Gateway Grinders

The Grinders are back and better than ever! On this special holiday episode, Hayden from StlSportsCentral as well as Michael and Tyler from the Squeeze baseball podcast join the show to talk about all things St. Louis Cardinals. A pretty slow start to the offseason has everyone wondering... What on earth will Mo and Girsch do to help the Cardinals 2020 chances. Enjoy this great episode, check out the guests on all social platforms, and thanks for listening!

On Episode 36 of the Gateway Grinders podcast, Adam and Tom recap a road trip to Columbus for the Blues-Jackets game. Never much love when we go OT as the Blues drop the second OT game in a row. Sunny absolutely lights up Ducks goalie John Gibson and gets people everywhere calling for a suspension, heavy fines, and potential imprisonment.  How the turns have tabled as the victimized Houston Astros are exposed in the greatest scheme since the steroid era. Have the Astros officially overtaken the Yankees as the most hated team in the AL?  All this and more to be explored on this week's episode. Thank you for listening! 

On this episode of the Gateway Grinders, Tom and Adam rank every major Cardinals player and look at 2019 as a whole and give their takes on what to make of it. The defending Stanley Cup champions have dropped four games in a row, is it time to panic? Finally, lots of rumors have been going around about a possible LA Chargers relocation to St. Louis. The hosts give the positives and negatives behind the NFL coming back to STL if the rumors are true. Thanks for listening!

What an October. On this episode of Tom's take Thursday, Yadier Molina proves to be one of the most clutch players in history and explode for 13 runs in game five to punch their ticket to the NLCS. Tom breaks down games four and five as well as previews the NLCS matchup against the Nationals. Finally, the Blues are the best team in the NHL and can't be stopped. 2019 is the year of St. Louis sports. Thanks for listening and enjoy.

Tom and Adam cannot believe Mike Shildt went to Carlos Martinez and Martinez blew it. A full breakdown on one of the hardest games in Cardinals history to watch as well as games 1 and 2. Even though game 3 was a disaster, the Cardinals are known for postseason magic. Never give up on this team. Tom and Adam walk you through how the Cardinals advance to the NLCS. It won't be easy but they can and will do it. Enjoy!

That was not the game plan for the Blues. Tom breaks down what went wrong, who stood out, and what the reaction to the first Blues game should be. But the Blues neighbors have something going on as well. It's finally back. The NLDS starts today and the Cardinals can make some October magic. Tom gives his take on how important game one is and much more. Enjoy and thanks for listening!

Finally, the Cardinals are back where they belong. Playing baseball in October! Tom and Adam break down the final series of the season and give their predictions on the NLDS. October is going to be one great month.  Enjoy the episode and get ready for both St. Louis teams to fire on all cylinders.

On this episode of Tom's Take Thursday, Tom breaks down the Justin Faulk trade and why Doug Armstrong picked him up. Also, the Brewers are on a tear and want the division. The only thing stopping the Cardinals from clinching first place? Of course, the Chicago Cubbies. Should be an incredible September finish. Enjoy the episode, thank you for listening, and let's go Cardinals!

What a time to be a St. Louis sports fan. The Cardinals marched into Chicago and eliminated the Cubs from any postseason hopes. The Cards clinched their first playoff birth since 2015 and did it in dramatic fashion. We truly hope you guys enjoy this episode and are as excited about October as us. Thanks for listening!

The Washington Nationals came to St. Louis and the Cardinals handled business. Tom walks through the series win that found the Cardinals 3 games up instead of 2 and how the Cardinals finish in first place in the division. The Blues have fired up preseason games and they will be in Busch supporting their neighbors in the playoffs just as the Cardinals did for them.  Enjoy the episode, let's go Blues, and time to fly.

September baseball is where the greats are separated from the pack. With the Cubbies and Brewers on the Cardinals heels it was crucial to maintain our lead. The Cardinals fell well short of this expectation in a horrific manner. Tom and Adam give you there takes on what St. Louis team or teams will be playing in October. The great one, the golden Brett, and many other great Blues wore the flashy 90s jerseys and now they're back! Enjoy the podcast and thanks for listening.

Coming into the series against the Rockies, all hopes and expectations were through the roof. The Cardinals can surely sweep thee 29th worst team in the MLB since the All-Star break right? Well, things aren't looking too positive. Tom breaks down how the Cards offense went ice cold and how they need to bounce back. Other than the pathetic start, Tom talks about the friendly match between USA and Uruguay at Busch Stadium. The game was one positive to look at. Enjoy and as always, it's a good day to have a great day!

After dropping Friday night's game to the Pirates, the Cardinals take the weekend in comfortable fashion. Tom and Adam breakdown vintage Waino and Flaherty's continued dominance. The Cubs keep dropping games and the lead is extending. October is in sight. Other than the rolling Cards, Tom and Adam share the sad news of Chris Duncan's death and the Centene Community Ice Center opening. Enjoy the episode and as always, it's a good day to have a great day.

On the episode, Tom has some extremely important news. Pierre is gone!!! The worst announcer in hockey and worldwide sports has been demoted. No more weird antics and horrible takes on the national stage. Jack Flaherty is GOOD. Tom breaks down the gem of a game thrown by the true Cardinal ace and then goes into the Giant thriller. What do the Birds do with Michael Wacha? Find out on this episode. Enjoy!

September baseball. Where the men are separated from the boys. Tom and Adam breakdown the Cardinals fantastic series against the Reds. Back to back double-headers and then the Giants come to town. The hosts cover the games, Adam Wainwright's passion for the game, and how scared the Giants are to be in St. Louis. Ivan Barbashev is back and the hosts debate who's fantasy football team is superior. Enjoy!

In the first installment of Tom's Take Thursday, Tom breaks down the Cardinals crucial series against the Brewers and who is really a threat in the NL Central. The XFL and MLS are making progress but in the meantime September will be the month that weeds out the men from the boys. Come October 2nd, if the Blues are the only St. Louis team playing all hell will break loose. A red October is the only option. Enjoy!

What a week to be a St. Louisan. Cardinals continue their dominate performances while the Cubs and Brewers drop game after game. Tom and Adam breakdown the run that found the Birds 2.5 games in first of the NL Central. After praising Dakota Hudson and Jack Flaherty for their elite arms, the hosts try to make it through the tough topic of St. Louis legend, Pat Maroon. Various ideas on why Maroon signed with the Lightning are discussed and then tears are wiped away to bring up some of the most important global topics. The MLS and XFL coming to STL. Enjoy!

On part two of the in depth interview with Andy Strickland, the Grinders ask Andy to talk about his work and preparation for interviews, his personal connections with the organization, and his inside perspective of the Stanley Cup run.  We finish up with fan submitted questions including, who the best golfer on the Blues is. Thanks for listening and keep grinding.

In this fantastic episode, the Grinders interview Blues reporter, radio personality, St. Louis native, and true Gateway Grinder, Andy Strickland. Andy has had the dream of being in journalism since the 3rd grade and tells his story about his journey getting to where he is today. A gritty work ethic, say yes mentality, and passion for his work were some of the key factors on his path. Andy talks about skating with Pat Maroon and other STL natives, coaching the AAA Blues, the Stanley Cup run, and partying with the Cup. We truly hope you enjoy the interview and the insightful stories from Andy! (Part 1 of 2)

After a little hiatus, the Grinders return in full form. Tom and Adam analyze the Cardinals highs and lows over the last few weeks, John Mozeliak's dismal trade deadline, Lane Thomas destroying the most needed grand slam of the year, Blues updates, and MLS news. Fredbird and his boys were having a grand time in front of Tom during Lane's slam however. A jam packed, early August, MLB frenzy of an episode with a dash of hockey, and a sprinkle of soccer. Enjoy!

In this episode, Adam and Tom met with Patrick Quinn of the St. Louis Legacy Ice Foundation to discuss the construction of the Centene Ice Center. Patrick took the hosts on an in depth tour of the construction and shared his passion for hockey and what this complex will mean for St. Louis and hockey. Seeing St. Louis projects thrive and people coming together for a greater common goal is truly inspiring. Patrick is one of the leaders in growing St. Louis and helping bring its people together. A great episode that we hope you guys enjoy listening to as much as we enjoyed recording it!

On this special episode, the up and coming St. Louis rapper, singer, and songwriter, Sanzy, joins Tom for an interview. The two break down how Sanzy got into rap music, why he started making songs, and the progression he has taken in the first 3-4 years of producing music. He's a die hard Blues and Cardinals fan and is a true Gateway Grinder. Having him on as a guest to discuss his work and what he has planned for the future was a no brainer.

Blues Vice President of Corporate Partnerships Eric Stisser was kind enough to let the Grinders into the highly updated and renovated Blues offices. Tom and Adam interview Eric about his interesting career path. Eric started with ESPN, joined the Rams for the Greatest Show on Turf, then joined a rebuilding Blues team that finally won the cup. Eric talks about Stan Kroenke, Golfing with Chief, naming Enterprise Center, planning the parade, and much more. The three break down the historic Stanley Cup run and Eric had a ton of behind the scenes stories with the Blues. All three talk about their favorite moments from the run and what is needed in order to achieve some of the greatest words in sports, back to back.

After back and forth communication, the dynamic podcasts of the Gateway Grinders and The Squeeze collaborate! Adam, Tom, Tyler, and Michael dive into the mid-summer classic, the MLB All-Star Game and more importantly the Home Run Derby. Vlad Jr. and Joc should have been the final and the boys have quite the take on the 'champion', Pete Alonso. All four debate and discuss their all time Cardinals lineup.  The extravaganza of all episodes! We hope you guys enjoy listening as much as we enjoyed making it for you.

July 1st or Christmas? Either way you look at the first day of free agency, it's one of the best days of the year for hockey fans. The boys and recurring guest stathead Pete Hempstead analyze all of the big moves. There were plenty. Blues resign Chief, Gunny and Blais. Hot debate whether the Blues should keep the same roster or bring in some new blood. The boys break down big trades and free agency splashes around the league and what they means for the Blues. All three give their predictions on how the competitive Central is going to fall and what the Blues need to do to put themselves back in the playoffs. Enjoy the breakdown and stay tuned for some Cardinals predictions. As always, it's a good day to have a great day!

No one has been able to replicate the start that Albert Pujols put together from the start of his career in 2001 to his leaving year in 2011. The Machine returns to Busch Stadium for the first time since signing with the Angels and St. Louis welcomed him home in loving arms. Adam and Tom were in attendance for a few of the games and recall their childhood memories of him. Another former Cardinal, Stephen Piscotty returned to Busch with a solid standing ovation. The story of his mother is one of baseball's greatest and the boys talk about St. Louis fans and their class. All of the heartwarming stuff aside, the Cardinals have been playing awful and have to turn it around. Adam and Tom give their keys to success and much more on this episode, enjoy!

The boys welcome on Peter Hempstead, die hard Blues fan that loves his stats. All three cover the NHL awards then move onto the draft. We like some picks but think the guys from the windy city majorly screwed up. In depth breakdown of the Blues picks and debate who they need to sign and who they need to let walk, as well as NHL Trade reviews. Heated back and forths about one of the NHL's 'best' defenseman, Erik Karlsson and what magic strings Army should pull. The biggest howitzer and cracker of an episode yet, enjoy!

Adam and Tom welcome on the well-known St. Louis brand StlSportsCentral and give some never heard before stories about their day at OB Clark's. Adam fell victim to chasing the Cup while Tom and  Hayden (SSC) found their way in the bar. Everyone relives what they are calling, 'the greatest day' of their lives. This week has been surreal and the Blues are some of the nicest celebrities in the world. We truly hope you enjoy this howitzer of an episode.

Finally, the St. Louis Blues accomplished what we once only dreamt of. Adam and Tom breakdown the historic Stanley Cup Final Game 7 in detail and found themselves partying with the Blues players a day later. The king of Blues coverage, Blues Buzz aka PJ Cox comes on for an interview and talks about his brand and passion for the Blues. PJ gives answers on what this Cup means for St. Louis and what it would have meant if Game 7 fell into the arms of the Bruins.  The best episode of the podcast yet and we truly hope you enjoy!

Deflating, heart-breaking, and gut-wrenching are some ways to describe Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final. The Boston Bruins took it to the St. Louis Blues and won in a convincing manner, 5 to 1. The boys hold back tears in the game recap but remain optimistic for the two best words in sports, Game 7. This is the most important game St. Louis and the Blues have witnessed and there is no alternative. The Blues have to win or face another year of mockery and disappointment. Death or Gloria, let's go Blues!

After a heart racing Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final the grinders recap their experiences. Tom takes on Boston and the world-renowned TD Garden. The Bostonians were aggressive, unsympathetic, and wannabe UFC fighters. Many fights broke out among the fans but the Blues fans traveled and supported  this great team. Adam had himself a night at the sold out watch party at Enterprise Center and almost got brought to tears with that gorgeous tune by Laura Branigan began to play. In depth breakdown and immediate reactions. Recorded right after the game when the boys could get on a call, enjoy!.

The Boston Bruins dominated game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final but the St. Louis Blues flipped a switch in game 4. Adam and Tom recap the games and talk about the scene at Ballpark Village when the Cubbies were in town along with the hockey game going on. Tom talks about how loud Enterprise Center was and how great the game was. The boys talk about the ups and downs the Blues showed in these two games with some hot takes. The boys give the keys to success in game 5 in Boston and give their predictions. The best episode yet! 

52 years later and St. Louis has one win in the Stanley Cup Final. But they're not satisfied and neither are we. The Blues are only 25% of the way there in the Stanley Cup. Adam and Tom breakdown the dominations by both teams in game one and two. There are some hot takes and in depth analysis. The best episode yet and Saturday can't come soon enough. Game three predictions are in and we want the cup.

In this crazy episode, Adam and Tom talk to the one and only Marlins Man at a Cardinal game and ask for his thoughts on the Stanley Cup Final. The boys go into some crazy depth breaking down the Boston versus St. Louis history as well as the upcoming series. They have some hot takes and discuss who has the upper hand. As always, it's a good day to have a great day!

After 49 years, the St. Louis Blues are going  to the Stanley Cup Final! Adam and Tom both went to game six and breakdown the atmosphere, what this means for the franchise and St. Louis.  After a deep breakdown, intense arguments, and too  much excitement the boys welcome on their first ever guest to the podcast.

In the boys best episode yet, Adam and Tom praise the Blues for their amazing performance in the all pivotal Game 5 against the Sharks. They breakdown who they liked and why, as well as analyzing the Sharks injury list. With different levels of confidence for Game 6 they make their predictions and gear up for the biggest game in Blues history. The Cardinals on the other hand have not been playing up to par and Tom isn't happy. Adam wisely did not take his eyes off the Blues. Adam gives some breaking news about local golf course, Tower Tee, and what it means for St. Louis.  Finally, take me home country roads!

After a brutal ending to game 3 of the western conference finals the  boys in blue bounce back. An early goal by none other the Ivan Barbashev got the train rolling and the two goals the boys scored in the first period proved to be sufficient. When you got a wall in Jordan Binnington in net, two goals is sometimes all you need. Then Adam and Tom dive into the  rollercoaster start for the Cardinals.

Welcome to the first episode of the Gateway Grinders! With a brief introduction to the hosts Tom and Adam we present the best St. Louis sports coverage, hot takes, and banter.    On the pilot episode, the boys discuss and breakdown games two and  three of the western conference finals with a controversial ending. The  St. Louis Blues have played a great series so far but fell victim to one call or lack there of.    We hope you guys enjoy listening and thank you for tuning in!