The Dad Hat Chronicles Podcast
Ever wondered what it’s like to be truly involved in sports? Wonder no more!
On this podcast, I’ll sit down with players, GMs, owners, and passionate fans like you to uncover how they fell in love with sports. We’ll dive into their unique journeys, explore the business side of the game, and discuss the endless possibilities that the sport offers.
From behind-the-scenes stories to deep conversations about the sport, I’m here to explore it all—while having a ton of fun along the way!
The Dad Hat:
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Episodes
209 episodes
If The WBC Is Better Than MLB Then What
We relive our Puerto Rico trip through the World Baseball Classic while we watch USA vs the Dominican Republic in real time. The vibes are elite, the debates get spicy, and the ending forces us to ask what baseball owes fans when the biggest mo...
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1:17:19
When A Classic Logo Dies, What Should Replace It?
We trace Zebulon’s winding baseball lineage from Savannah and Columbus to the Mudcats, then pull apart the Wilson Warbirds rebrand before diving into an Aussie-powered Devil Dogz identity and the future of Five County Stadium. Expect history, h...
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1:09:11
Building Zebulon’s Team: Names, Merch, Tickets, And The Aussie Vision
We map out how an all‑Australian roster and identity will anchor a traditional summer baseball team in a fast‑growing corner of North Carolina, from stadium upgrades to merch drops to a fan‑first ticket plan. We share timelines for the name rev...
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24:22
Building Zebulon’s All‑Australian CPL Team And A Fan‑First Stadium Experience
We sit down with GM Caleb Whittimore to unpack how an all‑Australian roster, a fresh brand, and a $10 million renovation will turn Zebulon’s park into a fan‑first summer home. From turf and new concessions to playgrounds and concerts, we map th...
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39:06
How The River Bandits Built Community Through Philanthropy, Rebrands, And Royals Player Development
I sit down with owner Dave Heller to explore how a minor league team can put community first, build smarter partnerships, and use brand identity to invite more people into the ballpark. Kelly Robinson then drops a rapid tour of Quad Cities spor...
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1:09:00
From Mascot Mayhem To Community Trust, A Minor League Owner Tells All
We trace how a bruised franchise became a community beacon: a Ferris wheel inside the gates, a fan-led return to River Bandits, and partners who bet on a big vision. Dave Heller shares the mascot check fiasco, the bridge-in-the-logo story, and ...
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52:01
From Snowed-Out Games To Neon Nights: How Weather, Fans, And Vendors Shape Minor League Merch
We compare Columbia’s hot, humid reality against Portland’s frigid springs to show how climate drives every merch choice, then dig into vendor timelines, GCP vs full custom hats, and the tradeoffs that keep a team store profitable. We wrap with...
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1:22:25
From Sea Dogs To Fireflies: Merch Mastery In Minor League Baseball
We trace Kevin’s path from music merch to minor league retail leadership and unpack how smart layouts, vertical storage, and on-field brand stories turn small shops into fast, profitable experiences. Paul joins to reveal why Columbia chose Fire...
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1:16:37
A Coast‑To‑Coast Guide To Independent And Collegiate Summer Baseball
We trace a coast‑to‑coast map of independent and collegiate summer baseball, from the Arizona Fall League’s underused potential to the Northwoods’ packed old parks, and explain how fans can keep their summers full if MLB hits turbulence in 2026...
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1:02:04
Untangling Today’s Minor League Baseball: Leagues, Logic, And Loyal Fans
We map today’s minor league maze with clear fixes: rebalance AAA, rethink halves and divisions, end six-game series fatigue, and restore fan-first traditions without blocking development. The heart is simple: honor history, reward consistency, ...
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47:02
Why Stubborn Play Calling And No Adjustments Cost Clemson, And How Panthers Can Still Steal The Division
We face the hard truths from a rough weekend: Clemson’s bowl game lacked adjustments and edge, ECU found answers at halftime, and the NFC South will come down to a narrow finish in Tampa. We call out bad schemes, soft standards, and lay out exa...
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1:08:57
Carolina Sports Weekend: Panthers’ Surge, Bryce Young’s Growth, And Playoff Math
Panthers grab control of the NFC South with a clean, steady win and a late defensive stand. We break down Bryce Young’s progress, Baker’s costly risk, and why Canales’ simple plan works when every snap matters.• Bryce Young’s efficient ...
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1:11:12
Cold Morning, Hot Takes On Carolina Sports
We trade frostbitten mornings for hot takes as the Panthers let a winnable game drift on penalties and late mistakes, then celebrate South Carolina State’s four-overtime grit. College soccer, D-II playoffs, and a three-pack of Canes shootout wi...
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1:08:49
South Dakota State’s Slide, MLS’s Calendar Gamble, And Curacao’s Shot At History Make For A Packed Night
We dive into a chaos-heavy sports week where FCS seeding flips, MLS redraws the calendar, and World Cup qualifying opens doors for surprise entrants. The stakes spike across rivalry games, while a few programs and federations make bold, risky b...
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2:35:51
From Premier League Drama To FCS Chaos: A Week Of Upsets, VAR Debates, And Blizzard Soccer
We jump from a blizzard bicycle kick in the Canadian Premier League to Premier League plot twists, break down VAR’s chaos and card rules, and map a MEAC race that might come down to a coin toss. FCS upsets, Maction midweek, NHL surprises, and v...
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2:41:39
Upsets, Meltdowns, And Mercy Kicks
We trade a weekend of strange results for clear takeaways: selection bravery beats reputation, and November exposes single-gear teams. Chelsea edge Spurs, Palace punch above their weight, USL signals pro/rel intent, and the FCS blows up the bra...
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2:33:07
A Halloween Of Hats, Horror, And Hot Takes
A birthday broadcast turns into a brisk tour of Halloween films, minor league heartbreak, and hard sports calls. We clash on analytics vs gut in October, then sprint through bold college, FCS, and NFL picks with a few underdog swings.• ...
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2:50:42
5 Questions: From Abilene to Wrigley: A Fan’s Return to Baseball and the Heart of a Community
We trace Terry’s path from Little League dust to a summer wood-bat revival, and how a small-town team brought a community back together. Along the way, we swap heartbreaks, hat collections, marathon games, and a father–son golf memory that stic...
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49:27
5 Questions: A beer from Mickey Mantle, a Bernie walk-off, and a lifetime of ballpark pilgrimages
A Yankee fan’s journey turns into a lifelong map of ballparks, national parks, and chance encounters—from caddying for Mickey Mantle to celebrating a Bernie Williams walk-off. We explore how rituals, travel, and minor league magic make the game...
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37:41
5 Questions: When Time Slows Down: Baseball as Life's Escape
Patrick Larson joins Five Questions to celebrate division championships for both the Guardians and Blue Jays while exploring his deep connection to baseball. The conversation weaves through baseball memories, traditions, and philosophical insig...
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35:17
5 Questions: Family Diamonds: A Father, Daughter, and Wife Talk Baseball
This week, I am joined by my family as they tackle 5 questions. From sharing a rainbow blanket to the time Ed almost go arrested for defending his wife.
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28:53
5 Questions: From Wichita Fury to Baseball Influencer
Eric Proffitt reveals his hidden past as a summer collegiate baseball player for the Wichita Fury, a surprise revelation despite years of friendship with the host. His baseball journey spans from childhood to podcasting, with unique experiences...
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41:28
5 Questions: Jinxes, Road Trips, and Japanese Baseball
Paul Caputo shares his baseball journey from Little League to international stadiums, exploring how the sport connects generations and creates lifelong friendships. Through personal stories and reflections, he reveals why baseball remains Ameri...
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42:19
5 Questions : A Generational Love Story
Kelly Robinson shares his deep connection to baseball as a family tradition dating back to 1900 when the White Sox began, revealing how the sport has shaped his identity, relationships, and most meaningful life moments.• First baseball ...
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42:31
The Kudzu Effect: How Grassroots Baseball is Taking Over North Carolina PT2.
The grassroots Sandlot baseball movement has exploded across North Carolina, creating a vibrant community with custom jerseys, creative team names, and cross-country connections. Mike from the Carolina Kudzu shares how these adult recreational ...
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38:32