Step up to the plate with Hillcrest baseball legend Ryan Schaffitzel as he reflects on two decades as head coach and 30 years in education. Join The Starting Lineup for a candid conversation about the proud Hornet tradition, the mentors who helped shape his career, and the unique culture that continues to make Hillcrest baseball special. Schaffitzel also shares stories from his coaching journey, what’s changed most in the game over the years, and why relationships still matter more than wins and losses.

The conversation also tackles one of the biggest issues facing youth baseball today, the rising cost and pressure of travel ball. Schaffitzel explains why programs like the North Side Blues are so important for keeping the game accessible and why the future of baseball may depend on finding new ways to connect with younger athletes. Add in a fun look at retirement, family, and his sons following the coaching path, and this episode delivers plenty of baseball perspective with a little humor mixed in too.

Step up to the plate with Hillcrest baseball legend&nbsp;Ryan Schaffitzel as he reflects on two decades as head coach and 30 years in education. Join The Starting Lineup for a candid conversation about the proud Hornet tradition, the mentors who helped shape his career, and the unique culture that continues to make Hillcrest baseball special. Schaffitzel also shares stories from his coaching journey, what&rsquo;s changed most in the game over the years, and why relationships still matter more than wins and losses.
The conversation also tackles one of the biggest issues facing youth baseball today, the rising cost and pressure of travel ball. Schaffitzel explains why programs like the North Side Blues are so important for keeping the game accessible and why the future of baseball may depend on finding new ways to connect with younger athletes. Add in a fun look at retirement, family, and his sons following the coaching path, and this episode delivers plenty of baseball perspective with a little humor mixed in too.

Stay in the Game with 102.1 The Won – Springfield’s Sports Hub

Welcome to the official 102.1 The Won — your all-access pass to local sports, expert picks, live betting odds, and real-time updates for the Springfield, MO area.

-Local Coverage, Local Voice — In-depth coverage of Springfield-area teams and sports stories you care about.
-Live Sports Odds & Boards — View real-time odds for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more.
-Pro Picks & Betting Insights — Daily expert picks and analysis to help you level up your game.
-On-Air Shows & Podcasts — Stream live shows like VSiN Primetime, Keys to the Kingdom, and more.
-Alerts & News — Get notified on big games, breaking scores.

Stay in the Game with 102.1 The Won &ndash; Springfield&rsquo;s Sports Hub
Welcome to the official 102.1 The Won &mdash; your all-access pass to local sports, expert picks, live betting odds, and real-time updates for the Springfield, MO area.
-Local Coverage, Local Voice &mdash; In-depth coverage of Springfield-area teams and sports stories you care about. -Live Sports Odds &amp; Boards &mdash; View real-time odds for NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and more. -Pro Picks &amp; Betting Insights &mdash; Daily expert picks and analysis to help you level up your game. -On-Air Shows &amp; Podcasts &mdash; Stream live shows like VSiN Primetime, Keys to the Kingdom, and more. -Alerts &amp; News &mdash; Get notified on big games, breaking scores.