The Sandlot Radio Network

Season 13 Episode 13 features Angels Skipper Kurt Suzuki, Veteran Reliever Kirby Yates, More from Angels Coach Tim Buss and Cardinals Coach, John Jay

Episode Summary

Season 13, Episode 13 features Angels manager Kurt Suzuki, the 16-year Major League veteran catcher who walked on at Cal State Fullerton. There, he earned College Catcher of the Year and Player of the Year honors before leading the Titans to the 2004 College World Series title. Suzuki’s remarkable journey began on the sandlots of Hawaii, took him through Fullerton and the Oakland A’s minor league system, and continued across multiple big-league teams before he stepped into the role of Angels skipper this season. The episode also welcomes another proud native Hawaiian, veteran reliever Kirby Yates, as he shares his own sandlot-to-big-leagues story. Additional guests include Angels coach and self-described “director of good times” Tim Buss—former Cub and Dodger, now wearing Angels red—and Cardinals coach John Jay. A 12-year MLB veteran with Cuban heritage, Jay rose from the sandlots of Miami to become a World Series champion with the team that drafted him. He now serves as the Cardinals’ bilingual outfield and base-running coach. This episode celebrates resilience, cultural roots, and the diverse paths that lead to the Major Leagues.