Contatti
Info
YBM brings the experience of top baseball Coaches, Club Directors, Youth Instructors, and Prep Scouting in the Midwest. For the most comprehensive Youth and Prep Baseball talk. We want to...
mostra di più
YBM brings the experience of top baseball Coaches, Club Directors, Youth Instructors, and Prep Scouting in the Midwest. For the most comprehensive Youth and Prep Baseball talk. We want to become your source for news, commentary, and perspective. Not to mention our live stream of Game 7 Championship games, the GAC game of the week, local community events, and PBR Missouri Showcase events.
Subscribe to the Midwest Report and YBMcast Today!
mostra meno
Subscribe to the Midwest Report and YBMcast Today!
Episodi & Post
Episodi
Post
Trascritto
28 OTT 2026 · Catching is one of the most demanding positions in baseball, but are young players learning the fundamentals needed to succeed behind the plate?
On this episode of Baseball 101, Diamond Dave Wiggins welcomes Andrew Keck of AK12 Sports Group to discuss catching development, receiving, blocking, pitch framing, and the evolution of the position.
A former Vianney and Southeast Missouri State standout who went on to play professionally in the Atlanta Braves organization, Andrew shares how his playing experience shapes his approach to training today's athletes. Dave and Andrew explore the debate around one-knee catching, why receiving should be a priority, and how catchers can improve their athleticism, technique, and understanding of the game.
They also discuss why young catchers need more opportunities to call pitches, make decisions, and learn the responsibilities that come with managing a game.
It's a conversation for catchers, coaches, and parents who want to better understand what it takes to develop the complete player behind the plate.
⚾ BASEBALL 101
Master the Basics. Own the Diamond.
📲 FOLLOW ANDREW KECK / AK12 SPORTS GROUP
Instagram: @keckacademy
Website: https://ak12sportsgroup.com
📲 FOLLOW DAVE WIGGINS
Instagram: @coachdave1338
X: @CoachDW1338
💪 PRESENTED BY KILOGEAR
Train smarter. Perform stronger.
Visit https://www.youthbaseballmidwest.com and click the KiloGear tab.
Use promo code YBM10 to save 10% on your purchase.
🏠 JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE
Early access to new episodes, exclusive content, and exclusive discounts.
https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
🛒 SHOP YBM MERCH
https://gorgeousware.com/collections/youth-baseball-midwest
#Baseball101 #YouthBaseballMidwest #CatchingDevelopment #BaseballTraining #AK12SportsGroup ⚾ Stay locked in with Youth Baseball Midwest—your hub for full-spectrum youth baseball insight in the Midwest. Subscribe and hit that dinger (🔔) to never miss a game-state insight.
🌐 More YBM:
Website: youthbaseballmidwest.com
YouTube: Youth Baseball MidwestInstagram: @youthbaseballmidwest
TikTok: @YouthBaseballMidwest
X: @YBM_cast
Facebook: Youth Baseball Midwest
Presented by our proud partners:
Game 7 Baseball: game7baseball.com
Prime Sports Midwest: primesportsmw.com
🎥 Production Partner:Red Earth Productions: redearthprod.com
Trascritto
27 OTT 2026 · INSIDE ADIDAS ATHLETICS: GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT & TOUGH QUESTIONS
What does it take to build one of Missouri's largest club baseball organizations, and how do you make sure every player has an opportunity to succeed?
On this episode of The Hitting Zone, host Mitch Thomas welcomes Nick Herrin, president of Adidas Athletics, for an open conversation about the business of youth baseball, the challenges of running a large organization, and the responsibilities that come with developing hundreds of athletes.
Mitch has been outspoken about his criticisms of large club baseball organizations, including Adidas Athletics. But rather than continue that conversation from opposite sides of social media, he invited Nick into the studio to hear his perspective firsthand.
Nick shares how the organization grew from a single Kirkwood-area team into a multi-region baseball program, with teams and training resources across Missouri and surrounding areas.
The conversation explores what happens when a club grows beyond a handful of teams. How can coaches build meaningful relationships with players across the entire organization? How does the athlete on a lower-ranked team receive the same opportunities to improve as someone on the top roster? And at what point does an organization become too large to deliver on its promises?
Nick explains the role of full-time coaching staff, small-group instruction, regional training opportunities, and recruiting support in the Adidas Athletics approach.
Mitch also addresses a question he's heard from players and families: Do certain athletes get to play for free?
Nick responds directly, discussing the organization's approach to financial assistance, player commitment, and the expectations placed on athletes regardless of their roster.
IN THIS EPISODE:
⚾ How Adidas Athletics grew from one team into a large regional organization
⚾ Nick's background in baseball and coaching
⚾ Managing growth while maintaining player relationships
⚾ Development opportunities across different roster levels
⚾ Small-group training versus traditional team practices
⚾ The role of full-time coaches and recruiting coordinators
⚾ Helping athletes pursue their individual baseball goals
⚾ The challenge of balancing national exposure with local development
⚾ Questions about player fees, discounts, and financial assistance
⚾ Accountability, commitment, and expectations within club baseball
This isn't about agreeing on every issue.
It's about having conversations that help coaches, parents, and players better understand the decisions being made throughout youth baseball.
Mitch brings the questions. Nick brings his perspective.
And together, they open the door to a conversation about what families should expect from the organizations they trust with their athletes.
Step inside The Hitting Zone.
FOLLOW ADIDAS ATHLETICS
X: @AdidasAsBSB
Instagram: @adidasasmedia
https://www.instagram.com/adidasasmedia/
FOLLOW MITCH THOMAS | THE HITTING ZONE
Instagram: @_mtsperformance
X: @TheHittingZoneSTL
TikTok: @thehittingzonestl ⚾ Stay locked in with Youth Baseball Midwest—your hub for full-spectrum youth baseball insight in the Midwest. Subscribe and hit that dinger (🔔) to never miss a game-state insight.
🌐 More YBM:
Website: youthbaseballmidwest.com
YouTube: Youth Baseball MidwestInstagram: @youthbaseballmidwest
TikTok: @YouthBaseballMidwest
X: @YBM_cast
Facebook: Youth Baseball Midwest
Presented by our proud partners:
Game 7 Baseball: game7baseball.com
Prime Sports Midwest: primesportsmw.com
🎥 Production Partner:Red Earth Productions: redearthprod.com
Trascritto
26 OTT 2026 · Baseball is a game. But behind the scenes, it's also a business — and that business is changing the opportunities available to players at every level.
In Part 2 of The Business of Baseball, Brett Graves continues his solo discussion on Keep Klimbing, shifting the focus from the youth baseball industry to the financial and organizational realities of college and professional baseball.
From Major League Baseball's collective bargaining negotiations to the growing influence of NIL, revenue sharing, and the transfer portal, Brett explores how decisions made at the highest levels of the game are reshaping recruiting, player development, and the opportunities available to younger athletes.
As more money enters college baseball, the expectations placed on players are changing. Larger financial commitments can bring greater opportunities, but they can also create increased pressure to perform, shorter windows to prove yourself, and difficult decisions about long-term development versus immediate success.
Brett draws from his own professional baseball experience to examine how organizations balance financial investments, roster decisions, and player development — and why the best business decision for an organization isn't always the best decision for an individual player.
In this episode, Brett discusses:
- How MLB's business structure influences the rest of baseball
- NIL, revenue sharing, and the transfer portal's impact on college recruiting
- Why financial investment can influence playing opportunities and roster decisions
- The importance of evaluating long-term development alongside immediate opportunities
Getting the opportunity is one thing. What you do with it once you get there is what matters.
For players and families navigating today's recruiting landscape, understanding the business behind baseball is becoming just as important as understanding the game itself.
Whether you're pursuing college baseball, evaluating recruiting opportunities, or simply trying to understand where the sport is headed, this episode offers a perspective on the decisions happening beyond the field.
Connect with Brett Graves
Instagram: @brettgraves5
X: @bgraves05
Premier Pitching & Performance
Instagram: @premierpitching
X: @PremierPitching
Join the YBM Clubhouse
Become a YBM Clubhouse member through our YouTube channel for early access to new podcast episodes before their public release, exclusive content, and exclusive discounts!
https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
YBM Partners & Merchandise
Kilogear — Visit the Kilo Gear tab on the YBM website and use promo code YBM10.
YBM Merchandise:
https://gorgeousware.com/collections/youth-baseball-midwest
🔔 Subscribe to Youth Baseball Midwest — the most comprehensive youth baseball talk in the Midwest. Hit that dinger 🔔 to stay locked in on every episode, livestream, and highlight!
#KeepKlimbing #TheBusinessOfBaseball #CollegeBaseball #NIL #YBMcast ⚾ Stay locked in with Youth Baseball Midwest—your hub for full-spectrum youth baseball insight in the Midwest. Subscribe and hit that dinger (🔔) to never miss a game-state insight.
🌐 More YBM:
Website: youthbaseballmidwest.com
YouTube: Youth Baseball MidwestInstagram: @youthbaseballmidwest
TikTok: @YouthBaseballMidwest
X: @YBM_cast
Facebook: Youth Baseball Midwest
Presented by our proud partners:
Game 7 Baseball: game7baseball.com
Prime Sports Midwest: primesportsmw.com
🎥 Production Partner:Red Earth Productions: redearthprod.com
Trascritto
24 OTT 2026 · Welcome to the SERIES PREMIERE of Legion Baseball Talk, the newest podcast on Youth Baseball Midwest!
In our inaugural episode, co-hosts Aidan McFarland and Kevin Cooney of Manchester Post 208 Baseball welcome Mike Beasley, former Post Commander and current President of Baseball Operations at Manchester's Walter LePere Post 208.
What exactly is American Legion Baseball, and where does it fit in today's competitive baseball landscape?
Together, the guys introduce the mission behind Legion Baseball Talk and explore what makes American Legion Baseball different from traditional travel and club baseball. From its century-long history and connection to America's veterans to the importance of affordability, community service, and player development, this conversation goes beyond the diamond.
Mike shares his experiences with the American Legion, the importance of connecting baseball programs with their sponsoring posts, and why developing good citizens is just as important as developing good baseball players.
Aidan and Kevin also discuss their experiences as young coaches, the growing competitiveness of Legion Baseball, opportunities for college baseball exposure, and why more families should consider Legion Baseball when choosing a program.
This is just the beginning! Legion Baseball Talk is here to share the stories, people, programs, and traditions that make American Legion Baseball a special part of the game.
⚾ IN THIS EPISODE:
• Meet co-hosts Aidan McFarland and Kevin Cooney
• Introducing Mike Beasley and Manchester Post 208
• The history and mission of the American Legion
• What makes Legion Baseball different?
• Community service, veterans, and servant leadership
• Affordability and opportunities for young athletes
• College recruiting and the changing competitive landscape
• Why Legion Baseball deserves another look
⚾ MANCHESTER POST 208 BASEBALL
Website: https://www.post208baseball.org/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manchester208baseball/
X: https://x.com/Post208Baseball
🇺🇸 MISSOURI AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL
Website: https://www.missouriamericanlegionbaseball.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molegionbaseball/
X: https://x.com/MOLegionBall
🏠 JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE!
Become a member of the YBM Clubhouse right here on YouTube for early access to new episodes before their public release, exclusive content, and member-only discounts!
Join through our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
Subscribe to Youth Baseball Midwest for more conversations about the players, coaches, programs, and communities shaping baseball across the Midwest!
#LegionBaseballTalk #AmericanLegionBaseball #YouthBaseballMidwest #MissouriLegionBaseball #ManchesterPost208 ⚾ Stay locked in with Youth Baseball Midwest—your hub for full-spectrum youth baseball insight in the Midwest. Subscribe and hit that dinger (🔔) to never miss a game-state insight.
🌐 More YBM:
Website: youthbaseballmidwest.com
YouTube: Youth Baseball MidwestInstagram: @youthbaseballmidwest
TikTok: @YouthBaseballMidwest
X: @YBM_cast
Facebook: Youth Baseball Midwest
Presented by our proud partners:
Game 7 Baseball: game7baseball.com
Prime Sports Midwest: primesportsmw.com
🎥 Production Partner:Red Earth Productions: redearthprod.com
Trascritto
23 OTT 2026 · What makes a good pitcher? Is it velocity, command, development, or understanding how to compete on the mound?
On this episode of So-ILL Baseball Talk, host Carl Lange welcomes Patrick Morey, Pitching Coach at John A. Logan College, for a conversation about what it really takes to develop pitchers from the youth level through college baseball.
With a decade of experience at John A. Logan, Coach Morey shares his perspective on the progression of young athletes, why pitching development is never a straight line, and how the fundamentals of playing catch and throwing strikes remain essential regardless of how hard a player throws.
Carl and Patrick discuss the difference between being able to pitch and becoming a pitcher, how high school athletes begin identifying their strengths, and why college programs value athleticism, physical development, and a player's ability to execute.
They also explore the role of multi-sport participation, offseason strength training, throwing shutdowns, recovery, and the growing influence of professional pitchers sharing their training and game preparation with the next generation.
Whether you're a young pitcher, parent, coach, or baseball fan, this conversation offers a valuable look at the development process and the importance of building a complete athlete rather than chasing a number on the radar gun.
Follow Patrick Morey:
X: https://x.com/jpatrickmorey
Follow John A. Logan Baseball:
X: https://x.com/LoganVolsBsbl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LoganVolsBsbl/
JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE!
Become a member of Youth Baseball Midwest on YouTube for early access to new episodes before their public 3 PM release, exclusive content, and exclusive discounts.
https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
YBM Merchandise:
https://gorgeousware.com/collections/youth-baseball-midwest
New episodes of So-ILL Baseball Talk every Friday on Youth Baseball Midwest!
#SoILLBaseballTalk #JohnALoganBaseball #PitchingDevelopment #YouthBaseballMidwest #CollegeBaseball ⚾ Stay locked in with Youth Baseball Midwest—your hub for full-spectrum youth baseball insight in the Midwest. Subscribe and hit that dinger (🔔) to never miss a game-state insight.
🌐 More YBM:
Website: youthbaseballmidwest.com
YouTube: Youth Baseball MidwestInstagram: @youthbaseballmidwest
TikTok: @YouthBaseballMidwest
X: @YBM_cast
Facebook: Youth Baseball Midwest
Presented by our proud partners:
Game 7 Baseball: game7baseball.com
Prime Sports Midwest: primesportsmw.com
🎥 Production Partner:Red Earth Productions: redearthprod.com
Trascritto
22 OTT 2026 · Today we're having a little fun inside the Red Earth Production Studios!
On this edition of Show Me Baseball Talk, Brian French is breaking down our Top 10 most original and interesting high school mascot names from across the state of Missouri!
From some of the smallest schools to some of the largest, size doesn't matter when it comes to making our list. Missouri is home to some truly unique school mascots, and we're taking a closer look at the names that have set these schools apart.
But we're not just counting them down!
We'll explore the stories behind several of these mascots, how their names came to be, and the traditions that have carried them through generations of Missouri high school sports.
And joining Brian for a little fun is a familiar name from behind the scenes! YBM Production Manager Drew Clutts lends his voice to the countdown as we reveal our picks and share a few laughs along the way.
Now we want to hear from YOU!
Did we get our Top 10 right? Which Missouri high school mascot deserves the number one spot? And did we leave a school off the list?
Be sure to check out our YouTube Community poll and share your own rankings and thoughts in the comments!
⚾ SHOW ME BASEBALL TALK
Hosted by Brian French Featuring Drew Clutts | Production Manager, YBM & Red Earth Productions
💪 PRESENTED BY KILO GEAR
Take your training to the next level with Kilo Gear's micro-loading system!
Visit https://www.youthbaseballmidwest.com/ and click the Kilo Gear tab.
Use promo code YBM10 for 10% off your order!
🏠 JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE
Become a YouTube channel member and enjoy early access to new episodes before their public 3 PM release, exclusive content, and exclusive discounts!
Visit our YouTube channel and click JOIN: https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
🛒 SHOP YBM MERCHANDISE
Represent Youth Baseball Midwest with our latest merchandise! https://gorgeousware.com/collections/youth-baseball-midwest
Subscribe to Youth Baseball Midwest for more Missouri high school baseball coverage, rankings, player spotlights, coaching conversations, and stories from around the state!
#YouthBaseballMidwest #ShowMeBaseballTalk #MissouriHighSchools #SchoolMascots #MissouriSports ⚾ Stay locked in with Youth Baseball Midwest—your hub for full-spectrum youth baseball insight in the Midwest. Subscribe and hit that dinger (🔔) to never miss a game-state insight.
🌐 More YBM:
Website: youthbaseballmidwest.com
YouTube: Youth Baseball MidwestInstagram: @youthbaseballmidwest
TikTok: @YouthBaseballMidwest
X: @YBM_cast
Facebook: Youth Baseball Midwest
Presented by our proud partners:
Game 7 Baseball: game7baseball.com
Prime Sports Midwest: primesportsmw.com
🎥 Production Partner:Red Earth Productions: redearthprod.com
Trascritto
21 OTT 2026 · What does it really mean to compete, and are we teaching young baseball players how to do it?
On this episode of Baseball 101, Diamond Dave Wiggins welcomes longtime coach Mason Horne of CBC High School for a conversation about player development, coaching philosophy, and bringing purpose and competition into everyday training.
After years of coaching at the collegiate and high school levels, Mason is returning to CBC to work with the sophomore program. He shares lessons from his recent experience coaching softball at Marquette and explains why developing skills, practicing with intent, and learning to compete should be priorities at every level.
Dave and Mason also explore the difference between controlled intensity and simply trying harder, how technology can help identify effective training habits, and why athletes must learn to maintain their skills while performing at high speeds.
It's a conversation about getting more out of every repetition and preparing players to perform when it matters.
⚾ BASEBALL 101
Master the Basics. Own the Diamond.
📲 FOLLOW DAVE WIGGINS
Instagram: @coachdave1338
X: @CoachDW1338
💪 PRESENTED BY KILOGEAR
Train smarter. Perform stronger.
Use promo code YBM10 to save 10% on your next KiloGear purchase.
🏠 JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE
Get early access to new episodes, exclusive content and exclusive discounts.
https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
🛒 SHOP YBM MERCH
https://gorgeousware.com/collections/youth-baseball-midwest
#Baseball101 #YouthBaseballMidwest #BaseballDevelopment #BaseballCoaching #CBCBaseball ⚾ Stay locked in with Youth Baseball Midwest—your hub for full-spectrum youth baseball insight in the Midwest. Subscribe and hit that dinger (🔔) to never miss a game-state insight.
🌐 More YBM:
Website: youthbaseballmidwest.com
YouTube: Youth Baseball MidwestInstagram: @youthbaseballmidwest
TikTok: @YouthBaseballMidwest
X: @YBM_cast
Facebook: Youth Baseball Midwest
Presented by our proud partners:
Game 7 Baseball: game7baseball.com
Prime Sports Midwest: primesportsmw.com
🎥 Production Partner:Red Earth Productions: redearthprod.com
Trascritto
20 OTT 2026 · The Prep Baseball Missouri Fall Games Player Spotlight series continues, and we're wrapping up our coverage of the eastern side of Missouri!
Brian French welcomes Prep Baseball Director of Scouting Kevin Moulder back to the Red Earth Production Studios for another special edition of Show Me Baseball Talk.
After covering the Gateway Athletic Conference in our previous episode, we're shifting our attention to the St. Louis Suburban Conference, the Metro Catholic Conference, John Burroughs, and several smaller-school programs whose players made an impression at the Missouri Fall Games in Columbia.
From established Class 6 contenders to younger players looking to make their mark, Kevin shares his scouting observations and what these performances could mean heading into the 2027 high school baseball season.
We take a closer look at:
⚾ Eureka — Chase Edmonston and the Wildcats' returning talent.
⚾ Marquette — Brody McHorter and the importance of consistent hard contact.
⚾ Seckman — Mason Altman and Caden Andrews, two arms who could help provide valuable pitching depth behind an impressive returning staff.
⚾ Lindbergh — Lincoln Rimkus and the potential impact of a talented young two-way player.
⚾ CBC — Tyson Price and the pieces returning from a team that made a run to the state championship game.
⚾ De Smet — Damien Hines, Gus Wortham, and Frankie Lafada as the Spartans look toward another competitive season.
⚾ SLUH — Ty Bankston and his offensive potential.
⚾ John Burroughs — Oliver Re and Graham Fiesel, two young infielders showing promise.
⚾ Herculaneum — Connor Hedrick and the value of evaluating actual game performance alongside showcase metrics.
⚾ St. Louis Patriots — Luke Valley, a young catcher with legitimate offensive potential.
⚾ North County — William Weibel and his development path as a left-handed pitcher committed to Mineral Area College.
Along the way, Brian and Kevin discuss what really matters when evaluating young players. Is one impressive exit velocity enough? How important is consistent barrel contact? And why does seeing players compete in actual games tell scouts something numbers alone cannot?
We also take a look at the outlook for several Missouri high school programs, including the importance of pitching depth, offseason development, and finding the right opportunities for young players.
There's plenty of talent to follow across eastern Missouri, and we're highlighting the players who could be making an impact in the seasons ahead!
🎙️ SHOW ME BASEBALL TALK — PLAYER SPOTLIGHT EDITION
Hosted by Brian French
Guest: Kevin Moulder | Prep Baseball
⚾ POWERED BY GAME 7 BASEBALL
Get ready for spring and summer baseball with Game 7 Baseball!
Explore upcoming tournament opportunities in Branson and Springfield, Missouri, and register your team at:
https://game7baseball.com/
💪 YBM PARTNER — KILO GEAR
Take your training to the next level with Kilo Gear!
Visit https://www.youthbaseballmidwest.com/ and click the Kilo Gear tab.
Use promo code YBM10 for 10% off your order!
🏠 JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE
Want to watch new episodes before everyone else?
Join the YBM Clubhouse right here on YouTube!
Members receive early access to new episodes before their public 3 PM release, exclusive content, and exclusive discounts.
PLUS — we're bringing members exclusive coverage, including our Class 6 Top Ten On Paper series!
Visit our channel and click JOIN:
https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
🛒 SHOP YBM MERCHANDISE
https://gorgeousware.com/collections/youth-baseball-midwest
Subscribe to Youth Baseball Midwest and turn on notifications for more Missouri high school baseball coverage, player spotlights, rankings, scouting conversations, and player development content!
#YouthBaseballMidwest #ShowMeBaseballTalk #PrepBaseball #MissouriFallGames #MissouriBaseball ⚾ Stay locked in with Youth Baseball Midwest—your hub for full-spectrum youth baseball insight in the Midwest. Subscribe and hit that dinger (🔔) to never miss a game-state insight.
🌐 More YBM:
Website: youthbaseballmidwest.com
YouTube: Youth Baseball MidwestInstagram: @youthbaseballmidwest
TikTok: @YouthBaseballMidwest
X: @YBM_cast
Facebook: Youth Baseball Midwest
Presented by our proud partners:
Game 7 Baseball: game7baseball.com
Prime Sports Midwest: primesportsmw.com
🎥 Production Partner:Red Earth Productions: redearthprod.com
Trascritto
20 OTT 2026 · IS YOUTH BASEBALL WORTH THE PRICE OF ADMISSION?
Club fees. Tournament registrations. Hotels. Travel. Equipment. Private instruction. The list keeps growing.
But with families spending thousands of dollars each season, are we getting the experience we're actually paying for?
On this episode of The Hitting Zone, Mitch Thomas welcomes longtime friend, former teammate, and former travel baseball coach Jared Mora for a conversation about the rising cost of youth baseball and what families should really consider before investing in the game.
Jared brings a unique perspective as a former Division I baseball player at the University of Portland, a Missouri Baptist University player, and a father who spent six years coaching his son's club baseball team.
Having experienced baseball as a player, parent, and coach, Jared challenges families to rethink what a successful investment in youth sports should look like.
Are we investing in the experience, or are we chasing a scholarship?
Mitch and Jared discuss the financial realities of today's travel baseball environment, from organization fees and tournament costs to the often-overlooked expenses of meals, hotels, equipment, and time away from work.
They also examine how the pressure to keep up with other players and organizations can push families toward spending more than they can comfortably afford.
But this conversation isn't just about money.
Jared shares how his own development continued well into college, why being the best player at 12 or 13 doesn't guarantee future success, and how a lesson from former Major League infielder Mike Gallego helped shape his understanding of what it means to be a winning teammate.
The conversation also challenges the idea that every investment in youth baseball should be measured by a college scholarship.
What about the friendships, responsibility, resilience, and relationships that stay with athletes long after their playing days are over?
IN THIS EPISODE:
⚾ The true cost of youth and travel baseball
⚾ Club fees, hotels, equipment, and hidden expenses
⚾ The financial pressure of chasing college scholarships
⚾ Understanding the real return on investment
⚾ Why early success doesn't guarantee long-term development
⚾ The importance of becoming a great teammate
⚾ Choosing the right experience over the biggest organization
⚾ The value of unstructured baseball and learning through play
⚾ How parents can make smarter decisions about baseball spending
Mitch and Jared aren't arguing that families shouldn't invest in baseball. They're asking whether the investment matches the athlete's goals, the family's financial situation, and the experience everyone hopes to gain.
Because years from now, the memories that matter most might not be the rankings, the trophies, or the showcase numbers.
They might be the teammates, coaches, relationships, and lessons that lasted long after the final out.
So what's the real price of admission?
Step inside The Hitting Zone.
FOLLOW MITCH THOMAS | THE HITTING ZONE
Instagram: @_mtsperformance
X: @TheHittingZoneSTL
TikTok: @thehittingzonestl
⭐ JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE
Get early access to new episodes before their public 3 PM release, exclusive content, exclusive discounts, and more!
Join through our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
👕 SHOP YBM MERCH
https://gorgeousware.com/collections/youth-baseball-midwest
THE HITTING ZONE IS PRESENTED BY KILO GEAR
Train smarter. Perform stronger.
Visit https://www.youthbaseballmidwest.com/, click the Kilo Gear tab, and use promo code YBM10 for 10% off!
YBM Partner: Game 7 Baseball
#TheHittingZone #YBM #YouthBaseball #TravelBaseball #BaseballParents #PlayerDevelopment ⚾ Stay locked in with Youth Baseball Midwest—your hub for full-spectrum youth baseball insight in the Midwest. Subscribe and hit that dinger (🔔) to never miss a game-state insight.
🌐 More YBM:
Website: youthbaseballmidwest.com
YouTube: Youth Baseball MidwestInstagram: @youthbaseballmidwest
TikTok: @YouthBaseballMidwest
X: @YBM_cast
Facebook: Youth Baseball Midwest
Presented by our proud partners:
Game 7 Baseball: game7baseball.com
Prime Sports Midwest: primesportsmw.com
🎥 Production Partner:Red Earth Productions: redearthprod.com
Trascritto
19 OTT 2026 · What does pitching development actually look like inside a Division I baseball program?
On this episode of Keep Klimbing, Brett Graves welcomes Christian Bourne, the new pitching coach at James Madison University (JMU), for an inside look at how college pitchers balance development, competition, and preparation throughout the fall season.
After coaching stops at Georgia Southern and Radford, Christian returns to his alma mater with a coaching philosophy built around communication, continuous learning, and understanding what each individual pitcher needs to succeed.
Brett and Christian discuss the challenges of building a college pitching staff, establishing a competitive culture, and finding the right balance between making mechanical adjustments and allowing athletes to compete. From initial player evaluations and biomechanics assessments to pitch design, command, and velocity development, they explore how technology and performance data can support better coaching decisions without replacing the fundamentals of pitching.
Throughout the conversation, Christian emphasizes the importance of knowing the athlete behind the data. Whether working with an incoming freshman or an experienced transfer, understanding a player's history, strengths, weaknesses, and competitive mindset is essential to building an effective development plan.
A few key topics include:
- Structuring fall practices around development and competitive opportunities
- Evaluating pitchers through performance data, biomechanics, and individual conversations
- Why command and competitiveness matter alongside velocity and pitch metrics
- Knowing when to prioritize pitch design, mechanical changes, or physical development
The challenge isn't just developing better pitches. It's developing pitchers who can execute when the game is on the line.
Whether you're a college coach, high school pitcher, parent, or player preparing for the next level, this episode offers valuable insight into the process behind a Division I pitching program.
Connect with Brett Graves
Instagram: @brettgraves5
X: @bgraves05
Premier Pitching & Performance
Instagram: @premierpitching
X: @PremierPitching
Join the YBM Clubhouse YBM Clubhouse members get early access to new episodes before their public 3 PM release, exclusive content, and exclusive discounts!
Become a member through our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
YBM Partners & Merchandise Kilogear — Visit the Kilo Gear tab on the YBM website and use promo code YBM10.
YBM Merchandise: https://gorgeousware.com/collections/youth-baseball-midwest
🔔 Subscribe to Youth Baseball Midwest — the most comprehensive youth baseball talk in the Midwest. Hit that dinger (bell icon) to stay locked in on every episode, livestream, and highlight!
#KeepKlimbing #ChristianBourne #CollegeBaseball #PitchingDevelopment #YBMcast ⚾ Stay locked in with Youth Baseball Midwest—your hub for full-spectrum youth baseball insight in the Midwest. Subscribe and hit that dinger (🔔) to never miss a game-state insight.
🌐 More YBM:
Website: youthbaseballmidwest.com
YouTube: Youth Baseball MidwestInstagram: @youthbaseballmidwest
TikTok: @YouthBaseballMidwest
X: @YBM_cast
Facebook: Youth Baseball Midwest
Presented by our proud partners:
Game 7 Baseball: game7baseball.com
Prime Sports Midwest: primesportsmw.com
🎥 Production Partner:Red Earth Productions: redearthprod.com
YBM brings the experience of top baseball Coaches, Club Directors, Youth Instructors, and Prep Scouting in the Midwest. For the most comprehensive Youth and Prep Baseball talk. We want to...
mostra di più
YBM brings the experience of top baseball Coaches, Club Directors, Youth Instructors, and Prep Scouting in the Midwest. For the most comprehensive Youth and Prep Baseball talk. We want to become your source for news, commentary, and perspective. Not to mention our live stream of Game 7 Championship games, the GAC game of the week, local community events, and PBR Missouri Showcase events.
Subscribe to the Midwest Report and YBMcast Today!
mostra meno
Subscribe to the Midwest Report and YBMcast Today!
Informazioni
| Autore | YBMcast |
| Organizzazione | Brian French |
| Categorie | Baseball |
| Sito | www.youthbaseballmidwest.com |
| brian@redearthprod.com |
Copyright 2026 - Spreaker Inc. an iHeartMedia Company
