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The Show Before the Show Podcast

In The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com writers Tyler Maun and Sam Dykstra break down Minor League Baseball's biggest storylines with guests from around the Minors, including top prospects, managers, player development experts and other newsmakers. They'll also have a weekly look at what's going on outside the lines with business of the Minors expert Benjamin Hill.

Episodes

Phillies No. 3 prospect Justin Crawford talks about his hitting ability, his time in Triple-A and how he handles the Trade Deadline as a player. Also, the group recaps Erie’s first Moon Mammoths game, Ben previews his upcoming trip to the West and Sam and Tyler look ahead to big transactions coming in the next week.

It’s been one of the most loaded weeks for prospect news so far this year. Sam and Tyler check in from the madness by reviewing the All-Star Futures and 2025 MLB Draft, each of which took place last weekend in Atlanta. They also preview the Erie Moon Mammonths’ first game on Saturday.

It’s a big weekend in baseball and the world of prospects. Sam and Tyler preview the All-Star Futures Game by drafting their own squads from the players participating in Atlanta on Saturday. The pair also looks at the main storylines from the 2025 Draft set to begin Sunday. In the opening segment, Ben shares the story of Iowa team photographer Dylan Heuer, who is deaf.

Ben brings details of Erie’s new Moon Mammoths identity, reviews his trip to visit Knoxville, Hub City and Columbus and interviews Lauren Matthews about the Spartanburgers' food options. Also, Sam breaks down MLB Pipeline's new Top 100 prospects ranking and looks at the recently announced All-Star Futures Game rosters.

Sam and Ben review their recent trips to Frisco, Knoxville and San Antonio and bring along interviews with Missions manager Luke Montz and Smokies president Chris Allen.

Nationals No. 5 prospect Alex Clemmey talks about his first-half adjustments with Wilmington, his Rhode Island roots and last season’s trade from the Guardians. Also, Ben, Sam and Tyler review last week’s visit to Somerset, Sam and Tyler break down the Rafael Devers trade and the gang plays another round of Name That Dude in the final segment.

Ben shares details from his most recent trip to the Carolinas and interviews Columbia team president Brad Shank. Also, Sam and Tyler look at promotions for first-base prospects Jac Caglianone and Bryce Eldridge, and the entire groups previews Somerset’s The Show Before the Show Night coming next Wednesday.

Sam and Tyler look at what to do with Top 10 overall prospects Roman Anthony and Jac Caglianone given their strong performances in Triple-A. They also review a Minor League Baseball-centered episode from Season 2 of "Poker Face" on Peacock.

Ben, Sam and Tyler choose their favorite Minor League home hats from all four levels as part of the New Era Clash of the Caps contest. Also, the gang discusses John Oliver’s pick of the Erie SeaWolves, Ben previews next week’s road trip and Sam and Tyler look at the Check Swing Challenge’s arrival in the Florida State League.

Rays prospect Aidan Smith talks with Sam about his 2024 trade from the Mariners, and Des Moines Register reporter Tommy Birch chats with Ben about the importance of local Minor League coverage. Also, Ben, Sam and Tyler look at John Oliver’s segment about Minor League promos, and Ben recaps his Midwest road trip.

Orioles No. 5 prospect Vance Honeycutt talks to Sam about the start to his first full season in Aberdeen and the adjustments he’s made at the plate. Also, Ben chats with Tyler to preview his first multi-stop road trip of the year and the rest of his itineraries for the 2025 campaign.

Ben, Sam and Tyler celebrate the 500th episode of The Show Before the Show with plenty of stories and interviews, and Josh intros the entire pod with a special edition of Ghosts of the Minors. The gang also shares a big announcement involving a promotion coming to Double-A Somerset on June 11. Tickets for that game can be purchased here.

Syracuse GM Jason Smorol chats with Ben about the team’s recent Jim Morrison promotion following a documentary that posits The Doors frontman is alive in the New York city. Also, Sam and Tyler look at hot starts for top prospects across the Minors.

Winston-Salem president/GM Brian DeAngelis chats with Ben about what it’s like to host a prom during a game, and Mets prospect Chris Suero talks with Sam about his New York City roots and hot start with High-A Brooklyn. Also, Josh goes over the edge in Ghosts of the Minors.

Nationals No. 5 prospect Seaver King chats from West Palm Beach about his first Spring Training, his time at Wake Forest and more. Also, the full gang is back together (plus Josh!) to talk Copa de la Diversión and the Maine Candlepins, and Josh unearths another edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Broadcaster Rylee Pay talks to Ben and Tyler about her new role with Triple-A Tacoma, Sam checks in from the start of Spring Breakout and Josh emerges with another Ghost of the Minors.

Director Carson Lund shares details behind the making of his new baseball move, “Eephus”. Also, Ben and Tyler talk about new alternate identities across the Minors, Sam has stories from Spring Training and Josh needs a new pair of shoes in Ghosts of the Minors.

With pitchers and catchers reporting this week, Sam and Tyler preview Spring Training through a prospect lens. Also, Ben shares recent promotion unveils from across the Minor Leagues, and Josh crows about the latest Ghost of the Minors.

Double-A Hartford continues to come up with alternate identities that capture national attention. GM Mike Abramson shares two new ones in the Thunder Chickens and Leaf Peepers. Also, Ben, Sam and Tyler recap a full offseason of Minor League rebrands, and Josh coughs up another edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Racer Riley Neal's car is sponsored by the Winston-Salem Dash this weekend for the 2025 Cook Out Madhouse Classic at Bowman Gray Stadium. Neal joins the podcast, along with club president Brian DeAngelis, to discuss the unique partnership. Also, Ben, Sam and Tyler look at the longest championship droughts in Minor League Baseball, and Josh comes clean in Ghosts of the Minors.

Sam and Tyler break down MLB Pipeline’s updated 2025 Top 100 prospects ranking, and Cardinals right-hander Tink Hence (No. 77 on that list) discusses offseason preparation and his work to improve his durability. Also, Ben looks at the Akron Galley Boys, and Josh sends salutations from the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

The Show Before the Show journeys to the Eastern League with interviews about the Binghamton Bathtub Donkeys identity and Erie’s new mascot book. Also, Ben shares which celebrities have Minor League pasts, Sam and Tyler break down new prospects lists and Josh harvests another edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Ben, Sam and Tyler share their 2025 resolutions for the baseball industry as well as others for their professional work and personal lives. Also, Josh lays low in the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors, and the group takes a cinematic look at the career of a former Minor Leaguer.

Ben, Sam and Tyler take turns sharing their favorite memories of 2024 from Minor League Baseball and the larger baseball world. Also, Ben details one Athletics prospect’s video-game prowess, Sam breaks down Caleb Durbin’s prospect profile and Josh shines in the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Sam and Tyler discuss the movement at the Winter Meetings, including in the Garret Crochet blockbuster trade and the Rule 5 Draft. Also, Ben previews what the California League will look like in 2026, Michael Marcantonini chats about the Arizona Fall League and Orioles system and Josh namedrops the latest Ghost of the Minors.

No. 24 Red Sox prospect Connelly Early chats with Sam and Tyler about his offseason prep and the lessons he learned from his successful first full season. Also, Ben details the Lake County Captains’ refreshed look, Sam and Tyler preview the Winter Meetings and Josh ends on a high note in Ghosts of the Minors.

Ben shares details of the Smokies’ official name switch to Knoxville in the Southern League, and Sam and Tyler chat about big weekend coming up in the Arizona Fall League. Also, Josh shares the dirt in the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Ben brings details of the new Oklahoma City Comets identity that will land for the 2025 season, and Sam shares excerpts from interviews with Drake Baldwin (Braves) and Edwin Arroyo (Reds) from the Arizona Fall League before discussing more AFL news with Tyler.

Ben details the Hickory Goat-Karts alternate identity coming in 2025, Sam and Tyler chat about the Arizona Fall League, Tommy Troy stops by to talk about his AFL turnaround and Josh understands the assignment in Ghosts of the Minors.

The postseason clip shows continue! The Show Before the Show reshares previous interviews with more players from this Major League postseason including Jazz Chisholm, Alec Bohm, Tarik Skubal, Adley Rutschman, Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino.

The gang is off the next two weeks, but the Major League postseason is very much on. The podcast revisits interviews with stars of this year’s playoffs from back when they were Minor League prospects, including ones with Brandon Nimmo, Kyle Higashioka, Will Smith and Pete Alonso. More talks with similar players coming on next week’s edition of The Show Before the Show.

Salt Lake broadcaster Tony Parks shares memories of the final game at Smith’s Ballpark ahead of the Bees’ move to a new facility nearby next spring. Also, Tyler recaps the Triple-A National Championship, Ben reviews Crooked Numbers, Sam previews the Arizona Fall League and Josh detonates an explosive edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Bobbleheads are on the brain this week. Charlotte superfan LaMichael Mitchell and vice president of communications Tommy Viola swing by to chat about how the Knights honored the club’s biggest supporter, and St. Paul executive vice president/general manager Derek Sharrer speaks on how the Saints got creative with this year’s edition of their Bobblelection giveaway. Also, Ben looks at the MiLB Awards nominees for Best Alternate Identity, Sam checks in on the Minor League postseason and Josh lights up the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Ben details the Columbus Clingstones identity coming to the Southern League in 2025, and Mississippi director of group sales David Kerr helps bid adieu to the M-Braves with stories from Pearl. Also, Josh goes deep into history in the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Toledo broadcaster Matt Melzak speaks to Ben about the legacy of longtime Mud Hens voice Jim Weber. Also, Ben previews September promos, Sam looks at Single-A and High-A storylines from the 2024 season and Josh takes a knee in the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Top Tigers prospect Max Clark talks to Ben from High-A West Michigan about what it’s like to be a player wearing alternate-identity uniforms. Also, Ben shares stories from his trip to the Midwest, Sam and Tyler discuss late-season prospect callups and Josh dusts off the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Braves No. 30 prospect Hayden Harris shares how LinkedIn got him an opportunity in pro ball, and Down East general manager Jon Clemmons discusses the final season in Kinston. Also, Ben and Sam go through some of the Minor League news of the week, and Josh cracks wise in the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Sam and Tyler chat about how prospects and farm systems were affected by this year’s Trade Deadline, and Ben returns from his North Carolina road trip with stories from Down East, Durham and more. Finally, Josh finds good fortune in the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Cubs No. 2 prospect Matt Shaw talks about his time at Double-A Tennessee from the MLB Pipeline Prospect Showcase. Also, Ben discusses a league swap in the Rangers system, Sam and Tyler preview the Trade Deadline and Josh hops to the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Ben returns from his most recent road trip with stories from stops in Arkansas and Northwest Arkansas. Also, Ben and Sam share interviews with Rome PA announcer Larry Gardner and Negro Southern League Museum director Anthony C. Williams, and Josh makes himself at home in Ghosts of the Minors.

Former Salt Lake broadcaster Steve Klauke died this week at 69 years old. Fellow voices from around Minor League Baseball share their memories of Klauke and talk about the legacy he leaves behind in Utah and beyond. Also, Ben and Sam share itineraries for their swings through the South, and Josh strikes fear in all with the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Rancho Cucamonga broadcaster Mike Lindskog talks about the club's BBQs alternate identity. Also, Ben shares three more new looks coming to Minor League teams soon, the podcast hosts asks for creative Minor League team names from listeners and Josh extracts the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Red Sox prospect Zach Penrod talks about his journey from the independent Pioneer League to Double-A ball. Also, Sam and Josh recap the MLB Pipeline Prospect Showcase Game in Portland, Ben and Tyler look at throwback promos from across the Minors and Josh wrangles the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Fort Wayne TinCaps president Mike Nutter explains the importance of his club’s focus on mental health this weekend and all year. Also, Ben provides details on the Hub City Spartanburgers, Sam and Tyler look at the updated MLB Pipeline Top 100 prospects list and Josh gavels in the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Ben returns from the road to share stories from San Jose, Modesto, Stockton and Sacramento. Also, Sam and Tyler preview Paul Skenes’ upcoming Major League debut, and Josh packs in the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Sam shares an excerpt from his interview with top pitching prospect Paul Skenes, and Sam and Tyler discuss the Pirates right-hander’s early dominance. Also, Ben talks about his favorite bobbleheads and interviews Jersey Shore’s Greg Giombarrese and Gianna Fiocco about the club’s new song “ShoreTown is Your Town” that was released this week. Finally, Josh shares the fruits of another edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Sam calls in from Indianapolis to chat with Ben and Tyler about his visit to see top pitching prospect Paul Skenes. Also, Ben talks with Wichita general manager Matt Hamilton about the club’s new Chili Buns alternate identity, and Josh plays another round of Ghosts of the Minors.

Erie SeaWolves president Greg Coleman details the team ring after last year's Eastern League title. Also, Ben previews his 2024 road trips, Sam and Tyler talk about Jackson Holliday’s ascent to the Majors and Josh proves his mettle in Ghosts of the Minors.

To celebrate the start of the Minor League season, Ben, Sam and Tyler build their own Triple-A franchises using categories like main identities, ballparks and mascots. Also, Sam and Tyler discuss notable prospects opening the season at the Minors’ top level, and Josh puts in the work in Ghosts of the Minors.

Emma Tiedemann, Jesse Scaglion and their baby daughter Lucy join the podcast to share stories of working as a growing Portland Sea Dogs family. Also, the group looks at coming Double-A promotions for 2024 and recaps the best Spring Breakout performances. Josh fortifies the episode with the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Sam and Tyler discuss MLB Pipeline’s updated Top 100 prospect ranking, Ben looks at the King Cakes identity coming to Biloxi in 2024 and the gang interviews MiLB logo designer Ryan Foose of Fooser Studios, who was involved in the Jersey Diners branding. Also, Josh brings a spark to Ghosts of the Minors.

Ben, Sam and Tyler chat about Somerset’s new Jersey Diners identity and look back at the Minor League careers of the 2024 Hall of Fame Class. Also, Sam breaks down MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 shortstop and outfielder rankings, former Princeton GM Jim Holland discusses his book “My Fortunate Detour” and Josh yammers on in Ghosts of the Minors.

Cardinals prospect Masyn Winn talks about making The Show, and Ben, Sam and Tyler look at Double-A Mississippi’s move to Columbus, Georgia. The gang also discusses National Bobblehead Day, and Josh wiggles his way through the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors.

Ben, Sam and Tyler each present their five favorite Minor League or baseball-related things from the 2023 season and dive into the pop-culture world in this year-end podcast. Also, Josh hollers about the latest Ghosts of the Minors.

Ben, Sam and Tyler talk about the new Spring Breakout series coming in 2024 and the Oklahoma City Baseball Club identity revealed this week. Also, Akron merchandise manager Luke Trese discusses the anniversary of the flooding of the RubberDucks team store and the club’s apparel comeback.

On this week’s episode, Ben shares the new look of the Northwest Arkansas Naturals, and Sam and Tyler chat about Winter Meetings moves, including Juan Soto’s trade to the Yankees and the Rule 5 Draft. Also, Braves No. 14 prospect David McCabe stops by to talk about his first full season and the Arizona Fall League, and Josh cleans up in Ghosts of the Minors.

Eastern League Home Clubhouse Attendant of the Year Jon Weinberg takes us behind the scenes of the Bowie Baysox and the successful Baltimore Orioles farm system. Also, Ben shares the story of how Italian chef Alessandro Buccino ended up working at the ballpark in Lehigh Valley, Sam and Tyler preview the Winter Meetings and Josh takes a hike through history in Ghosts of the Minors.

Palm Beach GM Andrew Seymour chats about his club's intrastadium Florida State League postseason series with Jupiter. Also, Sam and Tyler look at top High-A and Single-A performers, Ben recaps visits to Bowling Green and Louisville and Josh starts a discourse in Ghosts of the Minors.

Tyler, Sam, Josh and Kelsie gather to make their annual predictions for top prospects in this opening week of Minor League Baseball, while Ben selects what he’ll be following in the first slew of games in 2022. Also, Josh holds office hours in Ghosts of the Minors.

Angels No. 6 prospect Chris Rodriguez details his long road back from major back injuries and his thoughts ahead of his Rule 5 eligibility this week. Also, Tyler and Sam preview the 40-man protection deadline, and Ben breaks down the Alter Ego Challenge finalists.