The Future of Baseball and Softball With AJ Andrews | The Deal

AJ Andrews, a standout softball player and MLB broadcaster, joined Jason Kelly and Alex Rodriguez on "The Deal" to discuss the future of baseball and softball. Rodriguez posed two key questions: how to avoid a major league baseball work stoppage after the 2026 season and how to build on the sport's recent momentum. Andrews began by reflecting on the electric atmosphere of the World Baseball Classic (WBC), calling it one of the most exciting baseball environments she had ever experienced. She emphasized the importance of allowing players to express themselves authentically, both on and off the field. This includes celebrating enthusiastically, wearing personalized gear, and showcasing their personalities beyond just their athletic performance. She noted that the ability for Yankees players to grow beards, a departure from past rules, is a positive step towards appealing to a younger generation. During the WBC, Andrews observed that fans deeply desire representation. Whether from the U.S., Venezuela, or the Dominican Republic, fans revelled in seeing athletes from their home countries excel on a global stage. The passion and pride displayed by fans, through instruments, dancing, and national flags, highlighted the unique cultural significance of the WBC. Andrews agreed with Rodriguez that for many countries, especially the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, the WBC is more significant than the World Series because it offers players a rare opportunity to compete alongside and represent their countrymen, sharing a profound sense of pride and shared experience, akin to the Olympics. Transitioning to her own career, Andrews discussed the explosion of college softball during her time at LSU. She attributed this growth to increased television coverage, which allowed fans to follow athletes and their storylines from regional games to the World Series. Andrews argued that the "chicken and the egg" debate—whether to air games before viewership existed or wait for demand—was settled by proving that "if you build it, they will come." She believes softball, with its faster pace and unique dynamics, appeals to baseball fans and deserves more visibility. Comparing softball's trajectory to the WNBA, Andrews highlighted the importance of storytelling. She praised leagues like Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL) for their growth, noting the appointment of Kim Ng as commissioner and the expansion to six city-based teams. Andrews advocated for building compelling narratives around female athletes, allowing them to be "a thousand percent who they are," rather than simply comparing them to male counterparts. She mentioned Bri Ellis, who was compared to Barry Bonds, as an example of an athlete whose unique story should be celebrated. MLB's partnership with AUSL for TV and financial support is a positive sign for the sport's future. Both Andrews and Rodriguez emphasized the value of knowing players' backstories and personalities. Rodriguez noted that the WBC "takes the helmet off the player," revealing the "who and the why and where you come from." This human connection fosters deeper fan engagement. Andrews suggested that following college athletes, like pitcher NiJaree Canady of Texas Tech, into their professional careers through documentaries or shows could build fandom for both the players and their teams. Andrews then recounted her path to broadcasting, which began when Jessica Mendoza, a former U.S. Olympic softball player and broadcaster, suggested she consider a career on camera. Andrews, who had already hosted a YouTube show at LSU, pursued a master's degree in Mass Communication in Broadcaster Realism. Discussing the advantages of being a former athlete in broadcasting, Andrews explained that her experience allows her to offer unique insights into plays and player decisions. She can explain the nuances of why a play might not have gone as expected or engage with athletes on a deeper level, understanding the competitive drive. Rodriguez agreed, stressing the importance of empathy and compassion, reminding broadcasters not to forget the difficulty of the game as they move further away from their playing days. He also noted that slow-motion replays can make complex plays appear simple to viewers at home, highlighting the need for broadcasters to explain the real-time challenges athletes face. Andrews illustrated this with her own experience transitioning from center field to left field, explaining how specific knowledge of ball trajectories against certain pitchers is only gained through direct play. Regarding Major League Baseball, Andrews hosts "Play Ball" on MLB Network, a show tailored for kids that highlights weekly baseball action, offers instruction, and features player interviews and demos. She believes the show contributes to baseball's growth by engaging a younger audience. When asked about the most critical next step for baseball, Andrews reiterated the need to "allow the authenticity to just flourish." She advocated for showcasing players' personalities and interests outside of baseball, like Hunter Greene's artistry or Willy Adames's love for architecture. She also pushed for more on-field expression, including bat flips and enthusiastic celebrations, believing that kids respond positively to authentic passion. Rodriguez echoed this, calling for "more access in the clubhouse" to show how players like Shohei Ohtani and Aaron Judge prepare, believing that "more is more" for a multi-billion dollar media property. Addressing the potential for a work stoppage after 2026, Andrews acknowledged that "it sounds like it." She humorously suggested that in such a scenario, fans could turn to the Athletes Unlimited Softball League and her podcast, "Dropping Diamonds," for their baseball fix. In a rapid-fire segment, Andrews revealed her favourite baseball player of all time is Ken Griffey Jr. and her favourite softball player is Jocelyn Alo. Her most exciting WBC moment was celebrating with Venezuelan fans after they beat Italy. She finds Jazz Chisholm Jr. the most exciting MLB player and is most looking forward to seeing what the Seattle Mariners accomplish in the 2026 season, expressing a desire for them to win a championship as an underdog. Her dream hosting gig would be an "all sports Olympics" featuring the greatest athletes from every sport. Andrews concluded by stating that if she were coming up now, she would still choose softball. She recalled a childhood memory of making a diving catch on wet grass, which felt like a "slip and slide," hooking her on the sport due to its unique aspects.