Episode 16

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Published on:

17th Apr 2025

Ep 16 Hall of Famer’s Chipper and Smoltz on the State of the Game in 2025

What happens when two MLB Hall of Famers, a legendary sportscaster, and a former MLB catcher-turned-coach sit down to talk about the state of the game? In this can't-miss episode of Fans First, host Jim Powell is joined by Braves legends Chipper Jones and John Smoltz, along with co-host Tyler Flowers, for an unfiltered conversation about the evolution of baseball. From the controversial torpedo bat to the analytics era, pitch clock changes, and the Braves’ tough start to 2025, this episode steps up to the plate and gets into the soul of the sport. Are hitters too focused on launch angle? Have we lost the art of situational hitting? Is youth pitching on a dangerous path? The trio offers hard-hitting opinions, nostalgic reflections, and plenty of truth bombs that every true fan will appreciate.

KEY TIMESTAMPS:

  • (00:31) Jim Powell welcomes listeners and introduces new sponsor the Georgia Advisory Group
  • (02:13) Chipper Jones and John Smoltz join the podcast
  • (03:08) Torpedo bat debate – is it helping or hype?
  • (06:37) John Smoltz on exit velocity and hitting philosophy
  • (08:54) MLB rule changes: pitch clocks, ghost runners, and frustration
  • (11:00) Analytics vs tradition: Has baseball lost its way?
  • (13:15) The Braves’ identity crisis and struggles in 2025
  • (17:00) Hitting vs. pitching in the postseason
  • (25:00) Contracts, injuries, and the reward system in modern baseball
  • (30:00) Youth pitching, early specialization, and max-effort culture
  • (39:00) John Smoltz’s golf journey and reflections on The Masters
  • (42:26) Chipper’s praise for Steve Avery’s underrated career
  • (45:00) Final thoughts: What baseball needs next

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

  • Torpedo Bats Stir Controversy: While some players swear by them, Hall of Famers aren’t convinced they’re a game-changer.
  • Baseball’s Identity Crisis: Analytics are dominating strategy, but at what cost? Situational play and fundamentals are disappearing.
  • The Braves’ Reality Check: Injuries, strikeouts, and bullpen inconsistency are plaguing Atlanta's 2025 season.
  • Youth Pitching Warnings: Max-effort culture and early curveballs could be setting kids up for injury and burnout.

BIOS:

Jim Powell – Longtime MLB sportscaster and the voice of the Atlanta Braves. Known for his deep knowledge, dry wit, and fan-first mindset.

Chipper Jones – MLB Hall of Famer, 8x All-Star, and one of the greatest switch-hitters in baseball history. Now a hitting consultant and analyst.

John Smoltz – Hall of Fame pitcher, Cy Young Award winner, and elite postseason performer. Current FOX and MLB Network broadcaster.

Tyler Flowers – Former MLB catcher for the Braves and White Sox. Now a youth coach and co-host of Fans First.


RESOURCES MENTIONED:


SPONSOR:  



TAGS:

MLB, Chipper Jones, John Smoltz, Braves 2025, Fans First Podcast, Tyler Flowers, Baseball Analytics, Torpedo Bat, MLB Rule Changes, Hall of Fame, Youth Baseball, Exit Velocity, Pitch Clock, Situational Hitting, Jim Powell

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About the Podcast

Fans First a Sports Podcast
Welcome to "Fans First: A Sports Podcast," where your voice matters most! Hosted by the legendary Hall of Fame sportscaster Jim Powell, this show puts fans at the heart of the conversation. We believe sports are more than just games—they’re a way of life, a source of passion, and a community that brings people together. That’s why "Fans First" is here to celebrate your insights, opinions, and love for the game like never before. Whether you’re cheering in the stands, shouting at the TV, or debating trades with friends, "Fans First" is your go-to destination for all things sports.


Each episode features fan-driven discussions, expert analysis, and exclusive interviews with players, coaches, and insiders. Jim Powell brings his wealth of experience and storytelling prowess to every episode, guiding conversations that are as engaging as they are insightful. But this podcast isn’t just about the headlines—it’s about the stories that matter to you. From the thrill of victory to the agony of defeat, from blockbuster trades to unforgettable moments in sports history, "Fans First" covers it all. We’re here to give you a platform to share your thoughts, ask tough questions, and connect with a community of fellow sports enthusiasts.


Join us each week as we explore the stories behind the scores, the emotions behind the plays, and the fans who make it all possible. Plus, don’t miss our special segments—“Flip the Switch,” where we suddenly turn the conversation in an unexpected new direction, and “Get Off My Lawn,” where fans can offer their spirited opinions about the hottest current topics in sports before the host gets his chance to react. So, tune in, speak up, and be part of the sports conversation that celebrates what makes the game great—you, the fan!


Bio: Jim Powell is an American radio and television sportscaster, previously employed with Major League Baseball's Milwaukee Brewers (1996–2008) and Atlanta Braves (2009–2023). A native of Roswell, Georgia, Powell was educated at the University of Georgia. He began his baseball play-by-play career with the minor-league Columbia Mets (1987–89, 1993–94) and Charlotte Knights (1990–91, 1995), also calling games part-time for the Minnesota Twins in 1993–94 before being hired by the Brewers in 1996. Teaming with Bob Uecker, Powell called games for the Milwaukee Brewers Radio Network and was Uecker’s longest-tenured partner. Powell was named Wisconsin Sportscaster of the Year in 1998. In 2009, he began teaming with Don Sutton to call games on the Atlanta Braves Radio Network and continued his play-by-play role through 2023. In addition to his baseball work, Powell has called college football (for the University of South Carolina and CBS Radio) and college basketball (for Davidson College and South Carolina) at various points in his career. Powell was a National Merit Scholar and is MENSA-qualified. He was inducted into the Georgia Association of Broadcasters Hall of Fame in 2020.


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

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