The Show Before the Show: Episode 488
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 opens the show by sharing with Sam and Tyler reader emails about other celebrities with Minor League ties. He also discusses the Akron Galley Boys alternate identity and the Minor League careers of Hall of Famers CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner.
Top 100 talk (48:42)
The MLB Pipeline Top 100 prospect rankings got an update for the 2025 season Friday night. Sam and Tyler break down the new list from a variety of perspectives.
Tink Hence interview (1:12:30)
The Cardinals right-hander checks in at No. 77 on the new Top 100 and chats with Sam about his offseason preparations and work to become more durable on the mound.
Wrapping up/Ghosts of the Minors (1:31:34)
Josh sends salutations from the latest edition of Ghosts of the Minors, and the rest of the co-hosts look back at the Minor League road of a 2003 first-round pick.
"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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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, 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
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"
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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"
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
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
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