In this episode of "Stitch x Stitch'' we connect with Kent Tekulve, one of the most durable and efficient closers in Major League Baseball history. With his lanky frame, aviator glasses and submarine delivery, the man called "Teke'' was a true baseball original. He overcame long odds to amass 184 saves in 1,050 career appearances, achieving his signature moment when he recorded the final out in the Pirates' 1979 World Series win over the Orioles. Tekulve endeared himself to teammates and fans with his everyman persona and self-effacing humor, but he always rose to the occasion. He took an active role in Players Association leadership and was instrumental in helping the players navigate strikes, lockouts and numerous other tests to their unity and resolve. On the mound and in the bargaining room, he never backed down from a challenge.

“Stitch x Stitch’’ is part of a year-long recognition of the 60th anniversary of the union’s founding under executive director Marvin Miller. The weekly podcast is hosted by Jerry Crasnick, associate director of player, agent and media affairs at the MLBPA and a former baseball journalist for more than 30 years. Previous guests include the late Phil Garner, Reggie Smith, Dave Stewart and Rick Monday, the No. 1 pick in the first MLB amateur draft in 1965.

PROTECT. DEFEND. ADVANCE.

The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) represents all Major and Minor League Baseball players employed by the 30 MLB clubs. We collectively bargain, protect and advance player rights, amplify player voices, and help shape the future of the game.

Website: https://www.mlbplayers.com
️ Podcast: https://www.mlbplayers.com/podcast

Follow the MLBPA:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlbpa
• X: https://x.com/mlbpa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MLBPA
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MLBPA

Stay connected for player stories, exclusive content, podcasts, videos, community initiatives, and the latest MLBPA news.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Kent Tekulve
• (00:02:07) - Childhood as a Reds Fan and Crosley Field Memories
• (00:04:34) - Cut from High School Team and College Path
• (00:06:14) - The Unlikely Tryout and Signing Story
• (00:10:43) - Minor League Life: No Bonus, Low Pay
• (00:12:30) - Leave It Better Campaign: Jake Cronenweth
• (00:14:40) - Developing His Unique Submarine Style
• (00:18:49) - Joining the Pirates Clubhouse and Mentors
• (00:22:50) - Clubhouse Culture: Hazing and Parker vs Garner
• (00:24:58) - 1979 World Series Fame and Pittsburgh Celebrity
• (00:29:49) - Becoming Player Rep and Union Involvement
• (00:34:46) - Marvin Miller and Don Fehr's Leadership Styles
• (00:38:48) - The 1981 Strike and Free Agent Compensation
• (00:42:09) - Fighting the Salary Cap Idea
• (00:46:42) - Paying It Forward to Future Players
• (00:49:34) - Advice for Young Players and Closing Thoughts
• (00:54:18) - Credits and Sign Off

In this episode of “Stitch x Stitch” we connect with Jay Bell, a two-time All-Star, Gold Glover, Silver Slugger and 2001 World Series champion over 18 major league seasons. Jay was active in union leadership for much of his career and played a pivotal role in 1994-95, when players held firm during a 232-strike in opposition to a salary cap. As National League player representative, Jay articulated many of the players’ positions publicly, while constantly dispensing information and keeping his fellow players focused and unified behind the scenes. His commitment never wavered, on or off the field.

“Stitch x Stitch’’ is part of a year-long recognition of the 60th anniversary of the union’s founding under executive director Marvin Miller. The weekly podcast is hosted by Jerry Crasnick, associate director of player, agent and media affairs at the MLBPA and a former baseball journalist for more than 30 years. Previous guests include the late Phil Garner, Reggie Smith, Dave Stewart and Rick Monday, the No. 1 pick in the first MLB amateur draft in 1965.

PROTECT. DEFEND. ADVANCE.

The Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) represents all Major and Minor League Baseball players employed by the 30 MLB clubs. We collectively bargain, protect and advance player rights, amplify player voices, and help shape the future of the game.

Website: https://www.mlbplayers.com
️ Podcast: https://www.mlbplayers.com/podcast

Follow the MLBPA:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mlbpa
• X: https://x.com/mlbpa
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MLBPA
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@MLBPA

Stay connected for player stories, exclusive content, podcasts, videos, community initiatives, and the latest MLBPA news.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Jay Bell
• (00:01:52) - Growing Up on Military Bases
• (00:04:23) - Moving Around as a Military Kid
• (00:06:37) - Drafted by the Twins and Early Struggles
• (00:09:25) - Learning Union History in Cleveland and Pittsburgh
• (00:11:09) - Becoming Player Rep and Understanding the Business
• (00:12:48) - 1990 Arbitration Dispute and Player Perspectives
• (00:15:47) - Leave It Better Campaign: Paul Goldschmidt
• (00:17:53) - Becoming National League Player Rep
• (00:19:57) - Personal Struggles During the 1994 Strike
• (00:21:54) - The August 12th Deadline and Season Cancellation
• (00:24:38) - Defending Player Salaries to Fans
• (00:26:31) - Returning to Play After the Strike
• (00:29:02) - Dealing with Teammates Who Crossed the Picket Line
• (00:30:22) - Fan Reactions and the PR Battle
• (00:33:34) - Reflecting on the Steroid Era
• (00:36:55) - Navigating Suspicion and Maintaining Integrity
• (00:38:52) - Breaking Ozzie Smith's Gold Glove Streak
• (00:40:49) - Signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks
• (00:42:39) - Scoring the Winning Run in the 2001 World Series
• (00:45:37) - The Krispy Kreme Interview Story
• (00:47:15) - Grand Slam Sunday: Changing a Life with a Home Run
• (00:52:10) - Meeting the Family Afterward
• (00:52:38) - Legacy, History, and Unity in the Players Association
• (00:56:12) - Closing Credits

This week's guest is Ed Lynch, whose passion for the game never wavered across decades as a player, front office executive and scout. Ed grew up a Mets fan in the 1960s and later had the privilege of pitching in the same rotation as his boyhood idol, Tom Seaver. He received an education in baseball labor history from another Mets great, Rusty Staub, and immersed himself in his role as the team's player representative. After his retirement in 1987, Ed obtained his law degree from the University of Miami. He worked in player development in San Diego, spent years as a scout in Chicago and Toronto, and was the Cubs’ general manager during the 1994-95 strike. But he’ll never stop thinking like a player. As Ed told us, “It'll never leave me. I was a player too long.’’

“Stitch x Stitch’’ is part of a year-long recognition of the 60th anniversary of the union’s founding under executive director Marvin Miller. The weekly podcast is hosted by Jerry Crasnick, associate director of player, agent and media affairs at the MLBPA and a former baseball journalist for more than 30 years. Previous guests include the late Phil Garner, Reggie Smith, Dave Stewart and Rick Monday, the No. 1 pick in the first MLB amateur draft in 1965.

Future episodes will recognize the contributions of Miller, Curt Flood, Andy Messersmith, Dave McNally, Catfish Hunter and numerous other baseball trailblazers, while emphasizing the bond players share and the mission that has united them across generations.

“Stitch by Stitch’’ is available on Apple, Spotify and wherever you get your podcasts.

• (00:00:00) - Introduction to Ed Lynch
• (00:02:08) - Growing Up a Mets Fan in New York and Miami
• (00:05:30) - College Basketball, Baseball, and Draft by Rangers
• (00:06:40) - Traded to the Mets and Big League Debut
• (00:09:09) - 1981 Strike and Return to the Majors
• (00:11:29) - Early Union Influences: Rusty Staub and Marvin Miller
• (00:13:57) - Ken Moffitt and Union Growing Pains
• (00:16:40) - Becoming Player Rep and Union Meetings in Maui
• (00:20:05) - Don Fehr's Rise and Union Leadership
• (00:21:03) - The Hotel Bathroom Grievance Hearing
• (00:26:03) - 1985 One-Day Strike and Media Lesson
• (00:29:13) - Memories of Tom Seaver
• (00:34:10) - Seaver's Trade and Legacy
• (00:37:52) - Law School and Richard Nixon's Recommendation
• (00:41:22) - Becoming Cubs GM During the 1994-95 Strike
• (00:44:04) - Always a Player: Modern Game Concerns and Pitcher Injuries
• (00:48:31) - Closing and Credits