Moving through life, the baseball podcast

Franky and Lutzy welcome back former Reds teammate, head of MLB China and current hitting coach for China's WBC team Ray Chang. This time, they go deep on their experiences and approaches to handling different coaching styles and personalities at different levels of the game. This episode is full of gold for all players, parents and coaches, but is a must-listen for young players transitioning into new systems like high school, representative teams or college. Frank also shares his excellent new song ʻOlekūkahi Morning Loop.

Sharpen your pencil and grab your notebook because there's a lot of gold dropped in this episode. The guys are joined by current Cincinnati Reds Assistant Hitting Coach and long-time friend and mentor Alex Pelaez for an informative and insightful conversation about the physical and mental sides of hitting and the journey to finding success at the plate. Al shares his thoughts on simplifying your approach, things for young players to work on – including his top areas of focus and the top three things to STOP doing at the plate. Like always, Frank, Lutzy and Al also tell some great stories from their time together in the Reds farm system and Pelaez also talks about working with current Reds like Elly De La Cruz. Then, Frank shares his new song “Fun Again”.

In this episode, Frank and Lutzy cover the highs, lows and in-betweens of confidence, answer a listener question and share confidence-related stories from their careers in major league, minor league and international baseball.​ Frank and Lutzy discuss their chances of suiting up for a stint in the NFL ​ How being confident comes with a sense of being realistic ​ How doubt helps to grow confidence ​ How confidence is not a static thing, it's a fluid thing​ Lutzy talks about how he bounces back from going 0-20 by hanging in the cage​ Frank and Don answer a question about how athletes can improve their confidence when a new coach puts them into a position they're not used to​ Frank and Don share their own stories about being thrown into new roles on the field and how they had to adapt quickly to survive​ Frank goes through a day of Spring Training​ Lutzy shares his passion for talking trash while competing​ The guys talk about things they weren't confident about, but now are ​ How to feel good, play good, and look good!Lastly, Frank shares his new song “Same Team”.

In this episode, the guys catch up with former Reds teammate Chad “Sharky” Rogers, who shares stories about how he got the nickname, his baseball journey, life after baseball and establishing his Galveston-based baseball academy, The Baseball Bunker. They share several stories from their days in the minor leagues and Chad drops tons of gold about his approach to the game and life, coaching styles and dealing with the ups and downs of the game. Then, Frank shares his new song “Hoaka Night Tuning (4,10,2024)”. Warning: Episode Contains Strong Language.

Lutzy and Franky discuss how speed on the bases changes the game for pitchers, catchers, batting stats and more. Frank shares some gold for young players about how to approach the game defensively with speed on the bases, covering topics like angles, timing and positioning from both an infielder's and outfielder's perspective. Then the guys answer some listener questions where Lutzy talks about his journey from Germany to the Big Leagues and Frank shares some stories of gratitude about coaches who influenced his running game and approach in general. Lastly, Frank shares a new mash-up of De La Soul and Sam and Dave songs, “De La Soul Man”.

This episode is dedicated to Frank and Lutzy's former manager, hitting coach and mentor, Ken Griffey Sr. We also celebrate some special birthdays, including podcast producer Jim Strachan, who used to rock #22 on the field. Other honourable birthday shoutouts go to #11 Barry Larkin and #8 Mark Fleury – with some major buzz vibes mixed in. Since this is somewhat of a birthday gift, we won't be able to tell you what's in this episode other than our main topic of “Team chemistry within yourself”. Lutzy and Franky also share their advice on how to make hitting simple by passing on knowledge they received from Ken Griffey Sr, who rocked #30 while playing with the Cincinnati Reds, winning two World Series titles in 1975 and 1976. Lutzy also threatens to kick Frank off the podcast if he doesn't use his rubber-stringed ukulele bass. Please join us to send some birthday vibes out there by sharing this 25-minute long episito with your baseball community.

The guys try a new “mini special” format with a shorter length and more informal tone (if that's even possible?!) They talk about Lutzy's line of batting gloves from his new DTL3 brand and introduce the “Velcro breath”. Then, they cover the importance of breathing and awareness in baseball and in life. Lastly, Frank talks about breathing in context of playing live music and the parallels with playing high-level baseball. “New Velcro breath from DTL3 – it's the pause the refreshes!”

Lutzy and Frank welcome former Reds teammate and 13-year MLB and MiLB veteran Ryan LaMarre to the podcast. Ryan talks about his decision to walk away from the game and how perseverance and resilience helped him overcome injuries and evolve his approach both on and off the field. He also shares some fantastic stories about pitching at Fenway Park (as a position player), hitting an “oppo taco” at Yankee Stadium and his interactions with some of the game's greatest players like Big Papi, Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge and others. In this episode: - Ryan talks about deciding to walk away from the game - The uniqueness of the Yankees' player evaluation and development program - Ryan and the guys talk about hitting metrics and the idea of chasing the process instead of homers - The events that led Ryan to consider retirement - Playing with the Red Sox and how their superstars interacted with Ryan - Ryan tells stories about playing for the Red Sox, shadowing Big Papi and working with Mookie Betts - How watching the Astros AAA team's batting practice led to working with a new hitting coordinator that helped revolutionise Ryan's swing - Zero to hero – how Ryan's new swing helped him make the Twins' opening day roster - Ryan talks about simplifying his swing, loading the hips and bat path - Pitching at Fenway after not pitching for almost a decade - A special mound visit from Dustin Pedroia - Giving up moon shots at Yankee Stadium on Sunday Night Baseball - Ryan reflects on his career and the importance of keeping perspective - Frank shares his instrumental reimagining of the Mos Def and Vinia Mojica song “Climb”

Lutzy and Franky are super excited to welcome their good friend Ray Chang to the show. Their former teammate in the Reds organisation and current head of baseball operations for MLB China, Ray shares stories and perspectives from across his career, including: * We hear the story of how Ray got hurt right before his call up to the show * The guys discuss how failure in baseball builds resilience in life * Mental preparation on game day, whether you're in the lineup or not * How Ray's two strike approach became his 0-0 approach * Ray talks about facing Shohei Ohtani in the recent WBC * The story of the game where Ray played all nine positions, including a scoreless inning on the mound * Ray tells his side of the “teaching Lutzy how to field a ground ball” story * Lutzy tells the story of visiting Ray in China and hitting bombs off kid pitchers * Ray talks about coaching in China and building their development programs * Frank shares his new song, “Mālie”

The guys talk about their differing approaches to two-strike hitting over the years, advice they got from various Reds coaches (and the game itself), and what the last day of a minor league season was usually like. Plus, they answer the question, “What's fun for you – winning or simply competing?” In this episode: • Frank's two-strike hitting approach throughout his career • Some simple advice from Ken Griffey, Sr. • Knowing your situation, knowing your approach • Advice on overcoming the fear of striking out • How the game itself helps us simplify • Advice from an early coach that helped Lutzy shape his approach at the plate • The cat, the mouse, and Eric Davis • What's fun for you? • Lutzy's key to beating the game • Minor League “getaway day” stories • “Is there value in grinding through a season on a bad team?” or, “No mud, no lotus” • Frank talks gratitude • The world premiere of Frank's excellent new song “To Night, from Morning”

Season two of Moving Through Life, The Baseball Podcast kicks off with Lutzy and Frank diving into what it means to be a grinder in baseball and how sports philosophy can help nurture your relationship with the game and life. In this episode: • What is a “grinder”, anyway? • Frank talks about his grind through the ups and downs of his 2011 season. • Lutzy talks about the things he wishes he'd learned earlier in his career. • Frank talks about his role as a mental skills coach for the Reds and how sports and performance philosophy can help you be in tune with the game and the people around you. • Lutzy talks about the grind of breaking his finger at the end of the season and the lead up to his retirement. • Frank shares his new song, “Opal's Moon”.

Lutzy and Frank stretch it out as they welcome former teammate and longtime friend Steve “Death Turkey” Selsky. Steve shares his unique journey to the pros and his draft story as well as a very different kind of journey – working through the adversity of injuries. The guys cover some great topics around making the best of every opportunity, flipping negative situations and working through setbacks. They also talk about the different coaching styles that helped them at different levels of the Reds farm system and how letting the game be your coach can sometimes bring the best results. At more than an hour and a half, this episode has loads of great stories and fantastic insights around resilience and being adaptable. Lastly, Frank shares his excellent new song, “Hide and Seek”.

In this episode, Frank interviews Lutzy and he reflects on his favourite aspects of the game including the biggest influences throughout his career, the parts of the game he loves most and the traits that make a great teammate. Plus, Donald tells the story of how beach balls became his nemesis and what he'd say, if he could go back in time, to “First day in the major leagues” Donald. Then, Frank shares his new tune “Back Around”.

In this episode, Lutzy and Frank talk about the various superstitions they had throughout their careers, their effects (or lack thereof) and the advice they got from coaches and mentors about their value. They also explore the line between superstition and routine as well as respecting the baseball gods. Then, Frank shares his funky take on the classic nursery rhyme (and Civil War-era song) “Ants Go Marching”.

In this episode, Frank and Donald talk about Frank's experiences with writing and performing music and the parallels between laying your heart on the line in front of 14 people and performing on a baseball field in front of 14,000. They explore the similarities (and differences) to batting practice and touch on topics like preparation, focus and the actual importance of both. Then, the guys cover the value of positive, negative and brutally honest feedback throughout their careers. Lastly, Frank shares his new song, “Wasted Waiting”.

In this episode, Donald and Frank cover topics like advice for youth coaches – and all levels – around working with players at various ages and finding the balance between keeping it fun and having expectations of young players. They also share their perspectives on working with different skill levels in the same age group and how to make it fun for both the advanced player and the player just starting out. Then, Frank shares his excellent new song “Stay Amazed”.

Frank and Lutzy go short on all things bunting – the ultimate team play! This in-depth exploration of the art of the bunt covers the offensive and defensive situational strategies associated with sacrifice bunts, drag bunts and push bunts. The guys also share some funny bunt-related anecdotes from their careers. Then, Frank crushes a double to the gap with his new tune, “Kūkolu Morning Loop (Bumpin' and Lovin')”.

In this sincere and enlightening episode, Frank and Donald go deep on topics like navigating the emotional rollercoaster of not being an everyday player, the constant threat of demotion and even the eventual end of a career. They also share some great insights about staying out of victim mode, continuing to contribute in the face of uncertainty and their thoughts on how we can listen to our emotions and find a role for them in our daily lives. Then, the guys reflect on the hidden gravity and importance of unsung team leaders, the grind of backup catchers and continue their chat about the “Redwoods” – the mentors and influences such as Corky Miller who have helped shape the lives of so many players. Lastly, Frank shares his new song “Ants Go Marching (Lying Eyes)”. Language warning.

Lutzy and Franky welcome their first guest to the show, former teammate and 11-year MLB veteran Todd Frazier. Todd and the guys talk about how a seemingly innocuous RBI double in a minor league game in Buffalo, NY (scoring one Frank Pfister) was the career-defining turning point for the two-time All Star and 2015 MLB Home Run Derby winner. Then, they cover a range of topics including coaching kids, the fine line between confidence and cockiness, and Todd's most important advice for young ball players. The episode is full of great insights, advice and stories about their journeys through MiLB and MLB, playing the game the right way and life after baseball. Definitely a milestone episode for MTL-The Baseball Podcast. Lastly, Frank shares his famous Mufasa impression and his new tune called “After the storm”. Special thanks to “The Toddfather”. Be sure to check out his podcast “Foul Territory”.

This continuation of Episode 9 is one our strongest episodes yet. Frank and Donald continue their chat about batting and the overall approach in the batter's box (and life). Donald talks about the cat and mouse game that is high-level hitting and using video analytics to gain an advantage. Frank drops some valuable baseball and life advice as well as the importance of slowing down and listening to your breathing. Plus, too many other amazing stories and morsels of wisdom to list here. Then, Frank debuts another new tune, “Someone once told me that simple was the way… Slow down… We're in Love.”

In this episode, Donald talks about his favourite non-homer parts of hitting and how he learned to not be afraid of getting jammed. Frank shares the story of his bullpen misadventures in the big leagues and Lutzy talks about the biggest factors in translating the drills you work on in BP to your in-game at-bats. Then, the guys reflect on hitting and life advice from Reds coaches including Delino DeShields and Barry Larkin. Plus, we learn which pro stadium has the best German bratwurst and Frank introduces his future worldwide #1 hit, “A Little Thank You”.

In this episode, Donald and Frank cover topics like where the line is between an appropriate on-field celebration and being disrespectful. Lutzy also talks about what advice he'd give to his 12-year-old self and they introduce a new feature on the podcast called “Frank's random page”. Plus, Lutzy's cold tub pro tips and Frank debuts an awesome new song called "どこの国出身ですか〜♪ Doko no kuni shusshindesu ka (Where are you from? – thanks Digable Planets)" That bass line goes hard!

In their final episode from Arizona spring training, Donald and Frank continue with the theme of dealing with panic in life and on the field and how those moments can sometimes turn into celebrations. Donald also shares a few stories about his journey to the big leagues, what he did with his Reds signing bonus, and catching up with mentors like Eric Davis at this year's Reds camp. Plus, Frank explains the themes behind his song “Another wave” (featured at the end of episode 5) and we learn the secret ingredient that makes the Lutz family's homemade German potato salad so special!

Recorded during spring training in Arizona, Donald and Frank cover topics like dealing with anxiety on the field, the art of playing like you don't care, and finding patience and comfort through the chaos. Plus, Donald shares his spring training experiences seeing old teammates, mentors and friends as well as his first preseason as a Reds scout.

Donald and Frank share their experiences as rookies at their very first spring trainings. They talk about what they did to try to stand out, their preparation and mindset going in and how that changed in subsequent preseasons. Plus, the world debut of the song “Another Wave” from Frank Pfister. Warning: it's a real ear worm!

Frank and Donald talk about the importance of communication and transparency in dealing with teammates, coaches and parents. Then, both share their personal stories about the toughest conversations they've had in baseball and the valuable life lessons learned from them.

On this episode, Frank and I take listener questions and go deep on topics like mental approaches to breaking out of slumps and moving past “the funk”, life lessons learned from our baseball journeys, what makes a good mentor, teacher or coach (including those we worked with in Cincinnati), and much more.

In this episode we cover the following topics: - Different cultural expressions in baseball - How observation is one of the most powerful tools - Respect greatness - How to achieve your goals - How kids have to enjoy the game of baseball - Piggybacking on the joy of others - To never take the game of baseball for granted - Importance of adapting to a new environment - The joy of hitting homers - How to bring the energy for your teammates Donald Lutz also shares story's on his first 18 pro at bats, his first time taking ground balls with Didi Gregorius and much more fun stuff. If you hang in there until the end you also get to enjoy Donald making Frank talk about how great Donald is

Frank and I discuss how important positive mentorship is, not just in baseball but in life. We talk about a hot topic which is “Should baseball be fun?” Accountability is another topic we touch on while simply sharing a few things we learned during our combined 30 years of experience in professional and international baseball. This podcast isn't just for young athletes pursuing a dream, we also try to help athletes who are nearing the end of their playing career and struggle with the transition. Thanks for listening and if you see any value in this or any future episodes, feel free to share it with someone you think could benefit from it. We would love to build a small community!