7.19.24
Episode 16
World Series Champion Matt Barnes Discusses The Impact of Baseball United
In this episode of the Baseball United Podcast host Liam Skiffington sits down with 2018 World Series champion and Baseball United Co-Owner Matt Barnes to discuss the global expansion of baseball. Matt discusses his childhood as a die-hard New York Yankees fan and his decision to play for the University of Connecticut under legendary coach Jim Penders. He reflects on being drafted 19th overall by the Boston Red Sox in the 2011 MLB Draft and making his big league debut. Barnes reminisces about winning Game 1 of the 2018 World Series and what made that championship team so special and successful. Matt expresses his excitement about being part of an ownership group that has had a profound impact on the game and discusses Baseball United Chairman and CEO Kash Shaikh’s relentless vision and dedication to growing the sport.
What We Discuss
- 0:30 Introduction
- 3:27 Growing up a diehard New York Yankees fan
- 5:56 Attending the University of Connecticut
- 8:49 Experience playing for Jim Penders
- 12:02 Getting drafted by the Boston Red Sox
- 13:26 Making his MLB Debut
- 16:20 What made the 2018 Red Sox so successful
- 21:47 Maintaining your composure during the World Series
- 28:16 Playing Baseball Internationally
- 29:35 Why he decided to invest in Baseball United
- 32:15 Being part of such an elite ownership group
- 34:08 The opportunity to expand baseball’s global impact
- 36:25 Spreading the word of Baseball United’s mission
- 37:35 Baseball United Leadership’s collective vision
- 39:16 Baseball United Chairman & CEO Kash Shaikh’s relentless vision for the region
- 41:46 Buying into the mission and being a part of history
- 43:20 Matt’s message to the fans
