In this episode of Backfield Banter, we dive into the electrifying atmosphere of Pro Day, where aspiring athletes showcase their skills in front of eager pro scouts. Join us as we hear firsthand from the athletes themselves, sharing their experiences, challenges, and the adrenaline rush of performing under pressure. Discover what it takes to stand out in a competitive field and the strategies these rising stars use to capture the attention of talent evaluators. Whether you're a sports fan or an aspiring athlete, this episode offers an insider's look at the pivotal moments that could shape careers. Tune in for inspiring stories and valuable insights from the next generation of sports talent!

Special Guests:

Bob Zimmermann

Nate Schlote

Grady Westphal

Tyler Wood

Hosts:

Zach McCloud

Producer:

Will Stevens

In the second episode of Backfield Banter, MLB pitcher John Means dives into the essential elements that define success in professional baseball. Join him as he discusses the art of throwing harder and the techniques that can elevate a pitcher's performance. John also emphasizes the importance of mental toughness, sharing personal stories and strategies that help athletes overcome challenges both on and off the field.

Additionally, this episode tackles potential major rule changes in baseball that could reshape the game, offering insights on how these changes would impact players and the overall strategy. John provides a comprehensive look at the evolving landscape of baseball. Whether you’re a player, a fan, or just curious about the sport, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration. Tune in for an unforgettable exploration of what it means to excel in the game!

Special Guests:

Bob Zimmermann

John Means

Hosts:

Zach McCloud

Producer:

Will Stevens

In this episode of Backfield Banter, we dive into the remarkable journey of Major League Baseball pitcher John Means. Join us as we explore the defining moments that shaped John’s early career, his passion for the game, and the hurdles he overcame to rise to prominence in baseball. With engaging stories and unique insights, this episode reveals the driving forces behind John’s success on and off the field. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast or simply love an inspiring story, tune in to discover what makes John Means a standout talent in the world of sports!

Special Guests:

Bob Zimmermann

John Means

Hosts:

Zach McCloud

Contributors:

Will Stevens

Producer:

Will Stevens

In this episode of Backfield Banter, we sit down with up and coming strength coach Victor Cruz to explore the art and science of strength training. Victor shares his journey in the fitness industry, offering invaluable insights into effective training techniques, program design, and the importance of mindset. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, Victor's expertise will inspire you to push your limits and achieve your goals. Join us as we uncover the secrets to building strength and enhancing performance, all while enjoying some practical tips and motivation from one of the best in the business!

Special Guests:

Bob Zimmermann

Victor Cruz, MS, CSCS-RSCC

Hosts:

Frank Duncan

Zach McCloud

Contributors:

Shane Davies

Trevor Jones MS, CSCS

Producer:

Will Stevens

In this episode of Backfield Banter, we dive into the remarkable career of Danny Young, exploring his journey from aspiring player to a the 2024 post season. Danny shares his experiences on and off the field, reflecting on pivotal moments, challenges he faced, and the lessons learned throughout his journey. Join us as we celebrate his achievements, discuss his passion for the game, and gain insights into what it takes to succeed in the competitive world of baseball. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to the sport, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of a dedicated athlete.

Special Guests:

Bob Zimmermann

Danny Young

Hosts:

Frank Duncan

Zach McCloud

Producer:

Will Stevens

The team at Backfield sits down with Joey Wentz and Bob Zimmerman. The conversation covers key moments from Joey Wentz's career, including unforgettable venues, world-class teammates, and the lessons learned along the way. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at the relationship between player and coach, and the trust and understanding that drives success on the mound.

From pitch mechanics to mental toughness, this intimate dialogue dives deep into the process of becoming a top-tier pitcher. Wentz shares stories of overcoming adversity, adjusting to changing demands, and the bond that keeps him focused through the grind of a long season.

Whether you’re a diehard baseball fan, a player looking for tips, or someone who loves hearing candid, personal stories from the game’s greats, this episode delivers a powerful conversation between a coach and his star pitcher that you won’t want to miss.

Special Guests:

Bob Zimmermann

Joey Wentz

Hosts:

Frank Duncan

Zach McCloud

Contributors:

Daniel Harper

Producer:

Will Stevens

In this episode of the Backfield Banter Podcast, host Frank Duncan and his co-hosts engage in a deep conversation with baseball journalist Jeff Passan. They explore Passan's journey in sports journalism, the evolution of baseball fandom, and the changing landscape of training and injury trends in the sport. The discussion delves into the impact of analytics on pitching development, the consequences of the pursuit of velocity, and the cultural differences in baseball around the world. They also touch on the effects of recent rule changes on the game and the future of baseball viewership, concluding with a reflection on the balance between analytics and instinct in managing pitchers. Tune in to hear from one of the most influential voices in sports!

Special Guests:

Jeff Passan

Bob Zimmermann

Hosts:

Frank Duncan

Zach McCloud

Contributors:

Daniel Harper

Bryan Seymour

Producer:

Will Stevens

Episode Description:

In this episode, we sit down with St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Dakota Hudson for an exclusive look at his journey to the Major Leagues. From his college days at Mississippi State to overcoming challenges in the big leagues, Dakota shares the highs, lows, and lessons he's learned along the way. With a focus on the mental and physical aspects of pitching, he gives us insight into what it takes to succeed at the highest level of baseball. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply interested in the grind behind the game, this episode is packed with inspiration, determination, and a true love for the sport. Tune in for an unforgettable conversation with one of the game’s rising stars!

Special Guests:

Bob Zimmermann

Dakota Hudson

Hosts:

Frank Duncan

Zach McCloud

Contributors:

Daniel Harper

Producer:

Will Stevens

In this exclusive episode of Backfield Banter, we sit down with the founder of Premier Baseball KC, Bob Zimmermann, and 2016, 4th overall pick, Riley Pint. Known for his blazing fastball, Riley offers a candid look at his journey through the minor leagues, the pressures of being a highly touted draft pick, and the challenges of staying healthy and focused in professional baseball. From his early days growing up in Kansas to his rise through the Rockies' system, Riley reflects on his experiences, lessons learned, and the mental game behind every pitch. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or someone curious about the inside world of a pitcher’s career, this conversation will take you behind the scenes of what it really takes to succeed at the highest level.

Special Guests:

Bob Zimmermann

Riley Pint

Hosts:

Frank Duncan

Zach McCloud

Contributors:

Daniel Harper

Producer:

Will Stevens

Backfield Banter is a podcast that brings you exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the world of baseball through in-depth interviews with industry professionals. Hosted by pitching guru, Bob Zimmermann; 12-year professional ball player, Frank Duncan; and elite performance coach, Zach McCloud NASM CPT, the show will take you beyond the box score to explore the game from every angle. Each episode features one-on-one conversations with a wide range of guests, including former players, coaches, scouts, analysts, front-office executives, and even sports psychologists—people who shape the game both on and off the field.

The podcast dives deep into the nuances of baseball strategy, player development, the sport's business side, and the game's mental aspect. Whether it’s a retired pitcher reflecting on the evolution of pitching mechanics, a front-office guru explaining how they build a championship roster, or a sports psychologist discussing the mental fortitude needed to perform at the highest level, Backfield Banter delivers insights you won’t hear anywhere else.

In addition to expert opinions, the show also explores the stories and journeys of these professionals—how they got their start, what challenges they’ve faced, and what advice they have for the next generation of players and coaches. Each episode blends personal anecdotes and deep dives into the game's mechanics, offering listeners a multi-dimensional view of baseball.

Whether you're a die-hard fan looking to understand the game's intricacies or someone interested in the inner workings of baseball at the highest level, Backfield Banter provides a rich, thoughtful, and informative look into the sport’s most important voices. Tune in to get smarter about the game, hear incredible stories, and hear from the people who truly know baseball inside and out.

Hosts:

Frank Duncan

Zach McCloud

Contributors:

Trevor Jones MS CSCS

Daniel Harper

Will Stevens

Producer:

Will Stevens