BaseballBiz On Deck

BaseballBiz On Deck – Opening Day Night, WPBL Spring Training, & Polymarket

Hosts: Mark Corbett & Mat Germain

Opening Day Night

• MLB's decision to feature only one game on opening night (Yankees vs. Giants on Netflix)
• Frustrations with streaming blackouts and fragmented broadcasting across Netflix, Apple TV, NBC, and MLB TV
• Comparison to how sports used to be freely accessible on broadcast TV
• The case for having all 30 teams play on opening day

The Game: Yankees vs. Giants

• Max Fried vs. Logan Webb – lefty vs. lefty matchup
• Yankees jumping out to an early 5-0 lead
• Giants' new young manager Tony Vitello, backed by advisors Bruce Bochy and Dusty Baker
• Giants roster additions: Luis Arraez, Matt Chapman, Willie (ex-Rays)
• Former Rays shortstops facing off: Wander Franco's situation vs. Willy Adames

Opening Day Memories

• Mark: Sneaking a transistor radio into school to listen to the Cincinnati Reds
• Mat: Attending an Expos opening day at Olympic Stadium as a kid – 55,000 fans, electric atmosphere

Women's Pro Baseball League (WPBL)

• Mark's visit to WPBL spring training in Fort Myers
• Standout players: Ayami Sato, Kelsie Whitmore, Meggie Meidlinger, Denae Benitez, Ashton Lansdale
• Justine Siegal named new WPBL commissioner
• Dick's Sporting Goods as a league sponsor
• Discussion of the WNBA's landmark new agreement as a model for women's baseball
• WNBA average salary now over $580,000; expansion to Toronto and Portland

Polymarket & Gambling in Baseball

• Explanation of how Polymarket works (probability-based prediction market vs. traditional odds)
• 92.7% of Polymarket participants lose money
• Risks: ambiguous wording, insider trading, AI bot advantages over human traders
• DraftKings launching "DK Predictions" – potential conflict with Polymarket
• Concerns about gambling's impact on game integrity (Class A suspensions, potential for corruption)
• Comparison to the Astros sign-stealing scandal

Performance-Based Pay

• Mat's proposal for incentivizing player performance through salary structures
• Anthony Rendon as an example of paying for past performance vs. current output
• Vernon Wells and the psychological pressure of big contracts
• Wander Franco's 13-year deal as a cautionary tale

Rapid-Fire Topics

• MLS gaining momentum with free Apple TV access and new star signings
• China's untapped potential as a baseball powerhouse
• Negro Leagues' historical role in bringing baseball to Japan
• Aaron Boone's job security with the Yankees
• Ron Washington's departure from the Angels

 Jean Cerra — pioneering women's athletics administrator, one of 11 women who helped bring women's sports into the NCAA

 Summary: Jean Cerra shares her remarkable journey from playing sports at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy in Ybor City, Tampa, to becoming one of the most influential figures in women's collegiate athletics. 

Jean discusses the passage of Title IX in 1972, the battles to implement it, and the pivotal 1981 NCAA vote that opened Division I championships to women.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Early Years in Ybor City — Growing up playing volleyball, basketball, & softball at OLPH; the influence of legendary coach Moochine Fernandez
• Florida State University — Discovering the lack of women's competitive sports despite paying equal student fees; the spark for advocacy
• University of Iowa — Iowa's progressive history with women's basketball (six-player game, statewide TV coverage); coaching the women's golf team and being denied access to Upper Finkbine golf course
• Title IX (1972) — Its one-sentence mandate against gender discrimination in federally funded education; impact far beyond sports into law, medicine, and engineering
• The AIAW vs. NCAA — The Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and its philosophical differences with the NCAA; the push by 11 women from D-1A institutions to move into the NCAA
• The 1981 NCAA Vote at the Fontainebleau Hilton, Miami — Lost by one vote, then won on a motion to reconsider while opponents were outside celebrating
• University of Missouri —  $35,000 women's budget in a $17 million athletic department; becoming the first woman to oversee men's non-revenue sports; securing Nike and Purina Cat Chow sponsorships
• Social Acceptance & Marketing — Evolution from stigma around women athletes to corporate sponsorships and national media coverage
• Equality Beyond Gender Labels 

Notable Quotes:

• "If I need tenure to keep a job, I shouldn't have it. And if I'm good, I don't need tenure."
• "The part of my anatomy that I need to do this job exists from the neck up and not from the neck down."
• "When we stop identifying people by gender — it's the competency of the person, not their gender, that matters."
• "Nobody will ever come watch women's sports." — "Not if they don't know when they're playing."

People Mentioned:

• Moochine Fernandez — Ybor City softball legend; recreation director at DeSoto Park; played on USCA teams against Cuba
• Genelle Fernandez — Moochine's daughter; Jean's "sister" at OLPH through the Sodality tapping ceremony
• Pat Head Summitt — Tennessee women's basketball coach
• Caitlin Clark — University of Iowa basketball star and golfer
• Billie Jean King — Pioneer of women's tennis and the WTA
• Karen Rudolph — Author of Sidelined No Longer
• Sue Zipay — All-American Girls Professional Baseball League player

Key Institutions & Organizations:

• Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy (OLPH), Ybor City
• University of South Florida
• Florida State University
• University of Iowa
• Stephens College (Columbia, MO)
• University of Missouri
• AIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women)
• NCAA
• Tampa Baseball Museum at Ybor
• Discover more on Jean and the 10 other women who made Title IX a collegiate reality in Karen Rudolph's book: Sidelined No Longer: The Untold Story of Women's College Sports by Karen Rudolph - https://www.amazon.com/Sidelined-No-Longer-Untold-College-ebook/dp/B0G2KK8TV1 
  
  
  

Episode 344: WBC Energy, Rays Stadium Vision & MLB Rule Changes

In this episode of BaseballBiz On Deck, Mark Corbett and Mat Germain dive into the excitement of the World Baseball Classic, the future of the Tampa Bay Rays, and a wave of controversial MLB rule changes.

A look at the past of baseball in Tampa through the eyes of Wes Singletary

The duo opens with the electric atmosphere of the WBC—highlighting the passion, global energy, and standout performances like Junior Caminero’s breakout moment against elite pitching. They discuss why international play brings a level of joy and intensity that MLB could learn from.

From there, the conversation shifts to the Rays’ proposed $1.15 billion stadium project and how hosting events like the WBC and MLB All-Star Game could generate massive economic impact for Tampa. Could this be the key to keeping the Rays long-term?

They also break down evolving MLB rules—from ABS (automated balls/strikes) challenges to experimental changes in the minors, including controversial adjustments like moving second base.

Plus: Women’s baseball momentum, historic player connections, and why the future of the game may depend on balancing tradition with innovation.

⏱️ Chapter Timestamps

• 0:00 – Opening & WBC excitement
• Wes Singletary at the Tampa Baseball Museum - great baseball storyteller
• 2:00 – Dominican Republic game & fan energy debate
• 4:00 – WBC growth, attendance & global impact
• 5:00 – Rays stadium proposal & economic potential
• 10:00 – Tampa vs. Miami as event destinations
• 15:00 – Big-picture vision: sports, entertainment & city development
• 23:00 – Junior Caminero spotlight & Rays future
• 27:00 – Women’s baseball growth & upcoming events
• 31:00 – Tampa baseball roots & player connections
• 33:00 – Venezuela vs USA preview & WBC atmosphere
• 36:00 – ABS challenge system & game flow improvements
• 37:00 – New MLB experimental rules breakdown
• 45:00 – Controversy: moving second base
• 48:00 – Preserving baseball history vs modern changes
• 51:00 – Final thoughts & fan voice in MLB decisions
• Lou Schiff - gives a breakdown on the line waiting to see the final game of the WBC
• TEAM VENEZUELA WINS THE CHAMPIONSHIP - and the crowd goes wild
• Mat Germain's salute to Venezuelan Captain & Kansas City Royal phenom - Salvador Perez

🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways

• WBC brings unmatched passion and global growth to baseball
• Junior Caminero emerging as a potential Rays franchise cornerstone
• Rays stadium proposal tied to long-term economic upside
• MLB experimenting heavily with rules—some improving flow, others raising concerns
• Women’s baseball gaining momentum with increased support and visibility
• The importance of fan input as the game evolves
• 
  

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Ryan Woodward joins the show to discuss the incredible slate of women's baseball events coming to Rockford, Illinois this summer, his ongoing Women's Baseball Heritage Trail project, and his recent research trip to Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts. 

The conversation covers the Women's Baseball World Cup, Baseball For All nationals, the All American Girls Professional Baseball League reunion, and the growing recognition of women in baseball history through statues, murals, and archives across the country.

Topics Covered:

• Women's Baseball World Cup group stage coming to Rockford (July 22–27, 2026), with finals returning in 2027
• Baseball For All - Tournament in Rockford & Loves Park (July 19–25)
• All American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) 
• Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL) season starting August 1 in Springfield, IL
• The Women's Baseball Heritage Trail – approaching 600 identified sites across the U.S.
• The collections at Bridgewater State featuring scrapbooks from Mary Pratt, Dottie Green, Maddie English, Margaret Russo, Helen Nordquist, and others
• Women's baseball statues and monuments – Mo'ne Davis, Gertie Dunn, and Toni Stone
• Sue Zipay and her work with American Girls Baseball
• Plant Field in Tampa and the AAGPBL – 7 nights of double headers
• The Effa Manley oral history recording at the Happy Chandler Library, University of Kentucky
• Womens Baseball Heritage Trail - finding unique locations while you are on the road - https://womeninbaseballweek.org/index.php/heritagetrail/

Links & Resources:

• IWBC (International Women's Baseball Center): iwbc.org
• Women's Baseball World Cup Tickets & Info: https://www.iwbc.org/worldcup/ 
• Baseball For All: baseballforall.com
• AAGPBL Players Association: aagpbl.org
• Women's Baseball Heritage Trail: Available through IWBC / Ryan Woodward
  https://womeninbaseballweek.org/index.php/heritagetrail/ 
• Women in Baseball Week (July 19–25): womeninbaseballweek.org
• Bridgewater State University Archives (AAGPBL collections) - https://archives.bridgew.edu/subjects/101  
• SABR (Society for American Baseball Research): sabr.org
• Happy Chandler Library, University of Kentucky (Effa Manley recording) https://kentuckyoralhistory.org/ark:/16417/xt7gth8bj15t

Key Dates:

• July 19–25: Women in Baseball Week / Baseball For All Nationals / AAGPBL Reunion – Rockford, IL
• July 22–27: Women's Baseball World Cup Group Stage – Rivets Stadium, Loves Park, IL
• August 1: WPBL season begins – Springfield, IL
• 2027: Women's Baseball World Cup Finals – Rockford, IL

Does it feel Like your tickets been punched for the USA?

World Baseball Classic Confusion

Team USA manager Mark DeRosa, “mis-spoke” about the tournament qualification scenario during the WBC

• Team USA’s uncertain path to the quarterfinals
• The importance of preparation for international tournaments
• How tournament formats and round-robin rules can create unexpected pressure
• Mexico vs. Italy matchup implications for the USA

Canada’s Strong Showing in the WBC

Mat highlights how Team Canada has exceeded expectations despite a roster missing several stars. Key performers discussed:

• Abraham Toro delivering standout performances
• Owen Caissie, a young rising star hitting .500 in the tournament
• Veteran leadership from Josh Naylor

Canada’s wins against Puerto Rico and Cuba show the team’s growing international competitiveness

The Unique Energy of the WBC - how the World Baseball Classic creates a different atmosphere than MLB games.

• Electric crowds in Asia and Latin America
• The “sandlot” feel of the tournament
• Opportunities for young players to perform on a global stage

Spring Training Observations - results may not determine the season, but they can reveal important clues

• How spring performances sometimes predict regular-season success
• The Pittsburgh Pirates’ promising start
• Prospect Connor Griffin drawing comparisons to elite hitters
• How roster depth and health show up during spring training

Rays Spring Training & Ticket Pricing Debate

Mark shares his experience attending a Tigers vs. Rays spring training game & seeing Shane McClanahan pitch

The conversation shifts to Rays opening day ticket prices and the challenges of dynamic pricing, raising questions about:

• Accessibility for everyday fans
• The importance of family experiences in baseball
• Balancing business strategy with fan engagement

Future Rays Stadium & Fan Experience

The hosts explore the possibilities for the Rays’ future ballpark development

• Large outdoor entertainment areas
• Watch parties for other Tampa sports teams
• Community events & festivals
• Disaster relief and emergency use during hurricanes

A new stadium could become a year-round community hub

Performance Incentive That Could Improve Baseball

• Performance bonuses for stolen bases or triples
• Incentives to encourage aggressive baserunning
• More immersive camera technology, including drones following baserunners
• Make the game more dynamic without fundamentally changing its rules

Technology Changing the Game

• Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challenges
• On-screen explanations of umpire reviews
• New camera angles and broadcast innovations
• Enhanced in-stadium experiences for fans

Opening Day at Tampa Baseball Museum possibly with Joe Maddon & Matt Joyce

Opening Day watching multiple games & tracking storylines across MLB

Women’s History Month, upcoming interviews with Jean Cerra & discussions about Title IX impact on collegiate sports

Women’s Pro Baseball League, WPBL,  spring training in Fort Myers -  next week

If you enjoyed this show, go ahead like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseballbizondeck.com
You can find Mat at matgermain.bsky

Spring Training - Florida

• Packed crowds & hot weather in Dunedin
• The Toronto Blue Jays faced Team Canada in an exhibition game ahead of the World Baseball Classic (WBC)
• Younger prospects & experimental lineups

World Baseball Classic Excitement

• The Dominican Republic -  star-studded lineup loaded with major league talent
• Japan’s elite pitching depth 
• Teams from Italy, Canada, Great Britain, & Australia bring intriguing storylines & young talent
• The WBC highlights pride in country & the global growth of baseball

Rays Connections with WBC

• Junior Caminero with Dominican Republic team continues to impress with elite exit velocity & All-Star potential
• Will Tampa Bay Rays extend Caminero sooner rather than later
• Jose Caballero & Christian Bethancourt playing for Panama at game in Lakeland with Detroit Tigers

A New Wave of Talent in MLB

• Upcoming season features an exciting blend of veterans & young stars
• Cal Raleigh & Paul Skenes represent the next generation 
• Rare mix of established legends & emerging stars, mirroring past eras of talent surges

Veteran Leadership in the Game

• Justin Verlander & Max Scherzer continue to influence younger pitchers
• Veteran presence in clubhouses
• Baseball’s deep respect for its history keeps players connected across generations

The Characters of Baseball 

Joe West

• Legendary MLB umpire - larger-than-life persona
• Entertaining on-field moments & standing his ground with players & managers
• Country Joe sings on stage

Bill Veeck

• Harry Caray - take me out to the ballgame
• Ivy on the walls
• Broke American League color barrier by signing Larry Doby,
• Gave Minnie Minoso a 5 decade career in baseball
• Signed Satchel Paige into MLB

Tom Hamilton

• Cleveland radio broadcaster known for passionate play-by-play style
• A master storyteller who brings games to life for listeners like young Mat

Vladimir Guerrero Jr

• Vladdy Jr - bringing life to the game, core of baseball comes from the sandlot
• Smoothness to his swing,
• Learning from his dad & continuing the game with family history

Joey Votto

• Cincinnati Reds franchise icon – 17 years
• Red Surge Canadian Mounty
• Joined the fans in the stands while on rehab
• Humorous Mad Dog – Chris Russo exchange

Terry “Tito” Francona

• Respected manager & storyteller 
• His leadership resonates throughout the sport
• Deep knowledge of the game

Logan Gilbert

• Seattle Mariners pitcher known for his alter ego “Walter” when pitching
• One of the quirky mental routines pitchers adopt to stay focused
• Roy Halladay 

Randy Arozarena

• Known for his energy, celebrations, & his connection with fans
• Spanking home plate
• Dancing with Brett Phillips
• Sitting in the stands in “RandyLand” with Rays fans after being traded

Bryce Harper

• Fierce competitor & strong voice for players with MLBPA
• Fully embraced Philadelphia & its passionate fan base

Baseball Is Fun –  Brett Phillips & Savannah Bananas, Jesse Cole

• The Women’s Pro Baseball League  in Fort Myers in mid-March
• Community Little League Opening Days - bring baseball back to local neighborhoods

Remember to like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseballbizondeck.com.

Could Relegation Work in Baseball?

If MLB adopted a promotion and relegation system like European soccer

• Eliminates tanking
• $12 billion input into the league
• Keeps fans engaged all season
• Expands opportunities for new markets
• Challenges include financial structure and the difficulty of transition

The Pitch Clock and Modern Game Changes

• Rothschild discusses how the pitch clock has improved pace 
• Pitch clock has changed the rhythm of the game
• While fans seem to enjoy faster games
• traditional tempo and strategic breathing room for players have diminished
• Bob Gibson used to pitch 1.5 hour games 
•  Stopping The Shift -We have legislated things in baseball, that we have caused
• Maury Wills did not need these rules

Changing Incentives in Baseball

• Modern analytics have shifted player priorities.
• Skills like bunting and base stealing declined because players were not financially rewarded for these skills. 
• Players will develop the skills that they are paid for

Mental Performance in the Game

• Pitch Clock has put a rush & stress in the game with hitters & pitchers
• The importance of mental coaching, visualization, and repeatable mechanics, 
• Rothschild brought Harvey Dorfman as a mental coach for the Rays organization
• So much information across MLB gives wealth of knowledge of competing teams
• Hitters get uncomfortable with the unknown

ABS and the Future of Umpiring

• Automated Ball-Strike technology may remove some personality from the game
• Larry shares stories of Umpires - "Your day will come & you have to earn it"
• Larry believes ABS is necessary in today’s data-driven environment
• How many less manager ejections will there be with ABS 
• Joe West & other umpire stories 
• The Tropicana Roof Rings Rules

Rays Stadium and Tampa’s Future

• Rothschild hopes the Rays remain in Tampa 
• Tropicana Roof & what wind speeds are still safe to continue the game?
• Governor DeSantis has given 22 acres to the Rays for new stadium

Larry stresses  new stadium should honor local baseball legends like Al Lopez and Lou Piniella

Larry strongly recommends a visit to the Tampa Baseball Museum at the home of Al Lopez

Importance of Minor League Baseball

• Reducing minor league teams risks losing baseball’s deep connection to small-town America.
• An alternative: integrating college baseball more directly into the development system.
• Baseball’s future depends on maintaining strong community connections & preserving the passion that has long defined the game

Thanks for listening to BaseballBiz On Deck - www.baseballbizondeck.com 

You've been listening to Part 2 of the interview with Larry Rothschild, twice a coach with World Series  winning teams the Marlins and the Reds plus he was manager of the inaugural Tampa Bay Devil Rays Baseball Team, pitching coach for the Atlanta Braves, Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres.  

click here & Listen to Part 1 of the interview with Larry

If you enjoyed this show, go ahead like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseballbizondeck.com
You can find Mat at matgermain.bsky

Larry Rothschild - Full Baseball Guy - MLB Manager, Coach, Pitcher & Fan

• Rays History and Florida Baseball Connections
  • Meeting at the Tampa Baseball Museum
  • Lighting the torch for the Devil Rays
  • Florida baseball ties: FSU, Marlins, Reds spring training, Tigers in Lakeland
• Becoming the Devil Rays Manager - (Expansion Team Reality Check)
  • Hiring process after the World Series
  • Expansion draft preparation (or lack thereof)
  • How much control managers really have
  • Evolution of managerial authority
• Working Under Lou Piniella
  • (Leadership, Intensity and Hall of Fame Worthiness)
  • Coaching relationship with Lou
  • Tough but empowering leadership style
  • Why Lou belongs in the Hall of Fame
  • Comparing Piniella and Leyland
• South Side Chicago to Florida State
  • (Early Life and Baseball Origins)
  • Late physical development
  • Transfer in high school
  • Playing at Florida State
  • Influence of Coach Jack Stallings
  • Reds minor league system and development
• A Yankee Fan from Chicago
  • (Family, War and Baseball Heritage)
  • Father’s WWII service
  • Hank Bauer connection
  • Growing up a Yankees fan in White Sox territory
  • Trading baseball cards
• Coaching the Yankees - (From Fan to Pinstripes)
  • First time walking into old Yankee Stadium
  • Telling his father about joining the Yankees
  • Pitching legends: Mariano Rivera, CC Sabathia
  • Transition from traditional baseball to analytics
• Pitching Then vs. Now
  • (Throwing vs. Pitching)
  • Velocity obsession
  • Loss of command culture
  • Injury trends and biomechanics
  • Weighted balls and development risks
  • Velocity displays and young pitchers
• Who Really Calls the Game?
  • (Pitch Mix, Catchers and Communication)
  • Modern pitching structure (multiple voices)
  • Importance of pitcher conviction
  • Catcher-pitcher trust necessary
• Analytics vs. instinct
  • Complete Games and the Death of the Starter
  • (Wins, Incentives and Blake Snell Moment)
  • Starter mentality
  • Win statistic debate
  • Scripted bullpen usage
  • The Snell World Series pull
  • Jack Morris, Greg Maddux and pitching 
• Front Office Influence and Managerial Autonomy
  • Joe Maddon’s  - blending analytics methods with experience
  • Buck Showalter’s - what happens when Buck becomes un-Buckified
  • Younger managers and front office control - disregard of history & experience
  • The risk of losing baseball personalities
• AI and the Future of Baseball Decisions
  • (Analytics Departments and Automation)
  • AI potentially replacing analysts
  • Injury prediction models
  • Copycat business of MLB

Thanks for listening to BaseballBiz On Deck - www.baseballbizondeck.com 

You've been listening to Part 1 of the interview with Larry Rothschild, twice a coach with World Series  winning teams the Marlins and the Reds plus he was manager of the inaugural Tampa Bay Devil Rays Baseball Team, pitching coach for several MLB teams, including the  Atlanta Braves, Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres.  Join us again next week for part 2 of Larry and his baseball journey & vision.

Just a reminder, if you enjoyed this show, go ahead like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseball biz on deck dot com.

 Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky 

• Tony Clark resigns
• Bruce Meyer – not a Puddy Cat
• Minor Leaguers will they be at the forefront of CBA discussions
• $10 million plus salaried player may have different interests than the Minor Leaguers
• Rule 5 Draft – need more flexibility and increase play
• Roster Size – 27 man roster throughout the entire season would give more Minor Leaguers the opportunity to make it to the show
• Arbitration – can that period of time be shortened
• New blood at MLBPA leadership may change the conversation and animosity 
• The executive board of the MLBPA has 72 slots, 38 belonging to big leaguers, 34 to minor leaguers
• Tony Clark exiled – where might he land in the future
• What improprieties may have taken place with Clark & MLBPA money
• Is the 2027 season secure
• ABS – Balls & Strikes system
• Aggression of MLB managers have decreased
• Substance 
• Angel Hernandez brought attitude to the game
• MLB owners what losses will they lose if they hand over their network games to MLB, YES Network & Yankees
• Pricing on MLB streaming packages 
• Angels not broadcasting Spring Training
• Mike Trout being put back on the field – increasing possibility of injury
• Fan Fest Block Party & Season Ticket Holders
• Consider a mid-season Fan Fest during All-Star week 
• Jacob Melton – Kevin Cash compares Melto to Yandy Diaz
• WBC is just around the corner – 
• Canada & USA playing hockey in the Olympics
• Manuel Rodriguez is the only Tampa Bay Ray on 60 day IL
• CBA – need to be cognizant – No Downside for the owners
• US Tax system is made to protect billionaire owners for any losses
• Owners are the Fat kid on the CBA seesaw
• Jack visits the museum and shares his criticism of Rays choices for the outfield
• Rays Outfielder gone: Chandler Simpson, Cameron Misner, Jake Mangum, Cameron Misner, Josh Lowe 
• Rays New Outfield includes: Ryan Vilade Jake Fraley and Jacob Melton
• Expect Jacob Melton to grow on people
• Strong infield hitters – Jonathan Aranda, Junior Caminero, Yandy Diaz
• Also expect good hitting support from Johnny DeLuca & Jake Fraley & Jake Mangum
• It is more about Run Production – 2026 Rays are meant to be ON Base, not a home run 

Special Thanks to Ryan Woodward of the IWBC, Women in Baseball Week & Merrie Fidler from the AAGPBL – All-American Girls Professional Baseball League

Thanks for listening to BaseballBiz On Deck - www.baseballbizondeck.com 

Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com
  Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social

Mark & Matt welcome back Phil Terrano discuss the start of baseball season, Tampa Bay Rays, youth development, travel ball, injuries & the future of the sport. 

Spring Training Energy in Florida

• Pitchers & catchers reporting & a new baseball year across Florida & Arizona
• Teams arriving & fans prepare for the season
• Tampa Bay Rays Fan Fest outdoors this year as finishing touches continue inside the Trop

Rays Talk and Uniform Buzz

• Possible return of the Rays’ road gray uniforms w/ stingray tail
• Team’s history with alternate uniforms, including Grit & Glow” 

Baseball in Florida: Growth and Importance

• Participation from youth to pro
• Spring Training & 2 MLB franchises contribute to sport’s presence 
• Ideal stadium locations & long term regional growth
• Southern-based winter league w/ existing spring training facilities?

Youth Baseball Development and FLETL Story

• Origin of the Florida East Coast Travel League, FLETL
• Built to improve the experience for families, focusing on memories & value rather than profit
• Innovations include press conferences for kids, enhanced awards & eliminating gate fees
• Influencing other organizations to elevate their offerings
• Partnership with Prospect Wire to expand nationally & combine strengths across age groups

Youth Sports Philosophy

• Emphasis on practice & development rather than constant tournament play
• Encouraging families to keep perspective about the realities of professional baseball
• Travel ball should be about experience, growth, and enjoyment
• Competition builds confidence & life skills
• Create lasting memories

Managing Injuries and Player Health

• Increasing injury rates
• Importance of rest, strength training, & structured development

Phil shares his son’s experience at Wellington Sports Academy 

MLB veterans, Devon Travis, of` Detroit Tigers & the Blue Jays and Brad Peacock of the Houston Astros are leading guiding youth at the Academy

Focus on preparing the body for long term success rather than chasing radar gun numbers.

Learning proper conditioning

Devon Travis' passion for the game

Business of Baseball and Media Changes

• Regional sports networks, RSN's, shifting to MLB’s media division
• Streaming continues to reshape how fans watch games
• Television rights remain a major revenue driver for the sport
• Ongoing conversation about competitive balance, payroll gaps, and future labor negotiations

The Cost of Playing Baseball

• Rising equipment and travel expenses can limit participation
• Phil discusses Stinger Sports, a company focused on providing quality gear at lower costs.
• Goal is to make the game more accessible for families while maintaining performance standards.

Future Plans and Giving Back

• Phil considering launching a new charitable initiative, potentially a foundation in memory of his sister.
• Continued focus on community support and creating opportunities for young athletes.
•  Find out more about Stinger Sports The BEST wood and BBCOR baseball bats, batting gloves, custom uniforms – Stinger Sports  www.stingerwoodbats.com

Thanks for listening to BaseballBiz On Deck - www.baseballbizondeck.com 

Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com
 Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social.