The SLIDE Podcast - National Youth Baseball & Softball Podcast

Coach Aaron
  • 4.6 (21)
  • Baseball

The SLIDE Podcast is the premier youth baseball and softball show delivering expert insights, training tips, and inspiring stories from America's favorite pastime. Our international team of 23 field reporters and hosts brings you weekly episodes featuring exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and baseball influencers. From MLB-bound prospects to grassroots development, we cover every aspect of youth baseball and softball. Our comprehensive content includes technique breakdowns, coaching strategies, and player development stories that help athletes, parents, and coaches maximize their potential in the game. Join our growing community of baseball and softball enthusiasts every Friday as we showcase the future stars of the game, share expert coaching advice, and celebrate the spirit of youth sports. #YouthBaseball #BaseballCoaching #YouthSports #MLBProspects #SoftballTraining

  1. 3d ago

    Built for More: Stu Draper’s Vision Behind National Parks Baseball Resort

    National Parks Baseball Resort brings youth baseball, family, adventure, and unforgettable experiences together. It goes beyond the traditional ballpark for players and their families. In Season 5, Episode 25 of The S.L.I.D.E. Podcast, we sit down with Stu Draper, the visionary behind National Parks Baseball Resort. Stu shares his story, his vision, and his passion for creating a different kind of baseball destination. Stu talks about his journey through entrepreneurship, baseball, and family. He explains what inspired him to create a place where young athletes can compete. Families can also make memories that last far beyond the final inning. The resort sits near some of America’s most breathtaking national parks. It brings baseball, adventure, opportunity, and community together in one unforgettable experience. For Stu, tournament travel should mean more than simply playing games. It should give families a chance to explore, connect, compete, and experience something special together. During this conversation, Stu opens up about building his vision from the ground up. He also shares lessons about youth baseball, entrepreneurship, perseverance, and creating opportunities for young athletes. This episode reminds us that baseball is more than a scoreboard. It is about the people we meet, the places baseball takes us, the lessons we learn, and the memories we create. From getting fired to building a dream, Stu shows how setbacks can become the starting point for something extraordinary. Welcome to Season 5, Episode 25: Built for More: Stu Draper’s Vision Behind National Parks Baseball Resort.

  2. Aug 28

    Jay Jackson: More Than Baseball — Building Life, Mindset & Legacy

    . Jay Jackson: More Than Baseball — Building Life, Mindset & Legacy Smile Zone is about more than baseball. In Season 5, Episode 24 of the Slide Podcast, Coach Aaron and Mic Check Mariah sit down with former MLB pitcher Jay Jackson. Jay spent 17 years playing professional baseball. His journey took him from the minor leagues to Major League Baseball. He also played internationally in Japan, Mexico and Venezuela. Today, Jay is focused on the next generation. His mission is to help young athletes build confidence, character and mental toughness. That mission became the Smile Zone. More Than Baseball: Building Life, Mindset & Legacy Jay believes sports should help build more than statistics. They should help build people. The Smile Zone focuses on life, mindset and legacy. It gives young athletes tools they can use on the field and in everyday life. Jay created the word SMILE as an acronym: Start Making Intentional Life Efforts. That simple message is at the center of his work. Jay wants athletes to enjoy their journey. He also wants them to understand that failure is part of growth. Jay Jackson’s MLB Journey Jay was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in 2008. He spent eight years working through the minor leagues. In 2015, he made his MLB debut with the San Diego Padres. His professional career took him across the baseball world. He played for organizations such as the Milwaukee Brewers, San Francisco Giants, Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays and Minnesota Twins. He also spent three seasons playing baseball in Japan with the Hiroshima Carp. His team won three straight Central League championships. Jay says his time in Japan taught him valuable lessons about baseball, respect, teamwork and community. Mental Toughness On & Off the Field Jay’s career was not always easy. He dealt with injuries and setbacks. He also faced the pressure that comes with professional baseball. Those experiences shaped his mindset. Jay explains how he learned to treat difficult moments as speed bumps. A speed bump can slow you down. It does not have to stop your journey. That idea is a major part of the Smile Zone philosophy. Young athletes face their own challenges. They deal with pressure from parents, coaches, teammates and social media. They also compare themselves to other players. Jay believes athletes need more than physical training. They need support and confidence. They need people who can help them handle failure. Most importantly, they need to remember why they love the game. From the Big Leagues to the Next Generation Jay has faced some of baseball’s biggest stars. During his career, he faced Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge. He even shares the story behind a memorable Aaron Judge home run. Judge recognized that Jay was tipping his pitches. He used that information during the at-bat and hit a home run. Jay also talks about some of the toughest hitters he faced. These stories give listeners a unique look inside professional baseball. But the biggest lesson is not about facing great hitters. It is about learning from every experience. Mentoring the Next Generation After retiring from professional baseball in 2025, Jay began building the next chapter of his career. He created the Smile Zone to help young athletes become better people and better players. The program combines mindset development, mentorship and athletic development. Jay wants athletes to understand who they are. He wants them to learn how to handle adversity. He also wants them to develop the confidence to pursue their goals. The Smile Zone is designed to support athletes, parents and coaches. Jay’s vision goes far beyond one team or one city. He hopes to build Smile Zone communities and academies around the world. Building Character That Lasts One of the biggest themes in this episode is character. Jay believes character matters just as much as talent. It can also make a difference when athletes are trying to reach the next level. Talent may get someone’s attention. Character can help determine what happens next. That is why Jay wants young athletes to develop both sides of their game. The goal is not simply to create better baseball players. The goal is to create better people. A Positive Mindset Changes the Journey Jay and Coach Aaron talk about how often athletes fail in baseball. Failure is part of the game. Even professional players fail. The difference is learning how to respond. A positive mindset does not mean pretending everything is easy. It means finding a way forward when things get difficult. That is the heart of the Smile Zone. Jay wants young athletes to smile through the journey. He wants them to enjoy the game. He wants them to learn from setbacks instead of allowing setbacks to define them. From the big leagues to the next generation, Jay Jackson is using his experiences to make a difference. His message is simple: Be better on the field by becoming better off the field. This episode of the Slide Podcast is a conversation about baseball, life, mindset, resilience, mentorship and legacy. It is about more than baseball. And, of course, Coach Aaron and Mic Check Mariah could not let Jay leave without asking the toughest question of the night: Bottom of the ninth. Two outs. Bases loaded. What’s your walk-up song? Listen to Season 5, Episode 24 to hear Jay’s answer.

  3. Aug 21

    From MLB Draft To Baseball YouTuber: Aiden McIntyre's Journey Beyond the Game

    From MLB Draft To Baseball YouTuber: Aiden McIntyre’s Journey Beyond the Game  Baseball is at the center of this episode of The Slide Podcast. Aiden joins Coach Aaron, Mikey Barrels, and Brian to share his journey through the game. Aiden played baseball from a young age. He later played college baseball and was drafted by the Oakland Athletics in the 22nd round of the MLB Draft. However, his path to professional baseball was not typical. Aiden played several positions before becoming a pitcher in college. Over time, he developed his velocity and eventually reached 97 MPH. Life in Minor League Baseball Aiden gives The Slide Podcast an honest look at professional baseball. He explains what life was really like in the minor leagues. He talks about long seasons, constant travel, housing, food, and the financial challenges players can face. In addition, he explains how players move through the different levels of professional baseball. Aiden also shares what it felt like to join the Oakland A’s after being drafted. Most importantly, he explains how much work is still required after hearing your name called in the MLB Draft. Developing Young Baseball Players The conversation then turns to youth baseball development. Aiden shares advice for young players who dream of playing college or professional baseball. He talks about hard work versus talent. He also discusses velocity and why young players should not rush their development. For example, Aiden explains that being great at 12 or 13 does not guarantee a college scholarship. Instead, young players should focus on getting better each day. At the same time, players need to give their bodies time to grow. Aiden believes that development takes time. Because of this, young athletes should not feel pressured to reach a certain velocity at an early age. Keeping Baseball Fun Another major topic is the pressure young athletes face today. Aiden explains why taking breaks can be healthy. He also talks about playing other sports and avoiding early specialization. Most importantly, he believes young players should continue to enjoy the game. Baseball can be difficult, so loving the game can help players handle failure and keep going. From Professional Player to Baseball YouTuber Aiden’s baseball journey eventually took him in a new direction. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he started creating YouTube content. Since then, he has built a career as a baseball YouTuber and content creator. His goal is to stay connected to baseball while helping grow the love of the game for the next generation. Ultimately, this episode is about much more than professional baseball. It is about development, hard work, patience, pressure, and finding a way to keep baseball fun. Listen to Season 5, Episode 23 of The Slide Podcast for Aiden McIntyre’s story and his advice for the next generation of baseball players.

  4. Aug 14

    The Hidden Legacy of Japanese American Baseball

    Baseball history gets personal, and this one might change how you see the game forever. Author, filmmaker, historian, and former player Kerry Yo Nakagawa reveals the hidden legacy of Japanese American baseball. The family stories that shaped his life, and the lessons every athlete needs to hear right now. Kerry has spent decades preserving a missing chapter of American sports history, from the Nisei players who were denied access to Major League Baseball to the generations of ballplayers who kept the game alive anyway. He shares how a childhood surrounded by sandlot baseball, a family photo with Lou Gehrig and Babe Ruth, and a simple moment watching his son’s jersey sparked a lifelong mission to uncover the stories most fans never hear. You’ll discover: – Why Japanese American players were forced into their own leagues – How sandlot baseball built championship habits, double plays, and baseball IQ – What Japan’s training, discipline, and attention to detail can teach players everywhere – Why Shohei Ohtani’s bathroom duty says everything about his mindset – How baseball, football, film, and even Alcatraz all connect in one unforgettable life Kerry also opens up about his work in film and television. His work on Rocky II, Chuck Norris projects, and his close relationship with Pat Morita, the beloved Mr. Miyagi. Along the way, he talks about the power of pride, discipline, and doing every job like it matters – whether you’re cleaning a toilet, turning a double play, or chasing a dream. If you love baseball, history, or stories about people who turned adversity into legacy, this episode belongs on your playlist. It is funny, surprising, deeply human, and packed with the kind of insight that makes you appreciate the game in a whole new way.

  5. Aug 6

    The Key to Confident Hitting? It's Not What You Think

    The Key to Confident Hitting? It’s Not What You Think Coach Nate Weber Hitting Tips are the focus of this episode of The Slide Podcast. Coach Aaron sits down with college hitting coach Coach Nate Weber to discuss swing mechanics, confidence, timing, work ethic, and player development. If you’re looking for practical advice to improve at the plate, Coach Nate Weber Hitting Tips will help players, parents, and coaches build a stronger approach to hitting. Coach Nate Weber Hitting Tips for Better Results Coach Nate explains that there is no single perfect swing. Instead, every athlete should learn how their body moves and develop a swing that fits their strengths. Rather than chasing quick fixes, he encourages players to focus on timing, solid fundamentals, and consistent practice. As a result, hitters can make small adjustments that lead to better performance and more confidence. Meanwhile, Mariah shares her experience competing at the Baseball For All Nationals. She talks about recovering from a concussion, adjusting from baseball to fastpitch softball, and continuing to grow as a player. Her story highlights the challenges and rewards of competing at a high level. In addition, PartyBoyJase asks questions that many young athletes have. Coach Nate explains how to adjust to slower pitching, stay patient during tournaments, and build confidence at the plate. These conversations give listeners practical advice they can use immediately. Coach Nate Weber Hitting Tips You’ll Learn In this episode you’ll learn: Why timing matters more than perfect mechanics How to use your lower half to create more power Barry Bonds’ favorite hitting drill The biggest differences between baseball and softball hitting How to improve confidence at the plate What separates Division I athletes from other players Why work ethic matters more than talent Simple drills that build a more consistent swing Furthermore, Coach Nate shares lessons from coaching college softball and training athletes who have advanced to the next level. His approach focuses on building good habits, enjoying the process, and improving one swing at a time. Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, these Coach Nate Weber Hitting Tips offer valuable lessons that apply to every level of baseball and softball. If you want to improve your swing, strengthen your mindset, and become a more consistent hitter, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

  6. Jul 17

    The Hidden Challenges of Girls Playing Male-Dominated Sports

    Most people do not realize how rare it is for a girl to reach the elite level in baseball. Ashanthy Marcano changed that story at just 17. She earned a spot on the USA women’s baseball team and is now ready to compete on the international stage. Ashanthy grew up in a baseball family, so the game has always been part of her life. She started young, played with her brothers, and kept going as the competition got tougher. Along the way, she faced doubt, pressure, and a sport that still treats girls like the exception. In this episode, Ashanthy opens up about the challenges of playing baseball as a girl. She talks about the coaches, the critics, and the moments that tested her confidence. However, she never let those voices define her. Instead, she kept working, kept improving, and kept proving people wrong. You will hear how Ashanthy: Built confidence through baseball and family support Handled stereotypes and coaching bias Used MLB Develops events to grow her game Earned her place on the USA women’s baseball team Dreams of playing in the WPBL and beyond If you enjoyed this episode, follow The SLIDE Podcast on your favorite podcast app. Share it with a coach, parent, or player who loves youth baseball and softball. Have a question, a topic idea, or feedback for the team? Email us at TheSlidePodcastShow@gmail.com. Want to help the show grow? Leave a 5-star review and include a question. We may answer it in a future episode, and you might even get invited to co-host. Website: www.theslidepodcastshow.com And we have to ask the hardest question in youth baseball and softball: What’s your walkup song? Until next time, we’ll catch you on the slide. All Links: https://linktr.ee/theslidepodcastshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theslidepodcastshow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSlidePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theslidepodcastshow/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theslidepodcastshow?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theslidepodcast X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/theslidepod

  7. Jul 10

    How Kids Are Redefining Fun and Success in Youth Baseball and Softball

    Youth baseball and softball are more than just games. They teach kids confidence, teamwork, and perseverance. In this lively episode, young players share funny stories, big dreams, and honest takes on what makes the game special. They talk about backyard games, glow in the dark tournaments, and the positions they love most. You’ll hear why youth baseball and softball keep kids coming back. You’ll also hear why catching is exciting, why switchhitting matters, and how kids handle setbacks. They share first home runs, favorite players, walk-up songs, and wild adventures off the field.Youth baseball and softball also build friendships and a real love for the game. That is why this episode is a great listen for young athletes, sports parents, coaches, and fans. Listen in to hear how these kids are shaping the future of the sport. If you love stories about fun, growth, and determination, this episode is for you. More from The SLIDE Network Explore more episodes: Softball Talk: Memories, Mentors, and Making It Big (Episode 34) Listen and subscribe If you enjoyed this episode, follow The SLIDE Podcast on your favorite podcast app. Share it with a coach, parent, or player who loves youth baseball and softball.Have a question, a topic idea, or feedback for the team? Email us at TheSlidePodcastShow@gmail.com. Want to help the show grow? Leave a 5-star review and include a question. We may answer it in a future episode, and you might even get invited to co-host.Website: www.theslidepodcastshow.com All Links: https://linktr.ee/theslidepodcastshow YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@theslidepodcastshow Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheSlidePodcast Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theslidepodcastshow/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theslidepodcastshow?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/theslidepodcast X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/theslidepodAnd we have to ask the hardest question in youth baseball and softball: What’s your walkup song?Until next time, we’ll catch you on the slide.

  8. Jul 3

    Inside the Revolutionary Platform Giving Parents a Professional Edge in Youth Sports Decisions

    The Problem Parents Face Most parents have no clue how to protect their kids’ health during sports — until now. In this episode, coach and health expert David Lipetz explains how Proteqt 365 gives parents the support they need to make smart decisions in real time. Why This Matters Sports can move fast. Injuries, pain, and confusion can happen in one game or one practice. David shares how his background with Team USA helped inspire a service built for youth athlete health. Instead of waiting days for answers, parents can get help when they need it most. What Proteqt 365 Offers Proteqt 365 helps families with: Athlete profiles that track injuries, pitch counts, and more Fast expert responses, sometimes in as little as 90 minutes Support for injury prevention, nutrition, and mental health Better decisions during those “gray zone” moments every parent faces The Real Value Waiting too long for advice can lead to bigger injuries, stress, and lost confidence. Proteqt 365 helps parents act sooner. It also helps young athletes stay healthy, confident, and ready to compete. Who This Episode Is For This episode is for parents, coaches, and young athletes who want a smarter way to manage sports health. Whether your child is just starting out or chasing college sports, this conversation shows how to stay ahead of problems before they grow. About David Lipetz David Lipetz is the founder of Proteqt 365. He brings years of sports medicine experience and a strong mission to help parents protect their children’s athletic future.

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The SLIDE Podcast is the premier youth baseball and softball show delivering expert insights, training tips, and inspiring stories from America's favorite pastime. Our international team of 23 field reporters and hosts brings you weekly episodes featuring exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and baseball influencers. From MLB-bound prospects to grassroots development, we cover every aspect of youth baseball and softball. Our comprehensive content includes technique breakdowns, coaching strategies, and player development stories that help athletes, parents, and coaches maximize their potential in the game. Join our growing community of baseball and softball enthusiasts every Friday as we showcase the future stars of the game, share expert coaching advice, and celebrate the spirit of youth sports. #YouthBaseball #BaseballCoaching #YouthSports #MLBProspects #SoftballTraining

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