League Talk Podcast

World Series Champ Jesse Chavez hops on the League Talk podcast to talk about his journey to the MLB.  He sheds light on his early years growing up in San Gabriel/Fontana California, and the qualities his dad instilled in him as a youngsta that has carried Chavez through as an amateur baseball player as well as a big league pitcher.

Former big league utility man Delwyn Young chats with the League Talk Podcast about his baseball journey.  He comes from a long line of ballplayers within his family, and discusses how that helped to shape him as a player.  Young also sheds light on the women in his family (especially his mom) that kept everything together during his route to the major leagues.

Two-time Super Bowl Champ Jarvis Green hops on the League Talk Podcast to talk about his journey to the NFL.  Green sheds light on his humbled upbringing in Donaldsonville Louisiana, how he got started with football, the work he put in to be the best, as well as life after.

The League Talk Podcast is finally back, and kicking off the new season with a bang!  This episode has former big leaguer, and world series champ Tony Sipp.  Sipp chops it up with host Shane Youman about his humbled beginnings in Moss Point Mississippi, and his journey through college baseball, and on to the pros.  He also shares his ups and downs throughout, and the things that kept him going.

Former left-handed pitcher and Mississippi native Paul Maholm joins the League Talk podcast to share his journey to becoming a major league baseball player.  He talks about how in his early years he was not very good on the mound,  and how he vowed to work hard to become great at his craft.  Maholm also discusses the tough decision on whether to sign a pro contract, or go to college as a young high school senior, and says going to Mississippi State was the best thing for him at the time because it prepared him for a long and successful big league career.  Through it all, Paul stay true to himself!

Former big league outfielder Jacque Jones visits the League Talk Podcast to discuss his humbled beginnings growing up in SoCal, and his love for baseball.   Jones takes us on his journey as a young ballplayer all the way through his successful 9+ year major league playing career.  He shares his ups and downs as well as the lessons he took away from the game that he uses in life.

Bam Bam Meulens hops on the League Talk Podcast to share his journey from the Dutch Commonwealth Island of Curaco to Major League Baseball.  He discusses the before, the in between, the after, and what lies ahead for his future.

In this episode of the League Talk Podcast, the tables are turned!  Instead of Shane Youman being in his normal seat as host, he is the guest.  With help from Charlton Jimerson (former guest) as host, Youman shares memories of his humbled upbringing in New Iberia, Louisiana from family to friends, to sports.  The two also dive into Shane's road traveled to becoming a major league baseball player.

On the latest episode of the League Talk Podcast, Shane Youman chops it up with former Pirates teammates Claudell Clark, Vic Buttler, and Sean Smith.  The foursome discuss how difficult it is to become a major league baseball player, and the lessons they were all able to take away from the game.

Brian D. Barton stops by the League Talk podcast to talk about his journey to the major leagues. Barton discusses his early days as a youngster growing up in South Central LA, his love for basketball, and how he was forced to make a tough decision as an 8yr old. He also talked about his instant love for baseball once he started playing, his competitive nature, and how he worked hard to be the best version of himself. Brian shared the trials and tribulations he faced throughout high school, college, and eventually pro ball that had him rethinking whether or not he'd made the right decision to play baseball. Now an author, and public speaker, Barton shares his story, and motivates many to always follow their heart.

Shane Youman sits down with former Pittsburgh Pirates teammate, and fellow left-handed pitcher John Grabow for the latest episode of the League Talk Podcast. The two talk about what Grabes is doing now that he's retired, his upbringing in SoCal, how he got started with baseball, and the constant guidance he had throughout his career. Grabow also shed light on the things that kept him going each and everyday so that he could be the best version of himself every time he toed that pitcher's mound.

On this episode of the League Talk Podcast, Shane Youman sits down with former MLB outfielder Austin Jackson. The two talk about Jackson's journey as a multi-sport phenom in baseball and basketball, as well as his short stint as a soccer and football player. They also discuss how his parents played an intricate part with keeping him humble and level headed during a time when he was getting a lot of attention as a two sport star. Not only that, Austin chopped it up with Youman about how tough a decision it was for him to pass up an opportunity to play basketball and baseball at Georgia Tech to instead sign a contract with the New York Yankees which ultimately led to him becoming a major league baseball player.

Shane Youman links up with former teammate Jose Bautista for the latest episode of the League Talk Podcast. The two talk about Bautista's humble beginnings with the game of baseball growing up in the Dominican Republic, his growth as a player, and the opportunity for him to attend college in the states. They also chop it up about Jose's journey to the big leagues, all the things he was able to accomplish, and his most fondest memories playing ball!

Former big league infielder Jeff Keppinger joins Shane Youman on this episode of the League Talk Podcast. The two discuss Keppi's humbled beginnings as a youngster growing up in Hollywood Fla. moving to Georgia, and him trying to keep up with his big bro playing sports. Jeff also sheds light on the grind for him on the baseball field in his quest to becoming the best ballplayer he could be, lessons he learned throughout his journey, and all the things that continually motivated him to keep pushing. This is a classic League Talk episode that any athlete, or non athlete can enjoy!

On episode 16 of the League Talk Podcast, Shane Youman sits down with Texas Rangers lefty Taylor Hearn. They discuss Hearn's adolescent years as a young rodeo cowboy as well as how he got started in other sports such as baseball, basketball, and football. Taylor, a Royse City, Texas native shares stories about his journey to the bigs, and the multiple tests he had to endure throughout. His testament is definitely one young ballplayers should take notice of especially since his book is still being written.

On episode 15 of the League Talk Podcast, Shane Youman steps out of his comfort zone, and on to the hockey rink with guest Rob O'Gara. Rob, a Long Island NY native talks about how he was introduced to the game of hockey by his dad, and grandfather. O'Gara said he instantly fell in love with the sport, and played as a youngster not knowing that he'd get the attention that he started to receive once he left the island to attend a prep school in Boston. There, he was able to really hone in on his craft as a defenseman, as well as grab the attention of college, and pro scouts. That exposure allowed Rob to see that he had a real opportunity to play hockey at a very high level.

In episode 14, Shane Youman chops it up with 2 time Olympic triple jumper Walter Davis. The two Louisianians talk about everything from Walter's athletic family, his love for basketball, and how he was first introduced to track and field. Davis takes Shane on his journey from Leonville Louisiana, to Barton County Community College, on to the 2000 Olympic Games, then LSU, his time on the Pro Circuit, and even another Olympics!

For episode 13 of the League Talk Podcast, Diontae Spencer sits down with Shane Youman to discuss his journey to the NFL. Spencer is the first active pro athlete to hop on the podcast! The two New Iberians talk about everything from how D Spence got his start with sports, the support of his family, as well as his high school years juggling athletics, and academics. Diontae also sheds light on his growth as a person, and player during his college years, leading up to the time he spent playing in the CFL which ultimately led to him getting a legit shot in the NFL!

Shane Youman teams up with another one of his I-10 connections, former MLB utility man Jason Bourgeois. JB talks about his humbled beginnings growing up in Houston, Texas getting introduced to the game of baseball by his dad, learning the history of the Negro Leagues, and studying how guys like Dusty Baker, and Marquis Grissom approached the game. The former 2nd round pick of the Texas Rangers also shares with us the moment he knew he had a shot at being a big leaguer, the ups, and downs during his career, and how he was able to persevere despite.

As the first pitcher to make an appearance on the League Talk podcast, former big leaguer Trey Hodges shares his experiences throughout his baseball career with host, and former teammate Shane Youman. Hodges talks about how it all got started, the influence his older brother had on him, and how he was able to overcome adversity on multiple occasions in order to accomplish his goals on the baseball field. Trey's story is very interesting, and is something that definitely needed to be shared!

From Texas, to Florida, to the British Virgin Islands, it's the League Talk Podcast "Couples Edition!" Shane Youman has the pleasure of interviewing 2 former world class track and field athletes, Joey Scott, and Tahesia Harrigan-Scott, who happen to be married. The couple talks about their paths to becoming track and field stars, as well as the focus, and the grind of the sport. The Scotts also share the story about when they met, and how they were able to sustain a strong relationship while competing at a high level on the circuit. Joey, and Tahesia also share with us their experiences at multiple Olympic Games, and what they are up to now since hanging up the spikes.

Episode 9 of the League Talk Podcast takes us to sunny Los Angeles, CA. Shane Youman visits with former MLB OF, and Triple A Hit King Mr. Brandon Watson. Brandon speaks on how he got started playing the game of baseball, his early influences, and the things that made him a big league prospect. He also talks about the adversity he faced through his journey in the minors, and how he was able to stay focus to accomplish his ultimate goal of becoming a big ballplayer. Shane, and Brandon also dive into family life, from raising kids to the Watson family biz, which are 2 things Watty is most fond of!!!

Shane Youman links up with his former Strength, and Conditioning coach from the Pittsburgh Pirates, Frank Velasquez Jr. The two talk about how Frank got his start as an athletic trainer in pro baseball, and how that turned into him becoming a big league Strength, and Conditioning coach. Franky V also goes into detail about the importance of training the right way, and taking care of your body.

Two time MLB All Star, Gold Glove winner, and stolen base champ Michael Bourn blessed Shane Youman, and the League Talk podcast for episode seven. Bourn, hailing from Houston, Texas, talks everything baseball from playing for his dad in little league, to high school and college, and his grind to the big leagues. He and Youman reminisce on their encounters in college, and pro ball, as well as the times they had hanging out off the field. Mike B also shares his thoughts on our current social climate, and what it's like to raise a black family during these times.

In episode 6, Shane Youman chats with former big league outfielder Fred Lewis about his love for the game of baseball as well as other sports growing up in Wiggins, Mississippi. The two also talk about decision making, dealing with tragedy, having a good support system, making it to the majors, and style!

Shane Youman, and Mark Roman, two New Iberia, Louisiana natives discuss life growing up in the mini city. Mark also talks about his start in organized sports, adjustments he made along the way, and adversity. The two pros also chop it up about Mark's growth as a football player from high school to college, and from college to the NFL.

Shane Youman, and Ryan Theriot, former baseball teammates at LSU reminisce on their time as Bayou Bengals, being drafted, and the minor league grind. The two also chat about the time they faced off in an MLB game, Theriot's championship years, and the day he decided to hang up the spikes to pursue other endeavors.

In episode 3, Marie Ferdinand-Harris talks to Shane Youman about her rise to stardom in basketball from her high school days in Miami Fla., to the campus of LSU, and being the number 8 overall pick in the 2001 WNBA draft. Marie also discusses what it was like becoming a parent while at the top of her game, and how tough it was to accept being a role player/ultimate teammate though she felt she could still perform at a high level late in her career.

In episode 2, Shane Youman chops it up with former MLB outfielder turned author Charlton Jimerson. They discuss Jimerson's sports journey through high school and on to college, how he was able to choose baseball over basketball, his road to the big leagues, and of course his book, Against All Odds (A Success Story).

Former MLB and KBO pitcher Shane Youman has a classic convo with 14yr MLB vet, and teammate Rajai Davis. They discuss how he got his start in baseball, his journey to the major leagues, and obstacles he had to overcome in doing so. Not only that, Rajai also talked about how he was able to play at a high level for a very long time, career highlights, family, and lessons learned from playing the game he loves.