Chasing Baseball Dreams

Why are baseball parents flying 8-year-olds across the country for travel baseball? Former MLB pitcher Jay Jackson questions the youth baseball rankings, expensive tournaments, and pressure that have become so common at an early age. Jay spent 17 years playing professional baseball, including time with six Major League teams and in Japan. In this episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, he joins Bobby Minor to share what he learned about player development, choosing the right opportunities, handling disappointment, and helping young players enjoy the game. In this episode we cover: Why Jay believes parents put too much importance on baseball rankings for 8U–12U players The money families spend flying young players across the country for travel baseball tournaments How Jay went from being projected as a second-to-fourth-round draft pick to getting selected in the ninth round Why he chose Furman University and how academics, family, and his relationship with the coach influenced that decision What playing professionally in Japan taught him about fundamentals and the quality of practice What Jay looks for in young pitchers that parents often overlook What a dad should say to his 12U pitcher after giving up six runs The emotional story of his son spending 166 days in the NICU and what Jay hopes his children remember about him Jay also shares the years he spent waiting for his Major League opportunity, what happened when he didn't make Toronto's Opening Day roster despite a strong spring training, and why he created the S.M.I.L.E. Zone to help young players with the mental side of baseball. If you're a baseball parent trying to decide which teams, tournaments, rankings, and opportunities are actually worth your money, this conversation will give you plenty to think about before you spend another dollar. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor ⚾ Guest: Jay Jackson, former MLB pitcher and founder of the S.M.I.L.E. Zone 🎧 Podcast: Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast Connect with Jay Jackson: Instagram: @jaxland58 S.M.I.L.E. Zone community: https://smilezone.app/ 🔔 Subscribe to Chasing Baseball Dreams on YouTube so you don't miss future interviews with Major League players, coaches, and baseball parents. You can also listen on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. #JayJackson #YouthBaseball #TravelBaseball #BaseballParents #ChasingBaseballDreams

Ben Jacobus started in center field, hit leadoff as a freshman, and helped Corona del Sol win the 2025 Arizona 6A state championship. Now he's committed to TCU. His dad, Brian Jacobus, played professional baseball after being drafted by the San Diego Padres. He's coached high school baseball, run travel baseball organizations, and experienced the recruiting process firsthand as a parent. One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation? Brian built Ben's baseball development around preparing him for high school, and he believes there are things high school baseball provides that travel ball has a hard time replicating. In this episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, Brian shares the decisions they made along the way, including some he'd handle differently. In this episode we cover: What Ben experienced winning a state championship as a freshman and why high school baseball was so important to his development What high school coaches look for when deciding whether a freshman is ready for varsity baseball Why Brian believes choosing the right coach matters more than playing for a famous travel baseball organization How Brian handled being both Ben's dad and his coach, including the mental side of the game Why Ben reclassified from the 2028 to the 2027 graduating class, and Brian's concerns about holding players back to gain an age advantage How TCU recruited Ben, what happened when other schools entered the picture, and why Ben ultimately chose TCU over Arizona State The red flags parents should watch for before committing to a travel team Why Brian believes families waste money on national tournaments and showcases before their sons are ready Brian also shares something he wishes he'd emphasized earlier in Ben's development, even with all his years of experience playing and coaching baseball. If you're spending money on travel baseball, preparing your son for high school, or starting to think about college recruiting, this conversation will give you plenty to think about before making your next decision. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor ⚾ Guest: Brian Jacobus 🎧 Podcast: Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast Subscribe for conversations with players, coaches, and baseball people who can help parents think more clearly about the decisions they're making for their sons. #ChasingBaseballDreams #TravelBaseball #BaseballParents

Some Major League players were more afraid of talking to their dads after a bad game than facing the media. Former MLB All-Star Shane Greene saw it firsthand. And he has a lot to say about what baseball parents need to understand. Shane spent 10 seasons in the big leagues with teams including the Yankees, Tigers, and Braves. But his journey was anything but typical. He didn't pitch a single varsity inning as a sophomore, received just one college offer, underwent Tommy John surgery, and took the JUCO route before being drafted in the 15th round. He eventually became an MLB All-Star in 2019. In this episode, we cover: Why your son's performance at 12U tells you very little about where he'll end up How Shane handled sitting on the varsity bench for an entire season and what his dad did differently Why some Major Leaguers were still afraid of disappointing their fathers How too much mechanical instruction can hurt a player's ability to compete Why Shane believes the mental side of baseball is being overlooked What playing Cosmic Baseball and Banana Ball taught him about competition and having fun Shane also shares what helped him through injuries, setbacks, and the pressure of professional baseball, along with his advice for parents who are worried their sons are falling behind. If you're a baseball parent trying to figure out what actually matters for your son's development, this is a conversation worth hearing. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor ⚾ Guest: Shane Greene, 2019 MLB All-Star 🎧 Watch or listen to the full Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast episode on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Subscribe so you don't miss future conversations with people who've experienced the game at the highest levels. #ChasingBaseballDreams #BaseballParents #ShaneGreene

Your son's team plays tournaments on Sundays. Your family wants to be in church. And you're worried that missing games could cost him playing time or put him behind. How do you handle that? Savannah Bananas star RobertAnthony Cruz, better known as Coach RAC , joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast for a conversation about faith, family, and the decisions baseball parents face. Coach RAC shares his journey from UC Riverside to the Washington Nationals, the heartbreak of being released from professional baseball, and how his faith helped him find purpose beyond the game. We also talk about Sandlot Revival , the faith-based movement that grew from a Savannah Bananas team Bible study into worship nights in more than 20 cities. In this episode we cover: Whether missing Sunday tournament games really puts your son behind How Christian parents can handle the conflict between church and travel baseball What conversations parents should have with coaches before committing to a team Practical ways families can maintain their faith and church community during a busy baseball season How parents sometimes make their sons feel like their love depends on baseball performance What Coach RAC learned about identity and faith after being released by the Washington Nationals How Sandlot Revival started and the impact it's having across the country Why Coach RAC believes developing your son's character matters more than his baseball career Coach RAC also shares his personal testimony, what fatherhood has taught him, and why his biggest accomplishments on the baseball field don't compare to what matters most in his life. Whether you're a Christian family struggling with Sunday tournaments or a parent trying to keep baseball in perspective, this conversation will give you plenty to think about before your next season. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor ⚾ Guest: Coach RAC (@coach.rac) 🎧 Podcast: Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast 🔔 Subscribe for more conversations with players, coaches, and baseball people who can help you think through the decisions you're making for your son. #ChasingBaseballDreams #CoachRAC #SavannahBananas #TravelBaseball #FaithAndBaseball

Six games in three days. That's the kind of schedule that makes Will Armijo question what we're doing in youth baseball. Will believes youth baseball should be 90% focused on development and only 10% on playing games. That's a pretty strong opinion coming from someone who runs a baseball academy. Will is a former Division II pitcher at Grand Canyon University who went through Tommy John surgery and some serious setbacks during his playing career. Today, he's the CEO and co-founder of Legendary Prep Academy in Scottsdale, Arizona, which was featured on the Paramount+ reality series Team Moms: Baseball . In this episode we cover: Why Will believes young players are playing too many games and spending too little time developing The D1 obsession and why a bigger-name college isn't always the better opportunity What parents misunderstand about 13U and 14U rankings and predicting college baseball potential Reclassifying young players and whether an extra year actually helps The injury concerns that come with heavy tournament schedules and inadequate recovery How parents can measure whether the money they're spending is actually helping their son improve What Will has learned about parents, playing-time complaints, and the pressure placed on young athletes Will also shares what it was like growing up playing baseball in New Mexico, including a high school coach who told him he'd never be good enough to play beyond high school. If you're spending thousands on travel baseball, considering a prep academy, or wondering whether your son needs to play more games to keep up, this conversation will give you plenty to think about before making your next decision. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor ⚾ Guest: Will Armijo, CEO & Co-Founder of Legendary Prep Academy 🎧 Podcast: Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast Subscribe to Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts for more conversations about the decisions baseball parents face. #ChasingBaseballDreams #TravelBaseball #BaseballParents

Ty Buttrey got cut from a travel baseball team, was sent down to JV in high school, and still became a fourth-round draft pick who made it to the big leagues. Then, in 2021, he walked away from baseball. What surprised me most during our conversation was hearing Ty admit that he never really loved pitching, even though he loved playing baseball. Ty spent years battling performance anxiety, struggling with his mechanics, and pushing himself to get better. He eventually reached the Major Leagues with the Los Angeles Angels, but getting there didn't make those struggles disappear. In this episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, Ty and I talk about his journey from getting cut to pitching in the big leagues, what he learned about himself along the way, and what baseball parents can take from his experience. In this episode we cover: How Ty went from getting cut and being sent down to JV to becoming a fourth-round draft pick Why the wrong training program caused him to lose velocity early in his professional career, according to Ty, and what he changed Why Ty believes the mental side of pitching accounts for as much as 70% of success What parents should look for when choosing a pitching instructor, hitting coach, or personal trainer Why being one of the best players at 12U or 13U doesn't tell you how good that player will be years later How the pressure to prove other people wrong contributed to Ty's performance anxiety Why Ty believes American youth baseball spends too much time playing tournaments and too little time developing skills What he wishes he'd done differently growing up, and his advice to parents about pushing their sons without belittling them Why parents of 12- and 13-year-olds should think carefully before chasing social media attention and NIL opportunities One of the most interesting parts of our conversation came when Ty talked about how much he loved playing baseball but never really enjoyed the part of the game that became his profession. He also shares what parents should pay attention to when their sons start putting too much pressure on themselves, and why he'd encourage parents to help their sons develop interests outside of baseball. If you're a baseball parent with a son who's serious about playing at the next level, this is a conversation worth hearing. Especially if you're trying to figure out how hard to push him, what kind of training he needs, and whether he's still enjoying the game. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor ⚾ Guest: Ty Buttrey, Former MLB Pitcher | Los Angeles Angels 🎧 Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast Subscribe for more conversations with former Major Leaguers, professional coaches, and people who've lived the game, with lessons that can help you make better baseball decisions for your son. #BaseballParents #YouthBaseball #TravelBaseball

Your son looks great hitting in the cage. Then he gets into a game and can't buy a hit. So what's the answer? More hitting lessons? Change his swing? Find a different instructor? Corey Hart spent 18 years coaching professional hitters in the Milwaukee Brewers, Miami Marlins, and Toronto Blue Jays organizations. He's worked with hitters like Christian Yelich and Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and he's now an assistant softball coach at Syracuse University. In this episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, Corey and I talk about what parents need to understand before spending more money on hitting instruction. We get into the mental side of hitting, what separates good hitters from great ones, and why some of the advice parents give from the stands might be making things harder for their sons. In this episode we cover: Why a good-looking swing in the cage doesn't always translate into success during games How to tell whether your son's hitting instructor is actually helping him, beyond his batting average What Corey saw in Christian Yelich and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that made them such special hitters Why getting hitting advice from multiple coaches can leave a young player confused The mechanical advice Corey wishes parents would stop yelling during at-bats How one simple hitting drill helped Martín Maldonado make an adjustment in the minor leagues When hitting lessons make sense for younger players and why Corey believes mindset is just as important as mechanics Why Corey would rather send his sons to the right college camp than spend money on showcases hoping they'll get discovered Corey also shares what he believes separates players who eventually reach the big leagues from those with similar talent who never get there. If you're a baseball parent spending money on hitting lessons, this conversation will give you a better idea of what to look for in an instructor and what actual progress should look like. And the next time your son steps into the batter's box, you might want to think twice before yelling another swing tip. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor ⚾ Guest: Corey Hart, Former Professional Hitting Coach | Syracuse University Softball 🎧 Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast Subscribe for more conversations with former Major Leaguers, professional coaches, and people who've lived the game, with lessons that can help you make better baseball decisions for your son. #BaseballParents #YouthBaseball #HittingLessons

Are baseball parents spending thousands of dollars on travel teams, national rankings, and private lessons without knowing whether any of it is actually helping their son? Coach Jason Ferber, better known as Coach Ferber on Instagram, joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast for a conversation every travel baseball parent needs to hear. A former San Diego Padres scout who has worked with some of the country's top young baseball players, Coach Ferber shares what he's learned about player development, youth baseball rankings, recruiting, and the decisions parents face as their sons grow in the game. We get into why he thinks cutting 6U and 7U players is ridiculous, what parents should investigate before joining an expensive national team, and why locking a 9-year-old into one position can hurt his long-term development. He also shares the story of an overlooked young player who became one of the country's top prospects, explains what separates a good hitting instructor from someone who's just selling a swing philosophy, and gives parents practical advice on finding the right coach. And when it comes to college recruiting, Coach Ferber explains why he'd start with local college programs before spending thousands chasing exposure across the country. In this episode: Why early baseball rankings tell you very little about a player's future The problem with national travel teams for 8U, 9U, and 10U players What to ask a travel baseball coach before committing Why young players need multiple positions and other sports How to recognize a coach who's developing players Red flags to watch for with private hitting instructors What college coaches actually evaluate during recruiting When a player needs more exposure and when he needs to improve What Coach Ferber would prioritize for his own 10-year-old son Episode Chapters 00:00 Meet Coach Jason Ferber 02:10 Why you can't predict a player's future at 12U 07:09 The danger of playing only one position 12:08 National teams for 8U and 9U players 14:04 What young players lose without pickup games 16:24 Coach Ferber's take on cutting 6U and 7U players 18:38 Why parents need to investigate travel coaches 22:01 Questions to ask before joining a national team 25:17 Do young players really need national exposure? 29:27 Why youth baseball rankings mean so little 33:59 What parents should focus on instead of rankings 35:38 The story of an overlooked top prospect 37:43 Winning tournaments versus developing players 40:17 What good coaches should teach during games 44:26 How to evaluate a private hitting instructor 49:46 The question to ask before paying for lessons 52:43 Why talented players still need tough coaching 53:59 Tough coaching versus tearing players down 57:16 College recruiting: When showcases aren't working 1:00:07 Why recruiting should start close to home 1:02:38 Where he'd spend money on a talented 10-year-old 1:07:07 The biggest mistake well-intentioned parents make 1:11:07 Bobby's experience with his son Julian 1:12:21 Where to follow Coach Ferber Follow Coach Ferber: Instagram: @coachferber Follow Chasing Baseball Dreams: Instagram: @chasingbaseballdreams If you're a baseball parent trying to make the best decisions for your son, subscribe to the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast for conversations with experienced coaches, former Major Leaguers, and people who know what it takes to develop baseball players. #TravelBaseball #YouthBaseball #BaseballParents #PlayerDevelopment #CoachFerber

Landon Bonner is committed to the University of Oklahoma and ranked No. 1 overall in Texas and No. 11 nationally by Perfect Game for the 2028 class. His dad, Marcus, will still tell you they spent money chasing exposure before Landon needed it. Some of that money would’ve been better spent helping him get better. In this episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, Marcus and I talk about what he’d do differently if Landon were 10 again. We also get into the college decision. Oklahoma wasn’t initially in Landon’s top five, and Marcus explains what the coaches showed their family that set OU apart from the other schools they spoke with. In this episode we cover: - The money Marcus would rethink spending on showcases and exposure at 10, 11, and 12. - What made hitting instruction worth paying for, and why going to another lesson wasn’t always the answer. - When they started focusing on recruiting and how much Marcus thinks Perfect Game rankings factored into the interest Landon received. - Why the Bonners looked back five years to see how many freshmen each program actually played. - How NIL factored into the decision without becoming more important than an opportunity to get on the field.- The two years of Landon’s ABs Oklahoma’s coaches broke down and the development plan they laid out for him. - What Marcus would change about the car ride home after a bad game, and how he learned to let Landon come to him. Before you follow another family’s recruiting plan, hear what this family would change about its own. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor ⚾ Guest: Marcus Bonner, father of Oklahoma commit Landon Bonner 🎧 Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms. Subscribe for more conversations about the decisions you’re making for your son. #ChasingBaseballDreams #BaseballParents #CollegeBaseballRecruiting #TravelBaseball #LandonBonner

Episode description Joey and Trina Taylor have an answer for people who watched 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐬 and decided they weren’t real baseball parents. The couple joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast to talk about the criticism and the years at the ballpark that came before reality TV. They also explain why they think the show portrayed them accurately, even though viewers didn’t see the whole story. The Taylors get into the cast drama, including the confrontation Joey says never aired. They also walk through some big decisions for their family. Trina explains how their daughter’s dance opportunities factored into the Arizona move, and both parents share what they’re learning as Jett takes more responsibility for his baseball development. In this episode we cover: - Is Team Moms scripted? What Joey and Trina say about the drama and the editing - Nina’s barbecue and why the singing at the field upset them - How they’ve tried to keep disagreements between parents from affecting the boys - Jett’s regional championship home run and what reaching Williamsport meant to their family - Why Joey challenges the comparison between local Little League teams and national travel rosters - Their move from Washington to Arizona and why they chose Legendary Prep Academy - Watching for burnout, letting Jett own his development, and handling struggles against older players For a parent wondering how hard to push, there’s a moment worth hearing: Joey describes Jett going outside to hit without being asked and without filming it. Trina is seeing him take more interest in his nutrition. They explain what those choices tell them while keeping the conversation open about needing a break. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor ⚾ Guests: Joey and Trina Taylor from 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐬 🔔 Subscribe to the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast for conversations that help baseball parents think through the decisions they’re making for their sons. Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms. #TeamMoms #BaseballParents #TravelBaseball #LittleLeague #ChasingBaseballDreams

Texas Tailgators shortstop Jorden Hussein never planned on playing Banana Ball. His path went from North Shore High School in Houston to Crowder College, Division I baseball at Little Rock, two seasons of independent ball, the Party Animals, and now the Texas Tailgators. At several points, the next opportunity looked nothing like what he originally pictured. That’s exactly why I wanted him on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast. Jorden talks about why he chose JUCO when he had a Division I opportunity, why parents need to be realistic about where their son actually is as a player, and what his own parents got right throughout his baseball career. He also gives one of the better analogies I’ve heard about what a player needs from his dad after a bad game. We also get into Banana Ball. Is the baseball real? Are the games scripted? And after playing inside it, does Jorden believe Banana Ball is actually here to stay? His answer might surprise some traditional baseball people. In this episode we cover: Why Jorden chose JUCO instead of going Division I right away What parents should look at beyond the school name and division The reality check he thinks more baseball parents need about their son What each jump in competition exposed about his own game What his parents did when he struggled What NOT to do on the car ride home after your son goes 0-for-4 How a phone call he almost turned down led him to Banana Ball Whether Banana Ball is scripted and how competitive the games really are Why he believes Banana Ball is here to stay What Banana Ball taught him about slowing the game down defensively Why parents should stop obsessing over statistics What he wishes he could tell his high school self Jorden’s path is a good reminder for baseball parents: your son’s best opportunity may not have the name, logo, division, or path you pictured. Pay attention to where he can play, where he can get better, and where people genuinely want him. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor ⚾ Guest: Jorden Hussein, Texas Tailgators shortstop 🎧 Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast Subscribe for conversations with players, coaches and baseball people who can help parents think more clearly about the decisions they’re making for their sons. #ChasingBaseballDreams #BaseballParents #BananaBall

Baseball parents spend a lot of time worrying about winning, playing time and whether their son is falling behind. Former MLB pitcher Aaron Barrett says one of the biggest things parents worry about is FOMO. Trying to keep up with what everybody else is doing instead of looking at where your own kid is right now. Aaron has seen player development from just about every angle. He pitched parts of four seasons with the Washington Nationals, made it back to the Major Leagues after more than four years away following Tommy John surgery and a fractured humerus, and was part of Washington’s 2019 World Series team. After his playing career, he moved into player development with the Philadelphia Phillies. In his first season managing the Single-A Clearwater Threshers, his team finished 74-55 and Aaron was named Baseball America’s Single-A Manager of the Year and Florida State League Manager of the Year. In this episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, Aaron and I get into what actually separates players as they move up, why consistency and handling failure matter so much, what development should look like at younger ages, and why playing catch still matters. We also talk about youth pitching and arm health, how parents should vet coaches and instructors, multi-sport athletes, baseball IQ, analytics, player ownership, Aaron’s four MLB Draft experiences, his incredible comeback to the big leagues, and some of his favorite Major League memories. Aaron also explains why parents need to ask more questions before handing their son’s development over to somebody else, especially when it comes to pitching and training. His closing advice is simple: use the information and experience available to you, then bring the decision back to your child and what’s best for him right now. Development isn’t linear. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Aaron Barrett’s MLB career, comeback and move into managing 02:05 What separates players in professional baseball 05:08 Baseball IQ and how players are being developed today 08:17 Development vs. winning 11:31 What development should look like for young players 14:24 Why playing catch still matters 17:17 When parents should stop trying to fix every struggle 19:35 Helping a young player through an injury 22:25 What parents should ask about pitching and arm care 25:19 Aaron on youth arm injuries and Dr. Andrews 26:48 Aaron’s wild MLB Draft story 29:10 Growing up as a multi-sport athlete 31:02 When parents should hand ownership back to the player 35:28 Data, analytics and paralysis by analysis 39:37 In-and-Out with Aaron Barrett 40:20 What baseball parents worry about too much 41:38 What he’d tell the parents of his 12-year-old self 42:34 The toughest hitter Aaron faced in the Major Leagues 43:39 Aaron’s favorite baseball memories 50:41 Favorite baseball movie and his upcoming documentary 53:53 Aaron’s final advice for baseball parents

Is your son dominating youth baseball because he’s developing, or because the competition isn’t challenging him anymore? Former MLB player Lou Collier joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast to talk about reclassing, playing up and the decisions behind his son Cam Collier’s path to the MLB Draft. Before the Cincinnati Reds selected Cam 18th overall, his family made the decision to have him graduate early and play junior college baseball against older competition. Lou explains what he saw in Cam, how he used feedback from experienced baseball people and why the decision involved much more than his son’s ability on the field. We also get into what would’ve told him they’d moved too soon. That leads to a conversation about reclassifying in the other direction. Lou shares his concerns about older players dominating younger competition and what happens when the game finally gets tougher. He also makes an important distinction: challenging a player doesn’t mean putting him at a level he isn’t physically ready to handle. We talk about the challenge of being both a coach and a baseball dad, including what Lou learned about backing off as Cam matured. Later, he explains why a younger player needing encouragement isn’t the same as an older teenager refusing to put in the work his goals require. For parents thinking about baseball training and player development, Lou gets specific about infield fundamentals, learning multiple positions and what working alongside Ron Washington taught him about instruction. He also discusses baseball access for young African American players, his work with MLB Develops and the training behind the Hillboys program. His explanation of practice reps versus game reps gives parents something to consider before filling another weekend with games. Cam’s path gives us a real decision to examine. The question for your family is what your son needs, how you’re evaluating that and whether his baseball environment is preparing him for tougher competition. Timestamps 00:00 Meet Lou Collier, former MLB player and Cam Collier’s dad 02:25 Being a baseball dad without always being the coach 05:02 Why Cam Collier reclassified and played junior college baseball 10:50 What would’ve told Lou they moved too soon 12:19 College baseball beyond the “D1 or bust” mentality 13:41 Infield fundamentals and learning multiple positions 17:05 What Ron Washington taught Lou about infield development 19:47 Recognizing when a player needs tougher competition 20:47 When should your son take ownership of his baseball goals? 23:09 Growing up playing baseball on Chicago’s South Side 25:31 African American players, baseball costs and access 31:30 MLB Develops, Dream Series and Breakthrough Series 36:38 Reclassing down and the temporary age advantage 41:52 What separates players who keep getting better 43:10 The toughest MLB pitchers Lou faced 44:19 Favorite ballparks and playing back home in Chicago 46:41 In-and-Out with Lou Collier 48:29 A Wrigley Field home run and a favorite baseball movie 50:44 Lou’s message to parents: Be honest about your son 52:54 The Hillboys and Lou’s approach to youth baseball training 55:22 Practice reps versus game reps 56:31 Closing thoughts Subscribe to the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss the next episode. #BaseballParents #YouthBaseball #ChasingBaseballDreams

Former MLB player Niko Goodrum joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast to talk youth baseball, travel baseball, player development, versatility, mindset , and what parents may be rushing too soon. Niko was a second-round pick out of high school and played seven seasons in Major League Baseball with the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Angels. One of the most surprising parts of his journey: he didn’t grow up playing travel baseball. He played local summer ball, attended a few showcases and still developed into a Major League player. For baseball parents, some of Niko’s strongest advice comes when he talks development. He says he wouldn’t rush power, exit velocity, throwing velocity or strength with young players. Niko was 168 pounds when he was drafted and eventually played at 220. Physical development comes with time, but the skill of actually playing baseball still has to be there. Niko also talks about when a player may be ready for travel ball, why parents should watch how much their son is driving his own development, and why decisions should fit the individual kid instead of what everybody else is doing. We also get into how versatility helped Niko reach and stay in the Major Leagues, playing multiple sports, becoming a switch hitter in high school, professional baseball in Korea, the moment he knew his playing career was over, and what separates talented players who keep moving from those who stall out. If you’re a baseball parent trying to make better decisions about travel baseball, training, strength, player development, versatility or your son’s long-term path , this conversation is for you. TIMESTAMPS 00:50 Meet Niko Goodrum and his MLB journey 01:34 Why Niko chose Kennesaw State over bigger-name programs 03:11 Getting drafted in the second round vs. going to college 04:30 Why development can take years, even for elite players 06:17 Niko reveals he never played travel ball 07:02 Why playing basketball helped his baseball development 08:53 How versatility became Niko’s path to the Major Leagues 11:23 Playing when your role and future aren’t guaranteed 12:42 What playing professional baseball in Korea was really like 17:05 The morning Niko knew it was time to retire 19:11 Adjusting to life after professional baseball 22:08 What separates talented players who keep advancing 24:02 Becoming a switch hitter in high school 26:08 What parents of talented 12 and 13-year-olds should focus on 27:43 Why parents shouldn’t rush strength, exit velo or throwing velo 29:10 When should a kid start playing travel baseball? 31:41 Facing Jacob deGrom, Chris Sale and MLB’s toughest pitchers 32:30 Niko’s favorite Major League stadiums 36:00 In-and-Out: earning trust, development, technique and simplifying the game 38:50 Why mindset becomes the separator at higher levels 42:05 What Niko learned from Victor Martinez 45:14 Niko’s favorite baseball memories 47:42 His favorite baseball movie 48:24 Where to follow Niko Goodrum

Former MLB outfielder and first-round pick Lewis Brinson joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast for a conversation every youth baseball and travel baseball parent should hear. Brinson was selected 29th overall by the Texas Rangers in the 2012 MLB Draft out of Coral Springs High School. He went on to play six seasons in the Major Leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers, Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants, and his career later took him to Japan and Mexico. In this episode, Lewis talks about the parts of the baseball journey parents rarely get to see. He explains why parents can put way too much stock in batting average, exit velocity and other metrics at 9U and 10U, what actually mattered in his development as a young player, and why youth baseball shouldn’t start feeling like a business before baseball is actually a player’s job. Lewis also gives an inside look at what being a top MLB prospect really means. More attention. More expectations. More opportunities to fail. And, sometimes, more pressure than a young player knows how to handle. He shares what he learned after being traded by the Rangers in the Jonathan Lucroy deal, becoming a centerpiece of the Christian Yelich trade to Miami, and returning home with enormous expectations placed on him. The conversation also gets into hitting development, why every kid shouldn’t be taught to swing like Aaron Judge, how parents can get more value from private lessons, what longtime big leaguers have in common beyond talent, and what a parent should say on the ride home after a bad game. If you’re raising a young baseball player and trying to make better decisions about travel baseball, player development, hitting lessons, youth baseball stats, pressure, expectations and the long-term journey , there’s a lot in this one. Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast with Bobby Minor Timestamps 00:00 Lewis Brinson joins Chasing Baseball Dreams 01:13 Getting traded by the Texas Rangers 05:01 When the business side creeps into youth baseball 07:17 Lewis Brinson’s travel baseball experience 08:23 What actually mattered in his development 10:42 Why parents put too much stock in youth baseball stats 13:31 The problem with radar guns and exit velocity at 9U 14:37 How Lewis fell in love with baseball 19:29 Florida or professional baseball? Making the draft decision 24:15 How baseball recruiting has changed 26:59 What being a “top prospect” really means 31:27 The people who shaped Lewis Brinson 34:05 The Christian Yelich trade and the pressure of coming home 41:39 Why Lewis listens to players who’ve been there 44:51 Hitting instruction and copying Major League swings 49:42 The toughest pitcher Lewis ever faced 51:20 Lewis Brinson’s favorite MLB ballparks 54:16 Why baseball stays uncertain even after you “make it” 59:55 In-and-Out: advice every baseball parent can use 1:05:12 Lewis’s favorite baseball memories 1:07:24 Favorite baseball movie 1:08:16 What might have been with the Texas Rangers 1:09:36 Lewis gives Bobby some hitting advice 1:10:37 Where to follow Lewis Brinson

A coach can help a player get recruited. A parent has to live with everything attached to that decision. In this solo episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, Bobby Minor talks about the side of the college baseball recruiting process he didn’t fully understand until his own son went through it. He had already coached players and helped them through recruiting. Going through it as a dad gave him a completely different view of the same process. For baseball parents, recruiting goes way beyond whether a player is talented enough or whether a college coach likes him. There’s the financial side. Distance from home. Playing time. Roster competition. Coaching changes. Injuries. Knowing whether a school really wants your son or is simply keeping him on the board. And then there’s the part nobody can make easy for you: helping your son make the decision without making it for him. Bobby talks about college baseball recruiting, JUCO baseball, scholarship and financial decisions, roster math, college coach interest, travel baseball, playing time, and the pressure the recruiting process can put on the relationship between a parent and his son. He also shares why getting an offer isn’t the finish line, how difficult it can be to interpret what college coaches really mean, and the unexpected way Julian’s eventual college opportunity started with a conversation inside a Fort Worth gym. If you’re looking for college baseball recruiting tips for parents, especially as your son moves through high school baseball and starts hearing from college programs, this episode will help you think beyond simply getting the offer. TIMESTAMPS 00:01 Why recruiting feels different when you’re the parent 02:16 When the coaching staff leaves two weeks before school 04:36 The waiting, comparison, and financial pressure parents carry 07:02 Roster math and the real path to playing time 09:25 Letting your son own the decision 11:14 What college coach interest really means 13:42 What recruiting costs emotionally 16:07 How Julian actually got recruited If your son is going through the recruiting process right now, leave your biggest question in the comments. #CollegeBaseballRecruiting #BaseballParents #TravelBaseball

Aiden McIntyre was benched in high school, cut in college, and still drafted by the Oakland A’s. How much are baseball parents spending because they’re afraid their son is falling behind? The former professional pitcher and baseball YouTuber joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast to talk about late-blooming players, travel baseball costs, and the pressure parents feel to keep up. Aiden was a 5-foot-2 high school freshman who struggled throughout high school. He transferred three times in college before being selected in the 2018 MLB Draft. He shares what his parents got right during those difficult years and why being one of the best players at 12 tells you so little about what happens next. We get into private pitching lessons, $500 baseball bats, youth player rankings, and baseball showcases. Aiden explains why he wouldn’t consider a showcase before 16, why players need something to show when they get there, and how the fear of falling behind pushes families into spending they don’t need. For pitchers and their parents, Aiden walks through the development that took him from the mid-80s to the mid-90s, his experience with Driveline, and how baseball analytics helped him understand his strengths. He also explains why he’d rather face a hitter swinging for the fences than a scrappy hitter who refuses to strike out. We talk about minor league baseball, the injuries that helped him decide to walk away, and how a job at vidIQ helped him build a full-time YouTube career. And stay for his story about giving up eight runs without getting out of the first inning. A Dodgers scout was watching. What that scout told him afterward is something worth remembering the next time your son has a bad game. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Meet Aiden McIntyre 01:47 Late bloomers and judging players too early 05:04 Chasing big dreams while being honest about your ability 08:58 Supporting your son without adding performance pressure 14:31 Pitching development: how Aiden reached the mid-90s 17:35 Pitch design, baseball analytics, and the hitters he hated facing 22:31 Minor league baseball, injuries, and knowing when to stop 27:06 From professional pitcher to full-time baseball YouTuber 31:28 Youth baseball costs: $500 bats and private lessons 34:21 When should players attend baseball showcases? 36:38 FOMO, falling behind, and the pressure to “make it” 44:20 Why Aiden opposes ranking young baseball players 46:15 Your son doesn’t have to be the number-one player 49:11 Looking ahead to the Field of Dreams event 51:20 In-and-Out: pitching velocity, statistics, and handling failure 53:28 Going 0-for-5 and still being a great teammate 55:02 What a Dodgers scout saw in Aiden’s worst outing 58:18 Favorite baseball memories and a first-year Triple-A win 59:36 Wrigley, Fenway, and favorite MLB ballparks 1:01:44 Where to follow Aiden McIntyre What’s one thing you’ve felt pressured to pay for because you were told your son would fall behind? Tell us in the comments. Subscribe to the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts for more conversations that help baseball parents make better decisions for their sons. #BaseballParents #YouthBaseball #AidenMcIntyre

Josh Reddick was cut from his middle-school baseball team two years in a row. He went on to play 13 seasons in Major League Baseball, win a Gold Glove, collect more than 1,100 hits, and win a World Series. So what should baseball parents take from a story like his? In this episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, Josh Reddick talks about youth baseball development, travel baseball, exposure, hitting, positional development, slumps, routines, and why parents shouldn't decide what a young player can become based on what he looks like at 10, 11, or 12 years old. Josh explains why reps matter more than where your son plays, when exposure actually begins to matter, and why talented players will eventually get found if they perform. We also get into one of the biggest problems in youth baseball today: trying to manufacture a mechanically perfect swing instead of teaching kids how to hit. Josh explains why there is no single perfect swing, using players like Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Bonds, Jose Altuve and others as examples. He also shares what he actually notices when evaluating talented young players, what Ron Washington taught him about keeping baseball simple, how he handled one of the worst stretches of his MLB career, and the one trait he'd choose in a 12-year-old player over everything except talent. If you're a baseball parent trying to figure out what actually matters for your son's development, this conversation is worth watching all the way through. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Josh Reddick joins Chasing Baseball Dreams 00:36 Cut from his middle-school team twice 03:03 What matters most for young baseball players 04:20 When does baseball exposure actually matter? 06:43 Being told he wasn't good enough 08:11 Why kids shouldn't specialize at one position too early 10:58 What Ron Washington did for Marcus Semien 12:29 There is no blueprint for becoming a Major Leaguer 14:42 Ron Washington and keeping baseball simple 17:18 What parents get wrong when their son starts struggling 20:18 The problem with chasing the "perfect" baseball swing 22:42 What Josh notices when evaluating young players 24:02 The sound of the bat and raw athletic ability 25:18 Josh knew Junior Caminero was different 26:17 Why you can't evaluate a player's future at 9U 27:07 Josh's three favorite baseball memories 28:04 Making his Major League debut with the Red Sox 29:56 The one trait Josh wants in a 12-year-old player 31:05 Final thoughts Josh Reddick played more than 1,300 Major League games during a 13-year MLB career with the Boston Red Sox, Oakland Athletics, Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros and Arizona Diamondbacks. He won the 2012 American League Gold Glove in right field and was a member of Houston's 2017 World Series championship team. Chasing Baseball Dreams helps baseball parents cut through the noise surrounding travel baseball, youth baseball development, recruiting, exposure, showcases and the decisions that actually matter as their sons grow through the game. #JoshReddick #YouthBaseball #BaseballParents #TravelBaseball

You probably know Anthony Mendez as the Latin Lover Narrator from Jane the Virgin , the role that earned him two Emmy nominations. You may also recognize his voice from Puss in Boots: The Last Wish , American Dad , Elena of Avalor , GTA V and, if you listen to this podcast, the opening and closing of Chasing Baseball Dreams. But this conversation isn't really about Hollywood. It's about being a baseball dad. Anthony's son is now a sophomore in high school, but Anthony admits he got caught up in the travel baseball machine when his son was younger. Stats. Winning. Better teams. Expensive bats. Travel. The fear that if they didn't keep doing more, his son would fall behind. Then his son told him he didn't want to play anymore. That changed everything. Anthony joins Bobby Minor to talk about pulling back, becoming Dad instead of Coach Dad, why nobody who matters is evaluating your 10-year-old, why his son hasn't attended a single showcase yet, and the baseball lesson he wishes more parents understood: Let the kid guide you. They also talk about Anthony's voice acting career, Jane the Virgin , Antonio Banderas, growing up at Yankee Stadium, Cooperstown, youth baseball expenses and why some of the memories parents worry about end up looking completely different through their son's eyes. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Meet Anthony Mendez 00:57 Becoming the Latin Lover Narrator and a voice actor 02:45 Why Anthony hasn't done much on-camera acting 04:16 Getting caught up in the travel baseball machine 06:23 When his son wanted to quit baseball 06:37 How Anthony changed from Coach Dad to Dad 09:10 What he worried about way too much when his son was younger 10:07 Expensive bats, gloves and custom cleats 11:39 The Dominican baseball swagger 12:06 Does anyone recognize THAT voice at the ballpark? 13:23 Growing up a Yankees fan 15:19 Petco Park, Dodger Stadium and favorite ballparks 17:40 What Anthony would tell the dad about to go all-in on travel ball 20:34 Why the baseball machine makes parents feel behind 22:04 “Don't let anybody tell you a freshman is behind” 24:00 The problem with comparing your son's development 26:07 Why Anthony's son hasn't attended a showcase 28:46 Don't showcase until you have something to show 29:46 IN & OUT with Anthony Mendez 29:54 The travel ball expense he'd rethink 30:16 Jersey name or playing opportunity? 30:32 What his son needs from him now 31:21 The biggest plot twist in his son's baseball journey 31:57 The Cooperstown memory that changed Anthony's perspective 32:38 Growing up at Yankee Stadium 34:30 The message every young baseball parent needs to hear 36:01 What's next for Anthony Mendez 37:17 Where to follow Anthony #TravelBaseball #BaseballParents #YouthBaseball #AnthonyMendez

Former Major Leaguer and current Arizona Diamondbacks special assignment scout Todd Greene has seen baseball from just about every angle. He played parts of 11 seasons in the Major Leagues, became one of the greatest power hitters in college baseball history, moved into professional scouting, and built a travel baseball program that has helped more than 350 players reach college baseball. In this episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, Todd joins Bobby Minor for a straight conversation every baseball parent needs to hear. Todd explains why youth rankings “mean absolutely nothing,” why the best team isn't always the best situation for your son, why kids shouldn't be playing baseball year-round, and why parents need to stop treating 10U, 11U and 12U success like a prediction of what a player will become. They also get into early specialization, showcases, playing time, choosing the right travel organization, late bloomers, multi-sport athletes, scout teams, the car ride home after a bad game, and the questions parents should ask before writing another check. TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Meet Todd Greene 01:36 What does a special assignment scout actually do? 03:08 What successful players had in common as kids 04:16 The problem with the D1 obsession 06:02 Todd's path from 27th-round pick to the Major Leagues 09:39 Why youth baseball rankings mean nothing 12:14 How early is too early to specialize at one position? 15:46 What Todd learned from Derek Jeter 16:40 Why kids shouldn't play baseball year-round 19:12 When baseball specialization starts to make sense 21:41 What parents should look for in a travel baseball program 25:29 Does an 8-year-old really need travel baseball? 28:36 When young players should start facing better competition 30:05 The truth about youth “scout teams” 31:54 IN & OUT: 80-game seasons, national teams, showcases and the ride home 34:04 Better team or better reps? 36:33 Early bloomers, late bloomers and development 39:37 Were Major Leaguers always the best players growing up? 41:48 Todd's greatest baseball memory 44:00 Todd's advice for the parent of a 12-year-old 45:18 Questions to ask BEFORE choosing a travel team 47:17 How much should young players practice versus play? 48:10 Where to find Todd Greene and TG D-backs If you're raising a baseball player, this one is worth watching all the way through. #TravelBaseball #YouthBaseball #BaseballParents #PlayerDevelopment