On this episode of Dirt From the Dugout, Karl Ravech and Justin Musil wrap up their conversation with Tampa Bay Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander, digging into the unglamorous grind behind his rise. Neander tells the story of his unpaid internship with Baseball Info Solutions, the four months he spent sleeping on a twin bed crammed into a coworker's walk-in closet, and the winter-break scramble to enroll at a random community college just to qualify for the internship stipend. He talks about why he waits as long as possible before evaluating young players, the sacrifice it takes to build a career in pro baseball, and how the Rays stay motivated year after year despite two World Series appearances and zero championships.

Plus, a rapid-fire kitchen sink round covers his first day running errands for the front office, his unused nutrition and exercise degree, his favorite Joe Maddon lesson on risk-taking, and his strong feelings about olives on pizza.

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On this episode of Dirt From the Dugout, Karl Ravech and Justin Musil wrap up their conversation with Tampa Bay Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander, digging into the unglamorous grind behind his rise. Neander tells the story of his unpaid internship with Baseball Info Solutions, the four months he spent sleeping on a twin bed crammed into a coworker's walk-in closet, and the winter-break scramble to enroll at a random community college just to qualify for the internship stipend. He talks about why he waits as long as possible before evaluating young players, the sacrifice it takes to build a career in pro baseball, and how the Rays stay motivated year after year despite two World Series appearances and zero championships.
Plus, a rapid-fire kitchen sink round covers his first day running errands for the front office, his unused nutrition and exercise degree, his favorite Joe Maddon lesson on risk-taking, and his strong feelings about olives on pizza.
Use our code for 10% off your next SeatGeek order*: <a href="https://seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10">seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10</a> Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount
Join our growing community today! <a href="https://theparentdugout.com/">https://theparentdugout.com/</a>&nbsp;
Subscribe to the podcast! <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382">https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dirt-from-the-dugout/id1895617382</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98">https://open.spotify.com/show/0TYMMgoNypFpff5xMkBI98</a>&nbsp;
Follow our social media channels for more content! <a href="https://x.com/dirtfromthedug">https://x.com/dirtfromthedug</a>&nbsp;

ESPN’s Karl Ravech and Justin Musil launch Dirt From The Dugout, a podcast as part of their groundbreaking ecosystem, The Parent Dugout. The Parent Dugout provides unmatched resources and strategies to demystify the often overwhelming journey of youth and high school baseball. Hear expert advice through interactive discussion to help empower parents navigating through their kids’ baseball journeys.

ESPN&rsquo;s Karl Ravech and Justin Musil launch Dirt From The Dugout, a podcast as part of their groundbreaking ecosystem, The Parent Dugout. The Parent Dugout provides unmatched resources and strategies to demystify the often overwhelming journey of youth and high school baseball. Hear expert advice through interactive discussion to help empower parents navigating through their kids&rsquo; baseball journeys.

Dirt From The Dugout

Part 2 | Erik Neander's Unpaid Internship Story Will Shock You

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/7ab9bd54-3684-432d-b79c-b4d401067c4f/transcript