Podcasts about Pittsburgh Pirates

Bill Mazeroski was the embodiment of stellar defense, winning 8 Gold Glove Awards, playing his entire 17 year career with the Pittsburgh Pirates, while setting the record for the most double-plays turned and assists in baseball history. But he is most remembered for arguably the greatest home run ever hit in the game. Almost every kid who has ever swung a bat at a competitive pitch has fantasized about coming up in the bottom of the ninth inning, during game 7 of the World Series, and hitting the championship clinching home run. Only one person in the long history of the game has ever realized this dream, and his name was William Stanley Mazeroski. This is his story #BillMazeroski #Maz #PittsburghPirates #BranchRickey #RalphTerry #ForbesField #NewYorkYankees #DickGroat #GeneAlley #DickSchoefield #DaveCash #WheelingWestVirgina #YogiBerra

Send a textStep into a hidden studio in western Pennsylvania and a sunlit shrine in Bradenton as we sit down with Pirates legend Steve Blass for a ride through memory, ritual, and the stories that make baseball feel like home. Steve opens up about retirement with Karen, the sanity of walking a quiet golf course, and the strict joy of a 4:30 happy hour that turns every day into a small celebration. The conversation moves with the ease of an old friend call—Jeopardy at 7:30, classic sitcom reruns, and an honest, can't-look-away take on Tiger King—before we step into his museum of moments.The memorabilia tour is a time machine. We see Steve vaulting Freddie Patek, co-managing a fantasy camp win with Bob Walk, and a row of gleaming Ford Thunderbirds circling the Forbes Field track in 1967. He brings out rare Pittsburgh artifacts from a traveling baseball school with Honus Wagner and Wilbur Cooper, proof that the game's roots run deep and loud. We laugh at Eddie Feigner's King and His Court showmanship and share the kind of clubhouse humor that still rings true.Then the stories deepen. Steve remembers Willie Stargell's grace, a dugout snapshot at Three Rivers, and an Oval Office visit with President Nixon after Roberto Clemente's death to support the dream of Ciudad Deportiva. He reflects on how Clemente's vision could have reshaped Puerto Rico for generations. Finally, we stand on the dugout roof for the last day at Three Rivers, a World Series ring catching the light as thousands sing Take Me Out to the Ball Game. It's a portrait of baseball as community: history preserved in photos, laughter, and a city's voice lifted together.If you love Pirates history, Roberto Clemente's legacy, and the human side of a World Series pitcher, this one's for you. Subscribe, share with a friend who misses Forbes Field or Three Rivers, and leave a review to tell us which memory hit you the hardest.THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!!www.holdmycutter.com

Noah Hiles thinks that Konnor Griffin will make the Pirates Opening Day roster. He is not concerned with Griffin's spring training batting average. Griffin is the best shortstop in the system. Noah thinks the catcher group has been bad. Noah predicts the Pirates to win 80 games.

Baseball six pack. Noah Hiles thinks Konnor Griffin will make the Opening Day roster. Noah said he can't see any reason for Griffin to start in AAA. Can we trust Mark DeRosa to manage Team USA to win?!

Pirates' broadcaster Greg Brown comes on The Fan Hotline to share his perspective of the team so far in Spring Training with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey comes on The Fan Hotline to talk about some of the latest developments regarding players of interest, like prospect SS Konnor Griffin, with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.

Former MLB pitcher Matt Clement joined the show. Matt thinks the spring training record means something – something little – but it's a positive with a young team. Konnor Griffin has yet to draw a walk in spring training and there is some question regarding his patience at the plate – Matt thinks that's one of a few reasons the Pirates have right now to send him to Triple A. Matt, who is also the high school coach at Butler, got into some basketball questions as we enter match. He talked about coaching Ethan Morton in high school, who was one of the most-prolific scorers in PIAA history. Is it always the smartest thing to foul when you're up by 3 points late in the game?

Tonight on NS9LIVE!, we're building our full prediction for the Pittsburgh Pirates' Opening Day 26-man roster. Jim is bringing out the Jimalytics to break down every spot on the roster - catchers, infielders, outfielders, starting pitchers, and relievers - using spreadsheets and logic to decide who's making the trip north and who could be left on the outside looking in. Before that, we'll welcome Alex Stumpf back to the show to tease the launch of his brand-new North Shore Nine weekday podcast, Off Beat with Alex Stumpf, which officially debuts tomorrow. Alex's new show will deliver a quick, beat-writer-style Pirates perspective every weekday in a 15-minute format, and while he's with us, we'll talk a little Pirates ball as well. And of course, we'll bring another edition of the NS9 Really Stupid Question segment. Opening Day is getting closer, roster decisions are heating up, and we've got plenty to sort through tonight on NS9LIVE! Use Promo Code NS930 for 30% off your first order at https://www.defer.coffee Use Promo Code NS9 for 30% off your first order at https://www.gritily.com Use Promo Code NORTHSHORENINE for $20 off your first order at https://www.seatgeek.com LIKE and SUBSCRIBE with NOTIFICATIONS ON if you enjoyed the show! NS9 MERCH: https://northshorenine.myshopify.com ►Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/NorthShoreNine ►Website: https://www.northshorenine.com ►Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/northshorenine ►TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@northshorenine ►Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northshorenine ►Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/northshorenine ►Discord: https://discord.gg/3HVYPg544m Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

93.7 The Fan's Jeff Hathhorn comes on The Fan Hotline to address the latest involving the Steelers, Pirates and Penguins with Dorin Dickerson and Pat Bostick.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason talked about Termarr Johnson being sent back to minor league camp and thinks he still is in good standing in the organization. Jason said Johnson is only 21 and will likely start in Triple A, so he's not behind schedule. Jason believes the plan is for Nick Gonzales to play SS to begin the season, assuming Konnor Griffin isn't here yet. What kind of options do the Pirates have to improve their defense? Jason disagrees with some of the others that cover the team and he feels like Griffin will begin the season at Triple A. Jason doesn't have a ton of concerns with the Pirates outfield, including Oneil Cruz and Bryan Reynolds. Do the Pirates have any worry about Paul Skenes throwing a lot of pitches in the World Baseball Classic?

The Raiders announced that the Ravens "backed out" of the Maxx Crosby trade. The Ravens turned around and signed Trey Hendrickson to a four-year, $112 million deal. Team USA Baseball lost 8-6 in the World Baseball Classic to Italy. Manager Mark DeRosa didn't know that Team USA hadn't clinched a spot in the quarterfinals.

In this hour of VSiN By The Books, hosts Dave Ross and Jensen Lewis recap yesterday's top sports headlines. Also on the show, Greg Peterson, host of VSiN's Coast to Coast Hoops podcast, joins the show to preview the college basketball conference tournament games. And, don't miss today's edition of the “Daily Diamond," as Jensen and Dave preview the Pittsburgh Pirates.  Get instant access to expert picks, public betting splits data, and pro betting tools when you join VSiN pro. Grab your first month for only $9.99 or take 17% off an annual subscription when you use promo code: POD26. Click Here to get started. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

THE FARR SIDE. The WBC continues as Team USA will take on Team Mexico tonight. Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher Paul Skenes is set to take the mound tonight against Mexico. Dodgers utility player Enrique Hernandez made comments that the WBC means more than the World Series. Over the weekend the Las Vegas Raiders made a trade. They traded all pro defensive lineman Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens. TIP OR NO TIP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Michael can see it either way with Konnor Griffin being on the MLB roster to start the year. Griffin hasn't ever failed in the minors and he needs to be mentally right. Henry Davis hit well the last two spring trainings, but Michael thinks he's using this spring differently to work out adjustments. What can Pirates fans expect from the Pirates young rotation, including Skenes and Bubba Chandler this year?

Paul Skenes dominated in the World Baseball Classic on Monday night. We dive into how Skenes continues to have success. The WBC is playoff baseball in March. The tournament has grown substantially this year and people care, which should continue every tournament. Matt shares with us his thoughts on what Henry Davis and Bubba Chandler need to do.

Devin Lloyd signed with the Panthers. Should the Steelers have signed Lloyd and trade Queen? John Smoltz said on the Fox Team USA World Baseball Classic broadcast that it's past due to win with Paul Skenes. It made us think about what the Pirates could look like in the postseason. RMU basketball lost to Detroit Mercy in the Horizon League semifinals. 

Former MLB pitcher Matt Clement talks to Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson from The Fan Hotline regarding how he's feeling about the Pirates with the season starting in a couple of weeks.

Yesterday's Sports is part of the Sports History Network - The Headquarters For Sports Yesteryear.YESTERDAY'S SPORTS HOME PAGEEPISODE SUMMARYIn Part 2, host Mark continues his in-depth conversation with Harv Aronson of Total Sports Recall, diving deeper into the dominance of 1970s sports dynasties. The discussion highlights how legendary teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers and Dallas Cowboys were built through scouting and late-round NFL Draft picks rather than first-round hype, with figures like Gil Brandt and Bill Nunn identifying hidden talent from small colleges.The episode also revisits Super Bowl XIII, Tony Dorsett's explosive performance, and the enduring Cowboys–Steelers Super Bowl rivalry, including reflections on Super Bowl XXX and how quarterback play shaped championship outcomes.The conversation expands into Olympic history and 1970s sports culture, covering the controversial 1972 USA men's basketball loss, the brilliance of Mark Spitz, and the unforgettable USA boxing team of the 1976 Olympics featuring Sugar Ray Leonard and Leon Spinks.Mark and Harv also reflect on boxing's golden era, from Ali vs. Frazier and the “Rumble in the Jungle” to Marvelous Marvin Hagler vs. Thomas Hearns, examining why the 1970s and 1980s produced some of the greatest fighters in sports history.Closing out the episode, the hosts compare the dominance of 1970s MLB teams like the Cincinnati Reds, Oakland A's, and Pittsburgh Pirates with today's era of parity, while reminiscing about classic TV programs like ABC's Wide World of Sports and the communal experience of watching big events before DVR and streaming existed.For fans of 1970s sports history, classic NFL rivalries, Olympic controversy, and boxing's golden age, this episode delivers a compact but powerful look at a transformative era in American sports.YESTERDAY'S SPORTS BACKGROUNDHost Mark Morthier grew up in New Jersey just across the river from New York City during the 1970s, a great time for sports in the area. He relives great moments from this time and beyond, focusing on football, baseball, basketball, and boxing. You may even see a little Olympic Weightlifting in the mix, as Mark competed for eight years. See Mark's book below.No Nonsense, Old School Weight Training: A Guide For People With Limited TimeRunning Wild: (Growing Up In The 1970s)

Paul Skenes will start today for Team USA against Mexico. The Steelers have re-signed Asante Samuel to a one-year, $4 million deal. The Steelers have re-signed Cole Holcomb to a two-year, $5 million contract. The Ravens traded two first-round picks for Maxx Crosby. The Ravens are definitely the current favorites in the AFC North. Penguins, Evgeni Malkin talk.

Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson react to some recent, public comments made by Pirates' GM Ben Cherington about prospect SS Konnor Griffin.

Send a textA five-story landmark from 1856 just became Pittsburgh's most intriguing clubhouse on the river. Its part rooftop restaurant, part private cigar lounge, part music venue, part distillery and much more. We step inside the Drawing Room to trace how a decrepit shell turned into a South Shore destination with a skyline overlook, historic structural beams saved from the past, and a culture obsessed with fit, not flash.We break down the vertical blueprint: a rooftop built for sunsets and city photos, an events floor that swings from weddings to corporate nights, a members-first cigar lounge with two simple rules and serious ventilation, a forthcoming restaurant concept shaped by neighborhood demand, and a ground-level deli, bottle shop, and distillery linking daily life to late nights. Along the way, we talk partnerships that matter city life, hotels, venues, local teams. They want highlight the riverfront so it becomes a destination circuit instead of a one-off stop. Draft week turns the volume up even more, with the Dan Patrick Show broadcasting from the Drawing Room and a calendar packed with parties, foundations, and live sets.Sports and city identity thread everything together. We swap memories of terrible towels and summer nights at the ballpark, and we wrestle with expectations: what “winning” really means, how culture beats clout in a clubhouse, and why a fanbase that fills seats and keeps TV numbers strong year after year. We explore the Pirates' outlook with their young talented arms, O'Neil Cruz's ceiling, and what it takes to keep generational stars through the lens of legacy deals and the city's history of creative solutions. If you care about urban revival, hospitality strategy, or how a curated community can turn a building into a beacon, this show is for you.Subscribe, share with a Pittsburgh friend, and leave a review to help more people find the show. What would you add to the South Shore to make it the city's next great night out?https://www.thedistillerycomplex.com/ https://www.thedrawingroompgh.com/ THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!!www.holdmycutter.com

Ben Maller (produced by Danny G.) has a great Friday for you! Ben is joined by Robby Incmikoski, author and photographer of Sacred Grounds! They talk ballparks, baseball life, and the stories behind his stunning new book. A longtime listener of the Ben Maller Show, Robby brings 16 seasons of Big League experience as a field reporter and host with the Minnesota Twins, Pittsburgh Pirates, and Texas Rangers. He and Ben swap tales from the road—planes, trains, automobiles, and all the weirdness that comes with living inside Major League Baseball’s traveling circus. It’s a deep dive into ballpark culture, behind‑the‑scenes moments, and the places that become sacred to fans and players alike! ...Follow, rate & review "The Fifth Hour!" https://podcasts.apple.com/us/grpodcast/the-fifth-hour-with-ben-maller/id1478163837 #BenMallerSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The 2026 edition of the World Baseball Classic is off and running, with a few games of pool play already in the books, including Team Japan mercy-ruling Team Chinese Taipei following a historic second inning. With Shohei Ohtani hitting a grand slam and Japan scoring 10 runs, the defending WBC champs are putting all challengers officially on notice. On this episode of Baseball Bar-B-Cast, Jake Mintz and Jordan Shusterman talk about the opening games, including Yoshinobu Yamamoto picking up where he left off last October and Team Australia getting off to a hot 2–0 start in Pool C. They then preview all the other games set to take place this weekend, including Team USA kicking off their quest for gold tonight and make their picks for who will win the whole tournament. Later, Jake and Jordan talk about the Texas Rangers signing veteran Andrew McCutchen to a MiLB deal after some weirdness with the Pittsburgh Pirates and Houston Astros shortstop Jeremy Peña being out for a few weeks with a fractured finger. They then make their picks for this week's edition of The Good, The Bad & The Uggla, which includes the lame WBC uniforms and the incredible scenes from Team Dominican Republic's exhibition game in the DR. 1:35 – The Opener: Ohtani, Yamamoto lead Japan in win 9:59 – Recapping other opening WBC games 31:07 – Previewing weekend WBC slate 40:04 – WBC predictions 50:49 – Around the League: McCutchen to Rangers 56:12 – Jeremy Peña is injured 57:50 – The Good, The Bad & The Uggla Subscribe to Baseball Bar-B-Cast on your favorite podcast app:

Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect Konnor Griffin has become the hottest name in the hobby for baseball collectors this spring, but can he possibly live up to the hype this season? Cody & Bubba talk about his booming card market, why now could be the best time to sell his cards and why there might be reasons to believe the best is yet to come on the latest edition of Wax Packs & Warning Tracks! Go to Mojobreak.com to get a spot in all the latest baseball breaks & more! Visit our shop in Santa Clara or order online at mojobreakshop.com Watch this episode on our Mojobreak Media YouTube channel - https://youtu.be/NUoN_bAUR24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a textKen Macha, former Pittsburgh Pirates player and seasoned baseball manager, takes us on a riveting journey through his extraordinary career. From his formative days as a bench coach with the Oakland Athletics to taking the helm as their manager, Ken shares the pivotal moments that shaped his approach to coaching and management. Alongside Greg Brown and co-host Michael McKenry, we dive into fascinating anecdotes from Ken's playing days under the legendary Dick Williams in Montreal, his stint in Japan, and his strategic transition to minor league management. Listeners will gain invaluable insights into Ken's unique path in baseball, marked by both triumphs and challenges.Discover Ken Macha's intriguing athletic journey that began amidst the competitive sports culture at Gateway High School, where he balanced a love for swimming and baseball. Despite the school's football dominance, Ken's dedication to his passions led to memorable experiences, culminating in a celebrated career with the Pittsburgh Pirates and his induction into the Pitt Hall of Fame. Hear about his minor league beginnings and the often grueling path to the majors, including the trials of limited playing time and the emotional highs and lows of narrowly missing significant baseball milestones with the Montreal Expos.Ken also shares the importance of mastering baseball fundamentals and the strategic nuances that differentiate high-budget teams from those that must perfect their craft to compete. Reflect on his time with the Oakland A's, and the development of future stars like Tim Hudson and Barry Zito, accentuating the critical role of analytics and player belief in building a winning team. Join us as Ken Macha offers a rich tapestry of baseball history, filled with wisdom, humor, and reflections that celebrate the transformative journey of this beloved sport.THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!!www.holdmycutter.com

There is an excitement in the Pirates clubhouse and have a lot of guys that embody the blue-collar aspect of Pittsburgh. Mangum has an exciting style of play with speed and defense the backbone of it. Evgeni Malkin was ejected from the game last night against Buffalo. Joe compared it to a rock fight. Joe thinks people need to relax with the Malkin talk and him snapping has nothing to do with his contract.

Fan trading cards from Joe. Donny Football joins to talk about his wedding. The Pirates said thank you and good luck to Andrew McCutchen. The Penguins are reportedly shopping Stuart Skinner before the trade deadline. Dianna Russini reported that the Ravens are monitoring the Maxx Crosby trade sweepstakes.

Joe talked to Susan Wagner, who made the Roberto Clemente and Bill Mazeroski statues. The Pirates said goodbye, for now, to Andrew McCutchen. Joe thinks that McCutchen should have a statue. If Andrew McCutchen plays more than 20 games in the outfield, Joe will take Austin and Donny to a steak dinner. Jake Mangum is 2-2 today after joining the show.

Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson react OF/DH Andrew McCutchen deciding to sign a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers.

Nick Kirby recaps the Cincinnati Reds' dominant spring training exhibition win over Team Cuba, breaking down the biggest takeaways and standout performances from the game. Nick dives into all the key storylines, including which players impressed, what it could mean for roster battles, and the latest developments coming out of Reds camp. Later in the episode, Nick is joined by Greg Kuffner and Craig Sandlin to discuss the Reds' trade with the Pittsburgh Pirates that sent Tyler Callihan to Pittsburgh in exchange for right-handed reliever Kyle Nicolas. They break down what Nicolas brings to the Reds bullpen, why the Reds made the move, and what it means for the team moving forward.     Today's Episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LWRedobG79o      OTHER CHATTERBOX PROGRAMING:   Chatterbox Bengals: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/chatterbox-bengals-a-cincinnati-bengals-nfl-podcast/id1652732141  Chatterbox Bearcats: https://chatterboxbearcats.podbean.com/  The Stone Shields Show: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/west-4th-and-long/id1828384424  Off The Bench: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/off-the-bench-by-chatterbox-sports/id1643010062  The Flyin Lion (FC Cincinnati): https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-flyin-lion-fc-cincinnati-podcast/id1701368522  513 Golf: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLjPJjEFaBD7VUSfdVvGjbr1_CmCepLWpr    DSC Commodities: https://deepsouthcommodities.com/  CALL OR TEXT 988 FOR HELP DAY OR NIGHT: https://mantherapy.org

The Bills are acquiring wide receiver DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears. Andrew McCutchen has signed a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers. Bob is happy for McCutchen. Should the Pirates build Andrew McCutchen a statue?

The NHL trade deadline is tomorrow at 3 p.m. What should the Penguins do? Andrew McCutchen has signed a minor-league deal with the Texas Rangers. Evgeni Malkin has been playing very well for the Penguins, but questions remain about his contract.

Dan Kingerski of Pittsburgh Hockey Now has reported that the NHL has still not approved Fenway Sports Group's sale of the Penguins to the Hoffman Family. Should Kyler Murray play baseball? Rest in Peace Lou Holtz. Joey Bart is taking ground balls at first base. The Pirates traded Kyle Nicolas to the Reds for INF/OF Tyler Callihan.

Jeff shares what he would do at the NHL trade deadline. We would be ok with no moves. Jeff is rooting for Andrew McCutchen and thought it would have been weird for McCutchen to just be a minimal impact guy in Pittsburgh, but can elsewhere. Jeff said that his viewpoint is still that Rodgers is option 1A.

Should the Steelers have traded for DJ Moore? The Bills traded a second rounder for Moore, who has at least $40 million in guarantees on his contract. The Penguins host the Sabres. Jeff thinks Andrew McCutchen deserves a statue for what he did for the Pirates. A generation of Pirates fans was led by him. Pirates fast stats history!

93.7 The Fan's Jeff Hathhorn comes on The Fan Hotline to address the latest in Pittsburgh sports with Adam Crowley, Dorin Dickerson and Pat Bostick.

Pirates insider Jason Mackey joined the show. Jason reacted to Andrew McCutchen signing a minor league deal with the Rangers. He stands behind the Pirates making the right move by letting Cutch walk this time around. Jason isn't sure how the Pirates ever cool these waters with Cutch and what it could look like if he balls out in Texas. Jason gets the feel that Konnor Griffin is bound for Triple A based on how the spring has gone so far. Jason doesn't think Griffin will be upset by the move because it could be the right move for him right now. Who is Tyler Callihan and why did the Pirates let go of a reliever for him? Jason said Justin Lawrence opened some eyes this spring coming off an injury that cut short 2025.

The top 100 MLB players. Paul Skenes is No. 6. If you had to start a franchise with Drew Allar or Will Howard, Bob picks Will Howard.

Vegas has upped the Pirates win total to 78.5. The previous line was 72.5 and over 90% of bets were on the over, making it the most bet MLB team. Are you interested in the World Baseball Classic? Bob is watching for Paul Skenes. Jeff Patton of Baseball Card Castle joined the show for Starkey's Card of the Week.

We start the show by talking about our lingo. How are you feeling about the Pirates?? Joe wants to see the Pirates be good and is tapping into his young soul heart. Joe is locked in to watching spring training games. Are you pumped to watch the Pirates? We hear from Pirates fans about their optimism.

A trip into Starkey's mailbag. How many games will the Pirates be out of first place when Konnor Griffin is called up? Joe thinks they WILL be in first place. When you think Ben Roethlisberger, what comes to mind for you? Joe thinks Hall of Fame. Clint Hurdle said in 2013 the Pirates could win 95 games, and they did win 94.

Intern Dom joined the show. Dom thinks Don Kelly is already on the hot seat. Dom thinks Caleb Williams is the second-best quarterback in the NFL. Dom's take on Syracuse, the Steelers, the Steelers report card, and other Pittsburgh news!

Gauging Pirates fans interest in this year. Joe asks two people in Arizona to golf with him this weekend?! Joe thinks the Pirates should finish second in the division. Joe is in a Home Run League fantasy league. We are excited for the Pirates this season for many reasons.

Pirates' broadcaster Neil Walker comes on The Fan Hotline to address the latest developments from the team in Spring Training with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.

With the offensive improvements getting most of the attention for the Pirates in Spring Training so far, Adam Crowley, Dorin Dickerson and Nicholas "Harry" Callas wonder if the pitching staff is going to be as reliable as many fans seem to assume.

93.7 The Fan's Jeff Hathhorn comes on The Fan Hotline to address the latest involving the Penguins, Pirates and Steelers with Adam Crowley and Dorin Dickerson.

Former MLB pitcher Matt Clement joined the show. Matt talked about the challenge players may have going from Spring Training to the World Baseball Classic, back to spring games then the regular season. He said the schedule can be wonky for someone like Paul Skenes, who is pitching for Team USA. The guys pointed out some pitch limits for guys in the WBC. Matt doesn't think Skenes will go close to a 95-pitch limit in a game with the US. Matt thinks a deal happening could be the difference between Konnor Griffin being on the Opening Day roster and not – no deal likely means he will start in Triple A. The guys asked Matt about meeting Tony Gwynn and a loaded Padres team that was fresh off a World Series appearance. Matt said he was in awe of pretty much everything during his first spring. Matt talked about Gwynn's masterful work at the plate and how he could have hit more home runs if he really wanted to. Matt was surprised to find out he never gave up a HR to Ken Griffey Jr. Matt had some funny stories about facing Barry Bonds early in his MLB career. We looked through some other funny Matt stats from his playing days.

The Cardinals extend manager Oliver Marmol, Tarik Skubal has high praise for Tigers' prospect Kevin McGonigle, and the World Baseball Classic is about to begin. Buster Olney and David Schoenfield discuss. Plus, the guys draft World Series hopefuls that have the best chances of unseat the Los Angeles Dodgers. Then, Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer stops by to talk about how his perspective on the WBC has changed, recruiting Alex Bregman, what to expect from Pete Crow-Armstrong after a tough second half of 2025, and why Michael Busch is one of the league's most underrated players. Later, Buster previews the Cleveland Guardians and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Finally, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 David Schoenfield 9:45 Non-Dodger Contender Draft 20:19 Cubs GM Jed Hoyer 37:01 Headlines 38:15 Cleveland Guardians preview 39:39 Pittsburgh Pirates preview 40:51 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEET Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Cardinals extend manager Oliver Marmol, Tarik Skubal has high praise for Tigers' prospect Kevin McGonigle, and the World Baseball Classic is about to begin. Buster Olney and David Schoenfield discuss. Plus, the guys draft World Series hopefuls that have the best chances of unseat the Los Angeles Dodgers. Then, Chicago Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer stops by to talk about how his perspective on the WBC has changed, recruiting Alex Bregman, what to expect from Pete Crow-Armstrong after a tough second half of 2025, and why Michael Busch is one of the league's most underrated players. Later, Buster previews the Cleveland Guardians and the Pittsburgh Pirates. Finally, Buster answers your questions during Bleacher Tweets. 0:00 David Schoenfield 9:45 Non-Dodger Contender Draft 20:19 Cubs GM Jed Hoyer 37:01 Headlines 38:15 Cleveland Guardians preview 39:39 Pittsburgh Pirates preview 40:51 Bleacher Tweets CALL THE SHOW: 406-404-8460 EMAIL THE SHOW: BleacherTweets@gmail.com REACH OUT ON X: #BLEACHERTWEET Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send a textWhat if the trait that decides who wins isn't talent or likability, but an unshakable need to get better? We dive straight into the fire with Mike Berger—Pittsburgh native, catcher-turned-coach, and longtime executive—to redefine “makeup” as the raw drive that outlasts comfort, politics, and pain. It's not a mood or a mantra; it's doing the hard thing again tomorrow. We separate makeup from character and test that idea against polarizing names—from Barry Bonds to Trevor Bauer—without flinching.This is a story-driven tour through baseball's back rooms and dugouts. Berger traces a life in the game: catching in big league spring at 18, missing a long-awaited callup, then finding his future through a chance phone reservation that led to a 35-year marriage. We unpack how regimes protect “their guys,” why timing is brutal, and how a player-coach role accelerates leadership. Along the way, we get practical tools—reading swing angles, rehabbing around pain, and using the lineup to build the right reps. One gem: pushing a slumping Fernando Tatis Sr. into the leadoff spot to force more high-quality at-bats. It wasn't about optics; it was about outcomes.What holds it all together is a clean framework: confidence creates momentum, momentum produces success. Not empty hype—earned confidence that comes from real adjustments and honest feedback. We spotlight the leaders who can steward that process: Jim Leyland and Chuck Tanner as people-first masters; the “glue guys” who stabilize rooms; and the elite “cleaners” whose edge must be harnessed, not sanded down. From Pirates lore and family legacy to modern scouting rooms, this conversation threads past and present to show how teams actually get better.If you value straight talk, layered stories, and practical insight you can use—on the field or at work—press play. Then tell us: is greatness worth the rough edges if the work never lies? Subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review with your take on makeup vs. character.THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!!www.holdmycutter.com