In this episode of Baseball Ready, host Russ Riba sits down with longtime friend and coaching partner, Coach Derik, for a deep dive into the highs, lows, and hilarious moments of youth baseball. From long-haired ballplayers to coaching rivalries, they discuss what it really means to coach your own kid—and the fine line between “Daddy Ball” and legitimate development. You'll hear stories of building all-star teams, coaching philosophies, frustrations from the other side of the fence, and how youth sports can forge lifelong friendships. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or just love the game, this episode hits close to home with laughs, lessons, and real talk from the dugout.

Whether you're a baseball parent, coach, or fan of youth sports, this one’s for you.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or the podcast platform of your choice… and also seen on YouTube. Subscribe for more real-life youth baseball stories!

Season 1 | Bottom of the 2nd | Run Rabbit Run – Part 2 | Cheating in Youth Baseball

In this eye-opening episode of Baseball Ready, host Russ Riba returns for Part 2 of "Run Rabbit Run"—this time tackling the uncomfortable but all-too-real topic of cheating in youth baseball.

From shaved bats and non-roster ringers to pitch count violations and biased umpires, Russ pulls no punches while breaking down the many ways teams and coaches bend (or break) the rules in pursuit of plastic trophies.

In this episode:

• What it means to shave or roll a bat—and why it’s not just “strategy”
• The dangers of ignoring pitch count rules (and why it’s more than just bad coaching)
• How some coaches sneak in players, fudge rosters, or look the other way
• Why winning at all costs is a terrible lesson for young athletes

As always, Russ wraps up with his “Down to the Baseline” takeaway—a powerful reminder that baseball is more than just a game; it’s a character-building experience.

If you’ve ever felt like your team lost to a cheat, or if you’re wondering where the line between smart coaching and unethical behavior really lies—this episode is for you.

Subscribe on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite platform. Let’s get Baseball Ready.

Welcome back to Baseball Ready, where youth baseball gets real… and sometimes a little sneaky. In this episode, host Russ Riba kicks off a two-part series that dives headfirst into the fine line between cheating and “creative” coaching.

From the baseball riddle to honest insights, Russ breaks down the Run Rabbit Run tactic—a youth baseball loophole where hustle blurs the lines of sportsmanship. You’ll hear stories about:

• Coaches stretching the rules for a win

• Loopholes like baiting balks, stealing signs, and clock manipulation

• The infamous hidden ball trick

• And whether exploiting young players’ inexperience is fair or foul

Russ also shares personal stories as a coach, umpire, and dad—including his wife’s brutally honest podcast feedback and a bizarre dust devil on the field.

Baseball is packed with life lessons—and how you play the game says more than what’s on the scoreboard.

Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen—and stay tuned for Part 2, where we tackle cheating head-on.