Canadian MLB pitcher Ryan Dempster talks 'Off The Mound' at Innings Festival 2026

Former Major League Baseball pitcher, World Series champion, All-Star and Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame inductee Ryan Dempster took some time out of his busy schedule at Innings Festival 2026 in Tempe, Arizona to chat with SWOMP. Dempster, who leads “Off The Mound” - a late night-style talk show featuring MLB stars past and present alongside personalities from across sports and entertainment - once again brought his show on the road throughout the festival weekend. The Gibsons, British Columbia native conducted live interviews from the Left Field Stage with members of Sublime, OK Go, Public Enemy, Vertical Horizon and Eve 6, along with several former and current Major League Baseball players. SWOMP caught up with Dempster to touch on a range of topics, including the opening day energy at Innings Festival, the preparation behind “Off The Mound,” the crossover between music and baseball, his transition into broadcasting and hosting, and his connection with fellow performers like Eddie Vedder. A 16-year MLB veteran, Dempster played for the Florida Marlins, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago Cubs, Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox. He was a two-time All-Star, World Series champion and recipient of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame’s Tip O’Neill Award before being inducted into the Hall in 2019. Today, he remains a prominent voice in the game as an analyst with MLB Network and Marquee Sports Network, while continuing to evolve “Off The Mound” into one of the most unique crossover shows in sports and entertainment. More details are available at https://offthemound.com/.