The Dad Hat Chronicles Podcast

Ed Rivera
  • 5.0 (26)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Ever wondered what it’s like to be truly involved in sports? Wonder no more! On this podcast, I’ll sit down with players, GMs, owners, and passionate fans like you to uncover how they fell in love with sports. We’ll dive into their unique journeys, explore the business side of the game, and discuss the endless possibilities that the sport offers. From behind-the-scenes stories to deep conversations about the sport, I’m here to explore it all—while having a ton of fun along the way! The Dad Hat:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedadhat216/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thedadhat216 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPk7lmGqgfNZNS4IM-M8XVw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedadhat216?lang=en Twitter: https://x.com/thedadhat216

  1. 4D AGO

    How The River Bandits Built Community Through Philanthropy, Rebrands, And Royals Player Development

    Send us a text I sit down with owner Dave Heller to explore how a minor league team can put community first, build smarter partnerships, and use brand identity to invite more people into the ballpark. Kelly Robinson then drops a rapid tour of Quad Cities sports history from early leagues to Modern Woodmen Park. • why the team serves the community, not the other way around • free flu shots, NICU funding, Camp Hope, and Family Connects support • Bandit Scholars program as the largest scholarship effort in MiLB • daily fan engagement and greeting every guest at the stairs • deep partnership with the Kansas City Royals and upgraded facilities • Copa identities and the success of Mr. Celery and Señor Apio • rebrand lessons from Modesto: listening sessions and local designers • the rise of multiple identities to reach new fan segments • vision to build a ballpark from scratch with new ideas • rapid-fire favorites: walk-offs, fireworks, and a candy-drop helicopter • Kelly’s history segment: Tri-Cities teams, NBA and NFL roots, and Babe Ruth at Browning Field If you are loving the show guys make sure that you hit the subscribe button leave us a quick review and follow along for more behind the scenes content. Support the show Make sure to follow the Dad Hat Chronicles: https://linktr.ee/TheDadHatChronicles

    1h 9m

  2. FEB 2

    From Mascot Mayhem To Community Trust, A Minor League Owner Tells All

    Send us a text We trace how a bruised franchise became a community beacon: a Ferris wheel inside the gates, a fan-led return to River Bandits, and partners who bet on a big vision. Dave Heller shares the mascot check fiasco, the bridge-in-the-logo story, and why family-first design wins. • why an amusement-park mindset belongs in a ballpark • the lockout scare and earning back trust • Modern Woodmen partnership and local sponsors • fan vote restoring River Bandits name • Francis Santaquilani’s logo suite and bridge arches • merch surge after rebrand and color debates • letting kids roam safely while parents watch • critiques of the Swing era and Copa identity • pride in a naturally retro park by the river • next week’s focus on Quad Cities baseball history Make sure you guys hit the subscribe button, and if you want to, go ahead and go to the YouTube link and then hit subscribe there as well. Give it five stars, guys. That way I go up on the rankings. And until then, keep on grinding and then support the minor leagues. Support the show Make sure to follow the Dad Hat Chronicles: https://linktr.ee/TheDadHatChronicles

    52 min

  3. JAN 26

    From Snowed-Out Games To Neon Nights: How Weather, Fans, And Vendors Shape Minor League Merch

    Send us a text We compare Columbia’s hot, humid reality against Portland’s frigid springs to show how climate drives every merch choice, then dig into vendor timelines, GCP vs full custom hats, and the tradeoffs that keep a team store profitable. We wrap with a deep, lively history of Columbia baseball with Kelly Robinson. • store size and layout shaping assortment • weather dictating fabric, layers and accessories • staples vs experiments and reorder strategy • long-sleeve tees as repeat inventory risk • vendor calendars, lead times and approvals • GCP color tweaks vs true customs and rules • neon and powder blue affiliation storytelling • Official League collabs and cord cap design • 2026–2027 hat drops, BP cap and Copa refresh • Columbia’s baseball lineage, leagues and titles Make sure you guys hit that subscribe button, and then we will see you guys in the next one Support the show Make sure to follow the Dad Hat Chronicles: https://linktr.ee/TheDadHatChronicles

    1h 22m

  4. JAN 19

    From Sea Dogs To Fireflies: Merch Mastery In Minor League Baseball

    Send us a text We trace Kevin’s path from music merch to minor league retail leadership and unpack how smart layouts, vertical storage, and on-field brand stories turn small shops into fast, profitable experiences. Paul joins to reveal why Columbia chose Fireflies, how glow details work, and what makes lightning-bug country unique. • career arc from Sea Dogs to Fireflies • lessons from tour merch and COVID pivots • mavericks league planning under restrictions • 500 sq ft store redesigned for flow • hat walls, size ranges, and custom drops • storage systems that mirror the sales floor • opening a second shop to cut lines • visual merchandising using grocery logic • fireflies vs lightning bugs brand history • glow-in-the-dark elements and Copa nights Make sure you subscribe to the Data Chronicles podcast, to the Baseball By Design. Like, subscribe, rate review, subscribe Support the show Make sure to follow the Dad Hat Chronicles: https://linktr.ee/TheDadHatChronicles

    1h 17m

  5. JAN 12

    A Coast‑To‑Coast Guide To Independent And Collegiate Summer Baseball

    Send us a text We trace a coast‑to‑coast map of independent and collegiate summer baseball, from the Arizona Fall League’s underused potential to the Northwoods’ packed old parks, and explain how fans can keep their summers full if MLB hits turbulence in 2026. We weigh stability against control, share travel tips, and highlight leagues worth your time and money. • why 2026 MLB CBA risk makes alternatives vital • Arizona Fall League strengths and promotion gaps • affiliated vs independent control, costs and churn • Appy League reinvention and team turnover • West Coast, Pioneer, Western Canadian snapshots • Draft League and partner leagues explained • Pecos League realities and merch trust issues • USPBL’s single‑stadium model lessons • Cape Cod traditions and lawn‑chair culture • Northwoods League atmosphere and history • Prospect, NECBL, Futures, Old North State growth • how to support teams through tickets and merch • travel ideas: Cape Cod, NBC World Series marathon Make sure you hit the subscribe button and without further ado, I’ll give you the episode Support the show Make sure to follow the Dad Hat Chronicles: https://linktr.ee/TheDadHatChronicles

    1h 2m

  6. JAN 5

    Untangling Today’s Minor League Baseball: Leagues, Logic, And Loyal Fans

    Send us a text We map today’s minor league maze with clear fixes: rebalance AAA, rethink halves and divisions, end six-game series fatigue, and restore fan-first traditions without blocking development. The heart is simple: honor history, reward consistency, and make travel and rivalry logic match the map. • AAA imbalance between International League and Pacific Coast League • First-half titles undermined by late-season call-ups • Six-game series and universal Monday off day issues • Travel quirks that ignore geographic logic • Texas League naming mismatch with team locations • High-A and Single-A realignments that break history • The lost charm of all-star showcases and meaningful playoffs • Practical ideas for three AAA leagues and better scheduling • Balancing development needs with fan experience Thank you very much. Hit the subscribe button Make sure you guys tune in next week where we finish our conversation regarding all of minor league leagues in the United States, right? Even in Canada, right? Make sure you guys are following them. Give them five stars on their podcast as well And then make sure you do the same for this podcast Support the minor leagues Support the show Make sure to follow the Dad Hat Chronicles: https://linktr.ee/TheDadHatChronicles

    47 min

  7. 12/29/2025

    Why Stubborn Play Calling And No Adjustments Cost Clemson, And How Panthers Can Still Steal The Division

    Send us a text We face the hard truths from a rough weekend: Clemson’s bowl game lacked adjustments and edge, ECU found answers at halftime, and the NFC South will come down to a narrow finish in Tampa. We call out bad schemes, soft standards, and lay out exactly how Carolina can still win. • Clemson’s missed adjustments and poor execution in the cold • Soft position rooms and why alumni hires backfired • Quick-game concepts Clemson ignored when rhythm was needed • ECU’s second-half surge fueled by takeaways • Officiating consistency versus obvious no-calls • Houston’s discipline and LSU’s penalty problem • Panthers’ defensive effort wasted by Bryce Young’s miscues • The face mask that flipped momentum against Seattle • NFC South tiebreakers and Week 18 paths • Panthers at Bucs: slowing Mike Evans, keeping Bryce in structure, and winning early downs Thank you for watching. Thank you for listening on the show. Appreciate that. Make sure you hit the subscribe button on the YouTube channel so that way you know when we're dropping new shows and things like that. Support the show Make sure to follow the Dad Hat Chronicles: https://linktr.ee/TheDadHatChronicles

    1h 9m

  8. 12/22/2025

    Carolina Sports Weekend: Panthers’ Surge, Bryce Young’s Growth, And Playoff Math

    Send us a text Panthers grab control of the NFC South with a clean, steady win and a late defensive stand. We break down Bryce Young’s progress, Baker’s costly risk, and why Canales’ simple plan works when every snap matters. • Bryce Young’s efficient stat line and turnover control • Baker Mayfield’s late interception and Evans misread • Run-by-committee balance with Dowdle and Hubbard • Emerging chemistry with Coker and McMillan • Special teams swings and field position • NFC playoff picture and Carolina’s clinch scenarios • Seattle travel edge and one o’clock kickoff factor • Canes and Checkers weekend highlights, AHL ref controversy • NC State’s bowl win and Hornets inconsistencies • Hall of Fame debates and media fatigue takes Make sure you guys are following each and every single one of us on all the socials, and you’ll hit that subscribe button on YouTube Support the show Make sure to follow the Dad Hat Chronicles: https://linktr.ee/TheDadHatChronicles

    1h 11m
See All (205)

5
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Ever wondered what it’s like to be truly involved in sports? Wonder no more! On this podcast, I’ll sit down with players, GMs, owners, and passionate fans like you to uncover how they fell in love with sports. We’ll dive into their unique journeys, explore the business side of the game, and discuss the endless possibilities that the sport offers. From behind-the-scenes stories to deep conversations about the sport, I’m here to explore it all—while having a ton of fun along the way! The Dad Hat:  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedadhat216/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thedadhat216 Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPk7lmGqgfNZNS4IM-M8XVw TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedadhat216?lang=en Twitter: https://x.com/thedadhat216

Information

  • Creator
    Ed Rivera
  • Years Active
    2021 - 2026
  • Episodes
    205
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Dad Hat Chronicles Podcast
  • Show Website
    The Dad Hat Chronicles Podcast

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