Michael Clair
@michaelclair.bsky.social
I like baseball and I write about it for MLB.com. Special focus on the World Baseball Classic, culture, and freaky little oddities. I also like rock n roll.
Pinned
Michael Clair
@michaelclair.bsky.social
· Mar 24
66,000 words, thousands of miles traveled, and hundreds of hours at my desk later, my manuscript on Baseball Czech is complete!
It’s now in the hands of @univnebpress.bsky.social for the next round of work and edits. Hopefully next time you see this, there will be a cover and pre-order link!
It’s now in the hands of @univnebpress.bsky.social for the next round of work and edits. Hopefully next time you see this, there will be a cover and pre-order link!
Tatsuya Imai brought the "I come to bury Ohtani, not to praise him," vibes in an interview with Daisuke Matsuzaka last night.
The Seibu Lions ace doesn't want to join the Dodgers, he wants to beat them. Thanks to Ayako Oikawa for help translating: www.mlb.com/news/tatsuya...
The Seibu Lions ace doesn't want to join the Dodgers, he wants to beat them. Thanks to Ayako Oikawa for help translating: www.mlb.com/news/tatsuya...
Ace pitcher Tatsuya Imai wants to 'take down' the Dodgers to win a World Series
When the news broke that Seibu Lions ace Tatsuya Imai was posted, many Major League fans had one question: Would he also want to join the Dodgers? After all, not only is Los Angeles arguably the close...
www.mlb.com
November 24, 2025 at 9:15 PM
Tatsuya Imai brought the "I come to bury Ohtani, not to praise him," vibes in an interview with Daisuke Matsuzaka last night.
The Seibu Lions ace doesn't want to join the Dodgers, he wants to beat them. Thanks to Ayako Oikawa for help translating: www.mlb.com/news/tatsuya...
The Seibu Lions ace doesn't want to join the Dodgers, he wants to beat them. Thanks to Ayako Oikawa for help translating: www.mlb.com/news/tatsuya...
I don't know what I hate more: That we have REVIEWS of pencils, pointing out its excellent wooden barrel ... or that I went searching for such a review
November 24, 2025 at 6:09 PM
I don't know what I hate more: That we have REVIEWS of pencils, pointing out its excellent wooden barrel ... or that I went searching for such a review
For anyone who would like to be Brazil's pitching coordinator, there is a job opening. www.mlb.com/careers/oppo...
League Opportunities | Careers | MLB.com
Job opportunities at Major League Baseball.
www.mlb.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:15 PM
For anyone who would like to be Brazil's pitching coordinator, there is a job opening. www.mlb.com/careers/oppo...
Kelsie Whitmore, Ayami Sato, Mo'ne Davis, and Ashton Lansdell are among the names who went off the board in the first round.
In total, players from the U.S., Canada, Australia, U.K., Curacao, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea were selected for the inaugural season.
In total, players from the U.S., Canada, Australia, U.K., Curacao, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea were selected for the inaugural season.
"I needed to make sure I'm proving myself, that I earned this contract," Kelsie Whitmore said. "Now coming into this league, I feel like myself is finally enough.”
History was made at the inaugural WPBL draft last night:
www.mlb.com/news/kelsie-...
History was made at the inaugural WPBL draft last night:
www.mlb.com/news/kelsie-...
Whitmore top pick in historic Women's Pro Baseball League draft
When the first name was called at the inaugural Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) Draft on Thursday night, there was little surprise: When it comes to the world of women’s baseball, Kelsie W...
www.mlb.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:41 PM
Kelsie Whitmore, Ayami Sato, Mo'ne Davis, and Ashton Lansdell are among the names who went off the board in the first round.
In total, players from the U.S., Canada, Australia, U.K., Curacao, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea were selected for the inaugural season.
In total, players from the U.S., Canada, Australia, U.K., Curacao, Dominican Republic, Mexico, Japan, and South Korea were selected for the inaugural season.
"I needed to make sure I'm proving myself, that I earned this contract," Kelsie Whitmore said. "Now coming into this league, I feel like myself is finally enough.”
History was made at the inaugural WPBL draft last night:
www.mlb.com/news/kelsie-...
History was made at the inaugural WPBL draft last night:
www.mlb.com/news/kelsie-...
Whitmore top pick in historic Women's Pro Baseball League draft
When the first name was called at the inaugural Women’s Professional Baseball League (WPBL) Draft on Thursday night, there was little surprise: When it comes to the world of women’s baseball, Kelsie W...
www.mlb.com
November 21, 2025 at 2:59 PM
"I needed to make sure I'm proving myself, that I earned this contract," Kelsie Whitmore said. "Now coming into this league, I feel like myself is finally enough.”
History was made at the inaugural WPBL draft last night:
www.mlb.com/news/kelsie-...
History was made at the inaugural WPBL draft last night:
www.mlb.com/news/kelsie-...
Sarah Edwards drops to the third round and will be going to Los Angeles. Edwards, who coached in the Phillies system, became the first woman to coach for a pro team in Asia when she joined the Brothers of the CPBL last year: www.mlb.com/news/sarah-e...
Former Phillies coach Sarah Edwards becomes first woman to be on-field coach in Asian pro baseball
Sarah Edwards has seen the world: She's played softball for the Italian women's national team and baseball for the USA women's national team. She also was the first female coach in the Phillies system...
www.mlb.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:45 AM
Sarah Edwards drops to the third round and will be going to Los Angeles. Edwards, who coached in the Phillies system, became the first woman to coach for a pro team in Asia when she joined the Brothers of the CPBL last year: www.mlb.com/news/sarah-e...
Mexican national team shortstop Samaria Benitez goes to Los Angeles in the second round. She made one of the best infield plays during the Women's Baseball World Cup group stage in '23: www.mlb.com/video/samari...
Samaria Benitez flashes the leather | 08/11/2023
Samaria Benitez makes a remarkable diving defensive stop and then shows off her arm on the next play
www.mlb.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:35 AM
Mexican national team shortstop Samaria Benitez goes to Los Angeles in the second round. She made one of the best infield plays during the Women's Baseball World Cup group stage in '23: www.mlb.com/video/samari...
Boston's braintrust must love the Canadian national team: Three of their first four picks are from Canada with Alli Schroder, Rayne Padgham, and Zoe Hicks getting selected.
November 21, 2025 at 1:25 AM
Boston's braintrust must love the Canadian national team: Three of their first four picks are from Canada with Alli Schroder, Rayne Padgham, and Zoe Hicks getting selected.
Mo'ne Davis is off the board! Los Angeles takes her with the 10th pick. Known for her shutout in the Little League World Series, she's listed as a CF today.
November 21, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Mo'ne Davis is off the board! Los Angeles takes her with the 10th pick. Known for her shutout in the Little League World Series, she's listed as a CF today.
Mo'ne Davis is off the board! Los Angeles takes her with the 10th pick. Known for her shutout in the Little League World Series, she's listed as a CF today.
November 21, 2025 at 1:22 AM
Mo'ne Davis is off the board! Los Angeles takes her with the 10th pick. Known for her shutout in the Little League World Series, she's listed as a CF today.
Boston's second pick: Canadian pitcher AND wildlife firefighter, Alli Schroder
www.mlb.com/news/basebal...
www.mlb.com/news/basebal...
Pressure on the mound? Nothing compared to Alli Schroder's day job
THUNDER BAY, Ontario -- Alli Schroder was just 16 years old when Team Canada trusted her with the most important innings possible. Facing the United States in the bronze medal game in 2018's WBSC Wome...
www.mlb.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:17 AM
Boston's second pick: Canadian pitcher AND wildlife firefighter, Alli Schroder
www.mlb.com/news/basebal...
www.mlb.com/news/basebal...
The Boston Red Sox wrap up the first four picks is South Korean catcher Hyeonah Kim. "I'm proud to be a baseball player," she said in a statement, "and now I have a place to play and compete alongside someone who shares the same passions"
November 21, 2025 at 1:16 AM
The Boston Red Sox wrap up the first four picks is South Korean catcher Hyeonah Kim. "I'm proud to be a baseball player," she said in a statement, "and now I have a place to play and compete alongside someone who shares the same passions"
Power-hitting 3B Kylee Lahners goes third overall to New York. She grew up a Yankees fan and she admits, "this is pretty darn close to being a Yankee."
November 21, 2025 at 1:14 AM
Power-hitting 3B Kylee Lahners goes third overall to New York. She grew up a Yankees fan and she admits, "this is pretty darn close to being a Yankee."
No. 2 overall sees Ayami Sato, arguably the greatest pitcher in women's baseball history. She played the last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, becoming the first woman to play pro baseball in Canada.
I spoke to her a few years ago: www.mlb.com/news/japan-a...
I spoke to her a few years ago: www.mlb.com/news/japan-a...
World's best female pitcher has even more goals to spare
"I liked to throw since I was a child and I also didn't like to lose," Samurai Japan ace pitcher Ayami Sato said through interpreter Sho Kurematsu over Zoom ahead of the WBSC Women's World Cup Group B...
www.mlb.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:13 AM
No. 2 overall sees Ayami Sato, arguably the greatest pitcher in women's baseball history. She played the last season with the Toronto Maple Leafs, becoming the first woman to play pro baseball in Canada.
I spoke to her a few years ago: www.mlb.com/news/japan-a...
I spoke to her a few years ago: www.mlb.com/news/japan-a...
Little surprise here: Kelsie Whitmore, who helped make history when she debuted with the Sonoma Stompers in 2016 before going on to play for the FerryHawks, Ballers, and Savannah Bananas, is first off the board.
She'll rep SF next year.
She'll rep SF next year.
November 21, 2025 at 1:11 AM
Little surprise here: Kelsie Whitmore, who helped make history when she debuted with the Sonoma Stompers in 2016 before going on to play for the FerryHawks, Ballers, and Savannah Bananas, is first off the board.
She'll rep SF next year.
She'll rep SF next year.
The inaugural Women's Professional Baseball League draft is about to begin. Stars like Kelsie Whitmore, Mo'ne Davis, Ashton Lansdell, Ayami Sato, Rosi Del Castillo, and more are expected to be selected. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBE5...
WPBL Draft 2025
YouTube video by Women's Pro Baseball League
www.youtube.com
November 21, 2025 at 1:02 AM
The inaugural Women's Professional Baseball League draft is about to begin. Stars like Kelsie Whitmore, Mo'ne Davis, Ashton Lansdell, Ayami Sato, Rosi Del Castillo, and more are expected to be selected. www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBE5...
I never was a Panera person, but I enjoyed the fact that they actually baked their breads on premises.
Once they stopped doing that, what was even the point
Once they stopped doing that, what was even the point
Once the top U.S. fast-casual chain, Panera has dipped to number three, falling behind Chipotle and Panda Express.
Now, to try to win back consumers, the chain plans to reinvest in the business and undo many previously implemented cost-cutting measures, it said Tuesday.
Full story: cnb.cx/487BuFk
Now, to try to win back consumers, the chain plans to reinvest in the business and undo many previously implemented cost-cutting measures, it said Tuesday.
Full story: cnb.cx/487BuFk
November 19, 2025 at 9:57 PM
I never was a Panera person, but I enjoyed the fact that they actually baked their breads on premises.
Once they stopped doing that, what was even the point
Once they stopped doing that, what was even the point
Anyone who is in NYC and interested in following the @WPBL draft live, Wilka's Sports Bar is hosting a watch party. Draft begins at 5:00 p.m. ET. We'll have coverage afterward at mlbdotcom.
November 19, 2025 at 9:56 PM
Anyone who is in NYC and interested in following the @WPBL draft live, Wilka's Sports Bar is hosting a watch party. Draft begins at 5:00 p.m. ET. We'll have coverage afterward at mlbdotcom.
Why does Bowling Green not wear green? I love an orange brown color scheme, but really seems like Bowling Green should be, you know, green
November 19, 2025 at 1:37 AM
Why does Bowling Green not wear green? I love an orange brown color scheme, but really seems like Bowling Green should be, you know, green
My mayoral campaign: bartenders aren’t allowed to use Spotify playlists. If you’re a bartender, I want to know that the musical selection comes from a deeply personal place. Not “Tuesday night going out vibes”
November 19, 2025 at 12:13 AM
My mayoral campaign: bartenders aren’t allowed to use Spotify playlists. If you’re a bartender, I want to know that the musical selection comes from a deeply personal place. Not “Tuesday night going out vibes”
UNREAL. Kim Ju-Won hits a bottom of the ninth, two out game-tying home run to center field and Korea finishes this game with a 7-7 tie. Remarkable ballgame played like it was the WBC final instead of a meaningless exhibition.
November 16, 2025 at 1:43 PM
UNREAL. Kim Ju-Won hits a bottom of the ninth, two out game-tying home run to center field and Korea finishes this game with a 7-7 tie. Remarkable ballgame played like it was the WBC final instead of a meaningless exhibition.
Keep an eye on Hyun-min Ahn! The dude is JACKED and he goes deep for the second straight day to cut the lead to one.
Coming off a season where the 21 year old hit .334 with 22 home runs and Ryu has confirmed he's the team's No. 2 batter. Definitely a player to watch for the future.
Coming off a season where the 21 year old hit .334 with 22 home runs and Ryu has confirmed he's the team's No. 2 batter. Definitely a player to watch for the future.
November 16, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Keep an eye on Hyun-min Ahn! The dude is JACKED and he goes deep for the second straight day to cut the lead to one.
Coming off a season where the 21 year old hit .334 with 22 home runs and Ryu has confirmed he's the team's No. 2 batter. Definitely a player to watch for the future.
Coming off a season where the 21 year old hit .334 with 22 home runs and Ryu has confirmed he's the team's No. 2 batter. Definitely a player to watch for the future.
For all the good in this game from Korea, the pitching is still such a big concern. Bae Chan-seung walks in a run, the third time today that a pitcher for Korea has done that.
The arms are young, but not sure how Ryu could have confidence come March.
The arms are young, but not sure how Ryu could have confidence come March.
November 16, 2025 at 1:16 PM
For all the good in this game from Korea, the pitching is still such a big concern. Bae Chan-seung walks in a run, the third time today that a pitcher for Korea has done that.
The arms are young, but not sure how Ryu could have confidence come March.
The arms are young, but not sure how Ryu could have confidence come March.
We've got one HELL of a ballgame brewing here! Korea has the tying run thrown out at home as the Naver broadcasters go absolutely WILD. You could be forgiven for thinking this is a World Series Game 7, WBC final for the passion.
Great November baseball. 6-5 Japan.
Great November baseball. 6-5 Japan.
November 16, 2025 at 1:03 PM
We've got one HELL of a ballgame brewing here! Korea has the tying run thrown out at home as the Naver broadcasters go absolutely WILD. You could be forgiven for thinking this is a World Series Game 7, WBC final for the passion.
Great November baseball. 6-5 Japan.
Great November baseball. 6-5 Japan.