The season had hardly dawned when we got word that two of our most beloved South Side Sox figures, Ashley Sanders and Di Billick, would be returning to work with us again. In this episode Brett Ballantini gets to sit down for a Meet the Players podcast that never was (Ashley's first podcast appearance was on March 6, 2020, jumping right into the White Sox news of the day — namely, why was Carlos Rodón no longer popping his top uniform button).

Ashley catches us up on what she's been doing during her SSS "sabbatical" — working at San Diego Studios as a live designer for MLB The Show.

We also unlock the secrets of why she came back to SSS, whether she stepped away at all from the White Sox, and whether her sunny outlook on the 2026 White Sox has dimmed in light of the "slow start" to the season.

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Catherine Tinker is back this season for a quick chat about the Tampa Bay Rays, and being back at The Trop after Hurricane Milton destroyed much of the roof in 2024.

During the conversation, Catherine shared her hopes of the Rays “getting their shit together” after a lot of veterans left in the offseason.

Chrystal and Catherine ended the episode discussing food options at ballparks and the controversy surrounding fun new items, and the importance of spelling names correctly.

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Kevin O’Brien is back to chat about division rivals, the Kansas City Royals. Kevin talked about what’s new in Kansas City and what to expect for the upcoming series. Chrystal also asked about the Royals who took part in the World Baseball Classic, and how Vinnie Pasquantino stole the hearts of many while on a larger stage.

Lastly, Kevin talked about his visit to Rate Field last season and hot takes for 2026. The biggest: Tony Vitello might not last long with the Giants, given he’s on a similar trajectory as an old friend of the White Sox and Royals — Pedro Grifol.

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The Ladies’ Night Podcast welcomes Ashley Sanders, Live Designer for MLB The Show, for a behind-the-scenes look at how the game stays fresh all season long and what it takes to bring real-life baseball into the virtual world. Plus, we talk Chicago White Sox baseball, highlighting a few bright spots and sharing a positive outlook for the season.

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Heather joined Chrystal O'Keefe to chat about all things Orioles.

If you don’t like Pete Alonso, this episode might not be for you. But they chatted about his move from the Mets and the good he does in the community.

The Orioles had quite the offseason, and have looked good so far this year. Heather also shared her insight on what to expect when the White Sox see the O’s, and what she hopes to see this season in both Baltimore and around the league.

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After a stirring 5-4 sayonara White Sox win in extras, Malachi Hayes joined Brett Ballantini to discuss the highlights. They drilled down into the pivotal 10th inning and noted the extra gear the club found that we haven't seen in years.

There was discussion, of course, of the two amazing arms who opened up the game, and the reasoning behind letting Grant Taylor throw only nine pitches in the contest.

Finally, it was time to deliver some plaudits to Ozzie Guillén, whose jersey will be retired in August.

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In anticipation of the Chicago White Sox home opener Malachi Hayes, Joe Kiang-Resis, Hannah Filippo and Melissa Sage-Bollenbach joined Brett Ballantini to preview the game and review the disappointing first week of South Side baseball.

The podcast also includes a brief weather update, predictions for the series outcome and a deeper dive into the malaise and lack of focus that has so far marked the 2026 club.

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Ruth Kapelus returned to chat with Chrystal O'Keefe about all things Blue Jays and helped preview the home opener series with the White Sox.

Chrystal and Ruth also got a little romantic about baseball, especially the World Baseball Classic.

Plus Ruth shared predictions about Dylan Cease, working through injury worries and woes, and figuring out threats, fears, and keys to the Blue Jays winning the series before sharing her hot takes and picking division winners.

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Ely Sussman of Fish On First joined Chrystal O'Keefe to catch up on all things Marlins. In this episode, Ely talked about Spring Training and rooting interests in the World Baseball Classic, which featured several Marlins players. Chrystal took a temperature check on the 2026 season before moving on to the series matchup.

A walkthrough of Marlins pitching and struggles is reminiscent of the 2025 and possibly 2026 White Sox, with a lot of rookies or second season players holding down the fort for an owner who won’t spend money. They also talked about the new rules and first hand experience with ABS.

You can find Ely on Twitter and Bluesky, and over at Fish On First.

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Melissa Sage-Bollenbach, Dante Jones and Malachi Hayes joined Brett Ballantini in the aftermath of the worst Opening Day loss any of us can remember, a 14-2 drubbing in Milwaukee by the Brewers.

However, as much as the loss was like Malachi's recent dental procedure, it is just one of 162 games, so the quartet attempts to focus on the positives both from this game and the season to come.

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