Zeke & Zonk Inside the Game Podcast

Zeke & Zonk
  • 5.0 (13)
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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. 2D AGO

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. 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

  7. JAN 19

    Longhorn Baseball's Head Coach | Jim Schlossnagle

    Burnt orange expectations are sky-high as Zeke & Zonk kick off the new year with a special in-depth episode featuring Texas Baseball head coach Jim Schlossnagle. Coming off an SEC championship season, Schlossnagle breaks down year two at Texas, early-season practices, roster changes, leadership development, and what it really takes to compete in college baseball’s toughest conference. The guys dive deep into player development, pitching culture, roster limits, portal realities, and the evolving landscape of college baseball—from scheduling strategy and SEC challenges to future rule changes and stadium renovations at Dish–Falk Field. Schlossnagle also reflects on his coaching tree, the grind of the SEC, returning to College Station, and how college baseball continues to move closer to the professional game. After the interview, Greg and Keith wrap things up with their “Get Out of Town” moments, NFL playoff reactions, and a nostalgic discussion about offseason preparation as former big leaguers get ready—mentally at least—for another baseball season. College baseball is back, and it’s never been more exciting.

    40 min

  8. JAN 16

    Zeke & Zonk Recap 2025

    In this episode of Inside the Game, hosts Keith Moreland and Greg Swindell reflect on their holiday experiences, discuss the tragic accident involving Jordan Shipley, and delve into the implications of college football playoff expansion. They explore the impact of the transfer portal on college sports, share insights on rivalries, and highlight the excitement surrounding upcoming playoff games. The conversation also touches on the FCS championship and predictions for the NFL playoffs, while looking ahead to the college baseball season. Chapters 00:00 Holiday Reflections and Personal Stories 03:01 Prayers for Jordan Shipley 05:51 The Future of College Football Playoffs 09:08 Transfer Portal and Player Movement 11:59 Exciting Championship Games and Their Impact 14:59 The Passion of College Football 17:52 Upcoming Matchups and Predictions 23:30 The Unusual Dynamics of College Football Rivalries 26:04 The Excitement of Playoff Season 27:30 NFL Insights and Predictions 32:46 Looking Ahead to College Baseball 39:04 The Evolution of College Sports and Player Movement

    44 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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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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