Michael Ortman is a Washington Nationals fan now living in Florida. He grew up a Senators fan and attended his first Opening Day in 1970. For the next 50 years, Michael was at every Opening Day. Even after his beloved Senators were relocated to Texas, he found a way to keep the streak alive – spanning three cities, six ballparks, and five different home teams.
On each episode of The Baseball Bucket List Podcast we chat with a different fan about their favorite baseball memories, bucket list items, and what the game means to them.
If you’re interested in being a guest on our new podcast, fill out the form here and we’ll be in touch!
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Most Recent Episodes
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Extra Innings: Ethan Bryan and How a Single Game of Catch Can Change Your Life
In this episode Ethan Bryan and Anna discuss some new research which highlights the importance of play, and how the perfect storm of Covid and an increase in screen time have led to a new epidemic of isolation and loneliness, and how a simple game of catch can combat those effects.
Episode 143 — Jason Skinner: British Baseball Fans, A House Divided, & Getting Left in the Dust at Fenway
Jason Skinner is a Cubs fan from Bourne, UK. Despite the geographical distance from the game, Jason and his family developed a deep connection to American baseball. Their household boasts a unique dynamic where each member supports a different team; his wife cheers for the Braves (and has a soft spot for the Cardinals), while their son is a Phillies fan.
Episode 142 — Mark Zubizarreta: Vending at the World Series, Being Part of a Ballpark’s Community, & 10+ Years of Friendly Baseball
Mark Zubizarreta is a life-long Texas Rangers fan and the founder of Friendly Baseball in North Texas. From his early days selling hot dogs at The Ballpark in Arlington to witnessing his Rangers clinch a World Series title, and starting a grassroots pickup ball movement, Mark shares his unique perspective on what makes baseball more than just a game.
Episode 141 — Karen Cordaway: From New Mom to Baseball Fan, The Beauty of Unplanned Adventures, & Watching the City Become “Boston Strong”
Karen Cordaway from Connecticut found her passion for baseball as a new mom in the early 2000s. Her Red Sox fandom included an emotional connection to the team, a firsthand experience of being at Fenway the day of the Boston City Marathon bombing, and witnessing the city’s unity to become Boston Strong.
Episode 140 — Andy Littleton: Heartbreak, Hope, & Healing Through Baseball
Andy Littleton grew up in Tucson, Arizona as a fan of the Oakland A’s. Despite being a fan of the Athletics as a kid, Andy now cheers for the Chicago Cubs – a change spurred by a poignant and personal story of loss and remembrance.
Older Episodes
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Episode 116 — Valerie Ruiz: Boomsticks, Brisket Mac, & The Best Ballpark Food Around
All Episodes / Episode 116 — Valerie Ruiz: Boomsticks, Brisket Mac, & The Best Ballpark Food Around Valerie Ruiz is a life-long Texas Rangers fan currently living in Las Vegas, Nevada. She is known on social media as Stadium Food Girl, where she highlights the...
Episode 115 — Rob Ullman: Pirates, Squirrels, & All Day Baseball
All Episodes / Episode 115 — Rob Ullman: Pirates, Squirrels, & All Day Baseball Rob Ullman is a life-long Pirates fan currently living in Richmond, Virginia. He is a professional cartoonist who publishes a weekly comic strip highlighting the history of sports in...
Episode 114 — Marcel Bieler: Following the Game from Afar, Exploring Beers and Ballparks, & Being a Swiss Born Baseball Fan
All Episodes / Episode 114 — Marcel Bieler: Following the Game from Afar, Exploring Beers and Ballparks, & Being a Swiss Born Baseball Fan Marcel Bieler is a Cubs fan born and raised in Switzerland. He fell in love with the game thanks to being able to listen to...
Episode 113 — Evan Christie: The History of Nippon Professional Baseball, Game Day Atmosphere, & Becoming a Hiroshima Carp Fan
All Episodes / Episode 113 — Evan Christie: The History of Nippon Professional Baseball, Game Day Atmosphere, & Becoming a Hiroshima Carp Fan Evan Christie is a Canadian sports journalism graduate and content creator based in Toronto, Canada. His favorite MLB...
Episode 112 — Rickey Hill & Jeff Celentano: The Incredible Real-Life Story of The Hill – In Theaters Everywhere August 25th
All Episodes / Episode 112 — Rickey Hill & Jeff Celentano: The Incredible Real-Life Story of The Hill – In Theaters Everywhere August 25th The Hill is a movie based on the remarkable real-life story of Rickey Hill and his journey overcoming incredible...
Episode 111 — Jon Walk: Visiting All 16 Texas Parks in a Year, Running for Baseball, & Chasing Unique Experiences
All Episodes / Episode 111 — Jon Walk: Visiting All 16 Texas Parks in a Year, Running for Baseball, & Chasing Unique Experiences Jon Walk is a life-long baseball fan from The Woodlands, TX. He’s currently in the middle of visiting all 16 Texas professional and...
Episode 110 — David Conde: Multi-generational Fandom, Covering Minor League Prospects, & Spotting the Next Legend on Deck
All Episodes / Episode 110 — David Conde: Multi-generational Fandom, Covering Minor League Prospects, & Spotting the Next Legend on Deck David Conde is a life-long Mets fan living in Florida. We discuss how his love of baseball and the Mets came courtesy of his...
Episode 109 — Gary Matthews: Growing Relationships Through the Game, Meeting Baseball Legends, & The At-Bat of a Lifetime
All Episodes / Episode 109 — Gary Matthews: Growing Relationships Through the Game, Meeting Baseball Legends, & The At-Bat of a Lifetime Gary Matthews is a life-long Dodgers fan who grew up listening to the legendary Vin Scully all the way from his childhood home...
Extra Innings: Shane Barclay and Anna recap their recent baseball adventure to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska Midnight Sun Game
All Episodes / Extra Innings: Shane Barclay and I recap our recent baseball adventure to the Pacific Northwest and Alaska Midnight Sun Game Shane Barclay is the owner of JapanBall, which offers baseball tours to Japan, the Dominican Republic, the Netherlands, and many...
Episode 108 — Robb Wolf: Bucs Baseball, McGwire’s 52nd, & The Fitted Hat Society
All Episodes / Episode 108 — Robb Wolf: Bucs Baseball, McGwire’s 52nd, & The Fitted Hat Society Robb Wolf is a life-long Pirates fan living in Ohio. He’s also in the middle of his journey to see all 30 ballparks and collect many fitted hats along the way. We...