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.

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