Baseball Dictionary

JCCC: The JUCO Juggernaut

Johnson County Community College isn’t just the best junior college baseball team in the country — they’re building one of the greatest seasons the NJCAA has ever seen. Jeff Passan sits down with JCCC Head Coach Eric Horner alongside players Colin Coonradt, Ryan Bradford, Liam Roche, and Victor Christal as the Cavaliers continue their run through the NJCAA World Series. JCCC entered the tournament as the No. 1 overall seed with an astonishing 63-3 record after putting together a program-record 41-game winning streak. At the center of the story is freshman phenom Ryan Bradford, who shattered the NJCAA single-season home run record with 42 homers. From record-breaking performances to championship expectations, this episode dives inside one of the most remarkable teams in the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Pokémon: MLB's Nerdiest Secret

Jeff Passan is joined by Jacob Misiorowski for a deep dive into one of MLB’s biggest clubhouse obsessions: Pokémon cards. Trevor May and Jameson Taillon stop by to talk favorite pulls, legendary cards, visiting card shops they’ve found on the road, and how collecting has become a way for players across baseball to connect. Plus, Jeff opens packs with the guys and finds out just how competitive MLB players can get over Pokémon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

The Art of the Ejection: Aaron Boone & Joe West

Aaron Boone and legendary umpire Joe West join Jeff Passan to break down one of baseball’s greatest traditions: the ejection. From Boone’s iconic “Savages in the Box” meltdown to Joe West tossing Joe Torre, Bobby Cox, and countless others, this episode dives into the relationship between managers and umpires, the psychology behind arguments, and whether there’s truly an art form to getting tossed.   (0:00) The art of the ejection (2:09) Aaron Boone and Joe West join the show  (2:22) Relationship between Managers and Umpires (3:36) What makes a good umpire? (4:45) Joe West’s first ejection victim Joe Torre (7:40) Umpire’s jobs during the game (9:45) Aaron and Joe’s ejection records (11:15) More on Joe Torre (12:25) Growing up in a big league clubhouse (14:28) Speeding up guys at the plate (15:30) Joe West insulting Big Papi (17:00) Boone ejected in 1st MLB game (20:33) Umpires fining players & equipment violations (22:50) Ejecting Bobby Cox from WS (24:10) Savages in the box ejection (26:25) Calling and arguing balls and strikes (29:35) Is there an art form to the ejection? (31:45) ABS affecting Boone’s ejection rate  (33:03) Have you ever intentionally tried to get ejected (34:34) Everyone’s ejected, see you next time Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Baseball Dictionary

Jeff and Richard Staff dive into the language of baseball. They explore their favorite terms, with help from Hall of Famer George Brett, Pete Fairbanks, and Tim Kurkjian along the way. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Big Dumper: Catching Up with Cal Raleigh

Mariners All-Star catcher Cal Raleigh joins Sources Tell Jeff Passan for a candid, wide-ranging conversation on one of baseball’s toughest — and most misunderstood — positions. From the craft of calling games and managing pitchers to the physical (and mental) toll behind the plate, Raleigh breaks down what it really takes to be an elite catcher.  And yes, they get into it: the origin of “Big Dumper,” the chaos of foul tips off the mask, ABS challenges, and even the realities of living with one of baseball’s most iconic nicknames. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]