Unwritten Rules

This week we're joined by former MLB umpire, Kyle McCrady. McCrady gives us his thoughts on the electronic strike zone, some of his best ejection stories, and what it takes to become a Major League umpire. Media Relations Manager, Colin Connolly hosts.

These two have seen it all. From bus trips and hotel stays to equipment issues and long days at the ballpark. Alex Cohen brings back John Rodgers to relive some of their most interesting tales from the road. Cohen and Rodgers discuss what happens when things don't go as planned, some of the favorite people they've met, and what it's like seeing players with next-level talent.

No team or event is complete without a logo. Listen in as we're joined by Dan Simon of Simon Studios. Simon has designed logos for Super Bowls, All-Star Games, and countless teams throughout the sports world. He's also the man behind both our new character, cap logo released this year, and our logo for the Iowa Caucuses identity. Simon goes into how he got started in the business, how it feels seeing his work out in public, and how it was to transition into the digital age as a designer. Randy Wehofer hosts.

Hit or an error? This week we're joined by Official Scorer, James Hilchen. He's has been scoring games since 2008 and has made plenty of those decisions. Hilchen goes into the thought process during close calls, some of the best plays he's seen, and exchanges he's had with different managers and players. Hilchen also discusses his work with the stadium review site, Stadium Journey. Media Relations Manager, Colin Connolly hosts.

Former Iowa Cubs infielder Andrew Romine joins us this week on Unwritten Rules. Romine dives into some of his favorite memories, including his call up to the majors, getting to walk around MLB locker rooms as a young kid, and his time in Des Moines. Romine also recalls the time he pitched in an MLB game with his brother, Austin catching. Alex Cohen and Colin Connolly host.  

Jeff Tilley is back, and he brings in some of his stadium operations staff to give us more stories from behind the scenes at Principal Park. 2021 saw the Iowa Cubs host multiple non-baseball events like Nitro Circus and an Old Dominion concert. What did it take to transform the stadium from baseball to country music, to high-flying stunts? Listen along with Tilley, Andrew Quillin, and Josh Stephens as they get knee-deep in the details of the transformation. Assistant GM, Randy Wehofer hosts.

What goes into a ticket at an Iowa Cubs game? If you're coming with your friends, coworkers, or even by yourself, everyone needs one. Listen in as our ticket staff discusses what it takes to sell and distribute your pass to the game. Join Clayton Grandquist(Director of Ticket Operations), Brent Conkel(VP/Premium Seating/Corporate Marketing), Jason Gellis (Director of Group Outings), and Beth Kneeskern(Marketing Manager) as they dive into the details of our ticket system, the different offerings around the ballpark, and some of their most memorable gameday moments.

Welcome to another season of Unwritten Rules, an Iowa Cubs Podcast. We've just scratched the surface of interesting stories and we're excited to bring you more.  Listen along as we share more memories, opinions, and daily happenings with Iowa Cubs staff, baseball personalities, and current/former players.  Like, share, and subscribe to Unwritten Rules, an Iowa Cubs Podcast to secure your backstage pass to Iowa Cubs Baseball.

Justin Walters, Director of Video and Multimedia Arts for the Iowa Cubs, joins Marketing Manager, Beth Kneeskern on this week's episode of Unwritten Rules. Walters discusses his role coordinating the audio and video entertainment in the ballpark, the viral video of Taylor Davis staring into the camera, the new partnership with Marquee Sports Network, and some of his favorite memories of his time with the I-Cubs.

John Rodgers, current Iowa Cubs Account Executive and former minor league baseball broadcaster, joins Randy Wehofer in this week's episode of Unwritten Rules. Rodgers and Wehofer look back at some memorable moments throughout their journey in minor league baseball. Rodgers also reflects on his unusual and fascinating path to get his first broadcasting job and some of his favorite community initiatives. The two also dive into some notable interactions they had with Hall-of-Famer, Ryne Sandberg.

Shelby Cravens, Coordinator of Digital Communications for the Colorado Rockies and former Iowa Cubs Director of Media Relations, returns to Unwritten Rules. Cravens touches on her new role, her favorite memories of Des Moines, and some unique experiences from her first week with the Rockies. Marketing Manager Beth Kneeskern and Media Relations Manager Colin Connolly host.

U.S. District Judge Robert Pratt sits down with Michael Gartner and Scott Sailor in this week's episode of Unwritten Rules. The Iowa Cubs will host their 13th annual citizenship ceremony on July 6. 25 candidates from 15 different countries will be sworn in as new citizens before the game. Pratt and Gartner recall the early ideas of the event and how it got started. They also look back at some of their favorite memories and what they look forward to the most during the ceremony.

Iowa Cubs Manager, Marty Pevey joins the podcast. Pevey has been the Iowa Cubs Manager since 2013 and is closing in on 500 wins with the organization. Pevey takes us into the clubhouse to give us a behind-the-scenes look at what it's like being a Triple-A manager. He touches on the highs and lows of being the first line of communication between Chicago and the players, his love for Des Moines, and some insight into the development of players like Javy Baez and Kris Bryant. Assistant GM Randy Wehofer hosts.

Marquee Sports Network's Elise Menaker joins the podcast in this week's episode of Unwritten Rules. In addition to her reporting and hosting, Menaker is also the lead analyst for Iowa Cubs games on Marquee Sports Network. Menaker dives into her early work as a local news reporter, her first impressions of Des Moines, and what it was like starting a new job at the beginning of the pandemic. Menaker also touches on her Hall of Fame playing career at Cornell and playing professionally in Sweden. Alex Cohen hosts.

Dee Strange-Gordon, 2-time MLB All-Star, Gold Glove, and Silver Slugger Award winner, joins Unwritten Rules. Strange-Gordon discusses his adjustment to fatherhood, what it was like being the son of a Major League player, and some advice to younger players in the game today. Assistant GM, Randy Wehofer hosts.

Media Relations Manager, Colin Connolly, joins Director of Broadcasting Alex Cohen in this week's episode of Unwritten Rules. Connolly looks back at his experience as an intern with the I-Cubs in 2019, the new challenges of doing media relations with COVID-19 protocols, and some of the relationships he's built with the players and staff.

President and General Manager Sam Bernabe joins Assistant GM Randy Wehofer to discuss some updated policies at Principal Park. Wehofer and Bernabe go over the updated seating options, the removal of the mask mandate, and the feedback they've received on the new cashless system and bag policy.

Former Chicago Cub and current studio analyst for Marquee Sports Network, Ryan Sweeney, joins Unwritten Rules. Sweeney looks back at his experience working his way up to the majors, how he got into TV with Marquee Sports Network, and his time growing up in Iowa. Episode hosted by Nick Long.

Voice of the Omaha Storm Chasers, Jake Eisenberg, joins Alex Cohen on this week's episode of Unwritten Rules. Eisenberg and Cohen discuss the struggles of calling games remotely, their backgrounds in Minor League Baseball, and some of their most creative solutions to broadcast a game.

Iowa Cubs pitcher Dakota Mekkes sits down with Director of Broadcasting, Alex Cohen. Mekkes discusses his relationship with his mother, how he joined Ian Happ and Zack Short to start The Compound podcast, and some of his go-to food.

Baseball. Is. Back. Join Marketing Manager Beth Kneeskern and VP/Assistant GM Randy Wehofer as they break down all the new policies and procedures at Principal Park for the start of the 2021 season.

Majority Owner, Michael Gartner sits down with Scott Sailor to look back on their venture to move a Minor League baseball team to Iowa from Battle Creek, Michigan. Sailor served as General Manager for the Battle Creek club for three years and accumulated an abundance of stories. They cover the struggles of moving and then selling a team, some fun and interesting interactions with players and umpires, and the story behind paying fans to attend a game.

Analyst, Educator, Advocate and former Iowa Cubs player, Doug Glanville joins us for this special Jackie Robinson Day episode of Unwritten Rules. Glanville discusses the impact and influence of Jackie Robinson and how having mentors and leaders who understand your experience can redefine what you believe is possible. We also look at Glanville's time in Des Moines, his successful stint in Puerto Rico that reinvigorated his confidence, and the joys of seeing his kids take an interest in the game of baseball. Broadcaster Alex Cohen hosts.

Longtime President of the Pacific Coast League and American Association, Branch Rickey, joins Assistant GM Randy Wehofer in this week's episode. As the baseball world gets ready to celebrate Jackie Robinson Day on April 15, Rickey looks back on the special relationship his family has with Jackie Robinson that was started by his grandfather. Rickey also explores his time spent in Major League Baseball, his love for Minor League Baseball, and the relationship he's built with the Iowa Cubs front office.

Taylor McGregor sits down with former Media Relations Director, Shelby Cravens in this week's episode of Unwritten Rules. McGregor currently works for Marquee Sports Network and ESPN College Football as a host and field reporter. She looks back at her career path, the challenges that go into sports reporting during a pandemic, and her thoughts on the city of Chicago. McGregor and Cravens also discuss role models growing up and their experiences as women working in professional sports.

Jeff Lantz, Senior Director of Communications for MiLB, joins us this week and looks back at his 11 years in Des Moines as the Director of Media Relations for the Iowa Cubs, which included a brief stint as Kerry Wood's roommate. Lantz also discusses his time in the majors working for the Baltimore Orioles and Buck Showalter.

Free t-shirts are some of the most valued keepsakes from any Iowa Cubs game. Get to know the man who's shot out thousands of them. Jeff Tilley, VP, and Director of Stadium Operations, sits down with Randy Wehofer to look back on his impressive career. Tilley goes into his start with the Iowa Cubs as an intern, as well as what it takes to keep Principal Park running. Wehofer and Tilley also touch on the valuable lessons learned in and out of the ballpark.

Oakland Athletics Broadcaster Vince Cotroneo joins Iowa Cubs broadcaster Alex Cohen in this weeks' episode of Unwritten Rules. Cotroneo was the voice of the Iowa Cubs in 1988, winning Minor League Announcer of the Year. Vince discusses how he got hired with the I-Cubs, some of his favorite moments in the big leagues, and what lead to a special broadcast with his son.

VP and Head Groundskeeper for the Iowa Cubs, Chris Schlosser joins Randy Wehofer in this week's episode of Unwritten Rules. Chris gives the fine details on what it takes to keep the field at Principal Park looking great and reflects on some great stories about his time in baseball.

Fan favorite, Taylor Davis joins our Director of Media Relations, Shelby Cravens in this week's episode of Unwritten Rules. They look back on his viral, "staring catcher" video, what he loved about his time in Des Moines, and what it's like playing catcher in professional baseball. Davis also discusses his adjustment to fatherhood and his transition to a new organization.

From Intern to President/General Manager. Sam Bernabe joins Randy Wehofer to look back at his incredible career with the Iowa Cubs. Sam discusses his passion for building relationships, some of the intricacies of the old Sec Taylor Stadium, and how minor league baseball has changed over the years.

Jon ‘Boog' Sciambi, new play-by-play voice for the Chicago Cubs on Marquee Sports Network, joins Director of Broadcasting, Alex Cohen in this weeks' episode of Unwritten Rules. Sciambi dives into how he got his nickname, the series of events that landed him the new job, his thoughts on the Designated Hitter, and a memorable run-in with Harry Caray. Cohen and Sciambi also share their thoughts on the unwritten rules of baseball and some memorable road trips. Project Main St. - Helping those experiencing financial challenges as a direct result of ALS. https://projectmainst.org/

What could cause a baseball game to go under delay when you have perfect weather? What do you do when the radio equipment goes missing? Vice President/Assistant GM Randy Wehofer and Broadcaster Alex Cohen discuss this and more in this episode of Unwritten Rules. Wehofer and Cohen touch on what it takes to coordinate travel for an entire baseball team, the famous faces you run into around the ballpark, and some of the strangest happenings they've seen in person. 

Welcome to part two of our conversation with Des Moines Register reporter and Iowa Cubs beat writer Tommy Birch. In this episode, Tommy touches on his career arc, some family life, more unexpected stories about I-Cub players, his memories as an intern in the Media Relations department and more! Join Broadcaster Alex Cohen and Media Relations Director Shelby Cravens in the conclusion of our interview.

Des Moines Register reporter and Iowa Cubs beat writer Tommy Birch joins us for our third episode of Unwritten Rules. In addition to his experience at the Des Moines Register, Tommy also interned for the Iowa Cubs Media Relations department. He brings a unique perspective as he looks back on his early interest in baseball, coming to Principal Park as a kid, his experience with some star players that have come through Des Moines and finding unusual stories in unexpected places. Broadcaster Alex Cohen and Media Relations Director Shelby Cravens co-host part 1 of our conversation.

Today we'll have part two of our conversation with our Owner and Chairman Michael Gartner. In this episode, we'll talk about how Michael and Judge Pratt brought the annual Citizenship Ceremony to the ballpark, Michael's love of Dog Days, and the missed opportunity to bring Minor League Baseball to Dubuque over a decade ago. Please be sure to like, share and subscribe to get all of the great behind the scenes stories of Principal Park and Minor League Baseball with “Unwritten Rules, an Iowa Cubs Podcast.”

For our debut episode, we sit down with our Chairman and owner Michael Gartner. Michael's had a great career in journalism with stops at NBC News, the Wall Street Journal and USA Today in addition to his local impact with positions at the Des Moines Register and owning the Ames Tribune. In this episode, Michael will talk about his memories of professional baseball in Des Moines going back to his youth, share the back story about how he became the owner of the Iowa Cubs, his unique relationships with former Iowa Cubs managers Mike Quade and Ryne Sandberg, and the process and experience of winning a Pulitzer Prize.

The world of Minor League Baseball is full of interesting people, events and stories. In the coming weeks, months and years, our staff - with the help of interesting guests - will take you behind the scenes at Principal Park, and around baseball, to bring you the stories about the events, encounters, and funny moments we've experienced. We won't be ranking prospects or breaking down stats, but we will share the human side of the game and have some laughs along the way. Our staff will share in the hosting duties, so you'll get new stories from new perspectives with each new episode. Please like, share and subscribe to “Unwritten Rules, an Iowa Cubs Podcast” and secure your backstage pass to the world of Iowa Cubs baseball.