Diamonds and Roses Podcast

Ben sits down to catch up with friend of the podcast and Managing Partner of the West Coast League Victoria HarbourCats and Nanaimo Nightowls. Its been a few years since we last spoke with Jim, so we catch up on whats going on the last two years and what we can expect this year from the two teams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben welcomes everyone back for season 7. He talks about why he has been awhile for about two year. Discusses changes to the West Coast League Championship format and provides a coaching update for the Nanaimo Nightowls. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben sits down with current West Coast League skipper of the defending back-to-back Champions Corvallis Knights. We discuss his personal baseball history in high school, Linfield College and Oregon State University. Further, we talk about his time in the minor leagues and his coaching history with the Perth Heat of the Australian Baseball League. Additionally we get in to discussing his son and what it has been like to coach him throughout the years. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben sits down with Jesuit High School baseball player and top 100 player in 2023 for the State of Oregon to watch. Dustin discusses his first years of baseball and how he got in to it. He also talks about taking batting practice in the house with his father. Funny thing is his dad said after the episode recording the had to stop because of dents in the walls. Listen to learn more about Dustin and his love of baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben sites down with the boys of baseballmapper.com, Cory and Patrick to talk about their amazing website where you can go and find just about any baseball in your area, whenever traveling, or for leisure. We also discuss the ins and outs of why they created the site, the things they have done, their baseball history and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben sits down with the General Manager of the Alaska Goldpanners. They discuss the history of the panners, Major Leaguers who have played for the team, what it is like to play baseball in Fairbanks, AK, John's baseball history, and much more. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode Ben brings to you information regarding Salt Lake City Utah's newest effort to bring Major League Baseball to their city and who is behind it. Further, Ben shares some insight into how there have been some nuggets of information for the past two years shared in the news showing us the effort has been in development right in front of our eyes. He also discusses his feelings on MLB to PDX versus MLB to SLC and who is believes is the leader. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben sat down, live in Hillsboro, Oregon at Ron Tonkin Field, home of the Hillsboro Hops - High A Affiliate of the Arizona Diamondbacks, to have a discussion with their super fan Hippidy Hop Guy. We talk about how he came to love the team, what he has liked over the last three years and the stories he has. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben sits down with former Big Leaguer and current Victoria HabourCats head baseball Coach Todd Haney. We talk about his career in the bigs and what is it like to coach in Victoria British Columbia, Canada. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben sits down with SW Washington resident and baseball fan John Scukanec. We discuss John's goal to play catch for 365 days, what it was like, who he met, and much more. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we catch up with Managing Partner for the West Coast Leagues Nanaimo Nightowls and Victoria HarbourCats Jim Swanson. We talk about the ups and downs of the pandemic, 2022 season, and what lies ahead for both teams in 2023. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Ben sits down with the owner of the Summer Collegiate Baseball team Jeff Dobish of the Canyon County Spuds. Jeff talks about his first year as owner of the team, dives into what happened for year 1, what to look forward to in year 2 and so much more. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inning of Coal Ball we talk with new pitching coach of the Nanaimo Nightowls and former Major Leaguer Gorman Heimueller. Coach talks about his early baseball history, giving up a grand slam to Jim Rice at Fenway Park in Boston and becoming a coach for one of the newest baseball summer collegiate teams in the West Coast League. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this extra innings of Coal Ball Ben sits down with one of the greatest baseball players ever to come out of Nanaimo British Columbia, former Major Leaguer Aaron Guiel. Listen in to hear about what it took for Aaron to make it to the majors, his sets backs, Japan baseball, and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gus Farah, GM for the West Coast Leagues Ridgefield Raptors and the Cowlitz Black Bears sits down with Ben for a great discussion about the two teams. He talk about 2021 and what it was like for them operating during a pandemic and adjusting to changes. He also talks about what lies ahead for both teams rolling in to the 2022 season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode we sit down with Jim Swanson, Managing Partner, Victoria HarbourCats and Nanaimo Nightowls to discuss life after the Covid Lockdown. Jim discusses the new inaugural season for the Nightowls and everything the City of Nanaimo and the ownership group has done to get the field ready. Further, we discuss the upcoming season for the Victoria HarbourCats and what we can expect this season. Are they ready to get back in the hunt for the West Coast League playoffs and make a championship run. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben sites down for an epic interview with University Alumni Quintin Torres-Costa to talk about his baseball career today. We discuss his time at Hawaii, two Tommy John surgeries and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben sit down with the former play-by-play analysis for the West Coast Leagues Port Angeles Lefties and the Ridgefield Raptors Bryan Sleik. Currently, Bryan conducts play-by-play for the University of Portland Basketball, Volleyball and Baseball. Give a listen and learn more how to be a better play-by-play analysis. Cheers! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben sits down with the Corvallis Knights President and former first base coach Bre Miller. We discuss her excellent career to-date with the Knights and all of the positions she has held with the organization. The Knights are a winning team in the West Coast League. Enjoy this wonderful episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben sits down with Southern Oregon's own Medford Rogues GM/Managing Partner Dave May. They discuss Dave's baseball past and present. What brought him to the Rogues and what is currently going on with the team for the 2022 season. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben sits down with current pitcher for the Wichita Wind Surge / Minnesota Twins organization. Josh and Ben discuss his early playing years, time with Pitt, the Victoria HarbourCats of the West Coast League, and his Minor League baseball career to date. We even learn that Field of Dreams is not his favorite baseball movie. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this weeks episode Ben sits down with Portland's own reporter and baseball super fan Debra Gil. We talk a lot about baseball and all of her amazing stories. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As promised Ben sits down with President and Co-Owners of the Carolina Disco Turkeys Greg Sullivan to discuss the current season and how it is going. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben interviews Lori Swanson, the real brains of the West Coast League's Victoria HarbourCats. Lori explains to us everything she does before, during, and after game day. She also talks about everything she does helping the organization and this is on top of her being a full-time teacher. Such an amazing person. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

John Schnaderbeck, Assistant Coach, with the West Coast League Victoria HarbourCats sits down with Ben to talk Cats baseball, his career coaching with the Cats and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jim Swanson, Managing Partner and GM of the West Coast Leagues Victoria HarbourCats and Nanaimo NightOwls/Bars crosses the U.S./Canada Boarder and spends time catching up and watching a Ridgefield Raptors game with Ben. They discuss the current status of his teams, the pandemic, and what we have to look forward to in 2022 with the teams. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Travis sits down with Hillsboro Hops GM K.L. Wombacher this week for a great discussion on the High-A Arizona Diamondbacks Affiliate. They talk about the lost 2020 campaign, new affiliation with MLB, and what this season (2021) has been and what it potentially could shape up to be. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to our very first episode of Sponsor Chat. Jonathan Loomis of Baseballism and Chris Reidt of Devo Bat Company join Ben for a moment of reflection and discussion on items we would tell our 15 year old baseball self. We get in to topics such as working out, nutrition, attitude and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben sits down with Victoria, B.C. native and current Hitting/Catching Coach for the Victoria HarbourCats of the West Coast League. They discuss his all that he has going on from instruction to coaching. Coach Pelletier played college baseball at Grayson County College in Texas and saw pro action, including making the all-star game for the Victoria Capitals of the defunct Canadian Baseball League. Pelletier is also an Associate Scout with the Miami Marlins of MLB. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben sits down with President and Co-Owner Greg Sullivan of the Carolina Disco Turkeys, a Summer College Wood Bat League Team out of North Carolina, We talk about the creation of the team, clothing and hats, the stadium they are playing in and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome Central Catholic alumni and the newest member of the Texas Ranger Dyaln Maclean to the episode. Ben sits down and chats with Dylan regarding his baseball career to-date, Gunderson Baseball, the Little League World Series, and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben and Travis bring in Central Catholic and Oregon State University pitching great Kevin Gunderson. Learn about how Kevin was attracted to the game of baseball by his Uncle, his amazing outing where he struck out 13 batters in a row, to winning the College World Series and playing professional baseball. Also, hear about what Kevin is up to know with Gunderson Baseball. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this final inning of Coal Ball Ben and Travis get to know the first ever head baseball coach for the Nanaimo Night Owls/Bars, Greg Frady. Coach Frady has an amazing background. From coaching the German National Team to a decorated college career. Get to know coach better by listening to this inning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to year 3 of the podcast. In this episode Ben sits down for a conversation with Maury Brown of Forbes to talk MLB to PDX. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inning we sit down to speak with Mayor Krog, City of Nanaimo, to discuss the cities involvement in bringing a team to Nanaimo. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inning of Coal Ball we take some time to reflect on one of Nanaimo's great ball player's. son, friend, husband and father. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inning we sit down with Jim Swanson, one of the 4 Nanaimo Baseball group owners, to discuss the process behind selection a location for a new team and what was involved in bringing a team to that location. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inning we sit down with Josh Burgmann to talk about his career in baseball to this point. We discuss his time in Nanaimo, High School, University of Washington and up to when he was drafted by the Chicago Cubs. I also sit down with Josh's parents to talk about Josh and get their perspective. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inning of Coal Ball Ben sits down with Nanaimo Coaching greats, and brothers, Dan and Doug Rogers. Both brothers run through their history of playing baseball and what got them interested in the game. They go on to talk about their coaching experiences, how they teach/instruct, what they learned from the players and what they hope to teach them. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inning Travis sits down with Mr. Loren Goodall to talk about the Seruaxmen Stadium Amatuer Baseball Association Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inning Ben and Travis interview Cliff, Mike and Ian about the Serauxmen Club and Serauxmen Stadium. They give us a great history and background on these two wonderful topics. Enjoy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this special episode we sit down to talk with Boise State Baseball Coach Travis Buck. Coach Buck talks to us about his baseball career, coaching, and the current status of Boise State Baseball. This is an episode you want to listen too and do what you can to help. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this inning of Coal Ball Ben and Travis sit down to discuss the founding and early history of baseball in Nanaimo British Columbia. From the founder Mr. Planta to the early 1920's when baseball began to pickup. Please enjoy this inning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to inning 1 of Coal Ball. A podcast series focused on the history of baseball in Nanaimo, B.C. In this inning we speak with the First Nations representative Bill and Gary. In the second part of inning 1 we speak with Mayor Krog. Please enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben is back with a brand new episode for you. This week he primes your for the upcoming podcast series Coal Ball. Take a listen and learn a little about what is coming the next 10 to 11 weeks. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week friend of the podcast, Travis, sits down with Valley Athletics of Portland, Oregon owner Eric Fogle. Eric and Travis discuss, Eric's, early baseball career, the founding of Valley Athletics and what it has been like being a business owner during Covid 19 crises. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week author of the A Cup of Coffee Club, Jacob Kornhauser, sits down with Ben. They run through what went in to writing this book, those ball players featured and so much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode Ben and Dave talk to coach Valentine regarding his coaching experiences at Stephen F. Austin State, UC Riverside, Santa Clara and now with the University of Portland Pilots. We also get in to a little MLB to PDX with the coach. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Coach Jake Valentine sits down with Ben and David for Part 1 of our interview with him. In this episode we dive deep in to the coach's past. We talk about his baseball playing career in high school, his college career with Tacoma Community College and Hawaii Pacific University. We give you a complete in depth conversation with the coach and you hear it here first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ben getting interviewed this week by friend of the Podcast, Travis Conway. Travis ask Ben all kinds of questions regarding his first ever experience going to Spring Training. Some questions include what stadium was his favorite, what were some of the players like and much more. Enjoy the episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week Ben gives you some great insight into the 2020 Portland Pickles. He breaks down 4 players, all from the Portland Metro area. Leading the way are 3 University of Portland Pilots Nick Nygard, Gabe Skoro and Christian Cooney. Ben also talks about Washington State University Cougar Micky Thompson. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices