What It Was Like Playing Youth Baseball with David Ross (aka Grandpa Rossy)

Before he became “Grandpa Rossy,” before he caught in the World Series or danced on national TV, David Ross was just a Little League catcher in Tallahassee—and his pitcher was none other than today’s podcast guest, Brannon Sneed.

In this episode of the Sore to Soaring Podcast, I sat down with Brannon—now General Manager of Peter Boulware Toyota and a former athlete I coached during my college baseball years—to talk about the early days of youth sports, and the friendships and character traits that last far beyond the field.

David Ross: A World Series Champion Who Never Changed

Brannon recalls his years growing up playing Little League and Babe Ruth baseball in Tallahassee, Florida, where his teammate and catcher was David Ross. Even then, Ross stood out—not just as a talented player, but as someone who carried himself with humility, respect, and exceptional character.

“David was my catcher growing up. We played together for years. He came from an incredible family—just great people. And even now, all these years later, he’s still the same guy.”

Brannon shares how Ross always showed up with the right attitude, how he carried himself on and off the field, and how those early roots shaped the leader we now see as an MLB manager, World Series winner, and Dancing with the Stars fan favorite.

Coaching, Camps, and Character

I had the opportunity to work with Ross through various baseball camps and clinics during those years. And I’ll tell you—Brannon’s right. The things that make David Ross successful today didn’t just show up when he hit the big leagues. They were planted in him early—by his family, his coaches, and the youth sports environment he came from.

That’s what makes stories like this so powerful. You never know who’s going to rise to the top, but you can always spot the traits that lead there: consistency, humility, discipline, and the willingness to lead by example.

It’s Not Just About the Talent—It’s About the Foundation

The takeaway from Brannon’s story is simple but profound: the most successful people often started with the right habits, values, and influences—not just natural skill. Youth sports isn’t just about mechanics or wins. It’s about shaping mindset and building the foundation for everything that comes next.

That’s exactly what we believe in at Sore to Soaring—athlete development is life development. And it starts early.

Key Lessons from Brannon’s Youth Baseball Story

• Character development starts in Little League, not the big leagues

• Family and coaching culture shape future leaders

• Humility and respect go further than raw talent

• The habits that make champions often begin before anyone’s watching

Watch the full podcast episode:

https://youtu.be/MR4_0ZXtL0M

Watch the short clip from this conversation:

▶ https://youtu.be/a7w4w93zWvQ

Support our mission:

We’re building programs that help young athletes develop skills for life—on and off the field.
💪 Learn more or support the mission at:

www.soartosoaring.org

Disclaimer:

The views shared are those of the guest and do not represent an endorsement by Lupos Initiative Inc., DBA Sore to Soaring. This content is for informational purposes only and not medical or training advice. Always consult a qualified professional before starting any exercise or throwing program. No affiliation or compensation exists between Sore to Soaring and any for-profit entity mentioned

If you wish to learn more about Brannon Snead’s work, visit Peter Boulware Toyota at: peterboulwaretoyota.com.