Canadian Baseball Network's Podcast

In this episode of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast we feature Blue Jays minor leaguers Frank Viola III and Yusuf Carter. Jay Blue of Blue Jays from Away interviewed both these players during spring training and re-joins the podcast to discuss them with host Peter Bean. Jay and Peter also discuss Marcus Stroman's recent start for the Buffalo Bisons and his future with the major league club.

In this episode of the Podcast Peter Bean and Andrew Hendriks speak with the newest member of the Toronto Blue Jays broadcast team Joe Siddall. Joe will be joining Jerry Howarth in the broadcast booth this season as his new partner on the Jays radio broadcasts. The announcement was confirmed Saturday.In the interview Joe shares the story of how this process got started with an email from Howarth offering condolences for the loss of his son Kevin. He also tells us how Bob Elliott’s column on the Canadian Baseball Network played a role in leading him to his new role. Joe also discusses his time with the Expos and being the catcher for Denis Boucher’s debut in Montreal. He also talks about his time working for the Detroit Tigers and throwing BP to Miguel Cabrera.

In this episode of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast we profile the Ontario Terriers with their 18U Head Coach Scott Scott Vandevalk. Scott has a lengthy history with baseball in Ontario and talks about that in this interview. Scott also discusses his thoughts on the challenges facing baseball in the province and what improvements he would like to see. In the second part of the interview Scott tells us about the Terriers history, alumni, coaching staff and team philosophy. We also review some of his players on the 2014 draft list.

In this episode of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast we discuss the book "Ecstasy to Agony: The 1994 Montreal Expos" with author and CBN contributor Danny Gallagher. The subtitle for the book: "Howe the best team in baseball ended up in Washington 10 years later" is extremely appropriate. In the book Danny and his co author Bill Young review all the factors that lead to the assembling of the 94 team as well as how a series of unfortunate events and decisions lead to the exodus of the beloved Expos from Montreal to Washington D.C..

In this episode of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast Peter Bean and Andrew Hendriks are joined by CBN founder Bob Elliott for our 2014 Kick Off episode. The conversation starts off with a special announcement from Andrew Hendriks. The remainder of part 1 of this episode features an in depth conversation on the Toronto Blue Jays. We talk pitching, catching, the off-season and it's lack of activity, free agents, Jose Bautista and his attitude, as well as the Manager's and General Manager's future with the team. Part 2 will be posted later this week.

In this episode of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast we feature the Toronto Mets. Our guest is one of the programs founders, John Jepson. John is the Chairman of the Premier Baseball League of Ontario and shared his thoughts of the state of the game in the province in the first part of the interview. In the second half we talked in depth about the history and philosophy of the Toronto Mets. John also gives us a scouting report on Zach Pop, a member of the Mets who is rated #2 on the 2014 CBN Draft List.

In this episode of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast we speak with Milwaukee Brewers closer Jim Henderson. Jim talks to us about his time with the Okotoks Dawgs and what it’s like being the programs first major leaguer. He also talks about his perseverance in the minors where he played 10 seasons. Jim discusses what it means to him to be a closer, and shares the story of how he heard of his promotion to the big leagues – which maybe one of the best ever. Episode 26 also marks another milestone for the podcast as in this episode we introduce our new co-host Andrew Hendriks (@77hendriks). Andrew will be a regular host on the show going forward.

In this episode of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast, we profile the Parksville Royals of the BC Premiere Baseball League. Joining us to talk about the team is head coach Dave Wallace. In the first part of the interview Dave talks about the current state of the game in British Columbia as well as across Canada. He also discusses how he feels we can improve development for young players in Canada. In the second part of the interview Dave reviews the history and philosophy of the Parksville Royals program.

In this episode of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast we speak to the #1 drafted Canadian from the 2013 draft Rob Zastryzny. Zastryzny was selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 2nd round, 41st overall. He held the top spot on the Canadian Baseball Networks Draft List for the final month leading up to the draft. Zastryzny talks about his draft experience as well as how his first season in pro ball compares to college competition.

In part 2 of 4306, our tribute to Tom Cheek we speak with two people who were mentored by Tom early in their broadcast careers - Buck Martinez and Mike Wilner. In the first interview Mike Wilner talks about meeting Tom and working with him at the start of his career. In the second half Buck Martinez shares his history with Tom and the impact he had on his career. He also shares the best Tom Cheek prank story we have heard so far! This episode also features “A Swing and a Belt” by Saskatoon hip hop artist RationaL. You can download the track for free at rational.bandcamp.com

In this special edition of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast we pay tribute to Tom Cheek. For this tribute we have assembled some of Tom’s closest friends and colleagues to share their favourite stories and moments from the time they spent with Tom. Our guests for this episode are Jerry Howarth and Bob Elliott. This episode also features the song “A Swing and a Belt” by Saskatoon hip hop artist RationaL.

In this episode of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast we are joined by our first ever guest; Greg Hamilton of Baseball Canada to discuss the Canadian Junior National Team. The Junior National Team is made up of the best high school aged (18 and under) baseball players in Canada. Greg talks to us about the origins of the Junior National Team and how it helps to develop and grow young Canadian ballplayers. We also review the tournaments the team has participated in so far this year and what’s next for them and for Baseball Canada.

In this episode of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast we speak with baseball historian Bill Humber. Bill teaches the Spring Training for Baseball Fans course at Seneca College which has included guests such as Tom Cheek, Bob Elliott, Pat Gillick, Paul Beeston and John Lott. Bill takes us through the 2013 Hall of Fame class for the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame giving us his unique perspective on each of them.

In this episode of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast we continue our Hall of Fame series with an interview with the late Tom Cheek's widow, Shirley Cheek. Shirley tells us about how they met and how Tom got started in broadcasting. We discuss Tom's favourite things, from ballparks to ballpark food, as well as his favourite moments as a broadcaster. Shirley also tells us what Tom was thinking when he made the "Touch em all Joe" call and how it actually came to be. Shirley gives us a detailed and personal account of who Tom Cheek the man was, and what mattered most to him on this episode of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast.

In this episode of the Canadian Baseball Network Podcast we speak to the second Canadian drafted, Tyler O’Neil. Tyler was selected by the Seattle Mariners 85th overall in the 3rd round. We ask Tyler about his sports career growing up, and his time with the Langley Blaze and the Junior National Team. Tyler talks about the process from being drafted to signing his contract and gives his advice for younger players looking to do the same. He also tells us about how critical his coaches were to his success. We also speak to Larry Stone of the Seattle Times about Tyler’s experience at Mariners batting practice and what the Mariners plans are for him.