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High N Tight Newsletter

Hey Folks! 👋
Welcome to High N Tight!.

Just got back from an unforgettable week in Arizona as Spring Training kicked off.

The weather? Perfect. The baseball?

Even better. I hit some of the best ballparks in the Cactus League—from Sloan Park with the Cubs, to Salt River Fields for the D-backs and Rockies, Peoria to check out the Padres, and wrapped it up at Camelback Ranch with the Dodgers.

But it wasn’t all pop flies and bullpen sessions—big storylines were brewing. Let’s dive in.

➡️ Learn More: How to Become a Little League Coach in 2025

Dodger Nation: Big Spenders, Bigger Buzz

The Dodgers remain the big story in baseball—not just for their star-studded roster but for their eye-popping payroll, which is set to approach $400 million (including luxury tax) in 2025.

Surprisingly, MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred isn’t too concerned.

When asked about the Dodgers’ spending spree, he backed them up, saying they’ve “done everything possible, always within the rules, to put the best possible team on the field.”

Love them or hate them, the Dodgers are making moves—and Manfred thinks that’s good for baseball.

Boras Calls Out Owners

Not everyone’s on board with how the money’s being spent in baseball—just ask Scott Boras.

The super-agent, representing stars like Juan Soto, didn’t hold back this week, calling out a glaring issue: six MLB teams have payrolls under $100 million heading into the 2025 season.

For context, Soto’s record-breaking deal will have him earning over $50 million this year.

But Boras argues that big-ticket deals for star players don't solve the bigger problem—some teams simply aren’t spending enough to stay competitive.

And here’s the twist: Boras isn’t making it a “small market vs. big market” argument.

Instead, he’s focused on how much of a team’s revenue is reinvested into the roster.

When you stack the Dodgers’ $330 million payroll against the Marlins’ $60 million payroll, the spending gap becomes hard to ignore.

But Boras says:

“It’s not small market–large market. It’s how much of your revenues are you spending on a 40-man roster to show your fans you’re committed.”

ABS in Action: The Future of Balls and Strikes

One of the biggest buzz-worthy moments of Spring Training so far? The debut of the Automated Ball-Strike system (ABS) — where players can challenge balls and strikes on the spot.

And let me tell you, it didn’t take long for the drama to unfold.

In the Cubs vs. Dodgers opener, Cubs pitcher Cody Poteet, with a tap to his head, challenged a ball call on Max Muncy in the first inning.

The umpire didn’t miss a beat — a quick announcement, a glance upstairs and the AI-powered ABS system rendered its verdict.

Strike.

The umpire’s call was overturned. 

The Dodgers got in on the action later, challenging a call of their own — but this time, the ABS held firm. 

Call stands.

Watching from the stands, I was stunned by how fast and smooth the whole process was.

Any fear that this would bog down the game?

Forget about it. It was snappy, clean, and honestly… kinda thrilling.

After just one game? I’m all in.

Yankees End Facial-Hair Policy After 50 Years

For nearly 50 years, the New York Yankees maintained a strict no-facial-hair policy.

But this week, the team made a historic change, lifting the iconic rule.

The policy, which allowed only mustaches, was overturned after a push from new Yankees player Devin Williams, whose desire to sport his signature beard helped spark the shift.

Yankees owner Hal Steinbrenner announced on Friday that players will now be allowed to grow “well-groomed beards.”

This marks a significant cultural shift for the team, known for its long-standing tradition of a clean-cut image.

The move has surprised many, especially considering the policy remained intact even after the passing of George Steinbrenner, the former owner who implemented it.

"It's a big moment for all of us," said Williams, excited to grow his beard back.

The announcement has already created waves across the league, signaling that this change will have far-reaching effects beyond just the Yankees.

End of an Era: MLB and ESPN Part Ways

Off the field, there’s big news brewing — MLB and ESPN are heading for a split.

After a 35-year partnership, ESPN announced this week that it will no longer broadcast MLB games following the 2025 season.

So, what’s next? MLB is already on the hunt for a new broadcast partner, and the shortlist of potential suitors is intriguing — think Amazon, NBC (Peacock), or CBS (Paramount).

It’s a major shake-up, and it’ll be fascinating to see who steps up to the plate.

Coaches’ Korner

• Little League' coach’s guide to teaching hitting mechanics: Boost confidence at the plate.

• How to Manage Parent Expectations: Tips for smooth, positive communication.

➡️ Read More: For more tips, follow our blog: box-seats.com

The Heart of The Game: Jenny Cavnar - Breaking Barriers as MLB’s First Female Play-by-Play Broadcaster

This week’s Heart of The Game celebrates the trailblazing career of Jenny Cavnar, a true pioneer in sports broadcasting.

In 2024, Cavnar made history as the first woman to serve as a primary play-by-play broadcaster for an MLB team, taking on the role with the Oakland A’s.

Cavnar’s career breakthrough came in 2015 when she became the first woman to provide color commentary for a National League radio broadcast.

In 2018, she further shattered barriers, stepping in for two games as the play-by-play announcer for the Colorado Rockies—becoming the first woman in 25 years to do so.

Her expert analysis, sharp insights, and engaging on-air presence have earned her widespread recognition across the league.

Cavnar is more than just a voice in the booth—she’s a catalyst for change, inspiring future generations of women to step into leadership roles in sports media.

Now with the Oakland A’s, Cavnar is continuing to rewrite the script on what’s possible for women in baseball broadcasting.

Jenny Cavnar isn’t just making history—she’s shaping the future of the game.

My Two Cents: Yankees Lifting Facial-Hair Policy – Long Overdue

Well, it’s finally happened. The New York Yankees have officially lifted their nearly 50-year-old facial-hair policy.

And to be honest, it’s about damn time.

I get it.

The Yankees have always prided themselves on that clean, all-American, professional look.

The neatly-groomed, no-facial-hair standard was part of their brand, their tradition.

But come on, folks—this is 2025. The game of baseball has evolved, and so has the world around it.

Think about it: How many free agents chose not to come to New York simply because they couldn't rock a beard or grow facial hair like they wanted to? Guess we’ll never know.

We’re talking about grown adults who were willing to pass up the most iconic team in sports simply because of a grooming rule.

In today’s world, where individuality and personal expression are celebrated, this policy felt like a relic from a bygone era.

The Yankees are a symbol of baseball tradition, but let’s face it—tradition doesn’t have to mean sticking with outdated rules that don’t serve anyone anymore.

The fact that this policy lasted as long as it did was a little perplexing.

Major League Baseball has moved forward, and it was time the Yankees did the same.

Players like Devin Williams, who played a role in making this change happen, are a reminder that the game can still honor tradition while embracing progress.

So here’s to the Yankees making a move into the modern age.

It’s about time.

And let’s not forget, this new era could open the door for a whole new generation of free agents to consider the Bronx, without having to choose between their beard and pinstripes.

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Gearin’ Up!

➡️ Read More: Proven Ways to Motivate Young Players

Thanks To Our Coaches!

Thank you for shaping the next generation of players. Join the High N Tight community for more tips, drills, and inspiration.

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Final Thoughts

Until next week, Team High 'N Tight

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