From the very beginning of the National League, baseball's overlords have attempted to grow the sport beyond America's borders. These efforts have met with varying levels of success over the years, but it's clear that baseball has never been more popular abroad than it is in 2024. Our guest this week, MLB.com's manager of storytelling Michael Clair, has a new newsletter that highlights the international game wherever it's being played and is making sure we'll know where the next generation of great major league players is going to come from.

Plus, happy birthday to Paul Schaal and Jeff Pfeffer!

And farewell to Jimy Williams and John Pregenzer.