Keep Swinging with Matt Stucko

MLB veteran shortstop Nick Ahmed went from being a college walk-on to playing over ten years in the big leagues. The 2X Gold Glove winner shares tactical strategies on how to get better and reach your goals from his program called 7 Pillar Health & Performance. You will get better in at least one area of your life after listening to this episode featuring Ahmed on Keep Swinging with Matt Stucko.

Get an up close look at the remarkable journey of Miguel Rojas, one of fewer than 500 players born in Venezuela since 1939. In this compelling episode of "Keep Swinging with Matt Stucko," Rojas shares his inspirational story, diving into the challenges he overcame to reach the pinnacle of the sport while defying the odds to secure a spot in the big leagues. "Air Rojas" also uncovers the layers of his unique personality as he talks about his role in growing the game beyond the diamond seen in his flair with custom cleats and fits that are as cool as his playing style. Join us for an engaging episode that goes beyond the stats and reveals what makes Rojas one of a kind.

Jim Morris is considered one of the most inspirational figures for his remarkable journey from being a high school teacher to is making his Major League Baseball debut at the age of 35. The story, depicted in the film "The Rookie," showcases Morris's perseverance, dedication, and belief in chasing one's dreams against the odds. His determination resonates with many, making him an inspiration to aspiring athletes and individuals facing challenges as you will learn in this episode of Keep Swinging with Matt Stucko.

Jose Cuas wants to be known as 'That Guy' rather than "the Major League Baseball player who he reached the majors soon after working as a driver for FedEx."  When you listen to this inspiring episode of Keep Swinging with host Matt Stucko, you will know exactly what the pitcher means by that and if there is anything you will get out of this episode, it is to never give up on your dreams and to always chase progress. Enjoy this recording with the 2022 Tony Conigliaro Award winner.

34th round pick of the 2015 MLB Draft pick turned MLB All-Star Ty France defines Keep Swinging. The Seattle Mariners first baseman shares stories from his childhood, how he battled adversity and became an establish Major League Baseball player in this episode with host Matt Stucko. France also shares great stories about the late great and MLB Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn, stories behind his fun experiences creating content and so much more. 

One of baseball's youngest stars first picked up a bat when he was five years-old. Now, Jordan Lawlar is ready to take Major League Baseball by storm as the shortstop for the Arizona Diamondbacks. His mother and grandfather played huge roles growing up in Texas and one of his favorite players to watch as a kid was New York Yankees legend Derek Jeter. In this episode of Keep Swinging with Matt Stucko, the 2021 first round MLB Draft pick who made his MLB debut in 2023 shares stories and gives you a better look at who he is as person off the field. 

MLB pitcher Nick Martinez describes himself as 'hard to kill.' In this episode of Keep Swinging with Matt Stucko, you'll learn the meaning behind that phrase and everything about his remarkable journey from the collegiate to professional level, including a stop in Japan to play baseball. The right hander is close friends with past Keep Swinging guest Eddy Alvarez, who is only the sixth athlete in Olympic history to medal in both the Summer and Winter Olympics.  In 2021, the duo played on Team USA. Martinez played a key role in that tournament that led to a silver medal. Please share, rate and review the show if you get any value from it to help support Keep Swinging!

Former MLB player and founder of Major League Mindset Brandon Guyer is here to make you better. After playing 7+ MLB seasons and baseball being part of his life for 20 years, Guyer found his purpose post-playing days. His goal is to serve others through teaching tactical strategies backed by research and science that anyone can apply to their daily lives as their try to chase down their dreams and achieve their goals. This episode of Keep Swinging with Guyer and host Matt Stucko is for any one whether you're a student, athlete, work a 9-to-5 or just looking to get better. 

After 2,590 career at-bats and 1,109 games played for 17 professional baseball teams, Wynton Bernard's goal of making it to the big leagues came true in his 11th season playing baseball. The outfielder went viral after a FaceTime video with his mom was shared on social media right after being called up to the Colorado Rockies as a 31-year-old. In this episode of Keep Swinging with Matt Stucko, one of the best stories in sports is told by Bernard as he chronicles his life in sports from childhood up until the current day. This episode will have you feeling inspired to Keep Swinging towards your goals no matter what they are or how long they may take.

MLB closer Josh Hader signed for $40,000 after being chosen in the 18th round of 2012 MLB Draft out of high school. 10-plus years, seven big league seasons and three trades later, the lefty has been on the last five NL All-Star teams,  he is MLB's all-time leader in strikeouts per nine innings with 15.0, as well as batting average against at .156. "Haderade" and show host Matt Stucko go way back to Hader's days in the minors and Stucko covering top prospects. While Hader was never a highly-touted prospect, the two hit it off when they met in Lakewood, NJ during Hader's Single-A days and they kept in touch supporting each other every step of the way to their current day success. Hader hops onto the show to talk about his career, off-field ventures and more with Stucko on this episode of Keep Swinging.

Quinnipiac University's Associate Athletic Director and Director of Athletic Performance Brijesh Patel is a master of developing individuals and helping them achieve their goals. That reason is exactly why he's on this show. Coach B's impressive resume includes winning a Division I National Championship with the Quinnipiac men's ice hockey team in 2023, extensive work with University of Connecticut and the College of Holy Cross, multiple nominations as the National Strength and Conditioning Coach of the Year award and so much more. Patel's motto is to "get better" and after listening to this episode of Keep Swinging, we promise you will "get better" in whatever goal it is you are trying to accomplish.

Matt Strahm is one of baseball's most enjoyable players to watch on and off the field. He also happens to be just one of the twenty or so players at the MLB level to be drafted in the 20th round of later making his journey to the big leagues even more impressive. In addition to beating the odds once he got into professional baseball, he was also born in raised in part of the United States where snow is on the ground for a majority of the year. Enjoy this episode featuring major league pitcher Matt Strahm and Keep Swinging's host Matt Stucko.

MLB pitcher Jordan Montgomery grew up working on a farm in South Carolina. He was always being labeled and put into a box when it came to playing sports. Despite people doubting him, he continued to be relentless in his craft and created opportunities for himself. The 2014 MLB Draft 4th round pick details his childhood, battling Tommy John and what keeps him motivated in this episode of Keep Swinging with Matt Stucko.

2013 MVP Andrew McCutchen has dedicated his entire life to playing baseball. The 2005 first round MLB Draft pick continues to make a positive impact in a big league lineup, as well as inside the clubhouse.  The 5X All-Star, 4X Silver Slugger and Gold Glove-winning outfielder and Keep Swinging host Matt Stucko first met in 2005. Nearly 20 years later, the theme of the show has never been more clear as both are still in baseball and have achieved success in their respective fields. McCutchen kicks off season three of Keep Swinging!

MLB pitcher Amir Garrett is that dude. The lefty reliever is a player who entertains at the highest level, someone you'd pay to see perform, has a ton of passion and is an even better person than he is professional athlete. In this episode of Keep Swinging with Matt Stucko, the one-two punch details a wild journey to the big leagues that was split between playing Division I basketball and professional baseball. They also share stories about what it's like being a father, adopting pit bulls and crushing seltzers. This is a feel good show meant for anyone looking for a laugh and will leave you wanting to be your true self at all times.

MLB pitcher Tyler Glasnow has everything to offer on and off the baseball field. The 6-foot-8 flame thrower has the personality, presence and talents of a superstar. While his accolades and numbers throughout his career have looked great on paper, the former top prospect has evolved tremendously as an individual since being drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 5th round of the 2011 MLB Draft. On this episode of Keep Swinging, Glasnow touches on how his mentality has changed, why it is important to celebrate all of the wins in life, what excites him and brings him peace, as well fun topics like his Lil' Boosie lip tattoo and his solo trips to Europe. After missing 14 months due to Tommy John Surgery, Glasnow continues to take the baseball world by storm as you're about to find out with show host Matt Stucko.

Major League Baseball needs more players like Jack Flaherty and you're about to find out why in this episode of Keep Swinging. The St. Louis Cardinals selected the right-handed pitcher in the first round of the 2014 MLB Draft. Everything leading up to that special moment molded him into the man he is today. He was adopted just three weeks after being born into a family led by his mother who once told him, "don't let people lessen your confidence." She was and still is the ultimate warrior and her son would later develop into one both on and off the mound. Get ready to hear Flaherty's inspirational story and how he turned into one of the most marketable players in the game. 

If Keep Swinging had a movie poster, Jake Burger would be featured  at the center of it. The Chicago White Sox third baseman was drafted 11th overall in 2017 and signed for $3.1 million. What happened next is something no one could have predicted or even be able to prepare for. Burger suffered multiple ankle injuries shortly after making his professional baseball debut that led to 1,163 days without playing organized baseball. On this episode of Keep Swinging with Matt Stucko, Burger details his journey back to the ball field, mental health, the highs and lows and so much more that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated.

Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Mike Soroka joins Keep Swinging for part two of discussing his life and journey in baseball with show host Matt Stucko. In this portion, the 2019 MLB All-Star talks about his comeback from injury, fun social media posts and so much more. This interview was filmed at a later date prior to the first recording. 

Mike Soroka was drafted 28th overall by the Atlanta Braves in the 2015 MLB Draft. In 2018, he got his first call to the big leagues. Shortly after, he made the 2019 National League All-Star and during the following year he became the franchise's youngest starter on Opening Day in modern history. The righthand pitcher was on the fast track. Then he met adversity face-to-face when he got injured. Since August 3, 2020, Soroka has fought his way back to the major leagues and now he's on a mission. In part one of an interview with Soroka, he details what it was like growing up in Canada playing baseball, his love for hockey and so much more with host Matt Stucko. Stay tuned for part two which was recorded at a later date. 

James Mims is one of the great innovators baseball has ever seen. He created a unique product for players across Major League Baseball nearly forty years ago and his solely owned business is thriving in today's game. He calls them Mimsbandz and only a select group of baseball players get to wear them on the baseball field. In this episode of Keep Swinging, Mims talks about how he came up with the idea, the superstars who have worn them and his story of how he overcame trials and tribulations makes him the ultimate guest for the show hosted by Matt Stucko. 

Chicago Cubs number one  prospect Brennen Davis has been making headlines since being drafted in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft after signing for $1.1 million. His career has been highlighted so far by winning back-to-back Buck O'Neil Cubs Minor League Player of the Year awards and the 2021 MLB Futures Game MVP. Both of these honors came during a time where the minor leagues took a backseat due to a cancelled season. In this episode of Keep Swinging, the potential future face of baseball talks about how he was able to stay focused, the lessons he learned from raising many animals at home and what excites him most about the city of Chicago with host Matt Stucko. Get to know one of the brightest young stars in baseball in this episode!

There are only six athletes in world history ever to medal in both the Summer and Winter Olympics. This week's guest on Keep Swinging is one of them. Professional baseball player Eddy Alvarez hops on the show to talk about where his unreal athleticism comes from, what fuels his fire, how a guitar helped save his life and so much more. This interview was recorded shortly before he made sports history in Tokyo and he is currently a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers organization. Enjoy the inspirational and motivational ride with Eddy the Jet and host Matt Stucko.

Jason Kendall, who is one of the best catchers in MLB history, hops on the show to talk about growing up in California, bringing culture to the game of baseball, some of his most memorable moments on and off the field plus so much more. Matt Stucko brings you closer to the three-time MLB All-Star who was drafted in the first round of the 1992 MLB Draft and put together a record-setting career during his 15 years at the big league level. Jason Kendall is going to fire you up in this episode of Keep Swinging.

MLB rising star pitcher Josiah Gray only had one college scholarship offer when he was in high school and it was from a Division II program. The righthander dominated with the Le Moyne Dolphins and ended up being drafted in the second round of the 2018 MLB Draft. He skyrocketed to the big leagues, where he's been impressive early in his career as a member of the Washington Nationals. Like Gray said the night he got drafted, he is showing the impossible is possible as he hops on Keep Swinging to share his story with Matt Stucko.

MUNICIPAL was founded by Mark Wahlberg, Steve Levinson and Harry Arnett, who is the CEO of the company and this week's guest on Keep Swinging. Arnett is well-known for his past executive roles in the golf industry at companies like Callaway Golf and TaylorMade. If you saw the HBO Max six-episode documentary Wahl Street, you likely saw his leadership skills and work ethic on full display. In this episode, the entrepreneur goes more into the intense scenes from Wahl Street, his successful career and shares insight on what it takes to be a great boss while leading your company to success. Get ready to take notes because Arnett dishes serious knowledge from experience throughout the show!

MLB rising star Jo Adell hops on the show to talk about overcoming epilepsy, having belief in yourself, playing to the level of expectation and so much more. Matt Stucko brings you closer to the 10th overall 2017 MLB Draft pick who is one of baseball's most popular young players on and off the field. Adell's story of battling adversity and pushing the limits to succeed in all stages of his career will leave you wanting to do the same. 

MLB All-Star starting pitcher Brandon Woodruff hops on the show to talk about how he beat the odds making it to the big leagues from a small town, overcoming a family tragedy, memorable moments during his playing career and so much more. Matt Stucko brings you closer to the two-time All-Star and Cy Young candidate who has taken the big leagues by storm since making his MLB debut in 2017. Woodruff will remind you that anything is possible no matter where you are from.

2019 MLB All-Star catcher James McCann hops on the show to talk about beating all odds since birth, raising a family of his own, memorable moments during his playing career and so much more. Matt Stucko brings you closer to the 2011 MLB Draft second round pick who recently inked a four-year, $40.6 million deal with the New York Mets in 2020. McCann will remind you that anything is possible when you believe!

MLB great Kenny Lofton hops on the show to talk about his childhood, being one of two athletes in history to play in a NCAA basketball Final Four and World Series, the swag he brought to the game of baseball, being featured in a J. Cole song, his NFT projects and so much more. Matt Stucko brings you closer to the six-time MLB All-Star and four-time Gold Glove outfielder who had an amazing 17-year career that totaled almost 2,500 hits and 622 stolen bases which ranks 15th all-time in baseball history. Get ready to laugh and be motivated by the success story Lofton shares on this episode of Keep Swinging.

Nolan Gorman has one of the brightest futures of any player in baseball. The St. Louis Cardinals stud is off to one of the best starts to a career of any player in team history. While he's known for being one of the most versatile players in the game and possessing huge amounts of power at the plate, his journey to the big leagues is out of a movie and he's got a great understanding for growing the sport. Matt Stucko brings you closer to the 2018 first round MLB Draft pick, who happens to be the first player born in the 2000s to be drafted by a major league team. Get ready to laugh and be motivated by Gorman in this episode of Keep Swinging.

Ken Goldin is the Executive Chairman and Founder of Goldin Auctions, the leading marketplace for trading cards, collectibles and memorabilia. People often refer to him as the Warren Buffet of sports collectibles. While you may have seen him doing box breaks with music star Drake or YouTube sensation Logan Paul, you likely have seen him setting records for the most expensive trading cards and memorable ever sold like the Mike Trout Bowman rookie card that went for $3.9 million! In this episode of Keep Swinging, Matt Stucko gives you a better look at who Ken Goldin actually is and how he came to sports fame and fortune.

MLB All-Star Whit Merrifield hops on the show to talk about his love for golf, time at the University of South Carolina, perseverance during his journey to the major leagues, funny teammates and so much more. Matt Stucko brings you closer to one of the game's best players who has multiple hit titles, three stolen base crowns and a pair of All-Star appearances since his MLB debut in 2017. Get pumped for a story that is going to fire you up on this episode of Keep Swinging. 

MLB rising star pitcher Triston McKenzie hops on the show to talk about his career .500 batting average, how his nickname combines his love for medicine and baseball, his awareness of his brand and so much more. Matt Stucko brings you closer to the 42nd overall 2015 MLB Draft pick who is currently dominating as a starter in the Cleveland Guardians rotation. McKenzie's story will make you realize how professional athletes are normal people and how social media can play a huge role in building your brand. 

Former professional athlete and seven-time Emmy Award-winner Dave Stevens hops on the show to talk about being born without legs, getting adopted and his path to an extraordinary  sports career highlighted by professional tryouts in both football and baseball.  Stevens, who currently teaches at Quinnipiac University, also details his relationship with some athletes including former teammate and MLB great Darryl Strawberry.  Buckle up for a moving episode of Keep Swinging with Matt Stucko. 

MLB great Adam Jones hops on the show to talk about his journey to the big leagues, being a leader of baseball culture, having one of the largest followings on social media in the game and so much more. Matt Stucko brings you closer to the former first round 2003 MLB Draft pick who had an amazing 14-year career highlighted by five All-Star games and four Gold Glove Awards. Get ready to laugh and be motivated by the success story Jones shares on this episode of Keep Swinging.

BONUS CONTENT! Jon, better known as the Basketball Card Guy, is the owner of over 4,000 Michael Jordan cards and one of the most passionate collectors you will find in the sports trading card and memorabilia industries.  After listening to the full Keep Swinging interview, you'll learn a ton about the hobby and in a great position to begin collecting or continue a successful collection. Basketball Card Guy plays a round of Pepper in this week's bonus content to get you pumped up!

Jon, better known as the Basketball Card Guy, is the owner of over 4,000 Michael Jordan cards and has the reputation of being one of the most passionate collectors you will find in the sports trading card and memorabilia industries. He's been an avid collector and one of the most well-respected individuals in the hobby since the 90's when he first discovered his love for basketball cards. In this episode of Keep Swinging, the Basketball Card Guy joins the show to share tips and insight on the sports trading card industry and what to do if you want to collect or already have a collection. Matthew Stucko delivers this guest to help those listeners who are into the sports trading card hobby or are interested in getting into it. Basketball Card Guy is the perfect example of how doing what you love for a long period of time can lead to happiness and much success.

BONUS CONTENT! Raidel Brito, better known as Joke, became the Madden NFL World Champion in 2020. It took the elite Madden NFL video gamer years rise to the top of a gaming industry with nearly 100 million active players for this specific game. After listening to the full Keep Swinging interview, you'll find yourself inspired, motivated, and ready to accomplish your goals. Brito plays a round of Pepper in this week's bonus content to get you pumped up!

Raidel Brito, better known as Joke, became the Madden NFL World Champion in 2020. Joke's dedication to video gaming and his drive to become great has gained attention from athletes and celebrities like Snoop Dogg, Julian Edelman, Meek Mill and more. Nearly 100 million gamers play Madden NFL and in this epsiode of 'Keep Swinging' we learn all about how Joke became the number one ranked player in the world. The elite level gamer also shares fun insight and tips on how you can become the best gamer possible. This episode is for anyone everyone who is looking to get better at their passion!

BONUS CONTENT! Taneka Mackey is currently the only Black woman caddie on the LPGA Tour full time. She's also the first Bahamian woman caddie on the LPGA Tour. Now, she hopes she can be an inspiration to many, especially the young boys and girls in her home country of the Bahamas. After listening to the full Keep Swinging interview, you'll find yourself inspired, motivated, and ready to accomplish your goals. Mackey plays a round of Pepper in this week's bonus content to get you pumped up!

Taneka Mackey is currently the only Black woman caddie on the LPGA Tour full time. She's also the first Bahamian woman caddie on the LPGA Tour.  Since 2017, Mackey has caddied for LPGA Tour player Amy Olson, who won an NCAA record 20 collegiate events while playing golf at North Dakota State University. The Bahamas native serves as an inspiration to her home country and so many others. Mackey hops on Keep Swinging to talk about her pride for the Bahamas, how she overcame adversity when she was a child to being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in November 2018. As you'll find out in this episode, she is one of the most positive individuals you can ever come across and her story will leave you fired up! 

BONUS CONTENT! Chris Nikic became the first athlete with Down syndrome to become an Ironman in sports history. Now, Nikic is changing the world with his 1% Better mentality. After listening to the full Keep Swinging interview alongside his close friend and training partner Dan Grieb, you'll find yourself inspired, motivated, and ready to accomplish your goals. The dynamic duo plays a round of Pepper in this week's bonus content to get you pumped up! 

In November 2020, Chris Nikic became the first athlete with Down syndrome to become an Ironman. Nikic's story is remarkable from beginning to end. The Ironman is joined by his close friend and training partner Dan Grieb, who is a five-time Ironman finisher himself, to detail his heroic day in sports, his %1 Better mentality and shares a powerful message for the viewers and listeners of Keep Swinging with Matt Stucko.

BONUS CONTENT! Philadelphia Flyers left winger and former 2nd overall NHL draft pick James van Riemsdyk has over 500 career total points during his 12+ seasons as a professional hockey player. Now, JVR is off to one of the hottest starts of his career as a veteran in the league. The former middle school and high school classmates from Middletown, NJ linked up for a fun episode of Keep Swinging. After listening to the full interview and this bonus content, you'll find yourself inspired, motivated, and ready to accomplish your goals. JVR plays a round of Pepper in this week's bonus content to get you pumped up! 

James van Riemsdyk's love for hockey began in Middletown, NJ where he grew up on the Jersey Shore. His drive and passion would lead him to being selected 2nd overall in the 2007 NHL Draft. He's achieved the remarkable feat of playing over 10 years in the NHL. In this episode of Keep Swinging, JVR shares his hockey journey, how he's been able to stay so consistent and what has been the driving force behind his 500+ points total for his career that also includes representing the United States in the Olympics. Get strapped in as the former middle school and high school classmates from Middletown, NJ natives are ready to fire you up to help you become your best self!

BONUS CONTENT! Emergency backup goalie David Ayers had one of the most memorable nights in sports history on February 22, 2020. The 42-year-old's performance on Hockey Night in Canada in Toronto in the midset of a playoff race was voted the Best Feel-Good Moment in 2020 by fans.  After listening to the full Keep Swinging interview and this bonus content, you'll find yourself inspired, motivated, and with a new favorite player. Ayers plays a round of Pepper in this week's bonus content to get you pumped up! 

On February 22, 2020, 42-year-old David Ayres got the phone call of his life. It was Hockey Night in Canada in Toronto with the Carolina Hurricanes and Toronto Maple Leafs in the midst of a tight playoff race. Both Hurricanes goalies suffered injuries by the second period and they needed to bring in an emergency backup goalie. Ayers was their man. The magical performance by Ayers in Toronto ended up being voted by NHL fans the Best Feel-Good Moment in 2020. This episode of 'Keep Swinging' is all about being ready for when your name is called as the netminder details such a memorable night and how he overcame a health scare prior to that game.  

BONUS CONTENT! Rob Friedman, better known as Pitching Ninja, is one of the most influential and fastest-growing social media stars in sports. If you follow him on any of his platforms, you know @PitchingNinja is all about entertaining and educating. After listening to the full Keep Swinging interview and this bonus content, you will learn Friedman is a hardworking individual who is just getting started in sports. Pitching Ninja plays a round of Pepper in this week's bonus content to get you pumped up! 

Rob Friedman, better known as Pitching Ninja, turned his love of baseball and passion for educating into one of the biggest online social media followings in sports. While his largest audience is on Twitter - using the handle @PitchingNinja - Friedman continues to build his reputation inside clubhouses and with fans on various digital platforms. He's the founder and CEO of the FlatGround Pitching app which helps improves skills and showcases talents by the power of social media to break down barriers and prevent pitchers from falling thru the cracks. He also does this with FlatGround Hitting for position players. Learn all about Pitching Ninja's journey to sports fame in this episode of 'Keep Swinging with Matt Stucko.'