Pacific Swings

David MacKinnon and Jasper Spanjaart
  • 5.0 (2)
  • BASEBALL

Pacific Swings brings you exclusive interviews and insider stories from players who’ve crossed the Pacific Ocean. Hosted by former MLB, NPB & KBO player David MacKinnon and filmmaker/journalist Jasper Spanjaart. David MacKinnon (1994) played professional baseball for nearly a decade, competing in Major League Baseball (MLB), Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO). Jasper Spanjaart (1995) is an established journalist and documentary filmmaker specializing in sports and cultural storytelling. His work focuses on the intersection of athletics and international culture. Together, they host Pacific Swings, a podcast dedicated to exploring the cultural and athletic connections between American, Japanese, and Korean professional baseball. Through exclusive interviews and insider perspectives, the show bridges baseball’s two worlds, offering listeners unique insights into the global game. Two worlds, one podcast, countless stories. ありがとう, 감사합니다, and welcome to Pacific Swings.

  1. Tatsuya Imai & Kona Takahashi Deep Dive | Former Teammate Breaks Down Seibu Lions Aces | "He's got the best stuff in NPB"

    12/09/2025

    Tatsuya Imai & Kona Takahashi Deep Dive | Former Teammate Breaks Down Seibu Lions Aces | "He's got the best stuff in NPB"

    Two Seibu Lions aces. One former teammate who faced them both. Everything you need to know about the next NPB stars heading to MLB. David MacKinnon (@dcmack24) joins us to break down his 2023 teammates: Kona Takahashi - The captain who hit 99mph in 2023 and deserves redemptionTatsuya Imai - The 26-year-old "rockstar" with the best stuff in NPBInside this episode: 🔥 "$250M for Imai might be cheap" ⚾ The "vertical slider" mystery (we still don't know) 🎯 Why Toronto might be the perfect landing spot for Imai 😅 David's horror stories from facing them in spring training 💰 Contract predictions that will shock you "He threw me a slider that started BEHIND me and ended outside" - actual quote about Imai Whether you're an MLB scout, NPB fan, or just love baseball stories from inside the clubhouse, this is the deepest dive you'll find on these two aces. Full episode on YouTube (link in bio) and all podcast platforms tomorrow! Hosts: @spnjrt & @dcmack24 Sponsored by @jaxathletics #PacificSwings #NPB #MLB #SeibulLions #BaseballPodcast #JapaneseBaseball #TatsuyaImai #KonaTakahashi #MLBPosting #BaseballScouting #西武ライオンズ #今井達也 #髙橋光成 #野球 #ポッドキャスト

    38 min
  2. Dietrich Enns Returns: From NPB/KBO to MLB Comeback Story | 2,877 days between MLB starts | "My stuff is so much better now"

    11/29/2025

    Dietrich Enns Returns: From NPB/KBO to MLB Comeback Story | 2,877 days between MLB starts | "My stuff is so much better now"

    Dietrich Enns went from Yankees prospect to NPB (Seibu Lions) to KBO (LG Twins) and back to MLB with the Tigers and Orioles. The gap between MLB starts? 2,877 days. One of the longest this century. In this episode, Dietrich joins David and Jasper to talk about: 🔥 Facing Schwarber, Harper & Castellanos in the 8th 🚂 Taking trains with Japanese fans after games ⚾ Breaking down NPB vs KBO vs MLB hitting styles 🦁 Which Seibu Lions pitchers could dominate MLB 👨‍👧 How becoming a father changed everything "My stuff is so much better now... you just go out there and have fun and enjoy the game." The Pacific Swings boost is real - he got called up 2 days after our first interview 😏 Hosts: @spnjrt & @DCMacK24 Guest: @dietrichenns #PacificSwings #MLB #NPB #KBO #Baseball #BaseballPodcast #DietrichEnns #BaltimoreOrioles #DetroitTigers #SeibulLions #LGTwins #JapaneseBaseball #KoreanBaseball #MLBComeback #BaseballLife #PodcastLife #SportsPodcast #BaseballStories #오리올스 #西武ライオンズ

    42 min
  3. Ronnie Dawson: From Indie Ball to KBO All-Star w/ Kiwoom Heroes | 로니 도슨 | "I thought my career was over"

    11/05/2025

    Ronnie Dawson: From Indie Ball to KBO All-Star w/ Kiwoom Heroes | 로니 도슨 | "I thought my career was over"

    Ronnie Dawson: From Indie Ball to KBO All-Star From thinking his career was over to becoming one of the KBO's most beloved players - Ronnie Dawson's story is about finding freedom, being yourself, and redefining success. In this episode of Pacific Swings, former Kiwoom Heroes outfielder Ronnie Dawson joins David MacKinnon and Jasper Spanjaart to share his incredible journey from a $85,000 contract to KBO All-Star and fan favorite. Ronnie's Journey: Second-round pick by Houston Astros (2016, 61st overall, $1M+ signing bonus)Struggled in the minors with pressure and expectationsTwo MLB stints with Houston Astros and Cincinnati RedsPlaying indie ball in 2023, preparing to become a coach at Ohio StateGot the call from Kiwoom Heroes: $85,000 contract, 3 hours to decideHit .336 with .852 OPS in 57 games (July-September 2023)Selected to KBO All-Star GameBecame a fan favorite for his personality, dancing, and authenticityCurrent free agency status and what's nextThe Japanese concept of "Kintsugi" as his comeback mantraWhy This Episode Matters: Ronnie's story isn't just about baseball success - it's about resilience, taking risks, being authentic, and finding yourself when you're 6,000 miles from home. It's about redefining what success means and having the courage to take a chance when everyone (including yourself) thinks it's over. What's Next: Ronnie is currently a free agent, working out, rehabbing his knee, and looking for his next opportunity. He's open to returning to Korea, Japan, or any league that gives him a chance. He's also been umpiring youth baseball and giving lessons while staying ready. Sponsored by JAX Athletics - Premium baseball and softball batting gloves. Use code PACIFICSWlNGS for 15% off at jaxathletics.com Hosts: Jasper Spanjaart & David MacKinnon (@spnjrt & @DCMacK24) Subscribe to Pacific Swings: YouTube: youtube.com/@pacificswings Spotify: [link] Apple Podcasts: [link] #PacificSwings #RonnieDawson #KBO #KiwoomHeroes #IndieBall #BaseballStory #로니도슨 #키움히어로즈 #AllStar #Redemption #FindingFreedom 🇯🇵 日本語: エピソードタイトル: ロニー・ドーソン：独立リーグからKBオールスターへ | Episode 19 独立リーグでキャリアが終わったと思っていたロニー・ドーソンが、8万5000ドルの契約でキウム・ヒーローズに加入。わずか57試合で打率.336を記録し、次の年には55万ドルの契約を獲得。KBオールスターに選出され、ファンに愛される選手になるまでの物語。 主要トピック: 韓国からの電話：決断まで3時間キャリアが終わったと思った理由韓国で自分らしくいられた自由外野で踊ってファンのお気に入りに父親になって変わった野球への向き合い方「ただプレーする」ことの大切さ調子が悪い時に踊って批判された経験KBOとMLBの投球の違いSeason Number: 1 Episode Number: 19 Sponsored by JAX Athletics - コード「PACIFICSWlNGS」で15%オフ キーワード: ロニー・ドーソン、KBO、キウム・ヒーローズ、独立リーグ、オールスター、復活、自由 🇰🇷 한국어: 에피소드 제목: 로니 도슨: 독립리그에서 KBO 올스타까지 | Episode 19 독립리그에서 커리어가 끝났다고 생각했던 로니 도슨이 키움 히어로즈와 8만 5천 달러 계약을 체결. 단 57경기에서 타율 3할 3푼 6리를 기록하며 다음 해 55만 달러 계약을 따냈고, KBO 올스타에 선정되며 팬들이 사랑하는 선수가 되기까지의 이야기. 주요 주제: 한국에서 온 전화: 결정까지 3시간커리어가 끝났다고 생각한 이유한국에서 찾은 자유와 자신다움외야에서 춤추며 팬 페이버릿이 되다아버지가 되어 달라진 야구 접근법"그냥 플레이하라"의 중요성부진할 때 춤춰서 받은 비판KBO와 MLB 투구의 차이무릎 부상과 컴백FA: 다음 행선지는?Season Number: 1 Episode Number: 19 Sponsored by JAX Athletics - 코드 "PACIFICSWlNGS"로 15% 할인 키워드: 로니 도슨, KBO, 키움 히어로즈, 독립리그, 올스타, 재기, 자유

    48 min
  4. Okamoto & Murakami: Can They Hit MLB Pitching? | Full Swing Analysis + Contract Predictions | "His swing will play anywhere"

    11/03/2025

    Okamoto & Murakami: Can They Hit MLB Pitching? | Full Swing Analysis + Contract Predictions | "His swing will play anywhere"

    Can Kazuma Okamoto and Munetaka Murakami succeed in MLB? In this episode of Pacific Swings, David MacKinnon and Jasper Spanjaart break down two of NPB's biggest power hitters: Kazuma Okamoto (Yomiuri Giants) and Munetaka Murakami (Tokyo Yakult Swallows). David analyzes their swings, projects their MLB futures, and makes bold predictions about contracts and team fits. Key Topics Covered: Kazuma Okamoto's swing mechanics: "His swing will play anywhere"Why Okamoto's approach translates to MLBMunetaka Murakami's Triple Crown season breakdownThe biggest challenges Japanese power hitters face in MLBWhich MLB teams should be calling right nowContract predictions: Okamoto $125-180M, Murakami $250MWhy David thinks Okamoto has higher upside but Murakami will get paid more"I think Okamoto might have the better five years"Best MLB fits: Murakami to Yankees? Okamoto to Red Sox or Giants?Can they hit MLB breaking balls?Comparing them to current MLB playersThe mental adjustments required for Japanese hitters in MLBSponsored by JAX Athletics - Premium baseball and softball batting gloves. Use code PACIFICSWlNGS for 15% off at jaxathletics.com Hosts: Jasper Spanjaart & David MacKinnon (@spnjrt & @DCMacK24) #PacificSwings #KazumaOkamoto #MunetakaMurakami #NPB #JapaneseBaseball #MLBProspects #YomiuriGiants #YakultSwallows 🇯🇵 日本語: エピソードタイトル: 岡本和真 & 村上宗隆 徹底分析 | Episode 18 読売ジャイアンツの岡本和真と東京ヤクルトスワローズの村上宗隆について、デビッド・マキノンとジャスパー・スパンヤールトが徹底分析。MLB移籍の可能性、スイング解析、契約予想、最適な球団について語ります。 主要トピック: 岡本和真のスイング分析「このスイングはどこでも通用する」村上宗隆の三冠王シーズンの秘密MLB移籍時の課題と調整点契約予想：岡本1億2500万〜1億8000万ドル、村上2億5000万ドル「岡本の方が可能性は高い。でも村上の方が高額契約になる」「今後5年間は岡本の方が良い成績を残すと思う」最適なMLB球団：村上→ヤンキース？岡本→レッドソックス？日本人パワーヒッターがMLBで苦戦する理由MLBの変化球に対応できるか？現役MLB選手との比較分析岡本和真 成績: 通算248本塁打、打率.277、OPS .882、6年連続30本塁打以上 村上宗隆 成績: 史上最年少三冠王、2022年56本塁打（日本人最多記録） Season Number: 1 Episode Number: 18 Sponsored by JAX Athletics - コード「PacificSwings」で15%オフ キーワード: 岡本和真、村上宗隆、読売ジャイアンツ、東京ヤクルトスワローズ、MLB移籍、スイング分析、契約予想 🇰🇷 한국어: 에피소드 제목: 오카모토 가즈마 & 무라카미 무네타카 완벽 분석 | Episode 18 요미우리 자이언츠의 오카모토 가즈마와 도쿄 야쿠르트 스왈로스의 무라카미 무네타카를 데이비드 매키넌과 재스퍼 스판야르트가 완벽 분석. MLB 이적 가능성, 스윙 분석, 계약 예상, 최적의 팀에 대해 이야기합니다. 주요 주제: 오카모토 가즈마 스윙 분석 "이 스윙은 어디서든 통한다"무라카미 무네타카의 트리플 크라운 시즌 비결MLB 이적 시 과제와 조정점계약 예상: 오카모토 1억 2500만~1억 8000만 달러, 무라카미 2억 5000만 달러"오카모토가 더 높은 잠재력을 가지고 있지만 무라카미가 더 큰 계약을 받을 것"오카모토 가즈마 성적: 통산 248홈런, 타율 .277, OPS .882, 6년 연속 30홈런 이상 무라카미 무네타카 성적: 역대 최연소 트리플 크라운, 2022년 56홈런 (일본인 최다 기록) Season Number: 1 Episode Number: 18 Sponsored by JAX Athletics - 코드 "PacificSwings"로 15% 할인 키워드: 오카모토 가즈마, 무라카미 무네타카, 요미우리 자이언츠, 도쿄 야쿠르트 스왈로스, MLB 이적, 스윙 분석, 계약 예상

    38 min
  5. Lions: The Reunion Episode | With Mark Payton & David MacKinnon | 2023 Seibu Teammates | "Hi, I'm Mark"

    10/17/2025

    Lions: The Reunion Episode | With Mark Payton & David MacKinnon | 2023 Seibu Teammates | "Hi, I'm Mark"

    Sponsored by JAX Athletics - Premium baseball and softball batting gloves. Use code PACIFICSWINGS for 15% off at jaxathletics.com In this episode of Pacific Swings, David MacKinnon reunites with his 2023 Seibu Lions teammate Mark Payton for a conversation that goes beyond the box scores—diving into injuries, Japanese baseball culture, and the reality of playing in NPB when everything goes wrong. Mark Payton was drafted by the Yankees in 2013 and made his MLB debut with Oakland in 2020. In 2023, he signed with the Seibu Lions alongside David, becoming instant teammates and the only English-speaking position players on the roster. But their season together didn't go as planned—Mark faced a series of devastating injuries that turned his year into a test of mental toughness and perseverance. Key Topics Covered: The infamous press conference where Mark forgot his Japanese and just said "Hi, I'm Mark"Spring training in Miyazaki - waking up at 3am with 14-hour time difference and nowhere to goWhy Japanese defensive practice is completely different and lasts for hoursThe stretcher incident - Mark gets hit in the head by a 92mph fastball and is carried off the fieldRolling his ankle during backward skipping warmups three days before opening dayRehabbing alone in Tokyo - watching David play while stuck doing treatmentWhy Yamashita Shunpeita of Orix might be the best pitcher Mark's ever faced (better than MLB)Genda Sosuke's defense - potentially the best defender in the worldJapanese fan culture - traveling with supporters, custom t-shirts, and loyalty through slumpsFrom being carried off on a stretcher to discovering the best BBQ in Tokyo during rehab, from dealing with injuries to battling through turf-field pain with icy hot and tape, Mark's story is about resilience, adaptation, and the bond between teammates who lean on each other when everything falls apart. This is the Lions Reunion Episode - two Americans who lived the same experience but had completely different years. Sponsored by JAX Athletics - Premium baseball and softball batting gloves. Use code PACIFICSWINGS for 15% off at jaxathletics.com Hosts: Jasper Spanjaart & David MacKinnon Subscribe to Pacific Swings on YouTube: youtube.com/@pacificswings #PacificSwings #MarkPayton #SeibuLions #DavidMacKinnon #NPB #JapaneseBaseball #BaseballPodcast #西武ライオンズ #プロ野球 🇯🇵 日本語: エピソードタイトル: ライオンズ：再会エピソード 2023年、西武ライオンズで共に戦ったマーク・ペイトンとデビッド・マキノンが再会。怪我、日本の野球文化、そしてNPBでプレーする現実について語ります。 主要トピック: 悪名高い記者会見「はい、マークです」宮崎春季キャンプ - 午前3時に目覚める日々ペッパー練習での苦戦開幕3日前の後ろ向きスキップでの足首負傷東京での孤独なリハビリ生活怪我中の東京探索オリックス・山下舜平大投手についてキーワード: マーク・ペイトン、西武ライオンズ、デビッド・マキノン、怪我、リハビリ、記者会見、山下舜平大、源田壮亮 🇰🇷 한국어: 에피소드 제목: 라이온즈: 재회 에피소드 2023년 세이부 라이온즈에서 함께 뛴 마크 페이튼과 데이비드 매키넌이 재회. 부상, 일본 야구 문화, NPB에서 플레이하는 현실에 대해 이야기합니다. 주요 주제: 기자회견 실패담미야자키 춘계 캠프일본의 수비 연습머리에 맞은 공과 들것 사건키워드: 마크 페이튼, 세이부 라이온즈, 데이비드 매키넌, 부상, 재활, 야마시타 슌페이타, 겐다 소스케

    46 min
  6. Never Giving Up with Gosuke Katoh | Meeting Ichiro & The "Invincible" Mindset | Part 2

    10/09/2025

    Never Giving Up with Gosuke Katoh | Meeting Ichiro & The "Invincible" Mindset | Part 2

    In Part 2 of Pacific Swings, David MacKinnon and Jasper Spanjaart continue their conversation with Gosuke Katoh, diving into the mental strategies and development philosophies that shaped his unique career path. After 10 years grinding through six different MLB organizations, Gosuke finally reached the majors with Toronto before setting NPB rookie records with the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters. Now at 30, he's bringing that experience to the Blue Jays front office, evaluating players with a perspective few scouts can match. Key Topics Covered: How different organizations approach player development - from Yankees' power focus to Blue Jays' contact-heavy approachWhy contact hitting is finally getting valued in modern baseballThe "I am invincible" mindset he told himself every at-bat to reach league-average confidenceManaging 10 years of slumps and why experience breeds fearlessnessMeeting childhood idol Ichiro and learning the importance of routineWhy he chose Toronto's front office over other opportunities, including the FightersNPB vs MLB development: Japanese infield instruction is "next level"The pitch clock and tie debate - why NPB needs both changesKiyomiya Kotaro: The Bryce Harper of Japan and why he's so impressiveWatching young Fighters teammates succeed in NPB todayHis advice to his 18-year-old self struggling in rookie ball: "Just never give up. A lot of good things will happen.""The first couple years were the hardest. I was miserable every day in rookie ball. But you just gotta keep going. Me and Mac have the same trajectory - in the end, you just gotta keep going." From the pressure of being an 18-year-old second-round pick to scouting for a top-5 payroll MLB team, Gosuke's journey shows that persistence and adaptation create opportunities talent alone never could. Gosuke Katoh is a baseball operations assistant for the Toronto Blue Jays, former utility infielder for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, and the first player in baseball history to be drafted by both MLB and NPB. 🇯🇵 日本語: エピソードタイトル: ネバー・ギビング・アップ 加藤豪将（後編） パート2では、加藤豪将の独特なキャリアパスを形作ったメンタル戦略と育成哲学を深掘りします。 主要トピック: 球団ごとの選手育成哲学の違い - ヤンキースのパワー重視からブルージェイズのコンタクト重視までコンタクト打法がついに評価される理由打席で自分に言い聞かせた「無敵」マインドセット10年間のスランプ管理と経験が生む恐れ知らず憧れのイチローとの出会いとルーティンの重要性ファイターズを含む他のオファーではなくトロントのフロントオフィスを選んだ理由NPB vs MLB育成：日本の内野守備指導は「次元が違う」ピッチクロックと引き分け論争 - NPBが両方必要な理由清宮幸太郎：日本のブライス・ハーパーと彼が印象的な理由若手ファイターズの同僚が今NPBで活躍する姿を見る喜びルーキーリーグで苦しむ18歳の自分へのアドバイス：「諦めるな。良いことが起こる」「最初の数年が一番辛かった。ルーキーボールで毎日惨めだった。でも続けるしかない。俺とマックは同じ軌跡をたどった - 結局、続けるしかないんだ」 Season Number: 1 Episode Number: 15 Part 2 加藤豪将インタビュー 後編 キーワード: 加藤豪将、選手育成、メンタルゲーム、イチロー、清宮幸太郎、トロント・ブルージェイズ、日本ハムファイターズ

    30 min
  7. Never Giving Up with Gosuke Katoh (加藤豪将) | The ONLY player drafted by both MLB and NPB | "If you never give up, a lot of good things will happen" | Part 1

    09/29/2025

    Never Giving Up with Gosuke Katoh (加藤豪将) | The ONLY player drafted by both MLB and NPB | "If you never give up, a lot of good things will happen" | Part 1

    In this first-part of a two-part episode of Pacific Swings, David MacKinnon and Jasper Spanjaart sit down with Gosuke Katoh, the first player in baseball history to be drafted by both MLB and NPB, who just retired at 30 to join the Toronto Blue Jays front office. Drafted 66th overall by the New York Yankees in 2013 as an 18-year-old, Gosuke spent a decade grinding through six different organizations in the minor leagues. Then many years later, he woke up at 3am in California to discover he'd made history - the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters had drafted him in Japan, making him the first player ever selected by both leagues. After finally reaching the majors with Toronto, Gosuke headed to Japan where he set an NPB rookie record with 10 consecutive games with a hit to start his career. Now he's bringing that unique perspective to the Blue Jays front office, scouting and evaluating players while watching the game from an entirely new angle. Key Topics Covered: The historic double draft - being selected by both MLB and NPB10 years in the minor leagues across six organizations and what kept him goingWaking up at 3am to discover he'd been drafted in JapanWhy he felt out of place in Japan despite knowing the language and culturePlaying for Tsuyoshi Shinjo-san and those custom jerseys at Es Con FieldFrom Yankees farmhand to historic draft pick to Japan Series contender to MLB front office - Gosuke's journey proves that persistence and adaptation can take you places you never imagined. Gosuke Katoh is a baseball operations assistant for the Toronto Blue Jays, former utility infielder for the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters, and the first player in baseball history to be drafted by both MLB and NPB. 🇯🇵 日本語: エピソードタイトル: ネバー・ギビング・アップ 加藤豪将（前編） 史上初のMLB・NPB両ドラフト指名選手、加藤豪将が登場！2013年ヤンキース2巡目指名から10年間のマイナーリーグ生活、2016年日本ハムファイターズからの指名、そして30歳でブルージェイズのフロントオフィスへ転身するまでの軌跡を語ります。 主要トピック: 史上初のMLB・NPB両ドラフト指名の舞台裏マイナーリーグで10年間生き残る方法午前3時に目覚めて知った日本ハムからの指名日本語が話せても感じた日本での違和感新庄監督の下でのプレーSeason Number: 1 Episode Number: 15 Part 1 加藤豪将インタビュー キーワード: 加藤豪将、日本ハムファイターズ、トロント・ブルージェイズ、ドラフト、新庄剛志、イチロー 🇰🇷 한국어: 에피소드 제목: 네버 기빙 업 가토 히데마사 (1부) 역사상 최초로 MLB와 NPB 양쪽에서 드래프트된 선수 가토 히데마사가 출연! 2013년 양키스 2라운드 지명부터 10년간의 마이너리그 생활, 2016년 홋카이도 닛폰햄 파이터즈 지명, 그리고 30세에 블루제이스 프런트오피스로 전향하기까지의 궤적을 들려줍니다. 주요 주제: 역사상 최초 MLB·NPB 양쪽 드래프트 지명마이너리그에서 10년간 생존하는 법새벽 3시에 일어나 알게 된 일본 드래프트 지명일본어를 해도 느낀 일본에서의 이질감신죠 감독 밑에서의 플레이Season Number: 1 Episode Number: 15 Part 1 가토 히데마사 인터뷰 키워드: 가토 히데마사, 홋카이도 닛폰햄 파이터즈, 토론토 블루제이스, 드래프트, 신죠 타케시, 이치로

    34 min
  8. Anthony Kay: From NY Mets First-Rounder to Japan Series Champion w/ the Yokohama BayStars | "Baseball takes you places you never imagined"

    09/12/2025

    Anthony Kay: From NY Mets First-Rounder to Japan Series Champion w/ the Yokohama BayStars | "Baseball takes you places you never imagined"

    In this episode of Pacific Swings, David MacKinnon and Jasper Spanjaart sit down with Anthony Kay, the Yokohama DeNA BayStars left-hander who went from first-round draft pick heartbreak to Japan Series champion in one of baseball's most inspiring turnaround stories. Drafted 31st overall by his hometown New York Mets in 2016, Anthony's dream quickly turned into a nightmare when he needed Tommy John surgery immediately after signing. Fast-forward to 2024, and he's throwing six hitless innings in the playoffs and celebrating Japan's ultimate prize with the BayStars. Anthony opens up about the mental challenge of that year-plus rehab, why he's become a "completely different pitcher" in Japan, and how Trevor Bauer has helped refine his approach. From learning a devastating two-seam fastball to keep Japanese hitters honest, to understanding why throwing 500 batting practice swings daily is just normal in Japanese spring training. Key Topics Covered: The Tommy John surgery right after being drafted and the lonely rehab processWhy the 2024 Japan Series championship was every kid's dream scenarioHow he's transformed his pitch arsenal: 90-92 mph cutter and new two-seam fastballTrevor Bauer's mentorship and analytical approach to pitchingFacing Murakami, Okamoto, and Sato - the Central League's most dangerous hittersThe bizarre Japanese playoff system that gives teams free winsWhy NPB training culture is completely different from AmericaLearning to control emotions on the mound in Japanese cultureHow the strike zone is wider but shorter in JapanWhy balls hit 440 feet only reach the warning track in Japanese ballparksThe Cape Cod connection with David and those simpler baseball daysFrom Wareham Gatemen teammates to crossing paths again on Pacific Swings - Anthony proves that sometimes baseball takes you exactly where you need to be, even if it's 7,000 miles from where you started. Anthony Kay is the left-handed pitcher for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars, 2024 Japan Series champion, and former first-round draft pick of the New York Mets who has found his home and success in Japanese baseball. 🇯🇵 日本語: エピソードタイトル: アンソニー・ケイ：トミージョン手術から日本シリーズ優勝まで 横浜DeNAベイスターズの左腕アンソニー・ケイが登場！2016年メッツ1巡目指名直後のトミージョン手術から2024年日本シリーズ制覇まで、野球人生の波乱万丈な軌跡を語ります。 主要トピック: トミージョン手術とリハビリの孤独な過程2024年日本シリーズ優勝の軌跡投球フォーム改造：90-92マイルのカッターと新ツーシームトレバー・バウアーとの関係村上・岡本・佐藤との対戦日本の練習文化とアメリカとの違いSeason Number: 1 Episode Number: 14 Anthony Kay Interview キーワード: アンソニー・ケイ、横浜DeNAベイスターズ、日本シリーズ、トミージョン手術、トレバー・バウアー 🇰🇷 한국어: 에피소드 제목: 앤서니 케이: 토미 존 수술에서 일본시리즈 우승까지 요코하마 DeNA 베이스타즈의 좌완 앤서니 케이가 출연! 2016년 메츠 1라운드 지명 직후 토미 존 수술부터 2024년 일본시리즈 제패까지, 파란만장한 야구 인생을 들려줍니다. 주요 주제: 토미 존 수술과 재활의 고독한 과정2024년 일본시리즈 우승 여정투구 폼 개조: 90-92마일 커터와 새로운 투심트레버 바우어와의 관계무라카미·오카모토·사토와의 대결일본 연습 문화와 미국과의 차이Season Number: 1 Episode Number: 14 앤서니 케이 인터뷰 키워드: 앤서니 케이, 요코하마 DeNA 베이스타즈, 일본시리즈, 토미 존 수술, 트레버 바우어

    40 min
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About

Pacific Swings brings you exclusive interviews and insider stories from players who’ve crossed the Pacific Ocean. Hosted by former MLB, NPB & KBO player David MacKinnon and filmmaker/journalist Jasper Spanjaart. David MacKinnon (1994) played professional baseball for nearly a decade, competing in Major League Baseball (MLB), Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO). Jasper Spanjaart (1995) is an established journalist and documentary filmmaker specializing in sports and cultural storytelling. His work focuses on the intersection of athletics and international culture. Together, they host Pacific Swings, a podcast dedicated to exploring the cultural and athletic connections between American, Japanese, and Korean professional baseball. Through exclusive interviews and insider perspectives, the show bridges baseball’s two worlds, offering listeners unique insights into the global game. Two worlds, one podcast, countless stories. ありがとう, 감사합니다, and welcome to Pacific Swings.

Information

  • Creator
    David MacKinnon and Jasper Spanjaart
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    22
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © David MacKinnon and Jasper Spanjaart 2025
  • Show Website
    Pacific Swings