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.
Fightin Phils to Play as Reading Flapjacks for 22nd Annual Morning Game September 9
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce that they'll be playing as the Reading Flapjacks for the 22nd Annual Morning Game on Tuesday, September 9. First pitch is scheduled for 11 a.m. against the Somerset Patriots. The R-Phils will continue
Fightin Phils to Play Jersey Shore BlueClaws in April 1 Exhibition Game
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will host the High-A Jersey Shore BlueClaws in a preseason exhibition game on Tuesday, April 1, at 5 p.m. Tickets for the game will go on sale at a later date and all tickets will be $5.
Al Pedrique to Return as Fightin Phils Manager for 2025
(Reading, PA) - The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Friday that Al Pedrique will return as the manager of the Reading Fightin Phils for the 2025 season. Pedrique returns to Reading after leading the R-Phils the last two seasons. Pedrique, 64, finished 59-78 with Reading in 2024, but his team boasted
Fightin Phils to Become Reading Prost on September 13
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will become the Reading Prost on Saturday, September 13. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45 p.m. against the Somerset Patriots in the penultimate game of the 2025 season. Berks County, home of the R-Phils, is host of
Fightin Phils to Welcome Professional Wrestler "Swoggle" on July 18
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce that professional wrestler "Swoggle" will be coming to FirstEnergy Stadium on Friday, July 18. Swoggle will be in attendance for that night's game against the Portland Sea Dogs, Double-A affiliate of the Boston
R-Phils to Celebrate Military Appreciation Night on July 3
(Reading, PA) – On Thursday, July 3rd the R-Phils will celebrate Military Appreciation Night at America’s Classic Ballpark when the team takes on the Somerset Patriots (Yankees) at 7 p.m. Fans can honor a special military member in their life by reserving a group outing to receive a personalized game-worn
Honor a Loved One on Fightin Cancer Night June 17
(Reading, PA) – The Reading Fightin Phils will celebrate Fightin Cancer Night at FirstEnergy Stadium on Tuesday, June 17. R-Phils fans will have the opportunity to pay tribute to loved ones with specialty jerseys. The R-Phils are proud to stand up and raise money and awareness for one of baseball's
Eight 2024 Fightin Phils Invited to Phillies Major League Spring Training
(Reading, PA) - The Philadelphia Phillies announced on Tuesday that eight members of the 2024 Reading Fightin Phils received invites to Major League spring training. In total, 11 former R-Phils will join the Phillies in big league camp next month. Headlining the group of 2024 Fightin Phils are Phillies No.
Golf Movie Tribute Night with Chris McDonald on July 25
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, will host a Golf Tribute Night with actor Chris McDonald on Friday, July 25. Reading will welcome the Binghamton Rumble Ponies, the New York Mets Double-A affiliate, at 7 p.m. McDonald is best known for his role
IM ABLE Foundation Honored as Community Hero by Phillies Charities
We're grateful to share that IM ABLE Foundation was recently honored as a Community Hero at the Phillies Charities Holiday Giving Party at Citizens Bank Park through a nomination from the Reading Fightin Phils/Baseballtown Charities! 🎉 We joined 35 other organizations from PA, NJ, and DE that are making a
Fightin Phils to Begin America's Classic Ballpark's 75th Season with Hawaiian Shirt Giveaway
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to begin its 75th season at America's Classic Ballpark, FirstEnergy Stadium, in 2025. In celebration of the stadium's Diamond Anniversary, the first 4,000 adults at the R-Phils April 4 game against the Portland Sea Dogs
Fightin Phils Unveil Tasting Festival Dates for 2025
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to share their tasting festival dates for the upcoming 2025 season. The tasting festivals are presented by Classic Harley-Davidson. Fans aged 21 and older will have the opportunity to sample a variety of beers, wines,
Fightin Phils Announce Redner's Event Center Sales Team
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce the sales team for the Redner's Event Center for the 2025 season: Andrew Nelson: Executive Director of Redner's Event Center Margaret Morgan: Director of Redner's Event Center Stephen Thomas: Director of Events Vince
Fightin Phils Announce Promotions to Director and Assistant Director
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce the following front-office members have been promoted to Director or Assistant Director: Stephen Thomas has been promoted to Director of Events/Community Relations/Baseballtown Charities. Thomas is entering his 11th season with the Fightin Phils.
Fightin Phils Announce Promotions to Executive Directors
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce the following front-office members have been promoted to Executive Directors: Tonya Petrunak has been promoted to Executive Director of Marketing and Baseballtown Charities. Petrunak is entering her 16th season with the Fightin Phils.
Fightin Phils Announce Additions to Full-Time Staff
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce the additions of Kyle Serman, Aaron Jarrett and Shane Clinton to their full-time staff. All three previously worked as interns for the Fightin Phils during the 2024 season. Serman began with the Fightin
Margaret Morgan Named Director of Redner's Event Center
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to announce the addition of Margaret Morgan to their full-time staff, as the Director of the Redner's Event Center. Morgan brings a wealth of experience in event and hospitality management to the Fightin Phils organization.
Fightin Phils Unveil 2025 Fireworks Dates
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils are excited to unveil their fireworks schedule for the 2025 season. There will be 27 scheduled fireworks shows throughout the year, which includes eight Carpenter MEGABLAST displays, which are the largest firework shows in stadium history. The eight Carpenter MEGABLAST shows in 2025
Keaton Anthony Named Minor League Baseball Rawlings Gold Glove Award Winner
(Reading, PA) - Minor League Baseball, along with Rawlings Sporting Good Company, announced on Monday that Keaton Anthony was named a recipient of the Rawlings Gold Glove Award as the best defensive first baseman in Minor League Baseball for the 2024 season. Anthony, 23, split the season between three levels
Reading Fightin Phils Unveil Home Game Times for 2025
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are excited to share their home game times for the upcoming 2025 season, in addition to road dates and opponents for next year. This upcoming season will be the 75th Anniversary of America's Classic Ballpark. The Fightin
Fightin Phils to Host Toys for Tots Sunday, November 3
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils and Classic Harley-Davidson are excited to partner for a Toys for Tots event at FirstEnergy Stadium on Sunday, November 3, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. It will be the 18th annual Eastern PA Toy Run. Proceeds from the event will benefit the
Multiple Fightin Phils to Play for Adelaide Giants in Australian Baseball League
(Reading, PA) - The Adelaide Giants of the Australian Baseball League have announced their roster for the 2024-25 season, which features a contingent of Philadelphia Phillies prospects, including multiple who spent the 2024 season with the Reading Fightin Phils. 2024 Fightin Phils who will be suiting up for Adelaide are
Tent Sale, Event Center Public Tours and More this Sunday
(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils, Double-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies will host their annual tent sale, public tours of the Redner’s Event Center, along with a season-ticket party and more for fans on Sunday, October 6, beginning at 10 a.m. The event center will also be open
Fightin Phils Seeking Applicants for 2025 Internship
The Reading Fightin Phils, Class AA affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies, are seeking hard working, goal-oriented and enthusiastic individuals for our 2025 internship program. Interns will handle day-to-day operational tasks and learn how the organization prepares for the upcoming season. The Internship program will provide a great opportunity for interns
Multiple 2024 Fightin Phils on Arizona Fall League Rosters
(Reading, PA) - Major League Baseball announced on Wednesday that six members of the 2024 Reading Fightin Phils will participate in the upcoming Arizona Fall League. Gabriel Rincones Jr., Jordan Dissin, Christian McGowan, Wesley Moore, Otto Kemp and Tristan Garnett will play for the Glendale Desert Dogs in the AFL,