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In this episode, Jeff Perro interviews Jay "Smiley J" Jackson, celebrating his career in baseball and discussing his transition to coaching. Jay reflects on his journey from being drafted by the Cubs to making his major league debut, his experiences playing in Japan, and his new role as a pitching coach. He shares insights on retirement, the importance of mindset, and his initiatives to help young athletes through the S.M.I.L.E Zone. Jay emphasizes the significance of positivity and personal growth, aiming to inspire others through his upcoming memoir and various projects.

Chapters

00:00 Starting a New Chapter: Coaching Journey Begins
02:11 Reflecting on the Draft Experience
05:15 The Call-Up: Making It to the Big Leagues
08:17 The Changing Landscape of Baseball
11:04 Success in Japan: A New Adventure
13:58 Looking Back: Celebrating a Career
19:49 Finding Time to Reflect and Celebrate
20:45 Finding Purpose and Service
21:28 The Smile Zone: A Positive Mindset for All
23:53 Curriculum Development for All Ages
25:18 The Importance of Early Education
26:29 Promoting Mental and Physical Health
28:24 Launching The Smile Zone
30:19 Personalized Coaching and Accountability
32:56 Target Audience and Future Aspirations
33:42 Transitioning from Player to Mentor
34:23 Podcasting and Sharing Knowledge

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In this conversation, Ty Buttrey shares his journey from being drafted by the Red Sox to his experiences in the major leagues with the Angels. He discusses the challenges he faced, including burnout and the pressures of maintaining success. Ty reflects on his decision to retire from baseball, explore new passions, and eventually return to the sport, emphasizing the importance of self-discovery and pursuing what truly matters in life. In this conversation, Ty Buttrey shares his journey from professional baseball to navigating life after sports. He discusses the challenges of transitioning careers, the importance of mental health, and the realities of pursuing dreams in a competitive environment. Ty also highlights the success of his wife, Sam Green, in the NIL space and their collaborative efforts in building a community around athlete branding and personal growth.

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On the field, Bobby Scales was known for his intelligence, leadership, baseball wisdom, and work ethic. Off the field, he is one of baseball's most respected thought-leaders and people-developers.

After retiring from professional baseball in 2012, Bobby Scales seamlessly transitioned into roles that leveraged his vast knowledge of the sport. His post-playing career has been defined by his contributions to both player development and broadcasting, proving that his expertise extends far beyond the field.

Scales moved into upper echelon player development roles with the Los Angeles Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates. His understanding of the game and his firsthand experience as a player made him a valuable asset in guiding young athletes. His ability to analyze the sport from multiple perspectives—both as a former player and as an executive—allowed him to make significant contributions in shaping the next generation of athletes.

Beyond his executive work, Scales has also made a name for himself in sports media. He joined the Detroit Tigers' radio team in 2023 as a broadcaster, where he provides insightful commentary and analysis during the Tigers' road trips. His presence in the Tigers' broadcast booth has added depth to the commentary, offering listeners valuable insights from someone who has experienced professional baseball at multiple levels. His ability to break down plays and explain strategies has made him an engaging and knowledgeable voice for Tigers fans.

Scales' transition into these roles showcases his adaptability, intelligence, and passion for the sport. While many former players struggle to find their footing after retirement, Scales has thrived by applying his experiences in new ways. His work in player development allows him to continue shaping the future of baseball, while his broadcasting career enables him to educate and entertain fans. Bobby demonstrates that a love for the game does not fade—it simply evolves.

This episode is available for download on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and anywhere else you find your podcasts.

In this conversation, Bobby Scales shares his journey from growing up in Michigan to playing in Major League Baseball, including his time with the Chicago Cubs and his current role as a broadcaster for the Detroit Tigers. He discusses the importance of education, the challenges of the draft process, and the significance of mentorship in professional sports. Bobby reflects on his experiences in the minor leagues, the emotional rollercoaster of being called up to the big leagues, and the lessons he learned about leadership and teamwork from veteran players. In this conversation, Bobby Scales shares his journey through professional baseball, detailing his experiences from his early days in the MLB to his time in Japan and his transition into broadcasting. He discusses the cultural differences in baseball between the U.S. and Japan, the challenges of player development, and the importance of having a growth mindset. Bobby also reflects on his roles in the front office and the responsibilities that come with them, as well as his current work as a broadcaster and consultant.