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!

Alex Miniak and Heath Bell break down a big week for the Padres, who went 5-1 at home and added six new big-league roster players at the trade deadline. Special guest Annie Heilbrunn from the San Diego Union-Tribune joins to share insight on the new guys — including Mason Miller and Ramón Laureano — and how they’re fitting in on and off the field. Alex and Heath talk about the impact these moves could have on the core stars like Tatis and Merrill, and why this team feels energized heading into the final two months of the regular season.

Chapters:
00:00 - Welcome to Bleav in San Diego Baseball
00:28 - Recapping the Cardinals Series - Sweet 16!
04:06 - SDUT's Annie Heilbrunn joins to talk Mason Miller
08:28 - Freddy Fermin and Learning a New Staff
11:49 - New Face in the Outfield: Ramón Laureano
14:08 - Nestor Cortes and the Importance of Veteran Presence
15:49 - Looking Ahead: Playoff Aspirations and Team Chemistry
18:37 - The New Padres Alex and Heath are Most Looking Forward To

Which new Padre are you most looking forward to seeing at Petco Park? Vote now at BleavInSD.com! And don't forget to follow us on Apple Podcasts and Spotify and on social via Instagram and X!

The second half of the MLB season is underway, and the San Diego Padres are making waves! Hosts Alex Miniak and Heath Bell break down key performances from players like Fernando Tatis Jr., Manny Machado, and a surging bottom-of-the-order. They preview the upcoming home series against the Cardinals, and reflect on Hall of Fame weekend — complete with a few laughs from Ichiro’s legendary speech.

Plus, it's time to talk lids. The hosts dive into the world of retro caps, power ranking their favorite Padres throwbacks and exploring what makes classic baseball gear so iconic. With insights, humor, and a touch of nostalgia, this episode is a must-listen for Padres fans, MLB diehards, and anyone who loves a well-worn ballcap.

Chapters:

00:00 - Padres Sweep the Mets! Encouraging Signs for the Second Half
04:49 - Previewing the Cardinals Series at Home
07:08 - "Happy Gilmore 2" Review on BleavInSD.com
08:05 - Hall of Fame Weekend Highlights
10:48 - Nostalgia and Retro Caps
12:21 - Power Ranking Padres Retro Caps
18:29 - Logo Secrets and Easter Eggs

Follow Bleav in San Diego Baseball on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and be sure to catch us on Instagram, X, and our home on Substack -- BleavInSD.com!

In this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, hosts Alex Miniak and Heath Bell discuss Heath's recent concert experience (shhh!), the buzz around town surrounding Comic-Con, Alex's experience dressing up at Comic-Con (and getting paid for it!), and the culture of collectibles like bats, bucket hats, bobbleheads and more. They also preview the upcoming Padres-Cardinals series and the challenges posed by the heat in St. Louis.

Chapters:
00:00 - Introduction and Concert Trouble for Heath?
01:04 - Comic-Con Excitement in San Diego
03:59 - Alex Works as a Priest at Comic-Con for Diablo IV
09:34 - Collectibles Galore! Bats, Bucket Hats, and Bobbleheads
16:40 - Padres at Cardinals Preview

Follow us on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and via social on Instagram and X (@gohailsports). For polls, bonus content, and more Padres talk, visit our Substack at BleavInSD.com.

In this episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, hosts Alex Miniak and 3x All-Star Heath Bell break down the Padres' explosive weekend in Washington and dive into Manny Machado’s historic milestones — including his 2,000th hit and 350th home run. Does he have a strong enough case for the Baseball Hall of Fame if the vote happened today?

Plus, it’s San Diego Comic-Con week! Heath, a die-hard Star Wars fan, takes on our Comic-Con trivia challenge. Can he go 10-for-10?

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction & Episode Overview
01:18 – Slam Diego is BACK! Recapping the Nationals Series
03:07 – Is Manny Machado a Hall of Famer today? Vote at BleavInSD.com
14:40 – Comic-Con Trivia Challenge: Heath vs. Pop Culture

Subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts, and follow us on Instagram and X (@gohailsports). For polls, bonus content, and more Padres talk, visit our Substack at BleavInSD.com.

In the inaugural episode of Bleav in San Diego Baseball, new host Alex Miniak and three-time All-Star Heath Bell discuss the excitement of baseball culture in San Diego, reflect on the recent MLB All-Star Game, and share personal experiences from Heath's All-Star appearances on the field, and Alex's in the booth. They also touch on the new direction of the podcast, which aims to explore various aspects of baseball beyond just the game itself, including fashion, food, and art.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to the New Bleav in San Diego Baseball
02:29 Last Night's MLB All-Star Game
08:10 Heath's All-Star Experiences
12:29 Alex's All-Star Experience Behind the Scenes
15:53 All-Star Fan Poll at BleavInSD.com

Find Bleav in San Diego Baseball via our Substack at BleavInSD.com, or on social via @gohailsports.