Tom Glavine on 300 Wins, the Atlanta Braves, and the Future of MLB Pitching

Hall of Famer Tom Glavine breaks down the future of MLB pitching, why the 300-win milestone may never happen again, and what’s really going on with the 2025 Atlanta Braves. In this Fans First exclusive, Glavine shares insights on the evolution of Major League Baseball, how today’s pitchers compare to past generations, and his candid thoughts on automated strike zones.

Glavine opens up about his own journey to 300 career wins, how losing 17 games as a rookie shaped his mentality, and why modern pitching strategies make that level of success nearly impossible. From bullpen usage to innings restrictions, he explains why no one is being set up to repeat the kind of dominance he, Maddox, and Smoltz had.

The episode also dives into the Atlanta Braves' rollercoaster 2025 season. Glavine talks about Chris Sale’s injury, Spencer Strider’s development, the team’s inconsistent offense, and whether Brian Snitker is still the right manager to lead them.

Plus: what it’s like watching young MLB pitchers today, why mechanics matter more than radar gun readings, and how rule changes are reshaping the game of baseball.

If you’re a baseball fan, especially an Atlanta Braves fan, or just love listening to Hall of Fame pitchers talk shop, this episode delivers the ultimate insider perspective on MLB pitching, the pursuit of 300 wins, and the evolution of the sport.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (0:00) Glavine reflects on early struggles and lessons from losing 17 games
• (3:00) The rise to MLB and first impressions of the Braves
• (7:30) Insights on Atlanta’s rookie pitching phenom
• (11:00) What it really takes to reach 300 career wins
• (15:00) Why we may never see another 300-win pitcher
• (18:00) Pitchers Tom Glavine loves to watch today
• (21:00) The evolution of his pitch command and changeup mastery
• (24:00) State of the 2025 Braves: hopes, flaws, and playoff chances
• (29:00) Thoughts on Brian Snitker and fan reactions
• (34:00) Sid Bream, Barry Bonds, and that legendary slide
• (36:00) Bobby Cox: the ultimate player’s manager
• (38:00) Tom’s take on the automated strike zone
• (41:00) What rule changes Tom supports and which ones might break the game

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

300 Wins May Be Gone Forever

• Glavine breaks down why modern pitchers likely won’t hit this elusive milestone again, citing innings limits, injuries, and a new bullpen-first mindset.

Automated Strike Zones? Hard Pass

• Tom is not sold on the robo-ump trend. He says it could kill one of the game’s most essential and human elements.

The Braves Have a Path, but It's Narrow

• Despite a tough season, Glavine sees a window for a turnaround if Atlanta can start winning series consistently.

Pitching Philosophy Then vs. Now

• With fewer complete games and more velocity obsession, Glavine sees a widening gap between today's “stuff” and yesterday’s “craft.”

Tom Glavine is a Hall of Fame MLB pitcher, two-time Cy Young Award winner, 10-time All-Star, and 1995 World Series MVP. He spent most of his career with the Atlanta Braves and finished with 305 career wins—making him one of the last pitchers to ever reach that mark. Glavine is also known for his off-field leadership, work with MLB broadcasting, and commitment to youth sports development.

• Fans First Sports Podcast Archive – https://fansfirstpodcast.com
• Georgia Advisory Group (Show Sponsor) –

The most versatile and skilled play-by-play announcer in sports, Brian Anderson, joins Jim Powell on Episode 18 of Fans First, a sports podcast. Together, they unpack what could go down as the greatest tennis match of all time: the epic five-set Alcaraz vs. Sinner showdown at the 2025 French Open.

Brian Anderson takes us behind the scenes of his transition from calling NBA, MLB, and March Madness to mastering the craft of tennis commentary. In this episode of the Fans First sports podcast, Brian shares how he prepared for seven months, training on the court, analyzing elite tennis strategies, and even taking 120mph serves, to bring authenticity and energy to the French Open broadcast.

With his trademark storytelling style, Brian explains how a great play-by-play announcer brings tennis to life for both diehard fans and casual viewers. Whether he’s calling a pitch in baseball or a winner on clay, Anderson knows how to connect the moment to the audience. His approach to the 2025 French Open, and especially to what many call the greatest tennis match of all time, shows why he’s one of the most respected voices in sports broadcasting.

This episode is packed with insights about pressure, preparation, and performance. Jim and Brian also explore the broader role of the sports podcast medium, and how Fans First aims to elevate fan voices across every game and every sport.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Brian Anderson reflects on French Open debut and imposter syndrome
• (04:04) Transitioning from MLB and NBA to French Open tennis coverage
• (07:15) Seven months of prep for calling the French Ope
• (16:15) Breaking down the Alcaraz vs. Sinner final—the greatest tennis match of all time
• (24:50) Communicating tennis to casual fans as a seasoned play-by-play announcer
• (29:22) How the Fans First sports podcast gives voice to sports lovers
• (35:07) Why Brian Anderson stepped away from football broadcasting
• (39:01) Lessons from elite sports moments across French Open, NBA, and MLB

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Brian Anderson’s preparation for the French Open was more demanding than any NBA or MLB assignment.
• The Alcaraz vs. Sinner final at the 2025 French Open could be the greatest tennis match of all time.
• A skilled play-by-play announcer translates the intensity of tennis, NBA, and MLB to fans everywhere.
• Fans First is a sports podcast committed to putting fans at the center of every conversation.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Brian Anderson is one of the most accomplished and versatile play-by-play announcers in sports. Known for his work on MLB, NBA, March Madness, and now the French Open, he blends preparation and instinct to deliver unforgettable broadcasts. His call of the 2025 French Open final between Alcaraz and Sinner was a career-defining moment that placed him firmly in tennis history and reinforced his standing as a go-to voice for elite sporting events.

RESOURCE LINKS

• Fans First Sports Podcast – https://fansfirstpodcast.com
• Georgia Advisory Group (Show Sponsor) – https://www.gaadvisorygroup.com/
• Brian Anderson Profile – https://www.instagram.com/bandersonpxp/

This isn't just a tennis story—it’s a survival story. A redemption story. A story that could save someone’s life.

Murphy Jensen had it all. A French Open title. Worldwide fame. Magazine covers. The wild charisma of a rockstar on the tennis court known as Rock ‘n Roll duo with his older brother Luke. But while the world saw a champion, inside he was unraveling—battling panic attacks, addiction, and the crushing weight of never feeling "enough."

In this unforgettable episode of Fans First, host Jim Powell welcomes Murphy Jensen for a deeply honest and wide ranging conversation about what it really means to come back, not just in sports, but in life. Murphy shares how winning the French Open left him hollow, how addiction nearly destroyed him, and how an unexpected intervention and a second chance at life after collapsing on a tennis court led him to create WEConnect Health, a platform now helping millions in recovery.

This is Murphy like you’ve never heard him before—unfiltered, vulnerable, and overflowing with purpose. He doesn’t hold back. He talks about surviving the unspeakable, rebuilding from zero, and what it means to turn your pain into purpose. Whether you’ve battled your own darkness, love someone who has, or just want to understand how someone can lose everything and still rise, this episode is for you.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Murphy’s dream of punting in the NFL
• (03:55) Growing up on a backyard tennis court
• (07:35) The brotherhood, battles & bond with Luke Jensen
• (10:06) Winning the French Open—and what unraveled after
• (15:28) Struggles with identity, addiction & panic attacks
• (19:07) Murphy’s path to recovery & founding WEConnect
• (30:27) Flatlining on a tennis court—and surviving
• (35:00) His mission to prevent suicide and support recovery
• (40:13) “Flip the Switch” Jensen’s NFL dream lives on
• (44:00) “Ring the Bell” James Bush of Virginia Beach, Virginia

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Winning Isn’t Everything: Even a Grand Slam title can't fix inner turmoil if you're battling demons beneath the surface.
• Recovery Is a Lifelong Practice: Murphy Jensen reveals how honesty, accountability, and connection saved his life.
• Mental Health Support Must Be Accessible: WEConnect offers 24/7 access to support group meetings, coaching, and recovery tracking.
• Every Life Is Worth Saving: From celebrity intervention to AED advocacy, Murphy is proving it’s never too late to rewrite your story.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Murphy Jensen is an investor/entrepreneur and former professional tennis player and French Open Champion. Currently Co Founder & EVP of Business Development for WEconnect Health Management.

WEconnect Health is an Mental Health/Addiction relapse prevention and real-time outcomes digital health platform, providing custom support and connection for those in recovery from Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health Challenges.

Jensen works tirelessly to reduce the stigma of mental health/addiction, and to encourage and lead others with the disorder to receive proper care. His passion is to bring awareness to mental health/addiction and leave behind a legacy of helping others.

Jensen is also a former French Open Champion and served as Coach of the Washington Kastles of World Team Tennis. He has coached tennis superstars including Serena Williams Venus Williams, Martina Hingis, Nick Kirigos, Leander Paes, Victoria Azarenka (2008), Francis Tiafoe and many more.

RESOURCE LINKS

WEConnect Health: