John, Russell and Rob round up the first half of the season with some harsh words for the Minnesota Twins, the LA Dodgers and the treatment of Minor Leaguers, but garlands for the SF Giants, Trey Mancini and bae himself, Shohei Ohtani.But not before a quick gallop through the trade deadline, a new name in Cleveland and the loveliness of Olympic baseball!

Bat Flips And Nerds

Episode 248 - Grauniads of the Galaxy

A special guest episode as Ben is joined by Felix White of Maccabees and Tailenders fame to talk his new book, falling in love with the New York Mets and what cricket can learn from baseball (and vice versa).

Episode 247 - Felix White Joins The Show

Ben and Russell team up for a two-man spin through the week's All-Star festivities, from Shohei Ohtani's eye-popping performances just about everywhere to Charlie Freeman's adorable cameos. There's also the usual two good, two bad chat, some MLB draft reviews and are the Mariners going to be buyers?!

Episode 246 - All Star Weekend & Draft Recap

Russell talked with @Razzball and @PitcherList writer @EverywhereBlair about the history of baseball in Japan. They covered the origins of NPB, Shohei, the Olympics and that some of what you might know and maybe read recently about Japanese baseball and players is likely wrong.

Episode 245 - History of Japanese Baseball - Blair Williams

Darius and Russell are joined by a mystery man who has no place on a baseball podcast. It's Tom Pringle.They talk about the sticky baseballs, Bobby Bonilla, Eric Hosmer, the San Francisco Giants, the All-Star Game and what Russell's stat lab might look like.You can tell Tom is back, can't you?(Tom swears once, just sh*t...not really explicit is it?)

Episode 244 - Russell's Bunsen Burner

John, Rob and Ben are in our rotation this week.Regrettably they are back on the topic of rubbing balls.In happier news they have plenty to say about the history making Diamondbacks, the mega fun Toronto Blue Jays, lovely lil Frankie Lindor, Mr Magic Joey Votto, plus a factoid that may put you off Jacob deGrom for life.

Episode 243 - When I Wake Up

It's weekly round-up time and the nerds are left unsupervised! Russell and Darius discuss the planned enforcement of foreign substance rules, the Cubs' City Connect scrubs, Jarred Kelenic's demotion, before embarking on a bumper round of 2 Good 2 Bad featuring Jake Bauers, Luke Williams, Bill James, and more.

Episode 242 - Three's A Crowd

Former Mets minor leaguer and Director of Outreach for More than Baseball, the non-profit which supports the wellbeing and conditions of minor league baseball players, joins us to explain the work of the organisation, the need for structural change within baseball and what fans can do to both support current players, and campaign for justice for these baseball professionals.You can find out more about this incredible organisation at: www.morethanbaseball.orgAnd follow them on social @mtb_org

Episode 241 - More than Baseball (with Jeremy Wolf)

Matt Joyce!John, Darius and Rob chat about the scourge of sticky stuff and take a Will Craig inspired deep dive into the NL Central; they also have time to big up the Palm Beach Cardinals, Joey Votto and the Tauch, and to pour scorn on the Rays, the As and the poor old Orioles.Whilst you're here, head over to https://obviousshirts.com/collections/boog and grab a shirt to support our great pal Boog and strike out ALS.

Episode 240 - One Man and His Dog

Former Twins and Blue Jays slugger and self styled 'Indy Ball Hall of Famer' Chris Colabello joins John to chat about his long route to the bigs, the magical 2015 Toronto Blue Jays, growing up in Italy and representing the Azzurri internationally, and his ongoing quest to correct the PED injustice which ended his career and continues to jeopardise others.

Episode 239 - Chris Colabello Joins the Show

Darius, Rob and Ben band together to review a groundhog week of baseball action as Tony La Russa grabbed the headlines (again) and pitchers threw no hitters (again).There was also talk of the weirdest statistical hitting line ever, the greatest manager tantrum in a long time and - of course - the San Francisco Giants have now been struck by the Darius curse...

Episode 238 - The Tony La Russa Power Hour

Chicago White Sox ace Lucas Giolito joins John to chat about his season so far, remodelling his pitching arsenal and how he wants to continuously improve, the vibe in the White Sox clubhouse and his desire to use his platform for good.

Episode 237 - Lucas Giolito Joins the Show

John, Darius and Russell tackle the week in MLB, including big thumbs up for the New York Yankees, Patrick Mazeika and the amazing Drew Robinson, but also thumbs down for rubbish outfield defence, pitchers hitting and the Oakland Athletics laying a massive egg.

Episode 236 - Shut Up And Play No Hits

The brilliant Keith Law, national baseball writer for The Athletic, prospect and draft savant, all round good egg and author of the best selling books 'Smart Baseball' and 'The Inside Game' joins John to discuss:- Being back at the ballpark- The 2020 draft, and his No. 1 pick 'sleeper'- His new book, The Inside Game- Albert Pujols and Tony LaRussa- Not sticking to sports.This is a fun one!

Episode 235 - Keith Law Joins the Show

Ladies and Gentlemen, Mr Wade Allen Miley.

Episode 234 - The Milky Way

A British take on Baseball. John, Tom, Ben and Darius guide you through the goings on in MLB, Team GB and the UK domestic game.

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Bat Flips And Nerds

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