Talkin Shop with Coach Ballgame, Chop, and Flikke

What if a few simple rule changes could completely transform Little League?In this episode, the boys tackle the biggest issues in youth baseball and share the rule changes—and mindset shifts—they believe would make the game more fun, more competitive, and better for every kid on the field.Did we actually save Little League? We'll let you decide.⚾ Which change do YOU think would make the biggest difference? Drop it in the comments!

Travel ball can create incredible opportunities—but it can also bring pressure, burnout, and plenty of unforgettable stories.In this episode of Talkin' Shop, Coach Ballgame, Coach Chop, and Coach Flikke dive into the realities of travel baseball, sharing the good, the bad, and the ugly from years spent coaching, parenting, and living the game.Whether you're already in the travel ball world or wondering if it's the right path for your family, this conversation will challenge assumptions, spark discussion, and remind you what matters most when it comes to developing young athletes.

This week on Talkin' Shop, Coach Ballgame sits down with three-time All-Star and Gold Glove winner Evan "Longo" Longoria.Longoria shares the unlikely path that took him from receiving zero college scholarship offers to becoming one of baseball's premier third basemen. Along the way, he opens up about perseverance, humility, preparation, and the character that sustained him throughout his career.It's an honest conversation about earning every opportunity, embracing setbacks, and becoming the kind of teammate and person others can count on.Because talent might open the door—but character is what keeps you in the game.

This week on Talkin' Shop, the boys sit down with Super Bowl Champion and 17-year NFL quarterback Brad Johnson.From overcoming adversity to leading at the highest level, Brad shares the lessons that shaped his career, the teammates who inspired him, and why coaching kids became his next calling after football.It's a conversation about leadership, resilience, mentorship, and building a legacy that lasts far beyond the scoreboard.Whether you're a coach, parent, or athlete, you'll walk away with timeless lessons from someone who's seen the game—and life—from every angle.

The boys are back in the shop talking about one of the most important—and most overlooked—qualities in youth sports: awareness.How aware are you of what your players are feeling? What your words communicate? The environment you're creating?In this episode, Coach Ballgame, Coach Chop, and Coach Flikke share practical ways parents and coaches can become more intentional leaders by paying attention to the moments that matter most.Because great coaching isn't just about teaching the game.It's about seeing the kid in front of you.

This week on Talkin' Shop, the boys sit down with World Series Champion, Cy Young Award winner, and bestselling author Barry Zito for one of the most honest conversations we've ever had.Barry opens up about the highest highs of his career, the struggles that nearly broke him, and the journey that helped him rediscover his identity beyond baseball.It's a conversation about pressure, purpose, resilience, faith, and what it really means to succeed when the spotlight fades.Whether you're a parent, coach, athlete, or simply someone navigating life's ups and downs, Barry's story is one you won't forget.

This week on Talkin' Shop, we sit down with Cubs legend and three-time World Series champion Shawon "Pops" Dunston.From his 18-year Major League career to the lessons he's carried into coaching, Pops shares stories about growing up, playing alongside legends, raising a baseball family, and leading with integrity. It's a conversation full of wisdom, humility, and a reminder that the greatest legacy in baseball isn't your stats—it's the people you impact.Whether you're a parent, coach, or lifelong baseball fan, this one's for you. ⚾🎙️

This week on Talkin' Shop, we're joined by the voice of the Milwaukee Brewers, Jeff Levering.From unforgettable moments in the broadcast booth to the people and stories that make baseball special, Jeff shares what he's learned from calling the game at the highest level. It's a conversation about baseball, relationships, and why the best parts of the game often happen far beyond the final score.Whether you're a parent, coach, or lifelong fan, this is an episode you won't want to miss. ⚾🎙️

After a run of incredible guests, the boys are back together.In this episode, Coach Ballgame, Coach Chop, and Coach Flikke sit down for a classic Talkin' Shop Q&A — answering questions from parents and coaches, sharing stories from the field, and talking through the everyday challenges that come with youth sports.No interviews. No agenda. Just the crew back in the shop doing what they do best.If you've missed the original trio, this episode is for you. ⚾🎙️

This week on Talkin' Shop, Coach Ballgame is joined by Coach Andre for a fun, wide-ranging Q&A covering youth sports, coaching, parenting, leadership, and more.No script. No fluff. Just coaches talking shop and answering some great questions along the way.If you're a parent, coach, or someone who cares about creating a better experience for kids in sports, this one's for you. ⚾🎙️

This week on Talkin' Shop, we're handing the mic to one of our own CB Library Members! Coach Syd joins the show to share his coaching journey, lessons learned, and the impact that intentional coaching can have on kids and families.It's a conversation about growth, community, and the reminder that youth sports are changed by everyday coaches who choose to show up, learn, and lead with purpose. Our community isn't built for coaches like you—it's built by coaches like you.

What if the most important thing a coach teaches has nothing to do with mechanics?This week, Coach Ballgame sits down with Jen Schroeder, one of the most influential voices in youth softball.Jen has built a career helping athletes become better catchers, but her real mission goes far beyond the position. From confidence and communication to leadership and resilience, she shares why sports are one of the greatest classrooms for life.

In this episode, we tackle three of the biggest youth baseball parenting and coaching debates happening today. How hard should you push a talented kid before motivation turns into burnout? When is the right age for pitchers to start throwing curveballs without risking long-term arm health? And where’s the line between harmless dugout chirping and behavior that crosses into toxic territory?Join the boys on Talkin' Shop!!!

More and more kids are playing on multiple teams. And rec coaches are left trying to hold a team together. So what happens when players keep missing practices?This week on Talkin’ Shop, the boys tackle one of the most common tensions in youth sports today: balancing opportunity with accountability.

The boys get real today...digging into the topic of mental health. If this conversation is triggering for you, please skip over this one. We totally get it. RAKE!

Ballgame is back from a 7 city Sandlot Tour Swing. Everything was money. All except for one TRAGIC review from a customer. We unpack it!Chop and Flick Money answer your questions.

Disagreements between adults can quickly change the tone of a season.In this episode of Talkin’ Shop, we tackle verbal conflicts between parents and coaches, the miscommunication that often sits underneath them, and the anxiety kids feel when All-Star season rolls around.Because how adults handle tension doesn’t just affect the relationship…it shapes the environment kids learn and play in.

Big transitions bring big perspective. In this week’s episode of Talkin’ Shop, Coach Chop shares what life has been like stepping into his new role with the Texas Rangers and what he’s learning from being back inside a professional clubhouse.We also tackle a situation many families wrestle with: the kid who is working extra hard but still isn’t getting opportunities from the coach. How do you handle it when your athlete feels overlooked? When is it time to advocate… and when is it time to keep developing behind the scenes?And then we flip the conversation to the other side: the athlete who has ability but lacks drive. How do coaches and parents build motivation without turning practices into pressure? How do you help kids take ownership of their effort instead of relying on reminders, rewards, or consequences?

A 14 year MLB Career. 319 Dingers. 3x All Star, 2x Silver Slugger, and a Roberto Clemente Award Nominee. JAY BRUCE is a stud. What did he learn from teammates like Joey Votto, Ken Griffey Jr. and Scott Rolen? What about Pete Rose? Dusty Baker? His experiences in the game a incredible. How's he taking care of his hometown Little League in Texas?What's next for him?Enjoy every NUGGET in this interview, because they are plentiful.RAKE!

The boys answer your questions. How do we make youth baseball and softball culture more fun? How can you create more movement when practices get slow and boring? My kid is afraid of the ball...what do I do? These are just some of the topics we hit today.Wanna support the POD? www.patreon.com/chopandballgameWarstic Promo Code: Attaboy15Tanner Tees Promo Code: Attaboy

Replaying this GEM, because who doesn't love Mookie Betts? He is one of the biggest names in professional sports. From his Mom being his first Little League Coach, to his daughter teaching him how to catch fly balls, we unpack how this bowling phenom from Tennessee became an MVP and 2 time World Series Champ. Above all, we learned that he's a man of character. He works at it. He's got this contagious light about him, and it shines through when he plays and when he speaks. Listen to the pod, and you'll find out where it stems from.

The boys are back in the shop breaking down the energy, emotion, and lessons from the World Baseball Classic — and why even the pros feel those in-game nerves. From packed stadium pressure to youth league dugouts, the feeling is the same… your heart races, your mind speeds up, and the moment gets big. So how do you steady yourself — or help your players do the same?Then we tackle a topic every parent and coach has seen but few want to name: "Daddy Ball." What happens when playing time feels personal, trust starts to slip, and team culture takes a hit? More importantly — how can coaches lead with fairness and clarity, and how can parents respond without making things worse?This episode is about keeping competition healthy, kids confident, and the game fun — whether you're coaching Team USA or a Tuesday night rec team.

Chop shares about his new role as an Assistant Coach with the Rangers and the perspective it’s given him on development and patience in the game.We also talk about something youth sports desperately needs more of — learning how to find joy in other people’s success.And of course… the question every parent asks this time of year:Do you actually have to play travel ball? ⚾️

Every season brings pressure: for kids, coaches, and parents alike. In this episode of Talkin’ Shop, we dive into how to help young athletes overcome nerves and perform with confidence, how coaches can better understand and support neurodiverse players, and how to communicate clearly (and calmly) with the well-meaning but ever-present helicopter parent. Because great coaching isn’t just about skills and lineups, it’s about creating environments where every kid feels safe, seen, and able to grow. Practical advice, real stories, and tools you can use at your very next practice. ⚾🎙️

Just Chop & Ballgame today… choppin’ it up about the stuff that actually shapes athletes.We talk managing anxiety, keeping kids engaged when attention drifts, understanding the gap between feel vs. real, learning to fall in love with the grind, and how to respond when the game (or life) doesn’t go your way.Because coaching isn’t just teaching skills... it’s helping kids handle pressure, setbacks, and growth with confidence.These are the pillars that build ballplayers… and better humans🎙️⚾️

The Girls Lead in all things Coach Ballgame Inc. joins the show today to give her perspective on Girls Baseball and Softball! It's Coach Allie Gator!We answer your questions, and Coach Flikke has a MAJOR announcement.Want some discounts?Warstic: "Attaboy15"ThrowMo: "Attaboy"Sqairz: "Attaboy10"BANG!

Spring baseball and softball hit different. The games feel bigger, the emotions run hotter, and suddenly everything feels… intense.We talk about when postgame speeches help (and when they should probably be skipped), how to deal with the loud energy coming from the bleachers, and why spring ball so often feels like it’s already the playoffs. More importantly, we dig into how coaches and parents can slow things down, reset the tone, and keep kids playing free instead of tight.If your season already feels louder or heavier than it should, this episode is a good exhale.

This Talkin’ Shop episode hits the heart of youth sports culture.We start with real advice for umpires navigating unruly parents... how to hold the line, protect the game, and keep your humanity intact. Then we zoom out to a simple truth we can’t afford to forget: joy should be the most important thing at every age level, not stats, not rankings, not noise from the stands.We close with a reminder for coaches, parents, and officials alike: be you. Authentic leadership, calm confidence, and consistency matter more than volume or bravado.Call the game. Guard the joy. Lead as yourself. 🎙️⚾

This episode of Talkin’ Shop is for the people who keep youth sports running, often quietly, and often under pressure.We start with straight-up advice for Little League Presidents trying to balance parents, coaches, culture, and chaos. Then we talk to the parents on the fence about coaching... what matters more than experience, and why saying yes might change everything for your kid.We finish by spotlighting one of the most underrated roles in youth sports: the great Team Mom. What actually makes someone great in that role—and how support, organization, and tone can shape an entire season.Leadership. Courage. Culture.The stuff that actually builds better teams.

Coach Chop’s got a new MLB gig 👀 and we’re breaking down what that transition looks like behind the scenes. Then we dig into a youth-sports classic: LOUD grandparents in the bleachers—why it happens, how it impacts kids, and what coaches can (and can’t) control.To wrap it up, we get practical with simple, in-game icebreakers coaches can use to loosen things up, relieve pressure, and bring the joy back—without losing competitiveness.Real talk. Real tools. Culture over chaos.Pull up a bucket and let’s Talkin’ Shop. 🎙️⚾

Gratitude for the ones who keep the game fair, the pace moving, and the love of baseball alive ⚾️👏This episode of Coach Ballgame shines a light on umpires and the respect they deserve, featuring Jayden Lorenzo.Tune in for perspective, appreciation, and a powerful reminder of sportsmanship.

This week we talk about a taboo subject... your kid shouldn't ONLY be playing baseball. Why? Let's dive into it on episode 130 of the Talkin' Shop pod!

If you’ve ever felt like you had to “prove yourself” to a travel coach, this episode is for you. In Ep 129 of Talkin’ Shop, we flip the script, transforming your 2026 mindset.

What's the best Christmas Movie of all time??? The Coaches talk about it today. Merry Christmas!!

This one packed a bunch of punches into only 30 minutes. Ballgame gives Chop some rapid fire questions on "Things parents say during games." Things like "Elbow Up". "Throw Strikes!" "Bear Down." Chopper gives his response to what he would say in the same situations. Ballgame also unpacks his Sandlot in New Jersey (130 Kids) and his Play Ball event in NYC with MLB, while Chopper shares how he dealt with his team losing 15-1.Wanna Support the Podcast? Become a Patreon Member: www.patreon.com/chopandballgameIt's a great day to be great!

The boys love answering your questions. Today they dig into healthy ways of communication between Coaches and Parents.Wanna support the Podcast? www.patreon.com/chopandballgameWarstic Discount Code: Attaboy15Tanner Tees Discount Code: Attaboy

He's the most popular baseball influencer alive. Meet Coach Robert Anthony Cruz.

The boys are back and choppin it up!Ballgame's Online Coaching Course is LIVE and you can find it here: https://www.coachballgame.com/coach-b...BANG!

He's one of the best to ever play the game. They call him "The Machine." The numbers don't lie...3,301 Career Hits. 679 Home Runs. 2,150 Runs Batted In. 10 All Star Games, 2 World Series Championships, 3 MVP's, 6 Silver Sluggers, and he's still playing! We spend an hour with Albert talking about his upbringing in the DR, his Major League career, and his off the field endeavors. Of all those accolades, The Roberto Clemente Award is his most prized. He shares with us what questions he would have for Roberto if he could meet him. He also gives great advice for the young hitter. What's the difference between hitting in Little League, and High School? How was he able to hit for power, and put the ball in play so much? To close out the program, we discuss his foundation, the Pujols Family Foundation, which serves the Down Syndrome Community and underserved areas of the Dominican Republic. Chad Chop also challenges him to a Trivia Contest, which you definitely don't wanna miss. Thank you for all you are Albert Pujols. Enjoy, rate, review, and SHARE!

He's a 3x All Star, 2x World Series Champion, and Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer. Kevin Youkilis was the On Base Machine, and now he's coaching Youth Baseball. We talk Red Sox, parenting, coaching, and lots more! Enjoy one of our best episodes in a while!In this episode, Kevin Youkilis emphasizes the importance of supporting children in travel baseball, rather than pressuring them for wins, to foster a love for the game and prevent long-term injuries.HighlightsBalancing encouragement and restraint is crucial for young athletes.Yelling at kids during games can harm their development and enjoyment.Winning shouldn’t overshadow a child’s love for the game.Overuse injuries are a significant concern in youth baseball.Establishing positive communication among coaches can improve the atmosphere.

Let’s be honest — sometimes it’s not the kids who need a pep talk, it’s us adults.This week, we’re unpacking the real reasons parents feel anxious watching their kids play sports — and how that pressure trickles down to the field.We also tackle the classic conundrum:🏆 How do we teach commitment without handing out participation trophies?💪 How do we value fun and accountability?It’s part therapy session, part coaching clinic, and 100% truth.👉 Tune in for some hard questions, soft toss answers, and a reminder that the best coaching starts with keeping your cool.

We have LOTS of thoughts about last night's World Series Classic!!! Let's debrief...

We're back with another bonus episode going over the 2025 MLB Playoffs!

No scripts. No playbook. Just real talk about the stuff parents, coaches, and players actually wrestle with — from burnout to bad hops to balancing life outside the diamond.We took your toughest questions and lobbed back some honest (and occasionally ridiculous) answers. ⚾👉 Tune in if you like your advice with a side of sarcasm and your leadership with a dash of grace.

Life update + mailbag = pure chaos.Coach Ballgame, Chopper, and Flikke are back with a good ol’ fashioned Q&A — answering your questions, sharing house updates (yes, there were leaks), and probably getting distracted at least five times.Grab your coffee and come hang. ☕️⚾️🎧 “Talkin’ Life, Leaks, and Listener Questions” — out now wherever you get your pods.

Let's talk PLAYOFFS!!!

BONUS!! We're breaking down the MLB Playoffs 2025- let's talk about it!

After a jam-packed Sandlot September, the boys are back in the dugout with a fresh episode of Talkin’ Shop! They’re recapping the wild ride from the National Sandlot Tour and welcoming special guest Linda Flanagan, author of Take Back the Game, to talk about how to handle those toxic bleacher creatures with grace and grit.

This podcast episode discusses coaching challenges, work ethic, and fostering joy in sports, emphasizing the importance of character development alongside athletic skills.Highlights*The boys answer 10 questions from the fans.*Coaches share personal experiences while highlighting the joy of baseball for kids in Cambodia.*Strategies for dealing with youth athletes struggling with fundamentals and lack of effort are discussed.*Parents are encouraged to manage their children’s sports experiences, focusing on character over accolades.*The importance of resilience and the response to failure in sports and life is emphasized.*Creative solutions for practice amid weather-related challenges are shared to inspire fellow coaches.Wanna support the Pod? patreon.com/chopandballgame

We dig right into your questions. From Daddy Ball, to overcoming adversity, the conversation was juicy. Wanna support the Pod? www.patreon.com/chopandballgameBANG