April 22, 2025 • 6 mins
Michael talks about being teammates with Justin Turner, his experience in Japan, and picks his winner for the Stanely Cup.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
We are joined right now by one of my favorite people.
He is now known as Dodger Killer, but that is
former Dodger Michael Bush and the friendly confines a wriggly field.
Thanks a lot for the time and great to see
that beard up close and personal.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Again. I appreciate that been growing up for a little
bit now, So thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
Yeah. I thought it was the Justin Turner influence, but
he said, you're a hockey guy, so that's what you're
trying to go for.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
We go with a little bit of both, for sure.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
What's it been like being teammates with him again?
Speaker 2 (00:28):
It's been amazing. Yeah, just just spending a little bit
of time with him in spring training in the clubhouse mainly,
it's been you know, it's been a joy. He's obviously
knows so much about the game. He's a great player,
he's been around for a long time, knows how to win,
knows what it takes, all those things. But he's, you know,
great in the clubhouse too. Just all around great player,
great human. Yeah. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
So at Dodger Stadium, I saw the same group of
hitters that included yourself with Justin Turner and Pie row
Armstrong out here at Wrigley Field, same group of guys.
What is that group about.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
I'll here early. Yeah, it's it's good. I think there's
just you know, guys, you know, know what they need
and know what they like to do. And you know
Pete myself, and it seems like JT just you know,
like getting out on the field. There's a lot of
guys who just you know, are out there whenever it's hard.
You're playing every day, six seven games a week. Just
try and get outside whenever you can see a little velocity.
(01:21):
You know, VP's usually armed, So I like to do
a little bit of velocity. And I think you know,
guys here and there like to pick and choose what
they want to do. But it's fun coming out there
and you know, getting a little bit of work, having
some fun and enjoying the weather.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
So it's not an organized thing with you three. It's
just that you all three like to hit early. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
I think it's I think we just kind of established
that group a little bit, but you know, we might
have to make it an organized thing for for the season.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Hey, there's not too many times when two teams make
a trade that it's a win win for both. But
I know you loved your time with the Dodgers and
wanted to stay. But how grateful are you for this
opportunity to play every day?
Speaker 2 (01:58):
Yeah? Super grateful. I think you know, it's the it's
the business part of sports that just you know, it's
a little different, you know, coming over there and you know,
being a Dodger for a little bit and then getting traded,
mixed of emotions. But at the same time, all I
can ask for is an opportunity and and to kind
of go out there and you know, showcase my skills
and showcase my work and no matter where I'm at,
(02:20):
no matter who I'm playing for. But at the same time,
I've been, you know, super grateful for just the Cubs
and what they've done and what they've you know, given me.
And you know, I honestly, you know, I love my
time with the Dodgers, but I'm happy to be a Cub.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
What is uh, what is the thing that's clicked for
you going back to last year?
Speaker 2 (02:36):
I think you know, it's just it's just learning, learning
a lot from you know, older players and what it takes,
you know, to stay consistent through one sixty two. I think,
you know, in the minor leagues, that was you know,
kind of one of the things that I wanted to do.
I knew I could do it, and just you know,
there's a lot of games, a lot of season, and
just trying to be consistent was always something that I've
tried to do and tried to learn. And I think
(02:58):
last year it was the same thing. I know there's
gonna be ups and downs, but you know, just trying
to be consistent and you know, you know, try to
just you know, improve continuously each and every year, each
and every month. I think it's still a growing process,
but enjoy doing it.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
When you talk about consistency, aren't you describing the preparation
as well? Being consistent with your preparation?
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Absolutely. I think that's the key is just how do
you no matter you know, you might you might face
a guy who's nasty, who's you know, dotting up the
corners and is a tough, tough picture that day, But
how can you just kind of move on from that?
And you know know what it takes to just kind of,
you know, no matter how well you did or how
bad you did the day before, just kind of just
go out the next day and just try and you know,
keep the same thing, the same thing. It's hard to do.
(03:41):
But just definitely learning from the older guys like JT
and Belly last year and Nico and Happ and Dansby
and you know, I could go down the list of
some of the guys, but just learning about, you know,
the consistency of kind of what it takes to just
not only physically be prepared each day, but but mentally
as well.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
Michael Bush is our guest, one of the great guys
out there. When you look at when your time at
Dodger Stadium with the Cubs on the last road trip
for Chicago, when you guys came to Dodger Stadium, you
had a great series, but Andy pie Has robbed you
of extra bases, maybe a Grand Slam. Did you play
with pie Has in the minor leagues? How well do
you guys know each other?
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Yeah, I played with him quite a bit. Yeah it
was it was, you know, one of that one, right,
one of that one would have putt four runs on
the board in a close game. But he's a great player.
He's a great player, and he's young, and you know,
it was I don't want to say it was cool
that he took away a home run for me at all,
because I really wanted that one. But at the same time,
(04:39):
you know, just looking back, you know, got the win.
That was what matters, That's what you know. I was
kind of a little upset that those were four runs
that could have mattered, but we ended up winning, and
you know, looking back, you know the fact that he
took it away, I was like, dang, but he's a
great player and something I'll probably remember for a long time.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
So the Dodgers and Cups have played each other a
lot in the first month of the season. These two
games are it after Tokyo and La. I haven't talked
to you about your experience in Tokyo. Did you like
it or do you feel like now you're starting to
get into the season.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Yeah? Absolutely, Tokyo was awesome. Love loved the experience, loved
the games, loved everything that they did for us. You know,
it was cool. And then to you know, showcase what
shoh and Seya and Shota and Susaki kind of just
where they came from, where they played, and then the
culture that they have out there. It was it was
really cool to experience that and I can only imagine
(05:30):
how cool it was for them. You know. It's it's
experiences like that that you know, you show up to
the field trying to win, and you show up to
the field trying to do your job, but at the
same time you can kind of reflect on some of
those experiences, especially for them. I can. I can only
imagine that it was, you know, a lifelong memory.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
All right before I let Michael Bush go. He has
the hockey beard. So I would be remiss as the
Stanley Cup playoffs have started not to ask you who
your pick to win the Stanley Cup Final? Are the
Stanley Cup this year?
Speaker 2 (06:04):
I'm a Minnesota Wild fan, yes, so I hope. I
hope they can pull it off, and I think they will.
I do. I think they got a good group Caprice
office back, but I think, you know, just playoff playoff
hockey has always been one of my favorite to follow.
And you know, if not the Wild, I hope the
Chicago Blackhawks can you know, do it sometime soon?
Speaker 1 (06:26):
Okay, there we go, playing it very safe here at
Wrigley Field. Given the Blackhawks a token. I hope. Thanks
a lot for the time. You're a great guy. I'm
glad We've continued to stay in touch and everybody is
rooting for the best for Michael Bush.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
You're the best. Appreciate you seriously
We are joined right now by one of my favorite people.
He is now known as Dodger Killer, but that is
former Dodger Michael Bush and the friendly confines a wriggly field.
Thanks a lot for the time and great to see
that beard up close and personal.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
Again. I appreciate that been growing up for a little
bit now, So thanks for having me.
Speaker 1 (00:18):
Yeah. I thought it was the Justin Turner influence, but
he said, you're a hockey guy, so that's what you're
trying to go for.
Speaker 2 (00:24):
We go with a little bit of both, for sure.
Speaker 1 (00:26):
What's it been like being teammates with him again?
Speaker 2 (00:28):
It's been amazing. Yeah, just just spending a little bit
of time with him in spring training in the clubhouse mainly,
it's been you know, it's been a joy. He's obviously
knows so much about the game. He's a great player,
he's been around for a long time, knows how to win,
knows what it takes, all those things. But he's, you know,
great in the clubhouse too. Just all around great player,
great human. Yeah. I couldn't ask for anything more.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
So at Dodger Stadium, I saw the same group of
hitters that included yourself with Justin Turner and Pie row
Armstrong out here at Wrigley Field, same group of guys.
What is that group about.
Speaker 2 (01:00):
I'll here early. Yeah, it's it's good. I think there's
just you know, guys, you know, know what they need
and know what they like to do. And you know
Pete myself, and it seems like JT just you know,
like getting out on the field. There's a lot of
guys who just you know, are out there whenever it's hard.
You're playing every day, six seven games a week. Just
try and get outside whenever you can see a little velocity.
(01:21):
You know, VP's usually armed, So I like to do
a little bit of velocity. And I think you know,
guys here and there like to pick and choose what
they want to do. But it's fun coming out there
and you know, getting a little bit of work, having
some fun and enjoying the weather.
Speaker 1 (01:33):
So it's not an organized thing with you three. It's
just that you all three like to hit early. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (01:38):
I think it's I think we just kind of established
that group a little bit, but you know, we might
have to make it an organized thing for for the season.
Speaker 1 (01:46):
Hey, there's not too many times when two teams make
a trade that it's a win win for both. But
I know you loved your time with the Dodgers and
wanted to stay. But how grateful are you for this
opportunity to play every day?
Speaker 2 (01:58):
Yeah? Super grateful. I think you know, it's the it's
the business part of sports that just you know, it's
a little different, you know, coming over there and you know,
being a Dodger for a little bit and then getting traded,
mixed of emotions. But at the same time, all I
can ask for is an opportunity and and to kind
of go out there and you know, showcase my skills
and showcase my work and no matter where I'm at,
(02:20):
no matter who I'm playing for. But at the same time,
I've been, you know, super grateful for just the Cubs
and what they've done and what they've you know, given me.
And you know, I honestly, you know, I love my
time with the Dodgers, but I'm happy to be a Cub.
Speaker 1 (02:31):
What is uh, what is the thing that's clicked for
you going back to last year?
Speaker 2 (02:36):
I think you know, it's just it's just learning, learning
a lot from you know, older players and what it takes,
you know, to stay consistent through one sixty two. I think,
you know, in the minor leagues, that was you know,
kind of one of the things that I wanted to do.
I knew I could do it, and just you know,
there's a lot of games, a lot of season, and
just trying to be consistent was always something that I've
tried to do and tried to learn. And I think
(02:58):
last year it was the same thing. I know there's
gonna be ups and downs, but you know, just trying
to be consistent and you know, you know, try to
just you know, improve continuously each and every year, each
and every month. I think it's still a growing process,
but enjoy doing it.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
When you talk about consistency, aren't you describing the preparation
as well? Being consistent with your preparation?
Speaker 2 (03:18):
Absolutely. I think that's the key is just how do
you no matter you know, you might you might face
a guy who's nasty, who's you know, dotting up the
corners and is a tough, tough picture that day, But
how can you just kind of move on from that?
And you know know what it takes to just kind of,
you know, no matter how well you did or how
bad you did the day before, just kind of just
go out the next day and just try and you know,
keep the same thing, the same thing. It's hard to do.
(03:41):
But just definitely learning from the older guys like JT
and Belly last year and Nico and Happ and Dansby
and you know, I could go down the list of
some of the guys, but just learning about, you know,
the consistency of kind of what it takes to just
not only physically be prepared each day, but but mentally
as well.
Speaker 1 (03:57):
Michael Bush is our guest, one of the great guys
out there. When you look at when your time at
Dodger Stadium with the Cubs on the last road trip
for Chicago, when you guys came to Dodger Stadium, you
had a great series, but Andy pie Has robbed you
of extra bases, maybe a Grand Slam. Did you play
with pie Has in the minor leagues? How well do
you guys know each other?
Speaker 2 (04:17):
Yeah, I played with him quite a bit. Yeah it
was it was, you know, one of that one, right,
one of that one would have putt four runs on
the board in a close game. But he's a great player.
He's a great player, and he's young, and you know,
it was I don't want to say it was cool
that he took away a home run for me at all,
because I really wanted that one. But at the same time,
(04:39):
you know, just looking back, you know, got the win.
That was what matters, That's what you know. I was
kind of a little upset that those were four runs
that could have mattered, but we ended up winning, and
you know, looking back, you know the fact that he
took it away, I was like, dang, but he's a
great player and something I'll probably remember for a long time.
Speaker 1 (04:55):
So the Dodgers and Cups have played each other a
lot in the first month of the season. These two
games are it after Tokyo and La. I haven't talked
to you about your experience in Tokyo. Did you like
it or do you feel like now you're starting to
get into the season.
Speaker 2 (05:09):
Yeah? Absolutely, Tokyo was awesome. Love loved the experience, loved
the games, loved everything that they did for us. You know,
it was cool. And then to you know, showcase what
shoh and Seya and Shota and Susaki kind of just
where they came from, where they played, and then the
culture that they have out there. It was it was
really cool to experience that and I can only imagine
(05:30):
how cool it was for them. You know. It's it's
experiences like that that you know, you show up to
the field trying to win, and you show up to
the field trying to do your job, but at the
same time you can kind of reflect on some of
those experiences, especially for them. I can. I can only
imagine that it was, you know, a lifelong memory.
Speaker 1 (05:47):
All right before I let Michael Bush go. He has
the hockey beard. So I would be remiss as the
Stanley Cup playoffs have started not to ask you who
your pick to win the Stanley Cup Final? Are the
Stanley Cup this year?
Speaker 2 (06:04):
I'm a Minnesota Wild fan, yes, so I hope. I
hope they can pull it off, and I think they will.
I do. I think they got a good group Caprice
office back, but I think, you know, just playoff playoff
hockey has always been one of my favorite to follow.
And you know, if not the Wild, I hope the
Chicago Blackhawks can you know, do it sometime soon?
Speaker 1 (06:26):
Okay, there we go, playing it very safe here at
Wrigley Field. Given the Blackhawks a token. I hope. Thanks
a lot for the time. You're a great guy. I'm
glad We've continued to stay in touch and everybody is
rooting for the best for Michael Bush.
Speaker 2 (06:40):
You're the best. Appreciate you seriously
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