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 hitting and consistency in scoring. So, grab your peanuts and Cracker Jack, because we’re about to get into the nitty-gritty of what’s working, what’s not, and what we hope to see as we head into the final stretch of the season!

Podcast Partner Bios

George Foster - Major League Player with the Giants, Reds, & Mets. NL MVP 1977, 5-Time All-Star, Silver Slugger and member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Founder of George Foster Baseball where he offers private baseball instruction.

Timestamps:

• 00:05 - Discussion on the Reds' Season Progress
• 08:56 - Changing Mindsets in Baseball
• 14:10 - Analyzing the Current State of Major League Baseball Lineups
• 28:45 - Evaluating Pitching Performance
• 37:00 - The Philosophy of Coaching and Team Unity
• 43:02 - The Importance of Situational Hitting in Baseball

Key Takeaways:

• The Reds are showing more aggressive play this season, utilizing their speed effectively to disrupt defenses and create scoring opportunities.
• Ellie De La Cruz's improved plate discipline is a refreshing change that has led to more success at the plate, especially with runners in scoring position.
• Situational hitting remains a key area for improvement; getting runners home from third base with less than two outs can significantly change game outcomes.
• The importance of maintaining a consistent batting order cannot be overstated, as frequent changes can impact players' confidence and performance.
• The team's ability to manufacture runs through smart base running tactics, including bunting and hitting behind runners, is crucial for their success moving forward.
• Overall, the Reds need to show more tenacity and resilience in games, as consistent performances will keep fans engaged throughout the season.

Links:

• glovehound.com
• mdaiacademy.com
• georgefosterbaseball.com
• twocreativedigital.com

Teaser:

Next week we talk about all kinds of equipment from George's famous black bat to everyone's favorite glove, shoes, and more. Don't miss it.

Companies mentioned:

• Glovehound
• MDI Baseball Academy
• George Foster Baseball

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 player positioning, and even those sneaky little moments that make watching live baseball so special.

Podcast Partner Bios

Ethan Dungan - Owner of Glovehound Baseball Glove Repair Shop. Ethan played for several teams during his career including Midland and Fairfield High School. He now operates Glovehound from his shop in Fairfield, OH.

Rick Finley - Founder of MD&I Academy Baseball Training Facility in Fairfield, OH. Rick has successfully coached and trained hundreds of players at the Select, Travel, and College levels in both baseball and softball.

George Foster - Major League Player with the Giants, Reds, & Mets. NL MVP 1977, 5-Time All-Star, Silver Slugger and member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Founder of George Foster Baseball where he offers private baseball instruction.

Takeaways:

• This episode dives deep into the art of watching baseball, revealing how a fresh perspective can enhance our enjoyment of the game.
• We share our experiences at different ballparks, emphasizing the joy of savoring ballpark food and the unique atmosphere at each venue.
• The discussion highlights how family influences our love for baseball, with stories of childhood memories and parental guidance shaping our understanding of the game.
• We emphasize the importance of community in baseball, encouraging listeners to catch local games, whether MLB or minor league, to foster a love for the sport.

Timestamps:

• 00:10 - Introduction to the Guests
• 03:12 - The Best Baseball Foods
• 11:28 - Baseball Game Experiences
• 21:28 - The Transition to a New Season
• 22:32 - Remembering Childhood Baseball Games
• 34:07 - The Evolution of Learning Baseball
• 40:26 - The Excitement of Live Baseball
• 50:45 - The Evolution of Game Observation
• 57:54 - The Journey of a Baseball Parent
• 01:06:06 - The Evolution of Baseball Stadiums
• 01:10:40 - The Origins of a Baseball Anthem
• 01:19:23 - The Conclusion of Season One

Links:

• glovehound.com
• mdaiacademy.com
• georgefosterbaseball.com
• twocreativedigital.com

Teaser:

We'll be taking the next few months off to play and coach baseball, but we'll be back in the fall with 12 more episodes. Enjoy the summer and we'll see you soon.

Companies mentioned:

• Glovehound
• MDI Baseball Academy
• George Foster Baseball

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 not just a grind, but a chance for unforgettable family memories. So, grab your glove and settle in—we’re all about making this journey as enriching and enjoyable as possible!

Podcast Partner Bios

Ethan Dungan - Owner of Glovehound Baseball Glove Repair Shop. Ethan played for several teams during his career including Midland and Fairfield High School. He now operates Glovehound from his shop in Fairfield, OH.

Rick Finley - Founder of MD&I Academy Baseball Training Facility in Fairfield, OH. Rick has successfully coached and trained hundreds of players at the Select, Travel, and College levels in both baseball and softball.

George Foster - Major League Player with the Giants, Reds, & Mets. NL MVP 1977, 5-Time All-Star, Silver Slugger and member of the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame. Founder of George Foster Baseball where he offers private baseball instruction.

Timestamps:

• 00:10 - Introduction to the Guests
• 03:28 - The Parents Guide to Advanced Baseball
• 30:40 - Load Management and Youth Sports
• 39:54 - Support and Perspective in Youth Sports
• 59:04 - The Importance of Balancing Sports and Academics
• 01:08:29 - The Cost of Commitment: Balancing Travel, Time, and Team Dynamics
• 01:26:45 - Supporting Young Athletes: The Parent's Role

Key Takeaways:

• Make sure to get an honest evaluation of your child's baseball skills before diving into higher level play.
• It's crucial for parents to support their kids' academic performance while pursuing baseball ambitions.
• Establishing a positive home environment can significantly impact a young athlete's performance and mindset.
• Developing a solid plan for managing time and finances is key to supporting your child's baseball journey.

Links:

• glovehound.com
• mdaiacademy.com
• georgefosterbaseball.com
• twocreativedigital.com

Teaser:

Next week we talk about how to watch a baseball game. From our favorite stadium food to the little details that George, Rick, and Ethan look for during a trip to the ballpark, we'll share it all. Plus an epic trivia showdown to wrap the first half of season 1. Don't miss it!

Companies mentioned:

• Glovehound
• MDI Baseball Academy
• George Foster Baseball