Stepping Up To The Plate

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'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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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)

Guest Host, Toni Reece, interviews both Dan Clouser and Justin Schenck about what it takes to think BIG and have such an impact on other people's lives. This is an episode not to be missed. BIG Visions are everywhere!

In Part One of this Two Part series, Dan sits down with BIG Vision Foundation Board Member and fellow podcaster, Justin Schenck, to talk about both the amazing Growth Now Movement Live Event that Justin just hosted in downtown Reading as well his reasons for wanting to be involved on the BIG Vision Foundation board for the past two years. Justin is the Host of INC’s Top Rated Podcast, the Growth Now Movement! Great conversation between two visionaries!

In this third part of the 30th Anniversary series - Dan shares the evolution of Berkshire Baseball becoming BIG Vision and the realization that not only was this organization helping our youth but it was also becoming an important economic driver too! Moving forward and paying it forward - that's the spirit of BIG Vision!

Dan talks to Toni about the moment he realized that BIG Vision was more than baseball. Expanding the players social skills, providing a sense of community and developing leaders through the game of baseball has become the mission of BIG Vision.

BIG Vision is celebrating 30 years! Dan Clouser sits down with Toni Reece to talk about the journey of this amazing organization. The highs, the learning and inspired thinking that still remains in place today in order to keep the dream alive! This is part one of a four part series.

Dan talks with Athletic Director for Penn State- Schuylkill Joe Godri on site at the BIG Vision Sports Complex. Joe Godri, who is a former Head Baseball Coach for Villanova was passing by the complex one day and had an epiphany. There was a need and we could fill it. Penn State-Schuylkill needed a location for home games and we have fields to spare. Thus began the partnership with Penn State Schuylkill to hold their Baseball and Softball home games at our facility. Joe talks about his journey from Coach to Athletic Director and about his hopes for the future with the partnership.

Dan is later joined by Berkshire Baseball Alumni and now Penn State – Schuylkill Catcher, Ricardo Diaz. This is his 2nd year at college and he talks with Dan abou the differences from playing at the complex compared to the other locations they were at. He also gives some advice to younger players about the transition of High School to College and the importance of class.

Dan sits down YMCA coordinators Dori Bornstein and Michelle Reinert to talk about the 4th Annual YMCA Healthy Kids Day/Kite Day. The YMCA and the Berks County Parks and Recreation collaborated to hold a free event to highlight good health choices to the kids of Berks County and the long standing Kite Day event. In Part Two of this series Dan, Dori and Michelle will give you more information about the event, such as their partnership with the Autism Society of Berks County to provide a sensory friendly area. This event is being held at the BIG Vision Sports Complex on Saturday, April 27, 2019 from 10 AM – 4 PM.

What is Healthy Kids Day? The YMCA and the Berks County Parks and Recreation collaborated to hold a free event to highlight good health choices to the kids of Berks County and the long standing Kite Day event with BIG Vision! 14,000 YMCA's celebrate Healthy Kids Day and Dan talks to YMCA coordinators Dori Bornstein and Michelle Reinert about the importance of celebrating children in our community and supporting this event. This is Part One of a two part series.

Toni and Dan sit down to talk about the power of resilience. It's not always about how hard you can deliver a punch, but in most cases it's about how well you can take a punch. The importance of waking up every day fighting and keeping faith for what you believe in regardless of the circumstances that may surround you.

Dan and Gammy sit down to talk to Aneyshka Aponte, who was a recipient of one of the Ruth Hartman Memorial Trailblazer awards in 2018 for being only the second female in the organization’s history to play on a boys baseball team. Aneyshka was also selected by Major League Baseball to participate in the MLB GRIT Series Girls High School Invitational Baseball Tournament at Globe Life Park and the Texas Rangers Youth Academy in Dallas, TX on March 7-10, 2018. During the interview, Aneyshka speaks of her love of the game and passion to work hard and get better every day.

"We have a great inddor market and BIG Vision has a great outdoor market - a perfect partnership!" - Christina Aulbach.

Dan interviews Christina Aulbach, Director of Baseball and Softball Operations at Spooky Nook Sports. They share a love of the game and learning from each other. Listen as Dan and Christina share their journey to working together in a perfect collaboration!

Another great interview from the Spooky Nook Sports First Annual Elite Softball Coaches Convention! Dan interviews Sarah Sigrest, Softball Coach at Penn State University. Was Coaching always part of her grand scheme? Find out her answer to this and other questions in this inspiring interview!

Dan meets up with Tina Whitlock at Spooky Nook Sports First Annual Elite Softball Coaches Convention. Tina is the Coach for the British National Team!

Ïf you want to stay in the game you have to keep learning. . . "- Amanda Freed

Dan meets up with Amanda at Spooky Nook Sports First Annual Elite Softball Coaches Convention. Amanda is a Softball Olympian Gold Medalist and an ESPN Analyst.

Dan talks to Joey Lye, Bucknell University Softball Coach and also a member of Canadas Softball team, about their shared love of baseball!

Dan speaks to Natasha Watley, Softball Olympian and founder of the Natasha Watley Foundation, about her playing career, her foundation and what softball not only meant to her in her younger years, but also what it still means to her now! Great interview!

Dan and Juan reflect on Juan's first year particpating with Cups of Compassion. Juan is a Berkshire Baseball player and volunteered his time to help out BIG Vision grill and hand out hamburgers and hotdogs to those in need. Giving back it's what we do.

Dan interviews three Governor Mifflin students as they reflect on what it meant to participate in
the 2018 Cups of Compassion!! These students also helped brighten up the event while singing Christmas Carols on Penn Street! Amazing participation!

Dan interviews members of the I-Lead Charter School about their participation in Cups of Compassion. I-Lead collects clothing throughout the year and it is then distributed on the day of Cups of Compassion. I-Lead students help separate the clothing into sizes and then they also help throughout the whole event.

Dan talks to Richie Bowden, who is the secretary of the Cups of Compassion committee for the BIG Vision Foundation. Richie has become more and more involved in the planning process over the years and he is passionate about helping tp spread God’s love through the event. Dan and Richie share stories of how the event impacts them personally and continues to inspire them more and more each year.

Dan talks to Cups of Compassion Committee Chair, Lori Hoffman who has literally been the glue that has held the event together for over three years now. Lori is a board member of the BIG Vision Foundation, a recent graduate of Leadership Berks and the Community Relations Coordinator for UGI Utilities, Inc. She is heavily involved in the community and has a passion for giving back. The BIG Vision Foundation is blessed to have her on its board and especially blessed to have her steering this event for many years to come.

Gammy Nieves steps up to plate to pinch hit for Dan Clouser and guest host our annual Spanish podcast with Pastor Jesus Guerrero to talk about Cups of Compassion. This is such an amazing event for our community and has truly taken great strides in unifying our city.

Dan speaks with Raquel Parisi of Wells Fargo about both her personal involvement and Wells Fargo’s corporate involvement in Cups of Compassion. Last year as a company they collected thousands of socks to give out at the event and they’re looking to make an even greater contribution in 2018.

Dan Clouser once again sits down with 2015 World Cup Champion, Ali Krieger, who just launched her new venture, Ali Krieger Football Camps (AKFC). Ali was at the BIG Vision Sports Complex in 2015 following the U.S. Women’s National team’s World Cup championship and is looking to return to Reading again in 2019 to conduct an AKFC at the complex. Ali speaks of the importance of using her platform to give back and help others to achieve their highest level. AKFC is based on “The Warrior Way”, which promotes what Ali calls her four pillars of success, Positivity, Confidence, Trust and Passion. Ali is truly the type of partner that BIG Vision Foundation is looking for.

Dan Clouser once again speaks with Missy Lamm, who along with Kelsey Adams became the first two females to coach a boys Berkshire Baseball team this past summer in the 29 year history of the organization. Missy speaks about the differences between coaching boys and girls as well as earning the respect of the young men that she was coaching. For whatever reason, throughout the history of baseball, the sport has always been male dominated from top to bottom. Dan Clouser, who continues to be influenced by his late mother, views all people as human beings and felt that Missy and Kelsey were simply qualified for the job regardless of their gender. Without intention, BIG Vision Foundation once again found themselves on the cutting edge of youth sports.

Dan sits down with 18U Berkshire Red Sox player, Juan Cubilete at the BIG Vision Sports Complex and talks about his introduction to the sport and his love for the game. He’s currently a sophomore student at Millersville University and is majoring in Accounting, but he still finds time for baseball. He talks about the opportunities that playing at the complex has allowed him and his team. One of the benefits was his chance to train to be an umpire for our tournaments. Juan now has a new perspective and appreciation for the job of an umpire. We are happy that Juan is part of the Berkshire Baseball and Softball Club family.

This week on Stepping Up to the Plate Berkshire Baseball Alumni, Greg Hughes, joins Dan in the studio. He hasn’t played for the team for 17 years, but they reminisce like it was yesterday. He now lives in Washington State with his wife and 2 kids and hopes his children once love the game as much as him.

Greg talks about his time playing with Berkshire Baseball, his impression of the BIG Vision Sports Complex, and what he’s up to now. Listen to them share some great stories and what his life lessons were from baseball.

Dan sits down with a PT Seasonal Employee of BIG Vision Foundation that has been working there for 3 seasons now. Bryn Gautieri, a recent graduate of Exeter High School, speaks about her reasons why she chose BIG Vision Foundation as her first job and her experience working for the organization. She loves the diversity of the staff, the love BIG Vision Foundation shows the community, and that they are a nonprofit that gives back.

Bryn is heading to Temple University and having worked at BIG Vision Foundation she feels it will help her in her journey at college and beyond that.

This week on Stepping Up to the Plate, Dan sits down with Dennys Rodriguez-Rivera. Dennys plays on both our 12U and 13U Berkshire Baseball Teams and has been a great help to the BIG Vision Sports Complex. He has gone beyond his required community service hours for the Work Hard, Play Hard Program and has become friends with the maintenance crew.

He talks about his love of the game and where it started. He admits his 1st apprehensions to the idea of female coaches, but soon learns he has a lot to learn from them. Dennys is a perfect example that our program continues to teach life lessons over just the fundamentals of the game.