Out of the Park: Women’s History Month
The beginning of baseball means a return to the rigors of a 162-game season, along with all of the behind the scenes content it brings. During my final few weeks of relative calm before the season is back in swing, I spent some time traveling out of the country.
It was a bucket list trip that was for - and made possible by - some of the amazing women in my life. It’s fitting, considering March is also Women’s History Month.
I’m lucky that women have such a strong influence on my life, both personally and professionally. My team of Ashleigh, Colleen and Kendall, along with my speaking manager Charlotte, do so much for me. Their ability to keep my podcast, speaking and social media moving forward is a big reason why I was able to enjoy such a restful vacation this month.
I featured my mother, Nancy Goldberg, in my new book Small Ball Big Dreams, and I credit her for so much of my work ethic. My daughter Ellie’s drive and creativity inspires me daily, and my wife Susan has been my partner in crime for a quarter century and counting.
When we got married in June of 1999, I wasn’t working in baseball. Now that it’s become my career, our anniversary is during the season and usually involves me working, often out of town. So we recently celebrated our 25th anniversary (nine months late), with a trip to Costa Rica.
Costa Rica is a place we have wanted to go for years and after finally seeing it with our own eyes, we can now understand why everyone who has visited raves about the beauty of this incredible country.
It was one of our favorite vacations to date, and a perfect chance to recharge before my 18th season of broadcasting Kansas City Royals baseball. I’ve been fortunate to live my dream with a wife who has supported it every step of the way, inside and Out of the Park.
Stadium dreams
This is not my first time featuring Kauffman Stadium in this newsletter, and it won’t be my last. As much as I love traveling the country with the Royals, there’s no place like home, as the expression goes.
I suspect I’ve hosted well over one thousand pregame shows and another thousand postgame shows at “The K” with my longtime broadcast partner Jeff Montgomery. Every one of them is another great day at the office, but there’s nothing quite like Opening Day.
While the Royals have struggled recently in home openers and lost again this year, the crowd of nearly forty thousand was the largest to attend a regular season game at Kauffman since 2017. I expect even more big crowds throughout the year and can’t wait to see how the 2025 season plays out for this talented Royals team.
Local flavor
If you have been to Costa Rica, you can likely understand how it won us over. Even though we saw just a small part of this wonderful country, it exceeded our expectations. We visited the areas of La Fortuna and Monteverde, enjoying the friendly people and stunning scenery in one of the most biodiverse places in the world.
Upon arrival, we stayed at the Ti-fakara Boutique Hotel. It offered picturesque views of Arenal Volcano, with an open air lobby and restaurant serving as a peaceful backdrop to it all. The staff was friendly on site and offered excellent recommendations to make the most of our time there.
We ziplined, visited a hot springs park, hiked to the base of the volcano, swam at La Fortuna Waterfall and saw the most amazing frogs at night.
Our second stop was in Monteverde and we stayed at El Sol, an off the beaten path set of cabins that their website describes as the place “Where Heaven Touches Earth”, which could not be more accurate. Owner Javier took incredible care of us while we relaxed on site.
We also visited the famous Cloud Forest where we took in breathtaking views from above the clouds with monkeys climbing in the trees overhead. More hiking, bird watching (how often have you seen a toucan pecking away at a tree?) and hanging bridges convinced us this is one of the most beautiful places in the world.
Consider me well rested and ready for another season of baseball thanks to Costa Rica. We can’t wait to return.
Dugout dialogue
The baseball season is only just beginning, but in line with this month’s theme of history, I wanted to share a video essay that was created for Opening Day.
It was beautifully written by my broadcast producer John Harvey and narrated by Bob Kendrick. Watching it gave me goosebumps.
speaking engagements
As baseball season ramps up and speaking slows down, I am still delivering keynotes to groups as the calendar allows, while also continuing my book tour for Small Ball Big Dreams.
In March, I had the pleasure of hosting book signings at two fantastic locations: Vine Street Brewing Co. in the historic 18th and Vine district and Made in KC Marketplace, where we were even joined by Royals mascot, Sluggerrr. I'm incredibly grateful to everyone at the brewery, Made in KC and Rainy Day Books for their support.
Looking ahead to April, I'm thrilled to be participating in two exciting appearances.
First, I'll be interviewed at the Junior League's C3KC Conference on April 9th. Then, on April 23rd, I'll have the honor of being in conversation with Negro Leagues Basebal Museum President Bob Kendrick. Usually, I ask the questions but we will reverse roles at the museum’s Coffee with Champions.
I'm looking forward to connecting with audiences at both of these events and sharing my insights and experiences.
If you have a game changing event coming up, it’s time we play ball. To inquire about my keynote series, event moderation or custom video content, just click the link below. A member of my team will get back to you right away.
Rounding the bases rewind
In honor of Women’s History Month, every episode of Rounding the Bases featured a trailblazing female guest. Many shared lessons and perspectives that each of us can relate to, thanks to the humanity of our discussions. One episode featured a trifecta of guests who have laid the groundwork to create a better kind of history. One where people of all abilities are set up for success.
Amber Schreiber is the co-founder, President and CEO of The Golden Scoop, Kansas City’s life-changing ice cream and coffee shop that provides meaningful employment for uniquely abled individuals, one scoop at a time. She was joined by Super Scooper Connor Schaffer and his mother, Stephanie. Together, they discussed the many ways one woman’s vision is writing a better, more inclusive history where everyone’s unique gifts are valued.
This incredible discussion was as inspiring as it was heartwarming. If you haven’t already, give it a listen now…and check out The Golden Scoop as well.
Of course, thank you again to each of the inspiring women who rounded the bases with me this month:
Our schedule is already booked into the summer, but we are always looking for interesting guests with standout stories. Would you or someone you know make a great guest on Rounding the Bases?
To discuss sponsorship opportunities, please email my Executive Producer Ashleigh Sterr: ashleigh@joelgoldbergmedia.com.
Keeping the score
How do you find your purpose? It’s such a deep question that really has no right or wrong. But because it shows up in so many ways in my life, it’s a topic I can’t help but revist often. In one recent episode of my podcast Rounding the Bases, I was joined by a guest who found her purpose helping others, especially women, let go of the things keeping them from discovering their own.
Her name is LeeAnn Webster, a recovering attorney turned coach and international keynote speaker who has made it her mission to ensure your future is bigger than the past. As the creator of the No Regrets Formula, she guides accomplished leaders towards the BIG goals that really matter. Empowering them to kick passive existence to the curb so purposeful living can prevail.
It’s a must-read for anyone who believes in living life full of purpose and free of regret…the way it was meant to be done.
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