The Major League Baseball Players Association has a rich history dating back to its inception under founding executive director Marvin Miller in 1966. The MLBPA's Stitch x Stitch Podcast seeks to tell that story through the eyes of Players, who share their personal recollections of the union's early growth, nine strikes and lockouts, and the contributions of Miller, Curt Flood, Andy Messersmith, and so many other groundbreaking figures.
For this project we've interviewed Players whose careers cover a span of seven decades, and collected an oral history that charts the union's path and the bonds that unite Players across generations.
Pitch by pitch. Stitch by Stitch.
Kent Tekulve on the "We Are Family" Pirates, life in the labor trenches, and the importance of paying it forward
In this episode of "Stitch x Stitch'' we connect with Kent Tekulve, one of the most durable and efficient closers in Major League Baseball history. With his lanky frame, aviator glasses and submarine delivery, the man called "Teke'' was a true baseball original. He overcame long odds to amass 184 saves in 1,050 career appearances, achieving his signature moment when he recorded the final out in the Pirates' 1979 World Series win over the Orioles. Tekulve endeared himself to teammates and fans with his everyman persona and self-effacing humor, but he always rose to the occasion. He took an active role in Players Association leadership and was instrumental in helping the players navigate strikes, lockouts and numerous other tests to their unity and resolve. On the mound and in the bargaining room, he never backed down from a challenge.
“Stitch x Stitch’’ is part of a year-long recognition of the 60th anniversary of the union’s founding under executive director Marvin Miller. The weekly podcast is hosted by Jerry Crasnick, associate director of player, agent and media affairs at the MLBPA and a former baseball journalist for more than 30 years. Previous guests include the late Phil Garner, Reggie Smith, Dave Stewart and Rick Monday, the No. 1 pick in the first MLB amateur draft in 1965.
PROTECT. DEFEND. ADVANCE.
The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) represents all Major and Minor League Baseball players employed by the 30 MLB clubs. We collectively bargain, protect and advance player rights, amplify player voices, and help shape the future of the game.
Website: https://www.mlbplayers.com ️ Podcast: https://www.mlbplayers.com/podcast
Follow the MLBPA:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlbpa
X: https://x.com/mlbpa
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MLBPA
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MLBPA
Stay connected for player stories, exclusive content, podcasts, videos, community initiatives, and the latest MLBPA news.
10 Oct 2026
Jay Bell on the highs, lows and in betweens of two decades in pro ball
In this episode of “Stitch x Stitch” we connect with Jay Bell, a two-time All-Star, Gold Glover, Silver Slugger and 2001 World Series champion over 18 major league seasons. Jay was active in union leadership for much of his career and played a pivotal role in 1994-95, when players held firm during a 232-strike in opposition to a salary cap. As National League player representative, Jay articulated many of the players’ positions publicly, while constantly dispensing information and keeping his fellow players focused and unified behind the scenes. His commitment never wavered, on or off the field.
“Stitch x Stitch’’ is part of a year-long recognition of the 60th anniversary of the union’s founding under executive director Marvin Miller. The weekly podcast is hosted by Jerry Crasnick, associate director of player, agent and media affairs at the MLBPA and a former baseball journalist for more than 30 years. Previous guests include the late Phil Garner, Reggie Smith, Dave Stewart and Rick Monday, the No. 1 pick in the first MLB amateur draft in 1965.
5 Oct 2026
Ed Lynch on Seaver, Staub, and his baseball education, on and off the field
This week's guest is Ed Lynch, whose passion for the game never wavered across decades as a player, front office executive and scout. Ed grew up a Mets fan in the 1960s and later had the privilege of pitching in the same rotation as his boyhood idol, Tom Seaver. He received an education in baseball labor history from another Mets great, Rusty Staub, and immersed himself in his role as the team's player representative. After his retirement in 1987, Ed obtained his law degree from the University of Miami. He worked in player development in San Diego, spent years as a scout in Chicago and Toronto, and was the Cubs’ general manager during the 1994-95 strike. But he’ll never stop thinking like a player. As Ed told us, “It'll never leave me. I was a player too long.’’
“Stitch x Stitch’’ is part of a year-long recognition of the 60th anniversary of the union’s founding under executive director Marvin Miller. The weekly podcast is hosted by Jerry Crasnick, associate director of player, agent and media affairs at the MLBPA and a former baseball journalist for more than 30 years. Previous guests include the late Phil Garner, Reggie Smith, Dave Stewart and Rick Monday, the No. 1 pick in the first MLB amateur draft in 1965.
Future episodes will recognize the contributions of Miller, Curt Flood, Andy Messersmith, Dave McNally, Catfish Hunter and numerous other baseball trailblazers, while emphasizing the bond players share and the mission that has united them across generations.
“Stitch by Stitch’’ is available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.
Reach and audience
Public platform figures. Ratings count people who left a rating, not total listeners.
Apple Podcasts (US)
4.8 / 5
6 ratings
Spotify
5.0 / 5
6 ratings
Contact The Clashing Identidades Podcast
Guest appearances
Books guests
Based on episode analysis; this does not confirm that the show is currently accepting guests.
Host of The Clashing Identidades Podcast?
Claim your podcast to manage its listing and keep your show details accurate.
Pod Engine is an independent podcast discovery and analytics service and is not affiliated with or endorsed by this podcast. Artwork and show content belong to their owners. Full legal notice.
Explore this show Podcast research with Pod Engine
