The Moth Podcast

Episode: "Baseball and Community"

Date: October 24, 2025

Host: Larry Rosen
Guest: Manish Jain

Overview

This episode of The Moth Podcast explores the deep connections between baseball and community. Host Larry Rosen, joined by long-time friend and fellow die-hard baseball aficionado Manish Jain, discuss why October baseball is such an emotional and communal experience. Through heartfelt stories told live at Moth events, the podcast highlights the unique power of the sport to foster connection, kindness, integrity, and joy across generations.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Emotional Rollercoaster of October Baseball (:02:12–:04:15)

• Manish Jain reflects on the heightened stakes and intensity of postseason baseball, particularly for devoted fans.
  • Manish, a life-long Detroit Tigers supporter, describes the anxiety and excitement of playoff time and how displaying team gear sparks instant connections—even among strangers.
  • Memorable Quote:

    "Baseball is a cheat code for connection. I don't have to know anything about you, you don't have to know anything about me, but you see the logo on my head and you understand the stakes of what we're all dealing with right now." — Manish Jain (03:37)

Timestamped Segment:

• [02:12–04:15]: Discussion of the tactile, emotional, and communal aspects of October baseball.

2. Story 1: Bridget Flaherty—"Dazzled" (:04:32–:09:34)

• Bridget Flaherty recounts taking her two-year-old son Ian to a Cincinnati Reds game, which unexpectedly ignites a lifelong passion for baseball.
  • Years later at spring training, Ian – now ten – waits for player autographs but ends up befriending the groundskeeper, who goes out of his way to create a magical, unforgettable experience for the boy.
  • Memorable Quote:

    "Bud, you don’t want my signature. I’m not a player." — Head Groundskeeper (08:05)

  • Key Moment: The groundskeeper lets Ian run the bases at the Reds’ spring training facility, a moment more dazzling for its kindness than for celebrity.

Timestamped Segment:

• [04:32–09:34]: Bridget’s story of unexpected generosity, focusing on the simple, human connections made at the ballpark.

3. Story Reflection: Universal Thrill of Playing on the Field (:10:15–:11:15)

• Manish Jain responds to Bridget’s story with his own childhood fantasy of hitting a World Series-winning home run for the Tigers, illustrating how baseball keeps the childlike joy alive in fans of all ages.
  • Memorable Quote:

    "Baseball has the ability to turn an 80-year-old into a 10-year-old." — Manish Jain (11:10)

Timestamped Segment:

• [10:15–11:15]: Manish describes how the dream of playing on the field connects all fans, young and old.

4. Story 2: Rob Warren—"Wonders" (:12:54–:17:35)

• Rob Warren, a longtime youth baseball coach, shares a story from the playoffs, where the adults’ poor behavior contrasts with the children’s integrity.
  • During a chaotic game marred by bad calls and aggressive adults, his team chooses to forfeit rather than compromise their values. The 12-13 year old players demonstrate a mature appreciation for sportsmanship and fun over winning.
  • Memorable Quote:

    "We don’t want to play with those bastards. This sucks. This is no fun." — Tommy, 12-year-old team captain (15:58)

  • Key Moment: The kids’ unanimous, calm decision to forfeit despite leading, in order to avoid toxic adult behavior.

Timestamped Segment:

• [12:54–17:35]: Rob’s story on the values the game can teach – and how sometimes, the kids are the real grownups.

5. Reflection: What Baseball Teaches Us (:17:57–:18:31)

• Manish Jain expresses admiration for the kids’ wisdom in Rob’s story, emphasizing how baseball allows for renewal, growth, and second chances each spring.
  • Memorable Quote:

    "This is baseball. And spring is going to be right around the corner, and we all get to start fresh with a clean slate... I hope you adults out there can learn a little bit of something about how to actually enjoy this wonderful game of baseball." — Manish Jain (18:14)

Timestamped Segment:

• [17:57–18:31]: Insightful commentary on resilience, community, and renewal in the game.

6. Hopes for October: New Champions and Community Joy (:18:40–:19:32)

• Larry Rosen prompts Manish about what he wishes for this World Series.
• Manish jokes about his own Tigers’ championship drought, but ultimately hopes for new teams and communities to experience the exhilaration of victory.
  • Memorable Quote:

    "I really like it when a new community gets to experience something and celebrate something that we all work so hard for in the summer." — Manish Jain (19:16)

Timestamped Segment:

• [18:40–19:32]: Discussion of the value of new champions for the collective joy of the baseball community.

Notable Quotes

• “Baseball is a cheat code for connection.” — Manish Jain (03:37)
• "But you're a Red, right?" — Ian, age 10 (08:12)
• “Baseball has the ability to turn an 80-year-old into a 10-year-old.” — Manish Jain (11:10)
• “Those guys are assholes. This sucks.” — Tommy, 12-year-old player (15:58)
• "This is baseball. And spring is going to be right around the corner, and we all get to start fresh with a clean slate..." — Manish Jain (18:14)
• "I really like it when a new community gets to experience something and celebrate something that we all work so hard for in the summer." — Manish Jain (19:16)

Memorable Moments (with Timestamps)

• Manish’s pre-game nerves and instant Tigers-fan connection: (03:12–04:15)
• Ian gets to run the actual Cincinnati Reds’ basepaths: (08:30–09:20)
• Manish describes narrating his own heroic home run as a child: (10:35–11:15)
• Rob’s players refuse to finish a playoff game due to adult misbehavior: (15:30–17:04)
• Manish’s hope for new fans and communities to share in the World Series joy: (18:40–19:32)

Tone and Language

The episode’s tone is affectionate, humorous, and honest, blending nostalgia with practical lessons on empathy, joy, and sportsmanship. Both hosts and storytellers keep the tone warm and welcoming, ensuring listeners feel a sense of belonging—whether lifelong baseball fans or newcomers to the game’s communal magic.

Recommended Listening

• Manish Jain’s own Moth Story: About visiting all US baseball stadiums in a single season. (Find link in show notes or at themoth.org/extras)

For Further Engagement

• Photos of Bridget and Ian: Available at themoth.org/extras
• Pitch your own story or learn more at: themoth.org

This episode beautifully illustrates that, win or lose, baseball's greatest gift is not found on the scoreboard, but in the moments, memories, and connections forged along the way—one story at a time.