CJ Nitkowski! 10-Year MLB Vet on Yankees Legends, Pitching to MJ, & Deion Sanders

On this episode of The JustIn Time Podcast, we sit down with CJ Nitkowski — a 10-year MLB pitcher, first-round pick of the Cincinnati Reds in 1994, and current TV analyst for the Atlanta Braves. CJ takes us inside some of the most unforgettable moments of his career: from the surreal experience of facing Michael Jordan in Double-A to suiting up at Yankee Stadium as both a boyhood fan and later as a pitcher.

He shares what it was like to be teammates with legends like Deion Sanders, who nicknamed him “Snacks” and gave him the bat for his first career hit, and recalls the leadership of Hall of Famers like Barry Larkin and Derek Jeter. CJ also opens up about the whirlwind of being drafted into a strike-shortened season, the challenges of constant trades, and how his baseball journey eventually led him into the broadcast booth — including calling games alongside Justin Kutcher.

This conversation isn’t just about stats and scores — it’s about the human side of the game: family, resilience, and the behind-the-scenes stories fans rarely get to hear.

⏰ Timestamps

(00:00:00) Justin introduces CJ Nitkowski and career background

(00:03:00) Facing Michael Jordan in AA Birmingham

(00:08:58) Late-bloomer journey: from FAU to St. John’s

(00:14:56) Draft day 1994 and strike impact

(00:19:18) The surreal moment pitching to Michael Jordan

(00:26:37) Life in the minors during Jordan’s baseball stint

(00:33:00) First experiences at Yankee Stadium

(00:37:53) Facing Derek Jeter, Strawberry, and the 1996 Yankees lineup

(00:41:00) ESPN game vs Schilling & welcome-to-the-big-leagues moment

(00:45:29) Trade to Detroit and Kirk Gibson blow-up story

(00:49:53) Playing with Whitaker & Trammell in final years

(00:54:51) Becoming a Yankee in 2004 and Torre/Smoltz/Mariano memories

(01:00:10) Deion Sanders as a teammate & “Snacks” nickname

(01:06:06) Teammates who became Hall of Famers

(01:09:35) Best leaders CJ played with

(01:12:19) Japan, Korea, and food stories from abroad

(01:14:53) Wrapping up with reflections on career and broadcasting

💡 Key Topics

📌 Facing Michael Jordan in professional baseball

📌 Playing with Deion Sanders and MLB legends

📌 Drafted 9th overall in 1994 and strike challenges

📌 Memorable moments at Yankee Stadium

📌 Transition from pitcher to broadcaster

🧢 About CJ Nitkowski:

CJ Nitkowski pitched for 10 years in Major League Baseball, suiting up for eight different teams including the Reds, Tigers, Astros, Rangers, Braves, and Yankees. Drafted 9th overall in 1994, he went on to play internationally in Japan and Korea before transitioning into broadcasting. Today, he serves as a TV analyst for the Atlanta Braves and is recognized for his insight, storytelling, and connection to baseball’s biggest names.

🎙️ About The JustIn Time Podcast

The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As veteran broadcasters, Justin brings unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

🔔 Subscribe now on any major platform to never miss an episode of these timeless conversations.

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