Mike Safo with Former MLB Outfielder, Matt LaPorta

Joined today by former Brewers first round draft pick and OF for the Cleveland Indians, Matt Laporta. Matt talks about being on the cover of a video game in college, being an all-state BMX rider and why he loves living in Florida. We talk about his high school career, getting drafted by his favorite childhood team, and why he choose to go to Florida instead of signing with the Cubs. Matt talks about his time at U of F, "Swamp Kings", the Tebow led football teams, their basketball team winning the title and his baseball team going to the College World Series in Omaha. We hear about him getting drafted a second time, why he bet on himself and returned to Florida, that magical season and where he was when he saw he was drafted 7th overall. Matt talks about the minor leagues, hitting against a young Kershaw and the nature of the business getting traded for C.C. Sabathia. We talk about the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the opening ceremony, those legendary outfits and hanging with stars like Kobe, Venus, Serena and winning the bronze medal. We hear about getting the call up to the show, his first hit / hr, dealing with injuries and the toll it takes on you mentally and physically. We chat about playing in the Mexican league, when he knew it was time to hang it up and Matt really opens up about some deep and dark places former athletes sometimes go to after the thrill of the ride is over. Matt flexes about seeing his Olympic batting gloves in the Hall of Fame, holding Ty Cobb's glove, Mantle's jersey and hanging with Griffey and Jeter at the latest Hall of Fame inductions. All of this plus why his memorabilia is in boxes, his potential upcoming podcast and much much more. Follow Matt on IG: https://www.instagram.com/matt_laporta/