Minor league baseball has been around since the 1880s, allowing players to develop and pursue their dreams of making it to the big leagues while also providing endless entertainment for baseball fans in those towns. Currently there are 162 teams, but the system as we know it appears to be on the verge of seismic change, which may include up to 42 franchises losing their affiliate status. Why is this happening? Should it happen? J.J. Cooper, Executive Editor of Baseball America, weighs in.



This episode is produced and sound designed by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Dan Shulman.



Audio Credits: YouTube.com/MLB; YouTube.com/TODAY



The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Minor Leagues, Major Issues

Dan picks an issue, trend, news item or story from around MLB and digs in on it with a guest.

Sports

Baseball

Without question, the 2020 MLB season was the strangest in baseball history: a pandemic, a shortened schedule, new rules, a team without a home and, in the end, an historic World Series win. On the season finale of A Swing and a Belt, Dan takes listeners through a campaign like none other. 



This season of the podcast was produced and sound designed by Christian Ryan. Amil Delic helped with episodic production and general awesomeness.



Thanks to all our guests as well as everyone from Sportsnet and beyond who helped gather archival sound for episodes, we couldn’t have done it without you. 



Audio Credits: YouTube.com/CBSSportsHQ; YouTube.com/ESPN; YouTube.com/MLB; Sportsnet; YouTube.com/FOXSportsSun



The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

A Season Like None Other

With the Los Angeles Dodgers leading the Tampa Bay Rays three games to two heading into Game 6 of the World Series, the finish line is now in sight. MLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian has been on the play-by-play call and brings us up to speed on the series so far.



This episode is produced and sound designed by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Dan Shulman. Braden Connolly assisted with archival audio.



Audio Credits: YouTube.com/MLB; Sportsnet



The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

A Championship Looms

The World Series is off to a great start, with the favoured Dodgers tied up at one with the Rays. Six-time All-Star Nomar Garciaparra, who covers the Dodgers for SportsNet LA, offers his thoughts on the series, Clayton Kershaw’s legacy and Bo Bichette being compared to him.



This episode is produced and sound designed by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Dan Shulman.



Audio Credits: YouTube.com/MLB; ESPN Radio



The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Nomar On The Series

The World Series is upon us, with the top seeds representing the American and National Leagues. Just like we all expected the season to play out when pitchers and catchers first reported in February… right? There’s no doubt the mighty Dodgers, with their unmatched resources and talent, are the favourites but can the Rays pull off an upset? New York Times national baseball writer Tyler Kepner previews the Fall Classic.



This episode is produced and sound designed by Amil Delic, and hosted by Dan Shulman.



Audio Credits: ABC, Fox Sports, Hankook Tires, Sportsnet, TBS, WDAE and WLAC



The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

David vs. Goliath?

Pete Walker is the pitching coach for the Toronto Blue Jays. And in this strange and unprecedented 2020 season, he worked with 28 pitchers across a 60-game campaign that resulted in a postseason berth. A handful with little or no previous Major League experience definitely left an impression. Walker takes listeners through the roles those youngsters will play in 2021 and beyond.



This episode is produced and sound designed by Christian Ryan, and hosted by Dan Shulman.



Audio Credits: MLB.com; MLB.tv; Sportsnet



The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Media Inc. or any affiliate.

Minor Leagues, Major Issues

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