Latest Episode
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Ep. 8
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51 Min
Murray Cook | MLB Groundskeeper
In this episode, Shane talks to MLB field consultant Murray Cook about his journey from teenage minor league groundskeeper to building baseball fields for some of the biggest sporting events around the world. They discuss the art and science of groundskeeping, the challenges of transforming unconventional venues into MLB ballparks, and his experiences working on the Olympics, World Baseball Classic, Field of Dreams, and MLB games in London. They also explore the behind-the-scenes work that makes these events possible and how baseball brings people together across cultures.
All Episodes
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Ep. 7
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46 Min
Bianca Smith | Baseball Coach
In this episode, Shane talks to baseball coach Bianca Smith about her journey from working with the Boston Red Sox to pursuing her dream of coaching in Japan. They discuss the differences between American and Japanese baseball, her experience coaching through the JET Program, and her involvement with Play Abroad. They also explore her love of Japanese baseball, the importance of cultural exchange, and how the game brings people together across borders.
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Ep. 6
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41 Min
Michael Clair | MLB.com Writer
In this episode, Shane talks to MLB.com writer Michael Clair about his journey from baseball blogger to covering the global game and his book, “We Sacrifice Everything to Baseball”, on the Czech Republic’s Cinderella World Baseball Classic team. They also discuss Honkbalweek, their favorite places to experience baseball abroad, and how the game brings people together across cultures.
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Ep. 5
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47 Min
Miguel Batista | Former MLB Pitcher
On this episode, Shane is joined by 2001 World Series champion Miguel Batista to talk about his journey from the Dominican Republic to the big leagues, his work advocating for players, and baseball’s ability to bring people together. Batista also shares memories of the World Series following September 11, lessons from his favorite managers, and stories from a life spent exploring the game.
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Ep. 4
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22 Min
Shane Barclay | Founder of Extra Innings Travel
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Sandy Alderson | Former A’s and Mets GM
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Ep. 002
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43 Min
Bob Bavasi | Founder of JapanBall
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Ep. 001
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52 Min
Shane Barclay | Founder of Extra Innings Travel
Chatter Up Team
Shane Barclay
Host
Santa Cruz, California
Former MLB International Baseball Ops in the D.R. and New York, World Baseball Classic consultant, owner of Extra Innings Travel and JapanBall.
Yuri Karasawa
Producer
Chiba, Japan
JapanBall’s Editor-in-Chief, founder of Yakyu Cosmopolitan, host of the “Talking Yakyu” podcast.