mom who previously joined us for Episode 65 back in November 2021. Today she joins Stephanie and Diana to catch up and talk baseball--especially the World Baseball Classic (WBC).
Mentioned:
- Episode 65
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Today we are discussing the dangers of Performance Enhancing Drugs (PEDs) including anabolic steroids, Human Growth Hormone (HGH), some energy drinks, and also some dietary supplements. We invited special guest Don Hooton, Jr. to talk about this important topic and why it is such an important topic to him. Don discusses the warning signs and the dangers of these drugs to parents and youth athletes.
For more information you can visit the Taylor Hooton Foundation and learn about nutritional supplement safety, the All Me Assembly programs, All Me podcast, and the All Me League.
And remember, there’s no substitution for hard work!
Mentioned:Episode 97
NCAA Banned Substances
MLB Prohibited Substances List
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Today we are discussing why nutrition is the most important piece of the performance puzzle for athletes. Our expert is Sports Dietitian, Tavis Piattoly. He's been working in the field of high performance and Sports Nutrition for the past 21 years designing personalized nutrition programs for high school, college, and professional athletes.
Additional topics we discuss are:
- What to eat before, or during, tournament games.
- Hydration for hot weather baseball, electrolytes, and beet powder.
- Some of the most most recommend supplements for athletes include an Omega 3 FA, Creatine 3-5 grams per day, and a multivitamin with Vitamin D.
- Supplement safety.
- Eat 2 Win Nutrition App
If you have any additional questions for Tavis, you can contact him through our page or by email at tpiattoly@mysportsd.com.
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Today we are discussing our opinions about travel baseball and whether the travel baseball market is oversaturated with baseball organizations? And if there are too many teams, does it matter? What would that mean?
On Deck:
We speak with a sports dietician about nutritional needs for young athletes.
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Mentions: - The Shift, by Walter Beede- Episode 14- DadsTakeover - Choosing a Travel Team - Episode 61 - Should I Stay or Should I Go? 10 Considerations Before Leaving your Travel Team
Today Diana interviews Xander, her 15-year old son, to hear his perspective on baseball. They discuss his experience with travel/select ball, rec ball and his thoughts on possible regrets, parent pet-peeves, the possibility of playing college baseball, and more.
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Today we are talking about Damar Hamlin, commotio cordis and cardiac arrest, how it is relevant to baseball, and what if anything can be done to help prevent it.
We recently witnessed the clip of Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin collapsing after a collision with Bengals wide receiver in a NFL football game. People have speculated that Hamlin went into cardiac arrest from commotio cordis. Our understanding is that for commotio cordis to occur, the impact has to occur in the right place (right over the heart), at the right time in the heart’s rhythm, by an object of a specific size. In this case, an opponent’s shoulder. The treatment is immediately administering CPR, and using an AED (automated external defibrillator) until medical professionals arrive.
The National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE)
is an independent, non-profit organization that funded research to develop the world’s first performance standard to protect against commotio cordis in 2018. The performance standard applies to the protectors worn in the sports of baseball and lacrosse. Today, the National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) and NCAA require all catchers to wear protectors that meet the standard. Some of these products can include a traditional style chest protector but may also include compression shirts and coverings that are more suited for positional players or pitchers. For a complete list of current products that meet the standard, visit Safety Equipment Institute, which is the only entity that certifies equipment to NOCSAE standards.
Disclaimer: we are not medical professionals so please consider that anything shared in this episode is NOT medical advice. We are just moms wanting to keep our kids as safe as possible while playing the sport they love, and doing some google research for you.
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Articles used for this episode:https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2023/01/05/commotio-cordis-mitigating-risks/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3445066/
https://www.sportsmedtoday.com/commotio-cordis-va-88.htm
https://www.chicagotribune.com/investigations/ct-chest-protectors-commotio-cordis-standard-met-20160408-story.htmlhttps://nocsae.orghttps://www.seinet.org/search.htmsection=SportsAthleticsandRecreation#sections=NOCSAE_collapse3,NOCSAE_Baseball_collapse31
Today we are sharing Stephanie's favorite episode of 2022, which was Episode 83: Moms and Pitch Counts.
Today's episode we are talking about pitch counts and why parents need to be aware. Tommy John surgery is on the rise and not just for MLB pitchers either. Diana and Stephanie discuss Tommy John surgery, pitch counts and rest days, recommendations for parents to protect their youth players arm, and pitch count apps. One more tip discussed was NOT to use ice for muscle soreness or after pitching/throwing. Your youth player needs active recovery to help rebuild that muscle. If you want to hear more about recovery, check out our episode 24: Arm Care Advice, Part 2 with Dr. Ryan Brown. Recommendations/Guidelines to follow:
- Make sure to properly warm up before pitching
- Avoid playing catcher while not pitching
- Players should not pitch in multiple games on the same day
- Monitor for other signs of fatigue
- No pitcher shall appear in a game as a pitcher for three consecutive days, regardless of pitch counts
- No overhead throwing of any kind for at least 2 to 3 months per year (4 months is preferred). No competitive baseball pitching for at least 4 months per year.
MLB Pitch Smart GuidelinesLittle League Pitching Rules
Articles:
Tommy John Surgery Saves The Careers of Pitchers, But We May Need To Get Ready For A New Problem…Experts Warn Parents About Recent Uptick In Youth Baseball Injuries
Apps:
- Gamechanger (free)
- Pitch X -Pitch Counter (free)
- Pitch Counter & Radar Gun (free)
- Pitch Locator Pro (fee)
Mentioned in Episode:Episode 24: Arm Care Advice, Part 2 with Dr. Ryan BrownEpisode 83: Moms and Pitch Counts
For the last 2 episodes of 2022, we each pick our favorite episode to re-share. This is Diana's Favorite of 2022: Episode 73- College Athletic Recruiting with with Coach Renee Lopez.
Coach Lopez is a 20-year coaching veteran, and an expert in the college recruiting process. She has served as the NCAA compliance director and has also learned the recruiting process from having worked as a high school varsity head coach for three years and a college coach for 14, in NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA.
Coach Lopez has written a book, "Looking for a Full Ride? An Insider's Recruiting Guide," which has been featured on ESPN Radio & SiriusXMI.
We found Coach Lopez through the Facebook group, "Educating Parents of HS Athletes on the College Recruiting Process," where she and a group of experts are helping over 50,000 member parents navigate the athletic recruiting process.
This episode is jam-packed with helpful advice from Coach Lopez, including the following:
- Common misconceptions about the recruiting process
- When/how should kids start actively working to get on a college coach’s radar
- Considerations when making lists of potential colleges
- The "broken leg test"
- How to contact a coach through social media
- What is the NCAA Eligibility Center and why should your athlete start checking his/her high school's core courses now?
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Today is Part 2 of our mini-series with Lisa Messey. Lisa is back to discuss college baseball camps, which were vital in the process of her son Drew's verbal commitment to University of Louisville as a 2026 grad. In particular, Lisa shares her son's experience at the week-long camp at Vanderbilt University.
In addition, Stephanie shares her son Keegan's experience at the College Day Workouts he did with the Midwest Canes at the University of Cincinnati and Indiana University.
Finally, Diana briefly compares those experiences to a camp that Xander attended at D3 Alma College.
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Mentions:
Episode 90: Verbally Committing as a Young Player- One Family's Story
Episode 74: College Baseball Camps
In Part 1 of a 2-part series with return guest Lisa Messey, we discuss her son Drew's recent verbal commitment to the University of Louisville as a Class of 26 shortstop. Lisa walks us through what that process looked like for them, including the "why" and "how" of verbally committing as an underclassman.
Mentioned:
Episode 74: College Baseball Camps
Episode 73: College Athletic Recruiting with Coach Renee Lopez
Follow Moms and Baseball:
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Ballparks of America, Week-long Tournament (12u & 13u)
Location:
Branson, Missouri
Grading Scale:
Fields: 5/5 points
Tournament Management: 4.5/5 points
Fees: 5/5
Restrooms: 4/5 points not many, long walk, a little messy
Umpires: 3/3 points
Concessions: 2/2 points
Miscellaneous: 5/5 points pins
TOTAL RATING: 28.5/30 (GRAND SLAM)
Note: Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us. We will keep the show notes updated with any corrected/updated information so please make sure to check those out on our website: https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Mentioned:
- Episode 51: Ripken Experience vs Ballparks of America
- Episode 52: Unofficial Guide to Ballparks of America
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Grading System:
- 5 pts: Fields/Facilities (maintained, fences, turf, lights, bleachers, nets, etc)
- 5 pts: Tournament management (Scheduling, communication, rules, etc)
- 5 pts: Fees (Tournament, parking, entry)
- 5 pts: Restrooms
- 3 pts: Umpires
- 2 pts: Concessions
- 5 pts: Miscellaneous (location, coolers, alcohol, dogs, playground, things to do, trophy type, etc.)
Follow Moms and Baseball:
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Today we spoke with guest Matt Distelrath about a unique hybrid of travel baseball and community/Little League baseball in St. Clair, Michigan. We also learn all about when Matt coached Jake Cronenworth, star baseball player with the San Diego Padres, in Little League and what Jake was like as a 12-year old.
Matt played both baseball and basketball at Concordia University, and then coached there for several years. He has also coached Little League and travel baseball for St. Clair Little League and the St. Clair Longhorns/Padres on and off since 2004, and is a high school basketball coach.
Mentioned
Episode 21 with Jason Ball - Dads Takeover College Recruiting
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Good Grief, Momma!
Lifelong friends who love talking about all things momming and marriage.
Listen on: Apple Podcasts Spotify
In honor of National Suicide Prevention month, we invited back our favorite Directors of Athletics-- Steve Young and Michael Gulino-- to discuss mental health of student athletes.
Steve Young is a current Director of Athletics at New Rochelle School District (just outside Manhattan).
Michael Gulino is a retired Director of Athletics from Byram Hills School District, also in New York.
You can reach either of them via email:
Michael at mjgulino88@gmail.com and Steve at syoung@nredlearn.org.
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*Mentions:Race to Nowhere InSideOut Coaching - Joe EhrmannThe Weight of Gold - Michael Phelps
*We may have included affiliate links to earn a small commission for Moms and Baseball
Today we discuss commonly understood, yet mostly-unspoken "rules" of travel baseball etiquette for parents, players, and coaches.
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PBR Great Lakes UnderclassmenReview in Toledo, Ohio
June 3-6
14u-16u
17 teams in 14u - Majors level teams Location(s):GLENWOOD ATHLETIC COMPLEX - TURF / Perrysburg, OH
OTTAWA HILLS HS / Ottawa Hills, OH
SIENA HEIGHTS UNIVERSITY - TURF / Adrian, MI
OUSKY FIELD - TURF / Oregon, OH
PEMBERVILLE LEGION / Pemberville, OH
Rating
- Facility: 5/ 5 points
- Tournament Management: 5/ 5 points
- Fees: 4/ 5 points
- Restrooms: 4/5 points
- Umpires: 2/ 3 points
- Concessions: 1/ 2 points
- Miscellaneous: 5/ 5 points
TOTAL RATING: 26/ 30 (HOME RUN)Note: Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us.
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Grading System:
- 5 pts: Fields/Facilities (maintained, fences, turf, lights, bleachers, nets, etc)
- 5 pts: Tournament management (Scheduling, communication, rules, etc)
- 5 pts: Fees (Tournament, parking, entry)
- 5 pts: Restrooms
- 3 pts: Umpires
- 2 pts: Concessions
- 5 pts: Miscellaneous (location, coolers, alcohol, dogs, playground, things to do, trophy type, etc.)
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
Today's episode we are talking about pitch counts and why parents need to be aware. Tommy John surgery is on the rise and not just for MLB pitchers either. Diana and Stephanie discuss Tommy John surgery, pitch counts and rest days, recommendations for parents to protect their youth players arm, and pitch count apps. One more tip discussed was NOT to use ice for muscle soreness or after pitching/throwing. Your youth player needs active recovery to help rebuild that muscle. If you want to hear more about recovery, check out our episode 24: Arm Care Advice, Part 2 with Dr. Ryan Brown. Recommendations/Guidelines to follow:
- Make sure to properly warm up before pitching
- Avoid playing catcher while not pitching
- Players should not pitch in multiple games on the same day
- Monitor for other signs of fatigue
- No pitcher shall appear in a game as a pitcher for three consecutive days, regardless of pitch counts
- No overhead throwing of any kind for at least 2 to 3 months per year (4 months is preferred). No competitive baseball pitching for at least 4 months per year.
MLB Pitch Smart GuidelinesLittle League Pitching Rules
Articles:
Tommy John Surgery Saves The Careers of Pitchers, But We May Need To Get Ready For A New Problem…Experts Warn Parents About Recent Uptick In Youth Baseball Injuries
Apps:
- Gamechanger (free)
- Pitch X -Pitch Counter (free)
- Pitch Counter & Radar Gun (free)
- Pitch Locator Pro (fee)
Mentioned in Episode:Episode 24: Arm Care Advice, Part 2 with Dr. Ryan Brown
K Sports Ohio Valley Classic Scouted by PBR14u Location(s):First Watch Fields/WCBC - Kemba Baseball ComplexWest Chester, Ohio
Blue Ash Sports Center
Cincinnati, Ohio
Warren County Sports Park
Lebanon, OhioToday we talk about the K Sports Ohio Valley Classic that took place in and near Cincinnati, Ohio April 22-24.
Rating
- Facility: 4.5/ 5 points
- Tournament Management: 5/ 5 points
- Fees: 3/ 5 points
- Restrooms: 5/5 points
- Umpires: 3/ 3 points
- Concessions: 1/ 2 points
- Miscellaneous: 4.5/ 5 points
TOTAL RATING: 25.5/ 30 (HOME RUN)
Note: Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us.
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Grading System:
- 5 pts: Fields/Facilities (maintained, fences, turf, lights, bleachers, nets, etc)
- 5 pts: Tournament management (Scheduling, communication, rules, etc)
- 5 pts: Fees (Tournament, parking, entry)
- 5 pts: Restrooms
- 3 pts: Umpires
- 2 pts: Concessions
- 5 pts: Miscellaneous (location, coolers, alcohol, dogs, playground, things to do, trophy type, etc.)
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
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- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
We welcome back Amber to discuss our most controversial topic to date. This is an issue that we have seen cause teams to blow-up overnight.
We discuss how we define guest players and fill-in players, and how/when we believe these players should be picked up by a coach. Amber also offers some especially interesting insight that families may want to consider before having their son/daughter play for another team on an "off" weekend.
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Mentions: Episode 17: Moms Discuss GameDay and Baseball Youth Events Episode 18: Moms Discuss New Year's Baseball Fest
Today we are joined by special guest Jeff Petty, President & CEO of Canes Baseball, and coach of Canes Baseball 17u National Team.
Jeff shares the history of Canes Baseball and explains what the organization looks like today. He also talks about his National Mets Scouting team and how that works--and of course, what's up with the bus!
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Mentioned in Episode:Episode 72: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1348060/episodes/9883752 Canes Baseball, MLB Opening Day Rosters: https://twitter.com/TheCanesBB/status/1512194991841456129?s=20&t=cD7gEK2NCSockyHrj74PEQ
Diana's husband, Dr. Trevor Grice, returns to talk about a topic that is near and dear to his heart: how to be a more effective coach through communication and relationship building.
Episode Mentions:
Episode 71- The Car Ride Home - How Do Kids Really Feel?Episode 77- How to Effect Culture Change in a Failing Athletic Program
Follow Moms and Baseball:
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- You can also listen to episodes on Moms and Baseball Facebook page
Today we’re talking about the difference between sports teams or programs with winning cultures vs. those with losing cultures and what can be done to effect a positive culture change.
We are joined by guests Steve Young and Michael Gulino, who are well-regarded Directors of Athletics and educators in the state of New York and nationally.
Steve Young is a current Director of Athletics at New Rochelle School District (just outside Manhattan).
Michael Gulino is a retired Director of Athletics from Byram Hills School District, also in New York.
We stumbled upon their names after doing a google search about how to change from a losing culture in athletics to a winning one. That search led us to a slideshow that had accompanied a presentation by Michael and Steve at the National Athletic Directors conference in Nashville in 2016. It was titled, "Changing the Climate and Culture in a Struggling Athletic Program."
Michael and Steve share some fantastic insight about how to effect a positive culture change in this episode! You can reach Michael at mjgulino88@gmail.com and Steve at syoung@nredlearn.org.
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
- You can also listen to episodes on Moms and Baseball Facebook page
Extra Resources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2001/09/02/nyregion/for-the-record-for-athletic-director-down-time-is-rare.html
https://www.nytimes.com/2006/02/12/nyregion/for-the-record-its-not-the-sport-its-the-sportsmanship.html
https://madisonwestathletics.sportngin.com/page/show/5731578-mental-health-resources
https://members.niaaa.org/
Today's "mini" episode is a part of our player spotlight series. Stephanie tells the story of a multi-sport collegiate level athlete that goes on to become a part of the NFL and the MLB at the same time.
This episode was inspired by watching a lot of college baseball recently. Stephanie came across a highlight video of an Ole Miss baseball player that hit a home run 404 feet. His name is Tywone Malone, and he is also a nose tackle on the Ole Miss football team. Multi-sport athletes are pretty popular in youth sports but as you get to high school, coaches are more demanding and can put pressure on an athlete to choose one sport. So in the collegiate arena, a multi-sport athlete is pretty rare. And a multi-sport professional athlete is even more rare. Which brings me to one of my favorite baseball players, Bo Jackson.
Bo Jackson personifies how hard work and determination can help you attain your goals, and dreams. Even in multiple sports.
Hopefully you enjoy Bo's story as much as we do!
Resources:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bo_Jacksonhttp://encyclopediaofalabama.org
Spring baseball is right around the corner, and we are getting ready by sharing baseball parent hacks. These are the top hacks we found on the Internet, as well as hacks suggested by friends and ones we have found ourselves.
Mentions:
- 007: Moms and Game Day Essentials
- Sandwich Hack
Follow Moms and Baseball:
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- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
- You can also listen to episodes on Moms and Baseball Facebook page
**This episode we are talking about Baseball College Camps. In our last episode with Coach Renee Lopez, she mentioned attending college camps can be beneficial in the college recruiting process. So we enlisted another baseball mom, Lisa Messey, as our special guest to give us some insight on this experience.
Lisa's son, Drew Messey, attended the University Of Missouri (Mizzou Prospect) Winter Baseball Camp December 18-19*. Stephanie's son Keegan also attended the* University of Michigan Baseball Winter Development Camp January 16th.
Find out what was discussed about cost, age groups, schedule of events, coaching assessments, and if this is an event you should check out for your youth athlete.**
Mentions:
073: College Athletic Recruiting with Coach Renee Lopez
Top 11 Best College Baseball Camps To Attend
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Today we talk about the college recruiting process with Coach Renee Lopez. Coach Lopez is a 20-year coaching veteran, and an expert in the college recruiting process. She has served as the NCAA compliance director and has also learned the recruiting process from having worked as a high school varsity head coach for three years and a college coach for 14, in NCAA Division I, II, III, and NAIA.
Coach Lopez has written a book, "Looking for a Full Ride? An Insider's Recruiting Guide," which has been featured on ESPN Radio & SiriusXMI.
We found Coach Lopez through the Facebook group, "Educating Parents of HS Athletes on the College Recruiting Process," where she and a group of experts are helping over 50,000 member parents navigate the athletic recruiting process.
This episode is jam-packed with helpful advice from Coach Lopez, including the following:
- Common misconceptions about the recruiting process
- When/how should kids start actively working to get on a college coach’s radar
- Considerations when making lists of potential colleges
- The "broken leg test"
- How to contact a coach through social media
- What is the NCAA Eligibility Center and why should your athlete start checking his/her high school's core courses now?
Listeners can download Coach Renee Lopez's free "Strategies for Emailing A College Coach" and receive free shipping on "Looking for a Full Ride? An Insider's Recruiting Guide" by using the discount code "BBMOM" This offer will expire in 2 weeks!
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
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- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
- You can also listen to episodes on Moms and Baseball Facebook page
Today's "mini" episode is a bit different. Diana tells a story that touched her heart--the story of Arizona Diamondback's Rookie Seth Beer, and how his aspirations of swimming in the Olympics changed over time to dreams of playing in the MLB.
Thanks to No Crying in Baseball podcast for introducing us to Seth Beer and his incredible journey! You can check out the NCIB episode here.
Seth Beer perfectly personifies how hard work and determination can help you attain your goals, and his parents are great examples of sports parents who knew how to support their child's goals and "fan the flames."
Hopefully you enjoy Seth's story as much as we do!
Resources:No Crying in Baseball Podcast: Our Boyfriends Are Back, and Locked OutAthletic.com: The Olympic Dreams of Prospect Seth Beer and Why He Gave Them Up for BaseballBaseballamerica.com: Freshman of the YearSwimswam.com: Former NAG Record Holder Seth Beer Hits Home Run in First MLB At-BatNevadasportsnet.com: A Fisherman Who Plays Baseball Aces Seth Beer Reelin in Big League Dreamazcentral.com: Diamondbacks Rookie Seth Beer Undergo Shoulder Surgery
Today we are talking about the often-dreaded car ride home and parent behavior at games. Athletes often list “the car ride home after games with parents” as their least favorite memory of sports, and parents are often blamed as the reasons why athletes quit sports as kids.
We decided to survey kids to see how they really feel about the the car ride home. We will share those results, and offer our advice based on those results, our own experiences, and shared expert advice.
Mentions:https://www.kidsinthehouse.com/teenager/activities/sports/what-should-the-conversation-be-on-the-car-ride-home-from-a-game
Car ride home advice from Jay ThooftFollow Moms and Baseball:
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This week is a Coaches Takeover with past guest hosts Trevor Grice & Chris Wilcox. Trevor and Chris share useful advice that travel baseball coaches of all levels may find useful to help select the right tournaments for their team.
Mentioned:Episode 12 with Lale Esquivel
Follow Moms and Baseball:
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**This episode we invited back special guest Shannon Robinson from Episode 19 when we discussed Fundraising. If you haven’t listened, this is a must for all things fundraising for travel baseball.
Shannon is discussing two Power! Showcase events that she attended with her 13-year old son, Reed Robinson. The first is a Pro-Series Power! Showcase 13u World Championship event with his Wisconsin Elite team which took place at Tropicana Field, home of the Tampa Bay Rays.**
**The second event was the 14th Annual World Power! Showcase at LoanDepot Park, home of the Miami Marlins. This showcase has been a launching pad for great hitters like Bryce Harper, Anthony Rizzo, Kris Bryant, and others!
Find out what was discussed about cost, competition, bats, age, and if this is an event you should check out for your youth athlete.
Mentions:**
019: Moms and Baseball Fundraising Ideas
Power Showcase Pro Series- 13u World Champs Wisconsin Elite
Follow Moms and Baseball:
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- You can also listen to episodes on Moms and Baseball Facebook page
This episode we are discussing baseball gifts for your player. We go through the gifts that are a need, tools for training, personalized items, fun toys, and experiences. Some items we discussed are below:
- PitchBack baseball and softball pitching net and rebounder
- J-Bands
- Rope Bat Trainer
- Weighted Training Baseballs for hitting
- PLYO weighted training baseballs for pitching
- Training tools like a hitting net, pitching mound, tee, pocket radar.
- Oculus with Win Reality Membership
- Diamond Kinetics SwingTracker for Baseball or Softball
- Diamond Kinetics PitchTracker baseball
- Batting cage time with Hittrax
- Custom arm sleeves, gloves, baseball bags, blankets, water bottles(ETSY)
- Baseball Number Necklace
- Ring/Homerun ball display
- Subscription boxes: Sports Box Co. (Batters Up Box), Plate Crate, The Baseball Box, Inside the Batters Box
- LED Lights for Bedroom & Extension Cord
- Books:
- Just Like Me: When the Pros Played on the Sandlot
- Sports Illustrated Kids: Big Book of WHO Baseball
*May include affiliate links
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
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On Deck:
Power Showcase Tournaments with Shannon Robinson
Mentions:Episode 29: MiLB Pitcher to Hand Protection GuruEpisode 15: Kelly Park - When the Pros Played on the Sandlot
Throwback to Episode 16 when we discussed the GameChanger app and the new app, GameChanger Team Manager.
Special Guests:
- Guest host Patrick Malley, from Dads takeover episode
- Ken Strnad, VP Marketing of GameChanger
- David Kennedy, Head of Consumer Experience at GameChanger
A few things we love about GameChanger:
-Scorebook
-Stats auto-generated
-Fan/viewer experience
-Audio- use in the car
We discuss concerns about the new app- GameChanger Team Manager and our wishlist items, as well as new updates from GameChanger HQ.
There is so much new news coming to GC Team Manager in 2021 and we are grateful for the opportunity to come on the show and share.
LINK: https://home.gc.com/live-video-streaming/
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
• 100% waterproof/windproof
• Heat-reflective lining
• Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
• Wrap you from head to toe!
• Made in the USA
• Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Today we are joined by guest Celine Farner. Celine is mother to Lucas Farner, shortstop for the Little League World Series champs from Taylor North Little League in Michigan.
Celine discusses the journey to the LLWS in Williamsport, Pennsylvania and talks about the strict COVID-19 protocols—including how long parents had to go without seeing their kids!
Plus we talk about all the experiences the Little League World Series champs have been offered. We also compare and contrast Little League to travel baseball and discuss how the Taylor North players were able to balance the two teams.
Correction: Teams were given 250 tickets to Williamsport, not 50.
On Deck: Next week, we will re-release a favorite episode for the Friday after Thanksgiving.
In the Hole: We talk about Christmas gift ideas for youth baseball players!
Follow Moms and Baseball:
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HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
You may remember Susana Lluch as the proud, emotional mom cheering on her son Alek Manoah during his major league debut as a starting pitcher with the Toronto Blue Jays earlier this year. If not, check out that video here!
Susana has such a positive, enchanting personality and we thoroughly enjoyed being able to speak with her about that emotional day and what it was like raising 2 professional baseball players. (Alek's brother, Erik Manoah, is an up-and-coming pitcher in the Twins organization.)
She talks about how competitive the brothers were as children and how that relationship has evolved for them as adults. Plus, she takes us through what her sons did to train and make sure they didn't lose a year in 2020 by opening their business, Manoah Driven.
Susana talks about her own experience with baseball/softball, and how she was secretly able to play ball as a child.
Then she explains when she noticed a special baseball talent in Erik and Alek and what she did to help support their dreams. Susana also discusses her personal superstition when her sons are pitching.
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Mambe Waterproof Blankets
Use the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" to get 10% off any MAMBE products
We are getting ready for (indoor) travel baseball practices to start for our teams in Michigan this weekend. We discuss practice schedules, private lessons/training, and how Stephanie's family plans to cope with practices 3 hours away!
Mentions:023: Arm Care Advice, Part 1024: Arm Care Advice, Part 2- with Dr. Ryan Brown046: Strength & Conditioning w/ Alex Puskarich from Cincinnati Reds025: Semi-Pro Pitcher Lennon Gwizdala Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Mambe Waterproof Blankets
Use the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" to get 10% off any MAMBE products
Today we are talking with three individuals who are very passionate about reviving baseball as America’s pastime through their project called Strikeout Baseball. They are working to get kids off the couch and bring backyard baseball back to cities for kids who wouldn’t otherwise have easy or inexpensive access to the game.
We are joined by guests John Smoltz Sr., Jeff Lazaros, and Vic Verchereau.
John Smoltz Sr. is on the Strikeout Baseball advisory board as a project coordinator, and is father to legendary hall-of-fame pitcher John Smoltz.
Jeff Lazaros is the creator and visionary behind Strikeout Baseball.
Vic Verchereau is the director behind the Strikeout Baseball program for Lansing, Michigan.
If you would like more information about how you could bring Strikeout Baseball to your hometown, or if you would like to offer financial support to this project, please contact Strikeout Baseball on their website: http://strikeoutbaseballusa.org/.On Deck: We are joined by guest Celine Farner, mother to Little League World Series Champ from Taylor North Little League. Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
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In today’s episode about select baseball, we chat with ex-pro Sam Smith.
- How much baseball is too much?
- Should kids play multiple sports?
- What should parents do to support their young athletes?
- What trait is most evident in players making it to the big leagues today?
- And much more!
Our expert Sam Smith from Johnson City, Texas has been involved with select baseball in some capacity since 1995. Sam was a 6th round draft pick for the Colorado Rockies in the 1997 MLB draft. He played in the Rockies minor leagues as an infielder from 1997-2003. Sam then worked as a select instructor and coach for 10u-18u teams. Currently, Sam coaches his son’s 11u team and also runs camps and provides training for several other ages.
If you are interested in reaching out to Sam Smith regarding lessons or to ask questions, check out his website at provirtuallessons.com.
Mentions
030: Mark Krzysiak - Coaching, Travel Ball, and Scouting "Turn-Ons" & "Turn-Offs"059: Mental Performance Training with Jay ThooftFollow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Mambe Waterproof Blankets
Use the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" to get 10% off any MAMBE products
Should I stay or should I go?
Today we’re going to talk about 10 things for parents and players to consider regarding whether you should stay with your current travel team or whether it’s time to move on.
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Mentions
- Episode 60: (Throwback Episode) Dads and Baseball Takeover - Choosing a Travel Team
- Episode 35: Mark Hammond II & the Nationally-Ranked 11u MC Hit Dogs Majors
- Episode 20: From 19u to the Big Ten: MI Select Coach on 2020 College Commits for Entire Team
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Mambe Waterproof Blankets
Use the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" to get 10% off any MAMBE products
Throwback Episode (Episode 14)
Baseball dads took over the podcast this week to talk about how to choose a travel team/organization.
Article Mentioned in Episode:
https://travelballparents.com/2017/07/42-essential-questions-to-ask-before-joining-a-new-travel-team/
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Mambe Waterproof Blankets
Use the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" to get 10% off any MAMBE products
Today we discuss mental performance training with Jay Thooft. Jay is a mental performance expert from Denver, Colorado. He is the owner of PERC (Performance Excellence and Recovery Consulting) and also has an active YouTube channel - Train with PERC.
Jay discusses 4 important aspects of youth training, including the often-overlooked mental aspect, and offers a telltale sign that an athlete could benefit from mental/performance training. He also talks about how parents can help foster confidence in young athletes.
We also discuss the oh-so-important car ride home, and the difference between superstitions and routines in the mental aspect of baseball.
You can contact Jay Thooft at his website, trainwithperc.com and parents can download a FREE mental preparation guide at trainwithperc.com/freeguide.
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
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Mentions:Car Ride Home Advice video
TikTok Video
Have you ever heard, "The pitcher threw a Maddux?"
What about what this means: 6+4+3= 2 or a 6-4-3 play?
Or, do you know why an easily-catchable fly ball is called a can of corn?
We discuss this baseball jargon in today's episode, along with several others. People who are brand new to baseball should appreciate learning a lot of baseball terminology, and long-time baseball fans will enjoy learning the origin of some of this baseball jargon.
Here are a few others we discuss as well:
- Oppo Taco
- Hat Trick
- Texas Leaguer
- Eat it
- Pitch him a chair
- Chin music
- The shift
- Making firewood
- Bush League
- Mendoza line
- Warning track power - WTP
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
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- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
Mentions & Resources:Episode 6: Moms and Baseball StatsEpisode 24: Arm Care Advice, Part 2, with Dr. Ryan Brownthatbaseballmom.comThe MLB Glossary
Today we discuss the intangible benefits, or non-baseball benefits, of travel ball. (We will save the benefits of community rec ball and little league for another day :)
We thought it would be fun to have a veteran travel ball mom join us to speak about long-term benefits she has been able to observe over a long period of time.
So today we are joined by guest Sue Wood. Sue is a mom of 4 kids, aged 18-30. Her son, Zach Olszewski (25) played both little league and travel baseball out of Bay City, Michigan. Zach O was part of the founding Saginaw Bay Riverdawgs travel baseball team at 12 years old, in or around 2009, at a time when travel baseball at the youth level was almost non-existent in Mid Michigan. He played at John Glenn High School and then moved on to play D1 baseball at Bethune-Cookman University in Daytona Beach, Florida.
Sue brings her expertise as a veteran baseball mom to the discussion about intangible benefits of travel ball.
On Deck: We will be talking about baseball terminology you may not know
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
Mentions:Episode 30: Mark Krzysiak - Coaching, Travel Ball, and Scouting "Turn-Ons" & "Turn-Offs"Episode 21: DadsTakeover - College RecruitingEpisode 28: Daddy BallEpisode 3: Moms and Baseball Mom Stereotypes
Today we discuss wiffle ball and are joined by some special guests to give us the down low on Major League Wiffle (MLW). We are so excited to finally be joined by Stephanie's son, Keegan, and Diana's son, Xander (both 13-years-old), who recently competed in the Wiffle in the Mitten tournament and are fans of the MLW YouTube channel.
You can follow our guests on their baseball Instagram accounts: @keegan_m.15 and @xgrice_6
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
Mentions:https://www.inverse.com/mind-body/not-sports-major-league-wiffle-ballhttps://www.amazon.com/s?k=WIFFLE&rh=n%3A3375251%2Cp_89%3AWIFFLE&dc&qid=1631233719&rnid=2528832011&ref=sr_nr_p_89_1
This week we have another Dads Takeover episode as Patrick and Trevor discuss the USA Baseball NTIS system. From State Tryouts, to Regional Tryouts, to the Champions Cup in Cary, North Carolina, the dads look to shed some light on the process.
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
On Deck:
Major League Wiffle Ball
In episode 54, we discuss the PBR Junior Future Games in Emerson, GA. Diana was not available for this episode, so we have a special guest. We are joined by Stephanie's husband, Patrick Malley, to discuss his experience at this PBR Showcase.
This invite only event was PBR Junior Future Games at LakePoint Sports Complex in Emerson, GA on July 28th- August 1st.
In this episode we discuss:
- What is PBR and showcases
- Measurables/stats
- Facilities
- Pricing
- Tournament Basics & Scheduling
- And lots more!
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
On Deck:
USA Baseball NTIS 13u Champions Cup in Cary, NC
Mentions:
Dads Takeover- Spring Training for Travel Ball?
LakePoint Sports Complex in Emerson, GA
In episode 53, we discuss all things about the Ripken Experience at Myrtle Beach. Note that Stephanie is absent from this episode as she is currently traveling for yet another baseball experience with her oldest son.
This is your "unofficial" guide to Ripken Experience to help you prepare and make the most out of your time in Myrtle Beach. We are also joined by a special guest, Brian Stephens. Brian is Diana's brother and is coach of the 12u Saginaw Bay Riverdawgs team that attended the weeklong Wave Rider Tournament in Myrtle Beach from July 25-30, 2021.
In this episode we discuss:
- Facilities
- Tournament "Extras"
- Pricing
- Tournament Basics & Scheduling
- Tips and facts to help you prepare
- And lots more!
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
On Deck:
PBR Junior Futures in Georgia
Mentions:
Sandy Beach Resort
Westgate Resort
Myrtle Waves Water Park
Family Kingdom Amusement Park
In episode 52, we discuss all things about Ballparks of America in Branson, Missouri.
This is your "unofficial" guide to Ballparks of America to help you prepare and make the most out of your time in Branson, MO. We are also joined by a special guest, Steve Beson. Steve stayed with our boys 24-7 in the dorms at Ballparks of America and gave us some insight on his experience.
The tournament we attended was The Show Me Shoot Out Tournament for 13u only in Branson, MO during July 16-22, 2021.
In this episode we discuss:
- Facilities
- Tournament dorm life experience
- Pricing
- Extra festivities at the ballpark and around Branson
- Tournament Basics & Scheduling
- And lots more!
Ballparks of America Essentials not listed in the “Prep kit” listed online:
- Laundry bags (extra)
- Air Freshener
- Shower caddy
- Hooks off of bunk bed for wet towels
- Hangers
- Fly tape
- Wiffle ball stuff to play at night
- Snacks: healthy/high protein
- “Soft” toilet paper
- Powder Gatorade mix
- Gallon water jugs
- Soft small cooler for parents or water jug
- Extra blanket for at night
- Ice
- Extra water/gatorade bottles
- Keurig for coaches
I need to give a shout out to Next Level 13u from Georgia. They complimented me on my Moms and Baseball bag and I told them to listen. We met some great teams, kids and parents at this tournament.
On Deck:
Unofficial Guide to Cal Ripken experience where we will go more in depth with all the ins and outs of that tournament and give our best tips to help you feel prepared and make the most out of your time in Myrtle Beach.
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
Mentions:
Buckets and Boards
Silver Dollar City Water Park
Runaway Mountain Coaster
WonderWorks
Pasguetti's
Guy Fieri's
Landshark Bar & Grill
Gettin' Basted
Downing Street Pour House (Not mentioned but highly recommend!)
Leyden Eagles
NEXTLVL
We recently attended the Ballparks of America tournament and the Ripken Experience in back-to-back weeks.
First, Stephanie and Diana travelled to Branson, Missouri for the Ballparks of America Show Me Shootout tournament with our 13u team July 16-22, and then Diana's family left Missouri the following day to travel to the Ripken Experience in Myrtle Beach with our 12u team for the Wave Rider tournament, which was July 25-30.
We will be releasing complete guides to both of these tournaments in the coming weeks, but first we wanted to offer a side-by-side comparison of the two. It really depends on what your team is looking for, but these are both fantastic destination tournaments!
We will go through several different aspects of each tournament and talk about what they have in common, where they differ, and which tournament has an advantage in each area-- so you can have more information to make a better choice for your team.
On Deck: Unofficial Guide to Ballparks of America in Branson
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
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USSSA Major Illinois State ChampionshipJune 25-27 11u Location:Louisville Slugger Sports Complex Rating
- Facility: 5/ 5 points
- Tournament Management: 5/ 5 points
- Fees: 4/ 5 points
- Restrooms: 5/5 points
- Umpires: 1.5/ 3 points
- Concessions: 1.5/ 2 points
- Miscellaneous: 3.5/ 5 points
TOTAL RATING: Rounds up to 26/ 30 (HOME RUN)MentionsBullpen Tournaments at Grand Park ReviewYouTube Video: Coach Ernest from Jem Baseball TrainingSaginaw Bay RiverdawgsNaperville RenegadesJem Baseball Training
Note: Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us. We will keep the show notes updated with any corrected/updated information so please make sure to check those out on our website: https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Grading System:
- 5 pts: Fields/Facilities (maintained, fences, turf, lights, bleachers, nets, etc)
- 5 pts: Tournament management (Scheduling, communication, rules, etc)
- 5 pts: Fees (Tournament, parking, entry)
- 5 pts: Restrooms
- 3 pts: Umpires
- 2 pts: Concessions
- 5 pts: Miscellaneous (location, coolers, alcohol, dogs, playground, things to do, trophy type, etc.)
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
In this episode, we discuss how to prepare for a travel team tryout, what to expect, tryout "Do's" and "Don'ts" for players and parents, things that parents should be looking out for at a tryout, and what to do in the worst case scenario--if your child doesn't make the team or is cut from a team.
We are joined by return guest host, Dr. Trevor Grice. Trevor is going into his 7th year as a travel baseball coach/co-coach and is also president of a large, elite travel baseball/softball organization--the Saginaw Bay Youth Athletic Organization, which is comprised of Saginaw Bay Riverdawgs and Michigan Select. Trevor is also a licensed psychologist.
Make sure to listen to the end where Trevor adds a few thoughts and questions regarding cost & fee considerations.
On Deck: More tournament reviews
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
Mentions:42 Essential Questions to Ask Before Joining a New Travel TeamMoms and Baseball Episode 14: Dads Takeover-Choosing a Travel Team
Michigan Monster - Hawks Gold & USSSA TournamentJune 7-9 -- 13u Locations:Hidden Springs Church - Howell
Our Savior Church - Hartland
Ore Creek MS - Hartland Rating
- Facility: 2.5/ 5 points
- Tournament Management: 4/ 5 points
- Fees: 4.5/ 5 points
- Restrooms: 2/5 points
- Umpires: 1.5/ 3 points
- Concessions: 0/ 2 points
- Miscellaneous: 3/ 5 points
TOTAL RATING: Rounds up to 18/ 30 (BASE HIT)
Note: Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us. We will keep the show notes updated with any corrected/updated information so please make sure to check those out on our website: https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Grading System:
- 5 pts: Fields/Facilities (maintained, fences, turf, lights, bleachers, nets, etc)
- 5 pts: Tournament management (Scheduling, communication, rules, etc)
- 5 pts: Fees (Tournament, parking, entry)
- 5 pts: Restrooms
- 3 pts: Umpires
- 2 pts: Concessions
- 5 pts: Miscellaneous (location, coolers, alcohol, dogs, playground, things to do, trophy type, etc.)
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
King of the Ring Tournament hosted by GFABSAJune 4-6 -- 13u Location:Bicentennial Park
Grand Blanc, Michigan Rating
- Facility: 2/ 5 points
- Tournament Management: 4.5/ 5 points
- Fees: 5/ 5 points
- Restrooms: 3.5/5 points
- Umpires: 2/ 3 points
- Concessions: 1.5/ 2 points
- Miscellaneous: 2.5/ 5 points
TOTAL RATING: 21/ 30 (DOUBLE)
Note: Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us. We will keep the show notes updated with any corrected/updated information so please make sure to check those out on our website: https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Grading System:
- 5 pts: Fields/Facilities (maintained, fences, turf, lights, bleachers, nets, etc)
- 5 pts: Tournament management (Scheduling, communication, rules, etc)
- 5 pts: Fees (Tournament, parking, entry)
- 5 pts: Restrooms
- 3 pts: Umpires
- 2 pts: Concessions
- 5 pts: Miscellaneous (location, coolers, alcohol, dogs, playground, things to do, trophy type, etc.)
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
On this episode we are discussing strength and conditioning training with special guest, Alex Puskarich. Alex has spent time with the Billings Mustangs of the Pioneer League, a Reds Rookie Level affiliate, with the Class A-Advanced Daytona Tortugas in the Florida State League, with the Greenville Reds of the Appalachian League, and interned at Cressey Sports Performance in Hudson, MA. Alex is currently the Assistant Minor League Strength and Conditioning Coordinator with the Cincinnati Reds. This is his 5th year with the Reds. In Alex’s free time, he is assisting strength and conditioning for a local high school baseball team. We discuss:
- His baseball experience growing up.
- Working with the Cincinnati Reds Baseball team.
- Strength and mobility training for your youth player.
- Improving measurables at Showcases.
If you would like to contact Alex you can email him at pftraingaz@gmail.com
You can also follow him on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook @Alex_Puskarich
On Deck: Diana and Stephanie discuss more tournament baseball reviews.
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
Mentions:https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/tommy-john-surgery-ulnar-collateral-ligament-reconstructionhttp://baseballstrength.org/interview-with-alex-puskarich/
Bullpen Tournaments at Grand Park11u & 13u Location(s):Grand Park Sports CampusWestfield, Indiana
Championship Park
Kokomo, IndianaToday we talk about Bullpen Tournaments at (primarily) Grand Park in Westfield, Indiana. We have attended four of these tournaments so far:
- May 7-9 - 11u May Slugfest
- May 14-16 - 13u Super Select
- May 21-23 - 11u USSSA Rocks Grand Park
- June 4-6 - 11u Freedom Classic at Grand Park
And our 13u team will also be attending the Youth Amateur Baseball Championship June 23-27
Rating
- Facility: 5/ 5 points
- Tournament Management: 5/ 5 points
- Fees: 4/ 5 points
- Restrooms: 5/5 points
- Umpires: 3/ 3 points
- Concessions: 1/ 2 points
- Miscellaneous: 3/ 5 points
TOTAL RATING: 26/ 30 (HOME RUN)
Note: Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us. We will keep the show notes updated with any corrected/updated information so please make sure to check those out on our website: https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Grading System:
- 5 pts: Fields/Facilities (maintained, fences, turf, lights, bleachers, nets, etc)
- 5 pts: Tournament management (Scheduling, communication, rules, etc)
- 5 pts: Fees (Tournament, parking, entry)
- 5 pts: Restrooms
- 3 pts: Umpires
- 2 pts: Concessions
- 5 pts: Miscellaneous (location, coolers, alcohol, dogs, playground, things to do, trophy type, etc.)
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
USSSA Super Select 30 Super NIT **Review
May 21-23, 2021
17- 12u teams
Location:
Dayton, Ohio**US Action Sports Center
Special Guests:Brian & Jenny StephensRating:
- Fields/Facilities: 4/ 5 points
- Tournament management: 4/ 5 points
- Fees: 4.5/ 5 points
- Restrooms: 4/ 5 points
- Umpires: 3/ 3 points
- Concessions: 2/ 2 points
- *Miscellaneous: 4.5/ 5 points
**Overall score: 26 (HOME RUN)
Update, it looks like the award for this tournament was rings, a team trophy, and a banner.*
Note: Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us. We will keep the show notes updated with any corrected/updated information so please make sure to check those out on our website: https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Grading System:
- 5 pts: Fields/Facilities (maintained, fences, turf, lights, bleachers, nets, etc)
- 5 pts: Tournament management (Scheduling, communication, rules, etc)
- 5 pts: Fees (Tournament, parking, entry)
- 5 pts: Restrooms
- 3 pts: Umpires
- 2 pts: Concessions
- 5 pts: Miscellaneous (location, coolers, alcohol, dogs, playground, things to do, trophy type, etc.)
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
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- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
Mentions
2019 Dayton, Ohio Tornado
Meijer Sports Complex
Wright State Baseball
Dayton Dragons
Scene 75
12u Hit Dogs - Champions
Perfect Game Summer Super 25May 28-30th -- 11u & 13u Location:Joliet, ILInwood Sports Complex Rating
- Facility: 4/ 5 points
- Tournament Management: 4/ 5 points
- Fees: 3/ 5 points
- Restrooms: 5/5 points
- Umpires: 2.5/ 3 points
- Concessions: 1.5/ 2 points
- *Miscellaneous: 3/ 5 points
**TOTAL RATING: 23/ 30 (TRIPLE)
Update: The Runner-Up trophies do say "2nd Place"*
Note: Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us. We will keep the show notes updated with any corrected/updated information so please make sure to check those out on our website: https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Grading System:
- 5 pts: Fields/Facilities (maintained, fences, turf, lights, bleachers, nets, etc)
- 5 pts: Tournament management (Scheduling, communication, rules, etc)
- 5 pts: Fees (Tournament, parking, entry)
- 5 pts: Restrooms
- 3 pts: Umpires
- 2 pts: Concessions
- 5 pts: Miscellaneous (location, coolers, alcohol, dogs, playground, things to do, trophy type, etc.)
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
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- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
This episode we discuss over 20 baseball myths, or commonly misunderstood baseball rules. These are things that you will hear bleacher coaches (aka parents or family members) often getting wrong at baseball games. Here are a few of the myths we mention:
- Myth: If a batter does not swing and is struck by a pitch, the batter automatically is awarded first base.
- Myth: The runner must turn to his/her right after over-running first base.
- Myth: No run can score when a runner is called out, for the third out, for not tagging up.
- Myth: The batter may not switch batter’s boxes after two strikes.
On Deck: Diana and Stephanie discuss more tournament baseball reviews from IL, IN, and OH.
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
Mentions: https://www.umpirebible.com/index.php/rule-myths
https://www.umpirebible.com/index.php/rules-interference/umpire-interference
https://www.littleleague.org/university/articles/10-commonly-misinterpreted-little-league-rules/
https://www.mlb.com/news/dropped-third-strike-strangest-baseball-rule
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Infield_fly_rulehttps://youtu.be/Q3a5eBL6VdIhttps://youtu.be/irzH2xtWB0M
4th Annual Beaver Bash Review (12u): May 7 - May 9, 2021
Locations:
Reed Park
Ithaca, Michigan
Maple Park
Maple Rapids, Michigan
Grading Scale:
Fields: 3/5 points
Tournament Management: 5/5 points
Fees: 5/5
Restrooms: 3.5/5 points
Umpires: 2.5/3 points (We did not mention in the review but umpires at Reed Park were great. Umpires at Maple Rapids were less great and seemed like they didn't want to be there.)
Concessions: 1/2 points
Miscellaneous: 3/5 points
TOTAL RATING: 23/30 (TRIPLE)
Note: Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us. We will keep the show notes updated with any corrected/updated information so please make sure to check those out on our website: https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Grading System:
- 5 pts: Fields/Facilities (maintained, fences, turf, lights, bleachers, nets, etc)
- 5 pts: Tournament management (Scheduling, communication, rules, etc)
- 5 pts: Fees (Tournament, parking, entry)
- 5 pts: Restrooms
- 3 pts: Umpires
- 2 pts: Concessions
- 5 pts: Miscellaneous (location, coolers, alcohol, dogs, playground, things to do, trophy type, etc.)
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
https://mambeblankets.com/?aff=13
Mother's Day Classic TBR State Championship Review (13u): May 8 - May 9, 2021
Location:
Bailey Park
Battle Creek, Michigan
Grading Scale:
Fields: 4/5 points
Tournament Management: 5/5 points
Fees: 4/5 (There is also a Stay-to-Play requirement for this tournament that is not mentioned in the review)
Restrooms: 4/5 points
Umpires: 1.5/3 points
Concessions: 1.5/2 points
Miscellaneous: 4/5 points
TOTAL RATING: 24/30 (TRIPLE)
Note: Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us. We will keep the show notes updated with any corrected/updated information so please make sure to check those out on our website: https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Grading System:
- 5 pts: Fields/Facilities (maintained, fences, turf, lights, bleachers, nets, etc)
- 5 pts: Tournament management (Scheduling, communication, rules, etc)
- 5 pts: Fees (Tournament, parking, entry)
- 5 pts: Restrooms
- 3 pts: Umpires
- 2 pts: Concessions
- 5 pts: Miscellaneous (location, coolers, alcohol, dogs, playground, things to do, trophy type, etc.)
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
https://mambeblankets.com/?aff=13
How expensive is it to play travel baseball?
How many times have you been asked this and then taken a deep sigh before explaining? In this episode we discuss how the increasing costs of sports are pushing lower income, or single income, kids out of sports. The typical American family spends about $700 per year on their child's sports activities, but some parents shell out as much as $35,000 annually to pay for lessons, camps, school sports fees, equipment, travel and more, according to Project Play. These costs are forcing talented kids, who can not afford it, to quit sports.
Do your kids have to earn any money to help offset sports' fees, or do they participate in fundraising efforts? Diana and Stephanie also offer a couple ideas to help get your kids involved to instill responsibility and take some ownership of their own travel ball expenses.
Diana and Stephanie also interview a 13-year-old youth baseball player, who is trying to level the playing field for kids that cannot afford to play baseball. Karter, and his mom Patsy from Utah, created a charity organization called Wish Upon a Moon Shotto cover players' baseball expenses, including fees and equipment.
In 2020, Karter was able to sponsor a local baseball player by providing all the game day essentials. Karter's goal is to grow his charity to be able to sponsor kids all over the United States. He is still looking to sponsor kids in 2021 by sending them to a baseball camp or for fall baseball!!
If you would like to donate to Karter's organization you can email wishuponamoonshot@gmail.com or visit his Facebook/Instagram page @wishuponamoonshot.
On Deck: More Moms and Baseball Tournament Rankings
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
Mentions:
035: Mark Hammond II & the Nationally-Ranked 11u MC Hit Dogs Majors
Facebook page Wish Upon A Moonshot
Youth sports in the U.S.: Middle-class and poor kids are ditching youth sports - CBS News
**---------------
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL** by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
https://mambeblankets.com/?aff=13
Legacy Opening Day Classic: April 23-25, 2021
Locations:
Legacy Center
Brighton, Michigan
Tefft Park
Saline, Michigan
Fowlerville, Michigan
Grading Scale:
Fields: 4/5 points
Tournament Management: 4.5/5 points
Fees: 4.5/5
Restrooms: 3/5 points
Umpires: 2.5/3 points
Concessions: 1.5/2 points
Miscellaneous: 3/5 points
TOTAL RATING: 23/30 (TRIPLE)
Note: Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us. We will keep the show notes updated with any corrected/updated information so please make sure to check those out on our website: https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
https://mambeblankets.com/?aff=13
Total Baseball Earlybird Tournament (13u Only): April 30 - May 2, 2021
Location:
Total Sports Complex
Wixom, Michigan
Grading Scale:
Fields: 4/5 points
Tournament Management: 4.5/5 points
Fees: 4/5 (We did not mention that kids under 18 were supposed to be free, but Stephanie was charged for her child!)
Restrooms: 2/5 points
Umpires: 1.5/3 points
Concessions: 2/2 points
Miscellaneous: 3/5 points
TOTAL RATING: 21/30 (DOUBLE)
Note: Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us. We will keep the show notes updated with any corrected/updated information so please make sure to check those out on our website: https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Grading System:
- 5 pts: Fields/Facilities (maintained, fences, turf, lights, bleachers, nets, etc)
- 5 pts: Tournament management (Scheduling, communication, rules, etc)
- 5 pts: Fees (Tournament, parking, entry)
- 5 pts: Restrooms
- 3 pts: Umpires
- 2 pts: Concessions
- 5 pts: Miscellaneous (location, coolers, alcohol, dogs, playground, things to do, trophy type, etc.)
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
https://mambeblankets.com/?aff=13
Moms and Baseball is going to start releasing bonus episodes with reviews of baseball tournaments! Keep checking back to see if we've reviewed a tournament that your team is considering!
As of right now, we are only offering reviews/ratings for tournaments that our current 11u, 12u, or 13u teams have attended. Our reviews are completely based on our own personal opinions, and we are not receiving any compensation or incentives for our reviews (and if we ever did, we would disclose that information).
If you have any corrections, please send them to us. We will keep the show notes updated with any corrected/updated information so please make sure to check those out on our website: https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Moms and Baseball Tournament Ratings Scale (30 possible points)
- 28+: Grand Slam
- 25-27: Home Run
- 22-24: Triple
- 19-21: Double
- 16-18: Base Hit
- Under 16: Strikeout
Grading System:
- 5 pts: Fields/Facilities (maintained, fences, turf, lights, bleachers, nets, etc)
- 5 pts: Tournament management (Scheduling, communication, rules, etc)
- 5 pts: Fees (Tournament, parking, entry)
- 5 pts: Restrooms
- 3 pts: Umpires
- 2 pts: Concessions
- 5 pts: Miscellaneous (location, coolers, alcohol, dogs, playground, things to do, trophy type, etc.)
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
https://mambeblankets.com/?aff=13
Today we are joined by guest Mark Hammond II from the Motor City Hit Dogs 11u Majors team. The Motor City Hit Dogs are known for producing some of the best teams in the state, and we have mentioned their name in previous episodes, including Episode 12 when we talked to Lale Esquivel from the Texas Canes and Episode 20 with Mark Jebb.
Coach Hammond shares some insights into how and why his team is so successful and what it is like to travel all over the country to find the most competitive tournaments, or to stay in Michigan and compete up two age levels.
Diana and Stephanie also talk with Mark about how their own kids' teams have fared when they have encountered Coach Hammond's teams in the past. On Deck: Diana and Stephanie discuss updates with their kids' travel teams and offer rankings for tournaments!
Follow Moms and Baseball:
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
https://mambeblankets.com/?aff=13
Mentions:Owen Hammond PG All Tournament TeamBullpen Tournament RosterTBR 11u National RankingsTravel Ball Select 11u National Rankings
Moms and How to Take Better Baseball Photos
This is Episode 34 of Moms and Baseball podcast. Today, we offer tips for taking better action shots of baseball players. We are not experts, but are simply sharing our experience from trial and error. We wanted this episode to focus on helping the sports parent who knows nothing about photography and thought that advice may be more applicable coming from an amateur/hobby photographer.
Check out this episode on YouTube to see some picture examples included at the end of the video! You can skip to 25:53 if you're just there to see the pictures :)
Mentions:
Canon EOS Rebel T6/1300D 18MP DSLR Camera + 18-55mm Lens
Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II Telephoto Zoom Lens
Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens
Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera Body
Episode 2: Moms and White Baseball Pants
YouTube Tutorials:
AI Servo mode: https://youtu.be/-PJzCRWoOmM
Back-Button Focus: https://youtu.be/8PN9R0D3pF0
Moms and Baseball is a podcast for youth baseball moms, dads, coaches, and players. Co-hosts Diana Stephens and Stephanie Malley share thoughts, ideas, and stories relating to travel (select) baseball, Little League, and recreation baseball experiences--but more importantly--also interview lots of interesting people in the world of baseball. Plus look for appearances by special guest hosts, including Patrick and Trevor, for special Baseball Dads episodes and more!
*Full podcast episodes are available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music (ask Alexa) and more! Search "Moms and Baseball"
*Check out our Facebook group, "Parents and Baseball"
@momsandbaseball on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
In this episode we discuss one of Stephanie's favorite questions for guests, superstitions. Listen in as we discuss our superstitions, as well as some MLB players. We also included some common baseball ones.
- Never step on the chalk lines coming on or off the field.
- Never talk about a no-hitter or perfect game when a game is in progress.
- Repetitive batting stance rituals.
- Flipping a rally hat inside out to start a rally. Generally applies to fans. It brings good luck to a team in the last inning.
- Leave the pitcher alone, or not talking to, on the day of the start.
- Lucky bats, gloves, socks, pants, or anything you were wearing during your big game win.
On Deck: Diana discuss her tips, tricks, and camera recommendations for taking the best sports photos.
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
https://mambeblankets.com/?aff=13
Mentions:https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1179538-baseballs-50-weirdest-all-time-superstitions
https://medium.com/sportsraid/mlb-players-and-their-strangest-superstitions-e959d0c9626a
Baseball Superstitions by Deborah Minter https://howtheyplay.com/team-sports/Baseball-Superstitions
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babe_Ruth
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Holland
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Dunn
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turk_Wendell
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Scherzer
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_DiMaggio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc_FnBgGyMM
https://bangordailynews.com/2011/09/30/sports/baseball/superstitions-important-part-of-baseball’s-romance/
In this episode, we interview Val Paredes—veteran baseball mom to Tim Melville. You may have seen Tim Melville’s name in the news recently as he is a pitcher in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) in Taiwan and just threw the first no hitter of 2021. See his No-Hitter MVP dance here, and his 2020 Freestyle MVP dance here.
Before playing in the CPBL, Tim was an MLB Journeyman, playing for 7 different major league franchises and at least 20 professional teams.
In 2019, pitching for the Colorado Rockies, Tim Melville had his first big-league win and quickly became a fan favorite of the Rockies franchise. In 2019 he also had the opportunity to strike out Freddie Freeman (an old teammate/acquaintance of his), Josh Donaldson, and Ozzie Albies.
Tim Melville was drafted in 2008 in the 4th round by the Royals, but had been ranked by RISE Magazine as the top high school draft prospect in the country at the time. He went on to room with Eric Hosmer and Mike Montgomery in Single A the following year.
Val has moved all around, but is a native Virginian and is currently living in Chester, Virginia. She has so much baseball-mom experience to share with us as a single mom raising a highly-sought after baseball player and navigating Tim through AAU, travel ball, USA Baseball, and the MLB draft out of high school. She also shares the challenges her son has faced along the way and talk about how they have dealt with those challenges and persevered through injuries, surgeries, and a congenital condition.
Want to keep up with Moms and Baseball?
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
- Want to be a guest? Just fill out the survey at the Guest Zone page on our website to see if you're a good fit! http://www.momsandbaseball.com
On Deck: Baseball Superstitions
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Source:
https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/for-former-phenom-tim-melville-first-big-league-win-was-long-time-coming/128anbon2hk361210g07hnfl27
Patrick and Trevor do another Dads Takeover episode, and this time talk about the Saginaw Bay Riverdawgs' annual spring training in Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, Alabama. They are joined by Brian Stephens (Diana's often-mentioned brother) to discuss the history of the trip for the Riverdawgs and Swan Valley High School.
You will also hear a bit about the Alabama Spring Training trip in Episode 30 with Mark Krzysiak and in Episode 20 with Mark Jebb.
On Deck: An Interview with Val Paredes, mother to Tim Melville. Tim Melville was once ranked as the #1 high school draft in the country and was drafted in the 4th round by the Kansas City Royals in 2008. He played for several teams in the MLB and is currently playing for the CPBL in Taiwan, and just pitched the first no hitter of 2021! Val will discuss the many challenges that Tim has overcome during his impressive baseball career and has some meaningful insights as a veteran baseball mom for youth baseball parents today.
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Today we talk to Mark Krzysiak from Bay City, Michigan. Mark is very connected to baseball in this community and you will hear references to several other Moms and Baseball episodes, so feel free to find those links below to brush up!
Mark has been involved in the game at nearly every level… He was a college player himself, he’s been a varsity, little league, and travel baseball coach, he ran a baseball training facility and started a massively successful travel baseball organization (with partner Tom Merkle), and Mark was an associate major league scout. Mark is also a baseball parent himself.
In addition to sharing his own story, Mark discusses his personal thoughts on the idea of playing multiple sports vs specialization. He also talks about his coaching philosophies regarding running efficient practices, instilling mental toughness in kids and receiving 100% effort from them, and teaching his players to play with confidence and "swag."
Later in the episode, Mark shares valuable advice regarding mental and physical "turn-ons" and "turn-offs" that he picked up over the several years spent working with MLB scouts, and being a former associate scout himself for the Texas Rangers.
On Deck: TBD
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
SUPPORT US by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
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Previous Episodes Mentioned:
004: Moms and Travel Ball vs. Rec Ball Part 1
009: Interview with Div. 1 Catcher Who Was Cut From High School Teams
011: Girls Playing Boys Baseball
020: From 10u to the Big Ten: MI Select Coach on 2020 College Commits for Entire Team
025: Semi-Pro Pitcher Lennon Gwizdala
Other Notable Mentions:Wendell Nehmer (Means Stamping)
Calhoun Community College
Lake Michigan College
Central Michigan University
Tom Ackerman
Tom Merkle
Matt Noakes
Saginaw Bay Riverdawgs
Michigan Select
Roger Coryell
Tony Lucadello
Prophet of the Sandlots
Mark Haske
From MiLB Pitcher to Developing Protective Batting Gloves
This episode we interviewed Derek Hurley, who is originally from Staten Island, NY and currently living in Houston, Texas. He played baseball at Division 1 Seton Hall University in New Jersey and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 30th round of the 1999 MLB draft. After Derek's baseball career ended, he spent time in the medical and financial fields. He is now a part of the Truletic team, combining his baseball career along with his business marketing background.
Derek discusses his path through baseball growing up and shares some great insight on multi-sports, travel baseball, college baseball, being drafted, and coaching. He also discusses the Truletic protective batting gloves, which uses brand-new protective technology that prevents baseball players from getting hamate surgery.
truletic.com is offering our listeners 20% your purchase of protective batting gloves. Just enter the code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" when purchasing.
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
On Deck:
We interview Mark Krzysiak. Mark has been involved in the game of baseball at nearly every level. He started a massively successful travel baseball organization, was an associate major league scout, and shares with us his “turn ons and turn offs” for scouts when evaluating players.
References:https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-xpm-2012-06-01-bal-baseball-players-have-had-mixed-results-following-hamate-bone-surgery-20120601-story.htmlhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-crying-in-baseball/id1302035601
Mambe Waterproof Blankets
Use the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" to get 10% off any MAMBE products
To Coach or Not to Coach Your Kid
In this episode we talk about Daddy Ball (or Mommy Ball), which is one of the most controversial topics in the youth baseball world! Daddy Ball occurs when the coach favors their own kid (or is perceived to favor their kid) over others at the detriment of the team.
We share thoughts from a few listeners who have coached their own kids, and talk about our own brushes with Daddy Ball as parents, coaches' wives, and even as an umpire.
We discuss our opinions about what it takes to successfully coach your own child (and why it may be a disaster) and mention our favorite qualities in good coaches.
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
On Deck: We will talk to Derek Hurley, a former Division 1 and Minor League baseball player, about his baseball career as well as what he is up to now--including a brand new company specializing in one-of-a-kind batting glove protection technology.
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Previous Episodes Mentioned:
025: Semi-Pro Pitcher Lennon Gwizdala
012: Lale Esquivel - Coach of the Best 12u Team in the Nation
020: From 10u to the Big Ten: MI Select Coach on 2020 College Commits for Entire Team
021 DadsTakeover - College Recruiting
008: Moms and Politics in Youth Baseball
Update on Mitch Jebb (020: From 10u to the Big Ten: MI Select Coach on 2020 College Commits for Entire Team):
https://msuspartans.com/sports/baseball/roster/mitch-jebb/10933
https://twitter.com/d1baseball/status/1370132696765173765?s=20
In this episode, we talk with Stephanie Brogdon from Madera Ranchos, California, about her son, Connor Brogdon, the up-and-coming 6'6" right-handed Phillies bullpen pitcher. Connor made his major league debut in 2020 and had a very rocky start. He was sent back to the Phillies' alternate site and returned in September looking stronger than ever and had a dominating performance for the rest of the season.
Stephanie discusses how Connor took a bit of a nontraditional path to the MLB. For starters, he didn't play any travel or select baseball until high school, but she does discuss his opportunity to play in the Area Code games in the summer between his junior and senior year of high school, which ultimately lead to him being drafted in the final round by the Atlanta Braves. Connor turned down that opportunity and was going to attend Division 1 Fresno State University on scholarship, but Stephanie discusses why that option didn't work out and offers advice to parents on the college recruiting process.
Instead, Connor attended Fresno City Junior College before transferring to NAIA Lewis-Clark State College. From Lewis-Clark, Connor was drafted in the 10th round by the Philadelphia Phillies.
Stephanie discusses how Connor handled the transition from starting pitcher to the bullpen while in the Minors and talks about his notorious debut game in 2020. Then she talks about how Connor performed since that day, and offers some insight for youth baseball parents.
- Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
On Deck: Daddy Ball
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
References:
https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=brogdo000conhttps://www.mlb.com/player/connor-brogdon-641401https://section215.com/2021/01/10/philadelphia-phillies-brogdon-romero/https://www.thegoodphight.com/2020/12/16/22177104/2020-player-reviews-connor-brogdonhttps://www.mlb.com/news/connor-brogdon-cutter-brings-confidence-results
Debbie Mikolajchak from Houston, Texas, is the mother of Nick Mikolajchak. Nick is a 6’2” right-handed pitcher playing in the minors with the Indians Organization. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 11th round as a junior from Sam Houston State University in 2019.
In this episode, Debbie talks about Nick's career and what it was like to raise a future professional baseball player. She also discusses their experience with the Texas snowstorm from earlier this year and how it thwarted Nick's ability to get to Spring Training on time.
Debbie also talks about her experience watching Nick play baseball in the Cape Cod Baseball League, and how she was able to quit her job as a teacher and run a virtual health and fitness business so that she could have more flexibility watching her son's baseball games.
Moms and Baseball is on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
Check out our Parents and Baseball group on Facebook
https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com/
For more information on Debbie, check out her social media or past podcast appearances:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Healthy Lifestyle for Weight Loss
Your PUSH Coach Podcast
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
References:
- Baseball Reference - 2020 Cape Cod Baseball League Players in DraftOn Deck:Interview with Stephanie Brogdon, mother to MLB/ Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, Connor Brogdon
In this episode you will hear what it's like to grind as a semi-professional baseball player in an independent league, working towards the dream of getting drafted.
Lennon (Lenny) Gwizdala is a left-handed pitcher that played four years at Division 2 Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. He continued on to play semi-professional baseball by signing with the River City Rascals in the independent Frontier League in 2019.
He shares so many inspirational nuggets of wisdom in this episode that should benefit young baseball players hoping to further their own baseball career.
Keep up with Lennon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mcgwizzy----------
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
References:https://www.mlive.com/sports/saginaw-bay-city/2019/07/bay-city-central-product-lennon-gwizdala-signs-first-professional-contract.htmlhttps://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=gwizda000lenhttps://www.gonorthwood.com/sports/bsb/2018-19/bios/gwizdala_lennon_jp1h?view=career&pos=p
In Part 2 of our arm care series, we chat with Dr. Ryan Brown. If you missed Part 1, you can check that out here: 023 Arm Care Advice, Part 1.
Ryan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and former D1 college baseball player. Ryan was an outfielder and leadoff hitter at William & Mary and actually holds the record for the most games played in the college's history! He has utilized his extensive training and experience to put together a comprehensive arm care program for baseball players, and was gracious enough to provide insight into some of the most controversial arm care topics for pitchers.
In this episode, we discuss:
- Icing after throwing
- Marc Pro & EMS devices
- Running after throwing (sprints vs. long distance)
- Bands and weights
- Long toss
- Weighted balls
- Advice for catchers who also pitch
- Thoughts on year-round baseball/pitching & playing multiple sports
- Qualities of resilient pitchers
- Breaking balls
- Pitch count guidelines
Mentioned in this Episode:
- Risk Factors for Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in Adolescent Baseball Pitchers
- SAID Principle
- Specificity Principle and Power Output of Endurance or Sprint Based Metabolic/Conditioning Work
- Marc Pro & Other Electric Muscle Stimulators
- Kids Who Pitch & Catch More Likely to Sustain an Injury
- Youth Baseball Risk Factors for Arm Injuries
- Prevention of Elbow Injuries in Youth Baseball Pitchers (Fastball vs. Breaking Balls)
- MLB Pitch Smart Guidelines
- Baseball Performance and Rehab Facebook Group
Ultimate Arm Care Program: https://ultimatearmcareprogram.vhx.tv/Program Includes:
- 3-day / week arm care program
- Movement Prep / Pre-Throwing Routine
- Post-Throwing Routine
- Recovery Concepts
- Pitcher's Weekly Recovery Schedule
Find Moms and Baseball:
- Parents and Baseball
On deck: Interview with Semi-Pro Lefty Pitcher, Lennon Gwizdala
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe Blankets product by using discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
This episode we interviewed an expert from an MLB- level pitching staff on questions about arm care.
- Thoughts on:
- Ice
- Running after throwing
- Bands vs weights
- Long toss
- Weighted balls
- Any advice for young catchers who also pitch?
- Would you recommend against pitchers playing year round? And if so, how long of a rest period?
- Do you notice any particular qualities that differentiate pitchers you have worked with who seem more resilient from those who are more susceptible to injury?
- Would you recommend a certain age to start throwing breaking balls, and would it matter how often they throw those pitches?
- Pitch count guidelines, how important are they?
- It is more beneficial for young pitchers to play multiple sports?
If you have any fun stories or facts to share, please shoot us a message on social media:
- Or join in our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
If you are enjoying our podcast, please leave a review/rating on iTunes and subscribe or follow on your favorite podcast player!
On deck: Part 2 of the Arm Care series with special guest physical therapist, Dr. Ryan Brown
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Mentions:
Moms and Baseball episode 020 From 10u to the Big Ten: MI Select Coach on 2020 College Commits for Entire TeamAroldis Chapman: https://www.foxsports.com.au/baseball/aroldis-chapman-looks-ridiculously-huge-after-cancelled-baseball-preseason/news-story/00c39dcbc45aa7fcb57f14fd0adff7d3
Baseball rules, history, and player stories that you have probably never heard!
If you want to learn more, check out the RESOURCES below that we used to research our facts. If you have any fun stories or facts to share, please shoot us a message on social media:
- Parents and Baseball
If you are enjoying our podcast, please leave a review/rating on iTunes and subscribe or follow on your favorite podcast player!
On deck: Arm Care 2-part series
- Part 1: Questions about arm care answered by a professional-level pitching coach
- Part 2: Interview a physical therapist who specializes in arm care for baseball players
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
RESOURCES:
MLB Rule 7.05
MLB Rule 5.06(c)
MLB Rule 6.04(c) & Rule 8.01(c)
Mound Visit
12-Second Rule
Patching
Umpires, “Strikes,” Underhand, Flat Bats, Spitballs & Bounce
Shortstop & Backwards
Bob Gibson
Gaylord Perry
Clarence Blethen
Mike Trout
Trevor and Patrick are joined by guest Jason Ball, Asst. Baseball Coach/Recruiting Coordinator at SVSU and coach of the 16u Michigan Select team.
Dads takeover for Part 2 of our mini-series on showcase baseball and college recruitment. Listen to Part 1 here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1348060/7380025
In this episode, Jason shares his experiences coaching at different levels, and offers players and parents a plethora of advice regarding college recruiting, including:
- Explanation of NCAA divisions, JUCO, and NAIA and recruiting rules, plus roster & scholarship limits
- Showcases -- how valuable are they?
- What parents should and should not do in regards to helping or hurting their child in the college recruiting process
- When / how should players start contacting college coaches?
- Social media -- do's and don'ts for players/parents
Note: NAIA Division 1 and 2 schools do offer athletic scholarships. Division 3 NAIA schools do not.
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Resources:
Parents and Baseball Facebook group
http://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
https://scholarshipstats.com/baseball
This episode is Part 1 in a 2-part series about high school/showcase baseball and college recruiting.
Mark Jebb has been a long-time assistant coach at Swan Valley High School and a travel baseball coach for Saginaw Bay Riverdawgs and Michigan Select. In this episode, he shares the experience of coaching a group of 2020 grads from the time they were 9-10 years old until they finished high school.
Coach Jebb talks about how he focused on development with his players and how he later assisted them in the college recruitment process. He also talks about own son's recruitment and commitment to Michigan State University.
Facts from this episode:
- Michigan Select 18u had a roster of 15 players. All 15 committed to college baseball programs.
- 7- Division 1 Universities
- 4- Michigan State University (MSU)
- 2- Central Michigan University (CMU)
- 1- Eastern Michigan University (EMU)
- 5- Division 2 University
- Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU)
- 1- Division 3 University
- Hope College
- 2- Junior Colleges
- Mott Community College
- Mid-Michigan Community College
- 7- Division 1 Universities
- Every single player from Coach Jebb's 15u Michigan Select team made his respective high school's varsity baseball team as a freshman
On Deck: DadsTakeover- College Recruiting with guest Coach Jason Ball (asst. coach SVSU)
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
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Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
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Questions or comments?
Email us at momsandbaseball@gmail.com
Find us on Facebook & Instagram: @momsandbaseball
Join our Parents and Baseball group on Facebook!
Tons of fundraising ideas in this episode--the good and the bad! Today we welcomed Shannon Robinson who was the Team Manager/Administrator for the new Prairie Ironmen Travel Baseball Organization and Tournament Scheduler for the South Bend Cubs Organization, and was a very successful fundraiser manager.
DISCLAIMER: We are not accountants or experts in tax law so please consult your organization's consultants to make sure any and all fundraisers are in compliance with 501(c)3s or your particular tax-exempt organization.
Fundraising ideas discussed in this episode:
- Sponsorships
- Parties
- Trivia Night
- Euchre Party
- Cornhole Tournament (not mentioned)
- Comedy show (not mentioned)
- Silent Auction
- Piggie Raffle
- 50/50
- Wheel barrow / Barrel of Fun
- Superbowl Boards
- March Madness Boards
- Flipgive
- Amazon Smile
- Raffles:
- Gun raffle
- Purse raffle
- Yeti cooler raffle
- Lottery raffle
- Cow/meat raffle
- Baseball bat raffle
- Bottle / Can Drive
- Tag Day
- Restaurant Kickback Night
- Restaurant Tip Night (not mentioned)
- Apparel order profit share
- Sales
- Mums
- Wreaths
- Candy/Popcorn
- Pizza kits
- Coupons/coupon books/coupon cards
- Candles (not mentioned)
- Laundry detergent (not mentioned)
- Sheets (not mentioned)
- Bake sale (not mentioned)
- Direct Sales (DSA/MLM) party/hostess profit sharing
- Home-run derby
- Hit-a-thon
- Penny Auction
- Car washes
- Port-a-Pit
We use the term "profitable" in this episode several times when we should actually say "lucrative." Our apologies as several of these fundraisers were mentioned as not being profitable when actually they could have had a 100% profit since no money was invested--but we did not make much money; therefore, the fundraiser was not very lucrative.On Deck: From 10u to the Big Ten:-Michigan Select Coach on 2020 College Commits for Entire Teamhttps://momsandbaseball.weebly.com Join our Parents and Baseball Facebook group!----------
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
In this episode, guests Amber and Brenda return to continue our discussion of the New Year’s Baseball Fest tournament in Panama City Beach, Florida, and our experiences playing with Baseball Youth Elite & GameDay USA Prospect Teams, as well as independent teams that participated in the tournament.
Check out our brand new "Parents and Baseball" Facebook group!Amber's son Gunner played for a Baseball Youth Elite team at the NYBF in the 12u division in 2020 and played for a GameDay Prospect team at the ESPN Sports Complex in the 11u division in 2019.
Brenda has a current 13u son who played in several GameDay USA All Star events, starting at 10u, and also previously played in the GameDay USA Junior All-American games in West Palm Beach, Florida. The same son participated with his current travel team in Panama City Beach's New Year's Baseball Fest in 2020.
Stephanie and Diana both have 13u sons who played in the Mason, Ohio All Star event for GameDay USA in 2020 (as 12u) and then played for different GameDay USA Prospect Teams at the Panama City Beach's New Year's Baseball Fest in 2020.
https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com/podcast/moms-discuss-new-years-baseball-fest
After recording this episode, we did hear back from GameDay USA regarding their response to how teams are created at the NYBF (and how those players are chosen) as well as how much weight is put into buddy requests. The response is included here:
*"Our teams are selected from our pool of All-Star players, who are MVP recipients that showcase their skills at one of our All-Star weekends. From these events, we handpick our top players to be invited to our PROSPECT team.
In terms of how the teams are divided up, we break them up based on their positions and pitching ability primarily. Of course, we want all of our teams to succeed, so giving each team as much pitching as possible in an extensive tournament like the New Year's BaseballFest is essential. Buddy requests come into effect as we are making the rosters, but do not take a priority over making sure each team is filled with enough players for each position. We would love to fulfill every buddy request if it was possible, but sometimes it is simply not possible.
The coaches that we hire are all high school/college coaches or former coaches with extensive experience in the baseball world. These coaches have the hardest job in the world because they are expected to coach a group of about 12 players that they have never met and get an idea of everyone's playing level and abilities. These coaches find out their teams at the same time everyone else does, but even then they have never seen these players play. We truly appreciate all that they do, and we believe they did a phenomenal job this past weekend with the situation that was presented."*
On Deck for next week: Moms and Baseball Fundraising-
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Mambe Waterproof Blankets
Use the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" to get 10% off any MAMBE products
In this episode, guests Amber and Brenda join Stephanie and Diana to discuss personal experiences with GameDay USA and Baseball Youth individual events. We talk about those GameDay MVP tags and golden tickets, plus lots more!
Check out our brand new "Parents and Baseball" Facebook group!Welcome Amber and Brenda. Amber has a son that played in a few GameDay USA All Star events as well as for the GameDay USA Prospect Team in Disney in 2019 as an 11-year old, then played in a Baseball Youth All American event and for the BY Elite team at the New Year's Baseball Fest in Panama City Beach as a 12u player in 2020.
Brenda has a current 13u son who played in several GameDay USA All Star events, starting at 10u, and also previously played in the GameDay USA Junior All-American games in West Palm Beach, Florida. The same son participated with his current travel team in Panama City Beach's New Year's Baseball Fest in 2020.
Stephanie and Diana both have 13u sons who played in the Mason, Ohio All Star event for GameDay USA in 2020 (as 12u) and then played for different GameDay USA Prospect Teams at the Panama City Beach's New Year's Baseball Fest in 2020.
After recording this episode, we did hear back from GameDay USA regarding their response to how teams are created at the NYBF (and how those players are chosen) as well as how much weight is put into buddy requests. The response is included here:
*"Our teams are selected from our pool of All-Star players, who are MVP recipients that showcase their skills at one of our All-Star weekends. From these events, we handpick our top players to be invited to our PROSPECT team.
In terms of how the teams are divided up, we break them up based on their positions and pitching ability primarily. Of course, we want all of our teams to succeed, so giving each team as much pitching as possible in an extensive tournament like the New Year's BaseballFest is essential. Buddy requests come into effect as we are making the rosters, but do not take a priority over making sure each team is filled with enough players for each position. We would love to fulfill every buddy request if it was possible, but sometimes it is simply not possible.
The coaches that we hire are all high school/college coaches or former coaches with extensive experience in the baseball world. These coaches have the hardest job in the world because they are expected to coach a group of about 12 players that they have never met and get an idea of everyone's playing level and abilities. These coaches find out their teams at the same time everyone else does, but even then they have never seen these players play. We truly appreciate all that they do, and we believe they did a phenomenal job this past weekend with the situation that was presented."*
On Deck for next week: We continue our discussion of the New Year’s Baseball Fest tournament and our experiences playing with Baseball Youth Elite & GameDay USA Prospect Teams, and participating with an independent team.
Please note that while we attempted to record this episode and post it uncut, we did have to cut a few small sections for various reasons--especially due to the occasional poor quality connection/audio.----------
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
This special episode # 16 we are discussing the GameChanger app and the new app GameChanger Team Manager.
Guest host Patrick Malley, from Dads takeover episode
Special Guests:
Ken Strnad, VP Marketing of GameChanger
David Kennedy, Head of Consumer Experience at GameChanger
A few things we love about GameChanger:
-Scorebook
-Stats auto-generated
-Fan/viewer experience
-Audio- use in the car
We discuss concerns about the new app- GameChanger Team Manager and our wish list items.
New updates from the Gamechanger HQ:
There is so much new news coming to GC Team Manager in 2021 and we are grateful for the opportunity to come on the show and share.
LINK: https://home.gc.com/live-video-streaming/
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
In this episode you can hear stories about what youth baseball was like for retired, professional baseball players (including Boog Powell, Fergie Jenkins, Lou Whitaker, Willie Horton, Lou Pinniella, and more)!
Author Kelly Park talks about his experience interviewing 36 players from the MLB, MiLB, Negro Leagues, and All-American Girls Baseball League for his book, "Just Like Me: When the Pros Played on the Sandlot."
https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Episodes/Websites mentioned in this episode:
- justlikemethebook.com
- Moms and Travel Ball vs. Rec Ball - Part 1
- Interview with Div. 1 Catcher Who Was Cut From High School Teams (Chad)
- Moms and Politics in Youth Baseball (Joanne Ignatius)
- Book: A Glory of Their Times
- Your Story - Just Like Me The Book Website
Complete List of Players Interviewed in Book One and Book Two of Just Like Me: When the Pros Played on the Sandlot:
BOOK ONE
Boog Powell — MLB
Phil Roof — MLB
Hawk Taylor — MLB
Jim Hickman — MLB
Bill Greason — NLB
Lois Youngen — AAGPBL
Katie Horstman — AAGPBL
Jim Kaat — MLB
Lou Piniella — MLB
Jim Zapp — NLB
Lou Whitaker — MLB
Steve Blass — MLB
Whitey Herzog — MLB
Doug Flynn — MLB
Fergie Jenkins — MLB
Willie Blair — MLB
Willie Horton — MLB
Charlie Loyd — MiLB
BOOK TWO
Bobby Richardson — MLB
Jack Billingham — MLB
Erma Bergmann — AAGPBL
Kevin Seitzer — MLB
Dave LaPoint — MLB
Don Sutton — MLB
Al Oliver — MLB
Phil Niekro — MLB
Luis Tiant — MLB
Tony Oliva — MLB
Bert Campaneris — MLB
Dale Berra — MLB
Audrey Kissel-Lafser — AAGPBL
Mike Macfarlane — MLB
Jack Perconte — MLB
Damian Rolls — MLB
Harold Hair — NLB
Arthur Hamilton — NLB
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Baseball dads took over the podcast this week to talk about how to choose a travel team/organization.
https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
Article Mentioned in Episode:
https://travelballparents.com/2017/07/42-essential-questions-to-ask-before-joining-a-new-travel-team/
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Mambe Waterproof Blankets
Use the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" to get 10% off any MAMBE products
We discuss the top five things that we love and hate about travel baseball. What did we forget to mention?
Top things we Hate about travel ball
- Cost
- Not much 1:1 development of players
-
Drama
-
2 more!
Top things we Love about travel baseball:
- The Relationships
-
Competitiveness
-
3 more!
http://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
ARTICLES MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
- Economics; subtle new racism making mlb in 2020 poorer, less diverse https://sports.yahoo.com/economics-subtle-racism-making-mlb-052410487.html?
- How Michigan's Bushel Full of Draft Picks Developed, Put Baseball Back on Map https://mgoblue.com/news/2020/6/17/how-michigans-bushel-full-of-draft-picks-developed-put-baseball-back-on-map.aspx
- 2019 University of Michigan Baseball Roster. Jordan Nwogu full bio. https://mgoblue.com/sports/baseball/roster/jordan-nwogu/20976
- One of my friends asked "Why do you pay so much money for your kids to do all their sports?" https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/one-my-friends-asked-why-do-you-pay-so-much-money-your-chris-rohrer
This episode we interviewed Lale Esquivel, coach of the Texas Canes Elite. His 12u team went 101-0 for their 2020 season. They also:
Won 5 USSSA Super NITs, including 2 at 13u AAA level
Won the 2020 12u USSSA Wilson DeMarini Elite World Series
Won the 2020 12u Perfect Game National World Series
Ranked #1 Team in Nation by USSSA and TravelBall Select (and probably everyone else)
Here are a few questions we asked Lale:
-
How did they manage not to lose a single game?
-
How many players and pitchers on the 2020 team?
-
Typical speed they pitch at?
-
Any protocol for pitching ? (# of pitches per game/day/week)
-
Where do your players come from?
-
What is turnover like from year to year? Do kids continue at this pace or get burned out?
-
Talk about player size/early maturity as a factor?
-
What does their season look like?
-
Are the kids being recruited yet?
-
How do the kids get to be so mentally tough?
On Deck: Things we love and hate about travel baseball
momsandbaseball.weebly.com/podcast
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE:
- TravelBall Select Rankings: https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=670275787206169
- USSSA 12u Texas Canes Elite 2020: http://www.usssa.com/baseball/teamHome/?teamID=2788179
- Perfect Game 12u Texas Canes Elite 2020: https://www.perfectgame.org/PGBA/Team/default.aspx?orgid=26168&orgteamid=68891&team=144009&Year=2020
- Youth baseball gone wild: 'You're selling your son's soul for a six-dollar trophy': https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/fort-worth/article159060549.html
- Kobe Bryant interview (23 min 30 sec to 26 min 15 sec): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T5-vgyEbtPU&t=1606s
Mambe Waterproof Blankets
Use the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" to get 10% off any MAMBE products
Who said girls can't play baseball?
This episode we interview two young ladies currently playing baseball, and another woman who played baseball all the way to high school.
Our first guest is Ashley Comer from Warwick, NY. Ashley is a 13 yo, who is a pitcher as well as plays infield for her 14u travel team. Ashley and her mom tell us her experience playing with the boys, against difficult coaches, and her future plans for middle school baseball.
Our second guest is Gina Korbein from Saginaw, Michigan. Gina grew up playing boys baseball for many years at pitcher, first base, and other positions. Gina also played high school baseball and will share her experiences, her difficulties in the sport, and her advice for young ladies playing baseball now.
Our last guest is Cassiana, who plays for the 12u Renegades team in Michigan. Cassiana is an 11 yo pitcher, and third baseman. Cassiana, and her mom, share her first experience of baseball, pitching against boys, and advice for girls just like her.
On Deck: Lale Esquivel - Coach of the Best 12u Team in the Nation
momsandbaseball.weebly.com/podcast
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Sports Box
Know a kid who loves sports? Keep them playing and practicing at home with Sports Box!
This episode we are discussing the Great Lakes Loons baseball team located in MIdland, MI.
Many people do not know this but the Great Lakes Loons baseball team is the Los Angeles Dodgers’ Low- A Minor League baseball affiliate since the teams inception in 2006. The 2020 World Series Champions, the LA Dodgers, have 13 players that were once Loons players. The Great Lakes Loons were also the Midwest League Champions in 2016.
I’m just going to drop a few names:
Clayton Kershaw (2007)
Kenley Jansen (2007/2008)
Joc Pederson (20011)
Corey Seager (2013)- World Series MVP
Julio Urias (2014)
Walker Beuhler (2016)
Will Smith (2016)
Tony Gonsolin (2016)
E. Rios (2016)
G. Lux (2017)
Dustin May (2017)
We interviewed Chef Andrea Noonan, the Executive Chef and Director of Food Operations at the Great Lakes Loons at Dow Diamond Stadium. Chef Andrea gives us the inside scoop of the Great Lakes Loons ball club, including special player diets, players favorite snacks, meal and game time planning, and fan favorite foods at Dow Diamond Stadium.
On Deck:
We interview several girls, who are playing or used to play baseball, and discuss their challenges.
momsandbaseball.weebly.com/podcast
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Today's episode explores the journey of someone cut from his high school basketball and baseball team, but through perseverance and dedication ended up becoming a starter for both sports as a senior and then playing baseball at a Division 1 university.
In contrast to his story, his best friend at the same school was a starter in both basketball and baseball as a young athlete, and even played at the varsity baseball level as a freshman; however, his story quickly takes a turn (especially in basketball) since he peaked early and he watched others catch up in growth and pass him in athleticism.
Both athletes attend the same university and attend walk-on tryouts for the baseball team. Listen to see how their stories turn out. "When I got cut, I didn't blame the coach... I obviously wasn't good enough. If I was good enough, I would have made the team. There obviously were weaknesses, or things that I could improve on." - ChadOn Deck: An Interview with Chef Responsible for Feeding Several LA Dodgers/World Series Winners
momsandbaseball.weebly.com/podcast
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Mambe Waterproof Blankets
Use the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" to get 10% off any MAMBE products
It is that time of year, but not the politics you were thinking. This topic was suggested by one of our listeners, because she thought that newbie parents may be surprised to learn about all the politics that can be involved in even a small town youth baseball team. In this episode, we discuss the politics in rec and travel baseball, daddy ball, and how adults get in the way of kids just wanting to play ball and have fun. We have two guest interviews, one by Jo Ignatius from Mississippi, and the other is Amy Keim from Texas. We also have one baseball mom who wrote in her story for us to read but wanted to stay anonymous. Thanks for listening!
momsandbaseball.weebly.com
HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets!
Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL"
Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:
- 100% waterproof/windproof
- Heat-reflective lining
- Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
- Wrap you from head to toe!
- Made in the USA
- Are the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)
AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
GAME DAY ESSENTIALS CHECKLIST
Foldable Sports Wagon:
- Chair
- Umbrella
- Tent
- Cooler
- Ice
- Water + extra water jug
- Gatorade/sports drinks
- Frogg toggs (in Ziploc baggies)
- Mambe waterproof hooded blanket
- 100% waterproof / windproof
- Polartec ® Classic 300 Fleece with Heat Reflective Lining
- Dual snaps at neck, Fleece lined hood and internal pockets
- Premium stuff sack included
- Ideal for cold, windy, wet conditions
- Wrap up from head to toe!
- Made in the USA and guaranteed for life
- 10% discount with code MOMSANDBASEBALL http://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
- Coat
- Extra blankets
- Winter hat & mittens
Game Day Tote/Bag:
- Sunscreen
- Bug spray
- Hand sanitizer
- Wipes
- Toilet paper
- Ball cap
- Chapstick
- Eye drops
- First Aid Kit
- Medication (ibuprofen/Tylenol/allergy medicine)
- Duct tape
- Athletic tape / vet wrap
- Ankle brace?
- Hot hands
- Camera
- Extra batteries
- Extra SD cards
- Portable cell charger
- Fidgets (worry stone, Rubik's cube, etc.)
- Sunflower seeds
For Siblings:
- Blanket / chair
- iPad or tablet
- Ball and glove
- Find the playground!
Snack/Meal Ideas:
Hot Thermos (Pre-heat thermos with hot or boiling water)
- Mac and cheese
- Buttered noodles
- Beans and rice
Cold Foods
- Uncrustables
- Sandwiches
- Lunch meat and cheese rollups
- Carnation Instant Breakfast, muscle milk, or smoothies
- Cold pasta salad with cheese/ pepperoni/veggies
Snacks
- Cheese and crackers
- Beef jerky
- *Granola bars
- *Nuts
- *Peanut butter crackers
- Fruit, frozen grapes
- Yogurt tubes (freeze)
- Goldfish/pretzels /etc.
- Tuna
- Hard boiled eggs
- Chocolate milk
- Snickers
- *Homemade energy/protein balls (Power Balls) (makes 2-3 dozen)
- 1 cup dry, old fashioned oats
- 2/3 cup toasted coconut flakes
- 1/2 creamy peanut butter
- 1/2 cup ground flaxseed
- 2/3 cup chocolate chips or dried fruit
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 T chia seeds or sub protein powder
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Mix together, chill for 30 minutes, roll into balls, store in airtight container
Mambe Waterproof Blankets
Use the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" to get 10% off any MAMBE products
Do you really know the difference between a hit and ROE? Or do you understand OPS, SLG, and ERA? Here we discuss the most common baseball stats that parents and coaches might have access to. Scorekeepers in particular may learn a thing or two to help them score games more accurately (leading to more accurate stats) as well!
Stats discussed in this episode:
AB vs. PA - At Bat vs. Plate Appearance
FC - Fielder's Choice
Sac / SF - Sacrifice Bunt / Sacrifice Fly
AVG - Batting Average
OBP - On Base Percentage
SLG - Slugging Percentage
OPS - On-Base Plus Slugging
QAB - Quality At Bat
ROE - Reached On Error
RC - Run Contribution, made up by Diana 🤣
RBI - Runs Batted In
ERA - Earned Run Average
WHIP - Walks plus Hits per Inning Pitched
S% - Strike Percentage
FPS - First Pitch Strikes
SB / WP / PB / DI - Stolen Bases / Wild Pitches / Passed Balls / Defensive Indifference (Fielder's Choice)
www.momsandbaseball.weebly.com/podcast
Mambe Blankets mentioned in this episode: http://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
(Please note that this is an affiliate link and we may receive a commission for purchases made through this link; however, this does not impact our reviews or comparisons as we specifically chose to affiliate with this company because we already know and love their products!)
Diana and Stephanie talk with special guest, Dr. Trevor Grice, regarding the differences in travel baseball and rec/little league baseball, and discuss why someone may choose one or the other.
http://momsandbaseball.weebly.com/podcast
Are you familiar with Mambe blankets? We have both owned a Mambe hooded blanket for over a year and couldn't love them more! Use the discount code MOMSANDBASEBALL to get your own blanket and receive 10% off your order!!!
If you aren't already familiar with these amazing products, we will provide a lot more info in an upcoming episode! Let's just say this Midwest mom doesn't go to a ballpark without my Mambe.
(Please note that this is an affiliate link and we may receive a commission for purchases made through this link; however, this does not impact our reviews or comparisons as we specifically chose to affiliate with this company because we already know and love their products!)
http://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Diana and Stephanie talk with special guest host, Dr. Trevor Grice, regarding the differences in travel baseball and rec/little league baseball, and discuss why someone may choose one or the other.
Trevor is a licensed clinical psychologist, baseball coach for rec and travel ball, has been an active board member for each league, is a long-time baseball fan, and also happens to be married to Diana =)
This is Part One of a 2-part series. There is a ton of information about rec, little league, travel, and hybrid teams packed into these episodes. There are so many choices for your youth baseball player, so make sure you understand the difference in order to make the best decision for your athlete.
www.momsandbaseball.weebly.com/podcast
Are you familiar with Mambe blankets? We have both owned a Mambe hooded blanket for over a year and couldn't love them more! Use the discount code MOMSANDBASEBALL to get your own blanket and receive 10% off your order!!!
If you aren't already familiar with these amazing products, we will provide a lot more info in an upcoming episode! Let's just say this Midwest mom doesn't go to a ballpark without my Mambe.
(Please note that this is an affiliate link and we may receive a commission for purchases made through this link; however, this does not impact our reviews or comparisons as we specifically chose to affiliate with this company because we already know and love their products!)
http://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Diana and Stephanie discuss common baseball mom stereotypes for youth baseball teams.
Are you familiar with Mambe blankets? We have both owned a Mambe hooded blanket for over a year and couldn't love them more! Use the discount code MOMSANDBASEBALL to get your own blanket and receive 10% off your order!!!
If you aren't already familiar with these amazing products, we will provide a lot more info in an upcoming episode! Let's just say this Midwest mom doesn't go to a ballpark without my Mambe.
(Please note that this is an affiliate link and we may receive a commission for purchases made through this link; however, this does not impact our reviews or comparisons as we specifically chose to affiliate with this company because we already know and love their products!)
http://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
It's the age-old baseball mom question: how to get white baseball pants clean (and is it worth it)?
Cleaning products/methods listed in this podcast:
- Car wash / Pressure washer
- OUT White Brite
- Iron Out Rust Stain Remover
- OxiClean
- Dawn Dish Soap
- Purex Fels-Naptha Laundry Bar & Stain Remover
- Murphy Oil Soap
- All free clear laundry detergent
Are you familiar with Mambe blankets? We have both owned a Mambe hooded blanket for over a year and couldn't love them more! Use the discount code MOMSANDBASEBALL to get your own blanket and receive 10% off your order!!!
If you aren't already familiar with these amazing products, we will provide a lot more info in an upcoming episode! Let's just say this Midwest mom doesn't go to a ballpark without my Mambe.
(Please note that this is an affiliate link and we may receive a commission for purchases made through this link; however, this does not impact our reviews or comparisons as we specifically chose to affiliate with this company because we already know and love their products!)
http://mambeblankets.com?aff=13
Meet Stephanie and Diana, hosts of Moms and Baseball-a podcast dedicated to covering youth baseball topics.
We are moms, but our listeners include moms, dads, coaches, and players! We often invite expert guests to join us and our episodes cover a variety of topics, ranging from tips for cleaning white baseball pants to college recruitment advice.
Join our Parents and Baseball Facebook community and/or follow us on social media @momsandbaseball
Have fun at the fields!