In segment two Tom discusses getting signed and heading off to the minors for the Braves. It was culture shock for him. First time being away from home and it wasn't college but professional baseball and it was his job. Mark Lemke was his roommate in Bradenton, Florida and it was an eye opener for him being a professional athlete. Lot's of adjustments and huge learning curve.
He had to learn new pitching mechanics and how to throw certain pitches. The work load was different in learning all these new things. One big thing was the "grind" as it were being a baseball player in the minors. Had to learn to keep busy between starts as he was not an everyday player. Had to learn focus on his job.
As we continue with Tom talking minor leagues he highlights his call up to the Braves on August 17, 1987. He was in Toledo and had lost a game and his manager called him to tell him he was called up by the Braves and headed to Houston to meet up with the team. Great story of how he was getting ready for his first start in the majors. All the emotions he was feeling at the time.
As he was with the Braves he had a turning point with manager Russ Nixon. Tom had been struggling a bit and he was called into the office in Wrigley Field by Russ. He told him they believed in him and he was there because there was no one in the minors who take his place, so figure out what you have to do to be successful here in the "Majors".
One thing Tom highlights is in the majors you are going to have about 35 starts. 1/3 of time your are going to be on, 1/3 your going to be terrible. 1/3 your in the middle, that is where you have to figure things out and how to win those games.
Tom also, highlights how he and Greg Maddox, Steve Avery, and John Smoltz would talk pitching all the time. How to set guys up. Certain pitches to throw. What is working and not working. One guy early in his career who was great for him was Ted Simmons. He was Tom's catcher and used to talk him about all different things in between innings.
It is a great listen into what is going on during a season and games.