BaseballBiz On Deck

Tamara Holmes, Pan Am World Cup winner talks with us about the Women’s Baseball World Cup in Thunder Bay.

• USA Baseball Women’s World Cup
• @MLBDevelops & @USABaseball – camps develop young women for baseball
• Women are getting bigger, faster and stronger in the game
• Veronica Alvarez has built a solid plan for the Women’s Team
• Alvarez’s Mini-Mic Mondays 
• MLBDevelops Trailblazer
• Kat Williams at Trailblazer speaking to young women on getting word out
• Women in Basketball have who led the way in professional sports, Cynthia Cooper, Dawn Staley & now JuJu Watkins, Angel Reese & Caitlin Clark
• Baseball Players, Women who are powerhouses today include: Kelsie Whitmore, Ashton Lansdell, Remi Schaber, Naomi Ryan 
• Naomi Ryan – multi-talented & fluid athletea future in the g, ame
• Tamara - Gym Owner, Professional Athlete & Parent speaks to regimen to stay a strong athlete
• Training involved to maintain professional athletic ability and strength
• People who are part of the support at training camps include: have Jim Koerner, the Crespo family, Crespo junior and senior, Calvin Pickering, Bruce Chen
• Tough conversations with baseball players who have become phenomenal but may not be the talent that the Women’s team needs that year when you only have 1 national team that meets every 4 years
• What is the game plan to increase awareness & support for Women’s Baseball
• LA Olympics - What will it take for Women’s Baseball in the Olympics
• Sue Zipay with All Girls Baseball tournament developing girls teams based on 5 of the original AAGPBL teams
• Pan American Women’s Baseball Gold Cup – Olympic caliber achievement
• What infrastructure will be needed to bring Women’s baseball to the Olympic Games
• Justine Siegal – Baseball For All – is developing young girls in the game & Women’s College Baseball Clubs
• Where will young women go to play if there is not a League of Their Own
• Where will the Women’s Baseball World Cup be televised – https://bit.ly/3LHIqhx
• When will we see ESPN broadcasting some of these games in years to come
• Jean Fruth phenomenal photographer & storyteller – “See Her, Be Her” documentary will be seen during world series
• Mark Duran also working on documentary on Women’s Baseball
• The USA Women’s Baseball Team is ready to win
• Tamara speaks to watching young women progress over time as accomplished players like Alex Hugo

Games begin July 28 - watch the games at https://bit.ly/3LHIqhx
Learn more at https://www.wbsc.org/en/events/2024-ix-womens-baseball-world-cup-finals/home

Keep up with Tamara for the latest on Women's Baseball at: https://www.facebook.com/t24onfya

USA Womens Baseball Team:
https://www.usabaseball.com/team-usa/womens-national-team 

Mark can be found on Twitter @TheBaseballBiz & at http://www.baseballbizondeck.com
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Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music "Rocking Forward"

• Recorded before Randy Arozarena went to the Mariners
• Are the Rays like Deadpool & Wolverine – getting torn up and then regenerating
• Ryan Reynolds & Hugh Jackman hang out
• Rays swinging from the Tropicana rafters like Spiderman
• July 30th - Mat’s birthday – he’s 12 again 
• Trade deadlines & Piniellas county vote on Rays’ St. Pete stadium
• Draft pick trading could make trading more interesting
• Will there be a massive explosion of trades – Toronto Blue Jays – Chris Bassitt & Kevin Gausman
• Will the Blue Jays find themselves in the same boat as the Chicago White Sox
• Ol’ Blue Eyes, Kevin Kiermaier retires from Toronto
• Will the Rays bring back Kiermaier & Longo for a tribute 
• Mat sets the guidelines for Kiemaier & Longo to have statues of them at the new stadium. Decade of playing at an elite level for the Rays
• One Day return players going home like Roy Holladay
• Standings Watching – AL East – will Rays be sellers or buyers 
• Rays are 4 games back as a Wild Card contenders
• Mark believes that Rays will make Wild Card & expects trades with Eflin & Arozarena
• Rays record since 12th of June Rays have .595 winning percentage as they continue to win series
• How will the Rays make room for more power of the plate
• Can Brandon Lowe stay healthy and how will Josh hold up with hip issues
• Yandy Diaz is still on the Restricted List
• Pepiot with infected knee
• Rays v Jays 13 – 0 score – Taj Bradley v Chris Bassitt. Taj ascends & Bassitt fades
• Starting pitchers who become strong relief pitchers
• Imagine a path to the playoffs with pitching Springs, Baz, Pepiot & Bradley
• What will Erik Neander do with this – will he trade parts or buy another bat
• Brent Rooker would get a great addition to the Rays
• Can the Rays make a difference to the season with some active trading or buys
• Many teams looking for a light at the end of the tunnel for 2024 season
• Reflecting on those who will not have any chance of a post-season
• Serious White Sox front office lack of commitment
• If Rays get the stadium fans need to fill the stadium
• Mat departs for Deadpool & Wolverine – to be continued

Colleen Wright journalist of TampaBay.com discusses St. Pete Council approval of new Tampa Bay Rays stadium & the long journey to get there

• Council Votes & Reactions
• Recent council decisions were expected, with minor changes to environmental & sustainability language 
• The council vote went as expected, with a 5-3 split 
• Strengthened language in the contract aimed to ensure implementation of standards, not just aspirations
• Mat watched the council meeting & acknowledged the valid concerns raised 
• Contract Language & Concerns
• Tweaks were made to tighten the deal, particularly concerning the resale of publicly owned land 
• Concerns about "Rays or Hines affiliates" receiving property without clear definitions 
• Council member, pushed for clearer contract terms & transparency 
• Development Timeline
• Stadium completion targeted by 2028 
• 300 affordable housing units are expected by 2030
• Full development build-out will span 30 years 
• The stadium will remain county-owned, with the Rays controlling broadcasting, naming rights, concessions, & ticket revenues 
• Discussion on the financial benefits for Rays' owner, Stu Sternberg, including the potential increase in team valuation with the new stadium 
• Community Impact & Long-Term Vision
• The deal has mixed reactions, with some community members & groups wanting a more equitable deal 
• Concerns over future enforceability of contract terms 
• Importance of written contracts for ensuring commitments are met over time 
• The development will include a fresh food market, though its completion is not legally required until 2045 
• The project is subject to various permits & zoning changes, with groundbreaking expected in 2025 
• The importance of timely development to avoid losing the Rays as a key part of the project 
• The project is expected to significantly impact the area, with phased developments over 30 years 
• Continued scrutiny & clear contractual terms are crucial for the project's success & community satisfaction 
• Kudos to Colleen Wright & St Pete Times team for their coverage of the Rays
• Stu Sternberg’s longstanding commitment to St. Pete 

Thanks to Mat Germain for bringing his knowledge, wit and wisdom to the show. You can catch more of Mat on Twitter x.com @Mat_Germain_   
 Mark can be found on Twitter x.com  @TheBaseballBiz & and at  http://www.baseballbizondeck.com
Subscribe, follow and rate the show. Thank you.
BaseballBiz is on iheartradio, Stitcher, Apple, and Spotify
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward"

• Mat Germain discusses the concentration of baseball greats during All-Star Week and critiques the allocation of All-Star games.
• Rays' All-Star representatives, including a ball boy, Braden Coles & Home Run Hitter, Isaac Paredes

All-Star Game Festivities:

• Mr. and Mrs. Met on the Red Carpet
• Mat highlights the evolving fan engagement activities during All-Star Week, including future stars games, celebrity games, and skills competitions

Home Run Derby 

• Alonso's hardest hit ball, discussing its significance.
• Teoscar Hernandez's performance and career stats.
• Power numbers at Dodger Stadium and Hernandez’s potential.
• Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s support for Teoscar Hernandez plus Shohei Ohtani shares advice.
• Question - Blue Jays’ decisions on Guerrero Jr., Hernandez, & Lourdes Gurriel.
• Toronto Blue Jays future and the impact of their pitching staff.

Rays' Midseason Performance:

• Tampa Bay Rays successful series against the Cleveland Guardians.
• Rays needs - focusing on catchers and relief pitchers.

Rays' Draft Strategy:

• Mat breaks down the Rays' draft picks, highlighting their focus on position players and their strategy.
• Rays drafting Canadian players, including Emilien Petrie, 
• Mat shares insights from the University of Kentucky on Emilien Petrie’s growth and potential.
• Focus on position players for sustainability & the development of pitchers.
• Emilien Pitt and other high potential draftees like Theo Gillian.
• Concerns over Gillian's injuries but high potential if he remains healthy.
• Focus on high ceiling talents despite risk

High School vs. College Draft Picks:

• High school draftees have access to professional training earlier
• Risk of injuries remains a concern for young draftees

  Successful Draft Picks from High Schools:

• Plant High School (Pete Alonso, Kyle Tucker).
• High schools like Westlake producing multiple high-level draftees.

  Synergy & Confidence in Player Development:

• Teams and players feeding off each other's success.
• Confidence and mental strength play a crucial role in player performance.
• Role of faith and belief systems in maintaining player confidence.

  All-Star Game and Potential Changes:

• Discussion on the All-Star game, its importance, and the risks of injury.
• Suggestion to potentially move the All-Star game to the end of the season.
• Benefits of combining the All-Star game with Hall of Fame inductions.

  Rob Manfred Draft Announcements

• Rob Manfred faces boos from the crowd during player announcements
• Comparison to other sports commissioners like Gary Bettman
• We should have had Taylor Swift announce the draftees

  Celebrity Influence in Baseball:

• Discussion on increasing the appeal of baseball through celebrity involvement.
• Examples of how other sports leverage celebrities to draw attention
  
  
• Limited Baseball Season for Canadians:
• Canadian players have limited opportunities to play baseball compared to Americans.
• Short season in Canada necessitates traveling or playing other sports.
• Example: Larry Walker had minimal baseball experience before being trained professionally. 
• All-Star Game and Hall of Fame Induction:
  Mat Germain believes the Hall of Fame induction should be tied to the All-Star Game, either just before or after, to create a more significant event where fans can interact with baseball greats.
• Potential Change for the All-Star Game Timing:
• Mat suggests moving the All-Star Game to th

Dr. Jennifer Ring visits and we discuss Women in Baseball's challenges, the Trailblazers and the path ahead.

• U.S. Women's National Baseball Team's & n the World Cup in Thunder Bay, Ontario
• Discussion on the lack of a league for the U.S. Women's National Baseball Team.
• The necessity for ongoing trials and roster selections close to tournament dates.
• Discussion on the lack of a league for the U.S. Women's National Baseball Team.
• The need for ongoing trials to build a team and make earlier roster selection
• Could name MLB players come out in support of women in baseball – Derek Jeter?
• Improvements over the years and the increased talent pool for the U.S. Women's National Baseball Team.
• The need for more recognition and routine coverage of women's baseball to normalize its presence in the sports world.
• Marti Semintelli & Oz Sailors – 2 H.S. girls pitching in a baseball game should not be that newsworthy. It should be so normal that it should not be a major media event
• 2010 Women’s World Cup in Venezuela – Hong Kong player is shot and there was no media coverage of this.
• From Cary to Caracas – 2010 Women’s tournament
• Oz Sailors was adamant that she came to play
• USA Women’s Baseball Team votes to stay after shooting
• Interviews with Players:
  • Dr. Ring reflects on her interviews with players like Veronica Alvarez and Tamara Holmes.
  • The emotional depth and resilience of the players, with many shedding tears during interviews.
• Who is this team – Rich Diversity amongst the players on the team
• Canadians & Americans are arch-rivals
• Women in Japan have their own baseball leagues – there is no softball
• Coaches had limited experience with the team in 2010
•  Challenges of managing a baseball team with limited preparation time.
• Dr. Ring highlights the differences in team preparation and strategy between American and Japanese teams.
• Dr. Ring recounts the 2010 game against Japan, emphasizing Japan's strategic advantage in playing small ball.
• Veronica Alvarez brings the insight, experience and leadership to the helm 
• Dr. Ring shares her daughter Lily's baseball journey and her transition to a career in urban planning.
• Dr. Ring expresses hope for a future where girls can easily choose to play baseball.

Honoring Oz Sailors -   Mark Corbett pays tribute to the late Oz Sailors, celebrating her passion and contributions to women's baseball.
 Dr. Ring reflects on Sailors' dedication to the game and her impact on developing young players.

-------------------------------
Dr. Rings books
A Game of Their Own: Voices of Contemporary Women in Baseball
https://www.nebraskapress.unl.edu/nebraska/9780803244801/

Why American Girls Don't Play Basebal
https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=p079153l

Mark can be found on Twitter x.com  @TheBaseballBiz & and at  http://www.baseballbizondeck.com
Subscribe, follow and rate the show. Thank you.
BaseballBiz is on iheartradio, Stitcher, Apple, and Spotify
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward"

• Tampa Bay Rays – Mat’s getting Drafty
• Wander Franco - $2 million Rays money back in the bank
• Evan Longoria – Franchise Guy – will he be back in the front office like Denard Span
• FO decision to cut Longoria angered fans long ago
• Phil Maton and Civale cleared off the roster
• Will the Rays be making room for better options
• Who may be moving out – Siri, 
• Shane Baz returns to the mound for the Rays – no Offense support – only walked 1 player in 6 innings
• Yankees have underperformers like 
• Anthony Volpe – Sophomore season
• Juan Soto – might he leave the Yankees – would he move to L.A.
• Ben Rice rising with the Yankees 
• Can’t wait to see Cincinnati Reds with Rays – Elly De La Cruz & Rece Hinds
• Several off-days for the Rays in the next few weeks
• Future of the Rays’ new Stadium in St. Pete – conversations and review extended with City Council
• Stadium talk on cost over-runs, 2045 fresh-fruit market & childcare
• We will invite Tampa Bay Times, Colleen Wright to come and discuss the stadium project
• Rays’ BallBoy Braden Coles will join Isaac Paredes at the All-Star game
• Making Bullpens safe again – looking back to brining pitchers onto the field with golf carts
• Will the Rays be sellers and build future with Junior Caminero & Curtis Mead
• Hovering at 500 are they ready for a good 12 game winning streak
• Quick  update on Game 2 of Rays / Yankees series
• Yankees – Spider-man spinning webs – level of pressure and media scrutiny
• Mark & Mat ready to punch the Yankees

Thanks to Mat Germain for bringing his knowledge, wit and wisdom to the show. You can catch more of Mat on Twitter x.com @Mat_Germain_   
 Mark can be found on Twitter x.com  @TheBaseballBiz & and at  http://www.baseballbizondeck.com
Subscribe, follow and rate the show. Thank you.
BaseballBiz is on iheartradio, Stitcher, Apple, and Spotify
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward"

• 15 days before St Pete council votes on new stadium
• 81 games - at halfway point
• Rays' hovering around 500
• Seattle Mariners winning 2 of 3 in series
• Importance of maintaining momentum into July
• Paul Skenes' pitching & comparisons to Randy Johnson
• Yandy Díaz's hitting streaks
• Great performances - Ben Rortvedt, Ahmed Rosario, & Randy Arozarena
• Praise for Jose Siri's defensive skills & offensive contributions
• Rays' batting lineup & how it has evolved
• Balancing the lineup & keeping pitchers honest
• Mat's perspective on Kevin Cash's managerial decisions
• Importance of team collaboration & decision-making 
• Debate on pitching decision on Ryan Pepiot
• Analysis of managing pitchers' workload & maintaining their confidence
• Plays by Richie Palacios & Jose Caballero
• Caballero's aggressive baserunning
• Praise for Siri's showmanship & defensive prowess in center field
• Kevin Cash's Leadership 
• Tenure & his approach to managing the team
• Cash's consistent performance
• Collaborative style & his role in the Rays' successes
• Speculations on the Rays' strategies for the second half of the season
• Importance of maintaining offensive momentum & making strategic additions at trade deadline
• Rays' prospects & potential moves
• Optimistic outlook for the Rays 
• Washington Nationals &  Rays, comparing their records  &  standings 
• Nationals 38-42 record, similar to the Rays, despite having more losses
• Florida Baseball Biz Introduction to a new episode of Florida Baseball Biz featuring the coach of Tampa Jesuit High School, Miguel Menendez
• Doug Wechter & Gary Sheffield – parents in the stands
• Upcoming Opponents
• Overview of Rays’ upcoming opponents: Royals, Rangers, Yankees, & Guardians
• Analysis of Yankees’ recent struggles & the Guardians' strong performance
• All-Star Voting Deadlines
•  Minor League Updates - Montgomery Biscuits clinching playoffs 
• Highlights of players' performances in minor leagues, including Jeffrey Springs & Trevor Martin
• Yankees’ Challenges - Discussion on Yankees' roster issues & potential trade rumors involving Vladimir Guerrero Jr
•  Rays Front Office Dynamics - Deep dive into the impact of front office decisions on team performance  &  fan engagement
• Different franchises’ front office cultures & their influence on success
• Analysis of ownership influence, focusing on Stu Sternberg’s management of the Rays & future expectations
• How long will Stu Sternberg remain the Rays’ owner after new stadium is built
• Steinbrenner model?
• Minor Leagues movement – Curtis Mead, DeLuca, Brandon Lowe 

Thanks to Mat Germain for bringing his knowledge, wit and wisdom to the show. You can catch more of Mat on Twitter x.com @Mat_Germain_   
 Mark can be found on Twitter x.com  @TheBaseballBiz & and at  http://www.baseballbizondeck.com
Subscribe, follow and rate the show. Thank you.
BaseballBiz is on iheartradio, Stitcher, Apple, and Spotify
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward"

• Emotional challenges of being a baseball fan during a tough season & highlights the importance of staying even-keeled, like successful baseball players
• Recent experience watching the Rays play the Braves in Atlanta, mentioning the hot weather & a humorous incident with a child kicking his seat
• Rays' pitching struggles, particularly with reliever Phil Maton
• Mat notes the Rays' unsuccessful history of investing in relievers & advocates for building the bullpen from within the system
• Mark & Mat discuss promising players like Cleavinger & Jason Adam, noting their contributions 
• Pete Fairbanks' recent injury scare & relief that it's only a bruised finger.
• Importance of moving on from underperforming players & discusses the ups & downs of the Rays' bullpen.
• Braves shortstop, Orlando Arcia was underestimated early in his career
• Rickwood Event - Gray Sox/Montgomery Biscuits & Birmingham Black Barons, 
• Chandler Simpson comparison to legendary base-stealer Ricky Henderson.
• Simpson's impressive stats & his potential impact on the Rays
• Need players like Simpson who place the ball well & steal bases contrasted with power hitters
• Basics of baseball: getting on base rather than hitting home runs, & avoid obsession with exit velocity.
• Tony Gwynn & Kirby Puckett, frustrated the pitchers
• Gambling & Baseball stadium health y foods
• Bi-lingual food vendors at Expos games – "cotton candy - barbe à papa"
• Rick Vaughn's book on Tampa’s baseball history.
• Babe Ruth's legendary home run at Plant Field 
• U.S support for Finland during Russia's invasion & the All-Star game in Tampa.
• Willie Mays's passing & his contributions to the game & the Negro Leagues.
• Pitching Home run leaders for the Twins & Rays: Pablo Lopez & Aaron Civale.
• 2018 draft picks by the Rays: Taj Bradley, Joe Ryan, Shane McClanahan, & Matthew Liberatore.
• Shock of Joe Ryan's trade, happy to see his success with the Twins.
• Harold Ramirez being picked up by the Nationals after being DFA'd.
• Rays pitchers, Jeffrey Springs & Shane Boz potential return.
• Potential trades & team strategies, particularly regarding Dodgers & the Cubs.
• Changing routines for pitchers transitioning between starting & relieving roles
• Successful transition: Luis Urias with the Dodgers.
• Young players' aspirations focused on starting pitching rather than relieving roles..
• Yandy Diaz – wearing out pitchers
• Testing the Rays’ lineup  - Siri is again making it happen at the plate
• Rays atrocious bullpen
• Yandy’s consecutive times on base
• When will Winning Streak begin?
• Depth in starting pitching
• 5 of the top 100 prospects are in Rays system
• From “quadruple A” player to MLB 
• Mark & Mat discuss Papa Johns & Tim Horton’s trades 
• You can’t buy coffee beans from Tim Horton’s – addictive?
• Taj Bradley & Joe Ryan face-off
• 22 days before the St. Pete vote on the Tampa Bay Rays stadium

Mat on Twitter x.com @Mat_Germain_   
 Mark can be found on Twitter x.com  @TheBaseballBiz & and at  http://www.baseballbizondeck.com
BaseballBiz can be found on iheartradio, Stitcher, Apple, and Spotify
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward"

@Mat_Germain & Mark review the Rays after 

• Discussion about dome stadiums and the necessity of having one with  a dome that can be opened or closed.
• Concerns about player safety with bullpen mounds on the field.
• Specific example of Johnny DeLuca's near injury due to bullpen placement.
• Argument for designing stadiums to better protect players.
• Mention of Oakland's unique bullpen setup.
• Suggestion to use Tropicana 300 levels of the stadium for bullpen areas.
• Comment on the emotional impact of a team's poor performance at home.
• Reflection on the team's lack of energy and production.
• Discussion on the importance of timing with the trade deadline approaching.
• Positive signs with players like Brandon Lowe making significant contributions.
• Mention of specific matchups and players' performances.
• Discussion about Harold Ramirez's role and performance.
• Mention of a Twitter survey about Harold Ramirez's potential landing spots.
• Recognition of Ramirez's character and improved defensive abilities.
• Mention of Mat Germain's presence on Twitter and his valuable insights.
• Commentary on recent changes to Twitter's (X) like feature.
• Observation on the impact of these changes on user interactions.
• Update on Jeffrey Springs' performance in AAA and his potential return.
• Speculation on trade deadline decisions for the Rays.
• Reflection on the emotional rollercoaster of being a Rays fan.
• Comparison of the current season to the previous year's performance in the AL East.
• Rays Catchers options – JT Realmuto, Sean Murphy, William Contreras – where would the Rays be now if one of these guys had been brought to the Rays
• Atlanta Braves, Charlie Morton & Travis d’Arnaud battery is exceptional. 
• Would future Charlie Morton become a relief pitcher like John Smoltz and later as a pitching coach
• Siri bringing back some fire to the Rays
• A view from the Rays farm –strength coming up soon
• Chandler Simpson, in park home run in 14.2 seconds
• Future new roster of Opening Day in the new Rays stadium 
• Rays need a catcher like Orioles’ Adley Rutschman – He is a consistent leader
• Mike Zunino – a steady force for the Rays – could be a good scout for the Rays
• Florida Collegiate Baseball – Florida State & University of Florida heading to the NCAA post-season in Omaha
• Jac Caglione
• Ybor Legacy Awards with Lou Piniella – kicking up the dirt
• St Pete Stadium & Collen Wright update – all-day workshop and then first official vote on the Rays stadium
• Annual Summer Break with the St. Pete Council while Rays stadium is being considered
• Gotta bring Shane Baz & Jeffery Spring up sooner than later
• Chandler Simpson moves up & Braydon Taylor OPS through the roof

Thanks to Mat Germain for bringing his knowledge, wit and wisdom to the show. You can catch more of Mat on Twitter x.com @Mat_Germain_   
 Mark can be found on Twitter x.com  @TheBaseballBiz & and at  http://www.baseballbizondeck.com
Subscribe, follow and rate the show. Thank you.
BaseballBiz can be found on iheartradio, Stitcher, Apple, and Spotify
Special thanks to XTaKeRuX for the music “Rocking Forward"

Lindsay Imber of Close Call Sports visits BaseballBiz On Deck & analyzes MLB Ejections with a breakdown on the process & the rules that may have been broken. She shares a humorous & informative look at baseball league ejections on the Close Call Sports YouTube channel 

• On YouTube channel, Close Call Sports, Lindsay analyzes recent baseball plays using the MLB  rule book.
• Becoming a member of the Close Call Sports community
• Controversial play w/ Tommy Pham
• Pham's path to home plate was in fair territory
• Home plate collision rule & runner restrictions.
• Rule Changes & Interpretations:
• Mound visit rules, including catcher-initiated visits and unintended pitching changes.
• Pitching Changes & Ejections:
  • Example, involving the Tampa Bay Rays' pitching coach Kyle Snyder and mound visits count. 
  • Explanation of rule requiring an ejection for an unintended pitching change without a replacement ready
• Rule Confusion & Clarification: between MLB's press releases & MLB rule book
  • Importance of understanding the rule book to avoid misunderstandings 
• Hidden Ball Trick: Examples at college, high school, MLB
• Process for creating videos, focusing on ejections & rule situations
• Balance between ejection & educational rule videos for fan education
• "Ejections of the Year Awards" Best Umpire, Ejections of the Year, Promising Umpires, Honorable Umpire, Fill-in Umpire and more.
• Avoidable ejections due to poor game management
  • Avoiding unnecessary confrontations & ejections.
  • Post-game ejection of the Padres manager, Mike Shildt
  • The importance of umpires walking away to avoid conflict.
  • How are ejections evaluated
• Challenges of Automatic Ball-Strike systems (ABS)
  • The future of baseball with robo-umps & potential impact on ejections and game management. 
  • Stress w/ umpires who must still be prepared to make calls if the system fails.
  • Differences between fully automated systems & challenge system
  • Issues with ABS, such as post-game data changes affecting call accuracy.
  • Transition to robo-umps in MLB will be complex & interesting to watch.

Support Close Call Sports w/ Patreon  
Mark is  on x.com @TheBaseballBiz & at http://www.baseballbizondeck.com
Just remember to subscribe, follow and rate the show. Thank you.
BaseballBiz can be found on iheartradio, Stitcher, Apple, and Spotify