(Podcast length 4:45 mins)
Take me out to the ballgame! Some might say that baseball is a slow, drawn-out game. That’s only true if you don’t know what to watch for. Here’s how to talk shop and of course, the best ballpark foods to eat along the way.
Transcript
1. The Atlanta Braves are the defending World Series Champions, and they have a new $151 burger to commemorate it. (No, that's not a typo). The World Champions Burger is a half-pound Waygu beef burger on a toasted, Irish-buttered brioche bun. The burger is topped with cage-free pan-fried eggs, gold-leaf-wrapped Hudson Valley foie gras, grilled cold water lobster tail, heirloom tomato, garden-fresh Bibb lettuce, Tillamook cheddar cheese and truffle aioli. DON’T TALK WITH YOUR MOUTH FULL
In a big move, we should also note that one of the Braves critical players in their World Series win, Freddie Freeman, left the Braves to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, which boasts four former MVPs.
2. Some might say, "if it ain't broke, don't fix it," but after 50 years, there will be a designated hitter (DH) in both leagues. It used only to be an American League thing, and now both leagues will have a player who hits for the pitcher and does not play a defensive position. BATTER UP
3. Since food is our love language, let's talk more about what you can expect at the concession stands this season around the country, like Cracker Jill. Cracker Jack has unveiled baseball's favorite snack with female representation, Cracker Jill. The Texas Rangers are serving up an alligator corn dog but maybe the most unique item on any menu is the Kansas City Royals' BBQ Reese's Sandwich. SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
4. While the TV broadcasts have spiced things up by doing in-game interviews with players while they're on the field, some new competition has arrived to give them a run for their money. AppleTV will stream Friday Night Baseball, Peacock will host Sunday morning games, and Amazon Prime is taking over. The New York Yankees, which notably have their own TV network, will play 21 games on Amazon Prime. MONEY TALKS
5. If you're watching a game, you might see a small device used by the catchers – PitchCom. The device is meant to stop pitch stealing. It is an electronic device that allows catchers to press buttons to signal the pitch to a pitcher and select defenders through a headset (typically shortstop/centerfield). This device also speeds up the game as you don't have to wait for pitches to be called. FULL SPEED AHEAD
Note: Even though the season starts a week later than planned due to labor negotiations, teams will still play an entire 162-game season. MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred tried to extend an olive branch to the players after a 99-day bitter labor dispute by giving players Bose headphones and a note of appreciation. WORTH A SHOT
Sports Curious, presented by Last Night's Game, is here to take the awkward out of the conversation and help you join the sports conversation, even if you don't know the first thing about sports. We break down what's happening in sports in an easy-to-understand, fun way without all of the statistics and jargon, so you never have to exit stage left when the chatter at the office, dinner table or networking event switches to sports.
You can always catch us between podcasts at www.lastnightsgame.com or on social media. If you love us, make sure to leave us a review wherever you listen to your podcasts.
LIKE US? SHARE US WITH YOUR FRIENDS.
