In this episode, Rich has a conversation with Jon Rowland, Ryan Heller, and Lauren Morris of Ripken Baseball®.

Founded by baseball legend Cal Ripken Jr. and his brother Bill Ripken, Ripken Baseball® offers a wide range of programs and services to help young players develop their skills and reach their full potential. Their flagship program, the Ripken Experience®, is a series of youth baseball complexes in Aberdeen, Maryland; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Elizabethtown, Kentucky; Cooperstown, New York; and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee. These complexes feature professional-grade fields, high-quality equipment, and top-notch coaching, providing young athletes with a truly unforgettable experience.

In addition to the Ripken Experience®, they offer a variety of other programs and services, including youth camps, tournaments, and clinics. Their goal is to create a positive and fun environment for young athletes, where they can learn the fundamentals of the game, develop their skills, and build lifelong friendships.

Thank you to Jon Rowland, Ryan Heller, and Lauren Morris for the conversation. Here are some links for Ripken Baseball®:

Website:
Home Page — Ripken Baseball

Social Media:
Ripken Baseball | Facebook

In-Person: Saturday, April 13th ::: Virtual: All April!

Click here to learn more

Rage Against Addiction 
Rage Against Addiction is a non-profit organization dedicated to connecting addicts and their famili

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Today we are discussing our opinions about travel baseball and whether the travel baseball market is oversaturated with baseball organizations? And if there are too many teams, does it matter? What would that mean?

On Deck:
We speak with a sports dietician about nutritional needs for young athletes.

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Mentions:
- The Shift, by Walter Beede
- Episode 14- DadsTakeover - Choosing a Travel Team
- Episode 61 - Should I Stay or Should I Go? 10 Considerations Before Leaving your Travel Team

When was the first time you felt you were courageous? 

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Twitter:  @elliottspeaks

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On episode 88 of "Swing Hard," Denny continues his talk with the brain trust of the Sherman Oaks Little League, Southern California’s largest Little League.  Denny talks tryouts, the Draft Daddy Ball and Little League parents.  All of your little league questions and more will be answered on part two of this special episode of “Swing Hard."

"Swing Hard in case you hit it!" Denny Barrett

I've long been a proponent of young athletes playing multiple sports. There are so many benefits to learning different skill sets, playing with different teammates, and taking mental and physical breaks from the daily grind.

As summer and fall youth baseball seasons were winding down, I received a lot of questions about what to do in the off-season to help get ready for next season.

I always begin my answer to this question with "take some time off" followed closely with "play another sport." And then of course we talk about lessons, strength and conditioning, family time, etc.

I recently saw a Facebook post in a youth baseball group essentially downplaying the importance, or need, for playing other sports. I use this episode to refute his claims and explain why your son should be playing multiple sports in the baseball off-season.

What Comes First, the Chicken or the Egg?

Kids aren't just born elite athletes. Sure, there are freaks of nature that are born with more natural size, strength, speed, and agility than others, but they don't just come out of the womb ready to play in the MLB, NFL, or NBA.

They are elite athletes because they played multiple sports early and often - and mostly with less structure and training than we have today.

Again, and as I always say, there are exceptions. But these guys were born into families that encouraged being outside playing with balls of all sports, spent the time learning by doing, and kept their bodies moving at different speeds and in different directions for much of the year.

There are  others that spent their time outside the house playing football, basketball, baseball, or any other ball that would keep them away from their unfortunate situation inside the house. Often it kept them out of trouble. And the byproduct was becoming a better athlete.

What if my son doesn't want to play other sports?

Why even give them the option when they're young?

It's not an option at my house. I literally tell my son every year, "I don't care what you do or play, but we're going to do some activity that keeps you moving and busy."

Can we just do strength and conditioning?

Well, you can. But there are at least two likely issues with this.

One, it's expensive. The average parent, myself included, does not have the expertise or the facilities to do this correctly. To get what you need out of it, you need to go at least 3 times per week.

That's going to run you MINIMUM $100 a week.

Why not pay $150 for the whole basketball season, practice or play 3 days a week, learn new skills, put them outside their comfort zone, get coached by new unfamiliar coaches, and do something different?

For way less money.

My opinion based on experience

Bottom line, your son might actually end up a Major League Hall of Famer having only played baseball his entire life.

But in reality, there's a close to zero percent chance he ends up a Major Leaguer anyways, no matter what he does.

Just as high schoolers aren't equipped to determine their ultimate career path, nine year olds aren't equipped to know what's best for their athletic development.

Get them experience in uncomfortable situations. Let them practice playing for coaches they don't know. Encourage them to do things they aren't really good at. Put them in a position to learn to compete in many different situations.

There's very little downside to playing multiple sports, and t

If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate the podcast and leave a comment. I would appreciate it more than you know.

And be sure to check out my weekly newsletter and website over at Elbow Up Youth Baseball! I'd love to have you join the community. It's free and there's no spam!

It's been just over three years since I published the very first Elbow Up newsletter email. In that time there have been more than 300,000 website visitors, 59,000 emails sent, and nearly 180,000 podcast downloads.

While I feel like I've become more polished in my delivery of the message, the message largely hasn't changed. And actually, I'm ready to double down on a few things (definitely controversial).

Three Years in Review

Looking back at the opens, downloads, comments, questions, and responses, I thought it would be good to revisit the top four topics I've written about over the last three years.

These topics generated the most buzz, the most feedback, and frankly the most interest from all of you.

⚾ My Oldest Son Turns 18 Today: What I Would Have Done Differently

⚾ Coaches are Ruining Young Arms

⚾ Over-coaching Ruins the Fun Youth Experience

⚾ Weekend Tournaments are Ruining Youth Baseball Development

Need Your Help

If you like my content, please help me by doing the following:

• Ensure you're subscribed to the newsletter.
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• Send me feedback, and let me know how I can better help you!

As always, thank you for listening and supporting Elbow Up Youth Baseball!

If you enjoyed today's episode, please rate the podcast and leave a comment. I would appreciate it more than you know.

And be sure to check out my weekly newsletter and website over at Elbow Up Youth Baseball! I'd love to have you join the community. It's free and there's no spam!

Today we spoke with guest Matt Distelrath about a unique hybrid of travel baseball and community/Little League baseball in St. Clair, Michigan. We also learn all about when Matt coached Jake Cronenworth, star baseball player with the San Diego Padres, in Little League and what Jake was like as a 12-year old.

Matt played both baseball and basketball at Concordia University, and then coached there for several years. He has also coached Little League and travel baseball for St. Clair Little League and the St. Clair Longhorns/Padres on and off since 2004, and is a high school basketball coach.

Mentioned
Episode 21 with Jason Ball  - Dads Takeover College Recruiting

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• Join our Facebook group, Parents and Baseball
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The article says that remembering the good times can get you through the sad times. The QBs continue to test this theory as they recall some of the best times they had playing organized youth sports. Also in this episode, Sharidyn makes her second appearance on the show!

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Oh the guys are back in rare form for this episode! Mark & Jenks will have you loving them and hating them all in one show!! No Spoilers this week! Just Listen, and take the wild ride with them as they bounce from Lizzo, Little League, NCAA, and the world of pro wrestling all while enjoying their preferred beverages of the show. 

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Remember, just because your trash it doesn't mean you can't do great things! It's called a garbage CAN not a garbage CAN NOT!

Hard Knocks is here, the rain hasn't stopped, and we are feeling good about Dan Campbell + the Little League debate continues. Listen to the Playmakers with Lindsey Brown and Adrian Hernandez weekday afternoons 3-5pm on 1140 The Bet Las Vegas and the Audacy App!

Part of achieving anything is having the mentality of success. So when you have a negative thought, counter it by saying something that is positive about yourself... even if it is a little delusional. I think this will really help your capabilities blossom.

Text me at 972-426-2640 so we can stay connected!

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Twitter:  @elliottspeaks

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We are losing recipes, Listen to the Playmakers with Lindsey Brown and Adrian Hernandez weekday afternoons 3-5pm on 1140 The Bet Las Vegas and the Audacy App!

It's episode 118 of The Cavalry! Johnny needs backup on the question "If a tree falls in the forrest does it make a sound?" being stupid. Andrew needs backup on New York being overrepresented in movies and tv. Subscribe to the Patreon for post-show banter! 

In episode 116 of The Cavalry, Johnny is joined by guest co-host Scott Beehner! They also are brothers apparently? Anyway, Johnny needs backup on extra-long shirts being a hazard when wiping your butt. Scott needs backup on not wanting to hear about the making of his favorite movies. Enjoy! 

Leave no doubt. Sometimes you have to outwork unfair circumstances. Think about an unexpected lesson you learned in your youth that still impacts your life to this day. And feel free to share it with me on my texting community!

Text me at 972-426-2640 so we can stay connected!

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Today's episode we are talking about pitch counts and why parents need to be aware. Tommy John surgery is on the rise and not just for MLB pitchers either. Diana and Stephanie discuss Tommy John surgery, pitch counts and rest days, recommendations for parents to protect their youth players arm, and pitch count apps. One more tip discussed was NOT to use ice for muscle soreness or after pitching/throwing. Your youth player needs active recovery to help rebuild that muscle. If you want to hear more about recovery, check out our episode 24: Arm Care Advice, Part 2 with Dr. Ryan Brown.

Recommendations/Guidelines to follow:

• Make sure to properly warm up before pitching
• Avoid playing catcher while not pitching
• Players should not pitch in multiple games on the same day
• Monitor for other signs of fatigue
• No pitcher shall appear in a game as a pitcher for three consecutive days, regardless of pitch counts
• No overhead throwing of any kind for at least 2 to 3 months per year (4 months is preferred). No competitive baseball pitching for at least 4 months per year.

MLB Pitch Smart Guidelines

Little League Pitching Rules


Articles:

Tommy John Surgery Saves The Careers of Pitchers, But We May Need To Get Ready For A New Problem…

Experts Warn Parents About Recent Uptick In Youth Baseball Injuries

Apps:

• Gamechanger (free)
• Pitch X -Pitch Counter (free)
• Pitch Counter & Radar Gun (free)
• Pitch Locator Pro (fee)

Mentioned in Episode:

Episode 24: Arm Care Advice, Part 2 with Dr. Ryan Brown

Go to joniradio.org for a copy of our newsletter.

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Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible.

Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org.

Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

My Little League journey lit the fire in me to work incredibly hard on any goal that I was pursuing. When was the first time you learned that you had to challenge yourself in order to pursue or achieve a goal? I'd love to hear your stories!

Text me at 972-426-2640 so we can stay connected!

Support me on Patreon!

Twitter:  @elliottspeaks

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Today on Sparky's Midday Madness presented by The Milwaukee Admirals, Sparky has thoughts on radio host Clay Travis getting kicked out of a little league baseball game for shouting expletives at an umpire.

Diana's husband, Dr. Trevor Grice, returns to talk about a topic that is near and dear to his heart: how to be a more effective coach through communication and relationship building.

Episode Mentions:

Episode 71- The Car Ride Home - How Do Kids Really Feel?
Episode 77-  How to Effect Culture Change in a Failing Athletic Program

Follow Moms and Baseball:

• Keep up with Moms and Baseball on our website: https://momsandbaseball.com
• Follow us on Facebook and Instagram
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• You can also listen to episodes on Moms and Baseball Facebook page