Ballpark Hunter: Recent Episodes
Marc Viquez
A podcast discussion on ballparks from the majors down to the amateurs. We talk about everything from the current trends to the grass.
Does my guest Craig Smith have a favorite ballpark? Here is his response to those questions, it may surprise you. The full episode will come out on Monday, August 5, 2024, at 6 PM EST.
Greg Sullivan of the Carolina Disco Turkeys joins me on the podcast again to talk about his team's latest season and disappointing playoff loss. However, the off-season is here, and it is time to reflect and look forward to the future.
My guest today is Rich Billings, head coach and general manager of the Leesburg Lightning. The Lightning are members of the Florida Collegiate Summer League and were founded in 2007. He talks about what makes the team click with its community and what it's like attending a game.
My guest this week is Michael Holsinger who is like a lot of us when it comes to ballparks. He plans his summers to visit as many venues across the majors and minors. He tells us about where he's been and where he is going on this week's episode of the Ballpark Hunter
Ralph Flores is my guest and he talks about the decision of his baseball club to leave the Northern League in favor of an independent schedule in 2024. How has it been early on in the season?
Greg Kigar and Jack Misterovich are my guests this week and they talk about moving down to Arkansas from Michigan to start a new team in a new league. Will the summer heat get to them? Find out in this week's episode.
It's Memorial Day Weekend and we recap recent visits, upcoming trips, the Indy 500 on TV, and Fever tickets on sale for $4. Check out this week's episode.
The GM of the Texarkana Rhinos David Gest is my guest tonight. The ball club began operations on March 1 as one of the founding members of the Mid-America League. Gest tells us a little bit about his journey from his home state of New Jersey to Texarkana and what to expect this season at a Rhinos game.
A short podcast on rainy days of college baseball and remembering the last Boys of Summer, Carl Erskine.
Lake Charles Gumbeaux Gators GM Sam Moore joins me this week as he talks about what it takes to start an expansion club in the Texas Collegiate League.
My guest this week is Hunter Kane who talks about his interest in baseball as a bat boy for the Leesburg Lighting on the Florida Collegiate Summer League to his time this summer interning for the Edenton Steamers of the Old North State League and the Hickory Crawdads of the South Atlantic League. His dream is to become a GM of a baseball team sometime in the near future.
My guest this week is Kelly, the Minor League Nerd, and he talks about his YouTube series chronicling minor league teams you never heard of, as well as history of teams in a specific city or town. Plus, we talk a little ballpark talk as well on this week's podcast!
Marc Witt of Can-USA Sports talks about his company's involvement with keeping baseball alive in Niagara Falls, New York. The Americans will take the field this year at Sal Magile Stadium in the Perfect Game League and Witt thinks it will be a hit with fans!
My guest today is John Southee who hosts the Minor League Fan Club podcast. We talk about the trials and tribulations of hosting a podcast along with our live of the minor leagues.
Assistant GM Sam Connell of the Traverse City Pit Spitters is my guest tonight. He talks about what makes attending a baseball game at Turtle Creek Stadium fun during the summer months in Northern Michigan. This episode is not the pits!
Anderson Rathbun is my guest and we talk about the new team in town, the Burlington Sock Pups. They will be playing in the Old North State League this summer and Rathbun tells us what to expect when you visit Burlington Athletic Stadium.
This week's guest is the GM of the Greenville Yard Gnomes Michael Villafana of the Coastal Plain League. He talks about what it is like to start a new franchise in the summer collegiate leagues.
Eddie Hoops is my guest tonight and he shares his adventures traveling around the globe watching soccer matches on numerous continents.
This week's episode we look at potential ballpark sites in Salt Lake City, Oakland, Kansas City, and Chicago. I also weigh in on the new MLB Nike Vapor jerseys.
My guest this week is the GM of the Bison Baseball Club Lizzy Kocer. The Bison are back in the Independence Baseball League and are a sister team of the Oahe Zap in Pierre, South Dakota (in which she is also the GM). Lizzy talks about how the Bison made their return, how the schedule will look this year, what the plan for the club is in 2025, and what to expect from the Zap this season at their ballpark. Finally, I have the Bison on a podcast after one year of inside jokes!
Austin Lemieux is my guest today and we discuss stadiums and hot dogs. His weekly posts on Twitter & Tik Tok are whimsical, funny, and witty, plus they are about a minute in length. Lemieux discusses his plan for future videos and his love of traveling to different arenas and stadiums.
My guest this week is Dave Zalatoris and he is the host of the Beer in Front Podcast. His podcast and website features conversations and information on old school beers, local food from his hometown Chicago, and a little baseball.
Today's guest is the GM/owner of the Mercer Mammoths of the East Coast Collegiate Baseball League. Olshin also owns a few other clubs in the new summer collegiate league. Olshin also is affiliated with Jersey Baseball Nation and is a sales rep for Emery Glove Co.
My guest today is Oakland Ballers Assistant GM Tyler Peterson. He tells us how he got involved with the B's, how they picked their name, and what their mission is for the citizens of the East Bay. We also delve a little into soccer but don't fray, this is a baseball podcast! I hope you enjoy it.
My guests are from the Abilene Flying Bison of the Mid-America League. Owner George Lessmeister and Director of Marketing Cat Duguay join me this week to discuss the operations behind a new franchise, from social media presence, to marketing, ordering merchandise, and working with the community.
Sussex County Miners play-by-plan man Bret Leuthner lost his battle with cancer on New Year's Eve. He and I once worked together in sports and although we had not talked to one another in 20-plus years, I share my thoughts on his passing.
A sneak peek at next week's episode with George Lessmeister and Cat Duguay of the Abilene Flying Bison concerning the team's color of their road uniforms.
My guest today is Mike VerSchave, GM of the Windy City Thunderbolts. He shares his experience with the ball club that dates back to 1999 along with how the ballpark's unique dimensions lends to hits charm on the Southside of Chicago.
Today's episode takes a look back at the year 2023 and all of the guests who were able to appear and help me out with the show.
Cape Catfish president Glen Campbell is my guest today. He discusses his role wth the Prospect League team, his ballpark's unique features, and what it means to have a baseball team in his hometown of Cape Girardeau, Missouri.
Zach Beeson returns as my guest and talks about his recent trip to Mexicali, Baja California. He went to an Agulias de Mexicali game where the experience differed slightly from North of the Border. He shares his thoughts about his evening and tells fans what to expect at a game.
Jason Moragas is my guest this week as we discuss the recent Logovember that includes new logos of ball clubs, leagues, and rebrands.
My guests this week are from the Florence Y'alls of the Frontier League. GM Max Johnson and Marketing & Fan Experience Manager Hannah Roaden share their experience about the club from promotions, stadium improvements, bourbon slushies, and that grape jelly and goetta is delicious.
My. guest this week is Chad Misippo and he joins us from Santiago, Chile where spring is in the air and baseball is about to get ready. He is a former scout and coach in Panama and the Dominican Republic. He has also helped build the Little League program in Santiago to 200 players and tells us about how the sport is growing in a country where soccer is still king.
Logan Wiening of Old Fort Baseball Co. returns as my guest this week to update how things have been with his website of t-shirts, caps, and sweaters.
My guest tonight is the GM of the Quakertown Blazers, Chris Ray, He discusses the team's 40th anniversary heading into the newly established East Coast Collegiate Baseball League and the club's new grandstands currently under construction.
My guest this week is Brad McLeod, the Creative Content Creator for Sask Entertainment Group. He is the creator of the Saskatoon Berries logo of the Western Canadian Baseball League and the Saskatchewan Rush logo of the National Lacrosse League. When he is not creating logos, he is busy working for the group's other sports team the Saskatoon Blades of the Western Hockey League.
My guest this week is Justin Knepp, owner of the DuBois County Bombers of the Prospect League. He shares the excitement of joining the Prospect League and his plans for the ball club for 2024.
This special episode discusses the Royal Oak Leperchauns joining the Northwoods League, The Coastal Plain League's Greenville franchise searching for a name, and the East Coast Collegiate Summer League's Poconos franchise should think about my suggestions or a team name. It's all here wrapped up in a less than 30-minute listen.
My guest this week is Jackson Wiseman, Assistant General Manager of the Thrillville Thrillbillies of the Prospect League. He talks about the club's first season, the branding of the club, and what to look forward for next season.
My guest this week is Saskatoon Berries head coach Joe Carnahan. He will lead the expansion franchise in the Western Canadian Baseball League in 2024 and he brings 20 years of experience with him serving as a player and coach for the Swift Current 57s. Je was part of 6 league championships and was named Coach of the Year four times. Stay tuned for after the interview, I have some info on the comings and goings of your favorite summer collegiate leagues.
This week's episode looks at the changes in several Summer Collegiate Baseball Leagues for 2024.
My guest tonight is Jim Swanson, managing partner and GM of the Victoria HarbourCats and Nainamo NightOwls. He talks about his two ball clubs from the game day experience, the ordering of jerseys, and the cities they represent.
Katie Woods is my guest and she is the tournament director for the National Baseball Congress World Series in Wichita, Kansas. She is the first woman to hold the position since the NBC World Series began almost 90 years ago. Katie shares her stories working with the organization and talks about the series' rich history.
Wayne Persall is my guest this week and we talk a little about Cleveland baseball from his website Cleveland Buckeyes to with Baseball Info Solution at Lake County Captains games. There is a lot more than just Cleveland baseball talk, we have a spirited conversation on attending games for the past 50-plus years all around the country.
It's Labor Day and I decided to take the day off. Instead of a full-length episode, fans will get a preview of what's on deck. I hope everyone enjoyed their three-day weekend and we are thinking of the ones who are working today! We will see you next week.
My guest this week is Donny Wise and he talks baseball from his days attending Capital City Bombers, his secret to obtaining Savanah Bananas tickets, and his recipe for boiled peanuts.
My guest tonight is Liberal Bee Jays GM Todd King. We talk about his baseball club, its history, community involvement, and former players.
Zach Beeson is my guest today and he has been to quite a few baseball games. He tells us what it's like to visit games with kids and some of his favorite spots this summer.
Bobby Coon of Pulling the Tarp podcast is my guest tonight. He talks about the development of his podcast, his years working in minor league baseball, and where to find the best cheesesteak outside of Philadelphia. We also talk a little scrapple.
My guest today is Ryno from Town Ball Tuesdays, a Twitter page dedicated to the celebration of great ball towns of Minnesota and their tradition.
My guest tonight is Steve Krah from the website Indiana RBI. We talk about some of the hidden gems big and small in the Hoosier State.
My guest tonight is Jason Hallmark AKA Baseball Jason on Twitter. We are talking ballparks and a bit of regional foods.
This week's episode is a recap of my visit to the Muskegon Clippers and West Michigan Whitecaps game, a personal tour of Valley Field, and my first time watching Banana Ball in person at Victory Field in Indianapolis.
Let's go shucking! My guest this week is Daniel Clapper of the Biloxi Shuckers. He is the Director of In-Game Entertainment at MGM Field and can be found creating content and devising ways to entertain the crowds at the ballpark each and every summer. He talks about his journey working for the Altoona Seawolves and his transition to Biloxi. He also says that Altoona-style pizza is a thing. Hmmm?
Baseball takes a side this week as we talk little high school hoops. Brian Bennett is my guest and we are talking all about Indiana high school baseball gyms and fieldhouses. The state is full of some of the largest, historic, and frenzy basketball venues in the country for high school hoops. Brian shares his memories as a child watching games at the Anderson Wigwam and his experiences coaching for the Richmond High School Red Devils.
Ryan Bascue is my guest to talk a little Texas high school football and his journey from the sports world to teaching and radio broadcasting.
This week's episode is about my recent Ballpark visit to the following stadiums: Ozing Field (Windy City Thunderbolts), Warner Park (Madison Mallards), Breese-Stevens Field (Forward Madison FC), ABC Supply Stadium (Beloit Sky Carp) and Wrigley Field (Chicago). Along the way my car engine decided to give me some trouble, will it make me back home to Indianapolis, or will have to ride a tow truck the rest of the way home? Find out in this week's episode.
This week's guest is the Director of Broadcasting for the Mankato Moondogs of the Northwoods League. Reese has a lot of experience in the booth serving stings with the Mat-Su Miners of the Alaskan Baseball League and the Elizabethtown River Riders of the Appalachian League. In between that, he has provided play-by-play and color commentary for Bowling Green State University athletics through the Bowling Green Radio Sports Organization. We will be hearing a lot about him in the future, and you can tell your friends that you heard him here first!
My guest this week is John Rackanelli who is an active SABR member and founded the Landmarks Committee and SABR Baseball Map. He shares his baseball experiences along with his work creating a map to include all things baseball.
My guest this week is co-owner of the Louisville Jockeys, Chad Miller. He talks with me about the upcoming season for his team that will see them play at Georgetown College in nearby Georgetown, Kentucky. Miller also shares a few stories of baseball in Louisville, college ballpark trends, and how he hopes to foster a community feel at games this season for his Jockeys.
The Ft. Wayne Mad Ants are moving to Noblesville in 2024 where a brand-new 3,000-plus venue awaits them, but what should they be called? Here are my thoughts, plus when are we getting a summer collegiate ballpark north of Indianapolis? We have, or will, a soccer club, AUDL team, hockey, and basketball in new buildings, but no baseball.
My guest today is Bill Craib, author of the book In League With America: The Story of an Excellent Adventure. It chronicles his 1991 adventure with Sue Essler to every major and minor league ballpark. Bill discusses the people he met, the places he visited, and the memories from all those years ago. He is also not done yet with his baseball travels as he continues to visit many ballparks each summer.
My guest this week is Mike Trippy who is the host of the ChiDog Fool Fancast on his YouTube Channel. He talks with me about how he became a fan of the Chicago Dogs a few years ago and how his passion for his team turned into a season-ticket holder who now features podcast episodes.
My guest today is Cassidy Koch, the Director of Entertainment & Community Engagement of the Vermont Lake Monsters of the Futures Collegiate Baseball League.
This week I record solo and talk about the trials and tribulations of getting guests on the show and the void it could fill at times. It made me question how much longer I could host the show and bring on guests in a weekly manner. However, I run down a few guests that will appear in the coming weeks and talk about three college ballparks I visited in Kentucky last week. It's a short, but sweet episode this week.
My guest this week is the Broadcasting & Media Relations Manager of the Ft. Wayne TinCaps, John Nolan. We have a discussion on all the new promotions this year at Parkview Field along with concession items, new jerseys, and everything else that is TinCaps baseball.
Former Prospect League commissioner and current owner of the Jackson Rockabillies is my guest this week.
My guest this week is Cody White, production specialist for the San Antonio Missions. He talks about the Missions, his time in Missoula with the Ospreys, and his YouTube page (Cody White 210) where he discusses logos from multiple leagues.
My guest this week is Nick Henry, host of the American Ballpark Road Trip and former minor-league baseball GM. He talks about his career journey in the world of baseball, his love of the game, and his new YouTube channel that chronicles ballparks from across the country.
I am joined this week by team owner and GM Greg Sullivan and head coach Houston Wright of the Uwharrie Wampus Cats.
My guest this week isEric Fransen, owner and GM of the Pineville Porcupines of the Old North State League. He talks about the new branding and what to expect at the ballpark this summer.
Boris Marche is my guest this week and he joins us from France to talk about the Rouen Huskies of the 1st Division French Baseball League. He served a 20-year career with the ball club winning 12 championships and having his number 13 retired in 2016. However, it is a quiet legacy for him, but he continues with the team as their head coach and their march to an 18th league title in 2023.
Ron Bronson is my guest this week and he talks with me about the sport of pesäpallo, which is also known as Finnish Baseball. He has been over to Finland twice to see games at the ballparks and when discusses his passion for the game with me.
Eddie Hull of the Queen City Corndogs is my guest this week. We talk about his baseball club based in Charlotte, NC, along with his experience in the game. #RollDog
The Frederick Atlantic League Ball Club announced the five finalists for its name. They included the following:
•Bone Shakers
•Ghost Hounds
•Rail Frogs
•Sawbones
•Screaming Alpacas
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My guest this week are the Ballpark Brothers - Mike Castro and Gary Aufforth. Both are childhood friends and ballpark lovers who chronicle their adventures on their website Ballpark Brothers. We talk about the hidden gems, the interesting moments, and a few times we were booted out of a ballpark.
My guest this week is Jason Moragas, a Baseball Logo Aficionado, who has created a Google Site or baseball rebranding from all over the world. We talk about the hits and misses with the new logos and a little New York Mets conversation towards the end.
David Ruckman is my guest this week and we talk about his journey from working in minor-league baseball to starting his own design firm to creating the new branding for the Charlotte Knights. If you enjoy sports logo talk, please join us for a great discussion this week.
We step aside from baseball this week for a special episode. Sam Cockwell from the Falkland Islands Hockey Association is my guest and talks about everything from the hockey movement on the islands, how his league found its logo, penguins, hockey tournaments in Costa Rica, his love of the Maple Leafs, and the existence of no crime in the Falklands. Maggie Thatcher would have been proud!
Chelsea Parker of The Paducah Sun is my guest tonightght and she is here to tell me about the Paducahh Chiefs of the Ohio Valley League. The summer collegiate club plays at the historic Brooks Stadium and she can't think of a better place to be during the summer months!
Khayle Flores is my guest and he talks to me about his You Tube channel Kyle Likes Waffles. He checks out sporting events in San Diego and has branched off to other venues in Los Angeles and the Inland Empire. What made him record his visits and start a page, you'll find out in this week's episode.
The Southern Illinois baseball team in the Prospect League announces 5 finalists in the name-the-team-contests. Once again, I am late to the game, but thought I'd throw my 2 cents into the conversation.
Michael Garman is my guest today and we discuss his ballpark visits throughout New England.
Mike Sellers from Up to Chat Podcast is my guest today. We talk about our favorite ballparks from the majors to the minors, along with the question of the day: Is there such a thing s Dayton-style Pizza?
This is a two-part interview that begins with Eric Spearin, a managing partner of the Hamilton Cardinals, is my guest. He discusses the club's new identity that was recently released. The Cardinals have been part of the Intercounty Baseball League since 1958 and look to get their name out in the market.
The second part is with Matt Doyle of Matt Doyle Designs in Burlington, Ontario. He discusses the process of creating a logo, and his career, and we even talk shop over the CFL. You can check out his designs at www.mattdoyledesigns.com.
Portland Pickles GM Parker Huffman is my guest this week. He talks about the game day experience, his rise from intern to GM, and the collaborative effort of the Pickles staff to create the whacky and strange promotions at the ballpark.
The Young Professor is my guest today and he is the game-day announcer for the Daytona Tortugas and the Savanna Bananas. Where does he find the time to fit this all in during the season? We will find out in this week's episode!
Jackson Bruce, co-owner of the Oahe Zap, is my guest this week and he talks about the brand-new franchise in the Independence League Baseball. We talk about how this name was chosen over the Ditch Chickens, the preparation for the season, and his journey in the world of sports management.
Scooby McKay is my guest this week as we discuss Chicago foods and a little baseball. However, being from Chicago, he roots for the Indianapolis Colts, Indiana Pacers, and Arizona D-Backs. Why? Just listen to the podcast!
Monica Blake of the Minot Hot Tots is my guest today. She talks about the expansion club's brand-new logo and name. We also have a little foodie talk and improvements to Corbett Field.
Adam Horvath joins me tonight as my guest. He created the website Foodigenous which explores the country's many local and regional food items from back Texas Hot Weiners in New Jersey to Italian Beef in Chicago and Goetta in Cincinnati. If you like food, this will be a podcast for you!
Sarah Roe is my guest this week and she shares her passion for leather making. Her hobby includes cutting up old baseball gloves and stitching the pieces together to make a fashionable wallet. Her interest began in January of this year and she already has more than enough demand to keep her busy for the next few months. Check out her website at https://www.stitchandroe.com/
Biko Skalla, Savannah Bananas Broadcast Entertainer, joins me today to talk about Banana Ball and the 32-city world tour for 2023. We get deep into the planning, the excitement before the first pitch of every home game, and his multiple roles with the ball club. We also discussed some of his college radio days at Z89.5 in Syracuse, New York.
Tonight I am solo but have some thoughts on baseball this off-season. First, what happened with the Weimar Hormigas of the Pecos League? They have disappeared off the league website and two new clubs have joined the fray for 2023 in Lancaster, Calif., and Blackwell, Okl. Second, my thoughts on Zach Hample and what he does at baseball stadiums across North America. Third, my view of Banana Ball and the Savanna Bananas leaving the Coastal Plain League to take their brand of baseball to the next level. Finally, a quick mention of the new Prospect League club in Marion, Illinois.
This week's guest is Robert Pimpser, founder of the website Pinstriped Prospects. He talks a little about his early beginnings with creating the website and then shares his ideas on how to properly market a sports team. It is a great conversation that may surprise you.
My guest this week is Brion LoPinto who is the co-founder of the Friends of Hinchliffe Stadium. The historic ballpark in Patterson, New Jersey, is one of a handful of Negro League ballparks still standing and his efforts have led to a $94 million renovation of the stadium that will be ready by opening day of 2023. The New Jersey Jackals of the Frontier League have announced that they will play their home games at the former home of the New York Cubans and Black Yankees, and the Newark Eagles. As a couple of guys from New Jersey, we talk a little bit about Taylor Ham (not Pork Roll), Texas Weiners, the New Jersey Devils, and the legacy of Larry Doby. This is an episode you want to listen to.
This week's guest is Alexander Fysh who created the logo and mascot of the Ottawa Titans of the Frontier League.
Jacob Kindberg is my guest this week and he is the Director of Business with the Jamestown Tarp Skunks of the Perfect Game League. The Skunks have an unusual name, but we talk more about the ballpark, the transition from the minor leagues to the summer collegiate league, and our weird connection to Madrid, Spain.
The commissioner of the Great Lakes Summer Colleague League Deron Brown is my guest this week. We have a discussion about the league, it's small ballparks, supportive communities, and a bit of history.
The New Jersey Jackals have announced they will play their last game at Yogi Berra Stadium on August 26, but have not yet stated where they will play in 2003. Speculation is that the team will play at Hinchliffe Stadium a few miles down the road in Paterson, NJ. The former Negro League ballpark is currently going through a $94 million renovation project with the hopes of professional events in 2023. Could the Jackals call the former ballpark home and if they do, how much better will it be than Yogi Berra? I share my thoughts on this week's podcast.
Mike Falcone, Game Day Operations, of the Newport Gulls is my guest this week. The Gulls are a summer collegiate team in the New England Collegiate Baseball League that plays in one of the quirkiest ballparks in the nation. Cardines Field has a rich history that dates back to the 19th century and the tiny ballpark with its oddball outfield dimensions packs it in during the summer season.
Greg Morrison is my guest this week. He is the owner of the Medicine Hat Mavericks of the Western Canadian Baseball League. We will talk about his ownership, improvements to the ballpark and his magical 1997 season when he hit 23 homeruns, knocked in 88 ribbies, and hit .423 for the Medicine Hat Blue Jays of the Pioneer League.
Michael Falcone, Director of Operations for the Newport Gulls is my guest. We talk about Cardines Field from its quirks, unique setup, and history that should entertain everyone. Also, Newport, Rhode Island, is a special place to be during the summer months in New England.
This week's guest is Mike Bell, GM of the Wilson Tobs of the Coastal Plain League. We discuss the history of the ballpark, the atmosphere at the game, reaching out to the community, and where to find the best barbecue in town.
Jamie Toole is our guest this week on the Ballpark Hunter podcast. He is the Chief Storyteller of the Springfield Lucky Horseshoes of the Prospect League. The ball club was purchased by his ownership group this off-season, renamed, and. a fresh coat of blue paint was added to the stadium walls. However, there have been many more changes and he discusses with me what they have been and how they have fared with the fans of Springfield, Illinois
Anthony Ward of the Weimar Hormigas of the Pecos League is my guest this week. The shortstop discusses his passion to play pro baseball, the league itself, a few stories along the way, and his tryout with the MLB Draft League this summer. In the end, I discuss a little bit about my experience of the Hormigas home stadium-Veterans Memorial Park at Strickland Field.
Our guest this week is Marc Witt, GM of Can-USA Sports. His group owns both the Elmira Pioneers and the Batavia Muckdogs of the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League. Witt shares a collection of stories on what it takes to promote, sell, and get people into the stands. We may talk about the attendance figures of summer collegiate leagues in Savanna and Madison, but Elmira finished 6 out of 166 clubs in attendance in 2021-indeed an impressive feat.
The founder of the Baseball Bucket List website and podcast, Ana DiTommaso, is my guest this week. She shares her stories of her passion to start the Baseball Bucket List along with some of her favorite guests from her shows. We also feature a commercial break due to a technical snafu during the interview.
The commissioner of the Pecos League Andrew Dunn is my guest on this week's episode of the podcast. He rolls through quite a bit of information from team uniform selection, stadium locations, and the upcoming 2022 season. We also chat a little bit on various logos and design of the league. You won't want to miss this episode.
Logan Wiening, the founder of Old Fort Baseball Co., joins us tonight for a conversation on his passion that is now a reality. He re-designs logos and streetwear of old baseball clubs in Fort Wayne, including the Daisies of the All-American Girls Baseball Association, the Scouts of the American Professional Slo-Pitch League, the Colored Giants, and the first team to play a professional baseball game in 1871, the Kekiongas.
Jeff Hurley, GM and president of the Trenton Thunder, joins us for this week's episode. We talk about the upcoming MLB Draft season, what's new at the ballpark, and of course pork roll. It's all that and much more on this week's episode.
Tina Cornett, Assistant GM of the Nanaimo NightOwls, is my guest this week. She talks about the brand-new club of the West Coast League that has been waiting for over a year to begin to play at the renovated Serauxmen Stadium. She also mentions what a Nanaimo bar is, to many of us south of the border who have never heard of the sweet, delicious treat.
Cameron Kovach is my guest this week. The president of the Florence Flamingos of the Coastal Plain League discusses the success of the rebrand, how many countries have purchased merchandise, and what to expect at the new Carolina Bank Field this season.
Burlington Sock Puppets GM Anderson Ruthbun is our guest this week and we discuss the comings and goings at Sockville, USA. The Appalachian League club will enter its second season in a few weeks and Anderson discusses what his organization can do better for the fan experience this year. Another wonderful conversation that lasts almost an hour, but it's good news and candid talk between two colleagues.
Managing Partner of the Canyon County Spuds Daylon Dobish is our guest on this week's episode. He talks about the atmosphere at a Spuds game at Wolfe Field and gets our mouths watering for brisket nachos, funnel cake fries, finger steaks, and Spuds Sauce. What is Spud Sauce, listen to the show to find out.
Austin Scher, GM of the Danville Otterbots, is my guest this week. He talks about building a new brand in the Appy League and ways to improve it for Year 2. Also, a few new improvements are coming to the ballpark this year. Scher and I talk for almost an hour, but it is highlighted by his enthusiasm and a recommended listen.
Owner of the Port Angeles Lefties Matt Acker is our guest on this week's episode. He discusses his West Coast League club, the ballpark, and the environment it plays in with the Cascade Mountains on one side and the Salish Sea on the other side. He also explains how a Thursday night at Civic Field is a little different from other parts of the country.
The head coach of the Ft Collins Foxes of the Rocky Mountain Baseball League Isaac Weinberg is our guest. He is entering his first year managing a baseball club after playing for the Foxes previously. At age 22, he is younger than some of the players on the team, but he hopes this will be the start of a successful career as a baseball manager.
This week's episode features Alec Allred, President, and CEO of the Old North State League. The summer collegiate loop is based in various cities and towns in North Carolina and features a colorful collection of fantastic logos and uniforms. Part two of the show is my look at some of these logos as I give my opinion on each and every one of them. This is an up-and-coming league you may want to order a few hats from in the future.
Matt Fidurko, President of the Olean Oilers is my guest this week as he discusses the return of his ball club to the New York Collegiate Baseball League in 2022. The team took the last two years off and will return to Brander Stadium this summer. He will also discuss the cost of putting a team like this together, plus the efforts put forth before his role to keep the ball club alive in the town.
Alaska Goldpanners GM John Lohrke sits down with us on this week's episode to talk about his summer collegiate club and shares a little information in the Midnight Sun Game which is an annual event in Fairbanks.
Play Ball Jackson announced the 5 finalists for its Prospect League franchise that will begin play in 2023. I give my thoughts and opinions on this week's episode.
Battle Creek Battle Jacks GM and Chief Fun Director Tyler Shore join me today with a discussion about the newly named Battle Creek Battle Jacks of the Northwoods League. Besides the new name, there will be a few changes at CO Brown Stadium along with a new enthusiasm throughout the city.
Marc and Ed are back to talk about the 10 new designs for Copa de la Diversión. We give our opinions of each design and tell you want we like and what we don't like in this week's episode.
Senior Vice-President of the Vermont Lake Monsters CJ Knudsen joins me on today's podcast to take about his club's first season in the Futures Collegiate Baseball League. He sits down to discuss the new sections at the ballpark, things to do when in town, and the transition from an affiliated club to a summer-collegiate one.
Yakima, Washington, offers great wineries, craft breweries, and scenic views. It is also home to the Yakima Valley Pippins of the West Coast League. The club's GM Jeff Garretson joins us on this week's episode to talk about the game-day experience, the ballpark improvements, and the tasty apple nachos.
The Welland Jackfish are members of the Intercounty baseball league and one of its new members The ball club plays at Welland Stadium, a ballpark first used by the Welland Pirates of the New York-Penn League in 1989. Club president Ryan Harrison discusses the team's operations, its interesting promotions that include fans kissing a fish, and how he decided with his brother over a couple of beers to name the club on this week’s episode.
Two Guys from New Jersey have a conversation about pork roll but then it leads to further discussions on other items such as cheesesteaks, basketball, hockey, and diners. This is not your normal baseball podcast, but then again we give props to the Trenton Thunder and Jersey Shore BlueClaws for promoting pork roll at their ballparks to thousands of people each season.
Auckland Tuataras CEO Regan Wood is our guest on this week's episode. He tells us how he began his love of baseball in New Zealand and how he promotes his baseball club that is foreign to most fans in the country. Wood mentions getting advice from American clubs such as the Savanna Bananas, Chicago Dogs, and the St. Paul Saints. A very entertaining hour-plus of baseball talk, Kiwi style!
We take a little side trek from the world of minor league baseball and feature Spencer Collins. He is a YouTube creator who visits ballparks and much more. He is based out of Milwaukee has reviews of Miller Park, Great American Ballpark, and Guaranteed Rate Field.
Chris Whitaker is our guest on this week's episode and he talks with us about the Carroll Merchants of the MINK League. The Town of 10,000 people in Iowa has been enjoying baseball at Merchants Park since the original ball club opened it in 1949. However, this version has
Majority owner Ralph Flores talks with me today about the Lake County Corn Dogs. The Northern League expansion club has released an eye-popping logo and plans to fix up Legacy Fields in Crown Point, Indiana. Flores also added having corn dogs on the menu this year.
Chuck Heeman sits down with us for a great conversation about his new ball club in North Platte, Nebraska. He discusses the preparation of the season, his 30 years of experience in the business, shares a few stories, and tells us why the club adopted the colors of hunter green, black, and silver.
Jim Pfander of the Akron RubberDucks joins the conversation this week as he discusses how the club was inspired to create the new Akron Jojos identity for an upcoming promotion this season. Also, we talk about the stadium improvements at Canal Park for its 25th season and some of the more creative food items ever to grace a minor league ballpark concession stand. All that and more on this edition of the Ballpark Hunter podcast.
Greg Sullivan, team owner and president of the Carolina Disco Turkeys of the All-American Amateur Baseball Association is with us this week to talk about his ball club. We discuss how he came up with the unusual identity, the process of fielding a club, and where he sees his club in the future. It is an informative 30-minute talk that you'll surely enjoy,
I am joined this week by Illinois Valley Pistol Shrimp owner John Jakiemiec. He talks with us about how he picked his team's interesting nickname and how he plans to grow his ballpark in Peru, Illinois. A very interesting conversation that is no more than 30 minutes in length.
Marc & Ed discuss new rebrands in Sugar Land and Battle Creek along with updates in Wasau and Rochester, Minnesota. Plus, the North Platte Plainesmen burst onto the scene with a sinister look. Ed also tells us what a jojo is.
On this week's episode, I am joined by the managing partner of the Lake Country DockHounds, Tom Kelenic. He talks about getting ready for the club's inaugural season in the American Association along with what to expect at the ballpark this summer. Fans will expect to enjoy beer brewed on-site, seats from pontoon boats, and light poles that light up the sky in an array of colors.
GM Justin Moser of the Dub Sea Fish Sticks is our guest this week. He discusses the ball club's recent rebrand and reveals a few new promotions that will be taking place this summer at The Fryer--the club's home ballpark. The conversation also includes the process of rebranding, ballpark renovations, the inclusion of the Seal Slinger brand, and information on the Pacific International League.
Marc Viquez and Ed Rivera discuss a busy week in baseball branding that includes the Glacier Range Riders, Sugar Land Space Cowboys, Lake County Corndogs, Gem City Bison, and an alternative cap for the SWB Railriders.
The Northern League's Crown Point entry will be known as the Lake County Corn Dogs when they take the field this summer. Notice they didn't include ketchup on the corn dog image!
In this week's podcast, I am joined by a good friend of mine, Zack Williams. We discuss the experience at a Burlington Sock Puppets game. The club rebranded in 2021 and went full-throttle with its new identity providing an atmosphere that is a delight to fans of all ages. Zach also discusses what he looks for at a ballpark for his 8-year-old daughter, who is quickly becoming a baseball fan. This episode runs for about 30 minutes, and we give much love to Sockville, USA.
The Asheboro Copperheads (Coastal Plain League) are no more and have rebranded as the Asheboro ZooKeepers. The team released its new identity that includes the colors of brown, black, khaki, and jungle green. Their logo features five different identities: a zookeeper, elephant, rhinoceros, giraffe, and a snake (perhaps a nod to the Copperhead brand). However, what do we think about the new look and its marketing possibilities? Ed Rivera of The Dat Hat Chronicles joins me to weigh in another baseball rebrand this off-season.
I will give my thoughts on the Battle Creek Baseball Team's fan vote for a new name on this week's episode. I will tell you my favorite name and how ownership responded to fan input.