Baseball Journeys

in Part 2, Connie has an epic encounter with the Boys of Summer at Vero Beach, a life changing detour courtesy of Uncle Sam, a great comeback in '61, then makes a decision that sets the course for realizing his true passion....along the way, he befriends hall-of-famers and bus-driving minor league managers, with a final defining moment on a ball field in Mexico City. You will never forget Connie Muñatones, the power-hitting prospect from East L.A.

Meet Conrad "Connie" Muñatones. Born in 1930's Aliso Village in East. L.A., he played ball at fabled Evergreen Park, Roosevelt High School and UCLA before becoming the first local Latino to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers after their move from Brooklyn in 1958. In Part 1 Connie recalls the impact of a coach and a community that shaped his early baseball journey and prepared him for many big moments on the diamond and in life.

Chuck's baseball journey does not stop after his pro ball days. The game takes him to three continents and back to his beloved Cal Poly Pomona where he assumes the coaching reigns from his mentor John Scolinos, only to embark once more into a mission of service that continues to guide his steps to this day.

Chuck Belk overcame early baseball setbacks to forge a path from high school bench warmer to college and professional champion, college coach and baseball emissary. In Part 1 of his story, Chuck recalls legendary coaches and a persistent belief in his ability to compete at a high level helped him beat the baseball odds and accomplish much more in the game than even he thought was possible.

Our first non-family guest on Baseball Journeys went from an unsigned NAIA infielder, to an international collegiate all-star to St. Louis Cardinal farmhand in the span of a few furious weeks of baseball in 1978. Join Mike as he interviews good friend Pat Proulx who, after a stellar college career spent five years in the Redbirds system.

A very special guest steals the show in Part 2 of Mike's Journey. A life-changing encounter, a legendary college coach, lean times, a moment in the sun and a midnight finale in the desert completes Mike's journey...at least for now.

Brad interviews Uncle Mike who fills in the gap in the the Bell Boys Baseball Journey. Inspired by the "Pioneer" and a great coach, Mike's love of the game was forged behind the plate and on the hill. A sandlot fusion of the "wild thing" and "pig pen", win or lose, this character leaves it all on the field.

Scott returns to share the details of his pioneering baseball journey. As the elder statesman of the Bell Boys he ventured out from the backyard sandlot into the uncharted waters of organized ball. Scott went from a two-inning per game rookie to a perennial all-star during his 11-year career and eventually circled back to coach kids who would go on to play college and pro ball. The Bell Boys baseball journey may have never happened if Scott had not overcome some initial adversity and stuck with a game both fraught with failure, and wrapped in joy. He truly paved the way.

Retrace the baseball journey of Joe and his son Brad. Epic Little League bombs, high school heroics, baseball in Big Sky Country and a Mickey Mantle thread from beginning to end. Their story may remind you of your own.

Follow the incredible pioneering Bell Boy baseball road trip with brother Scott who at 15 decides to ride his ten speed 30 miles to just be near the 1974 World Series at Dodger Stadium....he and his friend are rewarded for their daring deed in a most unexpected and unforgettable way.