In episode 166 of RizzoCast, we are joined by San Francisco State University left-handed pitcher Nathan Shinn in the first ever in-person episode! We discuss the his junior season at SFSU, growing as a leader, attending the same high school as Brandon Crawford, the art of pitching, working deep into games, colligate summer leagues, thoughts on arm …

In Episode 7 of Why I Love the Game, we are joined by two baseball fans — Nick Vides and Nathan Swords — as they share their story about how they fell in love with the game, a few of their favorite all-time moments and more!Follow Nick on Twitter: https://twitter.com/vnick198Follow Nathan on Twitter: https://twitter.com/nathanswords_Watch and liste…

In episode 165 of RizzoCast, we are are joined by Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Patrick Wicklander! We discuss the beginning of spring training, his offseason workouts, the Rays' pitching philosophy, tossing a no-hitter in high school, growing up in the Bay Area, pitching at Arkansas, playing with type 1 diabetes, life in the minor leagues, the WCAL a…

In episode 164 of RizzoCast, Steven Rissotto and Sean Young are joined by New York Times bestselling author Jeff Pearlman! They discuss the fall of Sports Illustrated, advice to young journalists, humanizing athletes, becoming an author, Tupac book reporting, Barry Bonds, Lenny Dykstra, Deion Sanders and more!Follow Jeff's Substack: https://pearlma…

In episode 163 of RizzoCast, we are joined by University of Nevada, Reno infielder Jesse Pierce! We discuss the beginning of the college season, improvements this offseason, taking on a leadership position, going from D1 to JUCO, participating in showcases, almost quitting the game, re-growing his passion, playing for Jake McKinley and more!Watch a…

In episode 162 of RizzoCast, we are joined by University of Mississippi shortstop Luke Hill to discuss his upcoming sophomore season, entering the transfer portal, departing Arizona State, becoming a 2025 MLB draft prospect, learning the metal side of baseball, gaining motivation, supporting nonprofits, growing a passion for the game, super bowl pe…

In episode 6 of Why I Love the Game, we are joined by three baseball fans –– Addison from Sacramento, CJ from Alabama, and AJ from St. Louis –– as they share their story about how they fell in love with the game, a few of their favorite all-time moments and more!Follow Addison on Twitter: https://twitter.com/SFGiantsfan81Follow CJ on Twitter: https…

In episode 161 of RizzoCast, we are joined by Chicago Cubs infielder Miles Mastrobuoni to discuss his baseball upbringing, idolizing Derek Jeter, playing at Yankee Stadium and Wrigley Field, the value of the JUCO route, behind the scenes of getting traded, hitting approach, stealing bases, his first MLB homer, position players pitching, playing all…

In episode 160 of RizzoCast, we are joined by Oakland A's broadcaster Johnny Doskow to discuss Shohei Ohtani's new deal, the difficulties with calling a bad team, working with Dallas Braden, adjusting to TV, favorite calls, life in MiLB, Drew Robinson's comeback, Sacramento as an expansion option, young A's talent and more!Special thanks to Brennan…

In episode 159 of RizzoCast, we are joined by MLB Network host Alanna Rizzo! We discuss Shohei Ohtani's free agency, Todd Helton's HOF candidacy, her career in broadcasting, the role of a on-field reporter, being bilingual in journalism, objectivity on-air, thoughts on podcasters and bloggers, women in baseball, her wonderful dog foundation, workin…

In episode 158 of RizzoCast, we are joined by Sacramento River Cats play-by-play broadcaster Zack Bayrouty to discuss his career in baseball, bonding with a minor league fan base, calling basketball vs baseball, play-by-play style, the art of storytelling, making his MLB debut, learning from mistakes, San Francisco Giants prospects and more!Follow …

In episode 157 of RizzoCast, we are joined by Richmond Flying Squirrels broadcaster Trey Wilson about the differences in calling basketball, journey fro K-Mart to the broadcast booth, gameday routine, announcing advice, bouncing back from mistakes, working with players, young Giants prospects and more!Follow Trey on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tre…

In episode 156 of RizzoCast, we are joined by MLB outfielder Luis Gonzalez. We discuss his Mexican roots, being bilingual in a big league clubhouse, almost playing for Team Mexico in the WBC, getting a chance with the San Francisco Giants, his approach offensively, celebrating after his first MLB homer, playing Fortnite, pitching in an MLB game, th…

In episode 155 of RizzoCast, we are joined by former MLB infielder Daniel Descalso! We discuss the magical 2023 Arizona Diamondbacks season, falling short in the World Series, if the D-Backs were ahead of schedule, Torey Lovullo's influence, Corbin Carroll's ROY season, his career in the big leagues, major playoff moments in St. Louis, the 2011 Wor…

In episode 154 of RizzoCast we are joined by San Francisco Chronicle national baseball writer John Shea! We discuss Bruce Bochy winning his fourth ring, Dusty Baker's retirement, Bob Melvin's hiring in San Francisco, the Giants outlook in 2024, behind-the-scenes of working on his Willie Mays book, covering baseball for a living, advice to young jou…

In episode 153 of RizzoCast, we are joined by Tampa Bay Rays 2023 19th round pick RHP Owen Stevenson. We discuss growing up in San Francisco, his favorite spots in the city, developing during a pandemic, pitching in the Cape Cod League, his time at the University of San Francisco and Arizona State, gaining the attention of pro teams, getting drafte…

In episode 152 of RizzoCast, we are joined by MLB agent Tucker Ward to discuss his playing career, growing up with a big league dad, the MLB Postseason, Arizona Fall League visits, the transition from player to agent, advising collegiate and professional players, the day-to-day operations, building a clientele, representing Bryce Eldridge and more!…

In episode 151 of RizzoCast, we are joined by CBS Sports social media manager Danny Vietti! We discuss players being honored during the final game of the regular season, preview the MLB Postseason, the different paths for the Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles, the unstoppability of the Atlanta Braves, possible weaknesses for the Los Angeles Dodge…

In episode 150 of RizzoCast, we are joined by Point Loma Nazarene University right-hander Michael Sarhatt! We discuss his new school, goals for the upcoming season, how he started loving the game, status as a JUCO bandit, playing for summer teams in Duluth and Anchorage, attempt at becoming a two-way player, favorite ways to attack hitters and more…

In episode 149 of RizzoCast, we are joined by former San Francisco Giants general manager Bobby Evans to discuss his journey to the big leagues, developing young players, three championships in five years, Bruce Bochy stories, acquiring good people, his tenure as GM, how things ended, what he's up to now and more!Watch and listen to RizzoCast's ful…

In episode 148 of RizzoCast, we are joined by former San Francisco Giants left-handed pitcher Caleb Baragar! We discuss his recent release from the Cleveland Guardians organization, fixing mechanical issues, working at Driveline in Arizona, pitching philosophy, choosing JUCO, a possible issue with robo umps, playing for the Giants, debuting during …

In episode 147 of RizzoCast, Steven Rissotto is joined by longtime Bay Area sports talk host Rod Brooks! They discuss the MLB Trade Deadline, moves the Giants can make, the impressive contributions from their young players, if Shohei Ohtani should've been traded, Rod's epic Astrodome story, career in broadcasting, if radio hosts should be fans, spo…

In episode 146 of RizzoCast, we are joined by former San Francisco Giants outfielder Alex Dickerson! We discuss playing in the Independent League with the Long Island Ducks, a desire to return to MLB, reinventing himself, playing for Wally Backman, battling through injuries, getting denied during Player's Weekend, the magical 2021 Giants season, th…

In episode 145 of RizzoCast, we are joined by 2023 San Francisco Giants fifth-round pick Quinn McDaniel to discuss getting selected in the MLB draft, joining the Giants organization, playing in front of MLB scouts, his time at the University of Maine, offensive approach, playing second base, stealing bases, leaving food in his college locker room a…

In episode 144 of RizzoCast, we are joined by former MLB infielder Grant Green. We discuss his illustrious college career at USC, the pressure of being a first round pick, playing with Mike Trout and Albert Pujols, entering into the financial world after baseball, his desire to help advise athletes, owning David Price, playing in his hometown and m…

In episode 143 of RizzoCast, we are joined by Saint Louis University right-hander Owen Chaffin! We discuss the 2023 season for the Billikens, balancing academics, taking the JUCO route, preparation between and on start days, his mindset on the mound, bat flips and fist pumps, a preview for SLU baseball in 2024 and more!Follow Owen on Twitter: https…

In episode 142 of RizzoCast, we are joined by former MLB infielder Casey McGehee to discuss his first season as head coach at Union University, building a college program, teaching life lessons, how he fell in love with the game, offensive approach, playing on good Brewers teams, his stint in Japan, struggles with the Giants and more!Watch and list…

In episode 141 of RizzoCast, we are joined by former New York Post baseball columnist Ken Davidoff to discuss his career covering the Mets and Yankees, the hardships of writing on a beat, accumulating sources, future of sportswriting, covering Alex Rodriguez and Derek Jeter, asking Gerrit Cole about spider tack, what he misses about writing full-ti…

In episode 140 of RizzoCast, we are joined by San Francisco Giants in-game ballpark host Anthony Garcia to discuss his new gig with the club, culture around Oracle Park, connecting with fans, bringing energy, ballpark proposals, Barry Bonds' HOF case, hosting Summer Sunday, crop of Giants young players and more!Follow Anthony at on Twitter: https:/…

In Episode 139 of RizzoCast, we are joined by former Philadelphia Phillies All-Star shortstop and coach Larry Bowa to discuss his 16-year big league career, failing to make high school teams, winning gold gloves, the evolution of the shortstop position, Bryce Harper, the toughest pitcher he's faced, transitioning to coaching, working in TV and more…

In episode 138 of RizzoCast, we are joined by San Francisco Giants superfan McCovey Cove Dave to discuss his career kayaking outside of Oracle Park, life outside the water, ballhawking strategies and rules, his game day routine, navigating with spray charts, preparation for Splash Hit No. 100 and more!Follow Dave on Twitter and Instagram @McCoveyCo…

In episode 137 of RizzoCast, we are joined by former MLB outfielder Kyle Blanks to discuss his big league career, baseball in New Mexico, playing in San Diego, new rules, modern day hitting style, the mental side of hitting, battling through injuries, his exposure to opioids in the clubhouse, a desire to normalize cannabis in the game and more!Watc…

In episode 136 of RizzoCast, we are joined by WBC broadcaster Tyler Maun to discuss his experience calling Pool A in Taiwan, passion for International baseballl, criticisms around the tournament, the infamous horn guy, Shohei Ohtani, nailing big calls, calling softball, his future and more. Special thanks to Brennan (@BayAreaBrennan) for co-hosting…

In episode 135 of RizzoCast, we are joined by University of Nebraska-Lincoln broadcast student Connor Clark to discuss all things play-by-play broadcasting, calling Chicago Cubs games off the TV as a teenager, getting involved with the industry, describing different sports, working with a production team, his distinct voice, techniques, his career …

In episode 134 of RizzoCast, we are joined by San Francisco Giants left-handed pitcher Daniel Tillo to discuss his invitation to big league camp, regaining health, creating goals, choosing between basketball and baseball in college, undergoing Tommy John Surgery, new rules, his sports cards collecting hobby, tracking down his own cards and more!Wat…

In episode 133 of RizzoCast, we are joined by San Francisco Giants right-hander Trevor Hildenberger to discuss his time in Spring Training, what it means to be reassigned, growing up in the Bay Area, playing with Mitch Haniger in high school, helping unionize the minor leagues, his style of pitching, reaction on the pitch clock and shift rules and …

In episode 132 of RizzoCast, we are joined once again by Archbishop Riordan High School assistant baseball coach Jeff Ramirez to discuss the recent ABCA conference, Riordan's 2023 team, the pitch clock, shift regulations, offensive approaches, the current San Francisco Giants roster, WBC, the best players in baseball and more! Watch and listen to R…

In episode 131 of RizzoCast, we are joined by newly signed San Francisco Giants right-hander Dylan Cumming to discuss his new minor league deal with San Francisco, his Scottsdale routine, growing up a Tigers fan, developing an aresnal of pitches, outstuffing hitters, the pitch clock, his famous Celine Dion viral video and more! Follow Dylan on Twit…

In episode 130 of RizzoCast, we are joined by sports media personality and Oakland A's broadcaster Jessica Kleinschmidt to discuss her new gig at Awful Announcing, the human side of writing about athletes, taking a risk to cover baseball, thriving as a woman in sports, meeting Kim Ng and Eric Chavez, the 2023 A's and more. Follow Jessica on Twitter…

In episode 129 of RizzoCast, we are joined by former Minnesota Twins scout Jason Pennini to discuss the art of scouting, how he got started, what he looks for in young players, incorporating analytics, the definition of makeup, pro vs amateur scouting, why he walked away from the profession and more! Watch and listen to RizzoCast's full episodes: h…

In episode 128 of RizzoCast, we are joined by former MLB umpire Greg Gibson to discuss his 25-year career, instructing students at umpiring school, why there's an official shortage in youth sports, electronic strike zones, enforcing the new shift policy, his viral moment, the reason behind his retirement and more! Watch and listen to RizzoCast's fu…

In episode 127 of RizzoCast, we are joined by former MLB right-handed pitcher Jerome Williams to discuss being a pitching coach and working with young arms, the reasoning behind his pink gloves, playing with Barry Bonds and Mike Trout, playing all over the world, his next gig and more! Watch and listen to RizzoCast's full episodes: https://linktr.e…

In episode 126 of RizzoCast, we are joined by Los Angeles Angels outfielder BJ Boyd to discuss resigning with LAA for 2023, his style of hitting, quitting baseball to play junior college football and returning after the pandemic, what's held him back from the big leagues, playing with the Oakland A's, becoming a family man and more. Follow Boyd on …

In episode 125 of RizzoCast, we are joined by San Francisco CRABS President Robert Abel Nakken to discuss his coaching career, building a baseball academy, teaching players accountability, getting the youth to play ball again, offensive approaches, his wife Alyssa's success as assistant coach for the San Francisco Giants and more! Check out the CRA…

In episode 124 of RizzoCast, we are joined by 8-year MLB veteran starting pitcher Dan Straily to discuss the holiday season, growing up in Oregon, playing with the A's in a sewage filled clubhouse, the art of pitching, the experience of playing in the KBO and with the Lotte Giants, his unedited hype song and more! Watch and listen to RizzoCast's fu…

In episode 123 of RizzoCast, we are joined by former Miami Marlins and New York Yankees prospect, infielder James Nelson! We discusss his offseason workout plan, playing independent ball, advocating for JUCO, playing different positions, bringing style to the game and looking for his next opportunity. Follow James on Twitter: https://twitter.com/Wo…

In episode 122 of RizzoCast, we are joined by MLB.com reporter and producer, Sonja Chen! We discuss her recent visit to Taiwan, her first season covering MLB in the Bay Area, preparing for different teams, why baseball is unique to write about, her figure skating career, the AL West, Oakland A's and more! Follow Sonja on Twitter: https://twitter.co…

In episode 121 of RizzoCast, we are joined by Gar Ryness, otherwise known as The Batting Stance Guy. We discuss the origin of his baseball fandom, his unique skill of imitating stances and which one is requested most, rising to social media stardom, performing in front of players, wiffle ball bats, baseball cards, Thanksgiving, Aaron Judge and more…

In Episode 120 of RizzoCast, we are joined by Pittsburgh Pirates beat reporter for MLB.com, Justice delos Santos! We discuss the Pirates offseason outlook, Oneil Cruz's rookie season, his first year covering MLB full-time, developing a style, traveling to ballparks, providing donuts in the press box and more! Follow Justice on Twitter: https://twit…

In episode 119 of RizzoCast, we are joined by former San Francisco Giants prospect Myles Schroder to discuss growing up in the Bay Area, the life of a minor leaguer, playing every position on the field and the benefits of doing so, how communication in baseball is key, coaching in the Braves organization, his aspirations to find a new coaching gig …