To the Majors
To the Majors
Tidal League
Hosted by MLB veterans Cody Allen and Kevin Pillar spotlighting players' journeys TO THE MAJORS—from the biggest stars to underrated utility players, each interview traces their path from earliest days in the game to playing at the highest level. A Tidal League Original.
Matt Carpenter | Pujols or Judge, St Louis culture is INSANE and his CRAZY year with the Yankees
The crew welcomes Matt Carpenter for an incredible conversation about resilience, competition, and a remarkable major league career. Matt reflects on getting the best of Clayton Kershaw, winning a national championship, and the lessons learned from youth baseball and the minor leagues. He shares stories from Draft Day, earning his first spring training invite, and the moment he received his first call-up. The conversation covers competing against stars like Albert Pujolsand Aaron Judge, his All-Star seasons, the 2013 World Series, signing an extension, reviving his career, time with the Yankees, remembering Oscar Taveras, and the journey that brought his playing career to a close.
Aug 6
3 hr 10 min
Hunter Dozier | The Royals Dynasty, Crazy Winter Ball in Mexico & Losing His Swing
The crew welcomes Hunter Dozier to the show, starting with the unforgettable walk-off home run that helped define his career. Hunter reflects on growing up in Denton, choosing baseball over other sports, and navigating the recruiting process before diving into the mindset of working harder than everyone else while avoiding burnout. He shares stories from Draft Day, learning from the 2015 World Series champion Kansas City Royals, and getting the call to the majors. The conversation covers adversity, a wild trip to Mexico, memorable “welcome to the majors” moments, the COVID season, signing an extension, mentoring Bobby Witt Jr., and the emotional experience of being designated for assignment.
Jul 22
2 hr 25 min
Shawn Tolleson | Kershaw got him drafted 🤯, Don Mattingly CRAZY story & making the MLB isn't it 👀
The crew sits down with Shawn Tolleson for an honest conversation about perseverance, sacrifice, and life in professional baseball. Shawn reflects on becoming a Texas high school legend, playing multiple sports, and overcoming adversity during his senior year before following his passion to Baylor University. He discusses his friendship with Clayton Kershaw, the relentless grind of the minor leagues, and the influence of Don Mattingly. The conversation covers becoming the Rangers' closer, the memorable 2015 playoff series and brawl against Toronto, battling injuries, and the difficult decision to walk away from the game while reflecting on whether the journey was ultimately worth it.
Jul 14
2 hr 21 min
Zach Neal | Being Traded to the Dodgers, How Different MLB is in Japan League & Oakland Culture!
The crew welcomes Zach Neal to the show for an inspiring conversation about perseverance and the relentless pursuit of a big-league dream. Zach reflects on falling in love with baseball, aspiring to become a major leaguer, and climbing through the college ranks before discussing the business and investment side of the sport. He shares the grind of navigating the minor leagues, memorable moments playing alongside José Fernández, and earning his call-up with the Oakland Athletics. The conversation also covers his major league debut, leaving Oakland, rebuilding his career in Japan, facing the possibility of retirement, and ultimately returning to the big leagues through determination and resilience.
Jul 7
1 hr 45 min
Noah Syndergaard | Jacob DeGrom Stories, Leaving the Mets, Pitching Decline & Returning to the Game!
The crew welcomes Noah Syndergaard to the show for an honest conversation about the highs and lows of a professional baseball career. Noah reflects on a controversial moment, growing up in Mansfield, Texas, and developing the velocity that made him one of baseball’s most feared pitchers. He discusses being drafted in 2010, grinding through the minor leagues, and making his major league debut with the New York Mets. The conversation covers the 2015 World Series, battles with Clayton Kershaw, the COVID season, rebuilding after injuries, returning to face the Mets with Philadelphia, and confronting the difficult reality of when the phone stops ringing—and whether retirement is next.
Jun 30
2 hr 36 min
Bobby Witt Sr. | Nolan Ryan Stories, 2001 WS TRAGEDY, Sosa vs McGwire RIVALRY & Seeing His Son Play!
The crew welcomes baseball veteran Bobby Witt Sr. for a fascinating conversation about family, baseball history, and life in the big leagues. Bobby reflects on raising Bobby Witt Jr., finding inspiration at a young age, and representing his country in the Olympics. He discusses the World Baseball Classic, his path to the majors, and what it was like sharing a clubhouse with legends such as Nolan Ryan and Rickey Henderson. The conversation covers the home run era, the players' strike, whether the Dodgers are bad for baseball, memorable World Series runs, and the pride of watching Bobby Witt Jr. thrive in the majors before wrapping up with a rapid-fire segment.
Jun 16
2 hr 12 min
Ian Kinsler | Facing Curt Schilling, Detroit Trade Shock, 2010 ALDS Game 5 & World Series Battles!
The crew sits down with Ian Kinsler for a deep dive into his remarkable baseball journey. Ian reflects on the beginnings of Warstic, growing up in Tucson, and learning the art of scouting and player development. He shares stories from his time at Missouri, grinding through the minor leagues, and getting the call to the majors from Buck Showalter. The conversation covers earning his first contract, becoming an All-Star, dealing with snubs, battling the Yankees, World Series heartbreak and triumph, Gold Glove success, representing his country in the World Baseball Classic and Olympic baseball, and ultimately calling it a career.
Jun 9
2 hr 47 min
Brandon Workman | Miguel Cabrera Matchups, CRAZY Pedroia Stories, WORLD SERIES Run & Yankees RIVALRY
The crew welcomes Brandon Workman to the show for a fascinating look at the journey from amateur standout to World Series champion. Brandon reflects on his time in the minors, becoming a high school legend, and choosing the University of Texas. He shares the heartbreak of falling short in the College World Series, competing in the Cape Cod League, and ultimately deciding to begin his professional career with Boston. The conversation covers his major league call-up, the impact of the Boston Marathon bombing, the intensity of the Yankees–Red Sox rivalry, winning the 2013 World Series, overcoming Tommy John surgery, navigating adversity, and closing the chapter on his career.
Jun 3
1 hr 54 min
David Murphy | Yankee Red Sox RIVALRY, World Series AGONY, Being Traded to Texas & Calling it Quits!
The crew welcomes David Murphy for a deep dive into his baseball journey from college standout to World Series contender. Murphy reflects on choosing Baylor, navigating the Cape Cod League, and realizing a professional career was within reach. He shares stories from getting drafted and joining the Red Sox, including playing alongside legends like Curt Schilling, Dustin Pedroia, Manny Ramirez, and David Ortiz. The conversation shifts to his move to Texas, unforgettable playoff moments, and the emotional highs and lows of the Rangers’ World Series runs. Murphy also discusses Nelson Cruz’s iconic home run, the missed catch, postseason exhaustion, and ultimately deciding to retire.
May 26
2 hr 14 min
Chris Carpenter | Toronto Did Him DIRTY? Relationship with Roy Halladay & the 2011 World Series
The crew welcomes New Hampshire legend Chris Carpenter for an incredible conversation about perseverance, greatness, and championship baseball. Carpenter reflects on how hockey helped shape his competitive edge before being drafted by the Blue Jays and grinding through the minors. He shares stories from his major league debut, learning from stars like Carlos Delgado and Roy Halladay, and witnessing the evolution of baseball firsthand. The conversation dives into his move to St. Louis, developing into an elite pitcher, winning the Cy Young Award, and battling through adversity. Chris also discusses Yadier Molina, Albert Pujols, Cardinals culture, World Series runs, and ultimately calling it a career.
May 12
2 hr 48 min
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