On this episode, host Alex Miniak and the three-time All-Star Heath Bell trade stories from the mound at Dodger Stadium and Oracle Park — from regrettable Dodger Dogs to ice-cold nights in San Francisco. Heath also reveals the best (and worst) clubhouse amenities in the West.

Heath breaks down what makes the Dodgers beatable, why the Padres-Dodgers rivalry has overtaken the old Giants feud, and how the upcoming back-to-back series against both teams could decide the NL West race.

With back-to-school week in San Diego, Alex gives Heath a Padres history quiz — and let’s just say he earns more than a “D for diploma.” It’s ballpark tales, rivalry breakdowns, and a crucial stretch of Padres baseball you won’t want to miss.

Vote on our fan polls at BleavInSD.com, and follow us each week on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and iHeart! Connect with us on social via HAIL! Sports on Instagram and X.

The Voice of Petco Park, Alex Miniak, and three-time All-Star Heath Bell break down a jam-packed weekend where the Padres took two of three from the red-hot Red Sox in an August series that felt more like October. They dig into Saturday night’s hidden ball trick drama, Dylan Cease’s dominant Sunday, and why Red Sox manager Alex Cora calls the Padres bullpen “the best in the big leagues.”

Alex also shares a personal highlight — celebrating his first wedding anniversary — and remembering a special day at Petco Park complete with Hodad’s burgers, the Friar ringing the bell, and baseball cards as table décor.

The episode wraps with an “alternate universe” fan poll: if the Dodgers and Giants had never moved west, who would be the Padres’ biggest rival? From Astros to Diamondbacks, Heath and Alex explore alternate timelines, blending sharp baseball analysis with personal stories for a rich, can’t-miss listen.

Chapters:

00:00 - October in August: Padres Win the Sox Series 2-1
02:32 - What is the Hidden Ball Trick?
05:01 - Heath on Dylan Cease and the Padres Bullpen Performance
10:17 - Alex's Wedding at Petco Park... One Year Later! 🤎💛
14:27 - People Charge Admission to a Wedding?
15:48 - Fan Poll at BleavInSD.com: If No Dodgers or Giants, Who is the Padres’ Arch-Nemesis?

Like what you hear? Follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and join our HAIL Sports! community on Instagram and X!

In this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, hosts Alex Miniak and Heath Bell preview the Padres’ pivotal home series against the Boston Red Sox, two teams locked in similar playoff races, before diving into Fenway Park nostalgia.

Heath recalls the surreal experience of watching a game at Fenway one day and pitching on its mound the next—striking out legends like Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz. Alex shares a heartfelt personal story of his connection to Fenway, including a meaningful moment filling in as the Red Sox PA announcer after the passing of his friend and mentor, Carl Beane.

In the debut of their new “Home Run Eats” segment, Alex tastes a classic New England roast beef sandwich from Big Jim’s (@bigjimsroastbeef) in Pacific Beach, rating it a perfect 10 and making Heath extremely jealous.

Follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. And don't forget to connect with us on Instagram, X, and Substack for bonus content!