Biloxi Shuckers Voice Max Gifford on Springfield Roots, Syracuse, & Brewers Top Prospects

From running around Hammons Field as a kid to calling walk-offs in the Southern League, Max Gifford is making a major name for himself in professional baseball. The current Biloxi Shuckers play-by-play announcer—and son of legendary former Springfield Cardinals GM Matt Gifford—joins Ned Reynolds and Scott Puryear on The Starting Lineup! We dive into his Springfield roots, his time braving the elements at Syracuse University, and what it’s like broadcasting for the most stacked Double-A lineup in the Milwaukee Brewers system. Timeline of Key Topics 00:00 - Intro & Max Gifford's Connection to Springfield Cardinals & Matt Gifford 01:22 - Memories in the Hammons Field Booth with Ned Reynolds and Jeff Levering 01:52 - Shoutout to Art Haynes: 2025 Missouri Broadcaster of the Year Award 02:33 - Leaving Springfield: Pershing Middle School, Glendale High, and Moving to St. Louis 03:15 - Earning Broadcasting Reps at Syracuse University’s Newhouse School 07:33 - Daily Broadcaster Grinds: Prep Work, Game Notes, and Player Stories 09:00 - Inside the Biloxi Shuckers "Death Lineup" & Top Prospects Jesus Made, Blake Burke, and Andrew Fisher 12:11 - Remembering the 2012 Springfield Cardinals Championship Clubhouse Celebration 14:48 - Max's Springfield Hockey Roots & Winning State Championships with the Springfield Spirit