BaseballBiz On Deck

@TheBaseballBiz

We cover the Business of Baseball, its history and how it operates. Interviews with Players, Agents, Owners, Scouts, Umpires, MLB, MLBPA, Major League, Minor League Sports Analysis. Music - Rocking Forward by XTaKeRux.

  1. Jean Cerra - Leader on Title IX and College Sports & Ybor Native

    1D AGO

    Jean Cerra - Leader on Title IX and College Sports & Ybor Native

    Jean Cerra — pioneering women's athletics administrator, one of 11 women who helped bring women's sports into the NCAA  Summary: Jean Cerra shares her remarkable journey from playing sports at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy in Ybor City, Tampa, to becoming one of the most influential figures in women's collegiate athletics.  Jean discusses the passage of Title IX in 1972, the battles to implement it, and the pivotal 1981 NCAA vote that opened Division I championships to women. Key Topics Discussed: Early Years in Ybor City — Growing up playing volleyball, basketball, & softball at OLPH; the influence of legendary coach Moochine FernandezFlorida State University — Discovering the lack of women's competitive sports despite paying equal student fees; the spark for advocacyUniversity of Iowa — Iowa's progressive history with women's basketball (six-player game, statewide TV coverage); coaching the women's golf team and being denied access to Upper Finkbine golf courseTitle IX (1972) — Its one-sentence mandate against gender discrimination in federally funded education; impact far beyond sports into law, medicine, and engineeringThe AIAW vs. NCAA — The Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women and its philosophical differences with the NCAA; the push by 11 women from D-1A institutions to move into the NCAAThe 1981 NCAA Vote at the Fontainebleau Hilton, Miami — Lost by one vote, then won on a motion to reconsider while opponents were outside celebratingUniversity of Missouri —  $35,000 women's budget in a $17 million athletic department; becoming the first woman to oversee men's non-revenue sports; securing Nike and Purina Cat Chow sponsorshipsSocial Acceptance & Marketing — Evolution from stigma around women athletes to corporate sponsorships and national media coverageEquality Beyond Gender Labels Notable Quotes: "If I need tenure to keep a job, I shouldn't have it. And if I'm good, I don't need tenure.""The part of my anatomy that I need to do this job exists from the neck up and not from the neck down.""When we stop identifying people by gender — it's the competency of the person, not their gender, that matters.""Nobody will ever come watch women's sports." — "Not if they don't know when they're playing."People Mentioned: Moochine Fernandez — Ybor City softball legend; recreation director at DeSoto Park; played on USCA teams against CubaGenelle Fernandez — Moochine's daughter; Jean's "sister" at OLPH through the Sodality tapping ceremonyPat Head Summitt — Tennessee women's basketball coachCaitlin Clark — University of Iowa basketball star and golferBillie Jean King — Pioneer of women's tennis and the WTAKaren Rudolph — Author of Sidelined No LongerSue Zipay — All-American Girls Professional Baseball League playerKey Institutions & Organizations: Our Lady of Perpetual Help Academy (OLPH), Ybor CityUniversity of South FloridaFlorida State UniversityUniversity of IowaStephens College (Columbia, MO)University of MissouriAIAW (Association for Intercollegiate Athletics for Women)NCAATampa Baseball Museum at YborDiscover more on Jean and the 10 other women who made Title IX a collegiate reality in Karen Rudolph's book: Sidelined No Longer: The Untold Story of Women's College Sports by Karen Rudolph - https://www.amazon.com/Sidelined-No-Longer-Untold-College-ebook/dp/B0G2KK8TV1

    1 hr
  2. Updated: Venezuela Champions of World Baseball Classic, Rays Stadium & New MLB Rules on the horizon

    3D AGO

    Updated: Venezuela Champions of World Baseball Classic, Rays Stadium & New MLB Rules on the horizon

    Episode 344: WBC Energy, Rays Stadium Vision & MLB Rule Changes In this episode of BaseballBiz On Deck, Mark Corbett and Mat Germain dive into the excitement of the World Baseball Classic, the future of the Tampa Bay Rays, and a wave of controversial MLB rule changes. A look at the past of baseball in Tampa through the eyes of Wes Singletary The duo opens with the electric atmosphere of the WBC—highlighting the passion, global energy, and standout performances like Junior Caminero’s breakout moment against elite pitching. They discuss why international play brings a level of joy and intensity that MLB could learn from. From there, the conversation shifts to the Rays’ proposed $1.15 billion stadium project and how hosting events like the WBC and MLB All-Star Game could generate massive economic impact for Tampa. Could this be the key to keeping the Rays long-term? They also break down evolving MLB rules—from ABS (automated balls/strikes) challenges to experimental changes in the minors, including controversial adjustments like moving second base. Plus: Women’s baseball momentum, historic player connections, and why the future of the game may depend on balancing tradition with innovation. ⏱️ Chapter Timestamps 0:00 – Opening & WBC excitementWes Singletary at the Tampa Baseball Museum - great baseball storyteller2:00 – Dominican Republic game & fan energy debate4:00 – WBC growth, attendance & global impact5:00 – Rays stadium proposal & economic potential10:00 – Tampa vs. Miami as event destinations15:00 – Big-picture vision: sports, entertainment & city development23:00 – Junior Caminero spotlight & Rays future27:00 – Women’s baseball growth & upcoming events31:00 – Tampa baseball roots & player connections33:00 – Venezuela vs USA preview & WBC atmosphere36:00 – ABS challenge system & game flow improvements37:00 – New MLB experimental rules breakdown45:00 – Controversy: moving second base48:00 – Preserving baseball history vs modern changes51:00 – Final thoughts & fan voice in MLB decisionsLou Schiff - gives a breakdown on the line waiting to see the final game of the WBCTEAM VENEZUELA WINS THE CHAMPIONSHIP - and the crowd goes wildMat Germain's salute to Venezuelan Captain & Kansas City Royal phenom - Salvador Perez🔑 Key Topics & Takeaways WBC brings unmatched passion and global growth to baseballJunior Caminero emerging as a potential Rays franchise cornerstoneRays stadium proposal tied to long-term economic upsideMLB experimenting heavily with rules—some improving flow, others raising concernsWomen’s baseball gaining momentum with increased support and visibilityThe importance of fan input as the game evolves Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com  Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social. That's Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B, Sky social or Mark at  Baseball Biz on Deck dot B Sky Social and BaseballBiz On Deck with Facebook.

    59 min
  3. 2026 summer of Women's Baseball, World Cup, AAGPBL Reunion & Baseball For All

    5D AGO

    2026 summer of Women's Baseball, World Cup, AAGPBL Reunion & Baseball For All

    Ryan Woodward joins the show to discuss the incredible slate of women's baseball events coming to Rockford, Illinois this summer, his ongoing Women's Baseball Heritage Trail project, and his recent research trip to Bridgewater State University in Massachusetts.  The conversation covers the Women's Baseball World Cup, Baseball For All nationals, the All American Girls Professional Baseball League reunion, and the growing recognition of women in baseball history through statues, murals, and archives across the country. Topics Covered: Women's Baseball World Cup group stage coming to Rockford (July 22–27, 2026), with finals returning in 2027Baseball For All - Tournament in Rockford & Loves Park (July 19–25)All American Girls Professional Baseball League (AAGPBL) Women's Professional Baseball League (WPBL) season starting August 1 in Springfield, ILThe Women's Baseball Heritage Trail – approaching 600 identified sites across the U.S.The collections at Bridgewater State featuring scrapbooks from Mary Pratt, Dottie Green, Maddie English, Margaret Russo, Helen Nordquist, and othersWomen's baseball statues and monuments – Mo'ne Davis, Gertie Dunn, and Toni StoneSue Zipay and her work with American Girls BaseballPlant Field in Tampa and the AAGPBL – 7 nights of double headersThe Effa Manley oral history recording at the Happy Chandler Library, University of KentuckyWomens Baseball Heritage Trail - finding unique locations while you are on the road - https://womeninbaseballweek.org/index.php/heritagetrail/Links & Resources: IWBC (International Women's Baseball Center): iwbc.orgWomen's Baseball World Cup Tickets & Info: https://www.iwbc.org/worldcup/ Baseball For All: baseballforall.comAAGPBL Players Association: aagpbl.orgWomen's Baseball Heritage Trail: Available through IWBC / Ryan Woodward https://womeninbaseballweek.org/index.php/heritagetrail/ Women in Baseball Week (July 19–25): womeninbaseballweek.orgBridgewater State University Archives (AAGPBL collections) - https://archives.bridgew.edu/subjects/101  SABR (Society for American Baseball Research): sabr.orgHappy Chandler Library, University of Kentucky (Effa Manley recording) https://kentuckyoralhistory.org/ark:/16417/xt7gth8bj15tKey Dates: July 19–25: Women in Baseball Week / Baseball For All Nationals / AAGPBL Reunion – Rockford, ILJuly 22–27: Women's Baseball World Cup Group Stage – Rivets Stadium, Loves Park, ILAugust 1: WPBL season begins – Springfield, IL2027: Women's Baseball World Cup Finals – Rockford, IL

    44 min
  4. Team USA WBC Confusion, Canada Surprises & Rays Spring Training Takeaway

    MAR 12

    Team USA WBC Confusion, Canada Surprises & Rays Spring Training Takeaway

    Does it feel Like your tickets been punched for the USA? World Baseball Classic Confusion Team USA manager Mark DeRosa, “mis-spoke” about the tournament qualification scenario during the WBC Team USA’s uncertain path to the quarterfinalsThe importance of preparation for international tournamentsHow tournament formats and round-robin rules can create unexpected pressureMexico vs. Italy matchup implications for the USACanada’s Strong Showing in the WBC Mat highlights how Team Canada has exceeded expectations despite a roster missing several stars. Key performers discussed: Abraham Toro delivering standout performancesOwen Caissie, a young rising star hitting .500 in the tournamentVeteran leadership from Josh NaylorCanada’s wins against Puerto Rico and Cuba show the team’s growing international competitiveness The Unique Energy of the WBC - how the World Baseball Classic creates a different atmosphere than MLB games. Electric crowds in Asia and Latin AmericaThe “sandlot” feel of the tournamentOpportunities for young players to perform on a global stageSpring Training Observations - results may not determine the season, but they can reveal important clues How spring performances sometimes predict regular-season successThe Pittsburgh Pirates’ promising startProspect Connor Griffin drawing comparisons to elite hittersHow roster depth and health show up during spring trainingRays Spring Training & Ticket Pricing Debate Mark shares his experience attending a Tigers vs. Rays spring training game & seeing Shane McClanahan pitch The conversation shifts to Rays opening day ticket prices and the challenges of dynamic pricing, raising questions about: Accessibility for everyday fansThe importance of family experiences in baseballBalancing business strategy with fan engagementFuture Rays Stadium & Fan Experience The hosts explore the possibilities for the Rays’ future ballpark development Large outdoor entertainment areasWatch parties for other Tampa sports teamsCommunity events & festivalsDisaster relief and emergency use during hurricanesA new stadium could become a year-round community hub Performance Incentive That Could Improve Baseball Performance bonuses for stolen bases or triplesIncentives to encourage aggressive baserunningMore immersive camera technology, including drones following baserunnersMake the game more dynamic without fundamentally changing its rulesTechnology Changing the Game Automated Ball-Strike (ABS) challengesOn-screen explanations of umpire reviewsNew camera angles and broadcast innovationsEnhanced in-stadium experiences for fansOpening Day at Tampa Baseball Museum possibly with Joe Maddon & Matt Joyce Opening Day watching multiple games & tracking storylines across MLB Women’s History Month, upcoming interviews with Jean Cerra & discussions about Title IX impact on collegiate sports Women’s Pro Baseball League, WPBL,  spring training in Fort Myers -  next week If you enjoyed this show, go ahead like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseballbizondeck.com You can find Mat at matgermain.bsky

    57 min
  5. Baseball Characters plus World Baseball Classic at Spring Training

    MAR 5

    Baseball Characters plus World Baseball Classic at Spring Training

    Spring Training - Florida Packed crowds & hot weather in DunedinThe Toronto Blue Jays faced Team Canada in an exhibition game ahead of the World Baseball Classic (WBC)Younger prospects & experimental lineupsWorld Baseball Classic Excitement The Dominican Republic -  star-studded lineup loaded with major league talentJapan’s elite pitching depth Teams from Italy, Canada, Great Britain, & Australia bring intriguing storylines & young talentThe WBC highlights pride in country & the global growth of baseballRays Connections with WBC Junior Caminero with Dominican Republic team continues to impress with elite exit velocity & All-Star potentialWill Tampa Bay Rays extend Caminero sooner rather than laterJose Caballero & Christian Bethancourt playing for Panama at game in Lakeland with Detroit TigersA New Wave of Talent in MLB Upcoming season features an exciting blend of veterans & young starsCal Raleigh & Paul Skenes represent the next generation Rare mix of established legends & emerging stars, mirroring past eras of talent surgesVeteran Leadership in the Game Justin Verlander & Max Scherzer continue to influence younger pitchersVeteran presence in clubhousesBaseball’s deep respect for its history keeps players connected across generationsThe Characters of Baseball  Joe West Legendary MLB umpire - larger-than-life personaEntertaining on-field moments & standing his ground with players & managersCountry Joe sings on stageBill Veeck Harry Caray - take me out to the ballgameIvy on the wallsBroke American League color barrier by signing Larry Doby,Gave Minnie Minoso a 5 decade career in baseballSigned Satchel Paige into MLBTom Hamilton Cleveland radio broadcaster known for passionate play-by-play styleA master storyteller who brings games to life for listeners like young MatVladimir Guerrero Jr Vladdy Jr - bringing life to the game, core of baseball comes from the sandlotSmoothness to his swing,Learning from his dad & continuing the game with family historyJoey Votto Cincinnati Reds franchise icon – 17 yearsRed Surge Canadian MountyJoined the fans in the stands while on rehabHumorous Mad Dog – Chris Russo exchangeTerry “Tito” Francona Respected manager & storyteller His leadership resonates throughout the sportDeep knowledge of the gameLogan Gilbert Seattle Mariners pitcher known for his alter ego “Walter” when pitchingOne of the quirky mental routines pitchers adopt to stay focusedRoy Halladay Randy Arozarena Known for his energy, celebrations, & his connection with fansSpanking home plateDancing with Brett PhillipsSitting in the stands in “RandyLand” with Rays fans after being tradedBryce Harper Fierce competitor & strong voice for players with MLBPAFully embraced Philadelphia & its passionate fan baseBaseball Is Fun –  Brett Phillips & Savannah Bananas, Jesse Cole The Women’s Pro Baseball League  in Fort Myers in mid-MarchCommunity Little League Opening Days - bring baseball back to local neighborhoodsRemember to like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseballbizondeck.com.

    50 min
  6. Larry Rothschild - Part 2 - Relegation, Pitch Clock, ABS & Tropicana Rings RaysUp

    MAR 2

    Larry Rothschild - Part 2 - Relegation, Pitch Clock, ABS & Tropicana Rings RaysUp

    Could Relegation Work in Baseball? If MLB adopted a promotion and relegation system like European soccer Eliminates tanking$12 billion input into the leagueKeeps fans engaged all seasonExpands opportunities for new marketsChallenges include financial structure and the difficulty of transitionThe Pitch Clock and Modern Game Changes Rothschild discusses how the pitch clock has improved pace Pitch clock has changed the rhythm of the gameWhile fans seem to enjoy faster gamestraditional tempo and strategic breathing room for players have diminishedBob Gibson used to pitch 1.5 hour games  Stopping The Shift -We have legislated things in baseball, that we have causedMaury Wills did not need these rulesChanging Incentives in Baseball Modern analytics have shifted player priorities.Skills like bunting and base stealing declined because players were not financially rewarded for these skills. Players will develop the skills that they are paid forMental Performance in the Game Pitch Clock has put a rush & stress in the game with hitters & pitchersThe importance of mental coaching, visualization, and repeatable mechanics, Rothschild brought Harvey Dorfman as a mental coach for the Rays organizationSo much information across MLB gives wealth of knowledge of competing teamsHitters get uncomfortable with the unknownABS and the Future of Umpiring Automated Ball-Strike technology may remove some personality from the gameLarry shares stories of Umpires - "Your day will come & you have to earn it"Larry believes ABS is necessary in today’s data-driven environmentHow many less manager ejections will there be with ABS Joe West & other umpire stories The Tropicana Roof Rings RulesRays Stadium and Tampa’s Future Rothschild hopes the Rays remain in Tampa Tropicana Roof & what wind speeds are still safe to continue the game?Governor DeSantis has given 22 acres to the Rays for new stadiumLarry stresses  new stadium should honor local baseball legends like Al Lopez and Lou Piniella Larry strongly recommends a visit to the Tampa Baseball Museum at the home of Al Lopez Importance of Minor League Baseball Reducing minor league teams risks losing baseball’s deep connection to small-town America.An alternative: integrating college baseball more directly into the development system.Baseball’s future depends on maintaining strong community connections & preserving the passion that has long defined the gameThanks for listening to BaseballBiz On Deck - www.baseballbizondeck.com  You've been listening to Part 2 of the interview with Larry Rothschild, twice a coach with World Series  winning teams the Marlins and the Reds plus he was manager of the inaugural Tampa Bay Devil Rays Baseball Team, pitching coach for the Atlanta Braves, Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres.   click here & Listen to Part 1 of the interview with Larry If you enjoyed this show, go ahead like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseballbizondeck.com You can find Mat at matgermain.bsky

    42 min
  7. Larry Rothschild - Part 1 - World Series 2x winner & Inaugural Mgr of Tampa Bay Devil Rays - RaysUp

    FEB 28

    Larry Rothschild - Part 1 - World Series 2x winner & Inaugural Mgr of Tampa Bay Devil Rays - RaysUp

    Larry Rothschild - Full Baseball Guy - MLB Manager, Coach, Pitcher & Fan Rays History and Florida Baseball ConnectionsMeeting at the Tampa Baseball MuseumLighting the torch for the Devil RaysFlorida baseball ties: FSU, Marlins, Reds spring training, Tigers in LakelandBecoming the Devil Rays Manager - (Expansion Team Reality Check)Hiring process after the World SeriesExpansion draft preparation (or lack thereof)How much control managers really haveEvolution of managerial authorityWorking Under Lou Piniella(Leadership, Intensity and Hall of Fame Worthiness)Coaching relationship with LouTough but empowering leadership styleWhy Lou belongs in the Hall of FameComparing Piniella and LeylandSouth Side Chicago to Florida State(Early Life and Baseball Origins)Late physical developmentTransfer in high schoolPlaying at Florida StateInfluence of Coach Jack StallingsReds minor league system and developmentA Yankee Fan from Chicago(Family, War and Baseball Heritage)Father’s WWII serviceHank Bauer connectionGrowing up a Yankees fan in White Sox territoryTrading baseball cardsCoaching the Yankees - (From Fan to Pinstripes)First time walking into old Yankee StadiumTelling his father about joining the YankeesPitching legends: Mariano Rivera, CC SabathiaTransition from traditional baseball to analyticsPitching Then vs. Now(Throwing vs. Pitching)Velocity obsessionLoss of command cultureInjury trends and biomechanicsWeighted balls and development risksVelocity displays and young pitchersWho Really Calls the Game?(Pitch Mix, Catchers and Communication)Modern pitching structure (multiple voices)Importance of pitcher convictionCatcher-pitcher trust necessaryAnalytics vs. instinctComplete Games and the Death of the Starter(Wins, Incentives and Blake Snell Moment)Starter mentalityWin statistic debateScripted bullpen usageThe Snell World Series pullJack Morris, Greg Maddux and pitching Front Office Influence and Managerial AutonomyJoe Maddon’s  - blending analytics methods with experienceBuck Showalter’s - what happens when Buck becomes un-BuckifiedYounger managers and front office control - disregard of history & experienceThe risk of losing baseball personalitiesAI and the Future of Baseball Decisions(Analytics Departments and Automation)AI potentially replacing analystsInjury prediction modelsCopycat business of MLBThanks for listening to BaseballBiz On Deck - www.baseballbizondeck.com  You've been listening to Part 1 of the interview with Larry Rothschild, twice a coach with World Series  winning teams the Marlins and the Reds plus he was manager of the inaugural Tampa Bay Devil Rays Baseball Team, pitching coach for several MLB teams, including the  Atlanta Braves, Florida Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, and San Diego Padres.  Join us again next week for part 2 of Larry and his baseball journey & vision. Just a reminder, if you enjoyed this show, go ahead like and subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, and at baseball biz on deck dot com.  Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky

    49 min
  8. ABS -  Clark resigns - Meyer is up - CBA alert - TB Rays Outfield

    FEB 19

    ABS - Clark resigns - Meyer is up - CBA alert - TB Rays Outfield

    Tony Clark resignsBruce Meyer – not a Puddy CatMinor Leaguers will they be at the forefront of CBA discussions$10 million plus salaried player may have different interests than the Minor LeaguersRule 5 Draft – need more flexibility and increase playRoster Size – 27 man roster throughout the entire season would give more Minor Leaguers the opportunity to make it to the showArbitration – can that period of time be shortenedNew blood at MLBPA leadership may change the conversation and animosity The executive board of the MLBPA has 72 slots, 38 belonging to big leaguers, 34 to minor leaguersTony Clark exiled – where might he land in the futureWhat improprieties may have taken place with Clark & MLBPA moneyIs the 2027 season secureABS – Balls & Strikes systemAggression of MLB managers have decreasedSubstance Angel Hernandez brought attitude to the gameMLB owners what losses will they lose if they hand over their network games to MLB, YES Network & YankeesPricing on MLB streaming packages Angels not broadcasting Spring TrainingMike Trout being put back on the field – increasing possibility of injuryFan Fest Block Party & Season Ticket HoldersConsider a mid-season Fan Fest during All-Star week Jacob Melton – Kevin Cash compares Melto to Yandy DiazWBC is just around the corner – Canada & USA playing hockey in the OlympicsManuel Rodriguez is the only Tampa Bay Ray on 60 day ILCBA – need to be cognizant – No Downside for the ownersUS Tax system is made to protect billionaire owners for any lossesOwners are the Fat kid on the CBA seesawJack visits the museum and shares his criticism of Rays choices for the outfieldRays Outfielder gone: Chandler Simpson, Cameron Misner, Jake Mangum, Cameron Misner, Josh Lowe Rays New Outfield includes: Ryan Vilade Jake Fraley and Jacob MeltonExpect Jacob Melton to grow on peopleStrong infield hitters – Jonathan Aranda, Junior Caminero, Yandy DiazAlso expect good hitting support from Johnny DeLuca & Jake Fraley & Jake MangumIt is more about Run Production – 2026 Rays are meant to be ON Base, not a home run Special Thanks to Ryan Woodward of the IWBC, Women in Baseball Week & Merrie Fidler from the AAGPBL – All-American Girls Professional Baseball League Thanks for listening to BaseballBiz On Deck - www.baseballbizondeck.com  Like & subscribe to BaseballBiz On Deck.  You may also find BaseballBiz on Deck, on YouTube at iHeart Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, & at www.baseballbizondeck.com   Also you can find Mat at M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot B Sky social

    44 min
5
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

We cover the Business of Baseball, its history and how it operates. Interviews with Players, Agents, Owners, Scouts, Umpires, MLB, MLBPA, Major League, Minor League Sports Analysis. Music - Rocking Forward by XTaKeRux.

You Might Also Like