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Summary

In this episode, Tommy Thrall shares his journey from childhood baseball fan to Reds play by play announcer, highlighting lessons learned from legendary figures and his approach to broadcasting for the Reds. In this episode, Tommy shares his insights on baseball broadcasting, legendary players, and memorable moments that define the sport. Discover the stories behind the microphones and the players that have left a mark on his career.

Key Topics

• Tommy Thrall’s early memories and love for baseball
• Influence of radio announcers like Denny Matthews
• Favorite players and moments that shaped Tommy’s career
• The impact of legendary managers like Tito and Jim Riggleman
• The process of becoming a Reds broadcaster and learning from Marty Brannaman
• Signature calls and moments that define Tommy’s broadcasting style
• The significance of iconic baseball moments and their storytelling
• Tommy’s insights on managing and team dynamics Tommy Thrall's broadcasting journey
• Mount Rushmore of Reds players
• Favorite baseball movies and moments
• Dream team and walk-up songs
• Memorable baseball stories and encounters

Takeaways

• Authenticity in broadcasting creates a genuine connection with fans
• Preparation and detailed knowledge are key to great commentary
• Legendary figures like Marty Brannaman leave lasting legacies
• Signature calls are born from the moment, not forced
• Emulating successful players and managers can inspire your style
• Memorable moments often come from unexpected game-changing plays
• Building a career in sports broadcasting requires perseverance and adaptability
• Understanding the history and characters of the game enriches storytelling

Sound Bites

• "Radio has a magic to it."
• "Marty’s preparation was meticulous."
• "Talking with Tito is a daily treat."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction to Tommy Thrall and his role with the Reds

02:48
Tommy’s earliest memories and love for baseball

05:12
Influence of radio announcers and childhood inspirations

08:40
The rumored trade that could have changed Reds history

10:51
George Brett’s hand-eye coordination and legendary moments

14:35
Favorite managers and what makes them great

19:40
Tommy’s journey into radio and sports broadcasting

25:13
Learning from Marty Brannaman and his legacy

29:28
Signature calls and memorable game moments

32:54
Tommy’s greatest moments as Reds’ play-by-play announcer

35:18
The San Diego game after COVID and its electric atmosphere

37:32
Interaction with Tito and behind-the-scenes insights

41:14
The hypothetical question: reversing Reds organization decisions

42:03
Regrets about trades and player moves

43:29
Players or teams Tommy truly dislikes or despises

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In this episode, Mike McConnell shares his lifelong passion for baseball, his career in radio, and his favorite moments and players from the sport. Discover insights into the game, broadcasting, and personal stories that highlight a true fan's journey.

Key Topics

Mike McConnell's early baseball memories and fandom

• His career in radio and transition to Cincinnati Reds broadcasting
• Favorite players and managers in baseball history
• Memorable moments and iconic games
• Insights into baseball culture and broadcasting

Sound Bites

• "I loved the colorful ballpark."
• "The Phillies' 1964 collapse crushed me."
• "I'm conservative fiscally, not morally."

Chapters

00:00
Introduction and guest background

01:12
Early memories of Phillies games and the 1964 collapse

04:30
Transition from Phillies to Reds fandom

07:34
Playing Little League and emulating favorite players

08:52
Favorite baseball managers and team dynamics

11:46
Getting into radio and career beginnings

14:13
Name origin and career after retirement

15:07
Post-retirement activities and travel plans

16:12
Golf and sports broadcasting experiences

18:44
Handling politics on radio shows

21:00
Reversing Reds organization decisions

21:52
Players or teams he despises

22:50
Favorite Reds and baseball players

25:50
Dinner party guests and social connections

27:49
Favorite ballpark foods and media dining experiences

29:58
Memorable moments outside the ballpark

40:53
Most amazing moments in baseball

42:42
Hall of Fame players he believes are overlooked

44:54
Favorite Reds uniform and team apparel

46:39
Fastest runners and base running skills

48:44
Final thoughts and appreciation

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Join us for a wide-ranging chat with George Vogel, legendary Cincinnati sports journalist and Reds enthusiast. From his early fandom and iconic players to a firsthand account of historic Reds moments, George shares insights and stories from decades of covering Cincinnati sports.

In this episode:

• George’s childhood baseball memories and early Reds fandom
• Favorite Reds players from Johnny Bench to Kyle Schwarber
• Reminiscences of managerial legends Pete Rose and Lou Piniella
• Behind-the-scenes stories of how George broke into sports journalism
• Celebrating key Reds moments like Tom Browning’s perfect game and Pete Rose’s return
• The legendary "most memorable visit" to Reds games
• Personal reflections on the Reds’ decision-making and uniform choices
• Fun categories: favorite Reds head of hair, go-to ballpark foods, and most intimidating players
• George’s take on Reds rivals he despises
• His favorite baseball movies and dream team scenarios

TIMESTAMPS:

• (00:00) – Welcome and introduction to George Vogel
• (01:11) – George’s first memories of Reds and baseball fandom
• (03:39) – Favorite Reds players and how their legacies impacted him
• (07:36) – Interactions with Reds managers and insights into Pete Rose and Lou Piniella
• (10:24) – How George started in broadcasting and his early career path
• (13:46) – Memorable moments from George's career covering Reds and Cincinnati sports
• (19:20) – Redirecting a historical Reds decision with the “time machine” question
• (21:52) – Reds rivalries and players he truly despises
• (23:44) – Designing a Reds Mount Rushmore
• (25:42) – Creating a Reds fantasy dinner party lineup
• (28:12) – Players George wishes to see in Reds uniform
• (29:48) – Favorite ballpark foods and game-day snacks
• (30:42) – The night George remembers where he was for Tom Browning’s perfect game
• (36:08) – George’s favorite baseball movies
• (38:15) – Best Reds uniform design and the iconic look
• (39:35) – Backup players George admires
• (42:25) – Most memorable Reds moments with fans and the city
• (45:57) – The nicest Reds players George has met
• (46:53) – Players he’d want on his bench in a brawl
• (49:37) – Top Reds hairdo and the wildest player nicknames
• (48:35) – Race around the bases: Sanders, Hamilton, or De La Cruz
• (50:46) – George's reflections on his retirement and future plans

RESOURCES & LINKS:

• Johnny Bench profile (example placeholder)

• Kyle Schwarber on MLB*

• Tom Browning’s perfect game highlights*

• Reds Uniform History*

• Sean Casey - Reds Player Profile*

• Major League Baseball Movie — "Major League"*

• Trevor Hoffman "Hell's Bells" Walk-Up*

• Cincinnati Sports Hall of Fame (example placeholder)

CONNECT WITH GEORGE:

• Twitter (hypothetical)

• LinkedIn (hypothetical)

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Jack thanks the listeners