Three Inning Fan - The Podcast with Kelley Franco

National Review Editor-in-Chief Rich Lowry joins Kelley Franco on The Three Inning Fan Show for a wide-ranging discussion about the changing culture of baseball.A lifelong Yankees fan, Lowry reflects on the teams and personalities that defined Yankees baseball in the 1970s and 1980s, shares his thoughts on the current club, and explains why he's embraced many of MLB's recent rule changes.The conversation then turns to some of baseball's biggest unanswered questions. Will MLB expand? Is realignment inevitable? And if the traditional structure of the game changes, what do fans stand to gain, and what might they lose?We also examine the business of baseball, including competitive balance, the luxury tax, the push for a salary cap, and the labor issues that could shape the sport for years to come.If you enjoy thoughtful baseball conversations that go beyond scores and statistics, subscribe and join us for more interviews with the people who follow, cover, and influence the game.*Music by Podington Bear

The MLB postseason race is heating up, but the biggest stories in baseball extend far beyond the standings.On this episode of the Three Inning Fan Show, Kelley Franco sits down with USA TODAY MLB columnist Bob Nightengale to discuss what’s happening across Major League Baseball. The conversation covers the Dodgers' dominance, where they might be vulnerable, Mark Walter’s sale of the Lakers and whether the federal investigation of classification of loans by his companies could impact the Dodgers, the Yankees' trade deadline acquisitions and what it said about their strategy, the Mets' collapse, the surprising Rays, the ever-excelling Brewers, the Red Sox's playoff chances, and the growing concern over a potential labor battle that could threaten the 2027 season.If you're interested in baseball, front-office strategy, labor negotiations, franchise economics, and the stories developing behind the scenes, this is an episode you won't want to miss.Subscribe to the channel and join the conversation.*Music by Podington Bear

Rick Cerone knows how to tell a story.The 18-year MLB veteran joins the Three Inning Fan Show with Kelley Franco to talk about an incredible career that included catching the first pitch in Toronto Blue Jays history, becoming the Yankees' catcher following the tragic death of Thurman Munson, and playing on the 1981 Yankees World Series team.Cerone takes us inside some of the most fascinating Yankees stories of his era:• What it was like stepping into Thurman Munson's shoes • His memorable clashes with George Steinbrenner — and the surprising respect they developed • Playing alongside Reggie Jackson, Graig Nettles, Ron Guidry, and Bucky Dent • What Billy Martin was really like • The wild personalities inside the 1981 Yankees clubhouse , including fistfights • His road from Seton Hall and nearly choosing football to an 18-year MLB career • Old-Timers' Day, Yankee Stadium and whether Graig Nettles is ever coming backAnd, of course, Rick promised some great stories — and he delivers.Subscribe to the Three Inning Fan Show for more conversations with baseball's biggest personalities, players and storytellers.*Music by Podington Bear

For decades, Howie Rose has been the soundtrack of summer for Mets fans. Now, the legendary radio voice of the New York Mets is in his final season in the booth.Howie joins Kelley Franco on the Three Inning Fan Show to discuss his decision to retire, the emotions of stepping away from a career he loves, and what life after baseball might look like. He also shares the story of finally meeting one of his lifelong heroes—Paul McCartney—and whether the experience lived up to the dream.Plus, Howie reflects on the state of the Mets, Juan Soto's impact on the franchise, and whether this club has one more run left in it.A candid, funny, and heartfelt conversation with one of the most beloved voices in baseball.*Music by Podington Bear

Chris “Mad Dog” Russo joins Kelley Franco on the Three Inning Fan Show for a deep dive into MLB’s looming labor war and what could become the biggest baseball fight since 1994.Will MLB owners finally get a hard salary cap? Are players and owners headed toward a work stoppage? Is Rob Manfred trying to reshape baseball before stepping down in 2029? Is the Players’ Association vulnerable?Plus: Russo’s baseball history perspective, media insights, and some classic Mad Dog rapid fire. And of course…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame.Subscribe to the Three Inning Fan Show for baseball, business, labor issues, and the stories shaping MLB’s future.*Music by Podington Bear