Best Basehits & Banter Podcasts (2025)

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 15 35:00

12d ago35:00

35:00

This week, Halo & Samu dive into the thrilling weekend of softball, highlighting Liberty's stunning upset over Texas A&M and discussing the mid-major mentality in postseason play. They analyze surprising regional matchups, the standout performances of players like Jordy Ball, and the upcoming super regionals, offering predictions and insights into …

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 14 43:46

19d ago43:46

43:46

This week, Halo & Samu are joined by Emmy award-winning sports reporter Holly Rowe to discuss the current state of women's softball, insights from the recent selection show, and the growth of women's sports. They delve into the dynamics of the SEC tournament, the culture of Oklahoma softball, and the challenges faced by teams in the NCAA. Holly sha…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 13 32:29

26d ago32:29

32:29

In Week 13, Samu & Halo discuss the excitement surrounding the SEC tournament, analyze team performances, and reflect on the importance of mental health in softball. They explore pitching strategies, the dynamics of mid-major teams, and make predictions for the postseason. The conversation highlights the unpredictability of the season and the joy o…

1
Megan Grant: Mental Focus & Strategy 28:25

1M ago28:25

28:25

This week, Halo & Samu interview UCLA softball star Megan Grant. They discuss her impressive athletic achievements, the transition from the Pac-12 to the Big Ten, and her inspirations in sports. Megan shares her experiences as a multi-sport athlete, the origin of her nickname 'Chef', and her approach to social media as an athlete. The conversation …

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 12 48:07

1M ago48:07

48:07

In this episode of BH&B, Halo & Samu dive into the latest happenings in college softball, including Oklahoma's impressive performance, the selection of the USA National Team, and the dynamics of coaching and player roles. They discuss the struggles of Tennessee, the turnaround of Auburn, and the rise of Arkansas. The conversation also touches on pl…

1
Bri Ellis: The Power of Self-Talk 27:11

1M ago27:11

27:11

This week, Halo & Samu interview Bri Ellis, a standout player from the University of Arkansas. They discuss her impressive statistics, her mindset shift towards a more relaxed approach to hitting, and the importance of self-talk and mental health in sports. Bri shares her journey through the transfer portal, her experiences at Auburn, and how she f…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 11 30:49

1M ago30:49

30:49

In this episode of Base Hits & Banter, Halo & Samu dive into the latest happenings in college softball, focusing on key matchups, standout performances, and the dynamics of the SEC. They discuss the intense LSU vs Texas series, Florida's resurgence, Oklahoma's bounce-back performance, and the implications of record attendance at a Stanford vs Cal g…

1
Taylor Shumaker: Finding The Balance 27:46

2M ago27:46

27:46

In this week's episode, Taylor Shoemaker, a standout freshman at the University of Florida, shares her journey in college softball, discussing her transition from high school to the competitive SEC environment. She emphasizes the importance of mental approach, dealing with failure, and the support from teammates and coaches. Taylor also shares her …

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 10 36:15

2M ago36:15

36:15

This week, Halo & Samu dive into the exciting world of college softball, discussing the latest games, standout performances, and coaching philosophies. They highlight Texas A&M's unexpected sweep of LSU, the importance of hard work and dedication in the sport, and the historic rivalry between Alabama and Oklahoma. The conversation also touches on t…

1
Amanda Lorenz: The Power of Passion & Determination 28:01

2M ago28:01

28:01

This week on Base Hits & Banter, Amanda Lorenz shares her journey as a professional softball player, reflecting on her experiences from college to Team USA and the new Athletes Unlimited league. She discusses the importance of passion, hard work, and the lessons learned from her coach, Tim Walton, while also emphasizing the growth of the sport and …

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 9 30:33

2M ago30:33

30:33

In this episode, hosts Sam Fischer and Haylie McCleney dive into the latest happenings in college softball, discussing thrilling matchups, standout performances, and the evolving landscape of the sport. They reflect on the Arkansas vs. Florida series, Alabama's struggles against LSU, and Iowa's impressive upset. The conversation also touches on the…

1
Karlyn Pickens: Redefining The Game 22:55

2M ago22:55

22:55

This week, Karlyn Pickens — who recently broke the record for fastest pitch in NCAA softball history — shares her journey as a standout college softball player, discussing her experiences, challenges, and aspirations. From her intense competition against teams like Oklahoma to her development as a pitcher, Karlyn emphasizes the importance of teamwo…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 8 33:24

2M ago33:24

33:24

This week, Samu & Halo recap an exciting weekend in college softball, discussing key matchups, standout performances, and the impact of technology on the game. They highlight the Tennessee vs. Oklahoma series, Alabama's resilience, South Carolina's surprising rise, Virginia Tech's sweep over Stanford, and Mississippi State's upset against Texas. Th…

1
Tracy Morgan: Community Impact in Sports 28:31

2M ago28:31

28:31

This week, Sam Fischer and guest host Amanda Lorenz welcome Tracy Morgan, the commissioner of USA Softball of Alabama. They discuss Tracy's extensive journey in softball, her community engagement through various tournaments, and the importance of giving back to the community. Tracy shares memorable moments from her experiences, advice for tournamen…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 7 30:44

2M ago30:44

30:44

In Week 7, Halo & Samu dive into the latest happenings in the world of softball, discussing key matchups, standout performances, and the evolving landscape of women's sports. They analyze Missouri's surprising victory over Oklahoma, Alabama's competitive spirit, Liberty's quiet dominance, and the challenges faced by Auburn and Duke. The conversatio…

1
Chris Sebren: Inside USA Softball 26:30

2M ago26:30

26:30

This week, Halo & Samu welcome back Chris Sebren, the Chief Sport Development and Performance Officer for USA Softball. They discuss Chris's role and responsibilities, the High Performance Program, the growth of softball internationally, the rise of men's fast pitch, and preparations for the upcoming 2028 Olympics. Chris shares insights on the sele…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 6 30:40

3M ago30:40

30:40

In Week 6, Halo & Samu recap the latest happenings in college softball, highlighting standout performances, team dynamics, and emerging programs. They discuss the dominance of Oklahoma, the surprising performance of Texas, and the struggles of Auburn. The conversation also touches on coaching changes, NCAA leaders, and predictions for the SEC and N…

1
Samu & Halo: The Pressure of Performance 22:13

3M ago22:13

22:13

Join host Haylie McCleney and Sam Fischer as they dive into the complexities of mental health in sports, particularly in softball. They discuss the pressures athletes face during the season, the importance of maintaining a positive mindset, and the necessity of being present in the moment. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-belief…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 5 30:32

3M ago30:32

30:32

This week, Halo & Samu discuss the latest happenings in college softball, including weekend game recaps, standout performances, and the impact of conference realignment. They analyze team dynamics, coaching changes, and highlight individual players making waves in the sport. The conversation also touches on the excitement of unpredictable game outc…

1
Kim Ng: Breaking Barriers 35:59

3M ago35:59

35:59

This week, Kim Ng, the first female general manager in Major League Baseball, shares her inspiring journey through the sports industry, her experiences in baseball and softball, and the importance of persistence and teamwork. She discusses the challenges she faced as a trailblazer, offers valuable advice for aspiring sports professionals, and highl…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 4 33:18

3M ago33:18

33:18

This week, Halo and Samu dive into an exciting week of college softball, discussing recent matchups, standout performances, and the growth of women's sports. They highlight the thrilling UCLA vs. Arizona game, the impressive start of South Carolina, and the surprising upsets in the league. The conversation also touches on Coach Tim Walton's milesto…

1
Kyla Holas: Unlocking Potential 34:26

3M ago34:26

34:26

In this week's episode, Halo and Samu interview Kyla Holas, the head coach of the USA Softball Junior Women's National Teams. They discuss her coaching philosophy, the importance of identifying intangibles in young athletes, and the development opportunities provided by the HPP program. Kyla shares insights on evaluating athletes, the mental aspect…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 3 34:22

3M ago34:22

34:22

In this week's episode, hosts Sam Fischer & Haylie McCleney discuss the latest happenings in college softball, focusing on standout performances from the Mary Nutter tournament, emerging talents, and the dynamics of top teams like Florida and Stanford. They also highlight the impressive play of mid-major teams like Coastal Carolina and analyze the …

1
Kinzie Hansen: The Competitive Mindset 34:07

3M ago34:07

34:07

In this week's episode, Kinzie Hansen, a four-time national champion and current professional softball player, shares her journey through collegiate athletics, the pressures of competition, and the importance of mental health. The discussion dives into her experiences with the Oklahoma softball team, the impact of NIL on athletes, and her competiti…

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 2 34:19

3M ago34:19

34:19

In this episode, hosts Halo & Samu dive into the latest happenings in the world of college softball, discussing thrilling games, standout performances, and emerging teams. They analyze the intense matchup between Texas and Texas Tech, highlight Virginia's impressive showing, and celebrate San Diego State's undefeated streak. The conversation also t…

1
Megan Faraimo: Embracing the Journey 28:52

4M ago28:52

28:52

In this week's episode, UCLA standout pitcher and U.S. Women's National Team member, Megan Faraimo, opens up about her softball journey and shares her thoughts on growing in her career. She talks about how important it is to embrace failure and the hard work that fuels her success. Faraimo expresses her pride in representing Team USA and discusses …

1
BONUS EPISODE: College Corner – Week 1 21:38

4M ago21:38

21:38

College softball is officially back! In this episode, Halo & Samu dive into the excitement of the college softball season, discussing standout performances, the importance of base running, and the emergence of mid-major programs. You'll hear their thoughts on Oklahoma's rebuilding year and how competitive the whole landscape of softball is becoming…

1
Patty Gasso: A New Era for Team USA 36:15

4M ago36:15

36:15

Join Halo and Samu for a fun and insightful chat with Patty Gasso, the newly announced head coach of Team USA! They dive into her incredible journey as one of the top coaches in college softball and share some valuable lessons along the way. The trio talks about the importance of timing in life and what the transition from college softball to the i…

1
S2 E4 – Mental Resilience: Lessons learned from Jordy Bahl's softball career 37:10

6M ago37:10

37:10

Join us for this week’s episode of Base Hits & Banter, featuring the remarkable Jordy Bahl from the University of Nebraska, alongside Haylie McCleney and Sam Fisher. Tune in as they delve into the inspiring journey of how Jordy has navigated the peaks and valleys of her softball career, exemplifying what mental resilience truly looks like. Listen a…

1
S2 E3 — Unleashing Potential: Ella McDowell's Path to Team USA 34:16

6M ago34:16

34:16

This week, Halo and Sam chat with Arkansas freshman Ella McDowell, where she shares her journey with USA Softball. Ella talks about her early experiences in the High Performance Program, where she developed her skills and love for the game, which eventually earned her a spot on the U-18 Women’s National Team. They dive into the ins and outs of coll…

1
S2: E2 — Behind the Whistle: Insights from Umpire & SoCal Commissioner, Chris Drumm 45:57

7M ago45:57

45:57

In this week’s episode of Base Hits & Banters, Halo & Samu welcome Chris Drumm, the Commissioner of USA Softball of Southern California and a seasoned umpire. Chris shares her journey into umpiring, discussing the challenges she faced in the field and her experiences from NCAA games to international tournaments. As a local association Commissioner,…

1
S2 E1- Sam and Halo talk about their retirement and USA Softball news 26:27

8M ago26:27

26:27

Welcome to the official channel for "Base Hits & Banter," the ultimate destination for softball enthusiasts! Join hosts Haylie McCleney, Olympic Silver Medalist and 3x World Champion, alongside Sam Fischer, former LMU softball standout and Team USA representative, as they dive into the world of softball like never before. From in-depth interviews w…

1
E17- Sam and Halo interview softball legend Cat Osterman 42:06

1y ago42:06

42:06

Cat Osterman, a retired American softball legend, graced the Base Hits and Banter podcast with her presence, engaging in riveting dialogue with hosts Sam Fischer and Haylie McCleney. With a career that resonates as a testament to her unparalleled prowess, Osterman's legacy extends far beyond the diamond. Hailing from Houston, Texas, Osterman's jour…

1
E16- Sam and Halo interview USA Softball Athlete Aspen Boulware 26:48

1y ago26:48

26:48

On today's episode of the Base Hits and Banter podcast, we are thrilled to host Aspen Boulware, a standout 16-year-old athlete who plays on the USA Softball National Team. Aspen's impressive achievements include being named the MVP of the 2023 U-15 WBSC World Cup, where she hit .421 with 4 home runs, 7 RBIs, and 10 runs scored, leading her team to …

1
E15- Sam and Halo Talking College Softball, Mental Health, and USA Softball News 41:04

1y ago41:04

41:04

Welcome to the official channel for "Base Hits & Banter," the ultimate destination for softball enthusiasts! Join hosts Haylie McCleney, Olympic Silver Medalist and 3x World Champion, alongside Sam Fischer, former LMU softball standout and Team USA representative, as they dive into the world of softball like never before. From in-depth interviews w…

1
E14- Sam and Tara Henry break down College Softball and predict potential WCWS winner! 49:52

1y ago49:52

49:52

Join Sam Fischer and Tara Henry, General Manager of Softball America, former UCLA Bruin softball player, and college softball expert, as they dive into today's show. Sam and Tara dissect the past week's college softball schedule and game results, providing insightful analysis on standout teams across the country. From thrilling matchups to standout…

1
E13- Sam & Montana Fouts introduce the new Devon Park Stadium and talk softball! 30:46

1y ago30:46

30:46

Welcome to the latest episode of Base Hits and Banter! Join hosts Sam Fischer and special guest Montana Fouts as they dive into all things softball, starting with the exciting unveiling of Devon Park, the newly named iconic softball stadium. Sam and Montana provide an exclusive recap of the ribbon-cutting ceremony held on May 6, highlighting the si…

1
E12- Sam and Halo talk top 25 college players, teams, mental health and more! 48:05

1y ago48:05

48:05

This week on the podcast, hosts Sam Fischer and Haylie McCleney delve into the latest developments in college softball, dissecting the top 25 rankings and providing insightful commentary on standout players and teams. Alongside the excitement of the rankings, they candidly address mental health in sports, offering valuable perspectives on maintaini…

1
Softball Spotlight: Conversations with Craig Cress 1:19:08

1y ago1:19:08

1:19:08

Craig Cress, a distinguished guest on the podcast, brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the discussion as the Chief Executive Officer of USA Softball. With a background deeply rooted in the sport, Craig has dedicated himself to advancing the game of softball across the nation. His leadership at USA Softball has been instrumental in drivin…

1
Top 25 College Softball Talk & Coach Heather Tarr talks about "Championing Softball Excellence" 1:05:37

1y ago1:05:37

1:05:37

Heather Tarr, the esteemed head coach of the University of Washington Softball program for over two decades and the winningest head coach in Washington state history, joins us on the Base Hits & Banter Podcast. With an illustrious career that spans both playing and coaching in the Women's College World Series, including a national championship win …

1
S1 E9- NiJaree Canady- From high school glory to college stardom 1:03:55

1y ago1:03:55

1:03:55

Join us for an electrifying episode of Base Hits & Banter Podcast featuring NiJaree Canady, the standout pitcher for the Stanford Cardinal softball team. Hailing from Topeka, Kansas, Canady has already left an indelible mark on collegiate softball, earning prestigious accolades such as the NFCA National Freshman of the Year award. In this episode, …

1
S1 E8- Drive & Dedication- Kelly Kretschman's Journey 55:18

1y ago55:18

55:18

Join us on Base Hits & Banter as we sit down with Kelly Kretschman, a softball legend and former professional All-Star outfielder. From her illustrious college career at the University of Alabama, where she shattered records and earned numerous accolades, to her stellar professional journey with teams like USSSA Pride, Kelly has left an indelible m…

1
S1 E7- Insider Info & Insight with Dave Devine 53:00

1y ago53:00

53:00

Join us for an insightful episode of Base Hits & Banter as we sit down with Dave Devine, President of USA Softball and Commissioner for the DFW area. With his extensive experience on the Men's Selection Council Committee and the Board of Directors, Dave sheds light on the inner workings of USA Softball, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its…

1
S1 E6- Sam and Halo talk Top 25 and have special guest, Amanda Chidester 2020 Olympic Silver Medalist 56:12

1y ago56:12

56:12

Amanda Chidester, affectionately known as Chiddy, is a renowned figure in the world of softball. Having played professionally and represented the USA Softball Women's National Team since 2012, Amanda has left an indelible mark on the sport. Her stellar college career at the University of Michigan, where she garnered numerous accolades including Big…

1
S1 E5- Silver Linings and Sweet Victories- Aubree Munroes Journey from the Softball Field to Life's Game-Changing Moments 1:05:41

1y ago1:05:41

1:05:41

Join us on Base Hits & Banter as we sit down with Aubree Munro Watson, professional softball player and Olympic silver medalist, for an inspiring conversation about her journey in the world of softball, from her collegiate career with the Florida Gators to her time representing Team USA on the international stage. Aubree shares insights into her tr…

1
S1 E4- Unstoppable on the Mound: Halo and Samu interview Montana Fouts 51:20

1y ago51:20

51:20

Montana Fouts, a powerhouse pitcher hailing from West Virginia, has left an indelible mark on the softball community with her exceptional talent and unwavering determination. As a four-time All-American pitcher for the University of Alabama, Fouts rose to prominence with her remarkable achievements, including pitching a perfect game in the 2021 Wom…

1
S1 E3- Talking Softball with Halo & Samu with Guest Olympian Ally Carda 58:29

1+ y ago58:29

58:29

Welcome to Base Hits & Banter! In this special episode, we have the privilege of chatting with none other than softball sensation Ally Carda. From her early days dominating the diamond at UCLA to donning the red, white, and blue for Team USA, Ally's journey in softball has been nothing short of extraordinary. Join us as we dive deep into her Olympi…

1
S1 E2- U.S. Olympian, Janie Reed joins BH&B- Plus Softball News from Halo & Samu 1:03:33

1+ y ago1:03:33

1:03:33

Join us on the BH&B Podcast presented by USA Softball as we sit down with Janie Reed, a decorated Olympian and professional softball outfielder. Janie's impressive career includes winning a silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and gold medals at the Pan American Games and Women's World Championships. From her standout collegiate years at Oregon …

1
S1 E1- Introducing Base Hits and Banter with Sam Fischer and Haylie McCleney 49:26

1+ y ago49:26

49:26

Join hosts Halo and Samu in the inaugural episode of "Base Hits and Banter," presented by USA Softball. In this episode, they delve into the world of college softball, reflecting on their own journeys within the sport and sharing personal anecdotes of their time playing for USA Softball national teams. From discussing the love they have for the gam…

1
BH&B Introduction presented by USA Softball 0:35

1+ y ago0:35

0:35

Welcome to the official YouTube channel for "Basehits & Banter," the ultimate destination for softball enthusiasts! Join hosts Haylie McCleney, Olympic Silver Medalist and 3x World Champion, alongside Sam Fischer, former LMU softball standout and Team USA representative, as they dive into the world of softball like never before. From in-depth inter…

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