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
Yelich's Injury, Mets Are Still Alive, and Blue Mountain Oktoberfest
September 13, 2019 14:55 - 22 minutes - 31.1 MBChristian Yelich went down with a fractured kneecap in Tuesday's game against the Marlins, but there's hope for a return if the Brewers make it to the World Series. Plus, the Mets are somehow still alive in the hunt for a Wild Card spot after sweeping the Dbacks this week. And, the latest edition of our Ballpark Beer Segment features the Blue Mountain 13.5 Oktoberfest.
Wild Card Races and Key Matchups This Week
September 10, 2019 03:23 - 20 minutes - 28.6 MBThe Wild Card races are shaping up to be exciting as we get into the last three weeks of the season. Today's episode of Foul Ball Area focuses on some of the teams that are still in the mix for the postseason and takes a look at some of the key series that are being played this week. Plus, the Red Sox fired Dave Dombrowski just one year after winning the World Series, which probably isn't a good move.
Best Stories of 2019
September 06, 2019 02:53 - 30 minutes - 42.2 MBThere have been some great stories around Major League Baseball in 2019. In today's episode, Matthew Atkins takes a look at some of the best, including Albert Pujols' return to St. Louis and the Angels no-hitter. Plus, the second edition of the Ballpark Beer Segment and this week's Something to Say: It's still baseball season.
Let the Kids Retire
August 30, 2019 03:01 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MBI branch away from baseball a little bit in today's episode to talk about why Andrew Luck made the right decision to retire when he did. He doesn't deserve the criticism that he's gotten, especially when all-time great athletes such as Sandy Koufax have made similar decisions. Plus, Bryce Harper named his son Krew (???), Francisco Cervelli needs to learn how to slide, and we do the first ever Foul Ball Area beer review. Check it out on this week's edition of Foul Ball Area!
The Ronald Acuna Show
August 23, 2019 03:44 - 24 minutes - 33.3 MBWith the RCBL season over, I shift my focus back to Major League Baseball. I spend the first half of today's episode talking about the Braves and my love for Ronald Acuna, Jr. The 21-year-old superstar is having a superb season and belongs in the MVP conversation. I also touch on old timers giving their opinions about the modern game of baseball, and whether or not tanking is good for the competitiveness of the sport.
Clover Hill Wins the Championship
August 20, 2019 04:27 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBThe Clover Hill Bucks won the 2019 RCBL Championship four games to two with an 8-2 victory over Bridgewater on Monday night. Tyler Bocock was named Series MVP after batting .571 with two home runs and 7 RBIs in the series. Hear from Bocock and Clover Hill head coach Chris Cofer following their win.
Finals: Bucks and Reds Tied up 2-2
August 16, 2019 04:21 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MBGet caught up on all of the RCBL Finals action! Tune in to this week's episode to hear from Corey Armentrout (6:20), Blake Sipe (7:52) of Clover Hill, plus Derek Shifflett(12:13) of Bridgewater following game four.
Semifinals: Bridgewater goes up 2-0, Clover Hill leads 2-1
August 09, 2019 03:50 - 27 minutes - 38.4 MBThis week's episode of Foul Ball Area brings you up to speed on each of the semifinal series with interviews from around the games. Hear from Derek Shifflett (6:06) and Tucker Garrison (9:36) from Bridgewater, Jacob Rich (12:40) from Elkton and Drew Easter (15:38) from Clover Hill. Plus, Coach of the Year Nolan Potts talks about his first year as head coach of the New Market Shockers (17:45).
Quarterfinals: Lalk fans 20, Broadway takes Game One over Montezuma
August 02, 2019 03:46 - 16 minutes - 23.1 MBMatthew Atkins and Adam Harnish bring you this week's episode of Foul Ball Area on location at Stonewall Memorial Park in Elkton following the Blue Sox 5-1 win on Thursday. They're joined by Elkton's Kris Lalk and Lee Carneal, plus interviews with Montezuma's Chris Rush and Broadway's John Judy. Get caught up on the RCBL playoff with this week's episode.
Playoffs Preview
July 26, 2019 03:44 - 17 minutes - 24.1 MBJoin Matthew Atkins and Adam Harnish as they take a look at the standings going into the final two days of the regular season and where each team could end up in the playoffs. Hear from Montezuma's Kyle Armstrong (5:25) and Jacob King (7:54) following the Braves' win over Broadway on Tuesday night. Plus hear from Luke Paczewski (10:45) on his standout rookie season with Montezuma. All that plus plenty of playoff talk on this week's episode!
Clover Hill Clinches
July 19, 2019 11:30 - 22 minutes - 30.9 MBMatt Atkins and Adam Harnish dive into the latest RCBL action on this week's episode. Hear from John Siciliano (7:24) and Chris Cofer (9:22) about Clover Hill clinching the pennant. Plus, we take a look at potential MVP candidates (16:12) and sleeper teams that could make a run in the playoffs (18:02). Tune in for all that and more on this week's episode!
Ballpark Birthdays and Blue Sox Home Runs
July 12, 2019 11:00 - 26 minutes - 36.7 MBTune in this week for an action-packed episode of Foul Ball Area! Hear from Whitney Cofer (3:43) about Buck Bowman Park's 65th birthday celebration. Will Hass (8:59) talks about the Dbacks' season and his first year of college ball. Plus hear from a trio of Elkton Blue Sox players about their season and their victory over Montezuma on Wednesday night.
We've Made it to July
July 06, 2019 00:38 - 15 minutes - 21.1 MBTune in to this week's episode as we hear from Grottoes manager Bobby Swink following the Cardinals' 11-3 victory over Elkton. Plus, hear from Clover Hill standouts Drew Easter and Jordan Showalter after the Bucks' 14-3 win against Grottoes. And we'll take a look at what's coming up this week around the RCBL!
June 28th Update
June 28, 2019 14:44 - 15 minutes - 21.8 MBTune in to this week's edition of Foul Ball Area as we recap the 2019 RCBL All-Star Game and the past week in RCBL action. We'll hear from Elkton's Jose Rocha and Dave Loker after the Blue Sox snapped a seven-game losing streak, plus more!
All-Star Break Update
June 21, 2019 14:31 - 16 minutes - 22.6 MBWe've reached the All-Star break of the 2019 season and some teams are starting to heat up. The Bridgewater Reds have won three straight games going into the break to improve to 6-7 on the season. Meanwhile, the Clover Hill Bucks picked up a big win last night after losing two of their previous three games. Tune in to this week's episode to hear from Bridgewater coach Robert Sherfey and Clove Hill pitcher Tyler Bocock.
June 14 Update
June 14, 2019 15:40 - 15 minutes - 21.8 MBWe had some technical issues with last week's episode, but we're back this week with all the interviews you missed! Hear from Montezuma's Chris Rush and Alex Markopolous, and Bridgewater's Tucker Garrison. Plus, an update on the league standings and the games to watch for this weekend!
Early Season Thoughts
May 30, 2019 16:16 - 20 minutes - 28.2 MBFoul Ball Area is back with more RCBL content for the 2019 season! Tune in to this week's episode to hear from Clover Hill's Justin Getz and New Market's Nolan Potts as they recap the first two weeks of the season.
Harper to the Phillies
March 01, 2019 17:25 - 17 minutes - 23.9 MBA couple of big contracts were handed out this week as Bryce Harper and Nolan Arenado each got long-term deals. Tune in to this week's episode to find out which of these contracts I think is actually worth it, and which one is a poor move by the team. Plus, an update on Virginia Tech baseball, which has started the season 7-0.
Spring Training 2019
February 21, 2019 22:38 - 16 minutes - 22.9 MBAfter a short hiatus, the podcast is back! In today's episode I'll touch on everything from Spring Training to Virginia Tech baseball to some personal news. Plus, tune in for my thoughts on Manny Machado's new contract and why it's a bad idea for the Padres. All of that on the latest episode of Foul Ball Area!
2018 Year in Review
January 04, 2019 03:00 - 36 minutes - 50 MBIn the latest episode of Foul Ball Area, I go over my Top 5 moments on the podcast from last year. Tune in to hear some of the best interviews, discussions and opinions that took place on the podcast during 2018, covering RCBL and MLB topics.
Broadway's New Head Coach
November 09, 2018 15:38 - 10 minutes - 13.8 MBThe Broadway Bruins have decided on a new head coach, and it's a familiar name for those in the Broadway area. Danny Grogg will take over the coaching duties for the Bruins starting in the 2019 season. For this week's episode, I caught up with Danny and Bruins' president Bryan Duff to talk about how they reached this deal.
Playoff Pilgrimage
October 19, 2018 08:00 - 22 minutes - 30.6 MBFoul Ball Area is back this week with lots to talk about. In today's episode I recap a trip that my roommate and I took to Atlanta to see the Braves' final game of the 2018 season as they lost the NLDS to the Dodgers. Plus, a look into the Braves' offseason and my ideal World Series matchup based on the teams that are left. Tune in for all of that and more on Foul Ball Area!
Icons: Part 5
October 05, 2018 13:40 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MBWe continue our Icons series this week as we catch up with former Elkton Blue Sox pitcher Mark Arrington. Mark pitched for nearly 20 years with the Blue Sox and won a championship in Elkton. Plus, my thoughts on the first week of MLB playoffs and where the Cubs 2018 collapse ranks all-time.
Braves, Mets, and Everything in Between
September 28, 2018 17:12 - 24 minutes - 33.5 MBNathan Loprete joins the podcast again to talk about his summer in the Frontier League and this season as a Mets fan. Plus, I talk about how exciting it is that the Braves are finally heading back to the playoffs and give my pick for the National League Cy Young Award. All that and more in the latest episode of Foul Ball Area!
Chop On: Cody Swisher and the Braves
September 21, 2018 13:47 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MBCody Swisher joins the podcast this week to talk about his injury during the 2018 season and his plans for the future. Plus, we take a look back at the Braves season and how they've turned things around from previous years, and the top George Strait songs of all time. Tune in for all of that and more on Foul Ball Area!
Icons: Part 3
September 14, 2018 08:00 - 25 minutes - 34.9 MBWe continue our Icons series with a long-time RCBL player who decided to keep playing after this season. Tune in for an exclusive interview with Kevin Rush of the Broadway Bruins, plus my thoughts on the AL Rookie of the Year race, Alex Bregman as the next "Face of Baseball" and this week's Something to Say. It's all right here in the latest episode of Foul Ball Area!
Icons: Part 2
September 07, 2018 13:51 - 21 minutes - 30.2 MBWe continue our Icons series this week by talking with Stuarts Draft Diamondbacks great Ryan Cooper (1:55-13:09). Ryan looks back on his career in the RCBL, including the four championships he won with the Dbacks. Plus, I recap my top moments from the past week (16:15-19:05) and give my thoughts on the NL ROY race in this week's Something to Say (19:07-21:21). It's all right here on Foul Ball Area!
Icons: Part 1
August 31, 2018 08:00 - 29 minutes - 41.1 MBOur latest episode is action-packed with exclusive interviews, special guests, and a new segment of the podcast. Tune in to hear from new Woodstock River Bandits head coach Mike Bocock (2:36-10:10) about transitioning from the RCBL back to the Valley Leauge. Plus, we talk to recently-retired RCBL iron man Zach Stiles (11:20-23:55) about his career and what he enjoyed the most over the past 13 years. And don't miss a new opinion segment (26:29-29:16)!
Back-to-Back: Bridgewater Wins Again
August 24, 2018 01:33 - 13 minutes - 19 MBThe Bridgewater Reds have just won their second-consecutive RCBL title! The Reds swept Clover Hill in the championship series to tie up the all-time record at 17 championships each. Regular season MVP Tyler Bocock didn't slow down one bit, hitting two home runs and nine RBIs to earn his second-straight Finals MVP. Tune in to the latest episode of the Foul Ball Area podcast to recap the Finals and hear from Tyler.
Finally in the Semifinals
August 10, 2018 03:48 - 13 minutes - 19.1 MBIt took a while, but we've finally had enough sunny days to play baseball and move on to the semifinals. Tune in to the latest episode to get caught up on all the action from the playoffs so far. Plus, hear from Chris Rush, Corey Armentrout and more!
Foul Ball Awards
August 01, 2018 04:49 - 19 minutes - 26.5 MBThe playoffs have finally started and we've seen some good performances so far. Tune in to hear from Ryan Cooper following the Dbacks' win in game one, plus hear the winners of the 2018 Foul Ball Awards and more!
Regular Season Wrap-Up
July 25, 2018 13:59 - 20 minutes - 27.5 MBThe regular season is nearing an end (if the rain ever stops). Tune in to the latest episode of Foul Ball Area to recap the past week in RCBL action. Plus, hear the nominees for the first ever Foul Ball Awards!
The Wild, Wild East
July 20, 2018 02:17 - 17 minutes - 24.1 MBTeams in the East Division have gone back-and-forth over the season with New Market currently holding the first place spot by just half a game. Plus, the West Division title is still up for grabs with a little less than a week left in the season. Tune in to get caught up on everything going on and get prepared for the final week of the 2018 regular season!
Elkton Rises in the East
July 11, 2018 04:40 - 21 minutes - 29.8 MBThe Elkton Blue Sox have been steadily climbing the Eastern Division standings over the past week and currently sit in second place. Meanwhile the top three teams in the West are all within 1.5 games of each other. Tune in to Foul Ball Area to get caught up and hear interviews from around the league.
Happy Fourth of July
July 04, 2018 04:14 - 22 minutes - 31.3 MBWhat's more American than baseball? Tune in to the latest episode of Foul Ball Area to get caught up on the most exciting moments of the past week and hear interviews from players and coaches around the league.
All-Star Recap and Current Standings
June 27, 2018 04:08 - 19 minutes - 27.1 MBThe RCBL All-Star Weekend has wrapped up, so join us as we take a look at this past weekend's events and take a look at the state of the league as we near the midway point of the season. Tune in for interviews from Montezuma's Kyle Matthews and Clover Hill's Chris Cofer.
All-Star Weekend Preview
June 22, 2018 15:36 - 11 minutes - 16.1 MBThe 2018 RCBL All-Star Weekend begins this Saturday and lasts throughout the weekend. Tune in to the latest episode of Foul Ball Area as Matthew Atkins brings you up to speed on everything that's happened over the past week and prepares you for the All-Star festivities this weekend!
Broadway Takes Over First
June 13, 2018 04:25 - 29 minutes - 40.4 MBThe Broadway Bruins are the hottest team in the RCBL this week as they sit in first place in the Western Division. Tune in to hear from Bruins manager Justin Getz (4:00, 14:04), plus Reds manager Robert Sherfey (8:37), Broadway High School head coach Tim Turner (19:22), and Clover Hill first baseman Danny Grogg (22:33). It's an action-packed episode of Foul Ball Area that you won't want to miss!
Rainouts, Rainouts, and More Rainouts
June 06, 2018 13:37 - 17 minutes - 24.4 MBAlmost every game this past weekend got rained out, but the sun has finally appeared and we are back to playing baseball! Nick Stevens joins the podcast this week as we discuss some of the games from this week, plus the NCAA Tournament and MLB Draft.
Season Openers
May 30, 2018 12:46 - 14 minutes - 19.5 MBThe 2018 RCBL season has begun and although there have been a lot of rainouts already, we still have a lot of baseball to go over. On today's episode we hear from Broadway manager Justin Getz, Stuarts Draft manager Les Sandridge, New Market manager Chris Rush, and Clover Hill manager Chris Cofer. It's a packed episode with lots of info, so tune in!
Broadway and New Market Preview
May 24, 2018 15:24 - 20 minutes - 28.5 MBWe wrap up our season previews this week with Broadway and New Market. Manager Justin Getz, Bryce Strawderman, and Gavin Kandrick of the Bruins discuss the youth of their team. Manager Chris Rush, Nolan Potts, and Pat Wingfield of the Shockers talk about how their experience gives them an advantage. Tune in for the final episode before the season starts tomorrow night!
Montezuma & Stuarts Draft Preview
May 23, 2018 15:46 - 14 minutes - 20.6 MBWe continue our season previews today as we take a look at the Montezuma Braves and the Stuarts Draft Diamondbacks. Tune in to Foul Ball Area to hear from Montezuma manager Ronnie Brunk and first baseman Ryan Kiser, plus Stuarts Draft manager Les Sandridge.
Grottoes and Elkton Preview
May 22, 2018 14:47 - 14 minutes - 19.9 MBWe're just three days away from the beginning of the season now and we've got another season preview episode for you. Tune in to Foul Ball Area today to hear from the Grottoes Cardinals and Elkton Blue Sox on how they expect their seasons to turn out.
Bridgewater & Clover Hill Season Preview
May 20, 2018 16:58 - 11 minutes - 16.4 MBThe RCBL held its first ever media day this past Saturday, and representatives from seven teams were there to speak with members of the media. In the first of four episodes this week, we'll take a look at Bridgewater and Clover Hill's upcoming seasons, featuring interviews with Robert Sherfey, Tyler Bocock, and Chris Cofer.
Foul Ball Area: Pujols vs. Jeter
May 09, 2018 20:21 - 15 minutes - 21.6 MBAt 38 years old, Albert Pujols is still the man. He notched his 3,000th hit last week, becoming 1 of 4 players with 3,000 hits and 600 home runs. But is he a better all-time player than Derek Jeter? Trey Lyle joins the podcast this week to debate which player has the better chance of becoming a unanimous Hall of Famer.
Foul Ball Area: Trivia with Jack Wright
April 25, 2018 03:38 - 12 minutes - 16.8 MBDespite the fact that Jack Wright knows next to nothing about baseball, he still felt confident enough to join me on this week's episode and talk about the top moments of the past week, plus take part in some trivia.
Foul Ball Area: Bartolo Colon, the Ageless Wonder
April 18, 2018 02:54 - 14 minutes - 20.1 MBWe've got a lot to cover in this week's episode of the podcast including a near perfect game from Bartolo Colon (!!!), Ronald Acuna's impending promotion, and Jackie Robinson Day. Tune in to the latest episode of Foul Ball Area to hear all of my thoughts on the past week in baseball.
Foul Ball Area: Player to Watch
April 11, 2018 14:11 - 11 minutes - 16 MBIt's still early in the Major League season, but these five players are playing phenomenally. You might want to keep an eye on them this week or throughout the rest of the year.
Foul Ball Area: Top 5 Moments of Week 1
April 04, 2018 00:36 - 15 minutes - 20.6 MBThe MLB season is just a week old, and there have already been some amazing moments. Trey Lyle joins as we discuss our Top 5 moments of the 2018 season so far.
Foul Ball Area: Opening Day 2018
March 28, 2018 23:09 - 11 minutes - 15.6 MBOpening Day is here! The long awaited return of baseball has finally arrived and I could not be more excited. Tune in to the latest episode of Foul Ball Area to hear about who I think will have a breakout season, plus some questions that will be answered this season.