Caught Listening

As the MLB season appears to arriving on time and players get set to report for Spring Training, the evolution of sports is reaching new heights. This week on Caught Listening, Christian Heimall talks about the next age of player input when it comes to the game.We've seen it in the NBA and the NFL, but MLB could soon be on its way to having a 'Player-General Manager'. Someone who impacts the daily box score while also impacting the makeup of the rest of the team he plays for. Christian will talk about which characteristics are needed for this to happen, from both a team and player standpoint, as well as discusses which combination of player and team would help speed this process along. Hint: it already exists.Be sure to search "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to be a part of our next episode. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

With nobody being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame for the first time since 1960, Christian Heimall has some choice words for the voters of this years ballot. Join him as he clears the air and offers his thoughts on who should and shouldn't be enshrined in Cooperstown.You'll hear his insight on the importance of on the field accolades, the stupidity of some writers "reasoning", and his take on the all encompassing 'character clause'. Plus, how does he see the 2022 Class being treated? Tune in to find out.Be sure to search "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to be a part of our next episode. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

Being enshrined in a Hall of Fame marks the peak of any athlete's performance. That is no different in baseball. The sport will announce next week the 2021 Class that will be inducted into Cooperstown later this summer. But what goes in to being remembered as one of the all-time greats?This week on Caught Listening, Christian Heimall talks with one voter about how he judges those on the ballot who wish be known among the games immortals. Brian Heyman, who has been a voter for over a decade, discusses the metrics he uses when casting his vote and how he evaluates those suspected PED users. Plus, Brian unveils his 2021 ballot for the first time to Christian. Join the two for a conversation that sheds some light on those who hold the keys to baseball's Hall of Fame along with discussion on who may get called to Cooperstown. Be sure to search "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to be a part of our next episode. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

Kicking off a new year of Caught Listening, Christian Heimall talks about a lesson that Major League Baseball can learn from the NFL: marketing. While the NFL and NBA continue to see a rise in young fans, MLB's demographic traditionall trends older. So, how can MLB learn from the NFL? By watching what they did during Super Wild Card Weekend with Nickelodeon. Christian discuss the positives of the kids-centric broadcast and how easily it can be done by the Major Leagues. From giving the stars of the game a larger platform to be seen, to giving the younger viewers a more entertaining viewing experience, he breaks down everything he liked about the unique event while also bringing up some things to be wary of.Be sure to search "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to be a part of our next episode. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

On the final episode of 2020, Caught Listening continues it's "In Memoriam" series by remembering a larger than life figure that put an entire franchise on the map early in his career. Tom "The Franchise" Seaver is the New York Mets to a lot of fans and members of the organization and his legacy on the field is one that extends decades after his final pitch.Honoring "Tom Terrific" by discussing his impact on baseball and the Metropolitans is Neil Best, sports columnist for Newsday. He recounts watching Tom as a child and talks about how much he really helped legitimize a young franchise in a market dominated by the Yankees. Maybe most impressive about Seaver's legacy is how impactful he has been more than 30 years after retiring. Best explains why that is the case and just how important the California kid was to so many fans in New York.Heading in to 2021, be sure to search "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to be a part of our next episode. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

Caught Listening continues it's "In Memoriam" series by remembering the life and legacy of two legends of the game who passed away in 2020. Don Larsen and Whitey Ford are synonamous with the New York Yankees franchise but their lives and statsheets could not be more different. Helping us remember these two giants of baseball, and the differences between them, is longtime New York Times sports columnist George Vescey. From how Larsen's perfect game in the World Series defined his career, to his military career before making the Majors, George helps expand on the life and career of Larsen. As a man who covered Ford during his career in Pinstripes, Vescey reminisces on the man known as "The Chariman of the Board" and his impact on one of the most recognizable sports franchises in the world.Vescey also answers the question of who now holds the title of "Greatest Living Yankee" after the passing of Ford. Be sure to search "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to be a part of our next episode. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

As 2020 comes to a close, Caught Listening takes a look back at the legendary figures who passed on this year. A member of the fearsome Big Red Machine in the 1970's, Joe Morgan is considered one of the greatest second basemen of all-time. His contributions to the game have been felt for decades, not just in Cincinnati, but across the baseball landscape. Joining Christian Heimall to commemorate the life and legacy of "The Little General" is Reds MLB.com reporter Mark Sheldon. Take a listen as we remember the Hall of Famer, Joe Morgan.Be sure to search "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to be a part of our next episode. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

Ever wonder all the intricacies that go in to purchasing a Major League Baseball team? What about the process of covering such a transaction? Well, this week on Caught Listening, Christian helps shed some light on these kinds of monumental buys.

As the calendar flips to November and the baseball world turns to free agency, it's never too late to look back on what was a historic season in Major League Baseball. Join Christian Heimall on Caught Listening as he discusses the biggest storylines from the year and how historians will eventually look back on this truncated year.

On the heels of the 2020 World Series, this week's show takes a look back at one of the most talked about fall classics in history. The 2000 World Series was the last time the New York Mets and New York Yankees duked it out for the Commissioner's Trophy and the 20th Anniversary creates an opportunity to look back at one of the more compelling championship rounds in recent memory.Joining Christian Heimall is Jerry Beach, author of the new book The Subway Series: Baseball's Big Apple Battles and the Yankees-Mets World Series. Tune in for an engaging history lesson in the rivarly of baseball's most populated city and relive the twists and turns of a classic duel between the city's two franchises. Christian and Jerry discuss the craziness of the Mike Piazza - Roger Clemens rivalry, the tangled relationships of Bobby Valentine and Steve Phillips, as well as what the Yankees four title in five years did to the future of both franchises.Be sure to search "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to be a part of our next episode. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

This week on Caught Listening, Christian Heimall dedicates the entire show to listener questions! From analytics and sabremetrics, to Clayton Kershaw's legacy as a postseason pitcher, he heads to the listener line for topics to discuss.

While the COVID-19 pandemic continues to wreak havoc in the United States, one of the most unanswerable questions is how long will it last? With that question comes the potential impact of early 2021 sports, including collegiate baseball. This week on Caught Listening, Christian dives in to the topic and how some programs are preparing for the unknown.Joining Christian is John Russo, head baseball coach at Hofstra University in New York. The two discuss how COVID-19 has impacted the Pride baseball team, including those seniors who had their 2020 campaigns cut short. Christian and Coach Russo talk about everything from how the pandemic has adjusted recruiting, in-person practices, scheduling, and roster management for next season. Being that it is Christian's alma mater, they also talk about Hofstra's turnaround in a competitive conference over the last decade. Be sure to search "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to be a part of our next episode. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

As Major League Baseball enters the postseason, the sport itself is entering uncharted waters. For the first time since 1993, there is no Professional Baseball Agreement between the MLB and it's Minor League Affiliates. However, that hasn't stopped Commissioner Rob Manfred from moving forward on his vision for MLB to control much of the sport of baseball in America.This week on Caught Listening, Christian Heimall is joined by Baseball America's Executive Editor, JJ Cooper, to discuss Manfred's goal of "One Baseball", a system that can see MLB direct much of how the sport operates from the professional level all the way down to Little League. From announcements regarding professional Partner Leagues to the reasoning behind this movement, and even how the sport of softball could be impacted; Christian and JJ dive in to what could be the future of America's favorite pastime. JJ also discusses the two separate paths baseball could be on should this vision become reality and whether or not it is good for the future of the sport. Be sure to search "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to be a part of our next episode. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

Our four-part series on baseball's unwritten rules wraps up by talking to the one player this subject seems to revolve around: the pitcher. Join Christian Heimall on Caught Listening as he talks with a former Major Leaguer on how and when certain rules are broken and the discussions that happen in the dugout.It's not just any Major Leaguer either joining the show. The 1987 World Series MVP, and 1988 Cy Young Award winner, Frank Viola is on the program to give his thoughts on this controversial topic. How does he perceive the notion that many of the rules are made to protect a pitchers ego? When does a position player go to far? What happens when the opposing pitcher instigates something and what scenarios make the unwritten rules go away? Plus, Frank lends his thoughts on how the way players police these rules has changed from his time as a player, to now as a profesisonal pitching coach.Frank also takes your listener questions including his favorite Tom Seaver story. Be sure to search "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

The discussion on baseball's unwritten rules continues as Part 3 gets insight from a former Major Leaguer, and current professional player, on Caught Listening.Christian Heimall is joined by former Oakland Athletics infielder Tyler Ladendorf, who is currently playing for the Chicago Dogs of the independent American Association. As one of the few pro baseball players able to get on the field in 2020, Christian starts off asking what kind of differences there are this year compared to prior seasons. He also discusses how he learned about the unwritten rules and if the dynamic of them change from minor leagues to the majors. As a player who has been to the bigs this decade, how have things changed in the clubhouse and on the field for today's game? Tune in to find out.Tyler also takes your listener questions which you can submit any time via social media. Be sure to search "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

This week on Caught Listening it's part two of our four-part series on baseball's unwritten rules. In part two, Christian Heimall sits down with a manager with more than 20 years of experience leading the guys who have to abide by those missives.Joining him is Jamie Keefe, professional baseball manager and former Minor League player, who has almost 30 years of experience in professional baseball. The two talk about how the rules have changed, how and where they get taught to young players, and the way in which the game gets policed. While touching on topics of today like Fernando Tatis, Jr. and Aroldis Chapman, they also look at the way the evolution of the game has influenced those rules and how they get enforced.Jamie also takes your listener questions, including answering whether or not a manager makes the call on throwing at an opposing hitter.Be a part of next week's show, or any show, by searching "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

Every year in baseball a hitter flips his bat or admires a home run and is admonished for breaking one of baseball's "sacred" unwritten rules. These rules have been challenged by many and spark a fire in most, but what really are these rules? Join Christian Heimall as he begins a four-part series on Caught Listening all about these polorizing rules of the game.Joining him for Part One is Anthony Castrovince of MLB.com and MLB Network. The veteran reporter wrote down some of these unwritten requirements and chats with Christian about the perceived validity of them, the exact way to recognize them, and how the perception of these rules have changed. From the reason why these rules keep getting challenged to the ones that make the least amount of sense, Christian and Anthony do their best to flush out the real issues behind these missives.They also play a game of "Pepper" where Anthony answers your listener questions, submitted on social media. Be a part of next week's show, or any show, by searching "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

We can all agree that 2020 is a strange year. The evidence is even available in Major League Baseball games where doubleheaders are seven innings and runners start at second base in extra innings. But how much weirder can MLB rules get? This week on Caught Listening, Christian explores just that.Joining him is Ryan Fagan of Sporting News who is bringing some slow-pitch softball rules in to the mix. Everything from even more bizzare extra inning rules to scoring more runs for longer home runs, it's all on the table on this episode. Ryan and Christian discuss some of the stranger things they've seen, including one rule from youth baseball that they both kind of like, and even talk about some of the newer MLB rules they don't mind sticking around.Ryan also answers your listener questions, submitted on social media. You can be a part of the show and ask your question, or suggest a show topic, by searching "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also email the show at CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com

Following last week's discussion on the idea of bringing Major League Baseball to Nashville, Tennessee, Caught Listening explores other possible areas of MLB Expansion. Take listen as Christian Heimall chats about seven other potential locations for a new MLB team to surface.Joining him this week on the show is Daniel R. Epstein, writer for Baseball FYI, Baseball Prospectus, and Off The Bench Baseball. Together two two discuss the merits of cities such as Portland, Oregon, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, Las Vegas, and even Mexico City. From travel arrangements to baseball history, the guys talk about where they would most like to see a new team and which city has the best chance of landing the next franchise. Daniel also gives his thoughts on how you could realign the two leagues with two new franchises and how a potential expansion could impact interleague play.Don't forget, you can be a part of the show each and every week by submitting your questions or show topic suggestions on social media. Just search "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or email CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com.

As the Major League Baseball season gets in to full swing, one city in America has been putting on an all out assault on garnering rights to a new MLB franchise. This week on Caught Listening, learn more about the efforts to bring Major League Baseball to the budding sports city of Nashville, Tennessee.Christian Heimall is joined by Bob Kendrick, President of Negro League Baseball Museum and a member of the Board of Directors of Music City Baseball, to talk about the potential franchise. Music City Baseball is comprised of some legends of the sport, and some of the biggest names that Nashville has to offer. Designs for a stadium, the name, and logo are already in place. Now, it's up to the city and the MLB to bring the worlds best baseball players to one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Tune in to to hear who is involved, how you can support them, and just how historic the Nashville Stars could be if granted MLB rights. Don't forget, you can be a part of the show each and every week by submitting your questions or show topic suggestions on social media. Just search "Caught Listening by Public House Media" on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, or email CaughtListeningPHM@gmail.com.