Baseball is more than just a game; it’s a way of life, and in our twelfth episode, we’re discussing how to watch a baseball game at the ballpark. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere where the sights, sounds, and, oh yeah, that sweet smell of nachos combines to create an experience that television just can’t replicate. We’ll be chatting about everything from ballpark snacks to the nuances of player positioning, and even those sneaky little moments that make watching live baseball so special.

Podcast Partner Bios

Ethan Dungan - Owner of Glovehound Baseball Glove Repair Shop. Ethan played for several teams during his career including Midland and Fairfield High School. He now operates Glovehound from his shop in Fairfield, OH.

Rick Finley - Founder of MD&I Academy Baseball Training Facility in Fairfield, OH. Rick has successfully coached and trained hundreds of players at the Select, Travel, and College levels in both baseball and softball.

George Foster - Major League Player with the Giants, Reds, & Mets. NL MVP 1977, 5-Time All-Star, Silver Slugger and member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Founder of George Foster Baseball where he offers private baseball instruction.

Takeaways:

• This episode dives deep into the art of watching baseball, revealing how a fresh perspective can enhance our enjoyment of the game.
• We share our experiences at different ballparks, emphasizing the joy of savoring ballpark food and the unique atmosphere at each venue.
• The discussion highlights how family influences our love for baseball, with stories of childhood memories and parental guidance shaping our understanding of the game.
• We emphasize the importance of community in baseball, encouraging listeners to catch local games, whether MLB or minor league, to foster a love for the sport.

Timestamps:

• 00:10 - Introduction to the Guests
• 03:12 - The Best Baseball Foods
• 11:28 - Baseball Game Experiences
• 21:28 - The Transition to a New Season
• 22:32 - Remembering Childhood Baseball Games
• 34:07 - The Evolution of Learning Baseball
• 40:26 - The Excitement of Live Baseball
• 50:45 - The Evolution of Game Observation
• 57:54 - The Journey of a Baseball Parent
• 01:06:06 - The Evolution of Baseball Stadiums
• 01:10:40 - The Origins of a Baseball Anthem
• 01:19:23 - The Conclusion of Season One

Links:

• glovehound.com
• mdaiacademy.com
• georgefosterbaseball.com
• twocreativedigital.com

Teaser:

We'll be taking the next few months off to play and coach baseball, but we'll be back in the fall with 12 more episodes. Enjoy the summer and we'll see you soon.

Companies mentioned:

• Glovehound
• MDI Baseball Academy
• George Foster Baseball

If your young player's got his sights set on high school ball, you’re in for a ride because it’s not just about the swings and strikes; it’s about the whole experience. We’re serving up some solid strategies—from evaluating skill levels and finding the right coaching to keeping a balanced diet and managing expectations. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some dad wisdom about making those travel tournaments not just a grind, but a chance for unforgettable family memories. So, grab your glove and settle in—we’re all about making this journey as enriching and enjoyable as possible!

Podcast Partner Bios

Ethan Dungan - Owner of Glovehound Baseball Glove Repair Shop. Ethan played for several teams during his career including Midland and Fairfield High School. He now operates Glovehound from his shop in Fairfield, OH.

Rick Finley - Founder of MD&I Academy Baseball Training Facility in Fairfield, OH. Rick has successfully coached and trained hundreds of players at the Select, Travel, and College levels in both baseball and softball.

George Foster - Major League Player with the Giants, Reds, & Mets. NL MVP 1977, 5-Time All-Star, Silver Slugger and member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Founder of George Foster Baseball where he offers private baseball instruction.

Timestamps:

• 00:10 - Introduction to the Guests
• 03:28 - The Parents Guide to Advanced Baseball
• 30:40 - Load Management and Youth Sports
• 39:54 - Support and Perspective in Youth Sports
• 59:04 - The Importance of Balancing Sports and Academics
• 01:08:29 - The Cost of Commitment: Balancing Travel, Time, and Team Dynamics
• 01:26:45 - Supporting Young Athletes: The Parent's Role

Key Takeaways:

• Make sure to get an honest evaluation of your child's baseball skills before diving into higher level play.
• It's crucial for parents to support their kids' academic performance while pursuing baseball ambitions.
• Establishing a positive home environment can significantly impact a young athlete's performance and mindset.
• Developing a solid plan for managing time and finances is key to supporting your child's baseball journey.

Links:

• glovehound.com
• mdaiacademy.com
• georgefosterbaseball.com
• twocreativedigital.com

Teaser:

Next week we talk about how to watch a baseball game. From our favorite stadium food to the little details that George, Rick, and Ethan look for during a trip to the ballpark, we'll share it all. Plus an epic trivia showdown to wrap the first half of season 1. Don't miss it!

Companies mentioned:

• Glovehound
• MDI Baseball Academy
• George Foster Baseball

While only about 3% of kids who play baseball will make it to high school, we’re here to remind you that playing for fun is just as important as chasing the next level. This week, we’ll explore the real numbers behind youth baseball participation and why the vast majority of kids will eventually prioritize enjoyment over pressure. Select and travel teams can be intense environments and, many times, Rec leagues are where the heart of the game really lies. So grab your glove, kick back, and let’s chat about how we can all foster a love for the game while keeping it real—and fun!

Podcast Partner Bios

Ethan Dungan - Owner of Glovehound Baseball Glove Repair Shop. Ethan played for several teams during his career including Midland and Fairfield High School. He now operates Glovehound from his shop in Fairfield, OH.

Rick Finley - Founder of MD&I Academy Baseball Training Facility in Fairfield, OH. Rick has successfully coached and trained hundreds of players at the Select, Travel, and College levels in both baseball and softball.

George Foster - Major League Player with the Giants, Reds, & Mets. NL MVP 1977, 5-Time All-Star, Silver Slugger and member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Founder of George Foster Baseball where he offers private baseball instruction.

Timestamps:

• 00:25 - Introduction to Episode 10
• 00:40 - The Journey to Elite Baseball
• 07:05 - The Reality of College Baseball Scholarships
• 13:41 - The Transition from Recreational to Competitive Baseball
• 24:22 - The Reality of College Baseball Costs
• 26:34 - The Impact of COVID on Baseball Aspirations
• 41:43 - Navigating the Transition from Youth to High School Baseball
• 49:11 - The Shift from League to Select Baseball
• 55:06 - Encouraging Youth Sports Participation
• 01:02:01 - The Importance of Community in Youth Sports
• 01:09:10 - The Role of Patience in Youth Sports Coaching
• 01:18:46 - Understanding the Balance Between Happiness and Joy in Parenting
• 01:27:11 - The Case for Recreational Baseball

Key Takeaways:

• The majority of kids who start playing baseball will ultimately decide to play for fun rather than pursue a career, with statistics showing over 99% make this choice by college.
• It's crucial for parents to understand the financial implications of select baseball and consider the realistic chances of their children making it to higher levels of play.
• Rec baseball provides an essential foundation for youth, allowing kids to learn life skills and enjoy the game without the pressure of elite competition.
• Investing in quality coaching and player development at the rec level can create a supportive environment that encourages kids to continue playing for the love of the game.
• Parents often impose their dreams on their children, pushing them towards select teams instead of allowing them to enjoy playing recreationally, which can lead to burnout.
• The podcast emphasizes the importance of community support for rec leagues, highlighting that strong local ties can enhance youth sports experiences and foster a love for the game.

Links:

• glovehound.com
• mdaiacademy.com
• georgefosterbaseball.com
• twocreativedigital.com

Teaser:

Next week we talk about we offer the Parent's Guide to Advanced Baseball for those player who decide to work toward playing in High School, College, and maybe even beyond.

Companies mentioned:

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