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On the field, Bobby Scales was known for his intelligence, leadership, baseball wisdom, and work ethic. Off the field, he is one of baseball's most respected thought-leaders and people-developers.

After retiring from professional baseball in 2012, Bobby Scales seamlessly transitioned into roles that leveraged his vast knowledge of the sport. His post-playing career has been defined by his contributions to both player development and broadcasting, proving that his expertise extends far beyond the field.

Scales moved into upper echelon player development roles with the Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates. His understanding of the game and his firsthand experience as a player made him a valuable asset in guiding young athletes. His ability to analyze the sport from multiple perspectives—both as a former player and as an executive—allowed him to make significant contributions in shaping the next generation of athletes.

Beyond his executive work, Scales has also made a name for himself in sports media. He joined the Detroit Tigers' radio team in 2023 as a broadcaster, where he provides insightful commentary and analysis during the Tigers' road trips. His presence in the Tigers' broadcast booth has added depth to the commentary, offering listeners valuable insights from someone who has experienced professional baseball at multiple levels. His ability to break down plays and explain strategies has made him an engaging and knowledgeable voice for Tigers fans.

Scales' transition into these roles showcases his adaptability, intelligence, and passion for the sport. While many former players struggle to find their footing after retirement, Scales has thrived by applying his experiences in new ways. His work in player development allows him to continue shaping the future of baseball, while his broadcasting career enables him to educate and entertain fans. Bobby demonstrates that a love for the game does not fade—it simply evolves.

This episode is available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you find your podcasts.

In this conversation, Bobby Scales shares his journey from growing up in Michigan to playing in Major League Baseball, including his time with the Chicago Cubs and his current role as a broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers. He discusses the importance of education, the challenges of the draft process, and the significance of mentorship in professional sports. Bobby reflects on his experiences in the minor leagues, the emotional rollercoaster of being called up to the big leagues, and the lessons he learned about leadership and teamwork from veteran players. In this conversation, Bobby Scales shares his journey through professional baseball, detailing his experiences from his early days in the MLB to his time in Japan and his transition into broadcasting. He discusses the cultural differences in baseball between the U.S. and Japan, the challenges of player development, and the importance of having a growth mindset. Bobby also reflects on his roles in the front office and the responsibilities that come with them, as well as his current work as a broadcaster and consultant.

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On the field, Bobby Scales was known for his intelligence, leadership, baseball wisdom, and work ethic. Off the field, Bobby Scales is one of baseball's most respected thought leaders and people-developers.

Bobby had a long career that spanned both Major League Baseball (MLB) and Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Scales played college baseball at the University of Michigan after joining the team as a walk-on before being selected by the San Diego Padres in the 14th round of the 1999 MLB Draft. After 6 years in the Padres' minor league system, he played in the minor leagues for the Philadelphia Phillies and Boston Red Sox organizations before joining the Chicago Cubs in 2008.

In 2009, Scales made headlines when he made MLB debut with the Cubs at the age of 31. His first major league hit came against Tim Lincecum, the 2008 National League Cy Young Award winner. He'd have an impact in the major leagues with the Cubs in 2009 and 2010. Scales moved to Japan to play in NPB. He joined the Hokkaido Nippon-Ham Fighters in 2011 and later played for the Orix Buffaloes in 2012.

Scales' career is a testament to his perseverance, resilience, high baseball IQ, and leadership.

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This episode is available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you find your podcasts.

In this conversation, Bobby Scales shares his journey from growing up in Michigan to playing in Major League Baseball, including his time with the Chicago Cubs and his current role as a broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers. He discusses the importance of education, the challenges of the draft process, and the significance of mentorship in professional sports. Bobby reflects on his experiences in the minor leagues, the emotional rollercoaster of being called up to the big leagues, and the lessons he learned about leadership and teamwork from veteran players. In this conversation, Bobby Scales shares his journey through professional baseball, detailing his experiences from his early days in the MLB to his time in Japan and his transition into broadcasting. He discusses the cultural differences in baseball between the U.S. and Japan, the challenges of player development, and the importance of having a growth mindset. Bobby also reflects on his roles in the front office and the responsibilities that come with them, as well as his current work as a broadcaster and consultant.


www.catchupbaseball.com

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The Campanis family has built a remarkable legacy in baseball, spanning three generations and nearly 85 years. In this conversation, we take a closer look at the life and baseball career of Jim Campanis Jr, son of Jim Sr. and grandson of Al.

Al Campanis started his baseball career in 1940 as a shortstop for the Brooklyn Dodgers. Although his playing career was brief, it was his management roles that truly defined his legacy. He became a key player in the Dodgers organization, serving as the director of player development and later as general manager. Al was known for spotting talent, he was integral in the signing and development of Roberto Clemente, Sandy Koufax, and Fernando Valenzuela. However, a controversial statement during a television interview led to backlash and his resignation in 1987.

Following in his father's footsteps, Jim Campanis has lived a life baseball. He played professionally for twelve seasons, reaching the Majors in seven, and later became a respected member of the Dodgers' front office and the Los Angeles baseball community.

Born into baseball, Jim Campanis Jr. stands as the most recent torchbearer of the Campanis legacy in baseball. Drawing on the strong foundation established by his father and grandfather, he forged his own path in the sport. Jim was a star at the University of Southern California. He's second to Mark McGwire on USC's single-season home run list and still holds the school record for RBI in a season. Following his junior season in 1988, Jim was selected to represent his country on Team USA, but was also selected by the Seattle Mariners in the third round of the MLB draft.

The Mariners talked Jim Jr. out of representing his country at the Olympics in favor of beginning his pro career. He would play five-injury plagued seasons in the Mariners' minor league system before finishing off his career in 1994 with one season in the Angels' organization. Jim would later post stories of his childhood emersed in the game of baseball, as well as stories from his own playing days, on his social media accounts. For years, commenters told him he should write a book. In 2016, he would finally publish Born into Baseball.

Born into Baseball is available here: https://amzn.to/4kfJNU8

This episode is available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you find your podcasts.


Summary:
In this engaging conversation, Jim Campanis Jr. shares his unique journey through the world of baseball, growing up in a family deeply rooted in the sport. From his early experiences at his father's and grandfather's games to his own professional career, Jim reflects on the challenges and triumphs he faced, including the pressures of rebuilding his family's legacy. He discusses his time at USC, the struggles of professional baseball, and the importance of mental performance techniques like visualization and managing anxiety.