Zeke & Zonk Inside the Game Podcast

Zeke & Zonk

Keith “Zonk” Moreland and Greg “Zeke” Swindell: two University of Texas legends who parlayed Longhorn success into long MLB careers and later broadcasting roles. Now you can tune in to get Zeke & Zonk's take on sports and life from Inside the Game.

  1. APR 28

    Inside the Season: College Baseball Midseason Review

    Join hosts Keith Moreland (Zonk) and Greg Swindell (Zeke) as they discuss the biggest moments, standout teams, and key players at the midway point of the college baseball season. From rivalries and coaching stories to player performances and postseason predictions, this episode is packed with insights for baseball fans. Main Topics & Insights The passion and intensity of Texas vs. Texas A&M rivalry, highlighted by an emotional weekend seriesUCLA's dominant team stats, including strikeout-to-walk ratio and offensive power, positioning them as the top national seedNotable midseason achievements: Virginia Tech’s no-hitter, Santa Barbara’s shutout streak, and Rory McIlroy’s Masters back-to-back winMidseason college baseball power rankings and regional host predictions, emphasizing the SEC and ACC dominanceKansas baseball’s surprising rise under Coach Fitzgerald amidst tough weather conditions and competitive conference playsPlayer spotlight: standout pitchers like Auburn’s Alvarez, LSU’s talent, and power hitters like Landon Hairston with impressive statsThe debate over wooden bats versus aluminum in college baseball and its impact on play and player developmentAnalyzing potential national champions with UCLA as the frontrunner and the importance of postseason performanceFun regional matchups including Texas and Texas State, highlighting the exciting possibilities in postseason bracketsTimestamps:  00:00 - Introduction and episode overview  00:38 - Rivalry excitement: USC UCLA and Michigan Ohio State  01:06 - Texas A&M vs. Texas: emotional rivalry moments  02:02 - Describing the passion in College Station  03:36 - Virginia Tech’s no-hitter and Santa Barbara’s shutout streak  04:19 - Rory McIlroy’s Masters back-to-back win and golf highlights  04:47 - Midseason team analysis: UCLA Bruins’ stats and strengths  05:44 - UCLA’s standout strikeout-to-walk ratio and offensive power  07:02 - UCLA’s pitching staff and staff depth  07:46 - Midseason rankings, No. 1 seed race, and conference impacts  13:06 - Regional seed considerations: Big 12, independent, mid-majors  15:09 - Conference super regional hopes: SEC and ACC dominance  16:37 - Big Ten teams in postseason picture  18:55 - Kansas baseball’s surprising success and coaching impact  22:09 - Key player performances and breakout prospects  25:53 - Impressive pitchers to watch from Auburn, Florida, and others  29:52 - Top offensive players, including Landon Hairston’s stellar stats  30:18 - Power numbers and season milestones for standout hitters  33:34 - Potential national champions and UCLA’s favored position  36:07 - Bracket predictions and path to Omaha  37:27 - Postseason outlook: teams that could surprise or falter Resources & Links: UCLA Baseball Official SiteCollege Baseball Stats & Rankings - D1BaseballVirginia Tech Baseball No-HitterRory McIlroy Masters WinWooden Bat Debate & EquipmentCollege Baseball Postseason PredictionsStay tuned for next week’s episode as we break down the final stretch and predictions for the College Baseball Championship!

    43 min

  2. APR 20

    Storytelling in Sports Broadcasting | Julia Morales

    In this episode of Inside the Game, Greg Swindell (AKA Zeke) and Keith Moreland (AKA Zonk) sit down for an interview with Julia Morales. Julia shares her inspiring journey from small-town Texas to becoming a prominent baseball broadcaster. She discusses her early sports passions, career development, behind-the-scenes insights into baseball broadcasting, and balancing family life with a demanding travel schedule. 00:00 Welcome Back: The Journey Begins 01:14 Meet Julia Morales: A Multifaceted Talent 02:56 Growing Up in Crandall: Small Town Roots 05:02 Sports and Dreams: A Young Athlete's Journey 07:51 From Small Town to Big Dreams: The Path to Broadcasting 10:52 The Love for Sports Journalism: A Passion Ignited 12:39 Climbing the Ranks: The Early Career 15:11 The Transition to Major League Baseball 18:40 Facing Challenges: The Astros' Struggles 23:02 Building a Career: The Role of Timing and Opportunity 26:53 The Journey of Storytelling in Sports Reporting 30:01 The Impact of Mentorship in Broadcasting 33:26 Navigating Challenges in Sports Journalism 39:24 The Emotional Toll of Coverage 43:23 Analyzing the Current State of the Astros 49:37 Astros Farm System Insights 51:27 Personal Life and Relationships in Baseball 56:10 Building a Family Around Baseball 57:20 Entrepreneurial Ventures in Sports

    1h 8m

  3. APR 12

    The Secrets to Developing Future Baseball Stars | Butch Chaffin

    In this engaging episode of Inside the Game, Greg Swindell and Keith Moreland Zeke and Zonk sit down with  baseball expert, Butch Chaffin, to discuss the intricacies of the game, the timing of international tournaments, player development, and the importance of mental toughness and proper training. They share personal stories, insights on player growth, and opinions on how to improve youth and professional baseball. Key  topics: Timing of international tournaments Player development and training Mental toughness and approach Arm strength and injury prevention Chapters 00:00 Introduction and First Impressions 01:11 Reflections on the World Baseball Classic 03:14 The Grind of Baseball Season 08:17 Butch's Journey in Coaching and USA Baseball 11:12 The Importance of Youth Development in Baseball 16:16 Molding Young Athletes: Coaching Philosophy 21:02 Arm Strength and Injury Prevention in Young Players 22:16 The Evolution of Young Talent in Baseball 26:23 Hitting Techniques and Strategies for Success 35:19 Coaching Philosophy and Building Relationships 38:16 Personal Stories and Patriotism in Sports 43:02 Reflections on the World Baseball Classic  guest links Twitter - https://twitter.com/ButchChaffin LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/butchchaffin/

    45 min

  4. MAR 24

    Baseball Scouting, Player Development & Analytics | Gene Watson

    In this episode, of Zeke & Zonk Inside the Game we are joined by baseball scout Gene Watson who shares insights on player development, the impact of analytics, and the future of baseball. He discusses his career, the importance of team culture, and the evolving scouting landscape. Chapters 00:00 Introducing Gene Watson to Inside the Game 03:17 Texas Baseball Performance and Analysis 05:58 World Baseball Classic Insights 09:06 Gene Watson's Career and Transition to White Sox 12:05 Scouting Evolution and Player Evaluation 15:10 The Importance of Team Chemistry 18:23 Challenges in Youth Baseball Participation 21:10 Player Interaction and Team Dynamics 24:16 The State of College Baseball and Wooden Bats 27:12 Pitching Trends and Command vs. Velocity 30:11 Building a Championship Team 32:33 Conclusion and Reflections on the Game 33:56 zeke and zonk  (1).mp4

    34 min

  5. MAR 9

    Inside College Baseball & the Future of the Game | Mitch Thompson

    Join Zeke & Zonk as they delve into college baseball with Baylor's head coach Mitch Thompson. They discuss the evolving landscape of college baseball, the importance of education, and the exciting developments at Baylor, including new facilities and partnerships. In this episode, they cover: The impact of NIL and transfer portal on college baseballThe importance of education and life skills for student-athletesFacility upgrades and investments at BaylorThe competitive landscape of the Big 12 conferenceUse of analytics and technology in coachingChapters 00:00 Introduction to College Baseball and Mitch Thompson 02:56 Baylor Bears Season Overview and Challenges 05:54 The State of College Baseball: NIL and Transfer Portal 09:05 The Importance of Education in College Sports 12:03 Tice Armstrong's Historic Performance 15:08 The Growth and Popularity of College Baseball 18:04 Facilities and Donations: The Impact of Chip and Joanna Gaines 21:17 Future Developments in Baylor Baseball 23:59 Big 12 Conference Overview and Competition 27:30 The Evolution of College Baseball Competitiveness 29:36 The Role of Analytics in Modern Baseball 35:40 Facing High-Performance Pitching 36:48 The Big 12 Tournament Transition 39:19 A Journey from Goodland to Coaching Success 44:18 Insights from Recent College Baseball Tournaments

    52 min

  6. FEB 25

    New Rules Are Making the Game Faster and More Exciting | Coach Steven Trout

    Welcome to the Inside the Game podcast! In this episode, Coach Steven Trout discusses the current state of Texas State Baseball, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by a new roster, the transition to the Pac-12, and the importance of building team culture. He highlights the significance of facility upgrades for player development and the competitive nature of the Sun Belt Conference. The conversation also touches on the balance between analytics and traditional coaching instincts, as well as the recruiting strategies aimed at building a championship-caliber team. 00:00 Introduction to Texas State Baseball 02:46 Building Team Culture with New Players 05:52 Transitioning to the Pac-12 09:14 Facility Upgrades and Player Development 11:56 Analyzing the Sun Belt Conference 14:54 Scouting Gonzaga and Upcoming Games 17:49 Coaching Staff and Player Development 21:10 NCAA Rule Changes and Game Evolution 23:54 Balancing Analytics and Instincts in Coaching 26:59 Recruiting and Building a Championship Team 29:58 Final Thoughts and Future Aspirations

    51 min

  7. FEB 18

    Leadership, Service, and College Baseball at the Air Force Academy | Coach Kaz

    Join Zeke & Zonk in this episode where they dive into the inspiring stories of leadership, service, and discipline from Coach Kaz, a retired Air Force Major and longtime college baseball coach. This episode explores the unique culture of the Air Force Academy, the importance of character-building, and how athletics develop future leaders for America. In this episode we cover: The role of military discipline and leadership in college sportsHow the Air Force Academy instills values beyond baseballThe mission to develop warfighters, leaders, and American patriotsThe significance of national pride and the Olympic spiritA day in the life of cadet-athletes balancing academics, military training, and sportsInsights into recruiting young men of “the IT factor”The connection between athletics and service: preparing men to serve in the military and beyondThe impact of exemplary alumni like Paul Skeens and Griffin JacksPerspectives on college athletics, transfer portals, and student-athlete developmentPersonal stories, including family achievements and military legacyTimestamps: 00:00 - Introduction to Coach Kaz and his background in the Air Force and baseball02:24 - How military values influence team culture and character building03:43 - The documentary inspiration: the 1980 USA Olympic hockey team04:34 - Representing the USA in international competitions and pride05:04 - The significance of wearing the nation's uniform and service06:18 - The daily routine of cadet-athletes balancing academics, military training, and baseball09:25 - The relationship between college baseball and military service11:11 - The team’s attacking philosophy and emphasis on discipline11:57 - The legacy of senior leadership and creating a lasting impact12:30 - The importance of leadership positions in shaping future officers13:37 - Coach Kaz’s health update and his passion for impactful coaching14:33 - The beauty of the Air Force Academy campus in Colorado Springs15:06 - Family milestones: Coach Kaz’s children in aviation and service16:04 - How the team’s conference and schedule shape their competitive edge17:55 - College athletics’ challenges: transfer portal and NIL concerns20:38 - Proud moments of cadet-athletes in the World Baseball Classic22:39 - Building lifelong bonds through shared experiences and trauma bonding24:15 - The importance of physical training, including parachuting and MMA25:05 - Redefining success through leadership and service, not just wins26:04 - Recruiting mindset: looking for the “IT factor” and character27:45 - The Darwin survival of the fittest at the Academy and training future leaders30:03 - The significance of parachuting and daring training activities31:37 - True victory: preparing cadet-athletes for life and service36:28 - Final thoughts: be worthy and proud to serve your countryConnect with Coach Kaz: TwitterLinkedInListen to learn how military discipline shapes future leaders, how athletics serve as a foundation for service, and why character counts most in developing Americans who stand for something greater.

    37 min

  8. FEB 16

    Baseball Success Is About More Than Talent | Ben McDonald

    In this episode, Zeke and Zonk are joined by Ben McDonald as he discusses his journey from a young athlete in Louisiana to becoming an Olympic gold medalist and a top draft pick. He shares insights on the current state of SEC baseball, the impact of the transfer portal and NIL on college sports, and the challenges coaches face today. The conversation also touches on the Baltimore Orioles' future, the dominance of the Dodgers, and the recent Hall of Fame induction of Andrew Jones. Additionally, Ben shares personal stories about hunting and his passion for the outdoors. 00:00 Introduction to Ben McDonald 02:46 The LSU Experience and College Sports Culture 06:05 The Dominance of SEC Baseball 09:03 The Impact of the Transfer Portal 12:03 NIL and Its Effects on College Athletics 15:07 The Future of College Baseball 17:57 The State of the Orioles and MLB Insights 32:06 AL East Dynamics and Team Strategies 33:57 The Dodgers' Dominance and Salary Cap Debate 36:23 Celebrating Andrew Jones and Hall of Fame Moments 40:59 Hunting Passion and Personal Stories 51:59 SEC Baseball Predictions and Team Analysis

    1h 1m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
13 Ratings

About

Keith “Zonk” Moreland and Greg “Zeke” Swindell: two University of Texas legends who parlayed Longhorn success into long MLB careers and later broadcasting roles. Now you can tune in to get Zeke & Zonk's take on sports and life from Inside the Game.

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