The Show Before the Show

#345: MiLB Mailbag & Akron JoJos

18 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler, Sam, Ben and Josh answer listener questions about everything from their backgrounds to the best Triple-A teams for the 2022 season. Also, Akron...

#344: Greenville Black Spinners

11 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Drive general manager Eric Jarinko joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to discuss his club’s 2022 celebration of the Greenville Black Spinners, ...

#343: An NIL deal with the Stockton Ports

04 Feb 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Lots to cover on this week’s episode of The Show Before the Show. Tyler, Sam and Ben discuss Minor League Baseball’s The Nine initiative, the Suga...

#342: Pitching promotions for 2022

28 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler, Sam and Ben take turns pitching Minor League promotion ideas to Myrtle Beach director of fan engagement Hunter Horenstein. Also, Josh takes his...

#341: Lookouts' Jarrah Vella-Wright

21 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Jarrah Vella-Wright discusses his journey from Australia to Chattanooga's front office. Author Michael Lortz joins Ben's Bookshelf to review his novel...

#340: Balkovec, Katz & a MiLB Hat Draft

14 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler, Sam and Ben discuss Rachel Balkovec's historic hire as manager of the Low-A Tampa Tarpons, and the trio of co-hosts also hold a Minor League Ha...

#339: A $urprise in Iowa

07 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Outgoing Iowa owner Michael Gartner surprised employees with a sizable check on his way out. Scott Sailor and Brent Conkel have details. Also, Tyler, ...

Special: Ghosts of the Minors

01 Jan 2022

Contributed by Lukas

Josh Jackson, MiLB writer and the creative visionary behind our weekly “Ghosts of the Minors” segment, stops by and talks to Tyler about the podca...

#338: 2021 MiLB season in review

23 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler and Sam look back on all that happened in Minor League Baseball in 2021. Kelsie Heneghan interviews Spokane senior VP Otto Klein after the club ...

#337: Bowling Green tornado relief

17 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bowling Green GM Eric C. Leach talks bout what the club is doing to help residents of the community after tornados devastated the area. To learn mor...

#336: 2021 Winter Meetings

10 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Minor League Winter Meetings are still on, and this week’s episode focuses on the annual event that returned for 2021. Kelsie Heneghan talks wit...

#335: Number Tamer David Kronheim & 2021 MiLB attendance

03 Dec 2021

Contributed by Lukas

David Kronheim, a.k.a. the Number Tamer, talks to Ben and Sam about his breakdown of 2021 Minor League attendance figures. Tyler, Sam and Ben also rev...

#334: Beloit Sky Carp rebrand

19 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Beloit VP of entertainment Maria Valentyn details the club's new Sky Carp identity. Tyler and Sam talk housing policy changes for 2022. To learn mor...

#333: Albuquerque’s Dinner Impossible

12 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Albuquerque Isotopes GM John Traub talks about the Food Network’s visit to the ballpark. Also, Tyler and Sam preview the Fall Stars Game, and Josh g...

#332: Arizona Fall League Draft

05 Nov 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler and Sam draft their own 2021 Arizona Fall League squads. Also, Ben previews Logovember, and Josh spins another Ghosts of the Minors. To learn ...

#331: Mixing baseball, hockey in Toledo

29 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Toledo's Mike Keedy talks about how the front office works year-round for MiLB and ECHL teams. Also, Tyler and Sam go over early AFL storylines, and B...

#330: Fresno's Taco Truck Throwdown 10

22 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ray Ortiz and Jonathan Bravo celebrate Fresno's 10th Taco Truck Throwdown, coming this Saturday, by going into the history of the event and the import...

#329: The MiLBYs are back!

15 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The MiLBY Awards – the annual celebration of the best in Minor League Baseball – have returned for 2021. Tyler and Sam review all eight categories...

#328: Gwinnett GM Erin McCormick

01 Oct 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Erin McCormick, Gwinnett's newest GM, talks about the Final Stretch and her new role. Tyler, Sam review the 2021 MiLB champions. To learn more about...

#327: Wrapping up in Wichita

24 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Wichita exec Bob Moullette reviews the first season of the Wind Surge. Tyler, Sam and Ben examine the MiLB playoffs from multiple angles. To learn m...

#326: Stalk-ton Aspara-guys

17 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Stockton president Pat Filippone discusses the club's celebration of the Asparagus Capital of the World. Also, Ben brings stories about the return of ...

#325: That Thing Erie Did!

10 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Double-A Erie president Greg Coleman discusses the club’s Wonders Night promotion, an event celebrating the film That Thing You Do! about a fictio...

#324: The woman with the RiverDogs tattoo

03 Sep 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Bowling Green's Leslie Martin discusses a Charleston tattoo she got in a los bet between the two Rays affiliates. Also, Tyler and Sam review prospects...

#323: Visit from the ZOOperstars!

27 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Dominic and Brennan Latkovski join the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about the origins and recent history of the ZOOperstars!, a group of ente...

#322: Dishing on Worcester food; Top 100 talk

20 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Worcester VP of hospitality Cody Malone discusses setting up a new culinary scene at Polar Park. Also, Ben recaps his own trip to Worcester from last ...

#321: Pensacola’s Crabzilla uniforms

13 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Pensacola Blue Wahoos president Jonathan Griffith and executive chef Travis Wilson join the Minor League Baseball podcast to talk about the origins of...

#320: Duel of the Dishes for Rochester, Syracuse

06 Aug 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Syracuse and Rochester GMs discuss their food-based rivalry, Ben reviews Fredericksburg's new park and Tyler and Sam talk trade additions. To learn ...

#319: Tulsa’s elusive Jack White bobblehead, Trade Deadline

30 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tulsa Drillers VP of marketing Justin Gorski joins the show to talk about the club’s popular, yet elusive Jack White bobblehead that has drawn fans ...

#318: Rocket City clubbie Bubba Hearn

22 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Rocket City clubhouse manager Bubba Hearn tells tales of the early days of the Trash Pandas, including ones about how he tracked down some of the firs...

#317: Back on the road with Benjamin Hill

16 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Benjamin Hill calls in from the road for the first time since 2019 with tales of his trips to Chattanooga, Rocket City, Tennessee and Hickory. Also, T...

#316: Big Fourth weekend for Fresno, MiLB

09 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Fresno president Derek Franks joins the podcast to describe the Grizzlies’ Reopening Weekend celebrations and the relief that came with massive sell...

#315: Welcoming new Americans in Iowa

01 Jul 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Triple-A Iowa’s Scott Sailor details one of the great traditions of the Minors – the Cubs’ Naturalization Ceremony that sees Des Moines-area imm...

WanderCast: Franco debuts in MLB

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler and Sam gather for an emergency podcast, all about the Major League arrival of top overall prospect Wander Franco. To learn more about...

#314: Art of MiLB broadcasting

24 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Lansing broadcaster Jesse Goldberg-Strassler talks about the #DemoCritiqueDay initiative. Tyler and Sam predict the next hyped MLB debut To ...

#313: Family affair in Reading

18 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tom Hunsicker and his sons Scott and Todd talk about their familial connections in Reading. Tyler and Sam discuss Prospect Moving Week. To l...

#312: Bowling Green’s Karen Night

10 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ben and Sam talk to Bowling Green GM Eric Leach (and a special guest) about the Hot Rods’ Karen Night promotion from last week. Also, Tyler and Sam ...

#311: A Wisconsin Udder Tuggers weekend

04 Jun 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Ben and Sam talk to High-A Wisconsin broadcaster Chris Mehring about the club’s weekend-long Udder Tuggers promotion, Tyler breaks down prospect sta...

#310: Honoring a brother in Beloit

27 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler, Sam and Ben talk to Jim Drnec, whose family honored his recently passed brother Harry with the one-day naming rights to the Minor League ballpa...

#309: Beer bats in Myrtle Beach

20 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Myrtle Beach president/GM Ryan Moore talks to the Minor League Baseball podcast about how his club’s beer bats went viral and how the Pelicans are n...

#308: First week in review

13 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler and Sam review the first week of Minor League Baseball action, including early prospect standouts and Jarred Kelenic’s promotion to Seattle. T...

#307: 2021 Opening Day Megacast (MiLB is back!)

04 May 2021

Contributed by Lukas

The Minor League Baseball regular season has returned at last. Tyler and Sam are joined by colleagues Josh Jackson and Kelsie Heneghan as they make pr...

#306: Kannapolis general manager Matt Millward

29 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Kannapolis general manager Matt Millward talks to the Minor League Baseball podcast about finally opening up a new stadium for baseball next week, aft...

#305: How to make a promo in 2021

22 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp director of promotions David Ratz talks to Ben, Tyler and Sam about building a 2021 promo schedule after the lost 2020 seaso...

#304: Hillsboro, Trenton play host

15 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Members of the Hillsboro and Trenton front offices join the podcast to discuss how the clubs will host other Minor League clubs in 2021. ...

#303: D-backs prospect Corbin Martin

09 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

No. 7 D-backs prospect Corbin Martin talks to the Minor League Baseball podcast about his Tommy John surgery, his rehab process during the pandemic an...

#302: 2021 MLB season preview

02 Apr 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler and Sam are joined by Josh Jackson and Kelsie Heneghan to preview the 2021 Major League season from a prospect and rookie perspective. The gang ...

#301: Orioles prospect Gunnar Henderson

26 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Baltimore Orioles No. 6 prospect Gunnar Henderson joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to discuss his time in camp, his basketball background and t...

#300: Marlins prospect Max Meyer

19 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

No. 28 overall prospect Max Meyer joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to break down his first trip to Marlins Spring Training, his ascent to becom...

#299: Reno GM Emily Jaenson

12 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Triple-A Reno general manager Emily Jaenson joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to discuss her upcoming work on the on the Diversity, Equity and I...

#298: Scranton/Wilkes-Barre president John Adams

05 Mar 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre president John Adams discusses the Triple-A delay and life as an alt site. Tyler and Sam break down spring performers. ...

#297: St. Paul Saints broadcaster Sean Aronson

25 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Triple-A St. Paul broadcaster Sean Aronson calls into the podcast to help introduce one of the newest clubs to the Minor League landscape with discuss...

#296: Blue Jays prospect Jordan Groshans

19 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

No. 46 overall prospect Jordan Groshans calls the Minor League Baseball podcast from Florida to share his expectations for his time in Spring Training...

#295: Minor League restructure

13 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler, Sam and Ben discuss the biggest MiLB news in years: the restructuring of the Minor Leagues with 120 teams and new circuits. To learn ...

#294: Mets farm director Kevin Howard

04 Feb 2021

Contributed by Lukas

New Mets farm director Kevin Howard shares his philosophies on player development, and Tyler and Sam break down the Nolan Arenado trade. T...

#293: Mariners Triple-A manager Kristopher Negrón

29 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Mariners Triple-A manager Kristopher Negrón talks to the Minor League Baseball podcast about his expectations for the role, his recent experience as ...

#292: Rangers prospect Justin Foscue

22 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Texas first-rounder Justin Foscue joins the Minor League Baseball podcast to discuss his early pro-ball lessons, his surge at Mississippi State and ho...

#291: Pirates prospect Wil Crowe

14 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Right-handed pitcher Wil Crowe shares the story of his December trade from the Nationals to the Pirates in this week’s Minor League Baseball podcast...

#290: Nationals prospect Cade Cavalli

09 Jan 2021

Contributed by Lukas

Nats prospect Cade Cavalli recounts his first year, Sam and Tyler break down the Lindor trade and Ben shares his favorite MiLB bobbleheads. To learn...

#289: 2020 in review

24 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler, Sam and Ben look back at what was lost, what they missed most and what they learned about Minor League Baseball in 2020. To learn mor...

#288: Invitations and Rule 5

11 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler and Sam recap the partner invitations sent by MLB clubs and the Rule 5 Draft. Ben discusses what's missed from the Winter Meetings. ...

#287: Cubs' Ed Howard

03 Dec 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Cubs prospect Ed Howard breaks down what it's like playing for his hometown team. Tyler and Sam discuss the Pioneer and MLB Draft Leagues. T...

#286: 2020 hindsight

24 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler and Sam revisit their Major League preseason prospect predictions with MiLB.com's Kelsie Heneghan and Josh Jackson. To learn more abou...

#285: Angels' Chris Rodriguez

20 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Angels prospect Chris Rodriguez details his road back from major back injuries, and Tyler and Sam preview the 40-man protection deadline. To...

#284: A's prospect Greg Deichmann

13 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

A's prospect Greg Deichmann discusses what it's like to await Rule 5 protection on the 40-man roster. Also, Ben reviews 2013 promotions To l...

#283: Twins prospect Aaron Sabato

05 Nov 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Twins first-rounder Aaron Sabato discusses his intro to pro ball at instructs, and Ben details how ONEOK Field became a Tulsa polling place. ...

#282: Dodgers' Triple-A manager Travis Barbary

29 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Oklahoma City manager Travis Barbary shares the secret behind the Dodgers' player-development success. Tyler and Sam recap the World Series. ...

#281: World Series edition

22 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler and Sam discuss whether the Dodgers or Rays are better set up for the next five years. Ben breaks down the BlueClaws' new look. To lea...

#280: Braves prospect Michael Harris

15 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Braves No. 12 prospect Michael Harris shares what it's like to watch Atlanta's playoff run. Tyler and Sam preview the 2021 Draft order. To l...

#279: Rays prospect JJ Goss

09 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Rays No. 13 prospect JJ Goss joins this week's Minor League Baseball podcast to discuss his time at instructs, his development in what could have been...

#278: Prospects in the playoffs

01 Oct 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler and Sam preview the 2020 Major League Baseball postseason by drafting separate squads of top prospects prepared to leave their marks on the game...

#277: MiLB's Biggest Fan

24 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler and Sam are joined this week by winner of the MiLB’s Biggest Fan contest Jodi Compton. Jodi shares stories of her early connections to the gam...

#276: White Sox exec Chris Getz

18 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

White Sox farm director Chris Getz talks about Chicago's prospect contributions in 2020. Also, Ben breaks down Beloit's team name options. T...

#275: Amarillo manager Phillip Wellman

10 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Padres Minor League manager Phillip Wellman joins this week’s episode to look back at Double-A Amarillo’s run to a Texas League title in 2019. He ...

Episode 274: Red Sox prospect Connor Seabold

03 Sep 2020

Contributed by Lukas

No. 23 Red Sox prospect Connor Seabold calls into the Minor League Baseball podcast to discuss his August trade from the Phillies, what it’s like to...

Episode 273: Cardinals' Matthew Liberatore

26 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

No. 61 overall prospect Matthew Liberatore joins The Show Before the Show to provide an update from the Cardinals' alternate site in Springfield and t...

Episode 272: Jon Paul Morosi on prospect impact, Trade Deadline

19 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Jon Paul Morosi of MLB Network and MLB.com joins this week's episode of The Show Before the Show to discuss the impact of top prospects on the MLB sea...

Episode 271: What's going on in Minor League ballparks

13 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

From Lansing's Lemonade League to the Toronto Blue Jays setting up shop in Buffalo, there's action in some Minor League ballparks across the country a...

Episode 270: Brewers' Garrett Mitchell

05 Aug 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Milwaukee Brewers first-round pick Garrett Mitchell joins The Show Before the Show to discuss his Draft experience coming out of UCLA and how he's sta...

Episode 269: Buffalo Bisons on hosting Blue Jays

29 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Major League Baseball is coming to Buffalo in 2020 as the Bisons host the Toronto Blue Jays. Mike Buczkowski, president of Rich Baseball Operations, c...

Episode 268: Tigers' Spencer Torkelson, MLB Opening Day preview

23 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tigers prospect and 2020 No. 1 overall pick Spencer Torkelson joins The Show Before the Show to discuss his early days in Detroit's Summer Camp, his m...

Episode 267: Padres' Ryan Weathers

15 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

San Diego Padres No. 9 prospect Ryan Weathers calls into The Show Before the Show to break down his early days in Summer Camp and his added velocity o...

Episode 266: Mariners' Julio Rodriguez

09 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Seattle Mariners No. 2 prospect Julio Rodriguez talked to Tyler and Sam shortly before heading to Washington state to join his organization's Summer C...

Episode 265: Why we love Minor League Baseball

02 Jul 2020

Contributed by Lukas

With the news now official that the 2020 Minor League Baseball season has been canceled, we hear from a dozen top prospects as well as every MiLB.com ...

Episode 264: Discussing MLB's planned return

24 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler and Sam open this week's edition of The Show Before the Show with a full discussion on the impending return of Major League Baseball and what it...

Episode 263: Royals' Bobby Witt Jr.

17 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Royals top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. joins this week's The Show Before the Show to share memories of his experience going second overall in the 2019 Dra...

Episode 262: Draft recap, Orioles' Adley Rutschman

11 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler and Sam recap what was surprising and what wasn't from the first round of this year's First-Year Player Draft. Speaking of the Draft, Nationwide...

Episode 261: 2020 Draft preview, Marlins' JJ Bleday

08 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Tyler and Sam preview the 2020 First-Year Player Draft coming this week on Wednesday and Thursday by touching on the new five-round format and the lik...

Episode 260: Royals' Nick Heath, Mariners' Jarred Kelenic

03 Jun 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Kansas City Royals No. 26 prospect Nick Heath talks extensively on life in the wake of George Floyd's death, peaceful protests, the ways he uses his p...

Episode 259: Dodgers' Josiah Gray

27 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Los Angeles Dodgers No. 3 prospect Josiah Gray joins The Show Before the Show to discuss his preparations in Arizona, his past as a Division II two-wa...

Episode 258: Royals' Kris Bubic

20 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sixth-ranked Kansas City Royals prospect Kris Bubic joins The Show Before the Show to talk about his big-game experience and the growth that made him ...

Episode 257: Rockies' Ryan Vilade

13 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Fourth-ranked Colorado Rockies prospect Ryan Vilade joins The Show Before the Show to talk about his improved hitting in 2019 and his hope to find a d...

Episode 256: Giants' Sean Hjelle

06 May 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Ninth-ranked San Francisco Giants prospect Sean Hjelle joins this week's The Show Before the Show episode to discuss what's made him an effective pitc...

Episode 255: Astros' Korey Lee

30 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Houston Astros No. 8 prospect Korey Lee calls into The Show Before the Show to talk about how water polo may have made him a better catcher and what i...

Episode 254: Top Prospect Team Draft

22 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Sam and Tyler draft their teams for an upcoming simulated prospect showdown on MLB The Show 20. Plus, Benjamin Hill comes on this week to talk about h...

Episode 253: Reds' Tyler Stephenson

16 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Third-ranked Cincinnati Reds prospect Tyler Stephenson joins the podcast to talk about how he's staying sharp and what it was like being in Spring Tra...

Episode 252: Rangers' Josh Jung

08 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Top Texas Rangers prospect Josh Jung joins the show for a lengthy discussion of the start to his pro career and the circumstances of 2020. Also, Tyler...

Episode 251: MiLB.com's Hill, Heneghan, Avallone

03 Apr 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Three MiLB.com writers join the show this week. Benjamin Hill is here with updates from Minor League front-office staffers and their work-from-home si...

Episode 250: The ICYMI Episode

26 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

MiLB.com writers Andrew Battifarano, Michael Avallone and Rob Terranova join the show to talk about some of their top stories from the offseason. Plus...

Episode 249: D-backs' Kristian Robinson

19 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Top Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Kristian Robinson joins The Show Before the Show to talk about how coronavirus protocols have affected his last week...

#248: Top Twins prospect Royce Lewis

11 Mar 2020

Contributed by Lukas

Top Minnesota Twins prospect -- and baseball's No. 9 overall -- Royce Lewis joins the show from Spring Training in Florida plus early reassignment upd...