Parney Time

Parney Time went LIVE at Parlay with longtime friend and guest Dennis “Pelf” Pelfrey, the all-time winningest manager in Richmond Flying Squirrels history, for a special night with Squirrels fans.

Pelf talks about what he loves about Richmond, his favorite parts of being a Minor League Baseball manager, player development, the relationships that make the job special, stories from his playing days, life at CarMax Park, and what goes through his mind as a season winds down. Plus, Pelf reveals his favorite sports trading card, answers questions from the crowd, opens some packs, and even gets a special gift from Graybo’s.

We’re also joined by Tommy “Tank” Edwards for a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a Minor League Baseball roving instructor and his journey to becoming a permanent member of the Squirrels staff. Plus, a little Pete Rose Hall of Fame debate, plenty of laughs, and some very questionable old baseball card gum.

Huge thank you to Graybo’s Sports Cards and Parlay for sponsoring the episode and putting together an incredible night for our first-ever live audience taping of Parney Time!

This season of Parney Time is proudly presented by LaBella, a full-service engineering, architecture, environmental, and planning firm who helped bring CarMax Park to life and help build stronger communities across the country. Learn more: https://labellapc.com/

Follow us on social media!

Follow Cheats @BBallMixtape on Twitter @blackbaseballmixtape on Instagram and listen to the Black Baseball Mixtape

Follow Michael Phillips @michaelpinRVA

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Parney sits down with Brad Bartholomew, National Design Director at LaBella, alongside Richmond Flying Squirrels COO Ben Rothrock, for a behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to design and build the sports venues fans love.

Brad shares the story behind CarMax Park, from the extensive planning, sun studies and site research to the design decisions that helped create a brand-new ballpark while preserving the character of the Diamond. He also takes listeners inside some of his other projects, including Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, Real Madrid’s stadium, NHL and NBA venues, collegiate facilities, and more.

The conversation explores the evolution of sports venue design, the challenges of renovating existing stadiums, creating flexible spaces for multiple sports, and how architecture and development can shape the entire fan experience.

A fascinating look at the people, planning and creativity behind the stadiums and sports spaces we all love.

This season of Parney Time is proudly presented by LaBella, a full-service engineering, architecture, environmental, and planning firm who helped bring CarMax Park to life and help build stronger communities across the country. Learn more: https://labellapc.com/

Follow us on social media!

Follow Cheats @BBallMixtape on Twitter @blackbaseballmixtape on Instagram and listen to the Black Baseball Mixtape

Follow Michael Phillips @michaelpinRVA

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Todd “Parney” Parnell sits down with longtime minor league baseball legend and mentor Chucky Domino for a hilarious trip through the wild old days of minor league baseball. From outrageous promotions and unforgettable characters like Tiny Tim and Captain Dynamite to the lessons that shaped Parney’s career, Chucky shares stories from more than 40 years in the game.

At the heart of the conversation is a shared belief that baseball has always been about the fans, doing whatever it takes to fill the seats, create an experience, and give the community a reason to come back.

A must-listen for anyone who loves minor league baseball, crazy promotions, baseball history, and the stories behind the people who built the game.

This season of Parney Time is proudly presented by LaBella, a full-service engineering, architecture, environmental, and planning firm who helped bring CarMax Park to life and help build stronger communities across the country. Learn more: https://labellapc.com/

Follow us on social media!

Follow Cheats @BBallMixtape on Twitter @blackbaseballmixtape on Instagram and listen to the Black Baseball Mixtape

Follow Michael Phillips @michaelpinRVA

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What really goes into putting on a day of horse racing? Parney sits down with Frank Hopf, Senior Director of Racing Operations at Colonial Downs, for a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the sport, the business, and everything that happens before the horses hit the track.

Frank shares his unlikely journey into horse racing, how a love of the sport turned into a 24-year career, and what it takes to keep a major racetrack running — from track conditions and surface changes to jockeys, horsemen, regulators, wagering, and the fan experience.

The conversation also dives into the evolution of sports betting and off-track wagering, some of the craziest bets Frank has seen, and the hilarious story of a bettor who turned a $10 bet into a $140,000 payday — and came to the bank to collect before the money was even ready.

Plus, Frank and Parney discuss:

• The ins and outs of race-day operations
• How decisions are made when weather impacts the track
• The growth and evolution of Colonial Downs
• The impact of online and off-track betting on horse racing
• Favorite horses, jockeys, tracks, and horse names
• The Virginia Derby and major racing events
• The most important lessons Frank has learned throughout his career
• What makes horse racing such a unique fan experience
• Plenty of wild betting and racing stories

Whether you're a longtime horse racing fan or know very little about what happens behind the scenes, this episode offers a fun look inside one of Virginia's most unique sports and entertainment businesses.

Visit Colonial Downs Racetrack!

This season of Parney Time is proudly presented by LaBella, a full-service engineering, architecture, environmental, and planning firm who helped bring CarMax Park to life and help build stronger communities across the country. Learn more: https://labellapc.com/

Follow us on social media!

Follow Cheats @BBallMixtape on Twitter @blackbaseballmixtape on Instagram and listen to the Black Baseball Mixtape

Follow Michael Phillips @michaelpinRVA

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on Parney Time, Parney sits down with one of the biggest personalities in golf, Fat Perez, for an honest and hilarious conversation about one of the most unlikely success stories in sports media.

Before becoming a household name through Bob Does Sports, Fat Perez was working as an accountant in Virginia, living a stable life with a steady career. Then one opportunity changed everything. He opens up about the difficult decision to leave it all behind, the moments he realized his life would never be the same, and what it's been like becoming one of the most recognizable faces in YouTube golf.

The two also dive into:

• Leaving accounting to join Bob Does Sports full-time
• The surreal moments that made his YouTube career feel real
• Playing alongside Bryson DeChambeau and what he's really like off camera
• The origin of the legendary "Euro Step"
• Being recognized by PGA Tour players and celebrities
• His unforgettable memories at St. Andrews
• Favorite golf courses and life inside professional golf
• Behind-the-scenes stories about tour caddies
• The hardest he's ever laughed filming with the Bob Does Sports crew
• Tiger Woods seeing his putt at the Creator Classic
• Taking on Phil Mickelson in one of golf's most memorable challenge videos
• Why authenticity has been the key to his success

Whether you're a golfer, a Bob Does Sports fan, or simply love hearing incredible career journeys, this is a must-listen conversation with one of the most entertaining personalities in golf today.

This season of Parney Time is proudly presented by LaBella, a full-service engineering, architecture, environmental, and planning firm who helped bring CarMax Park to life and help build stronger communities across the country. Learn more: https://labellapc.com/

Follow us on social media!

Follow Cheats @BBallMixtape on Twitter @blackbaseballmixtape on Instagram and listen to the Black Baseball Mixtape

Follow Michael Phillips @michaelpinRVA

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Parney Time, Parney sits down with Toronto Blue Jays first base coach Mark Budzinski for one of the most heartfelt conversations of the season.

From growing up in Maryland dreaming of playing at Memorial Stadium to starring at the University of Richmond and eventually reaching the major leagues as both a player and coach, Budzinski reflects on the people, moments, and lessons that shaped his remarkable baseball journey.

The two dive into:

• Growing up around Baltimore baseball and idolizing Eddie Murray
• His University of Richmond days and what prepared him for professional baseball
• Life in the minor leagues and the lessons that built his career
• The unforgettable day he received his first call to the big leagues
• Coaching stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and George Springer
• The emotional meaning behind the Blue Jays honoring his late daughter, Julia
• Hilarious bus ride and clubhouse stories
• Rapid-fire questions, favorite teammates, and baseball memories
• Faith, leadership, resilience, and finding purpose beyond the game

In honor of Mark's daughter Julia, please consider supporting the Julia Budzinski Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to deserving student-athletes and continues Julia's legacy of kindness, leadership, and service. You can also join the community at the JB Sunset 5K, taking place November 27 in Glen Allen, Virginia.

This season of Parney Time is proudly presented by LaBella, a full-service engineering, architecture, environmental, and planning firm who helped bring CarMax Park to life and help build stronger communities across the country. Learn more: https://labellapc.com/

Follow us on social media!

Follow Cheats @BBallMixtape on Twitter @blackbaseballmixtape on Instagram and listen to the Black Baseball Mixtape

Follow Michael Phillips @michaelpinRVA

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Parney Time, Parney welcomes one of the greatest two-sport athletes of his generation, Brian Jordan.

From starring as a Richmond Spider to playing in both the NFL and Major League Baseball, Brian reflects on the journey that made him one of the rare athletes to succeed at the highest level in two professional sports.

Brian shares incredible stories about growing up playing every sport imaginable, why young athletes should avoid specializing too early, and how the University of Richmond changed the course of his life. He also looks back on his football and baseball recruiting process, being drafted in both sports, and the devastating leg injury that nearly ended his career before it truly began.

The two also dive into:

• The importance of playing multiple sports growing up
• Choosing the University of Richmond and why it became his perfect fit
• His football and baseball draft experiences
• Overcoming a career-threatening leg injury
• How the Atlanta Falcons gave him his first opportunity in the NFL
• Incredible stories about Bo Jackson, Joe Montana, Jerry Rice, and other sports legends
• His favorite teammates and career memories
• The Brian Jordan Foundation and his passion for youth literacy
• Bringing HBCU baseball and softball tournaments to Richmond
• His latest ventures in professional football and community development

Learn more about the Brian Jordan Foundation Scholarship Program

This season of Parney Time is proudly presented by LaBella, a full-service engineering, architecture, environmental, and planning firm who helped bring CarMax Park to life and help build stronger communities across the country. Learn more: https://labellapc.com/

Follow us on social media!

Follow Cheats @BBallMixtape on Twitter @blackbaseballmixtape on Instagram and listen to the Black Baseball Mixtape

Follow Michael Phillips @michaelpinRVA

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Parney Time, Parney welcomes New York Mets third base coach Tim Leiper for a conversation filled with baseball stories, friendship, perseverance, and the journey through professional baseball.

Tim reflects on growing up in a baseball family, the influence of his father and brother, and the unforgettable experience of facing his own brother in the Mexican League—which nearly sparked a bench-clearing brawl. He also shares how years of playing and managing in the minor leagues prepared him for the opportunity to coach in the Major Leagues.

The two also dive into:

• Tim's journey from player to MLB coach
• Hilarious stories from the Mexican League and the minor leagues
• Managing the Altoona Curve with Parney
• Coaching in Ottawa and meeting his wife in Canada
• Leading Team Canada in international competition
• World Baseball Classic and Olympic baseball memories
• The close-knit baseball community and supporting players through difficult times
• Coaching through the ups and downs of an MLB season with the New York Mets
• What it takes to be a Major League third base coach
• Learning from legendary manager Terry Francona
• The best players Tim has ever seen, including Shohei Ohtani and David Ortiz
• Rapid-fire baseball questions and behind-the-scenes clubhouse stories

This season of Parney Time is proudly presented by LaBella, a full-service engineering, architecture, environmental, and planning firm who helped bring CarMax Park to life and help build stronger communities across the country. Learn more: https://labellapc.com/

Follow us on social media!

Follow Cheats @BBallMixtape on Twitter @blackbaseballmixtape on Instagram and listen to the Black Baseball Mixtape

Follow Michael Phillips @michaelpinRVA

 

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this inspiring episode of Parney Time, Parney sits down with Bonner Paddock—author, speaker, endurance athlete, and the first person with cerebral palsy to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and complete an Ironman triathlon.

The conversation begins with the story of how Bonner and Parney first met at the National Sports Forum, the instant friendship they formed, and Bonner's successful career in professional sports, including helping lead the Anaheim Ducks' corporate partnerships during their 2007 Stanley Cup championship season. Bonner shares unforgettable behind-the-scenes stories from the championship celebration, including partying with the Stanley Cup until sunrise.

Then, the conversation takes a powerful turn.

Bonner opens up about growing up with cerebral palsy, the daily pain he lives with, and the physical challenges that most people never see. He shares the remarkable journey that led him to become the first person with cerebral palsy to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and complete an Ironman, all while raising awareness and support through Team Jake.

The two also discuss:

• Growing up with cerebral palsy and overcoming adversity
• His career with the Anaheim Ducks and winning the Stanley Cup
• Incredible Stanley Cup celebration stories
• Becoming the first person with cerebral palsy to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
• Completing an Ironman despite constant physical pain
• Building Team Jake and finding purpose through service
• The mental battle behind endurance sports
• The moment he "made peace with dying" on Mount Kilimanjaro
• Silencing your inner critic and developing mental resilience
• His documentary chronicling the Kilimanjaro expedition
• What's next in his incredible journey

Whether you're an athlete, sports fan, entrepreneur, or simply someone searching for motivation, this is a powerful conversation about perseverance, perspective, and the limitless potential of the human spirit.

Watch Bonner's Documentary Beyond Limits, Donate to Team Jake and Learn More About Bonner's Story

This season of Parney Time is proudly presented by LaBella a full-service engineering, architecture, environmental, and planning firm who helped bring CarMax Park to life and help build stronger communities across the country. Learn more: https://labellapc.com/

Follow us on social media!

Follow Cheats @BBallMixtape on Twitter @blackbaseballmixtape on Instagram and listen to the Black Baseball Mixtape

Follow Michael Phillips @michaelpinRVA

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Parney Time, baseball legend Will "The Thrill" Clark becomes the first recurring guest in show history as he returns for another hilarious, insightful, and unfiltered baseball conversation with Parney.

Now spending time working with the San Jose Giants, Will shares what it's like mentoring the next generation of hitters, which Giants prospects have caught his eye, and why today's minor leaguers are much more willing to learn than some players at the major league level.

From unforgettable clubhouse stories to his thoughts on Shohei Ohtani, analytics, coaching, and the state of today's game, this episode is packed with laughs, wisdom, and classic Thrill moments.

The two dive into:

⚾ Why Will always wears a funny shirt on his podcast with Eric Byrnes

⚾ Working with the San Jose Giants and the future of San Francisco's farm system

⚾ The biggest differences between today's young hitters and previous generations

⚾ How Dusty Baker helped transform his swing and the mentors who shaped his career

⚾ Conversations with Keith Hernandez and the hidden art of talking baseball at first base

⚾ Will's minor league pit stop to Fresno

⚾ His thoughts on Richmond's new CarMax Park

⚾ Why "you can't burn an 0-for-4 with a protein shake"

⚾ Will's thoughts on dogs in the locker room

⚾ If Will Clark were Commissioner of Baseball, what would he change?

⚾ Why Shohei Ohtani is the best hitter in baseball today—and where he ranks among the all-time greats

⚾ The memorabilia he'll never part with, including items from Tony Gwynn and Stan Musial

⚾ Why he loves Jackson Merrill's game

⚾ Memories from the 1989 Earthquake World Series

⚾ Why coaching in today's game doesn't appeal to him

⚾ Analytics, modern pitching, mound visits, and the current state of Major League Baseball

This season of Parney Time is proudly presented by LaBella a full-service engineering, architecture, environmental, and planning firm who helped bring CarMax Park to life and help build stronger communities across the country. Learn more: https://labellapc.com/

Follow us on social media!

Follow Cheats @BBallMixtape on Twitter @blackbaseballmixtape on Instagram and listen to the Black Baseball Mixtape

Follow Michael Phillips @michaelpinRVA

 

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.