#533: 2025 The Show Before the Show awards

December 19, 2025·57 min·5 clips

Roman Anthony crushes a home run after a fan chants 'overrated,' proving his elite prospect status.

This episode features hosts Tyler Maher, Benjamin Hill, and Sam Dykstra presenting their own 2025 Minor League Baseball awards. They cover unique categories reflecting their personal experiences covering the minors over the past year. The hosts share specific moments, players, and behind-the-scenes stories from the season. Bobby Evans from Fayetteville, North Carolina is highlighted as a loyal listener who frequently engages with the show on social media. Tyler Maher selects Roman Anthony's home run during a Spring Breakout game as the coolest on-field moment, describing how the prospect hit a long homer immediately after a fan chanted "overrated" at him. Maher also names the AAA National Championship game, featuring a walk-off homer by the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, as the best game finish. Sam Dykstra awards "Best Prospect Storyline" to Blue Jays pitcher Trey Sikkema, detailing his rapid rise from Single-A to starting in the World Series. Benjamin Hill chooses the band Drew and the Blue, which performed at a Reading Fightin Phils game, as the best post-game concert he witnessed. Hill also shares his award for best non-ballpark meal, praising the Sageport Grill in Tri-City, Washington and the chain BB Bop. The hosts collectively give the "Best Team" award to the West Michigan Whitecaps for their .702 winning percentage and Midwest League championship. They reminisce about their own "Show Before the Show Night" promotional event with the Somerset Patriots, which involved on-field contests. Dykstra recounts his "teachable moment" from 2025: jumping into a lazy river at a Frisco RoughRiders game, which was broadcast on MLB Network and generated online commentary. Hill expresses appreciation for his coworkers, specifically naming Josh Jackson, Braden Botts, and Gerard Gilberto for their support throughout the season. The episode concludes with a brief analysis of a recent trade sending pitcher Luis Perales from the Red Sox to the Nationals for Jake Bennett, framed as a "ceiling for floor" swap. They also note Mets prospect Nolan McLean's commitment to the 2026 World Baseball Classic roster for the United States. The tone is casual, humorous, and reflective, with hosts frequently joking and teasing each other. The style is conversational and anecdotal, blending personal stories with baseball analysis. This episode would appeal to dedicated fans of Minor League Baseball and loyal listeners of the podcast who enjoy the hosts' camaraderie and insider perspectives. Listeners seeking hard news or in-depth statistical analysis might find the personal award format too light.

As heard by us

A loose holiday wrap that ends on a strong West Michigan Whitecaps year-end note.

Holiday chatter hangs around at the start, and the path to the awards takes its time, but that looseness gives the segment room to breathe. The strongest part is the case for the West Michigan Whitecaps as the year's best team: 92-39, a 70.2 winning percentage, a Midwest League…

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Why you'd press play

You want a pre-holiday Minor League Baseball wrap with real awards chatter and a little room to breathe.

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