Doug Glanville is the host of “Class is in Session” presented by UI Health on Marquee Sports Network, a monthly show exploring the intersection between sports and larger society. In this essay, Glanville reflects on one of the biggest influences in his career, manager Dusty Baker, who has led the Houston Astros to the 2021 World Series. 

I played for Dusty Baker in 2003 when I was with the Cubs. Dusty lived up to his reputation of being a manager that took the time to understand his players as people. He was in the business of winning, but he was also in the business of personal growth, and he made sure that the lessons of the game translated to lessons for life.

We have never lost touch since then, starting with his call after the 2003 season to express that he hoped I would consider returning to the Cubs.

So when I called him to be my first guest on a show I helped create with Marquee Sports Network, he jumped at it. He wanted to share his experiences and lessons learned. He wanted to be part of the conversation and knew it was a worthwhile one to have. He agreed, “Of course. I want you to be successful. If this can help, count me in.”

About a year ago, we launched Class is in Session with Doug Glanville, a multi-faceted show focusing on the intersection of sport and society. Premiering each month, the 30-minute show has topical essays, opening questions and premises, and closing takeaways, but most importantly, it features interviews with guests who are experts in their fields that can speak to current events and the issues at hand.

On that premiere episode back in January, Dusty was joined by another legendary coach, Herm Edwards, and the two men opened up about coaching, being leaders, and the importance of leadership being representative and connected to all people. These are the types of conversations that have proven to be unique to Class is in Session, and it all started with this initial powerful conversation between Dusty and Herm.

We have just recorded the show’s 10th episode, which premieres October 27 on Marquee Sports Network, continuing a year of incredible guests like Bill James, Jimmy Rollins, Sarah Langs, Arn Tellem, Kevin Blackistone, Chris Long, Bobby Valentine, Bart Conner and so many others. We have hit on Name, Image, and Likeness in college athletics, the state of the minor leagues, patriotism in sports, loyalty in college athletics, MLB’s decision to move the All-Star Game, and more.

Thanks to some creative minds and a commitment to discussing important topics in order to learn and teach, the show’s episode about MLB moving the All-Star Game received a Chicago/Midwest Emmy nomination.

So I am thankful for the opportunity to be able to bring a show to life that I have thought about for years, especially in a space that is about learning and understanding.

And, thanks to Dusty Baker for being the first guest, another example of how he coaches for life.

To watch the premiere episode of “Class is in Session” with guests Dusty Baker and Herm Edwards, visit the Marquee Sports Network app. The newest episode premieres October 27 at 7 p.m. on Marquee Sports Network as Glanville welcomes in guests Trevor Plouffe, Sam Blum and Harry Marino for a discussion about the state of minor league baseball.