Beyond the Bases: Getting Personal with Ryan Ward

Swing for the fences in this episode as Liam with former MLB player Alex Liddi, who etched his name in the annals of baseball history as the first Italian-born player to grace the Major Leagues. We explore Alex's remarkable career, spanning continents and cultures, and hear about his journey from Italy to the heart of American baseball. Plus, don't miss out on the latest developments as Alex shares insights into his role in Baseball United's groundbreaking league. Tune in for an unforgettable discussion about breaking barriers and hitting grand slams in the world of baseball.

In this episode, we sit down with former MLB player Dave Huff to explore the world of international baseball and the exciting developments surrounding Baseball Untied, a groundbreaking professional baseball league out of the Middle East. Join us as we: • Follow Dave's incredible journey from the MLB to playing professional baseball overseas, highlighting the challenges and cultural experiences that come with it. • Gain unique insights into the formation of Baseball Untied, a league poised to revolutionize the sport's landscape in the Middle East. • Discover the universal appeal of baseball and how it's bridging cultures and uniting fans worldwide. • Dive into the passion, dedication, and dreams that drive Dave Huff's continued involvement in the game. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast or intrigued by the expansion of the sport into new territories, this episode offers an engaging discussion on the intersection of international baseball and the future of Baseball Untied. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of the game's global reach and the exciting prospects it holds.

Founder of the Lee Johnson Agency, Lee Johnon joins the show to discuss what it takes to succeed as a sports agent at the highest level. Discover the pivotal moment that ignited Lee’s passion for becoming an MLB agent. Tune in as Lee opens up about the challenges she's faced on her path to becoming a respected MLB agent. From breaking into the industry to earning the trust of players and front offices, she shares her candid experiences of overcoming hurdles that come with being a woman in a traditionally male-centric realm. Don't miss out on this electrifying episode where Lee Johnson breaks down barriers, challenges stereotypes, and reveals the truth behind what it takes to be a sports agent. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan, an advocate for gender equality, or simply curious about the inner workings of sports representation, this episode promises to be a home run!

The man with the tweet that took the internet by storm yesterday, Jeff Frye joins the show to discuss why he took exception to a video he saw of Manny Ramirez' son Luca celebrating hitting a walk off home run to send his team to the championship. Are bat flips ruining the game? A current MLBPA agent, Jeff hit .290 across 9 seasons in the Big Leagues and believes that the online "hitting gurus" are spreading false information. Jeff details his time in the Majors, how the game has evolved, and what it was like playing with Roger Clemens, Pedro Martinez, Nomar Garciaparra, and a plethora of other superstars during the heart of the steroid era.

Step into the raw and emotional world of professional baseball with an exclusive episode that shatters the silence surrounding mental health in sports. Join us as we sit down with former Arizona Diamondbacks farmhand, Jordan Howard, for a candid and heart-rending interview, where he courageously opens up for the first time about the untold reasons behind his departure from the game he loved.In this deeply moving episode, Jordan Howard takes us on a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of his baseball career, revealing the hidden struggles he faced behind the cheers of the crowd. Unravel the layers of pressure, anxiety, and self-doubt that burdened Jordan's mind, threatening to bring his dreams crashing down.You'll hear firsthand how mental health issues silently loomed over the baseball diamond, impacting Jordan's performance, personal life, and ultimately, his decision to step away from the sport he dedicated his life to. Gain rare insight into the unique challenges athletes face when battling mental health demons in an environment that often prizes unwavering strength and invincibility.After a fantastic conversation surrounding mental health, Jordan offers Matt some enticing tips for going on a first date and gives us an oral history of his biggest pimp job.

Los Angeles Dodgers farmhand Ryan Ward joins the show to discuss his baseball journey, brag about his golf game (he's a much better golfer than Matt), and more. A Massachusetts native, the Dodgers selected Ward in the 8th round of the 2019 draft. Ryan details his interesting journey in professional baseball and dives into the lost Covid season that was 2020. In a new segment that quite literally couldn't have gone worse, Ryan and Matt go head to head in a 5-question baseball trivia battle that leaves Liam utterly speechless, and somewhat hopeless for that matter.

Joining us on the show today is Dennis Gilbert, the Founder of Beverly Hills Sports Council and the mastermind behind one of the most prolific contracts in sports history. Throughout the 80s and 90s, Dennis held the role of an MLB super agent, representing some of the biggest stars in the game, including Barry Bonds, Jose Canseco, George Brett, and many others.However, it is his role as the architect of the Bobby Bonilla deal that truly sets him apart. The Bobby Bonilla deal is regarded as one of the best contracts in sports history, wherein the former Mets player receives $1.19 million every July 1st until 2035. Dennis will be sharing the intriguing story of how this particular deal came to fruition, providing us with an exclusive insight into the negotiations.During the show, Dennis will also delve into his experiences in baseball and his remarkable prowess in the insurance industry. Notably, he will share some fascinating anecdotes about learning hitting techniques from none other than the legendary Ted Williams.Prepare to gain valuable insights into the world of sports contracts, negotiating strategies, and the fascinating career of Dennis Gilbert. Tune in as we explore his journey and uncover more captivating stories from his time in the sports industry.

Get ready to step into the exhilarating world of Major League Baseball as we bring you an exclusive interview with Tom O'Connell, the visionary behind O'Connell Sports Management. Join us as we delve into the captivating journey of this extraordinary MLB agent, who has spent over 20 years representing some of the game's greatest stars.In this episode, Tom O'Connell pulls back the curtain and invites us into his thrilling rollercoaster ride from the early days as a wide-eyed rookie agent to the pinnacle of success, where he now reigns as the titan of sports management. Brace yourself for an insider's perspective as Tom reveals the triumphs, trials, and tribulations he faced along the way.

Mickey Jannis' path to success in baseball has been nothing short of remarkable. Today he takes us through his inspiring journey, from his early days as a determined young athlete to the trials and tribulations he faced along the way as a journeyman knuckleballer. Join us as we uncover the extraordinary resilience, unwavering spirit, and unyielding determination that define Mickey's remarkable journey. Make sure to check out Mickey's apparel line, Knuckle Down.

One trip, TWO episodes, who works harder than the CITB Crew? NO ONE. In their second interview live from Portland, the boys sit down with Boston Red Sox prospect Nick Yorke. Yorke was the 17th overall pick in the 2020 MLB draft and has been crushing opposing pitchers in Double-A Portland this year. With one of Boston's top prospects, Liam and Matt dive into the pressures of being a highly touted prospect, in game adjustments at the plate, Yorke's comparison's to Dustin Pedroia, what it's going to take for Yorke to be Boston's second baseman of the future, and much more.