The Show Before the Show Episode 396

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, Stitcher and other podcast-listening apps. Send questions or feedback to [email protected], and follow hosts Tyler Maun (@TylerMaun), Sam Dykstra (@SamDykstraMiLB) and Benjamin Hill (@bensbiz) on Twitter.

This week's episode is an interwoven amalgam of five interviews with Minor League executives whose ballparks are currently undergoing renovations. After a brief introduction by Ben and Tyler, in which Sam's absence is both explained and speculated upon, the interviews begin.

A deep dive into ballpark renovations (1:40)

The following five individuals share the whys and hows of ballpark renovation, including what they're most looking forward to and the many unexpected challenges along the way:

Jim Jarecki, vice president and general manager, West Michigan Whitecaps (High-A Detroit Tigers affiliate). The Whitecaps play at LMCU Ballpark, which opened in 1994. The Whitecaps are in the beginning stages of a multi-phase renovation project. READ MORE

Rob Zerjav, president, CEO and managing partner, Wisconsin Timber Rattlers (High-A Milwaukee Brewers affiliate). The Timber Rattlers have played at Fox Cities Stadium since 1995. Their renovations include a fan slide modeled after the one Bernie Brewer goes down in Milwaukee. READ MORE

Andrew Nelson, director of client fulfillment, Reading Fightin Phils (Double-A Philadelphia Phillies affiliate). Reading's First Energy Stadium is the oldest ballpark in Double-A. Their renovation project is centered around the construction of a new steel structure in right field. READ MORE

Scott Strickland, assistant general manager of operations, Durham Bulls (Triple-A Tampa Bay Rays affiliate). Durham Bulls Athletic Park opened in 1995, and the team is now modernizing the facility for the next 30 years and beyond. READ MORE

Dan Mason, general manager, Rochester Red Wings (Triple-A Washington Nationals affiliate). Innovative Field opened in 1997. The renovations ensure that Minor League Baseball's longest continuously-operated franchise will continue to do so for many years to come. READ MORE

Wrap-up and looking ahead (51:40)

This week's episode is a sign of things to come. Ben and Tyler talk about how, going forward, the first podcast episode of the month will be dedicated to a specific theme. April's theme is you, the fans and listeners. April 7's episode will feature an array of podcast listeners and Minor League Baseball fans in general, speaking about what Minor League Baseball means to them and the unique ways in which they celebrate it. Stay tuned.