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:

• MLB.com
• Youth Pitching Safety Guidelines – USA Baseball

SPONSOR:

• Georgia Advisory Group

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