Testimonials – readpaulbenzer.com

Testimonial

Sweet Words from Readers

I was that parent. The one shouting from the stands, critiquing every play on the ride home, living vicariously through my kid. The Ride Home forced me to confront some uncomfortable truths about my behavior. I cried reading Chapter 3 because I saw myself in every mistake Coach Bucket described. But he didn't just call me out—he showed me a better way. My daughter told me last week that she's having fun again. That's worth more than any trophy."

David L., Father and Former 'That Parent'

Reader

I've been coaching for fifteen years and thought I had it all figured out. Coach Bucket's book humbled me in the best possible way. I realized I was measuring success by wins instead of by whether my players still loved the game at season's end. This book changed my entire coaching philosophy and made me remember why I started doing this in the first place."

Michael R., High School Baseball Coach

Reader

I finished The Ride Home at 2 AM because I couldn't put it down. The next day, after my son struck out three times, I asked him if he had fun instead of analyzing his at-bats. His face lit up as he told me about a joke his teammate made in the dugout. That one change—asking about joy instead of performance—has transformed our relationship. We actually talk now on the way home instead of sitting in tense silence."

Jennifer M., Mother of Two Youth Baseball Players

Reader

As a sports psychologist, I recommend The Ride Home to every family I work with. Coach Bucket has distilled complex psychological principles into accessible, practical guidance that actually changes behavior. This book should be required reading for every parent enrolling their child in youth sports."

Dr. Rachel Kim, Sports Psychologist

Reader

I coach professionally but struggled when it came to my own son. The Ride Home helped me separate my coaching hat from my dad hat. Now I can be present for him as a father instead of always analyzing his mechanics. Our relationship has never been better, and ironically, his performance improved once I stopped obsessing over it."

Anthony G., College Baseball Coach & Father

Reader

My dad gave me this book and asked me to read it so we could talk about it. At first I thought it was going to be another lecture, but it actually helped me understand why my parents sometimes react the way they do. Now when we talk after games, it feels like they actually care about me, not just my stats. I wish every parent would read this."

Marcus T., Age 16, Varsity Baseball Player

Reader

I bought this book because I was worried about how intense my son-in-law had become about my grandson's baseball. I gave them both copies. Three months later, the difference is remarkable. My grandson is smiling again, and the whole family dynamic has shifted. Sometimes the best gift you can give is perspective."

Patricia S., Grandmother & Former Teacher

Reader

We thought our relationship with our daughter was too damaged to fix. She'd quit softball after playing since age six, and we hadn't had a real conversation in months. The Ride Home helped us understand what we'd done wrong and, more importantly, how to rebuild trust. She's playing again—not because we pushed her, but because we finally gave her space to want it for herself

The Martinez Family, Colorado

Reader

As a single mom raising two boys who play sports, I felt overwhelmed trying to be both parents. The Ride Home gave me permission to focus on being present rather than perfect. My sons don't need me to be their coach—they need me to be their safe place. This book showed me how."

Lisa T., Single Mother of Two Athletes

Reader

I was that coach who benched kids for mental errors, who yelled more than I encouraged, who cared more about my record than my players' well-being. The Ride Home was a mirror I didn't want to look into, but I'm grateful I did. My team didn't win more games this season, but every single player said they wanted to return next year. That's a win that actually matters."

Kevin H., Youth League Coach

Reader

Coach Bucket shares five decades of baseball wisdom, centered on what truly matters: developing confident, resilient young athletes. Through compassionate coaching, thoughtful mentorship, and supportive parenting, he emphasizes character, growth, and love of the game over wins and statistics. His approach helps players build self-belief, handle adversity, and enjoy baseball as a foundation for lifelong success—both on and off the field.

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Writing The Ride Home required more than just baseball knowledge—it demanded the ability to capture raw emotion, translate decades of observations into actionable guidance, and tell stories that parents and coaches could see themselves in. Every chapter balances heartfelt storytelling with practical strategies, creating a reading experience that feels like sitting down with a trusted mentor who genuinely understands the struggles you’re facing with your young athlete.

Sweet Words from Readers

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