In the series finale, episode #267 of the Stepping Up to the Plate podcast, Dan Clouser sits down again with his producer and guest host, Toni Reece to talk about the 30 year body of work and new direction of the foundation. They reflect on the lives that the organization has impacted over the years as well as the impact that the foundation is positioning itself for in the future. Still focusing on stressing to young people the importance of giving back, the foundation is taking its “Work Hard, Play Hard” program to a whole new level as it has now created “Community Service Scholarships” which will allow young people from all over the country and all walks of life to take advantage of the leadership skills and life lessons in which sports can teach them. Dan also announces the exciting news that Ultimate Events and Sports Management Company will be taking over the tournament and team operations for the foundation moving forward. As one chapter in Dan’s life is closing, another is just beginning. Dan and Toni announce that the premiere episode of Dan’s new podcast, “The Journey of my Mother’s Son” will be out shortly. The new series will tell the stories of the people that Dan and his wife, Sandy meet on their journey of traveling across the country in their RV. Some stories will still have a sports theme, others spiritual, some will be about music, some about food, some will talk travel, but all will be about the many little people, in many little places who are doing many little things to make the whole world change. Thank you for listening to “Stepping Up to the Plate” throughout the years and please tune into “The Journey of my Mother’s Son.”

Stepping Up To The Plate

BIG Vision - Dan Clouser says goodbye!

Stepping Up to the Plate's Host Dan Clouser continues his conversation with President and CEO of Riverfront FCU, Tim McLeod. He was brought on as an Agent of Change. In this podcast, Tim talks to Dan about his experiences with credit unions and managing. A lot of what he learned about management, time management, personal management through the military helped him acquire the skills he was able to apply to his role at Riverfront. Everything doesn’t fit into a box – you will need to adapt, and he wanted to help a business grow and not just babysit. He wanted something worth his time and that brought him to Riverfront. Listen to Part 2 and learn about Tim’s lessons in management.

BIG Vision - Lessons in Management

Riverfront Federal Credit Union is about giving back to the community that they serve and they serve Berks County. This week on Stepping Up to the Plate, President and CEO Tim McLeod sits down with Dan Clouser to talk about how he connected with Dan Clouser to talk about how he connected with BIG Vision Foundation. Both Riverfront and BIG Vision Foundation have a similar viewpoint in terms of missions and love of sports.

BIG Vision - We are the Community. The Community is US.

It’s hard to believe that 30 years ago on October 17, 1989, I, as a young 20 year old man sat in room full of people presenting an idea that I was told would never work. At the time, it was starting the Spring-Lawn Optimist Baseball League and the Berkshire Red Sox Baseball Club. Later, the league evolved into the Quad-County Optimist Baseball League and the club evolved into what is today the BIG Vision Foundation. At that time, I would have never dreamed that it would sustain for 30 years, generating over $100 million in local economic impact and touching more lives in a positive way than I could ever imagine or put a number on. It truly has been an amazing journey filled with ups and downs, but far more ups than downs. Just as back in 1989 I would have never dreamed that that little idea would have blossomed into what it is today, I also would have never thought that today, on October 17, 2019, at the age of 50, I would be called to leave my comfort zone and start on a new journey. Please listen as my podcast producer, my dear friend and one of my mentors, Toni Reece talks to me about 30 years of success with the Berkshire Baseball & Softball Club and BIG Vision Foundation as well as what God is calling me to do now. Here’s to the next 30 years!

BIG Vision - Celebrating 30 Years - Part 4

Dan sits down with one of the newer BIG Vision Foundation board members, Jobany Bedoya to talk about what drew him to want to get involved with the organization. Jobany is the Small Business and Latino Outreach Coordinator for the GRCA and has an extremely busy schedule. He saw the value in what BIG Vision brings to the community and our youth to make time to get involved. He has been a huge asset to the organization since getting involved. Thanks for the conversation Jobany!

BIG Vision - A conversation with Jobany Bedoya!

Anna Laible is only 14 years old and is 1 of only 10 kids sports reporters for Sports Illustrated Kids! She just started in early July and has already met and interviewed some big names in sports. Anna is a retired Level 8 gymnast who transitioned to softball. She attended the Jennie Finch Softball Camp here at BIG Vision Sports Complex two weeks ago and was able to interview Jennie, Leah, Toni and Crystl for the magazine. Learn more about her journey in this week’s podcast.

BIG Vision - Sports Illustrated Kids!

Dan Clouser hands over the hosting job to Yadriel Parrilla to have a conversation with his fellow teammates Elix Hernandez and Kenny Maysonet. This is a very special podcast, the players talk about the lessons they have learned through the opportunity to not only play baseball but what it has meant to be mentored by their "father" figure Dan Clouser!

BIG Vision - Players Roundtable! (in Spanish)

Dan sits down with Berkshire Baseball player, BIG Vision Foundation employee and all around ambassador of fun for the organization Yadi Parrilla! Dan and Yadi talk about how the game of baseball and his experience with BIG Vision Foundation have impacted his young life.

BIG Vision - An interview with Yadi Parilla!

Berkshire and Baseball Club Alumni, Eli Klick was invited to the BIG Vision Sports Complex to be a vendor promoting his business The Art of Catering. Eli played for our Berkshire Red Sox when he was 12-13 years old. He went to West Chester University where he learned that he had a passion for cooking and wanted to pursue that instead. Dan asked our Alumni, like others before him, how did playing the sport help and inspire him? Eli quickly thanked his Coach. He talked about the great opportunities Berkshire afforded him like friends, connections, and his work ethic. Check out his website www.theartofcatering.net to learn more about what he offers.

BIG Vision - Coming back to BIG Vision - Eli Klick

This Stepping Up to the Plate podcast was an unexpected surprise for Dan Clouser. During the Dog Days of Summer Tournament, Pete Savage, a former Berkshire Red Sox player dropped in on Dan at the BIG Vision Sports Complex. Seeing the complex online and through Dan’s pictures on social media he was intrigued to check it out for himself. Pete was a part of the Berkshire Red Sox Showcase between 2005- 2006 and helped the team to win the Desert Fall Classic in Las Vegas in 2006. He now resides in Richmond, VA and is a business owner. He talks with Dan about how his parents, teachers and coaches helped him learn the life lessons that has helped him succeed and grow into the person he is today.

BIG Vision - A surprise visit from Pete Savage!

Dan Clouser speaks to Dan Lewis of Game Day Sports! Dan Lewis was here representing Game Day Sports during a tournament weekend at BIG Vision Sports Complex. They are based out of Buffalo, NY so they wanted to take the opportunity to broaden their network. They were at the complex helping to create an experience for the teams that were visiting. Offering arm sleeves, jewelry, bags and so much more. Game Day Sports will be back for other tournaments to check out our tournament registration list.

BIG Vision - Participating to help create the experience!

Athlete’s Academy Owner, Cherifa Howarth wanted to help build confidence through sports, so she started her own academy. An athlete her whole life, Division I Field Hockey player for Temple University, mother of 2 athletic boys - she is an inspiration! Her Academy teaches speed, agility, strength training and so much more and she loves to be that mother figure including holding her athletes accountable. Dan and Cherifa talk about their love of coaching and the joy of teaching life lessons through sports!

BIG Vision - Building Confidence Through Sports - Meet Cherifa Howarth!

Dan interviews Jackie Destafano, the Valley Forge Patriots Softball Coach. This is their 3rd year coming back to the BIG Vision Sports Complex for our fastpitch tournaments. Coach Destafano was a former softball player that began coaching 8 years ago. She was inspired by her coaches and wanted to become that positive influence to other young female players. She knows how much sports can teach life lessons. One of the things it has taught her is if you put effort into anything you can become successful. Dan also gets to sit down with the VF Patriots to get their thoughts on BIG Vision. We love that she and her team love the facility and are coming back throughout this season.

BIG Vision - A conversation with VF Patriots!

Schutt Sports representative, Beki Garcia was out at the BIG Vision Sports Complex during a weekend tournament showing off their products. Their Jack Corbett bases are the official bases of BIG Vision Sports Complex and are on all our fields. We are grateful for our partnership with Schutt Sports, who are also the official softball helmets for USA Team at the 2020 Olympics! Schutt started as a football helmet company and branched out into baseball, softnall and even lacrosse. You can customize your helmet anyway you like without compromising the quality and safety of your helmet. Listen and learn more about what they do and check out their website at www.schuttsports.com.

BIG Vision - Schutt Sports steps up to the plate!

Beach Balls Hawaiian Shaved Ice has become a fixture on tournament weekends at the BIG Vision Sports Complex. Dan interviews Jennifer Wenzel, the mother of the Wenzel crew family-owned business. Beach Balls is a unique shaved ice establishment where you have unlimited access to up to 16 flavors! They are located on both North and South side of our complex. Find out why and how it all got started. (Check out our previous podcast with her sons Brad and Devon Wenzel)

BIG Vision and Beach Balls!!

Stories from Big Vision Foundation and Berkshire Baseball