Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

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Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander episodes

July 11 John Smoltz Explains Why Justin Verlander Is the Last of His Kind
With Justin Verlander officially announcing his retirement, I sat down with Hall of Famer John Smoltz to reflect on one of the greatest pitching careers in baseball history which just so happens to be accomplished by my brother.
We discuss what made Justin so special, the moments that defined his career, what Cooperstown should remember most, and what it's like knowing when it's finally time to walk away from the game.
If you're a Justin Verlander fan, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:55 John Smoltz Joins
3:31 How Hard Is The Decision?
8:54 What Will You Remember Most?
10:17 What Impressed You Most?
12:51 Pitching In 2 Generations
15:19 How Baseball Will Remember JV
19:00 Outro

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22 min
July 09 Shohei Ohtani's Historic 300th Home Run | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News
Shohei Ohtani has reached another unbelievable milestone.
This week on This Week in Shohei Ohtani News, we break down why Shohei's 300th career home run is so much more than just another number. From becoming the 5th-fastest player in MLB history to 300 home runs to continuing to build one of the greatest careers baseball has ever seen, we put this historic accomplishment into perspective.
Also this week:
⚾ Shohei's latest start on the mound
🎂 His birthday week
🏆 His chase for a fifth MVP Award
📈 Where he now ranks among the greatest players in baseball history

Timestamps:
0:00 Shohei Historic 300 HR
4:04 This Week in Shohei Ohtani News
7:00 How Many HRs Will Shohei Hit?
11:25 How Many MVPs Will Shohei Win?
14:30 300 Homerun Graph
15:50 BVG Comes True
16:26 Outro

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19 min
July 08 My Brother Justin Verlander is Retiring
Today is a day that I always knew had to come eventually, but never believed it would actually happen.
My brother, Justin Verlander, has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. In this video, I share my thoughts on his incredible career, what he's meant to me as a brother, and what I'll remember most from watching his journey unfold over the past two decades.
Thank you, Justin, for everything you've given to the game of baseball.

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19 min
July 06 2026 MLB All-Star Snubs, Power Rankings & Team of the Month
The 2026 MLB All-Star rosters are officially set, and there are several players who should have made the team.
In this episode, I break down my biggest All-Star snubs, discuss who deserves to start the All-Star Game on the mound, react to Mike Trout's 12th All-Star selection, and talk about the possibility of Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber competing in the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia.
Plus, I unveil my latest MLB Power Rankings, discuss the surging Astros and Tigers, and reveal my Team of the Month after another exciting month around Major League Baseball.
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:42 All-Star Snubs
9:52 Harper and Schwarber in Derby?!
13:18 MLB Power Rankings
23:20 June Team of the Month
26:58 All-Star Staring Pitchers?
29:28 26 First Time All-Stars
30:41 Outro

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35 min
July 04 Should the Tigers Trade Tarik Skubal? + John Smoltz on the Yankees, Astros & Pitch Velocity
This week on Saturday with Smoltz, John Smoltz joins me to discuss one of baseball's biggest trade deadline questions: Should the Tigers consider trading Tarik Skubal? We also break down whether the Yankees should be concerned about their recent struggles, why the Astros remain a legitimate playoff threat, and whether pitchers are actually throwing harder today—or if our perception of velocity has changed. As always, Smoltz shares thoughtful insight, strong opinions, and stories from his Hall of Fame career.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:49John Smoltz Joins
2:05 Has Velocity Reading Changed?
5:10 Concern About Yankees?
6:04 Astros a Playoff Team?
7:40 Trade Deadline Talk
9:03 Would You Trade Skubal?
9:45 Outro

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13 min
July 02 Why Shohei Ohtani Won't Pitch in the 2026 All-Star Game | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News
Shohei Ohtani will NOT pitch in the 2026 MLB All-Star Game... but there's a very good reason why.
On this week's This Week in Shohei Ohtani News, I break down why the Dodgers pushed Ohtani's schedule back, why it means he won't take the mound in Philadelphia, and why I actually think it was the right decision.
We'll also cover:
- The real reason behind the schedule change
- Ohtani's latest week at the plate
- His comments about returning home to his growing family
- Dave Roberts becoming the fastest manager ever to reach 1,000 wins
- And everything else you need to know from another week of Shohei Ohtani news.
Don't forget to subscribe for a new episode of This Week in Shohei Ohtani News every week!
Timestamps:
0:00 Shohei Not Pitching in ASG
1:30 Why His Start Was Pushed Back
3:42 Shohei's Offensive Week
7:58 Congrats to Dave Roberts
10:08 Ben Verlander Guarantee (BVG)
10:58 Outro

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13 min
June 29The Rafael Devers Debate, Phillies Surging in NL East & MLB Power Rankings
Is Rafael Devers getting an unfair reputation?
On today's episode, I explain why I think the conversation surrounding Devers has gone too far and why his teammates tell a much different story than the headlines.
Then it's time for this week's MLB Power Rankings. The Phillies continue their surge, the Braves have stumbled after leading the NL East comfortably just weeks ago, the Dodgers remain on top, and several teams are making major moves as we approach the trade deadline.
Also on today's show:
My latest Top 10 MLB Power Rankings

Phillies vs. Braves in the NL East

Kyle Schwarber becomes MLB's first 30-home run hitter

Why the Astros are looking dangerous again

Jazz Chisholm's check-swing frustration

The biggest stories from around Major League Baseball
Thanks for listening! If you enjoy the show, be sure to follow, rate, and review—it really helps the podcast grow. ⚾
Timestamps:
0:00 Rafael Devers is Misunderstood
2:41 New MLB Power Rankings
15:12 Astros Are Coming
18:37 Biggest Pet Peeve
20:26 Outro

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24 min
June 27John Smoltz on the Shohei Ohtani & Dalton Rushing Drama + MLB Trade Deadline and more
John Smoltz joins Ben Verlander for another edition of Saturday with Smoltz on Flippin' Bats.

This week, they dive into the biggest story in baseball: the on-field miscommunication between Shohei Ohtani and Dodgers rookie catcher Dalton Rushing. Smoltz explains whether he experienced similar situations during his Hall of Fame career, how trust between a pitcher and catcher is built, and why communication is so important at the major league level.
The conversation also covers:
The Braves' shrinking lead in the NL East

Which team John hopes becomes an aggressive buyer at the MLB Trade Deadline

An under-the-radar pitcher who has caught his attention this season

Plus plenty of baseball insight and stories from one of the game's greatest pitchers.
Subscribe to Flippin' Bats for new episodes every week featuring the biggest stories across Major League Baseball.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:48 Braves losing NL East Lead
3:45 Who Needs to Make a Trade
6:53 Ohtani/Rushing Situation
10:11 Underrated Pitcher Appreciation
13:09 Outro

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16 min
June 25 Shohei Ohtani & Dalton Rushing's Miscommunication + Another Dominant Start | This Week in Shohei Ohtani News
Shohei Ohtani and rookie catcher Dalton Rushing couldn't seem to get on the same page early in Wednesday's start... and it led to one of the most frustrating innings of Shohei's season.
Then everything changed.
In this week's 'This Week in Shohei Ohtani News', we break down the miscommunication between Ohtani and Rushing, Shohei's postgame comments explaining exactly what happened, and how he responded by striking out the side and dominating the rest of the game.
We also discuss:
⚾ Shohei averaging 100 MPH for the first time in his MLB career
⚾ The fastest pitch of his career (101.7 MPH)
⚾ Another dominant start (6 IP, 2 ER, 8 K)
⚾ Six home runs in his last 12 games
⚾ Becoming a father of two and his first comments after welcoming his son
⚾ Why Shohei continues to prove he's the most incredible player baseball has ever seen.
If you enjoyed the episode, don't forget to like, subscribe, and leave a comment!
Did the Shohei Ohtani frustration with Dalton Rushing surprise you?
#ShoheiOhtani #Dodgers #MLB #Baseball #ThisWeekInShoheiOhtaniNews #DaltonRushing #大谷翔平
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:16 Ohtani vs Rushing Frustration
3:15 Performance vs Twins
5:20 Rushing Struggles
7:42 Shohei Pushing Through Pain
9:35 Postgame Comments
10:54 Shohei Offense
13:38 New Dad x2
15:08 Outro

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18 min
June 22 PCA Having MVP Season, Nick Kurtz Best 1B in MLB? + Shohei Ohtani Dad Strength | MLB Power Rankings
Is Nick Kurtz becoming the next superstar in Major League Baseball?
On this episode of Flippin' Bats, we break down the incredible rise of Nick Kurtz, who is putting together one of the best offensive seasons in baseball at just 23 years old. From leading the American League in RBIs to posting elite numbers across the board, Kurtz is making a serious case as one of the game's best hitters—and perhaps the best first baseman in baseball.
We also discuss Pete Crow-Armstrong's unbelievable MVP-caliber season and why, if not for Shohei Ohtani, he'd be right at the top of the National League MVP conversation. Plus, Shohei returns from paternity leave and immediately homers in his first game back.
Also in this episode:
⚾ My dream Home Run Derby participants
⚾ This week's MLB Power Rankings
⚾ Team of the Week
⚾ The latest storylines from around Major League Baseball
Who is your #1 team in MLB right now?
Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:56 PCA MVP Numbers
4:41 HR Derby
9:43 Nick Kurtz
12:10 Around MLB
15:44 MLB Power Rankings
26:03 Team of the Week
30:27 East West Classic
35:12 Outro

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38 min

About Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

From the publisher's feed

Flippin' Bats is a fun baseball podcast bringing you everything you want from around the league! You'll hear from Hall of Famer John Smoltz every week, you'll hear from the game's best players, and…