The Pitch Pod with The Big Maple and The Sizzler

The Sizzler

Episode 3 flips the mic around. After two episodes breaking down the baseball life of Big Maple, it’s finally time to answer the question:Who the hell is The Sizzler? From growing up in Ladner to building a career in sports media, sponsorships, sales, and community events, Chad Dey shares the story behind the nickname, the personality, and the path that somehow led to hosting a podcast with his best friend, James Paxton. The guys get into athlete-driven media vs traditional sports media, and why relationships still matter in sports and business. In Extra Innings, James relives the intensity of the 9th inning during his Toronto no-hitter ; while Chad shares a career perseverance story involving uncertainty, and the pressure of trying to completely turn his career in the right direction. He lived it. He sells it. This is The Pitch Pod.

The Big Maple

In Episode 2 of The Pitch, we go all the way back with James Paxton. From Ladner, BC to Major League Baseball and beyond the highlights and into the real story. From getting drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays and not signing, to leaving Kentucky and navigating NCAA eligibility, to grinding through the minors and breaking into the big leagues; this is the side of the game most people don’t hear about. We also dive into the business of baseball, the mental side of injuries and setbacks, and what life looks like now beyond the mound. Plus: 🔥 Hot Corner: Should Vancouver get an MLB team?🎯 Sell Me This: Len Botkin Trucking🎬 Extra Innings: The Len Botkin Alias This is the story behind Big Maple. The grind, the setbacks, and everything in between. Follow, download, and share the pod on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. 📲 Instagram: @the_pitch_podcast 🐦 X: @thepitch_pod He lived it. He sells it. This is The Pitch.

Swan Song

James “Big Maple” Paxton returns to the mound at the World Baseball Classic, but it doesn’t start how you’d expect. From a first-pitch home run in a tune-up game to finding his rhythm against Cuba and hitting 97 mph, he breaks down the highs, lows, and everything in between. Chad “The Sizzler” Dey shares his own (unsuccessful) bullpen experience in Bellevue, adding some perspective and laughs. The guys get into what fans don’t see at the WBC, what it means to represent Team Canada, and whether this was a true “Swan Song.” As the pilot episode of The Pitch Pod, it also sets the tone for what’s ahead - sports, business, media, sales, and the stories behind it.