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Baseball isn't just changing—it's transforming before our eyes. But are all these changes for the better?

Former MLB player Jeff Fry doesn't hold back as he takes us on a journey through baseball's evolution, from his own unlikely path to the major leagues to the troubling trends he sees in today's game. Growing up in a town of just 2,000 people in eastern Oklahoma, Fry defied the odds to forge a remarkable 15-year professional career, including nine seasons in the big leagues. His story begins with 15 consecutive hits in a summer baseball tournament and culminates in a major league career that most thought impossible.

The conversation quickly shifts to what's working in baseball today—and what isn't. Fry admires the incredible athletic talent in today's game but questions why so many gifted athletes hit .230 while celebrations for routine plays grow increasingly elaborate. "Back in the day, home run hitters hit around .300... now it seems accepted to swing for the fences and slug," he explains, pointing to how analytics departments have redefined success at the expense of entertainment value.

Parents and coaches will find particular value in Fry's passionate advocacy for youth development. He stresses that 10-year-olds shouldn't be getting "rattled" on baseball fields and recommends keeping kids in Little League until age 12 before transitioning to more competitive environments. His advice for parents after games? Simply say "I love watching you play" instead of critiquing performance on the drive home.

Whether you're a coach, parent, player or just a fan concerned about baseball's direction, this candid conversation delivers powerful insights about preserving the game's core values while embracing necessary evolution. Fry leaves us with timeless wisdom: "Believe in yourself, outwork the competition, and if you want it bad enough, you can achieve anything in life."

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