@Randy this was a fantastic interview, really nice job. It’s clear that you watched him his whole career and didn’t have to dig too much for questions - the conversation really flowed well. Smoltz was a great guest too and seemed like he enjoyed the conversation. Highly recommend it for everyone, especially if you’re a baseball fan.
I’m not sure it ever occurred to me how being a major league pitcher would basically give you 4 out of 5 days to golf as you travel around the country, but man what a nice gig. Great little stories about Tiger and MJ too.
Me, from my cubicle, when he was like, “Yeah I probably played more at the top courses in the cities we traveled to than many of their members throughout the year”…
@Randy I ate this up. I grew up a Braves fan, went to many games as a kid in the 70’s and 80’s, and I worked for Turner Broadcasting from '91 through '95 so I saw those teams up close. Mazzone had those guys throw twice between starts, but with less exertion. They had it made, convincing Cox to let them play golf on the road was brilliant. Just thanks for the interview.
Big bump on this. The big guy always does great with these, but Smoltz made this one a little extra special. I’d pay a lot of money to see Tiger taking cuts at a Smoltz heater.
Nice, I’m going to listen to this on the train tomorrow. I too was a big Braves fan in the late 80s and thru the 90s. Braves pitching staff from those days could ball on a golf course!
Adding to the praise for this episode and @Randy’s interview skills, both were great. The basketball/baseball/golf combo were right in the big guy’s wheelhouse and it sounded like Smoltzie was having a good time with it. I could have listened to you guys talk about any of those subjects for another hour.
Agreed with all above. Trap draw is my favorite of the podcasts as the vibe and cadence are like listening to people shoot the shit / catch up over a beer. Randy’s ability to make people comfortable and at ease is impressive.
Agree on all of the above, even though i’m a baseball novice & only really know Smoltz through his commentating stints during the finals/postseason. Was aware of his rep & stats, but was nice to have this dive into the background without it just being a total numbers fest which I feel baseball history can be at times.
Quick question for @Randy… did you record the Urbal Activ ad reads at the venue or whilst waiting for Smoltz? Dunno why, but I could picture you sort of looking over your shoulder, hunched over the mic whilst doing it?! May be totally wrong, just the feeling I got when listening on the walk home last night.
Ive listened to this four times. I love this episode. So good. Learned so much about baseball and golf
Amazing that hes basically a three sport savant. And even though he could probably afford to pursue golf full time for the eight years he estimates he has left, and hes potentially good enough to compete on champions tour, he is not going to pursue that full time.
Guise,
For those of you too young to remember, John Smoltz pitched 7 1/3 innings of scoreless baseball in the 7th game of the 1991 world series. Started the game. Pitched into the 8th inning without giving up a run. Got removed with no runs scored. Lost the game in the 10th inning.
My Atlanta Braves-engraved heart can still not take that disappointment. It breaks my heart. Also that **** Hrbek lifted Ron Gant off first base and I’ll die fighting on that hill if necessary.
All, I’m glad you enjoyed the listen and I thank you sincerely for the kind words. I had a blast talking with John and wish I could’ve had another hour, as there were many things I wanted to ask/get into but was feeling time pressure. My hope is to do many more TrapDraws in 2020 like the Terry Gannon/John Smoltz episodes where the guest is tangentially connected to golf. Or maybe even a pod or two where the guest isn’t connected at all haha.
I asked John off microphone what he thinks of the 2020 Cincinnati Reds and he said he likes what they’re doing. Thinks Votto is going to have a big year. So I hope he’s right!
Did he have any thoughts on the pitching staff? If healthy, it has to be a top 5 rotation next year. I think Votto bounces back big time as well, he sounds pretty hungry. Come up for opening day!!
Love that you’re looking for more guests where golf is not their primary career. Think often those turn into the best interviews with some great insights and nuggets about the game. Your interview skills keep getting better too - keep 'em coming!
Listened to this yesterday and echo the praise. Great interview (conversation).
Didn’t know about Smoltz’s basketball prowess. Not the only two sport athlete on that staff. Tom Glavine was drafted in the fourth round by the LA Kings.
