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What does it really take to make it to Major League Baseball—and stay there?

This week on Sports Without Borders, Mark Mancini and Karla Vasquez are joined by former Major League pitcher Kip Gross, whose professional career took him from MLB to Japan and gave him a front-row seat to very different approaches to the game.

Kip shares stories from his career, including his unforgettable first days in the majors, why he read the baseball rule book every spring training, and how knowing the game helped him win games on the field.

The conversation also tackles some of baseball's biggest changes. Has analytics taken too much of the human element out of the sport? Are pitchers being taught to throw harder instead of learning how to pitch? And what can American baseball learn from Japan's emphasis on fundamentals, preparation and attention to detail?

Through it all, Kip returns to one simple lesson for athletes—and anyone pursuing a career: learn your craft, seek knowledge from people with experience, and put in the work others aren't willing to do.

Plus, in Karla's Korner, Karla reflects on why the game—and the lessons it teaches—are bigger than the major leagues.

Sports Without Borders — Presented by All Sports Productions.
Conversations that go beyond the scoreboard with hosts Karla Vazquez and Mark Mancini.

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What does it take to turn a childhood passion for racing into a career spanning motorsports, engineering, innovation and entrepreneurship?

This week on Sports Without Borders, Mark Mancini and Karla Vasquez are joined by Harold Martin Sr., engineer, entrepreneur and founder of Martin Technologies. Known as the “EFI Wizard,” Harold became the first African American driver to win an IHRA national event and the first driver to win a National Pro Modified event using electronic fuel injection.

Harold shares how his love of motorsports began alongside his father, eventually leading him to engineering, General Motors, professional racing and the creation of his own company. He discusses the relentless drive behind his success, why he believes in “persistence over resistance,” and the importance of mentoring the next generation.

The conversation also explores how motorsports drives automotive innovation, the value of experienced veterans in an age of AI and automation, and the wide range of careers available in racing beyond the driver's seat.

Plus, Mark and Karla discuss affordable access to major sporting events and whether motorsports can become a stronger pathway into engineering and other careers.

It's a conversation about competition, innovation and turning passion into opportunity.

Sports Without Borders — Presented by All Sports Productions.
Conversations that go beyond the scoreboard with hosts Karla Vazquez and Mark Mancini.

Listen & Subscribe:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts| iHeartRadio | Buzzsprout

Send us Fan Mail

How early should athletes start thinking about their future—not just as competitors, but as brands and professionals?

This week on Sports Without Borders, Mark Mancini and Karla Vasquez are joined by rising track and field standout Sofia Swindell, whose journey has taken her from starting track in fourth grade to Ivy League championships, NCAA regional competition and the international stage.

Sofia talks about overcoming nerves, developing confidence against elite competition, and why she believes that if she's on the starting line, she has an opportunity to win. She also discusses NIL, social media and content creation, competing internationally, and her goals of reaching the World Championships and LA28.

Plus, Mark and Karla debate whether college athletes are being asked to become professionals too soon, why track and field hasn't produced more year-round stars, and how personal branding, social media and even fashion are changing the modern athlete.

It's a conversation about competition, confidence and the next generation of athletes navigating a rapidly changing sports world.

Sports Without Borders — Presented by All Sports Productions.
Conversations that go beyond the scoreboard with hosts Karla Vazquez and Mark Mancini.

Listen & Subscribe:
Spotify | Apple Podcasts| iHeartRadio | Buzzsprout