From growing up on the south side of Chicago to a World Series champion in 2007 with the Boston Red Sox, DeMarlo Hale has seen a lot.
Now a two-time key member of the Toronto Blue Jays coaching staff after riding with John Gibbons from 2013 through 2018 and then returning as associate manager to John Schneider a year ago, Hale joins the show to chat about the gun violence challenges facing his hometown of Chicago and a baseball coaching career that’s heading into its 24th season in 2025.
————
Once you’re done listening to The SMS, wanna sit down at Toronto's first and only Cannabar?
You can do that at Blunt & Cherry.
Located at 64 Spadina Ave., just a short walk from the ballpark, Blunt & Cherry is a licensed cannabis retail brand in Toronto and home to the city’s original Cannabar.
B&C is an education-focused cannabis retailer and that is a go-to destination for product discovery, education, and community in Toronto.
Through their unique consumer experience, designed to take you down a purchasing path that places the right products in your hands, B&C's aim is to simplify the world of cannabis for long-time users and beginners alike, acting not just as a retailer, but as an educator as well.
They also offer free delivery in the downtown core, and as an added bonus use the promo code SMSPOD to get 10% off your online pickup and delivery orders.
Check out their website at bluntandcherry.ca
Contact them at: [email protected] or 416-977-9343
————
That SMS chain you’ve been inundated with on social media?
Yes, it’s real. And, yes, it’s spectacular.
It’s also made by friend of the show, Lessard Coutu Jewellery.
Serving the finest jewellery in the Niagara region for over 30 years, and with a pop-up shop in Yorkville by appointment, drop an Instagram DM (@LessardCoutuJewellery) and go see our guy Nick Coutu for all your custom pieces and, if you want, a scotch on the rocks while you wait.
Everything from traditional pieces like engagement rings, pendants and earrings for that special someone, to gold grills, pinky rings and intricate custom pieces that will have you dripped out — check out The SMS socials to see the logo chain built by LCJ — there’s no idea too big or small!
Hit up Nick and tell him The SMS sent you for elite treatment.
Follow Lessard Coutu Jewellery on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lessardcoutujewellery/
Book an appointment and order online at: https://www.lcjewellery.com/
————
Follow The SMS on X: www.twitter.com/scottymitchshow/
SMS on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scottymitchshow/
————
Interested in becoming an SMS partnership sponsor? 
Email us: [email protected] 
————
Intro music by: https://www.instagram.com/seantommymusic/
Produced by: https://www.instagram.com/ianjoudrey/
Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/scoddymicch/

Every young baseball player wants to make the major leagues as a player, but Luis Hurtado realized that wasn’t in his future and he took a more unique road to a big-league job.
The title of Toronto Blue Jays bullpen catcher is what the 36-year-old is best known for, but his day-to-day role behind the scenes extends far beyond that.
From bullpen stories about Jays relievers, how he was told he should move into coaching, as well as his ongoing personal story as a native of Venezuela, the conversation with Hurtado covers a lot of ground. Enjoy!
————
Once you’re done listening to The SMS, wanna sit down at Toronto's first and only Cannabar?
You can do that at Blunt & Cherry.
Located at 64 Spadina Ave., just a short walk from the ballpark, Blunt & Cherry is a licensed cannabis retail brand in Toronto and home to the city’s original Cannabar.
B&C is an education-focused cannabis retailer and that is a go-to destination for product discovery, education, and community in Toronto.
Through their unique consumer experience, designed to take you down a purchasing path that places the right products in your hands, B&C's aim is to simplify the world of cannabis for long-time users and beginners alike, acting not just as a retailer, but as an educator as well.
They also offer free delivery in the downtown core, and as an added bonus use the promo code SMSPOD to get 10% off your online pickup and delivery orders.
Check out their website at bluntandcherry.ca
Contact them at: [email protected] or 416-977-9343
————
That SMS chain you’ve been inundated with on social media?
Yes, it’s real. And, yes, it’s spectacular.
It’s also made by friend of the show, Lessard Coutu Jewellery.
Serving the finest jewellery in the Niagara region for over 30 years, and with a pop-up shop in Yorkville by appointment, drop an Instagram DM (@LessardCoutuJewellery) and go see our guy Nick Coutu for all your custom pieces and, if you want, a scotch on the rocks while you wait.
Everything from traditional pieces like engagement rings, pendants and earrings for that special someone, to gold grills, pinky rings and intricate custom pieces that will have you dripped out — check out The SMS socials to see the logo chain built by LCJ — there’s no idea too big or small!
Hit up Nick and tell him The SMS sent you for elite treatment.
Follow Lessard Coutu Jewellery on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lessardcoutujewellery/
Book an appointment and order online at: https://www.lcjewellery.com/
————
Follow The SMS on X: www.twitter.com/scottymitchshow/
SMS on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scottymitchshow/
————
Interested in becoming an SMS partnership sponsor? 
Email us: [email protected] 
————
Intro music by: https://www.instagram.com/seantommymusic/
Produced by: https://www.instagram.com/ianjoudrey/
Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/scoddymicch/

An under-the-radar 16th-round pick of the Chicago White Sox 14 years ago, Chris Bassitt wasn’t supposed to make it here.
A bullpen arm in college, the Ohio product not only found a way to beat the odds and make it to the majors, but he’s been able to carve out a memorable career along the way.
From taking a dramatic line drive to the face while with the Oakland A’s to signing a lucrative three-year, $63-million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, the outspoken Bassitt joins the show for EP22 to talk all things baseball.
The 35-year-old right-hander has opinions on all the elbow surgeries around the game, what a successful off-season looks like for his current squad as the Jays try to rebound from a tough 2024 season, as well as what the future holds for himself as he nears the end of the line.
————
Once you’re done listening to The SMS, wanna sit down at Toronto's first and only Cannabar?
You can do that at Blunt & Cherry.
Located at 64 Spadina Ave., just a short walk from the ballpark, Blunt & Cherry is a licensed cannabis retail brand in Toronto and home to the city’s original Cannabar.
B&C is an education-focused cannabis retailer and that is a go-to destination for product discovery, education, and community in Toronto.
Through their unique consumer experience, designed to take you down a purchasing path that places the right products in your hands, B&C's aim is to simplify the world of cannabis for long-time users and beginners alike, acting not just as a retailer, but as an educator as well.
They also offer free delivery in the downtown core, and as an added bonus use the promo code SMSPOD to get 10% off your online pickup and delivery orders.
Check out their website at bluntandcherry.ca
Contact them at: [email protected] or 416-977-9343
————
That SMS chain you’ve been inundated with on social media?
Yes, it’s real. And, yes, it’s spectacular.
It’s also made by friend of the show, Lessard Coutu Jewellery.
Serving the finest jewellery in the Niagara region for over 30 years, and with a pop-up shop in Yorkville by appointment, drop an Instagram DM (@LessardCoutuJewellery) and go see our guy Nick Coutu for all your custom pieces and, if you want, a scotch on the rocks while you wait.
Everything from traditional pieces like engagement rings, pendants and earrings for that special someone, to gold grills, pinky rings and intricate custom pieces that will have you dripped out — check out The SMS socials to see the logo chain built by LCJ — there’s no idea too big or small!
Hit up Nick and tell him The SMS sent you for elite treatment.
Follow Lessard Coutu Jewellery on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lessardcoutujewellery/
Book an appointment and order online at: https://www.lcjewellery.com/
————
Follow The SMS on X: www.twitter.com/scottymitchshow/
SMS on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scottymitchshow/
————
Interested in becoming an SMS partnership sponsor? 
Email us: [email protected] 
————
Intro music by: https://www.instagram.com/seantommymusic/
Produced by: https://www.instagram.com/ianjoudrey/
Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/scoddymicch/

The New York Yankees are back in the World Series for the first time since 2009, and while Don Mattingly now bleeds Toronto Blue Jays blue, Donnie Baseball will always be a NYY legend.
It’s also a good segue into the fact he played 14 seasons for the storied franchise without winning a ring, as he watched an epic run for the franchise start right after he retired in the mid-1990s.
From 1982 to 1995, Mattingly was the face of, perhaps, the most storied franchise in pro sports, and there may not be a baseball player mentioned more from the 80s and 90s in pop culture.
From his famous appearance on The Simpsons to turning down Saturday Night Live on a couple of occasions to his brother playing in the CFL to what it was like playing for the boss George Steinbrenner, enjoy this conversation as the Yankees and LA Dodgers finish off the 2024 season on the sport’s biggest stage.
————
If you're listening to EP20, wanna sit down at Toronto's first and only Cannabar?
You can do that at Blunt & Cherry.
Located at 64 Spadina Ave., just a short walk from the ballpark, Blunt & Cherry is a licensed cannabis retail brand in Toronto and home to the city’s original Cannabar.
B&C is an education-focused cannabis retailer and that is a go-to destination for product discovery, education, and community in Toronto.
Through their unique consumer experience, designed to take you down a purchasing path that places the right products in your hands, B&C's aim is to simplify the world of cannabis for long-time users and beginners alike, acting not just as a retailer, but as an educator as well.
They also offer free delivery in the downtown core, and as an added bonus use the promo code SMSPOD to get 10% off your online pickup and delivery orders.
Check out their website at bluntandcherry.ca
Contact them at: [email protected] or 416-977-9343
————
That SMS chain you’ve been inundated with on social media?
Yes, it’s real. And, yes, it’s spectacular.
It’s also made by friend of the show, Lessard Coutu Jewellery.
Serving the finest jewellery in the Niagara region for over 30 years, and with a pop-up shop in Yorkville by appointment, drop an Instagram DM (@LessardCoutuJewellery) and go see our guy Nick Coutu for all your custom pieces and, if you want, a scotch on the rocks while you wait.
Everything from traditional pieces like engagement rings, pendants and earrings for that special someone, to gold grills, pinky rings and intricate custom pieces that will have you dripped out — check out The SMS socials to see the logo chain built by LCJ — there’s no idea too big or small!
Hit up Nick and tell him The SMS sent you for elite treatment.
Follow Lessard Coutu Jewellery on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lessardcoutujewellery/
Book an appointment and order online at: https://www.lcjewellery.com/
————
Follow The SMS on X: www.twitter.com/scottymitchshow/
SMS on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scottymitchshow/
————
Interested in becoming an SMS partnership sponsor? 
Email us: [email protected] 
————
Intro music by: https://www.instagram.com/seantommymusic/
Produced by: https://www.instagram.com/ianjoudrey/
Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/scoddymicch/

It’s an infielder-themed show on EP20, as current Blue Jays utilityman Ernie Clement and former Jays infielder Santiago Espinal sit down to talk about their respective paths to the big leagues.
The pride of Rochester, NY, Clement was drafted in the fourth round by the Cleveland Indians back in 2017, but it took the 28-year-old seven years and three different organizations to get his first real MLB shot.
This summer, Clement has proven he’s not only a full-time big leaguer, but potentially a very valuable one to a winning team with his low-strikeout ways and leather as the calling cards.
Similarly, that’s the profile Espinal has used to carve out five seasons in the majors up to this point, with the 29-year-old now playing a utility role in Cincinnati.
Already traded twice in his career — once for a World Series MVP — the Dominican-born, Florida-raised Espinal joins us for a quick one on the field at Rogers Centre in a Reds uniform to chat about the trade that sent him out of Toronto earlier this year, plus much more.
--------
If you're listening to EP20, wanna sit down at Toronto's first and only Cannabar?
You can do that at Blunt & Cherry.
Located at 64 Spadina Ave., just a short walk from the ballpark, Blunt & Cherry is a licensed cannabis retail brand in Toronto and home to the city’s original Cannabar.
B&C is an education-focused cannabis retailer and that is a go-to destination for product discovery, education, and community in Toronto.
Through their unique consumer experience, designed to take you down a purchasing path that places the right products in your hands, B&C's aim is to simplify the world of cannabis for long-time users and beginners alike, acting not just as a retailer, but as an educator as well.
They also offer free delivery in the downtown core, and as an added bonus use the promo code SMSPOD to get 10% off your online pickup and delivery orders.
Check out their website at bluntandcherry.ca
Contact them at: [email protected] or 416-977-9343
--------
That SMS chain you’ve been inundated with on social media?
Yes, it’s real. And yes, it’s spectacular.
It’s also made by friend of the show, Lessard Coutu Jewellery.
Serving the finest jewellery in the Niagara region for over 30 years, and with a pop-up shop in Yorkville by appointment, drop an Instagram DM (@LessardCoutuJewellery) and go see our guy Nick Coutu for all your custom pieces and, if you want, a scotch on the rocks while you wait.
Everything from traditional pieces like engagement rings, pendants and earrings for that special someone, to gold grills, pinky rings and intricate custom pieces that will have you dripped out — check out The SMS socials to see the logo chain built by LCJ — there’s no idea too big or small!
Hit up Nick and tell him The SMS sent you for elite treatment.
Follow Lessard Coutu Jewellery on IG: https://www.instagram.com/lessardcoutujewellery/
Book an appointment and order online at: https://www.lcjewellery.com/
--------
Follow The SMS on X: www.twitter.com/scottymitchshow/
SMS on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scottymitchshow/
--------
Interested in becoming an SMS partnership sponsor?
Email us: [email protected]
--------
Intro music: https://www.instagram.com/seantommymusic/
Producer: https://www.instagram.com/ianjoudrey/
Host: https://www.instagram.com/scoddymicch/

Since being drafted in 2019 and arriving in the big leagues in 2021, there’s been no shortage of storylines surrounding Alek Manoah — both good and bad.
From a dominant debut for the first-round pick to a dream season in 2022 that ended up in Manoah being nominated for the American League Cy Young Award at the age of 24, the Florida righty was riding a high to start his career.
But baseball is beautiful and baseball is cruel, and Manoah quickly found that out the hard way starting in 2023 with an opening day start in St. Louis that did not go as planned.
It started one of the most dramatic individual seasons for a Toronto Blue Jay in recent memory, culminating in a banishment to the minor leagues and questions about his future.
After a rededicated Manoah emerged to begin 2024, he unfortunately succumbed to Tommy John surgery, which will keep him out until midway through the 2025 season.
This is Manoah’s story in his own words.
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If you're listening to EP19, wanna sit down at Toronto's first and only Cannabar?
You can do that at Blunt & Cherry.
Located at 64 Spadina Ave., just a short walk from the ballpark, Blunt & Cherry is a licensed cannabis retail brand in Toronto and home to the city’s first and only Cannabar.
B&C is an education-focused cannabis retailer and that is quickly becoming a go-to destination for product discovery, education, and community. 
Through their unique consumer experience, designed to take you down a purchasing path that places the right products in your hands, B&C's aim is to simplify the world of cannabis for long-time users and beginners alike, acting not just as a retailer, but as an educator as well.
Check out their website at bluntandcherry.ca
Contact them at: [email protected] or 416-977-9343
--------
The SMS is also proud to be sponsored by Lessard Coutu Jewellery.
Serving the finest jewellery in the Niagara region for over 30 years, and with a pop-up shop in Yorkville by appointment you go see our guy Nick Coutu for all your custom pieces and a scotch on the rocks while you wait.
Everything from traditional gifts like pendants and earrings for that special someone to gold grills, pinky rings and intricate custom pieces — check out The SMS socials to see the logo chain built by LCJ — there’s no idea too big or small!
Hit up Nick and tell him The SMS sent you for elite treatment.
Follow Lessard Coutu Jewellery on Instagram and send Nick a DM to book an appointment: https://www.instagram.com/lessardcoutujewellery/
Book an appointment and order online at: https://www.lcjewellery.com/
--------
Follow The SMS on X: www.twitter.com/scottymitchshow/
SMS on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scottymitchshow/
--------
Interested in becoming an SMS partnership sponsor? 
Email us: [email protected]
--------
Intro music by: https://www.instagram.com/seantommymusic/
Produced by: Ian “So the Producer” Joudrey (@IanJoudrey on IG)
Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/scoddymicch/

*This episode is dedicated to Pat Montgomery and Andrieana Montgomery. Rest in peace.*
On episode 18 of The SMS, we're joined by Blue Jays hurler Bowden Francis.
The 28-year-old right-hander sits down to talk about everything from his thrifting addiction to how his parents influenced his career in different ways.
When we get into baseball talk, there's no shortage of topics.
The trade that brought him to Toronto alongside Trevor Richards, sending Rowdy Tellez to the Milwaukee Brewers, was an important moment in his career, but Francis has his eyes set on a starting role down the road, something he has yet to be able to lock down with the Blue Jays.
As unique an individual as he is a pitcher with a versatile skill-set, Francis is open and honest about where he wants his career to go.
--------
If you're listening to EP18, wanna sit down at Toronto's first and only Cannabar?
You can do that at Blunt & Cherry.
Located at 64 Spadina Ave., just a short walk from the ballpark, Blunt & Cherry is a licensed cannabis retail brand in Toronto and home to the city’s first and only Cannabar.
B&C is an education-focused cannabis retailer and that is quickly becoming a go-to destination for product discovery, education, and community. 
Through their unique consumer experience, designed to take you down a purchasing path that places the right products in your hands, B&C's aim is to simplify the world of cannabis for long-time users and beginners alike, acting not just as a retailer, but as an educator as well.
Check out their website at bluntandcherry.ca
Contact them at: [email protected] or 416-977-9343
--------
The SMS is also proud to be sponsored by Lessard Coutu Jewellery.
Serving the finest jewellery in the Niagara region for over 30 years, and with a pop-up shop in Yorkville by appointment you go see our guy Nick Coutu for all your custom pieces and a scotch on the rocks while you wait.
Everything from traditional gifts like pendants and earrings for that special someone to gold grills, pinky rings and intricate custom pieces — check out The SMS socials to see the logo chain built by LCJ — there’s no idea too big or small!
Hit up Nick and tell him The SMS sent you for elite treatment.
Follow Lessard Coutu Jewellery on Instagram and send Nick a DM to book an appointment: https://www.instagram.com/lessardcoutujewellery/
Book an appointment and order online at: https://www.lcjewellery.com/
--------
Follow The SMS on X: www.twitter.com/scottymitchshow/
SMS on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scottymitchshow/
--------
Interested in becoming an SMS partnership sponsor? 
Email us: [email protected] 
--------
Intro music by: https://www.instagram.com/seantommymusic/
Produced by: Ian “So the Producer” Joudrey (@IanJoudrey on IG)
Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/scoddymicch/

The definition of a baseball lifer and a legend in Toronto Blue Jays circles for many reasons, the man on EP17 needs no introduction.
John Albert Martinez, better known as Buck, sits down for 45 minutes to go over an entire life that’s revolved around the sport of baseball.
From a player to a coach to a broadcaster, Buck talks about everything from how he got into the game to what keeps him going today.
We also talk a little 2024 Blue Jays baseball at the end.
Enjoy!
--------
If you're listening to EP17, wanna sit down at Toronto's first and only Cannabar?
You can do that at Blunt & Cherry.
Located at 64 Spadina Ave., just a short walk from the ballpark, Blunt & Cherry is a licensed cannabis retail brand in Toronto and home to the city’s first and only Cannabar.
B&C is an education-focused cannabis retailer and that is quickly becoming a go-to destination for product discovery, education, and community. 
Through their unique consumer experience, designed to take you down a purchasing path that places the right products in your hands, B&C's aim is to simplify the world of cannabis for long-time users and beginners alike, acting not just as a retailer, but as an educator as well.
Check out their website at bluntandcherry.ca
Contact them at: [email protected] or 416-977-9343
 --------
The SMS is also proud to be sponsored by Lessard Coutu Jewellery.
Serving the finest jewellery in the Niagara region for over 30 years, and with a pop-up shop in Yorkville by appointment you go see our guy Nick Coutu for all your custom pieces and a scotch on the rocks while you wait.
Everything from traditional gifts like pendants and earrings for that special someone to gold grills, pinky rings and intricate custom pieces — check out The SMS socials to see the logo chain built by LCJ — there’s no idea too big or small!
Hit up Nick and tell him The SMS sent you for elite treatment.
Follow Lessard Coutu Jewellery on Instagram and send Nick a DM to book an appointment: https://www.instagram.com/lessardcoutujewellery/
Book an appointment and order online at: https://www.lcjewellery.com/
 --------
Follow The SMS on X: www.twitter.com/scottymitchshow/
SMS on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scottymitchshow/
 --------
Interested in becoming an SMS partnership sponsor? 
Email us: [email protected] 
 --------
Intro music by: https://www.instagram.com/seantommymusic/
Produced by: Ian “So the Producer” Joudrey (@IanJoudrey on IG)
Hosted by: https://www.instagram.com/scoddymicch/

Episode 16 of The SMS features an hour with Oakland A's legend Dave Stewart, who walks us through his three World Series wins, a World Series MVP, an earthquake and so much more from his 16-year major-league career.
——
The second guest needs no introduction, as former Blue Jays centre fielder Kevin Pillar joins the show as he drives through the Arizona desert on his way to the Chicago White Sox complex on an early spring training morning.
——
EP15 is sponsored by Lessard Coutu Jewellery.
Serving the finest jewellery in the Niagara region for over 30 years, and with a pop-up shop in Yorkville by appointment you go see our guy Nick Coutu for all your custom pieces and a scotch on the rocks while you wait.
Everything from traditional gifts like pendants and earrings for that special someone to gold grills, pinky rings and intricate custom pieces — check out The SMS socials to see the logo chain built by LCJ — there’s no idea too big or small!
Hit up Nick and tell him The SMS sent you for elite treatment.
Follow Lessard Coutu Jewellery on Instagram and send Nick a DM to book an appointment: https://www.instagram.com/lessardcoutujewellery/
Book an appointment and order online at: https://www.lcjewellery.com/
——
Follow The SMS on X: www.twitter.com/scottymitchshow/
SMS on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scottymitchshow/
Interested in becoming an SMS partnership sponsor? 
Email us: [email protected] 
Produced by: Ian “So the Producer” Joudrey (@IanJoudrey on IG)
Intro music by: Sean Tommy (@SeanTommyMusic on IG)
Mitchell on IG: @ScoddyMicch

Fresh off a turkey hunt and a round of golf in retirement, former Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Justin Smoak joins the show to reminisce about an 11-year career that featured stops in Texas, Seattle and a memorable five seasons north of the border.
Included in his Jays run is a pair of ALCS appearances and a career-best 38-homer campaign in 2017 that saw him start the Midsummer Classic in Miami.
In addition to some Josh Donaldson and David Price stories, Smoak talks about the 2015 club that was known for its chirpy personalities and a second half run that came up just short of the franchise’s first World Series appearance since 1993.
Enjoy the conversation with the laid back South Carolina native.
——
EP15 is sponsored by Lessard Coutu Jewellery.
Serving the finest jewellery in the Niagara region for over 30 years, and with a pop-up shop in Yorkville by appointment you go see our guy Nick Coutu for all your custom pieces and a scotch on the rocks while you wait.
Everything from traditional gifts like pendants and earrings for that special someone to gold grills, pinky rings and intricate custom pieces — check out The SMS socials to see the logo chain built by LCJ — there’s no idea too big or small!
Hit up Nick and tell him The SMS sent you for elite treatment.
Follow Lessard Coutu Jewellery on Instagram and send Nick a DM to book an appointment: https://www.instagram.com/lessardcoutujewellery/
Book an appointment and order online at: https://www.lcjewellery.com/
——
Follow The SMS on X: www.twitter.com/scottymitchshow/
SMS on Instagram: www.instagram.com/scottymitchshow/
Interested in becoming an SMS partnership sponsor? 
Email us: [email protected] 
Produced by: Ian “So the Producer” Joudrey (@IanJoudrey on IG)
Intro music by: Sean Tommy (@SeanTommyMusic on IG)
Mitchell on IG: @ScoddyMicch