The Pregame Peach

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with manager Nestor Perez at Regions Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Perez discussed the Clingstones’ historic power surge during April, his message to the club entering the series on a hot streak, Adam Zebrowski’s walk-off two-run home run in the finale against Biloxi, and his passion for Formula 1 racing.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with Braves Director of Player Development Kevin Hooper at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Hooper stopped by Columbus to provide a philosophical overview of the club, discuss new manager Nestor Perez, share thoughts on several players off to strong starts with the Clingstones, and highlight prospects within the Braves organization who could soon make the jump to Double-A.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with infielder David McCabe at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. McCabe discussed his powerful start to the season, his background as a switch hitter, and the birth of his first child during the offseason.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with infielder Luke Waddell at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Waddell discussed his strong start to the season in a return to the Double-A level, close relationships with current teammates Tristin English and Cal Conley, and his thoughts on the Clingstones’ success with the long ball to begin the 2026 season.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with manager Nestor Perez at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia for his first appearance on The Pregame Peach. Perez discussed returning to Montgomery, where he played during the 2004 season, managing in front of large crowds at Synovus Park, his relationships with players throughout the Braves organization, and expectations for the upcoming series against Biloxi following a road trip in which Columbus took five of six games from Montgomery.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with starting pitcher Owen Murphy at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Murphy discussed his dominant Double-A debut on Opening Night, striking out 10 over 5.2 innings to set a new single-game record in Columbus history, how he regrouped after an early home run to settle into the outing, and the moment he realized he had his best stuff working. He also reflected on the atmosphere of Opening Night, his continued progression following Tommy John surgery, his experience in Major League spring training, and what the ballpark environment in Columbus meant to him in his first appearance.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with pitching coach Mike Steed at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia ahead of Opening Night. Steed discussed the start for Braves’ No. 6 prospect Owen Murphy, what he worked on during the offseason, what fans in Columbus can expect to see from Murphy, and his confidence in his Michigan Wolverines ahead of their Final Four matchup with Arizona that night.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with manager Cody Gabella in Pensacola, Florida on the final day of the season. Gabella reflected on the Clingstones’ inaugural year, the growth of the club over the course of the season, and how much he enjoyed the experience of leading the team through its first campaign.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with clubhouse manager Angel Piva at Blue Wahoos Stadium in Pensacola, Florida. Piva, who would later be named Southern League Clubhouse Manager of the Year, reflects on his role with the Clingstones and his path in professional baseball in a conversation conducted entirely in Spanish.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with manager Cody Gabella at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia ahead of the final home game of the Clingstones’ inaugural season. Gabella discussed his first impressions of the ballpark, how much he has enjoyed the fan support in Columbus, what he has appreciated most about living in the city, a prestigious award presented to his father Jim Gabella that week, and which Miami Hurricanes football game he would most like to revisit with his kids.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with pitcher Ryan Bourassa at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Bourassa discussed the development of his splitter and how he is working to build off it, his path to refining the pitch, growing up in North Dakota and the sports he played, and his experience in the Cape Cod Baseball League during the summer of 2022.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with outfielder Kevin Kilpatrick Jr. at Toyota Field in Huntsville, Alabama. Kilpatrick discussed his first career Double-A home run, what comes naturally to him on the field and what he has worked hardest to develop, shared a story about something he has created recently that he is most proud of, and reflected on his favorite moment of the Clingstones’ inaugural season so far.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with Braves Director of Player Development Kevin Hooper at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Hooper shared his impressions of the new facilities at Synovus Park, discussed several players who have made an impact for the Clingstones in 2025, outlined the organization’s philosophy on player development, offered his perspective on how development could evolve over the next decade, and highlighted names Clingstones fans might expect to see in 2026.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with pitcher Drue Hackenberg at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Hackenberg discussed the ups and downs of his season, transitioning from the windup to working exclusively from the stretch, facing his brother Adam in a game at Synovus Park in May, growing up in a highly athletic family, and playing for Hall of Fame reliever Billy Wagner as his high school coach.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with pitcher Tyler LaPorte at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. LaPorte discussed his journey into the Braves organization, his background in junior college and independent baseball, and his experience in the Atlantic League during the 2021 season when the pitching mound was moved back a foot.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with manager Cody Gabella at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Gabella discussed the potential for a Chris Sale rehab start in Columbus, David McCabe’s standout week at the plate in Biloxi, previewed an important series against Pensacola, and shared which legendary player to appear at Synovus Park since 1926 he would most like to have seen in person.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with infielder Drew Compton at Keesler Federal Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. Compton discussed his four-hit performance, recent swing adjustments, his recollection of the Clingstones’ first-ever win in Biloxi earlier in the season, and his time at Georgia Tech.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with pitcher Landon Harper at Keesler Federal Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. Harper discussed his transition from a relief role early in the season to becoming a regular starter, narrowly missing a seven-inning perfect game the previous week against Rocket City, and his background as an all-district goalkeeper in soccer during his high school days in Mississippi.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with outfielder Patrick Clohisy at Keesler Federal Park in Biloxi, Mississippi. Clohisy discussed delivering the first leadoff home run in Clingstones history the previous week, robbing a home run in Rome during the 2024 season, his favorite memories of the St. Louis Cardinals growing up, and his goal of reaching 80 stolen bases before the end of the season.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with longtime baseball scout and former manager Jim Gabella at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Gabella discussed his approach to scouting, shared his pride in watching his son Cody manage at the professional level, reflected on how the role of a manager has evolved since his time in the dugout, and recalled some of the players he most admired growing up.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with manager Cody Gabella at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Gabella previewed the upcoming six-game series against Rocket City, discussed new additions to the Columbus lineup, reflected on how he approached joining a new clubhouse during his playing career, praised Elison Joseph for his recent success on the mound, and shared which managers have most influenced his own style.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with infielder Cal Conley at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama. Conley discussed his consistency in the lineup, reflected on his Double-A debut a few years earlier, and shared the best advice he has recently received about his defense.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with infielder Keshawn Ogans at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama. Ogans previewed several new players joining the Clingstones that week, reflected on watching Matt Cain’s perfect game in 2012 while growing up in the Bay Area, and offered his take on where the true borders of the Bay Area begin and end.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with pitcher Zach Thompson at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama. Thompson discussed a whirlwind season that included time with Atlanta, Triple-A Gwinnett, and Double-A Columbus, reflected on the differences between his previous stint in Double-A in 2018 and the present day, shared which pitch in his arsenal was the toughest to learn, and recalled finishing runner-up to a future major champion at a youth golf tournament in Texas.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with manager Cody Gabella at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama. Gabella discussed a close six-game series the previous week against Chattanooga, shared his thoughts on roster changes around the trade deadline, explained his process when a new player joins the club, and revealed his go-to meal when hosting guests.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with catcher Adam Zebrowski at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Zebrowski discussed his recent success at the plate, his routine on off days as a catcher, working with a pitching staff that features a mix of styles and personalities, and growing up with an interest in traveling and geography.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson catches up with manager Cody Gabella at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia following the All-Star break. Gabella reflected on the prior series against Rocket City, discussed the progress of catcher Adam Zebrowski at the plate and the return of pitcher Drue Hackenberg from an oblique injury, tipped his cap to the work of clubhouse manager Angel Piva, and previewed the upcoming series against Chattanooga.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with starting pitcher and Atlanta Braves prospect JR Ritchie. Ritchie discussed receiving the opportunity to start the All-Star Futures Game at Truist Park, interacting with Braves legends during the event, why Episode III is his favorite Star Wars film, why his mechanics have remained largely unchanged since youth baseball, and the story behind a one-on-one baseball challenge with his father.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with Braves roving hitting instructor Garrett Wilkinson at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Wilkinson discussed his career journey, shared his thoughts on the Clingstones’ hitting corps, and outlined his philosophy and approach to teaching hitting.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with manager Cody Gabella at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Gabella previewed the upcoming series against Pensacola, shared his thoughts on the veteran presence in the bullpen, touched on Geraldo Quintero’s recent power surge, and offered his pick for the best college football stadium entrance.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with starting pitcher Lucas Braun at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Braun discussed his family’s Fourth of July traditions, adjustments he has made to his pitching arsenal, his musical background — including winning a fiddle competition at age 13 — and reflected on childhood idol Clayton Kershaw collecting his 3,000th strikeout that week.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with relief pitcher Amos Willingham at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama. Willingham discussed his spot start in a doubleheader — just the second of his professional career — his experience in the Braves organization after growing up a fan of the club, watching the Rome Braves as a kid, how he got his first name, and the Willingham family’s Fourth of July traditions in Rome during his childhood.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with manager Cody Gabella at Riverwalk Stadium in Montgomery, Alabama. Gabella discussed his scheduled week away from the team and how he kept up from afar, questions he received about his role as a manager, the club’s unusual weekday and weekend win-loss splits, and the movie he is most looking forward to showing his kids.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with Stephen Paolini at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Paolini discussed his first season at the Double-A level, making regular appearances as a base coach, what professional baseball was like before 2020 after being drafted in 2019, and his new passion for fishing.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with reliever Brian Moran at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Moran discussed his first appearance at the Double-A level since 2018, impressions of the renovated Synovus Park, his success with an 80-mph fastball, and why he continues to play professional baseball at age 36.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with reliever and former Major League pitcher Jose Cuas at Regions Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Cuas discussed returning to the Double-A level for the first time in four years, his remarkable journey to the Major Leagues, embracing a mentorship role, and his perspective on his career.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with manager Cody Gabella at Regions Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Gabella discussed the veteran presence in the bullpen, how he approached doubleheaders during his playing career, what having multiple switch hitters in the lineup does for him as a manager, and which historic ballpark he would have most wanted to visit.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with reliever Austin Smith at Regions Field in Birmingham, Alabama. Smith discussed his journey back from Tommy John surgery, his collegiate path from Division III to Arizona, his experience in the transfer portal, and how he prepares to enter games in high-leverage situations.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with reliever LJ McDonough at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. McDonough discussed his signature pitching delivery, his hometown of Blanchard, Oklahoma, attending Florida Gulf Coast University, and his first impressions of Synovus Park.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with infielder E.J. Exposito at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Exposito discussed his recent promotion to Double-A, a game-winning RBI the previous night, the familiarity he has felt in the clubhouse in Columbus, growing up on Long Island as a Yankees fan, and the meaning behind his initials.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with manager Cody Gabella at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Gabella previewed the upcoming homestand against Knoxville, continued to marvel at Ian Mejia’s 5–0 start and 1.21 ERA entering the game, discussed Hayden Harris’s promotion back to Triple-A, shared thoughts on the uptick in home runs at Synovus Park, and reflected on his favorite players in Miami Hurricanes football history.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with starting pitcher Blake Burkhalter in Pensacola, Florida. Burkhalter discussed his debut season at the Double-A level, how he manages starts when he doesn’t have his best stuff, his recovery from Tommy John surgery, the transition from closer at Auburn to a starting role in the Braves organization, and his close relationship with former Braves pitcher and Columbus native Tim Hudson.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with coach Francisco Diaz in Pensacola, Florida. Diaz shared his impressions of Columbus, discussed working with the Clingstones’ catching corps, reflected on how the position has evolved since his playing days, and talked about building his home in his native Venezuela.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with outfielder Kevin Kilpatrick Jr. in Pensacola, Florida. Kilpatrick discussed finding his rhythm at the plate, his preparation process, success against left-handed pitching, when he decided to pursue a career in professional baseball, and what he has learned during his first season at the Double-A level.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with pitcher Blane Abeyta in Pensacola, Florida. Abeyta discussed his solid performance in May, his background as a catcher, the development of his pitch arsenal during his professional career, advice he shared with JR Ritchie about throwing his sweeper, and pitching in memory of his grandfather.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with manager Cody Gabella in Pensacola, Florida. Gabella recapped a strange week in Chattanooga, discussed the differences in the Pensacola club from April to June, and reflected on conversations with his father, a former manager and current scout for the San Francisco Giants, and the advice he continues to seek from him.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with manager Cody Gabella at AT&T Field in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Gabella discussed a bizarre week marked by three cancellations due to wet field conditions, the challenges of managing a club amid constant schedule disruptions, Lucas Braun’s four-day wait to make his start, and his ranking of America’s four crown jewel sporting events.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with former Braves Director of Pitching Development Paul Davis at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Davis shared his perspective on several pitchers in Columbus and throughout the Braves organization, outlined his approach to pitching development and building sustainable success at each level, and discussed the progress of rising prospects Didier Fuentes and JR Ritchie.

Columbus Clingstones broadcaster Jack Johnson visited with catcher Adam Zebrowski at Synovus Park in Columbus, Georgia. Zebrowski discussed his start to the season, his fondness for the USA Today crossword, the inspiration he drew from a San Francisco Giants legend, and the lessons he has learned about calling games from behind the plate.