Digging In with J.P. Arencibia

Reese McGuire - The 2019 season comes to a close

Mon, 30 Sep 2019 22:31:24 GMT

The Toronto Blue Jays officially saw their 2019 season come to an end on Sunday. Toronto Blue Jays catcher Reese McGuire talks about bonding with the team's other young players, making the jump to the majors, and his plans for the offseason. Plus, we hand out roses and thorns for the 2019 season.

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T.J. Zeuch - Making the majors, pitching style, and late-season storylines

Tue, 24 Sep 2019 23:52:37 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher T.J. Zeuch threw a no-hitter in Triple-A, and now he's a part of a major league rotation. He breaks down his pitching style and explains why nobody would answer his call when he tried to share the news that he made the big leagues. Plus, a definitive ranking of the most exciting storylines left in the season.

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Anthony Kay - Donuts, Canadian snacks, and catcher rotations

Tue, 17 Sep 2019 21:37:34 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays rookie Anthony Kay has endeared himself to the fanbase in a short time with his adventures in Canadian snack food culture. He gives some insights on his favourites, as well as the secret world of MLB donuts. Plus, the Blue Jays have a good problem on their hands with two young catchers.

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Anthony Alford - Football, big league pitching, and 100 losses

Tue, 10 Sep 2019 23:23:10 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays outfield prospect Anthony Alford is back in the major leagues, looking to make his mark and solidify his spot on the club. After making the choice to pursue a career in baseball over football, JP throws a series of 'would you rather' questions at him to see if there are any moments he wishes he could still pull off while wearing the pads. Plus, the Red Sox firing of Dave Dombrowski, and whether a 100-loss season will feel like a complete failure in Toronto.

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Jacob Waguespack - Nicknames, staying private, and tailgating season.

Fri, 06 Sep 2019 00:33:29 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Jacob Waguespack is another young member of the team that has made his major league debut in the 2019 season. He shares the details of his journey from being undrafted all the way to the big leagues, stakes his claim to many nicknames, and describes how he's managed to master six different pitches. Plus, J.P. and Nick talk about the value of players understanding analytics, and first-hand accounts of Justin Verlander's latest no-hitter.

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Bullpen Coach Matt Buschmann - Developing players, learning the ropes, high performance.

Wed, 28 Aug 2019 23:16:13 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays bullpen coach Matt Buschmann has made a quick transition from being a major league pitcher to landing on a major league coaching staff. He shares some of his philosophies on player development, pitching, and the game at large. Plus, does Keon Broxton's suspension make sense for an incident that is pretty clearly an accident, and how will we ever know if a high performance department does a good job.

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Bo Bichette - Making the majors, starting off hot, and facing Kershaw.

Thu, 22 Aug 2019 00:54:42 GMT

Nobody has exploded onto the baseball scene in the last month in a bigger way than Bo Bichette. He takes us through his whirlwind run to the major leagues, which include getting the call in the middle of a game, facing one of the best in the game, and looking back on the road that got him here. Plus, as the season winds down, MLB awards talk begins to take shape.

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Thomas Pannone - Starting, relieving, hitting, and Dumb & Dumber.

Tue, 13 Aug 2019 01:20:32 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Thomas Pannone has already played a lot of roles this season for the club. He's started games, pitched in relief, shuffled between the majors and minors, played local tour guide, and even showed the other pitchers how to hit. Now he's also acting as a great guest to fill out his rookie season. Plus, what does a game at the Field of Dreams field really mean for the MLB, and how great was that Vladimir Guerrero Jr. at-bat against the Yankees?

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Derek Fisher - Faceball, a new team, and Bo Bichette arrives.

Tue, 06 Aug 2019 23:01:18 GMT

Brand new Toronto Blue Jays outfielder Derek Fisher didn't make the greatest first impression on field with his new team, but he makes up for it in a big way by being a great interview. He acknowledges the gaffe in right field, but also talks about the process of joining a new franchise and what he has done with his Houston Astros World Series ring. Plus, Bo Bichette has officially arrived with the team and looks the part of a major league stud.

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Ned Colletti - Trade deadline insight and the Marcus Stroman deal

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 22:26:27 GMT

Former General Manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers Ned Colletti provides plenty of insight around the most intriguing few days of the season for a baseball front office, as the MLB Trade Deadline approaches. Plus, a look at the return the Toronto Blue Jays got from the Marcus Stroman trade and whether or not the move to the Mets was one final parting shot from the front office.

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Ricky Romero - Roy Halladay enters the Hall of Fame

Tue, 23 Jul 2019 23:24:29 GMT

With Roy Halladay officially enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame, former teammate Ricky Romero shares some memories of playing with Doc on the Toronto Blue Jays. Plus, debate about who will be a part of the next class to make the Hall.

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John Schneider - The World's Greatest BP Pitcher

Thu, 18 Jul 2019 01:46:05 GMT

Thanks to Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays Major League Coach John Schneider is now the record holder for most home runs ever given up in a single Home Run Derby. He shares his secrets for throwing good BP, plus sheds light on his 18-year career in the team's system in various roles. Plus, a debate about the Atlantic League being used for experimentation and whether Bo Bichette is ready to step up to the bigs.

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Adam Jones - Home Run Derby picks and predictions

Mon, 08 Jul 2019 19:37:17 GMT

The MLB All-Star festivities are upon us, and former All-Star outfielder and Home Run Derby participant Adam Jones of the Arizona Diamondbacks gives an inside look at how stars prepare for and perform during the big event. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. represents the Toronto Blue Jays, and Jones shares some stories of playing with and against Guerrero's Hall of Fame father.

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Joe Biagini - Finding stability, Would You Rather, and media altercations

Tue, 02 Jul 2019 03:34:20 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays reliever Joe Biagini has found his footing as a staple of the bullpen, so it is time to take a step back and soak in what it all means and how he can help fellow Rule 5 pick Elvis Luciano. Plus, Joe fields a rapid fire succession of hypothetical scenarios that involves a banana gun that shoots smaller bananas. And in the wake of the New York Mets media dust up, JP shares some thoughts on dealing with the media when you're in a bad spot.

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Rowdy Tellez - Fan favourite, clutch hitter, and rookie sensation

Tue, 25 Jun 2019 19:38:17 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays slugger Rowdy Tellez has looked comfortable in his first full season in the major leagues, and he attributes a lot of his success to the veteran guidance on the roster. He also has adjusted to hitting lefties, being named a fan favourite, and reveals a connection to the entire Guerrero family. Plus, with all the talk of power and home run derbies, is the ball really juiced?

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Jordan Romano - Growing up a Jays fan, being a Rule 5 pick, Yankees get Encarnacion

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 00:51:35 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays rookie pitcher Jordan Romano grew up cheering for the team he now gets to play for. He went through a few organizations after the Rule 5 draft to land back home, but now he is ready to pitch in front of his family in the major leagues. Plus, the Yankees acquire Edwin Encarnacion, and JP relates to the feeling of playing through a hand injury.

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Guillermo Martinez - Bumgarner vs Muncy, the coaching journey, Blue Jays experiments

Tue, 11 Jun 2019 19:10:56 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays hitting coach Guillermo Martinez is in his first season in the major leagues, and is learning along with the team's young hitters how to have success at the highest level. Plus, sorting through the Madison Bumgarner vs Max Muncy war of words, and looking for answers in the positional experiments the Blue Jays are launching all over the field.

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Cavan Biggio - Making the majors, Dad's game face, and staying patient

Wed, 05 Jun 2019 19:31:17 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays prospect Cavan Biggio has arrived the big leagues, bringing his excellent approach at the plate and positional versatility with him. Biggio covers his dad's game face in the stands, how it felt to hit a major league home run, and how football helped him become a better baseball player. Plus, is the Tampa Bay Rays success good for the game?

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Danny Jansen - A rookie catcher's burden, Carter Stewart's journey and deadly snails

Wed, 29 May 2019 21:24:58 GMT

Blue Jays catcher Danny Jansen joins the show to talk about his defensive evolution and his deceptive wheels, while J.P. and Nick discuss whether Carter Stewart is a game changer for baseball and the value of peace of mind.

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Eric Sogard - Vladdy breaks out, Nerd Power, and conspiracy theories

Mon, 20 May 2019 19:54:49 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays infielder Eric Sogard has found his swing on a new team while hitting ahead of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. He's made adjustments on and off the field, including accepting the Nerd Power nickname, and his controversial runner-up placing in the Face of MLB voting conspiracy. Plus, JP gives some insight on the Giants using as 'fake injury' to manipulate the injured list.

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Luke Maile - Pitching a scoreless inning, his knuckleball, and team DJ.

Tue, 07 May 2019 21:22:03 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays catcher Luke Maile just made his first ever appearance as a reliever, so he's got a new perspective on the pride and pain of pitching. He goes through his array of pitches (a fastball and knuckleball) and reprises his role as team post-game DJ. Plus, JP talks about the friction politics can cause in the clubhouse in the wake of the Boston Red Sox decision to visit the White House.

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Freddy Galvis - Vladdy debuts, leading the youth, and growing his dreads

Mon, 29 Apr 2019 21:18:29 GMT

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has finally arrived in Toronto! Blue Jays shortstop Freddy Galvis talks about his first impressions of the phenom, having a new role as a veteran leader, and growing out his dreadlocks. Plus, Nick and J.P. get a little heated about bat flips and debate a truly bizarre animal-themed Would You Rather.

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Bobby Meacham - Managing Vlad, facilitating dreams, and flipping bats

Mon, 22 Apr 2019 23:33:31 GMT

Buffalo Bisons manager Bobby Meacham has a first-hand view of Vladimir Guerrero Jr's development in Triple-A, as well as prospects like Bo Bichette and Cavan Biggio. While the Blue Jays bats finally break out, only to deal with a rash of pitching injuries, and J.P. has something to get off his chest about Tim Anderson's bat flip. Plus: Would you rather have $100K cash or a $500K gift card?

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Clay Buchholz - A new role, no-hitter, and owning Arencibia.

Wed, 17 Apr 2019 00:24:10 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays starter Clay Buchholz talks about his new role as a veteran in the rotation, throwing a no-hitter, and owning J.P. Arencibia in his career. Plus, Lourdes Gurriel Jr's throwing issues, Nate Pearson's strong start, and issues with the Ozzie Albies contract.

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Kevin Pillar - Being traded, a new team, and saying goodbye to Toronto

Tue, 09 Apr 2019 19:51:10 GMT

San Francisco Giants outfielder Kevin Pillar talks about his trade from the Toronto Blue Jays, fitting in with his new team, and saying goodbye to Toronto. Plus, Nick and JP try to figure out why the Blue Jays are struggling to hit.

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Trent Thornton - Opening Day, getting the call-up, and secret musical talents.

Sat, 30 Mar 2019 15:58:19 GMT

Toronto Blue Jays rookie starter Trent Thornton joins J.P. and Nick to talk about the moment he got the call to make him an official big leaguer, his thoughts before his debut, his secret musical talent, and... eating a live fish?! Plus, they break down the 'stunt foods' available around MLB.

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Opening Day Live Special

Fri, 29 Mar 2019 14:54:36 GMT

J.P. and Nick go live from the Rec Room on a grim Opening Day to discuss the biggest stories of the Blue Jays season, set some over/unders, and take an eclectic series of questions from the crowd.

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Spring Training Special

Fri, 22 Mar 2019 18:58:29 GMT

New Blue Jays pitcher Matt Shoemaker joins the pod to talk about his belief in his teammates and why he's so excited about the food culture in Toronto while J.P. and Nick take a deep dive into spring training culture and discuss some of the latest MLB rule change proposals.

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Offseason in Review featuring Bo Bichette

Wed, 06 Mar 2019 14:50:58 GMT

Bo Bichette joins the podcast to talk about his mindset competing for a job against the odds and gives a snapshot of his off-field life. J.P. and Nick talk about the Blue Jays' quiet offseason that was, and 'J.P. career trivia' is retired in favour of a new segment.

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Roy Halladay Hall of Fame special ft. Shannon Stewart, Frank Catalanotto, and Ricky Romero

Thu, 24 Jan 2019 22:02:41 GMT

In light of Roy Halladay's induction into the Hall of Fame, J.P. and Nick invite a trio of guests to the show to reminisce about the ace's legendary tenure with the Blue Jays.

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Charlie Montoyo, a Tulo Debate and a Puerto Rican Blue Jays Parade

Wed, 12 Dec 2018 21:58:20 GMT

In this special Winter Meetings episode, Charlie Montoyo joins the show to discuss Vladdy Jr. mania, his way with players and the reaction to his hiring in Puerto Rico. Nick and J.P. engage in a spirited debate about Troy Tulowitzki's future. J.P. pulls back the curtain on where many MLB rumours come from.

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John Gibbons Round 2, Wrapping up the Season and J.P.'s Relentless Positivity

Mon, 01 Oct 2018 23:11:56 GMT

John Gibbons joins the show again to discuss his exit from the Blue Jays, his memories of Toronto, and his blend between being laid back and competitive. J.P. lists off his glass-half-full 2018 takeaways and faces career trivia one last time. Nick offers his acknowledgements and hints at the future of the podcast.

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Devon Travis, The Blue Jays Clubhouse Transition, and Memories of Ichiro

Tue, 25 Sep 2018 13:02:53 GMT

Devon Travis joins the show to talk about his up-and-down season, the way the Blue Jays are changing and his super-athlete brother. Nick and J.P. discuss how much credit catchers can take for great pitcher seasons, what made Ichiro so special and the definition of the word penultimate.

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Rowdy Tellez, Fitzmagic, and a Glimpse Into The Future

Wed, 19 Sep 2018 21:39:19 GMT

Rowdy Tellez joins the show to discuss life in the bigs, his personal struggles and the importance of being vulnerable. J.P. and Nick talk about what's impressed them most about the Blue Jays' rookies and ponder how Ryan Fitzpatrick's legendary postgame look would go over in MLB.

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Sean-Reid Foley, The Donaldson Deal, and Fall League Tales

Thu, 06 Sep 2018 21:25:18 GMT

Sean-Reid Foley joins the show to discuss the origin story of his glorious mustache and his experience with the Blue Jays. J.P. and Nick discuss the fallout from the Josh Donaldson trade. J.P. explains what makes the Arizona Fall League so much fun and reminisces on an unlikely day at the plate.

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Ryan Borucki, A Bromance for the Ages and Attendance Woes

Mon, 27 Aug 2018 21:15:28 GMT

Ryan Borucki joins the show to talk about his friendship with Danny Jansen, re-live his Chicago sports memories and give a tutorial on deep-dish pizza. J.P. recalls how September callups affect Triple-A teams and chokes at career trivia.

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Danny Jansen, Pizza Preferences, and the Worst Way to End a Ballgame

Mon, 20 Aug 2018 21:37:25 GMT

Danny Jansen joins the show to talk about his big-league firsts, his favourite pizza and his dad’s legendary mustache. Nick and JP discuss the Gibbons-Pillar dustup, J.P.’s post-debut blues and the worst way for a baseball game to end.

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Marcus Stroman, The Rookie Duo, and Scaring Chris Sale

Wed, 15 Aug 2018 19:58:28 GMT

Marcus Stroman joins the show to talk about his interactions with fans, his food spots in Toronto and what it takes to be a great clubhouse DJ. J.P. shares his advice for Danny Jansen and Nick tells J.P. about some bragging rights he never knew he had.

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Ricky Romero, John Gibbons, and Brett Lawrie Memories

Wed, 08 Aug 2018 15:50:48 GMT

Ricky Romero joins the show to discuss his time in Toronto and his life after MLB. J.P. and Nick talk about John Gibbons' future with the Blue Jays. J.P. reflects on the energy Brett Lawrie brought to the team during his late-season callup in 2011.

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Aaron Loup, Trade Deadline Takeaways and Old Tweets

Fri, 03 Aug 2018 03:47:02 GMT

Aaron Loup joins the show to discuss his trade to the Phillies and answer a difficult hypothetical. J.P. and Nick recap Toronto's trade deadline moves and give perspective on the league-wide storm caused by players' ugly tweets.

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Chris Archer, Trade Chatter and Breaking up with the Blue Jays

Tue, 24 Jul 2018 14:43:31 GMT

Rays ace Chris Archer joins the show to discuss everything from the trade deadline to the flat earth theory. JP reflects on the heartbreak of getting dumped by the Blue Jays. Nick and JP break down Lourdes Gurriel's impressive run in Toronto.

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Yan Gomes, World Cup Heartbreak and Midseason Musings

Sat, 14 Jul 2018 00:50:33 GMT

Indians catcher Yan Gomes joins the show to discuss the World Cup, his time with the Blue Jays and preparing for the Yankees. Nick and J.P. look back at the good and bad from the first half. J.P. recalls his most memorable All-Star break.

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Pete Walker, Canada Day and an Unexpected Debate

Tue, 03 Jul 2018 23:42:07 GMT

Pete Walker joins the show to talk about Ryan Borucki and the origin story of his legendary stache. J.P. reflects on the excitement of playing on Canada Day. Nick gets some pushback on where Jose Bautista ranks among the all-time Jays greats.

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Randal Grichuk, Playing GM and Going Streaking

Fri, 22 Jun 2018 05:45:48 GMT

Randal Grichuk joins the show to talk about the mental side of the game and the worst haircut he's ever had. Nick ponders Josh Donaldson's trade value. J.P. details the emotional highs and lows of a lengthy winning streak.

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Travis Snider, Immaculate Innings and Meat Power Rankings

Fri, 15 Jun 2018 21:21:43 GMT

Travis Snider joins the show to talk about his baseball journey and meat-eating accomplishments. J.P. tells the story of his most memorable beaning. Nick rises from the dead and takes some flak for his new look.

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Buck Martinez, Draft Memories and Revenge Walk-Offs

Tue, 05 Jun 2018 15:35:38 GMT

Buck Martinez joins the show to talk about everything from the "Get Up Ball!" call to how he'd like to see baseball change. J.P. looks back on his draft experience. Nick proves the limits of his memory.

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Alex Anthopoulos, Vegas, and Golden Sombreros

Tue, 29 May 2018 18:50:19 GMT

Alex Anthopoulos joins the show to talk about Vladdy Guerrero Jr., Jose Bautista and when nutrition goes too far, J.P. opens up about an embarrassing teenage moment and Nick gushes about Mike Trout.

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Luke Maile, "Nair Parties" and the Magic of Position Player Pitching

Tue, 22 May 2018 22:50:19 GMT

J.P. and Nick welcome Luke Maile on the show to talk about catching Kendrys Morales, his steps forward at the plate and a lesser-known but highly disturbing minor-league ritual.

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John Gibbons, the "Man in White," and the Importance of a Good Spread

Mon, 14 May 2018 21:30:26 GMT

J.P. and Nick welcome Blue Jays manager John Gibbons onto the show to talk about topics ranging from mound visits to BBQ, J.P. gets a rant in about the “Man in White” and reveals the one thing minor leaguers judge big leaguers on.

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Jose Bautista, a Fresh Start, and Confronting J.P.’s Nemesis

Mon, 07 May 2018 22:22:47 GMT

J.P. and Nick welcome Blue Jays legend Jose Bautista to the show to talk about his new situation and his work helping younger players. J.P. opens up about his problems with the knuckleball and finally aces career trivia.

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Kevin Pillar, Rib Eating, and an Unforgettable Debut

Fri, 27 Apr 2018 04:00:00 GMT

Blue Jays centre fielder Kevin Pillar joins the show to talk uniform style and excessive rib-eating. Nick brings J.P. down memory lane where he reminisces on his MLB debut and the up-and-down relationship between athletes and fans.

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