Out of the Park: Gratitude
It’s hard to believe it’s already Thanksgiving week. There’s so much I’m thankful for which is why this month’s newsletter is all about gratitude.
I try to give thanks every day, but this feels like the right time to highlight a few of the moments from 2025 that I’m especially grateful for.
I’m grateful to have spent 18 seasons with the Kansas City Royals broadcast team, doing work that I love. Fans stop to say hello and talk baseball in this truly special city, and it has given me a front row seat to priceless moments.
Those include watching Noah Cameron’s debut in Tampa, a hometown kid who is living his dream with the Royals, and KC native Carter Jensen, who is now playing for the team he cheered for as a kid. I’m also grateful for the emotion in the interviews with family members of these players (and others) as they made their MLB debuts.
For Bobby Witt Jr.’s defensive brilliance, and his work ethic on the way to a Platinum Glove. Salvador Perez’s endless energy and positivity for the team even if he always pulls me into the splash and makes sure I get soaked. Cold as it may be, I’m grateful to be a part of it.
Jac Caglianone’s silent treatment after his first big-league homer, and the air high-fives he gave himself until the team broke the act.
Angel Zerpa trusting me with his first televised English interview, reminding me of the late Yordano Ventura.
The massive personality of Vinnie Pasquantino, and his willingness to talk on good and bad days.
Maikel Garcia’s confidence to do every interview in English as he continues to master his second language. Even better was his mastery of third base, which earned him his first Gold Glove.
My time with Tyler Tolbert for a pre-game show interview, where we walked through Jackie Robinson Park in Harlem on Jackie Robinson Day.
The opportunity to cover Freddy Fermin for the first four seasons of his MLB career before his trade to San Diego.
My longtime broadcaster partner Jeff Montgomery and our producer, John Harvey. It’s so easy working with both of them, and I’m grateful for the beautiful nights at Kauffman Stadium that are the backdrop of what we do.
I’m grateful for the continued growth of Joel Goldberg Media, which my team of Ashleigh, Colleen, Kendall and Charlotte bring to life every day.
For the privilege of speaking on stage about trust, leadership and culture. For the guests who generously share their stories on my podcast, Rounding the Bases. For the continued support of my new book, Small Ball Big Dreams. For George Brett’s foreword and Bob Costa’s testimonial.
I’m grateful for being named to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum Board.
I’m grateful for my newfound love (okay, obsession) with pickleball, and healthy lifestyle.
And most importantly, I’m grateful for my family, who is my everything.
For my wife Susan joining me on more road trips. For my son Mason who has begun his own career working on TV crews. For Ellie living her best college life in Chicago, becoming a city girl in our hometown. And for our dogs, Maggie and Sienna.
I could go on and on, and hope the same is true in your life as well. After all, the daily victories that keep us moving forward is what Small Ball is all about.
Wishing you a season full of thanks and gratitude, inside and Out of the Park.
Local flavor
2025 brought two opportunities to speak in Salina, Kansas. When I was invited to speak earlier this month at the Kansas YP Summit, hosted by the Salina Chamber of Commerce, I was thrilled. Not just to take the stage, but to have more time exploring this hidden gem in the central part of the state.
What makes Salina special to me? Walking around the downtown area feels like a revitalized America at a time when so many towns are falling apart. The restaurants and boutique shops on Santa Fe Avenue bring a charming mix of sophistication and hospitality, which locals are proud to show.
During my most recent visit I spoke in the morning, and stayed the afternoon to sign copies of Small Ball Big Dreams at the Red Fern Bookstore. This authentic shop is one of my favorite places in town, and fills a void for book lovers that has gone missing due to Amazon and chain stores. That night was Salina’s First Friday, so the store was packed with visitors who also enjoyed cocktails, live music and other artists.
I can’t wait to return.
Dugout dialogue
Freddy Fermin ranks among my favorite ballplayers of all time to cover. He epitomizes what most fans crave in their favorite athletes: Work ethic, humility and heart. They’re traits that the catcher has embodied his entire life.
His trade from Kansas City to San Diego improved both teams, but it left Royals players, coaches and fans heartbroken because he was so beloved. I will root for Fermin every time he steps on the field (unless it's against the Royals).
I told Fermin’s story in my book Small Ball Big Dreams, and am grateful to have also showcased his journey with an interview in February, during what would be his last spring training with the Royals.
How does gratitude show up in the corporate workplace? Check out my chat with Chief of Staff KC’s Casey Wright to find out.
speaking engagements
I am beyond grateful to each of the audiences who trusted me to speak in 2025. It has been a whirlwind stretch, speaking to 14 groups since baseball season ended, and I loved every minute of it.
In early December I’ll squeeze in one final engagement before shutting things down for the calendar year to enjoy vacation and the holidays.
December 3 - GWK Restoration, Kansas City
January 13 - IABC Kansas City Chapter, Kansas City
January 23 - Mechanical Contractors Association, Kansas City
We are already booking in 2026, including select days during the baseball season. If you have an upcoming event, it’s time we play ball.
My Game Changer Speaking Series focuses on universal topics like trust, culture, grit and resilience that apply to every team, whether baseball fans or not.
To inquire about my keynote series, event moderation or custom video content, just click the link below. A member of my team will get back to you right away.
Rounding the bases rewind
I’m thankful for the opportunity to have welcomed Mo Bunnell to the show earlier in the month. He’s the bestselling author of Give to Grow who built his career on the powerful truth that relationship building is business building.
He’s also the Founder and CEO of BIG - the Bunnell Idea Group - who has taught more than 50,000 high-end professionals how to master the art and science of business development. His dynamic approach is transforming the way things get done. Because no matter the complexity of the business, when you give to grow…everybody wins.
It was a phenomenal discussion that anyone would benefit from listening to. If you missed it on release day, be sure to check it out now.
Of course, I’m grateful for each of the incredible guests who shared their time and talents this month:
Our schedule is already booked into early spring, but we are always looking for interesting guests with standout stories. Would you or someone you know make a great guest on Rounding the Bases?
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please email my Executive Producer Ashleigh Sterr: ashleigh@joelgoldbergmedia.com.
Keeping the score
For years, my work in sports broadcasting has given me a front-row seat to the power of generosity and gratitude. What I’ve learned from nearly three decades in the business it that even though sports are measured in stats, the real score is kept by the people you lift up.
My best moments behind the microphone have always come from giving. Sometimes it’s giving respect while listening with intention in a clubhouse. Others, I’m giving attention while shining a light on someone’s incredible journey to the big leagues. As my speaking career has continued to grow, I’ve noticed those same values have proven equally crucial to the stages I step onto. No matter the work, when I lead with gratitude, audiences lean in.
On a recent episode of my podcast Rounding the Bases, I was joined by a guest who has become synonymous with generosity, trust and the idea that meaningful success begins with gratitude and service to others.
His name is Bob Burg, who is a Hall of Fame Keynote Speaker and acclaimed sales genius. But he’s best known as the co-author behind The Go-Giver, a little story about a powerful business idea that sparked a global phenomenon. Its message? When you give exceptional value, you enjoy extraordinary results. It’s a subtle shift that changes everything, putting fulfillment within reach for all who lead and live.
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