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The Closer

The Closer·Hosted by Justin Raley·26 episodes

SportsMLB talkShort episodesOpinion-drivenStandalone episodesBaseball fan chatCompleted show

Welcome to The Closer, hosted by Justin Raley. I am a college baseball player and a MLB Analyst for Tailgate Sports Entertainment. The Closer is a weekly (Wednesday/Thursday) podcast covering everything in the MLB. Be sure to share and review my podcast. Once we hit enough views then The Closer will produce more episodes per week. Connect with me on Twitter @JustinRaley_15 and follow the official twitter for The Closer podcast @closerpodcast

Why listen

The Closer is a compact MLB talk show from Justin Raley, a college baseball player who brings a player's eye to league news, trades, standings, and hot streaks. Episodes feel like sharp baseball conversations with friends, sometimes solo and sometimes with guests, with plenty of predictions and opinionated reactions for fans who want quick context between games.

Episodes

12 min
Oct 1, 2019
Wild Card Preview

In this episode of The Closer, Justin previews the AL and NL Wild Card games. He also gives his predictions for each game. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow Justin (@JustinRaley_15) and The Closer (@closerpodcast) on Twitter!

26 min
Jul 24, 2019Episode 9
Trade Deadline

On this edition of The Closer, Justin is joined by Matt Loehle. They discuss the upcoming trade deadline, the worst deadline deals of all time, the Hall of Fame inductions, and more! You don't want to miss this jam packed episode! Be sure to Subscribe, Rate and Review! Follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter.

21 min
Jun 20, 2019
We are Back!

The Closer is back! Justin is joined once again by Matt Loehle. They discuss the end of the Kimbrel and Keuchel saga, the Manny Machado umpire drama, the Edwin Encarnacion trade, and preview some upcoming weekend series. Be sure to follow Justin (@JustinRaley_15) and The Closer (@closerpodcast) on Twitter. Subscribe, rate, and review!

38 min
May 31, 2019Episode 8
A Very Different Episode

The Closer takes a very different spin this week. The content on this week's episode is a partial sample episode of a radio station. The show is hosted by Closer host, Justin Raley and former Milton Panther, Justin McGinnis. The audio and transitions will sound odd at times because in order to get permission to use the recording, the stations name had to be taken out each time it was mentioned. Also, the first segment of the show was cut because it just focused on local (to my home town) teams. Although, this episode is still packed with some amazing baseball content. The two Justins discuss the college baseball regional tournament starting today, discuss the happenings around the MLB, give players of the week, and preview the upcoming weekend set of games (including predictions). You don't want to miss this one of a kind episode. Be sure to subscribe, rate and review! Follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter. Also, for bumper song credits, check the description below.   1. Fly Away                                           Lenny Kravitz 2. When Legends Rise      Godsmack 3. Chlorine     Twenty One Pilots

29 min
May 25, 2019Episode 7
The Twins Are Good at Baseball

In this episode of The Closer, Justin is joined by Matt Loehle. They discuss the recent Phillies/Cubs series, the streaking Minnesota Twins, the Yankees play of late, and much more! You don't want to miss this jam packed episode of The Closer. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review. Follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter.

18 min
May 8, 2019Episode 6
Hypocrites

In this episode of The Closer, Justin rants on why fans are being hypocrites regarding the Addison Russell situation, rants on Kevin Gausman's possible 5 game suspension, discusses why he thinks the MLB is becoming soft, and more! You won't want to miss this episode! Subscribe, rate, and review! Follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter!

24 min
May 1, 2019Episode 4
Cody Bellinger is on FIRE

In this episode of The Closer, Justin is joined by Matt Loehle. They discuss Vladimir Guerrero Jr.'s  call up, Chris Sale's struggling season, and Cody Bellinger's ridiculous start. They also discuss other news around the MLB in the past week and give some series to watch this weekend. Be sure to follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter. Subscribe, rate, and review!

12 min
Apr 25, 2019Episode 4
Rhys Hoskins is a Baby and It's Vladdy Time!

In this short episode of The Closer, Justin gives a round up of the recent happenings in Major League Baseball, including Vladdy Jr being called up. He also dives in to why he thinks Rhys Hoskins is acting like a complete baby. Follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter. Subscribe, rate, and review!!

31 min
Apr 18, 2019Episode 3
Bullpen Circus Tour

In this episode of The Closer, Justin is joined by Will Mcguiness. Justin and Will discuss the White Sox and Royals "fight", the Rays hot start, the Red Sox embarrassing start, the Braves awful bullpen, and then discuss some other hot players around Major League Baseball. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter.

15 min
Apr 13, 2019Episode 2
Money Doesn't Buy Hits

In this episode of The Closer, Justin is recording by himself. He talks about the Derek Deitrich and Chris Archer incident, Chris Davis' brutal situation, and the Matt Carpenter and Ozzie Albies signings. Please follow Justin (@JustinRaley_15) and The Closer (@closerpodcast) on Twitter. Subscribe, rate, and review!

35 min
Apr 3, 2019Episode 1
Baseball is Back!!!!

The Closer is back for its second season! In this episode, Justin is joined by Matt Loehle of Tailgate Sports. They discuss the recent flood of contract extensions that have happened all around the league, they preview the NL East and AL West, and they give some Opening Week impressions. You don't want to miss this jam packed episode! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review. Follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter.

33 min
Mar 15, 2019
MLB Rule Propositions, AL and NL Central Previews

In this episode of The Closer, Justin is joined by Will Mcguinness and Ryan Scimone of Tailgate Sports. They discuss the possible rule changes that the MLB presented for the 2019 and 2020 seasons. Then they preview the AL and NL Central. You won't want to miss this jam packed episode! Be sure to follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter! Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review!

17 min
Mar 8, 2019
Free Agency IS AWFUL

On this episode of The Closer, Justin dives into the mess that is MLB free agency, he talks about Craig Kimbrel and Dallas Keuchel, tells you not to worry about Spring Training results, and who I think won the MLB offseason. Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe, wherever you listen to your podcasts! Follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter.

26 min
Mar 1, 2019
Chop On Down to Third Place

Bryce Harper and Manny Machado have FINALLY signed. In this episode, Justin is joined by Matt Loehle. They discuss all of the recent MLB signings (including Bryce Harper, Manny Machado, and more) and Justin goes into a rant about how cheap the Braves are. You won't want to miss this episode! Follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter. Be sure to subscribe, rate, review and RETWEET!

17 min
Feb 15, 2019
Offseason of Disappointment

The Closer is back! Justin is joined by Matt Loehle, as they discuss the recent MLB transactions, discuss the worst offseason of all time, and do some rapid fire questions. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review. Follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter!

39 min
Jan 24, 2019
Reed Hayes Interview, Sonny Gray, Hall of Fame talk

Justin is joined by Matt Loehle as they discuss some recent MLB transactions like Cody Allen signing with the Angels, Nick Markakis signing with the Braves, and discuss the Sonny Gray trade to the Reds. They also talk a little about Tuesday's MLB Hall of Fame inductions.  This week's episode is highlighted by an interview with Vanderbilt Alumni and current Pitcher in the Baltimore Orioles organization, Reed Hayes. After playing at Walters State Community College, Reed was a relief pitcher and a outfielder at Vanderbilt. He went on to be drafted in the 13th round of the 2017 MLB draft/ He is currently pitching in the Orioles organization. You can follow him on Twitter @ReedHayes14 Be sure to subscribe, rate and review! Follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter!

22 min
Jan 16, 2019
Interview with Matt Antonelli

This week, we bring you a special episode! We were able to interview Matt Antonelli of Antonelli Baseball. Matt was the 17th overall pick in the 2006 MLB draft, by the San Diego Padres. We were able to talk with him about his career, his Youtube channel (Antonelli Baseball), and his travel ball business along with his venture into coaching. It is a great interview and be sure to subscribe to his Youtube Channel and follow him on Instagram. Be sure to subscribe, rate and review. Follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter.

37 min
Jan 11, 2019
Kyler wants to do WHAT?!

In this episode of The Closer, Justin, Will, and Matt discuss the recent news of Kyler Murray potentially entering the NFL Draft, discuss the recent MLB transactions, and talk about what Bryce Harper means to the Nationals. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review. Follow Justin (@JustinRaley_15) and The Closer (@closerpodcast) on Twitter. The Closer will now be on YouTube as well. Head on over to Youtube and subscribe to Tailgate Sports Entertainment and check out The Closer video podcast!

32 min
Dec 29, 2018
Miller Time

In this week's episode, Justin is joined by Will Mcguiness of Tailgate Sports. They introduce two new segments called, Around the Diamond and High Heat. They also, discuss the recent Nelson Cruz signing, Andrew Miller signing, Jonathan Lucroy signing, and the Dodgers/Reds trade. Be sure to subscribe and share! Follow Justin (@JustinRaley_15) and The Closer (@closerpodcast) on Twitter.

33 min
Dec 20, 2018Episode 7
'Twas the Week Before Christmas

In this edition of The Closer, Justin is joined by Matt Loehle and Will Mcguiness of Tailgate Sports. They discuss the upcoming team visits for Manny Machado, they discuss some teams they think will take a step forward and a step backward this upcoming season, and do some rapid fire questions. Be sure to subscribe, rate and review, retweet, and all of that great stuff! Thank you for supporting The Closer. Be sure to follow Justin (@JustinRaley_15) and The Closer (@closerpodcast) on Twitter!

17 min
Dec 13, 2018
Winter Meetings Roundup

In this episode, Justin rounds up the latest happenings around baseball and raps up the Winter Meetings. Follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter.

22 min
Nov 29, 2018
That Cold Stove is Getting TOASTY!

BRINGER OF RAIN IS COMING TO ATLANTA! Justin is by himself this week as he discusses the past week's MLB free agency happenings and gives some insight on some future free agency and trade happenings. Be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and tell your friends! Be sure to follow The Closer (@closerpodcast) and Justin (@JustinRaley_15) on Twitter!

36 min
Nov 16, 2018
MLB Awards Recap

In this episode of The Closer, Justin is joined by Matt Loehle, of Tailgate Sports, and they recap the recent MLB awards, while giving their take on each of them. Be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! Follow The Closer on Twitter @closerpodcast and follow Justin on Twitter @JustinRaley_15

29 min
Nov 8, 2018
Hot Stove Season

It's officially, HOT STOVE SEASON! Host, Justin Raley is joined by Matt Loehle of Tailgate Sports and they discuss all the latest hot stove rumors, give some bold predictions on where Bryce Harper will land, and give some good ole baseball banter. Be sure to subscribe and rate/review! Follow Justin on Twitter @JustinRaley_15. Retweet, Share and tell everyone about, The Closer!

27 min
Oct 31, 2018
Halloween Baseball

In this Halloween edition of The Closer, Justin dives into some final World Series thoughts, discusses Clayton Kershaw's status among the greatest of all time, and gives some offseason headlines to look out for. Be sure to share and give a good rating. Thank you!

18 min
Oct 28, 2018
Analytics vs. Manalytics

Welcome to the first episode of The Closer on Anchor! If you’d like to listen to any previous episodes, you can find those on SoundCloud. I’m your host, Justin Raley. Today, I am joined by Tailgate Sports, MLB Analysts Will Mcguinness and Matt Loehle. We discuss Games 1 and 2 of the World Series. More specifically, I dive into why the Dodgers are relying on Analytics more than “Manalytics.” Why are they sitting their 4 leading home run hitters? Listen to The Closer to find out!

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Listening context

Casual listening
Best for: commutes, workouts, housework, game-day warmups
Tone: casual, opinionated, conversational, energetic

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