Canada Day, Alli Schroder, FIFA, Blue Jays & Happy Birthday Dad

Canada Day Celebrations & Happy Birthday DadMat & Mark kick off the episode celebrating Canada Day, sharing family plans, backyard traditions, and a few fun Canada facts, including Princess Di's July 1st birthdayCanada at FIFA World CupCanada's men's national soccer team reaches the Sweet 16. Mat breaks down how the women's program, led by icons like Martine Saint-Clair, paved the way for the men's team, and how their American coach has built a culture of fearlessness in the squad.Stanley Cup and Canadian Hockey DominanceThe Carolina Hurricanes win the Cup with 10 Canadian players on the roster. A fun moment: Canadian fans ironically chanting "USA, USA" while cheering the Hurricanes over the Montreal Canadiens.Tim Hortons, Beaver Tails, and Canadian Food CultureMat shares stories of Tim Horton's following Canadian troops to the Middle East, and explains what a Beaver Tail is. Dunkin' Donuts is reportedly attempting a comeback in Canada.Women in BaseballMark highlights Alli Schroder, Canadian women's baseball player and firefighter, competing in the Women's Baseball Classic in Rockford, IL (July 22-26) and the Women's Pro Baseball League in Springfield, IL. The guys also discuss Kelsie Whitmore and the very real possibility of a woman playing in MLB within the next 10 years, drawing comparisons to Toni Stone and the Indianapolis Clowns.Toronto Blue Jays UpdateBo Bichette's emotional return to Toronto as a Met and the crowd's warm reception. Could Bo find his way back, similar to Kawhi Leonard returning to the Raptors? The Jays sit 2.5 games out of a Wild Card spot. Mat also makes the case for Juan Soto moving to first base with the Mets.MLB All-Star Voting and Canadian PrideA recent Gallup poll shows 84% of Canadians are proud to be Canadian. Blue Jays players top nearly every All-Star ballot position. Mat pitches an idea: move Hall of Fame induction speeches to the All-Star Game for broader exposure and impact.MLB Salary Cap and CBA TalkMLB is publicly campaigning for a salary cap. Mat argues that the Dodgers' spending model undermines the sport's drama, using the Kirk Gibson home run and Mike Brosseau's big moment as examples of what makes baseball genuinely compelling. Both hosts warn that a work stoppage in today's economic climate could permanently damage the league.Rays Farm System and Current StandingsJunior Caminero is named AL Player of the Week and will enter the Home Run Derby. Jake Fraley is on rehab assignment in AAA. Cadin Bodine has been promoted to AA after dominating A+. Michael Forret is knocking on the door in AAA. The Rays system continues to look strong.Links and ResourcesWomen's Baseball Classic, Rockford, IL, July 22-26: iwbc.comWomen's Pro Baseball League: Springfield, IL, AugustLook up Kelsie Whitmore and Alli Schroder online for more on women in baseball.Happy Canada Day! Thanks for listening. Merci beaucoup de nous avoir rejoints!