In this episode of The Three Inning Fan Show, Kelley Franco sits down with Ben Horney from Front Office Sports to break down private equity investment in MLB and other US professional sports. Listen in as Ben gives an overview of PE investment in sports, and then covers which firms are allowed to invest in MLB, the NFL, the NBA, and the NHL, whether the investors are active or passive (do they get a seat on the board? do they pick the players?), how they earn the return on their investment, and what the pros and cons of PE investment in sports are for the teams, the investors, and most importantly, the fans. Ben brings deep insight from his reporting at Front Office Sports, helping fans, insiders, and business enthusiasts understand how PE is impacting sports ownership. And of course, we cover…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame. Don’t miss this informative episode on the business side of sports!
*Music by Podington Bear
In this episode of The Three Inning Fan Show, Kelley Franco sits down with John Flaherty, former New York Yankees catcher and longtime YES Network analyst, for a candid and entertaining conversation about his future after two decades with YES. John shares how he sensed a change was coming and what the next chapter holds. Kelley and John also chat about his days catching for the Yankees, great behind-the-scenes stories featuring Jorge Posada, El Duque, Mike Mussina, Joe Torre and Joe Girardi, and John’s unmatched discipline, fitness, and nutrition routine. And of course they discuss…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame, and John tells us how he prepares his signature grass-fed steaks and green beans.
It’s a fun, insightful conversation with one of baseball’s most respected voices — full of stories, wisdom, and humor from a true pro on and off the field.
*Music by Podington Bear
In this episode of The Three Inning Fan Show, Kelley Franco is joined by longtime Yankees insider Sweeny Murti, who spent decades covering the Bronx Bombers on WFAN and is now part of MLB’s social media team. Sweeny shares his unique perspective on the current World Series, calling it one of the best matchups in years with a truly broad appeal for baseball fans everywhere. We also question what the Yankees need to do this offseason to get back to championship form. Plus, Sweeny reminisces about some of the greatest Yankee moments he witnessed firsthand from the press box, and his memories of Mike and the Mad Dog days on WFAN. And of course – Sweeny tells us what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame. If you’re a Yankee fan, a baseball diehard, or just love great storytelling from someone who’s seen it all, this is an episode you won’t want to miss!
*Music by Podington Bear
Ever wonder how someone lands one of the most iconic jobs in baseball? In this episode of The Three Inning Fan Show, Mets PA Announcer Marysol Castro joins Kelley Franco for an honest, entertaining, and inspiring conversation. Marysol shares the story of how she became the first female PA announcer for the New York Mets, what her job actually entails (hint: her eyes are everywhere on the field), and why fans have no idea how much goes into each game-day performance. From managing her own “pitch clock” to making real-time calls under pressure, it’s a lot more than just reading names over a loudspeaker.We also dig into her early days winging it as a weather forecaster, the rise of women’s sports, and her bold new venture, Leadoff Media, which is dedicated to the avalanche of women’s sports that is on the horizon. And of course, don’t miss…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame. If you love baseball, behind-the-scenes stories, or powerful women changing the game — this episode is a must-listen.*Music by Podington Bear
SNY and WFAN’s Sal Licata joins Kelley Franco for a no-holds-barred dive into Mets offseason mayhem. Should the Mets blow up the Big Four at the top of the lineup, and trade Lindor or Nimmo? Is Pete Alonso worth the money and the years he is demanding? From bold offseason proposals to behind-the-scenes coaching shakeups (is Kai Correa the manager-in-waiting?), nothing’s off-limits. Plus: Reaction to Boone and Cashman’s end-of-season ho-hum presser, with injury news on Volpe, Rodón, Cole, and Schmidt. And then Sal and Kelley play the first ever recorded (we think) game show of “guess the al dente cooking time of this pasta shape”. Of course, Sal closes the show by telling us….what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame.
Don’t miss this episode!Follow me on YouTube, X and IG: @threeinningfan*
Music by Podington Bear
Mets fans buckle up! In this episode of the Three Inning Fan Show, Keith Raad of the Mets Radio Booth joins Kelley Franco for a deep dive into the team, looking backward to 2025 and forward to 2026. He and Kelley explore the WHY of the Mets 2025 collapse and what’s next in offseason moves. Keith shares his keen insight into today’s breaking news – the firing of key members of the coaching staff -- and projects what the infield, starting rotation and bullpen could look like in 2026. Will they re-sign Pete Alonso? Where will Edwin Diaz be next year? What’s in store for the Mets acclaimed young starters – McLean, Tong and Sproat? Then Keith gives us fascinating insight into life on the road as part of the Mets organization. The plane rides, the poker games, the sunrise arrivals in new cities and…the haunted hotels? Yes, he explains why no one wants to stay at the Pfister Hotel in Milwaukee, and how it throws team hotel bookings into chaos. And of course, don’t miss Keith’s take on what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame. Hit play and don’t miss this insider-packed episode!
*Music by Podington Bear
In this episode of The Three Inning Fan Show, host Kelley Franco sits down with legendary MLB manager Bobby V for a fast-paced, wide-ranging, and unexpectedly personal conversation. From managing the Mets to the 2000 World Series to becoming a cultural icon in Japan with the Chiba Lotte Marines, Bobby shares unforgettable stories from his life along the way—like almost replacing O.J. Simpson, his friendship with Tommy Lasorda, and Al Leiter’s epic Game 5 performance in the 2000 World Series. But baseball is really just the beginning. Hear how Bobby starred in high school theater, how it was the springboard to his Japanese fluency, and how he won ballroom dancing competitions as a kid. Spoiler: the waltz is his wheelhouse. And of course…we get to hear what Bobby likes to eat while watching the ballgame – savvy fans won’t be surprised at his answer!*Music by Podington Bear
On this episode of The Three Inning Fan Show, Kelley Franco is joined by Hannah Keyser to discuss her eye-opening New York Times feature: How Fast Should Your 12 Year-Old Throw? Hannah takes a deep dive into the baseball labs designed to teach kids to pitch to higher velocities, whether they work, how much they cost, and the challenges they pose from parental and sports perspectives. She also explores whether the injury risk is worth the potential benefits, and the increasing frequency of Tommy John surgeries among young players. And of course we discuss…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame.
*Music by Podington Bear
On this episode of The Three Inning Fan Show, Kelley Franco is joined by WFAN legends Steve “The Schmooze” Somers and Bob Heussler for a hilarious, unfiltered, and unpredictable ride. They dive into the Mets, their pitching, and Juan Soto, before veering off into wild stories—including how Steve first met Jerry Seinfeld in a midnight bodega encounter that had everyone in tears of laughter. You’ll hear how The Schmooze got his start in LA and San Francisco, the secrets behind his iconic monologues, and how being a perfectionist sometimes meant yelling at the crew. Bob tries to keep Steve on track (good luck), shares what it’s like attending a game with him (expect delays when he goes for a beer), and both reveal their ultimate ballpark snacks. It’s chaotic, it’s nostalgic, it’s hilarious, and it only gets better as it goes. Don’t skip the ending.#mets #wfan #yankees #sny #yes #mlb #jerryseinfeld #dodgers #giants *Music by Podington Bear
In this episode of The Three Inning Fan Show with Kelley Franco, YES Network analyst and respected baseball journalist Jack Curry joins the show to talk Yankees — past and present. From what the team needs to reignite their season to whether an October run is in the cards, Jack offers sharp insights and behind-the-scenes stories, including his time as a beat reporter during the George Steinbrenner era. But there's more to Jack than baseball. He opens up about his eclectic taste in music, his constant search for new sounds, and the touching memory that helped him push through his first marathon. We even get the story behind his high school mullet. Is there anything about Jack Curry that isn’t refined? Yes. And you will find out what it is. And of course, you will also find out Jack’s take on…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame.
*Music by Podington Bear
In this episode of the Three Inning Fan Show with Kelley Franco, Liz Benn, former Director of Major League Operations for the Mets and current analyst on SNY’s “Baseball Night in New York” joins Kelley Franco to pull back the curtain on how MLB front offices operate. From scouts to analytics to all-nighters, Liz breaks down the job behind the game. But that’s just the first inning. As a philosophy professor, she also dives into what makes baseball beautiful. She enlightens and humors us in discussing what Plato might have thought of the game on the field, the concept of the aesthetic, and whether baseball breaking our hearts is part of the human condition. And of course don’t miss Liz’s take on…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame.
*Music by Podington Bear
In this episode of the Three Inning Fan Show with Kelley Franco, Dan Roberts, Editor in Chief of Front Office Sports, dives in deep on the business side of MLB. Dan uses his expertise on sports revenue and valuations to delve into MLB franchise valuations and why they lag other sports, and links it to MLB revenue versus other professional leagues. He talks about Commissioner Manfred’s changes to the game and how they have affected revenue, and how baseball benefits from its most marketable stars – but could use more. He also gets into MLB’s TV rights deals and what the future could hold for them. Dan and Kelley discuss the looming labor negotiations for owners and the players union, a possible salary cap, and who stands to lose more in a work stoppage. And of course… Dan tells us what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame, and the Boston fan just can’t resist poking the Yankees, even if it’s about their stadium food.*Music by Podington Bear
In this episode of the Three Inning Fan Show with Kelley Franco, Jared Diamond, sports columnist for the Wall Street Journal, discusses his recent piece on The Battery in Atlanta, the most envied stadium setup in MLB. The Battery is not just a ballpark, but a mixed-use development that has become a model for other sports organizations. It contains apartments, offices, hotels, restaurants, a concert venue, a movie theater, and other entertainment options – even a mechanical bull. What’s particularly of interest to other sports club owners? The revenue that’s being created by The Battery, which does not have to be shared with other baseball clubs under MLB’s revenue sharing system. And they are raking it in. Join Kelley and Jared as they discuss this sports venue that could just be the stadium setup of the future. And of course don’t miss Jared’s take on…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame.
In this episode of Three Inning Fan: The Podcast with Kelley Franco, legendary Mets radio voice and Mets Hall of Famer Howie Rose joins the show for a candid, humorous, and often poignant conversation. Howie reflects on his decades-long journey with the Mets—sharing kind words about the Wilpon era, his positive thoughts on the current Cohen ownership, and why he believes this is the most unified Mets organization, from ownership to front office to clubhouse, that fans have seen in years. Howie speaks openly about the unique intimacy of calling games on the radio, including how he maintained that connection with fans even while quietly battling illness. Howie recounts the emotional night at Citi Field when fans chanted his name before his leave of absence—a moment that left a lasting impact on him. Together, Howie and Kelley explore the grounding, enduring power of radio in sports and storytelling. Then Howie survives a humorous rapid-fire round, and of course we close with…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame.*Music by Podington Bear
In this episode of Three Inning Fan the Podcast with Kelley Franco, she is joined by Hall of Famer Mike Piazza, a New York icon whose legacy extends far beyond Shea Stadium. Crack open a beer and settle in for an informal, humorous, and wide-ranging conversation covering everything from whether Mike will manage the Italian World Baseball Classic team again in 2026, to his family’s Italian heritage, to the rich and proud history of Italian-American ballplayers. Mike and Kelley dive into the role of faith in baseball, his favorite Italian Saint (and why Kelley thinks he picked the wrong one), and even ponder whether Pope Leo can help the White Sox. Plus, they tackle the age-old debate – is it called sauce or gravy? And of course we close with…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame.*Music by Podington Bear
In this episode of Three Inning Fan the Podcast with Kelley Franco, she is joined by the incomparable Chris “Mad Dog” Russo of Mad Dog Unleashed as he brings his hallmark high-energy style to the show. They discuss the blockbuster Rafael Devers – Jordan Hicks trade between the #RedSox and the #SFGiants. We then focus on some of the hottest financial topics in #MLB right now, including the renegotiation of the Collective Bargaining Agreement next year. That will include contentious issues such as salary caps and floors, revenue sharing, pooling local broadcast money and other matters that, if pressed, could lead to a work stoppage and possibly the cancellation of the 2027 season. And of course we close with…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame.
*Music by Podington Bear
In this episode of Three Inning Fan the Podcast with Kelley Franco, she is joined by Mark Kolier of the podcast Almost Cooperstown. We discuss the Mets and Yankees at this pivotal point in the season. Are they overperforming or underperforming in pitching, bullpen, offense and defense? Who is carrying the load and who needs to step up? What players returning from injury will create roster crunches and possible trips to the minors? In about 25 minutes we cover it all - succinctly. And of course we close with…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame.
*Music by Podington Bear
In this informing and entertaining episode of Three Inning Fan - The Podcast, Kelley Franco covers everything you need to know about MLB in under 30 minutes. We talk about little names coming up big for the Mets and the Yankees. The Mets’ pitching staff is the best in MLB and it features David Stearns’ bargain signings and homegrown talent. The Yankees are being bolstered by Rice, Grisham, and Goldschmidt. The big names are working too, as Soto is heating up and Judge is playing like the best player in the game. Then we get outside the New York Bubble and talk about the Cubs – why are they surging and why could the best be yet to come? The Braves have a rally in their bones, the Mariners are scoring runs, and the Dodgers have – surprise – pitchers on the Injured List. And of course we close with…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame.
*Music by Podington Bear
In this jam-packed show, Kelley Franco covers everything you need to know about MLB in 30 minutes. We talk about the first-place Mets, and how Soto is slow to launch but will likely prove the doubters wrong; how Baty or Acuna will be demoted after McNeil’s return; and who will play centerfield in Siri’s absence. We also talk about the first-place Yankees, how Aaron Judge is on fire but so is Ben Rice - who is blooming as a power hitter. We’ll also talk about Luis Gil’s recent setback and where the Yankee rotation stands. Then we take a look at the powerful NL West and how the Padres and Giants have been able to surprise us. We talk about how and why the Orioles and Braves are off to slow starts. We take a 2-minute tax lesson from Kelley, who explains why ballplayers have to pay tax in every state they play in. And we wind it up with how the 2026 World Baseball Classic is looking, and the team captains whose names you will know, and how they will help recruits. And of course…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame.
*Music by Podington Bear
In this tremendous first show of the 2025 baseball season, Kelley Franco covers all the hot MLB news in about 20 minutes. We talk about the Mets, and how Alonso is reminding fans who he is. We also talk Baty and Vientos, and how guys like Torrens are making a difference. We talk Yankees and their home run barrage, who is stepping up, and whether Volpe is turning into a slugger. We cover the Torpedo bats and more – and what could be the next frontier in bat design - has AI come to MLB? Then we will tour MLB so you know what’s happening around the league, including the powerful NL West, the flurry of extensions happening all over baseball, and if you are a panicker, we’ll tell you which teams are worth panicking over. Then we talk about the GQ spread for baseball’s most famous – and young – power couple. And of course…what’s good to eat while watching the ballgame.
*Music by Podington Bear