The Bigs

For this final episode of Season 1, we’re bringing you a conversation with a Hall of Famer! Ozzie Smith was elected to Cooperstown on the first ballot following an iconic 19-year career that included 15 All-Star selections, 13 consecutive Gold Gloves and a World Series ring. But The Wizard tells X that MLB stardom was far from certain for an undersized kid from South Central. Smith dives back into his early days with Dave Winfield in San Diego, then describes his quest to become known for more than only great defense in St. Louis and his impactful post-retirement work, sharing the challenges and lessons from each stage of his incredible career. You won’t want to miss it! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Stephen Piscotty grew up cheering for Mark McGwire from the second deck of Oakland Coliseum. Now he’s living his childhood dream, playing right field for the A’s just 25 miles from his hometown. Stephen and X get deep into the bittersweet circumstances of Piscotty’s trade from St. Louis back home to the Bay Area following his mother’s ALS diagnosis in 2017, his emotional return to the field after her passing the following season and his ongoing efforts to help find a cure for the deadly disease. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tim Anderson’s whole career has been unlikely. He didn’t play high school baseball until his junior year. He went undrafted after his first season of college ball. He hit .240 in his third MLB campaign. But TA never stopped working, or playing the game his own way. He broke out with a batting title in 2019 and represented Chicago in the All-Star game this year. The White Sox shortstop relives his whole journey with X this week on The Bigs, including the bat flip controversies, his impact in the South Side community and much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Albert Pujols is one of the greatest players in MLB history. He’s won multiple championships, broken countless records and influenced an entire generation of athletes. This week, the legendary first baseman sits down with X to talk about the greatest moments of his storied career, how early experiences from his Cardinals days influence his relationships with teammates today, and why he wants his legacy to extend far beyond the field. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Down a run with men on base in the ninth inning of a World Series game -- it’s the moment everyone dreams about. Brett Phillips lived it last October, and delivered one of the biggest hits in Rays history. Phillips talks X through his mindset during the most memorable at-bat of his career and provides a few tips for anyone recreating his iconic airplane celebration afterward. They also chat about how the Rays outfielder’s unrelenting commitment to positivity helped get him traded back home to Tampa and why you should always, always remember to brush your teeth. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices