Pacific Swings
Pacific Swings
Podcast Description
Pacific Swings brings you exclusive interviews and insider stories from players who’ve crossed the Pacific Ocean. Hosted by former MLB, NPB & KBO player David MacKinnon and filmmaker/journalist Jasper Spanjaart.David MacKinnon (1994) played professional baseball for nearly a decade, competing in Major League Baseball (MLB), Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO).Jasper Spanjaart (1995) is an established journalist and documentary filmmaker specializing in sports and cultural storytelling. His work focuses on the intersection of athletics and international culture.Together, they host Pacific Swings, a podcast dedicated to exploring the cultural and athletic connections between American, Japanese, and Korean professional baseball. Through exclusive interviews and insider perspectives, the show bridges baseball’s two worlds, offering listeners unique insights into the global game.Two worlds, one podcast, countless stories.ありがとう, 감사합니다, and welcome to Pacific Swings.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast covers a range of themes including cultural adaptation in international baseball, differences in playing styles, and unique personal experiences. Notable episode topics include David MacKinnon's humorous takes on preparation for Japanese baseball, Dietrich Enns discussing the differences in pitching across three leagues, and insights into the rich fan cultures of NPB and KBO. Each episode aims to bridge understanding between the baseball cultures of these regions.
Pacific Swings brings you exclusive interviews and insider stories from players who’ve crossed the Pacific Ocean. Hosted by former MLB, NPB & KBO player David MacKinnon and filmmaker/journalist Jasper Spanjaart.
David MacKinnon (1994) played professional baseball for nearly a decade, competing in Major League Baseball (MLB), Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO).
Jasper Spanjaart (1995) is an established journalist and documentary filmmaker specializing in sports and cultural storytelling. His work focuses on the intersection of athletics and international culture.
Together, they host Pacific Swings, a podcast dedicated to exploring the cultural and athletic connections between American, Japanese, and Korean professional baseball. Through exclusive interviews and insider perspectives, the show bridges baseball’s two worlds, offering listeners unique insights into the global game.
Two worlds, one podcast, countless stories.
ありがとう, 감사합니다, and welcome to Pacific Swings.
Ronnie Dawson: From Indie Ball to KBO All-Star
From thinking his career was over to becoming one of the KBO’s most beloved players – Ronnie Dawson’s story is about finding freedom, being yourself, and redefining success.
In this episode of Pacific Swings, former Kiwoom Heroes outfielder Ronnie Dawson joins David MacKinnon and Jasper Spanjaart to share his incredible journey from a $85,000 contract to KBO All-Star and fan favorite.
Ronnie’s Journey:
- Second-round pick by Houston Astros (2016, 61st overall, $1M+ signing bonus)
- Struggled in the minors with pressure and expectations
- Two MLB stints with Houston Astros and Cincinnati Reds
- Playing indie ball in 2023, preparing to become a coach at Ohio State
- Got the call from Kiwoom Heroes: $85,000 contract, 3 hours to decide
- Hit .336 with .852 OPS in 57 games (July-September 2023)
- Selected to KBO All-Star Game
- Became a fan favorite for his personality, dancing, and authenticity
- Current free agency status and what’s next
- The Japanese concept of “Kintsugi” as his comeback mantra
Why This Episode Matters: Ronnie’s story isn’t just about baseball success – it’s about resilience, taking risks, being authentic, and finding yourself when you’re 6,000 miles from home. It’s about redefining what success means and having the courage to take a chance when everyone (including yourself) thinks it’s over.
What’s Next: Ronnie is currently a free agent, working out, rehabbing his knee, and looking for his next opportunity. He’s open to returning to Korea, Japan, or any league that gives him a chance. He’s also been umpiring youth baseball and giving lessons while staying ready.
Sponsored by JAX Athletics – Premium baseball and softball batting gloves. Use code PACIFICSWlNGS for 15% off at jaxathletics.com
Hosts: Jasper Spanjaart & David MacKinnon (@spnjrt & @DCMacK24)
Subscribe to Pacific Swings: YouTube: youtube.com/@pacificswings Spotify: [link] Apple Podcasts: [link]
#PacificSwings #RonnieDawson #KBO #KiwoomHeroes #IndieBall #BaseballStory #로니도슨 #키움히어로즈 #AllStar #Redemption #FindingFreedom
🇯🇵 日本語:
エピソードタイトル: ロニー・ドーソン：独立リーグからKBオールスターへ | Episode 19
独立リーグでキャリアが終わったと思っていたロニー・ドーソンが、8万5000ドルの契約でキウム・ヒーローズに加入。わずか57試合で打率.336を記録し、次の年には55万ドルの契約を獲得。KBオールスターに選出され、ファンに愛される選手になるまでの物語。
主要トピック:
- 韓国からの電話：決断まで3時間
- キャリアが終わったと思った理由
- 韓国で自分らしくいられた自由
- 外野で踊ってファンのお気に入りに
- 父親になって変わった野球への向き合い方
- 「ただプレーする」ことの大切さ
- 調子が悪い時に踊って批判された経験
- KBOとMLBの投球の違い
Season Number: 1 Episode Number: 19
Sponsored by JAX Athletics – コード「PACIFICSWlNGS」で15%オフ
キーワード: ロニー・ドーソン、KBO、キウム・ヒーローズ、独立リーグ、オールスター、復活、自由
🇰🇷 한국어:
에피소드 제목: 로니 도슨: 독립리그에서 KBO 올스타까지 | Episode 19
독립리그에서 커리어가 끝났다고 생각했던 로니 도슨이 키움 히어로즈와 8만 5천 달러 계약을 체결. 단 57경기에서 타율 3할 3푼 6리를 기록하며 다음 해 55만 달러 계약을 따냈고, KBO 올스타에 선정되며 팬들이 사랑하는 선수가 되기까지의 이야기.
주요 주제:
- 한국에서 온 전화: 결정까지 3시간
- 커리어가 끝났다고 생각한 이유
- 한국에서 찾은 자유와 자신다움
- 외야에서 춤추며 팬 페이버릿이 되다
- 아버지가 되어 달라진 야구 접근법
- “그냥 플레이하라”의 중요성
- 부진할 때 춤춰서 받은 비판
- KBO와 MLB 투구의 차이
- 무릎 부상과 컴백
- FA: 다음 행선지는?
Season Number: 1 Episode Number: 19
Sponsored by JAX Athletics – 코드 “PACIFICSWlNGS”로 15% 할인
키워드: 로니 도슨, KBO, 키움 히어로즈, 독립리그, 올스타, 재기, 자유
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