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Ed and Val dive into the essential gear and software that powers their content creation, sharing an unfiltered look at exactly what they use to capture those perfect ballpark moments.

• The "non-negotiable" gear they always bring to stadiums: fully charged phones, backup batteries, lights, and mini mics
• How to sneak equipment into stadiums (Val confesses to hiding tripods in her pants)
• Tips for getting media passes at ballparks to bring in better equipment
• iPhone recording hack: switching to 4K 60fps mode for dramatically improved video quality
• Why CapCut is their editing software of choice and the top features they can't live without
• The value of the Instagram blue checkmark for content creators ($15/month)
• Using overlay techniques to create more dynamic, engaging videos

Come back next week for part two where we'll discuss social media strategies, additional content creation tips, and the do's and don'ts we've learned through experience.

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Benjamin Hill reflects on his unexpected 20-year journey chronicling minor league baseball's unique culture, business, and fan experiences. His career path from temp jobs to becoming baseball's preeminent voice on minor league culture demonstrates the surprising ways passion can turn into profession.

• Started in 2005 through a recommendation from ball hawk Zach Hample, whom he met on Craigslist
• Created his own beat covering "the business and culture of minor league baseball" when no such position existed
• Witnessed the evolution of team names from traditional to outlandish (El Paso Chihuahuas, Hartford Yard Goats, Rocket City Trash Pandas)
• Conducts regular road trips to document minor league ballparks, developing his "designated eater" concept after being diagnosed with celiac disease
• Shares nostalgic memories of defunct teams like the Bakersfield Blaze and Jamestown Jammers
• Uses baseball as a "contextualizer" to explore cities across America that might otherwise be overlooked
• Observed the evolution of ballpark food from basic concessions to creative regional specialties
• Collects minor league t-shirts for his four-year-old son with plans to eventually make them into a quilt

You can find Ben Hill on Twitter/X @Ben's Biz, Instagram @TheBen'sBiz, through his newsletter "The Baseball Traveler," and on the "Before the Show" podcast.

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Make sure to follow the Dad Hat Chronicles: https://linktr.ee/TheDadHatChronicles

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Sandlot Goods transforms from a small leather goods company to a thriving hat manufacturer after pivoting to make face masks during the pandemic. Thomas McIntyre shares the entrepreneurial journey behind their handcrafted products, including their popular Yard Ball and partnership with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum.

• Building a brand identity while also functioning as a manufacturer for other brands
• Finding marketing success by showcasing the manufacturing process rather than hiding it
• Approaching collaborations strategically to elevate the Sandlot brand
• Creating the Yard Ball from a ball of blue painter's tape around the office
• Pivoting from face mask production to hat manufacturing during the pandemic
• Partnering with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to preserve baseball history
• Setting ambitious 10-year goals while staying true to handcrafted quality
• Future aspirations to create licensed NFL and MLB hats

Find us on Instagram @SandlotGoods and check out our products at sandlotgoods.com.

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Make sure to follow the Dad Hat Chronicles: https://linktr.ee/TheDadHatChronicles