Rank #1: David Wright Shares All-Star Memories, His Walk Through CITI Field, and Plans for the Future

“Captain America,” Mets legend David Wright joins Mark and Mike on this episode. The seven time all-star and WBC hero takes you behind the scenes of his emotional farewell at CitiField in New York, that included walking the concourse in full uniform!
You will also hear what rattled him most about returning to the team after rehabbing excruciating back injuries, why he decided to write a book after retiring, and whether the former Mets captain intends to remain part of the game after 14 seasons as the face of their franchise.
Jan 20 2021
43mins
Rank #2: Jim Hughes' Immediate Love for Rawlings Gloves & His Career as a Rep

There is nothing more exciting for a young fan than getting their first baseball glove. The feel and smell of the new leather, and of course, breaking it in! An indelible sensory experience that inexorably links you to the game forever.
No one knows that better than Jim Hughes who just retired after nearly 40 years with Rawlings, the official glove of MLB.
Jim shares his favorite memories of the countless players he’s outfitted, their quirks and requests, the megadeals he’s done and the surprising life that led him to him becoming among “The Finest in the Field.”
Jan 13 2021
57mins
Rank #3: Emmy Award Winner Alanna Rizzo Talks the 2020 Season and Witnessing a World Series Win

Dodgers sideline star, Alanna Rizzo, one of baseball’s best and most popular broadcasters talks Tinseltown and titles on this episode of Major League Beginnings! This Emmy award winner shares the crazy “bubble backstory” of the Dodgers 2020 run that was capped by their World Series championship. You will hear how she landed her LA gig, why she nearly “passed” on it, what the legendary Vin Scully meant to her, and how she sees womens’ roles in the changing landscape of Major League Baseball. Plus, how you can support her foundation to help rescue animals, guidrysguardian.org !
Jan 06 2021
39mins
Rank #4: C.J. Nitkowski on Analytics and Movie Magic

One of baseball’s sharpest and most engaging storytellers joins the guys on this episode of Major League Beginnings. Former big league pitcher, CJ Nitkowski, brings years of globetrotting playing experience and next-gen analytics into his current role as color analyst for the Texas Rangers.
CJ takes you along on the rollercoaster ride of his professional life. A first round pick who played 10 seasons in the majors, Japan and Korea, CJ also takes us with him as he was cast in the Jackie Robinson biopic, “42,” and into his current, seemingly ubiquitous broadcasting career.
Jan 06 2021
51mins
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Rank #5: Alex Gordon on Pine Tar, the World Series, Mike Sweeney, and Switching Positions

Royals royalty, Alex Gordon joins the podcast!
Alex honors fans and teammates as he tells us what went into his decision to retire in 2020 after 14 seasons with the team he grew up rooting for, the Kansas City Royals. One of the game’s great defenders opens up about the pressures of KC’s 2015 title run, what he learned from dealing with high expectations and failure early in his career, playing in the shadow of Hall of Famer, George Brett, and what the next chapter of his life will look like.
Alex Gordon, on life, legacy and a “jersey full of pine tar” on this episode of Major League Beginnings.
Dec 30 2020
44mins
Rank #6: Grass Roots Baseball with Jean Fruth and Jeff Idelson

A big-time double-play on this edition of Major League Beginnings!
First, go inside Cooperstown when we visit with Jeff Idelson, the former president of baseball’s Hall of Fame. Jeff shares his favorite moments from his 11 year tenure atop sports’ grandest museum. Hear the craziest behind the scenes stories from the annual induction ceremonies and Jeff reveals the Hall’s hidden gems you can’t afford to miss when you visit Cooperstown.
Then, learn about the perfect gift for the fan in your life, when Jeff and renowned photographer Jean Fruth share stories from their latest project, “Grassroots Baseball: Where Legends Begin.” This beautifully designed hardcover coffee table book features 250 of Jean’s spectacular images from around the world illustrating the beauty of the game enhanced with essays written by baseball’s greatest players! Be sure to visit www.majorleaguebeginnings.com to order your legendary player autographed edition today!
Dec 18 2020
31mins
Rank #7: Clayton Kershaw on His First World Series and What's Next

Clayton Kershaw, baseball’s superstar lefthander and Dodgers’ ace, joins the guys fresh off winning the 2020 World Series! The three-time Cy Young Award winner tells us how deeply meaningful it was to be part of ending the Dodgers’ 32 year title drought.
Kershaw tells you about the raw emotion behind winning, how it compares to the many personal accolades he has received, what his relationship is like with the great Sandy Koufax and which Dodger helped him most as a struggling rookie.
This certain Hall of Famer is also taking his off-field charity projects to new heights. You’ll see what he is doing to help underserved children and how you can get involved.
Dec 16 2020
30mins
Rank #8: All-Star Mark Loretta on Patriots Day in Boston & Which Team Impacted Him Most

15 years in the Big Leagues and this former Brewer can still "tap" a great story! Two-time All-Star, Mark Loretta joins Major League Beginnings. He's seen it all from the field to the front office. 'Lo is undeniably one of baseball's sharpest and funniest men. He'll tell you what turned him from a gap hitter into a "pull with pop" guy, which of the five teams he played for impacted him most, and the power of performing on Patriots Day in Boston.
Dec 09 2020
37mins
Rank #9: Mark 'Gubie' Gubicza on Winning 20 Games & Unexpected Hotel Guests

World Series Champ and gregarious Philly cheesesteak connoisseur, Mark Gubicza, joins Major League Beginnings! Take the ride from Mark's early days as young star pitcher with the Kansas City Royals during the 80's to his current role as the color voice of the Los Angeles Angels. "Goobie" tells us what it really took to win 20 games in a season, what happens when your relatives have to sleep in your hotel room before the playoffs, why hanging out with Hall of Famer, George Brett, could be both fun and dangerous, and the difference between being Mike Trout and what "Bo knows!"
Dec 02 2020
54mins
Rank #10: How Brad Ausmus Chose His Glove & Who He Thinks Could Save the World with One Pitch

Our guest on this episode helped propel the Houston Astros to their first World Series! Brad Ausmus spent 18 seasons behind the plate and now he’s behind the mic on Major League Beginnings. Brad takes us on his journey from late-round draft pick and Ivy Leaguer to catching some of the game’s most incredible pitchers before becoming a manager and front office executive. Find out who had the best stuff he ever caught and who he would want pitching a game 7!
From his debut as a player to the lessons he’s learned as a Big League manager, Brad shares the highlights from an extraordinary career that’s still unfolding.
Nov 18 2020
52mins