Dave's Dugout

About Dave's Dugout

I grew up with a front-row seat to the game of life, watching my dad coach some amazing athletes in the major league, all from the dugout and clubhouse. The lessons I learned weren’t just about the game of baseball -- they were about leadership, resilience, and navigating life both on and off the field. In each episode of Dave’s Dugout, I’ll share the wisdom passed down from my dad, the moments that shaped me, and the stories that connect baseball to everyday life. So step into Dave’s Dugout, where the game teaches us more than just how to win—it shows us how to live.

Publisher

Dave Garica

Category

education

Language

en

Explicit

No

First episode

24 Feb 2025

Latest episode

3 Sept 2026

Latest episodes

21 episodes in the feed.

1. 

   3 Sept 2026

   Ep. 21 Vinny Allen: Move the Bench

   This episode of Dave’s Dugout features insurance industry veteran and former ACC basketball referee Vinny Allen, who shares lessons on preparation, professionalism, and leadership learned throughout his nearly 50-year career. Drawing from memorable experiences officiating college basketball, including games involving Tim Duncan and legendary coaches, Vinny highlights the importance of being prepared, staying punctual, and learning from challenging situations. Host Dave Garcia connects these lessons to business, parenting, and everyday life, offering listeners practical insights for success both on and off the field. Host: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Dave Garcia⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.ranchomesa.com/david-garcia) Producer: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Alyssa Burley⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.ranchomesa.com/alyssa-burley) Editor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Jadyn Brandt⁠⁠⁠⁠ (https://www.ranchomesa.com/jadyn-brandt) Music: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" by E's Jammy Jams © Copyright 2026. David Garcia. All rights reserved.

2. 

   18 Aug 2026

   Ep. 20 Batting Cage

   In this episode of Dave’s Dugout, Dave Garcia shares a powerful story about his father’s unique ability to bring people together and build confidence in every member of the team, no matter their background. Set in the minor leagues, Dave recalls how his dad managed a clubhouse filled with players from very different walks of life, some with college degrees and others with only a high school education. Through humor and a simple task (setting up the batting cage) he found a way to level the playing field, reminding everyone that talent, intelligence, and value aren’t defined by a diploma. What looked like playful teasing was actually intentional leadership. By rotating responsibility and challenging assumptions, Dave’s dad instilled confidence in those who needed it most while reinforcing that everyone had something to contribute. Dave connects this lesson to the business world, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for growth, believing in people before they believe in themselves, and challenging others to step outside their comfort zones. This episode is a reminder that great leaders don’t just manage, they elevate. And sometimes, all it takes is one small opportunity to help someone realize what they’re capable of. Host: ⁠⁠Dave Garcia⁠⁠ (https://www.ranchomesa.com/david-garcia) Producer: ⁠⁠Alyssa Burley⁠⁠ (https://www.ranchomesa.com/alyssa-burley) Editor: ⁠⁠Jadyn Brandt⁠⁠ (https://www.ranchomesa.com/jadyn-brandt) Music: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" by E's Jammy Jams © Copyright 2026. David Garcia. All rights reserved.

3. 

   21 Jul 2026

   Ep. 19 Shandon Harbour: Mom and Dad

   In this returning-guest episode of Dave’s Dugout, Dave Garcia welcomes back Shandon Harbour, CEO of the Associated Builders and Contractors of San Diego for another powerful “inning” centered on leadership and influence. Shandon shares a memorable story from her college days as a participant in an international pageant in Ireland, where she was asked a deceptively simple question on stage: Who do you prefer more—your mom or your dad? With both parents watching from the front row, her thoughtful answer revealed a deeper truth that continues to guide her leadership philosophy today. Drawing from her upbringing, Shandon explores the importance of balancing two essential leadership styles: the empathy and people-centered approach she learned from her mom, and the decisiveness and direction she gained from her dad. Together, these influences shaped her ability to lead effectively in today’s evolving workplace, especially as new generations seek connection, purpose, and understanding alongside accountability. Dave builds on the conversation by encouraging listeners to stay observant and open to everyday lessons, reminding us that leadership insights are all around us if we’re willing to notice them. This episode is a thoughtful reflection on finding balance as a leader, learning from the people who shape us, and using those lessons to positively impact others both in the dugout and beyond. Host: ⁠⁠Dave Garcia⁠⁠ (https://www.ranchomesa.com/david-garcia) Producer: ⁠⁠Alyssa Burley⁠⁠ (https://www.ranchomesa.com/alyssa-burley) Editor: ⁠⁠Jadyn Brandt⁠⁠ (https://www.ranchomesa.com/jadyn-brandt) Music: "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" by E's Jammy Jams © Copyright 2026. David Garcia. All rights reserved.

Who has been a guest on Dave's Dugout

Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.

• Rob Darby
• José Martinez
• Tyler Palko

Reach and audience

Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.

Apple Podcasts (US)

5.0 / 5

6 ratings

Spotify

5.0 / 5

1 ratings

Podcast Authority Score: 14 / 100

A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.

Quality

14

Social presence

0

YouTube

0

Engagement

32

Contact Dave's Dugout

Guest appearances

Does not typically book guests

Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.

Questions about Dave's Dugout