Passion for the Pastime

PODCAST · sports

Passion for the Pastime

Walter Icabalceta from KNBR 680 in San Francisco presents, Passion for the Pastime, a baseball podcast for all seamheads alike. As heard on KNBR Weekends during San Francisco Giants season on “Giants Warm Up” as part of the pre-game coverage for the Giants, but also coming off of a season long podcast of “Rounding Third & King” on the KNBR Podcast Network. Walter not only brings the love and passion for the San Francisco Giants, but baseball content from all around the league. Also featuring interviews from beat reporters, broadcasters & current and former ballplayers, Passion for the Pastime

  1. 204

    Passion for the Pastime | 3/6/25 | Can Justin Verlander be the missing Co-Ace for #SFGiants

    Justin Verlander has another solid outing this Spring, but is that a sign of more things to come? Also, who can potentially be this years break out star for the #SFGiants?

  2. 203

    Passion for the Pastime | 3/5/25 | Kyle Harrison roughed up, Rotation questions for #SFGiants

    Kyle Harrison was roughed up in his latest outing for the #SFGiants , what does it mean for the rotation moving forward? We talk with Erik Engle of LOCKED ON NETWORK on the latest storylines around the Orange & Black.

  3. 202

    Passion for the Pastime | 2/3/25 | Buster Posey & Friends ti the Rescue for #SFGiants

    With the third leg of fan fest concluded, Buster Posey made an appearance and let everyone i. On his plan as the #SFGiants start to open up camp in a few weeks and yes, you guests it, he's bringing his buddies along. An allstar cast of Posey's teammates will be in attendance as it signals a changing of the guard and getting back to baseball guys making an impact. In addition, the PECOTA projections are out, where do the Giants fall? And Finally, I have an ITCH to MAKE A DEAL, as inspired by recent events in sports and a listener offering me something I can not refuse!

  4. 201

    Passion for the Pastime | 1/29/25 | #SFGiants trade Taylor Rogers to #Reds

    The Giants made a move today in sending their Leftie Taylor Rogers to the Reds. How does this effect the roster construction heading into Spring Training? Are their more moves to come?

  5. 200

    Passion for the Pastime | 1/28/25 | #SFGiants roster good enough to compete in 2025?

    The days are counting down until Pitchers and Catchers report to camp on February 12th. Unless there is a big splash in Free Agency, unlikely, or a trade during the Spring, it's possible, this looks to be the #Giants roster heading into 2025. Are they good enough to compete in 2025? Should Giants not use Dodgers as a measuring stick? We will discuss!

  6. 199

    Passion for the Pastime| 1/21/25 | Three players make '25 #HallofFame, How is Ichiro not unanimous?

    The 2025 Inductees were announced and the 3 of the class are Ichiro, CC Sabathia and Billy Wagner. The Hall still only has 1 unanimous Inductee as Ichiro, like Jeter was just 1 vote shy if that honor. Is the voting process flawed? And as we get further away from the greatness and into the analytical era of baseball, will the goal posts move? We will also be joined by KNBR's Jack Loder to discuss the Hall of Fame, plus Giants talk as we Inch closer to the start of Spring Training.

  7. 198

    Passion for the Pastime | 1/20/25 | Roki Sasaki, Tanner Scott to #Dodgers good for baseball?

    The rich get richers as the Dodgers land top international prospects, 23 year old phenom from Japan, Roki Sasaki. But they dint stop there, as they continue to add piece to their already Stacked roster, the latest being Tanner Scott forming the next super team, setting up a strong possibility of a back-to-ack champion for the first time in 25 years. Plus, talk Hall of Fame ballots & BLUE JAYS finally landing a bat in Anthony Santanader.

  8. 197

    Passion for the Pastime | 1/15/25 | #SFGiants sign top International Prospect, Plus Carlos Ramirez joins the show to discuss the Giants Offseason

    The #SFGiants may not have gotten Roki Sasaki, but they signed the next best player in Josuar De Jesus Gonzalez, who many scouts have stated that he is the best player in the 2025 class. Is this a signal of change for the Giants, and what is our confidence level in the new regime. We will also discuss with NBC Sports Bay Area host, Carlos Ramirez and break down Buster Posey's first offseason.

  9. 196

    Passion for the Pastime | 1/14/25 | Grading the #SFGiants offseason

    Willie Adames & Justin Verlander remain the two big signings for the Giants this offseason. Assuming they are finished, how would you grade Buster Posey's first offseason in his new role. PLUS, the latest on Roki Sasaki as the International signing pool is less that 24 hours away from opening.

  10. 195

    Passion for the Pastime | 1/13/25 | Justin (Not Kate) Verlander joins #SFGiants - UPDATE for Sasaki

    Welcome back to Passion for the Pastime as we turn to a new week, Hall of Famer Justin Verlander officially introduced as a member of the #SFGiants, whats number will he wear and can he get to 300 wins? PLUS, we now know the finalist in the Roki Sasaki Sweepstakes, what each team can bring the 23 year old superstar and more. We will discuss on this playoff Monday!

  11. 194

    Passion for the Pastime | 1/8/25 | Verlander to SF, what is next for the #SFGiants with Jeff Young

    Justin Verlander is a member of the Giants, what is next to come? Are their still moves to be had for the Giants or if this is it for the Giants, is it enough to compete in the West?

  12. 193

    Passion for the Pastime | 1/7/25 | BREAKING: Justin Verlander signs 1 Yr Deal with #SFGiants

    Reunited and it feels so good! Friend of the program John Lund, host of John Lund Unleashed podcast, stops by the show to talk Giants baseball and discuss the Giants offseason and their moves, or lack thereof, so far. Plus discussion of remaining free agents that need to be had.

  13. 192

    Passion for the Pastime | 1/6/25 | Free Agent Predictions for #SFGiants - Are they done?

    Still no moment for the #SFGiants in Free Agency, or for anyone for that matter. Is it a game of chicken between players & ball clubs? More f the latest Rumors and news around MLB and if any there are any signs of life for the #SFGiants to make a much needed move.

  14. 191

    Passion for the Pastime | 1/3/25 | The Rich get Richer

    With the the recent acquisition of Hye-Seong Kim to the Dodgers, they continue to add depth pieces to build a roster to defend their World Series title. Are they in a tier of their own and who is the biggest threat to the Dodgers hopes in a repeat?

  15. 190

    Passion for the Pastime | 1/2/25 | New Year, Same #SFGiants?

    The calendar turns to 2025 but with not much remaining in the Free Agent Market for the #SFGiants, were do they turn. Outside of the Will Adames signing, not much else has happend to improve the roster. Has the front office dropped the ball? Or is all saved if Pete Alonso or Roki Sasaki join the Orange & Black in 2025? Lets discuss PLUS the latest on Alonso & Sasaki markets

  16. 189

    Passion for the Pastime | 12/31/24 | Best of 2024 in MLB plus #SFGiants resolutions

    As 2024 comes to an end, we will take a look at some of the top moments of 2024, some we LOVE, other we HATED to see. Plus it's a good time for New Years resolutions and what that could look like for the #SFGiants. Lets end this year with a BANG!

  17. 188

    Passion for the Pastime | 12/30/24 | Will history repeat with Pete Alonso & #SFGiants?

    As we approach the end of 2024, the Giants started the offseason with a Bang! Firing Farhan, Hiring Buster Posey & Co, signing Willy Adames BEFORE the start of the winter meetings but it all came to a halt after Corbin Burnes eventually signed with a division rival. We will be joined by Locked On Network Host, Erik Engle to discuss the Giants offseason. Was Burnes negotiations a miss-step in philosophy? Do the #SFGiants really have that much faith in thier young pitching? Is this pointing to another developmental year at 3rd & King? Or can they reel in another big fish bat as attention seems to have shifted to 1B Pete Alonso?

  18. 187

    Passion for the Pastime - 12/28/24 | Let it Burnes, With Burnes in AZ, What's next for #SFGiants?

    Corbin Burnes signed late last night to an NL West team. The only problem is that it wasn't with the Giants. He signs with the Arizona #Dbacks in a shocking move. Where did it all go wrong, who is at fault and what is the pivot for the #SFGiants?

  19. 186

    Passion for the Pastime | 12/23/24 - RIP Ricky Henderson PLUS Free Agency Update for #SFGiants

    Passion for the Pastime | 12/23/24 - RIP Ricky Henderson PLUS Free Agency Update for #SFGiants

  20. 185

    Passion for the Pastime | 12/18/24 - #SFGiants Offseason w/ Kerry Crowley PLUS Jesse Rogers of ESPN

    We are still on Corbin Burnes watch, but there are so many other needs for the Giants, we will discuss with Kerry Crowley, grade what has been done and what still needs to happen for the Giants to have a successful offseason. PLUS, a conversation with Jesse Rogers of ESPN to break down the recent moves in Chicago and how it shapes the remainder of the offseason.

  21. 184

    Passion for the Pastime | 12/16/24 | Corbin Burnes Update w/ #BlueJays Reporter Ben Nicholson-Smith

    What the hell is taking so long for Corbin Burnes? We chat with Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet in Toronto to get the scoop on their chances to land the ace over the #SFGiants, plus thoughts on Vlad Jr's future north of the border.

  22. 183

    Passion for the Pastime | 12/13/24 - #Astros Trade Kyle Tucker to #Cubs, Reaction and next dominoes?

    The Hot Stove is COOKING! A lot of action on this Friday the 13th, with first the #Yankees making a move for Devin Williams, Astros & Cubs say "Hold our beers" and agree to a trade that would send Kyle Tucker to Chicago in exchange for Isaac Parades & Top 3 prospect Cam Smith & Hayden Wesneski. What is the fall out? Could Cody Bellinger be on the move next? Plus your daily Corbin Burnes update and who else makes the most sense for the #SFGiants to target in free agency or via Trade. Subscribe anywhere you get your podcasts and watch LIVE on YouTube!

  23. 182

    Passion for the Pastime | 12/12/24 - Willy Adames officially introduced as a #SFGiants

    A couple of big press conferences took place today, Juan Soto was introduced as a Met, and Willy Adames was introduced as a Giant today. What are the first impressions? Is this the only presser for the Giants this offseason? Lets hope not. PLUS, updates on Corbin Burnes and who experts believe hold the upper hand in negotiations. Follow & Subscribe to Passion for the Pastime on YouTube and everywhere you get your podcasts.

  24. 181

    Passion for the Pastime | 12/10/24 - Max Fried is off the table, How does this effect the #SFGiants?

    Max Fried signed the biggest contract to the left-handed pitcher in MLB history, signing a 8 Yr/ $218M deal with the New York Yankees, how does this effect the pitching market and how will the Giants respond? Is Corbin Burnes worth the money or should Giants double down on their youthful pitching? In other News Roki Sasaki is drawing interest from anyone who has a pulse and Buster Posey says he would be “over the moon” if the Japanese Superstar signed with the Giants.

  25. 180

    Passion for the Pastime with Walter Icabalceta | 12/9/24 - What's next from the Winter Meetings?

    Buster Posey opened up the Winter Meetings with a bang, signing Willy Adames to the richest contract in the Organizations history. What does this move mean for the Organization? Are the Giants done? What should the next move be? In other news, Juan Soto signs biggest contract in baseball history, with Dodger and Yankees missing out, how does this affect the remaining pool of free agents? Follow & Subscribe to Passion for the Pastime on YouTube and everywhere you get you podcasts.

  26. 179

    Giants Baseball is Back! How the Giants stack up in the National League and what the Giants could still need as the Season approaches

    Giants Baseball is Back! How the Giants stack up in the National League and what the Giants could still need as the Season approaches

  27. 178

    Where in the world is Shohei Ohtani? The latest update and more from the Winter Meetings

    Where in the world is Shohei Ohtani? The latest update and more from the Winter Meetings

  28. 177

    Ohtani talks in "final stages", What do Giants do if he decides to play elsewhere?

    Ohtani talks in "final stages", What do the Giants do if he decides to play elsewhere?

  29. 176

    Uprooted in Oakland as Owner's vote sends A's to Vegas + Ohtani Updates/Potential teams & more Rumors as the Hot Stove heats up

    Uprooted in Oakland as Owner's vote sends A's to Vegas + Ohtani Updates/Potential teams & more Rumors as the Hot Stove heats up

  30. 175

    MLB Hot Stove Talk, Better MVP Ohtani or Acuna + the Latest rumors surrounding Ohtani and others

    MLB Hot Stove Talk, Better MVP Ohtani or Acuna + the Latest rumors surrounding Ohtani and others

  31. 174

    Bruce Bochy is back on top of the Baseball World + Interview with Martin Gallegos to discuss the World Series, Bochy and what the Giants gain from adding Bob Melvin

    Bruce Bochy is back on top of the Baseball World + Interview with Martin Gallegos to discuss the World Series, Bochy and what the Giants gain from adding Bob Melvin

  32. 173

    Dan Hayes joins the show to break down the start of the series between the Giants and Twins, Carlos Correa's struggles and much more

    Minnesota Twins beat writer of The Athletic, Dan Hayes joins the show to break down the start of the series between the Giants and Twins, Carlos Correa's struggles and much more

  33. 172

    Zack Bayrouty joins the show to discuss Casey Schmitt's hot start in the Big Leagues as well as updates on other top tier prospects in Sacramento

    Sacramento Rivercats Play-by-Play voice, Zack Bayrouty, joins the show to discuss Casey Schmitt showing out with his bat as well as updates on other top tier prospects in Sacramento

  34. 171

    Scott Braun joined the show to discuss the new rules, NL West outlook and if Ohtani will be in a new uniform next season

    Scott Braun joined the show to discuss the new rules, NL West outlook and if Ohtani will be in a new uniform next season

  35. 170

    Robert Flores talks BIG Picture around MLB, tight division races and teams who have a legitimate chance at making noise this season

    Robert Flores talks BIG Picture around MLB, tight division races and teams who have a legitimate chance at making noise this season

  36. 169

    Martin Gallegos joins the show to talk Ohtani getting the start on Opening Night in Oakland, describes him as MUST WATCH TV and discusses some young A's who look to make their presence know in MLB

    Martin Gallegos joins the show to talk Ohtani getting the start on Opening Night in Oakland, describes him as MUST WATCH TV and discusses some young A's who look to make their presence know in MLB

  37. 168

    Jeff Fletcher talks Ohtani's rise to become the best player in the World and discusses what may be next for the two-way superstar

    Jeff Fletcher talks Ohtani's rise to become the best player in the World and discusses what may be next for the two-way superstar

  38. 167

    Dan Hayes talks WBC and fall out of Edwin Diaz injury as well as the latest on the Minnesota Twins and Carlos Correa

    Dan Hayes talks WBC and fall out of Edwin Diaz injury as well as the latest on the Minnesota Twins and Carlos Correa

  39. 166

    Katie Woo joins the show to discuss the electric WBC as well as Yadi Molina's desire to coach and some nuggets from Cardinals Spring Training

    Katie Woo joins the show to discuss the electric WBC as well as Yadi Molina's desire to coach and some nuggets from Cardinals Spring Training

  40. 165

    Joe Ritzo talks Giants Spring Training Baseball, Conforto & Haniger first impressions as well as the future of the Giants who may not be too far from the big leagues

    Joe Ritzo talks Giants Spring Training Baseball, Conforto & Haniger first impressions as well as the future of the Giants who may not be too far from the big leagues

  41. 164

    Susan Slusser joins the show to break down the new look Giants, key position battles as well as some young talent that is making their presence know at Spring Training

    Susan Slusser joins the show to break down the new look Giants, key position battles as well as some young talent that is making their presence know at Spring Training

  42. 163

    Derek Togerson breaks down rule changes & the latest Machado contract extension and the Padres future spending plans

    Derek Togerson breaks down rule changes & the latest Machado contract extension and the Padres future spending plans

  43. 162

    Tim Britton joins the show to discuss the 2023 Mets, Pete Alonso's rise, the addition of Senga & Verlander as well as what type of player the Giants get in Michael Conforto

    Tim Britton joins the show to discuss the 2023 Mets, Pete Alonso's rise, the addition of Senga & Verlander as well as what type of player the Giants get in Michael Conforto 

  44. 161

    Anthony Castrovince recaps the Offseason moves as we get ready for the start of the season

    Anthony Castrovince recaps the Offseason moves as we get ready for the start of the season

  45. 160

    Jon Morosi joins the show to break down the return of the World Baseball Classic

    After an absence of six years, the World Baseball Classic is back!!! 20 Countries compete to be recognized as the best in the world, and Team USA is the defending champion. How their chances to repeat look entering the tournament, the All-Star Team that is the Dominican Republic, the spectacle of Shohei Ohtani as well as potential future stars to keep an eye on. A lot to discuss in this one as the WBC returns and the Fireworks begin March 7th.

  46. 159

    Jorge Castillo joins the show to discuss the latest rule changes in MLB

    Welcome back to another baseball season with Passion for the Pastime. With Pitchers and Catchers reporting to camps and everyone else shortly after that, it can only mean one thing, Spring Training is right around the corner! With the incoming season, there are a few rule changes that everyone needs to be aware of, and we speak with Baseball writer from the LA Times, Jorge Castillo, to break it all down. We discuss the four big rule changes coming to MLB and how they may effect the game: Bigger bases, limited Pickoff attempts, Pitch Clock, and Defensive shift restrictions. 

  47. 158

    What the HELL Happened??? Dan Hayes talks us through what happened with the Giants and Correa and all the fall out from the Giants missing out on the big free agent

    What the HELL Happened??? Dan Hayes of The Athletic talks us through what happened with the Giants and Correa and all the fall out from the Giants missing out on the big free agent

  48. 157

    Talking NL East baseball and what's next with Juan Soto and the Nats with Mark Zuckerman

    On this episode of the podcast, we are talking baseball with Washington Nationals beat writer Marck Zuckerman of MASN Sports. We discuss his experience hopping on an MLB broadcast as the color analyst for the first time as well as wrapping up the first half for the NL East. We also discuss the Juan Soto contract extention negotiations, as well as some possible deadline, moves the Nats could make as the Trade Deadline approaches.

  49. 156

    Talking Blue Jays baseball with Ben Nicholson-Smith

    Talking Blue Jays baseball with Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportnet on How Vlad Jr has emerged as a leader, if there is another level for the Blue Jays to reach and who Toronto can target as the deadline approaches.

  50. 155

    Talking New York Mets Baseball with Deesha Thosar as the Mets continue to prove to be serious contenders even without their top Aces

    Talking New York Mets Baseball with Mets beat writer for New York Daily News, Deesha Thosar, as the Mets continue to prove to be serious contenders even without their top Aces.

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Walter Icabalceta from KNBR 680 in San Francisco presents, Passion for the Pastime, a baseball podcast for all seamheads alike. As heard on KNBR Weekends during San Francisco Giants season on “Giants Warm Up” as part of the pre-game coverage for the Giants, but also coming off of a season long podcast of “Rounding Third & King” on the KNBR Podcast Network. Walter not only brings the love and passion for the San Francisco Giants, but baseball content from all around the league. Also featuring interviews from beat reporters, broadcasters & current and former ballplayers, Passion for the Pastime

HOSTED BY

Walter Icabalceta

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