In this episode, we sit down with former Major League infielder Doug Flynn, a two-time World Series champion, Gold Glove winner and one of the most respected defensive players of his era.

Doug takes us on a journey from his days growing up in Kentucky, where he starred in football, basketball, and baseball, to earning a dual scholarship at the University of Kentucky and playing for legendary coach Adolph Rupp. What started as a trip to an open Cincinnati Reds tryout with friends turned into an unlikely path to professional baseball and eventually a spot on one of the greatest teams in baseball history, the famed Big Red Machine.

We discuss Doug's rapid rise through the minor leagues, making his Major League debut with the Reds, winning back-to-back World Series championships in 1975 and 1976 alongside Pete Rose, Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench, and Tony Pérez, and his memorable first big-league hit against the Dodgers.

Doug shares his perspective on the blockbuster 1977 trade known as the "Midnight Massacre" that sent him to the New York Mets in exchange for Tom Seaver. We also dive into his 1980 Gold Glove season, the historic game in Montreal where he became the first and only Met to hit three triples in a game, and his later stops with the Rangers, Expos, and Tigers.

Along the way, Doug reflects on playing for legendary managers including Sparky Anderson, Joe Torre, Don Zimmer, and Bill Virdon, and what life was like during the 1981 players' strike touring with the Oak Ridge Boys.

From World Series celebrations to Gold Gloves, clubhouse stories, and lessons learned after baseball, this conversation offers a fascinating look at a player whose career intersected with some of the most iconic moments and personalities in baseball history.

Whether you're a fan of the Big Red Machine, the Mets of the late 1970s and early 1980s, or simply love great baseball stories, you won't want to miss this episode with Doug Flynn.

00:00 Intro

00:26 High School Football

01:13 Favorite Athlete Growing Up

02:18 Going to Kentucky and Playing for Adolph Rupp

03:43 Open Tryout With the Reds

06:00 Minor League Career

09:04 Getting a Call From a Hall of Fame Teammate Live

13:26 Playing for the Big Red Machine

16:42 Hall of Fame Discussion

19:49 First Major League Hit and the Ball

21:28 Sacrifice Hits and the Bunt

23:47 Comparing the 1975 and 1976 Reds Teams

25:59 How Pete Rose Described Doug and Was Doug's Versatility and Asset?

27:49 The Midnight Massacre and Being Traded for Tom Seaver

32:30 1980 Gold Glove

35:33 Hitting Three Triples in One Game

38:05 Closing Out Doug’s Career Playing for the Rangers, Expos and Tigers.

42:51 Which Manager Was Best for Doug to Play For - Joe Torre, Don Zimmer, or Bill Virdon

44:19 Facing Carlton, Seaver, Koosman and Grimsley

48:13 Who Did Doug Tour With During The Baseball Strike of 1981

51:18 Binge Burner Round

59:13 Outro

Thanks for tuning in and be sure to leave a comment for Doug.

Please click SUBSCRIBE for future episodes of the Back It Up Binge Podcast.

Donate to Doug's Charity Here:

https://www.hopeforthewarriors.org/donate/

#DougFlynn #BigRedMachine #CincinnatiReds #MLBHistory #BaseballHistory #WorldSeriesChampion #BaseballPodcast

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Doug Plank — “The Original 46” — joins the show for an incredible deep dive into football, toughness, leadership, and life after the game. From growing up in Irwin, Pennsylvania and becoming an All-State running back, to starring at Ohio State Buckeyes football alongside 2x Heisman Trophy winner Archie Griffin, Doug shares stories from every stage of his football journey.

Doug talks about overcoming injuries early in college, fighting his way back to the pros, and what it was like walking into the legendary Chicago Bears locker room for the first time. He also reflects on playing under coaches Jack Pardee, Neill Armstrong, and the iconic Mike Ditka.

The conversation dives into the legendary “46 Defense,” how Doug studied quarterbacks as a free safety, the hardest hitters he faced, trash talk on the field, and the famous divide between the Bears’ 1985 offense and defense featured in ESPN’s 30 for 30 coverage.

Doug also opens up about retirement from the NFL, playing in the USFL, coaching in the Arena Football League, and life after football. Plus, we wrap things up with our signature Binge Burner Round.

This is an awesome conversation filled with old-school football stories, NFL history, and behind-the-scenes insight from one of the toughest players of his era.

0:00 Introduction

0:49 All State RB in High School

3:26 High School Baseball Experience

4:59 Destination Ohio State & Irwin, PA Roots

8:03 Doug's First Choice of College

8:54 Letter Writing to Joe Paterno

10:50 Doug's Request to Joe Paterno That Led Him to Ohio State

11:57 Woody Hayes Recruitment of Doug

14:13 PA High School All-Star Game (Big 33 Game) & Penn State coaches

17:02 Doug's First Practice at Ohio State

18:43 Ohio State vs Penn State

19:44 Freshman Year Injury and Its Impact on Doug's Playing Time

23:29 Playing With 2x Heisman Winner Archie Griffin

25:38 Getting Drafted and Walking Into The Bears Locker Room for the First Time

33:56 Playing for Pardee, Armstrong and Ditka

38:46 Any Hard Hits on Doug Plank

42:05 Reading the QBs being a Free Safety

45:04 What Made The “46-D’ Great 50:19 30 for 30 and the Split between the ’86 Beard Offense and Defense

51:48 Retirement from the NFL and Playing in the USFL

54:00 What Players Did Doug Like Playing Against

55:52 Coaching in the Arena Football League

1:00:47 Post Football Retirement Discussion

1:11:51 Binge Burner Round (Wally Chambers, Jim Osborne, Mike Ditka, Gary Fencik)

1:20:59 Trash Talking On The Field

1:25:10 Closing Comments and Outro

Thanks for tuning in and be sure to leave a comment for Doug.

Please click FOLLOW for future episodes of the Back It Up Binge Podcast.

#DougPlank #ChicagoBears #NFLHistory #46Defense #BuddyRyan #AthleteStory #InspiringInterviews #backitupbingepodcast

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On this episode of Back It Up Binge Podcast, JB is joined by returning co-host Futures for an incredible conversation with former New York Giants Super Bowl champion Phil McConkey.

Phil takes us through his remarkable journey from growing up in Buffalo and attending the United States Naval Academy, to serving as a Navy helicopter pilot before making the unlikely jump back into professional football at 27 years old. We discussed his return to the game after five years of military service and his connection to the Belichick’s.

Phil shares what it was like entering the Giants locker room in the 1980s under Bill Parcells, battling through the legendary NFC East, and building relationships with teammates during one of the franchise’s greatest eras.

We dive deep into the unforgettable Super Bowl XXI run, including behind-the-scenes stories from the Giants’ playoff dominance, the famous fake punt, trick plays against Denver, and Phil’s iconic moments in the game alongside Phil Simms and Mark Bavaro. Phil even tells the unbelievable story of what he discovered on the field during the postgame celebration.

We close things out discussing life after football, including Phil’s work with veteran-owned investment bank Academy Securities and a fun Binge Burner Round featuring some Giants legends. A tremendous episode filled with football history, military service, leadership, perseverance, and stories Giants, and NFL fans will absolutely love.

0:00 Introduction

1:12 Growing up in Buffalo

4:09 Choosing the Naval Academy

6:18 The Naval Academy and McConkey Family Links

7:43 Getting Back to the NFL

10:41 What It Was Like Walking into the Giants Locker Room for the First Time

14:30 Adjusting to an NFL Locker Room After Five Years of Military Service

17:22 Who Became Phil's Close Friend on the Giants

21:07 The WR or Special Teams’ Player Phil Made a Point to Watch

23:04 Toughest CB/DB Phil Faced

25:14 Was There One NFC East Team That Elevated the Giants The Week of the Game

27:09 Release in 1986 and Returning to the Giants

31:00 Team Mentality in 1986

32:22 Memorable Plays from Super Bowl XXI

41:14 Impact of Not Winning a Super on a Players Legacy

42:41 Phil’s on Field Discovery After Winning the Super Bowl

46:02 Playing for Bill Parcells

49:33 Bill Parcells Motivating Phil

52:14 Phil Simms

54:55 Post NFL Career Discussion

59:46 Binge Burner Round

1:06:58 Outro

Thanks for tuning in and be sure to leave a comment for Phil.

Please FOLLOW for future episodes of the Back It Up Binge Podcast.

#NewYorkGiants #PhilMcConkey #BigBlue #NFL #SuperBowlXXI #SuperBowlChampion #PhilSimms #BillParcells #LawrenceTaylor #NFC East #NavalAcademy #NavyFootball #Veterans #MilitaryToNFL #FootballPodcast #SportsPodcast #GiantsFans #BuffaloNY #NFLHistory #80sFootball #PhilMcConkeyInterview #PodcastEpisode #YouTubePodcast #ApplePodcasts #SpotifyPodcast #BingeBurnerRound #backitupbingepodcast

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All material used in this video fully complies with fair use law which permits the reuse of the Work in a non-commercial and transformative manner. It does not use the original more than necessary and does not negatively affect the market for the original work. If you do not agree with any material used in the video, just contact us and request the removal of the video, which we will remove immediately.

In this episode, I sit down with former Major League pitcher Jim Colborn for a wide-ranging conversation that goes far beyond the box score. From an unexpected brush with Hollywood, working on a major motion picture alongside an A-list actor, to his early sports influences, Jim shares the journey that took him from an undrafted player to the big leagues.

We dive into his pitching style, his first Major League start, and what it was like playing under legendary manager Leo Durocher. Jim reflects on his breakout 1973 season, handling heavy workloads in an era when pitchers were built differently, and his unforgettable All-Star experience.

Of course, we relive the pinnacle moments, including his 1977 no-hitter and what happened in the ALCS playoffs before discussing later career transitions, trades, and his time as a pitching coach mentoring the next generation.

We close with a fun rapid-fire “Binge Burner” round featuring stories on baseball icons Henry Aaron, George Scott, Ernie Banks, Fergie Jenkins and Ken Holtzman.

This is a deep, candid look at a baseball life that spans generations filled with perspective, history, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

Chapters:

~ Intro

~ Acting Career in a Major Picture With an A List Actor

~ Favorite Sport and Athlete Growing Up

~ Undrafted to Minor League Contract

~ Pitching Style

~ First Major League Start

~ Playing for Leo Durocher

~ Trade to Milwaukee

~ 1973 Season of Success

~ How Did Jim Handle the Workload

~ The Approach of a Starting Pitcher in the 1970s

~ 1973 All-Star Experience

~ 1977 No Hitter

~ 1977 ALCS Playoffs

~ Trade to Seattle

~ Pitching Coach & Some of the Players Jim Coached

~ Binge Burner Round (Henry Aaron, George Scott, Ernie Banks, Fergie Jenkins, Ken Holtzman)

~ Closing Comments

~ Outro

Thanks for tuning in and be sure to leave us a comment.

Please click FOLLOW for future episodes of the Back It Up Binge Podcast.

#MLB #MLBHistory #nohitter #BaseballHistory #BaseballTalk #BaseballLegends #OldSchoolBaseball #1970sBaseball #chicagocubs #milwaukeebrewers #kansascityroyals #RossGrimsley #Orioles #BaltimoreOrioles #CincinnatiReds #MontrealExpos #MLBGreats #BackItUpBinge #BackItUpBingePodcast #PodcastLife #SportsPodcast #BaseballPodcast #PodcastEpisode #Pitching #StartingPitcher #MLBPitchers #BaseballLife #ThrowbackBaseball #BaseballStories #ClubhouseStories #WorldSeries #AllStarGame #JohnnyBench #SportsTalk #BaseballFans #MLBFans #PodcastClips #ListenNow #NewEpisode

FYI

All material used in this video fully complies with fair use law which permits the reuse of the Work in a non-commercial and transformative manner. It does not use the original more than necessary and does not negatively affect the market for the original work. If you do not agree with any material used in the video, just contact us and request the removal of the video, which we will remove immediately.

What does it take to go from a baseball-less high school in Montana to the bright lights of Major League Baseball? In this episode, Jeff Ballard shares his incredible journey, from choosing Stanford over a draft offer, to starring alongside future legends like Barry Bonds and Mark McGwire on Team USA, to carving out his place in the Orioles rotation.

We dive into his breakout 1989 season (18 wins, Cy Young votes), what clicked that year, and the reality of sustaining success at the Major League level. Jeff also reflects on facing elite hitters like Don Mattingly, turning a triple play, and learning from managers like Cal Ripken Sr., Frank Robinson, and Jim Leyland.

Plus, life after baseball, a geophysics degree, and a rapid-fire “Binge Burner” round featuring some of the biggest names of his era.

00:00 Intro

00:28 Favorite Athlete / Team Growing Up

03:49 Path to D1 Baseball

10:18 Choosing Stanford Over the Minors

11:49 Collegiate Career at Stanford

16:22 Jeff’s Thoughts on Stanford Teammate Jack McDowell

16:49 Jeff’s Pitching Arsenal and the Radar Gun

18:23 Playing for the U.S. Nat’l Team and Meeting Fidel Castro

21:18 Call Up to the Majors for Jeff’s First Start

25:08 Pitch Counts

25:46 Joining a Staff with Mike Boddicker, Mike Flanagan and Scott McGregor

27:31 The 1989 Season

34:55 Trusting Your Pitches with Lower Velocity

38:07 Career Highlight #1 Striking Out Don Mattingly Three Times

40:29 Tough Batters Faced During Jeff’s Career

44:30 Career Highlight #2 – Starting a 1-6-3 Triple Play

46:02 Playing for Cal Ripken, Sr., Frank Robinson and Jim Leyland

51:26 Success as a Batter

56:40 Post MLB Career

59:26 Binge Burner Round

1:04:47 Outro

Thanks for tuning in and be sure to leave us a comment. Please click FOLLOW for future episodes of the Back It Up Binge Podcast.

#MLB #MLBHistory #BaseballHistory #BaseballTalk #BaseballLegends #OldSchoolBaseball #1970sBaseball #RossGrimsley #Orioles #BaltimoreOrioles #CincinnatiReds #MontrealExpos #MLBGreats #BackItUpBinge #BackItUpBingePodcast #PodcastLife #SportsPodcast #BaseballPodcast #PodcastEpisode #Pitching #LeftHandedPitcher #StartingPitcher #MLBPitchers #BaseballLife #ThrowbackBaseball #BaseballStories #ClubhouseStories #WorldSeries #AllStarGame #JohnnyBench #SportsTalk #BaseballFans #MLBFans #PodcastClips #ListenNow #NewEpisode

FYI

All material used in this video fully complies with fair use law which permits the reuse of the Work in a non-commercial and transformative manner. It does not use the original more than necessary and does not negatively affect the market for the original work. If you do not agree with any material used in the video, just contact us and request the removal of the video, which we will remove immediately.

In this episode, we sit down with the Honorable Ed Newman, former standout with the Miami Dolphins and co-author of Warrior Judge, written alongside his daughter Holly.

This conversation goes far beyond football.

We start with the story behind the book, why Ed decided to tell it, what the writing process revealed about his life, and how former teammates reacted to seeing his journey in print.

From there, we dig into who Ed Newman really is, through the lens of family, discipline, and the values that shaped him long before the NFL. From his days at Duke University, where he balanced football and wrestling, to being drafted into a championship locker room fresh off perfection, Ed’s path was anything but typical.

What makes his story remarkable is what came next.

For years, Ed wasn’t “the guy.” He battled through limited starts, stayed ready, and trusted the process. When his opportunity finally came, he didn’t just step in, he excelled, earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors later in his career.

Along the way, you’ll hear incredible behind-the-scenes stories and a “welcome to the NFL” moment.

And just when most careers wind down, Ed does something few athletes ever do. He starts over and we explore his transition from the NFL to the courtroom

Don’t forget to FOLLOW for more interviews and stories from the world of professional sports.

Intro

Ed’s Book, Warrior Judge

Ed’s Family and Support System Growing Up

College Years at Duke and What Ed Gave up

Ed’s Draft Day Experience

NFL Career Discussion

Welcome to the NFL Moment

The 12-minute Run

A Don Shula Story

The Period of Transition From Bob Griese to Dan Marino

Plan B – Post Football Career

Who was Ed’s Courtroom Bailiff

Binge Burner Round & Closing Comments

Outro

#MiamiDolphins #NFLLegend #WideReceiver #DolphinsNation #NFLHistory #FootballLegend #HallOfFame #DolphinsFootball #NFLRecords #TouchdownSeason #NFLDraftStories #AquaAndOrange #NFLInterview #SportsStories #GridironGreats #PingPongTableStory #RecordBreakingSeason #FootballTalk #sportslegends #finup #phinsup

FYI

All material used in this video fully complies with fair use law which permits the reuse of the Work in a non-commercial and transformative manner. It does not use the original more than necessary and does not negatively affect the market for the original work. If you do not agree with any material used in the video, just contact us and request the removal of the video, which we will remove immediately.

We are Talkin Football with Miami Dolphins legend Mark Clayton for an unforgettable conversation about his incredible NFL career.

The discussion begins with a legendary story before diving into Mark’s journey to the NFL. We explore being an 8th round draft choice and relive his record-setting touchdown season that cemented his place in NFL history. Mark also shares his thoughts on his ongoing Hall of Fame candidacy and teammates he played with.

Whether you’re a lifelong Dolphins fan or a football history buff, this interview is packed with great stories and insights from one of the greatest wide receivers to ever play in the NFL.

Don’t forget to click FOLLOW for more interviews and stories from the world of professional sports.

00:00 – Intro

00:25 – A Legendary Mark Clayton Story

03:11 – Growing Up In Indiana and Mark's Basketball Game

05:09 – College Career at Louisville

08:30 – Draft Day Experience

13:26 – Paul Warfield

15:21 – 1983 Rookie Season

17:52 – Mark's Style of Play

20:27 – 1984 Breakout Season

23:25 – Setting The Single Season TD Record vs Dallas

25:05 – Super Bowl XIX

26:23 – The Elusive Super Bowl

27:07 – Becoming a Free Agent After The 1992 Season

30:24 – Playing In Green Bay

32:43 – Playing With Brett Favre

34:55 – Playing For Mike Holmgren

36:37 – A Don Shula Story

37:05 – Playing With Mark Duper

38:51 – Toughest Defensive Back Faced

39:40 – Chatter On The Field vs The Jets & A Pete Carroll Story

42:50 – Mark Clayton Backs It Up

43:38 – Hall of Fame Discussion

48:37 – Binge Burner (Nathan, Edmunds, Sharpe, White)

50:25 – Closing Comments and Outro

#MarkClayton #MiamiDolphins #NFLLegend #WideReceiver #DolphinsNation #NFLHistory #FootballLegend #HallOfFame #DolphinsFootball #NFLRecords #TouchdownSeason #NFLDraftStories #AquaAndOrange #NFLInterview #SportsStories #GridironGreats #PingPongTableStory #UnderdogToLegend #8thRoundPick #RecordBreakingSeason #FootballTalk #sportslegends

FYI

All material used in this episode fully complies with fair use law which permits the reuse of the Work in a non-commercial and transformative manner. It does not use the original more than necessary and does not negatively affect the market for the original work. If you do not agree with any material used in the video, just contact us and request the removal of the video, which we will remove immediately.

In this episode of the Back It Up Binge Podcast, JB talks with MLB great Ross Grimsley for a wide-ranging and unforgettable conversation that spans generations of baseball. We open with today’s game, diving into the Orioles’ hot stove moves and the growing concern over pitching injuries before rewinding to Ross’s roots growing up in Tennessee and being drafted by the Reds. Grimsley takes us inside the Reds’ clubhouse, reflecting on locker room leadership, postseason battles, and the expectations that came with early career success, including an NL Championship and World Series run. The discussion continues through his trade to Baltimore, the dominant Orioles pitching staffs, and a free-agency stop in Montreal, along with insights into the grind of pitching in the high-ERA 1970s. Ross shares vivid memories from the ’78 All-Star Game, playing for legends Sparky Anderson and Earl Weaver, and stories about icons like Johnny Bench. We close with some legendary tales from Grimsley’s career, a fun Binge Burner round, and final reflections from one of baseball’s most memorable left-handers.

00:58 Intro

01:31 Orioles Hot Stove Discussion

10:28 Pitching Injuries

16:54 Growing Up In Tennessee

19:37 Drafted By The Reds

24:15 Reds Locker Room Leaders

28:19 NL Championship / World Series

31:09 Early Career Success and Expectations

32:20 Trade to Baltimore

33:56 Baltimore Pitching Staffs

36:34 Free Agency Move to Montreal

39:16 Once a Pitcher, Always a Pitcher

42:11 The 1970's ERA Baseball

45:02 '78 All-Star Game Experience

48:55 Playing For Sparky Anderson and Earl Weaver

56:59 Johnny Bench

59:39 The Legendary Stories of Ross Grimsley

01:04:03 Binge Burner Round

01:15:32 Closing Comments

01:16:58 Outro

Thanks for tuning in and be sure to leave us a comment.

Please click FOLLOW for future episodes of the Back It Up Binge Podcast.

#MLB #MLBHistory #BaseballHistory #BaseballTalk #BaseballLegends #OldSchoolBaseball #1970sBaseball #RossGrimsley #Orioles #BaltimoreOrioles #CincinnatiReds #MontrealExpos #MLBGreats #BackItUpBinge #BackItUpBingePodcast #PodcastLife #SportsPodcast #BaseballPodcast #PodcastEpisode #Pitching #LeftHandedPitcher #StartingPitcher #MLBPitchers #BaseballLife #ThrowbackBaseball #BaseballStories #ClubhouseStories #WorldSeries #AllStarGame #JohnnyBench #SportsTalk #BaseballFans #MLBFans #PodcastClips #ListenNow #NewEpisode

FYI

All material used in this video fully complies with fair use law which permits the reuse of the Work in a non-commercial and transformative manner. It does not use the original more than necessary and does not negatively affect the market for the original work. If you do not agree with any material used in the video, just contact us and request the removal of the video, which we will remove immediately.