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Moms and How to Take Better Baseball PhotosThis is Episode 34 of Moms and Baseball podcast. Today, we offer tips for taking better action shots of baseball players. We are not experts, but are simply sharing our experience from trial and error. We wanted this episode to focus on helping the sports parent who knows nothing about photography and thought that advice may be more applicable coming from an amateur/hobby photographer.Check out this episode on YouTube to see some picture examples included at the end of the video! --------------------Mentions:Canon EOS Rebel T6/1300D 18MP DSLR Camera + 18-55mm LensCanon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS II Telephoto Zoom LensCanon EF 50mm f/1.8 STM lens Canon EOS 5D Mark IV Full Frame Digital SLR Camera BodyEpisode 2: Moms and White Baseball Pants--------------------YouTube Tutorials:AI Servo mode: https://youtu.be/-PJzCRWoOmMBack-Button Focus: https://youtu.be/8PN9R0D3pF0--------------------Moms and Baseball is a podcast for youth baseball moms, dads, coaches, and players. Co-hosts Diana Stephens and Stephanie Malley share thoughts, ideas, and stories relating to travel (select) baseball, Little League, and recreation baseball experiences--but more importantly--also interview lots of interesting people in the world of baseball. Plus look for appearances by special guest hosts, including Patrick and Trevor, for special Baseball Dads episodes and more! *Full podcast episodes are available on Spotify, Google Podcasts, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music (ask Alexa) and more! Search "Moms and Baseball"*Check out our Facebook group, "Parents and Baseball" @momsandbaseball on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitterhttps://momsandbaseball.weebly.com

In this episode we discuss one of Stephanie's favorite questions for guests, superstitions. Listen in as we discuss our superstitions, as well as some MLB players. We also included some common baseball ones.Never step on the chalk lines coming on or off the field.Never talk about a no-hitter or perfect game when a game is in progress.Repetitive batting stance rituals.Flipping a rally hat inside out to start a rally. Generally applies to fans. It brings good luck to a team in the last inning.Leave the pitcher alone, or not talking to, on the day of the start.Lucky bats, gloves, socks, pants, or anything you were wearing during your big game win.On Deck: Diana discuss her tips, tricks, and camera recommendations for taking the best sports photos.Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.comFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TwitterJoin our Facebook group, Parents and BaseballMentions:https://bleacherreport.com/articles/1179538-baseballs-50-weirdest-all-time-superstitionshttps://medium.com/sportsraid/mlb-players-and-their-strangest-superstitions-e959d0c9626aBaseball Superstitions by Deborah Minter https://howtheyplay.com/team-sports/Baseball-Superstitionshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babe_Ruthhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Derek_Hollandhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Justin_Dunnhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turk_Wendellhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Max_Scherzerhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joe_DiMaggiohttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc_FnBgGyMMhttps://bangordailynews.com/2011/09/30/sports/baseball/superstitions-important-part-of-baseball’s-romance/

Please forgive our mistake in the audio—this is Episode 32 not 31! In this episode, we interview Val Paredes—veteran baseball mom to Tim Melville. You may have seen Tim Melville’s name in the news recently as he is a pitcher in the Chinese Professional Baseball League (CPBL) in Taiwan and just threw the first no hitter of 2021. See his No-Hitter MVP dance here, and his 2020 Freestyle MVP dance here.Before playing in the CPBL, Tim was an MLB Journeyman, playing for 7 different major league franchises and at least 20 professional teams. In 2019, pitching for the Colorado Rockies, Tim Melville had his first big-league win and quickly became a fan favorite of the Rockies franchise. In 2019 he also had the opportunity to strike out Freddie Freeman (an old teammate/acquaintance of his), Josh Donaldson, and Ozzie Albies.Tim Melville was drafted in 2008 in the 4th round by the Royals, but had been ranked by RISE Magazine as the top high school draft prospect in the country at the time. He went on to room with Eric Hosmer and Mike Montgomery in Single A the following year.Val has moved all around, but is a native Virginian and is currently living in Chester, Virginia. She has so much baseball-mom experience to share with us as a single mom raising a highly-sought after baseball player and navigating Tim through AAU, travel ball, USA Baseball, and the MLB draft out of high school. She also shares the challenges her son has faced along the way and talk about how they have dealt with those challenges and persevered through injuries, surgeries, and a congenital condition.Want to keep up with Moms and Baseball?Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TwitterJoin our Facebook group, Parents and BaseballWant to be a guest? Just fill out the survey at the Guest Zone page on our website to see if you're a good fit! http://www.momsandbaseball.comOn Deck: Baseball Superstitions----------HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets! Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe product by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:100% waterproof/windproofHeat-reflective liningInclude a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a ponchoWrap you from head to toe!Made in the USAAre the warmest, coziest blanket you will find, and were well-loved by Diana and Stephanie long before the podcast existed :)AFFILIATE LINK: https://mambeblankets.com?aff=13 Source:https://www.sportingnews.com/us/mlb/news/for-former-phenom-tim-melville-first-big-league-win-was-long-time-coming/128anbon2hk361210g07hnfl27

Patrick and Trevor do another Dads Takeover episode, and this time talk about the Saginaw Bay Riverdawgs' annual spring training in Orange Beach/Gulf Shores, Alabama. They are joined by Brian Stephens (Diana's often-mentioned brother) to discuss the history of the trip for the Riverdawgs and Swan Valley High School.You will also hear a bit about the Alabama Spring Training trip in Episode 30 with Mark Krzysiak and in Episode 20 with Mark Jebb.On Deck: An Interview with Val Paredes, mother to Tim Melville. Tim Melville was once ranked as the #1 high school draft in the country and was drafted in the 4th round by the Kansas City Royals in 2008. He played for several teams in the MLB and is currently playing for the CPBL in Taiwan, and just pitched the first no hitter of 2021! Val will discuss the many challenges that Tim has overcome during his impressive baseball career and has some meaningful insights as a veteran baseball mom for youth baseball parents today.Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.comFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TwitterJoin our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball

Today we talk to Mark Krzysiak from Bay City, Michigan. Mark is very connected to baseball in this community and you will hear references to several other Moms and Baseball episodes, so feel free to find those links below to brush up!Mark has been involved in the game at nearly every level… He was a college player himself, he’s been a varsity, little league, and travel baseball coach, he ran a baseball training facility and started a massively successful travel baseball organization (with partner Tom Merkle), and Mark was an associate major league scout. Mark is also a baseball parent himself.In addition to sharing his own story, Mark discusses his personal thoughts on the idea of playing multiple sports vs specialization. He also talks about his coaching philosophies regarding running efficient practices, instilling mental toughness in kids and receiving 100% effort from them, and teaching his players to play with confidence and "swag."Later in the episode, Mark shares valuable advice regarding mental and physical "turn-ons" and "turn-offs" that he picked up over the several years spent working with MLB scouts, and being a former associate scout himself for the Texas Rangers.On Deck: TBDKeep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.comFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TwitterJoin our Facebook group, Parents and BaseballPrevious Episodes Mentioned:004: Moms and Travel Ball vs. Rec Ball Part 1009: Interview with Div. 1 Catcher Who Was Cut From High School Teams011: Girls Playing Boys Baseball020: From 10u to the Big Ten: MI Select Coach on 2020 College Commits for Entire Team025: Semi-Pro Pitcher Lennon GwizdalaOther Notable Mentions:Wendell Nehmer (Means Stamping)Calhoun Community CollegeLake Michigan CollegeCentral Michigan UniversityTom AckermanTom MerkleMatt NoakesSaginaw Bay RiverdawgsMichigan SelectRoger CoryellTony LucadelloProphet of the SandlotsMark Haske

From MiLB Pitcher to Developing Protective Batting GlovesThis episode we interviewed Derek Hurley, who is originally from Staten Island, NY and currently living in Houston, Texas. He played baseball at Division 1 Seton Hall University in New Jersey and was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 30th round of the 1999 MLB draft. After Derek's baseball career ended, he spent time in the medical and financial fields.  He is now a part of the Truletic team, combining his baseball career along with his business marketing background.Derek discusses his path through baseball growing up and shares some great insight on multi-sports, travel baseball, college baseball, being drafted, and coaching. He also discusses the Truletic protective batting gloves, which uses brand-new protective technology that prevents baseball players from getting hamate surgery. truletic.com is offering our listeners 20% your purchase of protective batting gloves. Just enter the code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" when purchasing.Mambe Waterproof BlanketsUse the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" to get 10% off any MAMBE productsKeep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.comFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TwitterJoin our Facebook group, Parents and BaseballOn Deck: We interview Mark Krzysiak. Mark has been involved in the game of baseball at nearly every level. He started a massively successful travel baseball organization, was an associate major league scout, and shares with us his “turn ons and turn offs” for scouts when evaluating players.References:https://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-xpm-2012-06-01-bal-baseball-players-have-had-mixed-results-following-hamate-bone-surgery-20120601-story.htmlhttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-crying-in-baseball/id1302035601Mambe Waterproof Blankets Use the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" to get 10% off any MAMBE products

To Coach or Not to Coach Your KidIn this episode we talk about Daddy Ball (or Mommy Ball), which is one of the most controversial topics in the youth baseball world! Daddy Ball occurs when the coach favors their own kid (or is perceived to favor their kid) over others at the detriment of the team.We share thoughts from a few listeners who have coached their own kids, and talk about our own brushes with Daddy Ball as parents, coaches' wives, and even as an umpire. We discuss our opinions about what it takes to successfully coach your own child (and why it may be a disaster) and mention our favorite qualities in good coaches.Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.comFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TwitterJoin our Facebook group, Parents and BaseballOn Deck: We will talk to Derek Hurley, a former Division 1 and Minor League baseball player, about his baseball career as well as what he is up to now--including a brand new company specializing in one-of-a-kind batting glove protection technology.Previous Episodes Mentioned:025: Semi-Pro Pitcher Lennon Gwizdala012: Lale Esquivel - Coach of the Best 12u Team in the Nation020: From 10u to the Big Ten: MI Select Coach on 2020 College Commits for Entire Team021 DadsTakeover - College Recruiting008: Moms and Politics in Youth BaseballUpdate on Mitch Jebb (020: From 10u to the Big Ten: MI Select Coach on 2020 College Commits for Entire Team):https://msuspartans.com/sports/baseball/roster/mitch-jebb/10933https://twitter.com/d1baseball/status/1370132696765173765?s=20

In this episode, we talk with Stephanie Brogdon from Madera Ranchos, California, about her son, Connor Brogdon, the up-and-coming 6'6" right-handed Phillies bullpen pitcher. Connor made his major league debut in 2020 and had a very rocky start. He was sent back to the Phillies' alternate site and returned in September looking stronger than ever and had a dominating performance for the rest of the season.Stephanie discusses how Connor took a bit of a nontraditional path to the MLB. For starters, he didn't play any travel or select baseball until high school, but she does discuss his opportunity to play in the Area Code games in the summer between his junior and senior year of high school, which ultimately lead to him being drafted in the final round by the Atlanta Braves. Connor turned down that opportunity and was going to attend Division 1 Fresno State University on scholarship, but Stephanie discusses why that option didn't work out and offers advice to parents on the college recruiting process.Instead, Connor attended Fresno City Junior College before transferring to NAIA Lewis-Clark State College. From Lewis-Clark, Connor was drafted in the 10th round by the Philadelphia Phillies. Stephanie discusses how  Connor handled the transition from starting pitcher to the bullpen while in the Minors and talks about his notorious debut game in 2020. Then she talks about how Connor performed since that day, and offers some insight for youth baseball parents.Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.comFollow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TwitterJoin our Facebook group, Parents and BaseballOn Deck: Daddy BallReferences:https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=brogdo000conhttps://www.mlb.com/player/connor-brogdon-641401https://section215.com/2021/01/10/philadelphia-phillies-brogdon-romero/https://www.thegoodphight.com/2020/12/16/22177104/2020-player-reviews-connor-brogdonhttps://www.mlb.com/news/connor-brogdon-cutter-brings-confidence-results

Debbie Mikolajchak from Houston, Texas, is the mother of Nick Mikolajchak. Nick is a 6’2” right-handed pitcher playing in the minors with the Indians Organization. He was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 11th round as a junior from Sam Houston State University in 2019.In this episode, Debbie talks about Nick's career and what it was like to raise a future professional baseball player. She also discusses their experience with the Texas snowstorm from earlier this year and how it thwarted Nick's ability to get to Spring Training on time.Debbie also talks about her experience watching Nick play baseball in the Cape Cod Baseball League, and how she was able to quit her job as a teacher and run a virtual health and fitness business so that she could have more flexibility watching her son's baseball games.Moms and Baseball is on Facebook, Instagram, and TwitterCheck out our Parents and Baseball group on Facebookhttps://momsandbaseball.weebly.com/For more information on Debbie, check out her social media or past podcast appearances:InstagramFacebookWebsiteHealthy Lifestyle for Weight LossYour PUSH Coach PodcastReferences:- Baseball Reference- 2020 Cape Cod Baseball League Players in DraftOn Deck:Interview with Stephanie Brogdon, mother to MLB/ Philadelphia Phillies pitcher, Connor Brogdon

In this episode you will hear what it's like to grind as a semi-professional baseball player in an independent league, working towards the dream of getting drafted.Lennon (Lenny) Gwizdala is a left-handed pitcher that played four years at Division 2 Northwood University in Midland, Michigan. He continued on to play semi-professional baseball by signing with the River City Rascals in the independent Frontier League in 2019.He shares so many inspirational nuggets of wisdom in this episode that should benefit young baseball players hoping to further their own baseball career.Keep up with Lennon on Twitter: https://twitter.com/mcgwizzyReferences:https://www.mlive.com/sports/saginaw-bay-city/2019/07/bay-city-central-product-lennon-gwizdala-signs-first-professional-contract.htmlhttps://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=gwizda000lenhttps://www.gonorthwood.com/sports/bsb/2018-19/bios/gwizdala_lennon_jp1h?view=career&pos=p

In Part 2 of our arm care series, we chat with Dr. Ryan Brown. If you missed Part 1, you can check that out here: 023 Arm Care Advice, Part 1.Ryan is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, and former D1 college baseball player. Ryan was an outfielder and leadoff hitter at William & Mary and actually holds the record for the most games played in the college's history! He has utilized his extensive training and experience to put together a comprehensive arm care program for baseball players, and was gracious enough to provide insight into some of the most controversial arm care topics for pitchers.In this episode, we discuss: Icing after throwingMarc Pro & EMS devicesRunning after throwing (sprints vs. long distance)Bands and weightsLong tossWeighted ballsAdvice for catchers who also pitchThoughts on year-round baseball/pitching & playing multiple sportsQualities of resilient pitchersBreaking ballsPitch count guidelinesMentioned in this Episode:Risk Factors for Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in Adolescent Baseball PitchersSAID PrincipleSpecificity Principle and Power Output of Endurance or Sprint Based Metabolic/Conditioning Work Marc Pro & Other Electric Muscle StimulatorsKids Who Pitch & Catch More Likely to Sustain an InjuryYouth Baseball Risk Factors for Arm InjuriesPrevention of Elbow Injuries in Youth Baseball Pitchers (Fastball vs. Breaking Balls)MLB Pitch Smart GuidelinesBaseball Performance and Rehab Facebook GroupUltimate Arm Care Program: https://ultimatearmcareprogram.vhx.tv/Program Includes:3-day / week arm care program with baseball-specific strengthening exercises & mobility drillsMovement Prep / Pre-Throwing RoutinePost-Throwing RoutineBonus Content:Recovery ConceptsPitcher's Weekly Recovery Schedule-You can find us on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitter Facebook group Parents and Baseball On deck: Interview with Semi-Professional Lefty Pitcher, Lennon Gwizdala

This episode we interviewed an expert from an MLB- level pitching staff on questions about arm care. Thoughts on:IceRunning after throwingBands vs weightsLong tossWeighted ballsAny advice for young catchers who also pitch?Would you recommend against pitchers playing year round? And if so, how long of a rest period?Do you notice any particular qualities that differentiate pitchers you have worked with who seem more resilient from those who are more susceptible to injury?Would you recommend a certain age to start throwing breaking balls, and would it matter how often they throw those pitches?Pitch count guidelines, how important are they?It is more beneficial for young pitchers to play multiple sports?If you have any fun stories or facts to share, please shoot us a message on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitter Or join in our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball If you are enjoying our podcast, please leave a review/rating on iTunes and subscribe or follow on your favorite podcast player!On deck: Part 2 of the Arm Care series with special guest physical therapist, Dr. Ryan Brown Mentions:Moms and Baseball episode 020 From 10u to the Big Ten: MI Select Coach on 2020 College Commits for Entire TeamAroldis Chapman: https://www.foxsports.com.au/baseball/aroldis-chapman-looks-ridiculously-huge-after-cancelled-baseball-preseason/news-story/00c39dcbc45aa7fcb57f14fd0adff7d3

Baseball rules, history, and player stories that you have probably never heard! If you want to learn more, check out the RESOURCES below that we used to research our facts.If you have any fun stories or facts to share, please shoot us a message on social media:FacebookInstagramTwitter Or join in our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball If you are enjoying our podcast, please leave a review/rating on iTunes and subscribe or follow on your favorite podcast player!On deck: Arm Care 2-part seriesPart 1: Questions about arm care answered by a professional-level pitching coachPart 2: Interview a physical therapist who specializes in arm care for baseball playersRESOURCES:MLB Rule 7.05: http://www.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2007/07_the_runner.pdfMLB Rule 5.06(c): https://baseballrulesacademy.com/official-rule/mlb/5-06-c-dead-balls/MLB Rule 6.04(c) & Rule 8.01(c): https://www.mlb.com/cut4/stories-behind-weirdly-specific-mlb-rules-c219761964?fbclid=IwAR1YhwXee52BLsntfXvh7jtvZPh_5eEtxBgzxtiV3PP1UVqPnaQS13j9Q8QMound Visit: http://m.mlb.com/glossary/rules/mound-visit#:~:text=The%20mound%20visit%20is%20considered,the%20umpire%20of%20a%20substitution.12-Second Rule: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/downloads/y2007/08_the_pitcher.pdfPatching:  https://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/35-odd-baseball-facts-that-are-too-strange-to-be-made-up?fbclid=IwAR1msOaIhzTdF7RTgoEevT8Pr1vo3or04febqUcLNCRAzC4YUij8AhRd0zYUmpires, “Strikes,” Underhand, Flat Bats, Spitballs & Bounce: https://www.mlb.com/cut4/10-bizarre-rules-from-baseballs-past/c-124363454Shortstop & Backwards: https://www.seeker.com/10-weird-rules-from-early-baseball-1767886845.htmlBob Gibson: https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/just-because-bob-gibson-basketball-star/Gaylord Perry: https://www.mlb.com/cut4/gaylord-perry-hits-home-run-just-minutes-after-neil-armstrong-moon-landing-c2433Clarence Blethen: https://www.sportscasting.com/6-of-the-strangest-injuries-in-weve-ever-seen-in-major-league-baseball/Mike Trout: https://blea

Trevor and Patrick are joined by guest Jason Ball, Asst. Baseball Coach/Recruiting Coordinator at SVSU and coach of the 16u Michigan Select team.Dads takeover for Part 2 of our mini-series on showcase baseball and college recruitment. Listen to Part 1 here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1348060/7380025----------In this episode, Jason shares his experiences coaching at different levels, and offers players and parents a plethora of advice regarding college recruiting, including:Explanation of NCAA divisions, JUCO, and NAIA and recruiting rules, plus roster & scholarship limitsShowcases -- how valuable are they?What parents should and should not do in regards to helping or hurting their child in the college recruiting processWhen / how should players start contacting college coaches?Social media -- do's and don'ts for players/parents----------Note: NAIA Division 1 and 2 schools do offer athletic scholarships. Division 3 NAIA schools do not.Resources:Parents and Baseball Facebook grouphttp://momsandbaseball.weebly.comhttps://scholarshipstats.com/baseball

This episode is Part 1 in a 2-part series about high school/showcase baseball and college recruiting.Mark Jebb has been a long-time assistant coach at Swan Valley High School and a travel baseball coach for Saginaw Bay Riverdawgs and Michigan Select. In this episode, he shares the experience of coaching a group of 2020 grads from the time they were 9-10 years old until they finished high school.Coach Jebb talks about how he focused on development with his players and how he later assisted them in the college recruitment process. He also talks about own son's recruitment and commitment to Michigan State University.Facts from this episode:Michigan Select 18u had a roster of 15 players. All 15 committed to college baseball programs.7- Division 1 Universities4- Michigan State University (MSU)2- Central Michigan University (CMU)1- Eastern Michigan University (EMU)5- Division 2 UniversitySaginaw Valley State University (SVSU)1- Division 3 UniversityHope College2- Junior CollegesMott Community CollegeMid-Michigan Community CollegeEvery single player from Coach Jebb's 15u Michigan Select team made his respective high school's varsity baseball teamOn Deck: DadsTakeover- College Recruiting with guest Coach Jason Ball (asst. coach SVSU)Questions or comments? Email us at momsandbaseball@gmail.comFind us on Facebook & Instagram: @momsandbaseballJoin our Parents and Baseball group on Facebook!

Tons of fundraising ideas in this episode--the good and the bad! Today we welcomed Shannon Robinson who was the Team Manager/Administrator for the new Prairie Ironmen Travel Baseball Organization and Tournament Scheduler for the South Bend Cubs Organization, and was a very successful fundraiser manager.DISCLAIMER: We are not accountants or experts in tax law so please consult your organization's consultants to make sure any and all fundraisers are in compliance with 501(c)3s or your particular tax-exempt organization.Fundraising ideas discussed in this episode:SponsorshipsPartiesTrivia NightEuchre PartyCornhole Tournament (not mentioned)Comedy show (not mentioned)Silent AuctionPiggie Raffle50/50Wheel barrow / Barrel of FunSuperbowl BoardsMarch Madness BoardsFlipgiveAmazon SmileRaffles:Gun rafflePurse raffleYeti cooler raffleLottery raffleCow/meat raffleBaseball bat raffleBottle / Can DriveTag DayRestaurant Kickback NightRestaurant Tip Night (not mentioned)Apparel order profit shareSalesMumsWreathsCandy/PopcornPizza kitsCoupons/coupon books/coupon cardsCandles (not mentioned)Laundry detergent (not mentioned)Sheets (not mentioned)Bake sale (not mentioned)Direct Sales (DSA/MLM) party/hostess profit sharingHome-run derbyHit-a-thonPenny AuctionCar washesPort-a-PitWe use the term "profitable" in this episode several times when we should actually say "lucrative." Our apologies as several of these fundraisers were mentioned as not being profitable when actually they could have had a 100% profit since no money was invested--but we did not make much money; therefore, the fundraiser was not very lucrative.On Deck: From 10u to the Big Ten:-Michigan Select Coach on 2020 College Commits for Entire Teamhttps://momsandbaseball.weebly.comJoin our Parents and Baseball Facebook group!

In this episode, guests Amber and Brenda return to continue our discussion of the New Year’s Baseball Fest tournament in Panama City Beach, Florida, and our experiences playing with Baseball Youth Elite & GameDay USA Prospect Teams, as well as independent teams that participated in the tournament.Check out our brand new "Parents and Baseball" Facebook group!Amber's son Gunner played for a Baseball Youth Elite team at the NYBF in the 12u division in 2020 and played for a GameDay Prospect team at the ESPN Sports Complex in the 11u division in 2019. Brenda has a current 13u son who played in several GameDay USA All Star events, starting at 10u, and also previously played in the GameDay USA Junior All-American games in West Palm Beach, Florida. The same son participated with his current travel team in Panama City Beach's New Year's Baseball Fest in 2020.Stephanie and Diana both have 13u sons who played in the Mason, Ohio All Star event for GameDay USA in 2020 (as 12u) and then played for different GameDay USA Prospect Teams at the Panama City Beach's New Year's Baseball Fest in 2020.After recording this episode, we did hear back from GameDay USA regarding their response to how teams are created at the NYBF (and how those players are chosen) as well as how much weight is put into buddy requests. The response is included here:"Our teams are selected from our pool of All-Star players, who are MVP recipients that showcase their skills at one of our All-Star weekends. From these events, we handpick our top players to be invited to our PROSPECT team.In terms of how the teams are divided up, we break them up based on their positions and pitching ability primarily. Of course, we want all of our teams to succeed, so giving each team as much pitching as possible in an extensive tournament like the New Year's BaseballFest is essential. Buddy requests come into effect as we are making the rosters, but do not take a priority over making sure each team is filled with enough players for each position. We would love to fulfill every buddy request if it was possible, but sometimes it is simply not possible.The coaches that we hire are all high school/college coaches or former coaches with extensive experience in the baseball world. These coaches have the hardest job in the world because they are expected to coach a group of about 12 players that they have never met and get an idea of everyone's playing level and abilities. These coaches find out their teams at the same time everyone else does, but even then they have never seen these players play. We truly appreciate all that they do, and we believe they did a phenomenal job this past weekend with the situation that was presented."On Deck for next week: Moms and Baseball Fundraising: The Good, the Bad, and the Uglyhttps://momsandbaseball.weebly.comMambe Waterproof Blankets Use the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" to get 10% off any MAMBE products

In this episode, guests Amber and Brenda join Stephanie and Diana to discuss personal experiences with GameDay USA and Baseball Youth individual events. We talk about those GameDay MVP tags and golden tickets,  plus lots more!Check out our brand new "Parents and Baseball" Facebook group!Welcome Amber and Brenda. Amber has a son that played in a few GameDay USA All Star events as well as for the GameDay USA Prospect Team in Disney in 2019 as an 11-year old, then played in a Baseball Youth All American event and for the BY Elite team at the New Year's Baseball Fest in Panama City Beach as a 12u player in 2020.Brenda has a current 13u son who played in several GameDay USA All Star events, starting at 10u, and also previously played in the GameDay USA Junior All-American games in West Palm Beach, Florida. The same son participated with his current travel team in Panama City Beach's New Year's Baseball Fest in 2020.Stephanie and Diana both have 13u sons who played in the Mason, Ohio All Star event for GameDay USA in 2020 (as 12u) and then played for different GameDay USA Prospect Teams at the Panama City Beach's New Year's Baseball Fest in 2020.After recording this episode, we did hear back from GameDay USA regarding their response to how teams are created at the NYBF (and how those players are chosen) as well as how much weight is put into buddy requests. The response is included here:"Our teams are selected from our pool of All-Star players, who are MVP recipients that showcase their skills at one of our All-Star weekends. From these events, we handpick our top players to be invited to our PROSPECT team.In terms of how the teams are divided up, we break them up based on their positions and pitching ability primarily. Of course, we want all of our teams to succeed, so giving each team as much pitching as possible in an extensive tournament like the New Year's BaseballFest is essential. Buddy requests come into effect as we are making the rosters, but do not take a priority over making sure each team is filled with enough players for each position. We would love to fulfill every buddy request if it was possible, but sometimes it is simply not possible.The coaches that we hire are all high school/college coaches or former coaches with extensive experience in the baseball world. These coaches have the hardest job in the world because they are expected to coach a group of about 12 players that they have never met and get an idea of everyone's playing level and abilities. These coaches find out their teams at the same time everyone else does, but even then they have never seen these players play. We truly appreciate all that they do, and we believe they did a phenomenal job this past weekend with the situation that was presented."On Deck for next week: We continue our discussion of the New Year’s Baseball Fest tournament and our experiences playing with Baseball Youth Elite & GameDay USA Prospect Teams, and participating with an independent team.Please note that while we attempted to record this episode and post it uncut, we did have to cut a few small sections for various reasons--especially due to the occasional poor quality connection/audio.

This special episode # 16 we are discussing the GameChanger app and the new app GameChanger Team Manager.Guest host Patrick Malley, from Dads takeover episodeSpecial Guests:Ken Strnad, VP Marketing of GameChangerDavid Kennedy, Head of Consumer Experience at GameChangerA few things we love about GameChanger:      -Scorebook       -Stats auto-generated      -Fan/viewer experience      -Audio- use in the car We discuss concerns about the new app- GameChanger Team Manager and our wish list items.New updates from the Gamechanger HQ:There is so much new news coming to GC Team Manager in 2021 and we are grateful for the opportunity to come on the show and share.  LINK: https://home.gc.com/live-video-streaming/

In this episode you can hear stories about what youth baseball was like for retired, professional baseball players (including Boog Powell, Fergie Jenkins, Lou Whitaker, Willie Horton, Lou Pinniella, and more)! Author Kelly Park talks about his experience interviewing 36 players from the MLB, MIIB, Negro Leagues, and All-American Girls Baseball League for his book, "Just Like Me: When the Pros Played on the Sandlot."https://momsandbaseball.weebly.comEpisodes/Websites mentioned in this episode:justlikemethebook.comMoms and Travel Ball vs. Rec Ball - Part 1Interview with Div. 1 Catcher Who Was Cut From High School Teams (Chad)Moms and Politics in Youth Baseball (Joanne Ignatius)Book: A Glory of Their TimesYour Story - Just Like Me The Book WebsiteComplete List of Players Interviewed in Book One and Book Two of Just Like Me: When the Pros Played on the Sandlot:BOOK ONEBoog Powell — MLBPhil Roof — MLBHawk Taylor — MLBJim Hickman — MLBBill Greason — NLBLois Youngen — AAGPBLKatie Horstman — AAGPBLJim Kaat — MLBLou Piniella — MLBJim Zapp — NLBLou Whitaker — MLBSteve Blass — MLBWhitey Herzog — MLBDoug Flynn — MLBFergie Jenkins — MLBWillie Blair — MLBWillie Horton — MLBCharlie Loyd — MiLBBOOK TWOBobby Richardson — MLBJack Billingham — MLBErma Bergmann — AAGPBLKevin Seitzer — MLBDave LaPoint — MLBDon Sutton — MLBAl Oliver — MLBPhil Niekro — MLBLuis Tiant — MLBTony Oliva — MLBBert Campaneris — MLBDale Berra — MLBAudrey Kissel-Lafser — AAGPBLMike Macfarlane — MLBJack Perconte — MLBDamian Rolls — MLBHarold Hair — NLBArthur Hamilton — NLB