The SLIDE Podcast - National Youth Baseball & Softball Podcast

Coaches Jen and Aaron are joined by Felix the Homerun Kid for today’s episode. Felix went viral after his mom posted a video of him hitting a homerun and then giving the homerun ball to his grandfather. He’ll talk to the show about all things baseball and what his grandpa means to him.

It’s a first-ever podcast appearance for Felix, and he starts off by telling us about the double homerun he made on the night that the video was taken. It was an amazing feeling, and all his teammates plus his cousin Clara came out to celebrate with him.

When his dad told him he should sign the balls and give them away, that was when Felix decided to give one to his grandpa. Felix’s grandpa has been a huge part of his love of the game and always plays catch with him. His grandfather has also gone to watch all of his games, even out of state.

Then, Felix tells us about all the kind comments and feedback he has received since posting the video, along with all the other interviews he has done. Now 9 years old, Felix started playing ball when he was 3 and has only kept improving. Felix plays every position on the field, but his favorite is catcher or pitcher.

When he isn’t playing baseball, Felix loves to play Minecraft and go swimming. This last week it’s been 100 degrees all week, which is perfect swimming weather. He also sometimes likes to freestyle dance. Felix tells us that his favorite part of the game is hanging out with his teammates and having fun.

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Eric Wubbena from Baseball Bluebook is joining Jen and Aaron in this episode. For those that don’t know, Baseball Bluebook is a networking app for college and professional players. Eric is here to talk about how the Bluebook became an app and how the baseball community can use it.

Bluebook began in 1909 and is the oldest running baseball directory. At that time, all the collegiate programs were listed to help out scouts for the game. Eric has always loved baseball, and as an adult, he began working in technology. He took the Bluebook concept and modernized it into an app for everyone in baseball to use, not just scouts. Eric describes the app as LinkedIn for baseball.

When it comes to Little League players, the app allows players to begin building a baseball resume, as well as being able to showcase their personalities. People often forget that coaches don’t just look at skill, they look at the player as a person. The app is free to use, but paid features will be added in the future. Those won’t really apply to players, but rather will be geared more towards businesses on the app.

Mental strength is also important for players and for coaches to see. A healthy attitude towards injury, time lost, or missed plays counts for a lot. Mistakes are a part of baseball. It’s a hard game, and understanding that and teaching resilience to young players is so important.

As for the future of Bluebook, Eric is actually also working on a version for softball as well. They are also looking at building up trainers and helping them grow along with players. The app is monitored for safety and to make sure the people joining are who they say they are.

Resources:

https://www.baseballbluebook.com/

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There’s been a lot of talk throughout our episodes about umpires. Today, we’re welcoming Kyson the Kid Umpire to speak with Aaron and Jen. He has gained notoriety online because instead of doing the normal things that kids do, he’s very focused on becoming an umpire.

Kyson tells us how he became interested in this route and how his parents have helped him grow as an umpire. He says that, compared to baseball players, Kyson likes that umpires get to meet new people every game. However, he does play outfield for a baseball team as well, but he tells us why he hasn’t been playing recently.

For anyone that’s interested in becoming an umpire, Kyson’s biggest piece of advice is to make sure you study the rules regularly while also attending umpire camps. Jen then asks Kyson about a recent disagreement she had with someone on Facebook to see if he can settle it. Next, Aaron challenges Kyson with a complicated situation he found himself in during a game.

After talking about some controversial calls by MLB umpire Ángel Hernández in the post-season, Kyson gets into what he likes to do outside of baseball. Then, we get to hear about how he was able to walk up to the plate for a Knights game.

While other kids dream about hitting a crucial home run in MLB, Kyson, along with the help of Aaron, reveals what he would like to do instead. The three finish off the show by discussing why having respect for umpires is so important, along with the three-strike rule that Kyson has for coaches.

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In this episode, coaches Jen and Aaron are joined by Savannah Bananas owner Emily Cole. Additionally, we’ve got guest host and winner of the Umpire Appreciation contest, Parker McCorey. Together, they’ll discuss what it’s like owning a team along with incorporating humor into the game of baseball.

Before the Savannah Bananas came into being, Emily worked with other teams. Emily started at Rifkin Baseball and worked her way up, which is where she met her yellow-tuxedo-wearing husband Jesse. Their working relationship grew over time into a baseball collaboration and then into a marriage.

The epic proposal that Jessie gave Emily led to Emily organizing a trip to Savannah, where they discovered that the stadium in the city no longer had a team. The following year, the Savannah Bananas were born. When it comes to creating the fun and wacky aspect of the team, Emily explains how the ideas are formed and how they love to break down the barriers between players and fans.

Emily goes on to discuss their recruitment process for new players and the initial problems they had to get talent. The player intensity and personality are equally important to the Bananas, especially with the amount of social media content and dancing involved. Then, Emily tells us about both the worst and best skits that they’ve performed on the field.

Emily and Jesse also own another team called the Party Animals, the arch nemesis of the Bananas. With the invention of Banana Ball, the Bananas needed opponents, thus came the Party Animals. We learn about what Banana Ball is and why there’s a time limit on games. For the Savannah Bananas, it’s all about fan focus and creating memories.

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In this episode we’re welcoming Justin Sherman from Justin Time Baseball in New York. He is here to tell us about his company and what’s important in coaching Little League.

A few years ago Justin was coaching kids in backyards, and his passion grew into the Justin Time Baseball company. A lifelong ball player, Justin wanted to spread his love of the game to kids today. Justin takes us through how the pandemic changed the way he coached baseball.

Two years later, Justin Time Baseball is dominating rookie games and aiming to help push youth development. Justin then takes us through what it looks like to be part of a Justin Time program and what is essential for parent coaches to know. It’s important to teach foundational skills, but it’s essential for the sport to be fun too. Building routine and teamwork at a young age also only strengthens their game in the long run.

Justin Time Baseball operates even in the off-season. The company rents places and does continuous off-season games and leagues in order to help kids stay sharp. It also helps parents to gain more experience and knowledge in the sport if they are new too.

Justin takes us through the things he would most want to change when it comes to coaching Little League. It’s all about keeping it interesting and having great management skills. Educational tools for the players are what’s needed to keep them engaged.

Strengthening practices over pushing competitive games is what could be the game changer for Justin. Talent needs to be developed, and it can’t be if there isn’t an opportunity for practice.

Contact Justin:

https://www.justintimebaseball.com/

(914)-420-8418

[email protected]

[email protected]

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We’re welcoming Patrick and Mark from DuraEdge in this episode. They are here to talk about the importance of having a safe playing surface for sports and how to minimize injuries on the field.

DuraEdge does field renovations from Little League all the way up to MLB. They have an infield mix that is currently on 26 out of 30 MLB fields, which balances moisture level and bounces while also repelling water.

As a nationwide company, DuraEdge has plants across the country that uses its proprietary recipe to provide infield mix across the country. Patrick and Mark take us through what it takes to get a DuraEdge field renovation and what common issues they see.

The two then talk about why it’s just as important for Little League athletes to have a good playing surface as it is for MLB players. It’s irresponsible to let kids play on a surface that can impair their play and put them in danger of injury. Your field doesn’t have to look like Yankee Stadium, it just needs to be safe.

It’s also important to understand the differences in field upkeep versus your lawn. A groundskeeper has a significantly different skillset than a general landscaper. Patrick and Mark take us through the easiest way to upgrade your field and create a starting point with DuraEdge. Then, they explain the differences between synthetic and natural surfaces.

With a well-maintained field, not only will you save money long-term, but you will ensure greater safety for your players. That’s something you can’t put a price on.

Find out more about DuraEdge:

https://duraedge.com/

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Instagram: @theslidepodcastshow

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In this episode, coach Jen and coach Aaron are joined by Parker, the winner of the umpire appreciation competition. Umpires are out there supporting our young players, and what they do is so important. Parker is here to talk about why umpires are important to him and about his baseball life.

The first picture received for the umpire appreciation competition was Parker’s, and out of 30 received, he won. Starting off the conversation, Parker tells us about his nickname on the field and what got him started in baseball. Parker’s whole family has played baseball, and it’s a great way to make new friends.

Jen and Aaron then ask Parker how he stays focused. For Parker, God comes first, then study, then sports. School is most important, but whenever he has free time, he works on his baseball game. Parker sets himself goals and has a hitting coach to help him out. Parker goes on to tell us his favorite part of the practice and how they help improve his game.

Parker goes on to talk about how he got a bee sting on the face right before a game and still went on to play third base after getting a steroid shot. We hear about his dreams for his future sports career, and what it’s like having his dad as a coach. He tells us what the ride home after the games is like and what he loves about other sports.

To round up today, Parker tells us about what he does and doesn’t like about the position he plays. He also tells us about his family connections to MLB and what he wants other players to know.

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Today Jen and Aaron are talking to Rich Coletta, He is a former Mariners and Red Sox scout, pitching coach, and former D1 and D3 coach. Rich joins the show to talk about his years in the game and gives some advice to eager Little Leaguers out there.

Rich started playing in high school and started as a freshman. He was discovered at a showcase and went on to play at St Joe’s University. Rich knew he wasn’t at the level to play in the MLB, and decided to take another direction into teaching. He loved the game and knew he wanted to stay involved.

Right out of college, Rich was able to get a coaching job and made some great connections. Earning the respect of other players and making lasting good relationships was what allowed him to advance his career. From there, he went on to scouting and his career in MLB took off around 2006 for 17 years. Now, Rich is back into coaching.

When it comes to pitching, both command and control are needed. It’s great if you can throw hard and fast, but you also need to be able to put the ball exactly where you want it. There’s an increasing issue with young players throwing too hard and with balls that are too heavy before they are fully developed, causing more injuries.

As a baseball parent, it’s important to understand your child’s limits. Having a multi-sport player will help your child work different muscles. Embrace the boring side of drills, make a chart, and keep track of what practicing they do. Have your kid take ownership of their sport. It’s important to be a complete player.

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This time, Jen and Aaron are talking to Grayson Knight, who has his own baseball-themed podcast called Baseball Podcasts Are Fun.

Over the last few weeks, Jen and Aaron have been planning an event for the baseball and softball moms of the area that they are calling The Diamonds of D2. There will be dancing, entertainment, and prizes donated by local businesses. Keep an eye on social media for more details.

Back in October, as part of a school project, Grayson created Baseball Podcasts Are Fun. The name is an homage to Brett Phillip’s company Baseball is Fun. At first, Grayson was nervous about the podcast and the guests, but now it’s just a fun experience that he loves being involved with.

Before the project came up, it hadn’t crossed Grayson’s mind to start a podcast. He didn’t know where to start, but his family comes from a broadcasting background. He tells us all about the funniest moments that have come up on the show

Grayson goes on to discuss his experience being interviewed live on ESPN and his goal for the podcast’s future. Then, Grayson turns the tables on Jen and Aaron by asking them some questions about the Slide Podcast. Grayson then provides insight on his Little League team and what baseball means to him.

To end the show, Grayson talks about how much he loves umpires, his black belt in Tae Kwon Do, and his favorite TV shows and movies.

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Twitter: TheSlidePod