Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell and co-host Tyler Flowers, a former Major League catcher, break down the complexities and excitement of the MLB playoff season. They honor Pete Rose's legacy and debate his Hall of Fame eligibility. Tyler shares insights on playoff matchups, including Cleveland's potential and top teams like the Dodgers and Braves. He also reflects on the changing culture of baseball and the role of fantasy football among MLB players. Packed with expert analysis and playoff insights, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the game.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:55] – Jim and Tyler's tribute to Pete Rose after his passing at age 83.
• [02:26] – Debate on Pete Rose’s eligibility for the Hall of Fame.
• [04:32] – Breakdown of MLB playoff matchups and controversial moments.
• [09:52] – Tyler Flowers on the changing respect for the game among current players.
• [11:12] – Tyler identifies Cleveland as an underrated team in the playoffs.
• [14:58] – Discussion on the key factors for playoff success: hot pitchers, batters, and relievers.
• [16:55] – Impact of adrenaline and the unique energy of postseason baseball.
• [21:15] – Tyler’s prediction on the Braves' chances and X-factors for their playoff success.
• [22:26] - Flip the Switch- Fantasy Football in the culture of major league baseball players.
• [26:24] – Final thoughts on MLB playoff excitement and the role of fantasy football in players' lives.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• The question of whether Pete Rose belongs in the Hall of Fame continues to stir debate, especially given the current integration of gambling into major sports.
• Tyler emphasizes the importance of two hot starters, three relievers, and three batters for any team to make a significant playoff run.
• Tyler believes Cleveland is the most overlooked team in the playoff picture, citing their team chemistry and leadership.
• Tyler reflects on the electrifying atmosphere of playoff baseball and how adrenaline pushes players to perform their best, overcoming the fatigue of a long season.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Cole Tyler Flowers (born January 24, 1986) is an American former professional baseball catcher. Flowers was drafted by the Braves in the 33rd round of the 2005 MLB draft. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox from 2009, when he made his MLB debut, to 2015 and for the Atlanta Braves from 2016 to 2020.

RESOURCE LINKS

X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell

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

Website: http://fansfirstpodcast.com/

Tyler Flowers Instagram:

Jim Powell sits down with Joey Jones, a Marine Corps veteran, motivational speaker, and Fox News contributor. Joey shares his incredible story of overcoming injuries from stepping on an IED while serving in Afghanistan. The conversation delves into his recovery, personal growth, and the lessons learned through faith, family, and resilience. Joey also discusses his book Unbroken Bonds of Battle, his passion for sports, and the pivotal role of relationships in his life.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [01:14] Joey discusses joining the Marine Corps and his early deployments.
• [02:52] Joey explains his decision to become an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technician.
• [04:37] Joey recounts stepping on an IED in Afghanistan and losing both legs.
• [06:11] The benchmarks in Joey's physical recovery, including walking with prosthetics.
• [09:32] Joey talks about his book Unbroken Bonds of Battle and its success.
• [12:45] Joey reflects on the role of faith in his recovery process.
• [15:07] Joey discusses his deep passion for sports, especially the Braves and Bulldogs.
• [17:30] Joey's experience working with musician Zac Brown and his role in veteran programming.
• [21:57] “Get Off My Lawn” segment with a Derrick from Houston, Texas, submission about Caitlin Clark.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Joey’s journey from injury to physical independence in under a year is a testament to his determination and willpower.
• Joey emphasizes the importance of friendships and support systems, from his family to fellow veterans and celebrities like Zac Brown.
• Joey's faith and sense of duty to his family fueled his recovery, pushing him to live life fully despite his injuries.
• Joey uses his platform to advocate for veterans and share his story, helping others find strength and resilience in their own struggles.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Combat-wounded Staff Sergeant (Ret.) Johnny "Joey" Jones turned a traumatic, life-changing disability into a personal mission to improve the lives of all veterans and share the life-changing perspective and gratitude he found in his recovery. Jones is a contributor across all FOX News Media platforms, including FNC, FOX Business Network (FBN) and FOX Nation. He is a fill-in host for several hit shows including the Fox and Friends franchise, The Five and the primetime show Fox News Tonight.

Jones' easy rapport with and genuine concern for people of all walks of life has led to a long list of speaking opportunities. His message focuses on overcoming adversity, finding a positive perspective in dire situations, leaning on those around you, and finding strength in yourself and your community. Rather it be on live television, in writing, or speaking to a live audience, Joey's genuine demeanor, thoughtful approach and innate humor allow him to masterfully connect with people on a gamut of issues. He simply believes we all need the opportunity to remind ourselves what we’re capable of overcoming, the value we bring to others and the necessity to build strong relationships with our teams, family, and community.

Known to his friends as 'Triple J,' Jones was raised in Dalton, Georgia and enlisted in the Marine Corps after high school. During his eight years of service, he worked as an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (bomb) Technician, deploying to both Iraq and Afghanistan on separate tours. During his last deployment to Afghanistan, Jones’ team rendered safe and destroyed more than 80 improvised explosive devices (IEDs) along with thousands of pounds of other unknown bulk explosives. It was during that tour on August 6, 2010, when he stepped on and initiated an IED, resulting in the loss of both of his legs above the knee and severe damage to his right forearm...

Jim Powell sits down with Josh Brooks, the J. Reid Parker Director of Athletics at the University of Georgia. Brooks, a 2023 Sports Business Journal Athletic Director of the Year finalist, shares insights on leading a powerhouse athletic program, the challenges of managing multiple sports, and balancing family life with a demanding career. They discuss UGA’s recent successes, exciting new facility projects, and the future of college athletics. Plus, a passionate fan calls in during the “Get Off My Lawn” segment, stirring up conversation about the Alabama vs. Georgia rivalry.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:45] - Jim Powell introduces Josh Brooks, UGA Athletic Director
• [02:15] - Josh Brooks talks about balancing multiple sports programs
• [03:55] - Brooks discusses how he spends time with his family
• [05:25] - Jim and Josh discuss changes in college football
• [07:15] - Brooks shares what keeps him up at night about college athletics
• [12:00] - Facility renovations and future plans for UGA sports
• [14:15] - Challenges of keeping UGA athletic events affordable
• [16:22] - Josh Brooks discusses UGA basketball and Mike White’s recruiting class
• [18:22] - Flip the Switch
• [21:10] - Brooks gives his thoughts on the Georgia vs. Alabama game
• [22:30] - Get Off My Lawn Segment- Charlotte, North Carolina.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Josh Brooks emphasizes the importance of teamwork and credits much of UGA's athletic success to his predecessors, staff, and athletes.
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• Brooks highlights the challenges of balancing a demanding career as an Athletic Director with being present for his family.
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• UGA is undergoing significant facility renovations, including projects for softball, baseball, and Sanford Stadium to enhance fan experiences.
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• Brooks is optimistic but acknowledges concerns about the future of NCAA, NIL deals, and the increasing demands on student-athletes and coaches.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Josh Brooks (born May 28, 1980) is an American university sports administrator who is athletic director at the University of Georgia, and previously Millsaps College.

Millsaps College[edit]

After stints at Louisiana-Monroe and Georgia, Brooks became the athletic director at Millsaps College, a Division III school located in Jackson, Mississippi.[1]

University of Georgia[edit]

In 2016, Brooks went to the University of Georgia to serve as executive associate director of athletics. Over the course of the next 5 years, Brooks was promoted three times. In 2018, Brooks became a deputy athletic director, and in 2019 became the senior deputy athletic...

Host Jim Powell is joined by legendary sportscaster Wes Durham, who brings his deep insights from covering the NFL and college football. This episode covers his career, the Falcons' latest game, the differences between college football and the NFL, and the complexities of international NFL games. Durham shares his thoughts on his favorite sports, the relationships formed over his career, and insights into NFL team dynamics. The episode concludes with the popular segment 'Get Off My Lawn,' highlighting fan opinions on the challenges of international NFL games.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:40] Special Guest: Wes Durham
• [00:56] Wes Durham on College vs. NFL Football
• [03:58] Rooting for Friends in Sports
• [05:41] Analyzing the Atlanta Falcons
• [07:22] NFL Draft and Quarterback Strategies
• [09:33] Surprising NFL Teams to Watch
• [15:00] - Wes discusses Cincinnati Bengals’ challenges for the upcoming season.
• [17:32] International NFL Games and Field Conditions
• [22:15] - Wes recalls the unforgettable 28-3 Super Bowl story from an insider’s perspective.
• [24:10] Get Off My Lawn segment with a passionate fan submission on NFL international games.

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• In the Southeast, college football is more than a sport—it's a family tradition spanning generations.
• Successful teams must know when to let go of top players to keep cap space balanced while nurturing new talent.
• NFL teams live and die by turnovers, and this was evident in the Falcons’ recent performance.
• As the NFL grows globally, ensuring quality playing conditions for players is crucial.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Dallas Wesley "Wes" Durham (born January 25, 1966, in Greensboro, North Carolina) is an American sportscaster. He is a play-by-play announcer for ESPN and ACC Network coverage of college football and basketball. He works telecasts of the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) due to his experience broadcasting in the conference.

Durham served as the radio play-by-play announcer for the Georgia Tech football and men's basketball teams from the start of the 1995-1996 season through 2010, and continued to announce the basketball games through 2013.[1] He was also Georgia Tech's Director of Broadcasting

"Fans First," Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell sits down with former MLB catcher Tyler Flowers to discuss the Atlanta Braves' season, the art of pitch framing, and what it takes to make a deep postseason run. Tyler shares insights from his time with the Braves, offers his take on the current MLB season, and delves into his post-retirement life, including his unexpected passion for tennis. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just love a good sports story, this episode has something for everyone.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:35] - Introduction of Tyler Flowers and his background with the Atlanta Braves
• [01:45] - Tyler's assessment of the Braves' injury-plagued season and their postseason outlook
• [03:20] - The impact of injuries on the Braves and the resilience of the team
• [04:45] - How pitch framing extended Tyler's career and his thoughts on the future of catching
• [06:50] - Tyler's decision to retire due to back issues and how he's managing his health post-retirement
• [10:15] - Discussion on the National League contenders and the Braves' competition
• [11:00] - Tyler's views on the Philadelphia Phillies and their postseason potential
• [13:15] - The Dodgers' depth and how they might perform in the postseason
• [14:50] - Analysis of the American League, including Tyler's thoughts on the Yankees and Orioles
• [17:00] - Tyler's unexpected passion for tennis and how it became a big part of his life.
• [18:32] Get Off my Lawn with Will Frampton on College Football

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Despite a season full of injuries, the Braves have managed to stay competitive, showcasing the team's depth and resilience.
• Tyler Flowers is known for his pitch framing skills, a technique that extended his career and made him a standout catcher.
• Tyler has found new passions post-retirement, including tennis, which has become an integral part of his life.
• Tyler provides expert analysis on which teams are well-positioned to make a deep run in the upcoming postseason.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Cole Tyler Flowers (born January 24, 1986) is an American former professional baseball catcher. Flowers was drafted by the Braves in the 33rd round of the 2005 MLB draft. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox from 2009, when he made his MLB debut, to 2015 and for the Atlanta Braves from 2016 to 2020.

RESOURCE LINKS

X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell

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

Website: Fansfirstpodcast.com

In the inaugural episode of Fans First A Sports Podcast, Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell welcomes legendary college football writer Tony Barnhart, famously known as "Mr. College Football." They discuss Barnhart's illustrious career, the state of college football, including the impact of NIL and the transfer portal, and the challenges faced by coaches. Barnhart also delves into his latest book, The 19 of Green, reflecting on the integration of a small-town Georgia football team.This episode is packed with insights, humor, and deep reflections on the evolving landscape of college football, along with special segments "Flip the Switch" and "Get off my Lawn”.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:42] Tony Barnhart’s career overview and how he earned the nickname "Mr. College Football"
• [05:00] The evolution of college football media and Tony's transition from print to TV and podcasting
• [07:00] Discussion on NIL, the transfer portal, and the changing landscape of college football
• [14:00] The impact of these changes on coaches and the sustainability of the current model
• [17:00] Preview of the upcoming college football season, focusing on the Georgia vs. Clemson matchup
• [18:22] Flip the Switch on Tony
• [19:00] Tony talks about his book, The 19 of Green, and the integration of his high school football team
• [19:36] Get off my Lawn with Fan Andrew Gibbons
• [22:13] Closing thoughts: Reflecting on Tony’s career and the future of college football

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Tony Barnhart reflects on how journalists need to adapt to survive in the modern media landscape, highlighting the importance of versatility.
• Barnhart discusses the challenges NIL and the open transfer portal pose to the integrity and stability of college football, especially from the fans' perspective.
• Coaches face increasing pressure to constantly recruit and re-recruit players, leading to discussions about potential contracts and the NFL model for college sports.
• Tony’s latest book offers a personal and historical perspective on the integration of a high school football team in Georgia, emphasizing the societal impacts of sports beyond the field.

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

Welcome to "Fans First: A Sports Podcast," where your voice matters most! Hosted by the legendary Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell, this show puts fans at the heart of the conversation. We believe sports are more than just games—they’re a way of life, a source of passion, and a community that brings people together. That’s why "Fans First" is here to celebrate your insights, opinions, and love for the game like never before. Whether you’re cheering in the stands, shouting at the TV, or debating trades with friends, "Fans First" is your go-to destination for all things sports. Each episode features fan-driven discussions, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Jim Powell brings his wealth of experience and storytelling prowess to every episode, guiding conversations that are as engaging as they are insightful. But this podcast isn’t just about the headlines—it’s about the stories that matter to you. From the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat, from blockbuster trades to unforgettable moments in sports history, "Fans First" covers it all. We’re here to give you a platform to share your thoughts, ask tough questions, and connect with a community of fellow sports enthusiasts.

Join us each week as we explore the stories behind the scores, the emotions behind the plays, and the fans who make it all possible. Plus, don’t miss our special segments—“Flip the Switch,” where we suddenly turn the conversation in an unexpected new direction, and “Get Off My Lawn,” where fans can offer their spirited opinions about the hottest current topics in sports before the host gets his chance to react. So, tune in, speak up, and be part of the sports conversation that celebrates what makes the game great—you, the fan!

Bio: 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.

Social Media Handles:

X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell

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

Website: Fansfirstpodcast.com