The Baseball Bucket List Podcast

John Southard is a life-long Rangers fan living in Fort Worth, Texas. He works as a Brand Historian for an archival company called Heritage Werks, and works closely with the Rangers to curate exhibits and displays that highlight the team’s history. We chat about how he found what many people would consider to be a dream job, what the process of working with a new team is like, and some favorite artifacts he’s encountered. We also discuss how his love for the game developed at a young age, partly in thanks to his dad studying pitching mechanics as a kinesiology professor, and how he was infamously forced to leave Nolan Ryan’s 7th no-hitter early to beat traffic. Find the full show notes and transcript here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-151-john-southard/ Find John Online: Instagram: @southardspeaks Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Eric Vickrey is a Cardinals fan living in Seattle who has also developed a soft spot for the Mariners. He fell in love with the game thanks to growing up in the St. Louis area and developing a penchant for collecting baseball cards as a kid. Eric is also the author of two baseball books, including his latest about post World War II baseball and the tragic 1946 Spokane Indians bus crash. Eric chats with Anna about how the pandemic provided an opportunity to channel passion into publishing, the fateful ’46 crash, and about witnessing the Cards game six heroics in 2011. Find the full show notes and episode transcript here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-150-eric-vickrey/ Find Eric Online: Twitter: @eric_vickrey Website: ericvickrey.com Buy the Book: Amazon | Rowman & Littlefield Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

David Tinnes is a Mets fan from Rochester, New York who found the game in 2017 after he was asked to chaperone a school field trip to Citi Field. Since that trip, David has jumped in head-first with baseball, including taking on his own year of playing catch every single day. Anna and David discuss what hooked him on the Mets, some of the lessons he’s learned through his catch playing journey, how to be a tourist in your own city, and how baseball truly does bring people together. Find the complete transcript and show notes here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-149-david-tinnes/ Find David Online: Facebook: @david.tinnes Email: dtinnes527@gmail.com Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Since we last chatted with Matt Graifer, affectionately known as The Young Professor, he's embarked on an extraordinary journey from the classroom to the ballpark as the in-game host for none other than The Savannah Bananas. Just two summers ago, Matt juggled multiple roles as a full-time teacher, the on-field host for the Daytona Tortugas, and the Banananouncer. However, the Bananas' meteoric rise to fame has helped propel Matt into the world of entertainment on a full-time basis. Anna and Matt dive into the whirlwind of the past few years and discuss what it's like to perform in front of crowds exceeding 40,000 people in a major league ballpark. It's an important conversation about camaraderie, positivity, and the transformative power of chasing your dreams. Read the full show notes and transcript here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/extra-innings-young-professor-matt-graifer/ Listen to Matt's first episode here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-050-young-professor/ Find The Young Professor Online: Twitter: @YoungProfessorG Facebook: @YoungProfessorG Instagram: @youngprofessorg Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

David Ostrowsky is a Red Sox fan and author from the Boston area. In this episode, Anna and David explore the nostalgic charm of Fenway Park and the early 2000 Red Sox, as well as David’s latest biography on Roberto Alomar. Alomar, a once celebrated Hall of Famer known for his remarkable career as a second baseman, has recently faced a downfall due to serious allegations, leading to a ban from baseball and erasure from its history. Anna and David delve into the challenging aspects of idolizing athletes and the struggle fans face in separating athlete’s professional achievements from their personal failings. They also share their thoughts on the All-Star Game and Home Run Derby, and their shared longing for the return of team uniforms to the midsummer classic. Find David Online: Twitter: @ostrowskyauthor Facebook: David Ostrowsky, Author Rowman & Littlefield: Purchase the Book Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Scott Bolohan grew up outside of Detroit and is a long-time Tigers fan, who also has a soft spot for the Yankees, thanks to his job as a Yankee Stadium Tour Guide. Scott played baseball his whole life, even after suffering a UCL tear in high school, and still travels to Italy each year to play a tournament with his grad school team the Oxford Kings of the British Baseball Federation. Scott and Anna discuss the importance of the fundamentals, arm health, and the current state of youth baseball in America. They also chat about The Twin Bill – a quarterly baseball literary journal Scott started during the pandemic. Read the full show notes and episode transcript here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-147-scott-bolohan/ Find Scott & The Twin Bill Online: Twitter: @thetwinbill | @scottbolohan Instagram: @thetwinbill Website: thetwinbill.com Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Josh Rawitch is the President of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in Cooperstown, NY. A long-time baseball executive, he’s spent nearly three decades in the game, primarily with the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Arizona Diamondbacks before being tapped to run the HOF in 2021. Josh and Anna disucss how he got started in the baseball world, how his love for the game has changed over the years, and what it’s like to go to work at your dream job everyday. They also discuss how the Hall of Fame plays a huge role in connecting generations of baseball fans, some of Josh’s favorite exhibits, and how players react when they find out they’ve been voted into the Hall. Find the full show notes and transcript here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-146-josh-rawitch/ Find Josh and the HOF Online: Twitter: @HOFprez | @baseballhall Facebook: @baseballhall Instagram: @baseballhall Youtube: @baseballhall Website: baseballhall.org Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Sandro Prosperino is a New York Yankees fan who rediscovered his love for the game through a unique journey with his son, Kori. Sandro shares how their father-son tradition of attending baseball games across the country, particularly centered around All-Star Games, became a priceless vehicle for bonding. Visit the show notes page to read Kori’s essay about how he came to realize these trips were about way more than baseball. Anna and Sandro also discuss how the All-Star tradition came to be, the absurd amount of walk-off wins Sandro has witnessed, what’s next for the duo, and what it’s like to be family friends with Bobby Bonilla. Find the full transcript and read Kori's essay here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-145-sandro-prosperino/ Find Sandro Online: Twitter: @San3man Facebook: @sandro.prosperino Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Michael Ortman is a Washington Nationals fan now living in Florida. He grew up a Senators fan and attended his first Opening Day in 1970. For the next 50 years, Michael was at every Opening Day. Even after his beloved Senators were relocated to Texas, he found a way to keep the streak alive – spanning three cities, six ballparks, and five different home teams. His half-century streak is chronicled in his book Opening Day: 50-for-50. Michael and Anna discuss how the streak came to be, what it was like to lose and gain a team 33 years apart, and how the 2019 World Series was the perfect cherry on top of an incredible 50 year story. Find Michael Online: Website: openingday5050.com Facebook: openingday5050 Buy the book Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Ethan Bryan is the author of “A Year of Playing Catch” which chronicles his project of playing catch for 365 days straight. He originally appeared in Episode 40 where he shared his entire baseball story. In this episode we discuss some new research which highlights the importance of play, and how the perfect storm of Covid and an increase in screen time have led to a new epidemic of isolation and loneliness, and how a simple game of catch can combat those effects. We also touch on some exciting things Ethan has planned for the year, including a visit to Friendly Baseball, The Rippey Ruckus, and an important presentation he’ll be giving at the Cooperstown Symposium in May. Find Ethan Online: Website: https://www.ethanbryan.com/ Book: Amazon | Barnes&Noble Twitter: @Ethan_Bryan Facebook: @EthanBryanStories Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Jason Skinner is a Cubs fan from Bourne, UK. Despite the geographical distance from the game, Jason and his family developed a deep connection to American baseball. Their household boasts a unique dynamic where each member supports a different team; his wife cheers for the Braves (and has a soft spot for the Cardinals), while their son is a Phillies fan. We discuss the family's baseball adventures across the United States. Having visited 39 states and numerous ballparks, they've experienced more of America than many natives. We also delve into what drew Jason to baseball, how the Cubs captured his heart, and his insights on the sport's growing popularity in the UK. Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Mark Zubizarreta is a life-long Texas Rangers fan and the founder of Friendly Baseball in North Texas. From his early days selling hot dogs at The Ballpark in Arlington to witnessing his Rangers clinch a World Series title, Mark shares his unique perspective on what makes baseball more than just a game. Join us as we explore the close-knit community of ballpark staff and season ticket holders, reminisce about the glory days at the old park, and discuss the transition to Globe Life Field. Mark also takes us behind the scenes of Friendly Baseball, a grassroots initiative that brings people together every Monday during the summer for pick-up baseball games. It's a story of friendship, community, and the love of the game that you won't want to miss. View the full show notes and read the episode transcript here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-142-mark-zubizarreta/ Find Friendly Baseball Online: Twitter: @FriendlyBasebal Facebook: Friendly Baseball Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Karen Cordaway lives in Connecticut and found her love for baseball shortly after becoming a new mom. We discuss how Karen was captivated not by her town's favorite — The New York Yankees — but instead by the early 2000s Boston Red Sox. We dive into exactly what it was about the Sox that drew her in and explore the emotional rollercoaster of losing connection with the team as players moved on. She also gives a first-hand account of what it was like to be at Fenway Park the day of the Boston City Marathon bombing, and how the city rallied together to become “Boston Strong” in the aftermath. Karen is the host of The Everyday Bucket List Podcast, and together, we discuss the beauty of unplanned adventures in sports and life, highlighting how sometimes the most memorable moments aren't those we spend months planning or pour money into but are spontaneous decisions made in search of fun. Read the show notes and full transcript here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-141-karen-cordaway/ Find Karen Online: Twitter: @KarenCordaway Pinterest: @EverydayBucketList Website: karencordaway.com Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Andy Littleton grew up in Tucson, Arizona as a fan of the Oakland A’s. Despite being a fan of the Athletics as a kid, Andy now cheers for the Chicago Cubs - a change spurred by a poignant and personal story of loss and remembrance. Andy opens up about losing his best friend Sam, a massive Cubs fan, in a tragic accident, how baseball has played a crucial role in his grieving process, and the touching way Andy plans to honor Sam's memory through their shared love for baseball. Andy also recounts an entrepreneurial ticket scheme from his past, reminisces about the Tucson Toros, and discusses how he found his way back to baseball during challenging times. This episode is an emotional rollercoaster that beautifully illustrates the power of sports in healing and remembering those we've lost. It's a story of friendship, loss, hope, and the unbreakable bonds forged through the love of the game. Find Andy Online: Website: andylittleton.com Instagram: @andygramz Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Author Patrick Montgomery joins Anna for an episode of Extra Innings. Fans of the show might recall our fascinating conversation last year about his book The Baseball Miracle of The Splendid Six. Patrick left us eagerly anticipating his next work, hinting at a project that delves into one of baseball's most perplexing mysteries: why do some players, despite high expectations, simply fizzle out? Patrick's new book, Baseball’s Great Expectations, set to hit shelves on March 5th, tackles this very question. For anyone who's ever been puzzled by a player's unmet potential, Patrick's latest offering promises to be an incredible read. Drawing from interviews with players, their families, and coaches, Patrick explores the often intangible reasons behind a player's failure to excel. From the understandable—such as injuries and bad timing—to the more elusive factors that leave fans and analysts scratching their heads, Baseball’s Great Expectations seeks to uncover what happens when promise doesn't translate into performance. In today’s episode, we dive into some of the intriguing insights from Patrick’s research and discuss the stories that didn't make it into the book. We also catch up on Patrick’s own baseball bucket list and discuss what’s next for him in his journey as a baseball fan. Find the full show notes and transcript here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/extra-innings-patrick-montgomery/ Find Patrick Online: Twitter: @MontgomeryBook Facebook: @Ptmontgomerybook Website: tdmonty0.com Order the Book: Rowman & Littlefield | Amazon | B&N | Bookshop.org | Books-a-Million Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Dixie Tourangeau was born and raised in Central Massachusetts. Despite living near the dividing line of the battleground between Red Sox and Yankees fans, Dixie's allegiance lies in an unexpected direction. We'll chat about how Dixie first fell in love with baseball, the method behind his team loyalty, and his extensive involvement with SABR (Society for American Baseball Research). As the creative force behind the Play Ball! Calendar for nearly 25 years, Dixie has not only educated fans on baseball history but also even potentially influenced Veterans Committee elections into the Hall of Fame. And, even though he’s witnessed three no-hitters live, Dixie recounts an even rarer event that he was present for. Something so unique it has only happened once in the history of the game. View show notes, images, and read the full interview transcript here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-139-dixie-tourangeau/ Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Gary Livingston is a Chicago Cubs fan living near San Antonio, Texas. We dive into Gary's love for the game, rooted in his Chicago upbringing and fueled by memorable experiences like attending his first game at Wrigley Field on bat night. Gary shares his experiences working in minor league baseball, covering everything from college radio to interning with the Texas Rangers, and working in the Double-A Texas League. He also shares stories of memorable moments with rising stars like Adam Jones and Felix Hernandez during his time with the San Antonio Missions and provides a behind-the-scenes look at the inner workings of the sport. View show notes and read the full interview transcript here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-138-gary-livingston/ Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Tomi Korkeamaki is a Miami Marlins fan from Vaasa, Finland. In 2016, with their October honeymoon planned for Miami, Tomi and his wife were rooting for the Marlins to make the postseason to have a chance to see live baseball while in America. That was of course the year of José Fernandez’s tragic death, which would happen just a few weeks before Tomi and his wife left for Miami. Even though he wouldn’t get a chance to see them play in person, Tomi continued to follow along with the Marlins from overseas and became more and more attached to the team. We discuss the process of Tomi finding his way to the Marlins, how he and his friend Ville started the podcast Baseball Terapia – which translates to Baseball Therapy, and we hear an incredible story about a random baseball Tomi pulled out of a bucket of balls being sold at a market. Read the full interview transcript here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-137-tomi-korkeamaki/ Find Tomi Online: Twitter: @tkorkeamaki MLB.com article about Tomi: https://www.mlb.com/news/the-marlins-fan-in-finland Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Alex Goldberg is a long-time O’s fan who grew up in the DC area. After leaving DC, he moved to New York before eventually landing in California where he currently resides and works as a playwright, screenwriter, and director. We hear stories about three World Series games Alex has seen across three different decades, and about a less-than-dramatic no-hitter featuring a clueless Craig Kimbrel. We also discuss why the best baseball movies don’t always have happy endings, and hear a hilarious story about Alex and his wife disagreeing over if they should root for a perfect game to be throw against one of their favorite teams while in enemy territory. Read the full interview transcript here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-136-alex-goldberg/ Find Alex Online: Website: alexgoldberg.net Twitter: @TheAlexGoldberg Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com --- Join us in Boston on June 8th to see the Savannah Bananas at iconic Fenway Park! Learn more at https://baseballbucketlist.com/boston

Jeremy Bever is a life-long Cubs fan from Indiana. Several years ago while Christmas shopping on Michigan Avenue in Chicago, he stumbled across a "loud" Cubs suit and decided to pair it with a Cubs fedora and sneakers to create his game day outfit. Jeremy and his wife are also on the tail end of seeing the Cubs play at all 30 ballparks, with just 5 parks left to go, so we discuss what got them started on that journey. We also discuss what it's like to be "the guy in the suit" at ballgames, and hear a hilarious story involving Hall of Fame broadcaster Pat Hughes and Jeremy’s mom. Find photos of Jeremy in his suit and read the full interview transcript here: https://baseballbucketlist.com/podcast/episode-135-jeremy-bever/ Find Jeremy Online: Twitter: @CrazyCubGuy Instagram: @CrazyCubGuy Find Baseball Bucket List Online: Twitter: @BaseballBucket Facebook: @BaseballBucketList Instagram: @Baseball.Bucket.List Website: baseballbucketlist.com This podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network: Twitter: @CurvedBrim Website: curvedbrimmedia.com