Former MLB All-Star Michael Saunders joins the show to talk about a side of youth sports that often gets overlooked: the person behind the athlete.

As a father of three, Michael is now navigating youth sports from the sidelines instead of the batter’s box. His kids play volleyball, soccer, and basketball, and none of them chose baseball. That reality opened the door to a conversation about specialization, multi-sport development, pressure, and what kids actually need from the adults around them.

The conversation also explores the emotional side of sports. From making the Little League World Series to playing in the Major Leagues, Michael shares what he learned about identity, mental toughness, and why some of the most important lessons in sports have nothing to do with performance. For parents, coaches, and athletes feeling the pressure of today’s youth sports culture, this episode is a reminder that sports are something kids do, not who they are.

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Guest Resources

• Saundo Athletics

  

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Key Takeaways

• The fear of kids “falling behind” often pushes families toward specialization long before it’s necessary.

• Some of the most valuable lessons in sports come from playing multiple sports, not focusing on just one.

• The athletes who learn resilience early often develop skills that talent alone cannot replace.

• Parents sometimes carry bigger athletic dreams for their children than the children carry for themselves.

• Sports can be a powerful tool for growth, but performance should never become a child’s identity.

Soundbites

• “Baseball is what we do. It’s not who we are.”

• “The fear of your kid getting left behind is one of the biggest misconceptions in youth sports.”

• “Athletes want to know three things: Do you care about me? Can I trust you? Can you make me better?”

• “The best compliment I can give somebody is that they’re a ballplayer.”

• “Fun and development can exist in the same sentence.”

Episode Breakdown with Timestamps

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[00:00] From MLB Clubhouses to Youth Sports Dad

• Michael shares what life looks like now as a parent of three youth athletes.

• His children chose volleyball, soccer, and basketball instead of baseball.

• The conversation highlights the shift from being an elite athlete to simply being a sports parent.

• A reminder that kids don’t always follow the path adults expect.

[02:00] When Your Kids Don’t Play Your Sport

• Michael reflects on expecting at least one of his children to play baseball.

• His son ultimately decided the game wasn’t for him.

• The discussion explores how parents can support their kids without steering every decision.

• Letting children discover what they love can be harder than it sounds.

[04:20] Why Some Kids Love “Get-It-Back” Sports

• Rhett and Michael discuss the differences between baseball and faster-paced sports.

• Baseball often requires kids to sit with mistakes longer than soccer or volleyball.

• The conversation sheds light on why certain personalities gravitate toward different sports.

• Not every sport fits every child, and that’s okay.

[05:50] Little League, Free Play, and a Different Childhood

• Michael shares memories of playing Little League and representing Canada in the Little League World Series.

• One practice a week and weekend games left plenty of room to simply be a kid.

• Both Rhett and Michael reflect on learning through pickup games and neighborhood competition.

• The discussion challenges the idea that year-round training is the only path to success.

[08:00] The Pressure to Specialize Early

• Michael pushes back on the belief that kids must commit to one sport at a young age.

• Multi-sport experiences help athletes develop physically and mentally.

• Sports teach leadership, resilience, and problem-solving in different ways.

• The fear of falling behind may be driving more decisions than actual development.

[09:50] Are Parents Chasing Their Dream or Their Child’s?

• An honest conversation about how adult expectations can influence youth sports.

• Michael discusses the importance of allowing kids to navigate their own path.

• Parents can unintentionally create pressure by focusing too much on future outcomes.

• The challenge is staying present instead of constantly looking ahead.

[11:00] Sports Are Something You Do, Not Who You Are

• Michael explains the philosophy behind Saundo Athletics.

• The focus is on person-first development.

• Identity tied solely to performance can become fragile.

• Strong character often outlasts athletic success.

[13:30] Why Mental Skills Matter More Than Talent

• Michael discusses how adversity often teaches lessons talent cannot.

• The conversation explores why some highly talented athletes struggle to advance.

• Resilience, self-awareness, and perspective separate many successful athletes.

• Growth often begins when things stop coming easily.

[17:00] What Professional Sports Taught Him About Relationships

• Rhett shares concerns about how athletes are sometimes valued more for performance than personhood.

• Michael discusses navigating attention, expectations, and people wanting access.

• The conversation reveals the emotional realities many athletes face behind the scenes.

• Support systems matter at every level of sports.

[23:00] Every Athlete Needs an Escape

• Michael explains why athletes need people who see them as more than their sport.

• Friends and family can provide a connection to normal life.

• Mental recovery often comes from conversations that have nothing to do with performance.

• A powerful reminder that athletes are people first.

[26:40] Building Saundo Athletics

• Michael shares the vision behind Saundo Athletics.

• The goal is creating an environment where fun and development coexist.

• Camps are built around confidence, relationships, and love for the game.

• The mission extends beyond baseball and into helping young people grow.

Final Reflection

One of the quiet tensions in youth sports is how quickly performance can become identity. This conversation serves as a reminder that the scoreboard eventually disappears, the statistics fade, and the uniforms come off. What remains is the person underneath. The question isn’t just what sports can do for our kids. It’s who our kids become because of sports.

Call to Action

If this episode resonated with you, subscribe to the show and share it with a parent, coach, or athlete navigating the challenges of youth sports.

If you have a story you’d like to share or would like to be a guest on the podcast, we’d love to hear from you. The best conversations often start with real experiences.