Moving through life, the baseball podcast

This episode focuses on insights and information for parents and coaches that might be new to junior baseball in Australia. The guys chat with MTL The Baseball Podcast’s co-producer, Jim Strachan, who shares his experiences as a coach and parent and they also talk about advice from mentors, growing the game in Australia, and building resilience in players and yourself as a parent. The episode also...

Franky and Lutzy welcome back former Reds teammate, head of MLB China and current hitting coach for China’s WBC team Ray Chang. This time, they go deep on their experiences and approaches to handling different coaching styles and personalities at different levels of the game. This episode is full of gold for all players, parents and coaches, but is a must-listen for young players transitioning int...

Sharpen your pencil and grab your notebook because there’s a lot of gold dropped in this episode. The guys are joined by current Cincinnati Reds Assistant Hitting Coach and long-time friend and mentor Alex Pelaez for an informative and insightful conversation about the physical and mental sides of hitting and the journey to finding success at the plate. Al shares his thoughts on simplifying your a...

In this episode, Frank and Lutzy cover the highs, lows and in-betweens of confidence, answer a listener question and share confidence-related stories from their careers in major league, minor league and international baseball. ​ Frank and Lutzy discuss their chances of suiting up for a stint in the NFL ​ How being confident comes with a sense of being realistic ​ How doubt helps to grow confidence...

In this episode, the guys catch up with former Reds teammate Chad “Sharky” Rogers, who shares stories about how he got the nickname, his baseball journey, life after baseball and establishing his Galveston-based baseball academy, The Baseball Bunker. They share several stories from their days in the minor leagues and Chad drops tons of gold about his approach to the game and life, coaching styles...

Lutzy and Franky discuss how speed on the bases changes the game for pitchers, catchers, batting stats and more. Frank shares some gold for young players about how to approach the game defensively with speed on the bases, covering topics like angles, timing and positioning from both an infielder’s and outfielder’s perspective. Then the guys answer some listener questions where Lutzy talks about hi...

This episode is dedicated to Frank and Lutzy’s former manager, hitting coach and mentor, Ken Griffey Sr. We also celebrate some special birthdays, including podcast producer Jim Strachan, who used to rock #22 on the field. Other honourable birthday shoutouts go to #11 Barry Larkin and #8 Mark Fleury – with some major buzz vibes mixed in. Since this is somewhat of a birthday gift, we won’t be able...

The guys try a new “mini special” format with a shorter length and more informal tone (if that’s even possible?!) They talk about Lutzy’s line of batting gloves from his new DTL3 brand and introduce the “Velcro breath”. Then, they cover the importance of breathing and awareness in baseball and in life. Lastly, Frank talks about breathing in context of playing live music and the parallels with play...

Lutzy and Frank welcome former Reds teammate and 13-year MLB and MiLB veteran Ryan LaMarre to the podcast. Ryan talks about his decision to walk away from the game and how perseverance and resilience helped him overcome injuries and evolve his approach both on and off the field. He also shares some fantastic stories about pitching at Fenway Park (as a position player), hitting an “oppo taco” at Ya...

Lutzy and Franky are super excited to welcome their good friend Ray Chang to the show. Their former teammate in the Reds organisation and current head of baseball operations for MLB China, Ray shares stories and perspectives from across his career, including: * We hear the story of how Ray got hurt right before his call up to the show * The guys discuss how failure in baseball builds resilience in...

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 fro...

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 lear...

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...

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 s...

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...

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...

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 sta...

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 (Bump...

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 emotio...

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...

This continuation of Episode 9 is one our strongest episodes yet. Frank and Donald continue their chat about batting and the overall approach in the batter’s box (and life). Donald talks about the cat and mouse game that is high-level hitting and using video analytics to gain an advantage. Frank drops some valuable baseball and life advice as well as the importance of slowing down and listening to...

In this episode, Donald talks about his favourite non-homer parts of hitting and how he learned to not be afraid of getting jammed. Frank shares the story of his bullpen misadventures in the big leagues and Lutzy talks about the biggest factors in translating the drills you work on in BP to your in-game at-bats. Then, the guys reflect on hitting and life advice from Reds coaches including Delino D...

In this episode, Donald and Frank cover topics like where the line is between an appropriate on-field celebration and being disrespectful. Lutzy also talks about what advice he’d give to his 12-year-old self and they introduce a new feature on the podcast called “Frank’s random page”. Plus, Lutzy’s cold tub pro tips and Frank debuts an awesome new song called "どこの国出身ですか〜♪ Doko no kuni sh...

In their final episode from Arizona spring training, Donald and Frank continue with the theme of dealing with panic in life and on the field and how those moments can sometimes turn into celebrations. Donald also shares a few stories about his journey to the big leagues, what he did with his Reds signing bonus, and catching up with mentors like Eric Davis at this year’s Reds camp. Plus, Frank expl...

Recorded during spring training in Arizona, Donald and Frank cover topics like dealing with anxiety on the field, the art of playing like you don’t care, and finding patience and comfort through the chaos. Plus, Donald shares his spring training experiences seeing old teammates, mentors and friends as well as his first preseason as a Reds scout.