The Show Before the Show
Episodes
#544: Spring Breakout; Cardinals prospect Joshua Báez
20 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sam previews the upcoming Spring Breakout games and interviews Cardinals prospect Joshua Báez about his big turnaround in 2025. Also, Tyler and Ben d...
#543: WBC update, Ben's Biz, Spring Training interviews
13 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Tyler, Ben, and Sam each come at you solo this week with a World Baseball Classic update, news from the business of the Minors, and two top prospect i...
#542: Top 30s, Spring Breakout, WBC preview
06 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler discuss the release of MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 prospect lists and this year’s preliminary Spring Breakout rosters. They also look ahea...
#541: Utah Dirty Sodas
27 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Salt Lake GM Ty Wardle and Miller Sports VP of marketing Ashley Havili explain the Dirty Sodas brand. Also, Sam talks Konnor Griffin's Spring Training...
#540: Guide to Spring Training
20 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler break down which Top 100 prospects are worth following in this year's Spring Training and point out spots to see in both Arizona and Flo...
#539: Glory of the Denver Bears
13 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Bob Burris, former general manager of the Denver Bears, reminisces about working for (and ultimately running) a Minor League team that played in a 75,...
#538: Nationals prospect Griff McGarry
06 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Nationals prospect Griff McGarry talks about the adjustments in the Phillies system that led to him becoming a Rule 5 pick. Ben chats about alternate ...
#537: Top 100 prospects; Rocket City goes global
30 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler break down MLB Pipeline’s newest Top 100 prospects ranking for the 2026 season, and Ben interviews Morris Morioka about Rocket City's ...
#536: Royals prospect Carter Jensen
23 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Royals top prospect Carter Jensen talks about his MLB debut, growth as a catcher and experience playing in Kansas City as a native local. Also, Ben lo...
#535: National Hat Day; Top 10 positional prospects
16 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler look at some of the best-selling caps from 2025, and Sam breaks down MLB Pipeline's Top 10 positional prospect unveils. Also, Louis...
#534: Resolutions; Palm Beach Frozen Iguanas
09 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
Palm Beach's Sophia Monteleone shares details of the club's Frozen Iguanas identity coming this season. Ben, Sam and Tyler discuss their resolutions f...
#533: 2025 The Show Before the Show awards
19 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It's the final episode of the 2025 calendar year. Ben, Sam and Tyler combine to hand out some awards you'll only find in the official podcast of Minor...
#532: Winter Meetings recap
12 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler review Winter Meetings news, including Minor League ownership changes, the Rule 5 Draft and the general vibe in Orlando. To lea...
#531: Tri-City manager Dann Bilardello
05 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In a conversation from the regular season, Ben interviews Tri-City manager and longtime Minor League skipper Dann Bilardello, whose first MLB homer ca...
#530: Unveiling the (fake) Huntington Hellbenders
25 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler finally unveil the logos for the Huntington Hellbenders, a fictitious Minor League team created via listener suggestion. Also, the ...
#529: Somerset Semiquincentennials
21 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Somerset's Hal Hansen and Dave Marek share details of the club's Semiquincentennials identity celebrating the country's 250th anniversary. Also, Ben, ...
#528: Salem RidgeYaks, Myrtle Beach Pelicans pitcher Brayden Spears, AFL Update
14 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ben and Tyler talk about Salem’s recent rebrand from the Red Sox to the RidgeYaks. Ben shares his interview with kid cowboy turned Cubs pitching pro...
#527: Red Sox prospect Nelly Taylor, Salt Lake’s Derek Amicone, Halloween identities
31 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Red Sox prospect Nelly Taylor talks with Sam from the Arizona Fall League about his childhood cancer scare and time in the Boston system, and Salt Lak...
#526: Blue Jays' John Schneider (from 2018), A's Joshua Kuroda-Grauer
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week’s podcast features an archival interview with Blue Jays manager John Schneider from 2018 and an Arizona Fall League chat with Athletics No...
#525: A capital season in Sacramento
17 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sacramento president/COO Chip Maxson chats with Ben after winning the MiLB Executive of the Year award in a season when the River Cats shared Sutter H...
#524: Taking care of business; Nationals prospect Miguel Sime Jr.
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Back from the MiLB Business Summit in Indianapolis, Ben brings interviews with award winners Eric Edelstein (Reno) and Javik Blake (Biloxi). Also, Sam...
#523: Mets prospect Jonah Tong; MiLB Awards
03 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler recap the end of the Minor League season with last Saturday’s Triple-A National Championship and dive into offseason mode, featur...
#522: The final podcast of the 2025 MiLB season
26 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With the Double-A and Triple-A postseasons ending this week, Ben, Sam and Tyler review Minor League news and notes while there's still some 2025 left....
#521: Buffalo's connection to The Natural
19 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Following the death of Robert Redford, Buffalo president Mike Buczkowski joins the podcast to talk about the city's connection to the baseball film Th...
#520: Hello, goodbye to Richmond's The Diamond
12 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Broadcaster Dan Lovallo was behind the mic when Richmond's The Diamond opened in 1985, and he'll be there at the closing this weekend with Hartford. H...
#519: A unique view of the Florida State League
05 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bradenton broadcaster Max Tanzer talks about his makeshift radio booth in Tampa and some of the best prospects in the Pirates system. Also, Sam and Ty...
#518: Texas League helps the Hill Country
29 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Amarillo president/GM Tony Ensor talks about the Texas League’s leaguewide initiative to aid the Hill Country after devastating floods. Also, Ben We...
#517: Keeping score ... on a typewriter
22 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Chattanooga's Adam Belford joins the show to share the unique way he keeps score for the Lookouts. Also, Ben previews his road trip to northeast Ohio,...
#516: Renegades: The Musical; Discussing reranks
15 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hudson Valley broadcaster Joe Vasile details how the Renegades put on an original musical during a home game earlier this month. Also, Sam and Tyler t...
#515: Final storylines; Awful Night in Altoona
08 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler talk about storylines to follow in the final weeks of the 2025 Minor League Baseball season, including recent prospect promotions and cl...
#514: 2025 Trade Deadline Special
01 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler recap this year's crazy edition of the MLB Trade Deadline that saw dozens of prospects change organizations. Also, Ben checks in from th...
#513: Phillies prospect Justin Crawford
25 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Phillies No. 3 prospect Justin Crawford talks about his hitting ability, his time in Triple-A and how he handles the Trade Deadline as a player. Also,...
#512: All-Star Week recap
18 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been one of the most loaded weeks for prospect news so far this year. Sam and Tyler check in from the madness by reviewing the All-Star Futures...
#511: Futures Game, MLB Draft preview
11 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a big weekend in baseball and the world of prospects. Sam and Tyler preview the All-Star Futures Game by drafting their own squads from the pla...
#510: New Erie identity; New ballparks; New Top 100 prospects list
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ben brings details of Erie’s new Moon Mammoths identity, reviews his trip to visit Knoxville, Hub City and Columbus and interviews Lauren Matthews a...
#509: Texas League, Knoxville trips
27 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Ben review their recent trips to Frisco, Knoxville and San Antonio and bring along interviews with Missions manager Luke Montz and Smokies pre...
#508: Nationals prospect Alex Clemmey
21 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nationals No. 5 prospect Alex Clemmey talks about his first-half adjustments with Wilmington, his Rhode Island roots and last season’s trade from t...
#507: The Show Before the Show Night with Somerset
13 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Somerset Patriots hosted Ben, Sam and Tyler for The Show Before the Show Night on June 11. The guys share interviews from the doubleheader against...
#506: Carolina dreamin'
06 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ben shares details from his most recent trip to the Carolinas and interviews Columbia team president Brad Shank. Also, Sam and Tyler look at promotion...
#505: What to do with Roman Anthony, Jac Caglianone
30 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler look at what to do with Top 10 overall prospects Roman Anthony and Jac Caglianone given their strong performances in Triple-A. They also...
#504: New Era Clash of the Caps
23 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler choose their favorite Minor League home hats from all four levels as part of the New Era Clash of the Caps contest. Also, the gang ...
#503: Early Crooked Numbers, Reading Fightin Phils
16 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler look at some of the most interesting stats and moments of the early Minor League season. Also, Ben shares Reading player interviews...
#502: Rays prospect Aidan Smith, Des Moines Register reporter Tommy Birch
09 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Rays prospect Aidan Smith talks with Sam about his 2024 trade from the Mariners, and Des Moines Register reporter Tommy Birch chats with Ben about the...
#501: Orioles prospect Vance Honeycutt
02 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Orioles No. 5 prospect Vance Honeycutt talks to Sam about the start to his first full season in Aberdeen and the adjustments he’s made at the plate....
#500: The 500th Episode Spectacular
25 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler celebrate the 500th episode of The Show Before the Show with plenty of stories and interviews, and Josh intros the entire pod with ...
#499: Syracuse’s Jim Morrison search
18 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Syracuse GM Jason Smorol chats with Ben about the team’s recent Jim Morrison promotion following a documentary that posits The Doors frontman is ali...
#498: Take me out to the Winston-Salem prom game
11 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Winston-Salem president/GM Brian DeAngelis chats with Ben about what it’s like to host a prom during a game, and Mets prospect Chris Suero talks wit...
#497: MiLB Opening Day Part 2; Harrisburg broadcaster Terry Byrom
04 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler discuss prospect assignments and on-field promotions before the Minors’ second Opening Day. Harrisburg broadcaster Terry Byrom jo...
#496: Opening Day predictions
28 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler are joined by Josh Jackson and Kelsie Heneghan to make it Minor League and prospect predictions for the 2025 season. Sam and Tyler ...
#495: Nationals prospect Seaver King
21 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Nationals No. 5 prospect Seaver King chats from West Palm Beach about his first Spring Training, his time at Wake Forest and more. Also, the full gang...
#494: Tacoma's Rylee Pay
14 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Broadcaster Rylee Pay talks to Ben and Tyler about her new role with Triple-A Tacoma, and Sam checks in from the start of Spring Breakout. To learn ...
#493: 'Eephus' director Carson Lund; Tales of spring
08 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Director Carson Lund shares details behind the making of his new baseball move, “Eephus”. Also, Ben and Tyler talk about new alternate identities ...
#492: Royals prospect Steven Zobac
28 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Royals pitching prospect Steven Zobac discusses his first Spring Training in Major League camp and his past as a two-way player at Cal. Also, Ben, Sam...
#491: Spring Training storylines
14 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
With pitchers and catchers reporting this week, Sam and Tyler preview Spring Training through a prospect lens. Also, Ben shares recent promotion unvei...
#490: The Hartford Yard GOATs of alternate identities
07 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Double-A Hartford continues to come up with alternate identities that capture national attention. GM Mike Abramson shares two new ones in the Thunder ...
#489: Winston-Salem Dash-ing to finish line
31 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Racer Riley Neal's car is sponsored by the Winston-Salem Dash this weekend for the 2025 Cook Out Madhouse Classic at Bowman Gray Stadium. Neal joins t...
#488: Top 100 reveal, Cardinals prospect Tink Hence
25 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler break down MLB Pipeline’s updated 2025 Top 100 prospects ranking, and Cardinals right-hander Tink Hence (No. 77 on that list) discus...
#487: Bathtub Donkeys, Top 10 prospects lists
17 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Show Before the Show journeys to the Eastern League with interviews about the Binghamton Bathtub Donkeys identity and Erie’s new mascot book. Al...
#486: A resolute beginning to 2025
10 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler share their 2025 resolutions for the baseball industry as well as others for their professional work and personal lives. Also, Josh...
#485: Recapping 2024 in Minor League Baseball
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler take turns sharing their favorite memories of 2024 from Minor League Baseball and the larger baseball world. Also, Ben details one ...
#484: Winter Meetings recap
13 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler discuss the movement at the Winter Meetings, including in the Garret Crochet blockbuster trade and the Rule 5 Draft. Also, Ben previews ...
#483: Red Sox prospect Connelly Early
06 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
No. 24 Red Sox prospect Connelly Early chats with Sam and Tyler about his offseason prep and the lessons he learned from his successful first full sea...
#482: Recapping Logovember in the Minors
27 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
A lot has happened across the Minor Leagues since our last episode. Ben and Sam chat about rebrands, renamings and refreshes announced by MiLB clubs o...
#481: Knoxville Smokies, AFL Fall Stars
08 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ben shares details of the Smokies’ official name switch to Knoxville in the Southern League, and Sam and Tyler chat about big weekend coming up in t...
#480: Oklahoma City Comets; AFL's Arroyo, Baldwin
01 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ben brings details of the new Oklahoma City Comets identity that will land for the 2025 season, and Sam shares excerpts from interviews with Drake Bal...
#479: Hickory Goat-Karts, Arizona Fall League updates
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ben details the Hickory Goat-Karts alternate identity coming in 2025, Sam and Tyler chat about the Arizona Fall League, Tommy Troy stops by to talk ab...
#478: We Knew Them When, Part II
18 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The postseason clip shows continue! The Show Before the Show reshares previous interviews with more players from this Major League postseason includin...
#477: We Knew Them When, Part I
11 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
The gang is off the next two weeks, but the Major League postseason is very much on. The podcast revisits interviews with stars of this year’s ...
#476: Salt Lake broadcaster Tony Parks
04 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Salt Lake broadcaster Tony Parks shares memories of the final game at Smith’s Ballpark ahead of the Bees’ move to a new facility nearby next sprin...
#475: Birmingham Barons broadcaster Curt Bloom
27 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Double-A Birmingham broadcaster Curt Bloom shares stories from the Barons' improbable run to a Southern League title this week. Ben, Sam and Tyler als...
#474: Charlotte superfan LaMichael Mitchell, St. Paul Bobblelection ‘24
20 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bobbleheads are on the brain this week. Charlotte superfan LaMichael Mitchell and vice president of communications Tommy Viola swing by to chat about ...
#473: Say bye to M-Braves; Meet the Clingstones
13 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ben details the Columbus Clingstones identity coming to the Southern League in 2025, and Mississippi director of group sales David Kerr helps bid adie...
#472: Remembering Toledo’s Jim Weber
06 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Toledo broadcaster Matt Melzak speaks to Ben about the legacy of longtime Mud Hens voice Jim Weber. Also, Ben previews September promos, Sam looks at ...
#471: Tigers prospect Max Clark
30 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Top Tigers prospect Max Clark talks to Ben from High-A West Michigan about what it’s like to be a player wearing alternate-identity uniforms. Also, ...
#470: Phillies prospect Aidan Miller
23 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Top Phillies prospect Aidan Miller talks to Sam about his first full season, his recent turnaround and his 2023 Draft experience following a broken ha...
#469: MLB Pipeline’s in-season prospect rerank
16 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler chat about the updated Top 100 overall and Top 30 organizational prospect rankings for MLB Pipeline. Also, Ben talks with Durham VP of b...
#468: Braves prospect Hayden Harris, Fowl-well in Down East
09 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Braves No. 30 prospect Hayden Harris shares how LinkedIn got him an opportunity in pro ball, and Down East general manager Jon Clemmons discusses the ...
#467: Trades and Trips
02 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler chat about how prospects and farm systems were affected by this year’s Trade Deadline, and Ben returns from his North Carolina road tr...
#466: Cubs prospect Matt Shaw
26 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cubs No. 2 prospect Matt Shaw talks about his time at Double-A Tennessee from the MLB Pipeline Prospect Showcase. Also, Ben discusses a league swap in...
#465: 2024 Draft, Futures Game, West Coast League
19 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler break down this year’s MLB Draft results and discuss the All-Star Futures Game. They also chat about their work together broadcasting ...
#464: Midsummer podcast
12 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ben and Tyler look at some recent Minor League Crooked Numbers, Sam previews the All-Star Futures Game and 2024 Draft and Josh releases a sick edition...
Fourth of July special: Futures Game rosters
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
During a short holiday week, Sam jumps in quick to chat about Futures Game rosters, MLB Pipeline’s updated Top 100 prospect ranking and James Wood’...
#463: Tales from the South
28 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ben returns from his most recent road trip with stories from stops in Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas. Also, Ben and Sam share interviews with Rome PA...
#462: Rickwood Field Week
21 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Kelsie and Sam chat with Tyler about their coverage of MiLB at Rickwood Field, Willie Mays’ death and their road trip from Daytona Beach to Birmingh...
#461: Remembering Salt Lake legend Steve Klauke
14 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Former Salt Lake broadcaster Steve Klauke died this week at 69 years old. Fellow voices from around Minor League Baseball share their memories of Klau...
#460: Creating a Minor League team name
07 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler asked for fake Minor League team names, and listeners responded in droves. The cohosts comb through their favorite submissions befo...
#459: Rancho Cucamonga BBQs
31 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rancho Cucamonga broadcaster Mike Lindskog talks about the club's BBQs alternate identity. Also, Ben shares three more new looks coming to Minor Leagu...
#458: Red Sox prospect Zach Penrod
24 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Red Sox prospect Zach Penrod talks about his journey from the independent Pioneer League to Double-A ball. Also, Sam and Josh recap the MLB Pipeline P...
#457: Fort Wayne's Mental Health Awareness Night
17 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Fort Wayne TinCaps president Mike Nutter explains the importance of his club’s focus on mental health this weekend and all year. Also, Ben provides ...
#456: Ben’s California adventure
10 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ben returns from the road to share stories from San Jose, Modesto, Stockton and Sacramento. Also, Sam and Tyler preview Paul Skenes’ upcoming Major ...
#455: Hot starts in Triple-A, Spokane book
03 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler discuss the hottest prospect performances at Triple-A, including those of Junior Caminero and Coby Mayo. Also, Ben interviews author Eri...
#454: Paul Skenes, Song from the Jersey Shore
26 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sam shares an excerpt from his interview with top pitching prospect Paul Skenes, and Sam and Tyler discuss the Pirates right-hander’s early dominanc...
#453: Indianapolis chat, Wichita Chili Buns
19 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sam calls in from Indianapolis to chat with Ben and Tyler about his visit to see top pitching prospect Paul Skenes. Also, Ben talks with Wichita gener...
#452: Erie rings in '24
12 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Erie president Greg Coleman details the team ring after last year's title, Ben previews road trips and Sam and Tyler talk Jackson Holliday. To learn...
#451: Opening Day Draft, Part II
05 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Happy second Opening Day! Ben, Sam and Tyler are joined by Kelsie Heneghan and Josh Jackson for a second draft around Double-A, High-A and Single-A te...
#450: Triple-A Opening Day Draft
29 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
To celebrate the start of the Minor League season, Ben, Sam and Tyler build their own Triple-A franchises using categories like main identities, ballp...
#449: Minor League family life in Portland
22 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Emma Tiedemann, Jesse Scaglion and their baby daughter Lucy join the podcast to share stories of working as a growing Portland Sea Dogs family. Also, ...
#448: Nationals prospect Brady House
15 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nationals No. 3 prospect Brady House checks in from Spring Training. Also, Sam previews this week’s Spring Breakout series, Ben looks at Triple-A pr...
#447: Rays prospect Xavier Isaac
08 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rays No. 4 prospect Xavier Isaac chats with Sam about his first full season, second Spring Training and sleeper status in the 2022 Draft. Also, Ben an...
#446: Tobacco Beetles, Spring Training battles
01 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler look at alternate identities for Winston-Salem and Great Lakes and take a certain left bovine turn into summer collegiate ball too....