Imagine driving in the winning run on a walk-off single for your hometown team that you’ve dreamed of playing for since you were a little boy. This dream was a reality for Justin Ruchti. His RBI single in the bottom of the 9th against Texas gave his team the opportunity to play for a National Championship, which they would accomplish a few days later. It was the first in the history of Rice University, a very proud baseball program. In this episode, Keith and Justin discuss that moment, the countless hours spent to get to that point, and the pros and cons of listening to everyone’s opinions when you get to professional baseball. Thanks so much again for listening. We appreciate all the support from all of our Heading for Home family.

Gerard Michaels speaks truthfully and candidly when he discusses the subject of his transition out of baseball. When he says “a part of you dies,” I think most retired ballplayers would agree whether they realize it or not. In this episode, Gerard and Keith speak about what is missed when it’s all said and done, practical and important advice from Gerard’s family, and being someone who is active in seeking help when needed. This is a very poignant episode where the language and subject matter is for adults only, but i think it’s extremely genuine and appropriate to what many go through. I hope you enjoy it and thank you for the continued support. Please rate and subscribe if you’re digging what we are doing. 

Life as a “Grinder” is very much a double edged sword. While your teammates all respect you as a guy that would do anything to help the team win, opportunities are sometimes minimal and rarely are front offices giving a grinder a free pass after a down year. Casey Benjamin is the epitome of the “Grinder.” A beloved teammate, Casey had to battle every step of the way. In this episode Keith and Casey discuss taking advantage of every opportunity, his life on the road, and how he got his first nickname in affiliated ball. Thanks so much for listening.

Nobody said baseball was fair. Like life, this game is a perfect microcosm of the many twists and turns that we experience as human beings. Shea Douglas joins us from Mississippi to discuss this sentiment as well as finding contentment, coaching, and how baseball truly is a game that is passed down from fathers to sons. Thank you for listening.

"Making it" is all relative. Today's guest, Ryan Bicondoa, is the epitome of a kid who lived a dream of playing professionally for his favorite team despite never wearing their big league uniform. In this episode, Keith and Ryan discuss growing up and playing ball in a small town, wearing the pinstripes, and feeling like you "made it" despite never playing in the big leagues. Thanks so much again for listening. We hope you are enjoying the show.

When ballplayers think of their favorite baseball movie, Bull Durham is undoubtedly at the top of most lists. Writer/Director Ron Shelton played 6 years of minor league baseball before trading in his cleats for a director's chair. In this episode they discuss his baseball career, making Bull Durham, and how he carved out a path for success in the movie making business. Thanks for listening to this special episode with a true legend. Go check out some of his movies. https://m.imdb.com/name/nm0005421/