Ben Lindbergh

The challenge system’s robot rulings may be nearly flawless,but in the human element, error abounds. @BenLindbergh provides a complete taxonomy of MLB’s ABS accidents: theringer.com/2026/05/08/mlb…

On May the Fourth, the Force was with the finale of ‘Maul—Shadow Lord.’ @BenLindbergh explores how the series delivered a ‘Star Wars’ Day surprise by depicting a long-dreamed-of duel: theringer.com/2026/05/04/sta…

There’s a new national sportscast king. @BenLindbergh reports on the man behind the men behind the mic: @tmiller2462 of @UnNecSportsRsch, who’s crowning @KennyAlbert the new no. 1 in all-time national NFL/MLB/NHL/NBA broadcasts: theringer.com/2026/04/24/spo…

Really bummed that yesterday was the last episode of Hang Up and Listen. Have loved doing the show with @BenLindbergh and @alex_kirshner over the last 18 months and it was an honor to be a small part of the legacy @josh_levin and Stefan started. podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/han…

‘Maul—Shadow Lord’ is the best new animated ‘Star Wars’ series since ‘Rebels.’ But is it enough to jump-start a faltering franchise? @BenLindbergh on why the ‘Star Wars’ interquels will continue until morale improves: theringer.com/2026/04/06/sta…

Our first episode for Patreon supporters (with a free preview for everyone) is up now. Here's where to sign up if you're interested in joining: patreon.com/effectivelywild

Surprise, surprise: The AL East is a meat grinder again. How does this year’s version compare to its stacked predecessors? @BenLindbergh examines whether this will be the closest AL East race ever: theringer.com/2026/03/27/mlb…

The Pirates and A’s have playoff-caliber pitching and hitting, respectively. Can their other halves hold up their ends of the bargain? @BenLindbergh on MLB’s lopsided dark horses: theringer.com/2026/03/26/mlb…

MLB’s new technology for reviewing ball/strike calls appears primed to be a hit—but its success could bring about its own ending. @BenLindbergh explores whether the challenge system is already doomed: theringer.com/2026/03/25/mlb…

Some news: I’ve been laid off by The Ringer. It was a rewarding eight and a half years and I’m proud to have literally written the most articles in the site’s history. I’d love to keep writing about pop culture elsewhere — drop me a line: msurrey2 at gmail

Definitely the most sensible piece that has been published about the upcoming CBA in a major outlet

Well, sadly it looks like it's my turn to do one of these tweets: I was laid off by The Ringer today. It's impossible to sum up nine years in a tweet but: I worked on so many things—profiles, theme weeks, special projects—that I am incredibly proud of.

It’s almost MLB Opening Day … but what’s the baseball outlook for this time next year? @BenLindbergh delivers a labor-battle FAQ to help you assess how worried you should be about the 2027 season: theringer.com/2026/03/23/mlb…

With scouting cards and dugout pitch-calling, MLB front offices and coaches are encroaching on the game and harming the spectator experience. @BenLindbergh makes the case for keeping front offices off the field and letting players play: theringer.com/2026/03/23/mlb…

Should only gamers run gaming companies? We’re about to find out. @BenLindbergh looks at the console landscape and wonders where the gaming-executive gamers have gone: theringer.com/2026/03/13/vid…

How did ‘Highguard’ become gaming’s latest live-service flop, and what lessons can the industry learn from its high-profile failure? As the recent release goes to gaming’s graveyard, @BenLindbergh inspects the possible culprits behind its demise and issues his verdict: theringer.com/2026/03/11/vid…

Wings made great music. But was it a great group? @BenLindbergh explores Paul McCartney’s continued campaign to make his post-Beatles band cool: theringer.com/2026/03/03/mus…

Button Mash had a Legend of Zelda draft! 🗡️🛡️

After ‘A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms,’ ‘Wonder Man,’ ‘Starfleet Academy,’ and more, @BenLindbergh examines the pleasures of low-stakes sci-fi and fantasy TV—and whether it can jump-start struggling IP: theringer.com/2026/02/25/tv/…

There’s a new face (and voice) of sports television in town. Olympic ambassador, American mascot, all-purpose pundit—is there any sport Snoop Dogg can’t conquer? @BenLindbergh on the improbable ascendance of the inescapable Snoop: theringer.com/2026/02/20/spo…