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On this episode of Dirt From the Dugout, Karl Ravech and Justin Musil break down the wild card round as the 2026 postseason kicks off, naming their teams and players of the year before diving series by series. Musil goes with the Brewers as team of the year for their relentless, never-say-die style, while Ravech makes the case for the Rays and their similarly pesky, pressure-everyone approach, floating a Brewers-Rays World Series as the season's ultimate underdog story. The two debate player of the year between Jacob Misiorowski's dominant strikeout stuff and Pete Crow-Armstrong's 40-40 season, with Ravech drawing a surprising Ken Griffey Jr. comparison for PCA. From there, they preview all four wild card matchups: Braves-Phillies with Chris Sale on the mound for Atlanta, White Sox-Astros and why experience gives Houston the edge, a wide-open Yankees-Red Sox series complicated by Aaron Judge's absence and Cam Schlittler's local ties to Boston, and Padres-Cubs, where San Diego's shutdown bullpen goes up against Chicago's power and defense. Plus, a sidebar on Uecker's emotional final broadcast call and what a non-Dodgers, non-Yankees World Series would mean for MLB's ongoing salary cap debate. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/  Subscribe to the podcast!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382 https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98  Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Dirt From the Dugout, Karl Ravech and Justin Musil wrap up their conversation with Tampa Bay Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander, digging into the unglamorous grind behind his rise. Neander tells the story of his unpaid internship with Baseball Info Solutions, the four months he spent sleeping on a twin bed crammed into a coworker's walk-in closet, and the winter-break scramble to enroll at a random community college just to qualify for the internship stipend. He talks about why he waits as long as possible before evaluating young players, the sacrifice it takes to build a career in pro baseball, and how the Rays stay motivated year after year despite two World Series appearances and zero championships. Plus, a rapid-fire kitchen sink round covers his first day running errands for the front office, his unused nutrition and exercise degree, his favorite Joe Maddon lesson on risk-taking, and his strong feelings about olives on pizza. Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/  Subscribe to the podcast!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382 https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98  Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Dirt From the Dugout, Karl Ravech and Justin Musil sit down with Erik Neander, president of baseball operations for the Tampa Bay Rays, on the eve of the playoffs with Tampa Bay sitting atop the American League. Neander traces his path from a Cal Ripken-loving kid growing up 20 minutes from Cooperstown to landing a Rays internship on his third or fourth attempt, and shares the leadership philosophy that's driven the organization's success: staying grounded, leading with humility, and never confusing the importance of the job with the importance of any one person in it. He digs into how Tampa Bay blends scouting and analytics without treating them as separate departments, walks through the Randy Arozarena trade as a case study in trusting your own evaluation even when it looks crazy from the outside, and opens up about how fatherhood has shaped the way he leads a large, multigenerational staff. Plus: the Ted Lasso references, the Rays' refusal to hang inspirational signs in the clubhouse, and why "wherever your feet are, be 100% in" has become a guiding principle both at work and at home. Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/  Subscribe to the podcast!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382 https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98  Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Dirt From the Dugout, Karl Ravech and Justin Musil close out their conversation with Yankees manager Aaron Boone, diving into how he handles the pressure of New York and the social media noise that comes with it, including the annual talk he gives his team every spring training about protecting themselves from it, and the lesson Giancarlo Stanton once shared with the clubhouse. Boone also revisits one of the most iconic moments in Yankees history: his walk-off home run off Tim Wakefield in Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, from Joe Torre's on-deck advice to the Velcro batting pad that came loose mid-swing, and how his relationship with that moment has changed over the past two decades. Plus, the kitchen sink gets personal with questions like his all-time favorite non-baseball athlete, his dream dinner guests, his go-to impression of Joe Torre, and his answer to who the most valuable person in his life really is. Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/  Subscribe to the podcast!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382 https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98  Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Dirt From the Dugout, Karl Ravech and Justin Musil welcome Yankees manager Aaron Boone, drawing on Ravech's decades covering Boone's playing career at ESPN and their long friendship since. Boone opens up about growing up in a baseball dynasty with his grandfather, father, and brothers all in the game, and how his family gave him room to make the journey his own rather than pushing him into it. He talks through the balance parents need to strike between support and helicoptering, why he still values kids playing multiple sports growing up (pointing to Cody Bellinger and George Lombard Jr. as examples), and what youth coaches get wrong by obsessing over swing mechanics instead of letting a kid's natural movement develop. Boone also shares the coaches who left the biggest mark on him, from his college coach Mike Gillespie to a demanding youth football coach, and reflects on what separates today's more polished, better-prepared young players from his own generation. Plus: how he coaches perspective into his players, using the 25th anniversary of 9/11 as one recent example of keeping baseball's ups and downs in proper context. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/  Subscribe to the podcast!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382 https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98  Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Dirt From the Dugout, Karl Ravech and Justin Musil close out their conversation with Savannah Bananas founder Jesse Cole, and it gets personal. Jesse breaks down the rule he thinks is Banana Ball's real secret weapon, the one-point-per-inning scoring system born from a phone call with his dad after a blowout loss on the night he proposed to his wife, Emily. He opens up about the couple's near-collapse in 2016, selling their house and living off $30 a week to keep the team alive, and how that same partnership led them to become foster parents and launch the Bananas Foster nonprofit.  Jesse also gets candid about the failures behind the scenes including a misspelled shipment of team t-shirts, a ticketing system that crashed at their first major league stadium game, a broadcast that went dark on ESPN, and why he sees big-league veterans like Jackie Bradley Jr. finding a second wind in banana ball. Plus: Jesse's underrated Broadway pick, his secret moonwalk skills, and who tops his list as the most valuable person in his life. Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/  Subscribe to the podcast!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382 https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98  Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ravvy and Justin are joined this episode by Jesse Cole, the creator of "Banana Ball" and founder of Fans First Entertainment. He's best known as the owner of the viral baseball sensation, the Savannah Bananas. Starting out as a minor league baseball general manager who wanted to make the game more exciting and engaging for fans, he created a faster-paced, highly choreographed version of baseball that now regularly sells out major stadiums across the country.  In this first part of the interview, Cole talks through his "what if" approach to reinventing baseball's slow spots, his LCP (learn, change, plus) post-game review habit, and the constant idea-generation process behind the show's trick plays and performances. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/  Subscribe to the podcast!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382 https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98  Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug    See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Dirt From the Dugout, Karl Ravech and Justin Musil talk all things September. From the food to the weather, to the sports, and of course, the baseball. Nothing beats September, and this conversation captures exactly why American sports fans love this time of year.  Hear Ravvy and Justin's World Series Favorite, their favorite teams to watch as the regular season comes to a close, and even which NFL teams the boys are rooting for this season! Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/  Subscribe to the podcast!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382 https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98  Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karl Ravech and Justin Musil welcome San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King to the show. A Rochester, New York native and Boston College product, King was a 12th-round pick who developed into a full-time starter with the Yankees before headlining the trade that sent Juan Soto to New York, and has since become one of the Padres' most reliable arms. Ravvy and Justin talk with King about his winding path to a big-league rotation, what it takes to reinvent yourself as a pitcher, and the mindset that's carried him through the ups and downs of a long MLB season. On this part, King shares the importance of mastering pitches, what facing the Yankees was like this season, and the batters he doesn't want to see in the majors. Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/  Subscribe to the podcast!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382 https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98  Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Karl Ravech and Justin Musil welcome San Diego Padres starting pitcher Michael King to the show. A Rochester, New York native and Boston College product, King was a 12th-round pick who developed into a full-time starter with the Yankees before headlining the trade that sent Juan Soto to New York, and has since become one of the Padres' most reliable arms. Ravvy and Justin talk with King about his winding path to a big-league rotation, what it takes to reinvent yourself as a pitcher, and the mindset that's carried him through the ups and downs of a long MLB season. In this first part of our interview with the Padres' Ace, King dives into his upbringing in the Northeast, his time at Boston College, and his advice for young athletes who want to get the most out of their sport. Go to Quince.com/foul for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/  Subscribe to the podcast!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382 https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98  Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Dirt From the Dugout, Justin turns the mic around on his co-host, sitting down with Karl for a rare look back at his nearly three-decade run at ESPN. Ravvy has been one of the defining voices of baseball broadcasting since joining the network in 1996, anchoring Baseball Tonight as its longtime primary host and, most recently, calling games as the lead announcer for Sunday Night Baseball from 2022 to 2026.  A Needham, Massachusetts native and Ithaca College grad, Karl got his start in local news in Binghamton before working his way up to the national stage, where he's had a courtside seat for some of the sport's biggest moments. From World Series runs, no-hitters, walk-offs, and the countless storylines in between. Ravy shares his favorite memories with his coworkers on ESPN, what being laid off has been like, stories of being in the locker room with Larry Bird, and so much more! Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/ Subscribe to the podcast!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98 Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ravvy and Justin are joined this episode by Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He's best known as the steady hand behind one of the most dominant runs in modern baseball, guiding the Dodgers to World Series titles in 2020, 2024, and 2025. Roberts began his career as an outfielder, playing for the Cleveland Indians, Dodgers, Red Sox, Padres, and Giants, and famously stole a pivotal base in the 2004 ALCS that sparked Boston's historic comeback.  In the second part of our exclusive interview with Dave Roberts, we hear what it has been like managing Shohei Ohtani, stories about his historic steal in the 2004 ALCS, and the best piece of coaching advice he has ever gotten. Watch part one on YouTube here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hBqX1Dh2KsY Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/ Subscribe to the podcast!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98 Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ravvy and Justin are joined this episode by Dave Roberts, manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He's best known as the steady hand behind one of the most dominant runs in modern baseball, guiding the Dodgers to World Series titles in 2020, 2024, and 2025. Roberts began his career as an outfielder, playing for the Cleveland Indians, Dodgers, Red Sox, Padres, and Giants, and famously stole a pivotal base in the 2004 ALCS that sparked Boston's historic comeback.  In this first part of our exclusive interview, Doc talks about his baseball career both playing and coaching, the difference between managing young and successful managers, and how he communicates to his players. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/ Subscribe to the podcast!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98 Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ravvy & Justin are joined this week by the legendary Little League World Series Manager for Cumberland, Rhode Island, Dave Belisle. His teams, which made two appearances in 2011 and 2014 at Williamsport, were both New England Champions. For 39 years (1980-2019), Dave also coached hockey alongside his father at Mount Saint Charles Academy and won 30 Rhode Island State Championships together. Dave discusses the impact his legendary 2014 speech had on his life, what his father meant to him, and the most memorable moments from his historic Little League runs. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/ Subscribe to the podcast!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgo... Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode, Justin & Ravvy are joined by former Red Sox manager and 14-Year MLB vet Alex Cora! After retiring as a player, Cora served as the bench coach for the Houston Astros when they won their first World Series title in 2017. Cora was named Boston's manager the following season, winning a franchise-best 108 games and leading the team to victory in the 2018 World Series. He is the fifth MLB manager to win the World Series in his first season and the first Puerto Rican manager of a World Series-winning team. Cora shares what his MLB future might look like, the importance of his family, and his advice for young players in an analytics-focused sport. Use our code for 10% off your next order of MLB tickets on SeatGeek*: seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount Join our growing community today!https://theparentdugout.com/  Follow our social media channels for more content!https://x.com/dirtfromthedug  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.