What does it really take to chase a baseball dream, and what does it cost along the way? In this episode, we sit down with former college baseball player Bryce Lenz to pull back the curtain on the long road from youth ball to college and beyond. Together, we talk about time, pressure, burnout, and the difference between loving the game and treating it like a job. Bryce shares his firsthand experience navigating multi-sport life, early specialization, club baseball culture, and the grind of post-college opportunities where talent, timing, and sacrifice collide. Along the way, we wrestle with questions parents and athletes rarely slow down to ask. When should kids specialize? How much is too much? What happens when sports become our identity? Through honest stories, humor, and faith-centered wisdom, this conversation invites families to think differently about development, joy, and purpose, reminding us that baseball is something we do, not who we are.

Is youth baseball actually toxic, or are we navigating it without a clear map? In this season two opener, Luke Baker and Jean Anderson tackle one of the most emotionally charged questions parents face. When does competitive baseball help our kids thrive, and when does it quietly cost us more than we realize? Drawing from years of coaching, parenting, and faith centered reflection, we explore the realities of rec ball, select teams, and travel baseball while looking honestly at money, time, pressure, and the subtle ways adult expectations shape a child’s experience. Along the way, we talk about “crazy parent” moments we have all felt, the difference between development and winning, how to spot healthy versus toxic club cultures, and why counting all the costs, financial, relational, and spiritual, truly matters. With humor, humility, and hope, this conversation invites parents to slow down, ask better questions, and choose youth sports paths that protect joy, character, and family values long before the scoreboard ever does.

Select Baseball Toxic vs Thriving

Select Baseball Cost Checklist

What’s the right way to support a young athlete without pushing too hard? In this episode, we dive into strength and conditioning for kids, preventing overuse injuries during rapid growth phases, and the timing of sport specialization. Dr. John Arvesen shares practical tips for recognizing warning signs like persistent pain, swelling, or fatigue, balancing recovery with competition, and fostering long-term health through sleep, nutrition, and rest. We also explore the difference between structured, year-round training and play-based, intrinsic specialization that keeps kids engaged without risk of burnout. Whether your child is just starting out or committed to a primary sport, this conversation gives parents tools to guide their athletes wisely and intentionally.