Bleav in San Diego Baseball

In today's episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak checks in on preparations at the “Heath Bell Gingerbread House Factory,” where the 3x All-Star is gearing up to bake and build as many as 20 homes for friends, family, and a New Year’s celebration. It’s peak festive chaos in the Bell household! From there, the discussion turns to meaningful baseball moves. Former Padres manager Mike Shildt is heading “home” to the Baltimore Orioles organization, taking on a player-development role that reconnects him with the franchise he grew up with. The conversation then shifts to Toronto’s massive commitment to Dylan Cease — seven years and $210 million — and what that says about durability, value, and the evolving expectations for starting pitchers in today’s MLB landscape. Finally, the guys have some fun with Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day, debating which era of baseball they’d most want to play in — from the Golden Age to the pitcher-dominated ’60s to the wild expansion era of the ’70s and ’80s. It’s a nostalgic, imaginative finish that brings baseball history to life. Chapters: 00:00 - Holiday Cheer and Gingerbread Houses at Casa de Heath; 02:09 - Mike Shildt's New Role with the Orioles; 04:39 - Is it Hard for Someone Like Shildt to Stay Retired?; 06:57 - Dylan Cease's Record Contract with Toronto; 07:32 - Is Cease's Durability Worth $26M a Year?; 11:07 - December 8th is Pretend to Be a Time Traveler Day; 12:16 - Exploring Baseball Eras: A Time Traveler's Dream; 17:16 - Did Heath Bell Enjoy Hitting? Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fresh off Thanksgiving, Alex Miniak and Heath “The Wreath” Bell kick off a post-turkey edition of Bleav in San Diego Baseball. The guys share their family weekend highlights — from Alex’s annual hosting gig at the Christmas Brass & Organ Concert to Heath’s holiday adventure with Hulu tech support. They’re joined by a special guest: Andy Geib, longtime trombonist for San Diego’s own reggae stars Slightly Stoopid and a die-hard Padres fan. Andy takes listeners inside his musical journey — from picking up the trombone in third grade to touring the world and playing iconic venues like Red Rocks. He also shares what it’s like performing the national anthem at Petco Park and relives the electric 2022 NLDS win over the Dodgers. Then it’s time for a round of Junk Wax Gems as the trio breaks down a 1988 Fleer Mark Davis card, tests each other’s knowledge of Padres Cy Young winners, and tells stories only true fans can appreciate. Chapters: 00:00 - Thanksgiving Reflections: Turkey, Theaters, and a Testy Hulu; 03:00 - A Very "Padres" Christmas Concert; 04:17 - Musical Journeys with Slightly Stoopid's Andy Geib; 08:02 - Iconic Music Venues and Cathedrals of the Game; 11:13 - What's It Like Playing the National Anthem at Petco Park?; 13:30 - Sports Geek Andy's Favorite Sports Moments; 17:25 - Padres Junk Wax Gem: 1988 Fleer Mark Davis Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this holiday edition of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak and Heath Bell reunite after their Florida trips, with Heath recapping his Mets Fantasy Camp experience and a near-miss championship run ultimately undone by “father time.” The mood then shifts as they pay tribute to Padres legend Randy Jones, honoring not only his Cy Young career and status as the franchise’s first true homegrown star, but his lasting impact as a warm, humble community figure whose legacy extended far beyond the mound. The duo also breaks down the Padres’ reported coaching changes, including the additions of bench coach Randy Knorr and hitting coach Steven Souza Jr., emphasizing how familiarity, trust, and relatability will be vital for first-year manager Craig Stammen as he builds his staff and clubhouse culture. To close, Alex introduces a Black Friday-themed fan poll inviting listeners to choose one hypothetical free-agent pickup. Heath leans toward Kyle Schwarber’s power, while Alex makes the case for Pete Alonso’s steady production at first base, blending offseason speculation with the show’s signature mix of insight and personality. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome Home from Mets Fantasy Camp Heath!; 02:35 - Mourning the Loss of Padres Icon Randy Jones; 07:27 - Reported Coaching Hires by the Padres; 10:14 - How Do You Get New Teammates, Coaches, and Staff to Gel?; 13:26 - Fan Poll at BleavInSD.com: Which Free Agent Would You Buy on Black Friday? Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball brings Alex Miniak and Heath Bell to Mets Fantasy Camp for a special conversation with Mets legend Howard Johnson — two-time World Series champion, Mets Hall of Famer, and one of the most dynamic third basemen of the 1980s. HoJo reflects on his unlikely journey from facing the Padres in the 1984 World Series to becoming a cornerstone of the swagger-soaked Mets teams that defined an era in New York. Johnson opens up about his evolution from a speed-first player into a power-hitting 30–30 trailblazer, redefining what was possible for a switch-hitting infielder. He shares how trusting his natural game — instead of chasing home runs — unlocked his most productive and consistent years. The conversation also explores the joy of his transition into coaching, where he helped shape the careers of Mets stars like David Wright and José Reyes. It’s a love letter to baseball’s past, told through the voice of a player who lived it — and a fan-turned-broadcaster who never stopped believing. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome Mets Hall of Famer Howard Johnson!; 01:51 - HoJo Faced the Padres in the 1984 World Series?; 03:25 - Trammell, Gibson, Morris: A PhD in Baseball; 05:46 - Debuting at the Old Tiger Stadium; 07:15 - Transitioning to a Power Hitter and 30-30 Player; 11:54 - Ruling New York City in the 1980s; 15:12 - Coaching and Mentoring David Wright and Jose Reyes; 16:49 - Favorite Takeaways as a Met; 18:22 - ...and Some Ballpark Memories; 21:26 - Padres Junk Wax Gem: Craig Shipley 1992 Fleer Ultra; 25:39 - Update from Mets Fantasy Camp Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak checks in with Heath Bell as he reports from Mets (...really?) Fantasy Camp in Florida. The hosts break down the Padres’ unexpected decision to hire former reliever Craig Stammen as their next manager and explore how his long-standing organizational ties and respected clubhouse presence could shape the team heading into 2026. Alex and Heath also dive into key roster developments: Dylan Cease and Michael King receive qualifying offers, Yu Darvish is officially ruled out for the season, and the Padres lock in outfield stability by exercising Ramón Laureano’s team option. Awards season brings more good news to San Diego as Manny Machado claims another Silver Slugger and Fernando Tatis Jr. secures his second Platinum Glove. The episode also spotlights a meaningful civic tribute — the renaming of a block near Petco Park as Peter Seidler Way. The show wraps with a reflective conversation on the Netflix documentary "Who Killed the Montreal Expos?," sparking memories from both hosts about Montreal’s storied baseball past and the franchise’s lasting imprint on the game. Chapters: 00:00 - Heath Bell... Live from Florida?; 02:52 - Padres Introduce Craig Stammen as Manager; 07:46 - Padres Updates: Dylan Cease, Michael King, Yu Darvish, Ramón Laureano; 10:44 - Silver Sluggers, Gold Gloves, and Platinum Gloves... Oh My!; 12:23 - City of San Diego Dedicates Peter Seidler Way; 13:36 - Florida vs. Arizona Training Facilities; 15:36 - Reel MVPs: Who Killed the Montreal Expos? (Netflix); 19:25 - Gary Carter Memories... Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell open up a pack of nostalgia and free agency insight. Heath takes listeners behind the curtain of his own 2011 offseason — when he left San Diego for Miami — revealing what it’s really like to weigh offers, choose between fit and money, and navigate the stress of the open market. From there, the guys turn their focus to Cooperstown and the Contemporary Baseball Era Player Ballot, featuring legends like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Don Mattingly, Dale Murphy, and former Padres Gary Sheffield and Fernando Valenzuela. The duo debates who truly belongs in the Hall of Fame and why baseball’s “steroid era” deserves to be part of the game’s story. To close things out, they crack open a few vintage Fleer and Score packs for the latest Padres Junk Wax Gem, finding memories far more valuable than the cards themselves. Alex’s pick of the week — a 1990 Score Bruce Hurst — may only fetch a buck, but it’s rich in stories and sentiment. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Bleav In San Diego Baseball; 01:22 - It's Free Agent SZN; 02:17 - What Was Heath Bell's Free Agent Experience Like?; 07:37 - Would Heath Have Made a Different Decision Today?; 10:41 - Mo' Money, Mo' Problems; 11:26 - Baseball Hall of Fame's "Contemporary Baseball Era Player" Ballot; 13:31 - Heath Names His Choices for the Hall; 16:40 - Alex's Picks for the Hall of Fame; 18:50 - Padres Junk Wax Gem: Bruce Hurst 1991 Score; 20:36 - Heath Rips a Vintage Pack of 1991 Fleer Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The World Series may be over, but the drama hasn’t cooled off. On this Hot Stove edition of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak and Heath Bell relive Toronto’s heartbreak in Games 6 and 7, from the bizarre ground-rule double to Miguel Rojas’ shocking homer that flipped Game 7 on its head. Heath explains how even the smallest baserunning hesitation might have cost the Blue Jays the title, while Alex points out how the series solidified Vladimir Guerrero Jr. as a superstar. With the Dodgers claiming back-to-back titles — the first since the ’98–’00 Yankees — the duo agree this was one of the best World Series of the century. Then it’s time to turn the page: the Padres’ offseason begins. Alex and Heath walk through San Diego’s free agents and opt-outs, and weigh who they’d bring back. Off the field, Heath reveals a surprising holiday hobby: he’s a gingerbread-house craftsman! The episode wraps with a look at the Padres’ teaser for their 2026 City Connect uniforms, possibly inspired by Día de los Muertos themes — marigolds, sugar skulls, and all. Chapters: 00:00 - From Halloween to Hot Stove Season; 01:30 - World Series Game 6: Dead Ball on Halloween; 04:06 - World Series Game 7: Extras Haunt the Jays Again; 08:47 - Reflections on This World Series; 12:08 - Turning the Page to Padres Free Agency; 13:38 - Who Would You Want to See Back in a Padres Uniform?; 16:12 - Heath Bell, Halloween, and... Gingerbread Houses?; 19:22 - Padres Release City Connect 2.0 Teaser; Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The World Series is living up to the hype — and then some. Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell are back to break down the Dodgers–Blue Jays showdown — including an 18-inning marathon that tied a World Series record — all by the numbers. The conversation shifts to San Diego, where the Padres’ managerial search is heating up. Albert Pujols, Nick Hundley, and Ruben Niebla headline a final round of candidates, and Alex and Heath weigh in on who they think fits best. Could the Padres go bold with Pujols, stick with continuity in Niebla, or trust the leadership pedigree of Hundley? Heath even makes the case for why pitchers can make great managers in today’s game. Then, the show debuts a new offseason segment — Padres Junk Wax Gems — as Alex digs into his box of vintage Padres cards, pulling an ’89 Donruss Garry Templeton for the inaugural pick. From nostalgia to burrito talk, this episode has everything that makes Bleav in San Diego Baseball a must-listen. Chapters: 00:00 - Breeders' Cup in San Diego: Look the Part! 02:30 - World Series Game 3: By the Numbers; 05:26 - World Series Game 4: Blue Jays Battle Back; 07:57 - Should the Ghost Runner Be Used in the Postseason?; 09:56 - Game 5: Blake Snell Shelled... Again.; 11:57 - Looking Ahead to Games 6... and 7?; 18:42 - Introducing... Padres Junk Wax Gems!; 22:38 - Alex's New Favorite Burrito Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell dive into the World Series matchup between the Dodgers and Blue Jays, breaking down Games 1 and 2 of what’s shaping up to be the seven-game battle they predicted. From Addison Barger’s pinch-hit grand slam — the first in World Series history — to Yamamoto’s complete game gem, the guys celebrate great baseball on both sides and share a few laughs about the “Curse of the Colonel” after spotting a mysterious Colonel Sanders behind home plate in Toronto. The episode takes a more personal turn as they salute Martin Maldonado’s retirement after 15 MLB seasons. Heath opens up about what it’s really like to walk away from the game after playing your whole life — the emotional transition, finding purpose afterward, and why many players struggle with that change. Back in San Diego, Alex and Heath celebrate Padres postseason award nominees — Fernando Tatis Jr. (Gold Glove), Manny Machado (Silver Slugger), and Jake Cronenworth (Silver Slugger utility) — with Alex raising a Harland “Crone Zone” Lager in Jake’s honor. Heath caps it off by showing off his Rolaids Relief Man Awards, the final two ever given, proving once again he’ll always have a place in baseball history. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome Back to Bleav in San Diego Baseball!; 01:04 - World Series Game 1: Blue Jays Bats Come Alive; 03:10 - World Series Game 2: Pitching Showdown; 06:04 - The Curse of Colonel Sanders??; 09:01 - Padres Catcher Martin Maldonado Retires; 10:09 - The Tough Transition for Player to Retirement; 15:21 - Where Could Players Get a Final Hurrah?; 17:57 - Padres Gold Glove and Silver Slugger Nominees; 19:16 - Will Alex Shotgun a Crone Zone Lager to Celebrate?; 20:46 - Heath Has Hardware Too! Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The World Series is set — Dodgers vs. Blue Jays — and Alex and Heath break it all down. Thanks to George Springer’s clutch gene, they revisit a wild ALCS Game 7 that sent Toronto back to the Fall Classic for the first time since 1993. Then, the guys dive into the Giants’ surprise managerial hire: Tennessee’s Tony Vitello. Can a college coach make the jump straight to the big leagues? Heath explains why the move could reset the way MLB teams think about leadership — and why trust matters more than résumés. And in true Bleav in San Diego Baseball fashion, the conversation takes a turn toward game-day food — featuring Heath’s vintage popcorn machine, chicken wings, and the eternal debate: dry rub, sauced, or… naked? Finally, Alex and Heath make their World Series predictions — one rolling with Toronto in seven, the other leaning Dodgers by a hair. Either way, they agree: this could be one of the best Classics of the century. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Bleav in... Toronto Baseball?; 01:47 - Recap of ALCS Game 7: Mariners at Blue Jays; 04:18 - Giants Hire Tony Vitello: Can a College Coach Make the Leap to the Bigs?; 07:14 - But College is Closer to the Upper Minors Now...; 08:33 - Vitello Already Familiar With Some in the Giants System; 11:24 - Are the Giants Zigging While Everyone Else is Zagging?; 14:12 - Heath's Snack Show; 16:11 - World Series Predictions and Analysis; Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Shohei Ohtani just authored one of the greatest games in baseball history — three home runs, ten strikeouts, and a stat line that defied logic — and Alex Miniak and Heath Bell break down every jaw-dropping detail. Comparing him to Babe Ruth, Bob Gibson, and Bo Jackson, the guys explore how Ohtani is redefining what’s possible on a baseball field. Back in San Diego, the conversation shifts to the Padres’ managerial search, with surprising developments around Albert Pujols and Nick Hundley. Heath offers a player’s perspective on why some candidates might stay put, while Alex shares why he’s heading back to Petco Park this week — not to announce, but to help produce The Links at Petco Park, where the outfield transforms into a golf course. The guys share laughs and remind fans that even in the offseason, there’s still plenty happening in San Diego baseball. Chapters: 00:00 - The Dodgers in the World Series... again; 02:02 - NLCS Game 4: Shohei Ohtani's Historic Performance; 11:46 - Who Do We Compare Ohtani To?; 13:51 - Are Specialized Positions Ruining Baseball?; 15:49 - Managerial Updates from Across the League; 19:20 - Happenings at Petco Park: The Links and Bananas!; Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In today's Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell break down all the drama from both League Championship Series — from bizarre double plays to dominant pitching performances. In the NLCS, the Dodgers and Brewers delivered one of the wildest postseason plays in recent memory — an 8-6-2 double play that had everyone, including the broadcast booth, scratching their heads. Heath explains the rarely seen rule behind it before shifting to Blake Snell’s vintage Cy Young-level outing and Yoshinobu Yamamoto’s complete game response for LA. The duo also dives into the ALCS between the Blue Jays and Mariners — an all-or-nothing slugfest filled with home runs, road wins, and a vintage Max Scherzer performance that had Heath raving about old-school pitching grit. Then, the conversation turns personal. Alex asks Heath what it feels like when the season suddenly ends — the locker room silence, the long flight home, and how players process that instant finality. Heath’s answer? Raw, honest, and revealing — a look inside the mindset of a player whose season just ended one game short. Chapters: 00:00 - Heath Bell is the Man... dalorian. 01:12 - Analyzing the NLCS: Brewers vs. Dodgers 01:44 - An 8-6-2 Double Play?!? 05:07 - Blake Snell and the Yamamoto Show 07:12 - Heath's Highlight: Bell Breaks Down Game 3 of the NLCS 11:00 - ALCS Overview: Blue Jays vs. Mariners 11:12 - To the ALCS we go! Blue Jays and Mariners Games 1-3 12:39 - Heath's Highlight (Part Deux): Bell on Game 4 of the ALCS 14:39 - "Mad Max" Scherzer Back to Form for Toronto 16:02 - The Emotional Toll of Playoff Elimination 20:00 - Life After Elimination: Players' Perspectives 22:50 - Vote for Your Favorite Moment of the 2025 Season at BleavInSD.com! 23:56 - Heath Bell -- Future Padres Manager? Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Yesterday, breaking news hit the Friar Faithful: Mike Shildt retired as Padres manager, citing the toll the game has taken on his mental and physical health. Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell react in real time — unpacking the surprise announcement, the human side of stepping away from the grind, and what it means for San Diego’s future. While some may clamor for a return of Bruce Bochy, outside candidates could also include former MLB managers David Ross or Brandon Hyde. But don’t count out what the Padres already have in-house — with Major League assistants AJ Ellis, Mark Loretta, and Scott Servais, plus potential dugout options like bench coach Brian Esposito and pitching coach Ruben Niebla. The guys also take time to honor the late Sandy Alomar Sr., reflecting on his impact in San Diego, his legacy across the game, and his personal influence on Heath’s career — before closing out with one of the wildest playoff games in recent memory: a 15-inning ALDS thriller in Seattle that had everyone glued to their screens. Chapters: 00:00 - BREAKING NEWS: Padres Manager Mike Schildt Retires 05:16 - Mike Schildt's Career Accomplishments 06:28 - Do the Padres Hire Internally for Continuity... or Not? 08:09 - Managerial Names Available Right Now 09:37 - Internal Candidates for Padres Manager 13:03 - Hypothetically Speaking -- Is an Internal Candidate or Outside Hire Better? 15:47 - Schildt Leaves With a Tip of the Cap to the Friar Faithful 16:51 - Remembering Sandy Alomar Sr.: A Baseball Legacy 19:17 - ALDS: Tigers at Mariners Game 5 -- Best Postseason Game in Recent Memory? Stay in the lineup — follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or wherever you get your podcasts. Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content and follow us on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more Friar Faithful fun! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today on Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell dive headfirst into the chaos of October. From the Cubs’ Michael Busch and his hot streak to Philly’s Orion Kirkering and his heartbreaking miscue, the guys break down every twist of the NLDS and ALDS. They also react to Nike and Fanatics’ list of the top 20 MLB jerseys sold this year — and yes, both Fernando Tatis Jr. and Manny Machado made the cut. Alex and Heath talk about why fans collect jerseys and how, sometimes, it’s about more than just the name on the back. To top it off, the Savannah Bananas are officially coming back to Petco Park in March 2026, and Heath shares inside stories from Banana Ball’s rise — plus details on the two new teams joining the fold. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to the Show! Where is Heath? 00:57 - NLDS Update: Brewers down I-94 to Wrigley 02:42 - Phillies Can't Escape LA 06:28 - Blue Jays Head to the Bronx to Finish off the Yanks 07:44 - Mariners' Big Dumper in Detroit 09:49 - Top 20 MLB Jerseys Sold in 2025: Where Do Tatis and Machado Rank? 14:16 - How and Why Do You Collect Jerseys? 20:05 - Savannah Bananas Schedule Release: BACK in San Diego! In season, preseason, and postseason, Bleav in San Diego Baseball is here! Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart for the latest fun. Visit our Substack at BleavInSD.com! And catch us on the socials too at Instagram, X, and TikTok! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today’s episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak — the Voice of Petco Park — and three-time All-Star Heath Bell return to the mic to process the Padres’ early postseason exit and dive headfirst into October baseball. The show opens with some humor and honesty as Alex and Heath compare their “stages of grief” following San Diego’s playoff elimination, before shifting gears to break down the Division Series matchups across MLB. They touch on everything from Jackson Chourio’s historic start for the Brewers to Blake Snell’s vintage dominance with the Dodgers and Toronto’s offensive outburst against the Yankees. Then, the duo reflects on the Padres’ 2025 campaign, celebrating the moments that defined it — from a 15–4 start and Manny Machado’s milestone 2,000th hit to Fernando Tatis Jr.’s jaw-dropping home run robberies and Mason Miller’s immaculate inning. The guys close by picking their favorite highlights of the season while throwing support behind a couple of the Postseason’s remaining contenders. Chapters: 00:00 - Navigating the Stages of Grief in Baseball 01:48 - Postseason Highlights - NLDS: Cubs at Brewers 03:06 - NLDS: Dodgers Take Two in Philly 04:30 - ALDS: Blue Jays Belting the Yankees 05:49 - ALDS: Tigers and Mariners Go Toe-to-Toe 07:06 - Out of Who's Left in the Postseason... Who Are We Rooting For? 10:51 - Reflecting on the 2025 Padres Season: A 15-4 Start 13:21 - Manny Machado's Home Run and Hit Milestones 14:04 - Fernando's Right Field Robberies 15:03 - Mason Miller - The Immaculate Inning 15:55 - Back-to-Back 90 Win Seasons and 4 Postseasons in 6 years 19:51 - Alex and Heath's Favorite Moments from the 2025 Padres 21:58 - Vote for Your Favorite Moment of the Season at BleavInSD.com! Even in the offseason, the conversation never stops! Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, or Substack. We're also on the socials at Instagram, X, and TikTok! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week’s Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell react to the Padres’ early playoff exit at Wrigley Field. With raw emotion and candid reflection, they break down what went wrong against the Cubs, from the struggles of the team’s biggest bats to the impact of losing Laureano’s hot bat at the worst possible time. The duo give credit to the pitching staff and defense for keeping the series close, while acknowledging that the offense just couldn’t deliver on the road — a theme that lingered all season. They also discuss the controversial strike call on Xander Bogaerts, and why the Cubs may have the momentum to advance further. Despite the disappointment, Alex and Heath emphasize the bigger picture: four postseason trips in six years, back-to-back 90-win seasons, and a fan base that continues to show up in record numbers. With trades and core pieces in place for the future, they close the episode looking ahead to the offseason, hot stove chatter, and why the Padres’ window to win it all is still wide open. Chapters: 00:00 - Emotional Reflections on the Season 00:37 - Great Showing By the Friar Faithful at the Watch Parties 02:07 - Heath Bell's Take on NL Wild Card Series and the Season 05:56 - Did the Cubs Beat Us? Or Did the Padres Beat Themselves? 07:27 - We Really Missed Ramón Laureano... 08:10 - Padres Pitching and Defense Were Solid 09:57 - Jeremiah Estrada Handles a Tough Task at Wrigley 11:39 - The "Strike Three" Call on Xander Bogaerts 13:19 - How Far Will the Cubs Go? 14:32 - What About the AL Side of the Bracket? 16:01 - What We'll Cover This Offseason! The playoffs might be over for our Padres, but the pod continues all year long! Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart! Get bonus content on our Substack! And check us out on the socials at Instagram, X, and TikTok! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star (and birthday boy) Heath Bell kick off the postseason with plenty of energy — and a few laughs about Heath’s family’s famous birthday hat. The guys celebrate a record-setting year at Petco Park, spotlight standout performances from Tatis, Bogaerts, Machado, Sheets, Pivetta, and more, and reflect on what makes this era of Padres baseball so special. They dive into the Wild Card showdown at Wrigley Field — from the Padres’ hot finish to echoes of the 1984 NLCS, the last time these clubs met in October. Heath shares stories from pitching at the Friendly Confines, while Alex recalls his surreal audition to be the Cubs’ PA announcer. And because Chicago baseball talk isn’t complete without food, Alex brings in a Chicago dog for the “Hometown Eats” segment, sparking a lively debate over hot dog toppings. The postseason is here. The Padres are hot, the Friar Faithful are fired up, and Alex and Heath break down what it’ll take to advance. Chapters:  00:00 - Welcome and Celebrating Birthdays 01:41 - Padres Break the Franchise Attendance and Sellouts Record 03:04 - A Remarkable Era of Padres Baseball 05:06 - Player Accomplishments and Team Performance 07:48 - Historical Context: Padres vs. Cubs 08:24 - Alex Miniak Introduces the 1984 "Cub-buster" Padres 11:40 - Heath's Experiences Pitching in Chicago 13:56 - Alex Was Almost the Voice of Wrigley Field?!? 19:07 - Hometown Eats: Lefty's Chicago Pizzeria - (@leftyschicagopizzeria) 23:27 - NL Wild Card Predictions Follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart for postseason Padres fun, and check us out on Substack for more bonus content! Get social with us on Instagram, X, and TikTok. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, the Voice of Petco Park Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell relive a thrilling night as the Padres officially clinch their spot in the 2025 Postseason. From Nick Pivetta’s gutsy outing to clutch moments by José Iglesias and Luis Arraez on his bobblehead night, Alex takes listeners inside the atmosphere of a sold-out, playoff-clinching celebration. The guys also reveal the winner of the inaugural Friar Fave Award, with fans and hosts alike recognizing Gavin Sheets for his versatility, resilience, and impact all season long. Plus, they spotlight a rare Tony Gwynn memorabilia auction — featuring everything from Silver Slugger bats to personal items — that has both Alex and Heath eyeing pieces for their own collections. With October baseball officially on deck, the excitement in San Diego is real — join Alex and Heath as they set the stage for the postseason ahead. Chapters:  00:00 - Introduction and Playoff Excitement 01:28 - Breakdown: How the Padres Clinched a Postseason Berth 07:42 - 2025 Friar Fave Award Winner Announcement 09:23 - Heath Bell on Gavin Sheets' 2025 Accomplishments 13:16 - Tony Gwynn Auction at therealest.com/tonygwynn 16:47 - Heath Shares a Personal Story About the Late Brian Cole (Mets Prospect) 19:52 - Alex's Baseball Memorabilia... Tony and... Mookie? 20:42 - Who Owns the First Ball Heath Bell Ever Signed? 23:13 - New Listener Shoutouts and Previewing Next Week Find our home on Substack at BleavInSD.com, and be sure to give us a follow on Instagram, X, and TikTok for more bonus content. For the latest episodes of this podcast, subscribe through Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Alex Miniak and Heath Bell are back at Petco Park after a fun stretch that saw the Padres take three of four from the Rockies. They break down Dylan Cease’s 200th strikeout, Fernando Tatis Jr.’s 30th stolen base, and a seven-homer surge led by Jackson Merrill and Manny Machado. Padres Radio Network host Sam Levitt (@sammylevitt on TikTok) joins the show to share his journey from the minors to the big leagues, how he built a massive social following, and his take on the playoff chase as the Padres pursue the Dodgers and Cubs. With October on the line, the crew debates which surprise contenders — Reds, Giants, or Diamondbacks — could play spoiler. To wrap things up, the guys reveal the newest Friar Fave Award nominee, Jeremiah Estrada, before Sam casts his vote for who’s most deserving of the fan-favorite honor. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome and Rockies Series Milestones 02:20 - Machado's Much Needed Day Off 03:24 - Tip of the Cap to Colorado's Mickey Moniak 05:38 - Sam Levitt from 97.3 The Fan and the Padres Radio Network Joins 06:26 - Sam's Road to the Bigs 07:52 - What Was Sammy's Favorite Minor League Mascot? 10:14 - How Did Sam Levitt Master Social Media? 14:13 - Padres Postseason Possibilities 16:50 - Are the Mets, Giants, Diamondbacks, or Reds Dangerous? 19:16 - Can the Padres Still Take the Division from the Dodgers? 22:16 - Friar Fave Award Nominee: Jeremiah Estrada - Vote at BleavInSD.com! 26:27 - Sammy's Pick for the Friar Fave Award is... Follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart to hear Alex and Heath's unique perspective each week. You can also find bonus content on Instagram, X, TikTok, and Substack. Be a fan... with us! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On today's show, the Voice of Petco Park Alex Miniak and 3x MLB All-Star Heath Bell cover it all: milestones, memories, and matchups. They celebrate Luis Arraez’s 1,000th career hit and break down why his “old school” contact-hitting style is still elite in today’s game. They also spotlight Mason Miller’s immaculate inning — just the second in Padres history — and trade stories of pitching feats they’ve witnessed (or been part of). With National Video Game Day on deck, Alex and Heath go nostalgic on their favorite baseball games, from Bases Loaded to RBI Baseball to MLB The Show — including what it’s like for both a PA announcer and a big leaguer to appear in a game. Finally, they preview the Padres’ weekend series against the Rockies at Petco Park, where some home cooking might just serve up a September sweep. Chapters:  00:00 - Welcome to Today's Show! 00:47 - Luis Arraez Hits His 1000th - What's Wrong with That? 05:28 - The Immaculate Inning: Mason Miller's Feat 08:25 - It's National Video Game Day! - Some of Our Baseball Favorites 09:33 - Heath Bell Loved RBI Baseball and Baseball Stars 11:24 - Why Alex Was a Bases Loaded Guy 13:26 - Heath, You Have to Warm Up First! 14:51 - Alex Miniak and What It's Like Recording MLB The Show 16:20 - What's It Like Playing as Yourself in the Game? 19:08 - Previewing Rockies-Padres at Petco Park Fandom meets sports culture every week on Bleav in San Diego Baseball! Follow us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart. We're also on social via HAIL! Sports on Instagram, X, TikTok, and Substack! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.