The Pitch Pod is a sports, media, and business podcast hosted by MLB pitcher James “Big Maple” Paxton and media sales pro Chad “The Sizzler” Dey. From locker room stories to sales stories and tips, we break down the headlines, the business behind the game, and what actually works in sports, media, and sales. Plus real conversations with athletes turned business owners, media guests, and more.
Episodes
Quality At-Bats
October baseball is here! Chad and James make their World Series picks, discuss the Mariners’ decision to move on from Dan Wilson, and consider what Seattle should look for in its next manager.In Hot Corner, the guys tackle MLB expansion and realignment. Would four geographic divisions reduce travel and create stronger regional rivalries or would baseball lose too much of its traditional identity?Then, in High Level, they explain why sales calls are like at-bats. Not every opportunity deserves a swing, good sellers adjust during the conversation, and a productive call doesn’t always result in an immediate sale.He lived it. He sells it. This is The Pitch.
The boys wrap up an eventful summer. From fishing off Tofino and celebrating Matt “Tugboat” Wilkinson’s MLB debut to Chad tearing his calf and officially joining James in the Band-Aid Club.Then, James reflects on being named one of the Top 50 Mariners as part of the organization’s 50th anniversary celebration. The Big Maple takes us behind the scenes of an unforgettable weekend in Seattle, reconnecting with former teammates and legends, hearing the reception from Mariners fans and sharing the experience with his family.James also looks back on his Mariners career, the moments and teammates that shaped him, and what being a Mariner means to him today.Follow @the_pitch_podcast and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.He lived it. He sells it.
Momentum. Every athlete chases it. Every salesperson wants it. And once you've got it, the biggest challenge is keeping it.This week, James "The Big Maple" Paxton and Chad "The Sizzler" Dey are back to recap a busy summer, including another incredible Rogers Jays Care Celebrity Golf Classic supporting Challenger Baseball BC.In the Hot Corner, the guys break down the biggest winners and losers from the MLB Trade Deadline, debate the Mariners' and Blue Jays' moves, and discuss what the deadline is really like from a player's perspective.High Level explores why momentum isn't luck, it's earned. From the baseball diamond to the boardroom, they discuss how small wins build confidence, create habits, and lead to bigger success. Extra Innings - James shares the personal story of beingdesignated for assignment by the Dodgers just before the 2024 trade deadline, the uncertainty that followed, and what it was like learning he'd been traded days later.Whether you're chasing a playoff spot, closing your next deal, or simply looking to build a little momentum in your own life, this episode is for you.He lived it. He sells it. This is the Pitch Podcast.
This week on The Pitch, James and Chad dive into one of thebiggest debates in baseball: Should Major League Baseball adopt a salary cap?The Big Maple and The Sizzler break down the pros, cons, andpotential impact a salary cap could have on the game, players, and fans.The guys also introduce a brand-new segment called High Level. This is where they explore what separates elite performers in sports and business. For the inaugural edition, the guys are talking preparation. From scouting reports, game plans, and routines on the mound to sales calls, client meetings, and closing deals.In Extra Innings, it’s all about superstitions. The routines, rituals, lucky charms, and weird habits athletes swear by.He lived it. He sells itThis is the Pitch Podcast – with the Big Maple and the Sizzler
Episode 3 flips the mic around.After two episodes breaking down the baseball life of Big Maple, it’s finally time to answer the question:Who the hell is The Sizzler?From growing up in Ladner to building a career in sports media, sponsorships, sales, and community events, Chad Dey shares the story behind the nickname, the personality, and the path that somehow led to hosting a podcast with his best friend, James Paxton.The guys get into athlete-driven media vs traditional sports media, and why relationships still matter in sports and business.In Extra Innings, James relives the intensity of the 9th inning during his Toronto no-hitter ; while Chad shares a career perseverance story involving uncertainty, and the pressure of trying to completely turn his career in the right direction. He lived it. He sells it. This is The Pitch Pod.
In Episode 2 of The Pitch, we go all the way back with James Paxton. From Ladner, BC to Major League Baseball and beyond the highlights and into the real story.From getting drafted by the Toronto Blue Jays and not signing, to leaving Kentucky and navigating NCAA eligibility, to grinding through the minors and breaking into the big leagues; this is the side of the game most people don’t hear about.We also dive into the business of baseball, the mental side of injuries and setbacks, and what life looks like now beyond the mound.Plus:🔥 Hot Corner: Should Vancouver get an MLB team?🎯 Sell Me This: Len Botkin Trucking🎬 Extra Innings: The Len Botkin AliasThis is the story behind Big Maple. The grind, the setbacks, and everything in between.Follow, download, and share the pod on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.📲 Instagram: @the_pitch_podcast🐦 X: @thepitch_podHe lived it. He sells it.This is The Pitch.
James “Big Maple” Paxton returns to the mound at the World Baseball Classic, but it doesn’t start how you’d expect. From a first-pitch home run in a tune-up game to finding his rhythm against Cuba and hitting 97 mph, he breaks down the highs, lows, and everything in between. Chad “The Sizzler” Dey shares his own (unsuccessful) bullpen experience in Bellevue, adding some perspective and laughs.The guys get into what fans don’t see at the WBC, what it means to represent Team Canada, and whether this was a true “Swan Song.” As the pilot episode of The Pitch Pod, it also sets the tone for what’s ahead - sports, business, media, sales, and the stories behind it.
