Foul Ball Area
300 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago - ★★★★★ - 23 ratingsA weekly podcast hosted by Matthew Atkins focused on baseball, beer and life.
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Episodes
Richard Blosser, Tampa Bay Rays Fan
October 30, 2020 16:24 - 34 minutes - 47.4 MBI'm joined on today's episode of the podcast by Richard Blosser, host of the Grit and Bear It Podcast and Tampa Bay Rays fan. We discuss the Rays' season, what the future holds for Randy Arozarena and how Richard became a Rays fan. Plus, we talk about his favorite beers from his home state of Pennsylvania. I also go over some of the offseason news that has happened so far, including Tony La Russa being hired as manager of the Chicago White Sox. And, I bring back the Ballpark Beer Segmen...
World Series Recap
October 28, 2020 19:02 - 29 minutes - 39.8 MBThe Los Angeles Dodgers are your 2020 World Series champions! Trey Lyle and I break down Game 6 of the World Series, the Rays' decision to pull Blake Snell out of the game early and Justin Turner's positive COVID-19 test on today's episode of the podcast.
World Series Game 1 Breakdown
October 21, 2020 13:13 - 29 minutes - 39.8 MBTune in this morning as Trey Lyle and I break down World Series Game 1. We discuss Clayton Kershaw's pitching performance, Mookie Betts' historic offensive night, and whether the rest of the series will be any closer than this game.
Mornings with Matt: Oct. 20, 2020
October 20, 2020 10:00 - 4 minutes - 5.92 MBTune in to today's episode of Mornings with Matt as we go over the results of NLCS Game 7 - which are very sad - and preview the upcoming World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Tampa Bay Rays.
LCS Breakdown
October 16, 2020 17:26 - 34 minutes - 47 MBTrey Lyle and I go over the ALCS and NLCS, including the Braves big win in Game 4 over the Dodgers. Plus we discuss some of the offseason manager news, the recent losses of Hall of Fame players and whether or not you should root for the same team as your significant other. Tune in for all that and more on today's episode!
Mornings with Matt:Oct. 13, 2020
October 13, 2020 16:13 - 4 minutes - 5.82 MBTune in to today's episode of Mornings with Matt to get caught up on the ALCS and NLCS, and see some highlights from last night's games. Plus, Walker Buehler's pants were trending on Twitter last night. See how he reacted after the game.
Michael Dailey, VCU Baseball
October 09, 2020 13:24 - 11 minutes - 15.1 MBMichael Daily of the Grottoes Cardinals and VCU Rams Baseball joins the podcast to discuss his summer in the RCBL and what to expect from the Rams in 2021.
Division Series Breakdown
October 07, 2020 09:30 - 26 minutes - 36.6 MBTune in to today's episode of Foul Ball Area as Trey Lyle and I go through each of the Division Series and break down the teams that are still playing. Plus, we give our predictions for the rest of the Postseason. Trey also has a surprise trade idea that the Yankees should probably listen to. And, we touch on the possibility of Theo Epstein leaving his post with the Cubs after next season.
Mornings with Matt: Oct. 6, 2020
October 06, 2020 14:18 - 4 minutes - 5.99 MBTune in to today's edition of Mornings with Matt as we go over the latest postseason news, scores from yesterday's games and get ready for today's games. Plus, a bit of non-postseason injury news that might upset Phillies fans.
Mornings with Matt: Oct. 5, 2020
October 05, 2020 14:18 - 4 minutes - 5.99 MBTune in to today's edition of Mornings with Matt to get prepared for the upcoming ALDS and NLDS. I go over each series and outline why it will be exciting and give a bit of background on the teams squaring off in the second round of the MLB Postseason. Plus, there is a bit of sad news this week as Hall of Fame pitcher Bob Gibson passed away on Friday. We take a look at his fantastic career.
Playoff Preview with Danny Vietti
September 25, 2020 09:30 - 27 minutes - 37.3 MBDanny Vietti of CBS Sports joins the show today to preview the 2020 MLB Postseason. We talk about his dream World Series matchup, which teams are built to make a run in the playoffs, and how the 60-game season has affected the teams in the playoff field. Plus, we take a look at each league's MVP candidates and touch on Alex Gordon's retirement from baseball. With just three days left in the regular season, you don't want to miss this episode!
Final Week of the Regular Season
September 23, 2020 09:30 - 34 minutes - 46.7 MBThe final week of the regular season is upon us, and there are lots of playoff positions that are still undecided. Tune in to today's episode as Trey and I go over the NL and AL standings, and look at which teams still have a shot at making it into the playoffs and which teams are done for the season. Plus, we talk about how the playoffs will shake out once we get there. Will the White Sox magical season continue to the World Series? Are the Padres built to last multiple rounds in the p...
Mornings with Matt: Sept. 21, 2020
September 21, 2020 13:55 - 5 minutes - 7.93 MBWe've got some big news from this past weekend. Seven of the 16 postseason berths have been clinched, including two on Sunday. The Yankees and Padres each secured their spot in the 2020 MLB Playoffs, with the Padres earning their first postseason bid since 2006. Plus, I take a look at the teams around the league that are still in the race with just one week to go. One week! Can you believe it? And, a bit of off-the-field news as the Red Sox and Mets each had issues at their stadiums...
Chris Ray, Center of the Universe Brewing Co.
September 18, 2020 06:30 - 18 minutes - 25.4 MBChris Ray, co-founder of Center of the Universe Brewing Co. in Ashland Va., joins me on the podcast this week. We discuss the brewery's relationship with the Richmond Flying Squirrels, Chris's time as an MLB pitcher, the origin of the brewery and much more. Founded in 2012, Center of the Universe is one of many breweries in the Richmond area, but the only one in Hanover County. COTU brews the Richmond Rally Cap, the official beer of the AA Richmond Flying Squirrels.
Postseason Bubble Outlook
September 16, 2020 09:30 - 35 minutes - 48.2 MBIt's official: Major League Baseball will adopt a bubble format for the 2020 playoffs. MLB released the schedule and locations on Tuesday, and Trey Lyle and I break it all down on today's episode of Foul Ball Area. We go over each of the matchups if the season were to end today, where they'll be playing, and which series we're most excited for. Plus, we look back at some of the historic moments that happened this weekend, including the second no-hitter in the 2020 MLB season. And, w...
Mornings with Matt: Sept. 14, 2020
September 14, 2020 01:33 - 3 minutes - 5.18 MBTune in to today's edition of Mornings with Matt as I go over the biggest news from the weekend, including some injury news with the Oakland A's, a milestone home run from Albert Pujols and a historic day on the mound from Cubs' pitcher Alec Mills.
Braves Offense and Playoff Standings
September 11, 2020 14:16 - 31 minutes - 43.7 MBTune in to today's episode of Foul Ball Area as Trey and I go over the standings and look at which teams still have a shot to make the playoffs. Plus, the Braves have the best offense in the league right now, and they're becoming a really fun team to watch.
Erik Kratz, New York Yankees
September 09, 2020 09:00 - 34 minutes - 47.9 MBWe have a very special guest on today's episode of the podcast as Erik Kratz joins us. Erik is a catcher for the New York Yankees and an alum of Eastern Mennonite University and the Valley Baseball League. In our discussion with Erik, we cover topics such as his relationship with Deivi Garcia and other young Latin pitchers throughout his career, his time in the Shenandoah Valley, his experience playing with Team USA in an Olympic qualifying tournament and celebrating Jackie Robinson Day du...
David Driver, Will Hass
September 04, 2020 09:00 - 33 minutes - 45.8 MBTune in to today's episode of the podcast as I talk with David Driver, who covers the Washington Nationals for Federal Baseball (1:48-19:26). We talk about what's changed from last season to this year, the team's biggest weaknesses, how fun it is to watch Juan Soto and the Nats' farm system. Plus I chat with Will Hass of the Stuarts Draft Diamondbacks and Randolph-Macon (20:20-31:00). We talk about the 2020 college season getting canceled, his stellar RCBL season, what it's like to play...
Mornings with Matt: Aug. 31, 2020
August 31, 2020 02:12 - 5 minutes - 7.11 MBTune in to today's episode of Mornings with Matt as I go over some of the biggest moves we could see today at this year's trade deadline! Who will end up getting Lance Lynn? Will the Padres make any more moves? Will Mike Clevinger end up getting dealt? I go over all of those scenarios in this morning's podcast. Plus, MLB went one day without any postponements, but that ended on Sunday as the A's and Astros had to push their game back due to a positive COVID-19 test. Now we'll have to wai...
Kevin Rush, Broadway Bruins
August 28, 2020 09:00 - 17 minutes - 23.4 MBThe Broadway Bruins are your 2020 Rockingham County Baseball League champions! The Bruins won their first league title since 1938, sweeping the New Market Shockers in the Championship Series. While JMU players such as Chase DeLauter and Travis Reifsnider certainly played a big part in Broadway's historic season, there are plenty of players who have been a part of the team for years. Guys like John Judy, Bryce Strawderman and Kevin Rush have been building this program up for the last cou...
Trade Deadline 2020
August 26, 2020 13:02 - 32 minutes - 45 MBThe 2020 MLB Trade Deadline is rapidly approaching, so Trey Lyle and I are here to take you through everything you need to know about this year's deadline. We go through some of the potential deals that could happen, talk about wild blockbuster trades, and put ourselves in the shoes of a GM to see what we would do if we had the decision-making power. Tune in to this week's episode of Foul Ball Area for all the trade deadline talk and more!
Mornings with Matt: Aug. 24, 2020
August 24, 2020 09:00 - 5 minutes - 8.03 MBTune in to the second episode of Mornings With Matt as we recap the weekend in baseball. The Chicago White Sox put on a power display against the Cubs this weekend, with one player setting a franchise record. The Padres have given their city a new nickname, and they're the hottest team in baseball right now. Plus, a Mike Trout rookie card set a new record when it was sold at auction on Saturday. Find out just how much the buyer paid for it. Grab your coffee and bagel, and tune in for ...
Chase DeLauter, Broadway Bruins
August 21, 2020 10:00 - 15 minutes - 21.9 MBChase DeLauter of the Broadway Bruins joins Matthew Atkins for a special Friday episode of the podcast. DeLauter was a Freshman All-American in 2020 at James Madison University, and played with the Broadway Bruins in the RCBL during the summer of 2020. DeLauter led the RCBL in batting average (.545), home runs (13) and RBIs (39), among many other categories. He was named league MVP and Rookie of the Year, and has played an integral part in leading the Bruins to their first pennant since...
We Like Grand Slams on 3-0 Pitches
August 18, 2020 20:50 - 30 minutes - 42.1 MBTune in to the latest episode of Foul Ball Area as we discuss Fernando Tatis, Jr.'s hot start to the season, whether or not it's okay to swing at a 3-0 pitch and other unwritten rules. Plus, we take a look back at this day in baseball history, talk about the Yankees' injuries, and take a look around the league to see how each team is doing as we pass the 20-game mark. Finally, we discuss what would happen in the world if the Orioles and Marlins both made the postseason, which is very pos...
Mornings with Matt: Aug. 17, 2020
August 17, 2020 03:44 - 6 minutes - 9.6 MBTune in to the first edition of Mornings with Matt, a new Monday morning edition of the podcast designed to bring you up to speed on the weekend's news, and get you ready for the week ahead. Today Matt talks about some of the biggest injury news from this past weekend, the big star power we've seen around the league this year and some of the top series to watch this coming week.
Mike Burtner, Valley Baseball Scout
August 14, 2020 13:46 - 16 minutes - 23.2 MBTune in to a special episode of the podcast today as Mike Burtner joins us to talk about his journey helping local high school players get noticed. Mike runs Valley Baseball Scout, which you can find on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. He posts videos of local players, showcasing their pitching, hitting and other skills. He's helped numerous players put together quality video to help them get noticed by college coaches. Mike and I talk about how he started Valley Baseball Scout, some ...
Who is the Face of MLB?
August 12, 2020 11:00 - 38 minutes - 53.3 MBWe're back at it this week with a great episode of Foul Ball Area. Trey Lyle and Matthew Atkins talk about the Yankees, Braves and who stands out as the face of MLB. Tune in !
Marlins Outbreak and Opening Weekend
July 29, 2020 14:22 - 33 minutes - 45.4 MBTune in to Foul Ball Area today as we discuss the latest news surrounding the Marlins COVID-19 outbreak and how it affects the other teams in the league. Plus, we talk about the first weekend of the MLB season, our Top 3 moments so far, and a little bit of BBQ discussion towards the end. Tune in!
National League Preview and Predictions
July 23, 2020 11:00 - 35 minutes - 49.3 MBTune in to today's episode as we go over our National League predictions, including division and award winners! Plus, we give our picks for World Series champion. Don't miss it!
Chris Huffman, Bridgewater Reds
July 17, 2020 11:00 - 13 minutes - 18.5 MBChris Huffman of the Bridgewater Reds joins the show today to discuss his time in the Padres' farm system and how he ended up back in the RCBL this summer.
American League Preview and Predictions
July 15, 2020 11:00 - 32 minutes - 44.7 MBTune in to the podcast today as Trey Lyle and I make our predictions for the American League, including division winners and award winners.
Best Seasons Championship and All-Virginia Team
July 08, 2020 11:00 - 30 minutes - 42.3 MBTune in to Foul Ball Area today as we reveal the winner of our Best Seasons bracket. Plus, Trey Lyle and I discuss which MLB players would be on an All-Virginia team. Tune in for that and more on Foul Ball Area!
Players Opt Out, No MiLB in 2020
June 30, 2020 11:00 - 36 minutes - 50.4 MBTune in to today's episode for interviews from the opening weekend of the 2020 RCBL season, plus the latest news around MLB, including players opting out of the 2020 season.
MLB Draft Recap with Cory Van Dyke
June 24, 2020 11:00 - 36 minutes - 50.1 MBCory Van Dyke joins the show to recap the MLB Draft and some of the prospects he's gotten to see. Plus, we discuss the Virginia Tech players taken in the draft, our Best Seasons series and MLB's return to play. Tune in! ⬇️
MLB's Failure
June 17, 2020 13:27 - 33 minutes - 45.7 MBAndrew Wallace joins the show today to discuss the latest on MLB's negotiations with the players union and why Rob Manfred is not the right man for the job. Plus we touch on ESPN's latest 30 for 30, Long Gone Summer, and Andrew's years growing up as a Cardinals fan. For our weekly Hall of Fame discussion, Trey and I look at Barry Bonds, Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa and consider whether any of them should be in the Hall of Fame due to their history with steroids.
2020 MLB Draft Preview
June 10, 2020 11:00 - 27 minutes - 37.5 MBThe MLB Draft begins tonight, so we've got you covered on today's episode. We talk about some of the top prospects, a Virginia Tech pitcher who could be drafted, and the consequences of a shortened draft, plus much more! Tune in below⬇️
David Cunningham and the CPL
June 03, 2020 11:00 - 41 minutes - 57 MBDavid Cunningham joins the show again to discuss the latest on the Coastal Plain League season. Plus, we talk about Virginia Tech's new School of Communication and what it means for journalism students. Tune in below! ⬇️
David Cunningham and the CPL
June 03, 2020 11:00 - 41 minutes - 57 MBDavid Cunningham joins the show again to discuss the latest on the Coastal Plain League season. Plus, we talk about Virginia Tech's new School of Communication and what it means for journalism students. Tune in below! ⬇️
How to Market MLB Players
May 27, 2020 12:00 - 34 minutes - 47.8 MBTrey Lyle returns to co-host this week's episode as we discuss MLB's failure to market its superstars. Plus we take a look at Dustin Pedroia's Hall of Fame candidacy. Tune in below! ⬇️
Aaron Fitt and College Baseball
May 22, 2020 11:00 - 27 minutes - 37.1 MBAaron Fitt of D1Baseball.com joins the podcast today to discuss the changing landscape of the college baseball world, including programs getting cut, schedule changes and more! Tune in below⬇️
The Lowdown on the CPBL
May 20, 2020 11:00 - 31 minutes - 43.1 MBMark Buckton of the Taiwan Times joins the podcast today to discuss the CPBL and its increase in popularity this season. Plus, I discuss MLB's latest safety plan and how it'll affect the game in 2020. Tune in now!
Bailey Angle and Minor League Baseball
May 13, 2020 11:00 - 34 minutes - 47.8 MBTune in to FBA today as former Bluefield Blue Jays and current Bluefield College broadcaster Bailey Angle joins to discuss Minor League contraction, college baseball and more. Plus, Trey and I discuss MLB's 2020 plan and Yadier Monlina's Hall of Fame chances.
Tyler Bocock in the KBO?
May 08, 2020 11:00 - 19 minutes - 26.1 MBFormer Stetson Hatter and current Clover Hill Buck Tyler Bocock joins the show today to discuss whether or not he could play in the KBO. Plus, we catch up on his plans for the 2020 Rockingham County Baseball League season, talk some Braves vs. Nationals and discuss which baseball documentaries we would like to see. I also chat with Spotswood High School baseball coach Marcus Davis about the VHSL's decision to cancel the 2020 spring sports season. Tune in for all that and more on Foul Ball A...
Best Baseball Movies and Classic Games
May 06, 2020 10:00 - 43 minutes - 59.1 MBTrey Lyle returns as co-host once again to discuss our lists of the best classic games to watch during social distancing. Plus, former RCBL icon Zach Stiles joins the podcast today to discuss our favorite baseball movies, and he recommends a lot that I feel like I should watch now. We wrap up the episode with Trey and I discussing the beginning of the KBO season in Korea and ESPN's broadcasts of the league, which take place in the early hours of the morning. Tune in for all that and more thi...
Evan Hughes on Summer League Baseball
April 29, 2020 10:00 - 38 minutes - 52.9 MBEvan Hughes, voice of the St. Cloud Rox, joins the podcast to discuss summer league baseball. He has spent two summers broadcasting in the Northwoods League and is planning on going back this summer if the season happens. We discuss the likelihood of a season, the great memories that come from summer ball and everything in between. Plus, Trey and I discuss Andruw Jones' career accolades and whether or not he'll eventually make the Hall of Fame. Tune in for all that and more!
Brady Hess on Minor League Cuts
April 24, 2020 03:02 - 30 minutes - 41.2 MBThe one and only Brady Hess joins the podcast today to discuss the plan to get rid of 42 Minor League Baseball teams. Brady spent two summers as the PA voice of the Bluefield Blue Jays and grew up going to games in Bluefield, so this is an issue he is passionate about. Plus, Trey and I discuss MLB's "punishments" for the Red Sox and ESPN wanting broadcast rights to the KBO for free. Tune in for all that and more!
Will We Have a Summer Without Baseball?
April 22, 2020 06:00 - 31 minutes - 43.7 MBTrey Lyle joins the podcast again this week as we discuss the latest on collegiate summer leagues. The Golden State Collegiate Baseball League announced last week that it is canceling its 2020 season, while the Northwoods League will have to move its Opening Day back due to Wisconsin's stay-at-home order. Plus, Minor League Baseball is prepared to accept MLB's plan to contract 40 MiLB franchises. What does that mean for those teams going forward. And we discuss Joe Mauer's Hall of Fame chanc...
Jackie Robinson Day
April 15, 2020 06:00 - 34 minutes - 47.2 MBTrey Lyle returns to co-host a Jackie Robinson Day edition of Foul Ball Area. We discuss Jackie's career, whether he is an underrated second baseman and the movie 42. Plus we talk about Joey Votto's Hall of Fame case, the Chinese Professional Baseball League starting its season last weekend and the latest on MLB's Arizona plan.
David Cunningham and Summer League Baseball
April 08, 2020 00:02 - 31 minutes - 42.8 MBSummer baseball leagues are in jeopardy due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Valley Baseball League has already canceled its season and more are sure to follow. I talk to David Cunningham , voice of the Peninsula Pilots, to get his take on the situation (6:25-23:18). Plus, the latest on what MLB is considering for its 2020 season and an RCBL update.