Heart-pounding memories. Rarely told tales. Inside information.Deeply personal and candid conversations like you’ve NEVER HEARD BEFORE. Your favorite stars from baseball and beyond take you on the rides of their lives. The moments their worlds changed forever. From the details of their first exposure to the Major Leagues, to the feelings behind the career milestones and life beyond the cheering. “Major League Beginnings” with the Player, the Agent and the Broadcaster, Mark Sweeney, Barry Axe ...
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Geoff Blum on the 2005 World Series, a Statue and 14 Seasons of Baseball
1:06:50
1:06:50
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White Sox folk hero, Geoff Blum talks title, trades and tributes on this episode of Major League Beginnings. Enjoy Geoff's ride over 14 seasons with six clubs. The highlight, his prolific game 3-run homer in the 2005 World Series against his former team, the Houston Astros. Hear all the great backstories about the parties, parade, and being include…
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Preston Wilson on His 30/30 Season and the World Series
1:03:43
1:03:43
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All Star outfielder and World Series champ, Preston Wilson, joins the show. Preston shares his favorite stories from a 10 year, six team big league career, including what it was like following in the footsteps of his famous father, Mets legend Mookie Wilson, having a 30/30 season, and winning it all with the 2006 Cardinals! See Privacy Policy at ht…
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Jim Edmonds Talks Tony La Russa, 'The Catch', and What's Next
1:09:51
1:09:51
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Eight-time gold glove winner, Jim Edmonds, a perpetual highlight reel, shares his amazing story. From “the catch” that put him on the map, to a World Series championship with the Saint Louis Cardinals, Jim’s got you covered like centerfield! Hear Edmonds at his most candid, on Pujols, McGwire, La Russa and more! See Privacy Policy at https://art19.…
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J.T. Snow on His Six Gold Gloves and Switching Leagues
1:15:20
1:15:20
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Former Giants star, J. T. Snow talks magical postseason moments and a trophy case packed with awards! J. T. Tells us what it was like breaking in with the Yankees and learning from Don Mattingly. You won’t want to miss his stories including the hysterical conversation he had when Rawlings tried to convince him to use their gloves when they presente…
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Family is Everything with Gary Matthews Jr.
1:16:14
1:16:14
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This week, the guys are joined by the gravity-defying, 2006 All-Star outfielder, Gary Matthews Jr. With 12 years in the big leagues, seven teams and THAT catch he made in 2006, Matthews Jr. has stories to tell. He also shares the impact and importance of his father, who was also in the big leagues and how his family influenced his approach to the g…
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Hall of famer, Craig Biggio joins the podcast. Biggio spent his entire 20 year career with the Houston Astros. The 7-time all star, had more than 3,000 hits and was the first player to be enshrined in Cooperstown wearing an Astros cap. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-…
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Luis 'Gonzo' Gonzalez on the 2001 World Series & 19 Years in the Big Leagues
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Arizona Diamondbacks hero, Luis “Gonzo” Gonzalez, joins the guys to talk about the epic 2001 World Series, the year a country in mourning watched his team topple the mighty New York Yankees. Luis takes you on a fabulously entertaining run through his 19 seasons. You will learn who impacted him most as he broke in with the Houston Astros, why he tri…
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If you like hitting and social media stars, former big leaguer Jeff Frye is your man! Jeff tells us how he beat the odds against a 30th round draft pick and parlaying his opportunity into an eight year major league career that included hitting for the cycle in his final season. Frye, now an agent, is also the satirical magician behind the “She gone…
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Geoff Jenkins on the Brewer Decade and World Series Celebrations
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57:09
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Brewer favorite, Geoff Jenkins visits with the guys on Major League Beginnings. One of the game’s great tale tellers, Geoff takes you on his fantastic, decade long ride in Milwaukee, his all star season, taking a run down Bernie Brewer’s slide and how he once won the famous sausage race! You will also hear the high stakes story of how he became par…
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Aaron Harang on the Moneyball A's, Opening Days and His 2006 Strikeout Title
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48:33
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Former big league pitching workhorse, Aaron Harang takes you on his eight team journey spanning 14 MLB seasons. Hear what it was like breaking in as part of the “Moneyball A’s,” with Hudson, Zito and Mulder. Aaron shares his proudest memories and tells you about the honor and pressure of being the opening day starter five different seasons, the sec…
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El Titán, Adrián González, talks with us as he prepares for the 2021 Olympics in Japan as a member of Team Mexico. Once a hitter, always a hitter, González takes us along on his journey through five organizations. The former first overall pick in the 2000 draft thrills you with stories of his five postseason runs and five all-star games representin…
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All-Star Andy Ashby on His World Series Appearance and 14 Years in the Big Leagues
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14 year big leaguer, Andy Ashby, shares the inspiring story of his odds-defying rise from un-drafted free agent to All-Star pitcher. Andy tells us what brought him to tears when he made his major league debut, who most shaped his pitching career, and what the emotions were like pitching for the star-studded San Diego Padres during their 1998 World …
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Bret Boone on Family Ties and Ken Griffey Jr.
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Seattle slugger, Bret Boone, talks Mariners, Ichiro and All-Star games in this episode of Major League Beginnings. Boone is part of the first and only third generation baseball family, following his dad and grandfather. Find out who Bret feels most shaped his career, what he really thought of Ken Griffey Jr., and what it was like to play along his …
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Nomar Garciaparra on His Relationship with Ted Williams, All-Star Career, ROY Campaign
1:31:15
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“Nomah!” Talks Beantown, BoSox and big moments. Six-time all-star and two-time batting champ, Nomar Garciaparra takes you through his Rookie of the Year campaign, friendship with Ted Williams and his quest to hit .400. Nomar tells you what he thinks led to his trade out of Boston prior to the Red Sox 2004 World Series title and what it was like bei…
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Bret Saberhagen on Being a Teen Phenom & 18 Years in the Big Leagues
48:13
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Teenage phenom, Bret Saberhagen discusses his magical climb from 19th round high school draft pick to World Series MVP by age 21! Follow along as Bret shares with us which of his three all-star games meant the most to him, what it was like “off the field” with the great Kansas City Royals teams of the 80’s, and how he managed to join only Doc Goode…
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Huston Street on Why Glendon Rusch Impacted His Career, Highs and Lows in the Major Leagues
1:00:32
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Major League all-star closer, Huston Street takes you on a fabulous journey through his life. Huston grew up the son of a Texas sports legend, proudly followed in his father’s footsteps, became Rookie of the Year, and carved out his own successful path. You will enjoy Huston’s self-deprecating candor making his personal stories relatable and endear…
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Steve Finley on the Impact of Cal Ripken and a Memorable 19-Year Career
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49:40
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World Series Champ, All-Star, and Gold Glove Winner, Steve Finley shares his favorite clubhouse stories from 19 “seasons in the sun!” Steve takes you into the batter’s box for his division-clinching grand slam for the Dodgers and onto the field for the Diamondbacks 2001 World Series title. Hear about Cal Ripken’s impact on him as a rookie, the care…
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Marty Brennaman, The Longtime Voice of The Cincinnati Reds
1:13:04
1:13:04
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Cincinnati Reds broadcasting legend, Marty Brennaman, takes you on a hilarious and candid run through his 46 years behind the microphone. Known for his thoughtful and entertaining play-by-play, Brennaman never shied away from controversy or expressing his opinion. Marty discusses his relationship with longtime broadcasting partner Joe Nuxhall, his …
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Cole Hamels Has More in the Tank, Recounts Phillie Memories
37:05
37:05
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Phillies legend and current big league star, Cole Hamels grants you front row access to his most personal MVP stories from a 15 year career that includes a 2008 World Series championship and four all-star games! Cole candidly discusses how it felt, when after 10 seasons in Philadelphia, he was traded days after throwing a no-hitter, his postseason …
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A Conversation with Kim Ng, Miami Marlins GM
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26:11
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Marlins GM, Kim Ng, the highest ranking woman in baseball, joins Major League Beginnings. Kim takes you on her 30 year climb to the top, from University of Chicago softball star and Yankee fan, to White Sox intern and club and league executive, before finally shattering baseball’s glass ceiling. Find out who actually tried to talk her out of chasin…
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Nike Baseball Legend, Bill Frishette
1:17:18
1:17:18
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“Bo knows” Nike legend, Bill Frishette. Now, you will too! No one at Nike had more impact on baseball than Bill. He was the man behind the legendary Bo Jackson ad campaign, having brought Nike to the Big Leagues more than 40 years ago. You will hear how he rose from malt vendor at Dodger Stadium to top Nike executive, how he convinced major league …
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ESPN's Laura Rutledge on Finding Her Niche
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56:34
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ESPN’s rising star broadcaster, Laura Rutledge, brings skill and versatility to any lineup. On this episode, you will hear how the host of ESPN’s NFL Live and the SEC Network’s SEC Nation, carved out her niche. Laura takes us on her journey that includes winning “Miss Florida” in 2012, landing her first TV job while still in journalism school, and …
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Mark Prior's Career from Choosing College to Coaching in a World Series
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53:14
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Former Chicago Cub Mark Prior flashed through baseball like a comet, brilliantly lighting up a city and sport before flaming out far too soon. Few players burst onto the scene with as much hype and expectation. But even with that pressure, Prior tantalized fans before a cruel string of injuries robbed him of his baseball gifts. On this episode, Mar…
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ESPN's Eduardo Perez on Advice from His Dad, Career Moments, and Broadcasting
54:05
54:05
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ESPN’s versatile star and former Big Leaguer, Eduardo Perez joins the guys. Eduardo tells us what it was like growing up as Tony’s little boy inside the clubhouse of the Big Red Machine and later his unexpected rise to first round draft choice. Never before told stories including the shocking thing Eduardo’s dad told him when he was called to the m…
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How Larry Bowa Became a Switch Hitter and His Incredible Storytelling
46:23
46:23
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Phillie great, Larry Bowa brings his razor-sharp edge to the podcast! The fiery face of Philadelphia for more than a decade shares his best stories from more than 50 years in the game. Hear how a guy who never made his high school team managed to become a five-time all-star and World Series champ! Larry tells us who is responsible for his success, …
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A.J. Hinch Confronts the Controversy, Talks New Beginning with Detroit Tigers
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44:41
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Fresh off the scandal that rocked baseball, Detroit Tigers manager A.J. Hinch joins us for a frank and open discussion. A.J. talks about restoring his tarnished image and reviving a storied franchise. Hinch served a year in baseball exile for his role in the 2017 Houston Astros sign-stealing scandal. You will hear what he learned, how his actions d…
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Rich Aurilia's Barry Bonds Stories & Free Agency Perils
1:02:59
1:02:59
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Former San Francisco Giants all-star and current wine connoisseur, Rich Aurilia joins his former agent and teammate on this episode of Major League Beginnings. Mark, Mike, Barry and Rich discuss the perils of free agency, what it was like hitting in front of MLB’s all-time home run leader, and why Rich’s greatest personal memories from his 15 seaso…
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ESPN's Kris Budden on the Art of Sideline Reporting in 2020, Hosting a Podcast and Early Career Memories
47:13
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Jump into the chaos of sideline reporting when ESPN’s versatile star, Kris Budden joins us on Major League Beginnings. Kris covers many of the sporting world’s biggest events including the Olympics, college and pro football, basketball and baseball. On this episode, find out which sport Kris loves most, which is the most challenging to cover, how s…
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Ryan Dempster's Glove Twitch, Harry Caray Impression and Major League Memories
1:04:09
1:04:09
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World Series champ and one of baseball’s funniest storytellers, Ryan Dempster joins us! Ryan’s fun and raucous ride over 16 big league seasons is a must listen for Marlins, Cub, and Red Sox fans alike. Find out why the glove-flapping right hander put host Mark Sweeney’s hotel furniture out on the balcony, how former teammate Kevin Millar changed hi…
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Kirby Yates' Story of Going Undrafted, Making it Big, and Free Agency
32:45
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Self-made star, Kirby Yates, one of the game’s finest relievers, joins the podcast. In a sport where kids and cash grab the headlines, Kirby bucks the trend and inspires fans and players alike. We will share his journey from undrafted free agent to 2019’s best closer. Find out why he nearly left the game, who turned his career around, and what his …
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David Wright Shares All-Star Memories, His Walk Through CITI Field, and Plans for the Future
44:09
44:09
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“Captain America,” Mets legend David Wright joins Mark and Mike on this episode. The seven time all-star and WBC hero takes you behind the scenes of his emotional farewell at CitiField in New York, that included walking the concourse in full uniform! You will also hear what rattled him most about returning to the team after rehabbing excruciating b…
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Jim Hughes' Immediate Love for Rawlings Gloves & His Career as a Rep
57:33
57:33
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There is nothing more exciting for a young fan than getting their first baseball glove. The feel and smell of the new leather, and of course, breaking it in! An indelible sensory experience that inexorably links you to the game forever. No one knows that better than Jim Hughes who just retired after nearly 40 years with Rawlings, the official glove…
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C.J. Nitkowski on Analytics and Movie Magic
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51:12
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One of baseball’s sharpest and most engaging storytellers joins the guys on this episode of Major League Beginnings. Former big league pitcher, CJ Nitkowski, brings years of globetrotting playing experience and next-gen analytics into his current role as color analyst for the Texas Rangers. CJ takes you along on the rollercoaster ride of his profes…
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Emmy Award Winner Alanna Rizzo Talks the 2020 Season and Witnessing a World Series Win
39:38
39:38
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Dodgers sideline star, Alanna Rizzo, one of baseball’s best and most popular broadcasters talks Tinseltown and titles on this episode of Major League Beginnings! This Emmy award winner shares the crazy “bubble backstory” of the Dodgers 2020 run that was capped by their World Series championship. You will hear how she landed her LA gig, why she near…
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Alex Gordon on Pine Tar, the World Series, Mike Sweeney, and Switching Positions
44:41
44:41
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Royals royalty, Alex Gordon joins the podcast! Alex honors fans and teammates as he tells us what went into his decision to retire in 2020 after 14 seasons with the team he grew up rooting for, the Kansas City Royals. One of the game’s great defenders opens up about the pressures of KC’s 2015 title run, what he learned from dealing with high expect…
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Grass Roots Baseball with Jean Fruth and Jeff Idelson
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A big-time double-play on this edition of Major League Beginnings! First, go inside Cooperstown when we visit with Jeff Idelson, the former president of baseball’s Hall of Fame. Jeff shares his favorite moments from his 11 year tenure atop sports’ grandest museum. Hear the craziest behind the scenes stories from the annual induction ceremonies and …
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Clayton Kershaw on His First World Series and What's Next
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Clayton Kershaw, baseball’s superstar lefthander and Dodgers’ ace, joins the guys fresh off winning the 2020 World Series! The three-time Cy Young Award winner tells us how deeply meaningful it was to be part of ending the Dodgers’ 32 year title drought. Kershaw tells you about the raw emotion behind winning, how it compares to the many personal ac…
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All-Star Mark Loretta on Patriots Day in Boston & Which Team Impacted Him Most
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15 years in the Big Leagues and this former Brewer can still "tap" a great story! Two-time All-Star, Mark Loretta joins Major League Beginnings. He's seen it all from the field to the front office. 'Lo is undeniably one of baseball's sharpest and funniest men. He'll tell you what turned him from a gap hitter into a "pull with pop" guy, which of the…
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Mark 'Gubie' Gubicza on Winning 20 Games & Unexpected Hotel Guests
54:18
54:18
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World Series Champ and gregarious Philly cheesesteak connoisseur, Mark Gubicza, joins Major League Beginnings! Take the ride from Mark's early days as young star pitcher with the Kansas City Royals during the 80's to his current role as the color voice of the Los Angeles Angels. "Goobie" tells us what it really took to win 20 games in a season, wha…
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How Brad Ausmus Chose His Glove & Who He Thinks Could Save the World with One Pitch
52:24
52:24
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Our guest on this episode helped propel the Houston Astros to their first World Series! Brad Ausmus spent 18 seasons behind the plate and now he’s behind the mic on Major League Beginnings. Brad takes us on his journey from late-round draft pick and Ivy Leaguer to catching some of the game’s most incredible pitchers before becoming a manager and fr…
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A Rare Interview with Jeff Bagwell and His Lasting Memories of a Hall of Fame Career
1:16:12
1:16:12
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Houston, this one is a Hall of Famer, no problem! Astros legend, Jeff Bagwell digs in for a fantastic conversation on Major League Beginnings! For 15 incredible seasons, “Baggy” was the most powerful of Houston’s “Killer B’s,” tormenting pitchers en route to becoming a Rookie of the Year, an MVP, a four time All-Star, and one of the game’s greatest…
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Phil Nevin on Who He Looked Up to and Who Gave Him a Heads Up on His All Star At-Bat
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53:06
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First overall pick. Olympic hero. Major League All-Star. Current Yankee coach Phil Nevin has led a baseball life most only dream of. Phil joins the guys in a raw and insightful conversation about his extraordinary road to the Big Leagues, his most memorable playing days, meaningful moments and life-shaping relationships. Plus find out why the next …
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Trevor Hoffman Stressed Over His HOF Speech & What He is Most Proud of in His Career
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1:02:09
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The sound of Hells Bells let’s you know our guest on this episode is none other than the greatest closer in National League history, Trevor Hoffman. The Hall of Famer tells us the three things that FEW fans know truly shaped his career. Learn what makes him most proud...and why his teammates meant more to him than anything else in the game. A Maste…
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Matt Holliday Bleeds Baseball and Shares the Pains of Being Traded
1:07:41
1:07:41
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Cardinal and Rockie big bopper, Matt Holliday joins us on this edition of Major League Beginnings. Matt spent 15 seasons in the Big Leagues, was a seven time all-star, hit 20 plus homers in 9 straight seasons, and was a World Series Champ! Learn what it was like growing up in a baseball family, playing with current and future Hall of Famers in Sain…
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Eric Karros on Pinch Hitting, All Star Snubs, and His Dodger Journey
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52:05
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The most prolific home run hitter in Los Angeles Dodgers’ history joins the guys on this edition of Major League Beginnings. 1992 Rookie of the Year, Eric Karros tells you about his favorite teammate, his greatest all-star snub and the moment that he earned his Hall of Fame manager’s trust ensuring his spot as LA’s first baseman for a decade! Join …
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Rick Sutcliffe Heard Vin Scully from the Mound, How He Wound Up with Nike Sneakers, and Untold Hilarities
1:13:14
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Hey Chicago, what do you say? The Red Baron joins the boys today! Rick Sutcliffe and his longtime agent, friend and podcast co-host, Barry Axelrod stroll down memory lane with Mark and Mike. "Sut" spins hilarious and personal stories of his Major League Beginnings and beyond. You will hear about the man who saved Rick's life, his force-fed Dodgers …
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Bill Mueller Defines 'Professional Hitter' & How Hard it is to Make it Big
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From San Francisco to Boston, he became a quiet legend. Without him, the Red Sox might not have broken an 86 year World Series title drought. Batting champ and fan favorite, Bill Mueller joins the guys on this episode of Major League Beginnings. As the only player to hit Grand Slams from both sides of the plate in one game, Mueller goes inside his …
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The Tigers' King: Hall of Famer Alan Trammell Reflects on the Special Moments of His Career
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Hall of Famer...and TIGER for life...Alan TRAMMELL is with us. He was called to the bigs as a wide eyed teenager, spent the next 20 seasons anchoring the Detroit Tiger infield along side his buddy, Lou Whitaker. Alan takes us through his rough initiation to the Motor City, how he convinced his manager Sparky Anderson, he could actually play in the …
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017 | Bert Blyleven AKA "The Frying Dutchman" Reveals His Most Famous Prank Victim
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One of Cooperstown’s most colorful characters, Bert Blyleven joins the guys. As baseball’s first Dutch-born Hall of Famer, Bert tells us how a kid from Zeist, Holland managed to make it to the Major Leagues by 19 years old. You will hear how he earned the nickname, “The Frying Dutchman,” who really taught him one of the greatest pitches in baseball…
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016 | Mark Grace is Making Amends with the Windy City, Reminisces on a Stellar Career
1:25:11
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The man who led all of baseball in hits and doubles through the decade of the 90’s, Mark Grace, is featured in this episode. The Cub star and member of the World Series winning Diamondbacks hangs out with his longtime agent and podcast cohost, Barry Axelrod, to share his favorite memories from Wrigleyville to Copper Square. “Gracey” relives the ele…
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