Run Rabbit Run (Part 2) | Season 1: Bottom of the 2nd

Season 1 | Bottom of the 2nd | Run Rabbit Run – Part 2 | Cheating in Youth Baseball

In this eye-opening episode of Baseball Ready, host Russ Riba returns for Part 2 of "Run Rabbit Run"—this time tackling the uncomfortable but all-too-real topic of cheating in youth baseball.

From shaved bats and non-roster ringers to pitch count violations and biased umpires, Russ pulls no punches while breaking down the many ways teams and coaches bend (or break) the rules in pursuit of plastic trophies.

In this episode:

• What it means to shave or roll a bat—and why it’s not just “strategy”
• The dangers of ignoring pitch count rules (and why it’s more than just bad coaching)
• How some coaches sneak in players, fudge rosters, or look the other way
• Why winning at all costs is a terrible lesson for young athletes

As always, Russ wraps up with his “Down to the Baseline” takeaway—a powerful reminder that baseball is more than just a game; it’s a character-building experience.

If you’ve ever felt like your team lost to a cheat, or if you’re wondering where the line between smart coaching and unethical behavior really lies—this episode is for you.

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