The Youth Baseball Podcast

The Grand Slam Garage welcomes its very first guest! Gio and Coach Z are joined by Maddox, a 7-year-old ballplayer and teammate, for a fun conversation about baseball, snacks, walk-up songs, favorite positions, and life on the field.Maddox shares why he loves playing second base and pitcher, talks about hitting two doubles in one game, and remembers a big play he made at third. The boys also get into favorite snacks, MLB players, walk-up songs, and what makes a great teammate.But this episode is about more than baseball. Maddox shows what leadership looks like at a young age — being kind, checking on teammates, and helping others shake it off when the game gets tough. Gio and Coach Z also talk about winning with grace, losing with grace, and learning from every game.From backyard swings to shining stars, this episode is full of laughs, friendship, and youth baseball heart.

Welcome to The Grand Slam Garage — a new series from the Youth Baseball Podcast.For Episode 1, Coach Z sits down in the garage with his son, Gio Zaragoza, to talk about youth baseball from a dad, coach, and player perspective.They talk about Gio’s season with the Yankees, learning how to pitch, goals like making All-Stars, the importance of keeping baseball fun, controlling emotions, learning the strike zone, and what makes the game special at this age. It’s a simple, honest conversation about baseball, family, development, and the lessons kids learn along the way.From backyard swings to game-day moments, this series is all about celebrating the youth baseball journey — one conversation at a time.Keep dreamin’ big. Keep playin’ hard. Welcome to The Grand Slam Garage.#TheGrandSlamGarage #YouthBaseballPodcast #YouthBaseball #LittleLeagueBaseball #BaseballDad #BaseballCoach #CoachZ #BaseballFamily #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSports #KeepPlayingHard

Coach Camilo and I, Aaron Zaragoza, dive into the first few weeks of our Little League season! We chat about where the kids are at, how we're approaching coaching these new groups, and what we've learned along the way. Whether you're a fellow coach or a parent, tune in for insights and tips that could help you and your young athletes thrive this season! #LittleLeague #YouthSports #CoachingTips

In our latest Youth Sports Podcast episode, Coach Camilo Gutierrez shares why he has players train barefoot. 🦶 Discover how going shoeless can improve foot positioning, enhance explosive movements, and elevate your game. Coach Gutierrez dives deep into the mechanics and benefits of this unique training method. 🎧⚾ #YouthSports #BaseballTraining #CoachTips

In this episode of the Youth Baseball Podcast, we sit down with Sacramento City College pitching coach Deskaheh Bomberry for a deep dive into the art of pitching, player development, and what it really takes to compete at the next level.Coach Bomberry shares his coaching philosophy, the key traits he looks for in young pitchers, and how athletes can set themselves apart in today’s game. From mechanics to mindset, recruiting realities to building confidence on the mound, this conversation is packed with insight for players, parents, and coaches.Whether you’re raising the next ace or coaching your own squad, you’ll walk away with practical takeaways and a better understanding of what it means to grow as a pitcher.Tune in and level up your game.

In this episode of The Youth Baseball Podcast, we sit down with Coach Charlie Zamora, co-founder of Warriorz Health & Fitness in Elk Grove, California — a place built to transform lives physically, mentally, and spiritually.From helping athletes reach peak performance to teaching lifelong wellness habits, Charlie discusses what it means to truly build strength that lasts both on and off the field.We dive into his coaching philosophy, the importance of discipline, and how building a supportive “family” environment can inspire the next generation of athletes.Tune in to hear how Warriorz continues to shape lives and why their mission goes far beyond the gym.#YouthBaseballPodcast #WarriorzHealthAndFitness #CoachZamora #ElkGrove #YouthSports #BaseballCommunity #MindBodySpirit #AthleteDevelopment

In Part 2 of our conversation with Sac City College Head Coach Derek Sullivan, we dive deeper into the journey beyond high school baseball. Coach Sullivan shares what it takes to compete at the college level, the role Sac City plays in preparing players for success, and why the JUCO path can be a game-changer. We also explore the growing importance of technology and video highlights in player development and recruiting, and how keeping the game fun at every stage is key to long-term growth. Whether you’re a player aiming for the next level or a parent supporting the journey, this episode is packed with insight, perspective, and inspiration.

In this episode of the Youth Baseball Podcast, we sit down with Sac City College Head Coach Derek Sullivan to dive into what makes the Panthers program so impactful. Coach Sullivan shares his insights on building a winning culture, developing players on and off the field, and the lessons he’s learned guiding one of the most respected JUCO programs in the country. From coaching philosophies to player development and the importance of growth beyond baseball, this conversation is packed with value for players, parents, and coaches at every level.

This week on the podcast, we sit down with Coach Josh Hess—founder of Wheelhouse Batting Cages and a lifelong athlete whose journey from Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania to California has shaped a mission to grow the game of baseball from the ground up.Josh shares why he chose to make coaching his life’s work and how his coaching philosophy was built on discipline, preparation, and helping players discover their potential beyond the stat sheet.We dive into some of the real challenges coaches face in today’s youth sports landscape, from the pressure of constant competition to the struggle of balancing tournament schedules with meaningful practice and development.Josh also offers his perspective on why a steady, fundamentals-focused approach still matters in an era obsessed with highlight reels—and how creating Wheelhouse has given athletes of all ages a place to train, grow, and fall in love with the game.Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player, you’ll take away insights on building character, navigating the ups and downs of youth baseball, and staying true to the values that matter most.

In this episode of the Youth Baseball Podcast, we’re joined by Joseanna and Kim Lim, who share their journey as a family in the world of youth baseball. From early beginnings to where they are now, they talk about what the game has meant to them, how it’s shaped their experience as parents, and the ways baseball has brought their family closer together.They also offer great insight for families looking to navigate a similar path—or for those simply seeking inspiration for what may lie ahead. Their story is one many can relate to—full of dedication, growth, and a deep love for the game.

We had the pleasure of hosting Jalal Leach—former MLB outfielder and founder of Leachy Elite Training—on the latest episode of The Youth Baseball Podcast.Jalal reflects on his journey from the big leagues, including what it was like playing alongside Barry Bonds, and shares what he used to look for as a professional scout. Now focused on training the next generation of athletes, he offers powerful insight into what it takes to succeed both on and off the field.Don’t miss this inspiring conversation packed with wisdom for players, coaches, and parents!

In this episode of The Youth Baseball Coach Podcast, we sit down with Todd G. Sullivan, a Sacramento-based pitching coach with over 45 years of experience developing young athletes. Todd shares how he got started in coaching and the passion that continues to fuel his work with youth baseball today.He reflects on the powerful mentorship he received from legends like Dusty Baker, which helped shape his coaching philosophy and commitment to the game. Todd also discusses his involvement in preserving the legacy of the Negro Leagues and how that history continues to inspire the work he does with the next generation.Tune in for an inspiring conversation about mentorship, legacy, and leading with purpose—on and off the field.

In this episode, we sit down with Jonathan Torrente, a dedicated youth baseball coach and community leader from West Sacramento. As the JV Head Coach at River City High School and Regional Director for Delta Valley Youth Baseball, Jonathan brings a wealth of experience and insight to the table.We talk about his journey into coaching, what drives his passion for mentoring young athletes, and how he balances skill development with character building. Jonathan also shares his experiences with the Samurais Baseball Club and how competitive travel ball can shape a player’s growth both on and off the field.Tune in to hear how Jonathan is shaping the future of baseball—one player at a time.Don’t miss this inspiring conversation about leadership, discipline, and the love of the game.#YouthBaseballPodcast #CoachingWithPurpose #BaseballMentorship #JonathanTorrente #TeamDevelopment #RiverCityBaseball #DeltaValleyBaseball #SamuraisBaseball #YFNY

We’re trying something new — a roundtable with 3 dads, 3 coaches, and 3 men of God connected over video chat, opening up about what we’re going through in youth baseball, how we’re growing personally, and how that translates into how we show up for our kids and the players we coach. We're calling it "Between the Lines: Growing Ourselves to Grow the Kids"I sat down with Daniel Robertson and Camilo Gutierrez for a real, honest, and powerful conversation that left me fulfilled and inspired — and we hope it does the same for you.Most episodes will feature interviews with former MLB players, college athletes, coaches, and athletic directors… but between those, we’ll be sharing more of these 3-man check-ins to reflect, reconnect, and hopefully bring value to families navigating youth baseball.Tap in. Listen. Share. Let’s grow together. 🙌⚾️#YouthBaseballPodcast #BaseballDads #FaithAndBaseball #YouthSports

We sat down with former MLB standout Fernando Viña for an incredible episode of The Youth Baseball Podcast! ⚾🔥From growing up in Sacramento in a Cuban baseball family to grinding his way through college ball and making it to the big leagues, Fernando shares his journey, the lessons he learned, and how he’s now giving back as a coach.We dive into:✅ His youth baseball experience in Sacramento✅ The influence of his Cuban roots on his game✅ His path from college to the MLB✅ Life in the big leagues and key takeaways✅ His passion for coaching the next generationIf you love baseball and want insight from someone who's been through it all, you don’t want to miss this one! 🎙️⚾#YouthBaseballPodcast #FernandoViña #BaseballLife #MLB #BaseballDevelopment #SacramentoBaseball #CubanBaseball #BaseballCoach #TrainLikeAPro

Join us for an exciting episode as we sit down with Katie Cleary, President of Pocket Little League, to dive into the details of the upcoming season! From new league updates to plans for player development and fostering community spirit, Katie shares her vision and enthusiasm for what lies ahead. Whether you're a player, parent, or fan of Little League baseball, you won’t want to miss this sneak peek into an incredible season of growth, teamwork, and fun!

In this episode, Camilo Gutierrez shares his personal journey from being the smallest player on every team to becoming a dedicated baseball and strength coach. Camilo dives deep into what it takes to develop a true love for the game, focusing on the importance of embracing the process—both on and off the field. From skill development to mental toughness, listeners will learn how passion and discipline can shape a player's career and drive them toward success at any level. Whether you’re a young athlete or a coach, this episode is packed with insights on mastering both the game and the grind.