Cliff Floyd! MLB All-Star & World Series Champ on Bonds, Maddux, Pedro

Cliff Floyd joins us for a real behind-the-scenes baseball conversation that feels like you are sitting in the clubhouse with him. We get into a baseball epic comeback moment where Cliff explains the mindset of waiting on one mistake and then taking Greg Maddux deep, plus what it felt like when the Braves’ pitching reputation finally cracked. We also hear Cliff relive a wild Pedro Martinez fight pile that instantly made him say, “never again”, and the story is as funny as it is stressful.

From there, Cliff takes us through the reality of the minors, how quickly confidence can swing, and why coaching and preparation are everything. Then we hit the gold: an All-Star Game batting cage session with Barry Bonds that happened with no cameras, no phones, and one unforgettable hitting cue that changed how Cliff heard the ball come off the bat. If you love MLB stories, 90s baseball, and the human side of the game, this one is for you. Subscribe and drop a comment with the name you want us to get next.

Timestamps:
(00:00:01) - Welcome and Cliff’s career intro
(00:01:01) - The truth about the broadcaster lifestyle and long days
(00:04:29) - Finding the competitive edge after playing days
(00:06:32) - Analytics, batting average, and modern MLB pay
(00:09:12) - Recruiting, Creighton decision, and going pro
(00:13:09) - Cliff thought he was better at basketball than baseball
(00:14:54) - Kenny Lofton story and elite multi-sport athletes
(00:17:18) - AAU hoops memories: Webber, Jalen Rose, Grant Hill, Finley
(00:19:22) - The Chris Webber moment that changed Cliff’s thinking
(00:23:38) - Getting placed on the B team and the reality check
(00:27:15) - Raw talent to top pick: how Cliff leveled up fast
(00:34:16) - “Hate the minors”: development, call-ups, and AAA frustration
(00:40:26) - The strangest MLB debut setup you will ever hear
(00:49:10) - The 1994 strike and Cliff working a holiday job
(00:53:14) - June 27, 1994: pinch hit vs Greg Maddux and went deep
(00:56:23) - Pedro Martinez fight pile: panic, bodies, and Kevin Mitchell
(01:00:03) - The lost art of pitching inside and how it changes hitters
(01:09:20) - Felipe Alou vs Jim Leyland leadership styles
(01:13:54) - Leyland’s intensity: flipping food, calling guys out
(01:16:07) - 1997 team talk and the Edgar Renteria “setup” idea
(01:18:49) - Manny Ramirez: “watch this” and setting pitchers up
(01:22:10) - 2001 All-Star Game and being surrounded by legends
(01:23:15) - Barry Bonds cage session: “catch the ball with the bat”
(01:33:20) - Rapid fire: favorite park, favorite athletes, best teammates
(01:41:14) - Toughest pitcher to hit: John Smoltz “in your meeting”
(01:42:56) - Bob Gibson and the “good guy award” story
(01:45:14) - Wrap-up and the “Happy New Year” cutoff

Key Topics:
Greg Maddux home run story, pinch hit mindset, nitro zone approach
Pedro Martinez brawl story, 1994 Expos intensity, baseball retaliation era
Barry Bonds batting cage insight, hitting mechanics, All-Star Game stories
Jim Leyland leadership, clubhouse culture, World Series preparation
Manny Ramirez approach, setting up pitchers, elite hitter psychology
Minor leagues reality, call-up timing, baseball development and coaching

About Cliff Floyd:
Cliff Floyd played 17 seasons in Major League Baseball, made an MLB All-Star team, and won a World Series championship. He is also a current MLB Network analyst, known for breaking down the game with the same honesty and edge he played with.

️ About the JustIn Time Podcast:
The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As veteran broadcasters, Justin brings unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
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