The Complete Game Podcast

Summary You've seen great players who show swagger without selfishness. This week we'll talk about how to balance confidence with team spirit. We'll kick things off by reminiscing about the thrill of a Reds win after a long losing streak—yeah, those losses can feel like a weight, but victory is oh-so-sweet. From there, we explore the fine line between being a leader and just being a loudmouth, bec...

Summary Today's topic is creating a solid pregame routine, emphasizing how a little mental prep can elevate physical performance. We'll swap stories and strategies as we touch on everything from the importance of proper hydration to keeping your gear in tip-top shape. True success begins with building habits that can turn a good player into a great one. So, whether you're a player, coach, or just...

Summary If you’re not paying attention to Nathaniel Lowe, you might want to start! This dude's been a total game-changer for the Reds, stepping up to the plate in clutch moments and proving he’s more than just a pretty face. We chat about how the Reds have this knack for picking up players with potential and how Lowe fits into that mold, especially after a less-than-stellar stint with Boston last...

Summary You only fail if you don’t learn. That is basically our mantra as we kick off this new season. We’re all about making mental adjustments in baseball and we're talking about how even the greats like Dale Murphy had to pivot and adapt throughout their careers. It's something we all need to embrace, whether we’re in the big leagues or just having fun on the diamond. Today, we'll share some ti...

Summary We're wrapping up season one with the Complete Game Podcast Trivia Championship, so the stakes are high and the competition is fierce. Today, we're testing our knowledge on Hall of Famers who never snagged an MVP. Our guys are battling it out to claim the title of Season One Trivia Champion. We're throwing in some playful banter, unexpected twists, and a few surprises that will keep you on...

Summary Getting outs with defense is the name of the game in this episode. We're wrapping up our series on defensive directives with some solid strategies to keep those pesky runs from crossing the plate. We chat about everything from the most error-prone plays in youth baseball to the nuanced intricacies of making that perfect throw, whether you're backing up a base or trying to snag a double pla...

Summary Is this episode we're continuing our discussion of how to Get Outs with Pitching. We'll take our player archetypes and naming past players who embody these styles. You know how every player has their unique flair? Well, we’re dissecting that too, from leadoff hitters looking to get on base to power drivers swinging for the fences. It’s all about pitch strategy today: what to throw, when to...

Summary This week we're all about the art of getting those elusive outs with pitching. We’ll start by profiling various hitter archetypes, because understanding who’s at the plate is half the battle. From leadoff hitters looking to get on base to power drivers just trying to crush it, we’ll dissect what makes each type tick and how pitchers can best approach them. We’ve got some great insights lin...

Summary Baseball fans, you’re in for a treat as we dive deep into the art of clutch hitting in this episode. We’re joined by the legendary George Foster, renowned for his clutch performances, and we’ll be breaking down what it truly means to bring runners home under pressure. We’ll also share some of our favorite clutch hitters and reminisce about their unforgettable moments on the field. So, grab...

Summary We're talking about being a "hitter with options," this week. We're focusing on how to move runners effectively in various game situations. The fellas get into the weeds on laying down sweet bunts and hit a gap shots. So get ready to take some notes this week on the Complete Game Podcast! Podcast Partner Bios Ethan Dungan - Owner of Glovehound Baseball Glove Repair Shop. Ethan played for s...

Summary Today, we're diving into the world of baseball statistics with a spotlight on an essential aspect of the game: getting on base. The episode kicks off with a deep dive into on-base percentage (OBP), a stat that is crucial to any team's success. It’s not just about the numbers, though—we’re also dishing out some solid insights on the mental game and the strategy behind being a smart hitter....

Summary Today, we're diving into what it really takes to make it to the postseason. We'll explore the five essential ingredients every team needs to secure their spot in October. Spoiler alert: mindset is a biggie! You can’t just show up and hope for the best; teams need that competitive fire to truly contend. We’ll also chat about the importance of talent, depth, and the ever-elusive consistency....

Summary Today's episode is all about the world of minor league baseball. George Foster, the Reds Hall of Famer, shares his journey through the minors, giving us a peek into the experiences, the quirks, and the unexpected challenges that come with climbing the baseball ladder. George’s tales will make you appreciate every little moment of the game. We wrap up this week with a hilarious round of "ma...

Summary This conversation is essential for parents looking to ensure their kids have the best experience possible while navigating the often chaotic world of youth sports. We’ll offer you a list of helpful questions to ask your child’s potential coach about the team and the program to ensure that it's a good fit for you. Whether you’re a parent trying to advocate for your player or a kid just tryi...

Summary This week, we tackle a topic that hits home for a lot of coaches and players alike: how to play all of your players and remain competitive. We’ll discuss the importance of practice, creative game-time strategies, and how to keep kids engaged, even when they're not in the game. So grab your glove and settle in, because we’re about to break down some clever techniques to make sure every play...

Summary Today, we're diving into the fascinating world of switch hitting, exploring whether every player should take a shot at it. The discussion kicks off with some light-hearted banter about the joys and challenges of switch hitting, and we’ll also touch on the strategic advantages it offers, like enhancing your playing time and giving you an edge against pitchers. Plus, we'll be throwing out so...

Summary In this Complete Game Extra, we’re chatting with George about the current state of the Cincinnati Reds. We’re seeing some promising signs as the team ramps up for the second half of the season, especially with their newfound aggression at the plate. But that's not all, there are definitely areas that need some work if the Red Legs are going to have a shot at a wild card, like situational h...

Baseball is more than just a game; it’s a way of life, and in our twelfth episode, we’re discussing how to watch a baseball game at the ballpark. There’s nothing quite like the atmosphere where the sights, sounds, and, oh yeah, that sweet smell of nachos combines to create an experience that television just can’t replicate. We’ll be chatting about everything from ballpark snacks to the nuances of...

If your young player's got his sights set on high school ball, you’re in for a ride because it’s not just about the swings and strikes; it’s about the whole experience. We’re serving up some solid strategies—from evaluating skill levels and finding the right coaching to keeping a balanced diet and managing expectations. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in some dad wisdom about making those travel tournaments...

While only about 3% of kids who play baseball will make it to high school, we’re here to remind you that playing for fun is just as important as chasing the next level. This week, we’ll explore the real numbers behind youth baseball participation and why the vast majority of kids will eventually prioritize enjoyment over pressure. Select and travel teams can be intense environments and, many times...

Summary This week we talk about what happens when you get hurt and you can just walk it off. George, Rick, and Ethan discuss injuries common to baseball players, how to prevent them, and how to come back properly when they happen. We break down when to tough it out and when it's time to sit down and let your body recover. Spoiler alert: ignoring those warning signs won’t win you any medals. So whe...

This week we get nerdy about all of our favorite gear. If you love bats, gloves, shoes, and all manner of baseball accessories, this is the episode for you. George talks about how pros get their gear. We find out what each member of our team chose as his go-to tools of the trade. And then we play another round of "Who's The Hero" to see if George can defend his title as champion of trivia. Here ar...

This week we talk about what it truly means to be a great teammate. We'll begin by listing the five qualities that make a team tick, from supporting your fellow players to leading by example. George reminisces about the Reds—where body language spoke volumes and trust was the glue holding everything together. He highlights the importance of showing up prepared, while Rick emphasizes the magic of t...

This week on the Complete Game podcast, we’re discussing the art and craft of being behind the plate, and boy, do we have some gems to share. From the legendary Johnny Bench to the current stars like Salvador Perez, we’re exploring what makes a great catcher, and why their role is crucial on the field. We’ll chat about traits that make catchers stand out, the evolution of techniques, and how today...

We're talking baseball practice today, and let me tell ya, it’s not just about showing up and swinging the bat. Practice more than just a routine; it's your golden ticket to leveling up your game. We’re chatting with some heavy-hitters in the baseball world, including Cincinnati Reds Hall-of-Famer George Foster (George Foster Baseball) , Rick Finley (MD&I Baseball Academy) , and Ethan Dungan (...