Bobby Minor

Chasing Baseball Dreams

A Parenting , Kids & Family and Sports podcast

#85 in Parenting · 🇺🇸 #128 in Parenting · 🇨🇦

About the show

You're spending thousands a year on travel baseball. A better team. A bigger showcase. More lessons. A higher ranking. And you still have no way to know if any of it is actually working. ⠀ That's not an accident. That's the machine. ⠀ Chasing Baseball Dreams is the only baseball parent podcast hosted by someone with no financial stake in where your money goes. I don't run a travel team. I don't sell lessons. I don't coach for an org. I have no reason to steer you in the wrong direction. I'm Bobby Minor... former Division 1 player, 35+ years coaching select baseball and high school, former travel organization director, over 1,000 college recruiting assessments, and a college baseball dad who almost lost 2 sons to this game for 2 very different reasons, with one currently playing college baseball. ⠀ Every episode, I sit down with former Major League players, college coaches, scouts, and baseball dads who've lived through the same grind you're in right now. People who've been inside this industry long enough to tell you the truth about how it actually works. ⠀ Here's what you can expect. ⠀ Real conversations about what actually matters at each age from 8U to signing day. The questions you should be asking before you commit to a team, a coach, or a showcase. The stuff the industry doesn't want you to hear, from people who've been inside it long enough to say it out loud. And the truth about recruiting, development, and where your money is actually going. ⠀ No hype. No recruiting promises. No "get your son seen" nonsense. Just the one voice in this space with full-stack credibility and no financial tie to the machine that's taking your money. ⠀ New episodes weekly. Follow @chasingbaseballdreams on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for daily content between episodes.

Newest episodes

39: Matt Carpenter | Why His 9-Year-Old Doesn't Play Year-Round Baseball

Nov 13, 2026 1 hr 5 min

Matt Carpenter played 14 seasons in the Major Leagues, was a three-time All-Star with the St. Louis Cardinals, and won a Silver Slugger Award. But his road to the big leagues included Tommy John surgery at TCU, five years of college baseball, and being drafted in the 13th round with a signing bonus of just $1,000. Now retired and coaching his own kids, Carpenter has some strong opinions about what's happening in youth baseball. From year-round travel ball and the obsession with winning tournaments to early specialization and parents trying to protect their kids from failure, he shares what he believes is helping young players develop and what may be holding them back. In this episode we cover: Why Carpenter doesn't care about winning 10U travel ball tournaments and what he prioritizes insteadWhy he believes young athletes should play multiple sports and take breaks from baseballWhat his dad, legendary Texas high school coach Rick Carpenter, taught him about letting kids develop their own love for the gameThe difficult conversation with TCU coach Jim Schlossnagle that changed the direction of his careerWhy the failures he experienced at TCU helped prepare him for 14 seasons in the Major LeaguesHow Torii Hunter took him under his wing and personally paid for his offseason trainingWhy he believes a player's mindset and approach can be more important than having a perfect swingWhat his comeback with the Yankees taught him about finding the right people to trust for hitting adviceWhy playing multiple positions helped him make it to the Major LeaguesHow he's approaching coaching his own son and daughter, and what he's learned about being a dad firstWhether you're raising an 8-year-old who's just getting started or a high school player hoping to play at the next level, there's a lot to take away from this conversation. Matt has experienced baseball as the son of a successful coach, a college player who struggled, a Major League All-Star, and now a baseball dad. His perspec...

38: Tyson Ross | The Travel Baseball Coaching Red Flag Parents Can't Ignore

Nov 10, 2026 54 min

When I asked former MLB All-Star Tyson Ross what he'd tell a dad whose 13-year-old had pitched a bunch of innings the day before and whose coach wanted him back on the mound for a championship game, his answer was immediate: "Run. Run as fast as possible." Tyson spent 10 seasons in Major League Baseball, recorded more than 800 strikeouts, and earned National League All-Star honors with the San Diego Padres in 2014. He and his younger brother Joe both made it to the big leagues, and today Tyson is a dad of two young boys and the founder of Loyal to My Soil, a nonprofit helping young athletes in their communities. In this episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, Tyson shares what his dad got right raising two future Major Leaguers, what he thinks parents are getting wrong about travel baseball, and how he's approaching the game differently now that he's coaching his own sons. In this episode we cover: What Tyson's dad did that helped both sons develop a lifelong love for baseball, even though he wasn't a baseball expertThe real cost of travel baseball and why parents need to consider a lot more than team feesWhy Tyson played multiple sports and didn't become a pitcher-only until collegeWhy teaching young pitchers to make adjustments is more important than chasing velocityHis strong warning to parents about coaches risking young arms to win meaningless tournamentsWhat parents should look for at practice to know whether a coach can actually develop their sonWhy Tyson chose Cal and what families should consider beyond the school's name during recruitingHis thoughts on reclassifying kids to play against younger competitionHow he handles failure with his own sons and protects their love for baseballWhy he started Loyal to My Soil and what he's doing to bring free baseball opportunities back to local communitiesThe financial decision he wishes more travel baseball parents would think about before spending thousands chasing college scholarshipsTyson has experienced ba...

37: Juan Pierre | Your Son’s Baseball Future Isn’t Decided at 12

Nov 4, 2026 42 min

Juan Pierre played 14 years in the Major Leagues, collected 2,217 hits, stole 614 bases, and won a World Series with the 2003 Florida Marlins. He also finished with more career hits than any player who never made an All-Star team. Today, he’s a dad of four boys and a youth baseball coach dealing with the same decisions parents face every weekend. In this episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, Juan shares how he handles disappointment with his own sons, why he prefers challenging players by playing up, and what parents need to understand before deciding their son is falling behind. In this episode we cover: How Juan handled never making an All-Star team despite his career numbersWhat he told his son after he didn’t make the USA teamWhat 12U performance can tell you, and where its limits areWhy he prefers playing up over reclassifying to play younger competitionWhy he chose junior college when Division I programs wanted him to redshirtHow he handles his own son’s frustration when good swings don’t produce extra-base hitsWhy the move to the big field calls for patience from parentsHow losing playing time with the Dodgers changed his relationship with baseball and his faithGiving players freedom to make mistakes without correcting everythingIf you’re comparing your son to bigger kids, worrying about a team he didn’t make, or struggling with what to say after a bad game, this conversation gives you plenty to think about before you react. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor ⚾ Guest: Juan Pierre Subscribe to the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast for conversations with Major Leaguers, coaches, and parents that help you make the best decisions for your son. #ChasingBaseballDreams #BaseballParents #TravelBaseball

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All episodes

39: Matt Carpenter | Why His 9-Year-Old Doesn't Play Year-Round Baseball

Nov 13, 2026 1 hr 5 min

38: Tyson Ross | The Travel Baseball Coaching Red Flag Parents Can't Ignore

Nov 10, 2026 54 min

37: Juan Pierre | Your Son’s Baseball Future Isn’t Decided at 12

Nov 4, 2026 42 min

36: Chris Colabello & Bobby Tewksbary | How Good Is Your Son Really?

Nov 3, 2026 1 hr 1 min

Your son gets a Perfect Game grade. His hitting instructor says he looks great. His travel coach says he belongs on a national team. What does any of that tell you about what he needs to work on? Former MLB hitter Chris Colabello and hitting instructor Bobby Tewksbary join Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast to talk about evaluating players, measuring improvement, and helping parents understand what they’re paying for. At Pelotero, they’re building a Universal Rating System, or URS, around standardized testing. They explain what goes into the rating, how they validate testing data, and why a player’s tested tools and his performance in games can tell different stories. In this episode we cover: What Chris learned from not playing varsity until his junior year and spending seven seasons in independent ballHow to tell whether hitting lessons are helping your son in gamesWhy hitters have to be on time twiceHow Pelotero’s rating differs from a ranking or a subjective gradeWhy testing conditions matter when comparing player metricsWhat a rating can tell you, and where baseball IQ and game performance still matterHow parents of smaller, later-developing players should think about today’s physical differencesWhy the right competition matters more than the label on the teamBefore you pay for another evaluation, change teams, or decide your son is behind, understand what the information in front of you actually measures. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor Guests: Chris Colabello and Bobby Tewksbary Learn more about Pelotero: pelotero.com Follow Pelotero: @peloteroapp on Instagram and X 🔔 Subscribe to the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, or Apple Podcasts so you don’t miss an episode. #BaseballParents #TravelBaseball #ChasingBaseballDreams

35: All The Smoke's Matt Barnes | Why Parents Push Kids Too Hard in Youth Sports

Oct 30, 2026 1 hr 0 min

How hard should you push your son in sports? And how do you know when you're pushing too hard? Matt Barnes spent 14 seasons in the NBA, won a championship with the Golden State Warriors, and helped build All The Smoke into one of the biggest names in sports podcasting. But some of his strongest opinions have nothing to do with professional basketball. They're about parents and what's happening in youth sports. In this episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, Bobby Minor sits down with Matt to talk about raising his own sons, why he waited until his twins were ready to take training seriously, and why he believes too many parents are turning their kids' sports into a job before they're ready. Matt also shares a pretty incredible story about Kobe Bryant training his twins, explains why he wouldn't make a 10-year-old specialize in one sport, and talks about the pressure parents put on kids who aren't developing as quickly as their teammates. In this episode, we talk about: ⚾ Why Matt believes parents are one of the biggest problems in youth sports 🏀 Why he waited until his twins were 13–14 before pushing them into serious training 🔥 What Kobe Bryant told Matt's sons about their basketball dreams ⚾ Why he believes 10-year-olds should still be playing multiple sports 💪 Why young athletes need to learn how to compete for playing time instead of immediately changing teams 👨‍👦 How Matt handled coaching his own sons without giving them special treatment 💰 Why he believes youth sports have become too focused on making money 🏆 What Matt learned about Kobe Bryant as a teammate, friend, and father ⚾ Why he launched All The Smoke Baseball and what he hopes to bring to the game ❤️ What he hopes his sons remember about him, regardless of how far they go in sports One thing that really stood out to me was how Matt handled his twins' development. He knew exactly what it took to play professionally. He had the experience, the connections, and the ability to start trai...

34: Mexican League MVP Nick Torres | Playing Time, Late Recruiting & What Baseball Parents Get Wrong

Oct 28, 2026 1 hr 10 min

What if your son isn't getting playing time because he needs to get better? And what if his college baseball opportunities don't come until the spring of his senior year? 2025 Mexican Baseball League MVP Nick Torres joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast to share his journey from an overlooked high school player to a fourth-round MLB Draft pick, professional baseball in Mexico, and an MVP season that earned him another opportunity with the New York Yankees organization. Nick's junior year of high school, he barely played and was used only as a pitcher. His senior year, he won conference Player of the Year. He didn't receive his offer from Cal Poly until late April of his senior year. After more than a decade in professional baseball, Nick has plenty to say about what young players need to develop and what parents should be paying attention to. In this episode, we cover: Why Nick wishes he'd played multiple sports longerHow he went from barely playing as a junior to conference Player of the Year as a seniorWhy his college recruiting process came down to the final weeks of his senior yearWhat parents should consider before leaving a team over playing timeWhy hitting approach and the mental game can separate players at higher levelsHow parents can help their sons handle slumps without adding more pressureWhy comparing your son to other players can hurt his developmentWhat Nick learned from being released twice, playing in Mexico, and eventually winning league MVPThe characteristics Nick believes make a player somebody coaches want on their teamIf you're raising a young baseball player and wondering whether he's on the right team, developing fast enough, or falling behind other kids his age, this conversation is worth your time. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor | Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast ⚾ Guest: Nick Torres | 2025 Liga Mexicana de Béisbol MVP 📱 Follow Nick on Instagram: @n_torres93 #ChasingBaseballDreams #BaseballParents #TravelBaseball #NickTorres #Yout...

33: Party Animals' Mikey Ballard | Overlooked Recruit to 81,000 Fans | Banana Ball

Oct 20, 2026 42 min

From an undersized high school player with almost no recruiting interest to playing Banana Ball in front of 81,000 fans. Party Animals infielder Mikey Ballard's baseball journey didn't follow the path most parents expect. On this episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, Bobby Minor sits down with Mikey to talk about his journey from Lake Mary High School to Division II Eckerd College, his transfer to Division I Louisiana Tech, independent professional baseball, and eventually the Party Animals. Mikey shares how he nearly gave up on playing college baseball before one final showcase changed his opportunities. He also explains why playing time mattered more than the name on his jersey, how growing up undersized affected his recruiting, and why his parents' simple advice, "Be Mike," still matters to him today. In this episode, we cover: Why Mikey nearly gave up on college baseball before receiving a late walk-on opportunityHow playing Division II baseball prepared him for success at Louisiana TechWhy he believes actual game experience matters more than chasing a Power Five roster spotHow backyard Wiffle ball, multiple sports, and playing with friends helped develop his athleticismWhy teaching young hitters big-league mechanics can sometimes do more harm than goodThe two words his parents taught him that he still puts on his gloveHow he went from independent baseball to playing in front of 81,000 Banana Ball fansWhy he believes 80 to 100 games a year can be too much for 10-, 11-, and 12-year-oldsIf you're a baseball parent wondering whether your son is falling behind, whether he's on the right team, or whether a Division I offer should be the ultimate goal, Mikey's story gives you plenty to think about. The decisions you make for your son should be based on what actually helps him develop, not what looks impressive to everybody else. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor | Chasing Baseball Dreams ⚾ Guest: Mikey Ballard | Party Animals, Banana Ball 📱 Follow Mikey: Instagram @mic...

32: MLB Vet Jay Jackson | Why Are Parents Flying 8-Year-Olds Across the Country for Baseball?

Oct 17, 2026 39 min

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 playersThe money families spend flying young players across the country for travel baseball tournamentsHow Jay went from being projected as a second-to-fourth-round draft pick to getting selected in the ninth roundWhy he chose Furman University and how academics, family, and his relationship with the coach influenced that decisionWhat playing professionally in Japan taught him about fundamentals and the quality of practiceWhat Jay looks for in young pitchers that parents often overlookWhat a dad should say to his 12U pitcher after giving up six runsThe emotional story of his son spending 166 days in the NICU and what Jay hopes his children remember about himJay 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: Ins...

31: Brian Jacobus | TCU Commit's Dad: Why High School Baseball Came First

Oct 15, 2026 42 min

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 developmentWhat high school coaches look for when deciding whether a freshman is ready for varsity baseballWhy Brian believes choosing the right coach matters more than playing for a famous travel baseball organizationHow Brian handled being both Ben's dad and his coach, including the mental side of the gameWhy Ben reclassified from the 2028 to the 2027 graduating class, and Brian's concerns about holding players back to gain an age advantageHow TCU recruited Ben, what happened when other schools entered the picture, and why Ben ultimately chose TCU over Arizona StateThe red flags parents should watch for before committing to a travel teamWhy Brian believes families waste money on national tournaments and showcases before their sons are readyBrian 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...

30: Shane Greene | MLB Players Feared Their Dads More Than the Media

Oct 15, 2026 51 min

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 upHow Shane handled sitting on the varsity bench for an entire season and what his dad did differentlyWhy some Major Leaguers were still afraid of disappointing their fathersHow too much mechanical instruction can hurt a player's ability to competeWhy Shane believes the mental side of baseball is being overlookedWhat playing Cosmic Baseball and Banana Ball taught him about competition and having funShane 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

29: Savannah Bananas' Coach RAC | Should You Miss Church for Travel Baseball?

Oct 14, 2026 39 min

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 behindHow Christian parents can handle the conflict between church and travel baseballWhat conversations parents should have with coaches before committing to a teamPractical ways families can maintain their faith and church community during a busy baseball seasonHow parents sometimes make their sons feel like their love depends on baseball performanceWhat Coach RAC learned about identity and faith after being released by the Washington NationalsHow Sandlot Revival started and the impact it's having across the countryWhy Coach RAC believes developing your son's character matters more than his baseball careerCoach 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 base...

28: 90% Development, 10% Games? | Team Moms' Will Armijo on Travel Baseball

Oct 14, 2026 45 min

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 developingThe D1 obsession and why a bigger-name college isn't always the better opportunityWhat parents misunderstand about 13U and 14U rankings and predicting college baseball potentialReclassifying young players and whether an extra year actually helpsThe injury concerns that come with heavy tournament schedules and inadequate recoveryHow parents can measure whether the money they're spending is actually helping their son improveWhat Will has learned about parents, playing-time complaints, and the pressure placed on young athletesWill 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 #BaseballPa...

27: Ty Buttrey | He Got Cut From Travel Ball, Made MLB, Then Walked Away

Oct 14, 2026 45 min

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 pickWhy the wrong training program caused him to lose velocity early in his professional career, according to Ty, and what he changedWhy Ty believes the mental side of pitching accounts for as much as 70% of successWhat parents should look for when choosing a pitching instructor, hitting coach, or personal trainerWhy being one of the best players at 12U or 13U doesn't tell you how good that player will be years laterHow the pressure to prove other people wrong contributed to Ty's performance anxietyWhy Ty believes American youth baseball spends too much time playing tournaments and too little time developing skillsWhat he wishes he'd done differently growing up, and his advice to parents about pushing their sons without belittling themWhy parents of 12- and 13-year-olds should think carefully before chasing social media attention and NIL opportunitiesOne 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 sha...

26: Corey Hart | He Coached Vlad Jr. and Yelich. Here's What Parents Get Wrong About Hitting

Oct 14, 2026 36 min

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 gamesHow to tell whether your son's hitting instructor is actually helping him, beyond his batting averageWhat Corey saw in Christian Yelich and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. that made them such special hittersWhy getting hitting advice from multiple coaches can leave a young player confusedThe mechanical advice Corey wishes parents would stop yelling during at-batsHow one simple hitting drill helped Martín Maldonado make an adjustment in the minor leaguesWhen hitting lessons make sense for younger players and why Corey believes mindset is just as important as mechanicsWhy Corey would rather send his sons to the right college camp than spend money on showcases hoping they'll get discoveredCorey 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...

25: Coach Ferber | What Baseball Parents Get Wrong About Travel Ball, Rankings & Development

Oct 10, 2026 1 hr 9 min

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 futureThe problem with national travel teams for 8U, 9U, and 10U playersWhat to ask a travel baseball coach before committingWhy young players need multiple positions and other sportsHow to recognize a coach who's developing playersRed flags to watch for with private hitting instructorsWhat college coaches actually evaluate during recruitingWhen a player needs more exposure and when he needs to improveWhat Coach Ferber would prioritize for his own 10-year-old sonEpisode 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 f...

24: No. 1 in Texas | What Landon Bonner’s Dad Would Do Differently

Oct 9, 2026 41 min

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

23: Team Moms | Joey & Trina Taylor Respond to the Backlash

Oct 8, 2026 1 hr 3 min

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, a...

22: Jorden Hussein | Stop Chasing the “Right” Baseball Path | JUCO, Indie Ball & Banana Ball

Oct 1, 2026 39 min

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 awayWhat parents should look at beyond the school name and divisionThe reality check he thinks more baseball parents need about their sonWhat each jump in competition exposed about his own gameWhat his parents did when he struggledWhat NOT to do on the car ride home after your son goes 0-for-4How a phone call he almost turned down led him to Banana BallWhether Banana Ball is scripted and how competitive the games really areWhy he believes Banana Ball is here to stayWhat Banana Ball taught him about slowing the game down defensivelyWhy parents should stop obsessing over statisticsWhat he wishes he could tell his high school selfJorden’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...

21: Former MLB Player Aaron Barrett | Youth Baseball Development, Arm Health & the FOMO Trap

Sep 24, 2026 51 min

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...

20: Lou Collier | Reclassing, Playing Up & What Baseball Parents Get Wrong

Sep 18, 2026 53 min

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 prepa...

19: Niko Goodrum | What Baseball Parents Rush...Travel Ball, Development & MLB Lessons

Sep 17, 2026 49 min

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 journey01:34 Why Niko chose Kennesaw State over bigger-name programs03:11 Getting drafted in the second round vs. going to college04:30 Why development can take years, even for elite players06:17 Niko reveals he never played travel ball07:02 Why playing basket...

18: Lewis Brinson | What Baseball Parents Get Wrong About Stats, Pressure & Development

Sep 16, 2026 1 hr 8 min

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 Timestamps00:00 Lewis Brinson joins Chasing Baseball Dreams 01:13 Getting traded by the Texas Rangers 05:01 When the business side creeps into...

Episode #17 College Baseball Recruiting: What Coaches See vs. What Parents Live

Sep 15, 2026 18 min

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 mea...

Episode #16 Aiden McIntyre | The Expensive Mistake Baseball Parents Keep Making

Sep 11, 2026 59 min

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 developmen...

Episode #15 Josh Reddick | What Youth Baseball Parents Get Wrong: Talent, Exposure & Development

Sep 10, 2026 30 min

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...

Episode #14 Anthony Mendez | Jane the Virgin Narrator on Travel Ball, Parenting & Letting Kids Lead

Sep 5, 2026 39 min

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 mak...

Episode #13 Todd Greene | The Truth About Travel Baseball, Rankings & Player Development

Sep 5, 2026 50 min

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 alway...

Episode #12: House of Cards Star Michael Kelly on Baseball, Fatherhood & Raising a Ball Player

Sep 3, 2026 39 min

Four-time Emmy-nominated actor Michael Kelly, best known as Doug Stamper on House of Cards, joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast for a conversation that goes way beyond Hollywood. ⠀ Michael grew up in Georgia as a diehard Atlanta Braves fan. His dad passed that love of baseball down to him, and now Michael is watching the same thing happen with his own son, Clint, who has entered high school baseball. ⠀ Michael talks about balancing fatherhood with an acting career that can take him around the world for weeks at a time, following his son’s games on GameChanger from hotel rooms overseas, and how hard it is knowing some moments simply can’t be replaced. ⠀ They also get into something every baseball parent deals with: watching your kid struggle. ⠀ Michael shares how he helped Clint through a difficult season at the plate, why failure in baseball reminds him so much of rejection in acting, and what seven years of grinding before his own acting breakthrough taught him about perseverance. ⠀ He also explains the 30-minute no-phone rule before and after games, why he tries to let the baseball experience belong to his son, and the two qualities he sees in successful actors and athletes over and over again: work ethic and respect. ⠀ Plus, Michael talks Dale Murphy, Chipper Jones, Hank Aaron, Jack Ryan, Lioness, throwing out the first pitch at an Atlanta Braves game, and an unforgettable 2021 World Series memory shared with his father, brother and son. ⠀ If you’re raising a young baseball player, there’s a lot in this conversation worth hearing. ⠀ TIMESTAMPS ⠀ 00:00 Intro 00:50 Meet Michael Kelly 02:04 How his dad made him a Braves fan 03:49 Becoming a baseball dad 05:35 Dale Murphy, Chipper Jones & Braves memories 06:54 Why Michael never played baseball 08:14 Watching your kid do what he loves 09:53 Being “Clint’s dad” at the ballpark 11:46 House of Cards, Jack Ryan & Lioness 13:04 The baseball movie Michael wanted to make 16:54 Missing his son’s games whi...

Episode #11: Cameron Rupp | College Baseball Recruiting, Travel Ball & What Coaches Actually Want

Sep 2, 2026 1 hr 0 min

What do college baseball coaches actually look for when recruiting a high school player? And how much do Perfect Game rankings, showcases, travel baseball teams, character, and parents really matter? Former Philadelphia Phillies catcher and current University of Texas at Arlington assistant coach Cameron Rupp joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast for a conversation every baseball parent with a son who wants to play at the next level needs to hear. Cameron played at the University of Texas, competed in the 2009 College World Series, was an All-Big 12 selection, and was drafted in the third round of the 2010 MLB Draft before spending five seasons with the Phillies. In this episode, Cameron explains why he doesn’t care about a player’s Perfect Game ranking, what catches his eye when evaluating recruits, why he wants to see players fail, and why character matters to college coaches. They also dig into college baseball recruiting, JUCO baseball, the transfer portal, showcases vs. college camps, specialization, multi-sport athletes, positional versatility, catching development, swing-and-miss rates, recruiting emails, and how parents can help or hurt the recruiting process. Cameron’s message to baseball parents is simple: stop trying to project where a 12-year-old will be six years from now. Let him develop. Let him play. And let him run his own race. Timestamps00:51 Meet Cameron Rupp: Phillies catcher to college coach 02:01 Biggest developmental mistakes parents make 04:38 How early is too early to specialize? 05:50 Why projecting a 12-year-old as D1 makes no sense 06:52 D-BAT, Clayton Kershaw and DFW baseball 09:17 How travel baseball has changed 09:58 How college baseball recruiting actually starts 10:38 Do Perfect Game rankings matter? 11:37 Why Cameron wants to watch recruits fail 12:48 Does character matter in recruiting? 14:46 High school, JUCO and portal roster construction 15:21 Who should consider the JUCO route? 17:59 Power Four vs. mid-m...

Episode #10: Adam Eaton | What Baseball Parents Get Wrong About Success, Development & Failure

Sep 1, 2026 1 hr 9 min

Adam Eaton was 5-foot-9, a 19th-round draft pick and, by his own admission, never a big-time prospect. He still found a way to play 10 years in the Major Leagues and win a World Series. And his message to baseball parents is one I wish more people heard early: “It is not a talent contest.” Adam joins me on Chasing Baseball Dreams to talk about what actually helped him beat the odds, what he learned working with college players at Michigan State, and what he now sees every day as the first base coach for the Los Angeles Angels. We get into why parents put way too much importance on early success, why he believes kids need to play multiple sports, what coaches notice when a player goes 0-for-4, and why learning how to fail may be one of the most important skills a young player can develop. Adam also shares what he’s learned being around players like Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto and Mike Trout, why young players need to actually watch and study baseball, and the advice he gives parents of 10-year-olds: “Your only job as a parent is to make sure he signs up next year.” TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Adam Eaton joins Chasing Baseball Dreams 02:10 What actually matters for the undersized young player 04:47 Why Adam played multiple sports growing up 08:49 Why young players should play different positions 14:14 “Baseball is not a talent contest” 16:58 The best players Adam ever played with 19:06 What separates Shohei Ohtani and Juan Soto 21:18 What coaches notice when your son goes 0-for-4 25:52 Being a great teammate when the bat isn’t working 29:23 Turning failure into better work 31:11 The toughest pitchers Adam ever faced 33:58 Why bunting is making a comeback 38:26 Why young players need to watch more baseball 40:12 What Kirk Gibson taught Adam from the bench 45:18 How parents should handle injuries and setbacks 48:44 Why kids need to become athletes first 52:45 What Mike Trout does differently 55:29 In & Out with Adam Eaton 55:48 Adam’s advice for parents of 10-year-olds 56:40 Wh...

Episode #9: Dustin Pedroia | Why Your Son Should Play LESS Baseball

Aug 28, 2026 1 hr 1 min

Dustin Pedroia spent 14 seasons in the big leagues, won Rookie of the Year, an MVP, four Gold Gloves and three World Series championships. ⠀ But this conversation really isn’t about any of that. It’s about what we’re doing with kids before they ever get close to the big leagues. ⠀ Dustin talks about why his sons don’t play year-round baseball before 14, why 12U rankings and exit velo can fool parents, why he would rather watch a talented player go 0-for-4 than 3-for-3, and why travel baseball has the practice-to-game ratio completely backwards. ⠀ He also shares what he actually says to his own son after a bad game, why kids need to experience failure, what David Ortiz told him about developing his swing, what scouts really notice over time, and why being the 12th player on a national team may be worse than playing every day somewhere else. ⠀ There is a LOT here for baseball parents. ⠀ TIMESTAMPS ⠀ 00:00 Dustin Pedroia joins Chasing Baseball Dreams 02:02 Why he gave back his Arizona State scholarship 03:05 Why young players need multiple sports 06:02 The tryout that changed everything 08:30 The knee injury that ended his career 11:46 Pedroia played only 20 baseball games a year 12:16 Fall in love with the work 13:42 “Your son will not fall behind” 15:22 What hitters ages 8 to 13 should work on 17:38 The business of youth baseball 20:24 Don’t showcase before you’re ready 21:25 What scouts can’t measure in one workout 24:23 Attitude, effort and preparation 28:49 What Dustin says after his son goes 0-for-3 30:44 What has changed in Major League hitting 34:22 Development vs. just playing more games 38:40 The coaching red flag parents should watch for 41:43 What matters for talented 11- and 12-year-olds 46:47 In & Out with Dustin Pedroia 49:36 12U exit velo and player rankings 50:55 Elite roster or everyday playing time? 53:01 When should a player go all-in on baseball? 55:12 Dustin’s favorite baseball movie and memories 59:00 Dustin’s advice for Bobby ⠀ If you’re raisin...

Episode #8: Stop The Pressure, Let Them Play | Coach Ballgame

Aug 24, 2026 58 min

Coach Ballgame sits down to name something most parents haven't been able to see: the early specialization trap that's become industry gospel. Twenty-two years ago, kids played three sports a year. Now you hear it constantly from travel ball orgs, from coaches, from Facebook groups. Your son needs to specialize or he falls behind. Parents lie awake over this decision. But here's what Mookie Betts did. Here's what Mike Trout did. Here's what every major league player Coach Ballgame interviewed at All-Star games said: we got better because we played everything. Shohei Ohtani. Paul Skeens. Freddie Freeman. The pattern is not specialization. It's the opposite. The machine survives by convincing you that early specialization works. It doesn't. What works is fundamentals, joy, and a coach who understands that winning a 12U tournament means absolutely nothing down the road. This episode gives you what MLB players are actually telling travel ball coaches, which culture decisions actually matter, and how to recognize whether your kid's team is building him up or just paying its own commission. TIMESTAMPS: 00:00 - Intro and Coach Ballgame's background 03:09 - The shift: what changed from the '90s to now 06:44 - The trap parents fall into (financial incentives behind fall ball pressure) 08:05 - What Paul Skeens and MLB players actually said at All-Star games 10:27 - The Freddie Freeman principle: detach your joy from your kid's results 15:00+ - Finding the right coach and culture. Red flags to run from 51:36 - Nicknames, trust, and why connection beats winning 55:23 - How Coach Ballgame was born 56:46 - Helping kids overcome fear of getting hit by pitches CONNECT: Website: coachballgame.com Coach Ballgame University: Online coaching curriculum Social: @coachballgame (Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube)

Episode #7: Chose the Hardest Path First | Former MLB Player Travis Hafner

Aug 21, 2026 43 min

From a North Dakota farm, no high school baseball team, to 213 MLB home runs. Travis Hafner (Pronk) chose the hardest path first, and it changed everything. We talk about turning down guaranteed starting spots, why multiple sports matter, how to actually parent through failure, and what his own sons taught him about the game that 12 years in the majors couldn't. TIMESTAMPS 0:00 - Intro: From Pronk bars to the big leagues 2:23 - Growing up without a high school baseball team 3:09 - Why multiple sports still matters 4:12 - When he started his boys in travel ball 4:53 - Best and worst of travel baseball 6:38 - Why he chose the hardest JUCO (no guarantee) 7:45 - Sink or swim mentality 15:00 - Getting drafted in the 31st round 20:00 - Making it to the majors with Texas 37:00 - Raw talent gets refined by the right coaching 37:24 - The car ride home after tough games 39:18 - All-time baseball memories 40:16 - The 2006 season, the hand injury, what could've been 41:11 - What his sons taught him as a player 42:07 - Where to find Travis

Episode #6: Long Beach State Head Coach TJ Bruce

Aug 14, 2026 1 hr 4 min

TJ Bruce, Long Beach State head coach and D1 veteran, breaks down the one habit that separates parents who keep their kids' love for the game from parents who burn it out: looking inside out instead of outside in. ⠀ Most parents chase what's happening outside. The ranking, the team name, the comparison to other kids, what the college board might think someday. Meanwhile, their son is drowning under the weight of expectations he never made. TJ discovered this the hard way when his 12-year-old broke down in the car and said, "I feel that pressure every day I step on the field." ⠀ This is a one-hour conversation with a coach who sits in every chair: player, coach, college head coach, dad. He finally figured out that the scoreboard you need to read is not the one in the field. It's inside your kid. ⠀ What you'll hear: ⠀ 03:08 ... The car ride home that hit him like a ton of bricks ⠀ 04:36 ... Why the coach's kid carries a different kind of pressure ⠀ 07:38 ... Do you have 12-year-olds on your recruiting board? His answer cuts straight through ⠀ 08:33 ... The first base coaching story that says everything about parenting vs. coaching ⠀ 15:00 ... Multiple sports vs. year-round baseball: what actually matters at 12 ⠀ 30:00+ ... The "eleventh man on the expensive roster" and why playing time beats pedigree ⠀ 45:00+ ... How comparison becomes the thief of joy, and parents pass it straight to their kids ⠀ 55:00+ ... The mental game most parents refuse to teach ⠀ 58:00+ ... What it means to "be great with Johnny being who he is" ⠀ 59:39 ... Stop looking outside in. Start looking inside out.

Episode #5: Justin Cryer | Don't Make It Bigger Than It Is

Aug 8, 2026 58 min

Former Division I pitcher, six-time MLB scout for the Houston Astros, and now director at Marucci Sports, Justin Cryer sits down to expose what scouts actually see, what parents waste money on, and why most travel baseball spending never shows up on a single scouting report. Justin played two years on the bench at Ole Miss, got Tommy John, and still made it. He knows what the machine sells parents and what scouts are actually looking for. This episode cuts through every layer of the youth baseball industry: fake elite teams, rankings that don't matter, equipment that won't fix your swing, and the one thing that separates players who make it from the ones who quit. Full interview includes rapid-fire In & Out questions and Justin's parting wisdom on keeping youth baseball the size it actually is. TIMESTAMPS [0:00] Introduction: Justin's background and path [1:52] Ole Miss bench story: Red-shirted 2 years, Tommy John, what that taught him [4:40] The transfer portal question: Would he have stuck it out in today's landscape? [5:57] Scout hierarchy explained: Associate scout, area scout, cross-checker, nationals, director [8:24] What makes a conviction scout vs. stat watcher [12:15] What scouts actually look for in your son [15:30] The hierarchy of what scouts value [18:45] High school coaches' influence on recruiting [21:00] Travel ball and team selection—what matters and what doesn't [24:30] Fake elite teams vs. real scout teams [26:50] What parents spend money on that scouts never see [28:15] In & Out rapid-fire questions begin [53:04] First tool scouts spot in seconds [53:32] Money parents waste that never shows on scouting reports [54:15] The difference between players who make it and those who quit [54:50] What a $400 bat can't fix [55:31] Parting wisdom: Don't make it bigger than it is #ChasingBaseballDreams #TravelBall #ScoutsTruth

Episode #4: Brandon & Deanna Emerson | Parents of #2 Overall Pick Grady Emerson

Aug 6, 2026 1 hr 3 min

Parents of #2 MLB Draft Pick: Grady Emerson's Journey ⠀ Brandon and Deanna Emerson share the real story behind their son Grady's path to becoming the #2 overall pick in the MLB draft by the Tampa Bay Rays. This isn't about rankings, showcases, or expensive travel teams. It's about recognizing talent, protecting your kid, and not getting caught in the machine. ⠀ In this episode: ⠀ (0:00) The moment they realized Grady was different. 12 years old, youngest on a loaded team, walks out with tournament MVP. ⠀ (4:48) Why those expensive loaded 8U and 9U teams almost killed it. What they wish they'd done instead. ⠀ (15:00) The dark side of Perfect Game rankings. Why scouts don't care what parents think matters. ⠀ (28:00) How they navigated people trying to exploit Grady. Why parents are the only filter that works. ⠀ (42:00) What they'd change about their journey. Trusting coaches too much on arm care and not questioning people with ulterior motives sooner. ⠀ (59:00) The unpopular truth about select baseball, youth baseball recruiting, and why the events matter more than the rankings. ⠀ This is essential listening for any travel ball parent asking if the machine is worth it.

Episode #3: Ben Jenkins CEO of Warstic Understanding the New High School Bat Rules

Jul 30, 2026 51 min

Welcome to Episode #3 of the Chasing Baseball Dreams podcast where Bobby talks to Ben Jenkins. Ben is the CEO of Warstic and a former Mississippi State shortstop. He designs bats for major league players. And in this conversation, he says the thing most bat companies won't say out loud. The new USA high school bat rules are coming. Drop 4, drop 5, drop 6. Parents lost their minds thinking high school kids would be swinging USA bats that launch missiles. That's not what's happening. Ben breaks down why, and what the rule change actually means for your son. But the bigger conversation here is about something most baseball parents have never thought about. The heaviest, longest bat your son can control and flush the ball with is the bat he should be swinging. Not the lightest one. Not the one with the biggest barrel. Not the one a reviewer ranked number one. Ben talks about why mass matters more than bat speed when it comes to real exit velo. He explains why major league hitters almost never go lighter than a drop 2. He walks through bat profiles, from the 243 to the 271, and why the bat that looks the best almost never swings the best. He talks about what contact really means and why the game is shifting back toward hitters who can beat a pitcher multiple ways instead of swinging for the fence every at bat. He also gets honest about something most CEOs would never admit. When Warstic had the number one ranked bat, not every kid who bought it was a good fit for it. That's the part parents need to hear. The "best bat" is only the best bat if it matches what your son does in the box. We talk about his son Shaw heading to college baseball, the real reason kids struggle with a drop 3 in high school, why wood bats are one of the simplest and best training tools at any age, and how USA Baseball taking over bat standards from the NCAA could raise bat prices through licensing fees. If you've ever stood in a store staring at a wall of 100 bats wondering which one your son...

Episode #2: D1 Coach Says Your 12 Year Old's Rankings Don't Matter | Texas A&M HC Michael Earley

Jul 30, 2026 42 min

Youth baseball parents hear the truth directly from Texas A&M head coach Michael Earley in Episode 2 of the Chasing Baseball Dreams podcast. 35 years of coaching select baseball and high school, plus going through this process with my youngest son, who's playing baseball in college right now, taught me one thing: most parents are spending money and energy on the wrong stuff at the wrong time. Coach Earley confirms it from the D1 side. ⠀ In this conversation we cover: ⠀ 0:00 What D1 coaches actually evaluate when recruiting 3:15 Do PG rankings and grades matter? 5:14 Are college coaches scouting 12U showcases? 9:38 Transfer portal vs high school recruiting 12:08 Why the JUCO route is not plan B 15:17 A dad spending 30K a year on his 10 year old 17:27 Nothing at 12U matters in the context of recruiting 20:02 Compete over compare 21:29 How does an undersized kid without resources get found? 25:06 What "being seen" actually means to a head coach 27:47 Only go to showcases when you have something to showcase 28:52 What to tell a dad who is convinced his 12 year old is D1 32:39 Has a parent ever gotten a kid crossed off the board? 34:08 In and Out rapid fire with Coach Earley 36:44 Roster rules, scholarship math, and what a good offer looks like 40:43 Advice for the parent of a 9 or 10 year old ⠀ Coach Earley's starting center fielder this year played JV his freshman and sophomore year and was on the second team of his organization. He hit .340 with 20 homers and 20 doubles for the Aggies and went in the second round to the Chicago Cubs. Early dominance does not predict who makes it. That's one of the biggest things parents get wrong. ⠀ If you're a travel baseball parent spending thousands and wondering if any of it is working, this interview will change how you think about the journey. ⠀ Subscribe and turn on notifications so you don't miss Episode 3. ⠀ @ChasingBaseballDreams

Episode #1: SwagnShades Tells Parents What Nobody Else Will About Travel Baseball

Jul 29, 2026 1 hr 4 min

Alex Hale played 2 ways in college. Got drafted. Built Chips Performance from the ground up. And he's put over 400 players through the recruiting process. ⠀ So when he says 90% of baseball is just playing catch... that's not a hot take. That's 400 recruiting journeys talking. ⠀ In this conversation we get into why most travel teams get development completely wrong, what college coaches are actually watching (and when they start watching), why the JUCO path might be the smartest move most families never consider, and the one question every parent should ask before they commit to a team and swipe their card. ⠀ Alex also breaks down why a dominant 12U team can actually hurt your son, why switching teams just so your kid plays shortstop is a trap, and what happens when parents chase the name on the hoodie instead of the reps their son actually needs. ⠀ If your son plays travel baseball and you've ever wondered whether the money is going to the right place... sit through this one. ⠀ Follow SwagnShades / Chips Performance: @chipsperformance Follow Chasing Baseball Dreams: @chasingbaseballdreams

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39: Matt Carpenter | Why His 9-Year-Old Doesn't Play Year-Round Baseball

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🇺🇸 Parenting Best #64

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Podcast details

Created by: Bobby Minor
Status: Active
Latest episode: Nov 13, 2026
Episodes: 39
Release period: Several times a week
Avg. episode length: 51 min
Explicit: No
Language: English

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