Social Media's Impact on AthletesThe panel discusses the impact of social media on athletes. Brian Mcrae, a former MLB player, joins the group for the first time. Rob introduces the topic, asking whether social media helps athletes build their brand or if it negatively affects their focus, development, and mental health. The conversation is set to explore the challenges and opportunities that social media presents for athletes at all levels.Social Media's Impact on Young AthletesA discussion on the impact of social media on young athletes, particularly in baseball and softball. The participants agreed that while social media can be a useful tool for building a player's brand and getting them noticed by college recruiters, it can also have negative effects. They noted that some players become overly focused on their individual stats and performance, which can lead to pressure and mental health issues. The coaches also expressed concerns about the shift towards individualism in sports, as they believe that the team concept is becoming less emphasized. They suggested that young athletes should focus on their game and let their results speak for themselves, rather than relying too heavily on social media.Social Media's Impact on AthletesBrian discussed the challenges of maintaining a social media presence as a professional athlete, particularly during the season. He suggested that social media could be distracting and negatively impact mental health. Robert and Chris agreed that social media policies might be necessary for teams to help athletes navigate these challenges. Joe highlighted the potential for social media to be used positively, but also noted the prevalence of negativity and its impact on mental health. The team acknowledged the need for further understanding of how social media affects young athletes.Managing Social Media for AthletesThe team discussed the challenges of managing social media for their athletes. They agreed that it's crucial to have someone in charge of capturing and managing social media content to prevent negativity and maintain focus on the game. Coaches also shared strategies for handling phones during games and practice, emphasizing the importance of setting clear rules and consequences. The team also discussed the need for coaches to be more aware of social media's impact on their teams and to address the issue appropriately.Social Media Management for Young AthletesThe panel discussed the importance of social media for young athletes, emphasizing the need for careful management and branding. They advised athletes to focus on their performance and not be swayed by negative opinions from peers. The panel also touched on the potential for social media managers for young athletes, but cautioned that this might not be necessary for all players. They also briefly mentioned the issue of parental pressure on athletes, but decided to save this topic for a later discussion.Our Amazing Panel of Coaches and PlayersFormer MLB Player Brian McRae https://x.com/kcsluggers?lang=enCoach Joe Conti https://x.com/LiquidJoeNitroCoach Antone Gomes https://thebaseballcoach.comSo athletes, coaches, fans—let us know in the comments:Is social media helping the game evolve, or is it slowly eroding what made sports great in the first place?Don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share this with someone who’s going viral for all the wrong reasons."Why student-athletes are struggling with clout culture and social media pressure

Social media and NIL: The new challenges for college athletesCoaches on how TikTok and Instagram are changing the gameSubscribe To What Up! https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatUpSports?sub_confirmation=1More What Up Videos 👇https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatUpSports/videosCONNECT WITH US:For Business Inquiries:sportsdesk@whatupsports.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/whatupsportsnationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatupsportsTwitter: @wusportsnation

Memorable Experiences in BaseballChris and Robert shared several memorable experiences from their past. Chris recounted his experience in the Mexican League, where he was involved in a brawl and then hit a grand slam, and later coached in the Dominican Republic with his friend Jim Parket. He also mentioned a game against the US Virgin Islands, where they won 8-0 after losing the previous two games. The team, as the fourth seed, eventually made it to the championship game.Sports Memories in Personal LifeIn the meeting, Chris and Robert discussed their memorable experiences, particularly those related to sports. Chris shared his joy of winning a tournament in the Dominican Republic, which was his first triumph after eight years. Robert reminisced about a memorable baseball game he attended with his family, during which they witnessed a historic record-breaking moment. Antone added to the discussion by sharing his experience of being a part of a film and his own sports memories. The conversation highlighted the importance of creating and cherishing memories, both in personal and professional life.Subscribe To What Up! https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatUpSports?sub_confirmation=1More What Up Videos 👇https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatUpSports/videosCONNECT WITH US:For Business Inquiries:sportsdesk@whatupsports.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/whatupsportsnationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatupsportsTwitter: @wusportsnation

We got into a little conversation off show that was recorded and was worth uploading for everyone. Hop you enjoy some of the great stuff in this one.Chris, Rob, Antone and Riley discussed their sports superstitions. Antone shared his superstition of wearing a specific pair of sliding pants and having oatmeal before every game. Rob talked about a football player who had a superstition about not washing his practice shirt until it stood up on its own. Riley mentioned that he used to have superstitious tendencies but eventually rejected them, opting for a routine approach to hitting instead. The group also discussed the importance of mental preparation in sports, with Rob emphasizing how crucial it is to have the right mindset.Sports Superstitions and Memorable MomentsThe team discussed their personal sports-related superstitions and preparation rituals, highlighting how these unique habits contributed to their team culture. They also shared their greatest sports moments, emphasizing the importance of being actively involved in the experience. The discussion served as an opportunity for team members to reflect on cherished memories and the impact of sports on their lives.Subscribe To What Up! https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatUpSports?sub_confirmation=1More What Up Videos 👇https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatUpSports/videosCONNECT WITH US:For Business Inquiries:sportsdesk@whatupsports.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/whatupsportsnationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatupsportsTwitter: @wusportsnation

Coaching Experiences and Athletic DevelopmentsChris and Antone discussed their experiences as coaches, with Antone revealing that he used to coach at Saddleback and is considering going pro. Riley, a softball player, shared her achievements and upcoming plans to play overseas. The group also discussed the increasing production of freshmen in college baseball and softball, attributing it to their early exposure to hitting coaches and improved mechanics. Antone expressed interest in learning more about the softball approach to hitting, while Chris observed the rising athleticism and home run production in the sport.Sports Philosophy and Routine DiscussionIn the meeting, Riley, Chris, Robert, and Antone discussed their experiences with success in sports. Riley shared his philosophy of focusing on hitting anything rather than just a specific spot, which helped him achieve a high batting average. Chris recalled his admiration for Riley's ability to ignore his stats and maintain his performance. Robert asked about their routines and superstitions, and Riley explained how his routine evolved over time to help him stay in a zone. Antone shared his confidence in hitting and his approach to coaching players in a zone. They agreed that when a player is in a groove, they should be left alone unless they want to discuss their performance.Subscribe To What Up! https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatUpSports?sub_confirmation=1More What Up Videos 👇https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatUpSports/videosCONNECT WITH US:For Business Inquiries:sportsdesk@whatupsports.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/whatupsportsnationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatupsportsTwitter: @wusportsnation

The team discussed the increasing prevalence of injuries in professional sports, attributing it to factors such as overtraining, specialization in one sport, and the lack of multi-sport participation. They agreed that playing multiple sports helps develop better body awareness, mechanics, and overall physicality, reducing the risk of injury. The team also noted the shift in sports culture, where kids are now more focused on one sport and often travel for competitions, leading to a lack of balance in their training. They concluded that a well-rounded training regimen, including weight training, cardio, and fast movements, is essential for maintaining good health and preventing injuries.Addressing Burnout in Young AthletesThe team discussed the challenges faced by young athletes, particularly in relation to burnout and the pressure to excel in multiple sports. They agreed that many young athletes are under immense pressure from their parents and coaches to perform, leading to burnout and a lack of passion for the sport. The team also discussed the importance of rest and recovery for athletes, with a focus on mental health and the need for downtime to prevent burnout. They highlighted the dangers of pushing athletes too hard, too young, and the potential long-term consequences for their health and well-being. The team concluded that more awareness and understanding of these issues are needed to ensure the well-being of young athletes.Subscribe To What Up! https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatUpSports?sub_confirmation=1More What Up Videos 👇https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatUpSports/videosCONNECT WITH US:For Business Inquiries:sportsdesk@whatupsports.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/whatupsportsnationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatupsportsTwitter: @wusportsnation

We go deeper into our discussion on what should be the qualifications of being in a Hall of Fame.Subscribe To What Up! https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatUpSports?sub_confirmation=1More What Up Videos 👇https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatUpSports/videosCONNECT WITH US:For Business Inquiries:sportsdesk@whatupsports.comInstagram: http://instagram.com/whatupsportsnationFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatupsportsTwitter: @wusportsnation

Diving Into #NIL And How It Is Affecting Sports Today

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Value of Attending Sports Events Rob and Chris discussed the value of attending various sports events, particularly high school and junior college games. Rob expressed his preference for attending hockey games over NFL games, citing the more exciting atmosphere and lower ticket prices. Chris agreed, recommending watching high school and college softball games for the opportunity to see talented athletes and experience the energy of the games. Both emphasized the value of attending these events for the entertainment and inspiration they provide. Frustration With Professional Sports Decline Rob and Chris discussed their dissatisfaction with professional sports, particularly baseball, basketball, and Nascar. They expressed frustration with the current state of these sports, citing issues such as prima donna players, injuries, and a focus on money over the sport itself. They also discussed the decline in the quality of sports and the shift in focus towards local, amateur sports. Rob shared his personal experience of switching his focus from professional sports to local sports, such as paddleboarding and skiing. Chris agreed with Rob's perspective and suggested that the decline in professional sports is due to a lack of appreciation for the fans. They concluded the discussion by expressing their hope that people would start to appreciate local sports more. Supporting High School Student-Athletes

Rob expresses his desire to see more support and attendance for high school sports beyond just football and basketball, such as softball, women's basketball, soccer, and wrestling. He highlights the passion and dedication of these student-athletes and suggests that having packed stadiums would be an incredible experience for them. Chris agrees and notes the affordability of attending such events. Rob emphasizes the importance of supporting these athletes at lower levels who play purely for their love of the sport. He also mentions interviewing a top-ranked high school wrestler who could potentially become an Olympian, encouraging people to watch and support her. The discussion touches on using the money spent on attending these events to support the schools' non-profit programs. Subscribe To What Up! https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatUpSports?sub_confirmation=1 More What Up Videos 👇 https://www.youtube.com/c/WhatUpSports/videos CONNECT WITH US: For Business Inquiries: sportsdesk@whatupsports.com Instagram: http://instagram.com/whatupsportsnation Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/whatupsports Twitter: @wusportsnation