© 2025 Western New York Public Broadcasting Association

140 Lower Terrace
Buffalo, NY 14202

Toronto Address:
130 Queens Quay E.
Suite 903
Toronto, ON M5A 0P6


Mailing Address:
Horizons Plaza P.O. Box 1263
Buffalo, NY 14240-1263

Buffalo Toronto Public Media | Phone 716-845-7000
BTPM NPR Newsroom | Phone: 716-845-7040
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Beyond the Perfect, Perfect Game with Kate Brownell

This week on Skin in the Game, John and Tim are joined by Kate Brownell—a trailblazer, athlete, coach, and the only Little Leaguer in history to pitch a perfect game.

At just twelve years old, Brownell took the mound in an all-boys league and retired every batter on just 36 pitches. That day changed her life. Her glove, cleats, and jersey now live in Cooperstown, and her story caught the attention of the country, including President George W. Bush.

But Brownell’s game didn’t end there. Today, she’s a coach, motivational speaker, and founder of a fitness business that helps others tap into their own resilience. In this episode, as Kate reflects on what it means to carry the weight of a moment—and how to keep showing up long after the spotlight fades, the conversation focuses on grit, grace, and what it really means to make history.

Skin in the Game | Season 1
Latest Episodes
  • This week on Skin in the Game, we shift gears to focus on cycling—its business, its culture and its growing place in our cities. Tim and John welcome Kevin Heffernan from Go Bike Buffalo, Chris Lonzi from Tom’s Pro Bike, and Buffalo Toronto Public Media producer Pat Kelly.
  • This week on Skin in the Game, Tim sits down with filmmaker Jake Cimperman—yes, the son of co-host John Cimperman—for a conversation that spans from the roller rinks of 1990s California to the unpredictable world of independent sports documentaries.
  • This week on Skin in the Game, John and Tim sit down with journalist and author S.L. Price to discuss his new book, “The American Game: History and Hope in the Country of Lacrosse.”
  • This week on Skin in the Game, John and Tim talk with Scott Swinson, Senior Director of Development at the Cal Ripken, Sr. Foundation, about how baseball—and a strong coach—can change a kid’s life.
  • In this special edition of Skin In The Game, hosts John and Tim dive into the neon-lit spectacle of Cosmic Baseball, featuring fan-favorite innovation from the Coastal Plain League’s Tri-City Chili Peppers — joined by none other than Rob Perez, the team’s award-winning general manager.
  • In this special edition of Skin in the Game, John and Tim take a deep dive into the world of golf. They’re joined by: Tim Fries, General Manager and Head Professional at Glen Oak Golf Club IN East Amherst, NY; Cindy Miller, LPGA professional, coach, and author; and Tim Karches, Executive Director of First Tee Western New York.
  • This week on Skin in the Game, John and Tim sit down with Frank Supovitz, President and Chief Experience Officer of Fast Traffic Events & Entertainment—and one of the most respected names in sports event production.
  • This week on Skin in the Game, John and Tim sit down with Phil Pritchard, vice president of the Hockey Hall of Fame and the iconic “Keeper of the Cup.”
  • This week on Skin in the Game, John and Tim welcome Dennis Eshbaugh, President and CEO of Holiday Valley, to discuss the evolution of the ski and winter recreation industry—and how one resort is redefining what it means to be a year-round mountain destination.
  • This week on Skin in the Game, John and Tim welcome Michelle Seniuk, Senior Vice President of Fan Experience and Concessions for the Toronto Blue Jays to examine one of Major League Baseball’s most ambitious fan engagement strategies.