Moving through life, the baseball podcast

The guys talk about their differing approaches to two-strike hitting over the years, advice they got from various Reds coaches (and the game itself), and what the last day of a minor league season was usually like. Plus, they answer the question, “What’s fun for you – winning or simply competing?” In this episode:

• Frank’s two-strike hitting approach throughout his career

• Some simple advice from Ken Griffey, Sr.

• Knowing your situation, knowing your approach

• Advice on overcoming the fear of striking out

• How the game itself helps us simplify

• Advice from an early coach that helped Lutzy shape his approach at the plate

• The cat, the mouse, and Eric Davis

• What’s fun for you?

• Lutzy’s key to beating the game

• Minor League “getaway day” stories

• “Is there value in grinding through a season on a bad team?” or, “No mud, no lotus”

• Frank talks gratitude

• The world premiere of Frank’s excellent new song “To Night, from Morning”

Season two of Moving Through Life, The Baseball Podcast kicks off with Lutzy and Frank diving into what it means to be a grinder in baseball and how sports philosophy can help nurture your relationship with the game and life. In this episode:

• What is a “grinder”, anyway?

• Frank talks about his grind through the ups and downs of his 2011 season.

• Lutzy talks about the things he wishes he’d learned earlier in his career.

• Frank talks about his role as a mental skills coach for the Reds and how sports and performance philosophy can help you be in tune with the game and the people around you.

• Lutzy talks about the grind of breaking his finger at the end of the season and the lead up to his retirement.

• Frank shares his new song, “Opal’s Moon”.

Lutzy and Frank stretch it out as they welcome former teammate and longtime friend Steve “Death Turkey” Selsky. Steve shares his unique journey to the pros and his draft story as well as a very different kind of journey – working through the adversity of injuries. The guys cover some great topics around making the best of every opportunity, flipping negative situations and working through setbacks. They also talk about the different coaching styles that helped them at different levels of the Reds farm system and how letting the game be your coach can sometimes bring the best results. At more than an hour and a half, this episode has loads of great stories and fantastic insights around resilience and being adaptable. Lastly, Frank shares his excellent new song, “Hide and Seek”.

In this episode, Frank interviews Lutzy and he reflects on his favourite aspects of the game including the biggest influences throughout his career, the parts of the game he loves most and the traits that make a great teammate. Plus, Donald tells the story of how beach balls became his nemesis and what he’d say, if he could go back in time, to “First day in the major leagues” Donald. Then, Frank shares his new tune “Back Around”.

In this episode, Lutzy and Frank talk about the various superstitions they had throughout their careers, their effects (or lack thereof) and the advice they got from coaches and mentors about their value. They also explore the line between superstition and routine as well as respecting the baseball gods. Then, Frank shares his funky take on the classic nursery rhyme (and Civil War-era song) “Ants Go Marching”.

In this episode, Frank and Donald talk about Frank’s experiences with writing and performing music and the parallels between laying your heart on the line in front of 14 people and performing on a baseball field in front of 14,000. They explore the similarities (and differences) to batting practice and touch on topics like preparation, focus and the actual importance of both. Then, the guys cover the value of positive, negative and brutally honest feedback throughout their careers. Lastly, Frank shares his new song, “Wasted Waiting”.

In this episode, Donald and Frank cover topics like advice for youth coaches – and all levels – around working with players at various ages and finding the balance between keeping it fun and having expectations of young players. They also share their perspectives on working with different skill levels in the same age group and how to make it fun for both the advanced player and the player just starting out. Then, Frank shares his excellent new song “Stay Amazed”.

Frank and Lutzy go short on all things bunting – the ultimate team play! This in-depth exploration of the art of the bunt covers the offensive and defensive situational strategies associated with sacrifice bunts, drag bunts and push bunts. The guys also share some funny bunt-related anecdotes from their careers. Then, Frank crushes a double to the gap with his new tune, “Kūkolu Morning Loop (Bumpin’ and Lovin’)”.

In this sincere and enlightening episode, Frank and Donald go deep on topics like navigating the emotional rollercoaster of not being an everyday player, the constant threat of demotion and even the eventual end of a career. They also share some great insights about staying out of victim mode, continuing to contribute in the face of uncertainty and their thoughts on how we can listen to our emotions and find a role for them in our daily lives. Then, the guys reflect on the hidden gravity and importance of unsung team leaders, the grind of backup catchers and continue their chat about the “Redwoods” – the mentors and influences such as Corky Miller who have helped shape the lives of so many players. Lastly, Frank shares his new song “Ants Go Marching (Lying Eyes)”.

Language warning.

Lutzy and Franky welcome their first guest to the show, former teammate and 11-year MLB veteran Todd Frazier.

Todd and the guys talk about how a seemingly innocuous RBI double in a minor league game in Buffalo, NY (scoring one Frank Pfister) was the career-defining turning point for the two-time All Star and 2015 MLB Home Run Derby winner.

Then, they cover a range of topics including coaching kids, the fine line between confidence and cockiness, and Todd’s most important advice for young ball players.

The episode is full of great insights, advice and stories about their journeys through MiLB and MLB, playing the game the right way and life after baseball. Definitely a milestone episode for MTL-The Baseball Podcast.

Lastly, Frank shares his famous Mufasa impression and his new tune called “After the storm”.

Special thanks to “The Toddfather”. Be sure to check out his podcast “Foul Territory”.