Balls, Strikes, and Bourbon

In this episode, the boys start off strong with a piece of later-corrected misinformation about one of America's most popular whiskies. After setting the record straight, the discussion turns to the subject of how umpires learn and grow, who umpires look up to, and how to get better.

What are ground rules? Why are ground rules the way they are? Who makes ground rules?BSB season two, episode three answers these questions and more.

In this unusually-short episode of Balls, Strikes, & Bourbon, Josh and Bernnie spend thirty minutes reminding everyone that deception alone is not enough to call a balk.That's it, that's the whole show.Bernnie forgot to add the email address for those of you who want to contact us, so here it is:[email protected]

After being forced to take an extended absence from recording, Bernnie and Josh are back to talk about baseball (and sometimes softball) rules, umpiring, and whiskey. In the first episode of the third season of BSB, Josh enjoys a simple, classic cocktail, Bernnie sips some maple-y goodness, and the pair talk about where they've been, what season three will bring, and a high school obstruction play that has been making the rounds on social media. Stay tuned for more plays, rules, guests, and whiskey!

After a brief hiatus, Bernnie and Josh return to discuss a few plays they have seen recently, sip some good, simple whiskies, and have a guest appearance by Bernnie's fire alarm.

In season two's ninth episode, Josh doesn't show up on time to record, so he is replaced by retired Major League Baseball umpire Dale Scott. Bernnie and Dale talk about Old Forester 1920, Jack Daniel's and other "Tennessee" whiskies, umpire crew dynamics, and umpiring with difficult partners. Dale's book, The Umpire Is Out: Calling the Game and Living My True Self, talks about his umpiring career and his experience being a pioneer for LGBTQ+ people within baseball and across sports. The book is available on his website, umpiredalescott.com, and can also found at most major book retailers (Amazon, Barnes & Noble, etc.)

Bernnie, Josh, returning guest Justin, and first-time guest Bobby talk about some of the things they see and hear in the baseball world that really grind their gears.

In the seventh episode of season two, the boys discuss game management, ground rules, and drink a little bit of bourbon.

In the sixth episode of their second season, the guys wrap up the discussion about appeals over pours of two unique bourbons from smaller distilleries.

Justin joins Bernnie and Josh for a discussion on three-person umpiring mechanics. Bernnie reveals that the show is, in fact, the best podcast in the universe.