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The Show Before the Show: Episode 487

January 17, 2025

Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other

Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other podcast-listening apps. This episode can also be found on Minor League Baseball's official YouTube page. Send questions or feedback to podcast@milb.com, and follow hosts Sam Dykstra (@samdykstramilb.bsky.social) and Tyler Maun (@tylermaun.bsky.social) on Bluesky and Benjamin Hill (@bensbiz) on X.

Intro/Ben's Biz Banter (0:00)

Ben begins this week's podcast by sharing findings from his latest newsletter, namely which celebrities have Minor League pasts.

📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER

Binghamton Bathtub Donkeys (16:05)

Double-A Binghamton director of marketing and promotions Eddie Saunders stops by to share details of the club's Bathtub Donkeys identity that is already taking the Minor League landscape by storm.

Erie SeaWolves mascot book (30:38)

Ben speaks with Erie president Greg Coleman and his son, Kevin, about the latter's book, A Mascot Tale: The Untold Story of C. Wolf.

Prospects lists (47:29)

It's a big week in the land of MLB Pipeline. Sam and Tyler chat about the Top 10 positional prospect rankings that have been released in the past few days and take an early look at the opening of the international signing period.

Ghosts of the Minors/Wrapping up (1:19:06)

Josh Jackson harvests another edition of Ghosts of the Minors, and the other hosts take a look back at the career of a listener-submitted Minor Leaguer of yore.

"It's All About the 5s" in WooSox '25: $5 Tickets, $5 Hot Dogs, and $5 Beer Top New Promotions; WooSox Cowboy Hats, Kristian Campbell Jerseys, and 3 Bobbleheads to be Named Later Lead the Giveaways

Tickets for Opening Weekend and April & May go on sale this Friday, Feb. 7
February 5, 2025

WORCESTER, MA — “It’s all about the 5s” as the Worcester Red Sox launch season number five in WooSox ‘25. New $5 general admission tickets will accompany $5 hot dogs and $5 beer, among a host of promotions announced today. WooSox ’25 single game tickets for Opening Weekend and April

Red Sox Spring Training Truck to Visit Polar Park this Monday, February 3, for WooSox' Third Annual "Truck Day," Presented by JetBlue

“The Central MASScots,” club officials, and fans to welcome and send off the vehicle laden with baseball equipment; fans can also take swings in the brand-new “WooCages: Family Fun for All Ages,” from 1–4 p.m.
January 30, 2025

WORCESTER, MA — For the third straight year, the Red Sox Spring Training equipment truck will stop at Polar Park in Worcester on its way to Lee County, Florida. On Monday, February 3, at approximately 2 p.m., WooSox mascots and fans will welcome and give a warm send-off to the

"Fun Places, Fun Spaces, Fun Food For Your Faces" Highlight Polar Park Improvements for WooSox '25

Royal Wooters Club to provide exclusive, climate-controlled lounge; more ADA seating, drink rails, and a future right-field pavilion add comfort; New menu items include barbecued brisket, chicken, and pork, as well as fried mozzarella, walking tacos, fried Oreos, and other fun “Country Fair” fare
January 29, 2025

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox today announced new amenities in and around Polar Park to enhance the fan experience in WooSox ’25. Innovations include an exclusive, climate-controlled lounge for Season Ticket Members dubbed the “Royal Wooters Club,” a future climate-temperate pavilion in right field, more ADA seating, more

Josh Thibodeau Helping Hearts Foundation and WooSox to Partner on "National Youth Heart Screening Day," Saturday, February 1, at Polar Park

From 10 a.m.–4 p.m., kids and young adults ages 12–25 can receive an EKG, consult with physicians and cardiologists, and learn hands-only CPR; Register for free at joshthibodeauhelpinghearts.com
January 24, 2025

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will team up with the Josh Thibodeau Helping Hearts Foundation on “National Youth Heart Screening Day,” Saturday, February 1, to host a free heart screening event at Polar Park from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Kids and young adults ages 12–25 can have

WooSox to Present Fourth Annual "Valentine's Dinner at Polar Park" on Valentine's Day, Friday, February 14

Live music begins at 6 p.m. and dinner to be served at 7 p.m.; Register now at polarpark.com/valentine; Limited number of private suite rentals still available
January 22, 2025

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will present the fourth annual “Valentine’s Dinner at Polar Park” on Valentine’s Day, Friday, February 14. Live music begins in the DCU Club at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. The elegant dinner includes one of three entree choices:

"We have the best farm system in baseball.” – High Praise and Expectations Surround Red Sox Prospects at Rookie Development Program 

Anthony, Campbell among the talented group of youngsters participating in the club’s annual winter development camp at Fenway Park
January 16, 2025

Local media streamed into Fenway Park’s home clubhouse on the morning of January 14. Inside were six of the Boston Red Sox’ most heralded prospects –– Roman Anthony, Kristian Campbell, David Sandlin, Hunter Dobbins, Carlos Narvaez, and Jhostynxon Garcia –– all participating in this year’s Rookie Development Program. “It’s a

WooSox to Present Fifth Annual Polar Park Job Fair Next Saturday, January 25

All are welcome to the WooSox Clubhouse from 10 a.m. to noon; Club seeks part-time, seasonal staff for WooSox ’25 season
January 15, 2025

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will present the fifth annual Polar Park Job Fair next Saturday, January 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. Registration is not required for the event, which takes place in the WooSox Clubhouse. Candidates can enter the ballpark through Gate D on Madison Street.

Polar Park to Host Futures League All-Star Game Tuesday, July 22

Worcester Red Sox and Worcester Bravehearts collaborate to bring top amateur talent to Worcester; Tickets go on sale today at polarpark.com/futuresleague
January 9, 2025

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox and the Worcester Bravehearts today announced at a joint press conference at Polar Park that the home of the WooSox will, for the first time, host the Futures Collegiate Baseball League (FCBL) All-Star Game. The summertime event, which last took place in Worcester

Red Sox & WooSox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman and WooSox outfielder Corey Rosier come aboard for three days of giving in the fourth annual WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan

December 19, 2024

Packed in the WooSox Foundation Care-A-Van, presented by Bank of America, the WooSox Foundation launched its fourth annual Holiday Caravan last week, stopping by and delivering gifts and cheer to over 15 different charitable locations in the greater Worcester community. The three-day holiday blitz started on Wednesday, Dec.11, with the

Red Sox & WooSox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman and Outfielder Corey Rosier to Join Fourth Annual "WooSox Foundation Holiday Care-A-Van"

WooSox officials & mascots to distribute hundreds of gifts at charities, schools, and UMass Memorial Medical Center Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday
December 11, 2024

WORCESTER, MA — Boston Red Sox and Worcester Red Sox Hall of Famer Rich Gedman and WooSox outfielder Corey Rosier will participate in the fourth annual “WooSox Foundation Holiday Caravan,” which takes place on Wednesday through Friday this week. WooSox officials and the “Central MASScots”––Smiley Ball, Woofster the WonderDog, Roberto

4th Annual "Winter Wonderland" Features Debut of "The WooCages: Family Fun for All Ages," Brand-New Twin Batting Cages Facing Madison St.

Free Polar Park event also includes photos with Santa & Mrs. Claus, cookie & ornament decorating, and a dance party with the Central MASScots, next Saturday, December 14, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Pick ’Em Plans offer first crack at tickets for WooSox ’25
December 6, 2024

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester Red Sox fans who attend the fourth annual “Winter Wonderland” at Polar Park can enjoy the debut of “The WooCages: Family Fun for All Ages,” brand-new twin batting cages for WooSox players and opposing hitters, located next to the WooSox Team Store on Madison Street. The

Tri-City Chili Peppers Will "Light Up" Polar Park with Black Light, Glow-in-the-Dark "Cosmic Baseball" Game on Aug. 16, 2025

Fans can still join the lottery by visiting chilipeppersbaseball.com/cosmic; Starting today, randomly selected registrants can purchase tickets
November 26, 2024

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox announced on Friday, November 1, that the Tri-City Chili Peppers will play an historic “Cosmic Baseball” game at Polar Park on August 16, 2025. The Chili Peppers, a college summer team in the Coastal Plain League, are visiting ballparks all over the country

Fan-Favorite Slugger, Triston Casas, to Join Joe Castiglione, Rich Gedman, and Tom Caron at Third Annual "WooSox Foundation Honors" Gala Dec. 7

Tables and Tickets are available at woosoxfoundation.org/honors
November 22, 2024

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox today announced that Boston Red Sox first baseman Triston Casas will join other franchise legends, Joe Castiglione, Rich Gedman, and Tom Caron at the third annual “WooSox Foundation Honors” gala at Polar Park on Saturday, December 7. Community leaders, business leaders, and WooSox

WooSox to Honor Community Heroes at Third Annual "WooSox Foundation Honors" Gala Saturday, December 7, at Polar Park

Popular NESN TV sports personality, Tom Caron, to emcee; WooSox to recognize Red Sox and Baseball Hall of Famer Joe Castiglione; Evening features steak & lobster dinner, auctions, after-party in the WooSox Clubhouse, and sneak preview of the “WooCages”
November 14, 2024

WORCESTER, MA — The Worcester Red Sox will honor community heroes in Education, Social Justice, Conquering Cancer, and Diamond Sports at their third annual “WooSox Foundation Honors” gala at Polar Park on Saturday evening, December 7, 2024. Complimentary valet parking will be offered on Washington Street near Polar Park’s Gate

“Alas, all’s well that ends.” – WooSox ‘24 

A retrospective look into WooSox ‘24 as the baseball world enters the offseason
November 1, 2024

The Los Angeles Dodgers were crowned 2024 World Series champions on October 30 after defeating the New York Yankees in five games. It was the Dodgers’ eighth World Series title and second in five years. Mookie Betts and Ryan Brasier––both members of the 2018 Boston Red Sox championship team––earned their

Workers Credit Union Awards Prize Package to Winner of Augmented Reality Game at Polar Park 

Workers Reality Prize Package includes 2025 Worcester Red Sox Season Tickets
October 31, 2024

WORCESTER, MA – Workers Credit Union is proud to announce Connie Tuliano of Holden is the winner of the Workers Reality game. She received season tickets to the 2025 Worcester Red Sox season and other amazing prizes. “I'm thrilled to be able to cheer on the WooSox all season long,”

WooSox Continue Longstanding Tradition, Send Two Youngsters from Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket to the World Series 

Established by longtime American League Umpire Hank Soar, 2024 marks the 74th year of World Series ticket donation
October 25, 2024

Prior to Game 1 of the World Series, a 74-year tradition carried on at Polar Park. The Worcester Red Sox welcomed Anthony Pelliccia, 10, and Christopher Gritalva, 12, from the Boys and Girls Club of Pawtucket to Polar Park on October 23 to collect their tickets to this year’s World

WooSox Foundation joins the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in Annual Coat Drive for fourth consecutive year 

October 25, 2024

For the fourth consecutive year, the WooSox Foundation joined the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office in their Annual Coat Drive, providing warm clothing to those in need. Accompanied by Smiley Ball and Woofster the WonderDog, WooSox volunteers traveled in the WooSox Foundation Care-A-Van, presented by Bank of America, to local charities

“It’s the greatest thing that ever happened” – WooSox Host Inaugural Women’s Baseball Festival at Polar Park

Female ballplayers from Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees Fantasy Camps and the Pawtucket Slaterettes take the field with Maybelle Blair in attendance
October 22, 2024

Jill Chelton sat down on the warning track just outside the home dugout prior to a Saturday afternoon baseball game at Polar Park. It was all so familiar––34 days had passed since the WooSox set foot on their home diamond for the final time in 2024. Chelton, who is currently

In a League of Her Own - Janet Marie Smith

Why Worcester? The WooSox have been in Worcester for four seasons and now we are asking members of the community what makes Worcester so special. Through these interviews, we aim to unravel the unique stories and connections they have with the city, and the team that has made its home here.
October 15, 2024

Janet Marie Smith has enjoyed an illustrious career as an executive overseeing the planning, design and construction of multiple sports venues, primarily in baseball. With degrees in architecture and urban planning, Smith worked closely on five ballparks with the late Red Sox Hall of Famer and WooSox Principal Owner and

"Come One, Come All, If You Want to Play Ball": A Celebration of Women Who Love and Play Baseball

Women to take the field at Polar Park for a baseball festival Saturday, Oct. 19; Red Sox & Yankees Women’s Fantasy Campers and Pawtucket Slaterettes play ball at 4 p.m.; after the game, all fans can take BP, play catch, and shag flies for $20, benefiting the WooSox Foundation’s Diamond Sports efforts
October 4, 2024

WORCESTER, MA — Women who love and play baseball can bring their bats and gloves to the field at Polar Park on Saturday, October 19, for an inaugural baseball festival dubbed, “Come One, Come All, If You Want to Play Ball!” The October Baseball event begins when the Boston Red

Kristian Campbell Named Baseball America’s Minor League Player of the Year for 2024

Campbell joins Baltimore’s Jackson Holliday (2023) & Gunnar Henderson (2022) and Kansas City’s Bobby Witt Jr. (2021) as recent “Baseball America” Minor League Player of the Year winners
September 25, 2024

When the 2024 season began, Kristian Campbell was not regarded as one of baseball’s top prospects. Since, he has ascended prospect lists and is now considered an important piece of the Boston Red Sox’ future. The Red Sox’ No. 3 and the sport’s No. 25 prospect according to Baseball America

WooSox Foundation Embarks on 2024 “Thank You Care-A-Van" 

Joined by Smiley Ball and WooSox Foundation Dreammakers, the Care-A-Van visited four charitable organizations in Worcester on fourth annual trip
September 23, 2024

Only a day after the Worcester Red Sox concluded the 2024 baseball season, the WooSox Foundation embarked on its fourth annual “Thank You Care-A-Van" on Monday, September 23. A symbol of its philanthropic mission, the WooSox Foundation Care-A-Van, presented by Bank of America, has been the mode of transportation for

WooSox Drop 2024 Season Finale to IronPigs, 7-4

McDonough Belts First Triple-A Homer, Alexander Fires 5 Scoreless Innings
September 22, 2024

ALLENTOWN, PA –– Bobby Dalbec recorded three hits and Tyler McDonough drove in three runs, but Darick Hall’s walk-off grand slam handed the Worcester Red Sox (44-31)/(79-71) a 7-4 loss to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (34-39)/(68-78) in the 2024 season finale. Ending the year with 79 wins, the WooSox notched

WooSox Hold Off Late IronPigs Rally to Win, 4-3

Anthony, Teel, Rosier Tally Multi-Hit Games; Ramirez Picks Up 6-Out Save
September 21, 2024

ALLENTOWN, PA –– Yohan Ramirez worked around a bases loaded jam in the ninth inning to secure a six-out save and give the Worcester Red Sox (44-30)/(79-70) a 4-3 victory over the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (33-39)/(67-78) in the penultimate game of the 2024 season on Saturday in Allentown, Pennsylvania. Entering