Goat Post: Issue 06

Saturday mornings, once upon a time, were all about cartoons. They made millions of kids laugh. And so today, on a Saturday morning, we’ll close with a goat of comedy. But first, we’ll touch on what, personally, has been a week in which many tears flowed and emotions eventually led to the persevering wonder of reluctant new smiles.

This week, we traveled to Atlanta, and on the way continued to mourn the flood victims in Texas and pray for Angelic repairs that are impossible to perfect. Separately, my friend John lost his Dad, my friend Billy lost his brother and my friend Sam, father of two girls in their teens, took a nap and didn’t wake up. Sadness doesn’t begin to describe the canvases behind my eyelids.

There’s no “even so” or “and yet” to write. 

Grief isn’t a transition.
It is important.
We don’t erase what happens.
We take it in. We figure out where to put it.
We know it has a place and that its aftermath has a heightening capability.
It’s when that’s remembered, we sigh.
And try to resume our ride.

• The MLB Draft was happening. Families celebrated.

• ESPN aired “Southpaw” about Jim Abbott. A YOU CAN DO ANYTHING pilot light was lit.

• ALL-STAR Monday and Tuesday supplied super, welcome in-person encounters with greats surrounding the game.

Tuesday, the video tribute to Hank Aaron projected onto the entire field at the Braves’ Truist Park was among the most spectacular presentations the sport has ever put together. Congratulations to everybody who had anything to do with it. 715 on 7/15. I mean, how beautiful.

What an awesome reminder of The Hammer’s heroic legacy — not just as a ballplayer, but as a human being. Celebrating every bit of it, one of our first recorded conversations in Goatnet’s formative spring training, beloved broadcaster Dave Sims talked to the fantastic Dusty Baker, one of Hank’s close friends and a longtime mentee.

In this interview, Dusty reflects on the profound impact Hank had on his life. When Hank promised Dusty’s Mom he’d look after him, he meant it. Hank’s example was paramount in the foundation for Dusty’s approach to baseball and life.

From ‘You’re Drafted’ to ‘You Belong’


While the All-Star Game showcased a legend, his lovely widow and mic’d up a splendid mix of current kings, the 2025 MLB Draft gave us a promising preview of Baseball’s future. This year, 16 high school players were taken in the first round, headlined by Eli Willits, the top overall pick by the Nationals, and Ethan Holliday, selected fourth by the Rockies. 

One of our favorite stories from this year’s Draft comes from just outside the first round — Dean Moss, selected 67th overall by the Tampa Bay Rays. We spent quality time with Dean in advance of his senior year at IMG Academy.

When we met Dean, scouts already were buzzing about his elite hit tool, electric speed and silky glove work. He was wide-eyed, determined and working toward the very dream that just came true.

Dean patterns some of his game after Ronald Acuña Jr., bringing a certain edge to the field. What also stuck with us was how grounded he was off the diamond. A Bay Area native, Dean opened up about mental health, choosing joy over pressure and how much his journey had been shaped by a supportive family and a tight-knit group of IMG teammates.

Bottom line: Dean Moss reminded us that the players of the future aren’t just talented — they’re prepared to grind and ascend their games to foster winning cultures.

And while Dean is just starting his journey, we have a gem of a Goatnet onboarding session with Rex Hudler, bringing nothing short of class from the past — and one of the most engaging draft day stories you’ll ever hear.

Drafted in the first round by the Yankees in 1978 — ahead of Cal Ripken Jr., Rex reminisced as only he can that it probably was a mistake. At just 17, he flew from Fresno to New York to meet George Steinbrenner, shaking hands with “The Boss” and earning his respect with a “yes sir, no sir” authenticity that defined his career.

Rex’s bond with Steinbrenner never faded. After being traded to the Orioles, Rex received a handwritten letter from the Yankees owner — thanking him for his hustle, heart and professionalism.


“Even if I didn’t make it in New York, that letter told me I belonged.”

Must-See MVPs

While the week in Atlanta got its momentum from the MLB Draft, Home Run Derby, All-Star Game and Swing-Off (big fans of that!), the week stayed hot. The 20th annual Mentoring Viable Prospects (MVP) Tournament at historic Gresham Park basically was the best place on Earth as far as we were concerned. You’ll see. It has a backstory and purpose that the world needs to know. We couldn’t possibly be more excited about the people responsible for the event, its origin and staying power. And the tremendous opportunity Goatnet has to document every angle and promote every student-athlete, coach, cook and voice involved.

Words To Live By

Steve Martin, the great Waco-born comedian who turns 80 next month, once told Charlie Rose:

It’s brilliant advice because it encapsulates everything that goes into success, and it presents “they” as the ones who will appreciate what’s so good when you, in fact, admirably are out there resonating.

Steve was outside the box from the beginning. He had a bit about getting happy feet. He had another about getting small.

Take note. And Goat big!