Flippin' Bats with Ben Verlander

With Justin Verlander officially announcing his retirement, I sat down with Hall of Famer John Smoltz to reflect on one of the greatest pitching careers in baseball history which just so happens to be accomplished by my brother.

We discuss what made Justin so special, the moments that defined his career, what Cooperstown should remember most, and what it's like knowing when it's finally time to walk away from the game.

If you're a Justin Verlander fan, this is a conversation you won't want to miss.

Timestamps:

0:00 Intro

1:55 John Smoltz Joins

3:31 How Hard Is The Decision?

8:54 What Will You Remember Most?

10:17 What Impressed You Most?

12:51 Pitching In 2 Generations

15:19 How Baseball Will Remember JV

19:00 Outro
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Shohei Ohtani has reached another unbelievable milestone.

This week on This Week in Shohei Ohtani News, we break down why Shohei's 300th career home run is so much more than just another number. From becoming the 5th-fastest player in MLB history to 300 home runs to continuing to build one of the greatest careers baseball has ever seen, we put this historic accomplishment into perspective.

Also this week:
⚾ Shohei's latest start on the mound
🎂 His birthday week
🏆 His chase for a fifth MVP Award
📈 Where he now ranks among the greatest players in baseball history

Timestamps:

0:00 Shohei Historic 300 HR

4:04 This Week in Shohei Ohtani News

7:00 How Many HRs Will Shohei Hit?

11:25 How Many MVPs Will Shohei Win?

14:30 300 Homerun Graph

15:50 BVG Comes True

16:26 Outro
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today is a day that I always knew had to come eventually, but never believed it would actually happen.

My brother, Justin Verlander, has officially announced his retirement from Major League Baseball. In this video, I share my thoughts on his incredible career, what he's meant to me as a brother, and what I'll remember most from watching his journey unfold over the past two decades.

Thank you, Justin, for everything you've given to the game of baseball.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 2026 MLB All-Star rosters are officially set, and there are several players who should have made the team.

In this episode, I break down my biggest All-Star snubs, discuss who deserves to start the All-Star Game on the mound, react to Mike Trout's 12th All-Star selection, and talk about the possibility of Bryce Harper and Kyle Schwarber competing in the Home Run Derby in Philadelphia.

Plus, I unveil my latest MLB Power Rankings, discuss the surging Astros and Tigers, and reveal my Team of the Month after another exciting month around Major League Baseball.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
0:42 All-Star Snubs
9:52 Harper and Schwarber in Derby?!
13:18 MLB Power Rankings
23:20 June Team of the Month
26:58 All-Star Staring Pitchers?
29:28 26 First Time All-Stars
30:41 Outro
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week on Saturday with Smoltz, John Smoltz joins me to discuss one of baseball's biggest trade deadline questions: Should the Tigers consider trading Tarik Skubal? We also break down whether the Yankees should be concerned about their recent struggles, why the Astros remain a legitimate playoff threat, and whether pitchers are actually throwing harder today—or if our perception of velocity has changed. As always, Smoltz shares thoughtful insight, strong opinions, and stories from his Hall of Fame career.

Timestamps:
0:00 Intro
1:49John Smoltz Joins
2:05 Has Velocity Reading Changed?
5:10 Concern About Yankees?
6:04 Astros a Playoff Team?
7:40 Trade Deadline Talk
9:03 Would You Trade Skubal?
9:45 Outro
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices