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On this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, hosts Alex Miniak and three-time MLB All-Star Heath Bell welcome University of San Diego Baseball head coach Brock Ungricht to the show. Ungricht discusses the rapid evolution of college baseball, the growing importance of player development, and how programs like USD prepare athletes not only for professional careers but for life beyond the game. The conversation also explores the impact of the transfer portal, NIL, and the recruiting landscape — including how camps can help overlooked players find opportunities. Ungricht shares insight into building a successful program at USD, emphasizing accountability, education, and a strong team culture rooted in communication and mutual support. He reflects on the Toreros’ remarkable turnaround last season — rebounding from a difficult 6-24 start to reach the conference championship — and introduces the concept of “Mudita,” a philosophy centered on genuine joy for teammates’ success that helped fuel the team’s resurgence. The episode wraps with a return to the global stage as Alex and Heath break down the electric atmosphere of the World Baseball Classic, including a thrilling matchup between Korea and Chinese Taipei that showcased the tournament’s unique passion and energy. With WBC action heating up and spring training nearing its conclusion, the hosts look ahead to the upcoming MLB season and Alex’s upcoming trip to Padres camp in Peoria. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Bleav in San Diego Baseball!; 01:16 - USD Baseball Head Coach Brock Ungricht Joins the Show; 03:02 - The Evolution of College Baseball; 06:11 - Building a Strong Team Culture; 07:49 - Developing Local San Diego Talent; 10:53 - From Walk-Ons to Everyday Major Leaguers; 13:33 - What Can High Schoolers Do to Get Noticed?; 16:38 - Navigating Challenges and Mental Fortitude; 19:05 - The Importance of Communication and Team Dynamics; 21:16 - Defining "Mudita"; 23:12 - What Can We Expect at Fowler Park This Season?; 27:45 - Chinese Taipei vs. Korea in the World Baseball Classic; 31:59 - Alex Heading to Peoria for Spring Training! 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, hosts Alex Miniak and three-time MLB All-Star Heath Bell catch up on a busy stretch a rapidly evolving Padres roster. Alex shares stories from a whirlwind travel schedule during Monster Jam events across the country — including a blizzard in Pennsylvania! The conversation turns to San Diego’s newest pitching reinforcements, including Walker Buehler, Germán Márquez, and Griffin Canning. Heath believes Buehler could be the biggest upside play, noting that a change of scenery and the Padres’ supportive pitching environment might help the two-time Tommy John survivor rediscover the form that once made him look like the next Clayton Kershaw. They also discuss new position players Ty France, Miguel Andújar, and Nick Castellanos, with Heath highlighting France as a potential “unsung hero” whose versatility and clubhouse presence could quietly make a major impact over the course of the season. The episode also tackles bigger-picture storylines, including outside projections that have the Padres finishing fourth in the NL West. The hosts push back on those predictions, arguing that San Diego may actually be deeper and better balanced than last year’s 90-win club. With experienced additions, improved depth, and a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality, Heath says he has a “funny feeling” the Padres could surprise people in 2026. Chapters: 00:00 - Busy Happenings for Heath and Alex; 04:32 - Greatest Impact on the Mound: Walker Buehler, Germán Márquez, or Griffin Canning?; 05:59 - Heath Bell Says Former Dodger Walker Buehler...; 07:59 - -Even After Two Tommy John Surgeries??; 09:00 - Alex Goes With Márquez...; 10:42 - Ty France, Miguel Andújar, or Nick Castellanos: Which Fielder Sticks?; 11:40 - Heath Bell Says... Ty France? And Alex Agrees??; 13:34 - The AJ Preller Extension: Maybe the Biggest Signing of All; 14:53 - Are We Spoiled by the Current Padres Success?; 17:13 - FanGraphs Predicts the Padres Will Win 79 Games?!; 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 and three-time All-Star Heath Bell kick things off with a celebration as Heath reflects on being inducted into the Tustin High School Hall of Fame alongside former big leaguers Mark Grace and Shawn Green. Heath shares stories of returning to the field where it all began — from memories on the mound to the teammates and mentors who shaped his journey. From there, the guys dive into Commissioner Rob Manfred floating the idea of an in-season tournament or split-season format in Major League Baseball. Alex and Heath break down the pros and cons, debate whether MLB should mirror the NBA’s model, and explore how changes could impact the integrity of the 162-game grind. They even brainstorm their own creative twist on revamping the Home Run Derby and All-Star festivities. Finally, with pitchers and catchers reporting to Peoria, the focus shifts squarely to Padres baseball. The duo previews the battle for the fifth spot in the rotation, weighing options like Matt Waldron’s knuckleball, JP Sears’ versatility, and the upside of Triston McKenzie. As spring training begins, optimism builds — baseball is back, roster battles are heating up, and another season in San Diego is just around the corner. Chapters: 00:00 - Heath Bell: Hall of Famer... again!; 03:25 - The High School Baseball Memories Come Back Hard; 06:03 - Alex's First Visit to His High School in Over 30 Years...; 10:14 - Rob Manfred's In-Season Tournament Proposal; 14:57 - What About Split Seasons in the Majors?; 15:52 - Are We Now Over-Correcting the Game?; 16:54 - What If We Just Did a Mini-World Baseball Classic?; 18:02 - What About a March Madness-Style Home Run Derby?; 20:31 - Pitchers and Catchers Report: Rotation Candidates 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 and Heath Bell are fresh off Padres FanFest. Alex shares scenes from a sun-soaked day at the ballpark, where players, alumni, and fans reconnected as the new season starts to come into focus. From clubhouse gear being packed for spring training to can’t-miss garage sale finds — including Alex’s latest piece of Petco Park history — the guys capture that familiar early-February buzz that signals baseball is right around the corner. The conversation then turns to a tougher headline: national outlets ranking the Padres’ farm system dead last. Heath offers a player’s perspective, explaining why prospect rankings are often more about perception than production, and how development timelines, organizational philosophy, and recent trades all play a role in where a system lands. To close things out, the show shifts from fastballs to food with a spirited National Pizza Day power ranking. From foldable New York slices to Chicago deep dish and New Haven coal-fired pies, Alex and Heath debate crust styles, toppings, and personal preferences — proving the strongest opinions might come outside the batter’s box. Chapters: 00:00 - The Buzz of Spring and Padres FanFest; 04:55 - Do the Padres Really Have the WORST Farm System in Baseball?; 07:19 - Great Farm Systems Don't Equal World Series Titles; 08:17 - Player Development Matters in the Minor Leagues; 09:15 - Top Prospects Sometimes Never Pan Out; 09:51 - The Club's Long Term Strategy Also Comes into Play; 14:11 - National Pizza Day Power Rankings: Which Pie is Best?; 17:44 - Alex Ranks His Favorite Style of Pizza Pies; 19:42 - Heath Bell's Pizza Preferences; 24:00 - A Hall of Fame Induction and Super Bowl Weekend! 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 episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak shares his personal journey from minor league announcer in New Hampshire to becoming the Voice of Petco Park. He recounts the intense multi-step audition process in 2014, which included multiple trips to San Diego, national TV exposure, and a high-pressure gauntlet that ultimately led to a dream job. 3x All-Star and co-host Heath Bell joins the conversation to reflect on the persistence and timing required to seize opportunities in professional sports, drawing parallels to his own path in baseball. The discussion then turns to Yu Darvish, who is reportedly contemplating retirement. Alex and Heath explore the challenges players face with injuries, contracts, and career transitions, sharing their insights on how Darvish might navigate the next chapter of his career while staying connected to the game. Finally, the hosts dive back into a fan favorite segment with a Padres Junk Wax Gem, highlighting a 1994 Fleer Kerry Taylor card. While the card boasts a striking design, its back features a brutally honest — and very unflattering — remark. Ouch! Chapters: 00:00 - Heath's Texas Winter Wonderland 02:53 - Alex Miniak Auditioned for #PadresPA 12 Years Ago; 04:57 - Walking into the Pressure of Petco Park; 07:19 - A Gauntlet of Callbacks, One After the Next...; 10:34 - The Offer Was Made, and Here We Are!; 14:27 - Is Yu Darvish Contemplating Retirement?; 19:18 - Padres FanFest Reminder!; 20:46 - Padres Junk Wax Gem: 1994 Fleer Kerry Taylor 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.

Three-time All-Star Heath Bell is fresh off Padres Fantasy Camp as he and Alex Miniak tackle recent speculation surrounding Golden State Warriors owner Joe Lacob and the Padres. Alex breaks down why relocation rumors don’t hold up under even basic scrutiny, with both hosts agreeing the current chatter is largely clickbait. They point to MLB’s continued commitment to San Diego through marquee events, Petco Park’s status as one of the game’s premier facilities, and attendance figures that consistently rank among the league’s best. The conversation then shifts to a more optimistic note with the return of familiar faces to the organization. Bud Black rejoins the Padres as a senior advisor, while Wil Myers steps into a player development role. Alex and Heath view both moves as meaningful steps toward strengthening Padres culture, with Bell emphasizing the impact veteran voices can have on young players and Black’s experience providing steady guidance behind the scenes. The episode wraps with a lighthearted National Cheese Lover’s Day power ranking of ballpark favorites — from nachos to pretzels to cheesesteaks. The debate is spirited, the opinions are strong, and whether the two are anywhere close in their rankings is very much up for discussion! Chapters: 00:00 - Heath Bell Back Home from Padres Fantasy Camp; 03:08 - Warriors Owner Joe Lacob and Padres Relocation Rumors; 04:48 - Why the Padres Will NEVER Leave San Diego; 09:00 - The San Francisco Giants Say What?; 11:53 - Party Like it's 2015... Wil Myers and Bud Black are Back!; 15:50 - Heath Reppin' the Vintage Clairemont Bowl Tee; 18:42 - National Cheese Lovers Day Power Ranking: Ballpark Favorites with Cheese; 19:36 - Heath Bell's Cheesy Picks; 22:21 - Alex's List of the Cheesy Ballpark Best 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 features Alex Miniak holding down the mic while Heath Bell checks in from Padres Fantasy Camp in Peoria, Arizona. Alex opens with a quick breakdown of the Padres’ newly finalized arbitration deals and what they reveal about payroll flexibility and remaining roster needs. From there, the show shifts to the lighter, family-driven side of the game, spotlighting the generational magic of Fantasy Camp through camper stories and classic clubhouse humor — think fried chicken, frosty beers, and glazed donuts. The highlight of the episode is the arrival of the show’s biggest guest yet: Padres Hall of Famer and Cy Young Award winner Jake Peavy. Heath and Jake reflect on their shared history, the pressure of Game 163 in Colorado, and how pitching has evolved from feel and grit to today’s analytics-heavy approach — and what that shift means for the modern game. The conversation reinforces what still matters most in baseball: team chemistry, experience, and above all — belief. Bring your six-string — it’s time to strum some songs, talk some baseball, and create some memories. Chapters: 00:00 - Padres Arbitration Updates: Adam, Morejon, Sheets, Miller, Fermin Locked Down; 02:13 - Heath Bell Checks In From Padres Fantasy Camp; 04:21 - How Camp is Going for the Heath's "Ringers and Swingers"; 08:14 - Talkin' With Padres Hall of Famer Jake Peavy; 10:10 - Why Does Jake Love Coming Back to Peoria?; 12:19 - What Was it Like Having a Cy Young on the Mound and Heath in the Pen?; 14:02 - Remembering 2007: Game 163 in Colorado; 15:49 - The Art of Pitching vs. Today's Analytics; 21:39 - Building Team Chemistry and a Championship Mindset; 23:51 - Reflections on Past Championships and What's to Come in San Diego 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 bags are packed for Arizona! Alex Miniak catches up with co-host Heath Bell as the 3x MLB All-Star heads off to Padres Fantasy Camp, breaking down what makes the annual trek so special. Beyond the love of baseball, it’s about reconnecting with familiar faces, welcoming new campers, and building genuine friendships that last long after the week in Peoria wraps up. Alex then shifts gears to life on the road behind the mic with Monster Jam, explaining why motorsports delivers a level of fan and driver access different from baseball. The two bond over the simple joy of watching kids of all ages meet their heroes — whether that hero is pumping 100 mph fastballs or climbing into a 12,000-pound monster truck. The episode closes by circling back to baseball, with a look ahead at Padres FanFest, the calm-before-the-storm of the offseason, and spring training inching closer by the day. And of course, it wouldn’t be Bleav in San Diego Baseball without Padres Junk Wax Gems—highlighted by a 25-cent Darrin Jackson special. Cha… ching. Chapters: 00:00 - Heath Bell: Packin' for Padres Fantasy Camp; 01:56 - Building Lasting Relationships Beyond the Diamond; 05:00 - Heath's Annual Gingerbread New Year's Eve Party; 08:59 - Alex's Monster Jam Adventures; 10:10 - Fan Access and the Differences Between Motorsports and Baseball; 14:53 - Reminder: Get Your Padres Fanfest Tickets!; 17:54 - Padres Junk Wax Gem: 1993 Donruss Darrin Jackson 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 New Year’s edition of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell ease in between the holidays with plenty of humor and perspective. Alex recaps his recent work at the NBA G League Winter Showcase in Orlando, drawing parallels between basketball lifers grinding for opportunity and baseball players who persevere through long minor-league journeys in hopes of sticking at the highest level. The conversation then shifts to Padres news, highlighted by the re-signing of Michael King. Alex and Heath break down why the deal feels like a win-win: added stability for a rotation that needs it, flexibility for the club, and a chance for King to reestablish value after injury. They also discuss the addition of KBO infielder Sung-mun Song as a low-risk, high-upside depth move, emphasizing the Padres’ recent focus on smart value signings and building roster depth heading into Spring Training. The episode wraps with the latest Padres Junk Wax Gem, spotlighting a 1991 Upper Deck Mark Parent card and using it as a springboard to discuss the unseen careers and lifers who help sustain the game. Alex and Heath close by sharing personal goals for the new year before sending listeners into 2026 with stories, laughs, and plenty more Padres baseball to come. Chapters: 00:00 - Holiday Cheers and Happy New Years!; 02:49 - Alex's Recent Work at the NBA G League Winter Showcase; 06:23 - Padres Re-Sign Free Agent Michael King!; 09:17 - San Diego Also Signs KBO Star Sung-mun Song; 11:57 - Padres Junk Wax Gems: 1991 Upper Deck Mark Parent; 19:27 - The Guys' New Years Resolutions 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 Voice of Petco Park, Alex Miniak, and three-time All-Star Heath Bell kick off the episode with holiday chaos, spotlighting Heath’s impressive gingerbread houses before shifting to baseball and unpacking fallout from the Winter Meetings. Padres trade rumors are in full swing, with names like Ramón Laureano and Mason Miller circulating as San Diego looks to balance starting pitching needs, rebuild the farm system, and stay firmly in World Series contention. Alex and Heath discuss the realities of dealing from positions of strength, why blockbuster moves take time, and how A.J. Preller may once again reshape the roster through creative trades. The episode wraps with another edition of Padres Junk Wax Gems, featuring what may be the ugliest baseball card pulled yet — a 1991 Bowman Jim Presley — adding a grand total of $1.59 to the growing piggy bank. Equal parts Padres insight, offseason outlook, and holiday humor, it’s a reminder that sometimes — like gingerbread (and roster building) — the best results come when you’re willing to wait. Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome to Bleav in San Diego Baseball; 01:41 - Heath "Ginger God" Bell Reveals His Holiday Gingerbread Houses; 04:47 - Gingerbread House Building: Heath's Techniques; 07:16 - Sneak Peek on Houses Still to Come...; 08:28 - Padres Trade Rumors: Ramon Laureano and Mason Miller?; 11:01 - Blockbuster Moves: Giving Something to Get Something; 12:31 - Finding the Right Mix of Superstars, Veterans, and Homegrown Talent; 15:14 - Padres Junk Wax Gem: 1991 Bowman Jim Presley 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.

It’s off to Orlando as Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell welcome Padres Radio Network pre- and postgame host Sam Levitt from Baseball’s Winter Meetings. Sam breaks down the early free-agent action — including big deals for Kyle Schwarber, Pete Alonso, and Edwin Díaz — and explains what Díaz’s move means in the ever-escalating Dodgers arms race. He dives into what’s realistic for the Padres this offseason, what “blockbuster” really means when A.J. Preller is involved, and why Padres fans shouldn’t obsess over what L.A. is doing. Back in the studio, Alex and Heath roll into a full holiday-themed warmup — complete with movie debates, a Clark Griswold jersey, and a peek inside Heath’s annual gingerbread house project. Heath reveals the surprisingly elaborate engineering behind his builds: trees, tiny people, homemade icing mortar, and yes… even a chimney that smokes. To close it out, the guys unwrap this week’s Padres Junk Wax Gem: a 1988 Score Tim Flannery card. They reminisce about Flannery’s playing days, his coaching legacy, his three World Series rings, and his second life as a musician who’s shared the spotlight with members of the Grateful Dead. Chapters: 00:00 - 'Tis the Season for Holiday Movie Classics!; 02:40 - Heath Bell's Gingerbread House Construction Update; 06:12 - 97.3 The Fan's Sam Levitt Joins from Baseball's Winter Meetings; 06:55 - What Does Adding Edwin Diaz Do for the Dodgers?; 09:39 - Is There a "Blockbuster" Deal in the Works?; 13:36 - Will the Padres Sign Any Significant Free Agent Names?; 16:16 - Favorite Parts About Winter Meetings; 19:59 - Junk Wax Gems: 1988 Score Tim Flannery 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 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.