• EP 18: Joey Cora on Playoff Baseball, Ozzie Guillen & Managing Under Pressure
    2026/10/02

    Joey Cora returns to Sacred Grounds for Episode 18 with Robby and Uncle Paulie.

    The Vanderbilt Baseball Hall of Famer, 1997 MLB All-Star, former Pirates coach, White Sox World Series champion, and longtime third base coach breaks down how he watches playoff baseball after a life inside the game.

    Joey talks about what managers and coaches see that fans may miss, why playoff pressure changes decision-making, and how the best managers stay aggressive without worrying about the postgame criticism.

    The conversation also dives into pitching usage in short playoff series, the difference between a one-game Wild Card and a true series, what a long layoff can do to teams with a bye, and why third base coaching is one of the toughest split-second jobs in baseball.

    Joey also shares stories from the 2005 White Sox playoff run, including Ozzie Guillen's fearless decision to bring in El Duque with the bases loaded in Boston, plus the lesson that stuck with Joey forever: don't try to be a hero, just be a player.

    From playoff strategy to World Series picks, Michael Jordan memories, umpire tech debates, and the evolution of today's game, this episode is a deep baseball conversation with one of the best storytellers in the game.

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    40 分
  • EP 17: Michael McKenry on the Jerry Meals Call, Catcher Secrets & Pirates Stories
    2026/09/24

    Michael McKenry joins Robby and Uncle Paulie for Episode 17 of Sacred Grounds.

    The former Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Colorado Rockies catcher, now a Pirates analyst on SportsNet Pittsburgh, sits down for a conversation about life behind the plate, the mental grind of being a backup catcher, and what it really takes to stay ready in the big leagues.

    Michael talks about losing his everyday role, learning how to own the backup catcher job, working with pitchers, calling games, reading hitters, catcher tells, PitchCom, replay challenges, and why the catcher-pitcher relationship is one of the most important in baseball.

    The conversation also dives into the infamous Jerry Meals call in Atlanta, the clubhouse reaction afterward, how that Pirates team eventually grew into the 2013 playoff group, and what it was like returning to Pittsburgh as an opponent and homering against his former team.

    Robby and Michael also look back on the knee injury that helped open the door to his TV career, his transition from player to analyst, some unbelievable mic'd-up stories, fantasy camp trash talk, and plenty of laughs from their years together around Pirates baseball.

    From the grind of catching to the chaos of live TV, this episode is full of baseball insight, behind-the-scenes stories, and classic Pittsburgh memories.

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    41 分
  • EP 16: Luke Ravenstahl on the Cueto Game, Saving the Penguins & His Batman Cameo
    2026/08/29

    Luke Ravenstahl joins Robby and Uncle Paulie for Episode 16 of Sacred Grounds.

    The former Mayor of Pittsburgh talks about taking office at just 26 years old, the surreal moment he was sworn in after Mayor Bob O'Connor's passing, and what it was like leading the city during one of the best sports runs Pittsburgh has seen.

    Luke shares stories from the Pirates' unforgettable 2013 Wild Card "Cueto" game, the energy inside PNC Park, the blackout, and why that night still stands out as one of the best sporting events he has ever attended.

    The conversation also dives into the behind-the-scenes negotiations that helped keep the Penguins in Pittsburgh, including meetings with Mario Lemieux, Ron Burkle, Governor Ed Rendell, and even a story involving Leonardo DiCaprio's loft and a call from Robert De Niro.

    Luke also tells the story of becoming the Gotham Rogues kicker in The Dark Knight Rises, sneaking into the Masters at Augusta, his son Cooper's baseball journey, ballpark trips, North Catholic memories, and what life looks like after politics.

    From City Hall to PNC Park to Heinz Field, this episode is full of Pittsburgh stories, sports memories, and a few moments Luke may not have told many people before.

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    46 分
  • EP 15: Joey Cora on Michael Jordan, the 2005 White Sox & World Baseball Classic
    2026/08/20

    Joey Cora joins Robby and Uncle Paulie for Episode 15 of Sacred Grounds.

    The 1997 American League All-Star, 11-year Major League Baseball player, World Series champion, longtime coach, and Vanderbilt Hall of Famer shares stories from a life in baseball, from Puerto Rico to the big leagues, Seattle, Chicago, Pittsburgh, and beyond.

    Joey talks about winning the 2005 World Series as third base coach of the Chicago White Sox, what made Ozzie Guillen such a unique manager, why the World Baseball Classic carries a different kind of emotion, and what it was like coaching for Puerto Rico alongside legends like Yadier Molina, Sandy Alomar Jr., Edgar Martinez, Carlos Beltrán, and more.

    The conversation also dives into Joey's playing days with stars like Ken Griffey Jr., Randy Johnson, Edgar Martinez, Bo Jackson, and Michael Jordan, including the unforgettable story of talking trash to Jordan, playing pickup basketball against him, and getting dunked on to end the game.

    Joey also opens up about the work he and his wife, Kyra, are doing through The Cora Foundation to help prevent bullying, educate parents and schools, and support kids and families through difficult moments.

    From World Series details to WBC emotion, Michael Jordan stories, Bo Jackson memories, third-base coaching decisions, and life beyond the game, this episode is packed from start to finish.

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    1 時間 12 分
  • EP 14: Johnny Pittsburgh on Pittsburgh Culture, 90s Nightlife & Sports Movie Debates
    2026/07/22

    Johnny Pittsburgh joins Robby and Uncle Paulie for Episode 14 of Sacred Grounds.

    The Pittsburgh personality, comedian, musician, artist, photographer, and creative director shares how Johnny Pittsburgh came to life, why the city's neighborhoods mean so much to him, and how his content connects generations of Pittsburghers through food, sports, stories, and local pride.

    Johnny and Uncle Paulie also relive their North Catholic days, playing baseball together, winning a talent show with a Kid 'n Play routine, and remembering the 90s Pittsburgh nightclub scene from the Strip District to South Side, Oakland, Station Square, and beyond.

    The conversation also dives into Pittsburgh sports memories, Andrew McCutchen, Phil Kessel, Roberto Clemente, the creativity behind Johnny's whiteboard lessons, his music career, and a full debate on the greatest sports movies of all time.

    From neighborhood nostalgia to sports movie arguments, this episode is a Pittsburgh story from start to finish.

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    47 分
  • EP 13: Andy Bednar on Raising Big Leaguers, David Bednar's Journey & Family Life
    2026/07/15

    Andy Bednar joins Robby and Uncle Paulie for Episode 13 of Sacred Grounds.

    The Mars High School teacher and coach, husband of Sue, and father of David, Will, and Danielle Bednar shares what it has been like watching his kids chase big dreams through baseball, softball, rowing, and life.

    Andy talks about David Bednar's journey from a 35th-round pick to a two-time MLB All-Star, his time with the Pirates, the move to the Yankees, the story behind keeping "Renegade" as his entrance song, and what it feels like as a dad watching your son pitch in the ninth inning.

    The conversation also dives into Will Bednar's College World Series run at Mississippi State, the grind of minor league baseball, Danielle's path through Louisville athletics, Andy's love for coaching at Mars, Pittsburgh roots, ballpark memories, and the family moments behind the game.

    From Mars to PNC Park to Yankee Stadium, this episode is a baseball family story from start to finish.

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    36 分
  • EP 12: Kenny Albert on Olympic Gold Medal Calls, Gretzky Stories & Broadcast History
    2026/06/29

    Kenny Albert joins Robby and Uncle Paulie for Episode 12 of Sacred Grounds.

    The legendary play-by-play voice of the New York Knicks, New York Rangers, MLB on Fox, NFL on Fox, and NHL on TNT shares stories from a lifetime in broadcasting, including calling Olympic gold medal games, Stanley Cup Finals, NFL games, MLB playoffs, and some of the biggest moments in sports.

    Kenny talks about his friendship with Robby, working with Brian Baldinger, memories from the 1994 Rangers Stanley Cup run, the wild sports day that included the O.J. chase, calling Alex Ovechkin's record-breaking goal, and what it's like being around Wayne Gretzky.

    The conversation also dives into Kenny's family story, how his parents met at Shea Stadium, replacing legendary voices like Doc Emrick and Sam Rosen, the preparation behind great broadcasting, and why paying it forward to the next generation matters so much.

    From the booth to the biggest stages in sports, this episode is full of stories, laughs, and a true appreciation for the craft of calling the game.

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    49 分
  • EP 11: Steven Brault on Pirates Baseball, Broadway & His Only MLB Home Run
    2026/06/22

    Steven Brault joins Robby and Uncle Paulie for Episode 11 of Sacred Grounds.

    The former Pittsburgh Pirates and Chicago Cubs left-handed pitcher talks about his unique path through baseball, going from player to broadcaster, and why he has always been drawn to play-by-play.

    Steven also dives into the stories that made him one of the most interesting personalities in baseball, singing the national anthem in uniform, recording a Broadway album, performing with the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra, and balancing a love of baseball with a love of music.

    Plus, the guys relive Steven's only Major League home run at Coors Field, the famous game where he opened with 69 straight fastballs, his relationship with Greg Brown's "Clear the Deck" call, and why baseball has always been a family story for him.

    From the mound to the microphone to the stage, this episode is full of stories, laughs, and a different side of the game.

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    42 分