Tipping Pitches

Alex and Bobby run through a grab bag of topics from the last couple weeks, including David Stearns as the prodigal son, meet the new Trop (same as the old Trop), some certifiably Bad Vibes in San Diego, the end of The Chaim Bloom Era in Boston, the finer points of uniform typography, Yusei Kikuchi’s sleep habits, James Cameron’s “Titanic,” and more. They also talk to Allison McCague from A Pod of Their Own about their annual Dollars for Dingers fundraising drive in support of the National Domestic Violence Hotline and this weekend’s raffle in New York. Links: Dollars for Dingers Follow Allison on Twitter Follow A Pod of Their Own on Twitter Yusei Kikuchi’s need for sleep Rays announce new stadium deal Neil deMause on the Rays stadium news DEA documents show A-Rod named names Rangers announcers roast Mariners uniform kerning The Padres are facing an “institutional failure” Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: Smash Mouth — “Walkin’ On The Sun” • Jay-Z — “Change Clothes” • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

It had to be something special for the 300th episode: Alex and Bobby do a “power hour” while answering your questions, ranging from cities they’d want to live in, a fictional A-Rod and Taylor romance, eggplant parmesan vs. lasagna, and much more. Plus, they finally deliver on the long-promised two hour episode. Strap in! Links: Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: Fall Out Boy — “Our Lawyer Made Us Change the Name of This Song So We Wouldn't Get Sued” • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

Alex and Bobby discuss some mediocre yelling at clouds before moving on to talk about the Nationals’ mishandling of the Stephen Strasburg retirement situation. Then, they check in on a pair of lawsuits against MLB, before finishing with their favorite topic: the Nevada state legislature! Submit questions for a Tipping Pitches milestone Links: David Wells’ comments at Old Timers’ Day Two lawsuits against MLB advancing Nevada Schools Over Stadiums Jim Quinn on Tipping Pitches Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: Swearin’— “Untitled (LA)” • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

Alex and Bobby banter about infrastructure in Pennsylvania and the destruction of the cap shuffle in Washington, D.C., then discuss the rationale behind Arte Moreno’s waiver wire frenzy, Jerry Reinsdorf’s jarring lack of hobbies, and Brian Cashman and the Yankees’ inevitable turn to “outside consultants.” Submit questions for a Tipping Pitches milestone Links: Answering questions about the Angels’ waiver wire dump Reinsdorf on the 2023 White Sox Reinsdorf on the possibility of selling Reinsdorf on Mitch McConnell White Sox decline to hire diverse group of GM candidates Yankees bringing in outside consultants Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: The Cardigans — “Live and Learn” • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

Bobby and Alex return from summer break with a grab bag of topics in the latest edition of Three Up, Three Down, including the first-place Mariners, owners talking to reporters, Shohei Ohtani, a half dozen team plans to move, ESPN’s big bet, pizza reviews, the delay of Dune 2, and more. Links: John Angelos talks the future of the Orioles John Fisher talks the future of the A’s ESPN launching a sportsbook Shohei Ohtani fan account Tahoe Coffee Shop bans John Fisher Dave Portnoy’s pizza mafia Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: TKTK • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

Alex and Bobby take a trip to the Oakland Coliseum for a Bay Bridge Series protest game and report back on what they saw and heard, like “Sell the team” chants, sick Teamsters shirts, and a whole lot of passionate fans. Plus: Steve Cohen semi-open letter alert, and a programming note about the next couple weeks. Links: Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: Kool & the Gang — “Celebration” • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

Alex and Bobby reflect on a fun evening at the Brooklyn Cyclones game, then take stock of Rob Manfred’s legacy as his commissionership is renewed, check in on John Sherman’s quest for a new Royals ballpark and interrogate the concept of the “open letter,” react to the Max Scherzer trade, and celebrate six years of being bummed on July 31. Links: Rob Manfred re-elected as MLB commissioner John Sherman’s open letter to Royals fans Max Scherzer traded to the Rangers Ken Rosenthal on Steve Cohen’s investment in the Scherzer trade Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: Alabama — “I’m In A Hurry (And Don’t Know Why) • Bobby Brown — “Every Little Step” • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

At long last, Alex has selected the team he will switch his allegiances to. That's it! This is a podcast! Here's a podcast! Please listen! Thanks! Buy tickets for the Tipping Pitches Brooklyn Cyclones Meetup Submit questions for a Tipping Pitches milestone episode Links: Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: [REDACTED] • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

At long last, it's time for Alex to either publicly break up with the Oakland A's and find a new team or renew his vows to the Athletics. In part one of two, we go team-by-team through 20 of the 30 MLB teams to determine where they measure up on Alex's custom made rubric. In part two, we will finish the final 10, consider alternative visions of fandom, and make a final selection. Buy tickets for the Tipping Pitches Brooklyn Cyclones Meetup Submit questions for a Tipping Pitches milestone episode Links: Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: Whitmer Thomas — “Rigamarole” • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

Alex and Bobby discuss the ways MLB's Virtual Ballpark could actually supplement fans' experience, but instead serves as an uncanny reflection of the league's diverging interests. Then, they break down what it means for the Atlanta Braves to be officially listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Finally, they share their thoughts on what the 2023 season has brought us at the halfway point. Buy tickets for the Tipping Pitches Brooklyn Cyclones Meetup Submit questions for a Tipping Pitches milestone episode Links: MLB's Virtual All-Star Game Stadium Braves to split from Liberty Media later this month Inside the Alabama Baseball Betting Scandal Rob Manfred's Sportico Guest Essay Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: Dog Ears — “Midnight Sunburn” • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

Alex and Bobby talk about air quality and MLB’s discouraging response to hazardous climate events, the Royals stalling in contract talks with stadium workers, scouts suing the league over age discrimination, and the Orioles’ heartening Pride Night, then answer listener questions about a Castellini inheritance, Immaculate Grid strategy, Mets players who would risk it all for Mrs. Met, and more. Buy tickets for the Tipping Pitches Brooklyn Cyclones Meetup Submit questions for a Tipping Pitches milestone episode Links: Royals accused of stalling stadium worker deal Stadium workers file federal labor charges against Royals Scouts sue MLB over age discrimination Scenes from the Orioles’ Pride Night Immaculate Grid Pepsi Colachup is coming to stadiums for July 4th Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: Jimi Hendrix — “Purple Haze” • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

Bobby and Alex bring on Rowan University professor Debbie Sharnak to discuss MLB’s international presence, including the ways their practices overseas reflect imperialist desires, the U.S.’s long history of baseball as an export, the complicated proposal of an international draft, the impact of talent drain on international communities, the role of baseball academies in the sport’s global influence, and more. Submit questions for a Tipping Pitches milestone episode. Links: Two Dominican prospects sue the Angels Dodgers establish a “secret” baseball academy in Uganda Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: boygenius — "$20" • Sweet Pill — "Sucker Punch" • Green Day — "Longview" • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

In this episode, Alex and Bobby delve into the recent news surrounding the Oakland A's move to Las Vegas, dissect Rob Manfred's comments on the A's relocation efforts and his stance on Pride Nights across the league, and drill down into the implications of the recent spate of layoffs at The Athletic. Submit questions for a Tipping Pitches milestone episode. Links: Manfred on the A's potential move Manfred's comments on Pride Nights Bryce Harper's comments on the A's situation A's stadium deal wins final legislative approval in Nevada MLB intends to curb team spending on tech Layoffs at The Athletic Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: TOPS — “Petals” • Jim Croce — “You Don’t Mess Around With Jim” • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

It's here. At long last. Bobby and Alex comb through the recently-released MLB Collective Bargaining Agreement and discuss the parts of it that that stand out beyond the headline items, including sports betting, international play, service time manipulation, grievances, market sizes, uniform regulations, and more. Links: The Collective Bargaining Agreement Evan Drellich’s breakdown of the CBA Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: Daryl Hall and John Oates — "Rich Girl" • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

Alex and Bobby touch on Bally Sports making way for blackout-free baseball in San Diego, then welcome on journalist and stadium economics expert Neil deMause to try and dream up the ideal community-integrated ballpark, exploring the history of baseball in urban areas, the long shadow of mallparks, the ruthless efficiency of today’s mixed-used development stadiums, what ethical engagement with surrounding neighborhoods looks like, and much more. Follow Neil on Twitter @neildemause. Links: MLB takes over Padres broadcasts CityNerd’s top 10 urbanist ballparks Field of Schemes Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: Roky Erikson — “Starry Eyes” • The Chicks — Texas Man” • snow ellet — “In Reverie” • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

Bobby and Alex wonder if AI is coming for Alex Rodriguez’s pod spokesperson duties and discuss the potential perils of Amazon’s palm recognition technology in baseball stadiums, then respond to a grab bag of listener topics, including another Billy Eppler masterclass, a reasonable Chicago sports talk radio caller, baseball heists, Oppenheimer vs. Barbie, the new pitch sweeping the nation, and more. Links: Rockies bringing palm recognition tech to Coors Field Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: Paramore — "Big Man, Little Dignity" • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

Alex and Bobby banter about internet sleuthing in the golden age of sign stealing, then wade through the latest development in the Oakland A’s non-development, the Dodgers’ spineless response to Marco Rubio, and on-the-ground reporting from the Eras tour. Links: The Dodgers cave to right-wing concern trolling Statement from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Nevada lawmakers balk at public funding for A’s stadium Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: The Apples in Stereo — “Do You Understand” • Beach Bunny — “Sports” • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

Bobby and Alex try to figure out what the hell the Cardinals are doing with Willson Contreras, discuss a Baseball America series on artificial intelligence in baseball, and give updates on the Tipping Pitches Brooklyn Cyclones meetup in July. Then they welcome back friend of the pod and PUP guitarist Steve Sladkowski to talk about being on the road nonstop over the last couple years, the implications for AI’s emergence in the music industry, his strategy when shopping for vinyl, birthday buddy Brandon Belt’s slash line, and much more. Follow Steve on Twitter @sladkow. Links: Brooklyn Cyclones meetup interest form Maitreyi Anantharaman on the Cardinals’ Willson Contreras woes How AI could hone pitcher deliveries in real-time The scouting director of the future may be AI See PUP, Beach Bunny, and Pool Kids in NYC Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: PUP — "Full Blown Meltdown" • PUP — "Closure" • Pool Kids — "Talk Too Much" • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

Alex and Bobby discuss the role of the audiologist in society and reflect briefly on the ongoing WGA strike, then dive into a CBS Sports article about the potential for a front office union, Jerry Reinsdorf’s comments about the White Sox level of play, and the Angels concern over negative energy from the media. Then they bring on minor league pitcher and friend of the pod Trevor Hildenberger to discuss what it was like forming a whole dang minor league union, how the fight for a housing policy introduced many young players to the idea of organizing, how members went about deciding which issues to prioritize for their first CBA, and much more. Follow Trevor on Twitter at @t_hildy. Links: Baseball’s next unionization effort could be in front offices Jerry Reinsdorf talks the business of sports The Angels don’t appreciate negative energy from reporters Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: Parquet Courts — “Dust” • Thundercat — “Friend Zone” • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”

Alex and Bobby report back from the set of Alex Rodriguez’s documentary, then discuss MLB’s embrace of cryptocurrency products and how the failure of these entities is a blip on the league’s bottom line, how John Fisher and Dave Kaval’s gambit in Las Vegas backfired, and what baseball can learn from the Phoenix Suns and Phoenix Mercury’s game-changing new television rights deal. Links: Alex Rodriguez is shopping a documentary about his life Terra is still all over Nationals Park Terra co-founder is currently being sought for extradition A’s stadium math doesn’t add up A’s don’t deserve public funding from Las Vegas Suns & Mercury strike game-changing TV deal Join the Tipping Pitches Patreon Tipping Pitches merchandise Songs featured in this episode: HAIM (feat. Taylor Swift) — “Gasoline” • Booker T & the M.G.’s — “Green Onions”