"Fans First," Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell sits down with former MLB catcher Tyler Flowers to discuss the Atlanta Braves' season, the art of pitch framing, and what it takes to make a deep postseason run. Tyler shares insights from his time with the Braves, offers his take on the current MLB season, and delves into his post-retirement life, including his unexpected passion for tennis. Whether you're a die-hard baseball fan or just love a good sports story, this episode has something for everyone.

IN THIS EPISODE:

• [00:35] - Introduction of Tyler Flowers and his background with the Atlanta Braves
• [01:45] - Tyler's assessment of the Braves' injury-plagued season and their postseason outlook
• [03:20] - The impact of injuries on the Braves and the resilience of the team
• [04:45] - How pitch framing extended Tyler's career and his thoughts on the future of catching
• [06:50] - Tyler's decision to retire due to back issues and how he's managing his health post-retirement
• [10:15] - Discussion on the National League contenders and the Braves' competition
• [11:00] - Tyler's views on the Philadelphia Phillies and their postseason potential
• [13:15] - The Dodgers' depth and how they might perform in the postseason
• [14:50] - Analysis of the American League, including Tyler's thoughts on the Yankees and Orioles
• [17:00] - Tyler's unexpected passion for tennis and how it became a big part of his life.
• [18:32] Get Off my Lawn with Will Frampton on College Football

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

• Despite a season full of injuries, the Braves have managed to stay competitive, showcasing the team's depth and resilience.
• Tyler Flowers is known for his pitch framing skills, a technique that extended his career and made him a standout catcher.
• Tyler has found new passions post-retirement, including tennis, which has become an integral part of his life.
• Tyler provides expert analysis on which teams are well-positioned to make a deep run in the upcoming postseason.

ABOUT THE GUEST:

Cole Tyler Flowers (born January 24, 1986) is an American former professional baseball catcher. Flowers was drafted by the Braves in the 33rd round of the 2005 MLB draft. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Chicago White Sox from 2009, when he made his MLB debut, to 2015 and for the Atlanta Braves from 2016 to 2020.

RESOURCE LINKS

X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/

Website: Fansfirstpodcast.com