The Truth About Youth Baseball Tournaments (And How to Fix Them)

National Parks Baseball Resort brings youth baseball, family, adventure, and unforgettable experiences together. It goes beyond the traditional ballpark for players and their families.

In Season 5, Episode 25 of The S.L.I.D.E. Podcast, we sit down with Stu Draper, the visionary behind National Parks Baseball Resort. Stu shares his story, his vision, and his passion for creating a different kind of baseball destination.

Stu talks about his journey through entrepreneurship, baseball, and family. He explains what inspired him to create a place where young athletes can compete. Families can also make memories that last far beyond the final inning.

The resort sits near some of America’s most breathtaking national parks. It brings baseball, adventure, opportunity, and community together in one unforgettable experience. For Stu, tournament travel should mean more than simply playing games. It should give families a chance to explore, connect, compete, and experience something special together.

During this conversation, Stu opens up about building his vision from the ground up. He also shares lessons about youth baseball, entrepreneurship, perseverance, and creating opportunities for young athletes.

This episode reminds us that baseball is more than a scoreboard. It is about the people we meet, the places baseball takes us, the lessons we learn, and the memories we create.

From getting fired to building a dream, Stu shows how setbacks can become the starting point for something extraordinary.

0:00 Navigating Humidity and Concussion Protocols
1:55 The Dangers of Rushing Back to the Field
2:53 Field of Dreams: A Historic Opportunity
5:24 Glow Events and Barbecue Superstars
7:00 Meet the Founder of National Parks Baseball
11:48 The Lessons Learned from Early Failures
25:07 Innovative Features of the New Baseball Resort