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.

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23 episodes
weekly
Avg 2 hr 36 min
English

Episodes 23

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Thursday · 1 hr 57 min
Brent Suter | Harvard to the MLB, Rule Changes & Inside Baseball's Next Lockout
The crew welcomes Brent for a wide-ranging conversation about his journey from selecting Harvard and competing in the Cape Cod League to working his way through the Braves organization and making his Major League debut. Brent reflects on his transition into the Players Association, the realities of navigating a potential MLB lockout, and the impact of the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement and recent rule changes. He also shares his perspective on the committee’s work, the possibility of another work stoppage, and approaching the end of his playing career. The conversation explores environmental initiatives, the legacy he hopes to leave, the Braves’ playoff potential, and quick hitters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 23 · 3 hr 41 min
Ryan Pressly | Inside the Astros Dynasty, Sign Stealing & Winning the World Series
The crew welcomes Ryan for an incredible inside look at his journey through professional baseball, from nearly having the game taken away from him to making his way to the big leagues. He opens up about the decisions that changed his career, joining the Red Sox, grinding through the minors, and finally making an MLB roster. Ryan shares what Opening Day felt like, the realities of relief pitching, and the adversity he faced early in his career. The conversation continues through his trade to Houston, becoming the Astros’ closer, the team’s sign-stealing scandal, his first All-Star Game, a combined no-hitter, and the Astros’ World Series run. He also discusses high-leverage moments, Houston’s dynasty conversation, and ultimately leaving the Astros. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 15 · 2 hr 51 min
Cody Allen | Told He Wasn't Good Enough, Making the MLB & the 2016 World Series
This episode takes you inside an incredible baseball journey, from the birth of To The Majors to the relentless pursuit of an MLB career. Cody opens up about committing fully to baseball, the role of failure, being told to leave school, and ultimately getting drafted by Cleveland. From grinding through the minors to his first MLB call-up, he shares the setbacks, breakthroughs, and determination that helped him carve out his own path. He reflects on his permanent arrival in the majors, his first game, Terry Francona’s impact, and his first postseason experience. The conversation continues through John Axford, Toronto, the World Series, the infamous rain delay, the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal, and signing with the Angels. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
September 8 · 2 hr 54 min
Mark McLemore | Cal Ripken, Ichiro & the Greatest Mariners Team Ever
The crew welcomes a true baseball legend for an unforgettable conversation spanning a remarkable MLB career. He reflects on the defining “911 moment,” his upbringing, finding himself in the right place at the right time, and the players who inspired his game. The conversation dives into working with Joe Maddon, getting called up, and the moment he truly established himself in the majors. He shares stories about Jim Abbott, Cal Ripken, Reggie Jackson, and a memorable fight with Eck. The episode also covers the 1994 MLB lockout, Ichiro’s arrival, the legendary 2001 Mariners playoff run, media and coaching, and finishes with Starting 9 and quick hitters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 25 · 3 hr 6 min
Torii Hunter | Robbing Barry Bonds, Trout or Buxton, Kirby Puckett's influence and more
The crew welcomes Torii Hunter for an incredible conversation spanning his journey from prospect to one of baseball’s most respected veterans. Torii revisits robbing Barry Bonds, representing Team USA, overcoming failure, and grinding through the Twins’ minor league system. He shares lessons from Kirby Puckett and Dave Winfield, battling the Moneyball A’s, and eventually leaving Minnesota. The conversation covers playing alongside Mike Trout, chasing a World Series, joining Detroit, and witnessing Miguel Cabrera’s greatness firsthand. Torii also reflects on his 300th home run, Yankee Stadium versus Fenway, David Ortiz’s clutch moments, returning to Minnesota, Verlander versus Santana, and Mike Trout’s legacy. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 18 · 3 hr 27 min
Ryon Healy | The A's Did Him Dirty, First Hit a Home Run & Playing in Korea
The crew welcomes Ryon Healy to the show for a candid conversation about accountability, perseverance, and the unpredictable journey of professional baseball. Ryon reflects on his father’s influence, life-changing moments, choosing Oregon, and using recruiting rankings as motivation. He shares the grind of the minors, learning from Jim Thome, and the unforgettable moment his first MLB hit left the yard. The conversation covers the influence of Ron Washington and Stephen Vogt, being traded to Seattle, battling health issues and injuries, and moving between organizations. Ryon also remembers James Paxton’s no-hitter, his experience playing in Korea, and ultimately deciding when it was time to walk away. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
August 6 · 3 hr 17 min
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 22 · 2 hr 31 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 14 · 2 hr 28 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
July 7 · 1 hr 52 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 30 · 2 hr 43 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 16 · 2 hr 18 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 9 · 2 hr 54 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
June 3 · 2 hr 1 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 26 · 2 hr 20 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 12 · 2 hr 54 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
May 5 · 2 hr 36 min
Derek Holland | the LEGENDARY World Series start, Crazy Rangers, Ken Griffey & Derek Jeter stories
The crew welcomes Derek Holland for a candid and entertaining conversation about his journey through Major League Baseball. Holland opens up about early financial struggles and how motivation from the Army helped shape his mindset. He reflects on proving himself, deciding to go pro, and what it takes to stay in the majors. Derek shares stories from his big league debut, the veterans who influenced him, and his unforgettable World Series experiences with the Rangers. He breaks down the 2011 controversy, elite competition in the MLB, the Texas-Toronto rivalry, and what it meant to watch the Rangers win it all in 2023. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 28 · 1 hr 43 min
Jonathan Lucroy | Why He REALLY Left Cleveland! MLB Fights & Today’s Players Are CLUELESS!
The crew welcomes Jonathan Lucroy to the show for a deep dive into the mindset and journey of one of baseball’s toughest competitors. Lucroy reflects on his accolades, humble start in the game, and grinding through the minor leagues to earn his opportunity. He shares how Trevor Hoffman helped change his career, why Yadier Molina was truly elite, and stories involving legends like Albert Pujols and Edwin Encarnación. Jonathan opens up about his standout amateur career in Florida, feeling wronged by the Brewers, his move to the Rangers, World Series frustrations, and the pride of winning a World Baseball Classic. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 22 · 2 hr 35 min
Chris Davis | Playing with Josh Hamilton & Jim Thome, Being Traded and Battling Mental Health!
The crew welcomes Chris Davis for a raw and powerful conversation about the highs and lows of a remarkable baseball journey. Chris reflects on returning to Baltimore, feeling wronged by the front office, and the climb it took to reach the top. He opens up about playing for the love of the game, fatherhood, and getting one final chance. The discussion covers college recruitment, navigating JUCO, being a young prodigy, and deciding to go pro. Chris shares stories from Texas, World Series runs, arriving in Baltimore, signing a massive deal, and battling the pressure and personal demons that followed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
April 7 · 2 hr 50 min
Buck Showalter | Jeter, Mattingly, Randy Johnson UNTOLD stories, the GREATEST MLB architect & more
The crew dives into the origins of To The Majors before welcoming Buck Showalter for a masterclass in baseball leadership and longevity. Buck reflects on his humble beginnings, JUCO dominance, and transition into coaching that led to his first opportunity with the Yankees. He shares stories about managing legends like Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter while keeping the game evolving. Buck opens up about standing on principle, leading one of the biggest turnarounds in MLB history, and stops in Arizona, Texas, Baltimore, and New York. The conversation closes with insights on communication, developing young talent, and whether he still has the itch to manage. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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