1 00:00:04,038 --> 00:00:07,358 Speaker 1: The Book of Joe Podcast is a production of iHeartRadio. 2 00:00:13,358 --> 00:00:16,838 Speaker 1: Hey there, welcome back to the Book of Joe podcast. 3 00:00:16,878 --> 00:00:20,438 Speaker 1: We'd like to call it the most interesting and unpredictable 4 00:00:20,558 --> 00:00:23,678 Speaker 1: baseball podcast that's out there. You never know who's going 5 00:00:23,718 --> 00:00:26,758 Speaker 1: to show up. I am Tom Berducci. Of course, Joe 6 00:00:26,878 --> 00:00:30,518 Speaker 1: Madden is with me again and our special guest Joe. 7 00:00:31,278 --> 00:00:34,158 Speaker 1: It's kind of Loffyett College day around here. I mean, 8 00:00:34,158 --> 00:00:37,638 Speaker 1: we couldn't get Stephen Crane on account that he died 9 00:00:37,798 --> 00:00:40,998 Speaker 1: nineteen hundred. He also skipped out of school after one semester. 10 00:00:42,638 --> 00:00:46,718 Speaker 1: So we have David Benner, All Star Closer and member 11 00:00:46,878 --> 00:00:51,078 Speaker 1: of Team USA in the WBC. So we got two 12 00:00:51,198 --> 00:00:53,758 Speaker 1: Leopards on the show today. Joe, you can't get better 13 00:00:53,798 --> 00:00:56,678 Speaker 1: than that man. You know when you brought up that 14 00:00:56,718 --> 00:00:58,158 Speaker 1: you were going to get you had a chance to 15 00:00:58,158 --> 00:01:00,278 Speaker 1: get David on the show, and we were just talking 16 00:01:00,318 --> 00:01:02,678 Speaker 1: prior to coming on. I was at the homecoming last 17 00:01:02,718 --> 00:01:05,438 Speaker 1: year and there a coach there, a J. Miller. I 18 00:01:05,518 --> 00:01:07,838 Speaker 1: was asking him about David. He could not make it. 19 00:01:07,918 --> 00:01:09,998 Speaker 1: He just told us why because he had just gotten married. 20 00:01:10,558 --> 00:01:12,798 Speaker 1: But I've been wanting to meet this guy. Truth be 21 00:01:12,878 --> 00:01:16,238 Speaker 1: Told twenty twenty and the parties are we not what 22 00:01:16,318 --> 00:01:18,838 Speaker 1: the Angels play? You? An exhibition game of some kind? Yeah, 23 00:01:18,878 --> 00:01:22,318 Speaker 1: exactly at your ballpark, right. And that's the first time 24 00:01:22,518 --> 00:01:24,278 Speaker 1: I first time I saw him thrown. I didn't know 25 00:01:24,358 --> 00:01:26,878 Speaker 1: you were a Leopard at that time, and I said, 26 00:01:27,038 --> 00:01:29,598 Speaker 1: I asked me, who is that? I mean, who is that? 27 00:01:30,158 --> 00:01:32,718 Speaker 1: I really liked the arm a lot, and then I 28 00:01:33,198 --> 00:01:35,238 Speaker 1: brought it up a couple other times with different people, 29 00:01:35,838 --> 00:01:39,478 Speaker 1: and nobody really researched you enough. I'm listened. Man, that 30 00:01:39,598 --> 00:01:41,918 Speaker 1: first time I saw you throw a baseball, I don't 31 00:01:41,958 --> 00:01:46,038 Speaker 1: care if you're from Lafayette or from Moravian, Muhlenberg, any 32 00:01:46,078 --> 00:01:49,198 Speaker 1: of any of the Lehigh Valley schools. That was impressive. 33 00:01:49,278 --> 00:01:51,798 Speaker 1: So it's great to meet you finally. And I you're 34 00:01:51,838 --> 00:01:55,638 Speaker 1: playing in Pittsburgh with my boy Shelty, and I'll shut 35 00:01:55,678 --> 00:01:57,118 Speaker 1: up for right now, but man, it's great to have 36 00:01:57,158 --> 00:01:59,358 Speaker 1: you on board. Oh man, thank you guys for having me. 37 00:01:59,358 --> 00:02:01,798 Speaker 1: It's you know, thanks for having me. It's a definitely 38 00:02:01,798 --> 00:02:03,678 Speaker 1: an honor, and that's a that's a big confident coming 39 00:02:03,678 --> 00:02:06,038 Speaker 1: from me. I'm serious, man. Yeah, you're gonna have a 40 00:02:06,078 --> 00:02:08,998 Speaker 1: long career to stay well. Do all your little jobs 41 00:02:08,998 --> 00:02:11,278 Speaker 1: and all the exercises after you throw. Make sure you 42 00:02:11,278 --> 00:02:12,838 Speaker 1: take care of your stuff. Macer, you can play for 43 00:02:12,878 --> 00:02:16,478 Speaker 1: a while. That stuff's that good. Thank you appreciate that. Yeah, 44 00:02:16,478 --> 00:02:19,518 Speaker 1: we're gonna get into David's story. Besides the Lafayette it's 45 00:02:19,558 --> 00:02:22,318 Speaker 1: a fascinating background because we're talking about somebody not just 46 00:02:22,398 --> 00:02:24,678 Speaker 1: coming out of it. Let's face it, not a huge 47 00:02:24,758 --> 00:02:29,038 Speaker 1: baseball powerhouse on the baseball map, but thirty fifth round me, 48 00:02:30,318 --> 00:02:32,638 Speaker 1: my holy Infield played pro ball, the holy Field from 49 00:02:32,638 --> 00:02:36,358 Speaker 1: the d nineteen seventy three fourteen at least we played 50 00:02:36,358 --> 00:02:41,158 Speaker 1: pro ball, and this guy is now on Team USA. 51 00:02:41,238 --> 00:02:43,998 Speaker 1: I want to start there, David, because I've been following 52 00:02:43,998 --> 00:02:48,078 Speaker 1: the games obviously, the atmosphere is just tremendous. If anybody 53 00:02:48,118 --> 00:02:52,318 Speaker 1: hasn't checked out any WBC game, especially Team USA, you 54 00:02:52,478 --> 00:02:54,878 Speaker 1: have to check it out. So, David, I gotta ask 55 00:02:54,878 --> 00:02:57,718 Speaker 1: you being part of this group here when your buddy's 56 00:02:57,758 --> 00:03:01,638 Speaker 1: back home, family members asking you, Hey, what's it like 57 00:03:01,878 --> 00:03:04,598 Speaker 1: playing with this Team USA. It's essentially all star team. 58 00:03:04,638 --> 00:03:07,638 Speaker 1: What do you tell them? I mean, honestly, it's just unreal. Uh, 59 00:03:07,678 --> 00:03:10,078 Speaker 1: you know, just being being around those group of guys 60 00:03:10,358 --> 00:03:12,358 Speaker 1: is really special. You just kind of take a look 61 00:03:12,358 --> 00:03:14,318 Speaker 1: around the locker room and you see the talent from 62 00:03:14,398 --> 00:03:17,998 Speaker 1: top to bottom. It's you know, it's it's a it's 63 00:03:17,998 --> 00:03:19,958 Speaker 1: an incredible group to be around, and I'm just trying 64 00:03:19,998 --> 00:03:22,878 Speaker 1: to soak in, you know, every every moment, every opportunity 65 00:03:22,878 --> 00:03:24,358 Speaker 1: I have, and just try and make the most of it, 66 00:03:24,398 --> 00:03:27,558 Speaker 1: because it truly is unbelievable. David, how did the invite 67 00:03:27,598 --> 00:03:30,038 Speaker 1: come about? You know, I we had our actually like 68 00:03:30,118 --> 00:03:32,878 Speaker 1: we had like a meeting with our GM Ben and 69 00:03:33,358 --> 00:03:35,038 Speaker 1: Shelty at the end of the last year, and they 70 00:03:35,318 --> 00:03:37,838 Speaker 1: kind of brought it up to me, and uh, you know, 71 00:03:37,918 --> 00:03:41,478 Speaker 1: obviously I was very interested, and you know, they're they've 72 00:03:41,518 --> 00:03:43,758 Speaker 1: been very supportive about the whole time, so, you know, 73 00:03:43,838 --> 00:03:47,078 Speaker 1: and then probably three weeks after they brought up to me, 74 00:03:47,198 --> 00:03:49,598 Speaker 1: is whenever I found out I was officially on the squad. 75 00:03:49,758 --> 00:03:52,638 Speaker 1: Is it's it's really humbling and a huge honor to 76 00:03:52,678 --> 00:03:54,718 Speaker 1: be a part of that group and you know, have 77 00:03:54,798 --> 00:03:57,598 Speaker 1: the opportunity to where you you know, USA across the chest. 78 00:03:57,678 --> 00:04:00,798 Speaker 1: It's it's it's really special, and you know, I'm incredibly 79 00:04:01,158 --> 00:04:03,278 Speaker 1: thankful for it for it. Have you have you pitched yet? 80 00:04:03,318 --> 00:04:05,278 Speaker 1: I haven't watched I haven't seen anything. If you pitch yet, 81 00:04:05,318 --> 00:04:08,518 Speaker 1: are you going to pitch sooner? I threw that uh 82 00:04:08,558 --> 00:04:12,238 Speaker 1: in the first game against Great Britain UM and it 83 00:04:12,278 --> 00:04:15,838 Speaker 1: was awesome. I mean, just the atmosphere here for all 84 00:04:15,878 --> 00:04:17,718 Speaker 1: the games has been really cool, just to kind of 85 00:04:17,798 --> 00:04:20,398 Speaker 1: just take a step back and you know, realize what's 86 00:04:20,398 --> 00:04:22,638 Speaker 1: going on. Because you know, watching some of the WBC's 87 00:04:22,638 --> 00:04:25,118 Speaker 1: in the past, you you always see on TV how 88 00:04:25,158 --> 00:04:28,478 Speaker 1: electric it is and UM to be you know, on 89 00:04:28,518 --> 00:04:31,478 Speaker 1: the field and being there in person, it's it's it's 90 00:04:31,518 --> 00:04:33,438 Speaker 1: really cool. How many in these do they have backed 91 00:04:33,518 --> 00:04:34,838 Speaker 1: up for you? Do you have did they give you 92 00:04:34,878 --> 00:04:37,198 Speaker 1: something in advance? Are they going to use you for 93 00:04:37,358 --> 00:04:40,158 Speaker 1: the WBC? UM? Nothing like in particular. I think it's 94 00:04:40,158 --> 00:04:43,238 Speaker 1: just gonna you know, depend on you know, game situations 95 00:04:43,238 --> 00:04:45,758 Speaker 1: and stuff like that. But U being a reliever, I 96 00:04:45,798 --> 00:04:49,078 Speaker 1: feel like there's you know, selfishly, you know, aside from 97 00:04:49,118 --> 00:04:51,478 Speaker 1: you know, having the honor to where the USA, just 98 00:04:51,518 --> 00:04:53,838 Speaker 1: to be in this environment and there's I don't think 99 00:04:53,838 --> 00:04:56,358 Speaker 1: there's anything better to get ready for a season either. Yeah, 100 00:04:56,398 --> 00:04:59,158 Speaker 1: it's gonna definitely amp you up a little bit more quickly. 101 00:04:59,278 --> 00:05:01,478 Speaker 1: And did you throw a little bit more prior to 102 00:05:01,518 --> 00:05:04,318 Speaker 1: coming to the camp this year because of this, UM 103 00:05:04,358 --> 00:05:06,598 Speaker 1: just a little bit. You know, in the past couple 104 00:05:06,598 --> 00:05:08,878 Speaker 1: of years, I've been you know, coming to camp pretty 105 00:05:08,918 --> 00:05:11,598 Speaker 1: much ready to role. So this year really wasn't too 106 00:05:11,678 --> 00:05:14,038 Speaker 1: much different. It was nice house spring training worked out, 107 00:05:14,078 --> 00:05:15,598 Speaker 1: you know, being able to get like in the three 108 00:05:15,798 --> 00:05:20,598 Speaker 1: three or four games right before UM coming here, so uh, 109 00:05:20,638 --> 00:05:23,438 Speaker 1: you know, coming in ready to go and uh, you know, 110 00:05:23,518 --> 00:05:25,638 Speaker 1: ready to get some out and those kind of atmospheres. 111 00:05:26,078 --> 00:05:29,118 Speaker 1: Was was big, just kind of a typical lead into 112 00:05:29,158 --> 00:05:31,718 Speaker 1: the whole thing. So nothing, nothing unusual for you that. Yeah, 113 00:05:31,958 --> 00:05:35,238 Speaker 1: that's great, that's great. That's great. So David, hopefully you 114 00:05:35,278 --> 00:05:37,518 Speaker 1: haven't had to pick up any checks with this group, 115 00:05:37,558 --> 00:05:40,838 Speaker 1: because let's face it, there's a lot of zeros after 116 00:05:41,318 --> 00:05:44,598 Speaker 1: before the decimal point with these guys. UM, give me 117 00:05:44,638 --> 00:05:47,038 Speaker 1: an idea what it's like with this team the way 118 00:05:47,118 --> 00:05:49,358 Speaker 1: you bought it, and give me some insights if you 119 00:05:49,438 --> 00:05:54,638 Speaker 1: have any on when you're playing next to guys like Trout, Eronado, Goldschmid, 120 00:05:54,678 --> 00:05:57,238 Speaker 1: who you know are good players, but I'm sure you're 121 00:05:57,278 --> 00:06:01,238 Speaker 1: probably learning some things about why they're good players. Yeah, 122 00:06:01,238 --> 00:06:03,078 Speaker 1: without a doubt, I think that's that's one of the 123 00:06:03,078 --> 00:06:05,398 Speaker 1: coolest things about this whole experience. Obviously you see the 124 00:06:05,478 --> 00:06:08,118 Speaker 1: highlights all the time, but you know the sun behind 125 00:06:08,158 --> 00:06:10,318 Speaker 1: the seed stuff of you know, they're getting their work in, 126 00:06:10,358 --> 00:06:13,558 Speaker 1: They're they're incredibly dedicated to their craft, and you know 127 00:06:13,718 --> 00:06:16,718 Speaker 1: the fact that they're still you know, grinding every every 128 00:06:16,758 --> 00:06:19,038 Speaker 1: single day and you know, taking everything one pitch at 129 00:06:19,038 --> 00:06:22,278 Speaker 1: a time, and to see things from that perspective is 130 00:06:22,358 --> 00:06:25,038 Speaker 1: really cool and you know, really kind of it's like, Okay, 131 00:06:25,198 --> 00:06:28,718 Speaker 1: it makes sense. You know why they're they're so good 132 00:06:28,718 --> 00:06:30,638 Speaker 1: and they've been so good for such a long time. 133 00:06:30,678 --> 00:06:32,678 Speaker 1: So I think that's that's one of the biggest takeaways. 134 00:06:33,398 --> 00:06:35,598 Speaker 1: And uh, you know, it's cool to pick off everybody's 135 00:06:35,598 --> 00:06:37,678 Speaker 1: brain on the on the pitching side of you know, 136 00:06:37,958 --> 00:06:41,558 Speaker 1: how they how they've been able to you know, the 137 00:06:41,638 --> 00:06:43,798 Speaker 1: longevity of their careers and how are they able to 138 00:06:43,838 --> 00:06:47,798 Speaker 1: stay successful for so long? And who's your catch partner. 139 00:06:47,838 --> 00:06:50,958 Speaker 1: I'm always like intrigued by how guys find the way 140 00:06:50,958 --> 00:06:53,398 Speaker 1: that they pair up and they have a certain catch partner, right, 141 00:06:53,878 --> 00:06:55,718 Speaker 1: who is it for you in this group? Yeah, I've 142 00:06:55,718 --> 00:06:59,278 Speaker 1: been playing catch with Devin Williams, so um, you know, 143 00:06:59,478 --> 00:07:01,558 Speaker 1: it's great until we bust out that change up, and 144 00:07:01,798 --> 00:07:06,318 Speaker 1: I'm really I'm just fighting it off. So that is nasty. Man. 145 00:07:06,438 --> 00:07:09,798 Speaker 1: That thing just stops and drops. It's unbelievable. Oh man, 146 00:07:10,038 --> 00:07:13,278 Speaker 1: it really is unbelievable. It's just I don't even know 147 00:07:13,318 --> 00:07:15,078 Speaker 1: how to catch it. Well, what is your what you 148 00:07:15,518 --> 00:07:17,238 Speaker 1: you have a split for? What do you do though? 149 00:07:17,278 --> 00:07:19,038 Speaker 1: I mean I was watching it from the side that time. 150 00:07:19,038 --> 00:07:22,438 Speaker 1: What is your other pitch? A fastball, curveball and a splitter? 151 00:07:23,078 --> 00:07:24,798 Speaker 1: Is it a real split? I mean I could really 152 00:07:24,798 --> 00:07:28,278 Speaker 1: split your fingers pretty good almost to forkball or just slightly, 153 00:07:28,878 --> 00:07:31,518 Speaker 1: just a little bit. It's my hands aren't enormous. So 154 00:07:31,638 --> 00:07:34,478 Speaker 1: you know how how that came about was I was 155 00:07:34,518 --> 00:07:38,158 Speaker 1: in instructs one year and Daoomo was there and one 156 00:07:38,198 --> 00:07:40,518 Speaker 1: of our pitching coordinators kind of got me in touch 157 00:07:40,558 --> 00:07:43,038 Speaker 1: with him, and he's one of the ones that really 158 00:07:43,038 --> 00:07:44,798 Speaker 1: had a big influence. And then you know, when I 159 00:07:44,838 --> 00:07:47,398 Speaker 1: was coming up in the padre with the padres, uh, 160 00:07:47,638 --> 00:07:49,918 Speaker 1: you know, Kirby Yates was there, So it was I 161 00:07:49,998 --> 00:07:52,438 Speaker 1: had two really good resources to you know, just talk 162 00:07:52,478 --> 00:07:55,398 Speaker 1: splitters and get their mindset and just really pick their 163 00:07:55,438 --> 00:07:57,518 Speaker 1: brain about how they you know, how they went about it. 164 00:07:57,558 --> 00:08:00,238 Speaker 1: And you know, making those little minor adjustments throughout the game. 165 00:08:00,678 --> 00:08:02,718 Speaker 1: I had Kirby with the Rays, and Kirby didn't have 166 00:08:02,758 --> 00:08:05,158 Speaker 1: that early on. Kirby was pretty much fastball slider when 167 00:08:05,158 --> 00:08:08,118 Speaker 1: I first had him, and I always like Kirby. Kirby 168 00:08:08,158 --> 00:08:10,558 Speaker 1: was one of those top of the zone fastball guys, 169 00:08:10,878 --> 00:08:14,118 Speaker 1: get it above it and then really really good breaking ball. 170 00:08:14,158 --> 00:08:17,358 Speaker 1: He just had one bad team against the Royals. Uh 171 00:08:17,478 --> 00:08:19,918 Speaker 1: Savador Perez. It's a three run homer and the eighth 172 00:08:19,958 --> 00:08:22,798 Speaker 1: inning hits the left field foul pull at the trop 173 00:08:22,838 --> 00:08:25,798 Speaker 1: and everybody loses their mind. Kind of hurt his confidence 174 00:08:25,798 --> 00:08:28,078 Speaker 1: for a bit. But this guy, I've always I've always 175 00:08:28,078 --> 00:08:31,238 Speaker 1: been a big Kirby fan. I'm so happy for his success. 176 00:08:31,238 --> 00:08:33,198 Speaker 1: It's not about him, but I'm just saying it was. 177 00:08:33,278 --> 00:08:35,238 Speaker 1: It's curious that he eventually, I know, when he got 178 00:08:35,278 --> 00:08:37,798 Speaker 1: to that split change up, whatever that is, that just 179 00:08:37,838 --> 00:08:41,118 Speaker 1: turned him around completely. It was more predictable thing. He 180 00:08:41,198 --> 00:08:44,358 Speaker 1: gave him something to do more specifically with left handers. 181 00:08:44,358 --> 00:08:46,438 Speaker 1: You know, that's that's really where it could be a 182 00:08:46,478 --> 00:08:48,718 Speaker 1: difference maker. And you with you, it is that something 183 00:08:48,758 --> 00:08:51,518 Speaker 1: that you use the both sides. I don't tip anybody offers. 184 00:08:51,518 --> 00:08:54,398 Speaker 1: It's something that on the leftis because it's no it 185 00:08:54,478 --> 00:08:57,078 Speaker 1: just disappears. Man, it's a it's a great pitch. Yeah, 186 00:08:57,118 --> 00:08:59,758 Speaker 1: for sure. It's definitely something that you know, Um, I 187 00:08:59,798 --> 00:09:01,838 Speaker 1: was kind of missing. I didn't really have that middle 188 00:09:01,838 --> 00:09:04,718 Speaker 1: ground because my kurbolls relatively slow, and then you know, 189 00:09:04,838 --> 00:09:07,638 Speaker 1: I didn't have that harder slider and I could never 190 00:09:07,638 --> 00:09:09,558 Speaker 1: really get a feel for that. So it gave me 191 00:09:09,678 --> 00:09:12,678 Speaker 1: like a harder, breaking, breaking ball, and you know, it 192 00:09:12,958 --> 00:09:14,918 Speaker 1: turned into one of the reasons why I got an 193 00:09:14,958 --> 00:09:17,518 Speaker 1: opportunity at the big league level. And then, um, one 194 00:09:17,558 --> 00:09:19,478 Speaker 1: of the things that helped me now is I'm I'm 195 00:09:19,598 --> 00:09:22,478 Speaker 1: very confident to throw, you know, all three pitches to 196 00:09:22,758 --> 00:09:25,558 Speaker 1: both sides of the plate and whether it's left, the 197 00:09:25,678 --> 00:09:28,518 Speaker 1: righty or whatever. And I just I think just having 198 00:09:28,518 --> 00:09:31,358 Speaker 1: that confidence, and you know, whenever you throw multiple pitches 199 00:09:31,398 --> 00:09:34,318 Speaker 1: for strikes, you know, good, good things tend to happen. Yeah, 200 00:09:34,318 --> 00:09:36,078 Speaker 1: if you have that kind of package worth and working 201 00:09:36,078 --> 00:09:37,958 Speaker 1: on the both sides, that's a that's a different speaker 202 00:09:38,038 --> 00:09:40,158 Speaker 1: right there. And but y'all just having good stuff, having 203 00:09:40,158 --> 00:09:42,118 Speaker 1: the confidence to throw that stuff and knowing what you're 204 00:09:42,158 --> 00:09:44,558 Speaker 1: doing with it. I'm that's outstanding And what do you 205 00:09:44,878 --> 00:09:46,318 Speaker 1: When I saw I think you were like ninety five, 206 00:09:46,478 --> 00:09:49,558 Speaker 1: ninety sixty still pitching at that level? Is that your fastball? Yeah? 207 00:09:49,638 --> 00:09:51,598 Speaker 1: Right around there. I think like usually like ninety six 208 00:09:51,958 --> 00:09:54,038 Speaker 1: ninety seven was the past a year or two. I 209 00:09:54,078 --> 00:09:55,758 Speaker 1: kind of had a little bit of a jump in 210 00:09:56,118 --> 00:09:57,678 Speaker 1: in the past couple of years. I'm gonna have to 211 00:09:57,678 --> 00:09:59,718 Speaker 1: pay attention more this year. I mean with Shelfy and 212 00:09:59,958 --> 00:10:01,558 Speaker 1: you know, I listened after I got let go by 213 00:10:01,558 --> 00:10:03,478 Speaker 1: the Angels. Last year, all I did was golf, garden 214 00:10:03,478 --> 00:10:05,638 Speaker 1: and grill. That's all he did. And then and then 215 00:10:05,678 --> 00:10:07,198 Speaker 1: at the end of the year, Tommy and I started 216 00:10:07,758 --> 00:10:11,318 Speaker 1: doing some stuff like this regarding playoff games. So I 217 00:10:11,318 --> 00:10:14,118 Speaker 1: started watching more visually. But I will watch this year. 218 00:10:14,598 --> 00:10:16,638 Speaker 1: I'm serious, man, I loved your stuff. You're gonna be 219 00:10:16,638 --> 00:10:18,798 Speaker 1: good for a long period of time. The Split's going 220 00:10:18,878 --> 00:10:20,678 Speaker 1: to be a big difference maker for you. And I'm 221 00:10:20,678 --> 00:10:22,278 Speaker 1: glad to hear that you have that much confidence in 222 00:10:22,318 --> 00:10:25,358 Speaker 1: all of it. Yeah, thank you, Shelseys the man. Yeah, 223 00:10:25,438 --> 00:10:27,638 Speaker 1: I mean, here's my hitting coach. For several years, we 224 00:10:27,678 --> 00:10:29,518 Speaker 1: had a really good time. I kind of have a 225 00:10:29,598 --> 00:10:30,798 Speaker 1: ten to have a good time. I think that I 226 00:10:30,838 --> 00:10:33,358 Speaker 1: think that's what I laned at Lafayet having a good time. Yeah, 227 00:10:33,398 --> 00:10:35,278 Speaker 1: without a doubt. Well, I want to I want to 228 00:10:35,278 --> 00:10:37,478 Speaker 1: talk to him about his v low because I don't 229 00:10:37,518 --> 00:10:39,638 Speaker 1: want to short change of David, because I don't know 230 00:10:39,678 --> 00:10:42,798 Speaker 1: if you officially hit one hundred, but I know you've 231 00:10:43,038 --> 00:10:45,438 Speaker 1: got it up there at least on the scoreboard and 232 00:10:45,438 --> 00:10:47,918 Speaker 1: triple digits. So I want to dive into We're gonna 233 00:10:47,958 --> 00:10:50,598 Speaker 1: take a quick break, but we get back how you 234 00:10:50,638 --> 00:10:54,518 Speaker 1: developed velocity and the path for David Bednar goes from 235 00:10:54,798 --> 00:10:57,998 Speaker 1: Mars a Lafayette. We'll explain that when we get back. 236 00:11:07,078 --> 00:11:10,438 Speaker 1: All Right, we're here with David Bednar from Yeah, I said, 237 00:11:10,518 --> 00:11:15,198 Speaker 1: Mars Mars High School outside at Pittsburgh, PA. Fighting Planet 238 00:11:15,398 --> 00:11:19,078 Speaker 1: and the mascot David is the Fighting Planet. Oh my goodness, 239 00:11:19,198 --> 00:11:21,558 Speaker 1: what do your unis look like? You actually have a 240 00:11:21,638 --> 00:11:24,198 Speaker 1: planet on it? Like the Solar System. There's yeah, there's 241 00:11:24,198 --> 00:11:26,278 Speaker 1: a little there's a little planet on there. And it's 242 00:11:26,318 --> 00:11:28,918 Speaker 1: funny because I didn't. I never thought anything of it until, like, 243 00:11:28,958 --> 00:11:30,838 Speaker 1: you know, I got to college, and you know, when 244 00:11:30,878 --> 00:11:33,318 Speaker 1: I was playing pro ball and guys asking, you know, 245 00:11:33,358 --> 00:11:35,878 Speaker 1: figuring out where you go to high school? And it's like, oh, 246 00:11:36,958 --> 00:11:38,678 Speaker 1: made a big deal of it. I just never really 247 00:11:38,678 --> 00:11:40,718 Speaker 1: thought of it. And funny enough, there's a there's a 248 00:11:40,758 --> 00:11:44,278 Speaker 1: school right down the road Moon, So you know, whatever 249 00:11:44,358 --> 00:11:48,278 Speaker 1: Mars played Moon, there was a little intergalactic battle. I 250 00:11:48,318 --> 00:11:49,838 Speaker 1: don't want to bore you guys right now, but a 251 00:11:50,478 --> 00:11:55,198 Speaker 1: lady midwife from Mars Pa birth my daughter Sarah, and 252 00:11:55,238 --> 00:11:57,678 Speaker 1: I'll just leave it as a small person I've ever 253 00:11:57,758 --> 00:12:00,478 Speaker 1: heard from Mars Pennsylvania. I want one of those Mars hats. 254 00:12:00,558 --> 00:12:03,398 Speaker 1: Many planet we can make that happen. That'd be a 255 00:12:03,398 --> 00:12:05,638 Speaker 1: great golf listen. I will wear that on a golf course. 256 00:12:06,278 --> 00:12:09,998 Speaker 1: I don't think USC and Arizona State were beaten down 257 00:12:10,038 --> 00:12:12,758 Speaker 1: the door to find David when he's a senior at 258 00:12:13,158 --> 00:12:16,078 Speaker 1: Mars and your dad was your coach, right, yeah, Mars, 259 00:12:16,198 --> 00:12:18,318 Speaker 1: Yeah exactly, he's been. He's been my coach for a 260 00:12:18,358 --> 00:12:20,238 Speaker 1: long time, and he was the high school coach at 261 00:12:20,238 --> 00:12:23,198 Speaker 1: the time and still is very involved with you know, 262 00:12:23,278 --> 00:12:26,198 Speaker 1: Mars athletics and Mars baseball as a whole. That's awesome. 263 00:12:26,718 --> 00:12:30,118 Speaker 1: As a son of a coach myself, I had tremendous 264 00:12:30,158 --> 00:12:33,558 Speaker 1: respect for coaches, sons and just I always thinking, of course, 265 00:12:33,638 --> 00:12:36,438 Speaker 1: on prejudice. They do get a true education on what 266 00:12:36,558 --> 00:12:39,358 Speaker 1: goes on without kind of behind the scene. So good 267 00:12:39,398 --> 00:12:41,998 Speaker 1: on you. So you did have I guess some smaller 268 00:12:42,118 --> 00:12:44,358 Speaker 1: D one schools and D two schools. Tell me the 269 00:12:44,358 --> 00:12:46,958 Speaker 1: story about how you wound up off yet. Yeah, so 270 00:12:47,278 --> 00:12:49,518 Speaker 1: you know, I didn't throw very hard in high school 271 00:12:49,558 --> 00:12:51,918 Speaker 1: at all, and you know, trying to have a lot 272 00:12:51,918 --> 00:12:54,958 Speaker 1: of the college recruiting path was like I just had 273 00:12:54,958 --> 00:12:57,118 Speaker 1: a lot of heartbreak, a lot of schools being like, 274 00:12:57,158 --> 00:12:58,838 Speaker 1: you know what, it's all right, but you know, if 275 00:12:58,838 --> 00:13:00,758 Speaker 1: you throw just a little bit harder, you know, it 276 00:13:00,878 --> 00:13:05,238 Speaker 1: was just never, never quite there. So yeah, eventually had 277 00:13:05,278 --> 00:13:08,158 Speaker 1: like two Division two offers and Lafayette was like one 278 00:13:08,158 --> 00:13:11,358 Speaker 1: of two kind of Division one offers. But yeah, all 279 00:13:11,398 --> 00:13:14,038 Speaker 1: it all kind of stemmed from, you know, coach Kenney 280 00:13:14,118 --> 00:13:16,438 Speaker 1: was at Lafaye at the time and he came out 281 00:13:16,478 --> 00:13:19,918 Speaker 1: to Pittsburgh. It was like a cold October morning. I 282 00:13:19,958 --> 00:13:23,158 Speaker 1: threw a bullpen just on some local high school field, 283 00:13:23,198 --> 00:13:25,558 Speaker 1: and you know, right after that, I was like, you 284 00:13:25,598 --> 00:13:27,398 Speaker 1: know what, it's all right. And then right after that 285 00:13:27,478 --> 00:13:29,198 Speaker 1: he offered, and you know, I was like, let's do it. 286 00:13:29,318 --> 00:13:32,598 Speaker 1: So that's that was the path of Lafayette, and you know, 287 00:13:32,638 --> 00:13:35,638 Speaker 1: I was just so thankful for the opportunity to be 288 00:13:35,678 --> 00:13:38,438 Speaker 1: able to play there because you know, one of the 289 00:13:38,438 --> 00:13:41,158 Speaker 1: things that really jumped out at me at Lafayette was 290 00:13:41,198 --> 00:13:44,358 Speaker 1: the combination of Division one athletics and then also just 291 00:13:44,398 --> 00:13:48,438 Speaker 1: a very strong, very good academic So you know, those 292 00:13:48,478 --> 00:13:51,838 Speaker 1: two things were very important to me, and Lafayette definitely 293 00:13:51,878 --> 00:13:54,758 Speaker 1: both checked both those boxes. Great facilities start taught me 294 00:13:54,838 --> 00:13:56,238 Speaker 1: by the way, and then the football. I love the 295 00:13:56,238 --> 00:13:58,718 Speaker 1: football stadium. I love the way that sits Fisher Fields 296 00:13:58,838 --> 00:14:01,518 Speaker 1: is done in a bowl, very unique, It's very cool. Yeah. 297 00:14:01,638 --> 00:14:04,638 Speaker 1: I love that. I actually played one season there and 298 00:14:04,638 --> 00:14:06,598 Speaker 1: and then out at Metzger Fields. It done a nice 299 00:14:06,678 --> 00:14:09,278 Speaker 1: job out there, really picking that up, the clubhouses and 300 00:14:09,598 --> 00:14:12,718 Speaker 1: the whole thing about it. Man, I know I'm biased, Okay, 301 00:14:12,758 --> 00:14:15,398 Speaker 1: I am in a sense, but I love going back there. 302 00:14:15,398 --> 00:14:18,318 Speaker 1: I love hanging out there and going back again this fall. 303 00:14:19,198 --> 00:14:21,558 Speaker 1: Got to know like the administration really well. But I 304 00:14:21,638 --> 00:14:24,998 Speaker 1: understand what he's talking about. It's a great balance of athletics, 305 00:14:25,238 --> 00:14:28,358 Speaker 1: and I mean that academics and then of course athletics. 306 00:14:28,438 --> 00:14:31,158 Speaker 1: It's beautiful. So, David, you mentioned the v low You're 307 00:14:31,198 --> 00:14:34,158 Speaker 1: probably throwing I guess mid eighties in high school, right, 308 00:14:34,198 --> 00:14:36,438 Speaker 1: you get to Lafayette and by the time you get 309 00:14:36,478 --> 00:14:39,918 Speaker 1: drafted in twenty sixteen, you're in the low nineties. Now, 310 00:14:41,518 --> 00:14:44,678 Speaker 1: talk about the progression, because it wasn't long after he 311 00:14:44,758 --> 00:14:47,318 Speaker 1: became a pro you got up to you know, ninety three, 312 00:14:47,358 --> 00:14:51,758 Speaker 1: thirty four, ninety five. Everybody's looking for velocity, right, and 313 00:14:51,758 --> 00:14:54,118 Speaker 1: everybody wants a quick hack to get there, and I 314 00:14:54,198 --> 00:14:56,078 Speaker 1: know it was not the case for you as a 315 00:14:56,158 --> 00:14:59,998 Speaker 1: quick hack. Talk about the way you develop velocity. Yeah, 316 00:14:59,998 --> 00:15:01,998 Speaker 1: I think one of the things is it's it's there's 317 00:15:02,038 --> 00:15:04,198 Speaker 1: everybody is looking like you said, everybody's looking for that 318 00:15:04,238 --> 00:15:06,878 Speaker 1: magic bullet, and you know, in my experience there, there 319 00:15:06,878 --> 00:15:09,478 Speaker 1: really isn't one. It's that long process. And I think 320 00:15:09,478 --> 00:15:11,518 Speaker 1: you kind of have to fall in love with the process. 321 00:15:11,638 --> 00:15:13,878 Speaker 1: And uh, I think, you know, when as soon as 322 00:15:13,878 --> 00:15:15,678 Speaker 1: I got to college, it was kind of that mindset 323 00:15:15,678 --> 00:15:18,398 Speaker 1: of had such a great opportunity to uh, you know, 324 00:15:18,598 --> 00:15:21,438 Speaker 1: play there, and I took made most of it, and 325 00:15:21,518 --> 00:15:22,998 Speaker 1: I you know, I spent a lot of time in 326 00:15:22,998 --> 00:15:25,278 Speaker 1: the weight room, a lot of time long tossing. But 327 00:15:25,358 --> 00:15:27,878 Speaker 1: you know, back to the process part, it was never 328 00:15:27,958 --> 00:15:31,158 Speaker 1: like kind of instant gratification. You get little tidbits here 329 00:15:31,158 --> 00:15:32,958 Speaker 1: and there, but you know, it was more of the 330 00:15:33,398 --> 00:15:35,958 Speaker 1: just doing a little bit each day. It would show 331 00:15:36,038 --> 00:15:37,918 Speaker 1: up kind of later in the year, later in the summer. 332 00:15:38,238 --> 00:15:41,438 Speaker 1: But yeah, in college, it's definitely more of the meathead 333 00:15:41,518 --> 00:15:45,118 Speaker 1: mantrav you know, more, more is better, trying to lift 334 00:15:45,198 --> 00:15:47,998 Speaker 1: the house and all that stuff, which is great at 335 00:15:47,998 --> 00:15:50,518 Speaker 1: the time, you know, I was really strong and everything 336 00:15:50,558 --> 00:15:53,198 Speaker 1: like that, and then once I got to pro ball 337 00:15:53,398 --> 00:15:55,038 Speaker 1: kind of shifted to, you know, the more of the 338 00:15:55,038 --> 00:15:58,238 Speaker 1: mobility stuff, the functional stuff. So but you know, I 339 00:15:58,238 --> 00:16:01,398 Speaker 1: think one you couldn't do one without the other because 340 00:16:01,438 --> 00:16:05,438 Speaker 1: without that good base of of you know, weight room, strong. Uh, 341 00:16:05,478 --> 00:16:07,678 Speaker 1: you know, I don't think the functional stuff works as well. 342 00:16:07,798 --> 00:16:10,238 Speaker 1: So I've been fortunate to have a lot of great 343 00:16:10,238 --> 00:16:13,518 Speaker 1: string coaches throughout my career and who have really helped 344 00:16:13,558 --> 00:16:16,038 Speaker 1: me take it to the next level and show me, 345 00:16:16,238 --> 00:16:19,038 Speaker 1: you know, a lot of different routines and different workouts 346 00:16:19,038 --> 00:16:20,918 Speaker 1: and stuff like that to just be able to stay 347 00:16:20,918 --> 00:16:22,838 Speaker 1: on top of it. Tell me as as a young 348 00:16:22,878 --> 00:16:24,478 Speaker 1: scout back in the day too, I used to call 349 00:16:24,678 --> 00:16:28,758 Speaker 1: us to Scouts Colorado and like all the colder climates 350 00:16:28,918 --> 00:16:32,358 Speaker 1: as well, as of course where David comes from in Pennsylvania. 351 00:16:32,438 --> 00:16:34,958 Speaker 1: I've always wanted those big, strong guys from those cold 352 00:16:35,038 --> 00:16:37,558 Speaker 1: weather stakes. Was always thought there was more in the tank. 353 00:16:38,158 --> 00:16:40,038 Speaker 1: A lot of stuff had not been developed at that point. 354 00:16:40,078 --> 00:16:42,198 Speaker 1: He has not thrown that much. I mean the seasons 355 00:16:42,238 --> 00:16:45,158 Speaker 1: are like fifteen sixteen games. You're playing the snow sometimes 356 00:16:45,278 --> 00:16:46,678 Speaker 1: oh yeah, and then you go out, you go out there, 357 00:16:46,718 --> 00:16:48,318 Speaker 1: you go out in the summertime and you might play 358 00:16:48,398 --> 00:16:50,718 Speaker 1: three days a week and then but you're working while 359 00:16:50,718 --> 00:16:54,358 Speaker 1: you're playing, and it's it's really hard from a baseball perspective, 360 00:16:54,398 --> 00:16:57,918 Speaker 1: Like in northeastern Pennsylvania or in western Pennsylvania, it really 361 00:16:57,958 --> 00:17:01,158 Speaker 1: developed those kind of attributes. Did you did you play football? 362 00:17:01,198 --> 00:17:04,398 Speaker 1: David too? Did you do that or wasn't that required exactly? 363 00:17:04,438 --> 00:17:07,558 Speaker 1: It was definitely a prerecord Western Pa. Yeah, I played 364 00:17:07,558 --> 00:17:10,238 Speaker 1: through through high school. Yeah, I mean there's there's' that's 365 00:17:10,278 --> 00:17:12,758 Speaker 1: my point. I mean, I always wanted those cold weather 366 00:17:12,918 --> 00:17:16,118 Speaker 1: big guys pictures, and I would project on them a 367 00:17:16,158 --> 00:17:18,758 Speaker 1: little bit more. I could talk about for nus in 368 00:17:19,078 --> 00:17:22,998 Speaker 1: Colorado state, of course, I saw big garrel akerfields out 369 00:17:23,038 --> 00:17:27,078 Speaker 1: there from Colorado. Even Roy Holliday Holiday was from that 370 00:17:27,118 --> 00:17:29,238 Speaker 1: particular area out there, and all these guys were like 371 00:17:29,598 --> 00:17:32,278 Speaker 1: under the radar guys for a bit, but they were 372 00:17:32,358 --> 00:17:36,158 Speaker 1: big strong, Rick Aguilara. All these guys were big, strong 373 00:17:36,238 --> 00:17:38,638 Speaker 1: guys that were under the radar early and then all 374 00:17:38,678 --> 00:17:41,118 Speaker 1: of a sudden poom they'd take off as they get 375 00:17:41,158 --> 00:17:42,678 Speaker 1: older and their bodies to bl up. Where then they 376 00:17:42,718 --> 00:17:46,318 Speaker 1: get some you know, a mentor instructor that really could 377 00:17:46,358 --> 00:17:48,758 Speaker 1: smooth their mechanics out a little bit, give them a 378 00:17:48,798 --> 00:17:53,358 Speaker 1: better idea. But the climate conspires against you, But in 379 00:17:53,398 --> 00:17:55,998 Speaker 1: the long run, I think it actually helps you. I agree. 380 00:17:56,118 --> 00:17:58,318 Speaker 1: I agree with that for sure. Yeah, there used to 381 00:17:58,318 --> 00:18:00,478 Speaker 1: be an old line among scouts. You probably heard of, Joe, 382 00:18:00,518 --> 00:18:03,478 Speaker 1: the best thing for a young pitcher is a good snowfall. 383 00:18:04,038 --> 00:18:06,638 Speaker 1: You know, I get them inside playing basketball or doing 384 00:18:06,678 --> 00:18:09,238 Speaker 1: other sports that just throwing twelve months a year. So 385 00:18:09,638 --> 00:18:12,118 Speaker 1: I've never heard that, but I like that. David got 386 00:18:12,198 --> 00:18:15,358 Speaker 1: drafted by listen to these numbers, but David gets drafted 387 00:18:15,358 --> 00:18:19,078 Speaker 1: in the thirty fifth round. Okay, this is twenty sixteen, 388 00:18:19,718 --> 00:18:24,318 Speaker 1: one thousand, forty fourth player drafted. Now, just to give 389 00:18:24,358 --> 00:18:26,358 Speaker 1: you an idea, what the odds are here if you 390 00:18:26,358 --> 00:18:29,438 Speaker 1: get drafted first of all, there is no thirty fifth 391 00:18:29,518 --> 00:18:31,838 Speaker 1: round anymore. They cut it off at twenty. If you 392 00:18:31,878 --> 00:18:34,838 Speaker 1: get drafted back in the day after the twentieth round, 393 00:18:35,478 --> 00:18:38,998 Speaker 1: you have a ninety five percent chance of not playing 394 00:18:38,998 --> 00:18:41,638 Speaker 1: a day in the major leagues. Okay, so that's the 395 00:18:41,718 --> 00:18:45,358 Speaker 1: kind of odds that you face. So, David, where did 396 00:18:45,398 --> 00:18:48,758 Speaker 1: you get the belief that this was going to work 397 00:18:48,798 --> 00:18:52,078 Speaker 1: out for you? Because I'm sure you have mentors, teachers, 398 00:18:52,118 --> 00:18:54,078 Speaker 1: family people saying you can do it, But to me, 399 00:18:54,118 --> 00:18:56,838 Speaker 1: it can't go anywhere unless you have that inner belief. 400 00:18:56,958 --> 00:18:59,438 Speaker 1: So where did that come from? As you get into 401 00:18:59,478 --> 00:19:01,478 Speaker 1: the pro ball and you see these guys with Big 402 00:19:01,518 --> 00:19:04,438 Speaker 1: Bonus's first round picks and you think you're on equal 403 00:19:04,518 --> 00:19:06,678 Speaker 1: ground with them. Yeah, without doubt, it was definitely a 404 00:19:06,718 --> 00:19:09,278 Speaker 1: daunting task. Um, you know, at first, I wasn't even 405 00:19:09,438 --> 00:19:12,318 Speaker 1: thinking really about that. It was you know, I was 406 00:19:12,318 --> 00:19:16,198 Speaker 1: just so grateful for the opportunity to play professional baseball 407 00:19:16,278 --> 00:19:18,998 Speaker 1: and keep it going, and I just kind of put 408 00:19:18,998 --> 00:19:21,318 Speaker 1: my head down and kept grinding every single day. And 409 00:19:21,478 --> 00:19:23,998 Speaker 1: the Padres kind of made it pretty clear that if 410 00:19:23,998 --> 00:19:26,838 Speaker 1: you get out, you'll you'll always have an opportunity, and 411 00:19:26,958 --> 00:19:28,998 Speaker 1: you know, didn't matter where you were, and you know 412 00:19:29,118 --> 00:19:30,918 Speaker 1: I kind of took that to heart. I just kind 413 00:19:30,958 --> 00:19:33,078 Speaker 1: of you kind of look up, look up, look back 414 00:19:33,118 --> 00:19:36,718 Speaker 1: now and thinking, man, like just just wow. It's definitely 415 00:19:36,758 --> 00:19:40,398 Speaker 1: been a crazy journey. And you know, it wasn't probably 416 00:19:40,478 --> 00:19:43,438 Speaker 1: until I was backing up a big League game and 417 00:19:43,638 --> 00:19:45,998 Speaker 1: you know, I think I had like a strikeout or 418 00:19:45,998 --> 00:19:48,598 Speaker 1: two and had some success in that. I was like, okay, like, 419 00:19:48,638 --> 00:19:51,158 Speaker 1: so my stuff. You know, I can actually pitch these 420 00:19:51,158 --> 00:19:53,638 Speaker 1: guys to get these guys out. And then it's you know, 421 00:19:53,678 --> 00:19:56,838 Speaker 1: once you have that internal belief and that confidence, it's 422 00:19:56,878 --> 00:19:59,558 Speaker 1: it's kind of contagious and you kind of success kind 423 00:19:59,558 --> 00:20:02,318 Speaker 1: of breed success, and you kind of keep a domino 424 00:20:02,358 --> 00:20:04,998 Speaker 1: effect rolling and then next seeing you know, you kind 425 00:20:04,998 --> 00:20:08,118 Speaker 1: of keep climbing throughout the system, keep getting outs, and 426 00:20:08,358 --> 00:20:11,478 Speaker 1: they're turned into an opportunity to be a September call 427 00:20:11,558 --> 00:20:15,598 Speaker 1: up in twenty nineteen, he just described level three right there, Tommy, 428 00:20:15,638 --> 00:20:17,478 Speaker 1: I belong here. I can do this. They've got five 429 00:20:17,558 --> 00:20:20,478 Speaker 1: levels of being a professional. You know, you arrive at 430 00:20:20,478 --> 00:20:22,318 Speaker 1: that point you go through happy to be here. Man, 431 00:20:22,358 --> 00:20:24,998 Speaker 1: I'm happy to be your level one level two survival. 432 00:20:25,118 --> 00:20:27,198 Speaker 1: I really dig to someone to stay here. But your 433 00:20:27,238 --> 00:20:29,718 Speaker 1: mind is all over the place, and then finally you 434 00:20:29,718 --> 00:20:31,478 Speaker 1: wake up one day, you go out there, you look around, 435 00:20:31,518 --> 00:20:33,198 Speaker 1: and you get out on the mound. You pitch well, 436 00:20:33,238 --> 00:20:35,798 Speaker 1: but you look around him and everybody around. You said 437 00:20:35,798 --> 00:20:37,558 Speaker 1: to yourself, man, I can do this. I don't care 438 00:20:37,598 --> 00:20:39,278 Speaker 1: I belong to I can do this with this group. 439 00:20:39,518 --> 00:20:41,358 Speaker 1: And that's when you have a chance to take off. 440 00:20:41,358 --> 00:20:43,038 Speaker 1: But you have to arrive at that point. Otherwise it's 441 00:20:43,078 --> 00:20:45,158 Speaker 1: going to be this ephemeral thing. You're going to go 442 00:20:45,238 --> 00:20:47,078 Speaker 1: up and down, up and down. You don't really believe it. 443 00:20:47,158 --> 00:20:49,518 Speaker 1: Of the moment you believe it, Man, all that stuff 444 00:20:49,518 --> 00:20:51,878 Speaker 1: you've got inside you comes to the forefront nextually become 445 00:20:51,958 --> 00:20:55,318 Speaker 1: really good. I was thinking of that without a doubt. 446 00:20:55,398 --> 00:20:58,398 Speaker 1: It's it's it's really that the confidence that you know, 447 00:20:58,478 --> 00:21:02,038 Speaker 1: really allowed me to you know that, the belief that, Okay, yeah, 448 00:21:02,078 --> 00:21:04,518 Speaker 1: my stuff plays, I can I can get really anybody out. 449 00:21:04,558 --> 00:21:06,518 Speaker 1: And then you know, you kind of take that and 450 00:21:06,598 --> 00:21:10,078 Speaker 1: run with it absolutely and then lo and behold. In 451 00:21:10,118 --> 00:21:12,878 Speaker 1: twenty twenty one, he gets traded by the Padres and 452 00:21:12,918 --> 00:21:16,878 Speaker 1: the Joe Musgrove deal, and where does the fighting planet go? 453 00:21:17,198 --> 00:21:20,198 Speaker 1: He's going back home to Pittsburgh. I mean, what was that, 454 00:21:20,318 --> 00:21:24,838 Speaker 1: like David and sharing that news with your family unbelievable. Um, 455 00:21:25,078 --> 00:21:28,118 Speaker 1: you know, I still have to pinch myself, you know, 456 00:21:28,158 --> 00:21:31,078 Speaker 1: every day getting to go and walk in the Pirate 457 00:21:31,118 --> 00:21:33,278 Speaker 1: clubhouse and you know, seeing all the jerseys because I 458 00:21:33,278 --> 00:21:35,438 Speaker 1: was I was a huge Buco fan growing up. So 459 00:21:35,718 --> 00:21:38,918 Speaker 1: now to be a part of it is I don't 460 00:21:38,958 --> 00:21:40,638 Speaker 1: want to, you know, be a dead horse, but it's 461 00:21:40,678 --> 00:21:43,718 Speaker 1: it's it's it's truly unbelievable and I'm so blessed to 462 00:21:43,758 --> 00:21:47,118 Speaker 1: have that opportunity and it really is awesome and amazing. 463 00:21:47,158 --> 00:21:49,918 Speaker 1: And yeah, I initially found out on Twitter and I 464 00:21:49,958 --> 00:21:51,558 Speaker 1: almost didn't want to believe it because I don't want 465 00:21:51,558 --> 00:21:54,038 Speaker 1: to get my hopes up and have something not fall through. 466 00:21:54,038 --> 00:21:55,918 Speaker 1: And then the next day I got a call and 467 00:21:56,118 --> 00:21:58,438 Speaker 1: saying it was official, So then, you know, it was 468 00:21:58,478 --> 00:22:01,158 Speaker 1: just just incredible. You know, my whole family was just 469 00:22:01,278 --> 00:22:04,278 Speaker 1: incredibly pumped up, and my wife, my family, Y'll can 470 00:22:04,478 --> 00:22:07,478 Speaker 1: just drive twenty minutes down to PNC instead of you know, 471 00:22:07,518 --> 00:22:10,478 Speaker 1: hopping on flights and to come see me. So that 472 00:22:10,478 --> 00:22:14,038 Speaker 1: that's been just unbelievable. I love the bird and I 473 00:22:14,038 --> 00:22:16,558 Speaker 1: love that ballpark. That ballpark I think is one of 474 00:22:16,558 --> 00:22:18,718 Speaker 1: the top five and I was baseball. They nailed it. 475 00:22:18,758 --> 00:22:22,158 Speaker 1: They absolutely nailed it. I've never seen the home side clubhouse. 476 00:22:22,358 --> 00:22:26,438 Speaker 1: Visiting site clubhouses is really good enough. But when you 477 00:22:26,518 --> 00:22:28,798 Speaker 1: walk out there, man, it's like it's it's due. But 478 00:22:28,838 --> 00:22:30,198 Speaker 1: it's a taste of the old. The way they have 479 00:22:30,198 --> 00:22:32,438 Speaker 1: the bridges set up out there, you get the skyline. 480 00:22:32,478 --> 00:22:34,198 Speaker 1: I love riding my bike up and down the river there. 481 00:22:34,198 --> 00:22:36,398 Speaker 1: I go by the Hinds, catch up plant, and I 482 00:22:36,438 --> 00:22:38,398 Speaker 1: go through to some kind of Greek church up on 483 00:22:38,398 --> 00:22:41,238 Speaker 1: a hill. I just love the vibe there. I love 484 00:22:41,278 --> 00:22:43,758 Speaker 1: the burg and I could see as a young major 485 00:22:43,878 --> 00:22:46,358 Speaker 1: League baseball player coming from that area, it's gotta be 486 00:22:46,998 --> 00:22:49,958 Speaker 1: gotta be really exciting on a nightly basis. Oh, without 487 00:22:49,998 --> 00:22:52,758 Speaker 1: a doubt. I mean, really do have to pinch myself 488 00:22:52,918 --> 00:22:55,438 Speaker 1: cool man. Hey David, we're talking about you know where 489 00:22:55,438 --> 00:22:58,558 Speaker 1: you got drafted, and we should point out your brother 490 00:22:58,918 --> 00:23:01,838 Speaker 1: Will was a first down draft pick. That's been a 491 00:23:01,838 --> 00:23:05,478 Speaker 1: lot of fun going back and forth about about that 492 00:23:05,598 --> 00:23:07,958 Speaker 1: being being a first rounder and everything like that. Ye 493 00:23:08,118 --> 00:23:11,598 Speaker 1: Will is in the Giants organization. How's he doing? What's 494 00:23:11,598 --> 00:23:13,918 Speaker 1: ahead for him this year? He's doing well? He uh, 495 00:23:14,158 --> 00:23:17,078 Speaker 1: he was banged up a little bit last year, but 496 00:23:17,118 --> 00:23:20,318 Speaker 1: you know, he's he's starting to throw again here shortly, 497 00:23:20,358 --> 00:23:23,598 Speaker 1: and I know, I'm excited for him and the opportunity 498 00:23:23,638 --> 00:23:26,118 Speaker 1: he has with the Giants now to you know, his 499 00:23:26,238 --> 00:23:30,878 Speaker 1: stuff's nasty. I mean, he won the College World Series 500 00:23:30,918 --> 00:23:33,038 Speaker 1: and was a big part of that. So that was 501 00:23:33,078 --> 00:23:34,838 Speaker 1: a lot of fun to watch him. And it's been 502 00:23:34,878 --> 00:23:37,398 Speaker 1: really cool to see him progress as a you know, 503 00:23:38,358 --> 00:23:40,398 Speaker 1: as a as a baseball player, and you know, watching 504 00:23:40,478 --> 00:23:42,998 Speaker 1: him grow and it's it's really special because you know, 505 00:23:42,998 --> 00:23:45,998 Speaker 1: he's very talented, he works hard, and uh, you know, 506 00:23:46,198 --> 00:23:48,998 Speaker 1: really the sky's the limit for him. And speaking of 507 00:23:49,038 --> 00:23:51,158 Speaker 1: the skies the limit, We're gonna take a quick break 508 00:23:51,198 --> 00:23:53,358 Speaker 1: finish up with David Bednar and I'm gonna ask him 509 00:23:53,358 --> 00:24:06,598 Speaker 1: about what's ahead for the Buckos. To Pittsburgh Pirates. Welcome 510 00:24:06,638 --> 00:24:09,238 Speaker 1: back to the Book of Joe podcast. Our guest is 511 00:24:09,278 --> 00:24:14,518 Speaker 1: Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher at Team USA. Picture David Bednar. David, 512 00:24:14,558 --> 00:24:16,518 Speaker 1: we talked about the Pirates. We can see some of 513 00:24:16,518 --> 00:24:19,958 Speaker 1: the young talent coming up. O'Neil crue is just amazing. 514 00:24:20,078 --> 00:24:23,438 Speaker 1: The year that Brian Raylds had establishing himself as one 515 00:24:23,478 --> 00:24:25,958 Speaker 1: of the stars of the game. Give me a vibe 516 00:24:25,958 --> 00:24:28,358 Speaker 1: of if you're a Pirates fan and you see some 517 00:24:28,478 --> 00:24:30,438 Speaker 1: of the signs that things are starting to turn a 518 00:24:30,478 --> 00:24:33,358 Speaker 1: corner here, give me a sense of how quickly it 519 00:24:33,438 --> 00:24:35,718 Speaker 1: might happen, and what do you feel being around this 520 00:24:35,798 --> 00:24:39,358 Speaker 1: group of guys. Oh man, there's there's definitely a different 521 00:24:39,438 --> 00:24:42,118 Speaker 1: vibe this year going into screen training, and you know, 522 00:24:42,158 --> 00:24:44,758 Speaker 1: I think everybody's really feeling it, and you know, everybody's 523 00:24:44,758 --> 00:24:48,278 Speaker 1: really bought into you know, obviously everybody's bought into winning, 524 00:24:48,318 --> 00:24:51,078 Speaker 1: but it's it's I think it's more as real now. 525 00:24:51,158 --> 00:24:53,918 Speaker 1: It's it's it's attainable because there's so much young talent 526 00:24:53,958 --> 00:24:56,998 Speaker 1: and adding some veteran adding some veterans to help, you know, 527 00:24:57,038 --> 00:24:59,718 Speaker 1: speed that process up a little bit is really special. 528 00:24:59,758 --> 00:25:02,198 Speaker 1: And it's really cool because you know everybody's looking to 529 00:25:02,278 --> 00:25:05,318 Speaker 1: take that next step forward and you know, individually and 530 00:25:05,398 --> 00:25:08,078 Speaker 1: collectively as a team, and you know, we have some 531 00:25:08,158 --> 00:25:10,678 Speaker 1: exciting baseball and store in Pittsburgh. I mean, I said, 532 00:25:10,718 --> 00:25:13,598 Speaker 1: you have to get to that ascension process and once 533 00:25:13,838 --> 00:25:16,318 Speaker 1: there's really something to be said about learning how to 534 00:25:16,318 --> 00:25:18,198 Speaker 1: win and learning how to win on the major league 535 00:25:18,238 --> 00:25:21,318 Speaker 1: A level, there's going to be some short term goals met, 536 00:25:21,358 --> 00:25:22,798 Speaker 1: and that you have to do that before you reach 537 00:25:22,838 --> 00:25:24,878 Speaker 1: your long term goals. You have to have those short 538 00:25:25,038 --> 00:25:28,158 Speaker 1: term goals met. And I don't know, like that's winning 539 00:25:28,158 --> 00:25:30,798 Speaker 1: each month. I was into winning the week, winning the month. 540 00:25:31,558 --> 00:25:34,558 Speaker 1: From my perspective, you've got to chase the dudes in 541 00:25:34,598 --> 00:25:37,518 Speaker 1: front of you, like within your division. For the Cubs 542 00:25:37,558 --> 00:25:39,518 Speaker 1: it was the Cardinals, of course, and with the Rays, 543 00:25:39,598 --> 00:25:41,878 Speaker 1: it was the Yankees and the Red Sox and Matt 544 00:25:42,038 --> 00:25:43,918 Speaker 1: I just I would just get so jacked up when 545 00:25:43,918 --> 00:25:45,798 Speaker 1: we played those teams, and you played the better teams, 546 00:25:45,798 --> 00:25:48,318 Speaker 1: but you've got you've got to get to them. You've 547 00:25:48,318 --> 00:25:50,278 Speaker 1: got to be able to shake hands on their mom 548 00:25:50,518 --> 00:25:53,438 Speaker 1: on their field after victory, after the ninth inning, and 549 00:25:53,438 --> 00:25:55,998 Speaker 1: when you start doing that consistently, then you start believing it. 550 00:25:55,998 --> 00:25:58,518 Speaker 1: But that's part of the ascension process. But there is 551 00:25:58,558 --> 00:26:01,518 Speaker 1: something to be said when it's it's kind of hard 552 00:26:01,558 --> 00:26:04,398 Speaker 1: to define, like learning how to win, learning how to 553 00:26:04,438 --> 00:26:08,518 Speaker 1: win pretty much as each guy, your team itself, really 554 00:26:08,758 --> 00:26:12,398 Speaker 1: having a common culture, a common method of doing this thing, 555 00:26:12,958 --> 00:26:15,638 Speaker 1: and then there's a strong believability that you're gonna win 556 00:26:15,678 --> 00:26:17,598 Speaker 1: on that night. It's not like, ah, maybe we're gonna win. No, 557 00:26:17,638 --> 00:26:19,478 Speaker 1: we're gonna win. We're gonna win to it, We're gonna 558 00:26:19,478 --> 00:26:22,398 Speaker 1: beat these guys somehow and having a planner method to 559 00:26:22,438 --> 00:26:24,518 Speaker 1: do that. And No, I like your young guys too. 560 00:26:24,558 --> 00:26:26,638 Speaker 1: I think it's great. Like I said, Shelty and the boys. 561 00:26:26,878 --> 00:26:29,158 Speaker 1: I know Andy Hayes really well too. I mean there's 562 00:26:29,158 --> 00:26:30,518 Speaker 1: there's a lot of guys there in a chat and 563 00:26:30,558 --> 00:26:32,878 Speaker 1: Noble the roping catching instructor. I mean, a lot of 564 00:26:32,918 --> 00:26:36,038 Speaker 1: cup guys involvement there. But there's a believability that you 565 00:26:36,118 --> 00:26:38,278 Speaker 1: have to You can't think you do. You gotta believe 566 00:26:38,318 --> 00:26:40,718 Speaker 1: you do. And sometimes you have to convince yourself with 567 00:26:40,798 --> 00:26:43,118 Speaker 1: that and eventually you learn how to win without a doubt. 568 00:26:43,278 --> 00:26:45,278 Speaker 1: It's almost like the fake a teammake it thing, right, 569 00:26:45,598 --> 00:26:47,518 Speaker 1: you believe, you gotta believe it. If you believe it, 570 00:26:47,518 --> 00:26:49,118 Speaker 1: you'll see it. It's not to see it and believe it. 571 00:26:49,158 --> 00:26:51,398 Speaker 1: You gotta believe it to see it. That's a Wayne 572 00:26:51,438 --> 00:26:53,478 Speaker 1: dire gig and I've always thought that. I used to 573 00:26:53,518 --> 00:26:56,238 Speaker 1: tell my players that in order you have to believe 574 00:26:56,278 --> 00:27:00,158 Speaker 1: it to see it, and so I think believing comes first. 575 00:26:59,558 --> 00:27:02,438 Speaker 1: About Well, it's been a blast, David. I mean, one 576 00:27:02,438 --> 00:27:05,198 Speaker 1: of the things I love about w BC is Yeah, 577 00:27:05,238 --> 00:27:07,358 Speaker 1: there's a lot of stars there, but it also gives 578 00:27:07,358 --> 00:27:10,398 Speaker 1: the stage, to let's face it, some players who haven't 579 00:27:10,518 --> 00:27:13,638 Speaker 1: gotten into that postseason limelight, maybe not being well known. 580 00:27:13,678 --> 00:27:15,758 Speaker 1: And I think you've jumped out. I know you've pitched 581 00:27:15,758 --> 00:27:18,078 Speaker 1: that one game against Great Britain, but I know even 582 00:27:18,318 --> 00:27:20,558 Speaker 1: people around the team have been impressed with your stuff 583 00:27:20,598 --> 00:27:23,118 Speaker 1: seeing it up close, and hopefully fans to get a 584 00:27:23,198 --> 00:27:25,718 Speaker 1: chance to check you out and keep it up. Man. 585 00:27:25,798 --> 00:27:28,318 Speaker 1: This Team USA has been a rock and roll ride 586 00:27:28,358 --> 00:27:30,598 Speaker 1: and hopefully it's a long run all the way to 587 00:27:30,638 --> 00:27:33,238 Speaker 1: the finish. So really appreciate your time. Thank you guys 588 00:27:33,238 --> 00:27:34,678 Speaker 1: for having me. He's a great talk with you, guys. 589 00:27:34,838 --> 00:27:38,518 Speaker 1: It was a pleasure to visit with David bednar Joet 590 00:27:38,958 --> 00:27:40,998 Speaker 1: not just because he went to Lafayette, but I love 591 00:27:41,078 --> 00:27:42,918 Speaker 1: his story. I mean, you think about a guy drafted 592 00:27:42,958 --> 00:27:46,958 Speaker 1: him the thirty fifth round with probably below average velocity 593 00:27:46,998 --> 00:27:49,038 Speaker 1: at the time, or maybe average velocity, and here he 594 00:27:49,158 --> 00:27:51,398 Speaker 1: is an All star pitcher, He's closing for the Pirate's 595 00:27:51,438 --> 00:27:54,958 Speaker 1: his hometown team, He's pitching for Team USA. It's just 596 00:27:54,998 --> 00:27:58,318 Speaker 1: a great story and as you can hear talking to David, 597 00:27:58,478 --> 00:28:00,798 Speaker 1: just a great guy as well. Yeah, definitely the dream 598 00:28:00,798 --> 00:28:04,438 Speaker 1: come true situation. Bail your surrealism's come true coming from 599 00:28:04,438 --> 00:28:07,038 Speaker 1: a small town in Pennsylvania and get it. I love 600 00:28:07,038 --> 00:28:09,798 Speaker 1: the idea that he's close, his family's close to the ballparkers, 601 00:28:09,798 --> 00:28:12,398 Speaker 1: they're going to make that trek off in those beautiful 602 00:28:12,438 --> 00:28:17,238 Speaker 1: Pennsylvania nights, and what that means to that entire family, 603 00:28:17,278 --> 00:28:19,078 Speaker 1: and him telling a man i've seen him, Pich, this 604 00:28:19,158 --> 00:28:22,518 Speaker 1: guy's good. It's not just okay, it's good. And it's 605 00:28:23,078 --> 00:28:24,958 Speaker 1: like I said earlier, to the fact that he did 606 00:28:24,998 --> 00:28:27,078 Speaker 1: not throw that much coming up because you just can't. 607 00:28:27,118 --> 00:28:30,438 Speaker 1: You just can't throw that much in Pennsylvania, Western or 608 00:28:30,478 --> 00:28:32,958 Speaker 1: Eastern Pennsylvania. The springs he kind of saved your arm 609 00:28:32,998 --> 00:28:35,798 Speaker 1: a little bit. But it sounds like he's got great 610 00:28:35,798 --> 00:28:38,078 Speaker 1: inner strength. And again, I'm looking forward to getting to 611 00:28:38,078 --> 00:28:39,638 Speaker 1: know him better when we get back to campus in 612 00:28:39,718 --> 00:28:41,998 Speaker 1: the offseason. That thanks for getting him on, because that 613 00:28:42,038 --> 00:28:44,398 Speaker 1: was all you and I really appreciate it. That too, well, 614 00:28:44,438 --> 00:28:47,478 Speaker 1: I can tell you too, Joe that in talkative coaching 615 00:28:47,558 --> 00:28:50,118 Speaker 1: staff of Team USA, because let's face it, they haven't 616 00:28:50,158 --> 00:28:53,758 Speaker 1: seen him up close, they're blown away by his stuff. 617 00:28:54,078 --> 00:28:58,038 Speaker 1: I mean this guy has elite stuff, high nineties velocity, 618 00:28:58,158 --> 00:29:01,118 Speaker 1: the breaking ball, the split. He's not afraid to throw 619 00:29:01,278 --> 00:29:04,958 Speaker 1: any of those pitches at any point of account. So hey, listen. 620 00:29:04,998 --> 00:29:06,918 Speaker 1: He's one of those guys to me that has jumped 621 00:29:06,918 --> 00:29:10,518 Speaker 1: out early the WBC that if you didn't know David Bednar, 622 00:29:11,118 --> 00:29:12,918 Speaker 1: you'd better get to know him because he's a force 623 00:29:12,958 --> 00:29:15,038 Speaker 1: in the game. That's what I thought the first time 624 00:29:15,078 --> 00:29:16,918 Speaker 1: I saw him. I said, who is that? And then 625 00:29:17,598 --> 00:29:20,718 Speaker 1: they said David Bednar. Okay, good, and then somebody says 626 00:29:20,718 --> 00:29:22,958 Speaker 1: it's from Loafiet. I said, really, and then it became 627 00:29:22,998 --> 00:29:25,518 Speaker 1: even more interested. Good for him, believe for him. All Right, 628 00:29:25,518 --> 00:29:28,398 Speaker 1: mister Laffiet, you got something to take us out here 629 00:29:28,478 --> 00:29:31,238 Speaker 1: to finish up Lafayette Day on the book of Joe, 630 00:29:32,198 --> 00:29:35,038 Speaker 1: I should have something from the marquee himself, right, Yeah, 631 00:29:35,038 --> 00:29:37,438 Speaker 1: but this is like perfect for all that. I don't 632 00:29:37,518 --> 00:29:39,838 Speaker 1: I can't believe I messed that up. This is from 633 00:29:39,838 --> 00:29:42,918 Speaker 1: Phil Jackson, one of our favorites, and it really applies 634 00:29:42,958 --> 00:29:45,518 Speaker 1: to everything we've just been talking about. The strength of 635 00:29:45,518 --> 00:29:48,718 Speaker 1: the team is each individual member, and the strength of 636 00:29:48,838 --> 00:29:52,518 Speaker 1: each member is the team. Love that stuff. You're talking 637 00:29:52,558 --> 00:29:55,878 Speaker 1: to him. You could see the team Warrior orientation about him. 638 00:29:55,878 --> 00:29:59,398 Speaker 1: You've been talking about Team USA and everybody's so proud 639 00:29:59,438 --> 00:30:02,278 Speaker 1: to wear the uniform and compete against everybody else. So 640 00:30:02,838 --> 00:30:05,558 Speaker 1: the strength of each remember is the team. I love that, 641 00:30:06,158 --> 00:30:09,518 Speaker 1: mister Phil Jackson. Do we have it? Very nice? Worked 642 00:30:09,518 --> 00:30:11,518 Speaker 1: out pretty well for Phil. He went a little bit. 643 00:30:11,998 --> 00:30:15,038 Speaker 1: Yeah he did. Okay, it doesn't hurt to have Michael 644 00:30:15,198 --> 00:30:18,718 Speaker 1: Jordan on your side. But you know, I've always I 645 00:30:18,758 --> 00:30:21,158 Speaker 1: tried to get I try to get together with Phil 646 00:30:21,198 --> 00:30:23,038 Speaker 1: a couple of times. It's not easy, but I've always 647 00:30:23,078 --> 00:30:25,318 Speaker 1: been a big fan. Yeah. Well, this has been fun. 648 00:30:25,398 --> 00:30:27,438 Speaker 1: And for those of you who haven't checked out any 649 00:30:27,438 --> 00:30:30,598 Speaker 1: of the WBC again, you got to check it out, folks. 650 00:30:30,638 --> 00:30:33,518 Speaker 1: I know there's a lot going on with March Madness 651 00:30:33,598 --> 00:30:37,038 Speaker 1: and your teams in spring training, but the star power, 652 00:30:37,318 --> 00:30:41,118 Speaker 1: the passion of these games, it's it's really baseball. It's 653 00:30:41,158 --> 00:30:43,078 Speaker 1: best the way that it's played. So make sure you 654 00:30:43,158 --> 00:30:46,358 Speaker 1: check it out. See you next time, Joe, Nice, Pure Forum, 655 00:30:46,398 --> 00:30:55,678 Speaker 1: Thank your brother, See you later, man. The Book of 656 00:30:55,758 --> 00:30:59,718 Speaker 1: Joe podcast is a production of iHeartRadio. For more podcasts 657 00:30:59,718 --> 00:31:03,638 Speaker 1: for my Heart Radio, visit the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, 658 00:31:03,758 --> 00:31:05,918 Speaker 1: or wherever you get your podcasts