Extra Innings Travel

10/28/2026

🎙️ On the latest episode of Charter Up, Shane talks to MLB field consultant Murray Cook about his journey from teenage minor league groundskeeper to building baseball fields for some of the biggest sporting events around the world.

They discuss the art and science of groundskeeping, the challenges of transforming unconventional venues into MLB ballparks, and his experiences working on the Olympics, World Baseball Classic, Field of Dreams, and MLB games in London.

They also explore the behind-the-scenes work that makes these events possible and how baseball brings people together across cultures.

Chatter Up Podcast / Murray Cook: MLB’s Global Groundskeeper Ep. 8 • 51 Min Murray Cook: MLB’s Global Groundskeeper Murray Cook • MLB Groundskeeper In this episode, Shane talks to MLB field consultant Murray Cook about his journey from teenage minor league groundskeeper to building baseball ...

10/28/2026

In our latest edition of the Chatter Up Podcast, MLB groundskeeper Murray Cook explains how gasoline and even helicopters were once used to dry out baseball fields after rain. 🔥🚁

Some methods are probably best left in the past!

Watch the full episode on YouTube now or listen on Spotify/Apple!

10/24/2026

Check out Shane’s cameo at Oracle Park on South Korea’s MBC News at the 09:27 mark!

#부산 #북항 #돔구장 #돔아레나 #야구장 #오라클파크

10/22/2026

🚨 New Chatter Up Podcast episode!

In this episode, Shane talks to baseball coach Bianca Smith about her journey from working with the Boston Red Sox to pursuing her dream of coaching in Japan. They discuss the differences between American and Japanese baseball, her experience coaching through the JET Program, and her involvement with Play Abroad.

They also explore her love of Japanese baseball, the importance of cultural exchange, and how the game brings people together across borders.

YouTube: https://youtu.be/-k3HWROxQKM

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/41f4qULAZeusWBt5RNDqnn?si=yOl31ojYRAWdtm6CodqDvw

Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/bianca-smith-breaking-barriers-from-the-red-sox-to-japan/id6812366380?i=1000797441329

Chatter Up, presented by Extra Innings Travel, explores baseball’s ...

10/22/2026

🚨 New Chatter Up podcast episode with Bianca Smith is out now!

Shane talks to Bianca about her unique journey from coaching in the Boston Red Sox system to coaching a middle school baseball team in Japan. From the surprising differences between American and Japanese baseball to the lessons both cultures can learn from each other, Bianca shares a fascinating perspective on the game and how it connects people around the world.

Watch on YouTube or listen on Spotify/Apple!

10/19/2026

Had a great time chatting with the guys from Painting Corners Baseball!

Shane Barclay, the Anthony Bourdain of baseball, joins Aidan and Jo...

10/17/2026

Throwback to when we saw Estrellas throw a combined no-hitter in the Dominican Republic! 🇩🇴

Big thanks to coach Tyler Mark for helping get Shane’s ticket signed by all five pitchers!

10/16/2026

Long before our Play Abroad trips, Cappy Harada was helping bring American 🇺🇸 baseball teams to Japan 🇯🇵

Born on October 16, 1921, Harada helped organize the San Francisco Seals’ goodwill tour of Japan in 1949, followed by visits from Joe DiMaggio’s All-Stars and the New York Giants.

The trips brought people together after World War II through something both countries loved: baseball ⚾️

That’s a big part of why we love baseball travel today. You get to experience a new country, meet people who share your passion, and maybe even take the field together.

Cappy passed away on June 5, 2010. But today, we celebrate an early pioneer who helped pave the way.

10/16/2026

Check out Shane’s appearance on the Painting Corners podcast!

Shane Barclay, the Anthony Bourdain of baseball, joins Aidan and Jo...