Explore every episode of the podcast The Baseball Bucket List Podcast
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 192. Kaleo Pahukula: Island Roots, Custom Cards, & Baseball’s Aloha Spirit | 11 Sep 2025 | 00:59:22 | |
Kaleo Pahukula is a Dodgers fan from Maui whose love of the game began in childhood, when his father took him to University of Hawaii and Hawaii Islanders games. Kaleo shares how the Dodgers became his team, recalls an unforgettable encounter with Don Newcombe, and explains how his grandmother taking him to buy 15-cent baseball card packs sparked a lifelong passion for collecting. Today, he even creates custom cards to capture special family moments at the ballpark. We also talk about the unique connections baseball has helped him build, and how the aloha spirit shines through the game. Find Kaleo Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network:
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| 191. Meagan Hillengas: Yankee Games with Grandma, Being a Baseball Road Warrior, & Dreams of “Taking Meowt to the Ballgame” | 04 Sep 2025 | 00:32:04 | |
Meagan Hillengas is a Yankees fan originally from Albany, New York whose love of the game was sparked by watching baseball with her grandmother. That early passion has now turned into a full-blown baseball adventure, especially in the last two years. Meagan joined the show just days before moving to Italy for her next military assignment. We talk about her career in the Air Force, how it’s shaped her baseball travels, and the collections she’s built along the way, from ballpark hats to stamps to ice cream helmets. Meagan also shares some of her favorite baseball memories, including a cool childhood experience at a Trenton Thunder game, and even her hopes of someday bringing her cat Gryffindor to a “Take Meowt to the Ballgame” night. Find Meagan Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 190. Alex Lowman: T-Ball, Tailgates, & a New Love for Baseball Adventures | 28 Aug 2025 | 00:33:07 | |
Alex Lowman is a Brewers fan from Columbus, Ohio whose baseball journey began when his parents signed him up for T-ball and would continue to a stint with a summer collegiate team. After losing touch with the game at the end of his career as a player, Alex eventually rediscovered his love of baseball after moving to Wisconsin, where Brewers games and the tailgating culture at American Family Field helped bring his fandom back to life. We talk about Alex’s favorite baseball memories, his ice cream helmet collection, and how sharing games with his girlfriend Eryn has made his ballpark adventures even more special. Find Alex Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 189. Neil Morrison: Red Sox Roots, 800+ Hats & The Logo That Started It All | 21 Aug 2025 | 00:36:26 | |
Neil Morrison is a lifelong Red Sox fan from Rhode Island whose love for the game stretches well beyond the big league club. Neil has a deep connection to the entire Red Sox farm system and a love for minor league teams and identities that first took root back in his YMCA T-Ball days. Neil shares how he fell in love with baseball, the joy he finds in following the Sox from the big leagues down through the farm system, and the lasting impact of discovering minor league logos at a young age. We also dive into his incredible hat collection, which now tops 800 caps, and the unique stories and friendships he’s built through the hat community. Find Neil Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 188. Eric Weisfeld: Pinstripe Pride, A Nearly Missed No-No, & a Multi-Generational Love of the Game | 14 Aug 2025 | 00:34:47 | |
Eric Weisfeld is a Yankees fan from Fishkill, New York. His love of baseball started when his father introduced him to the Yankees and took him to his first game at Shea Stadium. Eric shares stories from his years of Yankee fandom, the players and moments that left a lasting impression, and how he and his son are now chasing all 30 ballparks together. Find Eric Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 187. Bruce Sarte: A Lifelong Journey, The Game’s Impact On Culture, & Why We Love Baseball | 07 Aug 2025 | 00:37:17 | |
Bruce Sarte is a lifelong baseball fan who was introduced to the game by his grandfather, a devoted Yankees fan. We learn about Bruce’s baseball journey, from backyard catch to Division I baseball, and even a stint as a non-roster invitee with the Montreal Expos. We chat about the life lessons Bruce learned both on and off the diamond, and his deep appreciation for baseball’s history. Bruce shares the inspiration behind his “Ring the Bell” podcast on Philadelphia baseball, and why the game’s storytelling power continues to shape his life. Find Bruce Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 186. Eryn Kane: Family Traditions, Phillies Fandom, & Phanatic Dreams | 31 Jul 2025 | 00:36:19 | |
Eryn Kane is a Phillies fan living in Columbus, Ohio whose love for baseball started in her childhood thanks to a baseball loving dad and grandma. Eryn shares how baseball connects her family across generations, and how the sport has become woven into her daily routine. We chat about her favorite memories at the ballpark, why she believes everyone should visit a Clippers game in Columbus, and how her collection of minor league hats just seems to keep growing. Eryn also shares what it was like to meet the Phillie Phanatic, her all-time bucket list moment, and the ways baseball continues to bring joy and connection to her life. Find Eryn Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 185. Joe Sheeder: From Erie to Toronto, Autograph Adventures, & Next Stops on The Baseball Bucket List | 24 Jul 2025 | 00:31:53 | |
Joe Sheeder is a Blue Jays fan living in Toronto whose baseball journey began on a Little League field in Erie, Pennsylvania. Joe shares how a memorable home run by Dave Parker at Three Rivers Stadium sparked his lifelong passion for the game. We talk about his love for minor league ballparks, collecting autographs, and the simple joys of road tripping for baseball, whether it’s celebrating a birthday at Fenway or checking new states off his 50-state bucket list. Joe also shares the bucket list events he still hopes to experience, including the Midnight Sun Game in Alaska and catching games in Japan and South Korea. Find Joe Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 184. Paul Nickerson: Cape Cod Summers, Scoring the Game & a Serious Hat Collection | 17 Jul 2025 | 00:38:38 | |
Paul Nickerson is a Marlins and Red Sox fan from Massachusetts whose love for the game was cemented during the Sox’s unforgettable 2004 World Series run. Paul shares memories from his earliest days playing Little League, how one of his first ballcaps still influences his fandom, and why he’s passionate about supporting minor league and collegiate summer baseball, especially the Cape Cod League. We talk about his habit of scoring every game he attends on his iPad, the special community feeling at small ballparks, and what it was like to experience Game One of the 2018 World Series at Fenway Park. Find Paul Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 183. Gregory Koch: 130 Ballparks, Hometown Fields & the Charm of Summer Ball | 10 Jul 2025 | 00:34:51 | |
Gregory Koch is a writer for Stadium Journey and Yankee fan based in Northern Virginia who’s been to 130 different ballparks. Gregory shares how his baseball journey began with a trip to Yankee Stadium as a kid, and how it’s evolved into a deep love for smaller leagues and historic community ballparks. We talk about his visits to every ballpark in the Valley Baseball League and the Cal Ripken Senior League, how he plans road trips to maximize baseball stops, and why he prefers the energy of local teams over the big-league experience. Gregory also recounts his recent trip through North Carolina, and a magical moment meeting Chompers in Hartford. Find Gregory Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 182. Solstice Special: Ride Along on the PNW Tour and Midnight Sun Game in Alaska | 03 Jul 2025 | 00:43:36 | |
In this special episode of the Baseball Bucket List Podcast, come along on an unforgettable baseball adventure through the Pacific Northwest and up to Fairbanks, Alaska, for the iconic Midnight Sun Game. This trip was part of the Extra Innings Travel and Baseball Bucket List biennial tour, with stops in Seattle and a grand finale in Fairbanks for one of the sport’s most unique traditions, a 10 PM first pitch played entirely under natural light on the summer solstice. In this episode, you’ll hear stories and reflections from tour guests, local fans, and the starting pitcher for the visiting Anchorage Glacier Pilots. Whether the Midnight Sun Game is already on your baseball bucket list or you’re learning about it for the first time, this episode captures the magic of a truly one-of-a-kind baseball experience. Find Extra Innings Travel Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 181. Thomas Camilo: Family Baseball Roots, Minor League Love & A Solo Trip to Oakland | 12 Jun 2025 | 00:38:53 | |
Thomas Camilo is a Braves fan and music teacher based in Dallas. He shares how his love for the game started as a kid in North Carolina, watching the Kinston Indians with his grandfather and uncle, and how his grandmother helped turn him into a diehard Braves fan. We chat about his approach to ballpark travel, including a last-minute solo trip to see the Oakland Coliseum before the A’s left, and a recent honeymoon stop at Rogers Centre that sparked a new excitement about eventually visiting Cooperstown. Thomas also reflects on his favorite ballpark moments and why the community around the game continues to be one of the biggest draws for him as a fan. Find Baseball Bucket List Online:
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| Extra Innings — Paul Caputo: Finding More Reasons to Say “Yes.” Bucket List Adventures in Japan | 05 Jun 2025 | 00:54:19 | |
Paul Caputo is the host of Baseball By Design and proud member of the Curved Brim Media family. In this episode, which was recorded last fall shortly after his return from Japan, Paul shares stories from his first in-person experience with Nippon Professional Baseball. From electric ballpark atmosphere with nonstop cheering sections to beer vendors and unique ballpark food, Paul gives us an inside look at what makes Japanese baseball such an unforgettable adventure. He also reflects on what finally pushed him to book the trip, how it shifted his perspective as a fan, and why the Phillies diehard in him still finds a way to shine through, even overseas. Find Paul Online:
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| 180. Scott Melesky: Baseball Bylines, a Bleeding Heart for Buckner, & Appreciating the Beauty of the Game | 29 May 2025 | 00:37:01 | |
Scott Melesky is a lifelong Red Sox fan and seasoned sports journalist who has worked in and around baseball for more than three decades. Scott shares how a game between the Mets and Phillies lit the spark for his love of baseball as a kid, and how a middle-school moment of compassion for Bill Buckner turned him into a Red Sox fan for life. We also chat about his experiences seeing the Sox play nearly every year since 1983, including being at Dodger Stadium for their 2018 World Series-clinching win. Scott also shares his contributions to several baseball books, his appreciation for the pace and nuance of the game, and why he believes keeping score is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a fan. Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 179. Tony Gillen: City Adventures, Baseball Bonds & a Familiar Voice on the Mic | 22 May 2025 | 00:34:36 | |
Tony Gillen is a lifelong Twins fan who shares how a childhood trip to the Metrodome and the magic of Kirby Puckett cemented his love for the game. That childhood passion has evolved into a mission to visit all 30 Major League ballparks. We chat about the how Tony got started chasing ballparks, why he’s such a big fan of baseball-centered communities, and what it’s like to explore cities through the lens of baseball. Find Tony Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network:
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| 178. Sean Huie: Collecting Cards, Chasing Mascots, & Celebrating the Game in Cooperstown | 15 May 2025 | 00:43:06 | |
Sean Huie is a lifelong baseball fan who grew up in Michigan and now proudly roots for the New York Mets. Sean shares how his love for the game began with collecting baseball cards as a kid and watching a VHS tape of the 1984 World Series. We talk about how he fell in love with minor league baseball, his most recent baseball trip, and why some of his favorite moments at the ballpark have nothing to do with the final score. Find Sean Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 177. Kenton Elmore: Substack Stories, Game-Used Balls, & the Spirit of Solo Travel | 08 May 2025 | 00:43:05 | |
Kenton Elmore is a Cardinals fan from Champaign, IL. Despite being a self-described casual fan, last year Kenton accomplished something most diehards only dream of—visiting all 30 Major League ballparks in one season. Find Kenton Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 176. James Patry: Ballparks, Brotherhood, & a Tribute at Target Field | 01 May 2025 | 00:39:05 | |
James Patry is a lifelong Red Sox fan from New Hampshire who is closing in on his goal of visiting all 30 Major League ballparks. James shares how his love of the game was born in the backyard where his older brother Oscar patiently pitched tennis balls to him night after night, and how baseball has remained a constant thread in his life ever since. We hear stories of traveling with his late father to stadiums like the Metrodome and Jacobs Field, and how he plans to make Target Field the final stop on his ballpark journey as a tribute to those memories. James and Anna reflect on the unique energy of ballpark crowds, the characters in the cheap seats, and how baseball helps us explore the country and connect more deeply. Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 175. Bill Boyle: Coaching Kids, Chasing Ballparks, & a Lifelong Love for the Mets | 24 Apr 2025 | 00:34:44 | |
Bill Boyle is a lifelong Mets fan from Harvey’s Lake, Pennsylvania. He grew up surrounded by baseball—playing wiffle ball in the yard with his brothers, being coached by his father, and learning to love the game while watching Mets games with his grandmother. Bill shares how those early experiences shaped not only his playing career through high school and college, but also his approach to coaching and giving private baseball lessons for the past 15 years. He talks about the joy of helping young players grow through hard work and consistency, and how baseball continues to serve as a teaching tool far beyond the field. We also dive into his journey to all 30 Major League ballparks and how his wife and young daughter have joined him along the way. Find Baseball Bucket List Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 174. Tony Ebers: Generations of Baseball, Ballpark Emotions, & The Magic of Ozzie Smith | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:28:32 | |
Tony Ebers is a lifelong Cardinals fan from just outside of St. Louis. He shares how his love for the game was passed down through generations, starting with radio broadcasts alongside his dad and grandfather, and how seeing Ozzie Smith turn a double play in person cemented his passion for baseball forever. We chat about the evolution of Busch Stadium, the unique hospitality of Cardinals fans, and Tony’s favorite ballpark traditions—from the seventh-inning stretch to sharing “Who’s on First” with a kid in the stands. Tony also shares his love for defense-first players like Ozzie Smith and Mason Wynn, his thoughts on the state of the modern game, and what it still means to walk into a stadium and feel that childlike wonder. Find Baseball Bucket List Online:
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| 173. Alex Haenke: Tigers Family Fandom, Road Trip Rituals, & The Next Big Chase | 10 Apr 2025 | 00:42:30 | |
Alex Haenke is a lifelong Detroit Tigers fan who recently wrapped up a 17-year journey visiting all 30 Major League ballparks with his family. What started as a fun idea between Alex and his dad turned into a tradition that shaped his love of baseball, travel, and culture. Alex shares how his ballpark chase changed as he grew up, how even his non-baseball-loving younger brother eventually got into the spirit, and how those trips inspired a broader love for exploring museums, local landmarks, and everything cities have to offer. We also dive into Alex’s latest goal—visiting every affiliated minor league park—and his YouTube channel, Traveling Sports Nerd, where he documents sports-fueled adventures across the country. Find Alex Online: Find Baseball Bucket List Online:
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| 172. John Foster: 29 Ballparks from 30,000 feet, A Lifetime of Reds Fandom, & Crashing the 1990 World Series | 03 Apr 2025 | 00:31:05 | |
John Foster is a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan from Long Island, New York. Despite growing up deep in Mets and Yankees territory, John’s fandom was born from the Big Red Machine and a legendary on-field brawl during the 1973 NLCS. Since then, he’s stayed loyal to the Reds—no matter how long the rebuild. John shares how his job as a flight attendant has helped him chase ballparks across the country, allowing him to visit 29 out of 30 MLB stadiums (with Truist Park still on the list). We talk about how the game has changed over time, his recent shift in perspective after a health scare, and how he’s come to appreciate baseball—and ballpark chasers—even more deeply. Find Baseball Bucket List Online:
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| Extra Innings: Gabe Lerman — Writing the Playbook for Japanese Baseball Travel Adventures | 27 Dec 2024 | 00:43:34 | |
In this episode of Extra Innings on the Baseball Bucket List Podcast, we reconnect with Gabe Lerman, a Blue Jays fan and Japanese baseball aficionado from Toronto. Gabe recently authored The JapanBall Travel Guide to Japanese Baseball, a comprehensive resource for planning your own baseball adventures in Japan. We dive into his motivation for creating the guide, his 2019 trip that sparked the idea, and how it bridges the gap between full-service tours and independent travel.
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| Extra Innings: Kelly & Christina Robinson — Major Nerds for the Minor Leauges | 22 Nov 2024 | 00:50:49 | |
In this episode of Extra Innings, we catch up with Kelly and Christina Robinson, a husband-and-wife duo whose passion for baseball has taken them on countless road trips and adventures over the years. Together, they’ve visited over 182 ballparks, collected unique memorabilia like plush mascots and team caps, and shared their love for the game through the creation of CBM's newest platform—the Minor League Nerd YouTube channel and podcast. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 171. Marc & Nate Wolpoff: Catching Memories, Home Run Derby Dreams, & All-Star Game Adventures | 10 Oct 2024 | 00:40:26 | |
Marc and Nate Wolpoff are a father-son duo from San Diego. Together, they’ve visited all 30 MLB ballparks, attended multiple All-Star Games, and created lifelong memories centered around the sport. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 170. Jason Massopust: Brewers Ballpark Memories, Epic Playoff Celebrations, & Road Trip Adventures | 03 Oct 2024 | 00:35:09 | |
Jason Massopust is a life-long Brewers fan from Wisconsin who spent over two decades in a sales role for the team. We chat about his favorite memories from his 23 years with the Brewers, including the excitement of the 2008 playoff clinch, the wild final days of County Stadium (think Office Space), and what it’s like to run into local legends. We also dive into his love for baseball road trips and hear some hilarious tales from his sports travels with his friend Rob, including an epic baked potato mishap. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 169. Eddie Browning: Creating The Browning Baseball Collection, International Travel, & A Lifetime of Baseball Fandom | 26 Sep 2024 | 00:38:40 | |
Eddie Browning is a life-long baseball fan who has turned his passion into an extraordinary collection of memorabilia housed in his very own private museum. Eddie’s love for the game started as a kid watching Yankees games on black-and-white TV with his mom, and it has taken him on incredible journeys, from visiting all 30 MLB ballparks to collecting unique pieces like 832 autographed baseballs and stadium dirt from parks around the country. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 168. Neil Solondz: Behind the Mic with the Rays, Working at 30 Ballparks, & the Future of Tampa Bay Baseball | 19 Sep 2024 | 00:42:10 | |
Neil Solondz is one half of the radio play-by-play team for the Tampa Bay Rays. He shares his journey from growing up as a sports-loving kid in New Jersey to calling games for one of the most exciting teams in baseball. We dive into his unique approach to broadcasting, some of his favorite Rays memories, and the importance of creating memorable moments on the air. Neil also reflects on his experiences working in all 30 MLB ballparks, and the excitement surrounding the Rays’ new park set to open in 2028. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 167. Solario: Vintage Leagues, Global Baseball Adventures, & The Art of the Game | 12 Sep 2024 | 00:46:56 | |
Solario is a life-long Giants fan originally from the San Francisco area, who now calls Honolulu, Hawaii home. He shares stories of growing up attending games at Candlestick Park, where freezing summer winds couldn’t keep him away from his beloved Giants. Now, a professional illustrator, Solario talks about how his love for baseball logos and uniforms played a big part in shaping his passion for design. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 166. Crystal McKenzie: Growing Up with the Game, Inheriting St. Louis Loyalty, & Passing Down a Love for Baseball | 05 Sep 2024 | 00:42:39 | |
Crystal McKenzie is a life-long Cardinals fan from St. Louis. Even though she grew up in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, she remained loyal to St. Louis thanks to her family’s roots. Crystal shares how watching Nolan Ryan pitch in person ignited her passion for baseball and how the 1998 home run chase pulled her deeper into the game. Now, as a mom, Crystal is on a mission to visit all 30 MLB ballparks with her family, sharing the magic of the game and teaching her daughters to love it just as much as she does. We dive into her favorite baseball memories, the joy of scoring games with her kids, and how baseball has become an incredible family tradition. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 165. George Falkowski: From Yankee Fan to NESN Features Producer, Media Tales, & Ballpark Therapy | 29 Aug 2024 | 00:58:40 | |
George Falkowski is a Yankee fan from New Jersey who spent a big part of his life in sports broadcasting, including ten years with NESN covering Boston sports. Despite growing up in a household that didn’t root for the Yankees, George found his way to baseball and never looked back. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| Extra Innings: Spencer Schwartz’s Baseball Journey Through Adversity | 22 Aug 2024 | 00:41:58 | |
Spencer Schwartz joins the show for his third appearance. Spencer, who has been a life-long Yankees fan and season ticket holder, shares his recent battle with a rare autoimmune disorder that led to the sudden loss of his eyesight. In this episode, Spencer recounts his journey and shares how his life and love for baseball have been profoundly affected. From the initial diagnosis to the overwhelming support from the Twitter baseball community, he shares how his enduring passion for the game has helped him through this tough time. We also discuss some touching experiences that followed, including how the Yankees fanbase rallied to ensure Spencer could attend Opening Day at Yankee Stadium despite his new challenges. You’ll also hear about how he continues to engage with the game he loves, adjusting to the realities of blindness, and how social media has been a surprising lifeline in his journey. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 164. Terry McCutchen: Abilene as a Baseball Town, Connecting Over Catch, & The Wood Bat Boys of Summer | 15 Aug 2024 | 00:39:46 | |
Terry McCutchen recently found his love of lower-level baseball reignited by the newly minted Abilene Flying Bison. Anna and Terry chat about growing up in a baseball focused Texas town, the best parts of having a collegiate wood bat team in your backyard, and his favorite baseball memories. Terry also recently started his own #catch365 journey and touches on his favorite experiences and biggest lessons learned so far. Find the full transcript and show notes here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-164-terry-mccutchen/ Find Terry Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 163. Eytan Saenger: Being a Boston Fan in The Bronx, Music's Connection to the Game, & The Importance of Celebrating Culture in Baseball | 08 Aug 2024 | 00:41:14 | |
Eytan Saenger is a Red Sox fan currently living in the Bronx, NY. Originally from Boston, his family moved to Yankee country when he was 10 years old. Anna and Eytan discuss what it's like to be a Sox fan in the middle of Yankeeville, the Jewish connection to baseball, and how the younger generation feels about the game. They also chat about the role of music and ambient sound at the ballpark, and share some ideas for bringing even more of a community aspect to baseball. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 162. Stan Cole: Cooperstown, Campbell, & The Carolina League | 01 Aug 2024 | 00:46:01 | |
Stan Cole is a life-long baseball fan from Buies Creek, NC who fell in love with the game as a kid thanks to AM radio broadcasts and NBC’s Game of The Week. He’s also the associate athletic director for community and alumni engagement at Anna’s school, Campbell University. Stan and Anna discuss the history of baseball at Campbell, including the surprising number of major leaguers who have come through "The Creek". They also touch on a recent trip Stan took to Cooperstown to celebrate his 60th birthday, the rich history of baseball, and the art of broadcasting. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 161. Rohn Brown: Charming Collegiate Leagues, Interning with a Future Hall of Famer, & Interviewing Former Student Athletes | 25 Jul 2024 | 00:41:13 | |
Rohn Brown is a Washington Nationals fan from Mechanicsville, VA, whose love of baseball got started in the 1970s thanks to the Valley League. In the mid 80s he interned for the Richmond Braves, a team that featured a few names you may have heard of, including Tom Glavine. Rohn and Anna chat about the charming differences between collegiate wood bat leagues and minors leagues as compared to the pomp and circumstance of MLB, and how interesting it is to watch prospects at the lower levels, knowing it may be several years before they make an impact with their parent club. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 160. Bucketheads at the Ballpark: 2024 MLB All-Star Week | 18 Jul 2024 | 01:00:26 | |
Join Anna on the concourse of Globe Life Field for the 2024 MLB All-Star Week in Arlington, Texas. In this special episode Anna interviews passionate fans from all over the country, capturing their unforgettable stories and experiences at the midsummer classic. You'll also hear from ballpark personnel about what makes the Rangers' home park unique, and hear the most famous words in Texas baseball from legendary public address announcer Chuck Morgan. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 159. Richard Sullivan: Baseball and Art, Getting Drafted, & Working with Watercolors | 11 Jul 2024 | 00:44:17 | |
Richard Sullivan is a Braves fan living in Louisville, Kentucky. From a young age, he had two loves in life: art and baseball. Throughout his life, he found ways to combine the two, culminating in a baseball career at one of the preeminent art schools in the country, Savannah College of Art and Design. Richard was drafted by the Atlanta Braves while at SCAD and would go on to spend five years in the organization before eventually being released. As his baseball career was winding down, Richard was able to devote more time to his art, and is now a fine artist focusing in watercolor. His work can be found at Truist Park and the Baseball Hall of Fame, along with many other impressive locations. Anna and Richard chat about how playing sports is like a cheat code helping athletes develop discipline that serves them well later in life, what it was like to be a professional pitcher, and how his career in sports helps him convey emotion and action in his artwork. Find Richard Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 158.Mike Ritz: Watching History from a High Rise, Being Forced to Visit all the Ballparks, & Playing in The Broadway Show League | 04 Jul 2024 | 00:32:33 | |
Mike Ritz is a Pirates fan living in New York City. Though he was born and raised on Long Island, he became a fan of the Pirates thanks to seeing Roberto Clemente play in a game at Shea Stadium back when Mike was a kid. We chat about how a marketing job once forced him to visit each ballpark several times over, what the adult softball scene is like in New York City, and which baseball adventure Mike is looking forward to next. We also hear some funs stories about Willie Mays, Carl Yastrimeyski, Steve Lyons, and Mike’s own father. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 157. Eugene McMahon: From London to Milwaukee, Baseball as a Second Language, & Why Baseball and English Football Have More in Common Than You Think | 27 Jun 2024 | 00:38:08 | |
Eugene McMahon is a Milwaukee Brewers fan from London, England. He found his love for baseball a little differently than many fans do, through a love of literature, thanks to a particularly captivating description of Bobby Thompson’s “Shot Heard Round the World” in a novel he was reading. As he continued to delve deeper into baseball journalism and non-fiction, he wanted to understand the game he enjoyed reading about so much. We chat about how a 2018 baseball trip to the U.S. resulted in him claiming the Brewers as his team, what he finds so fascinating about baseball and US history, his chase to visit all 30 parks, and how baseball is basically a second language. Find Eugene Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 156. Andrew Iden: A New Era for the O’s, What the Minor Leagues Do Well, & Why Winning Feels So Much Better After Sticking Through the Lean Years | 20 Jun 2024 | 00:45:02 | |
Andrew Iden is an Orioles fan living in Atlanta, GA. Originally from the Washington, DC area, Andrew became an O’s fan at a young age, and has stayed a fan of the team even after moving out of the area. We discuss the shifting of the local fandom that took place when the Nationals came to town, Andrew’s ballpark travel, and what he finds appealing about the minor leagues. We also touch on why experiencing the lean years with your team makes the highs even more enjoyable. Find Andrew Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| Extra Innings: Matt & Tom Burns' Epic Baseball Roadtrip Tradition | 14 Jun 2024 | 00:42:12 | |
In this episode of Extra Innings, we welcome back father-son duo Matt and Tom Burns. We primarily discuss their 2023 summer baseball trip through the Mid Atlantic, where they saw 20 games in 21 days. You’ll hear from Matt and Tom how the pair makes sure to hit the cultural hot spots and local institutions of every town they pass through. They also share their advice for how to make your own baseball trip a success! This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 155. Gio Fraraccio: Completing the Quest at Coors, An Infamous Tweet, & Why You Should Never Leave a Game Early | 13 Jun 2024 | 00:34:50 | |
Gio Fraraccio is a Rays fan from the Tampa Bay area. He got started with baseball as a kid, thanks to the 1980s Cardinal broadcast team of Jack Buck and Mike Shannon. After moving to Florida in the early 2000s, Gio became a Rays fan thanks to his kids falling in love with the local team. This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 154. Katie Woods: Baseball Nomadism, A Rich History of Champions, & 90 Years of the NBC World Series | 06 Jun 2024 | 00:32:50 | |
Katie Woods is a life-long Dodgers fan currently living in Wichita, Kansas. She has worked in baseball her entire career and is currently the tournament director of the National Baseball Congress World Series. The NBC World Series is a national amateur baseball tournament for summer collegiate baseball, where champions of their respective leagues duke it out for a national title. Katie and Anna discuss the rich history behind the NBC World Series, the lore of Baseball 'Round the Clock, and an awesome collaboration with Old Fort Baseball Co., honoring top past champions in NBC World Series history. Find The NBC Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 153. Ken Smoller: The Chicago Rivalry, “Last Comiskey”, & Photographing 2,300 Stadiums | 30 May 2024 | 00:50:27 | |
Ken Smoller is a Chicago White Sox fan who now lives in the Boston area. His love for baseball started as a kid thanks to fond memories at Comiskey Park, like attending the team’s photo day with his Kodak camera. Ken has now photographed over 2,300 stadiums and ballparks and shares his photos and sports travel experiences on his website, Stadium Vagabond. He also recently released Last Comiskey, which is a book highlighting the park’s surprising last season. Based on the popular “Last Comiskey” documentary, the book contains over 400 full color photos Ken snapped of the “The Baseball Palace of the World” over the years. We also chat about the Cubs / Sox rivalry, what separates old from new ballparks, and how finding old ballparks and stadiums provides insight into what sports and the world used to be like. Find Ken Online: This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: | |||
| 152. Scott Yelle: Completing the Journey to 30, Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities, & Living Just Like Jackson | 23 May 2024 | 00:37:35 | |
Scott Yelle is a life-long Red Sox fan living in Cape Cod, MA who discovered his love for baseball early thanks to Little League. Scott is also the Secretary and Treasurer of the Jackson Yelle Family Foundation, which is a non-profit foundation started to honor the legacy of his son Jackson, who was tragically killed by a hit-and-run driver while in Myrtle Beach with his club baseball team. Jackson was known for his fun-loving nature and zest for life, and the Jackson Yelle Family Foundation is focused on continuing his legacy of bringing good into the world. Scott is currently on a journey to visit all 30 MLB ballparks, donating money at each stop to MLB and Nike’s RBI program (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities). Scott and Anna discuss the importance of youth sports, Scott’s favorite memories as a Red Sox fan and baseball dad, and what’s next for the family foundation. Find Scott Online:
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| 151. John Southard: Turning a Fandom into a Career, Handling History, & Missing Out on Nolan’s 7th No-No | 16 May 2024 | 00:33:50 | |
John Southard is a life-long Rangers fan living in Fort Worth, Texas. He works as a Brand Historian for an archival company called Heritage Werks, and works closely with the Rangers to curate exhibits and displays that highlight the team’s history. We chat about how he found what many people would consider to be a dream job, what the process of working with a new team is like, and some favorite artifacts he’s encountered. We also discuss how his love for the game developed at a young age, partly in thanks to his dad studying pitching mechanics as a kinesiology professor, and how he was infamously forced to leave Nolan Ryan’s 7th no-hitter early to beat traffic.
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| 150. Eric Vickrey: ’80s Cardinals, ’46 Spokane Indians, & ’11 Game Six Heroics | 09 May 2024 | 00:33:06 | |
Eric Vickrey is a Cardinals fan living in Seattle who has also developed a soft spot for the Mariners. He fell in love with the game thanks to growing up in the St. Louis area and developing a penchant for collecting baseball cards as a kid. Eric is also the author of two baseball books, including his latest about post World War II baseball and the tragic 1946 Spokane Indians bus crash. Eric chats with Anna about how the pandemic provided an opportunity to channel passion into publishing, the fateful ’46 crash, and about witnessing the Cards game six heroics in 2011. Find Eric Online:
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| 149. David Tinnes: Connecting with the Game at Citi, Catch Hoppin’ in Rochester, & Baseball as a Special Language | 02 May 2024 | 00:45:52 | |
David Tinnes is a Mets fan from Rochester, New York who found the game in 2017 after he was asked to chaperone a school field trip to Citi Field. Since that trip, David has jumped in head-first with baseball, including taking on his own year of playing catch every single day. Anna and David discuss what hooked him on the Mets, some of the lessons he’s learned through his catch playing journey, how to be a tourist in your own city, and how baseball truly does bring people together. Find David Online:
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| Extra Innings: The Young Professor, Matt Graifer, and the Banana Ball Phenomenon | 26 Apr 2024 | 00:36:33 | |
Since we last chatted with Matt Graifer, affectionately known as The Young Professor, he's embarked on an extraordinary journey from the classroom to the ballpark as the in-game host for none other than The Savannah Bananas. Just two summers ago, Matt juggled multiple roles as a full-time teacher, the on-field host for the Daytona Tortugas, and the Banananouncer. However, the Bananas' meteoric rise to fame has helped propel Matt into the world of entertainment on a full-time basis.
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