Outside The Chute

Episode 216 - U23 WBSC Men's World Cup Preview Show

Episode 216 is here and we’re going ALL IN on the U23 WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup 
We’re joined by Blair Setford and Kris Abbott, who will be on the call for the tournament in Sincelejo, Colombia, bringing you elite-level insight you won’t get anywhere else.
In this episode, we break down:
Every team competing and what to expect
Key players and game-changing matchups
Underrated squads that could shock the world
How the tournament will unfold from start to finish
And of course… our official predictions 
If you’re a fan of men’s fastpitch, this is your ultimate preview heading into one of the biggest events on the calendar.
 Tournament runs April 25 – May 3 Coverage via GameTime Sports & Softball Premier TV
 Let us know in the commentsWho’s winning it all?
 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Outside The Chute
#Softball #Fastpitch #U23WorldCup #WBSC #MensSoftball #OutsideTheChute

Episode 215 - Larissa Franklin

Episode 215 is one you don’t want to miss.
 
We sit down with Canadian softball star Larissa Franklin for a raw, powerful, and inspiring conversation that goes far beyond the game. From winning bronze at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, to navigating the emotional highs and lows of life after the Olympics, Larissa opens up in a way we’ve never seen before.
 
But that’s just the beginning.
 
Larissa takes us inside her battle with cancer in 2025—the mindset it took to fight, the support system around her, and what it truly means to face adversity head-on. Her honesty, strength, and perspective in this part of the conversation is something every athlete—and every person—needs to hear.
 
Now back on the field and chasing the dream once again, Larissa shares her focus on LA 2028, what drives her every day, and how her journey has completely reshaped her outlook on the game and life.
 
This episode is real. It’s emotional. It’s inspiring. And it’s a reminder of just how powerful resilience can be.
 
 Whether you’re a softball fan or just love hearing incredible comeback stories, this one hits different.
 
 Don’t forget to:
• Like the video
• Subscribe to the channel
• Drop a comment showing Larissa some love
 
#Softball #LarissaFranklin #TeamCanada #Olympics #Fastpitch #Inspiration #ComebackStory #OutsideTheChute

Episode 214 - Ryan Maher

In this episode of Outside The Chute, we sit down with Ryan Maher, one of the most exciting young talents in Canadian men’s fastpitch—and trust us, this one delivers.
 
From Petty Harbour, Newfoundland, Ryan’s journey is packed with wins, grit, and a few stories you won’t see coming 
At just 24, he’s already:
 3x Senior Men’s Champion with the Galway Hitmen
 2024 U23 Canadian National Champion (Mariners)
 Represented Canada at the U23 Pan American Championships
Named to the Men’s National Team 36-man roster
 
But beyond the accolades, this episode dives into the REAL side of the game…
 
We talk:
 Growing up in Newfoundland and the path to elite ball
 What it takes to compete at the national & international level
 The mindset behind winning championships
  A hilarious scooter helmet story
What the future holds
 
Ryan brings honesty, personality, and a perspective that every ball player—and fan—needs to hear.
 
 Tap in, drop a comment, and let us know your biggest takeaway!
 
 
 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more episodes every week

Episode 213 - Sam Banister

Episode 213 is here and it’s an absolute must-listen 
 
We sit down with Sam Banister — a two-time National Champion with the University of Arizona, four-time Women’s College World Series participant, and former pro with the Akron Racers — and she brings it all in this one.
 
Sam gets real about her journey through one of the most dominant programs in college softball, what it takes to win at the highest level, and the mindset that separates the good from the elite. From championship runs to life after playing, she doesn’t hold anything back.
 
We also dive into:
 
What it’s like competing at the WCWS every year
The transition from college star to pro athlete
Jumping into the Coaching Game
The growth of the game and where it’s headed
Her new podcast with Crystl Bustos dropping this summer
 
 
If you’re serious about softball, leadership, and competing at a high level — this episode is for you.
 
 Tap in now and hear it straight from one of the best to ever do it.
 
#Softball #Fastpitch #WCWS #ArizonaSoftball #Podcast #ChampionshipMindset

Episode 212 - Tyler Damon

In Episode 212 of the podcast, we sit down with rising men’s fastpitch star Tyler Damon, a member of the United States Men’s National Softball Team and one of the exciting young players making an impact in the game today. 
 
Tyler shares his unique journey into men’s fastpitch softball, including how he played baseball until the age of 18 before making the switch to fastpitch — a move that quickly led him to competing at the highest level of the sport.
 
We talk about his development as a hitter, the adjustments required to face elite fastpitch pitching, and what it takes to earn a spot on the U.S. Men’s National Team. Tyler also shares stories from his career so far, his experiences competing against some of the best players in the world, and his thoughts on the growth of the men’s fastpitch game.
 
In this episode we cover:
 
Tyler Damon’s transition from baseball to fastpitch
The path to the U.S. Men’s National Softball Team
Competing at the international level in men’s fastpitch
The evolution of elite fastpitch pitching and hitting
Advice for young players looking to break into the sport
 
 
If you’re a fan of men’s fastpitch softball, elite softball players, international softball, or fastpitch podcasts, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.
 
 Make sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SUBSCRIBE for more interviews with the biggest names in fastpitch softball.
 
#MensFastpitch #FastpitchSoftball #SoftballPodcast #TylerDamon #USMNT #Softball #Fastpitch

Episode 211 - Dr. Bob Nydick

In Episode 211 of Outside The Chute, we sit down with one of the most influential figures in men’s fastpitch history — Dr. Bob Nydick.
 
An ISC Hall of Famer, longtime sponsor, coach, and architect behind powerhouse programs, Dr. Nydick takes us inside his incredible journey in the game. From how he first got involved in fastpitch… to building championship-caliber teams… to helping shape dynasties like the legendary New York Gremlins — this episode is packed with stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
 
We dive into:
 
How Dr. Nydick got his start in fastpitch
The rise of the Kitchener Riversharks
What it takes to build (and sustain) a dynasty
Behind-the-scenes stories from the ISC and Canadian Men's Senior Nationals
The culture and mindset of championship teams
And plenty of laughs along the way
 
 
If you’re a fan of the ISC, the New York Gremlins, the Riversharks, or just love the history of men’s fastpitch — this one is a must-listen.
 
Whether you’re a player, coach, sponsor, or lifelong fan of the game, this episode delivers insight, history, and perspective from someone who has truly helped shape the sport.
 
 Drop a comment and let us know:
If you could watch one past ISC Final live… which year are you picking?
 
Make sure to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and turn on notifications so you never miss an episode of Outside The Chute.
 
#MensFastpitch #ISC #FastpitchSoftball #OutsideTheChute #BobNydick #NewYorkGremlins #KitchenerRiversharks

Episode 210 - Joley Mitchell

What does it take to battle through adversity and come out a National Champion?
 
In Episode 210 of Outside The Chute, we sit down with 2025 National Champion Joley Mitchell for one of the most powerful conversations we’ve had on the show.
 
From growing up in Rose Bud, Arkansas…
To being named Arkansas Gatorade Player of the Year (2019)…
To starting her college career at Notre Dame…
To facing a medical scare that forced her to miss the entire 2021 season…
 
Joley opens up about the highs, the setbacks, and the mindset it took to keep fighting.
 
We talk about:
 Her early years and how she fell in love with the game
 Winning on the biggest stage in college softball
 The mental side of adversity and coming back stronger
 What most fans don’t see behind the scenes of a championship run
 
If you’re a softball fan, an athlete battling through adversity, or someone chasing something bigger — this episode is for you.
 
 Watch now and hear the full story.
 
 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to Outside The Chute for more interviews with the biggest names in the game.
 
#Softball #NationalChampion #CollegeSoftball #OutsideTheChute #JoleyMitchell

Episode 209 - Jim Wana

What does it take to win an ISC title at just 19 years old…
be named Most Outstanding Pitcher…
capture four ISC Championships…
win a World Championship…
and cement your name in the Hall of Fame?
 
This week on Outside The Chute, we sit down with ISC Hall of Famer Jim Wana — one of the most dominant pitchers of his era.
 
From winning the 1985 Junior World Championship with New Zealand…
to starring with the legendary Penn Corp teams…
to representing the Black Sox on the world stage…
to being inducted into the ISC Hall of Fame in 2019…
 
Jim walks us through the mindset, the moments, and the legacy behind one of the greatest careers in fastpitch history.
 
If you love softball history, elite pitching, and stories from the golden era of the ISC circuit — this episode is for you.
 
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