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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...
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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!
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Subscribe to the Midwest Report and YBMcast Today!
Episodi & Post
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Trascritto
8 SET 2026 · Season 3 of The Hitting Zone is officially underway on Youth Baseball Midwest!
Mitch Thomas kicks off the new season by welcoming back Bobby Minor of Chasing Baseball Dreams for a conversation about something nearly every baseball family has felt in one way or another:
The $10,000 Summer.
How did we get to a place where families can spend thousands of dollars on club fees, travel, hotels, tournaments, lessons, equipment, showcases, and everything else that comes with a summer of baseball?
More importantly — what are families actually getting for that investment?
Mitch and Bobby dig into the expectations surrounding modern youth baseball and the pressure families can feel to spend more, travel farther, and constantly search for the next opportunity.
Mitch will also bring perspective from conversations Bobby's had with former MLB MVP Dustin Pedroia, adding another layer to the discussion about development, opportunity, expectations, and what young players actually need.
When does investing in your athlete make sense? When does the chase become too much? And are we creating better baseball players — or simply making baseball more expensive?
Season 3 starts with a conversation that goes right to the heart of what The Hitting Zone is about: asking difficult questions, challenging the current culture, and helping baseball families make better decisions.
Follow Bobby Minor / Chasing Baseball Dreams
Instagram: @chasingbaseballdreams
TikTok: @chasingbaseballdreams
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/chasingbaseballdreams/
Follow Mitch Thomas / The Hitting Zone
Instagram: @_mtsperformance
X: @TheHittingZoneSTL
TikTok: @thehittingzonestl
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The Hitting Zone is sponsored by
Kilo Gear.
YBM Partner: Game 7 Baseball ⚾ 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
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27 AGO 2026 · Well, we are here! Fall high school baseball is back, and so is a new chapter of coverage from Youth Baseball Midwest with the YBM Press Box!
Nearly 100 high school baseball programs will compete this fall, and many of these schools do not have football programs. We want to work throughout the season to bring these teams, players, and communities the coverage they deserve.
On our first edition of the YBM Press Box, we're talking 2026 Fall Contenders. We'll take an early look at some of the top teams across the state and hear from coaches leading programs we expect to be right in the middle of the conversation this fall, including our early #1 teams in Class 1 and Class 2, along with Licking Head Coach from Class 3.
Then it's time to play baseball.
Youth Baseball Midwest will be in Ozark, Missouri, for opening weekend at the Ozark Mountain Sports Complex, where Purdy, St. Elizabeth and Licking waste no time jumping into the 2026 season.
The two-day event will also feature Ellington, Southwest (Washburn), and Silo High School from Silo, Oklahoma.
We'll have the cameras rolling throughout the weekend, bringing you interviews, reactions, and coverage from the players and coaches as the 2026 fall baseball season officially swings into action.
Welcome to the YBM Press Box. Let's talk fall baseball.
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⚾ Show Partners:
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Instagram: @youthbaseballmidwest
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X: @YBM_cast
Facebook: Youth Baseball Midwest
🎥 Production Partner:
Red Earth Productions
IG: @redearthproductions
Website: redearthprod.com
⚾ Show Partners:
Game 7 Baseball: game7baseball.com ⚾ 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 GIU 2026 · As the 2026 Missouri high school season comes to an end, Kevin Moulder of Prep Baseball joins the show to discuss the players who have made the list. Who are the Seniors who have stood out for their high school career and who are some of the up and coming Juniors and underclassmen making the list. We take a look at the All-State teams that remind us of these tremendous players who will now be moving on to the next phase of their journey. 2026 was dominated by seniors on the lists and we get to relive some of the memories and talk about where these players will be making the next stop in there baseball and academic careers.
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Website: https://www.youthbaseballmidwest.com ⚾ 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.
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Presented by our proud partners:
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🎥 Production Partner:Red Earth Productions: redearthprod.com
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11 GIU 2026 · Who's #1! This is what we are discussing today in this episode of YBM Baseball Talk. Missouri American Legion Baseball is underway, and we have some players to talk about. Along with the first two Players of the Week and 19U Teams of the Week. YBM is dropping our first edition of the 2026 Power Rankings for 19U and 17U and we will discuss some of the players making an impact for their clubs. It is still early and some teams have got out of the gate playing a lot of games and some are still working their way into the season. Let's get going and see who is at the top of the list and why we think they may be the early favorites to win a state championship.
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Website: https://www.youthbaseballmidwest.com ⚾ 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
9 GIU 2026 · The 2026 high school baseball season has come to an end, and it's time for the final rankings.
On this episode of Baseball Talk, Brian is joined by Dave Wiggins, Head Coach at Principia Christian and Recruits Baseball Director, as they break down the final Youth Baseball Midwest rankings for Classes 1 through 6.
Throughout the season, teams across Missouri battled through conference play, district tournaments, and the road to the Final Four. Now that the dust has settled, Brian and Dave take one final look at the landscape of Missouri high school baseball and discuss where teams landed in the final YBM rankings.
The conversation includes:
Final YBM Rankings for Classes 1-6
Teams that exceeded expectations
Programs that made memorable postseason runs
Season-long performances that stood out
Looking ahead to 2027
The show also previews the upcoming Missouri High School Baseball Coaches Association All-Star Games, which Youth Baseball Midwest will be broadcasting live this weekend.
We discuss:
The All-Star game format
Players and teams represented
What makes the event special
What fans can expect from our live coverage
As one season ends, another chapter begins, and we're excited to celebrate some of Missouri's best players at the MHSBCA All-Star Games.
🔒 Join the YBM Club Today
Become a Legacy Member and receive 50% off your first year while supporting independent Midwest baseball coverage.
Get exclusive player spotlights, rankings, interviews, and members-only content inside the YBM Club.
👉 https://www.youthbaseballmidwest.com/ybm-club
📣 Guest Socials
Dave Wiggins (HC Principia Christian / Recruits Baseball Director)
X: @CruitsCoachDW
Instagram: @coachdave1338 ⚾ 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
29 MAG 2026 · Brian welcomes in Missouri American Legion Kirkwood Post 156 Head Coach Chris Copeland and Festus Post 253 Head Coach Dylan Black to preview the upcoming 2026 Missouri American Legion Baseball season.
Legion Baseball continues to be one of the most respected and tradition-rich brands of baseball in the country, and today we take a look at what is shaping up to be another exciting summer across the state of Missouri.
The group discusses:
Early expectations for the 2026 season
The continued growth of Missouri Legion Baseball
What makes Legion baseball unique in today’s landscape
The relationship between high school, club, and summer baseball
Programs and players to watch heading into the summer
We also discuss the upcoming Legion Summer Series, which Youth Baseball Midwest will be broadcasting in partnership with Kirkwood Post 156, bringing more live coverage and exposure to Missouri Legion Baseball throughout the summer.
Legion Baseball has long been a major part of baseball development and community tradition in Missouri, and this episode gives a great early look at the upcoming season and where the game continues to grow.
🔒 Join the YBM Club Today
Become a Legacy Member and receive 50% off your first year while supporting independent Midwest baseball coverage.
Get exclusive player spotlights, rankings, interviews, and members-only content inside the YBM Club.
👉 https://www.youthbaseballmidwest.com/ybm-club
📣 Guest / Program Socials
Chris Copeland (Kirkwood Post 156 Head Coach)
X: @Kirkwood156
Kirkwood Post 156 Baseball
X: @Kirkwood156
Dylan Black (Festus Post 253 Head Coach)
X: @FestusLegion
Festus Post 253 Baseball
X: @FestusLegion ⚾ 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
28 MAG 2026 · On this episode of Baseball Talk, Brian welcomes in Diego Solares of Scout Connect and Carl Lange of Dinger Bats to break down the Illinois State Baseball Playoffs.
The IHSA postseason always delivers some of the best baseball in the Midwest, and today the group dives into the matchups, programs, players, and storylines that are shaping this year’s playoff run across Illinois.
The conversation includes:
Teams making deep playoff pushes
Players stepping up in big moments
Programs that continue to establish themselves
Matchups and classes to watch
What it takes to survive and advance in Illinois playoff baseball
As the intensity rises throughout the state tournament, Brian, Diego, and Carl provide perspective on the teams and players still fighting for championships across Illinois.
If you love postseason baseball, this is a great episode to get caught up on the playoff picture and hear insight from people who follow Illinois baseball closely.
🔒 Join the YBM Club Today
Become a Legacy Member and receive 50% off your first year while supporting independent Midwest baseball coverage.
Get exclusive player spotlights, rankings, interviews, and members-only content inside the YBM Club.
👉 https://www.youthbaseballmidwest.com/ybm-club
📣 Guest Socials
Diego Solares (Scout Connect, Founder)
X: @DeegsBaseball
Scout Connect
X: @ScoutConnectBB
Instagram: @scoutconnectbb
Carl Lange (Dinger Bats)
Instagram: @dingerbats
Dinger Bats
X: @dingerbats
Instagram: @dingerbats ⚾ 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 MAG 2026 · On this special edition of The Hitting Zone, Mitch Thomas is joined by Bobby Minor for one of the most important conversations the show has tackled yet:
Why are we losing players?
From unrealistic expectations to the changing culture surrounding youth sports, Mitch and Bobby take a hard look at the current state of youth baseball and the pressures facing players and families today.
The conversation explores difficult but necessary questions:
• Why does participation seem to decline so heavily after age 14?
• Are parents, coaches, and organizations creating unrealistic expectations?
• Has social media distorted what success in baseball actually looks like?
• Are organizations selling dreams instead of telling families the truth?
• Have parents become customers instead of partners in development?
• What realities about the game are never shown in the highlight reels?
Bobby also shares perspective from his mission of helping baseball parents navigate the process without losing sight of what truly matters.
This episode is honest, direct, and centered around protecting the future of the game and the kids playing it.
📲 Follow Bobby Minor:
Instagram: @chasingbaseballdreams
TikTok: @chasingbaseballdreams
📲 Follow Mitch Thomas:
Instagram: @_mtsperformance
X (Twitter): @TheHittingZoneSTL
TikTok: @thehittingzonestl
Presented by Game 7 Baseball & Prime Sports Midwest ⚾ 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
17 MAG 2026 · We started the season with the preseason #1 Eureka Wildcats and we are going to finish with the Liberty (KC) Blue Jays atop the class 6 rankings following a stellar season. Don't worry the Wildcats are right behind the at #2 and it is more like a 1 A and 1 B, and you can take your pick as to who you think A and B is at this time of the year. Who will be challenging these teams not only in their own district championship bracket, but from Southeast and Southwest Missouri. Nixa looks poised to be that team as does the Fighting Indians from Jackson, MO. In the center of the state Rock Bridge looks ready to make a run and dethrone the champs from 2025 in district five. That will be a tall task as the Jaguars are not to interested in letting their Head Coach Ben Baier retire without and good run to the final four. Can a team outside of the KC Suburban Gold conference take home the Class 6 trophy. It has been a heck of run and Blue Springs South, Liberty, Liberty North, and Staley are looking to make it six in a row for the conference in in Kansas City.
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Check out our sponsor's pages!
Powered by Game 7 Baseball: game7baseball.com
Get all your Gear at Prime Sports Midwest: primesportsmw.com ⚾ 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
17 MAG 2026 · In 2026 we have some new players arriving on the scene, Summit Christian Academy Eagles in KC, the MICDS Rams in STL, and Father Tolton Trailblazers in Columbia, MO all moved up due to the private school Championship factor. De Smet Spartans and St Francis Borgia move back down from Class 6 after the championship factor points are no longer applicable. Five teams coming into the 2026 season in new surroundings and in Districts they are unfamiliar with. We have the usual suspects at the top in the Willard Tigers, Rockwood Summit Falcons, Festus Tigers, Platte County Pirates and the Kearney Bulldogs. Who will be the team to knock these guys off the mountain? The Webb City Cardinals sit atop the YBM Rankings in Class 5 and look poised to make significant run. We will look at the contenders and maybe some pretenders as we are joined by Kevin Moulder of Prep Baseball Report and Dave Wiggins host of the Baseball 101 podcast here on YBM.
SUBSCRIBE, LIKE, COMMENT, SHARE Check out our sponsor's pages! Powered by Game 7 Baseball: game7baseball.com Get all your Gear at Prime Sports Midwest: primesportsmw.com ⚾ 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 |
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