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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!
Episodes & Posts
Episodes
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Transcribed
3 NOV 2026 · NSIDE THE HITTING ZONE: HITTING WITH COLE CHAMBERS
We're taking The Hitting Zone out of the podcast studio and into the batting cages!
This week, Mitch Thomas heads to The Hitting Zone facility for a special on-location episode featuring Cole Chambers, a high school senior and University of Oklahoma baseball commit.
But this isn't your typical podcast conversation.
Mitch and Cole are talking hitting while actually hitting!
From tee work and individual drills to swing direction, timing, approach, and the mental side of the game, Cole walks viewers through the work that has helped shape him into the hitter he is today.
Mitch first worked with Cole when he was around 14 years old. At the time, confidence and developing a more aggressive hitting mindset were major parts of their work together.
Now, years later, they're back in the cage looking at how Cole's swing, training habits, and understanding of the game have evolved.
Cole explains why every repetition needs a purpose, how he builds his hitting routine, and why quality swings matter more than simply taking more swings.
He also shares the mental shift that changed how he evaluates his performance.
Instead of judging every game by the box score, Cole now focuses on whether he executed his approach at the plate.
And with his commitment to Oklahoma already in place, Cole talks about why his work is far from finished and how his goals continue to motivate him.
IN THIS EPISODE:
⚾ An inside look at Cole Chambers' batting-practice routine
⚾ Building confidence and developing a damage mindset
⚾ Why intentional repetitions matter
⚾ Tee work, single-hand drills, and swing direction
⚾ Creating rhythm, timing, and better movement patterns
⚾ Training to hit the ball up the middle
⚾ Understanding contact depth and adjustability
⚾ The difference between a good approach and a good result
⚾ How Cole handles failure and difficult at-bats
⚾ His commitment to Oklahoma and future baseball goals
⚾ The importance of relationships between players, parents, and coaches
This special episode offers a different perspective on player development.
Instead of just hearing coaches discuss hitting philosophies, you'll get to watch a talented young hitter demonstrate his routine and explain what he's trying to accomplish with every swing.
Whether you're a young player looking to improve, a parent trying to understand the development process, or a coach looking for insight into how athletes think about hitting, there's plenty to take away from this session.
Step inside The Hitting Zone and let's get to work!
FOLLOW MITCH THOMAS | THE HITTING ZONE
Instagram: @_mtsperformance
X: @TheHittingZoneSTL
TikTok: @thehittingzonestl
⭐ JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE
Clubhouse members get early access to new episodes before their public 3 PM releases, exclusive content, and exclusive discounts.
Join the Clubhouse through our YouTube channel:
https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
👕 SHOP YBM MERCH
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THE HITTING ZONE IS PRESENTED BY KILO GEAR
Train smarter. Perform stronger.
Visit https://www.youthbaseballmidwest.com, click the Kilo Gear tab, and use promo code YBM10 for 10% off.
YBM Partner: Game 7 Baseball
#TheHittingZone #YBM #ColeChambers #OklahomaBaseball #HittingDevelopment #YouthBaseball ⚾ 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
Transcribed
31 OCT 2026 · Are you REALLY ready for high school baseball? ⚾
At 13U and 14U, youth baseball development takes on a whole new meaning. It's no longer just about learning the game or finding your favorite position. It's about preparing for the next level, understanding what coaches expect and developing the baseball IQ needed to compete for a high school roster spot.
Dan Seddon and Brian French return for the final installment of their Youth Baseball Talk development series, taking the conversation into the critical 13U–14U years.
After discussing the importance of fundamentals at 8U–10U and exploration at 11U–12U, Dan and Brian examine what players, parents and coaches should be focusing on as high school baseball approaches.
Are players attending their future high school's camps? Do they understand the competition they'll face for positions? Can they execute bunt coverages, cuts and relays without a coach directing every move?
And perhaps most importantly, are youth coaches preparing players for the game they'll be playing in high school, or simply preparing them for the next weekend tournament?
The conversation also explores the reality of competing at the college level, why position flexibility matters, the value of repetition and classroom instruction, and how developing baseball IQ can separate players as they move forward.
The goal isn't simply to win another youth tournament. It's to give young athletes the tools, knowledge and confidence to succeed at the next level.
IN THIS EPISODE:
⚾ Transitioning from 12U to 13U–14U baseball
⚾ Preparing for high school tryouts and roster competition
⚾ Why high school baseball camps matter
⚾ Understanding your position and potential opportunities
⚾ The importance of cuts, relays and bunt coverages
⚾ Building baseball IQ through repetition
⚾ Teaching players to anticipate every pitch
⚾ Why classroom instruction and film review can help
⚾ The realities of college baseball opportunities
⚾ What youth coaches should prioritize before high school
Youth Baseball Talk is part of Youth Baseball Midwest, dedicated to conversations surrounding player development, coaching, parents, travel baseball and the 8U–14U youth baseball experience.
⚾ POWERED BY GAME 7 BASEBALL
The spring and summer tournament schedule is available now!
Get your team ready for another season with Game 7 Baseball.
View tournaments and register: https://game7baseball.com/
🏆 SUPER 7 SERIES
The Super 7 14U Invitational returns for its third year in Warrenton, Missouri! Stay connected with Youth Baseball Midwest for more information about the event and what's coming this season.
🏠 JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE
Want to watch new episodes before everyone else?
Become a YouTube member of the YBM Clubhouse for early access to podcast episodes before their public 3 PM release, exclusive content and exclusive discounts.
Join here:
https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
👕 REPRESENT YBM
Shop official Youth Baseball Midwest merchandise: https://gorgeousware.com/collections/youth-baseball-midwest
📲 FOLLOW DAN SEDDON
Instagram: @dontdoubtD
X: @dseddy_14
Subscribe and turn on notifications for more conversations about youth baseball development, coaching and the future of the game.
#YouthBaseballTalk #YouthBaseballMidwest #YouthBaseball #TravelBaseball #BaseballDevelopment ⚾ 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
Transcribed
30 OCT 2026 · Not every road to professional baseball looks the same, and Aaron Maragni's journey is proof that finding your place in the game can take persistence, sacrifice, and a passion that refuses to quit.
On this episode of So-ILL Baseball Talk, host Carl Lange welcomes Marion, Illinois native Aaron Maragni, a Carpenter Complex Bullpen Catcher with the Philadelphia Phillies, to share his journey from Southern Illinois baseball to working inside a Major League organization.
Aaron's story started at Marion High School, where he developed a love for catching even when opportunities to play were limited. That passion carried him to John A. Logan College, where he began catching bullpens for pitchers throwing in the mid-to-upper 90s, learning through experience and earning his way onto the team.
His baseball journey continued through Kishwaukee College, Brewton-Parker College, and Williams Baptist University, with plenty of setbacks, unexpected opportunities, and lessons along the way.
But Aaron had a different goal than most college players. He wanted to build a career in professional baseball as a bullpen catcher.
After years of sending emails, pursuing opportunities with professional organizations, and working other jobs while continuing to develop his craft, Aaron finally earned an opportunity with the Philadelphia Phillies.
Carl and Aaron discuss:
⚾ Growing up around baseball in Southern Illinois
⚾ Learning the catching position and developing confidence
⚾ Making the most of limited playing opportunities
⚾ The importance of hard work, persistence, and relationships
⚾ The path from college baseball to professional baseball
⚾ What it takes to pursue a career behind the plate
It's a reminder that success in baseball isn't always measured by playing time, batting average, or where you appear on a roster. Sometimes it's about finding what you love and refusing to give up on it.
FOLLOW AARON MARAGNI
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stick.it.elitecatching/
JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE
Become a YouTube channel member for early access to new episodes, exclusive content, and exclusive discounts!
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YBM MERCHANDISE
https://gorgeousware.com/collections/youth-baseball-midwest
YBM PARTNER — KILO GEAR
Explore Kilo Gear through the Kilo Gear tab at youthbaseballmidwest.com and use promo code YBM10.
New episodes of So-ILL Baseball Talk every Friday on Youth Baseball Midwest!
#SoILLBaseballTalk #AaronMaragni #PhiladelphiaPhillies #SouthernIllinoisBaseball #YouthBaseballMidwest ⚾ 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
Transcribed
30 OCT 2026 · Who are the players to watch heading into the upcoming Missouri high school baseball season? ⚾
Show Me Baseball Talk is all about Missouri youth and high school baseball, and today we welcome Andrew Schwab, Regional Director of Premier Pitching Performance, into the studio!
Andrew works with players from a variety of high schools throughout the St. Louis metro and South County areas, giving him a firsthand look at athletes who are putting in the work to prepare for the upcoming spring season.
With that in mind, we invited Coach Schwab to join host Brian French for a conversation about seven players who we believe have the potential to make an impact for their respective schools.
These are athletes preparing for their next opportunity, and some of their programs could be positioned to make another run at a district championship.
What makes these players worth watching? How could their development translate into success this spring? And which programs might benefit from their contributions?
Hang around as Brian and Andrew discuss seven players, their potential, and what could be ahead for Missouri high school baseball in the spring!
🎙️ SHOW ME BASEBALL TALK
Host: Brian French
Guest: Andrew Schwab
Regional Director | Premier Pitching Performance
⚾ CONNECT WITH PREMIER PITCHING PERFORMANCE
Instagram: @premierpitching
X: @PremierPitching
💪 YBM PARTNER — KILO GEAR
Take your training to the next level with Kilo Gear's micro-loading system.
Visit https://www.youthbaseballmidwest.com/ and click the Kilo Gear tab.
Use promo code YBM10 for 10% off your order!
🏠 JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE
Want to watch new episodes before their public release?
Become a YBM Clubhouse member through our YouTube channel!
Membership benefits include:
⚾ Early access to new episodes before the public 3 PM release
🎥 Exclusive content and members-only programming
🏷️ Exclusive discounts
Visit https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest and click JOIN!
🛒 SHOP YBM MERCHANDISE
Represent Youth Baseball Midwest!
https://gorgeousware.com/collections/youth-baseball-midwest
Subscribe for Missouri high school baseball coverage, player spotlights, rankings, coaching conversations, and more!
#YouthBaseballMidwest #ShowMeBaseballTalk #PremierPitching #MissouriHighSchoolBaseball #PlayersToWatch ⚾ 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
Transcribed
28 OCT 2026 · Catching is one of the most demanding positions in baseball, but are young players learning the fundamentals needed to succeed behind the plate?
On this episode of Baseball 101, Diamond Dave Wiggins welcomes Andrew Keck of AK12 Sports Group to discuss catching development, receiving, blocking, pitch framing, and the evolution of the position.
A former Vianney and Southeast Missouri State standout who went on to play professionally in the Atlanta Braves organization, Andrew shares how his playing experience shapes his approach to training today's athletes. Dave and Andrew explore the debate around one-knee catching, why receiving should be a priority, and how catchers can improve their athleticism, technique, and understanding of the game.
They also discuss why young catchers need more opportunities to call pitches, make decisions, and learn the responsibilities that come with managing a game.
It's a conversation for catchers, coaches, and parents who want to better understand what it takes to develop the complete player behind the plate.
⚾ BASEBALL 101
Master the Basics. Own the Diamond.
📲 FOLLOW ANDREW KECK / AK12 SPORTS GROUP
Instagram: @keckacademy
Website: https://ak12sportsgroup.com
📲 FOLLOW DAVE WIGGINS
Instagram: @coachdave1338
X: @CoachDW1338
💪 PRESENTED BY KILOGEAR
Train smarter. Perform stronger.
Visit https://www.youthbaseballmidwest.com and click the KiloGear tab.
Use promo code YBM10 to save 10% on your purchase.
🏠 JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE
Early access to new episodes, exclusive content, and exclusive discounts.
https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
🛒 SHOP YBM MERCH
https://gorgeousware.com/collections/youth-baseball-midwest
#Baseball101 #YouthBaseballMidwest #CatchingDevelopment #BaseballTraining #AK12SportsGroup ⚾ 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
Transcribed
27 OCT 2026 · INSIDE ADIDAS ATHLETICS: GROWTH, DEVELOPMENT & TOUGH QUESTIONS
What does it take to build one of Missouri's largest club baseball organizations, and how do you make sure every player has an opportunity to succeed?
On this episode of The Hitting Zone, host Mitch Thomas welcomes Nick Herrin, president of Adidas Athletics, for an open conversation about the business of youth baseball, the challenges of running a large organization, and the responsibilities that come with developing hundreds of athletes.
Mitch has been outspoken about his criticisms of large club baseball organizations, including Adidas Athletics. But rather than continue that conversation from opposite sides of social media, he invited Nick into the studio to hear his perspective firsthand.
Nick shares how the organization grew from a single Kirkwood-area team into a multi-region baseball program, with teams and training resources across Missouri and surrounding areas.
The conversation explores what happens when a club grows beyond a handful of teams. How can coaches build meaningful relationships with players across the entire organization? How does the athlete on a lower-ranked team receive the same opportunities to improve as someone on the top roster? And at what point does an organization become too large to deliver on its promises?
Nick explains the role of full-time coaching staff, small-group instruction, regional training opportunities, and recruiting support in the Adidas Athletics approach.
Mitch also addresses a question he's heard from players and families: Do certain athletes get to play for free?
Nick responds directly, discussing the organization's approach to financial assistance, player commitment, and the expectations placed on athletes regardless of their roster.
IN THIS EPISODE:
⚾ How Adidas Athletics grew from one team into a large regional organization
⚾ Nick's background in baseball and coaching
⚾ Managing growth while maintaining player relationships
⚾ Development opportunities across different roster levels
⚾ Small-group training versus traditional team practices
⚾ The role of full-time coaches and recruiting coordinators
⚾ Helping athletes pursue their individual baseball goals
⚾ The challenge of balancing national exposure with local development
⚾ Questions about player fees, discounts, and financial assistance
⚾ Accountability, commitment, and expectations within club baseball
This isn't about agreeing on every issue.
It's about having conversations that help coaches, parents, and players better understand the decisions being made throughout youth baseball.
Mitch brings the questions. Nick brings his perspective.
And together, they open the door to a conversation about what families should expect from the organizations they trust with their athletes.
Step inside The Hitting Zone.
FOLLOW ADIDAS ATHLETICS
X: @AdidasAsBSB
Instagram: @adidasasmedia
https://www.instagram.com/adidasasmedia/
FOLLOW MITCH THOMAS | THE HITTING ZONE
Instagram: @_mtsperformance
X: @TheHittingZoneSTL
TikTok: @thehittingzonestl ⚾ 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
Transcribed
26 OCT 2026 · Baseball is a game. But behind the scenes, it's also a business — and that business is changing the opportunities available to players at every level.
In Part 2 of The Business of Baseball, Brett Graves continues his solo discussion on Keep Klimbing, shifting the focus from the youth baseball industry to the financial and organizational realities of college and professional baseball.
From Major League Baseball's collective bargaining negotiations to the growing influence of NIL, revenue sharing, and the transfer portal, Brett explores how decisions made at the highest levels of the game are reshaping recruiting, player development, and the opportunities available to younger athletes.
As more money enters college baseball, the expectations placed on players are changing. Larger financial commitments can bring greater opportunities, but they can also create increased pressure to perform, shorter windows to prove yourself, and difficult decisions about long-term development versus immediate success.
Brett draws from his own professional baseball experience to examine how organizations balance financial investments, roster decisions, and player development — and why the best business decision for an organization isn't always the best decision for an individual player.
In this episode, Brett discusses:
- How MLB's business structure influences the rest of baseball
- NIL, revenue sharing, and the transfer portal's impact on college recruiting
- Why financial investment can influence playing opportunities and roster decisions
- The importance of evaluating long-term development alongside immediate opportunities
Getting the opportunity is one thing. What you do with it once you get there is what matters.
For players and families navigating today's recruiting landscape, understanding the business behind baseball is becoming just as important as understanding the game itself.
Whether you're pursuing college baseball, evaluating recruiting opportunities, or simply trying to understand where the sport is headed, this episode offers a perspective on the decisions happening beyond the field.
Connect with Brett Graves
Instagram: @brettgraves5
X: @bgraves05
Premier Pitching & Performance
Instagram: @premierpitching
X: @PremierPitching
Join the YBM Clubhouse
Become a YBM Clubhouse member through our YouTube channel for early access to new podcast episodes before their public release, exclusive content, and exclusive discounts!
https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
YBM Partners & Merchandise
Kilogear — Visit the Kilo Gear tab on the YBM website and use promo code YBM10.
YBM Merchandise:
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🔔 Subscribe to Youth Baseball Midwest — the most comprehensive youth baseball talk in the Midwest. Hit that dinger 🔔 to stay locked in on every episode, livestream, and highlight!
#KeepKlimbing #TheBusinessOfBaseball #CollegeBaseball #NIL #YBMcast ⚾ 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
Transcribed
24 OCT 2026 · Welcome to the SERIES PREMIERE of Legion Baseball Talk, the newest podcast on Youth Baseball Midwest!
In our inaugural episode, co-hosts Aidan McFarland and Kevin Cooney of Manchester Post 208 Baseball welcome Mike Beasley, former Post Commander and current President of Baseball Operations at Manchester's Walter LePere Post 208.
What exactly is American Legion Baseball, and where does it fit in today's competitive baseball landscape?
Together, the guys introduce the mission behind Legion Baseball Talk and explore what makes American Legion Baseball different from traditional travel and club baseball. From its century-long history and connection to America's veterans to the importance of affordability, community service, and player development, this conversation goes beyond the diamond.
Mike shares his experiences with the American Legion, the importance of connecting baseball programs with their sponsoring posts, and why developing good citizens is just as important as developing good baseball players.
Aidan and Kevin also discuss their experiences as young coaches, the growing competitiveness of Legion Baseball, opportunities for college baseball exposure, and why more families should consider Legion Baseball when choosing a program.
This is just the beginning! Legion Baseball Talk is here to share the stories, people, programs, and traditions that make American Legion Baseball a special part of the game.
⚾ IN THIS EPISODE:
• Meet co-hosts Aidan McFarland and Kevin Cooney
• Introducing Mike Beasley and Manchester Post 208
• The history and mission of the American Legion
• What makes Legion Baseball different?
• Community service, veterans, and servant leadership
• Affordability and opportunities for young athletes
• College recruiting and the changing competitive landscape
• Why Legion Baseball deserves another look
⚾ MANCHESTER POST 208 BASEBALL
Website: https://www.post208baseball.org/home
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/manchester208baseball/
X: https://x.com/Post208Baseball
🇺🇸 MISSOURI AMERICAN LEGION BASEBALL
Website: https://www.missouriamericanlegionbaseball.org/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/molegionbaseball/
X: https://x.com/MOLegionBall
🏠 JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE!
Become a member of the YBM Clubhouse right here on YouTube for early access to new episodes before their public release, exclusive content, and member-only discounts!
Join through our YouTube channel:
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Subscribe to Youth Baseball Midwest for more conversations about the players, coaches, programs, and communities shaping baseball across the Midwest!
#LegionBaseballTalk #AmericanLegionBaseball #YouthBaseballMidwest #MissouriLegionBaseball #ManchesterPost208 ⚾ 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
Transcribed
23 OCT 2026 · What makes a good pitcher? Is it velocity, command, development, or understanding how to compete on the mound?
On this episode of So-ILL Baseball Talk, host Carl Lange welcomes Patrick Morey, Pitching Coach at John A. Logan College, for a conversation about what it really takes to develop pitchers from the youth level through college baseball.
With a decade of experience at John A. Logan, Coach Morey shares his perspective on the progression of young athletes, why pitching development is never a straight line, and how the fundamentals of playing catch and throwing strikes remain essential regardless of how hard a player throws.
Carl and Patrick discuss the difference between being able to pitch and becoming a pitcher, how high school athletes begin identifying their strengths, and why college programs value athleticism, physical development, and a player's ability to execute.
They also explore the role of multi-sport participation, offseason strength training, throwing shutdowns, recovery, and the growing influence of professional pitchers sharing their training and game preparation with the next generation.
Whether you're a young pitcher, parent, coach, or baseball fan, this conversation offers a valuable look at the development process and the importance of building a complete athlete rather than chasing a number on the radar gun.
Follow Patrick Morey:
X: https://x.com/jpatrickmorey
Follow John A. Logan Baseball:
X: https://x.com/LoganVolsBsbl
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/LoganVolsBsbl/
JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE!
Become a member of Youth Baseball Midwest on YouTube for early access to new episodes before their public 3 PM release, exclusive content, and exclusive discounts.
https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
YBM Merchandise:
https://gorgeousware.com/collections/youth-baseball-midwest
New episodes of So-ILL Baseball Talk every Friday on Youth Baseball Midwest!
#SoILLBaseballTalk #JohnALoganBaseball #PitchingDevelopment #YouthBaseballMidwest #CollegeBaseball ⚾ 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
Transcribed
22 OCT 2026 · Today we're having a little fun inside the Red Earth Production Studios!
On this edition of Show Me Baseball Talk, Brian French is breaking down our Top 10 most original and interesting high school mascot names from across the state of Missouri!
From some of the smallest schools to some of the largest, size doesn't matter when it comes to making our list. Missouri is home to some truly unique school mascots, and we're taking a closer look at the names that have set these schools apart.
But we're not just counting them down!
We'll explore the stories behind several of these mascots, how their names came to be, and the traditions that have carried them through generations of Missouri high school sports.
And joining Brian for a little fun is a familiar name from behind the scenes! YBM Production Manager Drew Clutts lends his voice to the countdown as we reveal our picks and share a few laughs along the way.
Now we want to hear from YOU!
Did we get our Top 10 right? Which Missouri high school mascot deserves the number one spot? And did we leave a school off the list?
Be sure to check out our YouTube Community poll and share your own rankings and thoughts in the comments!
⚾ SHOW ME BASEBALL TALK
Hosted by Brian French Featuring Drew Clutts | Production Manager, YBM & Red Earth Productions
💪 PRESENTED BY KILO GEAR
Take your training to the next level with Kilo Gear's micro-loading system!
Visit https://www.youthbaseballmidwest.com/ and click the Kilo Gear tab.
Use promo code YBM10 for 10% off your order!
🏠 JOIN THE YBM CLUBHOUSE
Become a YouTube channel member and enjoy early access to new episodes before their public 3 PM release, exclusive content, and exclusive discounts!
Visit our YouTube channel and click JOIN: https://www.youtube.com/@YouthBaseballMidwest
🛒 SHOP YBM MERCHANDISE
Represent Youth Baseball Midwest with our latest merchandise! https://gorgeousware.com/collections/youth-baseball-midwest
Subscribe to Youth Baseball Midwest for more Missouri high school baseball coverage, rankings, player spotlights, coaching conversations, and stories from around the state!
#YouthBaseballMidwest #ShowMeBaseballTalk #MissouriHighSchools #SchoolMascots #MissouriSports ⚾ 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...
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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!
Information
| Author | YBMcast |
| Organization | Brian French |
| Categories | Baseball |
| Website | www.youthbaseballmidwest.com |
| brian@redearthprod.com |
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