Jake Koenig and Justin Graham view themselves as simply two guys with a podcast. But the hosts of Ball Watching are hoping to be known for something much more impactful than their soccer show.
Koenig and Graham are preparing for their second annual Hope for the Holidays event on December 11 from 6–9 p.m. at The Pitch Athletic Club and Tavern (2 S. 20th). The fundraiser will benefit The Foundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital’s Head and Neck Cancer Fund. Last year’s holiday shindig generated more than $40,000 thanks to the generosity of attendees and partnerships with local organizations, including St. Louis CITY SC, the St. Louis Blues, and St. Louis Cardinals.
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In a crowded marketplace for soccer podcasts, Ball Watching stands out with its high-level commentary on all things CITY, as well as breakdowns of international soccer topics. The rapport between Koenig and Graham makes those conversations feel approachable to diehard fans and newcomers alike. While the show continues to gain traction among local soccer supporters, the duo hopes the impact of their efforts will be felt far beyond your earbuds.
“I think we can be more remembered for what we do on this front.” Graham says of Hope for the Holidays. “If we can inspire people to seek care and potentially start something of their own, that means so much more to us.”
Pulling off big events isn’t easy, and charity gatherings—for all of their best intentions—can sometimes run away from organizers, especially those who might be staging their first. But Koenig and Graham were energized by their inaugural effort. Next month, they’re hoping to surpass last year’s mark and raise more than $50,000.
Koenig and Graham saw their work in 2023 boosted by collaborations with some of the biggest names in St. Louis sports, including an in-person Q&A with CITY defender Kyle Hiebert and Blues star Robert Thomas. This year’s event will feature an appearance from Blues legend Kelly Chase and an opportunity for attendees to win a signed bat from Cardinals catcher and first baseman Willson Contreras, along with other planned surprises.
The event will also feature a presentation by Dr. Sid Puram, chief of head and neck surgery at Siteman Cancer Center, on some of the latest breakthroughs for the local health care institution.
“We are lucky in St. Louis that we have access to the best doctors in the country.” Graham said, “So, we want to help raise awareness about preventative care, then there’s the educational side of it, and just helping people understand.”
Tickets for Hope for the Holidays are $100 and available online. Tickets include catered food from The Pitch, a three-hour open bar, raffle contests, and more.
“We just want to give people a good bang for their buck.” Koenig says. “I think we’re growing even more this year, especially with local companies that have been so gracious.”
