The Show Before the Show

In "The Show Before the Show," MiLB.com writers Tyler Maun and Sam Dykstra break down Minor League Baseball's biggest storylines with guests from around the Minors including players, managers and player development experts. They'll also have a weekly look at what's going on outside the lines with business of the Minors expert Benjamin Hill.

Sports
Baseball
1
#520: Hello, goodbye to Richmond's The Diamond
Broadcaster Dan Lovallo was behind the mic when Richmond's The Diamond opened in 1985, and he'll be there at the closing this weekend with Hartford. He shares stories from his original tenure with the Richmond Braves four decades ago and what will be on his mind around the ballpark in the coming days. Also, Ben and Sam look at High-A West Michigan’s dominance in 2025, and Sam breaks down the initial Arizona Fall League rosters.
63 min
2
#519: A unique view of the Florida State League
Bradenton broadcaster Max Tanzer talks about his makeshift radio booth in Tampa and some of the best prospects in the Pirates system. Also, Sam and Tyler close out the High-A and Single-A seasons by highlighting top performers, and Ben says goodbye to Carolina and Modesto.
80 min
3
#518: Texas League helps the Hill Country
Amarillo president/GM Tony Ensor talks about the Texas League’s leaguewide initiative to aid the Hill Country after devastating floods. Also, Ben Weinrib shares details from his story on the best nicknames in Minor League Baseball, and Benjamin Hill recaps his trip to Lake County and Akron.
72 min
4
#517: Keeping score ... on a typewriter
Chattanooga's Adam Belford joins the show to share the unique way he keeps score for the Lookouts. Also, Ben previews his road trip to northeast Ohio, and Sam and Tyler chat about a bevy of prospect promotions to the Major Leagues, including ones for Pirates right-hander Bubba Chandler and Rays shortstop Carson Williams.
67 min
5
#516: Renegades: The Musical; Discussing reranks
Hudson Valley broadcaster Joe Vasile details how the Renegades put on an original musical during a home game earlier this month. Also, Sam and Tyler talk about MLB Pipeline’s updated prospect rankings, and Ben presents some Minor League Crooked Numbers from July.
69 min
6
#515: Final storylines; Awful Night in Altoona
Sam and Tyler talk about storylines to follow in the final weeks of the 2025 Minor League Baseball season, including recent prospect promotions and closing statistical races. Also, Ben and Josh report from the road after a visit to Altoona's Awful Night.
48 min
7
#514: 2025 Trade Deadline Special 
Sam and Tyler recap this year's crazy edition of the MLB Trade Deadline that saw dozens of prospects change organizations. Also, Ben checks in from the end of his road trip to Salt Lake, Tri-City and Spokane.
47 min
8
#513: Phillies prospect Justin Crawford
Phillies No. 3 prospect Justin Crawford talks about his hitting ability, his time in Triple-A and how he handles the Trade Deadline as a player. Also, the group looks back at Erie’s first Moon Mammoths game, Ben previews his upcoming trip to the West and Sam and Tyler look ahead to big transactions coming in the next week.
79 min
9
#512: All-Star Week recap
It’s been one of the most loaded weeks for prospect news so far this year. Sam and Tyler check in from the madness by reviewing the All-Star Futures and 2025 MLB Draft, each of which took place last weekend in Atlanta. They also preview the Erie Moon Mammonths’ first game on Saturday.
33 min
10
#511: Futures Game, MLB Draft preview
It’s a big weekend in baseball and the world of prospects. Sam and Tyler preview the All-Star Futures Game by drafting their own squads from the players participating in Atlanta on Saturday.
87 min
11
#510: New Erie identity; New ballparks; New Top...
Ben brings details of Erie’s new Moon Mammoths identity, reviews his trip to visit Knoxville, Hub City and Columbus and interviews Lauren Matthews about the Spartanburgers' food options.
77 min
12
#509: Texas League, Knoxville trips
Sam and Ben review their recent trips to Frisco, Knoxville and San Antonio and bring along interviews with Missions manager Luke Montz and Smokies president Chris Allen
53 min
13
#508: Nationals prospect Alex Clemmey
Nationals No. 5 prospect Alex Clemmey talks about his first-half adjustments with Wilmington, his Rhode Island roots and last season’s trade from the Guardians. Also, Ben, Sam and Tyler review last week’s visit to Somerset, Sam and Tyler break down the Rafael Devers trade and the gang plays another round of Name That Dude in the final segment.
73 min
14
#507: The Show Before the Show Night with Somerset
The Somerset Patriots hosted Ben, Sam and Tyler for The Show Before the Show Night on June 11. The guys share interviews from the doubleheader against Portland and bring listeners along for a fun day at TD Bank Ballpark.
66 min
15
#506: Carolina dreamin'
Ben shares details from his most recent trip to the Carolinas and interviews Columbia team president Brad Shank. Also, Sam and Tyler look at promotions for first-base prospects Jac Caglianone and Bryce Eldridge, and the entire groups previews Somerset’s The Show Before the Show Night coming next Wednesday
72 min
16
#505: What to do with Roman Anthony, Jac Caglia...
Sam and Tyler look at what to do with Top 10 overall prospects Roman Anthony and Jac Caglianone given their strong performances in Triple-A. They also review a Minor League Baseball-centered episode from Season 2 of "Poker Face" on Peacock.
75 min
17
#504: New Era Clash of the Caps
Ben, Sam and Tyler choose their favorite Minor League home hats from all four levels as part of the New Era Clash of the Caps contest. Also, the gang discusses John Oliver’s pick of the Erie SeaWolves, Ben previews next week’s road trip and Sam and Tyler look at the Check Swing Challenge’s arrival in the Florida State League
78 min
18
#503: Early Crooked Numbers, Reading Fightin Phils
Ben, Sam and Tyler look at some of the most interesting stats and moments of the early Minor League season. Also, Ben shares Reading player interviews with Braeden Fausnaught and Robert Moore, and Sam and Tyler discuss MLB Pipeline’s updated Top 100 prospects ranking.
76 min
19
#502: Rays prospect Aidan Smith, Des Moines Reg...
Rays prospect Aidan Smith talks with about his 2024 trade from the Mariners, and Des Moines Register reporter Tommy Birch chats with Ben about the importance of local Minor League coverage.
76 min
20
#501: Orioles prospect Vance Honeycutt
Orioles No. 5 prospect Vance Honeycutt talks to Sam about the start to his first full season in Aberdeen and the adjustments he’s made at the plate. Also, Ben chats with Tyler to preview his first multi-stop road trip of the year and the rest of his itineraries for the 2025 campaign.
82 min
21
#500: The 500th Episode Spectacular
Ben, Sam and Tyler celebrate the 500th episode of The Show Before the Show with plenty of stories and interviews, and Josh intros the entire pod with a special edition of Ghosts of the Minors. The gang also shares a big announcement involving a promotion coming to Double-A Somerset on June 11.
136 min
22
#499: Syracuse’s Jim Morrison search
Syracuse GM Jason Smorol chats with Ben about the team’s recent Jim Morrison promotion following a documentary that posits The Doors frontman is alive in the New York city. Also, Sam and Tyler look at hot starts for top prospects across the Minors.
75 min
23
#498: Take me out to the Winston-Salem prom game
Winston-Salem president/GM Brian DeAngelis chats with Ben about what it’s like to host a prom during a game, and Mets prospect Chris Suero talks with Sam about his New York City roots and hot start with High-A Brooklyn. Also, Josh goes over the edge in Ghosts of the Minors
39 min
24
#497: MiLB Opening Day Part 2; Harrisburg broad...
Ben, Sam and Tyler discuss prospect assignments and on-field promotions before the Minors’ second Opening Day. Harrisburg broadcaster Terry Byrom joins the show ahead of his final season in the booth, and Josh delivers an enigmatic edition of Ghosts of the Minors.
87 min
25
#496: Opening Day predictions
Ben, Sam and Tyler are joined by Josh Jackson and Kelsie Heneghan to make it Minor League and prospect predictions for the 2025 season. Sam and Tyler also highlight some Triple-A matchups to watch for the first weekend of the season.
80 min