Season 2, Episode 2 Republished: Chris Welsh, Former MLB Pitcher, Current Broadcaster, And Rules Expert

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Former Major League pitcher and Reds broadcaster Chris Welsh joins the podcast to discuss his early years as a Reds fan, his collegiate baseball career, his time in the minors, and his career as a Major Leaguer

Chris shares stories about playing with future MLB stars and his unique pitching style and his famous pickoff move. Welsh also talks about his transition to broadcasting and the influence of Hall of Fame pitcher, Robin Roberts (his collegiate coach for one season). In this conversation, Randy and Chris discuss various topics related to baseball, including Chris's career as a pitcher, his broadcasting career, and his expertise in baseball rules. 

Randy and Chris also touch on rule changes in the game and the importance of the human element. Chris shares his thoughts on the pitch clock, the three-batter minimum rule for relief pitchers, and the use of technology in the game. 

Due to technical difficulties, Jack was only able to join for a portion of this episode. :(

Takeaways

• Chris Welsh grew up as a Reds fan and had a deep love for the team from a young age.
• He played college baseball at the University of South Florida and had a successful career.
• Welsh spent four years in the minors before making it to the majors, playing with future MLB stars like Dave Righetti and Willie McGee.
• He developed a unique pickoff move that became his signature, and he shares a memorable story about using it against Vince Coleman.
• After his playing career, Welsh transitioned to broadcasting and has been a mainstay on the Reds broadcast crew since 1993. Chris shares his journey from being a pitcher to becoming a broadcaster and rules expert.
• He discusses his thoughts on various rule changes in baseball, including the pitch clock and the three-batter minimum rule for relief pitchers.
• Chris emphasizes the importance of the human element in the game and the need to maintain a balance between technology and tradition.
• He reflects on his favorite broadcasters and the impact they had on his career.
• Chris also talks about his passion for the game and his desire to contribute to the baseball community through his website, Baseball Rules Academy.

Sound Bites

• "On the 22nd, I threw home and he decided to steal second."
• "I think it's one of the most interesting developments of the Reds season."
• "Jim Day is hilariously funny, self-deprecating, a true talent."
• "I think it's my way of saying thank you to the baseball community for allowing me to be around the game for so long."