Moms and Baseball

From MiLB Pitcher to Developing Protective Batting Gloves

This 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.

• Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
• Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball

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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/windproof
• Heat-reflective lining
• Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
• Wrap you from head to toe!
• Made in the USA
• Are 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 

On 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.html

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/no-crying-in-baseball/id1302035601

To Coach or Not to Coach Your Kid

In 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.com
• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
• Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball

On 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.

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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/windproof
• Heat-reflective lining
• Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
• Wrap you from head to toe!
• Made in the USA
• Are 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 

Previous Episodes Mentioned:
025: Semi-Pro Pitcher Lennon Gwizdala
012: Lale Esquivel - Coach of the Best 12u Team in the Nation
020: From 10u to the Big Ten: MI Select Coach on 2020 College Commits for Entire Team
021 DadsTakeover - College Recruiting
008: Moms and Politics in Youth Baseball

Update 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/10933
https://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.com
• Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
• Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball

On Deck: Daddy Ball

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HELP SUPPORT MOMS AND BASEBALL by visiting our affiliate Mambe Blankets! 

Listeners will receive 10% off by using the discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" 

Mambe Hooded Waterproof Blankets:

• 100% waterproof/windproof
• Heat-reflective lining
• Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
• Wrap you from head to toe!
• Made in the USA
• Are 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 

References:
https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=brogdo000con

https://www.mlb.com/player/connor-brogdon-641401

https://section215.com/2021/01/10/philadelphia-phillies-brogdon-romero/

https://www.thegoodphight.com/2020/12/16/22177104/2020-player-reviews-connor-brogdon

https://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 Twitter
Check out our Parents and Baseball group on Facebook
https://momsandbaseball.weebly.com/

For more information on Debbie, check out her social media or past podcast appearances:
Instagram
Facebook
Website
Healthy Lifestyle for Weight Loss
Your PUSH Coach Podcast

----------
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/windproof
• Heat-reflective lining
• Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
• Wrap you from head to toe!
• Made in the USA
• Are 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 

References:
- Baseball Reference
- 2020 Cape Cod Baseball League Players in Draft

On 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/mcgwizzy

----------
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/windproof
• Heat-reflective lining
• Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
• Wrap you from head to toe!
• Made in the USA
• Are 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 

References:
https://www.mlive.com/sports/saginaw-bay-city/2019/07/bay-city-central-product-lennon-gwizdala-signs-first-professional-contract.html

https://www.baseball-reference.com/register/player.fcgi?id=gwizda000len

https://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 throwing
• Marc Pro & EMS devices
• Running after throwing (sprints vs. long distance)
• Bands and weights
• Long toss
• Weighted balls
• Advice for catchers who also pitch
• Thoughts on year-round baseball/pitching & playing multiple sports
• Qualities of resilient pitchers
• Breaking balls
• Pitch count guidelines

Mentioned in this Episode:

1. Risk Factors for Shoulder and Elbow Injuries in Adolescent Baseball Pitchers
2. SAID Principle
3. Specificity Principle and Power Output of Endurance or Sprint Based Metabolic/Conditioning Work 
4. Marc Pro & Other Electric Muscle Stimulators
5. Kids Who Pitch & Catch More Likely to Sustain an Injury
6. Youth Baseball Risk Factors for Arm Injuries
7. Prevention of Elbow Injuries in Youth Baseball Pitchers (Fastball vs. Breaking Balls)
8. MLB Pitch Smart Guidelines
9. Baseball Performance and Rehab Facebook Group

Ultimate Arm Care Program: https://ultimatearmcareprogram.vhx.tv/
Program Includes:

• 3-day / week arm care program
• Movement Prep / Pre-Throwing Routine
• Post-Throwing Routine
• Recovery Concepts
• Pitcher's Weekly Recovery Schedule

Find Moms and Baseball:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter 
• Parents and Baseball 

On deck: Interview with Semi-Pro Lefty Pitcher, Lennon Gwizdala

Listeners will receive 10% off any Mambe Blankets product by using discount code "MOMSANDBASEBALL" 

This episode we interviewed an expert from an MLB- level pitching staff on questions about arm care. 

• Thoughts on:
  • Ice
  • Running after throwing
  • Bands vs weights
  • Long toss
  • Weighted balls
• Any 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:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter 
• 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 

----------
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/windproof
• Heat-reflective lining
• Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
• Wrap you from head to toe!
• Made in the USA
• Are 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 

Mentions:

Moms and Baseball episode 020 From 10u to the Big Ten: MI Select Coach on 2020 College Commits for Entire Team

Aroldis 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:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter 
• 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 series

• Part 1: Questions about arm care answered by a professional-level pitching coach
• Part 2: Interview a physical therapist who specializes in arm care for baseball players

----------
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/windproof
• Heat-reflective lining
• Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
• Wrap you from head to toe!
• Made in the USA
• Are 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 

RESOURCES:

MLB Rule 7.05

MLB Rule 5.06(c)

MLB Rule 6.04(c) & Rule 8.01(c)

Mound Visit

12-Second Rule

Patching

Umpires, “Strikes,” Underhand, Flat Bats, Spitballs & Bounce

Shortstop & Backwards

Bob Gibson

Gaylord Perry

Clarence Blethen

Mike Trout

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
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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 limits
• Showcases -- how valuable are they?
• What parents should and should not do in regards to helping or hurting their child in the college recruiting process
• When / how should players start contacting college coaches?
• Social media -- do's and don'ts for players/parents

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Note: NAIA Division 1 and 2 schools do offer athletic scholarships. Division 3 NAIA schools do not.

----------
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/windproof
• Heat-reflective lining
• Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
• Wrap you from head to toe!
• Made in the USA
• Are 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 

Resources:
Parents and Baseball Facebook group
http://momsandbaseball.weebly.com
https://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 Universities
    • 4- Michigan State University (MSU)
    • 2- Central Michigan University (CMU)
    • 1- Eastern Michigan University (EMU)
  • 5- Division 2 University
    • Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU)
  • 1- Division 3 University
    • Hope College
  • 2- Junior Colleges
    • Mott Community College
    • Mid-Michigan Community College
• Every single player from Coach Jebb's 15u Michigan Select team made his respective high school's varsity baseball team as a freshman

On Deck: DadsTakeover- College Recruiting with guest Coach Jason Ball (asst. coach SVSU)

----------
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/windproof
• Heat-reflective lining
• Include a fleece-lined hood and snaps so you can wear it like a poncho
• Wrap you from head to toe!
• Made in the USA
• Are 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 

Questions or comments?
Email us at [email protected]
Find us on Facebook & Instagram: @momsandbaseball
Join our Parents and Baseball group on Facebook!