The Show Before the Show
Episodes
#445: Jacksonville celebrates the public domain
23 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp promo director David Ratz discusses his club’s upcoming jersey featuring famous characters and images in the public domain...
#444: Bowling Green Cavemen alternate identity
16 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Bowling Green general manager Kyle Wolz chats with Ben about his club’s new Cavemen alternate identity. Also, Sam and Tyler look at Spring Training ...
#443: Bhutan baseball, Reading ballpark improvements
09 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
MLB.com's Michael Clair shares the story of Hudson Valley's connection with Bhutan baseball, and Reading's Jake Starr talks ballpark updates with Ben,...
#442: Top 100 breakdown, Fooser Studios' Ryan Foose
02 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler discuss MLB Pipeline’s updated Top 100 prospect ranking, Ben looks at the King Cakes identity coming to Biloxi in 2024 and the gang in...
#441: Jersey Diners, Hall of Famers in MiLB, Top 10 talk
26 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler chat about Somerset’s new Jersey Diners identity and look back at the Minor League careers of the 2024 Hall of Fame Class. Also, ...
#440: Nationals prospect DJ Herz
19 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Nationals prospect DJ Herz talks about his trade from the Cubs, 40-man roster spot and Vulcan changeup. Also, Ben, Sam and Tyler look at new food iden...
#439: Mississippi move, Cardinals' Masyn Winn
12 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Cardinals prospect Masyn Winn talks about making The Show, and Ben, Sam and Tyler look at Double-A Mississippi’s move to Columbus, Georgia. The gang...
#438: 2024 Minor League Baseball resolutions/goals
05 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler provide their New Year’s resolutions and goals for the 2024 season ahead in Minor League Baseball and get some help from MLB Pipe...
#437: Five favorite MiLB things from 2023
21 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler each present their five favorite Minor League or baseball-related things from the 2023 season and dive into the pop-culture world i...
#436: Spring Breakout, Akron merchandise manager Luke Trese
15 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler talk about the new Spring Breakout series coming in 2024 and the Oklahoma City Baseball Club identity revealed this week. Also, Akr...
#435: Winter Meetings chatter, Braves' David McCabe
08 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s episode, Ben shares the new look of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, and Sam and Tyler chat about Winter Meetings moves, including Ju...
#434: Bowie home clubhouse manager Jon Weinberg
01 Dec 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Eastern League Home Clubhouse Attendant of the Year Jon Weinberg takes us behind the scenes of the Bowie Baysox and the successful Baltimore Orioles f...
#433: The Gratitude Guys
22 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler interview each other about their pasts, presents and futures on a Thanksgiving episode of the Minor League podcast. To learn more...
#432: Logo designer Dan Simon on Rome’s rebrand
17 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Veteran design artist Dan Simon discusses his work on the Rome Emperors rebrand, and much more. Ben runs down other new looks and dishes on concession...
#431: New Greensboro logos, Evan Carter
03 Nov 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Greensboro general manager Tim Vangel discusses the club’s updated logo set for the 2024 season. Also, the gang reairs an interview with Rangers roo...
#430: Columbia broadcaster John Kocsis Jr.
27 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Columbia broadcaster John Kocsis Jr. discusses his book “Play-by-Play from the Minors: Profiles of Baseball Broadcasters from Scranton to Yakima,”...
#429: Red Sox prospect Corey Rosier
20 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Red Sox prospect Corey Rosier talks to Sam from the Arizona Fall League about his two trades and his progress in 2023. Also, Ben shares stories from a...
#428: Padres prospect Graham Pauley
13 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
No. 11 Padres prospect Graham Pauley chats with Sam about his early time in the Arizona Fall League and his breakout 2023 season in the San Diego syst...
#427: 2023 Arizona Fall League Draft
06 Oct 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler draft teams made of Arizona Fall League starts from the 2023 season, taking one player from each position, a right-handed pitcher, a lef...
#426: MiLB Awards Show preview
28 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler preview the first-ever MiLB Awards Show, coming to MLB Network on Monday, Oct. 2. The guys also chat about the new Minor League Bas...
#425: Veeck, Guerrero, playoffs
22 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben chats about a Mike Veeck documentary, Tyler and Sam look at new champions and Biloxi manager Mike Guerrero speaks about a loaded roster. To lea...
#424: Andrew Seymour on Jupiter-Palm Beach rivalry
15 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Palm Beach GM Andrew Seymour chats about his club's intrastadium Florida State League postseason series with Jupiter. Also, Sam and Tyler look at top ...
#423: Ben in Nashville, Bowling Green
08 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben is on the road for his final road trip of 2023 with early stops in Nashvile and Bowling Green, and he interviews Hot Rods assistant general manage...
#422: Nationals prospect Dylan Crews
01 Sep 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Nationals top prospect Dylan Crews chats about his insane 2023 calendar year, the national title game with LSU and the start of his career in the Wash...
#421: Brooklyn's Seinfeld Night
25 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Brooklyn Cyclones assistant general Billy Harner shares details of the club's incredibly famous Seinfeld Night promotion, which took place last Saturd...
#420: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre broadcaster Adam Marco
18 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
RailRiders voice Adam Marco talks to Ben about being a Minor League Kerouac, and Tyler reviews Home Run Derby X in Hartford. To learn more about lis...
#419: Lake County's Allan Wylie, Cole Liggett
11 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lake County blind broadcaster Allan Wylie and Captains director of broadcasting Cole Liggett join the podcast to discuss Allan’s time in the booth. ...
#418: Trade Deadline, Defenders of the Diamond
04 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Marvel director of themed entertainment Brian Crosby talks about this year’s Defenders of the Diamond designs. Also, Tyler and Sam chat about the Tr...
#417: Nashville, The Other Boys of Summer
28 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Kelsie bring interviews from the MLB Pipeline Game of the Month in Nashville, including one on the art of the callup with Sounds manager Rick ...
#416: Buffalo honoring superfan Mark Aichinger
21 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Buffalo GM Anthony Sprague joins the podcast to talk about the Bisons’ upcoming bobblehead of superfan Mark Aichinger. Also, Sam and Tyler preview t...
#415: Rochester’s Intentional Walk, Draft talk
14 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rochester GM Dan Mason talks to the podcast about the Red Wings’ Intentional Walk fundraiser. Also, Ben recaps his trip to Biloxi, Tyler and Sam bre...
#414: Birmingham's Curt Bloom, Futures Game Draft
07 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben chats with Birmingham broadcasting legend Curt Bloom, and Sam and Tyler draft Futures Game rosters ahead of Saturday's showcase. To learn more a...
#413: USA Baseball's Michael Cuddyer
30 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
USA Baseball 18U National Team manager Michael Cuddyer talks to Sam from PDP League play, and Ben reviews the first half of the MiLB season. To lear...
#412: Negro Southern League Museum’s Frank Adams Jr.
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Negro Southern League Museum deputy director Frank Adams Jr. talks to Ben during his trip to Birmingham, Tyler and Sam preview the updated MLB Pipelin...
#411: MiLB broadcasters’ favorite calls
16 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ten Minor League broadcasters share their favorite calls from over the years and take listeners behind the scenes. Also, Ben previews his trip to the ...
#410: Elly De La Cruz exploding on MLB scene
08 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a week for explosions on the podcast. First, Ben talks about his longform piece on the Eugene Exploding Whales and presents an interview with r...
#409: Fort Wayne Daisies
02 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
TinCaps VP of marketing Michael Limmer talks about the club's upcoming night honoring local All-American Girls Professional Baseball League club, the ...
#408: Louisville, Tacoma tales
26 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben tells the story of Tacoma journeyman Mike Ford, and Sam shares what he learned from his trip to Louisville. Also the gang revisits an interview on...
#407: Reds catcher Chuckie Robinson
19 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Triple-A Louisville catcher Chuckie Robinson talks to Sam about his hot start, 2022 Major League debut and the effect the ABS system has on his defens...
#406: Ben’s Northwest passage
12 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben brings stories from his first road trip of the season to the Pacific Northwest along with interviews with D-backs prospects Dylan Ray and Conor Gr...
#405: Minor League Baseball extravafanza
05 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler talk to Minor League Baseballs fans across the country about how they fell in love with the sport and what they’re looking forwar...
#404: Rangers top prospect Evan Carter
28 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
No. 1 Rangers prospect Evan Carter discusses his hot start with Double-A Frisco from the MLB Pipeline Game of the Month. Also, Sam details his journey...
#403: Charlotte's Negro Leagues Tribute Night
21 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Triple-A Charlotte honored the history of the Negro Leagues with Black Hornets uniforms and other events last Sunday. Tommy Viola talks to Ben, Sam an...
#402: West Michigan broadcaster Dan Hasty
14 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
West Michigan’s Dan Hasty joins the Minor League Baseball podcast after going viral for his Masters call with the Whitecaps last weekend. Ben, Sam a...
#401: ESPN’s Ryan McGee, complete Ballpark Guides
07 Apr 2023
Contributed by Lukas
ESPN senior writer Ryan McGee discusses his new book “Welcome to the Circus of Baseball” about his time working for the Asheville Tourists in 1994...
#400: 2023 prospect predictions
30 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the 400th episode of The Show Before the Show! Tyler, Sam, Josh and Kelsie make their prospect predictions for the 2023 season, Ben brings det...
#399: 2023 Copa de la Diversión unveil
24 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tyler and Sam recap a wild ending to the World Baseball Classic and select their favorite Copa identities for the 2023 season. Also, Lehigh Valley pre...
#398: World Baseball Classic, El Paso’s Tim Hagerty
17 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tyler returns with stories from the World Baseball Classic, Ben shares details on a new ballpark in Hillsboro and El Paso’s Tim Hagerty discusses hi...
#397: MLB debuts, RailRiders’ Emily Messina
14 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Writer James Bailey discusses his book covering every Major League debut from the 2022 season, and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre broadcaster Emily Messina tal...
#396: Minor League ballpark renovations
03 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a new theme episode of The Show Before the Show! Minor League execs from Durham, Reading, Rochester, West Michigan and Wisconsin take Ben and T...
#395: Brewers prospect Cam Robinson
24 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Top 30 Brewers prospect Cam Robinson talks to the podcast about his first Major League Spring Training trip and his 2022 season in which he led the Mi...
#394: New Lake County owner Alan Miller
17 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
New Lake County owner/president Alan Miller talks about his love for the Minors and his previous experience running the Portland Pickles. Also, the co...
#393: Pirates' J.P. Massey, Fresno's Tequila Fest
10 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pirates seventh-rounder J.P. Massey discusses his life starting a pro career, and Fresno's Jonathan Bravo talks about a celebrity-filled promo coming ...
#392: New A’s broadcaster Johnny Doskow
03 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
After working in the Minors for 30 years, broadcaster Johnny Doskow joins the podcast to talk about his jump from the Triple-A Sacramento booth to Oak...
#391: Hillsboro's Ronnie Gajownik, Top 100 Prospects
27 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hillsboro's Ronnie Gajownik joins the Minor League Baseball podcast after being named the first-ever woman manager at the High-A level. Also, Tyler an...
#390: Designing a Minor League hat
13 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler put their heads together to design a Minor League cap for National Hat Day. Josh heads abroad in Ghosts of the Minors. To learn m...
#389: Resolutions & Sauerkraut Balls
06 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tyler and Sam go division-by-division to provide New Year's prospect resolutions, Ben talks about the new Akron Sauerkraut Balls identity and Josh tak...
#388: Mets prospect Dominic Hamel
22 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Mets No. 12 prospect Dominic Hamel joins the show to discuss his award-winning 2022 season and what’s ahead for him on the mound for 2023. Also, Ben...
#387: Clubbie life with Visalia's Mario Guerrero
16 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
California League Visiting Clubhouse Manager of the Year Mario Guerrero joins the podcast to talk about what can be an unsung role in the game. Also, ...
#386: Winter Meetings recap
09 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ben and Tyler look back on this year’s Winter Meetings, including interviews of Fort Wayne’s Mike Nutter and Bradenton’s Rebekah Rivette. To l...
#385: Columbia Fireflies give ballpark holiday glow
02 Dec 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ben speaks with Columbia's Brad Shank and John Kocsis about Fireflies Holiday Lights. Tyler and Ben talk Winter Meetings, Miguel Cabrera's pro debut. ...
#384: Marvel's Defenders of the Diamond Logo Draft
22 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ben, Sam and Tyler take turns selecting their favorite Minor League Baseball Marvel logos in a five-round draft, and Josh slings another edition of Gh...
#383: Rangers prospect Grant Wolfram
18 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rangers pitching prospect Grant Wolfram discusses the Arizona Fall League and his pair of 2022 league titles. Also, Ben looks at what new ownership me...
#382: Daytona emcee The Young Professor
11 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Daytona emcee The Young Professor (Matt Graifer) talks about his approach to an entertaining gig. Also, Ben previews the return of Ballpark Guides, Ty...
#381: Hudson Valley Cider Donuts
04 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hudson Valley general manager Tyson Jeffers talks to the podcast about the club's fall-themed identity coming to the field in 2023. Also, Ben shares d...
#380: Fort Myers' recovery
28 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fort Myers GM Judd Loveland talks about the Mighty Mussels’ community efforts following Hurricane Ian. Also, Ben tells the tale of a Buffalo Bisons ...
#379: Cardinals’ Jordan Walker
14 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Top St. Louis prospect and Nationwide Road to the Show ambassador Jordan Walker joins the podcast to talk about his time in the Arizona Fall League, h...
#378: Anthony Volpe, Jack Leiter together again
07 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
High-school teammates, Top 100 prospects and Nationwide Road to the Show ambassadors Anthony Volpe and Jack Leiter make guest appearances to talk abou...
#377: Orioles prospect Grayson Rodriguez
30 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
No. 4 overall prospect and Nationwide Road to the Show ambassador Grayson Rodriguez joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to discuss his return from...
#376: Tyler at the World Baseball Classic qualifiers
23 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tyler wraps up what he saw from the World Baseball Classic qualifiers in Germany, Ben brings stories from Erie and Sam previews the AFL. To learn mo...
#375: Rocketing into postseason
16 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rocket City VP of marketing, promotions and entertainment Lindsey Knupp discusses her organization’s playoffs prep and the second year of the Trash ...
#374: Daytona’s Bob Ross Bobblehead Night
09 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tortugas GM Jim Jaworski discusses the club's fifth and final edition of the popular Bob Ross Bobblehead Night. Also, Ben previews his trip to Erie, R...
#373: Round Rock broadcaster Mike Capps
02 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Longtime Express broadcaster Mike Capps discusses his career path from covering the Gulf War to entering the ballpark booth and his new book, “Grind...
#372: Rules changes in the FSL
26 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Fort Myers broadcaster John Vittas reviews the pie slice rule and the challenge system in the Florida State League. Also, Ben takes listeners to the O...
#371: Pensacola’s DIY jerseys
19 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Pensacola director of communications Daniel Venn discusses their fan-created jerseys that were unique to each player. Also, Ben brings details on the ...
#370: Field of Dreams trip
12 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ben and Sam talk with Tyler about their road trip to MiLB at Field of Dreams. Josh saddles up in another edition of Ghosts of the Minors. To learn m...
#369: FoD preview, Trade recap
05 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tyler, Sam and Ben discuss Vin Scully's passing, the upcoming Minor League Field of Dreams game and all of the trades from the Deadline. To learn mo...
#368: Oklahoma!/Deadline talk
29 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ben checks in with road-trip stories from Oklahoma City and Tulsa, Tyler and Sam preview the deals that could make for a memorable Trade Deadline and ...
#367: Looking back, ahead
22 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Sam and Tyler recap the Futures Game and Draft and preview the second half for prospects. Ben shares Seigo Masabuchi's story in St. Paul. To learn m...
#366: Futures Game, Draft and a Futures Game Draft
15 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
It’s a big week in the world of Minor League Baseball and prospects. Tyler and Sam draft their own Futures Game clubs and preview this weekend's act...
#365: Wisconsin's Hilary Bauer
08 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Timber Rattlers VP of marketing Hilary Bauer discusses the constants and changes of promotions in Wisconsin. Also, Ben returns with stories from his M...
#364: Knowing your ABC Supply Stadium
01 Jul 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ben checks in from the road following his first visit to Beloit’s ABC Supply Stadium. Also, Tyler and Sam discuss the Major League debuts of Vinnie ...
#363: San Jose Beer Batters
24 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
San Jose VP of marketing Matt Alongi tells the story of his club’s Beer Batters identity. Also, Tyler, Sam and Ben debate whether Portland mascot Sl...
#362: A bear tours an Asheville ballpark
17 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ben and Sam talk with Asheville assistant GM Hannah Martin about a bear visitor to McCormick Field. Also, Tyler and Sam discuss midseason clinches, an...
#361: Return from New England
10 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ben is back from the road to share stories from his recent trips to Hartford, New Hampshire and Portland. Also, Tyler and Sam discuss Grayson Rodrigue...
#360: Royals' Vinnie Pasquantino
03 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Royals No. 4 prospect Vinnie Pasquantino discusses his hot start to the season at Triple-A Omaha and his proximity to the Majors as he closes in on Ka...
#359: Modesto's Veronica Hernandez
27 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Modesto Nuts exec Veronica Hernandez discusses her place as the first Latina GM in Minor League Baseball. Also, Ben reviews his Texas trip, and Tyler ...
#358: Ben's back on the road in Texas
20 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Ben calls in from Texas during his first Minor League road trip of the season after making his first stop in Sugar Land. Also, Tyler and Sam review th...
#357: Winston-Salem groundskeeper Corey Church
13 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Winston-Salem director of grounds Corey Church discusses his must-see viral moment involving a sprinkler. Also, Tyler and Ben remember a super-fan in ...
#356: Guardians prospect Logan Allen
06 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
No. 8 Guardians prospect Logan Allen shares stories from his development as he closes in on Cleveland from Double-A Akron. Also, Ben announces his fir...
#355: Return to Vancouver
29 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Vancouver president Andy Dunn talks about the Canadians' homecoming for the first time since 2019. Also, Ben looks at Copa luchador identities, Tyler ...
#354: Jacksonville’s Ray Charles bobblehead
22 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jacksonville promo director David Ratz talks about the club's honoring of Ray Charles with a bobblehead on Deaf/Blind Awareness Night and why the cele...
#353: The Amazing Tyler
15 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tyler Scheuer joins the podcast to talk about the balancing act he takes to Minor League Baseball parks across the country. Also, Tyler and Sam discus...
#352: Opening Day podcast-a-palooza
07 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tyler, Sam, Josh and Kelsie gather to make their annual predictions for top prospects in this opening week of Minor League Baseball, while Ben selects...
#351: Triple-A, Copa preview
01 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tyler, Sam and Ben look ahead to Triple-A Opening Day next Tuesday and choose their favorite identities from the 2022 Copa clubs. To learn more abou...
#350: Rules changes, Top 100 talk
25 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tyler, Sam and Ben break down rules changes sweeping across the Minors in 2022 and take a look at the High-A promotional calendars for the season ahea...
#349: League names are back!
18 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tyler and Ben celebrate the return of historic league names (from the International League to the California League) to the Minor League landscape, wh...
#348: AZ ST, Triple-A promos
11 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tyler, Sam and Ben discuss an international draft and upcoming Triple-A promotions. Kelsie Heneghan brings stories from a trip to Arizona. To learn ...
#347: Rumblings in Binghamton
04 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Binghamton director of entertainment and sales Eddie Saunders discusses the Mets affiliates' past, present and future amid recent changes. Also, Tyler...
#346: Frisco and the Dallas Black Giants
25 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frisco president/GM Victor Rojas talks about the RoughRiders' plans to honor a local Negro Leagues team from the last century. Also, Tyler, Sam discus...