I still remember the buzz in the stands when David Bednar, now a two-time All-Star closer with the Pittsburgh Pirates, was once just a hopeful name awaiting the draft call. That same electrifying sense of anticipation fills our latest episode as Bednar himself recounts the very moment his Major League dreams began to come to life, all while keeping a stealthy eye on the draft behind his glove. It's not every day you get to sit down with a big leaguer who vividly shares his rise from a college pitcher to a revered closer, complete with the emotional rollercoaster of his trade to the Pirates—a revelation he first saw unfold on social media. 

Baseball isn't just a game of runs and hits; it's woven with stories of resilience, camaraderie, and those personal rituals that turn players into legends. Bednar opens up about the surreal reality of training during the pandemic, the mental agility it demanded, and the brotherhood that kept him grounded when the stands were empty. From Michael McHenry celebrating the pitcher-catcher connection to the quirky traditions that bond teammates, we trace the lines of friendship and respect that run as deep as the love for the game itself. 

Wrapping up our heart-to-heart, David dives into the sentimental side of baseball, sharing his tradition of collecting game balls—a practice spurred on by his teammate Bones. The tales of these cherished mementos bring us closer to the human side of the sport, where success is marked not just by statistics but by the stories tethered to each triumph. And if you've ever been curious about the grip of a cutter, you'll want to stick around for the unofficial pitching lesson that caps off this conversation. Join us for a chat that's as much about the spirit of baseball as it is about the game itself.

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