Absol on the ridge.

Pokémon has fans of all kinds around the world, but none are quite like Kim Kardashian and her son Saint. It’s not just because they can show up to a card show, as they did earlier this month, and hand over about $1,300 in cash for a single card — a BGS 10 Hidden Fates Shiny Charizard GX, which is far from a common experience — but because when they did it, their celebrity came with them, filling the room, warping the temperature, turning every onlooking vendor, collector, and player into a witness.

To witness, however, doesn’t necessarily mean to have a shared understanding. Reactions to the Kardashian sighting inspired just about every response imaginable. The vendor who posted the clip, PokeHoops, framed it simply: “Showing @kimkardashian a $100,000 Pokémon card… and she actually bought something too.” One widely followed alerts account put the anxiety in four words: “we are so cooked.” Collectors on Instagram and in forum threads called it a “top signal” — if Kim’s here, the peak is in, and the only way is down. Others saw the summit getting even more out of reach: if the Kardashians are here, getting anything at MSRP just got harder. thereelzero on Instagram offered a more existential take: “congrats… but hobby is dying.” Within about a day, the clip was ricocheting across Dexerto, LADbible, Just Jared, and Reddit, and a single Facebook repost was already pushing toward half a million views.

All of these reactions make sense. In Pokémon, the same creature can mean something completely different depending on which version you’re holding — the Pokédex ships different entries across games, and the same Pokémon is described differently each time. Kim Kardashian at a card show is no different: same sighting, same celebrity, and yet the hobby is holding at least two completely opposite reads on what it means. For players of the TCG and collectors not driven by grades, her appearance might mean something else entirely — not a warning, not a peak, but a sign that the wildest part of the boom is already behind us. If that’s the case, there’s a Pokémon for that. Meet Absol.

Absol, No. 359, the Disaster Pokémon — as seen in Pokémon Ruby.

No. 359 in the Pokédex, Absol is known as the Disaster Pokémon. Pokémon Ruby’s entry reads: “Every time ABSOL appears before people, it is followed by a disaster such as an earthquake or a tidal wave.” Pokédex entries vary across titles — that’s always been part of the lore — and FireRed, one of the Game Boy Advance classics that just got re-released on Nintendo Switch for the franchise’s 30th anniversary, gets closer to the truth: Absol was “mistaken as a doom-bringer.” It isn’t causing anything. It’s just the first sign. Absol lives in the mountains, rarely coming down — and when it does, people tend to notice. Absol doesn’t cause the avalanche. It just shows up on the mountain.

The avalanche, in this case, had already started before Kim arrived. Logan Paul didn’t give the Pokémon market its value, but his attention had a ripple effect. There’s a reason he’s been called an influencer. Famous for his online antics, acting, and wrestling, Paul sold his diamond-encrusted necklace — with a PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator at its center — for about $16.5 million through Goldin Auctions, with the sale tied to Ken Goldin’s Netflix show King of Collectibles: The Goldin Touch. He’d worn the necklace to WrestleMania 38 and spent the next few years treating the card as a prized possession, performing for an audience. When someone with that platform stops paying attention, people notice that too — and at the auction livestream, before the hammer had barely come down, he was already announcing RipIt, a new card-breaking venture. This is, after all, the same guy who was sued over CryptoZoo, an NFT project that investors and critics have described as a rug-pull that left them holding worthless tokens — a lawsuit that was ultimately dismissed, even if the filings and exposés painted a pretty clear picture of how Paul tends to operate. Pokémon was just the next thing.

So is the disaster actually happening? The numbers suggest something is already in motion. Speculative markets have a recognizable late-cycle rhythm — what economists call a Minsky moment, when prolonged optimism shifts the buyer pool from people who understand an asset to people who just know that other people are excited about it. The pricing around Perfect Order, the set that officially released last Friday, might be indicating that we’re in the midst of a Minsky moment right now. Most current standard Elite Trainer Boxes, like the new Perfect Order ones, have an MSRP of 49.99 USD. On the secondary market, it peaked around $145.92 on TCGplayer in mid-January — nearly three times retail on a product nobody had cracked open yet. It’s sitting around $78 now, a nearly 47% correction before a single pack has been opened. The same cooling is showing up in Japan, where the secondary market tends to move first. Modern sealed is drifting meaningfully off its post-pandemic highs. It’s starting to look less like a new era and more like an exhale.

Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box market price history via TCGplayer. Peak: $145.92. Current market price: $77.86. Low sale: $62.00.

The hype-driven corners of the hobby delivered a swift verdict on Perfect Order: no Charizard, no Pikachu, no grail to anchor a case break or a thumbnail. “Tell me what’s good about this set?” went one post from @web3ie on X — a thread that made its rounds on Reddit too. A player, @pray4goodpulls, answered: “Meowth is extremely playable. Zygarde is one of the best-looking Mega SAR/SIRs released.” The response: “Wtf is a Zygarde?” That exchange, in three posts, is the whole argument.

“Wtf is a Zygarde?”

Meowth ex’s ability, Last-Ditch Catch, lets you search your deck for a Supporter the moment you play it to your Bench — a tutor effect that makes it a high-value staple that fits in just about every deck. It’s not the first non-headliner playable to price that way: Fezandipiti ex, whose Flip The Script ability lets you draw three cards after a knockout on your own team, held between $13 and $20 for much of 2025 before being reprinted in the annual Trainer’s Toolkit. Meowth ex is already sitting around $10 at minimum rarity — and if Fezandipiti is any guide, it likely won’t drop much before climbing higher than it is now. And then there’s Poké Pad. A utility card for those who actually play the TCG — not just collect — it should cost under a dollar in a healthy market. It was trading in the high single digits because Ascended Heroes, the set it debuted in, has been nearly impossible to find. Perfect Order prints it, and the market price has already dropped to $0.64 as of this writing. The speculators and the players are staring at the same set and seeing two entirely different things — an investment (at best), or a hobby.

“Wtf is a Zygarde?”

Chaos Rising, the next set after Perfect Order, arrives May 22 with everything a late-boom set is supposed to have: Mega Greninja ex on the box, one of the most popular Pokémon in the entire franchise — Greninja ranked first in the official Pokémon of the Year 2020 vote, ahead of every Kanto and Johto classic — and arguably the strongest fan favorite to emerge after the original 151. Greninja already has a proven track record as a chase: the Special Illustration Rare (SIR) from Twilight Masquerade for Greninja ex has regularly sold for $700–$1,000 in PSA 10. Still, whether or not that’s enough to keep the hype all hot remains to be seen. Preorders on TCGplayer are sitting around $150 for the Elite Trainer Box — still well above MSRP, but Perfect Order was at $145.92 before anyone had opened a pack, and look where that ended up. GameStop is already taking in-store preorders at $90.

Greninja ex SIR, Twilight Masquerade. Still $300 raw. Still holding.

If a set called Chaos Rising, fronted by the franchise’s most popular non-Kanto Pokémon at full Mega power, can’t sustain the frenzy — and the early signals suggest it won’t — then the boom doesn’t end with a crash. It ends with a Greninja on a shelf at $49.99. For speculators, that’s the wreckage. For everyone else who likes to build a deck and fill a binder, show up to locals on Pokémon night — it’s the good kind of disaster: the kind that clears the mountain and leaves the game intact.

If you found this useful or just enjoy writing about the systems behind the spectacle — in gaming, sports, and culture — Field of Pixels publishes regularly. Subscribe below to get the next one.

Pokémon is celebrating its 30th anniversary, and as of this week, it’s safe to say Poké‑mania is about as high as it’s ever been. With roughly 150 billion dollars in lifetime revenue, the Japanese‑born global phenomenon now ranks as the highest‑grossing media franchise of all time, richer than any single thing Disney—or anyone else—has ever created. Across its video games, which first debuted in 1996 for the Game Boy with Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green in Japan and then in 1998 worldwide as Pokémon Red and Pokémon Blue, plus its movies, an anime that’s crossed the 1,300‑episode mark, mountains of merchandise, and, of course, its trading cards, there’s truly been nothing like it.

Now, as a millennial who was first introduced to the series with Pokémon Red in 1998, I am no doubt part of the franchise’s key demographic—and yes, I mean am, not was. Surveys for the 30th anniversary show that Millennials and Gen Z are still driving much of Pokémon’s love and engagement, with around 57% of Millennials in one recent UK poll saying they’ve engaged with the franchise in some way, and 30% of Millennials saying they outright love or like Pokémon. Many Millennials and Gen Z are now parents too—not me—and they’re sharing that Poké‑fever with their children, revisiting old collections and passing the hobby down, so you can expect the franchise’s fervor to keep growing across parents, kids, and even grandparents.

I gladly put down 20 dollars each for the new Nintendo Switch re‑releases of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, recently finished the main storyline of Pokémon Legends: Z‑A—which has already sold millions of copies—and, since the end of September, have played the official Pokémon Trading Card Game in person every week, plus its free‑to‑play digital counterpart, Pokémon Trading Card Game Live, pretty much every day on my Mac, PC, or phone.

As a writer and now officially trained journalist with a Master’s in Journalism (thanks, CUNY Newmark!), I’m keenly interested in the franchise for more than just personal nostalgia. The business is fascinating: Pokémon video games are closing in on half a billion units sold, and the trading card game has produced more than 75 billion cards worldwide, with over 10 billion printed in the most recent fiscal year alone. Merchandise and licensing help push the broader collecting economy into the ten‑plus‑billion‑dollar‑a‑year range. Then there’s the cultural imprint: everyone knows who Pikachu is, and Logan Paul’s PSA 10 Pikachu Illustrator just sold for 16.49 million dollars, setting a new record for the most expensive trading card ever and turning a single piece of cardboard into headline news. It’s not just Pikachu either: auction records for other first‑generation mascots like Charizard, Gengar, Psyduck, and Eevee regularly reach six figures, with the biggest trophies pushing into seven‑figure territory as the market for high‑end Pokémon cardboard keeps heating up.

Perhaps what fascinates me most is how intentional the whole machine is. Pokémon has spent three decades perfecting a kind of cross‑platform, cross‑generational marketing loop—video games feed the anime, which feeds the cards and merch, which feed the next round of games—while speaking differently to kids, nostalgic adults, and investors at the same time. Its cultural footprint has been big enough to draw moral panics and religious backlash, from school bans and church card‑burnings in the West to a Saudi fatwa that once declared the franchise un‑Islamic, even as other religious authorities rushed to defend it.

Then, at another, more immediate level, there’s also the psychology of being a Pokémon TCG collector—even in spite of the scalpers and the gigantic market spikes in sealed TCG product pricing—and of being a player at a weekly game, a regular regional competitor, or someone opting for the bite‑sized mobile version, Pokémon TCG Pocket—a newer installment that, in just its first year, has been estimated to generate around 1.3 billion dollars in revenue, making it the most lucrative first‑year launch of any Pokémon mobile game, even outpacing Pokémon Go’s debut.

That said, you can expect more Pokémon writing and content going forward—but not only Pokémon. There’s more to come on music, gaming, sports, wider arts, entertainment, culture, and the business that runs through all of it.

And just because it’s still a banger:

Good morning, sports fans!

We're now two days removed from the 2025 MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta, and there's a lot to unpack, marvel at, and note. We won't be able to cover everything today. Still, there are a few things I want to highlight before we get into the meat of today's fun—the second part, the National League edition, of our 'Who Belongs in the Next Backyard Baseball?' series, highlighting my half-smart/half-wish list of modern picks for future Backyard Baseball games.

First off, in case you missed it, you need to see the 6th-inning tribute to Hank Aaron from Tuesday night's All-Star Game in Atlanta. Held on July 15 (aka 7/15), it was the perfect time and way to honor the greatest Brave and arguably the greatest baseball player of all time for initially breaking Babe Ruth's then all-time home run record of 715. The symmetry is quite cool, and of course, for some, he's still seen as the true home run king when you account for Barry Bonds' alleged steroid use—especially compared to Aaron's legacy as a civil rights advocate, his and his wife Billye's commitment to philanthropy and platforming support organizations like the NAACP, and the co-founding the Hank Aaron Chasing the Dream Foundation.

With projection-mapped immersive visuals projected across the field, custom pyrotechnics, and the original broadcast call over the loudspeakers, fans were treated to a reimagining of Aaron's historic 715th home run. And so the tale of Hammerin' Hank endures, chronicled not only in the records but in the reverent lights and shadows cast upon the hallowed field of play—a spectacle for all ages to remember.

Aside from that, it was awesome to see former Atlanta Braves star and legendary New York Yankees manager Joe Torre make a mound visit in full Yankee uniform. Torre is more well-known among younger fans as the manager of the late 90's Yankees dynasty, and rightfully so, but he also earned five straight All-Star game nods from 1963-1967 after joining the franchise in Milwaukee in 1960 and playing with the team after their move to New York until 1976.

The All-Star Game MVP honors went to another former catcher like Torre in Kyle Schwarber. The primary DH for the Philadelphia Phillies went deep three times in the first-of-its-kind swing-off format—a sudden-death home run contest where each team sends up three batters for a round of swings, with the team hitting the most homers declared the winner. It's MLB's answer to penalty kicks, replacing traditional extra innings to settle tied All-Star Games. Schwarber had replaced Ohtani earlier in the game, going 0-2 with a walk in three plate appearances, but it didn't matter in the end. The Schwarbombs he launched in the swing-off did, making him the second Phil to ever earn the award after Johnny Callison in 1964.

And speaking of derby drama from Monday night: Cal "Big Dumper" Raleigh became the first catcher to win the Home Run Derby. He edged Brent Rooker in Round 1 when Statcast measured Raleigh's longest shot at 471 feet-seven-eighths of an inch farther than Rooker's best. Raleigh then dethroned Junior Caminero in the finals, 18‑15. Maybe Caminero should've been my pick for the Rays, but it's too late now! And Lowe still ain't too shabby—more on the Derby and swing-offs in general next week. The NFL likes to call itself a game of inches; this week MLB claimed a few for itself.

Speaking of players who feel larger than life—with All‑Star week still buzzing and one day left on the technically just past the half-season break, it's time to finish our Backyard Baseball half-smart/half-wishlist. On Tuesday, we built the American League squad in Part I; today, the National League gets its turn. Acuña's five‑tool fireworks, Ohtani's two‑way cheat code, Skenes' flamethrower cameo, and a few pixel‑perfect prospects you'll want batting behind Pablo.

Same house rules: one player per team, no CBA clauses—just maximum sandlot drama. Grab a juice box, hit the power-up, and meet the NL crew ready to join Pablo, Keisha, and the rest in the Backyard.

National League East

Atlanta Braves — Ronald Acuña Jr. (OF)

There’s probably no player more Backyard-coded than Ronald Acuña Jr. He plays with the volume turned up: giant swing, explosive speed, a cannon arm, and the kind of charisma that would make him the first kid picked every time. He hits moonshots, steals bases in bunches, and plays the outfield like it’s a track meet. If Backyard Baseball had an “electricity meter,” Acuña would start every game at full charge.

Even after his season-ending ACL tear in 2024, his impact on the Braves — and the game — is undeniable. He’s one of the few players who can tilt the field in every phase. He makes baseball feel like a video game, and in this format, that’s the whole point.

Honorable mentions: Spencer Strider was a real contender here — the goggles, the mustache, the strikeout totals, and that full-throttle delivery all scream Backyard Baseball starter. Matt Olson, meanwhile, has the kind of lefty power that would have him hitting homers into the neighbor’s grill. But Acuña brings the chaos, charisma, and five-tool fun that defines the entire game. He’s the pick.

Miami Marlins — Sandy Alcántara (RHP)

Sandy Alcántara hasn’t looked like a Cy Young winner in 2025 — his ERA is north of 7.00, and the sharpness just hasn’t been there. But he’s still the most recognizable name on the roster and the kind of high-variance, high-upside starter who feels right at home in a Backyard Baseball lineup. His delivery is lanky and elastic, his mound presence is theatrical, and when he’s locked in, he still looks like someone who could strike out the side on nine pitches with one eye closed.

Also — this is the Marlins. Their entire organizational identity revolves around trading away their best player every time one breaks out. So even if Alcántara is in a different uniform by release day, he still makes the most sense as the pick today.

Honorable mentions: Edward Cabrera has been more stable and might be the best pitcher on the team right now. Eury Pérez still feels like the future ace if he gets healthy. Otto López is making noise all over the diamond and has a real Backyard skillset: contact, wheels, and versatility. But for now, Sandy’s still the name on the box.

New York Mets — Francisco Lindor (SS)

Francisco Lindor is built for Backyard Baseball. He plays with flair, turns double plays like choreography, and brings style to everything he does — from his glove work to his at-bats. Even in a Mets era full of reset buttons and rotating stars, Lindor remains the constant: a switch-hitting shortstop with Gold Glove defense and one of the most complete games in baseball.

He’s smooth, expressive, and dependable — the kind of player who fits perfectly at short (or anywhere you'd put him, probably), in real life or pixel form.

Honorable mentions: Juan Soto might be the best pure hitter in the league and brings plenty of Backyard swagger with his signature shuffle. Pete Alonso offers big-swing chaos and cartoon home run power. However, Lindor is the cleanest and most complete choice.

Philadelphia Phillies — Bryce Harper (OF)

Bryce Harper was probably born to be in Backyard Baseball. He’s got the bandana, the bat speed, the eye black, the stare-downs — and the swing that looks like it was designed in an arcade machine. He’s emotional in the best way, theatrical without feeling phony, and constantly comes through in big moments. If Pablo Sanchez needed a cleanup hitter with cartoon intensity and MVP credentials, this is the guy.

He's also one of the few players whose aura would change the whole lineup — the kind of presence that makes your team feel like it’s playing in a championship, even if it’s just game one on Tin Can Alley.

Honorable mentions: Zack Wheeler was the original pick and would still be the ace if this roster needed more pitching — he’s been one of the best starters in baseball over the past four seasons and has a real shot at Cooperstown. But the Phillies might be the most stacked Backyard-ready team in the league. Trea Turner brings elite shortstop athleticism, Kyle Schwarber is a three-homer game waiting to happen that you can slot in behind the dish, and Nick Castellanos has built a career on swinging at chaos — and hitting a home run in the middle of it. But Harper’s the one you build around.

Washington Nationals — James Wood (OF)

James Wood resembles the Backyard Baseball create-a-player screen, as if someone had maxed out all the sliders. At 6-foot-7, he covers ground in the outfield like the dictionary definition of an athlete, and he hits baseballs as hard as anyone in the game. He took that energy to the 2025 Home Run Derby, launching moonshots—one measured at 486 feet—before bowing out after a strong run in the first round. In Backyard terms, he’s the kid who clears the fence, outruns the throw, and makes the game feel a little more unreal every time he steps to the plate.

Honorable mentions: MacKenzie Gore has ace upside for the rotation, and Dylan Crews, last summer’s No. 2 overall pick, projects as a future franchise cornerstone. But Wood’s size, swagger, and slugging put him firmly in playground legend territory.

Chicago Cubs — Pete Crow-Armstrong (OF)

Pete Crow-Armstrong plays center field like he’s trying to take away every fly ball in the entire ZIP code. His jumps are elite, his routes are perfect, and his glove never takes a pitch off. He’s still refining the bat, but in Backyard Baseball terms, he’s the kid you lock into center and forget about — because nothing’s getting past him anyway.

He brings a particular backyard profile: defense, speed, and chaos. The kind of player who stretches a single into a triple and then robs a homer the following inning like it’s nothing.

Honorable mentions: Shota Imanaga has pitched like an ace since the moment he arrived — funky delivery, pinpoint control, and the kind of calm you don’t teach. Seiya Suzuki is one of the most complete outfielders in the league and fits the pixel-perfect swing mold. The two would be more than just diversity picks to be sure, but PCA is the guy here—He’s a blur who makes the field feel smaller with his glove and his bat.

Cincinnati Reds — Elly De La Cruz (SS)

Elly De La Cruz might be the most video game–coded player in baseball. He’s 6-foot-5, plays shortstop like a track star with a cannon, and fills the box score like someone mashing buttons. He’s already one of the MLB The Show 25 cover athletes, launched a 486-foot homer at the 2025 Derby, and became one of the only players in MLB history to hit both an inside-the-park and over-the-fence home run in the same game. (Yes, Byron Buxton could pull it off, too — but Elly’s already done it.)

What makes Elly even more Backyard-worthy is how unpredictable he is — you never know if you’re getting three strikeouts, three stolen bases, or both. But no matter what, you’re watching. And in a game built on flair, movement, and chaos, that’s the entire point.

Honorable mentions: Hunter Greene throws 102 with upper-90s,s cool and looks like the prototype for a Backyard fireballer. In a pitching-focused version of this list, he’s a real contender. But Elly is the engine, the show, and the cheat code — the Reds’ Playground Pablo.

Milwaukee Brewers — Christian Yelich (OF)

Christian Yelich might not be putting up MVP numbers anymore, but he’s still the Brewers’ identity. He’s smooth, lefty, and quietly clutch — the kind of player who’d rope a double off the backyard garage door and jog into second without saying a word. He’s also been in Milwaukee long enough to feel like a franchise avatar, someone who’s endured the team’s complete evolution from underdog upstart to perennial playoff presence.

He’s not the loudest name on this list, but he fits the Backyard format because he doesn’t need to force anything. He plays. He runs well, throws well, hits to all fields, and still finds a way to stand out — even when you’re not looking for him.

Honorable mentions: Freddy Peralta has taken the reins as the club’s ace, with elite strikeout stuff and Backyard-ready mound presence. Jackson Chourio is one of the most exciting young players in the league and may very well take this spot in a year or two. But for now, Yelich is still the guy — steady, stylish, and low-key elite in a format that rewards all of it.

St. Louis Cardinals — Nolan Arenado (3B)

Nolan Arenado has been the best defensive third baseman of his generation, and he still plays the position with the kind of flair that turns ground balls into theatre. Even if the offense has cooled, he’s still a vacuum at the hot corner — charging bunts, barehanding rollers, making throws across his body like it’s clockwork. In a Backyard Baseball setting, he’s the corner infielder who dives on concrete, flips his cap around, and makes the out anyway.

He’s also the kind of player who elevates the infield around him — locked-in, intense, and precise without being flashy for the sake of it. He feels like a natural fit alongside Backyard staples like Dmitri Petrovich or Angela Delvecchio — the steadiest hand on a team full of chaos.

Honorable mentions: Masyn Winn brings speed, range, and emerging star energy at shortstop. Brendan Donovan is a true Backyard utility player — he plays everywhere and does a little bit of everything. Sonny Gray has been the team’s best pitcher in 2025 and would’ve cut if this list leaned more rotation-heavy. But Arenado still feels like the most complete fit — a defensive anchor with Backyard instincts baked in.

Pittsburgh Pirates — Paul Skenes (RHP)

Paul Skenes is throwing 100, commanding a slider that looks unfair, and carrying himself like he’s been in the league five years instead of five minutes. Before becoming LSU’s ace and going No. 1 overall, he was a two-way player at Air Force — catching and pitching, which only adds to the appeal. And now, he’s one of the three MLB The Show 25 cover athletes, alongside Gunnar Henderson and Elly De La Cruz. He’s perfect for the Backyard.

Every start feels like a marquee event. You know the neighborhood kids would be lining up in the stands to watch him throw. And on a team still figuring itself out, he already feels like the main character.

Honorable mentions: Oneil Cruz, now roaming center field at 6-foot-7, still feels like someone programmed into a video game by accident. Andrew McCutchen would’ve been a shoo-in for years — 2013 NL MVP, face of the franchise, and pure Backyard energy. But this is Skenes.

National League West

Colorado Rockies — Hunter Goodman (C/1B/OF)

Hunter Goodman might be the most naturally gifted hitter in the Rockies’ system. That’s saying something. He’s a right-handed catcher-masher with a growing positional versatility—and one of the few bright spots in a dreadful season. he'sfoot-3 he’s got the size to anchor a lineup and the athleticism to play multiple positions — precisely the kind of versatility Backyard Baseball rosters thrive on.

He’s still establishing himself at the big-league level, but the tools are undeniable. In a format where every player needs to do a little bit of everything, Goodman feels like the perfect wild card — the rookie who shows up and immediately makes your team better.

Honorable mentions: Ryan McMahon has been a steady presence at third base with sneaky power numbers, though like others on his list, he’s a prime trade target this year’s deadline. Ezequiel Tovar brings real shortstop athleticism and emerging offensive upside. But Goodman has the ceiling, the position flexibility, and the kind of raw talent that would make him a Backyard sleeper pick who turns into a lineup anchor.

San Francisco Giants — Logan Webb (RHP)

doesn’t throw the hardest or yell the loudest, but he keeps showing up and shoving. He’s led the National League in innings multiple times, has a sinker that bores itsike it’s remote-controlled, and pitches like who’s already played the game in his head before it starts. If Backyard Baseball had a workhorse archetype, Webb doesn’t need flash to dominate — he pounds the zone, gets grounders, and walks off like it’s no big deal. The Backyard equivalent of the kid who brings his glove, shows up on time, and casually throws a complete game.

Honorable mentions: Willy Adames brings power and veteran energy to the infield, and Rafael Devers, newly arrived from Boston, is still one of the most dangerous bats in the league. But Webb is the face of the Giants now — steady, reliable, and built to go the distance.

San Diego Padres — Fernando Tatis Jr. (OF)

Fernando Tatis Jr. is the embodiment of Backyard Baseball. He swings with the kind of abandon that makes every at-bat feel like it could end in fireworks, roaming the outfield as if he's choreographing a highlight reel, and brings a swagger that would make him the first kid picked in any sandlot draft. His bat flips are legendary, his speed is electric, and his cannon arm from the outfield could probably reanimate a neighbor's's y. He's the kind of guy who'd hit a grand slam, steal home in the same inning, and then gun down a runner at the plate — all while grinning, he's having the time of his life.

He's settled into the outfield full-time, his athletic versatility means he could slot in anywhere on a Backyard diamond. And with that rocket arm, he’s probably throwing an inning or two in relief, just because he can. Even after returning from injury, Tatis remains the most naturally gifted and charismatically explosive player in the game. In a format built on flair, fun, and making the impossible his routine, he's not just a sect fit — he's the template.

Honorable mentions: Manny Machado brings veteran leadership and Gold Glove defense at third base, the kind of presence who'd anchor any Backyard infield. His swing is pure, and his baseball IQ is off the charts — precisely thwho'dd of player who'd make everyone around him better. But this is Tatis' show, and Tatis' Backyard to rule.

Los Angeles Dodgers — Shohei Ohtani(DH/P)

There's never been anyone like Shohei Ohtani, and there probably never will be again. He hits baseballs into orbit, throws 100+ mph fastballs that look like they're shot from a cannon, and does it all with the kind of calm precision that makes the impossible look effortless. In a Backyard Baseball context, he's the ultimate cheat code — the kid who can close out the game on the mound, then lead off the next inning and launch a home run. He's not just a two-way player; he's a video game character come to life.

His combination of power, speed, and pitching dominance breaks every conventional rule of roster construction. In the Backyard, everyone's supposed to do a little bit of everything, and Ohtani does everything at an elite level. He's not just the best player in baseball — he's the most perfectly designed Backyard Baseball player ever created.

Honorable mentions: Freddie Freeman brings clutch hitting and veteran savvy, the kind of pure hitter who'd find a way to rope doubles no matter what the situation. Mookie Betts is a five-tool superstar with Gold Glove defense and championship pedigree — he's played everywhere from second base to the outfield and excels at each (short)stop, exactly the complete player who'd thrive in any Backyard format. Clayton Kershaw would've been a shoo-in for years — a future Hall of Famer, franchise icon, and the kind of lefty ace who defined you've. But when you don't think about it, you don't think about it. He's the unicorn, the legend, and the pick.

The Spirit of the Game

When I wrote about the Backyard Sports revival earlier this year, it wasn’t just about bringing back old games — it was about recapturing a feeling. The energy, the personality, the way it made every player feel larger than life without needing to be taken too seriously. That’s what this list is chasing; not just who’s best right now, but who feels like they belong in the Backyard, stretching singles into inside-the-park home runs off a wild undergrounders, making sure everyone’s included, stepping up to the plate with Pablo Santhere's deck. If there’s a new roster coming, this is who should be on it.

Good afternoon, sports fans!

*Author’s note: This is a longer read—about 15 minutes—so grab a coffee and settle in.*

The long‑awaited re‑release of Backyard Baseball ’01 finally arrived last week, complete with Sunny Day’s chipper play‑by‑play and Vinnie the Gooch’s peanut‑gallery snark. The new redux—from franchise stewards Playground Productions—follows last October’s remasters of Backyard Baseball ’97 and Backyard Soccer ’98, and picks up right where my feature‑length Rolling Stone story on the Backyard Sports revival (which included an exclusive sit‑down with CEO Lindsay Barnett) left off. Boot it up and every pixel is exactly where you parked it: Pablo Sanchez’s tucked‑in T‑shirt, Pete Wheeler sprinting in circles, that MIDI‑organ riff looping like an eternal seventh‑inning stretch.

Not everything survived the time warp. Chief  Wahoo is gone, the Cleveland Indians are now the Guardians, and—accurately, if a bit sadly—“Oakland” has been lopped off the Athletics. Playground also swapped the MLBPA logo for an MLBPAA stamp (the alumni‑association counterpart) to match new licensing deals. Barnett warned back in February that a true one‑to‑one revival was impossible: every name, image, and likeness had to be renegotiated. Across the wider revival slate, she’s already secured more than sixty athlete agreements for upcoming Baseball, Football, Hockey, Basketball, and Soccer titles.

Even so, three icons didn’t return for this ’01 build: Barry Bonds, Frank Thomas, and Ken Griffey Jr. (Fun fact: Bonds hasn’t appeared as himself in a mainstream non‑mobile game since Backyard Baseball 03.)

Online matchmaking is missing, too. Barnett says the team is “couch‑co‑op first” for now, though it’s hard to imagine multiplayer won’t surface later—perhaps in a future, more modern release.

Which brings us to the fun part. Whether Playground swings for the fences with its next Baseball remake when they bring back ‘03, or hold off for a future new title, it’s hard not to think about what modern names might eventually get “Backyard-ified.” The prominent names—Aaron Judge, Shohei Ohtani, Fernando Tatis Jr.—write themselves, but plenty of under-the-radar talents deserve cartoon glory, too.

So here’s Part 1 of my half‑smart, half‑wish list: one current player from every American League team, each chosen for maximum sandlot drama—

no licensing lawyers, no CBAs—just kid‑size versions of today’s best, ready to join Pablo, Keisha, and the rest in the Backyard

American League East:

New York Yankees — Aaron Judge (OF)

There’s not much to debate here. Judge is the centerpiece of the Yankees, the captain of the most recognizable sports franchise in the world, an absolute superstar, and the type of living legend that you can guarantee will be one of the greatest you've ever witnessed. He’s got the size of a cartoon character, the swing of a myth, and the presence of a gentle giant who probably helped set up the backyard field before launching three over the fence.

Honorable mentions: None seriously considered. You don’t overthink, Judge. Gerrit Cole would be the pitcher choice, and Jazz Chisholm Jr. would get consideration if this were a list with more than one name per team... but it’s not. It’s The Captain all the way. ALL RISE!

Boston Red Sox — Garrett Crochet (LHP)

Garrett Crochet was electric before he ever stepped foot in Fenway, but since arriving in Boston — and inking a long-term extension — he’s become one of the most important players the Red Sox have. He’s got ace-level stuff, a delivery that looks like it was built for Backyard Baseball animation, and the kind of presence that makes him feel bigger than the game, even when he barely shows it. And look, while nobody’s building a rotation in Backyard, every team still needs someone who can throw absolute gas and not make a big deal about it.

Honorable Mention: Still, it’s worth noting that a long-term deal doesn’t mean what it used to when it comes to longevity. Rafael Devers signed the biggest contract in club history, and he’s now in San Francisco. That said, Crochet feels like a good bet to stick in Boston — and to dominate in the Backyard.

Toronto Blue Jays — Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (1B)

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. brings a near-perfect blend of power, personality, and presence — the kind of star who already feels cartoon-ready. His swing is theatrical, his energy magnetic, and he just signed the biggest contract in Blue Jays history while repping Canada’s team on the cover of MLB The Show 24.

Though he’s settled in at first base, he came up as a third baseman, and that kind of flexibility plays well in Backyard Baseball, where positions are more of a suggestion than a rule. And then there’s the legacy factor: his dad, Vladimir Guerrero Sr., was a playable pro in the original Backyard Baseball series — and returns in the new remaster. That makes Vladdy Jr. a rare second-generation Backyard kid.

Honorable mentions: Bo Bichette has been a foundational piece, and starting pitcher Kevin Gausman has one of the best split-finger fastballs in all of baseball. Still, Vladdy’s the guy who gives this lineup identity, electricity, and just the right dose of controlled chaos.

Tampa Bay Rays — Yandy Díaz (1B/3B/OF)

Yandy Díaz doesn’t always get the national spotlight, but he’s been one of the Rays’ most important players for years. He’s a key holdover from their 2020 World Series run, won the AL batting title in 2023, and plays all over the infield — primarily first base these days, but he’s logged plenty of time at third and in the outfield as well. That kind of flexibility is invaluable in a Backyard Baseball context, where defensive swaps happen on the fly and everyone needs to do a little bit of everything. Plus, his compact, powerful swing feels tailor-made for cartoon doubles off the recycling bins.

Honorable mentions: Brandon Lowe has been a lineup fixture for years and brings some sneaky Backyard upside with lefty power and outfield reps. Shane McClanahan would’ve been the go-to pitcher here if not for the injury timeline. Junior Caminero’s upside is real, and he could play his way into this list before long. But for right now, Yandy gets the nod.

Baltimore Orioles — Adley Rutschman (C)

Adley Rutschman does a little bit of everything, and that’s precisely what makes him such a strong Backyard pick. He’s a switch-hitting catcher who’s already one of the best defenders at his position, and his offensive game continues to develop. He was the No. 1 overall pick in the 2019 Draft, and before that, he was a star for the Oregon State Beavers. Not only that, Rutschman even got in some reps on the gridiron at kicker (and tackled then future All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey), which helps explain why he moves and throws like someone built for more than just baseball. If Backyard Baseball let you draw up a complete, playable character, this is the mold.

Honorable mentions: Gunnar Henderson is the reigning 2024 AL Rookie of the Year and one of three MLB The Show 25 cover stars. He could easily be the pick here — and maybe would be, if the game needed a shortstop, but this roster already has plenty. Grayson Rodriguez brings ace potential, but he’s still working through injuries and hasn’t quite put it all together yet. Adley gives you rare value at catcher, hits from both sides, and fits the Backyard format in a way few others do.

American League Central

Detroit Tigers — Tarik Skubal (LHP)

Tarik Skubal isn’t just a frontline guy — he’s the reigning 2024 AL Cy Young winner, the starter for the American League in this year’s All-Star Game, and the current favorite to win it again in 2025. He’s turned into a force on the mound, mixing power, precision, and a delivery that looks built for a Backyard Baseball windup animation. He doesn’t need the spotlight, but he gets results, and in a game where every kid is expected to pitch a few innings and mash in the same lineup, he checks every box.

Honorable mentions: Riley Greene brings athleticism and flair, and Javier Báez — if nothing else — brings pure Backyard chaos. The no-look tags, the exaggerated swings, the chance he tries to steal home just because he feels like it. He also fits all over the diamond, which is a consistent strength in the Backyard format. But when you’ve got the best pitcher in the league — and one who seems to get better by the start — you don’t overthink it. Skubal is the pick.

Cleveland Guardians — José Ramírez (3B)

If you’re building a Backyard Baseball team and you somehow don’t take José Ramírez, you probably forgot to click “Start Game.” He does everything: hits for power, runs the bases like he’s trying to take three every time, plays a sharp third base, and brings a swagger that never feels forced. He’s been the face of the Guardians for nearly a decade, and he still plays with the urgency of someone trying to earn his spot. If Pablo Sanchez had a big-league cousin, it might be José.

Honorable mentions: Steven Kwan brings elite contact skills and outfield defense, and might be the best pure table-setter in the league but Ramírez is just too complete to pass up. He’s the pick.

Kansas City Royals — Bobby Witt Jr. (SS)

There was never another option. Bobby Witt Jr. plays baseball like it was made for the Backyard — explosive speed, highlight-reel defense, and a swing that brings real fireworks. But what seals it? During Players Weekend in 2024, he used a custom bat featuring none other than Pablo Sanchez. When asked about it by the Kansas City Star, Witt said: “I played the game growing up, and ‘Backyard Baseball’ is kind of cool. And that’s how I try to play the game — it’s kind of like I’m having fun like a kid.”

That’s not just a nod — that’s Backyard Baseball canon. His style fits the format already, but the self-awareness and love for the game’s roots make him the most spiritually locked-in pick on this entire list.

Honorable mentions: None come close, even if Jac Caglianone brings possible sneaky two-way prowess and the Pasquatch remains a fan-favorite.

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Chicago White Sox — Luis Robert Jr. (OF)

Picking a White Sox player right now feels a little like trying to choose your favorite dish at a restaurant that’s just been condemned — you’re doing your best with what’s still edible. But even in the middle of a franchise freefall, Luis Robert Jr. remains one of the most talented players in the league. He’s got 30/30 potential, plays elite center field defense, and can crush a baseball when healthy. And in the Backyard format, that’s a massive “when.” You draft him knowing he might hit three home runs, rob a grand slam, and then disappear from the lineup with “mild wrist soreness” in the third inning.

Honorable mentions: Starting pitcher Shane Smith managed to make the All-Star team this year as the White Sox representative and Colson Montgomery is another one to watch — he’s got pop, swagger, and an actual chance to be part of the next good White Sox team — but he’s just getting his feet wet. And yet, even with injuries, Robert is my pick. In the end, Robert’s achievements as both a Gold Glover and a Silver Slugger make him the guy, even if the team around him looks like a backyard that needs to be bulldozed.

Minnesota Twins — Byron Buxton (OF)

There may be no player in baseball more capable of hitting both an inside-the-park home run and an outside-the-park moonshot in the same game than Byron Buxton. When he’s healthy, he plays like a cheat code: gliding through center field like he’s been double-tapped for turbo, swinging with elite bat speed, and scoring from first on a bloop if the wind’s right. In a Backyard context, he’s the kid who outruns the throw, makes a diving catch in the sandbox, and rounds third with his helmet flying off. He’s not just toolsy — he’s explosive, electric, and unpredictable in the most entertaining way.

He’s also now locked in long-term and repping the Twins at the 2025 Home Run Derby in Atlanta. It’s only right he’s the Backyard pick too. — a full-circle moment for a player who’s long had the tools but is finally stringing together the stretch fans have been waiting for.

Honorable mentions: Royce Lewis is incredibly talented and full of star potential, but he’s still working to stay on the field consistently. He was once a No. 1 overall pick and has the kind of confidence that Backyard players are built on, but this is Buxton’s team — and Buxton’s moment.

American League West

Houston Astros — José Altuve (2B/OF)

José Altuve is a future Hall of Famer, full stop. He’s been the beating heart of the Astros for over a decade, through rebuilds, championships, and everything in between. You could argue that no current player has carried a team’s identity through more eras — or more drama—than Altuve. He was there during the 100-loss seasons, at the center of a modern dynasty, and yes, right in the middle of the 2017 sign-stealing scandal. And yet, through it all, he’s remained one of the most consistent and complete players in baseball.

Now mainly playing left field after years as the league’s scrappiest second baseman, Altuve still runs the bases like someone stole his lunch and hits like he’s trying to make the ball disappear. In a Backyard Baseball context, he’s the kid who hits a line drive off the doghouse roof, then somehow shows up catching a pop-up in shallow correct two pitches later. He’s everywhere at once, and he’s always smiling while he does it.

Honorable mentions: Yordan Alvarez brings the thunder, and Framber Valdez has the charisma and lefty stuff to fit a Backyard Ace mold. But Altuve is the most cartoonishly perfect combo of size, speed, swing, and heart — a player who already feels like he was made for this game.

Athletics — Mason Miller (RHP)

Backyard Baseball already has a flamethrower power-up, and Mason Miller has the real-life version in his right arm. He throws 103 with a fastball that leaves vapor trails, a slider that vanishes into another dimension, and a presence on the mound that feels more like a mini-boss than any reliever of yesteryear. He’s the prototypical gas man of the modern era, and he earned his first All-Star nod in 2024. At a time when A’s fans are constantly being fed a web of tough tales, Miller is a genuine bright spot.

He’s also the only full-time reliever on this list, and that’s no accident. His stuff is outrageous, his mound presence is cinematic, and if you’ve got an extra juice box on hand, you might just stretch him into two innings and let him end the game himself. He’s less a closer and more a final boss.

Honorable mentions: Jacob Wilson is a rising star with All-Star polish and a steady glove at short — an excellent pick in most years. But Miller has the motion right now.

Seattle Mariners — Cal Raleigh (C)

With an American League-record 38 home runs in the first half, Cal Raleigh isn’t just having a breakout year — he’s rewriting what a catcher can do. He won the 2025 Home Run Derby, and he’ll bat cleanup for the AL in Tuesday night’s All-Star Game, a spot earned not just by power, but by presence. A switch-hitting slugger with legit defense and a nickname built for playground legend status, Big Dumper feels like he was coded directly into the Backyard Baseball universe.

He’s also headed to the 2026 World Baseball Classic as Team USA’s catcher, which makes sense — there might not be a more complete backstop in the sport right now. He’s burly, balanced, and walks like someone who knows the ball is going over the fence before he even swings.

Honorable mentions: Julio Rodríguez might’ve been the face of the franchise a year ago, and George Kirby brings ace-level control, but this is Cal’s team now. He’s earned the cleanup slot — in the All-Star lineup, and in the Backyard one too.

Texas Rangers — Jacob deGrom (RHP)

Even in a year when injuries are still part of the equation, Jacob deGrom remains one of the most mythical arms in the game. His fastball still touches triple digits, his slider still buckles knees, and his presence still shifts the energy in the building when he takes the mound. In a Backyard Baseball world, he’s the stone-faced ace who doesn’t need to talk — just give him the ball and watch the other team start adjusting their swings before the first pitch.

He’s also got that “is he real?” energy that makes him feel larger than life — even post-surgery. His mechanics look like cheat-code animation, and when healthy, he’s the closest thing this game has to invincibility. Every Backyard team needs a stopper, and this one has Jacob deGrom.

Honorable mentions: Wyatt Langford has future cover-star energy. Corey Seager remains one of the purest hitters in the league and was a driving force in Texas’ 2023 World Series title run. Adolis García was the breakout star of that postseason — power, flair, and a cannon for an arm. But none of them shift the atmosphere quite like deGrom does when he’s on. He’s still the scariest player in the room.

Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim — Mike Trout (OF)

It’s easy to forget just how absurdly good Mike Trout has been — and still is. He’s been one of the best players in baseball for over a decade, racking up MVPs, WAR totals that belong in Cooperstown, and more highlight-reel plays than some franchises have in their entire history. Even as the Angels have cycled through managers, heartbreak, and high-profile flameouts, Trout has remained the anchor.

In a Backyard Baseball context, he’s the kid who does everything right. He’ll hit it over the tree, track down a gapper in center, and fire a strike home without making a fuss. He plays all three outfield spots — and came up as a shortstop in high school — which means he could slot in anywhere on the field and still dominate. His game isn’t loud, but it’s relentless. He’s the one everyone wants, and for good reason.

Honorable mentions: Zach Neto brings real flash and athleticism, and Reid Detmers has the makings of a future ace if he can put it all together. But no one on the roster comes close to Trout in terms of skill, pedigree, or presence. He’s still the face of the franchise — in real life, and in pixel form.

Wrapping Up the AL

The players in this lineup aren’t just stars — they feel like they belong on that field. Not just for their stats, but for their style. Their energy. The way they move through the game like it’s a little more fun when they’re in it.

Fifteen down. Fifteen to go.

The National League drops on Thursday.

A few editors I pitched didn’t quite see it at the time. I probably could’ve asked for more help shopping it around, but part of me wanted to trust my instincts — and I’m glad I did. Since I initially filed it in class, Doug’s was later profiled in The Athletic, The New York Post, talked about on ESPN NY, WFAN, CBS NY, nearly every major Knicks podcast and YouTube channel, jammed with Ben Stiller, and officially partnered with the team during their first Eastern Conference Finals run in 25 years.

Sometimes the best stories are happening right in front of us—we just need to be paying attention. Here's the story as I wrote it then, exactly as filed: a snapshot of something special before it became impossible to ignore.

This Knicks Fan Spent the Season Writing a Song After Every Game

Lifelong musician and devoted Knicks fan Doug Berns turned every game into a song, crafting postgame anthems to capture the team's triumphs and heartbreaks.

By Jake Lang
March 3, 2025

NEW YORK CITY — Doug Berns doesn't wait until morning. As soon as the final buzzer sounds, he's in his home studio—bass in hand—layering drum tracks, tweaking synths, and reworking lyrics.

Berns is not your average Knicks fan. A lifelong basketball player and musician, now in his mid-30s, he's found a way to merge the two: writing, producing, and releasing a new music video on Instagram after every Knicks game of the 2024-25 NBA season. That means cranking out multiple songs a week, often on tight overnight deadlines.

The process is relentless. Writing, recording, and producing isn't just about game recaps; it's about capturing the game's emotion. Whether analyzing Knicks transition defense or rookies Tyler Kolek and Ariel Hukporti, he's breaking the game down in real time and setting it to music.

By day, Berns is a professional musician—a bassist and songwriter who has toured globally, including with the 10-piece Afrobeat-funk band EMEFE. In 2023, he also released a metal album called "Dreams Are The Only Safe Place To Hide" under the alias KTHRTK (pronounced cathartic).

For Berns, basketball and music are inseparable.

"Basketball is a super musical game," he says. "The players decide what to do on a basketball court in a similar way that musicians do on stage."

A game, like a song, is built on rhythm, improvisation, and chemistry. Each possession builds tension—like a melody anticipating its resolution. And for Knicks fans, that final Note—the long-awaited championship—has remained an unresolved chord for over 50 years.

Still, the reality's been tougher than any Knicks fan would like to admit. For at least 25 years, aside from a few fleeting moments of Linsanity, the Knicks have been the butt of nearly every joke, drawing the ire of even the most diehard fans, like Berns. In January of 2023, Berns wrote a song quite literally called FIRETHIBS—and as you might guess, it was a metal track, complete with guttural growls directed at Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau.

Two years later, though, Berns' tune has changed—and it's not hard to see why. The Knicks won their first playoff series in a decade last year, and now, after a series of daring acquisitions, they seem to have turned a corner. Some in the media have even gone so far as to call them a potential contender.

Still, it's hard to believe sometimes. The Knicks haven't won a championship since 1973, holding one of the longest title droughts in sports history.

Being a Knicks fan—like being a New Yorker—was never supposed to be easy. But belief turns suffering into something almost spiritual.

That's the essence of what Berns captures in his music. His nightly recaps aren't just about the wins and losses; they document the emotional highs and lows, turning each game into a piece of a season-long composition. These aren't quick remixes or mashups. Each song is fully recreated from scratch, with Berns playing and recording all the instruments himself.

"I program drums, and everything else I record myself," he explains. "Nothing you hear on any of my songs are samples. They're recreations and tributes."

Beyond the music, each performance doubles as a recap, with rewritten lyrics reflecting the night's events.

"I take a lot of time to make sure you get all the important details from each song," he explains. "Sometimes, a track has a great hook, but the bridge is actually the best part. Other times, it's got a single word that just hits. When I'm putting these together, I'm aiming for about a minute, maybe a little more, and I think, 'What's going to give people that feeling of listening to this awesome song in a short burst?'"

His process is as much about storytelling as it is about music. He watches the game closely, noting key moments that could shape the narrative. "Like last night, when Mitch fell to the floor—did you see that? Or all the little things Jalen Brunson does in a game? I always keep track of those. I'll grab a stat or two, highlight a couple of players that stood out, and tie it all into a bigger storyline—maybe even a reference to what it means to be a Knicks fan in general." For fans unable to watch the full game, or make sense of it all, Berns' videos serve a purpose.

Some people don't always get it, and that's okay with Berns. These songs aren't for them.

"People will say, 'You wrote a song about beating the Nets by four? That's embarrassing, bro,'" Berns says. "And I'm like, 'Look, if we lost to the Nets, I would have to write a song.' There's no front-running involved. This is about the integrity of being a real fan—the ups and downs."

Every Game Tells a Story

Berns doesn't choose songs at random—his picks are deliberate.

"It's all of those factors," he says. "Opponent, storyline, energy. A lot of times, I think about where the team we're playing is from."

After the Knicks suffered a brutal 142-105 loss to Cleveland, he covered Bone Thugs-N-Harmony's Crossroads, nodding to the city's hip-hop legacy. Knicks center Mitchell Robinson reposted the video on his story with the caption, "It's not that serious, bro." Berns DM'd him: "Dude, I write a song for every game." Robinson replied: "Nah, man. This is hilarious. You're awesome."

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When the Knicks beat the Miami Heat, he riffed on "Push It to the Limit" from Scarface. After a frustrating loss to the Magic, he reworked Cage The Elephant's Ain't No Rest for the Wicked, critiquing coach Tom Thibodeau's refusal to rest his starters.

Even his visuals are deliberate. Some nights, he's in a Patrick Ewing jersey with aviators and a leather jacket; on others, he's got a Latrell Sprewell jersey and a sport coat on. For a Miami game, he throws on a pastel shirt. And after a 15-point loss to the Spurs—a team missing its top two players and stumbling in with a 28-39 record—Berns, naturally, had to Break Stuff. Wearing a mask in homage to Limp Bizkit guitarist Wes Borland, he ripped through the pain with an electric ax in hand.

But if there's one video that encapsulates his approach, it might be last Wednesday's matchup against the 76ers in Philadelphia. In full-on Rocky mode, Berns split the screen—on one side, he shadowboxed in Knicks gear, throwing air punches like he was prepping for a title fight; on the other, he shredded Eye of the Tiger on a flying V guitar, turning the postgame into an anthem of grit. He even dressed for the moment, bundled up in a Knicks hoodie, hat, and finger gloves, as if bracing for a street fight in South Philly.

"I didn't hear no bell," the caption read.

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Berns' nightly recaps have made him a fixture in Knicks online circles. His posts draw everything from 🔥 emojis to inside jokes about the game, and larger Knicks fan accounts like KnicksFanTV regularly share his work. But this is more than just entertainment, it's communal therapy.

New York Nico, a cultural curator and filmmaker, summed up the silver lining after loss to Cleveland: "The only upside to a blowout loss is getting to hear your recap song."

Scroll through the comments on any of the videos, and you'll see just how much fans have latched on. As one fan commented, "Yo bro, at this point, I'm looking forward to your postgame recap every game now—you got Knick Bangers 💯😂."

Two nights later in Memphis, the Knicks eeked out a one-point win, and Berns switched gears again. This time, he was in aviators and a Patrick Ewing jersey, cloned into three versions of himself, belting out a new hook over a familiar instrumental.

"RETURN OF THE MITCH!"

Mitchell Robinson was back after nearly a year away, and for Knicks fans, it was a long-awaited moment of hope. For Berns, it meant another song—but that didn't make it any less special. He's a diehard, bleeding orange and blue like the rest of them. He feels every loss, rides every high, and commits to capturing it all, night after night.

Berns never set out to become an essential part of the Knicks fandom, but at this point, he is.

Berns' project reflects a larger trend of how sports media is expanding away from traditional outlets toward digital creators who merge culture and commentary in global music. And he's not just reaching Knicks fans in New York, but worldwide. From London to Manila and back to the Garden, Knicks fans are tuning in.

And it's not just Knicks fans—global sports cultures have always blended music and fandom. Colleges across America have "fight songs." In Liverpool, England, soccer fans have "You'll Never Walk Alone" as their anthem. In Argentina, Boca Juniors supporters chant original songs and play instruments for tunes like Boca Es Mi Vida ("Boca Is My Life").

For Knicks fans, there may be a dearth of easily chant-able songs beyond the all-time classic "Go NY Go," but Berns' music is starting to carry the same weight as any Knicks rallying cry.

He may not be at the Garden every night, but his presence is everywhere—on Knicks Twitter, KnicksGram, and in the rituals of fans scrolling through postgame recaps.

A season is like a song—a buildup of tension, crescendos of triumph, and stretches of dissonance that never quite resolve. Knicks fans have been waiting for half a century for that final chord to land, that last Note to ring out in victory.

Until then, Berns keeps playing. Night after night, win or lose, he scores the soundtrack to a story still unfinished.

If you enjoyed this story, subscribe to Field of Pixels for more cultural analysis, reported features, and all sorts of good stuff coming soon!

For now, though, just stay cool. It’s like Doug just said, hot as balls outside.

So you want to be a rap superstar? Live large? Five cars?

A rock superstar?

A Big Deal?

Or maybe you’re just aiming to make rent performing at coffeehouses, with a little notoriety on the side. Maybe your thing is digeridoo duets over dembow beats, singing your heart out around the world.

Whatever your goals, pitching your music isn’t about begging for attention—it’s about confidently creating connections.

Like I said in the first Signal 73 piece, "How to Pitch 'Smaller' Music Artists Without Feeling Small," most bad pitches come from a good place: hope. But what exactly makes a pitch "bad"? Usually, it comes down to clarity, authenticity, and timing—easy enough to spot, trickier to define.

I’ve navigated these dynamics from nearly every angle—first as a music writer at Complex Media’s DoAndroidsDance (RIP!) and later managing artists, collaborating as a DJ, and consulting with A&Rs, labels, managers, publicists on projects. Trust me, I understand firsthand how vulnerable pitching your own music can feel. It's rarely easy, and almost never super fun.

Being an artist isn’t exactly a walk in the park (though I highly recommend actual walks in parks too). Sometimes this shit is just tough, and you need guidance—we all do.

Signal 73 will be spotlighting music soon, but the principles below apply far beyond any single outlet—including ours.

Here’s a clear, straightforward set of guidelines to help you pitch your music without feeling small, obnoxious, vague, or invisible. And yes—I’ve been all those things, sometimes in the same week.

And candidly, while these principles are focused on music, they apply broadly—to creative work and beyond.

1.“Wait, Why Even Pitch at All?"

With TikTok, Instagram, Discord, and endless direct-to-fan opportunities, you might be wondering: why pitch to anyone else at all?

Here’s why. Music writers and curators are superfans with a platform. Even journalists who dare to write critically do so because they're deeply engaged fans—it usually comes from genuine care and respect. And to be clear, no one's doing it for the big bucks (there aren't any), and backstage ain't exactly what it used to be. And they’re all exactly the sort of people who can help your music find an audience faster—the kind Kevin Kelly famously argued you only need about a thousand of to sustain a creative career. They expand your reach, enhance your credibility, and amplify your voice beyond your immediate network.

It’s important to honestly acknowledge not just why you’re making music, but also what you hope it brings into your life. Wanting recognition, support, or compensation for something you create isn’t shallow or selfish—it’s natural. And that’s exactly where the hope comes in.

Of course, no pitch guarantees coverage—and it’s highly unlikely that a single editorial placement will cover next month’s rent. But thoughtful, intentional pitching can shift the odds in your favor. Good pitches build relationships, foster genuine connections, and open doors you might not even realize are there. In other words, it’s just one piece of the puzzle—but sometimes it's exactly the tipping point you need.

2. Know Who You’re Pitching (and Why)

One of the quickest ways a pitch goes sideways is when it clearly wasn’t meant specifically for the recipient. Everyone has received those copy-paste messages that feel generic, rushed, and ultimately dismissible. Writers, editors, and curators aren’t robots—they notice when something’s not personalized, and it often shapes their entire perception of your pitch.

It doesn’t have to be complicated. Just take a moment to figure out who exactly you're contacting. Have they covered music like yours before? Do they even accept pitches right now? Are you hitting them on the right platform, or ignoring submission guidelines?

As linguist and author Deborah Tannen once said:

“How you say something is often more important than what you say.”

This couldn’t be more true for pitching music. Your initial approach—the clarity, personalization, and authenticity of your message—sets the emotional tone before they even hit play. If your outreach feels thoughtful and intentional, the person receiving your pitch is far more likely to feel motivated to give your music genuine attention.

And look, I’m not saying music writers, editors, or curators deserve special treatment or need to be pampered—but you are asking for their time, attention, and consideration. That’s no small ask. As philosopher Simone Weil once put it:

“Attention is the rarest and purest form of generosity.”

Taking a few minutes to genuinely learn about the person you’re pitching shows you’re willing to give a little attention yourself. It's literally the least you can do—and it can often make all the difference.

3. Keep It Clear, Keep It Human

Once you know exactly who you’re pitching, the next step is to keep your message clear, concise, and above all—human. There’s a real person on the other side. You don’t know what they’re going through or have going on, and you can’t know. So regardless of the music or general pitch you’re sending—genre or otherwise—be mindful of what it might be like for you to be on the other side of that pitch beyond just the quality of what it is your pitching. A pitch isn’t a press release. It’s not a sales script. It’s a genuine, thoughtful message from one person to another. Don’t overcomplicate it, don’t get overly formal, and don’t make it longer than it needs to be. Respect your reader’s time and clarity.

As researcher and author Brené Brown once put it:

“Clarity is kindness.”

Your pitch is an emotional exchange, even if it’s only through email or DM. The person receiving it isn’t a blank slate or anonymous inbox—they’re a real person having a real day. You never know if you’re catching them at a good moment, a bad one, or somewhere in between. That emotional context—what psychologist Timothy Leary famously called set and setting—matters enormously. Writing his book “The Psychedelic Experience: A Manual Based on the Tibetan Book of the Dead,” Leary captured something deeply true about all human interactions:

“The nature of the experience depends almost entirely on set and setting. Set denotes the preparation of the individual, including his personality structure and his mood at the time. Setting is physical—the weather, the room’s atmosphere; social—feelings of persons present towards one another; and cultural—prevailing views as to what is real.”

Your pitch may not trigger a psychedelic journey, but it absolutely triggers a human response. You can’t control everything—and please, don’t stalk me or anyone else online trying to dig up every little detail—but you can set an empathetic, respectful tone that makes your pitch clear, thoughtful, and human.

As Maya Angelou once memorably said:

“People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Pitch in a way that leaves a clear, positive emotional impression—even if the answer isn’t an immediate yes.

4. Make Your Music Easy to Hear

If your pitch captures someone’s attention, don’t sabotage yourself by making your music difficult to access. The easier it is for someone to just click play, the better your chances of getting an actual listen. Friction matters—it can be the difference between someone genuinely giving your song a shot or immediately moving on.

Your goal is direct, effortless access. SoundCloud or Bandcamp links are perfect—no paywalls, no logins, no huge attachments or complicated downloads. Every extra step creates friction. Keep it simple, clear, and smooth, because easy access demonstrates respect for your listener’s time and attention.

A Quick Note on Premieres, Exclusives, Promo Copies, and Invites:

If you're aiming for a premiere, exclusive coverage, or any sort of timed release, communicate that upfront and clearly. Editors and curators appreciate knowing the details early—especially lead times. Ideally, provide at least two weeks’ notice (more is even better), clearly specifying your exact release date or desired premiere timeframe.

For promo copies and exclusives: clearly label your links, and ensure they're easily accessible. Password protection is fine, but keep it straightforward—no confusing steps or obscure platforms. And trust the offline experience too: provide downloadable files whenever possible. Sometimes editors or writers won’t have time to listen until they’re offline—on a subway, a plane, or wherever else. You get it, right?

This same logic applies to invites for shows or events. Last-minute invitations rarely land well, especially if you’re hoping for coverage or attendance. Give as much advance notice as possible, clearly indicating details like time, venue, access, and whether guest-list spots or passes are available.

Editors appreciate organized, professional, and intentional approaches—not chaotic, last-minute surprises. Clear preparation and advance planning can significantly boost your odds of getting the coverage or attention you're seeking.

Remember: keeping things straightforward, professional, and thoughtfully structured not only respects editors’ time—it also sets you apart from the many pitches that feel scattered, vague, or rushed.

Make it as easy as possible for someone to say yes.

Or, to put it even more simply—make your pitch feel like this:

5. Design the Listener’s Experience (Not Just Your Pitch)

Beyond practical ease of access, think carefully about the entire experience your pitch creates for whoever receives it. Your music itself matters most—but how you present yourself and your work shapes the emotional response before anyone even clicks play.

Legendary graphic designer Paul Rand—the guy behind iconic logos for IBM, UPS, Enron, ABC, and Steve Jobs’ NeXT (definitely not Rand Paul!)—said it perfectly:

“Design is the silent ambassador of your brand.”

Here, though, “design” doesn’t just mean visuals—it means thoughtfully crafting the entire user experience. Consider everything from your initial email or DM, your clarity and friendliness, down to how easily your music streams. It all matters.

Practically speaking, an Electronic Press Kit (EPK) or a simple one-sheet can go a long way. Even before that, having a straightforward landing page on an easy-to-navigate website, clearly labeled and organized, is incredibly helpful. It’ll streamline your pitch process—and practically every other area of your career.

To show exactly what I mean, here’s a professional, clear example of a simple, one-sheet Electronic Press Kit (EPK) that editors, curators, and writers appreciate:

You don't need something flashy or expensive—just clean, easily accessible information editors or curators can quickly reference: social media links, upcoming shows, relevant background info, press photos, and contact details.

Da Vinci was onto something serious when he (allegedly) famously said:

“Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.”

In other words: sometimes less is more, and it pays to say less. Keep it clear, keep it simple, keep it thoughtful. Your recipient might not remember every detail, but they'll absolutely remember if your pitch felt smooth and easy—or frustrating and chaotic. And amid countless other pitches, that subtle feeling often makes all the difference.

6. Manage Expectations—And Know What a Team Can (and Can’t) Do

Pitch sent. Now you’re in that weird waiting zone. How you handle it matters almost as much as your initial pitch.

First: give your recipient breathing room. Don’t immediately fire off another message if you don’t hear back within hours or even a couple days. Editors, writers, and curators have busy inboxes—your email might simply be buried. A polite, casual follow-up after about a week is fair and professional. Something simple like:

“Aye Jake! just quickly bumping this—totally understand you're probably slammed, but wanted to check in. Let me know if you think it fits, but if you can’t I get it, no worries and maybe next time.

And please, don’t jump onto their (or my) social media accounts to rapid-like all their posts before or after pitching. It’s not subtle, and frankly, it's not a good look.

If the response is a “yes” (even a small one), show genuine appreciation. Repost the coverage, say thanks, and keep that relationship open for future opportunities. Remember, it’s about genuine connections, not just quick hits of validation.

If it’s silence or a polite "no," don’t spiral or take it personally. Make a note of who you pitched, how it went, and move on. Circle back only when you have something fresh or notably different.

Having a publicist or manager doesn’t fundamentally change these guidelines. Could someone else handling your outreach improve your chances? Sure—sometimes. But don't assume your money’s automatically well spent just because you've hired someone to pitch on your behalf. Often, a thoughtful, personal note directly from you resonates far more than a slick, impersonal email from someone paid to represent you.

That said, I completely understand why having a team—or at least someone credible co-signing your music—can feel crucial. In many cases, it genuinely is. As Khal Davenport, my editor at Complex Media’s DoAndroidsDance (RIP!), routinely said (and I still say today):

“Teamwork makes the dream work.”

He wasn’t the first to say it, obviously, but it remains true—especially here. Ask yourself clearly: Are you crystal-clear on your dream? What's your definition of success for this pitch? How does it fit into your overall strategy—and do you actually have one? Who’s genuinely on your team—and are you really in sync?

I'm not saying you need a complicated rollout (industry jargon for a go-to-market strategy), but having at least a repeatable, principle-guided approach helps—especially if you can adapt along the way. Whether you’re handling outreach yourself or someone else is doing it for you isn’t nearly as important as staying thoughtful, genuine, and measured. That approach boosts your chances of coverage—and preserves your dignity (and everyone else’s sanity too).

7. Remember Why You’re Doing This (Beyond Validation)

Pitching music is awkward, tough, and—let’s be real—can occasionally feel pretty soul-sucking. It's easy to get wrapped up in chasing coverage, streams, followers, and validation. There’s nothing wrong with wanting those things—they matter, and often for good reason.

But whatever your reasons, it helps to stay connected to them, beyond just how many people stream or cover your music. Legendary producer Brian Eno once put it this way:

“Stop thinking about artworks as objects, and start thinking about them as triggers for experiences.”

You could just as easily apply that idea to the tension between music as genuine artistic expression and music as "content"—material made primarily to feed social media algorithms or fill out playlists. This isn't a moral judgment about one approach or the other; it’s about recognizing the difference and being clear about your own intentions.

Generative AI, social media algorithms, and juiced, data-driven playlists are undeniably reshaping how music gets created, shared, and discovered. Again, this isn’t about it being good or bad—just acknowledging it as part of the landscape, whether we like it or not. Maybe you’re actively wrestling with the role of AI in your process, or maybe you’re not. Either way, it's there, shaping attention in ways both obvious and subtle.

But here's the thing: You don’t have to pretend this isn’t complicated. Because creating music—pitching it, promoting it, trying to get people to notice—has never just been about other people's attention, and it's certainly never been easy.

Ultimately, this is about your own attention: how much you’re genuinely willing to offer your work, your craft, and ultimately, yourself. You began this whole process by asking someone else to pay attention—but maybe the person who most needs to notice and genuinely connect with what you’re creating is you.

After all, attention—including your own—is still the rarest and purest form of generosity. Maybe the first place you should offer it is to yourself.

Most bad pitches come from a good place: hope.
A young artist wants coverage, believes in their work, and doesn’t know where to begin. A writer wants to spotlight fresh talent but doesn’t want to waste their time. This is a quick guide to bridge that gap — not with industry jargon, but with clarity, empathy, and a few hard-earned lessons.

It's been a minute since I've written about music consistently—actually, more like a decade. But I've been thinking about this question a lot lately, as I'm close to completing my M.A. in Journalism at CUNY and several peers have asked how I approach it. While there's no one-size-fits-all formula, here's my usual strategy:

1. Defining “Smaller” (It's All Relative!)

Before you pitch, clearly define what “smaller” actually means to you. Context matters—both for you and for the editor you'll be pitching. Consider these questions to start:

First things first: how do you define "smaller"?

Are they performing live anywhere?

Do they have a solid digital presence?

Are they signed to management or a team?

Do they have previous media exposure or a notable social following despite limited performance experience?

Has their music gone viral even without official releases?

Take a holistic view—get as many data points lined up as possible before reaching out, so when you pitch (to the artist and to the editor), it's clear what unique POV you're bringing. Some artists might sound technically great but lack something truly unique or compelling. Others might seem, shall we say, untraditional, yet still resonate deeply. After all, some people criticize Bob Dylan’s singing—but he's done okay, right?

Remember, especially in arts and culture journalism, saying "I like this artist" or "I don't like this artist" doesn't make you a compelling journalist or create an interesting story.

2. Approaching the Artist (Speak Their Language!)

Most emerging artists are genuinely thrilled when someone cares enough about their work to write about it for a broader audience.

I've found the key to much arts and culture journalism, especially entertainment-focused pieces, hinges on access. I'd suggest reaching out directly first if possible—it's tough to write a profile without the artist’s involvement.

Introduce yourself briefly, highlight something specific about their music that resonated with you, and demonstrate you speak their language. David Byrne once said, “The better a singer's voice, the harder it is to believe what they're saying”—a reminder that sincerity often matters more than polish. Keep your outreach genuine, focused, and respectful. Artists can sense authenticity.

As Lester Bangs advised—or at least Philip Seymour Hoffman did, playing him in Almost Famous:

“You have to make your reputation on being honest and unmerciful.”

(If you're interested in music journalism and haven’t seen Almost Famous, consider that your first assignment. Seriously. Watch it, then let me know what you think.)

Be upfront about your intentions, stay professional, and avoid promising anything you can't deliver. Mention your musical background or passion briefly if you have it, but again, don't go overboard. Balance is key.

Make sure you've got some examples of your work or identifying information ready to underscore your credibility—but consider waiting before immediately pushing links. Starting with a simple, personable introduction can make you more approachable.

3. Approaching the Editor (Do This Right Away... But After The Artist!)

There's no need to wait for an artist's response before pitching an editor.

When contacting editors, mention past articles they've published that you admired, showing you're familiar with their editorial style. Explain you've already reached out to the artist and that you're flexible with shaping the story to match their guidance.

Pitch from an official email or a genuine social media account you actively use. Always include links to your past work—even if it's unrelated to music journalism. Good writing is good writing; the rest can be learned with humility and hustle.

As Rick Rubin says:

“The best work is the work you are excited about.”

Editors (and artists) can sense your enthusiasm—so pitch stories you genuinely care about. And if you don't know who Rick Rubin is, you should definitely find out before you pitch anyone at all.

As for pitching multiple editors at once versus just one—I’ll leave that debate open. Opinions vary widely.

4. Email vs. DM (My Experience, So Your Mileage May Vary!)

Both email and DMs have their advantages. Personally, my two biggest journalism breaks came through DMs: my previous role at Complex Media (mostly music coverage for the defunct DoAndroidsDance- RIP!) and my first byline at Rolling Stone (a sports gaming, business, and culture story, but the point stands!).

DMs can be particularly effective for smaller artists because your message is more likely to reach them directly. Sometimes, artist teams filter out opportunities they honestly shouldn't, for all sorts of reasons. It's often better to have direct contact, but keep in mind there are tradeoffs. If the artist has a team, consider CC'ing them on your email or preemptively mentioning them in your initial outreach and be respectful of their way of doing things.

If you sense hesitation from the artist, offer to shift the conversation to email or ask if they have a manager or publicist they'd prefer you to contact. Many artists aren't natural communicators—that’s why they're musicians, after all.

5. Dale Carnegie It: Genuine Appreciation

One of Dale Carnegie’s key principles is showing genuine interest and appreciation in others and it bears repeating:

“You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”

Highlight something specific you sincerely admire about an artist's work or an editor's editorial style. Authentic appreciation resonates and can make your interactions far more productive and positive.

6. Transparency & Portfolio

Transparency matters. Be honest about your current situation, especially if you're pitching without a confirmed publication. There's no use (and often harms) in overextending your pitch--in any direction.

In the words of Brené Brown:

“Clear is kind. Unclear is unkind.”

You don’t have to disclose exactly where you plan to pitch (and I wouldn't at all as part of managing expectations), but clearly mention your previous writing experience, your interest in the artist, and your enthusiasm for expanding your horizons and just learning more. (Ironically, I'm actually in the process of re-doing my own portfolio right now!) They may say no now, but it might be a yes later.

A great pitch is less about tricking someone into caring and more about making them feel they already do. If you can do that — respectfully, thoughtfully, and with an ounce of style — you’re ahead of the game.

Your Turn:

What are you excited about right now? Have any songs, albums, live performances, movies, books, or games caught your attention lately? Drop a comment or hit the "Message Jake Lang" button—I want to hear what's moving YOU!

Hope this helps—good luck!

—Jake Lang (@808sJake)

(P.S. I offer creative strategy and media consulting for artists, brands, non-profits, and other organizations across industries. This consulting practice remains separate from my journalism, and I don't guarantee editorial coverage—decisions there remain driven strictly by journalistic merit and editorial discretion. For inquiries about pitching, collaboration, or strategy, just click the button below with a clear idea of how I can help.)