Talkin Shop with Coach Ballgame, Chop, and Flikke

This Talkin’ Shop episode hits the heart of youth sports culture.We start with real advice for umpires navigating unruly parents... how to hold the line, protect the game, and keep your humanity intact. Then we zoom out to a simple truth we can’t afford to forget: joy should be the most important thing at every age level, not stats, not rankings, not noise from the stands.We close with a reminder for coaches, parents, and officials alike: be you. Authentic leadership, calm confidence, and consistency matter more than volume or bravado.Call the game. Guard the joy. Lead as yourself. 🎙️⚾

This episode of Talkin’ Shop is for the people who keep youth sports running, often quietly, and often under pressure.We start with straight-up advice for Little League Presidents trying to balance parents, coaches, culture, and chaos. Then we talk to the parents on the fence about coaching... what matters more than experience, and why saying yes might change everything for your kid.We finish by spotlighting one of the most underrated roles in youth sports: the great Team Mom. What actually makes someone great in that role—and how support, organization, and tone can shape an entire season.Leadership. Courage. Culture.The stuff that actually builds better teams.

Coach Chop’s got a new MLB gig 👀 and we’re breaking down what that transition looks like behind the scenes. Then we dig into a youth-sports classic: LOUD grandparents in the bleachers—why it happens, how it impacts kids, and what coaches can (and can’t) control.To wrap it up, we get practical with simple, in-game icebreakers coaches can use to loosen things up, relieve pressure, and bring the joy back—without losing competitiveness.Real talk. Real tools. Culture over chaos.Pull up a bucket and let’s Talkin’ Shop. 🎙️⚾

Gratitude for the ones who keep the game fair, the pace moving, and the love of baseball alive ⚾️👏
This episode of Coach Ballgame shines a light on umpires and the respect they deserve, featuring Jayden Lorenzo.
Tune in for perspective, appreciation, and a powerful reminder of sportsmanship.

This week we talk about a taboo subject... your kid shouldn't ONLY be playing baseball. Why? Let's dive into it on episode 130 of the Talkin' Shop pod!