Host: Russ Riba | Baseball Ready

In this fun yet heartfelt follow-up to “Top of the First,” Russ Riba returns with another baseball-themed rant, spotlighting the real MVPs of youth sports: the parents (that’s sarcasm!). From the chaos in the stands to an unforgettable viral moment featuring a vertically challenged umpire who finally had enough, this episode dives into the tension (and comedy) of grown-ups behaving badly on the baseball field.

Russ breaks down a heated viral clip, unpacks the pressure umpires face, and calls out the sideline "coaches" who can’t help shouting advice during every pitch. Whether you're a parent, a coach, or just love the game, Russ challenges you to sit back, zip it, and let the kids play. Plus: The world’s worst baseball riddle makes a return—because apparently, you people like it.

Key takeaway: Be passionate, not problematic. Respect the game, the umpires, and most of all—the kids.

Episode 1: Coaches Losing It Welcome to the very first full episode of Baseball Ready, where youth baseball gets real, raw, and a little ridiculous.

In this episode, Russ Riba breaks down a viral and outrageous moment in youth baseball—a coach absolutely losing his mind over a borderline pitch. Was it a bad call? Was it just a bad day? Russ unpacks the video, shares insights from his own experience as an umpire, and reminds us that respect, self-control, and perspective matter—especially when the kids are watching.

Along the way, you’ll hear:

• A ridiculous baseball riddle (with a corny payoff)
• A deep dive into the viral clip and what actually happened
• A personal story about a coach’s surprising moment of humility
• A “get down to the baseline” takeaway about what this game is really about

Whether you're a parent, coach, umpire, or snack-schedule warrior, this episode reminds us why we all need to chill a little—and laugh a lot.

Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, YouTube, or your favorite platform, and let’s get Baseball Ready!

Welcome to Baseball Ready — the podcast where youth baseball gets real. Real funny, real chaotic, and real relatable.

Hosted by Russ Riba, this trailer episode tees up everything you can expect from the show: home runs, helmet tosses, dugout drama, overzealous parents, late-night uniform scrambles, illegal bats, and plenty of "Daddy Ball" madness.

Whether you're a parent, coach, kid, or umpire (or just someone who spends way too much time at the ballfield), Baseball Ready is for you. We talk the good, the bad, and the just plain silly — because we’ve lived it, laughed about it, and maybe cried a little too.

Subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, or watch the show on YouTube. Let’s get Baseball Ready!