Host Jim Powell, co-host Tyler Flowers, and John Smoltz (aka Smoltzie) discuss college football, biological men demanding to play in women's sports, and much more. The conversation delves into Rob Manfred's "golden at-bat" rule proposal, the state of pitching and injuries in Major League Baseball, and how rule changes could incentivize healthier practices. Smoltz shares his insights on the advancements and pitfalls in pitching strategies, the impact of analytics, and the future challenges for the sport. The episode also features the "Get Off My Lawn" segment, where David Carroll advocates for more Ford Frick Awards to honor deserving broadcasters.

Be sure to enjoy Part 2, a special bonus Holiday edition with Smoltz and the boys coming shortly after Christmas!

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:43] Special Guest: John Smoltz
• 
  
• [01:50] Golden At Bat Rule Discussion
• 
  
• [03:15] Pitching Philosophy and Injuries
• 
  
• [04:56] Future of Baseball and Rule Changes
• 
  
• [15:32] Soto Contract and Player Valuation
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• [17:33] Get Off My Lawn Segment
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• [19:28] Closing Remarks and Community Engagement

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Baseball needs rule changes to address the high rate of pitching injuries.
• Modern pitching strategies prioritize max effort over sustainability.
• Player development should balance analytics with long-term health.
• High-profile contracts like Juan Soto’s reflect the evolving economics of baseball.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

John Smoltz, a Hall of Fame pitcher, is widely regarded as one of the most versatile and dominant players in Major League Baseball history. Known for his impressive career with the Atlanta Braves from 1988 to 2008, Smoltz achieved 213 wins, 154 saves, and a career ERA of 3.33. He remains the only pitcher in MLB history to record both 200+ wins and 150+ saves.

As part of the legendary Braves rotation alongside Greg Maddux and Tom Glavine, Smoltz was instrumental in Atlanta’s 1995 World Series championship. He also earned the 1996 National League Cy Young Award, thanks to his standout 24-win season.

Following his retirement in 2009, Smoltz transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a respected MLB analyst known for his insightful commentary. Beyond baseball, he is an avid golfer, a philanthropist, and a passionate advocate for youth sports development. Smoltz's legacy extends both on and off the field, embodying excellence, adaptability, and leadership.

RESOURCE LINKS

Stay connected with us:

• X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/
• Website: http://fansfirstpodcast.com/

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Send in your voice memos or written submissions to Jim@fansfirstpodcast.com and join the conversation on our next episode.

BaseballCommonSense, JohnSmoltz, FansFirstPodcast, PitchingPhilosophy, MLBInsights, GoldenAtBat, BaseballHealth, RuleChanges, MLBContracts, HallOfFame, TylerFlowers, JimPowell, MLBLegends, SportsPodcast, PitchingEvolution, BaseballTalk, AthleteHealth

Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell, co-host Tyler Flowers invites special guest Chris Sale, 2024 Cy Young Award winner, to discuss his remarkable season. They dive into the challenges and successes the Braves experienced, emphasizing player resilience, team camaraderie, and the superb leadership of manager Brian Snitker. Sale, known for his dominant pitching style and leadership, shares unique insights into his off-season preparations, in-game strategies, and reflections on baseball as a demanding sport. The episode is filled with anecdotes from his career and interactions with legends like Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux. Expect plenty of laughs, great stories, and valuable advice for young pitchers on staying focused and navigating adversity. The episode concludes with a "Get off my lawn" fan segment by David Carroll from Chattanooga, Tennessee, offering a comprehensive look at what makes the Braves' organization special.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:41] Special Guest Tyler Flowers
• [01:12] Reflecting on the Season's Successes and Challenges
• [02:35] Player Contributions and Overcoming Injuries
• [06:35] Team Dynamics and Organizational Philosophy
• [11:03] Brian Snitker's Leadership and Management Style
• [15:34] Chris Sale's Cy Young Season and Staying Healthy
• [19:35] Pitching Strategies and Memorable Moments
• [25:24] Pitching Struggles and Honest Advice
• [27:55] Greg Maddux and the Cy Young Award
• [32:55] Advice for Young Pitchers
• [34:02] Randy Johnson's Call and Motivation
• [39:32] Get Off My Lawn Segment

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Sale highlights the critical role of a focused off-season in achieving peak performance.
• Sale praises the Braves’ ability to stay united through injuries and challenges.
• Sale acknowledges the influence of teammates and coaches like Randy Johnson and Greg Maddux.
• Sale encourages young athletes to stay tough, work hard, and strive for continuous improvement.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Christopher Sale is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Atlanta Braves. Previously, he played for the Chicago White Sox and Boston Red Sox. A left-handed pitcher standing 6'6", Sale is a Lakeland, Florida, native who played college baseball at Florida Gulf Coast University.

Drafted 13th overall by the White Sox in 2010, Sale debuted in MLB on August 6, 2010. He was traded to the Red Sox in 2017, playing a pivotal role in their 2018 World Series win. A seven-time All-Star (2012–2018), Sale led the AL in strikeouts in 2015 and 2017, reaching 300 strikeouts in a season in 2017. He holds the record as the fastest pitcher to 2,000 career strikeouts (1,626 innings).

Following injuries late in his Boston tenure, Sale was traded to the Braves in 2023. In 2024, he earned his eighth All-Star selection, won his first Cy Young Award, Triple Crown, and a Gold Glove.

RESOURCE LINKS

Stay connected with us:

• X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/
• Website: http://fansfirstpodcast.com/

We’d love to hear your thoughts! Send in your voice memos or written submissions to Jim@fansfirstpodcast.com and join the conversation on our next episode.

#FansFirstPodcast #MLB #Baseball #ChrisSale #BravesBaseball #TeamChemistry #CyYoung...

Jim Powell sits down with John Hollins, CEO of Atlanta Metro RBI, and his son Jordan Hollins the Director of Operations, to discuss their impactful baseball mentorship program. They explore the origins, mission, and successes of Atlanta Metro RBI, their commitment to balancing sports excellence with life preparation, and the various challenges and achievements along the way. A key theme is how baseball, as a "game of failure," teaches resilience. Jordan explains that handling setbacks on the field builds mental toughness—a skill essential in life. Highlighting their upcoming event, the Local Black Legends of Baseball, on November 10th, they stress the importance of community support and involvement. This heartfelt conversation underscores the power of baseball as a vehicle for mentorship and youth development.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:38] Special Guests: John and Jordan Hollins
• [01:52] The Mission of Atlanta Metro RBI
• [03:26] Success Stories and Partnerships
• [04:39] Challenges and Future Goals
• [08:35] Jordan Hollins' Coaching Journey
• [12:09] Balancing Baseball and Mentorship
• [13:21] Presidential awards for community service recognition
• [14:41] Why Failure in Baseball is a Great Thing
• [17:21] Developing players through challenging competition
• [20:34] Upcoming Event: Local Black Legends of Baseball
• [26:01] How You Can Help
• [27:44] Conclusion and Final Thoughts

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Founded in honor of John’s father, the organization aims to mentor Atlanta’s youth through baseball, emphasizing discipline, academics, and community.
• Academic support is as vital as athletic training, with the program achieving an average GPA of 3.5 for senior athletes.
• The Local Black Legends of Baseball event honors trailblazers in the community, reminding young players of the legacy they uphold.
• Both John and Jordan stress that mentoring is more than coaching; it’s a way of life that prepares kids for challenges beyond sports.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

John Hollins

John Hollins is the CEO and founder of Atlanta Metro RBI, a nonprofit dedicated to mentoring Atlanta’s youth through baseball and life skills development. Inspired by his father’s legacy of service, John created the program to offer structured athletic and academic support to young people, helping over 350 students reach college. Recognized with a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award for Community Service, John’s impact extends beyond the field, instilling values of discipline, education, and resilience in every player he mentors.

Jordan Hollins

Jordan Hollins is the Director of Operations, dedicated coach and mentor with Atlanta Metro RBI, where he follows in his father John’s footsteps to inspire young athletes in Atlanta. A former player whose career was cut short by injury, Jordan chose to stay in the game by teaching baseball fundamentals and life lessons to the next generation. His coaching achievements include winning several prestigious tournaments, and he remains committed to helping young athletes navigate both sports and life challenges with the same passion and discipline.

RESOURCE LINKS

Atlanta Metro RBI: https://www.atlmetrorbi.org/

X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/

Website: