The Out of the Box Boys are back to conclude Softball Media Days! Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson return to finish up this project with more SEC softball coaches for Day 4 of the event. Here’s the rundown: 

First, Tom and Gray preview Day 4 of Softball Media Days and discuss Alabama, South Carolina, Georgia, and Ole Miss (0:00-6:52). 

Then, Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy joins the program to discuss replacing Skylar Wallace, how things look at catcher, managing a big pitching staff, Bailey Dowling’s development, the return of Claire Jenkins, the outlook of college softball in 2021, and much more (6:57-37:28). 

Next, South Carolina head coach Bev Smith swings by to discuss the health of the pitching staff, replacing Jana Johns, how the offense can progress in 2021, putting pieces together with an inflated roster, what it will take to make a WCWS push, and much more (38:32-58:32). 

After that, Georgia head coach Lu Harris-Champer stops by to talk about lessons learned in 2020, replacing Ciara Bryan and Justice Milz, Mary Wilson Avant’s potential, CJ Landrum’s impact, playing at Clemson last season, ways to improve the sport of softball, and more (58:40-1:30:13). 

Finally, in the last interview of Softball Media Days, new Ole Miss head coach Jamie Trachsel talks to the guys about her first few months on the job, the differences between coaching in the south versus the north, bringing Katie Rietkovich Browder to Oxford, the addition of Maddi Banks to the roster, the complications of scheduling in 2021, and much more (1:30:21-1:58:51). 

To close the show, Tom and Gray make way-too-early predictions for the 2021 season, say lots of thank yous, provide a quick “Off the Wall,” and give a few explanations for why having an event like this is important (1:58:57-2:19:19).

The Out of the Box Boys have returned for Day 3 of Softball Media Days! Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson are here to talk with more SEC softball coaches about their programs and the 2021 season in the second week of this very special project. Here’s the rundown:

First, Tom and Gray preview Day 3 of Softball Media Days and discuss Kentucky, Texas A&M, and LSU (0:00-5:05).

Then, Kentucky head coach Rachel Lawson joins the program to discuss some of the insane results from the 2020 season, why she creates difficult non-conference schedules, replacing Alex Martens and Bailey Vick, managing a deep pitching staff, the growth of Autumn Humes and Grace Baalman, and much more (5:13-33:17).

Next, Texas A&M head coach Jo Evans stops by to talk about the 2020 season’s ups and downs, the addition of Craig Snider to the staff, Makinzy Herzog’s offseason rehab, incoming transfer pitcher Kelsey Broadus, Davis Diamond, scheduling concerns, College Station restaurants and more (34:23-1:06:44).

Finally, LSU head coach Beth Torina swings by to discuss the lessons from the 2020 season, the returns of the seniors, pitching depth and how that helps strategically, Taylor Pleasants, the best places to eat in Baton Rouge, and much more (1:06:50-1:34:20).

To close the show, Tom and Gray recap the third episode and tease Day 4 of Softball Media Days, which will feature Alabama, Georgia, South Carolina, and Ole Miss (1:34:28-1:43:43).

The Out of the Box Boys return for Day 2 of Softball Media Days! Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson are back to talk with more SEC softball coaches about their programs and the 2021 season. Here’s the rundown: 

First, Tom and Gray preview Day 2 of Softball Media Days and break down Missouri, Mississippi State, and Auburn (0:00-5:52). 

Then, Missouri head coach Larissa Anderson joins the program to discuss how her team reacted to the NCAA postseason ban reversal this offseason, Missouri’s mindset in 2020, the pitch-by-committee strategy, building chemistry during quarantine, returning offensive threats, fresh faces that can make an impact in 2021, and much more (6:03-34:24). 

Next, Mississippi State head coach Samantha Ricketts stops by to talk about her somewhat strange tenure as the leader in Starkville, the rise of Emily Williams and Annie Willis in the circle, offensive players who can back up Mia Davidson and Fa Leilua, fall scrimmages, analytics in coaching, and more (35:27-1:03:53). 

Finally, Auburn head coach Mickey Dean swings by to discuss leading a team in a year like 2020, Samantha Yarbrough’s improvement in the circle, coaching in the SEC compared to James Madison, the addition of Kaylee Horton as well as an impressive freshmen class, the Iron Bowl and how that helps recruiting, and much more (1:04:01-1:38:45). 

To close the show, Tom and Gray recap the second episode and tease Day 3 of Softball Media Days, which will feature Kentucky, Texas A&M, and LSU (1:38:53-1:47:48).

The Out of the Box Boys are back and ready to present something brand new: Softball Media Days! That’s right, Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson are here to talk with every SEC school about softball over the next two weeks, and it’s time to get it started!

First, Tom and Gray preview Softball Media Days and discuss what went into getting everything together while also revealing the full schedule for the event. Also, the guys finally get a chance to react to Skylar Wallace transferring from Alabama to Florida (0:00-17:55).

Then, Florida head coach Tim Walton joins the program to discuss how his team performed in 2020, the improved pitching staff, the dynamic duo of Charla Echols and Kendyl Lindaman, replacing Sophia Reynoso at shortstop, newcomers on the roster, and so much more (18:02-46:54).

Next, Arkansas head coach Courtney Deifel stops by to talk about the return of Autumn Storms, Mary Haff’s offseason, Jenna Bloom’s ability in the circle, Hannah McEwen’s next step in development, the current trajectory of the program, and much more. Then, the guys give a small preview to the upcoming conversation about Tennessee (47:57-1:15:59).

Finally, Tennessee co-head coaches Karen and Ralph Weekly swing by to discuss Ashley Rogers, Callie Turner’s 2020 performance, the importance of Ally Shipman, the addition of Megan Rhodes Smith to the coaching staff, the possible softball schedule in 2021, and more (1:16:07-1:42:25).

To close the show, Tom and Gray recap the first episode and tease the second episode of Softball Media Days (1:42:31-1:46:02).

As the Out of the Box boys continue working on a special project (to be announced soon), Gray and Tom take some time to remember the legendary Alex Trebek after his passing. Then, Tom tells the story of his time as a contestant on Jeopardy! and what he remembers about meeting the iconic game show host.

While waiting around for 2020 to end, Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson have reunited in the studio to go over some news, answer some questions, and play some games. Here is your trip around the bases: 

At the Plate (0:00-26:18): Tom and Gray discuss some of the recent news involving Alabama softball including an engagement, a new job, a few roster departures and more. Then, Gray tells the story of his summer with the Florida Gulf Coast League that includes befriending Sooners and Huskies, a trip to the Space Coast, magnificent performances from Northwestern's Kenna Wilkey and Illinois State's Mack Leonard, and much more. 

Advancing to First (26:25-54:20): The mailbag is back! Thanks to the listeners, the guys debate everything from Alabama’s potential 2021 lineup and which college staffs (besides Alabama) they’d love working alongside to Athletes Unlimited and breakfast cereal. No topic is off-limits in the mailbag! 

Stealing Second (54:31-55:28): Despite our best attempts, we were unable to bring on Missouri volunteer assistant coach and FGCL coach of the year Michaela Transue because of some miscommunications. Don’t worry though, our new friend Michaela will hopefully be on the podcast in the future. 

Rounding Third (55:36-1:09:29): The guys take a look at the transfer portal and discuss the possible ramifications of the decisions made so far. Then, they do their own version of the Athletes Unlimited Draft and take one player at the five listed positions to be the base of their team. 

Heading Home (1:09:36-1:30:03): To close the episode, Gray and Tom dig into an “Off the Wall” that discusses some controversial officiating during the FGCL's trip to the Space Coast. Then, it’s a tease for a future podcast idea before introducing a new segment, “What’s Good,” that highlights some fantastic softball news out of Ghana and a new addition to the family of a frequent guest!