Mike Bates
@mikebatestwibh.bsky.social
Podcaster for This Week In Baseball History (@TWIBHistory.bsky.social). Almost used to be A Guy. Enthusiastic SABR member/evangelist. Proud and grieving dad.
I guess this is probably as good as MLB can do in this case. I don't blame the league for the fact that sports betting is allowed, or for not anticipating this specific problem.
I do blame them for turning so many broadcasts and ballpark experiences into obnoxious extended ads for gambling.
I do blame them for turning so many broadcasts and ballpark experiences into obnoxious extended ads for gambling.
Following this weekend’s indictments of Emmanuel Clase and Luis Ortiz, MLB has announced that, in collaboration with major sports books, single pitch wagers are being capped at $200 and excluded from all parlays:
November 10, 2025 at 9:24 PM
I guess this is probably as good as MLB can do in this case. I don't blame the league for the fact that sports betting is allowed, or for not anticipating this specific problem.
I do blame them for turning so many broadcasts and ballpark experiences into obnoxious extended ads for gambling.
I do blame them for turning so many broadcasts and ballpark experiences into obnoxious extended ads for gambling.
I think I have to revamp my feed on this thing. I miss people talking about baseball.
November 10, 2025 at 8:50 PM
I think I have to revamp my feed on this thing. I miss people talking about baseball.
God, throwing you whole lucrative career away for a five grand! All thoughtful commentary about gambling and baseball aside, what fucking morons.
November 9, 2025 at 7:13 PM
God, throwing you whole lucrative career away for a five grand! All thoughtful commentary about gambling and baseball aside, what fucking morons.
Another victory for those of us who do stupid and incomprehensible things for the sake of freedom.
BREAKING: A man who threw a sandwich at a federal agent during Trump’s law enforcement surge in Washington, D.C., is found not guilty of assault.
Man who threw sandwich at federal agent in Washington is found not guilty of assault charge
A former Justice Department employee who threw a sandwich at a federal agent during President Donald Trump’s law enforcement surge in Washington has been found not guilty of assault.
bit.ly
November 6, 2025 at 8:39 PM
Another victory for those of us who do stupid and incomprehensible things for the sake of freedom.
So, here's a thing I wasn't able to talk about publicly until now:
In late August, I was visiting family in Minnesota and we all went out to dinner. As we were leaving, there was a Cybertruck in the parking lot of the restaurant. Well, I'd had a couple bourbons and was feeling my oats, so...
In late August, I was visiting family in Minnesota and we all went out to dinner. As we were leaving, there was a Cybertruck in the parking lot of the restaurant. Well, I'd had a couple bourbons and was feeling my oats, so...
November 6, 2025 at 4:35 PM
So, here's a thing I wasn't able to talk about publicly until now:
In late August, I was visiting family in Minnesota and we all went out to dinner. As we were leaving, there was a Cybertruck in the parking lot of the restaurant. Well, I'd had a couple bourbons and was feeling my oats, so...
In late August, I was visiting family in Minnesota and we all went out to dinner. As we were leaving, there was a Cybertruck in the parking lot of the restaurant. Well, I'd had a couple bourbons and was feeling my oats, so...
Let's talk about the astronaut using a fork. You're telling me you're brave enough to go to space, but are afraid to get your hands saucy? Out the airlock with you!
This should be our Sputnik Moment v.2, but we're no longer a serious country. bsky.app/profile/popp...
Chinese astronauts become the first to grill wings in space, paving the way for future uncstronauts
November 4, 2025 at 9:04 PM
Let's talk about the astronaut using a fork. You're telling me you're brave enough to go to space, but are afraid to get your hands saucy? Out the airlock with you!
But I'll take what I can get!
November 4, 2025 at 7:20 PM
But I'll take what I can get!
Ultimately, this is for the best. I don't know a lot, but from what I've heard it sounds like they aren't very fun to spend time with.
Bad Company won't reunite for their Rock Hall induction after all
Bad Company Won’t Reunite For Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame Performance After All
Bad Company are getting into the Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame this weekend, but they won’t be getting back together for it.
www.stereogum.com
November 3, 2025 at 8:27 PM
Ultimately, this is for the best. I don't know a lot, but from what I've heard it sounds like they aren't very fun to spend time with.
Thinking about this a lot right now in relation to...family stuff, and hoping I'm giving my daughter enough love and support to counteract the failure of others so she can be healthy. It's amazing how much our lives, and what I've had to become concerned about, have changed in the last 4+ years.
Parents don’t need to have all the answers, don’t need to be perfect, but ought to be kind and humane. The stakes are everything. It helps to think of the reasons why a person is the way they are, what trauma informed their issues. In his case, betrayed by the person who was supposed to nurture him.
November 3, 2025 at 6:59 PM
Thinking about this a lot right now in relation to...family stuff, and hoping I'm giving my daughter enough love and support to counteract the failure of others so she can be healthy. It's amazing how much our lives, and what I've had to become concerned about, have changed in the last 4+ years.
I'm not a lawyer, so is this how following a court order works? "Your honor, I will stay 500 feet away from my accuser half the time."
JUST IN: Courts ordered SNAP payments to restart, and the Trump administration said Monday the food benefits would be half the normal payment. About 1 in 8 U.S. residents get an average of $187 a month per person on SNAP.
SNAP benefits will restart, but it will be half the normal payment
Courts ordered SNAP payments to restart, and the Trump administration said Monday the food benefits would be half the normal payment. About 1 in 8 U.S. residents get an average of $187 a month per person on SNAP.
n.pr
November 3, 2025 at 6:06 PM
I'm not a lawyer, so is this how following a court order works? "Your honor, I will stay 500 feet away from my accuser half the time."
Max Scherzer was and is a wonder. Yesterday, I raked for an hour and today my rotator cuff called a press conference to say that it was retiring.
November 3, 2025 at 2:25 PM
Max Scherzer was and is a wonder. Yesterday, I raked for an hour and today my rotator cuff called a press conference to say that it was retiring.
Belated congratulations to the Dodgers on their win and to the Blue Jays on an incredible season and World Series. And, as if in response, we turn back the clock so it starts getting late early.
November 3, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Belated congratulations to the Dodgers on their win and to the Blue Jays on an incredible season and World Series. And, as if in response, we turn back the clock so it starts getting late early.
Back when I was a clubhouse manager for Williamsport, I listened to Art Bell so many late nights driving across Pennsylvania in the dark to get home. God, it was amazing. Always kept me awake and engaged and mind-boggled.
Art Bell was…something
October 30, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Back when I was a clubhouse manager for Williamsport, I listened to Art Bell so many late nights driving across Pennsylvania in the dark to get home. God, it was amazing. Always kept me awake and engaged and mind-boggled.
That live action Last Airbender reboot has gotten wild.
October 30, 2025 at 4:20 PM
That live action Last Airbender reboot has gotten wild.
I guess the good news is that the Nationals only have one player under contract in 2026 (Trevor Williams) who will be older than their new skipper, so it'll still feel kinda normal for most of them.
October 30, 2025 at 3:16 PM
I guess the good news is that the Nationals only have one player under contract in 2026 (Trevor Williams) who will be older than their new skipper, so it'll still feel kinda normal for most of them.
Cool, I guess, though I doubt this really changes much going forward. At least we know Shelton can handle losing a lot, if the team continues in its current direction.
🚨 Emergency podcast 🚨
Derek Shelton is the 15th manager in Twins history, replacing Rocco Baldelli after once being his bench coach.
We break down what Shelton brings to the table, why the Twins picked him, and how it connects dots about their future.
www.patreon.com/posts/derek-...
Derek Shelton is the 15th manager in Twins history, replacing Rocco Baldelli after once being his bench coach.
We break down what Shelton brings to the table, why the Twins picked him, and how it connects dots about their future.
www.patreon.com/posts/derek-...
Derek Shelton Hired as Twins Manager | Gleeman and the Geek
Get more from Gleeman and the Geek on Patreon
www.patreon.com
October 30, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Cool, I guess, though I doubt this really changes much going forward. At least we know Shelton can handle losing a lot, if the team continues in its current direction.
Wait, so this Butera has no connection to the Sal and Drew Buteras who played in the majors, but also has a dad named Sal who played in the minors? Stop it. I cannot keep track of more than one Sal Butera.
October 30, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Wait, so this Butera has no connection to the Sal and Drew Buteras who played in the majors, but also has a dad named Sal who played in the minors? Stop it. I cannot keep track of more than one Sal Butera.
Reposted by Mike Bates
I wish Max Scherzer could be a National again just to see what happens the first time Blake Butera comes out to get him mid-inning
October 30, 2025 at 3:04 PM
I wish Max Scherzer could be a National again just to see what happens the first time Blake Butera comes out to get him mid-inning
As great as last night was for Trey Yesavage and the Blue Jays, I was most grateful last night for all the proof of life shots of Sandy Koufax looking tanned, healthy and well.
October 30, 2025 at 1:48 PM
As great as last night was for Trey Yesavage and the Blue Jays, I was most grateful last night for all the proof of life shots of Sandy Koufax looking tanned, healthy and well.
Fun World Series trivia question we asked at our last Zoom Hangout for @twibhistory.bsky.social:
There are 3 players who have won a WS with both the Blue Jays and the Dodgers. Name them.
There are 3 players who have won a WS with both the Blue Jays and the Dodgers. Name them.
October 24, 2025 at 6:02 PM
Fun World Series trivia question we asked at our last Zoom Hangout for @twibhistory.bsky.social:
There are 3 players who have won a WS with both the Blue Jays and the Dodgers. Name them.
There are 3 players who have won a WS with both the Blue Jays and the Dodgers. Name them.
It's been a long and lonely season for so many of them. Glad this is finally being addressed.
hey now, don't threaten American baseball writers with a good time, MLB PR
October 22, 2025 at 6:42 PM
It's been a long and lonely season for so many of them. Glad this is finally being addressed.
Is JD Vance wearing guyliner? I need an indepth report.
Vice President JD Vance is in Israel to address challenges in the Gaza ceasefire. And, the demolition of the East Wing of the White House has drawn criticism and raised questions about ethics. n.pr/4qlSXC7
VP Vance tries to progress Gaza ceasefire. And, White House demolition draws critics
Vice President JD Vance is in Israel to address challenges in the Gaza ceasefire. And, the demolition of the East Wing of the White House has drawn criticism and raised questions about ethics.
n.pr
October 22, 2025 at 2:06 PM
Is JD Vance wearing guyliner? I need an indepth report.
In hopes to disconnect with individuality and choice, I'm outsourcing my choice for journal colors for this self-care activity I'm being asked to do at work. What do you think I should get?
October 20, 2025 at 2:02 PM
In hopes to disconnect with individuality and choice, I'm outsourcing my choice for journal colors for this self-care activity I'm being asked to do at work. What do you think I should get?