Side Retired Podcast

We are back for our third conversation with former MLB Outfielder Kyle Blanks! Kyle joins Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez to talk about a multitude of topics surrounding the mental side of baseball and life including instant gratification, goal setting, coaching, defining success and advice to individuals moving on to the next chapter in their life journey. We always appreciate all the time Kyle gives us and are excited for part four real soon! 

Five year MLB Veteran and College World Series Champion Mikie Mahtook joins Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez on today's episode. Hear all about Mikie's journey from playing at LSU, draft day, his major league debut with the Tampa Bay Rays and transitioning out of the baseball industry into the business world. Thank you to Mikie for the great conversation and insight into the MLB Draft especially this time of year as college players get set to make the jump into affiliate ball.  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next on the show, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

After teasing this episode for over a month, Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez finally sit down and rank the 29 teams in terms of likelihood to acquire Tarik Skubal at this year's MLB Trade Deadline. From power house favorites, to dark horse contenders and teams that could make it work, the guys work from 29 to 1 to figure out where Tarik Skubal will land on August 3rd.  Plus, with the MLB draft coming to a close, we shout out our two recent guests JT Raab and Collin Bland who begin their affiliate ball journeys after Draft Day! 

8 Year MLB Veteran and Current Director of Pitching Development for Oregon Baseball Dan Straily joins Dylan Campione & Matt Potter on today's episode! Hear all about Dan's baseball journey from pitching in the big leagues to transitioning into the coaching world and all his stops along the way. Extremely grateful for all of Dan's time today and excited for the 2027 Ducks' season!  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

Draft Eligible Georgetown University Alum JT Raab joins Dylan Campione & Matt Potter on today's episode! As JT prepares for this weekend's upcoming MLB Amateur Draft, the guys discuss JT's baseball journey including graduating from Stony Brook University, getting his Master's Degree from Georgetown, JT's arsenal and mentality on the bump. A great pitcher and an even better guy, we can't wait to see the next steps in JT's baseball journey.  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next on the show, email us at [email protected] or DM us on Social Media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez are back to break down the 2026 All-Star Rosters. From veterans returning to the mid-summer classic to over twenty first timers, the guys break down the best stories that made the rosters to the players that deserved a spot on the team. Plus, find out which guy is currently leading in the All-Star predictions game we played in early May.  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next or to have your opinion heard on a future episode, email us at [email protected] or DM us on Social Media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / Tik Tok / X (Twitter). 

Coordinator of Player Development for the Philadelphia Phillies Jake Primack joins Dylan Campione & Matt Potter on today's episode! The guys discuss Jake's baseball journey from Denison to the Phillies as Jake offers career advice for people looking to break into the industry and describes the daily grind of player development. Thank you so much Jake for joining us the show and offering great insight to our listeners!  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next or to ask a question on a future episode, email us at [email protected] or DM us on Social Media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez are back discussing the best players from the month of June. MVP candidates continuing to build their cases, veterans returning to All-Star caliber form, breakouts making their way onto the list for the first time and so much more.  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next or to have your opinions heard on a future episode, email us at [email protected] or DM us on Social Media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez host our longest weekend recap as we dive into all the latest stories around the league. First, the guys dive into the latest Mets' changes including Carlos Mendoza's departure, David Peterson's trade and outlook for the remaining 81 games. Then, the guys are joined by resident Phillies fan Eamon Walsh to discuss who they think will be the next manager of the Mets, Phillies & Red Sox. Finally, the guys welcome Dovid Halpert on for his final segment before he leaves for the summer, to give his annual 10 hot takes.  To let us know who you want to hear from next on the show, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod. 

Head Baseball Coach at Iona University Conor Burke joins Dylan Campione to discuss his baseball journey and all things Iona University. From recruiting advice, past experiences in his coaching career, transfer portal navigation and big things on the horizon for the Iona program, Coach covers it all in today's episode!  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next or to ask a question on a future episode, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod. 

12 Year MLB Veteran and 1994 College World Series Champion for the Oklahoma Sooners Russ Ortiz is back on the show. To celebrate this year's 2026 College World Series Champions, Russ joins Dylan Campione & Matt Potter this time as a proud alum of Oklahoma to celebrate the 2026 Sooners' Championship. Plus, Russ offers advice to college players regarding how to improve during summer ball and for graduating seniors looking to play pro-ball post-college.  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next on the show or to ask a question on a future interview, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram, TikTok & X (Twitter) 

Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez are back discussing all the latest around the league. The Astros and Angels are reportedly not open for business. Jeff Passan puts the odds of a Tarik Skubal trade at 85%. The Home Run Derby format has changed. Byron Buxton is a Twin for life. And Rafael Devers does not see eye to eye with Tony Vitello. All that and more in today's weekend recap!  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next or to nominate a guest for a future episode, email us at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram, TikTok or X (Twitter) @SideRetiredPod. 

While most know Ozzie Smith as an MLB Hall of Famer, St. Louis Legend and one of the best defensive players of all-time, during today's conversation, he is simply 'Dad.'    Ozzie Smith & Dustin Smith join Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez on today's episode to discuss their father - son bond through baseball and life. From growing up going to the ballpark together, to an unforgettable Hall of Fame induction day, their current joint ventures, and core memories formed from on the field and off the field moments. We can't thank Ozzie and Dustin enough for joining us on the show with their extremely busy schedules and we wish all the fathers listening a very Happy Father's Day!! 

Director of Baseball Operations for the Pittsburgh Pirates Trey Rose joins Dylan Campione on today's episode to discuss working in the baseball industry. From negotiating contract extensions, trade deadline preparation, daily waiver acquisitions, MLB Draft experiences and so much more, Trey details the life of a front office executive and gives an inside look into what it is like to be a part of a successful MLB organization. A special thank you to Trey for peeling back the curtain on the human side of baseball and highlighting the friendships and bonds that are formed throughout the industry that last a lifetime.    To let us know who you'd like to hear from next on the show or to nominate a guest, email us at [email protected] or DM us on Social Media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram, TikTok, X (Twitter). 

Dylan Campione, Nicho Fernandez and Dovid Halpert recap all the latest around the league! The ball is flying in Vegas, Tarik Skubal has returned in record time, Sandy Alcantara and the Marlins are surging and so much more. Plus, Dylan puts the guys in the hot seat reacting to all the latest rumors around the league as we begin trade conversations.  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next or have your thoughts featured on an upcoming episode, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

The newest member of Florida State's Baseball program Jackson McKenzie joins Dylan Campione on today's episode. Hear all about Jackson's journey as a two-way player finding his way to FSU and offering advice on how to navigate the transfer portal. Plus get to know Jackson beyond the diamond including his connection to Tallahassee, setting Florida State University history with his sister and the mental side of being a pitcher and hitter. Thank you to Jackson for hopping on the show with us and peeling back the curtain and showing our audience what the transfer portal process is like.  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next or nominate a guest, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

The newest pitcher for the University of Maryland Zach Dodson joins Dylan Campione on today's episode! Hear all about Zach's transfer portal process, his decision to commit to UMD and what he's most excited for during the 2027 season! Plus, get to know Zach off the field from his current internship, favorite pitchers to watch and goals for his business degree. Thank you to Zach for hopping on the show with us and peeling back the curtain and showing our audience what the transfer portal process is like.  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next or nominate a guest, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez are back discussing all the latest around the league from this week. Aaron Judge's injury, the Phillies surge into a playoff spot, Tony Vitello rumors and Tarik Skubal's impending return all get discussed and so much more!  To be featured in next week's weekend recap, email us at [email protected] or send us a DM on social media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez are back making their predictions for the Mid Summer Classic. The guys break down who they think WILL start the All-Star game, not who they think SHOULD be selected. From locks such as Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge to debates between National League Outfielders, the guys discuss it all!  To let us know who you think will start the All-Star game, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod. 

Head Coach at Salve Regina University Eric Cirella joins Dylan Campione on today's episode. Coach and Dylan discuss a wide variety of topics including Eric's decade long tenure in Newport, Rhode Island, a 40 win season in 2026 as well as advice to high school and transfer portal recruits! Thank you so much to Eric for joining us during this busy time in the college baseball schedule and we are extremely grateful for the insight into what it's like to run a college baseball program.  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next on the show or to nominate a guest, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

Dylan Campione and Nicho Fernandez break down the top performances of the past month. From Cristopher Sanchez & Jacob Misiorowski battling it out for the best starter in the sport to Juan Soto carrying the Mets offense to our one position player hold over from the month of April. All that and more packed into today's monthly recap as well as two predictions for the month of June!  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next or to have your opinions heard on a future episode, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

Former Manager of the Toronto Blue Jays Carlos Tosca joins Dylan Campione on today's episode! Hear all about Carlos' decades of coaching experience from rookie ball to the big leagues including a midseason hiring and working with some of the best coaches in the business. Plus, hear how Carlos would deal with a modern locker room being effected by current rule changes such as the ABS System.  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next on the show, email us at [email protected] or DM our social medias @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

Major League Baseball Players Association & Players Trust Most Valuable Philanthropist Honoree for May Jake and Ashlyn Burger join Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez on today's episode. While most of you know Jake as the Texas Rangers starting first baseman, on today's episode we interview Jake & Ashlyn as the co-founders of the Burger Family Foundation and discuss all the great work they are doing in the down syndrome community.  A special thank you to the Players Trust, MLBPA and Bledsoe Agency for helping to coordinate today's conversation and giving us the opportunity to welcome Jake and Ashlyn on our show. And a big thank you to the Burgers for giving us their time and all the amazing work they continue to do in the community.

Dylan Campione and Head Coach Edwin Thompson are back for a 2026 Georgetown University Baseball season recap. Having won 12 more games than the previous season, Coach T looks back on all the positives in the organization and the building blocks that can help bring the Hoyas back to the Postseason in 2027!  To ask Coach T a question on a future episode, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez determine whether the Side is Retired on several teams and players' seasons. From the underperforming New York Mets and San Francisco Giants to the struggling Bo Bichette and Fernando Tatis Jr. the guys analyze whether seasons can be turned around!  To get involved in a future episode or have your opinions heard, email us at [email protected] or reach out on our social medias @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / (X) Twitter 

15 year MLB Veteran Relief Pitcher Adam Ottavino joins Dylan Campione on the show today! Hear all about Adam's experiences pitching at Coors Field, playing for both New York teams and advice to young pitchers in the modern age of analytics. Thank you so much to Adam for hopping on the podcast today, appreciate all the time and insight.   To let us know who you'd like to hear from next or nominate a guest, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

With over ten years of experience in MLB Front Offices Andrew Ball joins Dylan Campione to discuss his baseball journey and life inside the industry. From serving as an Assistant General Manager for the 2022 World Series Champion Astros to the Director of Baseball Operations for the Los Angeles Angels to interning with the York Revolution, Andrew covers all the steps on his journey as well as shines the spotlight on the freelance work he is doing of late!  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next on the show, email us at [email protected] and follow our social media accounts @SideRetiredPod to be updated when new interviews are released! 

Dylan Campione & Coach Thompson of the Georgetown University Hoyas are back discussing the end of the 2026 Hoyas season. Coach Thompson gives a shoutout to the great seniors that have been with the program for the past four seasons and recaps the last few weeks of the regular season.  Thank you so much to Coach Thompson and the Georgetown Baseball program for providing an inside look into an NCAA Baseball season all throughout the Spring and we look forward to continuing to have Coach T on throughout the summer! To email a question for Coach T, reach out to us at [email protected] 

Dylan Campione, Nicho Fernandez & Dovid Halpert take a trip around the league recapping all the latest! The Phillies are back at .500. The Mets take round one of the Subway Series. The entire NL Central still has a winning record. Some teams are lining up trade candidates. All that and more wrapped into today's discussion!  We've got some great interviews planned for the rest of the week so make sure to tune into our social medias @SideRetiredPod to know when our next episode drops! 

Head Coach of University of Nebraska Omaha Baseball Evan Porter joins Dylan Campione to take a trip down memory lane as he enters his final stretch as UNO's Head Coach! With two decades worth of experiences from playing to becoming an assistant coach to a decade as Head Coach, Evan discusses what it means to him to be a Maverick and look back on some of his fondest moments in Omaha. Plus, Coach details how he is preparing for the upcoming Summit League Championship tournament.  A special thank you to Coach Evan Porter and the UNO Athletics Department for helping to make this interview possible and for giving us the opportunity to speak with Coach in the home stretch of the season. We congratulate Evan on a great run in Omaha and wish him the best of luck as he spends more time with his family and takes on Little League Coaching!! 

Just over a month into the MLB season, Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez use their mulligans. What Opening Day predictions do the guys regret saying? What players did they expect major breakouts from that might have already lost their starting jobs? Is Nicho already waiving the white flag on his World Series prediction? All that and more in today's episode!    We will be returning to our mid-week draft episodes next week so if you have an idea for a future episode, email us at [email protected] and you might get to participate in the draft with the guys! 

Dylan Campione, Nicho Fernandez & Dovid Halpert break down the first big trade of the 2026 season. With Patrick Bailey headed to Cleveland, the guys discuss future moves for the Guardians and Giants. Plus, our thoughts on the Yankees cold weekend, Tarik Skubal's injury, Andrew Painter's struggles and so much more.  To let us know what you want to hear about next or to have your opinions heard on a future episode, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / Twitter (X) / TikTok. 

18 Year MLB Veteran and MLB Strategic Advisor for the Orlando Dreamers Johnny Damon joins Dylan Campione & Matt Potter on today's episode! Learn all about the Orlando Dreamers organization, a group attempting to bring a Major League Baseball franchise to Orlando, Florida. Hear all about steps the organization has already taken, community events, key statistics, and Johnny's passion for the city of Orlando! Plus, the guys also discuss Johnny's playing career spanning two World Series victories and over 2700 hits! Find out which current MLB team Johnny identifies with most.  A special thank you to Andrew Herdliska and the entire Orlando Dreamers organization for helping make today's interview possible. We look forward to supporting and following along with the dreamers mission to bring Major League Baseball to Orlando and encourage our listeners to check out their website and social media for ways to get involved! 

MLB Veteran Outfielder Kyle Blanks is back on the show to discuss the roller coaster of emotions players and fans experience with Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez. The guys break down Nicho's recent Red Sox outburst, the first hour after the end of games and tips for high school and college players to deal with the mental side of the game we love. 

Our longest recurring series returns as Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez discuss our April Players of the Month! From regulars who have made frequent appearances on these episodes such as Aaron Judge & Yordan Alvarez to breakout stars Jordan Walker and Parker Messick, the guys cover it all!  To let us know who we snubbed or to get involved in a future episode, email us at [email protected] or DM us on Social Media @SideRetiredPod. 

Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez are back for their second annual First Time All-Stars Draft! After winning 4-3 last year, Dylan looks to defend his crown as the guys go back and forth naming players they think will make the Mid Summer Classic for the first time in 2026. From rookie sensations Kevin McGonigle & Munetaka Murakami to New York Superstars Nolan McLean and Ben Rice, the guys try to predict it all!  To let us know who you want to hear from next on the podcast or have your opinions heard on a future episode, email us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod on TikTok / Instagram / X (Twitter). 

12 Year MLB Veteran & 2003 NL All-Star Pitcher Russ Ortiz joins Dylan Campione & Matt Potter on today's episode! Hear all about Russ' baseball journey and multiple stops along the way including the World Series, All-Star Game, leading the league in wins and a sudden transition from closing to starting games! Thank you so much to Russ for joining us, truly appreciate all the time and insight he provided us!  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next on the show, email us at [email protected] or DM our socials @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

It's a Red Sox edition of Side Retired. Dylan Campione and Nicho Fernandez are joined by Red Sox fan Luke Chiasson and Dovid Halpert on today's weekend recap to discuss the shocking fire of Alex Cora. Who's to blame in Boston? What could this mean for other organizations with managers on the hot seat? All that and more as we recap the weekend that was.  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next on the show, email us at [email protected] or DM us on our social medias @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

Fifteen year MLB veteran pitcher Randy Choate joins Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez for today's episode. Known as THE Left Handed Specialist, Randy dives into his career journey from his unique arm slot, pitching in multiple World Series, his six big league teams and of course becoming the most well known LOOGY in MLB History. Thank you so much for joining us Randy, we truly appreciate all the time and stories!  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next on the show, email us at [email protected] or DM us @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter) 

It's time for part two of our annual stocks episode! Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez analyze five pitchers off to great starts and five pitchers colder than ice trying to determine who to buy stock in and who's not going to produce in 2026. Check out last week's episode for the hitters edition.  Next week we will be doing our 'first time all-stars' draft so to have you opinions heard and featured, email us at [email protected] or DM us on our social medias @SideRetiredPod 

Our weekly episode of Talkin with T features a milestone for Coach Thompson! Join Dylan Campione and Coach T from Georgetown University for a trip down memory lane as Coach looks back on his 300 wins as an NCAA Head Coach including this weekend's series victory for the Hoyas. 

The whole crew is here discussing all the latest around the league wondering whether a three week sample size is enough to make judgements. Join Dylan Campione, Nicho Fernandez, Dovid Halpert & Gavin Anderson as the guys talking about the falling NY Mets, Garrett Crochet's early season struggles, the red hot NL Central and so much more!  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next or to have your voice heard on a future episode email us at [email protected] or DM us on our social medias @SideRetiredPod. 

It's time for our annual stocks episode! Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez analyze five hitters off to great starts and five hitters colder than ice trying to determine who to buy stuck in and who's not going to produce in 2026. Will Francisco Lindor bounce back from a slow start? Can Jordan Walker keep up his torrid pace? All that and more packed into today's episode.  Next week we will be recording our Pitchers edition of buy and sell. To have your opinions heard and to nominate a pitcher for a segment, email us at [email protected] or DM us on our social medias @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

Coach Thompson of the Georgetown Hoyas is back with Dylan Campione on a game day to discuss all the latest around the BIG East. Two weeks into conference play, Coach T discusses the Hoyas start to the season as well as recent alumni outings and updates.  To ask a question to Coach T on a future episode regarding college baseball, recruiting or any other topics, reach out to us at [email protected] or DM us on social media @SideRetiredPod on all platforms. 

Another week in the books and the guys are ready to discuss all the latest around the league. Join Dylan Campione, Nicho Fernandez, Dovid Halpert & Gavin Anderson as the guys talk about all things MLB from the Mets / Yankees struggles, surging Athletics & Pirates to Jose Ramirez breaking Cleveland records! All that and more packed into today's episode.    To let us know who you'd like to hear from next or have your opinions heard on a future episode, email us at [email protected] or DM us on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter) @SideRetiredPod 

13 year MLB Veteran Dan Wheeler joins Dylan Campione & Matt Potter on today's episode to discuss his life in baseball. From pitching in the World Series, getting drafted out of JUCO, striking out Derek Jeter and the transition into the coaching world, the guys cover it all in today's episode!  Really appreciate all the time and insight Dan gave us on today's podcast and shoutout to the team Dan now coaches at Clearwater Central Catholic High School for putting us in touch!  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next or to ask a question on a future episode, reach out to us at [email protected] or DM us on our social medias @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

Head Coach of Duke University's Baseball program Corey Muscara joins Dylan Campione & Matt Potter on today's episode to talk all things Blue Devils. The guys cover a wide variety of topics including pitching philosophy, building a culture, utilizing analytics, the transfer portal, playing time and break down of a couple former guests that now make up Duke's pitching staff.  Thank you so much to Coach Moose and his team for helping to organize this interview, we hope you enjoyed this episode and look forward to welcoming more members of Duke's organization on the show real soon! 

Dylan Campione is joined alongside Dovid Halpert as the two discuss all the latest around the league. The Yankees hot start, the Pirates eventful week, the young prospects signing long-term extensions and so much more covered in today's 30 minute weekend recap.  To have your opinions heard on a future episode, let us know at [email protected] or DM us on our social medias @SideRetiredPod on Instagram / TikTok / X (Twitter). 

Dylan Campione & Nicho Fernandez are back for their annual 25 and Under Draft! The top talent has graduated and new young stars take center stage with several teenagers getting drafted by one of our hosts.  To let us know what topics you'd like covered on a future episode or to have your opinion heard email us at [email protected] and find us on all social media platforms @SideRetiredPod

Dylan Campione, Nicho Fernandez & Gavin Anderson are back discussing the beginning of the 2026 season! The Yankees, Blue Jays & Dodgers have dominant weekends. The Mets knock Paul Skenes out in the first inning. Tony Vitello struggles in his first weekend. Dom Smith hits a walkoff grand slam. All that and more packed into today's episode.  To let us know who you'd like to hear from next or have your perspectives heard on a future episode, email us at [email protected] or reach out to us on social media @SideRetiredPod.