Chief Talk

In the twelfth episode of the podcast, Community and Fan Engagement Assistant Emily Van Buskirk chats with CBS Senior Writer and RPI expert Jerry Palm, who was in town for the Chiefs Saturday night game against the Cedar Rapids Kernels. Jerry turned out to be good luck as the Chiefs defeated the Kernels in an exciting walk-off finish! Jerry talks about his experience at the Chiefs game, what it was like to throw out the first pitch and go on air with Nathan Baliva for an inning plus he gives the highest of praise to our Bacon Beer Cheese Burger! Emily also talks with Jerry about his unique beginning in the sports industry and he talks about some of his favorite college basketball memories to date. Next, Director of Media Relations Nathan Baliva sits down with our pitching coach Cale Johnson to chat about his journey through baseball. Plus Cale gives some interesting insight into the shift, a topic we discussed last week on Cody's Corner. Lastly, Broadcast Production Assistant Cody Schindler is joined by Natha

In the eleventh episode of the Chief Talk Podcast, we head out on the road for the MidWest League All-Star Game. First up, Community and Fan Engagement Assistant Emily Van Buskirk chats with Peoria Chiefs first baseman Brady Whalen in the dugout at Four Winds Field in South Bend, an hour before the MidWest League All-Stars took the field in the 2019 game. Whalen talks about the All-Star experience and his goals for the second half of the season. Later in the episode, Broadcast & Media Assistant Matt Davis and Broadcast Production Assistant Cody Schindler talk about their own All-Star experience as fans and give listeners a behind-the-scenes look at life on the road in Minor League Baseball.  Finally, your girl's favorite segment returns - Cody's Corner comes in hot with some fire takes on the shift as Cody breaks down the pros and cons from several different perspectives, with a little sass from Emily of course.  Make sure to follow the Peoria Chiefs on Twitter and Instagram at @PeoriaChiefs and like our page

In the tenth episode of the podcast, we start off with an awesome interview with clubhouse attendant Tyler Stokes, who gives listeners a look inside the Peoria Chiefs Clubhouse. Community and Fan Engagement Assistant Emily Van Buskirk and Broadcast & Media Assistant Matt Davis chat with Stokes about his daily activities surrounding the team. Matt and Tyler worked together in Johnson City last season, so they share unique insight into the game of baseball. Really cool segment about the inner workings of a Minor League Baseball team. Later in the podcast, Director of Media Nathan Baliva sits down with new infielder Juan Yepez on the road in Clinton and chats with Yepez about his time with the Chiefs so far - home runs and all. Get to know one of our guys inside and out with this segment! We close out the podcast with new segment, Cody's Corner where Broadcast Production Assistant Cody Schindler breaks down some hot-button issues around the game of baseball. This week he takes on ballpark proposals with help fro

In the ninth episode of the podcast, our Director of Media Nathan Baliva sits down with special visiting guest Jessica Kleinschmidt of NBS Sports Bay Area. Jess was in town visiting her best friend, community and fan engagement assistant Emily Van Buskirk and was asked by the Chiefs to throw out the first pitch before a game. Jess talks about life on the baseball beat and her social media influence as well as her first ever first pitch experience.  Later in the episode, Emily catches up with Marketing & Game Presentation Manager Stephen Brown about upcoming fun at the ballpark! Stephen fills listeners in on the must-not-miss June promotions including Fortnite Night, Jordan Hicks Bobblehead Giveaway, Woman's World Cup Night, Star Wars Night and Jurassic Ballpark Night to name a few. Stephen also reflects on the most recent promotions and fills us in on his favorite theme night so far! Finally, Emily chats with Director of Ticket Sales Kate Voss about her successful Education Days and the Chiefs 53rd ever Dozer

In the eighth episode of the podcast, community and fan engagement assistant Emily Van Buskirk sits down with former first-round pick and current Chiefs short stop Delvin Perez to chat about the speedy ball player's season so far. Delvin also gives his thoughts on newly minted Chiefs Malcom Nunez and John Torres and how they will fit into the team dynamic both on the field and off. Definitely a don't miss interview! Later in the podcast, broadcast production assistant Cody Schindler sits down with our Director of Media Nathan Baliva to talk about life on the minor league road - Nate discusses his favorite MidBest League ballparks, road trips and most importantly spots to eat. This is a true look inside the life of a media director in minor league ball, so check it out! Finally Emily and broadcast and media assistant Matt Davis take a look around the League and at the Chiefs last road trip while also breaking down the Chiefs most recent game - a double header against Beloit Monday night.  Make sure to follow t

In the seventh episode of the podcast, we talk some very minor league topics - road games and rehab assignments! Our Director of Media Nathan Baliva checks in from the road and chats with the voice of the West Michigan Whitecaps Dan Hasty about their respective seasons thus far. Stories from the road are always fun, so make sure to tune in to this interview! We are also joined by a surprise guest: outfielder Lars Nootbaar's older brother Nigel Nootbaar, former pitcher at USC and in the Orioles organization. Nigel talks about his recent visit to Peoria, what is was like watching his baby brother play and his interactions with Lars' teammates. He also gives Dozer Park quite the shout out! We wrap up the episode with a look at the recent rehab assignment at Dozer - Cardinals pitcher Carlos Martinez. Cody Schindler, Matt Davis and Emily Van Buskirk talk about what it was like having the big leaguer around. Make sure to follow the Peoria Chiefs on Twitter and Instagram at @PeoriaChiefs and like our page on Faceboo

In the sixth episode of the podcast, community & fan engagement assistant Emily Van Buskirk sits down with Bowling Green Hot Rods General Manager Eric Leach to talk some MidBest League baseball and chat about the upcoming Battle for the Barrel - a three-game series between the Bowling Green "Bootleggers" and the Peoria "Distillers" on May 3,4 and 5th. They also talk about Eric's journey through baseball and what it's like being a member of the Midwest League. Later in the podcast, Director of Media Nathan Baliva is joined by Peoria Chiefs first baseman Brady Whalen to talk about his season so far as well as his unique baseball story. Whalen also offers up a few fun locker room stories about Nolan Gorman, so you are definitely going to want to tune in. Emily wraps things up, reminding you to follow the Chiefs on social media and to subscribe to the podcast and rate and review it on iTunes!  Make sure to follow the Peoria Chiefs on Twitter and Instagram at @PeoriaChiefs and like our page on Facebook. Stay tuned

In the fifth episode of the Chief Talk Podcast, we explore an unique Minor League Baseball situation - the neutral site hosting of fellow Midwest League member Quad Cities against Kane County at Dozer Park. We speak with River Bandits Broadcaster Jason Kempf about the unfortunate situation in Quad Cities and we talk with Peoria Chiefs general manager Jason Mott about the decision to step in and host the River Bandits series against the Cougars. 

In the fourth episode of the Chief Talk Podcast, we give you guys a sneak peek behind the curtain - a behind-the-scenes look what a day in the life of a Peoria Chiefs staffer is like.  First up, our Director of Media Nathan Baliva talks with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers Director of Media Relations/Radio Announcer Chris Mehring about the baseball season thus far. The two veteran radio guys discuss the many games they have called, including ones in major league stadiums. Lots of baseball breakdown in this segment, so get ready! Later in the episode, community and fan engagement assistant Emily Van Buskirk hosts a round table discussion with the other interns based around game day. The discussion breaks down a home game from chasing down lineups to posting recaps and highlights and everything in-between and features insight from Marketing and Promotions Assistant Dominic Palombo, Video Production Assistant Aaron Grimm and Broadcast and Media Assistant Matt Davis. We also give a shout out to the other interns -

In the third episode of the Chief Talk Podcast, our Director of Media Relations Nathan Baliva sits down with our Opening Day pitcher, Tommy Parsons. The two discuss what it was like for Tommy to get the opening day nod, his journey through baseball and the outpouring of social media support from his Adrian College family as well as all of Division III. Parsons talks about his first outing with the Chiefs and what he is looking forward to accomplishing this season. Later in the episode, community and fan engagement assistant Emily Van Buskirk sits down with Chiefs Hitting Coach Russ Chambliss to discuss the Chiefs hot bats game thus far. With so many young guys, Chambliss talks about how he keeps them centered and focused and the different coaching approaches he utilizes when dealing with the variety of players the Chiefs roster boasts. Chambliss also talks about his other passion - music production.  Finally, Broadcast and Media Assistant Matt Davis and Broadcast Production Assistant Cody Schindler break down

In the second episode of the Chief Talk Podcast, our Director of Media Relations Nathan Baliva sat down with third baseman Nolan Gorman to chat about the upcoming season, what went into his off-season preparation and what the young slugger is most excited for this year in Peoria.   Later in the episode, community and fan engagement assistant Emily Van Buskirk sits down with Director of Ticket Sales Kate Voss to chat about the various ways Chiefs fans can enjoy games this summer. From suites to party decks, Dozer Park does it all so take notes on how you can experience the #NewEraNewFun this season!   Lastly, Nathan and Broadcast and Media Assistant Matt Davis break down the 2019 roster for you (https://www.milb.com/peoria/news/gorman-perez-headline-chiefs-preliminary-roster/c-305811146) , diligently examining each position to have you primed and ready for the season opener Thursday against Cedar Rapids as well as the home opener Saturday night against Beloit. Make sure to visit our website (https://www.milb.c

In this inaugural episode of Chief Talk, the official podcast of the Peoria Chiefs Baseball Club, the media relations department conducts interviews with new manager Erick Almonte and Marketing and Game Presentation Manager Stephen Brown. In the very first Peoria interview with Almonte, Director of Media Nathan Baliva chats with the skipper about the upcoming season, his managerial style and how spring training went for him. Later, Stephen Brown joins Community & Fan Engagement Assistant Emily Van Buskirk to talk about the exciting promotions and giveaways fans can look forward to this season.  To cap it all off, Nathan introduces Broadcast Production Assistant Cody Schindler and Broadcast & Media Assistant Matt Davis and chats with them about their backgrounds, their journey to the Chiefs as well as their thoughts on the upcoming season. Make sure to follow the Peoria Chiefs on Twitter and Instagram at @PeoriaChiefs and like our page on Facebook. Stay tuned for the show's social media handles coming soon!