Claim OwnershipThe Dad Hat Chronicles Podcast
Subscribed: 4Played: 18
Subscribe
© 2026 The Dad Hat Chronicles Podcast
Description
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:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedadhat216/
Threads: https://www.threads.net/@thedadhat216
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCPk7lmGqgfNZNS4IM-M8XVw
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thedadhat216?lang=en
Twitter: https://x.com/thedadhat216
205 Episodes
Reverse
Send us a text 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 sports history from early leagues to Modern Woodmen Park. • why the team serves the community, not the other way around • free flu shots, NICU funding, Camp Hope, and Family Connects support • Bandit Scholars program as the largest scholarsh...
Send us a text 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 why family-first design wins. • why an amusement-park mindset belongs in a ballpark • the lockout scare and earning back trust • Modern Woodmen partnership and local sponsors • fan vote restoring River Bandits name • Francis Santaquilani...
Send us a text 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 a deep, lively history of Columbia baseball with Kelly Robinson. • store size and layout shaping assortment • weather dictating fabric, layers and accessories • staples vs experiments and reorder strategy • long-sleeve tees as repeat in...
Send us a text 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 Fireflies, how glow details work, and what makes lightning-bug country unique. • career arc from Sea Dogs to Fireflies • lessons from tour merch and COVID pivots • mavericks league planning under restrictions • 500 sq ft store redesigned for...
Send us a text 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. We weigh stability against control, share travel tips, and highlight leagues worth your time and money. • why 2026 MLB CBA risk makes alternatives vital • Arizona Fall League strengths and promotion gaps • affiliated vs independent con...
Send us a text 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, and make travel and rivalry logic match the map. • AAA imbalance between International League and Pacific Coast League • First-half titles undermined by late-season call-ups • Six-game series and universal Monday off day issues • Travel ...
Send us a text 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 exactly how Carolina can still win. • Clemson’s missed adjustments and poor execution in the cold • Soft position rooms and why alumni hires backfired • Quick-game concepts Clemson ignored when rhythm was needed • ECU’s second-half surge fu...
Send us a text 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 stat line and turnover control • Baker Mayfield’s late interception and Evans misread • Run-by-committee balance with Dowdle and Hubbard • Emerging chemistry with Coker and McMillan • Special teams swings and field position • NFC playoff pictur...
Send us a text 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 wins round out a wild slate. • cold snap chat, spam merch rabbit hole, retro watch detox • Panthers’ penalties gifting six first downs • late sack and personal foul shifting the endgame • kicker potency and the broadcast jinx • injuries re...
Send us a text 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 bets on timing, talent, and identity. • South Dakota State’s slide and what the committee values • Bracketology snapshots, seeds, and the real bubble • Rivalry week impact: Brawl of the Wild, Lehigh–Lafayette, Harvard–Yale • MEAC decider ...
Send us a text 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 vertical streaming tests round it out. • Premier League swings with Tottenham’s draw, Arsenal dropping points, Chelsea’s youth, Newcastle’s away woes • VAR speed vs precision, penalties vs offsides, simulation and card suspensions • Canad...
Send us a text 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 bracket with a signature upset. • Chelsea’s shape outworks Spurs’ caution • Palace’s pressing and cup bite unsettle bigger clubs • City’s overreliance on Haaland flagged again • Wolves’ vacancy and manager profiles assessed • Europe’s midwe...
Send us a text 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 The Thing to Quiet Place • lsu ad fallout and coaching contract incentives • dodgers vs blue jays, r...
Send us a text 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 shifting to golf • The Flying Bison launch and community lift • Kids, autographs and summer-league pathwa...
Send us a text 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 autograph • learning to love parks beyond the Yankees’ fortunes • Bernie Williams walk-off memory ...
Send us a text 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 County Stadium • Celebrating the Blue Jays' 2015 AL East championship after the longest playoff d...
Send us a text 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 a text 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 collegiate baseball • Played summer collegiate baseball for the Wichita Fury in the now-defunct Ri...
Send us a text 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 early • Witnessing Ryan Howard's record-breaking three home runs in 2006 • Game 3 of the 2022 World Series ...
Send us a text 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 regardless of different beliefs • How Twitter and social media connected him with fellow minor league ...
Comments
Download from Google Play
Download from App Store
United States