The Dad Hat Chronicles Podcast

Send us Fan Mail 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. • hats of the week, beer pairings, sticker club shoutouts • rocky mountain vibes closure and minor league gaps • halloween and horror canon, from Th...

Send us Fan Mail 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 sticks forever. • Abilene roots and early baseball influence • High school dynasty lessons and details • Stepping away from playing and shiftin...

Send us Fan Mail 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 bigger than rivalries. • falling for baseball through cards, box scores and family lore • caddying for Mantle, Ford and a mustard-stained...

Send us Fan Mail 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 insights about how the sport mirrors life itself. • Falling in love with baseball through Atlanta Braves games on TBS and family trips to Fulton...

Send us Fan Mail 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.  Support the show Make sure to follow the Dad Hat Chronicles: https://linktr.ee/TheDadHatChronicles

Send us Fan Mail 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 like playing and working at historic Lawrence Dumont Stadium. • Co-hosts the Earn Fun Average Podcast focusing on minor league and summer...

Send us Fan Mail 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 America's most beautiful game. • Baseball as a family legacy spanning three generations • Lying about age to play Little League a year earl...

Send us Fan Mail 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 memory at age three at Comiskey Park seeing Harry Carey sing • White Sox family tradition spans multiple generations, unifying family members rega...

Send us Fan Mail 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 teams have created authentic baseball experiences complete with DJs spinning records during games, custom ice cream helmets, and even live...

Send us Fan Mail Sandlot baseball is experiencing explosive growth across North Carolina with a collective of nine teams creating a welcoming environment for players of all skill levels. Mike Ghilardi, a team captain for the Carolina Kudzu, shares how this accessible, pressure-free approach to baseball focuses on community and joy rather than competition and statistics. • The Carolina Kudzu formed...

Send us Fan Mail We launch a new series asking baseball fans five questions about their relationship with the game, featuring our first guest Virgil Brooks who shares his unique journey from casual observer to dedicated minor league enthusiast. • Virgil's love for baseball began with a post-graduation 10-day MLB road trip visiting seven ballparks • The 2006 Southern League All-Star Game chang...

Send us Fan Mail Baseball has been a lifelong love for Donnie Wise and shaped how he views the world, from the field to everyday life. • Started playing baseball at age 5 and it became "the one constant" through childhood, high school, and adulthood • Baseball teaches valuable life skills like patience, reading people, and strategic thinking • The sport uniquely allows for socializing an...

Send us Fan Mail We dive deep into our favorite social media platforms and strategies for creating engaging content around sports and stadium experiences.  • Instagram tops our lists for sharing visual content, with YouTube and Twitter/Meta platforms following close behind • Managing team bias professionally while creating content at rival team venues • Overcoming camera nervousness through a &quo...

Send us Fan Mail Ed and Val dive into the essential gear and software that powers their content creation, sharing an unfiltered look at exactly what they use to capture those perfect ballpark moments. • The "non-negotiable" gear they always bring to stadiums: fully charged phones, backup batteries, lights, and mini mics • How to sneak equipment into stadiums (Val confesses to hiding trip...

Send us Fan Mail Benjamin Hill reflects on his unexpected 20-year journey chronicling minor league baseball's unique culture, business, and fan experiences. His career path from temp jobs to becoming baseball's preeminent voice on minor league culture demonstrates the surprising ways passion can turn into profession. • Started in 2005 through a recommendation from ball hawk Zach Hample,...

Send us Fan Mail Sandlot Goods transforms from a small leather goods company to a thriving hat manufacturer after pivoting to make face masks during the pandemic. Thomas McIntyre shares the entrepreneurial journey behind their handcrafted products, including their popular Yard Ball and partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. • Building a brand identity while also functioning as a manuf...

Send us Fan Mail Thomas, CEO of Sandlot Goods, shares the story behind their American-made hats and leather products, explaining how quality manufacturing and positive workplace culture create products meant to last generations. • Founded with the belief that everyone needs their own "sandlot" – a place where they work hard at something they love • Started as a leather goods company befo...

Send us Fan Mail Card collecting is evolving beyond the stereotype of older, middle-aged men, with collectors of all ages and backgrounds entering the hobby for different reasons and with different approaches to building their collections. • Card value varies based on rarity factors like special prints, patches, and autographs • The pandemic caused an overnight explosion in collecting when people...

Send us Fan Mail Ashley, known as Junk Wax Queen on social media, shares how she transformed from card collecting novice to passionate enthusiast after her husband introduced her to the hobby during COVID lockdowns. What began as a way to pass time together became a serious pursuit with organized binders, display walls, and dedicated collecting strategies. • Started collecting during COVID when he...

Send us Fan Mail Val and I continue our conversations on baseball traditions and ballpark essentials while diving into surprising team predictions and the controversial topic of MLB salary regulations. • Essential ballpark gear for content creators including lighting equipment, tripods, and portable chargers • Strategies for collecting meaningful stadium mementos like pins and magnets instead of a...

Send us Fan Mail Baseball traditions and pre-season excitement build as pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training, marking the official countdown to Opening Day and the start of the 2025 MLB season. • Personal baseball traditions including buying a new hat each season and organizing jerseys by division • Updates on the upcoming Curveprint Media Meetup in Chicago on June 22-23 • Potential pla...

Send us Fan Mail A former pro cyclist shares her journey through the highs and lows of competitive cycling, discussing the importance of nutrition, training, and mental resilience. Katie's insights reveal the complexity of preparation and life after competing. • Exploration of the unique challenges and experiences of pro cyclists • Importance of nutrition in maintaining energy and performance...

Send us Fan Mail This podcast episode explores the journey of Katie. A semi-professional cyclist, weaving personal stories and insights into the world of competitive cycling. She shares her transition from triathlons to racing, her challenges and triumphs, and the team dynamics that define the sport.  • Katie discusses her injury days before her wedding • Journey from grad school to becoming a com...

Send us Fan Mail This episode explores the intersection of family life and sports fandom, featuring special guest Alex, an avid baseball fan and family travel enthusiast. Listeners discover practical tips for navigating baseball stadiums with children, personal anecdotes from Alex's wedding at Angel Stadium, and insights into making the most of family-friendly sports trips. • Insights on the...

Send us Fan Mail The episode invites listeners into the world of tennis, unraveling its unique scoring and rules while highlighting personal experiences and rivalries. As Mike explains the intricacies of the sport, the hosts aim to make tennis accessible and enjoyable for everyone. • Introduction to tennis and personal connections  • Mike's journey through tennis fandom  • Explanation of tenn...