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Pacific Swings

Pacific Swings

By: David MacKinnon and Jasper Spanjaart
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Pacific Swings brings you exclusive interviews and insider stories from players who’ve crossed the Pacific Ocean. Hosted by former MLB, NPB & KBO player David MacKinnon and filmmaker/journalist Jasper Spanjaart.

David MacKinnon (1994) played professional baseball for nearly a decade, competing in Major League Baseball (MLB), Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB), and the Korean Baseball Organization (KBO).

Jasper Spanjaart (1995) is an established journalist and documentary filmmaker specializing in sports and cultural storytelling. His work focuses on the intersection of athletics and international culture.

Together, they host Pacific Swings, a podcast dedicated to exploring the cultural and athletic connections between American, Japanese, and Korean professional baseball. Through exclusive interviews and insider perspectives, the show bridges baseball’s two worlds, offering listeners unique insights into the global game.

Two worlds, one podcast, countless stories.

ありがとう, 감사합니다, and welcome to Pacific Swings.

David MacKinnon and Jasper Spanjaart 2025 Baseball & Softball Politics & Government
Episodes
  • Tatsuya Imai & Kona Takahashi Deep Dive | Former Teammate Breaks Down Seibu Lions Aces | "He's got the best stuff in NPB"

    Tatsuya Imai & Kona Takahashi Deep Dive | Former Teammate Breaks Down Seibu Lions Aces | "He's got the best stuff in NPB"
    Dec 9 2025

    Two Seibu Lions aces. One former teammate who faced them both. Everything you need to know about the next NPB stars heading to MLB.

    David MacKinnon (@dcmack24) joins us to break down his 2023 teammates:

    • Kona Takahashi - The captain who hit 99mph in 2023 and deserves redemption
    • Tatsuya Imai - The 26-year-old "rockstar" with the best stuff in NPB

    Inside this episode:

    🔥 "$250M for Imai might be cheap"

    ⚾ The "vertical slider" mystery (we still don't know)

    🎯 Why Toronto might be the perfect landing spot for Imai

    😅 David's horror stories from facing them in spring training

    💰 Contract predictions that will shock you

    "He threw me a slider that started BEHIND me and ended outside" - actual quote about Imai

    Whether you're an MLB scout, NPB fan, or just love baseball stories from inside the clubhouse, this is the deepest dive you'll find on these two aces.

    Full episode on YouTube (link in bio) and all podcast platforms tomorrow!

    Hosts: @spnjrt & @dcmack24 Sponsored by @jaxathletics

    #PacificSwings #NPB #MLB #SeibulLions #BaseballPodcast #JapaneseBaseball #TatsuyaImai #KonaTakahashi #MLBPosting #BaseballScouting #西武ライオンズ #今井達也 #髙橋光成 #野球 #ポッドキャスト
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    38 mins
  • Dietrich Enns Returns: From NPB/KBO to MLB Comeback Story | 2,877 days between MLB starts | "My stuff is so much better now"

    Dietrich Enns Returns: From NPB/KBO to MLB Comeback Story | 2,877 days between MLB starts | "My stuff is so much better now"
    Nov 29 2025

    Dietrich Enns went from Yankees prospect to NPB (Seibu Lions) to KBO (LG Twins) and back to MLB with the Tigers and Orioles. The gap between MLB starts? 2,877 days. One of the longest this century.

    In this episode, Dietrich joins David and Jasper to talk about:

    🔥 Facing Schwarber, Harper & Castellanos in the 8th

    🚂 Taking trains with Japanese fans after games

    ⚾ Breaking down NPB vs KBO vs MLB hitting styles

    🦁 Which Seibu Lions pitchers could dominate MLB

    👨‍👧 How becoming a father changed everything

    "My stuff is so much better now... you just go out there and have fun and enjoy the game."

    The Pacific Swings boost is real - he got called up 2 days after our first interview 😏

    Hosts: @spnjrt & @DCMacK24 Guest: @dietrichenns

    #PacificSwings #MLB #NPB #KBO #Baseball #BaseballPodcast #DietrichEnns #BaltimoreOrioles #DetroitTigers #SeibulLions #LGTwins #JapaneseBaseball #KoreanBaseball #MLBComeback #BaseballLife #PodcastLife #SportsPodcast #BaseballStories #오리올스 #西武ライオンズ
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    42 mins
  • Ronnie Dawson: From Indie Ball to KBO All-Star w/ Kiwoom Heroes | 로니 도슨 | "I thought my career was over"

    Ronnie Dawson: From Indie Ball to KBO All-Star w/ Kiwoom Heroes | 로니 도슨 | "I thought my career was over"
    Nov 5 2025
    Ronnie Dawson: From Indie Ball to KBO All-StarFrom thinking his career was over to becoming one of the KBO's most beloved players - Ronnie Dawson's story is about finding freedom, being yourself, and redefining success.In this episode of Pacific Swings, former Kiwoom Heroes outfielder Ronnie Dawson joins David MacKinnon and Jasper Spanjaart to share his incredible journey from a $85,000 contract to KBO All-Star and fan favorite.Ronnie's Journey:Second-round pick by Houston Astros (2016, 61st overall, $1M+ signing bonus)Struggled in the minors with pressure and expectationsTwo MLB stints with Houston Astros and Cincinnati RedsPlaying indie ball in 2023, preparing to become a coach at Ohio StateGot the call from Kiwoom Heroes: $85,000 contract, 3 hours to decideHit .336 with .852 OPS in 57 games (July-September 2023)Selected to KBO All-Star GameBecame a fan favorite for his personality, dancing, and authenticityCurrent free agency status and what's nextThe Japanese concept of "Kintsugi" as his comeback mantraWhy This Episode Matters: Ronnie's story isn't just about baseball success - it's about resilience, taking risks, being authentic, and finding yourself when you're 6,000 miles from home. It's about redefining what success means and having the courage to take a chance when everyone (including yourself) thinks it's over.What's Next: Ronnie is currently a free agent, working out, rehabbing his knee, and looking for his next opportunity. He's open to returning to Korea, Japan, or any league that gives him a chance. He's also been umpiring youth baseball and giving lessons while staying ready.Sponsored by JAX Athletics - Premium baseball and softball batting gloves. Use code PACIFICSWlNGS for 15% off at jaxathletics.comHosts: Jasper Spanjaart & David MacKinnon (@spnjrt & @DCMacK24)Subscribe to Pacific Swings: YouTube: youtube.com/@pacificswings Spotify: [link] Apple Podcasts: [link]#PacificSwings #RonnieDawson #KBO #KiwoomHeroes #IndieBall #BaseballStory #로니도슨 #키움히어로즈 #AllStar #Redemption #FindingFreedom🇯🇵 日本語:エピソードタイトル: ロニー・ドーソン：独立リーグからKBオールスターへ | Episode 19独立リーグでキャリアが終わったと思っていたロニー・ドーソンが、8万5000ドルの契約でキウム・ヒーローズに加入。わずか57試合で打率.336を記録し、次の年には55万ドルの契約を獲得。KBオールスターに選出され、ファンに愛される選手になるまでの物語。主要トピック:韓国からの電話：決断まで3時間キャリアが終わったと思った理由韓国で自分らしくいられた自由外野で踊ってファンのお気に入りに父親になって変わった野球への向き合い方「ただプレーする」ことの大切さ調子が悪い時に踊って批判された経験KBOとMLBの投球の違いSeason Number: 1 Episode Number: 19Sponsored by JAX Athletics - コード「PACIFICSWlNGS」で15%オフキーワード: ロニー・ドーソン、KBO、キウム・ヒーローズ、独立リーグ、オールスター、復活、自由🇰🇷 한국어:에피소드 제목: 로니 도슨: 독립리그에서 KBO 올스타까지 | Episode 19독립리그에서 커리어가 끝났다고 생각했던 로니 도슨이 키움 히어로즈와 8만 5천 달러 계약을 체결. 단 57경기에서 타율 3할 3푼 6리를 기록하며 다음 해 55만 달러 계약을 따냈고, KBO 올스타에 선정되며 팬들이 사랑하는 선수가 되기까지의 이야기.주요 주제:한국에서 온 전화: 결정까지 3시간커리어가 끝났다고 생각한 이유한국에서 찾은 자유와 자신다움외야에서 춤추며 팬 페이버릿이 되다아버지가 되어 달라진 야구 접근법"그냥 플레이하라"의 중요성부진할 때 춤춰서 받은 비판KBO와 MLB 투구의 차이무릎 부상과 컴백FA: 다음 행선지는?Season Number: 1 Episode Number: 19Sponsored by JAX Athletics - 코드 "PACIFICSWlNGS"로 15% 할인키워드: 로니 도슨, KBO, 키움 히어로즈, 독립리그, 올스타, 재기, 자유
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    48 mins
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