Newsmakers

MLB.com's Bill Ladson recently caught up with the NL East champion Nationals. Manager Dusty Baker took time to discuss his 50th year in professional baseball and what it would mean to win a World Series in Washington, DC. Outfielder Jayson Werth explains why he thinks this is the best team that he has been on as a member of the Nationals. (16:35) Now that the season is drawing to a close, MLB.com columnist Richard Justice breaks down the favorites to bring home the postseason hardware. (24:25) Ladson's next guest, Astros radio play-by-play announcer Robert Ford, talks about Justin Verlander's presence on the team and why this team thinks they can win it all. (39:07) The Yankees are still in the hunt for the AL East title and Bill was able to speak with Brett Gardner, CC Sabathia and clubhouse reporter Meredith Marakovits about how far they think this team can go in the postseason. (49:30)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson recently chatted with ESPN baseball analyst David Ross about his transition from the diamond to the television booth and why he decided it was time to retire. MLB.com columnist Richard Justice joins Bill to break down why the surprising Brewers and Twins remain in the playoff chase. (9:50) Ladson also caught up with Twins second baseman Brian Dozier to discuss the Twins being in the playoff race. (20:25) Tommy Pham of the St. Louis Cardinals joins the show to explain the reasons why he is having the best season of his career. (29:53) Finally, Ladson talks to Oriole infielders Manny Machado and Jonathan Schoop about this year's squad and their close friendship. (41:13)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson recently caught up with MLB.com columnist Richard Justice to ask why the Dodgers' have suddenly suffered a long losing streak and if the Indians are the best team in baseball. (:55) Next, Ladson talks to the Twins outfielder Byron Buxton to find out why he is having so much success in the second half of the season. (13:35) The Nationals are NL East Champions again. Listen to what Sean Doolitte, Anthony Rendon, manager Dusty Baker and radio play-by-play announcer Charlie Slowes had to say about this year's team. (21:25) Finally, Bill was able to check in with the Reds infielder Joey Votto, Zack Cozart and Scooter Gennett to find out why they are arguably having the best season of their careers. (45:22)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson recently caught up with MLB.com colleague Jeff Nelson to break down the tight Wild Card races along with the Justin Verlander and Justin Upton trades. (:50) Next, Bill is joined by MLB.com columnist Richard Justice to talk about Justin Verlander's first start with Houston and the Yankees-Red Sox controversy over stealing signs. (19:00) Agent Scott Boras chats with Ladson about his brief Minor League baseball career and why Bryce Harper is worth so much more than just the numbers he puts up on the field. (28:33) Finally, Ladson talked with Boston's Dustin Pedroia and Rajai Davis about their hopes of taking their team to the World Series. (49:05)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson recently caught up with new Indians outfielder Jay Bruce to discuss why he is having a successful 2017 and the difference between hitting in the American and National League. (:45) MLB.com's Richard Justice joins the show to explain how the game of baseball can help with some of the healing needed for those affected by Hurricane Harvey. (8:58) Orioles shortstop Tim Beckham talks about his success since being traded to Baltimore and who he idolized as a young player growing up. (20:33) Ladson also sat down with former Major League pitcher Jack Morris to chat about why the Twins find themselves in a playoff race and his infamous performance in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. (26:58) Former MVP and ten-time All Star Steve Garvey talks with Ladson about this current Dodgers team and why he thinks he has a shot of making the Hall of Fame. (40:17) Finally, Ladson talks to the Mariners' Nelson Cruz about how he has stayed so consistent throughout his career and how much he wants to get back to

MLB.com's Mark Feinsand sits down with Blue Jays president and CEO Mark Shapiro to discuss facing his former team, the Cleveland Indians in the ALCS, how recent success has re-energized the fanbase and his plans to remodel the Rogers Centre.

MLB.com's Bill Ladson recently caught up with Cardinals rookie shortstop Paul DeJong to discuss his wildly successful rookie campaign and just how far his Cardinals team can go this season. (:36) Ladson also spoke to D-backs pitcher Robbie Ray about his return to the mound after being hit in the head with a line drive during a July 28 start against the Cardinals. (10:34) D-backs first baseman Paul Goldschmidt joins the show to talk about the team's chances of making a postseason run and what it's like playing for first-year manager Torey Lovullo. (17:35) Next, Andrew Simon of MLB.com talks about how Statcast is changing the game not only from a fan's perspective but for MLB front offices as well. (22:40) Finally, Ladson interviews Reds bench coach Jim Riggleman about what it's like watching Joey Votto produce big numbers year after year and if he would ever like to manage again. (33:35)

Ryan Cameron hosted a conversation with Negro League legends from various teams at the Center for Civil and Human Rights

MLB.com's Bill Ladson recently caught up with Rockies pitcher Chad Bettis to talk about his triumphant return to the mound after winning his battle with cancer. (:48) ESPN analyst Aaron Boone (9:35) and Yankees third baseman Todd Frazier (21:10) express their excitement about the upcoming Little League World Series. Yankees outfielder Aaron Hicks (26:50) and the Mets' Curtis Granderson (33:25) explain what it's like to play under the big spotlight in New York City. Finally, Richard Justice of MLB.com, joins the show to break down the NL MVP race and if Giancarlo Stanton can break Barry Bonds single season home run record. (40:15)

Major League Baseball has recently lost some of the greatest men the game has ever seen with the passing of Don Baylor, Darren Daulton and Lee May. This week, MLB.com's Bill Ladson set out to catch up with some of their friends so they could share some of their favorite memories in remembrance of those that had passed away. MLB.com columnist Tracy Ringolsby describes his special relationship he had with Don Baylor and why he was such a strong leader. Journalist Claire Smith talks about the time she spent with Baylor working on his autobiography and his unique relationship with manager Billy Martin of the Yankees. Yankees broadcaster and former Major Leaguer Ken Singleton joins the show to talk about his playing days with Baylor and May. Former Major Leaguer Mickey Morandini talks to Ladson about what he learned from Daulton during their playing days in Philadelphia. Next, Bill Ladson chats with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts, Chris Taylor and Kenley Jansen to find out why they have the best record in baseball.

MLB.com's Bill Ladson talks to MLB.com columnist Richard Justice this week about the biggest winners and losers from the trade deadline, as well as Adrian Beltre collecting his 3,000th hit. (:45) MLB.com's Nationals reporter Jamal Collier joins the show to talk about the team's recent bullpen additions and if Jayson Werth can make it back in time for the playoffs. (14:40) Ladson chats with MLB.com's Cubs reporter Carrie Muskat about the team's recent surge to the top of the N.L. Central and how the new acquisitions are fitting in with the team. (27:10) Bill Ladson also caught up with Hall of Famer Andre Dawson to talk about his friend and former teammate Tim Raines' induction into the Hall. (36:04) Finally, Tigers' manager Brad Ausmus joins the show to discuss former teammate Jeff Bagwell's induction into the Hall of Fame. (49:36)

The Rockies have been a bit of surprise this season as they are currently in line for a playoff bid. MLB.com's Bill Ladson talks to the Rockies this week to find out why they are playing great ball in 2017. Manager Bud Black joins Bill to discuss playing in the tough National League West division and how Greg Holland has solidified the backend of the bullpen. (:30) Nolan Arenado talks about his spectacular defense at third base and what the team still needs to improve on down the stretch. (10:30) The next guest is Ian Desmond and he chats with Ladson about why the team has played above expectations so far this season and his upcoming return to Washington after playing seven seasons with the Nationals. (16:05) The final guest is Greg Holland who breaks down his triumphant return from Tommy John surgery and why this team has everything it needs to go far in the postseason. (25:35)

Senior vice president of operations for Major League Baseball Kim Ng leads a discussion with Ceci Clark, Dana Parks and Rebecca Seesel about their work throughout Major League Baseball and how they've excelled in their careers.

MLB.com's Bill Ladson talks with Milwaukee Brewers third baseman Travis Shaw about why his team has surprised many during the first half and why he has found success in Milwaukee. (:25) Ladson also caught up with Brewers first baseman Eric Thames to discuss his first half of the 2017 season and why he is a better hitter in the Majors after playing three seasons in Korea. (6:40)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson caught up with MLB.com columnist Richard Justice to discuss the young talent set to participate in next week's Home Run Derby and the overall competitiveness of the All-Star Game. (:30) Tampa Bay Times reporter Marc Topkin joins the show to chat about the improved play from the Rays this season and the powers numbers being put up by Logan Morrison and Corey Dickerson. (12:40) Finally, Ladson speaks with Dodgers' reporter Ken Gurnick about the meteoric rise of Cody Bellinger and what the team needs to make a World Series run. (24:52)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson chats with Diana Munson, widow of the late Thurman Munson about how much Thurman enjoyed life and the game of baseball. (:35) Next, Rickey Henderson takes time to speak with Ladson about playing for manager Billy Martin and his Hall of Fame career with his hometown Oakland A's. (6:50) Ladson also caught up with Hall of Famer Goose Gossage to talk about the biggest differences between today's closers and when he pitched. (12:30) Finally, Bill is joined by former Yankee outfielder Roy White and they discuss his playing days in New York and being a two-time World Series champion. (17:50)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson chats with the President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Bob Kendrick, about the museum's new joint venture with MLB and the Major League Baseball Players Association. (:30) Nationals' first baseman Ryan Zimmerman talks about his success in 2017 and the evolution of the team from basement dweller to World Series contender. (9:40) Bill is joined by reigning Cy Young award winner Max Scherzer to discuss how badly he wants to win a championship for Washington and why he is a better pitcher now than when he won the Cy Young last year. (18:52) Finally, MLB.com columnist Richard Justice joins the show to break down the contenders for the A.L. East and why Logan Morrison should be in the All-Star Game. (27:24)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson chats with Joe Torre about his time as a player, manager and now Chief Baseball Officer in Major League Baseball. (:25) Cubs manager Joe Maddon talks about winning a World Series title for the longtime suffering Cubs fans and the difficulty of repeating as champs. (17:36) Jason Heyward chats with Bill about staying positive after struggling in 2016 and what adjustments he made over the offseason. (23:10) Albert Almora Jr. joins the show to talk about the work ethic that he inherited from his father and making his family proud. (37:05)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson talks to Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen about staying positive through the struggles of the last few seasons and the trade rumors that surrounded him this spring. (:27) Pirates manager Clint Hurdle discusses the team being able to play through adversity and if they can win the NL Central. (13:22) Pittsburgh's Josh Harrison chats with Ladson about growing up in Cincinnati and his love for the game of baseball. (20:36) Red Sox starting pitcher David Price comes on the show to talk about the 10th anniversary of being chosen with the first pick in the 2007 MLB Draft and how badly he wants to win a World Series. (28:09) Boston's Jackie Bradley Jr. breaks down the health of the team and why he thinks they can make a run at another division title. (38:50) Finally, Ladson is joined by Astros television play-by-play announcer Todd Kalas to discuss the team's phenomenal start and what he learned from his father, Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Kalas. (46:26)

MLB.com's Bill Ladson chats with MLB and NFL broadcaster Joe Buck about the teams surprising everyone early in the season, if the Cubs can make another postseason run and Buck getting to call last year's memorable Super Bowl and World Series games. (:25) Nationals radio play-by-play announcer Charlie Slowes joins the show to discuss the Bryce Harper - Hunter Strickland situation and if this is the most explosive team in Nationals history. (19:50) MLB.com columnist Richard Justice tells us about the Astros' tremendous start to 2017 and why A.J. Hinch is the perfect manager for this team. (30:30) Finally, Ladson talks to Brewers manager Craig Counsell about using the team's youth as an advantage on the field and if they can stay atop the very tough National League Central. (40:17)