Backfield Banter

Backfield Banter

Backfield Banter is a podcast that brings you exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the world of baseball through in-depth interviews with industry professionals. Hosted by pitching guru, Bob Zimmermann; 12-year professional ball player, Frank Duncan; and elite performance coach, Zach McCloud NASM CPT, the show will take you beyond the box score to explore the game from every angle. Each episode features one-on-one conversations with a wide range of guests, including former players, coaches, scouts, analysts, front-office executives, and even sports psychologists—people who shape the game both on and off the field. The podcast dives deep into the nuances of baseball strategy, player development, the sport's business side, and the game's mental aspect. Whether it’s a retired pitcher reflecting on the evolution of pitching mechanics, a front-office guru explaining how they build a championship roster, or a sports psychologist discussing the mental fortitude needed to perform at the highest level, Backfield Banter delivers insights you won’t hear anywhere else. In addition to expert opinions, the show also explores the stories and journeys of these professionals—how they got their start, what challenges they’ve faced, and what advice they have for the next generation of players and coaches. Each episode blends personal anecdotes and deep dives into the game's mechanics, offering listeners a multi-dimensional view of baseball. Whether you're a die-hard fan looking to understand the game's intricacies or someone interested in the inner workings of baseball at the highest level, Backfield Banter provides a rich, thoughtful, and informative look into the sport’s most important voices. Tune in to get smarter about the game, hear incredible stories, and hear from the people who truly know baseball inside and out.

Episodes

April 22, 2025 50 mins

In this episode of Backfield Banter, we explore the journey of Todd Clausen, owner of Inside Edge. Discover how Todd rose through the professional coaching ranks and forged a pivotal relationship with renowned pitching guru Bob Zimmermann. Listen in as Todd shares insights on leadership, baseball strategies, and the vision behind the Inside Edge's success. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast or aspiring coach, this episode offers ...

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In this week's episode of Backfield Banter, hosts Zach McCloud and Bob Zimmermann dive deep into the exciting world of college and professional baseball. Join us as we break down the latest updates, player performances, and game highlights, with a special focus on the Spring Breakout Game. Whether you're a die-hard fan or just getting into the sport, our lively conversations and expert insights will keep you in the loop. Tune in fo...

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Join us for an inspiring episode featuring professional pitcher Daniel Harper as he takes us through his rigorous and exhilarating journey during spring training. Daniel shares his personal experiences, challenges, and triumphs as he prepares for the upcoming season. From early morning workouts to honing his skills on the mound, Daniel provides an insider's look at the dedication and passion required to succeed at the highest level...

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Join us in this exciting episode as we dive into the remarkable journey of pitching guru Bob Zimmermann. From his early days on the mound to becoming a sought-after mentor, Bob shares the pivotal moments that shaped his career in baseball.

In this episode, he opens up about the challenges and triumphs of launching his first training facility, detailing the vision behind it and the impact it has had on aspiring pitchers. Bob discuss...

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In this episode of "Backfield Banter," we sit down with Joe Murphy, a seasoned professional baseball scout with over 50 years of experience in the game. Joe shares his wealth of knowledge, offering insights into player evaluation, scouting strategies, and the evolving landscape of baseball. From unforgettable moments on the field to the importance of mentorship in the sport, Joe's stories provide a unique glimpse into the life of a...

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Join us for an insightful episode of Backfield Banter as we sit down with professional pitcher Connor Holden. In this conversation, Connor shares his journey from high school sports to professional baseball, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a pitcher. We dive into his training routines, mental strategies, and the challenges he faces on and off the mound. Connor also discusses pivotal moments in his career, and what ...

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In this episode of Backfield Banter, we dive into the electrifying atmosphere of Pro Day, where aspiring athletes showcase their skills in front of eager pro scouts. Join us as we hear firsthand from the athletes themselves, sharing their experiences, challenges, and the adrenaline rush of performing under pressure. Discover what it takes to stand out in a competitive field and the strategies these rising stars use to capture the a...

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January 28, 2025 51 mins

In the second episode of Backfield Banter, MLB pitcher John Means dives into the essential elements that define success in professional baseball. Join him as he discusses the art of throwing harder and the techniques that can elevate a pitcher's performance. John also emphasizes the importance of mental toughness, sharing personal stories and strategies that help athletes overcome challenges both on and off the field.

Additionally, ...

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January 21, 2025 36 mins

In this episode of Backfield Banter, we dive into the remarkable journey of Major League Baseball pitcher John Means. Join us as we explore the defining moments that shaped John’s early career, his passion for the game, and the hurdles he overcame to rise to prominence in baseball. With engaging stories and unique insights, this episode reveals the driving forces behind John’s success on and off the field. Whether you're a baseball...

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In this episode of Backfield Banter, we sit down with up and coming strength coach Victor Cruz to explore the art and science of strength training. Victor shares his journey in the fitness industry, offering invaluable insights into effective training techniques, program design, and the importance of mindset. Whether you're a seasoned athlete or just starting your fitness journey, Victor's expertise will inspire you to push your li...

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In this episode of Backfield Banter, we dive into the remarkable career of Danny Young, exploring his journey from aspiring player to a the 2024 post season. Danny shares his experiences on and off the field, reflecting on pivotal moments, challenges he faced, and the lessons learned throughout his journey. Join us as we celebrate his achievements, discuss his passion for the game, and gain insights into what it takes to succeed in...

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The team at Backfield sits down with Joey Wentz and Bob Zimmerman. The conversation covers key moments from Joey Wentz's career, including unforgettable venues, world-class teammates, and the lessons learned along the way. Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at the relationship between player and coach, and the trust and understanding that drives success on the mound.

From pitch mechanics to mental toughness, this intimate d...

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In this episode of the Backfield Banter Podcast, host Frank Duncan and his co-hosts engage in a deep conversation with baseball journalist Jeff Passan. They explore Passan's journey in sports journalism, the evolution of baseball fandom, and the changing landscape of training and injury trends in the sport. The discussion delves into the impact of analytics on pitching development, the consequences of the pursuit of velocity, and t...

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Episode Description:

In this episode, we sit down with St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Dakota Hudson for an exclusive look at his journey to the Major Leagues. From his college days at Mississippi State to overcoming challenges in the big leagues, Dakota shares the highs, lows, and lessons he's learned along the way. With a focus on the mental and physical aspects of pitching, he gives us insight into what it takes to succeed at the hig...

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In this exclusive episode of Backfield Banter, we sit down with the founder of Premier Baseball KC, Bob Zimmermann, and 2016, 4th overall pick, Riley Pint. Known for his blazing fastball, Riley offers a candid look at his journey through the minor leagues, the pressures of being a highly touted draft pick, and the challenges of staying healthy and focused in professional baseball. From his early days growing up in Kansas to his ris...

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Backfield Banter is a podcast that brings you exclusive, behind-the-scenes access to the world of baseball through in-depth interviews with industry professionals. Hosted by pitching guru, Bob Zimmermann; 12-year professional ball player, Frank Duncan; and elite performance coach, Zach McCloud NASM CPT, the show will take you beyond the box score to explore the game from every angle. Each episode features one-on-one conversations w...

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