At The Gates

In this episode I am joined by... Laura van Zandt (aka 1girl2cities)!  You know Laura - the blogger, social media wizard, and employee of The Herbivorous Butcher - she joined me in the previous episode. We again discussed the finer details of basketball, talked about my coaching of a Special Hockey team, and shared our results for the March Madness-like brackets that I made (which can be found on my blog).  The discussion was even taped as the game went on, due to a rather poor set-up for entering the gates (it took almost 45 minutes to make it through). Though the Minnesota Lynx lost (maybe unfairly, as it has been proven that a shot-clock violation was missed which resulted in points, of which the Lynx lost by only 1), it was still awesome to see a championship clinched in person.  Not many people get to witness a deciding game of ANY sport's championship series, let alone one that comes down to the last seconds. For more At The Gates coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST 

In this episode I am joined by... Laura van Zandt (aka 1girl2cities)!  Laura is a blogger, social media wizard, and employee of The Herbivorous Butcher.  She is also a female - the first episode-long female co-host in At The Gates' history - purely coincidental that it happened at a WNBA game, I promise. We discussed the finer details of basketball, as we are both ridiculously tall and played ball with the best of them.  For some reason, however, both of us went undrafted out of college and pursued more lucrative careers (and ones that wouldn't beat up our bodies).  I hope you speak sarcasm and can decode dry humor, otherwise, this one might not be for you. To follow Laura and/or The Herbivorous Butcher: @1girl2cities / @theherbivorousb on Twitter @1girl2cities / @theherbivorousb on Instagram blog: onegirltwocities.com For more At The Gates coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or emai

In this episode I am joined by... Larry Larson!  Larry is the co-host of a video podcast/live show on YouTube called Ballhawk Talk.  We also have 3 others from the clan of Larsons that pop in and out - Nick, Jack, and *maybe* Joyce. We discussed exactly what Twitter wanted us to discuss (mainly because I was too lazy to come up with show notes before getting to the field).  So thanks to @ExiledMetFan and @angel__arroyo, we covered 2016 Playoff Predictions (emphasis on Larry's Cubs), Ballhawk and Junior Ballhawk of the Year awards on myGameBalls, and personal goals/travel plans for the 2017 season.  We maybe even added a few bonus topics in there like the end of the the Robin Ventura era (this was his last game as coach of the Sox), my final farewell (?) to Trevor Plouffe, and maybe even some golf talk. For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or email me at atthegatesPODCAST@gmail.com

In this episode I am joined by... Paul Kom - the guest with the most appearances in the show's history!  Paul might as well be the co-host of this show, since he is on at least half of them. We discussed the Jose Fernandez tragedy, the 2016 Twins season, what to look forward to in the 2017 Twins season, and the 2016 playoff picture.  Thanks to last episode's sponsor, Angel!  I gave him a double shout-out since my last show was not exactly a great way to get his name out there - plus we joined the 600 club within a day of one another.  You, too, can sponsor the show - look at the Instagram account for details. For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or email me at atthegatesPODCAST@gmail.com

In this episode I am joined by... sickness and fever dreams!  I apologize in advance for the rather wandering and lackluster performance.. I discuss... what DID I discuss?  I honestly do not remember, and I'm only writing this 24 hours later.  Thanks to a new sponsor, Angel (the guy I almost met in Houston... the one without an appendix)!  You, too, can sponsor the show - look at the Instagram account for details. For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or email me at atthegatesPODCAST@gmail.com

In this episode I am joined by... Alex (aka: EverythingTwins)!  Yep, one of the same guests from the last show - a Target Field Ballhawk and all around positive person. We discuss not discussing the "Ballhawking Controversy", 2016 MLB PLayoffs and the Twins' search for their new GM and President.  Thanks to a new sponsor, Laura (from the official unofficial sponsor, The Herbivorous Butcher)!  You, too, can sponsor the show - look at the Instagram account for details. For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or email me at atthegatesPODCAST@gmail.com

In this episode I am joined by... Jared!  Remember that guy from the Atlanta episode?  You know the one, my videographer extraordinaire (I type that as we edit the video now).  Also, I am joined by Alex (aka EverythingTwins) - a Target Field Ballhawk and all around positive person. We discuss Tim Tebow (sort of begrudgingly) and the Tommy Pham/fan interaction.  Thanks to a new sponsor, Sir Eric Abneri!  You, too, can sponsor the show - look at the Instagram account for details. For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or email me at atthegatesPODCAST@gmail.com

In this episode I am joined by... Evelyn Nibbler Voda.  Evelyn, if you are unaware, is my puppy who just turned 2 years old this month.  This was her first trip to a major league ballpark, but unfortunately she could not be interviewed as she had to go back the rental unit - since she is banned from stepping foot inside of Wrigley Field.  (She has not been shy about her plans to streak and try to steal baseballs.) I discuss the second Cubs commemorative baseball in three seasons, and even have a bonus portion documenting whether I was successful in snagging one or not.  A friendly reminder to find my video chronicling my journey to Atlanta on YouTube (coming soon) will now be accompanied by a second video of the Chicago road trip! PS: I apologize for the loss of audio about half-way through.  It lasts for about 20 seconds, probably due to the rain that was falling and/or my hand placement over the microphone (or both). For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST&nbs

In this episode I am joined by... TV episode creator Mateo Fischer and author/Arkanoid enthusiast Zack Hample.  Zack was on a mini-road trip to hit some Midwest ball parks for his YouTube channel, so of course that brought some rabid Hample-ites to Minneapolis. We discuss pretty much nothing.  Minimal baseball talk is recorded as there was little to no time and loud music was making it hard to hear each other.  A friendly reminder to find my video chronicling my journey to Atlanta on YouTube (coming soon)! For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or email me at atthegatesPODCAST@gmail.com

In this episode I am joined by... THE Jared Wieseler.  My best buddy, one who goes back 14 years now (first year of college), joined me on a trip to the last Twins/Braves series ever at Turner Field. We discuss Turner Field, the new Braves stadium, and the lackluster Twins and Braves squad.  Find our video chronicling our journey to Atlanta on YouTube soon! PS: Visit Mill City Sound and The Herbivorous Butcher next time you are in Minneapolis. (@MillCitySound and @TheHerbivorousB on Twitter) For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or email me at atthegatesPODCAST@gmail.com

In this episode I am joined by... multiple personalities... or just me in numerous locations. I give brief updates of my first experience at Arizona (Cactus League) Spring Training.  As a bonus, I also come to you from the Gila River Arena, for an NHL match-up between the Arizona Coyotes and St. Louis Blues. For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or email me at atthegatesPODCAST@gmail.com

In this episode I am joined by... the unofficial second host, Paul Kom... and THE Mateo Fischer. We cover last year's playoff results, try to she dlight on what it means for the 2016 playoffs, cover all the Hot Stove progress over the winter, dissect the Twins 2016 roster, discuss TwinsFest, and finally talk about BallhawkFest 2016.  Be warned, it's a bit zany... and hopefully the podcast can keep that going in season two. For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or email me at atthegatesPODCAST@gmail.com

In this episode I am joined by... the unofficial second host, Paul Kom... AGAIN!  Paul has made it for now 4 out of the 5 shows and will always be welcomed on this podcast. Both of us predict the playoffs and crown two World Series Champions (yep, the results are different) and other random topics. For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or email me at atthegatesPODCAST@gmail.com

In this episode I am joined by... the unofficial second host, Paul Kom!  Paul has made it for 3 out of the 4 shows and will always be welcomed on this podcast. I semi-apologize for the rant about Patrick Kane.  I am sorry, since it is not 100% baseball news, but not sorry since it is a rather important message.  Please, in a male-centric part of the entertainment industry (let's face it, that what sports is), we often lose sight of the fact that we have to be sensitive, and sometimes put sports in a distant second to larger issues. Other than that rant, we get into playoffs (as the race was heating up) and other random topics. For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or email me at atthegatesPODCAST@gmail.com

In this episode I am joined by.. MYSELF!  Due to a very recent loss of a body part (appendix), my scheduled guest - Angel - was not able to join me.  We will meet up some other day down the road, I'm sure.  Where did I meet myself?  Outside of an unnamed gate at Minute Maid Park, for my first Texas ballpark experience. I ramble nonsensically aboutTal's Hill, the playoff picture, Carlos Correa, 2015 year-end awards, David Ortiz, ballhawking stuff, and a last minute recollection of road trips I have made. Please, do not make my comments about "not being the most patriotic" into "I hate America".  I was rambling and if you take it as anything negative, then you are not following what point I was trying to make: traveling the country and seeing 1000+ miles of previously unexplored places can bring almost anyone closer to where they call "home". For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or em

In this episode I am joined by Paul (again) and Greg - a ballhawk from New York... CITY!  Where did we meet?  Outside of gate 34 at Target Field, of course! We discuss such topics as Mets/Cespedes fever, Seinfeld, Ferrell Takes the Field, Pythagorean Win/Loss estimate, and of course, some ballhawkign stuff. For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or email me at atthegatesPODCAST@gmail.com

In this episode I am joined by Mateo, Paul, and Nate - all Target Field "regulars" and ballhawks - outside of gate 34 at... well, Target Field! We discuss such topics as the current playoff picture (good and bad surprise teams), David Denson, Chris Sale, and the Twins rookie pipeline. As the Twins were hosting the Houston Astros, who are using commemoraive baseballs in 2015, we also discuss the baseball itself, and lastly, cover the early front-runners for ballhawk of the year (mygameballs.com). For more coverage, visit the following: @thegatesPODCAST on Twitter @atthegatesPODCAST on Instagram plouffesnewhairdo.mlblogs.com or email me at atthegatesPODCAST@gmail.com