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....

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...

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...

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...

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...

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.

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.