MLB Star A-Rod, AJ Andrews Seek WBC Passion to Prevent Lockout Harm

MLB球星A-Rod与AJ Andrews盼借WBC激情化解停摆冲击 MLB必须借鉴世界棒球经典赛无拘无束的情感表达并拓展幕后内容，以保持球迷增长并抵消潜在停摆风险。 解说员兼前职业垒球明星AJ Andrews与Alex Rodriguez及Jason Kelly共同探讨了如何借助球员的真实个性以及世界棒球经典赛（WBC）中无拘无束的情感表达，推动棒球与垒球运动的发展。她强调，在转播覆盖面扩大以及明星球员获得NIL（姓名、形象与肖像权）合作的推动下，大学和职业垒球迎来了爆发式增长。Andrews还回顾了自己从中外野手转型至解说席的历程，分享了运动员出身的解说员如何为赛事报道带来深刻的战术洞见与共情力。此外，嘉宾们还探讨了实现MLB球迷互动模式现代化的设想，并结合她在MLB Network《Play Ball》节目中的主持经历探讨了青少年的参与。 AJ Andrews 指出，MLB 若要吸引年轻一代并维持增长势头，需充分展现球员场外的真实个性与独特爱好，例如展现亨特·格林（Hunter Greene）的艺术才华及威利·亚当斯（Willy Adames）对建筑的热情。 (0:01) Andrews 与 A-Rod 认为，联盟应当拥抱世界棒球经典赛（WBC）中充满激情的氛围，推崇甩棒、跑垒庆祝、个性化装备并放宽仪容限制，以传递赛事所承载的深厚国家荣誉感。 (1:08) 大学垒球在扩大电视转播范围后收视迎来爆发式增长，而职业垒球联盟（AUSL）在前马林鱼队总经理金·昂（Kim Ng）带领下正在向城市主队制扩张，并依托 MLB 的转播支持与 NIL 商业赞助进入全新发展阶段。 (8:04) 退役运动员转型解说能够凭借亲身经验为转播带来专业信誉与战术细节，评论员应以共情视角拆解复杂的高难度动作，并通过针对青少年的互动式节目培养新生代球迷。 (12:17)

Broadcaster and former collegiate softball star AJ Andrews, alongside co-host Alex Rodriguez, argues that baseball and softball must drive future growth by embracing uninhibited player authenticity, expanded media access, and dedicated athlete storytelling. They contend that modernizing traditional on-field etiquette and spotlighting players' off-field identities are critical steps to engaging younger, global audiences. Embracing Emotional Expression and Player Identity (1:08) Andrews advocates that Major League Baseball move away from rigid, traditional notions of "playing the right way" and adopt the uninhibited emotional energy displayed during the World Baseball Classic. Pointing to the tournament's playoff-caliber atmosphere, she argues that allowing players to express raw emotion through bat flips, energetic celebrations, custom equipment, and relaxed grooming policies—such as permitting beards—is vital for connecting with younger audiences. The WBC also demonstrated the profound commercial and cultural resonance of representation; Rodriguez noted that during Fox analyst debates with David Ortiz and Derek Jeter, Ortiz emphasized that winning the WBC carries greater emotional significance for Latin American countries like the Dominican Republic and Venezuela than winning an MLB World Series. Beyond in-game celebrations, Andrews emphasizes the marketing value of revealing athletes' off-field dimensions. Rather than keeping players hidden behind helmets and uniform standards, she highlights Cincinnati Reds pitcher Hunter Greene's accomplishments as an artist and infielder Willy Adames' passion for architecture. Spotlighting these distinct individual interests humanizes players and establishes authentic, relatable connections with fans. Professionalizing Softball Through Storylines and Investment (6:14) Reflecting on her collegiate career at LSU, Andrews explains how women's softball disproved broadcast assumptions regarding whether viewership or television inventory must come first. Early in her college career, television coverage was largely confined to the Women's College World Series; by her senior year, broadcasts routinely included regionals and super regionals. Andrews describes this progression as a "supernova" that allowed fans to follow full tournament narratives, proving that sustained broadcast placement reliably attracts baseball viewers due to softball's fast pace and quick reaction times. At the professional level, the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) is shifting from a barnstorming schedule toward six city-based franchises under commissioner Kim Ng, supported by MLB financial backing and broadcast distribution. Andrews argues that professional softball must emulate the WNBA by investing in individualized star narratives rather than reducing athletes to female equivalents of male baseball players. She cites Texas Tech pitcher NiJaree Canady's historic $1 million Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) agreement—partnered with Patrick Mahomes—and slugger Bri Ellis as prime examples of players who warrant dedicated, star-focused coverage. Translating Field Mechanics Through Empathy (14:51) Both Andrews and Rodriguez point out that while former athletes bring immediate technical credibility to broadcasting, they must communicate with empathy to avoid alienating viewers. Rodriguez explains that because modern broadcast cameras can slow down footage 500 times across 25 angles, elite fielding can appear misleadingly simple, causing retired commentators to forget the sport's actual difficulty. To keep analysis grounded, Rodriguez visualized explaining strategy to his young daughters, while Andrews stresses that analysts should explain the physical adjustments a player must make instead of merely highlighting mistakes. To demonstrate the subtle difficulties hidden from casual fans, Andrews recounts moving from center field to left field, where facing a left-handed hitter against a screwball pitcher forces the ball to tail to the left, conflicting with an outfielder's natural initial break to the right. Rodriguez echoes this challenge, noting that his transition from shortstop to third base with the New York Yankees altered pop-up trajectories from predictable paths to sharp slices that bent toward the upper deck, eventually leading him to yield complex pop-ups to Derek Jeter. Youth Engagement and Access Amid Labor Uncertainty (17:52) To build long-term affinity among younger demographics, Andrews focuses on relatable mechanics as the four-year host of MLB Network's Saturday morning program Play Ball. The broadcast pairs player interviews with hands-on demonstrations of signature techniques—such as Trea Turner's smooth sliding style and Aaron Judge's home-run-robbing catches—breaking down high-level athletic fundamentals into digestible concepts for children. Rodriguez argues that MLB must complement these efforts by significantly expanding behind-the-scenes access, suggesting that opening up pre-game clubhouse preparation for stars like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge represents an untapped multi-billion dollar media property. These audience-building efforts take on added urgency amid shared concerns between Rodriguez and Kelly regarding a potential MLB labor stoppage following the expiration of the collective bargaining agreement after the 2026 season—a period in which Andrews notes fans could pivot their attention to professional softball. While Major League Baseball navigates the challenge of maintaining fan momentum against a looming 2026 collective bargaining deadline, the participants conclude that the broader sport's cultural reach depends on institutional willingness to lift traditional restrictions, provide intimate player access, and support the rapidly professionalizing footprint of women's softball.

前职业垒球运动员兼棒球解说员AJ Andrews与Alex Rodriguez在节目中指出，棒球与垒球若要持续扩大受众群体，必须打破传统教条，通过展现球员个人真实特质、拓展幕后内容及借鉴国际赛事热情来吸引年轻观众；同时，女子大学及职业垒球正借助媒体转播与明星化叙事迎来爆发式增长。 释放球员个性与接纳赛场真情实感 (0:01) Andrews强调，职业棒球大联盟（MLB）如果想拓宽受众，就不能再将球员隐藏在头盔之后，而应主动呈现他们场外的真实面貌与意想不到的特长，例如将投球手Hunter Greene展现为艺术创作者，或把内野手Willy Adames介绍为建筑爱好者。她与Rodriguez共同主张，联盟需要打破过时、僵化的“以正确方式打球”的清规戒律，放松如洋基队禁止蓄胡等外貌限制，并鼓励甩棒、奔跑庆祝以及定制球鞋等彰显个性的表达方式，以拉近与年轻群体的距离。 借鉴经典赛狂热与国际认同感 (1:08) 回顾世界棒球经典赛（WBC）在迈阿密的盛况，Andrews与Rodriguez均认为其展现出如同季后赛般的极高对抗强度与情绪感染力。Rodriguez指出，在福克斯体育台的讨论中，他和David Ortiz向Derek Jeter等同行阐述过，对委内瑞拉和多米尼加等拉美国家而言，赢得经典赛冠军的情感分量甚至超过获得世界大赛冠军；全球球迷最渴望的是看到代表自身族裔背景与生活挣扎的精英运动员在顶级舞台竞逐。Andrews认为，MLB常规赛应当汲取并保留经典赛中不受拘束的国家自豪感与狂热氛围。 大学垒球转播突破与职业联赛发展 (6:14) 谈及女子垒球的发展路径，Andrews以自己在路易斯安那州立大学（LSU）打球的经历说明，早年全美电视转播仅局限于女子大学世界大赛（WCWS），但随着全国转播迅速覆盖到大区赛与超级大区赛，垒球项目打破了“先有收视率还是先有转播排期”的僵局，凭借更快的节奏与高技术防守实现了爆发式增长。在职业层面，前迈阿密马林鱼队总经理Kim Ng出任美国无限制垒球联盟（AUSL）专员，推动联赛由巡回赛制转型为6支城市球队的主客场制，并获得MLB在转播发行与资金上的支持。Andrews提出，垒球应借鉴WNBA的造星经验，为获得由Patrick Mahomes支持的百万美元NIL赞助的德克萨斯理工大学投手NiJaree Canady等杰出运动员量身打造明星叙事，而非将其仅视为男子明星的附庸。 运动员视角解说与青少年受众培育 (12:17) 退役运动员转型为媒体人能够为赛事分析注入独特的专业度与同理心。Andrews表示，前职业选手不仅能解释场上发生了什么，更能剖析失误背后的技术细节，例如外野手根据左打者与螺旋球旋转轨迹预判球向左侧漂移的微观逻辑；Rodriguez也指出，解说员需用浅显方式向大众拆解高难度动作，避免因电视慢动作回放而低估实际操作的艰巨度。此外，Andrews连续四年主持MLB Network面向儿童的周六节目《Play Ball》，通过采访球星童年经历以及拆解Trea Turner的滑垒、Aaron Judge的没收全垒打防守等招牌动作，降低技战术理解门槛，培养下一代受众对棒球的兴趣。 拓展赛前内容价值与潜在停摆风险 (19:12) 针对维持棒球项目发展势头并应对2026赛季劳资协议到期后的潜在停摆风险，Rodriguez提倡“多即是多”的球迷互动理念，建议联盟进一步开放限制，将赛前更衣室中Shohei Ohtani、Aaron Judge等球星的备战过程打造为极具价值的多媒体产品。对于Kelly提及的停摆担忧，嘉宾们认为劳资冲突存在发生概率，但Andrews指出，在此期间球迷依然可以关注AUSL等快速崛起的垒球赛事或相关衍生节目，继续保持对棒垒球运动的关注与热情。 该讨论指明了棒垒球运动向文化个性化、赛事国际化及明星叙事转型的路径，但联盟管理层在赛前媒体开放度上的推进力度，以及2026年劳资协议谈判能否避免停摆，仍是直接关乎其增长势头能否维系的核心未决问题。

## Background 本期视频由彭博旗下的 Bloomberg Originals 于 2026 年 5 月 21 日发布在 YouTube 平台。节目中，主持人 Jason Kelly 与传奇球星 Alex Rodriguez（A-Rod）共同对话金手套得主、MLB 赛事评论员 AJ Andrews，深入探讨大联盟的增长势头、女子垒球的迅猛崛起，以及真实叙事对培育下一代球迷的关键作用。 ## TL;DR 访谈围绕棒球与垒球的破圈发展与商业未来展开。AJ Andrews 与 A-Rod 结合 WBC 世界棒球经典赛的狂热氛围，呼吁大联盟“摘下球员头盔”，鼓励场上个性释放与甩棒文化，并开放更衣室以展现球员场外多元魅力；同时，针对女子大学垒球收视热潮与 AUSL 职业联赛转型，深入探讨了向 WNBA 借鉴叙事塑造球星的路径。双方还交流了从职业运动员转型一线赛事解说的同理心与技术视界，并就 2026 年潜在的劳资停摆危机分享了幽默而敏锐的行业洞察。 ## Atmosphere & style 对话氛围专业深厚却又极为生动风趣，洋溢着佛罗里达老乡与同获金手套殊荣的同行之间的默契与温情。A-Rod 自嘲留胡子、聊三垒高飞球的“心理阴影”，与 AJ 机敏幽默的互动频频引发全场欢笑；而谈及文化认同、家国荣光与女子运动破圈时，情感又极具感染力与穿透力，让听众在欢声笑语中深刻感受到竞技体育底层的人文力量与商业激荡。 ## Bulletin - [00:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1s) 大联盟面临 2026 赛季结束后潜在的劳资谈判停摆危机，需通过释放赛场个性与深度叙事维持当前受众增长势头。 - [08:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=484s) 女子职业垒球联盟（AUSL）在首位女性专员 Kim Ng 领导下加速扩张，从巡回赛模式转向 6 支拥有固定主场城市的传统职业建制，并获 MLB 转播与资金支持。 - [06:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=374s) 大学女垒依靠全阶段电视转播破除“先有受众还是先有转播”的迷思，NiJaree Canady 等新生代球星斩获百万美元级 NIL 赞助，展现巨大商业势能。 - [19:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1148s) Alex Rodriguez 与 AJ Andrews 呼吁大联盟彻底打破保守传统，大力推广甩棒庆祝并解密赛前更衣室，打造百亿美元级媒体资产。 ## Key takeaways - [00:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1s) 棒球运动破局的核心在于打破刻板印象，展现球员在击球头盔之下的真实个性和场外多维才华。 - [00:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1s) 2026 赛季大联盟面临关键十字路口，避免劳资协议停摆与维系年轻受众增长成为行业头等大事。 - [01:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=102s) 世界棒球经典赛（WBC）的成功证明，允许球员尽情宣泄激情与承载民族文化自豪感能激发远超常规赛事的狂热氛围。 - [06:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=374s) 大学女子垒球通过将转播权扩展至全赛段，打破了“受众与曝光谁先谁后”的传统困局，形成稳固粉丝黏性。 - [06:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=374s) 女子垒球具备紧凑场地、极速反应和爆发力击球等天然观赏属性，正在迎来属于自身的爆发期。 - [08:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=484s) 女子职业垒球应汲取 WNBA 的叙事策略，赋予女运动员展现掌控赛场的强者形象，而非仅仅打上“女版某球星”标签。 - [09:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=579s) NIL 机制催生了大学女子垒球的百万美元身价明星，通过长周期纪实跟踪有助于将大学受众无缝引流至职业联赛。 - [12:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=737s) 前奥运奖牌得主 Jessica Mendoza 的提点推动了 AJ Andrews 从体育经纪人志向转型为全美知名体育解说员。 - [13:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=826s) 退役运动员转型解说兼具专业洞察与球员信任优势，但需谨防脱离普通受众，应始终保持同理心与通俗表达。 - [13:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=826s) 外野接螺旋球的漂移轨迹与洋基球场三垒的旋转高飞球，印证了唯有亲历者才能拆解出的赛场微观硬核细节。 - [17:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1063s) MLB Network 儿童栏目《Play Ball》通过球星深度拆解动作和趣味互动，致力于从娃娃抓起培育新一代棒球迷。 - [19:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1148s) 大联盟应当开放更衣室并鼓励甩棒庆祝，赛前准备日常与现场个性释放蕴含着数十亿美元的未开发媒体价值。 - [21:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1260s) 若大联盟在 2026 年爆发劳资停摆，球迷转向蓬勃发展的女职垒联赛（AUSL）将成为可行的替代方案。 - [21:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1260s) AJ Andrews 坚定认为垒球的比赛节奏与滑行接杀体验具有不可替代性，即便重选依然会坚持选择垒球路线。 ## Detailed walkthrough ### [00:01](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1s) 展现面具下的真实：球员个性与棒球的新动力 对话从对现代棒球发展路径的深刻洞察切入。AJ Andrews 强调，棒球运动若想在现有势头之上更进一步，关键在于打破刻板印象，让球员展现最真实的一面。球迷渴望看到击球头盔之下真实的个体与他们的场外热爱——例如辛辛那提红人队投手 Hunter Greene 是一位才华横溢的艺术家，密尔沃基酿酒人队内野手 Willy Adames 则对建筑设计情有独钟。挖掘并传播这些赛场之外的丰富故事，不仅能拉近球员与大众的距离，也能让这项运动焕发更加立体的生命力。 随着节目正式开场，主持人 Jason Kelly 与传奇球星 Alex Rodriguez 共同引出本期核心议题。A-Rod 坦言，每当面对自己敬重的业内人士时，心头总盘旋着两大关键拷问：其一，大联盟如何在 2026 赛季结束后避免劳资谈判破裂带来的停摆危机；其二，棒球界该如何延续过去数月积累的强劲上升势头。作为前路易斯安那州立大学（LSU）垒球名将、首位荣获罗林斯金手套奖（Rawlings Gold Glove Award）的女性运动员，转型为大联盟解说员的 AJ Andrews 无疑为这些行业命题带来了独到视角。 A-Rod 与 AJ 在寒暄中迅速拉近了距离。两人不仅都是佛罗里达老乡（AJ 来自坦帕，A-Rod 来自迈阿密），更共享着金手套得主与职业棒球媒体人的多重身份。更重要的是，他们都在迈阿密亲历了 2023 年世界棒球经典赛（WBC）的狂欢。以此为起点，双方深入探讨了棒球运动与现代体育商业当下的交汇点。 - **行业核心痛点**：如何在 2026 赛季后规避大联盟劳资停摆，并维系当前来之不易的商业与受众增长势头。 - **嘉宾独特性**：AJ Andrews 兼具女子垒球顶尖运动员（金手套奖得主）与大联盟一线赛事评论员的双重视角。 --- ### [01:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=102s) WBC 的震撼洗礼：赛场个性释放与民族文化认同 谈及迈阿密马林鱼主场举办的世界棒球经典赛（WBC），AJ Andrews 形容那是她在棒球圈感受过的“最狂热、最震撼的赛场氛围之一”，每一场比赛都充斥着堪比季后赛甚至世界大赛抢七大战的张力。她指出，大联盟常规赛亟须汲取这种能量，允许球员在场上自由宣泄激情——无论是击出全垒打后的甩棒庆祝（pimping it）、激情四溢的绕垒狂奔，还是个性的球鞋与装备涂装。她甚至打趣道，如今连一向以严格传统著称的纽约洋基队都放开了蓄须禁令，这类包容现代潮流的举措对吸引年轻一代球迷至关重要；A-Rod 则借机自嘲自己至今还在努力留胡子，AJ 随即机智补刀称“胡子有时就是某些男士的化妆品”，引得现场一片欢笑。 除了竞技本身，WBC 更展现出文化认同的磅礴力量。AJ 笑称自己在赛事期间仿佛“被委内瑞拉人收养了”，不仅在当地球迷中收获了超高人气，还深度爱上了委内瑞拉传统美食阿瑞巴玉米饼（arepas）。她深切感受到，无论美国队、多米尼加队还是委内瑞拉队的拥趸，球迷最底层的渴望是被看见与被代表：多米尼加球迷伴随加勒比乐器起舞，委内瑞拉球迷挥舞旗帜呐喊，以及 Aaron Judge 手持星条旗入场的庄严瞬间，都是对自己文化印记的淋漓尽致展现。 针对这一点，A-Rod 分享了他在 FOX 体育解说台上的亲身经历。在赛前节目中，他与 David Ortiz（Big Papi）曾竭力向同台的 Derek Jeter 和 Kevin Burkhardt 解释：对于多米尼加或委内瑞拉的球员与民众而言，WBC 的分量往往“超越了世界大赛（World Series）”。AJ 对此深表赞同，直言这绝非夸大其词的主观臆想，而是球员们发自肺腑的真情流露。对于许多拉美球员来说，与经历过相同苦难、有着相同肤色和成长轨迹的同胞并肩为国争光，其精神意义堪比奥运盛会，这种背负家国期许的分量是商业联盟冠军戒指无法替代的。 --- ### [06:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=374s) 大学女子垒球的破圈：打破电视转播的“鸡生蛋”困局 话题转向女子垒球运动的演进与 AJ 自身的大学生涯。她在路易斯安那州立大学（LSU）效力期间，恰好亲历了大学女子垒球受关注度几何级暴增的拐点。AJ 在大一和大四两次随队杀入女子垒球大学世界大赛（WCWS）。她回忆道，自己大一时全美电视转播基本仅局限于最终的 WCWS 阶段或极少数的超级区域赛（Super Regionals）；但到了她大四那年，从区域赛（Regionals）、超级区域赛到八强决战全部实现了全美电视直播。 转播覆盖面的跃升直接重塑了赛事的粉丝生态。当观众能从资格赛一路陪伴某位选手或队伍成长时，情感纽带便牢固建立起来。AJ 指出，体育界长期存在一个关于“鸡生蛋还是蛋生鸡”的陈腐论调——究竟是先给女运动员转播曝光平台，还是等有了足够收视率再安排转播？大学垒球的爆炸式增长给出了响亮回答：“只要你搭建好舞台，观众自会蜂拥而至（If you build it, they will come）”。 ```mermaid flowchart TD accTitle: 女子垒球破圈逻辑流程图 accDescr: 展示女子垒球如何通过增加电视转播打破传统偏见，并利用自身竞技特色吸引广大受众。 subgraph TV_Strategy["转播策略转变"] A["突破转播偏见<br/>打破'鸡生蛋'悖论"] --> B["全赛段电视转播<br/>覆盖区域赛至世界大赛"] end subgraph Fan_Engagement["受众情感沉淀"] B --> C["追踪球员成长轨迹<br/>建立长期粉丝纽带"] end subgraph Product_Value["运动自身魅力爆发"] C --> D["快节奏、高深度<br/>击球跑垒与极速反应"] D --> E["大学垒球收视热潮<br/>衍生职业化全新未来"] end ``` 在 AJ 看来，女子垒球本身就具备天然的观赏吸引力。与棒球相比，垒球的场地更紧凑、节奏更快、对选手的瞬时反应速度要求极高；场上既有爆发力十足的击球，又有独特的触击偷安打打法（slappers），充满了一群 18 岁年轻女孩活力四射的冲劲与激情。热爱棒球的人一旦接触垒球，几乎都会沉浸其中，这项运动正在迎来属于它的“超新星爆发”时刻。 --- ### [08:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=484s) 职业垒球新纪元：向 WNBA 借鉴叙事与主场制进化 随着大学垒球热度攀升，如何将这种流量转化为可持续的职业联赛生态成为焦点。A-Rod 借女子职业篮球联盟（WNBA）近年来的商业飞跃发问，探讨垒球运动应如何取经。AJ 明确表示，垒球的职业化版图正在加速升级，其中最标志性的事件是前迈阿密马林鱼队总经理 Kim Ng（伍佩琴）出任职业垒球联盟 AUSL（Athletes Unlimited Softball League）专员。 AJ 指出，AUSL 正在实现关键的结构性蜕变： - **赛制进化**：从过往类似于大篷车巡回赛（barnstorming）、在不同城市流动作战的松散模式，全面过渡为拥有固定主场城市的传统职业联赛建制。 - **规模扩张**：联盟参赛球队规模从上一年的 4 支球队扩容至 6 支球队，并分别确立了各自的根据地城市。 在商业模式之外，AJ 强调垒球最需要向 WNBA 汲取的宝贵经验在于**深度故事讲述（storytelling）**。联盟必须敢于赋予女性运动员展现多维自我的舞台，以毫不妥协的姿态树立她们“极具统治力、极其强大、彻底掌控赛场”的强者形象。只有构建起同样深刻、鲜明的叙事线，女子职业垒球才能真正建立起经久不衰的商业壁垒与文化话语权。 ### [08:58](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=538s) 打造独立球星与女性垒球联赛的崛起 在探讨如何推广垒球运动时，AJ Andrews 提到了过去一年备受瞩目的大学球星 Bri Ellis。当时外界频繁将 Ellis 比作“女版 Barry Bonds”，但 Andrews 强调，叙事的核心不该是将她定义为“某个知名男运动员的翻版”，而是要立足于她自身的成就——她就是 Bri Ellis，是以自身实力登顶的最佳球员。这种清晰独特的个人叙事才能真正激发公众的好奇心，吸引新观众持续关注。与此同时，职业垒球联赛也在加速发展，女子职业垒球联盟（AUSL，Athletes Unlimited Softball League）正迎来第二届赛季，不仅获得了 MLB 在转播资源与资金层面的实质支持，整体发展势头十分迅猛；Andrews 还笑着为自己妹妹所在的 Talons 队拉票，建议寻找主队的观众可以支持她们。 ```mermaid flowchart LR accTitle: 垒球球星叙事与联赛增长飞轮 accDescr: 展示从大学球星个人叙事到职业联赛发展的递进逻辑 subgraph College["大学阶段"] A["突出独立身份\n(避免'女版某某'标签)"] --> B["建立个人故事与高光\n(如 Bri Ellis / NiJaree Canady)"] end subgraph ProLeague["职业与商业阶段"] B --> C["AUSL 职业联赛承接\n(MLB 资金与转播支持)"] C --> D["粉丝群体转化与扩充\n(从支持单人到支持全队)"] end ``` ### [09:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=579s) 摘下头盔：从 WBC 看体育叙事与球员个性表达 针对赛事推广，主持人 Jason Kelly 指出，棒球和垒球长期以来存在一个痛点：球员往往像被藏在装备之后，外界很难像了解 NBA 甚至 NFL 球星那样深入了解他们。Alex Rodriguez 对此深表赞同，并结合世界棒球经典赛（WBC）的成功经验指出，WBC 最大的价值在于它“摘掉了球员的头盔”，将球员真实的个性、背后的成长故事以及动机毫无保留地展现在公众面前。球迷爱上一名球员的核心，往往源自其背景故事与共鸣点——哪怕仅仅是“我们都来自佛罗里达”或是“都拿过金手套奖”这样微小的联结。Rodriguez 进一步呼吁联盟应该鼓励球员展现毫无保留的真实自我，无论他们想穿粉色、橙色还是绿色球鞋都无所谓；他援引西雅图水手队名人堂前队友 Edgar Martinez 的名言指出：“当你感觉良好、看起来帅气时，你就会发挥出色（Look good, feel good, play good）。” Andrews 顺着这一逻辑补充道，目前刚走出大学校门的年轻女球员身上蕴含着巨大的市场势能。例如德克萨斯理工大学（Texas Tech）的王牌投手 NiJaree Canady，她不仅在前一年打破了俄克拉荷马大学（OU）的统治王朝，还与 Patrick Mahomes 一同斩获了高达百万美元级别的 NIL 赞助合同。如果能围绕这批极具话题度的大学明星建立持续的叙事跟踪，球迷就会一路追随她们进入职业联赛，进而爱上她们的队友和整支球队。Rodriguez 听后当场提议策划一档类似 Netflix 或彭博的纪录片节目，历时 18 个月全程跟拍 6 位顶尖女子垒球选手从大四走向职业首年的真实旅程，揭示其中的挑战与奔波；Andrews 则笑称只要有人出资，自己非常乐意担任主持人。 - **核心案例**：德州理工投手 NiJaree Canady 终结俄克拉荷马大学王朝，并依托 NIL 机制获得百万美元赞助。 - **创意提案**：制作一档为期 18 个月的深度体育纪实节目，记录 6 名顶尖女子大学选手过渡到职业联赛的历程。 ### [12:17](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=737s) 从球场走向荧幕：Jessica Mendoza 的关键点拨 谈及 Andrews 个人的职业生涯转向，Kelly 提到她最初本立志进入体育商业领域成为一名体育经纪人，然而前奥运金牌得主、知名解说员 Jessica Mendoza 的一次交谈彻底改变了她的轨迹。Andrews 回忆道，那是在她大四参加 LSU 主办的 SEC 锦标赛期间，经常作为受访对象接受媒体采访；在一次采访结束后，Mendoza 突然问她是否考虑过走到镜头前发展。实际上，Andrews 当时已经在做一档名为《My Way with AJ》的 LSU 校内 YouTube 节目，与校内各路运动员同台竞技，但她此前从未将主持视为一份长久职业。Mendoza 的提点让她认真审视了这一可能性，随后她决定重返校园攻读大众传播与广播新闻学硕士学位，正式开启了解说生涯。听到这里，Rodriguez 也分享了自己与 Mendoza 的渊源：两人早在青少年时期就因美国女垒奥运队的活动而相识，后来还在 ESPN 的《Sunday Night Baseball》节目中长期搭档解说。 ### [13:46](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=826s) 前运动员转型解说的优势与视角深潜 当 Rodriguez 询问退役运动员转行做解说的优势与潜在劣势时，Andrews 指出，最大的优势在于对比赛进程具备多维度的同理心与专业洞察。在解说比赛时，运动员出身的主持人不仅能说出理想状态下“应该发生什么”，更能够解释为何场上选手没能做到这一点；在与受访球员沟通时，双方也能凭借共同的竞技经历迅速建立信任。Rodriguez 补充道，前运动员解说员最大的挑战是容易“说得太深奥而脱离普通观众”，因此他在入行初期总是把解说对象设定为自己当时上小学三、五年级的两个女儿，力求用最通俗易懂的语言拆解技战术。同时他告诫道，离开赛场越久，评论员越容易觉得比赛简单，绝不能忘记这项运动在现实中究竟有多艰难，解说时必须保持同理心；Andrews 对此高度赞同，直言出现失误时场上球员内心早已无比自责，解说的价值在于剖析球员随后需要做出的具体技术调整。 随后，两人就赛场站位与视觉盲区展开了深入的技术切磋： - **Andrews 的外野经验**：当她从中外野换防到左外野时，第一次面对投螺旋球（Screwball）的投手与左打者的对决。如果不经过大量实战，外行人根本无法理解球的轨迹——无论击球初速度看起来朝哪个方向起飞，最终球的落点都会剧烈向左漂移，防守球员必须违背第一直觉强行向左移动。 - **Rodriguez 的内野转型**：Rodriguez 回忆自己加盟纽约洋基队后，从游击手改守三垒时的痛苦适应期。在游击位置时，高飞球的飞行轨迹非常笔直真实；但移到洋基体育场的三垒后，打向看台上方的高飞球往往会带强烈旋转往回旋。这种视觉欺骗甚至成了他职业生涯后期的心理阴影，以至于每当高飞球升空，他都会慌张地大喊让 Derek Jeter 过来接球。这番专业而风趣的“硬核棒球探讨”不仅逗乐了在场众人，也生动证明了唯有亲历者才能向观众拆解出镜头慢放 500 次也无法完全传达的比赛细节。 ### [17:43](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1063s) 主持 MLB Network 儿童节目《Play Ball》与棒球新一代受众培育 谈话从外野接高飞球的技术细节自然过渡到大联盟的传播推广。杰森·凯利（Jason Kelly）提到，AJ·安德鲁斯（AJ Andrews）在 MLB Network 主持一档名为《Play Ball》的周六早间节目。眼下棒球运动正迎来多年未见的增长势头，联盟迫切希望吸引全新受众进场，凯利借此询问这档节目背后的商业逻辑以及 AJ 的制作心声。AJ 透露自己主持该节目已有四年，内容整体面向青少年儿童量身打造，核心是回顾大联盟上一周的精彩集锦，同时融入大量动作教学。 这档节目的独特魅力在于让孩子们不仅“看球”，更能“懂球”和“学球”。节目会邀请球星们亲口讲述自己的高光时刻、童年经历和最初的灵感源泉，还会对赛场上的名场面进行深度拆解。AJ 经常亲自上阵实操示范，从特雷·特纳（Trea Turner）标志性的丝滑滑垒，到阿隆·贾吉（Aaron Judge）的精彩接杀，或是各类飞身扑救动作。AJ 强调，节目包含大量互动与动态展示，其核心目的就是把棒球变得生动有趣，让年轻一代能够真正沉浸其中、爱上这项运动。 --- ### [19:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1148s) 棒球破局之道：摘下头盔的真实故事与球场个性释放 讨论进入白热化阶段，凯利给 AJ 和亚历克斯·罗德里格斯（Alex Rodriguez，A-Rod）抛出一个关键命题：棒球正处在关键十字路口，下一步究竟该怎么走？凯利开玩笑说只给 30 秒，AJ 笑着打趣自己虽然是短跑冲刺选手，但需要更多时间。AJ 指出，棒球目前最该做的就是让“真实性（authenticity）”全方位绽放，并大力强化故事讲述。她认为球迷需要看到球员摘下头盔后的鲜活一面，因为许多球员在棒球之外有着惊人的才华——比如红星投手亨特·格林（Hunter Greene）是一位出色的艺术家，游击手威利·亚当斯（Willy Adames）痴迷于建筑学。只有把这些赛场外的人格魅力讲透，球迷才能建立情感连接。 而在赛场之内，AJ 大力倡导给予球员完全释放个性的空间。她坦言自己是甩棒（bat flip）和高调绕垒狂欢的忠实拥趸。在世界棒球经典赛（WBC）上，多米尼加等拉美球队身披国家队战袍尽情宣泄激情的画面令人震撼，她主张将这种能量原汁原味带到坦帕湾光芒或纽约洋基等职业队比赛中，“孩子们就爱看这个，让甩棒来得更猛烈些吧！”A-Rod 对此深表赞同，他回顾自己在 20 世纪 70、80 年代成长的时期，棒球曾是力压美式橄榄球和篮球的“美国国民消遣”（America's Pastime）。要想重振雄风，联盟必须“彻底放开”，尤其是开放更衣室权限。A-Rod 直言：“所有奇迹都发生在第一投投出之前，但我们却把那扇门锁得死死的。”他认为解密大谷翔平、贾吉或亚当斯的赛前准备日常，本身就是价值数十亿美元的超级媒体资产，棒球必须拥抱“多多益善（More is more）”的开放态度。 ```mermaid flowchart TD accTitle: 棒球运动未来增长驱动模型 accDescr: 展示故事化塑造与现场文化释放如何共同拉动年轻球迷群体的流程图 subgraph OffField["场外：人格化故事叙述"] A["展现头盔背后的球员"] --> B["挖掘多元才华与爱好<br/>如 Hunter Greene 的艺术、Adames 的建筑"] B --> C["更衣室赛前揭秘<br/>展示 Ohtani、Judge 等人的备战日常"] end subgraph OnField["场内：个性与文化释放"] D["允许尽情表达情绪"] --> E["推广甩棒文化 Bat Flips"] E --> F["激情绕垒与张扬庆祝<br/>借鉴 WBC 国际赛场的狂欢氛围"] end C --> G["激活新生代年轻球迷<br/>打造百亿美元级媒体内容价值"] F --> G ``` --- ### [21:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1260s) 潜在停摆疑云、垒球的不可替代性与《Dropping Diamonds》 当凯利询问是否会再次发生劳资停摆（lockout）时，A-Rod 直截了当地回应“听起来很有可能”。AJ 顺势幽默地给出化解方案：如果大联盟真的停摆导致球迷无球可看，大家完全可以转战关注女职垒联赛——运动员无限垒球联赛（Athletes Unlimited Softball League），并收听她主持的播客节目《Dropping Diamonds》。AJ 热情邀请 A-Rod 和凯利做客节目，凯利当即打趣表示自己一定欣然前往。 随后凯利抛出一个假设性问题：如果 AJ 生在当下这个时代重新选择，她会选择打棒球还是垒球？AJ 毫不犹豫地回答依然会选垒球。她回忆起自己小时候涉猎广泛，足球、篮球、垒球样样精通，但唯独垒球给她带来了无可替代的触动。她依然清晰记得自己爱上这项运动的瞬间：那是在佛罗里达一个清晨，草坪上布满了湿润的露水，她在外野完成了一记飞身扑救接杀，“整个人就像在水滑梯上滑行一样飞了出去”，那种风驰电掣的快感让她彻底沦陷。AJ 坦言，垒球所特有的比赛节奏与独特体验是其他任何运动都无法复制的，即便重来一次，她仍会坚定选择垒球。 --- ### [22:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1325s) 快问快答：西雅图水手情结与终极体育全明星设想 节目的尾声迎来了精彩的快问快答环节，AJ 毫不假思索地分享了自己的内心喜好： - **史上最喜爱的棒球运动员**：肯·格里菲（Ken Griffey Jr.）。 - **史上最喜爱的垒球运动员**：乔瑟琳·阿洛（Jocelyn Alo）。 - **2026 年世界棒球经典赛最难忘瞬间**：委内瑞拉队击败意大利队后，自己在场边与委内瑞拉队员们忘情狂欢庆祝。 - **现役最具观赏性的 MLB 球员**：小爵士·奇泽姆（Jazz Chisholm Jr.），看他比赛充满张力。 - **2026 赛季最期待的剧情线与最想看到夺冠的球队**：西雅图水手队（Seattle Mariners）。 听到西雅图水手时，A-Rod 忍不住笑着追问：“等一下，你可是在坦帕长大的佛罗里达女孩，为什么偏偏喜欢我以前效力的老东家水手队？”AJ 坦白承认，自己去年就发自内心地希望水手队能够捧杯，因为他们打出了一段不可思议的赛程，“我天生喜欢支持下克上的弱者（underdog），要是能亲眼见证他们拿下队史首座世界大赛冠军，那该有多酷。” 最后一个问题聚焦于 AJ 的职业理想——她的“梦想主持工作”是什么？AJ 构想了一个极其宏大的创意：把全球体坛有史以来的所有伟大巨星集结在同一个舞台上，举办一场横跨全体育门类的全能竞技对抗赛（All-Sports Olympics），决出究竟谁才是真正的地表最强运动员。A-Rod 和凯利听后惊呼这简直是力量与身体极限的终极盛宴，凯利当场兴奋表态：“到时候算我一个，我一定去场边做记录！”在轻松愉悦的欢笑与致谢声中，本期访谈圆满落下帷幕。 ## Notable quotes > [01:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=102s) 胡子有时就是某些男士的化妆品 — AJ Andrews > [01:42](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=102s) 超越了世界大赛（World Series） — Alex Rodriguez > [06:14](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=374s) 只要你搭建好舞台，观众自会蜂拥而至（If you build it, they will come） — AJ Andrews > [08:04](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=484s) 极具统治力、极其强大、彻底掌控赛场 — AJ Andrews > [09:39](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=579s) 当你感觉良好、看起来帅气时，你就会发挥出色（Look good, feel good, play good） — Alex Rodriguez 援引 Edgar Martinez > [19:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1148s) 孩子们就爱看这个，让甩棒来得更猛烈些吧！ — AJ Andrews > [19:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1148s) 所有奇迹都发生在第一投投出之前，但我们却把那扇门锁得死死的 — Alex Rodriguez > [19:08](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1148s) 多多益善（More is more） — Alex Rodriguez > [21:00](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1260s) 整个人就像在水滑梯上滑行一样飞了出去 — AJ Andrews > [22:05](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI&t=1325s) 我天生喜欢支持下克上的弱者（underdog），要是能亲眼见证他们拿下队史首座世界大赛冠军，那该有多酷 — AJ Andrews ## Mentioned AJ Andrews, Alex Rodriguez (A-Rod), Jason Kelly, Hunter Greene, Willy Adames, David Ortiz (Big Papi), Derek Jeter, Kevin Burkhardt, Aaron Judge, Edgar Martinez, Bri Ellis, Barry Bonds, NiJaree Canady, Patrick Mahomes, Jessica Mendoza, Trea Turner, Shohei Ohtani (大谷翔平), Ken Griffey Jr., Jocelyn Alo, Jazz Chisholm Jr., Kim Ng (伍佩琴), 路易斯安那州立大学 (LSU), 德克萨斯理工大学 (Texas Tech), 俄克拉荷马大学 (OU), 辛辛那提红人队 (Cincinnati Reds), 密尔沃基酿酒人队 (Milwaukee Brewers), 迈阿密马林鱼队 (Miami Marlins), 纽约洋基队 (New York Yankees), 坦帕湾光芒队 (Tampa Bay Rays), 西雅图水手队 (Seattle Mariners), 大联盟 (MLB), MLB Network, WNBA, AUSL (Athletes Unlimited Softball League), 世界棒球经典赛 (WBC), 女子垒球大学世界大赛 (WCWS), 罗林斯金手套奖 (Rawlings Gold Glove Award), Play Ball, Dropping Diamonds, Sunday Night Baseball, My Way with AJ, The Deal, Bloomberg Originals ## Video description Alex Rodriguez and Jason Kelly talk with AJ Andrews on baseball’s momentum, softball’s growth and why storytelling and authenticity are key to building the next generation of fans. Listen to The Deal on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Bloomberg Carplay, or wherever you get your podcasts. You can also watch The Deal on Bloomberg Originals and Bloomberg TV. -------- Like this video? Subscribe: http://www.youtube.com/Bloomberg?sub_confirmation=1 Get unlimited access to Bloomberg.com for just $1.99 your first month: https://www.bloomberg.com/subscriptions?in_source=YoutubeOriginals Bloomberg Originals offers bold takes for curious minds on today’s biggest topics. Hosted by experts covering stories you haven’t seen and viewpoints you haven’t heard, you’ll discover cinematic, data-led shows that investigate the intersection of business and culture. Exploring every angle of climate change, technology, finance, sports and beyond, Bloomberg Originals is business as you’ve never seen it. Subscribe for business news, but not as you've known it: exclusive interviews, fascinating profiles, data-driven analysis, and the latest in tech innovation from around the world. Visit our partner channel Bloomberg News for global news and insight in an instant. [Source](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aTN1I-xBdQI)

[1:42] AJ Andrews: 胡子有时就是某些男士的化妆品 [1:42] Alex Rodriguez: 超越了世界大赛（World Series） [6:14] AJ Andrews: 只要你搭建好舞台，观众自会蜂拥而至（If you build it, they will come） [8:04] AJ Andrews: 极具统治力、极其强大、彻底掌控赛场 [9:39] Alex Rodriguez 援引 Edgar Martinez: 当你感觉良好、看起来帅气时，你就会发挥出色（Look good, feel good, play good） [19:08] AJ Andrews: 孩子们就爱看这个，让甩棒来得更猛烈些吧！ [19:08] Alex Rodriguez: 所有奇迹都发生在第一投投出之前，但我们却把那扇门锁得死死的 [19:08] Alex Rodriguez: 多多益善（More is more） [21:00] AJ Andrews: 整个人就像在水滑梯上滑行一样飞了出去 [22:05] AJ Andrews: 我天生喜欢支持下克上的弱者（underdog），要是能亲眼见证他们拿下队史首座世界大赛冠军，那该有多酷

[1:08] Alex Rodriguez: beards are makeup for some men. [3:30] AJ Andrews: I'm huge in Venezuela... I just tried the arepas so I understand the arepa power now. [6:14] chicken and egg [6:14] AJ Andrews: if you build it, they will come [6:14] AJ Andrews: supernova [8:04] the female version [12:17] My Way with AJ [14:51] biggest bully [19:12] AJ Andrews: I'm a big, big bat flip fan. I'm a big go around the bases loud as you can. [19:12] Alex Rodriguez: more is more [19:12] Alex Rodriguez: let it rip [19:12] Alex Rodriguez: Everything magical happens before the first pitch, but yet we lock that down. And I think it's a great multi-billion dollar media property if we unlock that... [19:12] AJ Andrews: Dropping Diamonds [22:05] AJ Andrews: all-sports Olympics

[0:01] - I feel just to build upon what baseball's already doing, [0:04] is just to allow the authenticity to just flourish. [0:06] Let's see these players [0:08] behind the helmet, what is it they love to do? [0:10] A lot of them are so good at other things in baseball. [0:12] - Yeah. [0:13] - Hunter Greene is a great artist. [0:15] Willy Adames loves architecture. [0:17] Like being able to tell those stories [0:19] beyond just who they are as players, [0:20] let's see that. Let's understand that. [0:22] But then also allow them to be who they are. [0:31] - Welcome back to the deal. I'm Jason Kelly. [0:32] - I'm Alex Rodriguez. - Coming up on this week's episode, [0:35] AJ Andrews, this is a standout softball player who's now an [0:39] MLB broadcaster. [0:41] So someone you have a lot of questions for. [0:43] - Yeah. Jas, everyone I respect, [0:45] I want to ask two questions. [0:46] Number one, how do we avoid a major league baseball work [0:49] stoppage after the 2026 season? [0:51] And the second one is, how do we build on this great [0:54] momentum that major league baseball has [0:55] built over the last six months? [0:57] - Well, and she has built quite a career for herself [0:59] and has, I think, a lot of opinions about [1:01] what should happen next. [1:02] Coming up on The Deal: AJ Andrews. [1:06] Alright. AJ Andrews, welcome to The Deal. [1:08] We're so excited to have you with us. [1:11] Lots to talk about across your career. [1:13] We're gonna talk a little LSU, little softball, [1:15] but I think we gotta start with baseball. [1:18] - Why not, right? - Yeah. Okay. [1:20] - Take it away. [1:20] So AJ, first of all, I love what you're doing. [1:22] - Thank you! - I'm a big fan of your work. [1:23] I'm an admirer from afar. [1:25] - Ditto. - Thank you. [1:26] - And we have a lot in common. [1:28] - Uh-huh. - We're both from Florida, [1:29] - Okay. - You Tampa, me Miami. [1:31] - We're both former Gold Glove winners. [1:33] - Uh-huh. - Okay. [1:34] - Love that. Thanks for throwing that one in there. [1:36] - And we're in the world of baseball and covering media, [1:38] but you and I happen [1:39] - to be at the World Baseball Classic - Yes! [1:41] - down in Miami. [1:42] - And it seems to me, [1:43] and Jason, we've talked a lot about this, [1:45] that baseball could be at an all time high [1:47] or is going through a great moment. [1:50] How do you keep baseball going [1:52] and how do you see the world of business [1:54] and baseball right now? [1:56] - I feel, I don't know [1:58] how you felt at the World Baseball Classic, [2:00] but it was one [2:02] of the most electric environments I had ever been able [2:05] to experience within baseball. [2:07] And being able to connect with so many different fan bases [2:10] and watch the games, it felt like postseason baseball [2:13] every single game. [2:14] And so I feel like within WBC, I feel being able [2:18] to allow the players to continue to have [2:21] that much enthusiasm, [2:23] excitement throughout the regular season. [2:26] Whether it be, be pimping it, the celebrations [2:29] around the bases, the passion, the energy. [2:32] I really feel like people, it was palpable. [2:33] You could feel it through the screen. [2:35] And so for me, I feel like in order for baseball [2:37] to continue in that trajectory, seeing more of [2:40] that I think would be fun. [2:41] I feel right now within baseball [2:43] and even softball, there's a lot of playing the right way. [2:47] Whatever that means. [2:49] I feel as if players should be able to express themselves [2:52] how they want to express themself on the field. [2:54] So I see it growing if we can [2:56] continue in that trajectory. [2:58] And also players being able to wear the swag, the cleats. [3:01] I don't know how you feel, you know, [3:02] you can now have a beard as a Yankee. [3:04] You know, things like that. Like just different things [3:07] that we didn't really see in the past. [3:09] I think moving, especially [3:11] and tailoring more toward a younger generation, [3:14] I feel like that is [3:16] where baseball probably needs to go to continue [3:19] - I love that. [3:20] - To watch. - I mean, beard didn't apply to me [3:20] 'cause I'm still trying to grow a beard. [3:22] - Right. [3:23] Hey listen, you look good, [3:24] but not everybody can pull it off. [3:26] - Right. - That's true. [3:27] - Beards are makeup for some men. So... [3:30] - And so just on the WBC for a second, I mean you were, [3:33] you were in the fan zone, you were doing some [3:35] broadcasting from there, [3:36] but this is about the fans at, at the end of the day. [3:39] - Right. - What was the fan vibe [3:41] and what did you hear from them, I guess? [3:43] - Well, I don't know if you guys know, but I have been [3:45] adopted by the Venezuelans. [3:47] - Wow. - They, they love me over there. Okay. [3:50] - It was so fun. - Huge in Venezuela. [3:52] - I'm huge in Venezuela. [3:54] Huge, huge in Venezuela. I gotta go. [3:56] I just tried the arepas so I understand the arepa power now. [3:59] - Like I'm in. I'm in it for real. - Good pronunciation! [4:01] - Wow. - Right. Arepa, I'm in there. [4:04] But I feel like within the fans, they just want [4:08] to be represented. [4:10] - Ah. [4:10] - And because I was out there, whether it be the US fans, [4:13] Venezuela, Dominican Republic, it didn't matter. [4:15] The pride within being able to see people that come from [4:19] where you come from, excelling on such a high stage in a [4:21] sport that means so much to your country, [4:24] whether it's the United States [4:25] or what have you, it was so exciting to watch. [4:29] And I feel like what the fans really want is to be able [4:31] to feel as if they're being represented in a huge way. [4:34] - Yeah. - So Dominican Republic, the energy [4:36] and their pride in being able to, [4:38] whether it be the instruments, [4:39] or being able to dance [4:41] and celebrate, being able to see that on the field, it was [4:44] as if it was like the pride on display. [4:46] - Yeah. - Same thing with the Venezuelans. [4:47] And so in the same thing in which whatever it is within [4:50] American Pride and the same thing, being able [4:51] to watch Aaron Judge walk out with the flag, [4:53] just being able to watch these things that really dignify [4:57] or accentuate who you are as a country. [4:59] That's what the fans wanted to see. [5:01] But being authentic and expressed to the fullest extent. [5:05] - So AJ I have a question. - Yeah. [5:06] - We had a debate before every game, [5:08] we have the pregame show with Fox, with Derek Jeter, Poppy, [5:12] myself and Kevin Burkhart and Poppy and I sit in the middle [5:15] and we were trying to explain to our cornermen that [5:18] for countries like Dominican Republic [5:20] or Venezuela, this is bigger than a World series. [5:22] - Right. - And they had a hard [5:23] time really understanding that. [5:24] - Yeah. - Where do you sit in that role? [5:26] - I agree. I agree. And I mean the players, [5:29] - they say it. - Right. [5:30] - Like this isn't an opinion, right? [5:32] This is genuinely how they feel, but it's [5:34] because it's an opportunity where [5:37] it's just a different feeling when you can play [5:40] with individuals that come from where you come from, [5:44] have experienced the same hardships you've experienced [5:46] that look like you, they understand to the fullest [5:49] what it took for you to get here. [5:50] The pride, being able to represent your country [5:52] and there's so many people at home that would not, [5:55] would kill to be in Miami to watch these games, [5:57] right? And I mean, I feel like you can relate it [5:59] to the Olympics if you want to, right? [6:01] The pride people have [6:02] for competing for their country in that sense. [6:04] It's the same thing with the WBC. [6:06] And so I feel like it's fairly simple [6:08] to understand why it would be a little bit more impactful. [6:11] - Yeah. [6:12] - To some people than a World Series. [6:14] - Let's talk about you specifically and your career [6:18] because you hit college at a moment, [6:22] and at a school where softball, it felt like from the [6:26] outside at least, just was exploding. [6:29] Did it feel like something special was happening in the game [6:32] and in the sport when you were in college? [6:36] - Yeah. I feel because it started getting more TV time. [6:39] - Yeah. - And because of that, I went [6:41] to the World Series twice at LSU. [6:43] So my freshman year, I went my senior year. [6:45] I believe my freshman year, [6:46] they were really only televising the World Series. [6:49] - Yeah. [6:50] - Or maybe, there was Supers, [6:52] but for the most part it was the World Series. [6:54] By my senior year you had the Regionals, [6:57] the Super Regionals, and the World Series being televised. [7:00] And because of that, you're able to then, you know, [7:02] when you watch somebody in the Regionals [7:04] and maybe you get attached to a person [7:05] or a player, you're gonna watch 'em [7:06] throughout the entire time. [7:07] But being able to see these different stories [7:09] and these different athletes compete, it was [7:11] it only exploded and excelled [7:14] or propelled what we see today [7:15] where now there's games on every single weekend, [7:19] if not every day with college softball. [7:21] And I feel like it, that argument had been going on for [7:23] so long between the chicken and the egg [7:25] of do we give these women the opportunity be on TV [7:28] or do we wait 'til the viewership is there [7:30] and then put them on TV? [7:32] And it only proved the point [7:33] that if you build it, they will come. [7:35] Give us an opportunity to be on television. [7:37] The game speaks for itself. [7:39] If you love baseball, you're going to love softball. [7:40] It's faster paced. There's, the depth is different. [7:43] You have to have quicker reactions. [7:44] There's slappers, it's a bunch of 18 year olds running [7:46] around like it, there's just a lot [7:47] of fun within the game of softball. [7:49] - Now you're speaking his language. [7:50] - You know what I mean? Like there's just a lot to softball [7:53] that you don't necessarily get in baseball. Because of that, [7:56] you're going to love both. [7:57] So like give it, give it a shot. [7:59] And I feel like at that time, [8:00] especially my senior year is when it started to explode [8:02] and now it's just a supernova. [8:04] - You've seen what happened in WNBA. [8:06] What do you think softball can do to learn from that? [8:08] And what is the future of softball [8:10] with these numbers we just talked about? [8:12] - Yeah, I think it's only continuing to get bigger. [8:14] I mean, Kim Ng is now the commissioner for the AUSL. [8:17] - And so that's - Athletes Unlimited [8:19] - Athletes Unlimited Softball League. [8:20] Last year there were four teams, now there's six. [8:23] So it is continuing to grow. [8:25] And now they actually have cities. [8:26] Before it was kinda a bard yard system where you would move [8:29] and play them in different cities, [8:30] but now they have homes each, six cities. [8:33] And so I think that within what I've seen from basketball, [8:38] WNBA is a lot of it's the storytelling [8:40] and giving these women the opportunity [8:41] to be a thousand percent who they are. [8:43] I love it when you can see women in these positions [8:46] of she's extremely powerful [8:48] or she's dominant talking about her [8:50] as if she's just completely taking [8:52] over the way in which she is. [8:53] And I want those storylines [8:55] to be built the same way within softball. [8:58] This past year, Bri Ellis is someone that comes to mind. [9:00] They were comparing her a lot to Barry Bonds. [9:02] And so it being the conversation of, okay, we'll build upon [9:06] that, but hopefully making it her own. [9:08] Not necessarily like she's the female Barry Bonds, [9:10] - She's the x of this. - This is Bri Ellis. [9:12] - Who is X, Y, Z. The best of the best. [9:14] And have those stories where people, you know, [9:17] pique the interest and they come in and wanna watch more. [9:19] But I think MLB is doing a good job. [9:20] They have the partnership with AUSL now as far as trying [9:24] to help with TV, also making financial help with the league. [9:29] But I think we're moving in a good direction. [9:31] This is gonna be the second year of AUSL. [9:34] So my sister's on the Talons. [9:36] So if you're looking for somebody to root for. [9:37] - Yeah. Okay. - The Talons. [9:39] - Well, and the storytelling piece is [9:41] definitely a big part of this. [9:43] It goes back to exactly [9:44] what you guys were saying about World Baseball Classic. [9:46] It's like we went, I mean you've been saying this like [9:49] for a long time. [9:50] You know, getting to know these players in a way that [9:53] we do get to know NBA players. [9:55] We do even more than we used to get to know NFL players. [9:59] Certainly baseball players are, you know, kind [10:02] of hidden from us and softball players, [10:04] I think the same way. I don't know if it's the nature [10:05] of the game or what it is. [10:07] - Well I like what you said AJ, I think what WBC brings out, [10:10] it takes the helmet off the player. [10:11] - Yeah. - And it unveils the person of who [10:16] and the why and where you come from. [10:17] And the way you fall in love with players, both men [10:20] and women, is knowing their backstory. [10:21] - Yeah. - Where did they come from? [10:23] - Is their a relatability connect point? [10:24] Like we're both from Florida. Gold Glovers. Okay. [10:26] Now we can connect on that, right? [10:28] And I think WBC does it in such a beautiful way [10:31] that I'm left starved for more. [10:33] And I wanna see more players being themselves, [10:36] being unapologetic. [10:38] If they wanna wear pink, orange, green, [10:39] wear whatever the hell you want. [10:40] Just play, you know, Edgar Martinez, [10:43] my great teammate, hall of famer [10:44] for the Seattle Mariners, he used to tell me, Alex, [10:47] you feel good. [10:48] You look good, you play good. [10:49] And I think that same is true for all sports. [10:51] - Yeah. Right. No, I agree. [10:52] I think definitely to your point, [10:54] the storytelling would be a great piece. [10:56] Especially I feel like what's hot are the girls [10:59] that come right outta college. [11:00] Right. So being able to tell more of those stories, [11:03] allow people to really follow them into their teams. [11:05] Because then of course you're fans of them, [11:07] but then you become fans of their teammates. [11:10] And the team, like to me right now, [11:12] NiJaree Canady who's a pitcher at Texas Tech who [11:15] knocked off the dynasty of OU last year, right? [11:19] And so, and she's the one that has the first million [11:22] with Mahomes [11:23] At Texas Tech. And so being able to follow her, right? [11:27] Tell that storytelling to your point, build that story, [11:30] build it upon whatever team she's gonna be with AU [11:32] and then us be able to build upon that same thing with a lot [11:36] of different athletes that are gonna be coming out. [11:38] I think that's a good way to do it. [11:39] To build the fandom and the stories. [11:41] - So Jason, I love what AJ's saying here, [11:43] like a deal on a deal here. [11:44] 'cause I love riding out the wave [11:46] and the momentum of a college, NCAA, the [11:49] fanfare into the next level. [11:51] Well you create a Netflix show or Bloomberg show or whatever [11:54] and you follow six of your favorite women softball players [11:58] and you do a journey about 18 months from the time their [12:00] senior year to their first year. [12:02] And kind of take us under the challenges, the travel. [12:06] I would love that. [12:08] - What it looks like. - What it looks like. Exactly. [12:09] - Listen. I'll host if you guys wanna fund. [12:12] - There you go. There you go. All right. [12:14] We're putting that, we're putting that out into the world. [12:17] There's a really cool moment [12:19] and I want you to share this story with our audience where [12:23] you obviously are interested in business, [12:25] you're interested in the business of sports. [12:27] You've got your mindset on being a sports agent. [12:29] And Jessica Mendoza says, Hmm, [12:33] what about this other path? [12:34] Can you tell us that story? [12:36] - Yeah. So it was my senior year in college [12:39] and I had been asked a lot to do a lot of interviews. [12:42] And so Jessica Mendoza was one of the individuals [12:44] that would often interview me. [12:46] And I remember it was after we had SEC tournament was at [12:49] LSU in my senior year. [12:51] And so she just asked me after one [12:52] of the interviews have I ever thought about being on camera. [12:57] And at that point I was actually already on camera. [12:59] I had a show called My Way with AJ at LSU, [13:01] which is a YouTube show. [13:02] I just competed against the different LSU athletes. [13:06] So I told her, I was like, yeah, I'd love to. [13:07] I just never envisioned a career in it. [13:10] And so [13:11] after she said that to me though, [13:13] I really just started thinking a little bit more of it. [13:16] And I said, okay, yeah, [13:17] that's actually something I would like to do. [13:19] And so I went back to school [13:20] and got my master's degree in, [13:21] in Mass comm in Broadcaster Realism. [13:24] - That's incredible. My story with Jessica, I know her. [13:26] Jace, I haven't told you this. We've known each other since [13:28] basically teenagers [13:29] because first time I started falling in love with softball [13:32] that I had real exposure was that Jenny Finch, [13:34] Jessica Mendoza, US Olympic team. [13:36] And we did a, a little TV thing at the All-Star game [13:40] and we've been friends ever since. [13:42] And then of course we worked together at [13:44] ESPN on Sunday Night Baseball. [13:45] - Yeah. - So she's fantastic. [13:46] But my question is, what are the advantages [13:49] of being a former athlete turned broadcaster? [13:51] And is there any disadvantages? [13:53] - I think the advantages are you're able to kind [13:56] of see things in a different perspective when you're [13:57] explaining, whether it be to the public, to the fans, [14:00] or just having conversations with the athlete. [14:02] Because when you're talking about maybe a play that happened [14:05] and an ideal world, this is what could have happened [14:08] or should have happened, you're able to explain why maybe [14:10] that didn't go the way that it was supposed [14:12] to go or could have gone. [14:13] And then the same conversation, [14:16] if you're having a conversation with an athlete, you're able [14:17] to explain or talk to them. [14:19] It's like, no, I understand. This is what happened. [14:20] So why did you do this? So [14:21] because I would've done it this way. [14:23] Or I know so and so does it this way, does it help you [14:26] because of this? [14:27] - Yeah. - And so I think if you being able to have [14:31] the knowledge or the experience as an athlete, [14:34] even if it's a different sport of everybody knows that drive [14:37] and the competitiveness it takes to get [14:39] from point A to point B. [14:41] And I think being able to relate in [14:42] that fashion allows conversations [14:44] to flow in a different way. [14:45] Or for you to explain things [14:47] that maybe might be a little bit different. [14:49] I'm curious if you feel the same way. [14:51] - I do. I do. And I think one of the things that [14:54] I really was really careful in my early days [14:57] with broadcasting was as a former athlete, you can [15:02] talk above the the audience a little bit. [15:04] And I always thought my audience were my two daughters. [15:06] Right? When they were in third and fifth grade. [15:07] Really kind of unpack it where it's really digestible. [15:11] But also I think practicing empathy and compassion. [15:13] - Yeah. - 'cause they say the further you get away from [15:15] your playing days and the further you get away from the [15:18] field, the easier it is for you. [15:19] And you can't forget how hard the game is. [15:22] Because it's, it is really, really difficult. [15:24] So I think explaining that [15:25] and giving it it's due justice, I think is equally [15:28] as important as trying [15:30] to make it sound like everything should be [15:31] done or should have done it better. [15:32] - Exactly. That's how I feel in regards to saying, yes, [15:35] I understand that this is what should have happened. [15:38] To me it's kind of being like, listen, they know that. [15:40] There's nobody beating them up right now more than [15:42] they are in their own mind as that athlete. [15:44] And so what they're going to do [15:46] or what they should do, the adjustment they're probably [15:47] looking to make is this. [15:49] And I think to your point that empathy [15:53] - And I love AJ what you said about sometimes on TV, [15:56] when you slow it down 500 times with 25 TV angles, [15:59] it looks so simple at home. [16:01] - Right. - But I think I like what you said. Yes. [16:03] He should have made that play. He'll be [16:04] the first one to say that. [16:05] But think about it this way, [16:07] - Or even the first thing that comes [16:08] to my mind is the first time I transitioned from center [16:11] field to left field. [16:13] And if you have never been put in left field [16:17] and had a lefty come up to bat against a pitcher [16:20] that throws a screw ball, the ball you [16:23] have, you wouldn't know. [16:24] If you didn't take reps, you would not know that no matter [16:27] where you are, where it's placed, that batter is going [16:30] to start here. [16:31] But it will always end over here. [16:33] So you have to know that no matter how much you want to take [16:36] that step to your right, you have to go left [16:39] because it's going to go left. [16:40] And if you haven't played that, [16:42] even if you're a softball player, baseball player, [16:45] if you have not gone to left field [16:47] because from center field, [16:48] I'm not gonna be able to tell you that. [16:49] I only know that because I played left. [16:51] So I do believe being an athlete in that regard, [16:54] it really helps break down the game another layer. [16:57] - Jason, I'm gonna nerd out, but [17:00] - You're going deep on this, I love it. [17:01] - I'm going deep. You've never heard me talk deep [17:02] baseball, but age is getting the best outta me. [17:05] When I went from shortstop to third base [17:07] as a New York Yankee, a little bit like you going from [17:09] center to left, very similar is I was, [17:12] I had no problem with fly balls. [17:13] 'cause fly balls for shortstop. They're true. [17:15] They stayed very true. [17:17] And if it was way to my right, like, you know, [17:19] the third baseman had it, I came to Yankee Stadium [17:22] and I played third base and I would see balls [17:23] that would start like in the upper deck [17:26] and I would just give up on it and [17:27] that ball would start coming back. [17:29] Coming back, coming back. [17:30] And all of a sudden it got into my head. [17:32] I was terrible with Flyballs the last five [17:34] or six years in my career, it was a [17:35] ball went up, I would say Jeter! [17:37] - Right! - Grab it! It was crazy. [17:40] So I can relate with that, [17:41] but how can someone like at home like Jason know that? [17:43] - Like it just says the fly ball's a fly ball. - Exactly [17:45] But not all flyballs are created equal. [17:47] - They're not created equal. [17:49] And the sun is the biggest bully. [17:51] - Yeah. Alright, [17:52] so let's talk about Major League Baseball a little bit. [17:55] You've got a show in the MLB network Play [17:57] Ball Saturday mornings, [17:58] - Yeah. Play Ball. [17:59] - So this is fascinating to me [18:01] because it's coming at this moment, as Alex said earlier, [18:04] where baseball's in growth mode maybe [18:07] for the first time in a while, like really sort [18:09] of feeling like, all right, we're gonna bring new people in. [18:12] Help us understand sort of the business case for, [18:15] for the show and, [18:16] and sort of how it came about and what you're excited about. [18:18] - Sure. So I've been hosting Play Ball [18:20] for the last four years. [18:22] It's very much tailored towards kids. [18:24] But it is a highlight show that just kind of showcases [18:27] what happens the week prior within baseball. [18:30] And then it's a lot of giving instruction. [18:33] Or you'll have a lot of players talk about their favorite [18:36] moments, their big moments, what it is [18:38] that they did when they were younger, big inspiration. [18:40] And then also kind of breaking [18:42] down a lot of different plays. [18:43] Or maybe it was a really good, a good play [18:44] that happened or a great hit. [18:46] A lot of times I'll have you do demos. [18:48] So I'll demonstrate whether it is a slide, [18:53] a Turner slide, or if it was a catch from judge [18:56] or if it was a great diving play somebody made. [19:00] So it's a lot of different parts, a lot of moving parts. [19:03] But it's tailored to try to be fun [19:05] for the kid to get invested [19:07] into it. The child to get invested. [19:08] - Alright, so as we wrap up, there's one thing [19:12] that I wanted to do with both of you, which is very [19:15] of the moment when it comes to baseball. [19:18] And Alex teed it up at the beginning of the episode, [19:20] which is critical moment. [19:23] What needs to happen next. I'm gonna give you 30 seconds. [19:27] - Ah, - What needs to happen? [19:28] - Oh God. Baseball needs to [19:31] - You can take more than 30 seconds. [19:32] - Okay. Okay, thanks. Yeah, [19:33] - I felt the timer ticking. - You're a sprinter. [19:35] - I feel just to build upon [19:36] what baseball's already doing is just [19:38] to allow the authenticity [19:39] to just flourish in the biggest facets, [19:43] I believe storytelling as well. [19:44] Let's see this play these players behind the helmet. [19:47] What is it they love to do? A lot of them are [19:49] so good at other things in baseball. [19:51] - Yeah. - Hunter Greene is a great artist. [19:53] Willy Adames loves architecture. [19:55] Like being able to tell those stories [19:57] beyond just who they are as players. [19:59] Let's see that. Let's understand that. [20:00] But then also allow them, once you see who they are, [20:04] allow them to be who they are when they get on the field. [20:07] And so, I don't know, I'm a big, big bat flip fan. [20:10] I'm a big go around the bases loud as you can. [20:13] The way in which they were showing off the [20:15] Dominican Republic jersey. [20:16] Let them do it with their raised jersey [20:19] or Yankees jersey or whatever. [20:21] - There you go. [20:23] - That's to me, I feel like that's the next move. [20:25] I feel like kids love it [20:26] - More bat flips. [20:27] - More. [20:28] More everything. More, just be authentic. [20:29] I mean, I think forever Baseball was America's pastime [20:33] and it was number one above football and basketball. [20:35] I'm dating myself a little bit back in the seventies [20:37] and eighties, but I do think they need [20:39] to just let it rip, more access in the clubhouse. [20:43] Everything magical happens before the first pitch, [20:45] but yet we lock that down. [20:47] And I think it's a great media, [20:49] multi-billion dollar media property if we unlock that [20:52] and allow people to see how does Ohtani prepare? [20:54] How does Judge prepare? Adames? What's he doing? [20:57] I think it's a great opportunity for baseball. More is more. [21:00] - Do you think there's gonna be a lockout? [21:03] - It sounds like it. - Yeah. [21:05] - It sounds like it. [21:06] But you know what's great about that? [21:08] I mean, it's not great, but you know what, [21:10] - Please tell me. - What you can do. [21:13] If you are starving for a baseball. [21:16] You can watch Athletes Unlimited Softball League [21:18] and listen to my podcast where I'm talking all things [21:24] - women in softball and also baseball. - What is the name [21:26] - of your podcast? [21:27] - It's called Dropping Diamonds. [21:27] - Okay. - So come on and drop. I want you guys to come on. [21:29] - Come on in. - Jason would love to go on. [21:31] - He's really good. - Rock your diamonds. [21:33] - If you were coming up now, would you play baseball? [21:35] - No. I'd probably play softball. [21:36] - Yeah. - I think it's just different for me. [21:39] - What drew me, I played a [21:40] lot of different sports when I was younger. [21:41] So I played soccer, I played basketball, played softball [21:43] and everything else was very, it's sports, right? [21:46] And from softball, I remember my first [21:48] memory of why I loved the game. [21:49] I made a diving catch on a really, it was really wet [21:52] outside from Florida, dewey grass. [21:54] And I slid like it was a slip and slide and so I was hooked. [21:58] And so for me, there's the aspects that you give [22:00] with softball that you're just not gonna get any other [22:01] sport, I think are what hooked me. So [22:04] - Yeah, - I think it'd still be softball. [22:05] - All right. All right. Let's do rapid fire. [22:07] So just a handful of questions, just first thing that [22:10] that pops to your mind. [22:12] - We'll bounce it back and forth. - Okay. [22:14] - You're gonna be really good at this. - Alright. [22:17] - Favorite baseball player of all time? [22:19] - All time. Griffey. [22:22] - Favorite softball player of all time? [22:24] - Josh Wally. - Favorite World Baseball Classic [22:27] 2026 Gamer moment. [22:30] - Probably me moment was me celebrating [22:32] with the Venezuelans when they beat Italy. [22:35] - Most exciting MLB player? [22:37] - Hmm. I love watching Jazz. Jazz isn't play. [22:41] - Storyline you're most looking forward to [22:44] in the '26 MLB season? [22:45] - What the Mariners are gonna do after last year. [22:48] - What team do you wanna see win a championship more? [22:51] - The Mariners. [22:52] - Ooh, the Mariners. - I really wanted them to win [22:54] last year. I did, y'all. I'm not gonna lie. [22:56] - Wow. - I just think it, it'd be, [22:57] - Explain this to me. You're a Tampa girl. [22:59] - I know. [23:00] - I know. - And you love my former team. [23:01] What is that about? [23:02] - I know. You know, it's not, [23:05] I just think it would've been really cool to watch them win. [23:07] - Yeah. - The first one. [23:09] - Yeah. - They had a good run. [23:10] - I'm a big underdog person, so. [23:12] - And finally, what's your dream hosting gig? [23:15] - Hmm. That's fun. [23:18] Probably get all the greats in every sport ever. [23:22] And we just have one big show of who's the best. [23:27] - Wow. - It's like a, [23:29] - Like feats of strength? - An all sports Olympics. Yeah. [23:31] - Whoa. When do we show up? - Right? You too. [23:36] - Alright, I'll be there on the, I'll be there on the [23:37] sidelines documenting it. [23:39] - AJ, this was really, really fun. [23:41] - Thank you for doing this. [23:42] - Thank you. Thank you for having me.