The Bats & Balls Podcast team is as follows.

Hosts

The Boss (@PiesJosh) – “Pies” learned to read on the back pages of his dad’s newspaper and he hasn’t stopped following sport since. Josh remembers where he was when Ben Johnson ran 9.79s (Revesby Roundhouse). So passionate about his beloved Eels he drove 15 hours non-stop from Paris to Rome to watch the 2009 NRL Grand Final.
“Pies” is the premier athlete of the group, having played most sports you can think of including, Soccer, Tee-Ball, Rugby League, Cricket, Basketball, Aussie Rules, Lawn Bowls and Netball. Not to mention swinging a Golf Club and Squash Racquet socially.

Having tossed up the idea of recording his mates dribble about sport for a few years, Bats and Balls finally provides the outlet for Josh’s many varied opinions. Josh cut his teeth listening to The Brewing Network so he doesn’t mind a little long form podcasting and the length of our shows (and this profile) reflects that.

“Pies” follows: Parramatta Eels, GWS Giants, NY Knicks, NY Yankees, NY Football Giants, Western Sydney Wanderers, Liverpool FC, Burton Albion Brewers, Sydney Thunder, Panathinaikos football & basketball, Selangor FC and NSW and Australia in every sport from Cricket to DodgeBall.

Josh can also be heard on Inebriation Nation Podcast.

The Producer (@brendansmith05) – Brendan is new to podcasting but is not new to the world of sport, “BS” has played many sports, including Rugby League, Rugby Union, Soccer and Cricket.

After his playing days in Rugby League “BS” became a referee to which he did 6 years of service and was highly involved at many levels. Cricket though is Brendan’s number one passion, playing it for over 26 years. During these years he has coached for 3 years, been a committee member for 10 years and was President of a club for 6 years.

Brendan is most often noted voicing his opinion on refereeing, especially during NRL weekly reviews. You can also find him at Ref Rants.

“BS” passionately follows: Parramatta Eels, West Coast Eagles, Charlotte Hornets, San Diego Padres, LA Rams, Brighton Hove Albion Seagulls, Sydney Kings, Western Sydney Wanderers, Sydney Thunder & St Clair Hawks.

The Apprentice

The Apprentice (@BigZacko) – BigZacko loves his sport and loves his beer. A premiership winning batsman whose dreams of a baggy green were dashed by a vicious bouncer and a lack of ability at age twelve, instead BigZacko embarked on the life long journey of sports nut.

Zacko follows anything with a bat or ball, whatever it is Zacko is happy to have a chat about it. Zacko is the Bats and Balls Horse Racing specialist as well as NFL and Cycling. As the newest regular member of the team hence his nickname of “The Apprentice”.

Zacko’s allegences: Canterbury Bulldogs, Essendon Bombers , Man United, Tennessee Titans, Houston Rockets, Oakland Athletics, University of Louisville Cardinals and the family pedigree KNVB Oranje and Sparta Rotterdam.

Off the Bench

Swainy (@swainy7) – Andrew is the true professional in the team, providing in depth analysis of all things Rugby. Having played union for many years Swainy’s passion for all things Rugby shines through as he gives commentry for the Shute Shield on 7Two and as a producer for Rugby 360 (Wednesday nights 8.30pm) on Fox. Swainy also helped found the “Gold Brigade” a supporter group for the Wallabies (@thegoldbrigade).

Colbee (@colbee6ref) – Colin makes cameo appearances on the show when someone is away or there is Masters of Rugby League module being played you will hear him on the show. Colbee has been involved in many sports such as Rugby League, Soccer (football), Cricket and has coached in many of these sports, though to the Producers disgust has never won a Grand Final. Colbee has been a long time rugby league referee and is still officiating (mostly from halfway) these days, mostly in the Masters of Rugby league Australia modules which he also generously lends his time organising the referees and is a committee member of the International Board.

The Coach (@rb05eh) – Robbo is coach of the @WaratahMasters and an NRL Insider, “Coach” gets all the scoops on team line ups and youngsters coming through and can give expert analysis of team tactics and the little “1%ers” that the layman might miss, Robbo is always there to lend his expertise in all things NRL and NRL Supercoach as well as being one of our Tour de France analysts.

The Professor (@eriknielsen2759) – As the only published author on our team list Erik adds a touch of class to the line up, Erik has a superior knowledge of cricketing history and can give in depth analysis of all things cricket in particular “The Ashes”. An avid AFL man and lifetime Sydney Swans supporter Erik will sometimes help us out delving into analysis of team performances at a level beyond our own.