What happens when two MLB Hall of Famers, a legendary sportscaster, and a former MLB catcher-turned-coach sit down to talk about the state of the game? In this can't-miss episode of Fans First, host Jim Powell is joined by Braves legends Chipper Jones and John Smoltz, along with co-host Tyler Flowers, for an unfiltered conversation about the evolution of baseball. From the controversial torpedo bat to the analytics era, pitch clock changes, and the Braves’ tough start to 2025, this episode steps up to the plate and gets into the soul of the sport. Are hitters too focused on launch angle? Have we lost the art of situational hitting? Is youth pitching on a dangerous path? The trio offers hard-hitting opinions, nostalgic reflections, and plenty of truth bombs that every true fan will appreciate.

KEY TIMESTAMPS:

• (00:31) Jim Powell welcomes listeners and introduces new sponsor the Georgia Advisory Group
• (02:13) Chipper Jones and John Smoltz join the podcast
• (03:08) Torpedo bat debate – is it helping or hype?
• (06:37) John Smoltz on exit velocity and hitting philosophy
• (08:54) MLB rule changes: pitch clocks, ghost runners, and frustration
• (11:00) Analytics vs tradition: Has baseball lost its way?
• (13:15) The Braves’ identity crisis and struggles in 2025
• (17:00) Hitting vs. pitching in the postseason
• (25:00) Contracts, injuries, and the reward system in modern baseball
• (30:00) Youth pitching, early specialization, and max-effort culture
• (39:00) John Smoltz’s golf journey and reflections on The Masters
• (42:26) Chipper’s praise for Steve Avery’s underrated career
• (45:00) Final thoughts: What baseball needs next

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Torpedo Bats Stir Controversy: While some players swear by them, Hall of Famers aren’t convinced they’re a game-changer.
• Baseball’s Identity Crisis: Analytics are dominating strategy, but at what cost? Situational play and fundamentals are disappearing.
• The Braves’ Reality Check: Injuries, strikeouts, and bullpen inconsistency are plaguing Atlanta's 2025 season.
• Youth Pitching Warnings: Max-effort culture and early curveballs could be setting kids up for injury and burnout.

BIOS:

Jim Powell – Longtime MLB sportscaster and the voice of the Atlanta Braves. Known for his deep knowledge, dry wit, and fan-first mindset.

Chipper Jones – MLB Hall of Famer, 8x All-Star, and one of the greatest switch-hitters in baseball history. Now a hitting consultant and analyst.

John Smoltz – Hall of Fame pitcher, Cy Young Award winner, and elite postseason performer. Current FOX and MLB Network broadcaster.

Tyler Flowers – Former MLB catcher for the Braves and White Sox. Now a youth coach and co-host of Fans First.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

• MLB.com
• Youth Pitching Safety Guidelines – USA Baseball

SPONSOR:

• Georgia Advisory Group

TAGS:

MLB, Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, Braves 2025, Fans First Podcast, Tyler Flowers, Baseball Analytics, Torpedo Bat, MLB Rule Changes, Hall of Fame, Youth Baseball, Exit Velocity, Pitch Clock, Situational Hitting, Jim Powell

Ever wondered what makes Augusta National truly special or how Tiger Woods reshaped professional golf? Join host Jim Powell as he speaks with NBCSports/GolfChannel expert Steve Burkowski. Explore the fascinating evolution of professional golf, uncovering how technology and advanced training have transformed the game. Gain exclusive, behind-the-scenes insights into Augusta National Golf Club, home of the Masters Tournament, and discover how they adapt to modern advancements. Steve shares compelling stories about Tiger Woods' groundbreaking influence and dives into the ongoing divide between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour. He also reveals his top picks for the 2025 Masters Tournament, analyzing contenders and potential dark horses. This episode is a must-listen for golf enthusiasts eager for expert analysis and predictions.

• (01:35) Introduction of Steve Burkowski
• (02:18) Evolution of golf technology
• (04:36) Tiger Woods' impact on golf
• (08:40) Why the Masters Tournament is unparalleled
• (12:01) How Augusta National adapts to technology
• (15:41) LIV Golf and its influence
• (21:00) Top contenders for the 2025 Masters
• (24:36) The relationship between golfers and media
• (28:01) Which tournaments golfers would cut from the tour
• (30:21) Steve Burkowski’s professional journey and advice for success

• Technology and training advancements have dramatically reshaped golf.
• Tiger Woods significantly influenced golf's popularity among younger athletes.
• The Masters at Augusta National is the pinnacle of professional golf tournaments.
• The divide between LIV Golf and the PGA Tour significantly impacts golf’s future.

• NBC Sports Golf Coverage
• Masters Official Website
• PGA Tour Official Website
• LIV Golf Information
• Golf Channel Steve Burkowksi
• LinkedIn Steve Burkowski

Golf, Masters Tournament, Steve Burkowski, Augusta National, Tiger Woods, LIV Golf, PGA Tour, Golf Commentary, Sports Media, Fans First a Sports Podcast, Jim Powell, Sports Announcer, PGA, NBCSports, GolfChannel

Fans First, host Jim Powell and Tyler Flowers sits down with baseball legend Billy Badass Wagner, one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in MLB history. Billy talks about his emotional Hall of Fame election, the journey of becoming a Hall of Famer, and what it meant to him to be recognized for his incredible 400-save career. He shares stories about his family, including his son’s MLB career, his old-school approach to baseball, and his thoughts on the future of the game, including the impact of technology like robot umpires. Billy also dives into the lighter side of his career, from unforgettable pranks with teammates to his favorite catchers and the challenges of being a parent in the world of professional sports.

Timestamps:

• (01:00) Introduction to Billy Wagner
• (01:39) Billy's Emotional Hall of Fame Announcement
• (04:01) A Close Look at Billy Wagner’s Legacy
• (07:47) The Story Behind Billy’s Unlikely Career
• (11:09) Reflections on Hall of Fame Induction and Family Pride
• (14:15) Billy Talks About the Hard Work of Being in the Hall of Fame
• (18:10) Billy’s Early Career and His Change to Left-Handed Pitching
• (19:11) Billy's Take on the Evolution of Baseball and Technology
• (23:05) Thoughts on MLB's Future: Robot Umpires & Pitching Revolution
• (27:18) Behind the Scenes: Baseball Pranks and Team Dynamics
• (31:22) Billy Discusses His Favorite Catchers
• (33:50) Billy’s Perspective on Old-School Baseball vs. New Trends
• (36:15) The Most Unforgettable Moments of Billy’s Career
• (39:48) Billy’s Regret About Missing a Championship
• (42:03) Wrap-Up: Reflections on Billy’s Legacy and Family

Key Takeaways:

• Billy Wagner’s Legacy: A true powerhouse on the mound, Billy Wagner’s career is highlighted by his 400 saves and his reputation as the toughest pitcher to hit in MLB history.
• Family and Baseball: Billy’s family has played a huge role in his career, from his emotional Hall of Fame election to his son’s current MLB journey.
• Old-School Baseball Values: Billy shares his perspective on the game’s evolution, including his old-school approach and thoughts on the new era of baseball with the introduction of technology and robot umpires.
• Hall of Fame Induction and Recognition: For Billy, being inducted into the Hall of Fame represents not just personal success, but a tribute to his small-town roots and the journey that led him to be a baseball legend.

Resource Links:

Fans First Podcast Website http://www.fansfirstpodcast.com

About the Guest:

Billy BadAss Wagner is a former MLB pitcher known for his powerful left arm and incredible fastball. With a career spanning over 16 years, Billy made a significant impact on the game, finishing with 400 saves, one of the highest marks for a relief pitcher. His achievements earned him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2025. Billy is also known for his humble beginnings in Southwest Virginia and his deep love for the game, which he continues to share with his family, especially his son, who is now playing in the major leagues.

Billy Wagner, Baseball Hall of Fame, MLB, Jim Powell, Tyler Flowers, Sports Podcast, Baseball Stories, 400 Saves, Baseball Career, Baseball Legends, MLB Hall of Fame, Fan Stories, Baseball Pranks, Pitching Careers, Fans First, Billy the Kid

Jim Powell and Tyler Flowers sit down with Brian Snitker, manager of the Atlanta Braves, to talk all things baseball, leadership, and the upcoming MLB season. From managing the off-season workload to navigating spring training, pitching rotations, and roster changes, Snitker gives an inside look at how the Braves prepare for success.

The discussion dives into player development, the challenges of keeping a team healthy, and the impact of offseason roster moves. Plus, Brian Snitker shares his thoughts and insights on what makes Alex Anthopoulos one of the top GMs in the game, as well as on Chris Sale’s role, Spencer Strider’s return, and Ronald Acuña Jr.'s recovery. But we don’t just stop there, we talk about the 2025 Hall of Fame class led by Ichiro, Sabathia, and former Brave Billy Wagner.

Timestamps:

• [00:00] Introduction – Jim Powell & Tyler Flowers Welcome Brian Snitker
• [02:00] What Does an MLB Manager Do in the Offseason? Snitker’s Routine & Calls with Alex Anthopoulos and what makes him one of the top GMs
• [06:15] Travis d’Arnaud’s Departure & Murphy’s Opportunity as the Braves’ Primary Catcher
• [09:30] Braves’ Offseason Moves – What Worked, What Didn’t & What to Expect
• [15:45] Pitching Rotation Breakdown – Chris Sale’s Role, Strider’s Recovery & Ian Anderson’s Return
• [22:00] Managing Player Development & The Next Generation of Braves Talent
• [30:15] Leadership & Culture – How the Braves Stay Competitive in a Tough Division
• [35:45] Flip the Switch Segment – Behind the Scenes with Alex Anthopoulos & Braves Front Office
• [40:30] Get Off My Lawn Segment – The State of Modern Basketball

Key Takeaways:

• Spring Training is Key to Success – The Braves are focusing on keeping players healthy, optimizing pitching rotations, and ensuring strong roster depth.
• Sean Murphy is Ready to Lead – With Travis d’Arnaud gone, Murphy is expected to thrive as Atlanta’s starting catcher.
• Chris Sale’s Performance Will Be a Game-Changer – If Sale stays healthy, he could be a dominant force in the Braves’ rotation.
• Alex Anthopoulos’ Leadership is Crucial – The Braves’ GM involves players, coaches, and even clubhouse staff in major decisions, ensuring a winning culture.

Stay connected with us:

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

About Brian Snitker:

Brian Snitker is the manager of the Atlanta Braves, leading the team to a World Series Championship in 2021. With decades of experience in player development, coaching, and leadership, he remains one of MLB’s most respected managers. His insights on team culture, roster strategy, and game management provide a unique inside look at professional baseball.

MLB, Baseball, Atlanta Braves, Brian Snitker, Jim Powell, Tyler Flowers, MLB Offseason, Baseball Leadership, Braves Spring Training, Pitching Rotation, Player Development, Sports Podcast, Brian Snitker, Ronald Acuña Jr, Spencer Strider, Chris Sale, Ichiro, Sabathia, Billy Wagner,

In this heartfelt episode of Fans First, Jim Powell reminisces about his 13-year tenure with the legendary Bob Uecker at the Milwaukee Brewers. Powell shares hilarious and touching stories, illustrating Uecker's incredible sense of humor, humility, and the unique bond they created. The episode also features a discussion with Tony Barnhart, 'Mr. College Football,' on the upcoming national championship game, addressing topics from the NIL to the future of college football, and insights on various college teams, including Ohio State and Notre Dame. Listeners are also invited to participate in upcoming episodes and join the Fans First community on social media.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Starting with the Milwaukee Brewers
• (00:27) First Impressions and Icebreakers
• (02:10) Spring Training and Bob's Advice
• (02:49) Life on the Road with Bob Uecker
• (03:53) Bob Uecker's Loyalty to Milwaukee
• (06:02) Upcoming Special Episode Announcement
• (06:21) Personal Reflections on Bob Uecker
• (09:11) College Football Playoff Discussion
• (12:02) Analysis of the Notre Dame vs. Ohio State matchup and why Tony views Notre Dame as a "team of destiny”
• (18:20) Future of college football: NIL challenges, transfer portal, and the need for collective bargaining agreements
• (24:20) Future of College Football
• (29:15) Closing Remarks and Farewell

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Bob Uecker’s natural humor and kindness were integral to his character. He was able to ease the tension in the room with his jokes, helping others feel comfortable, and he always treated people with respect.
• While the playoff system has added excitement, flaws remain in how teams are ranked and seeded, causing mismatches.
• Tony believes Notre Dame has intangibles that could make them a "team of destiny," even if Ohio State has more talent on paper.
• The NIL and transfer portal have fundamentally changed college sports. Solutions like salary caps or collective bargaining agreements could help stabilize the system.
• Tony predicts 2026, when current contracts expire, as a pivotal year for addressing these challenges and reimagining the sport’s structure.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Tony Barnhart is a former reporter for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution who currently appears as a college football insider for CBS Sports on their college football coverage.

Barnhart graduated with a degree in journalism from the University of Georgia in 1976. He began his career as a reporter for the Greensboro News & Record. He moved to Atlanta in 1984, where he covered mostly ACC action. In July 1987, he started as the college sports editor of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Before going to CBS, he was a reporter for ESPN's college football coverage beginning in 1993. He started appearing as a regional beat reporter on their "halftime blitz." Starting with the 1997 season, he began appearing on

This tribute recounts heartfelt memories of working with the legendary Bob Uecker, known as 'Mr. Baseball,' and his profound influence on the Milwaukee Brewers Radio Network. The host shares personal anecdotes about meeting Bob Uecker, their first broadcasts together, and the unique charm that made Bob Uecker endearing to everyone he met. From spring training stories to the reasons why Bob Uecker remained loyal to Milwaukee despite lucrative offers from other teams, this tribute highlights Uecker's humility, humor, and unwavering love for his roots and people. The episode will also preview an upcoming special featuring fan-favorite Bob Uecker stories.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:00) Meeting Bob Uecker: The First Impressions
• (0:34) Spring Training and the Breath Mint Incident
• (02:05) First Spring Training Game: Words of Wisdom
• (02:49) Life on the Road with Bob Uecker
• (03:53)Why Bob Uecker Stayed in Milwaukee
• (05:13) Bob Uecker’s Legacy and Humor
• (06:07) Final Thoughts and Upcoming Tribute

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Bob Uecker’s natural humor and kindness were integral to his character. He was able to ease the tension in the room with his jokes, helping others feel comfortable, and he always treated people with respect.
• Despite his fame, Bob never forgot his roots in Milwaukee. He loved the blue-collar people and made sure to stay grounded, rejecting offers from larger teams like the Yankees to remain in Milwaukee.
• Bob Uecker had a unique ability to connect with people from all walks of life, and his genuine kindness made him beloved by fans and colleagues alike. His legacy as a friend and broadcaster is unforgettable.
• Bob's humor was impactful yet never relied on profanity or shock value. His ability to entertain and make people laugh in a clean, natural way set him apart from others in comedy.

ABOUT THE HOST:

Jim Powell is an American radio and television sportscaster, previously employed with Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Brewers (1996–2008) and Atlanta Braves (2009–2023). A native of Roswell, Georgia, Powell was educated at the University of Georgia. He began his baseball play-by-play career with the minor-league Columbia Mets (1987–89, 1993–94) and Charlotte Knights (1990–91, 1995), also calling games part-time for the Minnesota Twins in 1993–94 before being hired by the Brewers in 1996. Teaming with Bob Uecker, Powell called games for the Milwaukee Brewers Radio Network and was Uecker’s longest-tenured partner. Powell was named Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year in 1998. In 2009, he began teaming with Don Sutton to call games on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network and continued his play-by-play role through 2023. In addition to his baseball work, Powell has called college football (for the University of South Carolina and CBS Radio) and college basketball (for Davidson College and South Carolina) at various points in his career. Powell was a National Merit Scholar and is MENSA-qualified. He was inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2020.

RESOURCE LINKS

X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell

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

Website: Fansfirstpodcast.com

Legendary sportscaster Jim Powell continues an in-depth conversation with Hall of Famer John Smoltz, focusing on the future of the Braves' off-season and the significance of developing young pitchers. They discuss changes in pitching philosophy and the impact of health on career longevity. The dialogue also shifts to the evolving landscape of college football, touching on issues like NIL deals and the controversy surrounding biological men in women's sports. The episode concludes with reflections on the importance of fundamentals and the influence of social media on sports culture. Tune in for expert insights and engaging discussions on key issues in sports today.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• (00:33) Holiday Bonus Edition with John Smoltz
• (00:59) Braves Offseason Prospects
• (01:34) Pitching Strategies and Challenges
• (05:50) College Football Dynamics
• (09:48) Controversies in College Sports
• (14:03) Reflections and Future Plans
• (21:17) Closing Remarks and Fan Engagement

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The Braves' success hinges on staying healthy and fostering young pitchers’ long-term development.
• Modern baseball's analytics-driven approach risks stifling player autonomy and longevity.
• The shift in college sports dynamics poses challenges for coaches and athletes alike.
• Advocating for fairness and tradition in sports is essential amidst evolving societal norms.

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.

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

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:

• (0:43) 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
• (17:33) Get Off My Lawn Segment
• (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