Episode 19

full
Published on:

3rd Jul 2025

Inside the Mind of Hall of Famer Tom Glavine

Tom Glavine on 300 Wins, the Atlanta Braves, and the Future of MLB Pitching

Hall of Famer Tom Glavine breaks down the future of MLB pitching, why the 300-win milestone may never happen again, and what’s really going on with the 2025 Atlanta Braves. In this Fans First exclusive, Glavine shares insights on the evolution of Major League Baseball, how today’s pitchers compare to past generations, and his candid thoughts on automated strike zones.

Glavine opens up about his own journey to 300 career wins, how losing 17 games as a rookie shaped his mentality, and why modern pitching strategies make that level of success nearly impossible. From bullpen usage to innings restrictions, he explains why no one is being set up to repeat the kind of dominance he, Maddox, and Smoltz had.

The episode also dives into the Atlanta Braves' rollercoaster 2025 season. Glavine talks about Chris Sale’s injury, Spencer Strider’s development, the team’s inconsistent offense, and whether Brian Snitker is still the right manager to lead them. 

Plus: what it’s like watching young MLB pitchers today, why mechanics matter more than radar gun readings, and how rule changes are reshaping the game of baseball.

If you’re a baseball fan, especially an Atlanta Braves fan, or just love listening to Hall of Fame pitchers talk shop, this episode delivers the ultimate insider perspective on MLB pitching, the pursuit of 300 wins, and the evolution of the sport.




IN THIS EPISODE:

  • (0:00) Glavine reflects on early struggles and lessons from losing 17 games
  • (3:00) The rise to MLB and first impressions of the Braves
  • (7:30) Insights on Atlanta’s rookie pitching phenom
  • (11:00) What it really takes to reach 300 career wins
  • (15:00) Why we may never see another 300-win pitcher
  • (18:00) Pitchers Tom Glavine loves to watch today
  • (21:00) The evolution of his pitch command and changeup mastery
  • (24:00) State of the 2025 Braves: hopes, flaws, and playoff chances
  • (29:00) Thoughts on Brian Snitker and fan reactions
  • (34:00) Sid Bream, Barry Bonds, and that legendary slide
  • (36:00) Bobby Cox: the ultimate player’s manager
  • (38:00) Tom’s take on the automated strike zone
  • (41:00) What rule changes Tom supports and which ones might break the game

 

KEY TAKEAWAYS:

300 Wins May Be Gone Forever

  • Glavine breaks down why modern pitchers likely won’t hit this elusive milestone again, citing innings limits, injuries, and a new bullpen-first mindset.

Automated Strike Zones? Hard Pass

  • Tom is not sold on the robo-ump trend. He says it could kill one of the game’s most essential and human elements.

The Braves Have a Path, but It's Narrow

  • Despite a tough season, Glavine sees a window for a turnaround if Atlanta can start winning series consistently.

Pitching Philosophy Then vs. Now

  • With fewer complete games and more velocity obsession, Glavine sees a widening gap between today's “stuff” and yesterday’s “craft.”

Guest Bio:

Tom Glavine is a Hall of Fame MLB pitcher, two-time Cy Young Award winner, 10-time All-Star, and 1995 World Series MVP. He spent most of his career with the Atlanta Braves and finished with 305 career wins—making him one of the last pitchers to ever reach that mark. Glavine is also known for his off-field leadership, work with MLB broadcasting, and commitment to youth sports development.

Resource Links:

Keywords:

Tom Glavine, Atlanta Braves, MLB Podcast, Hall of Fame Pitchers, 300 Wins, Brian Snitker, Fans First, Baseball History, Automated Strike Zone, Modern Pitching, Chris Sale, Spencer Strider, Bobby Cox, Pitch Clock, Baseball Strategy



Transcript

EP19-FF-TOM-GLAVINE

===

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

[:

All Episodes Previous Episode

Listen for free

Show artwork for Fans First a Sports Podcast

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.


Social Media Handles:
X: https://x.com/Jim_Powell
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-powell-38715a5/
Website: Fansfirstpodcast.com

About your host

Profile picture for James Powell

James Powell