A true Conch story of how a simple kickball league becomes a weekly ritual, keeps families close, and turns local pride into action. Michael Henriquez shares how mentors, multi-sport grit, and a deep family legacy shape coaching, camps, and community. • Why a weekly kickball league beats one-day tournaments • How “mid-game madness” cards make play inclusive and fun • Eight teams, playoffs planned, and a kids’ day on deck • Family nights at the ballpark and community connection • Baseball cam...
We share how a small island built a big-time wrestling culture, and why adversity, family, and year-round work keep Key West competing with anyone. Coach Chaz traces the program’s roots, his own injury-to-purpose journey, and the rise of girls’ wrestling. • founding of the Conch Republic Wrestling Club and early mentors • synergy between wrestling and football for leverage, footwork and mindset • state placers, record-setters and the validation of first titles • injury, identity loss and ret...
Miguel Menendez, head coach of Tampa Jesuit Tigers baseball, shares his journey from Key West to leading one of Florida's premier high school programs. His deep family roots in baseball and coaching philosophy emphasize character development alongside athletic excellence. • Comes from a legendary Key West baseball family including grandfather "Papa John" Menendez, "the Dean of Kennedy Drive" • Won state championship as a player at Key West High in 1995 and national championship at University...
Andrew Freeman, Key West High School's Athletic Director, shares an inside look at the thriving sports programs and upcoming season for the Conchs. The conversation covers everything from their exciting football victory to the breadth of sports offerings and student participation. • Football team secured a thrilling 35-34 win against Homestead with over 400 yards rushing • The Van Carthon Preseason Classic honored NFL executive and Key West alum Ran Carthon • Key West secured 8 home football...
When a lifelong Miami Marlins supporter and a devoted Yankees fan cross paths at LoanDepot Park, baseball magic happens. Abel Restrain radiates pure passion for America's pastime, captivating everyone around him with his infectious energy and encyclopedic knowledge of the game. Abel's journey from Nicaragua—where baseball reigns supreme—to becoming Miami's most enthusiastic Marlins fan offers a fascinating glimpse into how baseball creates identity and community. His vivid storytelling trans...
Coach Judd Wise shares his journey through 40 years in Key West sports as a teacher, coach, athletic director, broadcaster, and now historian preserving the island's rich athletic legacy. His passion for documenting Key West's sporting achievements has uncovered remarkable statistics about local athletes who reached professional levels, including six Major League Baseball players, ten NFL players, and numerous state champions. • Started coaching in early 1980s at Mary Immaculate High School ...
We're midway through the baseball season with the Yankees sitting between the Blue Jays and Red Sox, and despite some challenges, there are plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about our chances for the remainder of the season. • Aaron Judge continues to chase history while adding to the Yankees legacy • Giancarlo Stanton has found his swing again • Jason Dominguez proving he's the real deal in the leadoff spot • Bellinger, Goldschmidt and Williams have settled in and are performing well • B...
Jewls and Jade Castillo, sisters and former Lady Conchs softball players, share their journey from players to coaches and their passion for developing the next generation of talent at Key West High School. • Attending the College World Series in June – a dream trip with record attendance of over 100,000 people • Professional softball's growing popularity with the AUSL now sponsored by Major League Baseball • The sisters' softball journey from Kennedy Drive's Rosa Hernandez Field to college s...
The MLB Draft highlights the dominance of shortstops, with the first 10 picks being pitchers or shortstops and six coming from high school, including two from Corona High School. History was made when 17-year-old Elis Willits became the youngest #1 pick ever, while the Marlins selected Max Williams from FSU, creating mixed emotions for fans with complicated relationships with the franchise. • Shortstops and pitchers dominated the draft, with high school players taking 6 of the top 10 spots •...
The Yankees are experiencing a frustrating summer slump with defensive issues and pitching injuries, losing their division lead as Clayton Kershaw makes MLB history by becoming just the 20th pitcher to record 3,000 career strikeouts. Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins are the hot teams heading into the All-Star break, with the former taking the lead in the AL East and the latter climbing out of the division basement. • Yankees playing poorly with sloppy defense, lazy at-bats, and bullpen st...
The LSU Tigers have claimed their eighth national championship by sweeping Coastal Carolina in the College World Series. Controversy emerged when two Coastal Carolina coaches were ejected in the first inning of Game 2 for arguing balls and strikes, highlighting issues with umpire overreach in championship games. • LSU has now won two championships in three years, cementing their dynasty status • Coastal Carolina earned respect with competitive, fundamental baseball despite the loss • Ejectio...
Coach Joey Gonzalez shares how the Marathon Dolphins baseball program has transformed into one of South Florida's hottest teams, capturing back-to-back conference championships and their first district title in 2025. He reveals the program-building philosophy that combines academics with athletics, explaining how his coaching staff has created a complete development pathway from youth leagues through high school. • Marathon's 2025 season included hosting regionals with record crowds of 600 f...
Baseball's biggest week has arrived with eight teams battling in Omaha for the College World Series championship. The double elimination tournament kicks off Friday, June 13th and culminates with a three-game championship series beginning Saturday the 21st. • Arizona, Coastal Carolina, Louisville, and Oregon on one side of the bracket • Murray State, UCLA, LSU, and Arkansas on the other side • Controversy over LSU and Arkansas being on the same side of the bracket • Murray State ...
College baseball's Super Regionals are officially here with 16 teams battling in best-of-three series to determine which eight will advance to the College World Series in Omaha. The Regional round saw major upsets with top-ranked teams like Vanderbilt, Texas, Georgia, Oregon and Clemson all eliminated early. • Stetson Hatters players Isaiah Barkett and Lorenzo Meola earned tournament honors despite team elimination • Key West native Felix Ong closed one for the Florida Gators • Florida State...
In this special "Hits from the Vault" episode, Joy shares her personal favorite from the Bring Joy archives. Originally released in May 2021, this lyrical love letter to Key West captures the quintessential summertime vibe of the southernmost island. Joy describes the piece as existing "somewhere between a postcard and a poem," which perfectly captures what living in Key West feels like—a blessed reality she never takes for granted. A whispered "Buenos dias from Cayo Hueso" opens the door to ...
Baseball fandom has its legends, and few are as storied or impactful as Florida State University's "Animals of Section B." Johnny Mac pulls back the curtain on this 47-year tradition that's become the heartbeat of Seminole baseball. From their strategic K-Time chants that rattle opposing batters to the mysteriously effective fifth-inning rendition of "O Canada" that began during the 1988 Winter Olympics, these superfans have created quantifiable home-field advantage. The NCAA has even verifi...
The 2025 Lady Conchs softball team is making their mark in the playoffs, dominating opponents with powerful hitting and stellar pitching on their quest for a state championship. Their journey features standout performances from sophomore pitcher Brianna Brenner, who tied a school record with 14 strikeouts, and clutch home runs from Shyloh Sanchez and Skye Sterling that energized their passionate home crowd. • Regular season finished with impressive 12-7 record including numerous high-scoring...
This episode captures the electricity of high school playoff season, highlighting our Conchs path through district championships and setting the stage for the upcoming regional matches against the Satellite Beach Scorpions. Recap of regular season finale featuring 12 strikeouts and offensive fireworks from Caden Pichardo, Roman Garcia, and Nelly OngDominant district tournament opener against South Miami Cobras, called by mercy rule in the fifth inningJC Lampas-Gormley's pitching masterclass, ...
Doug Mientkiewicz shares his extraordinary journey from Olympic gold medalist to World Series champion, revealing what it truly means to develop a championship mindset in baseball and life. His emotional stories about turning career setbacks into defining moments show how champions respond when facing the toughest challenges. • Being sent down to Triple-A in 2000 despite a strong spring training and having his confidence shattered • Receiving the opportunity to play for Team USA in the 2000 ...
Baseball binds together generations of players and fans in Key West, where championship legacies and community connections create an unbreakable bond through America's pastime. The recent Championship Weekend honoring the 1955, 1995, and 2005 state championship teams showcased the deep baseball tradition that continues to thrive on the island. • Felix Ong striking out four batters in his collegiate debut with Florida Gators • Major League Baseball season opening in Tokyo with Japanese stars ...