December 2025 Party in the Back Podcast, Part 1

In this episode, Jon Cudo is joined by two beloved voices in the world of Minor League Baseball entertainment: Erik “The Peanut Guy” Mertens and MiLB storyteller Benjamin Hill. Erik kicks things off with his “Let’s Get Nutz” Award, celebrating the game ops moments that unite fans through spontaneity, humor, and pure joy. From Rick Rizzs’ magical Ichiro Night sing-along in Seattle to Lake County’s delightfully absurd toilet-themed contest and Tacoma’s rooftop “Sax Gorilla,” Erik highlights the wonderfully unexpected moments that make ballparks feel alive—and ultimately names Seattle and Stillwater as his top nods.Ben Hill follows with his trademark blend of insight and curiosity, exploring his favorite promotions from across MiLB in 2025. From the Syracuse Mets’ “Search for Jim Morrison” and Buffalo’s Goo Goo Dolls Giveaway to full-scale identity switches like the Erie Moon Mammoths and Cleveland Pierogies, Ben showcases the creativity and weirdness that define the minors. He reminds us that comparing promotions is an apples-to-oranges endeavor, and that the true winners are always the fans who benefit from teams’ willingness to innovate, experiment, and embrace the wonderfully strange. Together, Erik and Ben offer a joyful tour through the heart of MiLB entertainment—where community, creativity, and a touch of chaos reign supreme.