First Pitch Strike

After two busy schedules slowed down, Ethan and Aaron return. Aaron shares his observations from his baseball road trip. The guys discuss the firings of managers so early in the season and what impact this could have. Aaron mentioned the Astros injury woes, and Ethan weighed in on what the training staff has to do with injuries - if any. Of course they talked a little playoff hockey, and even mentioned the NBA playoffs. Ethan tried to figure out who got to 350 career home runs the fastest, but needed some help. Enjoy the adventure and hopefully learn something along the way in this episode.

The first games of the MLB season is upon us! Ethan and Aaron are joined by our friend Bob as we share our thoughts on the upcoming season. PCA got a new contract, the Dodgers are naturally the favorites, Pittsburgh in the playoffs, and Bob is upset at the owners. Join us and get filled up with 2026 MLB season thoughts. 

The 2026 season has arrived, and Spring Training is in full swing. Aaron asks Ethan what one looks for during Spring workouts and games. Can Japan repeat in the WBC, or does Aaron Judge and company have what it takes? We recap a few observations from the Hot Stove League - including what the Mets are trying to do. Because we're sports fans, we talked about the Winter Olympics, curling, the ski jumping doping scandal, and hockey suspensions; we jumped to a little Super Bowl celebration, which gets tossed in as well. Lastly, Ethan is left speechless! Join us for all the fun as we kick off season 7.

The first episode of 2026 brings the joys of wishing teams a New Year's resolution. Ethan throws shade at the New York Mets and their intersting off season so far. Aaron is still slightly bitter about where Brandon Nimmo plays in '26. Aaron and Ethan both want the Rockies to improve their team ERA. We throw in a little football for our Pat Hobart Don't Be Stupid Award winners. And for good measure, we talk a little hockey and Lacrosse. Join us for a fun episode that spans both coasts of baseball country.

Join Ethan and Aaron for another postseason discussion. Aaron watched most of that marathon Game 3 and might be a little delirious. Strategy plays a role, and how does it impact the game? Do you walk Ohtani, Springer, Betts, and others? What are the similarities between this year's Blue Jays and the 2017 Astros? Ban electronics/screens? Cheating is taken to a whole new level in our Pat Hobert winners for Aaron, while Ethan grants his award to a former NFL MVP. This episode might be longer than normal, but you'll enjoy the ride we take you on this go round.

GAME DAY!!! Ethan and Aaron return on the biggest day in Mariner baseball history. They discuss the good and bad of what they've seen. Could Shohei Ohtani be unbeatable? Is he even human? There's some important history made in each series, and where is your money for the World Series? Can you cheer injuries? For the first time ever on First Pitch Strike, we mention Cricket too. Join us for the ride on a clearly ALCS-distracted episode.

Crossover episode alert! Ethan and Aaron are joined by our friends, Matt Robert and Braden Morris, from the Everyman Sports Podcast. We start with baseball and the meaningful game in the last 2 weeks of the season. Records are being set and records are being avoided. Since there are playoff spots clinched, we focus on a couple of pennant races. We then jump into some football talk. Is UCLA a mess? Is South Florida a contender? Florida State and Miami showdown. How overrated is Notre Dame? The Vikings have made Matt's night long. The Jags dropped an opportunity, and the Broncos leveraged too much. Join us for a fun episode.

We are once again back on track and have a short talk about records. From Cal Raleigh and the records he has broken to the record the Rockies might be breaking. Ethan wants to see the Rockies set the futility record, while Aaron has mixed emotions. Both Ethan and Aaron believe Cal should win the MVP in the AL for one reason - Seattle is sunk without him. We cover a few quick minutes of the trade deadline as Aaron wonders why the Dodgers did mostly nothing. Is there a fracture in Houston? Watching the Framber Valdez situation makes Aaron think there is. Finally, Aaron announces the 307 Podcast Network. We'll start off that network with a huge joint podcast with our friends from the Everyman Sports Podcast. Sit down, buckle up and enjoy this latest episode.

We return this week and discuss random things of the last two weeks from MLB. Big Dumper is playing a real life video game according to Ethan. Have the Rockies given up based on what Ethan saw at the game? Do we have a new hate filled rivalry brewing in SoCal? And we cover LSU winning the MCWS and how Coastal Carolina got robbed. Finally, did Ethan call a shot? Join us for a rollercoaster of an episode.

Aaron and Ethan welcome Rachel Marsden from the Frisco RoughRiders to the show. We get a glimpse behind the scenes of AA baseball in Frisco and a whole lot of softball from Rachel as she shares her experience as a former D1 pitcher. We cover the WCWS, AUSL, and our usual Pat Hobert and trivia segments. Join us for a fantastic episode with a great guest.

Welcome back for another adventure with Aaron and Ethan. We highlight a few things we liked so far this season (Catchers, Nimmo catch, Baez hitting) while bemoaning what we didn't like (last-place teams and the Rockies). Ethan shares what team he'd play for if there were open tryouts. Rockies and Rangers share an award; Cubs are highlighted in the trivia question and we even gave props to the Astros. Things start out with a little NBA dream though, so it felt a little weird, but we ended with Aaron's quick recap of his recent baseball road trip and his favorite stop in Frisco, TX.

Two games in Japan were just a tease. Join us as we welcome a few fans and experts to our annual Regular Season Extravaganza. We're talking about what we see in the coming year for our favorite teams and their divisions. Who wins this weeks, "Diaz-Hobert Don't Be Stupid Award?" Will anyone have a bold prediction for the 2025 season? Come along for the ride and welcome MLB back.

We are back with a few things we've seen in Spring Training so far. From 88mph knuckleballs to the Mets didn't screw up a contract. There are bad reads in the OF, and pitchers are picking up new pitches. But we're more than just a baseball podcast. This week, Ethan's moment of frustration is all about hockey; which is kinda like baseball when he talks about beach balls. Join us for an hourish of fun and learn how to win a free 1PK hat.

Finally! Football is over and baseball is back. Our friend, Jacod Milham from The Royal Rundown Podcast joins us on this episode as we share our excitement for the return of our beloved sport. What we love and hate about the events of the offseason sees a mutual hate of what Toronto is doing and a mutual love of the Athletics? We play a little trivia and rename the "Don't Be Stupid Award." As expected, Ethan gets animated about something. Finally, we discuss some Fantasy Baseball. Join us for a fun little adventure in this episode.

Happy New Year! In this episode, we honor a few of the greats we lost in 2024 after Rickey Henderson's recent passing. Instead of taking the normal path of creating a baseball Mount Rushmore, we look at the guys we consider generational players. Join us for all this and more as we kick off Season 6.

Ethan and Aaron are joined by friend and frequent guest, Bob Seide. Ethan started off on a rampage discussing contacts and ended questioning snow. Bob grilled us understand what the Cubs have since and what they need to do in 2025. Aaron is frustrated everyone wants the Mariners pitching. Didn't miss the chaos in this edition.

In this episode, we dove into a discussion to wrap up the season. Our surprise with how the World Series ended and Freddie Freeman's MVP started things off. Did we support the end-of-year awards? Who gets into the Hall of Fame? Can Ichiro be a 1st time ballot inductee? Does Aaron trust the writers who vote? And don't miss out on Ethan's hot take on...boxing?

With the World Series 2 games in, we must discuss preparing for the big game. There's no better person to join in on how to prepare for these games than our friend, Dave Brown. Dave is an umpire with several years of working in the Legion World Series. He's also a former football and basketball referee. Join us as this is going to be a fun discussion.

Marlin Casey joins Ethan and Aaron for a quick go round the league. There's a team that's mired, a team that fired, and a couple of guys we'd hire. From pennant races to ROY candidates and learning about touching 1st base. We then turn a little serious with our Don't Be Stupid segment. Join us for this packed episode and don't miss a thing.

We are back from our brief hiatus! We'll give you a life update about our absences. Hear our adventure with American Legion Baseball. We discuss some of our observations in MLB, including Aaron's trip to Oakland. We'll even toss in some other random topics, including what the Atlanta Braves bullpen and Olympic Breakdancing have in common (hint, Ethan has a beef). Join us for a little fun this episode.

We are back and have plenty to judge. From Aaron Judge and the Yankees heating up to judging what rules we'd change if we were commissioner. Finally, Aaron goes off judging the actions of one former MLB player. Sit down and enjoy the ride. ***Explicit content involving child exploitation/trafficking is discussed in our final segment. We do NOT condone the actions being discussed which is clearly stated in the segment.***

We had to walk a different path today as life got in the way. Our friend Bob joined us again for a simple talk about baseball. We came up with pitchers that defy today's metrics, what a flight filled with call-ups would be like and what happens to a city's economy when a team leaves. We gave the Don't Be Stupid Award a new name to honor multi-time winner Angel Hernandez. There's more so go give it a listen.

Aaron was joined by guests, Cami, Bob, and Mac to talk all things preseason. We discuss the Cubs, Astros, Cardinals, and Mariners while touching on other teams and Ohtani. We even have multiple, "Don't Be Stupid Award" winners and some bold picks for the season. There is so much more that you will enjoy listening to another great episode with great people.

Time to catch up on more Free Agent movement. Ethan starts his rants early while Aaron ends the ranting in the return of the "Don't Be Stupid," segment. Oakland isn't leaving for Vegas now? What city could get a new team? Of course, we have a few moments where hockey talk also snuck into the conversation.

Time away does the mind and soul good. Ethan and Aaron return after a very long reprieve from the podcast. We talk a little about hockey, a little baseball, and a little everything else. We share our thoughts on Ohtani bombs and Snell without a job; Oakland's bungled move and Portland building things. Join us for our Season 5 debut and relax some as you get ready for baseball.

Our summer was crazy! And a lot has happened since June. But we are here and have a lot to say. From Legion World Series to the upcoming MLB Playoffs Ethan shares his thoughts. Aaron promised to get Ethan on a rant and there was success! Is Ohtani going to be worth the money? Blake Snell on the move? Do the Astros care about the regular season? And finally we reminisce about Tony Gwynn. Join us for a little longer episode as we get back in the batters box as the end of the season is near.

After a way to long delay, Ethan and Aaron are back in studio. Aaron throws out som buy/sell questions at Ethan. Sticky situations on the mound for the Mets. We have a few surprise players we discussed and closed it out with a trivia question the Ethan nailed. Sit down and enjoy some fun MLB talk.

Ethan and Aaron welcome Opening Day with a quick run through of what they look forward to. From division champs to World Series champs and even the cellar dwellers. Ethan goes off on how you should know how to play baseball regardless of age and MLB experience. Aaron asks Ethan a trivia question that isn't believable. Finally they discuss how fantastic it was to see the two best players in the world face each other in the WBC.

Ethan and Aaron return for a new season of 1PK. They discuss rule changes and some free agency.  More importantly, they return to talking all things baseball. Join the guys as they return for season 4. There's an added bonus of an Ethan meltdown to be enjoyed.

The Playoffs are upon us! Aaron and Ethan are joined by friend and frequent listener, Bob Siede, and occasional co-host, Marlin Casey. From our favorite moments of the season to what we’re looking for in the playoffs, nothing is off limits.

There’s been several winning moments over the last few weeks. None bigger than Brandon Nimmo with a game winning catch and Julio Rodriguez with a new contract. We have a breakdown of both wins. Plus, we discuss guys mic’d up during games and the chase for 700 HR. Aaron has a rant that Ethan agrees with. Finally, we discuss a question pulled from Twitter.

Ethan and Aaron are finally back in studio! After a long baseball season for Ethan, and vacations for Aaron, the guys sit down and discuss good baseball and bad base running. No more Field of Dreams? And a first of its kind while recording. Welcome back and enjoy the ride of vibes.

Welcome to Season 3 and Spring Training. Ethan returns this episode and immediately goes on a rant about facing pitchers throwing 100mph. Were the Padres wrong with Tatis Jr? Oakland to Vegas? Who looks good so far? And we introduce a new segment to the podcast.

Guest host, Marlin, joins Aaron to discuss all things MLB lockout. They choose sides and look at things from the business side of the owners and the mindset of players. Aaron closes out the discussion with his memories of Julio Cruz.

Ethan and Aaron return to discuss Free Agency, the lockout and the end of the 2021 playoffs. Ethan goes off on Jon Gray being the new ace of Texas.

Ethan and Aaron are joined by Say It Again Network friends Chrystal and Michael as we look back at the season and what’s ahead for the playoffs. From horrible predictions to touching moments; no hitters to retiring umpires and everything in between we had it all in 2021. Somehow we all agreed: White Sox to win it all.

COVID and work nearly did Aaron in, but he and Ethan are back and discuss the stretch run to the playoffs. Salvador Perez gets props for his record breaking 46th HR; the Padres limp to the finish line and a whole bunch of random topics make this episode’s final cut.

Ethan and Aaron return after a long break. They jump right into the Dog Days of Summer. Tyler Gilbert is a stud, Field of Dreams was a great production and Chris Bassitt well wishes after getting hit. Ethan also highlights a few throwback jersey wishes.

Aaron is joined by MLB Daily Beat host Mike El-Far to discuss All Star Week so far. From HR Derby to All Star MVP predictions.

What is Rob Manfred doing? We dive into what MLB is doing with sticky substances and enforcing inspections. The four hitters most likely to draw a free pass from us. And a heartfelt shout out to Josh Naylor.

From running bases to the infield fly rule and what makes a ball fair or foul; the last week or so has seen a failure to understand the rules. Ethan and Aaron help the Astros and Dusty Baker understand all of the above. We discuss the difference between an injury and just being hurt while Kevin Pillar and Jacob DeGrom keep rolling. Plus we’re giving away FREE MERCH!!!

Ethan and Aaron are joined by Kyle and Ryan from the First Line Podcast. The guys discuss a little baseball and a lot of hockey in this special edition of First Pitch Strike.

As a pitcher, Ethan shares his observations about the 7 no hitters already thrown this year. Aaron provides his thoughts on the contributing factors to no no’s. And DON’T be the 3rd out at 3rd base.

Aaron and Ethan sit down with long time writer and previous Rockies pre and post game host Tracy Ringolsby. From Nolan Ryan to his days in Kansas City and what he’s doing now. We even slip in some Wyoming athletics into the conversation.

The NL West has had a lot to talk about this week. Rockies part ways with their GM and the Padres/Dodgers rivalry heats up. We torch an umpire and for a horrible call. We’re still looking to give away free merch!

There have been several game changing occurrences because of batters being hit by a pitch this year. Ethan and Aaron dive into the logistics of the HBP. Congratulations to Yadir Molina. The Mets need to figure out what to do with Brandon Nimmo. Plus, we’re giving away some merch!

Aaron and Ethan share their observations from the first weekend plus of the 2021 season. From mammoth home runs to pitchers on top of their games, there is a little of everything, including a benches clearing brawl with a suspension. What happens with the Padres with the Tatis injury? Finally, the move of the All Star game to Denver is a hot topic for many.

Ethan and Aaron are joined by Joshua Morelion and Michael Flores from the SIA Network and RJ Prince, one of Ethan’s former teammates. We dive right in and predict not just division winners and a World Series Champ, but we also give you a few end of season awards.

Spring Training is in full swing. Tatis Jr, DeGrom and Giolito look like they’re ready to start the season. Aaron and Ethan discuss their performances, highlight the starting rotations of the Dodgers, Padres and Mets and spend way too much time talking about Daniel Vogelbach. Ethan also shares his love of defense and Aaron uses Yadier Molina as the example of defense. Finally, we also wish Tony Wolters a better eye at the plate.

With the beginning of the spring games, Aaron and Ethan highlight the good of what they’ve seen so far. What prospects are making it hard on teams to send them to the minors/alternate camp. They touch on Kevin Mather and his remarks as well as welcoming back two cancer survivors.