

The Sporting Class: What You Can’t Control, with David Samson
Oct 3, 2025
David Samson, the former president of the Miami Marlins, shares a heartfelt journey through personal challenges and the unexpected turbulence of life. He discusses how his daughter's sudden illness shattered his meticulous control and daily rituals, leading to an emotional reflection on faith and parenting. Humorous anecdotes about Derek Jeter and Giancarlo Stanton's big moments blend with serious insights on healthcare frustrations. Through it all, David embodies relentless hope and determination as he navigates this difficult chapter in his life.
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Bagel Line Phone Call
- David Samson describes getting a call about his daughter while waiting in line for a bagel at Sable's.
- A stranger in line recognized Pablo Torre and created an unexpectedly human moment amid crisis.
Control Is His Default Response
- Samson says his core impulse is control and that the illness exposed his lack of control.
- He responds by biking to the hospital to reclaim a sliver of agency in a situation with no outcomes he can manage.
Daily Movie Ritual Interrupted
- Samson stopped watching daily movies and couldn't sleep after September 12th.
- He tried returning to his show as a distraction but found he wasn't ready to perform or process publicly.