Man Pepper - Baseball Podcast

Chris and Jake welcome former Northwestern standout Aaron Newman to the Pod. Aaron was a four-year letterman for Northwestern and played two seasons in the NECBL at Torrington with Chris. The guys discuss the rivalry between the Cubs and ChiSox, Aaron's college baseball and recruitment experience, rain delay antics and one teammate's incredible dedication to ensuring an off day.

NFL Referee Danny Short joins the pod! The guys make some bold predictions and early over reactions for MLB season, and then transition into Danny's journey to and career as an NFL ref. Topics include balance "normal" jobs with being a referee, pre-game workout routines, NFL Evaluations and Danny experiencing the Madden "truck-stick"!

Jake and Chris break down the top free agent signings for the 2023 season, and discuss some intricacies of the CBA and Competitive Balance Tax, the pitch clock and shift rules, and Jake's recent trip to a "beer league" soccer match in England.

Jake and Chris welcome Canisius 2B Max Grant to the Pod. Max was the 2022 MAAC Player of the Year, 2023 MAAC Preseason Player of the Year and is a 2023 preseason All-American. The guys discuss Max's experience playing elite Canadian baseball, his journey to Canisius, hitting philosophies and his future MLB draft prospects. Plus, Max talks about an interesting variation for snowball flights and an awkward dorm room encounter.

Jake & Chris welcome Eric "Soup" Campbell to the Pod. Eric played parts of 4 seasons with the Mets, A's & Mariners, as well as one season in Japan. The guys discuss their high school playing days as opponents in south eastern CT, Eric's decision to go pro after his junior year at BC, the grind of minor league ball, and the monster known as Yoenis Cespedes. Eric also tells a story about an eccentric manager in the minors, and Chris tells a cautionary tale about dipping for the first time.

Jake and Chris welcome Gary Gaetti to the pod. Gary is a 20-year MLB vet, World Series Champion, 2x All-Star, 4x Gold Glove winner and a member of the Minnesota Twins HOF. The guys discuss Gary's baseball academy, his illustrious career (including his experience winning a World Series with the Twins and his unique nutrition regimen). his hitting philosophy, and his thoughts on the state of the game. Gary also tells a memorable story regarding a disputed catch, and Jake gets Gary's thoughts on his efforts to bulk up in college.

Jake & Chris welcome Jim Buckley, Siena Alum, former Red Sox organization catcher & current San Francisco Giants Scout to the Pod.  The guys discuss Jim's path to Siena and the importance of picking a school you can play at vs. name recognition.  The guys shared memories about their head coach Tony Rossi and some of the similar antics he displayed across the years, and discussed the infamous catching saga that plagued the Red Sox & Tim Wakefield's knuckleball. 

Jake & Chris welcome Gary Burnham to the Pod. Gary played professionally for 14-years, reaching as high as AAA and the Japan MLB. The guys discuss Gary's career, which featured two AAA team MVPs and a memorable bomb in Japan (at the time off the rising international star and soon to be NY Yankee Masahiro Tanaka), confidence as a hitting skill, coaching mistakes and an EPIC story involving Gary's impromptu debut in a different kind of professional wrestling.

Jake and Chris welcome Wake Forest Pitching Coach Corey "Moose" Muscara to the Pod. Corey has been a college pitching coach for 14-years across 5 D1 programs. The guys discuss the data revolution in baseball and how it has had a significant impact on the college game, psychological training to fuel better performance, and close with Corey's failed attempt to recruit Braves SP & World Series Winning Ian Anderson.

Chris and Jake welcome Joey Serafin to the Pod. Joey pitched for several years in the Chicago White Sox organization, making it as far as AAA. The guys discuss the hatred and intense rivalry Chris and Joey had for each other playing on opposing teams in high school and college, as well as Joey's memorable no-hitter against Siena. Not all blood is bad though - Chris and Joey ultimately became summer ball teammates and bonded over bearing witness to Stephen Strasburg becoming the most electric and clear cut consensus #1 pick out of college baseball.

Jake and Chris welcome Jimmy Deschaine to the pod. Jimmy was a 10th round draft pick out of Brandeis College and played several seasons of minor league ball, making it to AAA with the Cubs. Jimmy is also the all-time leader in batting average at Brandeis and the NECBL and a member of the Brandeis and Bristol, CT Sport Halls of Fame. The guys discuss hitting philosophies, including Jimmy's experience in the Cape Cod League facing the likes of Ben Sheets and Barry Zito. The discussion shifts to thoughts on possible rule changes, such as bigger bases, robo umps and instant replay. Finally, the guys discuss superstitions, the proper mindset for a successful athlete, and how a minor league coach prevented Jimmy from potentially hitting .300 on the last game of the season.

Jake & Chris welcome their former teammate, Craig Chaput, to the Pod. The guys discuss potential landing spots for Juan Soto ahead of the 2022 trade deadline, Druw Jones' fluke injury, and Craig's inspiring journey overcoming addiction. Plus, Craig shares a pitcher version of "The Man Pepper" drill.

Jake and Chris welcome Clint McAuley to the Pod. Clint is the head coach at Bryan College and former assistant coach at Siena College. The guys discuss the challenges of getting drafted out of the NAIA, Clint's attempt to recruit Matt Harvey to Siena, a memorable 2008 baseball season with the Saints, and the hectic life of a college baseball coach.

Jake and Chris welcome their former teammate, Justin "Eddie" Edwards, to the pod. Justin had a five-year pro career in various independent ball leagues as a converted pitcher, including the Atlantic League. The guys discuss playing together in the Southern Collegiate Baseball League in Athens, GA, Justin's professional career, and their shared love for "fresh bread", "The General", and the infamous Fire Mountain Grill Birthday Song.

Jake and Chris break down the 2022 homerun derby, predict who will take home the title, and talk gambling odds.

Jake and Chris discuss the ineptitude of the Angels despite having two of the best players in baseball and, conversely, the Padres' success without Fernando Tatis Jr. The guys also talk about some potential second half breakout candidates based on one of Chris' favorite stats, make their World Series predictions, and close with stories of a memorable slash bunt and meaningless dugout intensity.

Jake & Chris are joined by Jack Egbert, former reliever for the Chicago White Sox and New York Mets. The trio discus Jack's 9-year professional career, his debut with the White Sox and his experience being on the roster for Johan Santana's no hitter as a member of the Mets. The guys also talk life after pro ball and the current state and evolution of youth baseball.

The man, myth, the true Legend. Jake and Chris welcome longtime Siena Head Baseball Coach Tony Rossi to the Pod. Tony has been the head baseball coach for 50+ years and is the longest tenured coach in all of Division 1 Athletics. Topics include Coach Rossi's communication strategy, experience playing some of the best teams in the nation, and Coach's first thoughts on some former players.

Jake and Chris discuss some of the most ridiculous and hilarious injuries in baseball history, including an ironing mishap and the dangers of guitar hero. Then, in honor of Father's Day, Jake and Chris chat about the joy and chaos of coaching their kids, and welcome their dads to the pod to discuss rowdy fans, broken cups and rogue golf carts.

Jake and Chris discuss some of their favorite trades in MLB history, and welcome Bear Mayer to the Pod. Bear created Bruce Bolt Batting Gloves when he was 16-years old, and his equipment has already made its way to the MLB.  The guys discuss Bear's journey, future plans for the company, and Jake and Chris close with analysis of a famous 6-armed man and a legendary thrower of "water" balloons.

Jake and Chris discuss some of the most memorable fat hitters in recent history, and welcome Casey Fahy to the pod.  Casey is the Director of Baseball Development of the Appalachian League.  The trio discuss Casey's experience as a college coach and area scout for the Kansas City Royals, the absurdity of trying to get Mike Trout to bat lefty while he was in high school, and changes to how the game is played.

Jake and Chris discuss Anthony Rendon's lefty homerun (wtf!), the Reds throwing a no-hitter and LOSING (WTF!), and welcome MLB vet Andrew Albers to the pod. Andrew has pitched for the Twins, Blue Jays and Mariners, and was an all-star in Japan. The trio discuss various topics, including Andrew's incredible journey to the Big Leagues. Plus, stealing signs and gambling on luggage.

Jake and Chris discuss a potential velocity mirage, and welcome, "El Jefe", Anthony Giansanti, to the Pod. Anthony has played professionally for the past 12 seasons and currently is playing for Veracruz in the Mexican League. The trio discuss Anthony's career, the day-to-day for a pro ball player, the quirks of playing professionally in a foreign country, and the most dominant batting practice pitcher of all time.

Jake and Chris discuss the irrefutable reality of hot streaks, and welcome Siena College Ace Ben "Bigs" Seiler to discuss his senior year leap, the pros and cons of an early season "death schedule", a modern day version of Man Pepper and two of the greatest ruses in Siena College history.

Jake and Chris discuss the softest triple in recent MLB history, whether doing away with infield shifts is good for the game, and welcome the Pod's first guest, Eric Mruczek, to talk about the ridiculousness surrounding some of baseball's unwritten rules.

Jake and Chris discuss their Week One victories, utter failure of KayRod simulcast, the secret to David Ortiz's HOF career and the quirks of their former head baseball coach.

Jake and Chris introduce themselves and give a quick explanation on the origins of the Podcast name.

Jake and Chris recap their league's auction style draft, discuss the dangers of driving before the advent of GPS, and a memorable vacation for Coach Naki.

In the inaugural episode of the Man Pepper Fantasy Baseball Podcast, Jake and Chris discuss keeper selections for their upcoming auction draft, muse over DJ LeMahieu's inability to hit home runs, and explain the origins of "Man Pepper".