Shows
Pacific SwingsThe Korean Home Run King: Matt Davidson on 46 Bombs, Mental Battles & Life Overseas | "Don't ask for a lighter load, ask for a stronger back"In this episode of Pacific Swings, we sit down with Matt Davidson, who became the KBO's home run king in 2024, launching 46 bombs for the NC Dinos and establishing himself as one of Korea's premier power hitters. Davidson shares his journey from MLB to international baseball stardom across two countries.Key Topics Covered: โพBecoming Korea's home run championAdapting to unique Asian pitching styles and different training methodsThe difference between Japanese and Korean baseball cultures and approachesWhy consistency separates good players from great players at any levelLife as an international baseball player: motocross, whiskey collecting, and fatherhoodThe mental ap...2025-07-2635 min
Pacific SwingsFan Mail: Japan's Insane Cheering Culture, Elite NPB Pitching & Train Station Sushi In this episode of Pacific Swings, we dive into your questions in our first-ever Fan Mail episode. David shares stories from his time with the Seibu Lions, revealing the cultural surprises, unforgettable teammates, and incredible experiences that defined his NPB journey. Plus: an unsolicited golf update and why train station food in Japan is better than most American restaurants.Key Topics Covered:Japanese cheering culture vs. MLB crowds - why the coordinated songs and drums hit differentLife surprises in Japan: train station sushi and David's friendship with Mr. YamanakaWhy Japanese players deeply respect MLB veterans who...2025-07-2325 min
Pacific SwingsThe Giants Standard: Tyler Beede on Playing for Japan's Premier Baseball Team | Pacific Swings | "It gives me moments of awe" In this episode of Pacific Swings, we sit down with right-handed pitcher Tyler Beede, who made history in 2023 as the first non-Japanese pitcher in his first year to start Opening Day for the Yomiuri Giants. Known as the Yankees of Japan, the Giants demand excellence at every level - from mandatory designer suits to elite performance on the mound. Key Topics Covered: โพ Making Opening Day history and the electric atmosphere of Tokyo Dome - The Giants' Yankees-like culture: designer suits, clean-shaven faces, and first-class treatment - The pressure of playing for Ja...2025-07-1836 min
Pacific Swings'Rakedown' Sandro Fabian & Ryลma Nishikawa | NPB June MVP's | "His plate coverage is unbelievable"In this RAKEDOWN episode, David MacKinnon breaks down Japan's June MVPs Sandro Fabian and Ryลma Nishikawa - two hitters absolutely raking that most baseball fans have never heard of. On Fabian: "His plate coverage is unbelievable... he's able to catch that ball out front, which most guys can't do."From Fabian's grand slam celebrations to Nishikawa's 1,000th career hit milestone, this is why these NPB stars deserve your attention.Featuring swing breakdowns you won't find anywhere else, the foreign hitter adjustment period, and why Japanese baseball develops contact skills differently than MLB.2025-07-1422 min
Pacific SwingsHow to Prepare for Japan (Spoiler: You Can't) | Mr. Baseball vs. Reality | "Nothing Prepares You for How They Play"David MacKinnon reveals his comprehensive preparation strategy for Japanese baseball: watch Mr. Baseball, Google some teams, and wing it.From Tom Selleck's 1992 masterpiece to the reality of all-dirt spring training fields, this is what actually happens when preparation meets Japanese baseball. Featuring David's Mr. Baseball moments, the Seibu Lions' daily preparation emails, and why foreign players will never be asked to bunt."My research was I Googled stuff... but nothing prepares you for how they play.""I'm guilty of watching Mr. Baseball and thinking I was going to be fully prepared for what's...2025-07-0830 min
Pacific SwingsThree Countries, Three Baseballs: Dietrich Enns on His Journey Through MLB, NPB, and KBOIn our second episode, we sit down with left-handed pitcher Dietrich Enns, who has lived the Pacific Swings experience across three countries and three professional leagues. From his MLB debut with the Minnesota Twins to starring in Japan's NPB with the Seibu Lions, and then dominating in Korea's KBO with the LG Twins, Dietrich brings a unique perspective on international baseball.Key topics covered:The culture shock of landing in Japan and experiencing earthquakes in your first weekHow different baseballs completely change your pitching approach across leaguesThe incredible training regimens and attention to detail in Japanese...2025-07-0345 min
Pacific SwingsThat Retirement Episode with David MacKinnon & Jasper Spanjaart | Why we're here | Pacific SwingsThe Pacific Ocean used to separate two baseball worlds. Not anymore. In our debut episode, recently retired MLB/NPB/KBO player David MacKinnon and journalist Jasper Spanjaart reveal why Pacific Swings exists and what you can expect from the only podcast bridging baseball's global divide. David shares what it was really like playing alongside Shohei Ohtani, hitting cleanup behind Mike Trout, and then crossing the Pacific to experience the electric atmosphere of Japanese and Korean baseball. From the organized chaos of NPB fan culture to the explosive energy of KBO, these are the stories that...2025-07-0230 min
Pacific SwingsPacific Swings Trailer | Inside Stories from Baseball's Global StageThe Pacific Ocean used to separate two baseball worlds. Not anymore.๐ฏ๐ต : ๅคชๅนณๆดใฏใไบใคใฎ้็ไธ็ใๅใใฆใใพใใใใใ้ใใพใใ๐ฐ๐ท: ํํ์์ ๋ ๊ฐ์ ์ผ๊ตฌ ์ธ๊ณ๋ฅผ ๋ถ๋ฆฌํ์ต๋๋ค. ์ด์ ๋ ์๋๋๋ค.Former MLB/NPB/KBO player David MacKinnon and journalist Jasper Spanjaart are launching Pacific Swings - the podcast that brings you exclusive inside stories from baseball's global stage.From clubhouses in Tokyo to stadiums in Seoul, get ready for conversations with players who've crossed the Pacific, cultural insights you won't hear anywhere else, and the untold stories that happen when baseball crosses oceans.David's the 32nd round draft pick who somehow made it to three continents. Jasper's the one asking all the right questions. Together, they're bridging baseball's two worlds.๐ฏ๐ต Japanese / ๆฅๆฌ่ช: ๅคชๅนณๆดใ่ถใใ...2025-06-3001 min