Hold My Cutter

Send us Fan Mail

When the odds seemed stacked against him, John Rock Wehner emerged from Carrick with little more than a Greyhound Bus pass and the support of his grandmother, stepping into the limelight of professional baseball with stories that resonate with the heart of Americana. His voyage is a testament to the power of perseverance, and we're thrilled to share his candid recollections with you. From the culture shock of an empty college dormitory to the pressures of a major league debut, John peels back the curtain on the transformative moments that define a ballplayer's journey.

Navigating potholed fields and overhanging fences, the city athlete's ingenuity takes center stage as Rock reminisces about the rough charm of urban baseball. His tales of homemade field maintenance and unconventional gameplay underscore the resilience and mental toughness needed beyond natural talent. In this episode, we get an intimate view of how pivotal a player's intelligence and adaptability are when facing adversity, and why these attributes often carry more weight than the stats on a player card.

Finally, we celebrate the strategic ballet of baseball with a nod to its unsung heroes—the mentors who guide players like John through the nuances of the game. We reflect on the evolution of coaching, the nuances of outsmarting defensive shifts, and the significance of tactical decision-making. It's a journey through 13 professional seasons, culminating in a profound love for the game that shines in every anecdote, from the thrill of rookie excitement to the pride of a major league at-bat. Join us for an episode that captures the essence of baseball and the undying passion that fuels those who play it.

CHAPTERS

0:08

Journey From Carrick to Indiana

7:25

Urban Baseball Field Stories

18:05

The Importance of Mental Toughness

22:30

The Lost Art of Baseball Strategy

33:55

John Wainer's Baseball Journey

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!!

www.holdmycutter.com

https://www.thedrawingroompgh.com/ 

Send us Fan Mail

I still remember the buzz in the stands when David Bednar, now a two-time All-Star closer with the Pittsburgh Pirates, was once just a hopeful name awaiting the draft call. That same electrifying sense of anticipation fills our latest episode as Bednar himself recounts the very moment his Major League dreams began to come to life, all while keeping a stealthy eye on the draft behind his glove. It's not every day you get to sit down with a big leaguer who vividly shares his rise from a college pitcher to a revered closer, complete with the emotional rollercoaster of his trade to the Pirates—a revelation he first saw unfold on social media. 

Baseball isn't just a game of runs and hits; it's woven with stories of resilience, camaraderie, and those personal rituals that turn players into legends. Bednar opens up about the surreal reality of training during the pandemic, the mental agility it demanded, and the brotherhood that kept him grounded when the stands were empty. From Michael McHenry celebrating the pitcher-catcher connection to the quirky traditions that bond teammates, we trace the lines of friendship and respect that run as deep as the love for the game itself. 

Wrapping up our heart-to-heart, David dives into the sentimental side of baseball, sharing his tradition of collecting game balls—a practice spurred on by his teammate Bones. The tales of these cherished mementos bring us closer to the human side of the sport, where success is marked not just by statistics but by the stories tethered to each triumph. And if you've ever been curious about the grip of a cutter, you'll want to stick around for the unofficial pitching lesson that caps off this conversation. Join us for a chat that's as much about the spirit of baseball as it is about the game itself.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!!

www.holdmycutter.com

https://www.thedrawingroompgh.com/ 

Send us Fan Mail

Pitching isn't just about speed; it's a dance of strategy, precision, and mental agility. Pull up a chair and join us as we unpack the nuances of baseball with Pittsburgh's own David Bednar, the two-time All-Star closer with a splitter that's as sharp as his wit. This episode is a treasure trove for fans and an intimate portrait of an athlete whose heart beats in sync with the city he loves.

Step into the bullpen with us as David cracks open the playbook on his pre-game rituals and the split-second decisions that define a game. The magic happens when a pitcher and catcher's confidence align, and Bednar takes us behind the scenes to reveal how this partnership dictates the flow of the game. From choosing the perfect walkout song to the psychology of a save opportunity, this conversation is a masterclass in the artistry of pitching that transcends the stats and scores.

There's nothing quite like the camaraderie of the bullpen or the surge of energy from a blackout crowd on opening day. As we wind down, David shares anecdotes that highlight the Pirates' profound connection to their community, a relationship that goes beyond baseball. Whether it’s the infectious spirit of a bobblehead night or the impact of meeting a young fan with dreams as big as his, you'll feel the pulse of Pittsburgh in every story. So, settle in and let's celebrate the city, its team, and the pitcher who embodies the indomitable spirit of both.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!!

www.holdmycutter.com

https://www.thedrawingroompgh.com/ 

Send us Fan Mail

Get ready to have your baseball horizons expanded as "Hold my Cutter" sets the stage for the Pittsburgh Pirates' season. This isn't just any season preview; we're bringing the heat with Greg Brown and Michael McKenry straight from Lecom Park, where resilience isn't just a mindset but a necessity against the caprices of spring training weather. Our episode pitches forward with a detailed analysis of the Pirates' adaptability during practice sessions, and we spotlight pitchers Contreras and Paul Skenes—whose changeup is already becoming the stuff of legend. Henry Davis' plate adjustments are dissected with the precision of a master cigar roller, and a Jim Leland anecdote adds a twist of managerial wisdom that's as timeless as the game itself.

This is your dugout to share your thoughts, questions, and even pitch us suggestions for future content. Whether by email or social media, your involvement is the spark that lights up our podcast. As we eagerly await the crack of the bat and the roar of the crowd for the spring training games, we'll be here, giving you the scoop with a side of camaraderie—plus, we've got David Bednar stepping up to the mic in our upcoming episode, ready to throw down some baseball wisdom that's as satisfying as a well-aged cigar.

THANK YOU FOR LISTENING!!!!

www.holdmycutter.com

https://www.thedrawingroompgh.com/