Chasing Baseball Dreams

Bobby Minor
  • 5.0 (6)
  • Parenting

You're spending thousands a year on travel baseball. A better team. A bigger showcase. More lessons. A higher ranking. And you still have no way to know if any of it is actually working. ⠀ That's not an accident. That's the machine. ⠀ Chasing Baseball Dreams is the only baseball parent podcast hosted by someone with no financial stake in where your money goes. I don't run a travel team. I don't sell lessons. I don't coach for an org. I have no reason to steer you in the wrong direction. I'm Bobby Minor... former Division 1 player, 35+ years coaching select baseball and high school, former travel organization director, over 1,000 college recruiting assessments, and a college baseball dad who almost lost 2 sons to this game for 2 very different reasons, with one currently playing college baseball. ⠀ Every episode, I sit down with former Major League players, college coaches, scouts, and baseball dads who've lived through the same grind you're in right now. People who've been inside this industry long enough to tell you the truth about how it actually works. ⠀ Here's what you can expect. ⠀ Real conversations about what actually matters at each age from 8U to signing day. The questions you should be asking before you commit to a team, a coach, or a showcase. The stuff the industry doesn't want you to hear, from people who've been inside it long enough to say it out loud. And the truth about recruiting, development, and where your money is actually going. ⠀ No hype. No recruiting promises. No "get your son seen" nonsense. Just the one voice in this space with full-stack credibility and no financial tie to the machine that's taking your money. ⠀ New episodes weekly. Follow @chasingbaseballdreams on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for daily content between episodes.

  1. 3h ago

    Episode #25 Coach Ferber | What Baseball Parents Get Wrong About Travel Ball, Rankings & Development

    Are baseball parents spending thousands of dollars on travel teams, national rankings, and private lessons without knowing whether any of it is actually helping their son? Coach Jason Ferber, better known as Coach Ferber on Instagram, joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast for a conversation every travel baseball parent needs to hear. A former San Diego Padres scout who has worked with some of the country's top young baseball players, Coach Ferber shares what he's learned about player development, youth baseball rankings, recruiting, and the decisions parents face as their sons grow in the game. We get into why he thinks cutting 6U and 7U players is ridiculous, what parents should investigate before joining an expensive national team, and why locking a 9-year-old into one position can hurt his long-term development. He also shares the story of an overlooked young player who became one of the country's top prospects, explains what separates a good hitting instructor from someone who's just selling a swing philosophy, and gives parents practical advice on finding the right coach. And when it comes to college recruiting, Coach Ferber explains why he'd start with local college programs before spending thousands chasing exposure across the country. In this episode: Why early baseball rankings tell you very little about a player's futureThe problem with national travel teams for 8U, 9U, and 10U playersWhat to ask a travel baseball coach before committingWhy young players need multiple positions and other sportsHow to recognize a coach who's developing playersRed flags to watch for with private hitting instructorsWhat college coaches actually evaluate during recruitingWhen a player needs more exposure and when he needs to improveWhat Coach Ferber would prioritize for his own 10-year-old sonEpisode Chapters 00:00 Meet Coach Jason Ferber 02:10 Why you can't predict a player's future at 12U 07:09 The danger of playing only one position 12:08 National teams for 8U and 9U players 14:04 What young players lose without pickup games 16:24 Coach Ferber's take on cutting 6U and 7U players 18:38 Why parents need to investigate travel coaches 22:01 Questions to ask before joining a national team 25:17 Do young players really need national exposure? 29:27 Why youth baseball rankings mean so little 33:59 What parents should focus on instead of rankings 35:38 The story of an overlooked top prospect 37:43 Winning tournaments versus developing players 40:17 What good coaches should teach during games 44:26 How to evaluate a private hitting instructor 49:46 The question to ask before paying for lessons 52:43 Why talented players still need tough coaching 53:59 Tough coaching versus tearing players down 57:16 College recruiting: When showcases aren't working 1:00:07 Why recruiting should start close to home 1:02:38 Where he'd spend money on a talented 10-year-old 1:07:07 The biggest mistake well-intentioned parents make 1:11:07 Bobby's experience with his son Julian 1:12:21 Where to follow Coach Ferber Follow Coach Ferber: Instagram: @coachferber Follow Chasing Baseball Dreams: Instagram: @chasingbaseballdreams If you're a baseball parent trying to make the best decisions for your son, subscribe to the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast for conversations with experienced coaches, former Major Leaguers, and people who know what it takes to develop baseball players. #TravelBaseball #YouthBaseball #BaseballParents #PlayerDevelopment #CoachFerber

  2. 5h ago

    Episode #24 No. 1 in Texas | What Landon Bonner’s Dad Would Do Differently

    Landon Bonner is committed to the University of Oklahoma and ranked No. 1 overall in Texas and No. 11 nationally by Perfect Game for the 2028 class. His dad, Marcus, will still tell you they spent money chasing exposure before Landon needed it. Some of that money would’ve been better spent helping him get better.    In this episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, Marcus and I talk about what he’d do differently if Landon were 10 again. We also get into the college decision. Oklahoma wasn’t initially in Landon’s top five, and Marcus explains what the coaches showed their family that set OU apart from the other schools they spoke with.   In this episode we cover:  - The money Marcus would rethink spending on showcases and exposure at 10, 11, and 12.   - What made hitting instruction worth paying for, and why going to another lesson wasn’t always the answer.   - When they started focusing on recruiting and how much Marcus thinks Perfect Game rankings factored into the interest Landon received.   - Why the Bonners looked back five years to see how many freshmen each program actually played.   - How NIL factored into the decision without becoming more important than an opportunity to get on the field.- The two years of Landon’s ABs Oklahoma’s coaches broke down and the development plan they laid out for him.   - What Marcus would change about the car ride home after a bad game, and how he learned to let Landon come to him.  Before you follow another family’s recruiting plan, hear what this family would change about its own.  🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor   ⚾ Guest: Marcus Bonner, father of Oklahoma commit Landon Bonner   🎧 Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast  Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms. Subscribe for more conversations about the decisions you’re making for your son.   #ChasingBaseballDreams #BaseballParents #CollegeBaseballRecruiting #TravelBaseball #LandonBonner

  3. 2d ago

    Episode #23 Team Moms | Joey & Trina Taylor Respond to the Backlash

    Episode description   Joey and Trina Taylor have an answer for people who watched 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐬 and decided they weren’t real baseball parents. The couple joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast to talk about the criticism and the years at the ballpark that came before reality TV. They also explain why they think the show portrayed them accurately, even though viewers didn’t see the whole story.   The Taylors get into the cast drama, including the confrontation Joey says never aired. They also walk through some big decisions for their family. Trina explains how their daughter’s dance opportunities factored into the Arizona move, and both parents share what they’re learning as Jett takes more responsibility for his baseball development.    In this episode we cover:  - Is Team Moms scripted? What Joey and Trina say about the drama and the editing  - Nina’s barbecue and why the singing at the field upset them  - How they’ve tried to keep disagreements between parents from affecting the boys  - Jett’s regional championship home run and what reaching Williamsport meant to their family  - Why Joey challenges the comparison between local Little League teams and national travel rosters  - Their move from Washington to Arizona and why they chose Legendary Prep Academy  - Watching for burnout, letting Jett own his development, and handling struggles against older players  For a parent wondering how hard to push, there’s a moment worth hearing: Joey describes Jett going outside to hit without being asked and without filming it. Trina is seeing him take more interest in his nutrition. They explain what those choices tell them while keeping the conversation open about needing a break. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor   ⚾ Guests: Joey and Trina Taylor from 𝐓𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐬   🔔 Subscribe to the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast for conversations that help baseball parents think through the decisions they’re making for their sons.  Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and other podcast platforms.   #TeamMoms #BaseballParents #TravelBaseball #LittleLeague #ChasingBaseballDreams

  4. Oct 1

    Episode #22 Jorden Hussein | Stop Chasing the “Right” Baseball Path | JUCO, Indie Ball & Banana Ball

    Texas Tailgators shortstop Jorden Hussein never planned on playing Banana Ball. His path went from North Shore High School in Houston to Crowder College, Division I baseball at Little Rock, two seasons of independent ball, the Party Animals, and now the Texas Tailgators. At several points, the next opportunity looked nothing like what he originally pictured. That’s exactly why I wanted him on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast. Jorden talks about why he chose JUCO when he had a Division I opportunity, why parents need to be realistic about where their son actually is as a player, and what his own parents got right throughout his baseball career. He also gives one of the better analogies I’ve heard about what a player needs from his dad after a bad game. We also get into Banana Ball. Is the baseball real? Are the games scripted? And after playing inside it, does Jorden believe Banana Ball is actually here to stay? His answer might surprise some traditional baseball people. In this episode we cover: Why Jorden chose JUCO instead of going Division I right awayWhat parents should look at beyond the school name and divisionThe reality check he thinks more baseball parents need about their sonWhat each jump in competition exposed about his own gameWhat his parents did when he struggledWhat NOT to do on the car ride home after your son goes 0-for-4How a phone call he almost turned down led him to Banana BallWhether Banana Ball is scripted and how competitive the games really areWhy he believes Banana Ball is here to stayWhat Banana Ball taught him about slowing the game down defensivelyWhy parents should stop obsessing over statisticsWhat he wishes he could tell his high school selfJorden’s path is a good reminder for baseball parents: your son’s best opportunity may not have the name, logo, division, or path you pictured. Pay attention to where he can play, where he can get better, and where people genuinely want him. 🎙️ Host: Bobby Minor ⚾ Guest: Jorden Hussein, Texas Tailgators shortstop 🎧 Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast Subscribe for conversations with players, coaches and baseball people who can help parents think more clearly about the decisions they’re making for their sons. #ChasingBaseballDreams #BaseballParents #BananaBall

  5. Sep 24

    Episode #21 Former MLB Player Aaron Barrett | Youth Baseball Development, Arm Health & the FOMO Trap

    Baseball parents spend a lot of time worrying about winning, playing time and whether their son is falling behind. Former MLB pitcher Aaron Barrett says one of the biggest things parents worry about is FOMO. Trying to keep up with what everybody else is doing instead of looking at where your own kid is right now.    Aaron has seen player development from just about every angle. He pitched parts of four seasons with the Washington Nationals, made it back to the Major Leagues after more than four years away following Tommy John surgery and a fractured humerus, and was part of Washington’s 2019 World Series team. After his playing career, he moved into player development with the Philadelphia Phillies. In his first season managing the Single-A Clearwater Threshers, his team finished 74-55 and Aaron was named Baseball America’s Single-A Manager of the Year and Florida State League Manager of the Year.    In this episode of the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast, Aaron and I get into what actually separates players as they move up, why consistency and handling failure matter so much, what development should look like at younger ages, and why playing catch still matters.   We also talk about youth pitching and arm health, how parents should vet coaches and instructors, multi-sport athletes, baseball IQ, analytics, player ownership, Aaron’s four MLB Draft experiences, his incredible comeback to the big leagues, and some of his favorite Major League memories.   Aaron also explains why parents need to ask more questions before handing their son’s development over to somebody else, especially when it comes to pitching and training.    His closing advice is simple: use the information and experience available to you, then bring the decision back to your child and what’s best for him right now. Development isn’t linear.    TIMESTAMPS   00:00 Aaron Barrett’s MLB career, comeback and move into managing  02:05 What separates players in professional baseball  05:08 Baseball IQ and how players are being developed today  08:17 Development vs. winning  11:31 What development should look like for young players  14:24 Why playing catch still matters  17:17 When parents should stop trying to fix every struggle  19:35 Helping a young player through an injury  22:25 What parents should ask about pitching and arm care  25:19 Aaron on youth arm injuries and Dr. Andrews  26:48 Aaron’s wild MLB Draft story  29:10 Growing up as a multi-sport athlete  31:02 When parents should hand ownership back to the player  35:28 Data, analytics and paralysis by analysis  39:37 In-and-Out with Aaron Barrett  40:20 What baseball parents worry about too much  41:38 What he’d tell the parents of his 12-year-old self  42:34 The toughest hitter Aaron faced in the Major Leagues  43:39 Aaron’s favorite baseball memories  50:41 Favorite baseball movie and his upcoming documentary  53:53 Aaron’s final advice for baseball parents

  6. Sep 18

    Episode #20 Lou Collier | Reclassing, Playing Up & What Baseball Parents Get Wrong

    Is your son dominating youth baseball because he’s developing, or because the competition isn’t challenging him anymore?  Former MLB player Lou Collier joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast to talk about reclassing, playing up and the decisions behind his son Cam Collier’s path to the MLB Draft.    Before the Cincinnati Reds selected Cam 18th overall, his family made the decision to have him graduate early and play junior college baseball against older competition. Lou explains what he saw in Cam, how he used feedback from experienced baseball people and why the decision involved much more than his son’s ability on the field. We also get into what would’ve told him they’d moved too soon.    That leads to a conversation about reclassifying in the other direction. Lou shares his concerns about older players dominating younger competition and what happens when the game finally gets tougher. He also makes an important distinction: challenging a player doesn’t mean putting him at a level he isn’t physically ready to handle.    We talk about the challenge of being both a coach and a baseball dad, including what Lou learned about backing off as Cam matured. Later, he explains why a younger player needing encouragement isn’t the same as an older teenager refusing to put in the work his goals require.    For parents thinking about baseball training and player development, Lou gets specific about infield fundamentals, learning multiple positions and what working alongside Ron Washington taught him about instruction. He also discusses baseball access for young African American players, his work with MLB Develops and the training behind the Hillboys program. His explanation of practice reps versus game reps gives parents something to consider before filling another weekend with games.    Cam’s path gives us a real decision to examine. The question for your family is what your son needs, how you’re evaluating that and whether his baseball environment is preparing him for tougher competition.    Timestamps    00:00 Meet Lou Collier, former MLB player and Cam Collier’s dad  02:25 Being a baseball dad without always being the coach  05:02 Why Cam Collier reclassified and played junior college baseball  10:50 What would’ve told Lou they moved too soon  12:19 College baseball beyond the “D1 or bust” mentality  13:41 Infield fundamentals and learning multiple positions  17:05 What Ron Washington taught Lou about infield development  19:47 Recognizing when a player needs tougher competition  20:47 When should your son take ownership of his baseball goals?  23:09 Growing up playing baseball on Chicago’s South Side  25:31 African American players, baseball costs and access  31:30 MLB Develops, Dream Series and Breakthrough Series  36:38 Reclassing down and the temporary age advantage  41:52 What separates players who keep getting better  43:10 The toughest MLB pitchers Lou faced  44:19 Favorite ballparks and playing back home in Chicago  46:41 In-and-Out with Lou Collier  48:29 A Wrigley Field home run and a favorite baseball movie  50:44 Lou’s message to parents: Be honest about your son  52:54 The Hillboys and Lou’s approach to youth baseball training  55:22 Practice reps versus game reps  56:31 Closing thoughts    Subscribe to the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast on YouTube, Apple Podcasts or Spotify so you don’t miss the next episode.    #BaseballParents #YouthBaseball #ChasingBaseballDreams

  7. Sep 17

    Episode #19 Niko Goodrum | What Baseball Parents Rush...Travel Ball, Development & MLB Lessons

    Former MLB player Niko Goodrum joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast to talk youth baseball, travel baseball, player development, versatility, mindset, and what parents may be rushing too soon. Niko was a second-round pick out of high school and played seven seasons in Major League Baseball with the Minnesota Twins, Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, Tampa Bay Rays and Los Angeles Angels. One of the most surprising parts of his journey: he didn’t grow up playing travel baseball. He played local summer ball, attended a few showcases and still developed into a Major League player. For baseball parents, some of Niko’s strongest advice comes when he talks development. He says he wouldn’t rush power, exit velocity, throwing velocity or strength with young players. Niko was 168 pounds when he was drafted and eventually played at 220. Physical development comes with time, but the skill of actually playing baseball still has to be there. Niko also talks about when a player may be ready for travel ball, why parents should watch how much their son is driving his own development, and why decisions should fit the individual kid instead of what everybody else is doing. We also get into how versatility helped Niko reach and stay in the Major Leagues, playing multiple sports, becoming a switch hitter in high school, professional baseball in Korea, the moment he knew his playing career was over, and what separates talented players who keep moving from those who stall out. Niko shares what he learned from Victor Martinez, why the mental side matters more as the level rises, and what it was like facing Jacob deGrom and Chris Sale. If you’re a baseball parent trying to make better decisions about travel baseball, training, strength, player development, versatility or your son’s long-term path, this conversation is for you. TIMESTAMPS 00:50 Meet Niko Goodrum and his MLB journey01:34 Why Niko chose Kennesaw State over bigger-name programs03:11 Getting drafted in the second round vs. going to college04:30 Why development can take years, even for elite players06:17 Niko reveals he never played travel ball07:02 Why playing basketball helped his baseball development08:53 How versatility became Niko’s path to the Major Leagues11:23 Playing when your role and future aren’t guaranteed12:42 What playing professional baseball in Korea was really like17:05 The morning Niko knew it was time to retire19:11 Adjusting to life after professional baseball22:08 What separates talented players who keep advancing24:02 Becoming a switch hitter in high school26:08 What parents of talented 12 and 13-year-olds should focus on27:43 Why parents shouldn’t rush strength, exit velo or throwing velo29:10 When should a kid start playing travel baseball?31:41 Facing Jacob deGrom, Chris Sale and MLB’s toughest pitchers32:30 Niko’s favorite Major League stadiums36:00 In-and-Out: earning trust, development, technique and simplifying the game38:50 Why mindset becomes the separator at higher levels42:05 What Niko learned from Victor Martinez45:14 Niko’s favorite baseball memories47:42 His favorite baseball movie48:24 Where to follow Niko Goodrum

  8. Sep 16

    Episode #18 Lewis Brinson | What Baseball Parents Get Wrong About Stats, Pressure & Development

    Former MLB outfielder and first-round pick Lewis Brinson joins Bobby Minor on the Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast for a conversation every youth baseball and travel baseball parent should hear. Brinson was selected 29th overall by the Texas Rangers in the 2012 MLB Draft out of Coral Springs High School. He went on to play six seasons in the Major Leagues with the Milwaukee Brewers, Miami Marlins and San Francisco Giants, and his career later took him to Japan and Mexico. In this episode, Lewis talks about the parts of the baseball journey parents rarely get to see. He explains why parents can put way too much stock in batting average, exit velocity and other metrics at 9U and 10U, what actually mattered in his development as a young player, and why youth baseball shouldn’t start feeling like a business before baseball is actually a player’s job. Lewis also gives an inside look at what being a top MLB prospect really means. More attention. More expectations. More opportunities to fail. And, sometimes, more pressure than a young player knows how to handle. He shares what he learned after being traded by the Rangers in the Jonathan Lucroy deal, becoming a centerpiece of the Christian Yelich trade to Miami, and returning home with enormous expectations placed on him. The conversation also gets into hitting development, why every kid shouldn’t be taught to swing like Aaron Judge, how parents can get more value from private lessons, what longtime big leaguers have in common beyond talent, and what a parent should say on the ride home after a bad game. If you’re raising a young baseball player and trying to make better decisions about travel baseball, player development, hitting lessons, youth baseball stats, pressure, expectations and the long-term journey, there’s a lot in this one. Chasing Baseball Dreams Podcast with Bobby Minor Timestamps00:00 Lewis Brinson joins Chasing Baseball Dreams 01:13 Getting traded by the Texas Rangers 05:01 When the business side creeps into youth baseball 07:17 Lewis Brinson’s travel baseball experience 08:23 What actually mattered in his development 10:42 Why parents put too much stock in youth baseball stats 13:31 The problem with radar guns and exit velocity at 9U 14:37 How Lewis fell in love with baseball 19:29 Florida or professional baseball? Making the draft decision 24:15 How baseball recruiting has changed 26:59 What being a “top prospect” really means 31:27 The people who shaped Lewis Brinson 34:05 The Christian Yelich trade and the pressure of coming home 41:39 Why Lewis listens to players who’ve been there 44:51 Hitting instruction and copying Major League swings 49:42 The toughest pitcher Lewis ever faced 51:20 Lewis Brinson’s favorite MLB ballparks 54:16 Why baseball stays uncertain even after you “make it” 59:55 In-and-Out: advice every baseball parent can use 1:05:12 Lewis’s favorite baseball memories 1:07:24 Favorite baseball movie 1:08:16 What might have been with the Texas Rangers 1:09:36 Lewis gives Bobby some hitting advice 1:10:37 Where to follow Lewis Brinson

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Ratings & Reviews

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out of 5
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About

You're spending thousands a year on travel baseball. A better team. A bigger showcase. More lessons. A higher ranking. And you still have no way to know if any of it is actually working. ⠀ That's not an accident. That's the machine. ⠀ Chasing Baseball Dreams is the only baseball parent podcast hosted by someone with no financial stake in where your money goes. I don't run a travel team. I don't sell lessons. I don't coach for an org. I have no reason to steer you in the wrong direction. I'm Bobby Minor... former Division 1 player, 35+ years coaching select baseball and high school, former travel organization director, over 1,000 college recruiting assessments, and a college baseball dad who almost lost 2 sons to this game for 2 very different reasons, with one currently playing college baseball. ⠀ Every episode, I sit down with former Major League players, college coaches, scouts, and baseball dads who've lived through the same grind you're in right now. People who've been inside this industry long enough to tell you the truth about how it actually works. ⠀ Here's what you can expect. ⠀ Real conversations about what actually matters at each age from 8U to signing day. The questions you should be asking before you commit to a team, a coach, or a showcase. The stuff the industry doesn't want you to hear, from people who've been inside it long enough to say it out loud. And the truth about recruiting, development, and where your money is actually going. ⠀ No hype. No recruiting promises. No "get your son seen" nonsense. Just the one voice in this space with full-stack credibility and no financial tie to the machine that's taking your money. ⠀ New episodes weekly. Follow @chasingbaseballdreams on Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for daily content between episodes.

Information

  • Creator
    Bobby Minor
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    25
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Bobby Minor

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