#205: Ruben Amaro Jr. - From MLB to Sluggball: Reinventing Baseball for a New Era

A Baseball Life: Player, GM, Coach, and Innovator

Few people have seen the game of baseball from as many angles as Ruben Amaro Jr.—big league player, general manager, coach, and now, co-founder of Sluggball, a brand-new take on the sport he’s dedicated his life to.

Baseball runs deep in Amaro’s family. His father, Ruben Amaro Sr., was a major leaguer, coach, and scout. After playing eight seasons in MLB, Amaro Jr. transitioned into front-office leadership, becoming GM of the Philadelphia Phillies, where he played a key role in their 2008 World Series championship and led them to another World Series appearance in 2009. He later moved into coaching with the Red Sox and Mets before stepping into broadcasting with NBC Sports and MLB Network.

Now, Amaro is launching Sluggball, a 4-vs-4 situational hitting challenge that removes running and fielding, putting the focus squarely on strategy, precision, and power. With games set to debut in minor league stadiums across multiple states, Sluggball is designed to keep the competitive spirit alive for baseball fans and former players alike.

In this episode, we dive into Amaro’s incredible baseball journey, the evolution of the game, and how Sluggball is introducing a fresh way to experience America’s pastime.

Chapters:

(01:27) - Ruben Amaro Jr.'s Baseball Journey

(04:26) - The Evolution of Baseball and Its Challenges

(06:36) - Introducing Sluggball: A New Baseball Experience

(13:13) - How to Get Involved with Sluggball

(15:11) - Technology Integrated with Sluggball

(18:54) - Event Structures and Spectator Experience

(22:03) - Future Aspirations and Community Engagement

Ruben Amaro Jr.:

🏠 Sluggball Website:https://playsluggball.com

💼 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ruben-amaro-jr-1a975b196/

Scott Garber: 

🏠 Website:https://profluence.com

💼 LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/sgarber40/

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