Andrew Freeman, Key West High School's Athletic Director, shares an inside look at the thriving sports programs and upcoming season for the Conchs. The conversation covers everything from their exciting football victory to the breadth of sports offerings and student participation.

• Football team secured a thrilling 35-34 win against Homestead with over 400 yards rushing
• The Van Carthon Preseason Classic honored NFL executive and Key West alum Ran Carthon
• Key West secured 8 home football games this season, reducing travel costs and increasing fan attendance
• Nearly half the student body (500-600 of 1350 students) participates in athletics
• Fall sports include football, volleyball, swimming, golf, and cross country
• Key West produced its first-ever four-sport athlete last year in Kieran Smith
• Volleyball program expanded to include freshman, JV, and varsity teams
• Swim coach Lori Bosco is beginning her 30th year leading the program
• Boys soccer won their first district tournament in 10 years last season
• The school maintains strong academic standards with many scholar-athletes maintaining 3.5+ GPAs

Join us at upcoming games to support these dedicated student-athletes. Follow Key West High School Athletics for schedules and updates on all Conch sports programs.

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When a lifelong Miami Marlins supporter and a devoted Yankees fan cross paths at LoanDepot Park, baseball magic happens. Abel Restrain radiates pure passion for America's pastime, captivating everyone around him with his infectious energy and encyclopedic knowledge of the game.

Abel's journey from Nicaragua—where baseball reigns supreme—to becoming Miami's most enthusiastic Marlins fan offers a fascinating glimpse into how baseball creates identity and community. His vivid storytelling transports us through Marlins history, from their inaugural 1993 season through their World Series triumphs to today's promising young squad. With particular delight, Abel celebrates the Marlins' distinction as the only MLB team with a winning all-time record against the mighty Yankees.

What truly shines is Abel's commitment to passing baseball traditions to future generations. His daughters haven't missed an Opening Day since birth, creating a visual timeline with annual photos in the same stadium location. As he awaits the arrival of his son, Abel reflects on baseball's power to unite families across generations.

The conversation weaves through fascinating territory—from the pioneering women in the Marlins' front office to the electric atmosphere of the World Baseball Classic, where Abel witnessed his native Nicaragua compete on the international stage. His firsthand accounts of South Florida's rich baseball culture reveal why the region consistently produces exceptional talent.

Abel's "Mount Rushmore" of Marlins legends—Giancarlo Stanton, Miguel Cabrera, Dontrelle Willis, and Josh Johnson—becomes a heartfelt tribute to players who brought joy beyond mere statistics. His honorable mention of José Fernández reminds us of baseball's capacity to inspire both celebration and profound connection.

Whether you're a dedicated Marlins fan, a baseball historian, or simply someone who appreciates authentic passion, this episode captures why baseball remains America's most storied sport—a game that transcends rivalries and connects us to something larger than ourselves.

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Coach Judd Wise shares his journey through 40 years in Key West sports as a teacher, coach, athletic director, broadcaster, and now historian preserving the island's rich athletic legacy. His passion for documenting Key West's sporting achievements has uncovered remarkable statistics about local athletes who reached professional levels, including six Major League Baseball players, ten NFL players, and numerous state champions.

• Started coaching in early 1980s at Mary Immaculate High School before moving to Key West High School
• Has coached nearly every sport including football, volleyball, basketball, softball, baseball, soccer, and wrestling
• Pioneered the fast-pitch softball program at Key West High School when the state discontinued slow-pitch
• Maintains records of the 54 former Key West athletes currently competing at collegiate level across various sports
• Documents Key West's professional athletes including Heisman Trophy runner-up George Mira and MLB All-Star Boog Powell
• Broadcasts games as part of Conch Town Live radio team for 17 years, calling approximately 700 games
• Currently assists with football program and anticipates strong offensive line for upcoming season
• Proudest accomplishment is former athletes returning to thank him for emphasizing academics over athletics

Listen to Coach Wise and Rick Lopez call Conch football games on WAVK 97.7 FM, with nine home games scheduled for this season starting August 15th with the Rand Carthan preseason classic.

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We're midway through the baseball season with the Yankees sitting between the Blue Jays and Red Sox, and despite some challenges, there are plenty of reasons to feel optimistic about our chances for the remainder of the season.

• Aaron Judge continues to chase history while adding to the Yankees legacy
• Giancarlo Stanton has found his swing again
• Jason Dominguez proving he's the real deal in the leadoff spot
• Bellinger, Goldschmidt and Williams have settled in and are performing well
• Brian Cashman making strategic moves to prepare for a championship run
• Carlos Rodón embracing his role in New York
• Aaron Boone's constant lineup changes causing frustration
• Pitching staff plagued by injuries, resembling "a triage in an ER"
• Anthony Volpe struggling under pressure
• Uncertainty at the catcher position between Wells, Escarra and Rice
• Oswaldo Cabrera's absence impacting team morale and chemistry
• The importance of embracing baseball's imperfections rather than expecting perfection

Let's Go Yankees

Now go, bring joy to the people in your world.

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Jewls and Jade Castillo, sisters and former Lady Conchs softball players, share their journey from players to coaches and their passion for developing the next generation of talent at Key West High School.

• Attending the College World Series in June – a dream trip with record attendance of over 100,000 people
• Professional softball's growing popularity with the AUSL now sponsored by Major League Baseball
• The sisters' softball journey from Kennedy Drive's Rosa Hernandez Field to college scholarships
• Transitioning to coaching roles and working to instill "Conch Pride" in current players
• Creating a family atmosphere and focusing on team bonding for the upcoming season
• Current Lady Conchs graduates playing at colleges including FIU, Dartmouth, Lynn University and USF
• Hosting a summer camp with college players to inspire younger athletes
• The importance of fundamentals like throwing and catching for building skilled players
• Life lessons from softball including teamwork, communication, and accountability

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The MLB Draft highlights the dominance of shortstops, with the first 10 picks being pitchers or shortstops and six coming from high school, including two from Corona High School. History was made when 17-year-old Elis Willits became the youngest #1 pick ever, while the Marlins selected Max Williams from FSU, creating mixed emotions for fans with complicated relationships with the franchise.

• Shortstops and pitchers dominated the draft, with high school players taking 6 of the top 10 spots
• Corona High School in California produced two first-round draft picks
• Eli Willitss made history as the youngest #1 draft pick at age 17
• College pitchers like Kade Anderson and Liam Doyle have shorter paths to the majors
• Jamie Arnold, drafted 11th by Athletics, will likely debut when their Las Vegas stadium opens
• The Home Run Derby features showman Jazz Chisholm and hot-hitting Byron Buxton
• All-Star Game pitching matchup: Detroit's Tarik Sckubal vs. Pirates' Paul Skenes

Grab some peanuts and Cracker Jacks and let's watch the game together.

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The Yankees are experiencing a frustrating summer slump with defensive issues and pitching injuries, losing their division lead as Clayton Kershaw makes MLB history by becoming just the 20th pitcher to record 3,000 career strikeouts. Toronto Blue Jays and Miami Marlins are the hot teams heading into the All-Star break, with the former taking the lead in the AL East and the latter climbing out of the division basement.

• Yankees playing poorly with sloppy defense, lazy at-bats, and bullpen struggles
• Clark Schmidt likely needs Tommy John surgery after a strong season
• Clayton Kershaw joins the elite 3000 strikeout club as only the 20th player in history
• Kershaw is one of only three players to achieve this milestone with one team
• Blue Jays take over AL East lead after sweeping Yankees and winning 9 of 10
• George Springer delivering clutch hits including grand slams in key moments
• Marlins winning 7 of 10 games and moving up from the bottom of their division
• All-Star game and draft coming up in Atlanta on July 15th
• RIP Dave Parker "The Cobra" - 7-time All-Star and Pirates legend

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The LSU Tigers have claimed their eighth national championship by sweeping Coastal Carolina in the College World Series. Controversy emerged when two Coastal Carolina coaches were ejected in the first inning of Game 2 for arguing balls and strikes, highlighting issues with umpire overreach in championship games.

• LSU has now won two championships in three years, cementing their dynasty status
• Coastal Carolina earned respect with competitive, fundamental baseball despite the loss
• Ejection of Coastal's head coach and first base coach in first inning sparked controversy
• Too many reviews and official interventions detracted from the championship experience
• MLB update: Yankees won their series against Baltimore with strong pitching
• Cal Raleigh of Seattle Mariners broke Johnny Bench's record with 31 pre-All-Star break homers
• Sammy Sosa returned to Wrigley Field after 20 years, connecting to the 1998 home run chase
• Personal story of nearly catching Mark McGwire's 59th home run of the 1998 season
• The 1998 Yankees won 114 games and the World Series in a historic season
• Baseball's ability to create lasting memories transcends even the steroid era controversies

Let's go baseball.

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Coach Joey Gonzalez shares how the Marathon Dolphins baseball program has transformed into one of South Florida's hottest teams, capturing back-to-back conference championships and their first district title in 2025. He reveals the program-building philosophy that combines academics with athletics, explaining how his coaching staff has created a complete development pathway from youth leagues through high school.

• Marathon's 2025 season included hosting regionals with record crowds of 600 fans
• The team succeeded with just five seniors who maintained a remarkable 4.25 GPA average
• Coach Gonzalez played for Louis Leo, who later mentored him and entrusted him with coaching Leo's twin sons
• The program faces unique travel challenges, requiring up to $50,000 in annual fundraising
• Discipline is identified as the most crucial element in developing successful baseball players
• Every member of Marathon's coaching staff has deep ties to the Keys baseball community
• The summer program includes 6:30 AM workouts with 15 dedicated players focused on strength training
• Marathon's athletes balance academics with late-night returns from games, completing homework on bus rides

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Baseball's biggest week has arrived with eight teams battling in Omaha for the College World Series championship. The double elimination tournament kicks off Friday,  June 13th and culminates with a three-game championship series beginning Saturday the 21st.

• Arizona, Coastal Carolina, Louisville, and Oregon on one side of the bracket
• Murray State, UCLA, LSU, and Arkansas on the other side 
• Controversy over LSU and Arkansas being on the same side of the bracket
• Murray State continues their Cinderella run as the tournament underdog
• Coastal Carolina coach bringing his whole family 
• Defense and pitching will be key factors in determining the champion

Stay tuned for the next episode featuring Jade and Jewls Castillo, Lady Conch softball coaches, discussing the growing popularity of softball and their experience at the Women's College World Series.

If you enjoyed this episode, drop a review, share and subscribe, because there's a lot of good stuff on tap. You can also follow Bring Joy on YouTube and Instagram. Check my website at joynulisch.com and go bring joy to the people in your world.

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