Podcast explains why the Syracuse Mets are looking for Jim Morrison
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other
Check out the latest episodes of The Show Before the Show, MiLB.com's official podcast. A segment rundown is listed below, in case you want to skip to a particular section. Like the podcast? Subscribe, rate and review on Apple Podcasts. The podcast is also available via Spotify, Megaphone and other podcast-listening apps. This episode can also be found on Minor League Baseball's official YouTube page. Send questions or feedback to podcast@milb.com, and follow hosts Sam Dykstra (@samdykstramilb.bsky.social) and Tyler Maun (@tylermaun.bsky.social) on Bluesky and Benjamin Hill (@bensbiz) on X.
Intro/Ben's Biz Banter (0:00)
Ben, Sam and Tyler open this week's show by previewing Ben's first road trip of the 2025 season. He'll head to Double-A Reading on Saturday. The guys also take a quick spin around the Minors for other noteworthy off-the-field news items, including Lansing's Olive Burgers alternate identity.
Syracuse's search for Jim Morrison (35:45)
The Syracuse Mets held a promotion on Thursday, April 3 as part of their "search" for The Doors frontman Jim Morrison, who a recent documentary posited is still alive in the New York city. General manager Jason Smorol chats with Ben about how the promo came together.
Early prospect standouts (47:05)
Sam and Tyler discuss which Top 100 prospects are off to fast starts entering the second half of April.
Name that Dude/Wrapping up (1:03:35)
Before concluding the show, the cohosts look back at the Minor and Major League career of a Red Sox legend.
Jogly Garcia Named Carolina League Pitcher of the Month for April
The Lynchburg Hillcats Jogly Garcia was awarded the Carolina League Pitcher of the Month for April. Garcia posted a 1-0 record, with a 2.16 ERA. He also collected 34 strikeouts in just under 17 innings. Across the whole month, he only allowed four runs on seven hits. His strongest outing
Hillcats Swept in Doubleheader Against Charleston
The Lynchburg Hillcats were swept in their doubleheaders against the Charleston RiverDogs on Sunday. Charleston won game one 3-1 and followed up with a blowout, 7-1 in game two. Despite the doubleheader sweep, the Hillcats still won the games 4-2. In game one, the RiverDogs found themselves in unfamiliar territory,
Hernandez, Pitching Staff Mow Down RiverDogs
Power pitching from the Lynchburg Hillcats helped them one-hit the Charleston RiverDogs en-route to a 6-0 victory on Friday night. Melkis Hernandez threw 5.1 innings of no-hit baseball, helping to propel the Hillcats in front. The lone hit for the RiverDogs came in the seventh off of Xavier Martinez, who
Lynchburg Wins Third Straight Behind Strong Alfaro Start
The Lynchburg Hillcats won their third straight over the Charleston RiverDogs on Thursday, downing the ‘Dogs 8-2. For the second night in a row, Lynchburg received five innings from their starter. Tonight, Jervis Alfaro pitched a gem, five innings, four hits and four strikeouts, only allowing one unearned run. It
Power Surge Carries Hillcats Over RiverDogs
The power bug bit the Lynchburg Hillcats on Wednesday evening to down the Charleston RiverDogs, 7-4. The Hillcats only racked up three hits, but all three came on extra base knocks, including two home runs. Despite the lack of hits, Lynchburg found base runners scattered throughout the evening. On the
Lynchburg’s Ultimate Concert Journey: A Musical Escape for Hillcats Fans
Lynchburg, Virginia, may be known for its picturesque Blue Ridge Mountain views and rich American history, but for fans of the Lynchburg Hillcats, there’s a vibrant, often overlooked side of the city—the live music scene. Whether you're catching a post-game concert or planning a special night out, Lynchburg’s location offers
Jeffrey Mercedes Powers Lynchburg Past Charleston
Jeffrey Mercedes drove in three RBI’s for the Lynchburg Hillcats as they downed the Charleston RiverDogs, 6-5, on Tuesday evening. After a dominant first two innings from Jogly Garcia, Charleston would hang close. However, the bullpen for the ‘Cats held strong, ending their three-game losing streak. Lynchburg started the scoring
Bats Stay Cold, Split Series with Fayetteville
The Lynchburg Hillcats wrapped up a sluggish end to the series against the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, falling 10-2 to split the series. The bats continued to stay quiet, picking up six hits through the course of the ballgame. The Hillcats have not had two or more hits in an inning since
Hillcats Bats Face Stage Fright, Shutout Against Fayetteville
In front of the largest crowd of the season, the Lynchburg Hillcats bats faced stage fright as they were shut out by the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, 2-0, on Saturday night. The Hillcats had two opportunities with the bases loaded with less than two outs and could not score a run. Fayetteville
Hillcats Seven-Game Win Streak Falls to Fayetteville
The Lynchburg Hillcats seven-game winning streak came to an abrupt halt after falling to the Fayetteville Woodpeckers by a score of 9-6. Lynchburg had been able to avoid the bad inning throughout the series, but today, it came back to bite them as the game unraveled in the seventh inning.
Pitching Duel Favors Lynchburg Against Fayetteville, Win Streak to Seven
The Lynchburg Hillcats picked up their seventh straight victory behind strong pitching, en route to a 3-0 victory over the Fayetteville Woodpeckers on Thursday night. Despite only picking up three hits, the Hillcats found ways to score runs and swing the momentum in their favor. After last night’s struggle with
Blast From Merejo Lifts Hillcats Over Woodpeckers
Small ball and one big blast from Luis Merejo carried the Lynchburg Hillcats to a 9-7 victory over the Fayetteville Woodpeckers on Wednesday evening. The win marks the Hillcats sixth in a row and fourth over the Woodpeckers. Lynchburg hitters walked a season high 14 times in the contest, while
Hillcats Hold On to Win Fifth Straight
The Lynchburg Hillcats won their fifth straight by downing the Fayetteville Woodpeckers 6-5 on Tuesday evening. Braylon Doughty settled in after a rough first inning to tie his career high of six strikeouts. Each of his six strikeout performances have come against the Woodpeckers. Fayetteville struck early in the first
Hillcats Sunday Run Falls Short Against Kannapolis
The Lynchburg Hillcats fell just short in their comeback against the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers on Sunday, falling 8-7. Lynchburg fell behind early and spent the remainder of the game playing catch up. The Hillcats would crawl within one run three separate occasions but failing to get over the hump each
Hillcats, Kannapolis Split Wild Doubleheader
The Lynchburg Hillcats and the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers split their doubleheader on Saturday at Bank of the James Stadium. Game one erupted for a combined 27 runs in the 16-11 Kannapolis victory. The Hillcats would rebound in game two for the 8-2 win. The Hillcats erupted early and often in
Hillcats Announce Clear Bag Policy
To promote fan safety within the confines of Bank of the James Stadium, the Lynchburg Hillcats will be enforcing a new clear bag policy at the gates. Similar to other sporting events, all fans must adhere to the clear bag policy and only bring in what fits within 12” x
Friday's Game with Kannapolis Postponed, Doubleheader Saturday
Due to rain in the Lynchburg area, the Hillcats Friday night matchup against the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers has been postponed. A seven-inning doubleheader will take place on Saturday, April 12, with game one beginning at 4:30 p.m. Gates will open at 4 p.m. In addition, tonight’s fan giveaway will now
Bullpen Blunders Strong Start From Doughty
The Lynchburg Hillcats dropped game three of their series to the Kannapolis Cannon Ballers by a score of 13-6. Despite a strong start from Braylon Doughty, the bullpen gave way, combining to surrender 12 of the runs across five innings of work. The five run fifth from Kannapolis buried the
Francisca, Merejo Lead Names of Returners on Opening Day Roster
The Lynchburg Hillcats are excited to announce their Opening Day roster for the 2025 season. The new edition of the Hillcats features three players in the Top 30 of the Guardians organization, according to MLB Pipeline, including two in the Top 10. The roster also features several returners from last
Experience Unforgettable Entertainmentwith the Lynchburg Hillcats
Lynchburg is more than just a great place to catch a baseball game; it keeps you close to other cultural highlights like top-tier Broadway shows and stand-up comedy performances. Whether you’re a theater enthusiast or a fan of gut-busting comedy, the city offers something for everyone. Don’t forget to use
Exciting Changes Happening at Bank of the James Stadium
The Lynchburg Hillcats are thrilled to announce several new changes coming to the ballpark for the 2025 season. With single game tickets on-sale today, fans can explore all the new additions to the organization, from our ownership down to our gameday operations. New to the club this year is Dylan
Manager Jordan Smith Headlines Several Returners to Field Staff
The Lynchburg Hillcats are excited to announce their field staff for the 2025 season. Jordan Smith will once again return as manager for this season. Also returning to the coaching staff are bench coach Erlin Cerda, hitting coach Cole Nieto, strength & conditioning coordinator Jack Baldwin, and athletic trainer Yuka
Key Events: Brought to you by the Hillcats
Key Events: Brought to you by the Hillcats Welcome to the Lynchburg Hillcats Entertainment Guide! This comprehensive guide gives you a rundown of the most exciting and prestigious sporting events around the world. Whether you're a fan of heart-pounding motorsports, thrilling team championships, or world-class individual sports, we've got you
Hillcats Avoid Sweep, Win Final Home Game of Season
The Hillcats avoided the sweep against the Carolina Mudcats by winning their final home game of the season, 6-2. After a rough series, the Hillcats were able to display much needed patience at the plate. In addition, solid pitching outings from Jackson Humphries and Jervis Alfaro, both going four innings
Hillcats Saturday Night Game Against Carolina Canceled
Saturday night’s game between the Lynchburg Hillcats and Carolina Mudcats has been canceled due to inclement weather. The game will not be made up and only one game will be played on Sunday afternoon, scheduled to start at 2 p.m. at Bank of the James Stadium. Fans with tickets to