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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 @michael_ballard14 | TikTok @mike.b14 🔔 Subscribe to the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast for conversations with professional players, coaches, and baseball parents about the decisions that matter throughout the baseball journey. #BananaBall #PartyAnimals #BaseballParents #TravelBaseball #CollegeBaseball

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: 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 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 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 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

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 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 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 #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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 basketball helped his baseball development08:53 How versatility became Niko’s path to the Major Leagues11:23 Playing when your role and future aren’t guaranteed12:42 What playing professional baseball in Korea was really like17:05 The morning Niko knew it was time to retire19:11 Adjusting to life after professional baseball22:08 What separates talented players who keep advancing24:02 Becoming a switch hitter in high school26:08 What parents of talented 12 and 13-year-olds should focus on27:43 Why parents shouldn’t rush strength, exit velo or throwing velo29:10 When should a kid start playing travel baseball?31:41 Facing Jacob deGrom, Chris Sale and MLB’s toughest pitchers32:30 Niko’s favorite Major League stadiums36:00 In-and-Out: earning trust, development, technique and simplifying the game38:50 Why mindset becomes the separator at higher levels42:05 What Niko learned from Victor Martinez45:14 Niko’s favorite baseball memories47:42 His favorite baseball movie48:24 Where to follow Niko Goodrum