The S.L.I.D.E. - Youth Baseball Podcast

Jake Clemente, a distinguished baseball player renowned for his versatility and mental preparation, knows that success on the field starts with a strong mindset. Having won state national titles in high school and competed in the College World Series during his freshman year of college, Jake attributes much of his achievements to his mental focus and physical conditioning. He believes that staying mentally locked in, particularly w...

Ben, an experienced mentor dedicated to improving youth mental health in sports, brings a unique perspective shaped by his extensive work with young athletes, including those competing at professional levels like golf. Recognizing the profound impact of mental health on athletic performance, Ben emphasizes the importance of positive self-talk and effectively managing pressure, encouraging athletes to concentrate on controllable fac...

Prince “Tre” Njoku shines in both football and baseball, thanks to the discipline and support from his awesome parents. His focus on mental toughness and a positive attitude makes him a standout. Tre’s journey shows that playing multiple sports fosters a well-rounded skill set and adaptability. He’s all about having engaged parents, clear team selection, and balancing skill development with competition, making youth spo...

Austin Johnson, a dedicated baseball player from Mississippi, has been passionately involved in the sport for seven to eight years, competing in the eleven and twelve age bracket for PSA’s Rec league. With an impressive collection of six rings and multiple medals, his enthusiasm for youth baseball remains unwavering. Austin believes that baseball is a fun sport because it allows him to enjoy himself while also striving for vi...

Coach Josh, based in Bakersfield, California, is a dedicated mentor with extensive experience in the travel ball culture. He believes that travel ball can be beneficial for kids to stay connected outside of school and face better competition with the right coaching. However, Josh is concerned about the current trend of prioritizing winning over development, leading to player burnout and neglect of health and proper training. Emphas...

Brayden and Nico, two dedicated young baseball players from Michigan, bring unique perspectives to their discussions about MLB teams and players. Brayden, focusing more on his own baseball journey with the Motown Heroes, casually follows the MLB and shows interest in players like Maxx Clark without being deeply invested in the league’s current happenings. Conversely, Nico, a dynamic player for the Motown Heroes, emphasizes th...

In this episode, Aaron Pridmore, joined by co-hosts Lilah Bratcher and Jenn, interviews young baseball prodigy Trae Dunford. They discuss Trae’s early love for baseball, favorite teams, and the impact of his coaches Bill Hall and Mike Self. Trae shares his experiences playing shortstop, training rigorously, and his transition from throwing left-handed to right-handed to excel in the infield. The conversation also highlights h...

Caleb Klein, a notable figure from Leander, Texas, is a key player on the prominent RBI national 13 U team, known for his dedication to youth baseball. Caleb’s perspective on his baseball journey is that it is an enjoyable, rewarding experience, replete with challenges and achievements. His love for the game, especially the thrill of hitting, was largely influenced by the classic baseball movie “Sandlot” and his e...

Bear, the driven CEO and founder of Bruce Bolt, Bear Mayer, established his company at the tender age of 16, spurred by a need for gas money and his father’s entrepreneurial encouragement. Frustrated by the short life span of baseball gloves, Bear envisioned a brand focused on durability, which came to fruition as Bruce Bolt. His perspective on “Bruce Bolt” is deeply personal and sentimental, as the name is a trib...

Tune in to Coach Aaron, Coach Jenn, and The Lowdown for an enlightening interview with two serious ballers from Let Them Play, Levi and Jesse. These young ballers are no strangers to the diamond, having made their mark as standout youth baseball pitchers, even competing at the elite level for the prestigious USA Trout team.

Levi shares his insights, deeply influenced by his journey playing under diverse coaching styles and teams. H...

Coach Rac’s journey in sports began as a player for the Nationals, where he honed his skills and absorbed valuable lessons. Transitioning from player to coach, he drew upon his diverse experiences, both positive and negative, to shape his coaching philosophy. Central to his beliefs is the pivotal role of parental support in a child’s athletic development. He advocates for an environment where young athlete...

JJ is a passionate baseball enthusiast from San Antonio, Texas, who has been deeply involved in the sport since his early childhood, driven by his admiration for his older brother, a university-level baseball player, and his own achievements in the sport. JJ firmly believes that family forms the cornerstone of his inspiration for baseball, attributing much of his passion and dedication to the unwavering support of his father and th...

Preston Chapman, originating from Weston, Florida, is a multifaceted athlete who excels in baseball, football, and track, but it is in baseball that his dedication and talent truly shine. Preston’s outlook on his youth baseball journey is rooted in self-discipline, commitment, and effort. His independence and maturity were reflected at a young age when he realized the significance of adhering to a schedule and being able to p...

In this conversation, Tim from Mark Pro discusses the benefits and differences of their recovery device. Mark Pro is not a TENS unit but rather falls into the category of NMES (neuromuscular electrical stimulation). Unlike TENS units, Mark Pro creates large muscle contractions that improve blood flow and lymphatic drainage, aiding in muscle recovery. The conversation also touches on the problems with icing, the importance of waste ...

Meet CJ and Kelli, dynamic leaders in youth development and co-founders of Atlanta’s Lead Center for Youth. Leveraging their extensive sports backgrounds, they empower underserved youth through mentorship and guidance. CJ, a passionate baseball coach, goes beyond the field, advocating for his players’ diverse backgrounds. He believes understanding their stories enhances coaching and advocacy, drawing parallels to baseba...

Dive into the captivating world of “Twelve” with Coach Aaron, Big E, and Kason, die-hard fans of the movie, as they sit down with none other than Wyatt Ralff, the main star himself. Wyatt, a seasoned actor with a heart for societal change, shares his fascinating journey into the realm of acting, fueled by his mother’s inspiration. From his roles in “Twelve” to lending his voice to the Walking Dead vide...

Join Big E in his interview with Mateo “The Baseball Kid” with Coach Aaron as his co-host. Mateo, an experienced youth baseball player, has played for several prominent teams including the PFA, SoCal Baseball, and California Cubs, gaining invaluable insights from the challenges he faced along the way. He believes that youth baseball leagues should primarily serve as a platform for young athletes to enjoy the game, enhan...

In this exciting episode, we dive into the extraordinary life of Anthony Cruz, a standout athlete with a diverse background spanning baseball, football, basketball, and jiujitsu. From his formative years, Anthony’s passion for baseball was ignited by the mentorship of Coach Brian Hernandez, propelling him towards dreams of a high school draft. But Anthony’s journey doesn’t stop at the diamond; his athletic prowess...

Ronnie Bernick is a respected figure in youth baseball development, having established a successful youth baseball facility and mentored several players who have gone on to be drafted. His perspective on youth baseball development is deeply influenced by his experiences in baseball, emphasizing the importance of starting young, playing with passion, and seeking growth opportunities. He believes in the value of facing adversity and ...