Softball Diaries

This week on the pod we have non-rookie Spencer. Spencer has been 'in' on the SD scene for a few years, played in more than a few games, and even full on lives in Philly now. Get to know the Santabarbaraite along with us: is he pro boat, will he remember his pet chameleon's name, and which professional baseball player did he suit up with in high school? Also the romantic beginnings of Alli & Spencer. And TWO game recaps! Remember Alf? He's back... in podcast form!

Summer is not over until we play softball, tie, and podcast about it. We do our first in-person podcast since 2019, with Taylor Engel stopping by Homebase Studios. Highlights: childhood trauma (oops), the kindness of Cione's staff-(ass), Kleger being wrong (often). Learn about Taylor going to prom, her management principles, and IF she would live on a boat. HPlease take a listen!

Evan gets paid to produce drama, yet still finds time to create and distribute a lot of it outside of working hours. Today we have the equivalent of a one-man show, presented in a single (double-length) act. We pull the curtain up on the mysterious Professor (is this true? I'm going with it) Kassof. You'll get more than you ever thought possible on this 'sneaky fast' rag-tagger. We also recap the second half of the 2020 season (aka Game 2). Annnd this was our first fully remote show, so let us know if it worked (thanks @todd for operational expertise). Aria not entertained?

Welcome to the softball bubble! We quarantined all players, friends, families, and pets at the old Holiday Inn for the first game of the year. It was a glorious return to form—rust, warts, false-ties and all. Naturally the podcast comes next. Listen for updates on all the important players, a recap of 2020's game of the year, AND a special segment where we celebrate 100 years of softball with Buco and Klego's all-time rosters! Did you test positive... for sports?

Are you quarantining, with nothing to do? Missing better times? Missing softball too? Well we did the next best thing: EMERGENCY POD! Listen as the SD personalities semi-officially announce their semi-formal takes on big bad corona and how it may or may not affect the upcoming season. Truly we just needed something to do. Eventually I think we did a stock market segment too. Sanitize your bat and balls.

Let us gather round and close the stat book on another season. Here we go: a sprawling double episode which ends our ambitious two show award show arc! Congrats to all the winners, listen to hear your name, you probably got something! More importantly we have our Rookie of the Year (spoilers!), Alex Okumura, in the 'interview of the year' . This is the one we all wanted, and it is here just in time for your end of holiday travel. Hope someone got some bats under the tree!

The season is over and 'it is what it is'. Prophesied long ago, the events have been set in motion; This is the end, PART I: A nomination special. Did you make the cut for the coveted award of your choice? If you were wondering, you probably did, but listen to confirm. A ballot is / will be attached to the facebook post. So do your civic duty and vote. Winners to be announced in a pod-to-come. Also included is a recap of the last game, sports and telephone country code deep-dives. You were the seventh horcrux, Buco.

**WEDDING RECAP PODCAST**. Alex, OF, and Erika, OF/2B, have officially signed a long term contract. The deal is worth an estimated 500 million dollars and is expected to last for an entire lifetime AKA the length of Bobby Bonilla's contract. This is the oral history of how it all went down. Also listen for the hyped up return of Alli's hot corner. Come and get your love.

A _____ teammate, a motorcycle enthusiast, Rohan raises his fist to capitalism and doesn't care for Indian food. When not trotting to second on a double, he is secretly coveting material objects. But jah another podcast, and we didn't have to increase taxes to get it. Seize the means of run producing offenses!

~~~New pod alert~~. This week's guest, Andrew Abbott, needs no introduction. But this episode DOES have a long introduction, and three game recaps. Listen for a chunk of dad related items, lake talk, plenty of crosstalk, pitching as an existential exercise in pain and suffering, and a some choice quips by a softball great, Beth. Hanks a lot for hosting us!

Pod two of 2019, and we have two game recaps, a special set of co-hosts (Erika + Todd), and a full Todd tell-all. Where did Todd migrate to this offseason, and why? Will Todd ever need a winter jacket? Did he work at McDonald's? We're serving up the answers today folks. A HOME RUN!

And we're back, back again. The 2019 season is officially underway, so let's knock out 2018 first. Awards and a mass recap event? We're already in mid-season form. Crisp audio, hilarious current event jabber and shout-outs to the softball greats new and old——something for every fan of the pod. Oh yeah.

John Ryan has joined softball and made a quick impact with his brilliant speed, tremendous fielding and general distaste for Noah Rush's success.  Softball Diaries has an exclusive interview where we go under the pope hat and get to the real John Ryan.  Ryan shares with us his opinions on digital projections and when breakfast food is appropriate.  So join us, as we get to the bottom of why John Ryan is so fast and why he hasn't tried to grow out his hair.  Special guest host Todd Dixon.  Listen here

This week's podcast is a matchup of friends sparked in the south, forged in Philadelphia. Listen to this double-guest (and guest-host!) episode to find out how Ben and Mark met, what they bond over, and which Braves player they compare themselves to. Ever wanted to be a teacher? Own a business? We talk the good and the not so good. This is a timely episode since Ben Link is leaving Philly, so we say bye the only way we know how—asking about bodily fluids. First time co-host Justin Siebel and a fantastic new game celebrates the first half of softball's season with a tomahawk chop.

Wow, did you guys know Bennett has never been on the podcast?  Well Bennett does, and boy is he steamed about it.  Though Kleger skipped town to dodge the heat, Bennett brings the hot takes on everything from why he hates dark meat to why speech pathology is the sexiest pathology.  Bennett also makes his feelings known about being compared to members of Mumford & Sons all while downing a 5th(?) of aquavit.  So listen to Bennett tear the softball universe a new one here.

Hear the Diaries like never before: IN HD SUPER-CRISP AUDIO. Todd Dixon, an Aussie, a tour manager, and a bloomin' Sixers fan, is also a sound engineer. His talents are on display here, mate. I'm pretty sure he bugged Buco's house cause there were mics and equipment everywhere—and constant checking of 'the levels'. Our thanks to Todd for bringing us into the modern age of podcasting. Learn about why Todd dropped out of uni, what tour he will be managing in the fall, and gibberish American and Australian words. Also included is a 40 minute recap of Kleger's home-run, Todd saying funny sounding Australian cities, and Buco challenging him on the origin of Canadian or US things. Wherever you are, whether kneeling, standing, or putting water bottles down under tables, have a walkabout and take a listen.

The Cormorant has graduated from Philadelphia and it's time to celebrate good times. Kate is a natural leader, three-time league MVP and leaves as the winningest captain of all-time. We dish on Jesus, Staples, and setting alarms. Listen for some Billy Joel trivia, how Kate would kill an intruder, and scratch off lotto luck. Bye byee

Like a greatest hits podcast happening in realtime, this one has got it all: You like the recaps? We go for two. You like an interview? Newcomer Jonny shows up, talks. You want us to play a game WITH special guests? Jonny and Siebel battle the hypothetical in WWJ(or J)D?; where only Steph can judge. Do we draw a line from psychology to thermal valves to hoagies and a nice mitt? Almost. Listen for that and Jonny making the ultimate choice between money and George Clooney. Ay dios mio.

The second coming of Thatcher! Last time Thatchmo was on the 'cast he was a doe-eyed, happy-go-lucky, wet-behind-the-ears, never-been-kissed, cherub-boy-king. Years (years!) later we check-in with the mature adult he has become. Gross fills in for Buco, who is scouting talent in Catalonia. We yap about what you need to sacrifice to create, death, permanency, regiment driven generation of achievement. Legacy weighs in on every moment of Thatcher's life, and yeah bro it is heavy. Listen as well for the 'Thatcher Celebrity Trivia Game' and talking corn-dogs! Did we create the Great American Podcast?

Back for more in 2018. Kicking off the new season of softball and Dairies (season seven!), Buco and Kleg are stumping for Dan Martino. We politicize the podcast with pro-choice, anti-gun, socialist free weed pieces (not really...mostly!). We recap a collapse, the return of the Shiss, Krone being Krone, Gross being gross, Daniels being stormy, etc. Find out what Martino stands for and what he wishes to accomplish. Visit https://www.martinoforstaterep.com/ to get involved, be sure to vote on May 15th and listen today!!

This week we break down the 'cult classic', Squeeze Play! No interview, just a rollicking panel of experts who hate-watched this softball movie. How did this movie get made? We attempt to answer. Thanks to Zak Krone, Justin Siebel, Stef, and Erika for helping to understand and legitimize this haphazardly constructed battle of sexes comedy went wrong. Squeeeeze play.

Ed Ricci is an honest man who likes the simple things: a gin and diet ginger ale, sports talk radio, dressing up like Frank Sinatra. Ed remembers the golden years of Conshohocken, and knows exactly why things are no longer great (to daughter Stephanie's discomfort). Steph's parents' first date is unbelievably perfect, unlike Ed's opinion of Buco! Oh yeah! A classic Dad episode, sure to enlighten, amuse, and question why we live in the big city when Conshohocken has a bar with Ed as the bartender AND the beer-olympics. We also recap three or four games. Papa, Papa, Papa-Ricci!

From the swamps of Virginia emerges a baseball playing bass player, who you are about to get to know. Andrew Abbott came to Philadelphia during the Left and Right diaspora, but what happened next will shock you. We talk tourism, ice cream scoopin', and learn which MLB star's brother sucks. Plus a recap of another tie game! And thats Abbott it.

Reigning Buco / Gross's Beer of the Game Award Winner Rachel Sanders checks back in with the SD crew. Zack Gross, filling in for MIA Buco, seeks advice from Sanders. She happily obliges on the professional, personal, and spiritual. We recap a 'Cione Instant Classic', and premiere the new 'Whats in the box?!' segment. Always Rach for the Stars.

As spring turns into summer, the boys and girls of Philadelphia descend upon rec center fields; the ritual of the crack of the bat, the smell of Zack Gross, the sound of Bell Biv DeVoe. WE'RE BACK BABY! New year, new field, new time, same rules (more or less). Listen to Buco and Klego kick off the season and make bold predictions. Season six baby!

Time to give out awards and superlatives related to our weekly softball game. Who takes home the most prestigious award, best wigs? Everyone voted, we counted them. Listen to us mention your name, among others! DRUMROLL PLZ

This week on the SD: longtime player Jesse Carah. While in Jesse's beautiful South Philly solarium, the gang talks growing up, getting a job, and being terrified of that creaking sound downstairs...oh god it's definitely a burglar! We recap another game and talk about Halloween. Don't just be scared, listen today.

The Sultan of Sicily, the Behemoth of Bologna. Dan Martino was born to hit the long ball. Where did the power come from? Why does he play a version of baseball from 150 years ago?? Is it because he is afraid of the oncoming robot revolution? All answered this week on the Diaries. We also did three (thorough?) recaps. Hear ye, hear ye, indeed.

Two weeks ago a game ended in a tie. Three months ago Thatcher was just a guy. Thatcher was all alone. Now Thatcher knows Jon Stone. That tie was captained by these two. To commemorate everything, they have appeared, as a couple, on this week's Diaries! Put your ears on this podcast to figure out how they met, how they settled the tie, what causes Thatcher the most pain, and what celebrity Jon is NOT related to. THEN WE MADE THEM PLAY THE NEWLYWED GAME!!

Buco and Kleger are proud to have the disarmingly handsome Noah Rush on this week. Together we discuss the big issues; where Noah shops, sweet or savory, whether or not he was in a reggae band in college. Maybe you already know Noah from being featured in a famous series of books his mom wrote? Rush 2116 baby!

Bring on the closer, Cody Wren. This episode takes us to a place of redemption, crime and punishment, and the ultimate question: Does Cody prefer Sesame Street or the Muppets? We talk about Cody's creative process, his love of sport, and who gives the best tattoos in the joint. Also two game recaps, and a segment centered on hate.

Who IS Zak Krone? Will anyone ever know? Will anyone ever try? Virginian-Eastern-Shore-Mormon? Charlottesville-Episcopalian? Toledo-Jew? Fishtown-Pizzalogist? To figure out this knuckleballer is to understand how simple it is, yet miss the complexity entirely. No spoilers, Zak's journey to Philly and softball is boisterously roundabout. And remember King Krone ain't got nothing on me.

This week we have a very, very special episode! Have you ever seen Freaky Friday? Buco is Jamie Lee Curtis, Gabe is Lindsay Lohan, Zack Gross is our weird test tube baby hopped up on ADHD meds, and Kleger is an anonymous hotshot movie producer pulling the strings from Tinseltown. Listen as Zack and Gabe ask Buco... questions and shit! That Buco sure is BUCO.

We're back this week with Buco and Kleg talking to South Africa's very own Claudette Pombo. Claudette's positivity about everything brightens up the dark hell the USA has been cultivating. Listen while you work / walk / jog / do the dishes to learn about South Africa, where in Philly you will find Claudette in da club, and some variety of french fries called slap chips. Luister vandag!

Hey this episode is super late coming out, but worth the wait. Kyle puts up with all the none sense Buco and guest host Gibby can throw at him, and it's a lot of crap. He explains why he dodges boxing matches and participates in a cruelly orchestrated game show. Gibby manages to show you how far he has to come when it comes to accents or impressions, whatever. Also, keep listening for bonus material featuring kleger! Listen today?

This is 50! We made it! Lets celebrate the big L and Father's Day with Gabe's dad Steve. Steve leaves us all questioning our purpose, our past, how he made it out of Turkey, and how he can remember any of it. Just listen to the interview already. There is also a recap of the previous two games, and bonus chatter from softball's biggest stars discussing what Softball Diaries means to them! Yay-ssky!

This week on the 'cast we bring in SD all-star Erika Gallagher. Softball Diaries 49 features a recap of a blow-out, seltzer talk, Estonian banter, and a Sophie's choice between an insect and relaxation. Plus the return of the stock market. And we ruin dinosaurs. Tune in

The rainclouds cleared just long enough to play the inaugural game of 2016! To celebrate this miracle, we bring Justin Siebel into Home Base Studios. Learn about Justin's professorial job at Philly U, his comedic dreams, and livin' that convertible life. We recap an offensively strong first game, talk about the wall (the wall!), discuss the rookies, and make BOLD predictions for 2016. Dive in

Is there any better way to spend the holidays then to memorialize the 2015 Rag Tag season with Buco and Kleg? Definitely. But, why not get to this eventually? This episode of Softball Diaries features the first ever people's choice awards, voted by...YOU! Listen in to meet your MVPs, your best dancers, your best friends. Beyond that we gave pretty much everybody an award, so put the glove on and get out there one more time! 2015!

Natalie Cross joins the SD crew for one of the last Softball Diaries of 2015. Join us as we discuss DJ Natty by Nature's musical evolution, her pet rabbit, what she wants to be when she grows up, and a ton more. Game 21 recap too.

SD 45! This week Cousin Chris (Chris Maltby) steps in front of the camera (iPad) for his on-screen (iTunes Podcast Section) debut. Find out about the man who has had over thirty jobs, from Obama supporter to recently eliminated reality star transporter, and has never lost a game of dodgeball. Chris is dealing out awkward sports star stories; from NFL-QBer to our own TK-1. Would he take a bullet for you? Find out! Game recap as well. Christopher Explains It All

Okaley dokely, this week Rachel Sanders is on the SD, and it is finger-licking good. Stories from Rachel's North Carolina upbringing are amazing, so no flipping. While she's no workaholic, we discuss her current and previous employment, as well as her primetime nickname. We recap last weeks game's fireworks, including controversy, Buco's big RBIs and Rachel's walk-off hit. Also the return of the STOCK MARKET. Don't go to Home Depot to buy a sander, cause its already here.

Did you enjoy this weekend's Suburban Classic Invitational Spectacular II? Listen in to hear us blabber on about it. We also recap the game played during our regularly scheduled time. The winner of the Dirty Dirty jersey, Justin Schurr, is live in studio this week. Justin talks about his Atlantic City roots, what he does to pay the bills, magic, and the secret behind his bandanas. Schurr 'nuff, fo Schurr.

Happy Labor Day Weekend! The SD crew was busy; weddings and music fests abound. Strap in for your third tour of duty with Zack Gross, where cameras, the secret to being a nice captain, and strip club treks are also abound. Power rankings, and a rivalry which is really not-a-rivalry are abounded, too. Tune in, Gross out

Steve is back on the SD, and his timing, as usual, is perfect. As one of the league's hottest hitters, we are all interested in his takes on the Grateful Dead, gentrification, celeb beefs, and if we can put raw salmon on a hot dog. But seriously we talk about his music and growing up in VA. Plus the audio-premier of Buco's power rankings! Urgo with the flow! Urgo with the flow!

We went all out for the big four-oh! SD is not over the hill yet, as Rohan is in the studio this week for an ambitious interview. His story spans decades, continents, and software which makes more software. Tune in for the banter, stay for the musings on martinis and John Mayer. Are you in?

Thats right folks, it is time for another award show! Bear witness to Buco and Kleger's midsummer spectacular! Highlights, lowlights, crust punks, and home runs are put on a pedestal for one night only. Did you win a coveted 'Softie'? Probably, but for the wrong reasons. Also last week's unique game was recapped. Don't miss a moment.

This week on Softball Diaries, the pride of Abington, Tom Kelly. Buco and Kleger sketch out this artist's background, and figure out what the Bryn Mawrian thinks of his rookie year so far. What does Tom Kelly think of Trump? How does Tom use his Tyler School of Art degree? Find out!

Hey there Softball Universe, this week Taylor steps off the diamond and into the podcast. Taylor and the gang discuss horses, parties, dogs, and family. Its always about family. Also a must listen recap of an old-school classic with a double-surprise ending. No mercy!

The SD is ecstatic to have the wonderful Keira Wilson on for a mega episode. We talk to Keira about her positive role in people's lives, love of veggie costumery, and how she joined a weird (okay in the scheme of things NOT weird) religion. Kleger scarily dislocated his arm during last week's game, and we recap the trip to the ER. You want drama? You want action? You want to know Keira's creepy guilty pleasure? TUNE IN NOW.

This week on the SD, Dan Rohe schools us! Gabe substitutes in for Buco, and Dan Rohe talks of his great love for Dave & Busters + roller coasters. The game was close, the recap was heated, and the interview was spectacular! Later we discuss this future. Listen today