Tim Tschida, The Show – Episode #6. Special guest is Major League Baseball Hall of Fame pitcher, Jim Kaat. Al Kaplon, former pro umpire and actor also joins Tim for this first in four episodes featuring baseball talk with Jim Kaat. This conversation delves into the experiences and insights of former umpires and players in baseball, exploring themes of nostalgia, the evolution of umpiring, the impact of new rules, and the changing dynamics between players and umpires. The guys share personal anecdotes, discuss the importance of respect in the game, and reflect on the role of technology in modern umpiring.
Tim Tschida expresses excitement about watching childhood heroes play, including Tony Oliva, Harmon Killebrew and Jim Kaat. Jim Kaat reflects on the importance of collective bargaining in baseball and the crucial role played by former player Curt Flood. The discussion touches on the challenges of enforcing rules like pine tar. Also, spring training experiences highlight the relationships between umpires and players. The aspect of respect from veteran managers is crucial for young umpires. The conversation turns to new rules in baseball that are seen as both necessary and controversial. Unfortunately, the dynamics between players and umpires have changed over the years.
Technology's role in umpiring is a double-edged sword. Accountability for umpires is a growing concern among players. The enjoyment of the game seems to be diminishing for both players and umpires.

Check out Kaat's Korner on The Real Voices Of The Game Podcast here:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-real-voices-of-the-game-productions/id1624830660

Tim Tschida, The Show Episode 5 Celebrities, Airflights and A-holes
If you're a professional umpire, actor, or work at a sports venue, you're bound to bump into celebrities from time to time. Some of the encounters are less than satisfying according to Tim, Al Kaplon and Mike Willman. In this episode you'll hear about Billy Crystal, Alicia Keys and others as the boys drop a lot of names, good and some bad, but all in fun.

Tim Tschida, The Show Episode 4 – Curt's Perfecto Broken and Joe West Is Targeted - The conversation features Tim Tschida, Al Kaplon, and Curt Schilling discussing various topics including career highlights and umpiring experiences. In this episode, the group discusses Curt Schilling's almost perfect game, broken up by a pop-up bunt by a desperate hitter. Also, did you know that Joe West, Philadelphia's most hated umpire, had his picture imprinted on dart boards in that city. But, to know Joe is to love Joe, who was quite the comedian. These stories and other truth telling rants and raves by a great former major league pitcher and a major league umpire with the help of a professional umpire turned actor.

Curt Schilling Podcast "The Complete Game"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lRNIdIjbbnI

More behind the scenes major league baseball stories from former MLB Umpire Tim Tschida and pitching great Curt Schilling. The stories feature names like Moose Stubing, Joe West, Jimmy Joyce and Ed Rapuano. The guys even talk about their own bad calls and bad decisions. Al Kaplon contributes some stories about his umpiring experiences in professional baseball.

Curt Schilling discusses pitching and catching with former MLB Umpire Tim Tschida and Umpire Al Kaplon. They discuss the differences in the game of baseball with the advent of technilogical changes. They talk about catching technique, especially framing, from both the pitcher and the umpires point of view.

The three old pros share personal anecdotes that highlight the challenges and nuances of the game, emphasizing the need for enjoyment and camaraderie among umpires and players alike. In this conversation, they delve into the intricacies of umpiring in baseball, discussing the physical demands on umpires, the evolution of umpiring techniques, and the impact of technology on the game. They also explore the challenges faced by umpires, particularly in youth sports, and emphasize the importance of fostering respect for the game among players and parents alike. The discussion highlights the need for future generations to consider umpiring as a viable path in sports, while addressing the negative influence of adult behavior on youth sports

Umpires today face more demands than ever. There are no breaks for umpires during games. Catching techniques have evolved significantly. The role of technology in umpiring is crucial. Parents can negatively impact youth sports experiences. It's important to respect the game and its officials. Encouraging youth to consider umpiring is essential.