Phil Nevin! #1 Draft Pick to MLB Manager on Coaching Ohtani, Trout, & Yankees Dynasty

The JustIn Time Podcast with Justin Kutcher

In this captivating episode of the JustIn Time Podcast, we sit down with Phil Nevin, former #1 overall MLB draft pick and current Chicago White Sox special assistant. Phil shares incredible stories from his playing days, including how wearing Oakley sunglasses at Cal State Fullerton made him a trendsetter in baseball. We dive deep into his experiences playing alongside legends like Tony Gwynn and Rickey Henderson, with Phil revealing how Gwynn could call his own hit-and-runs from the batter’s box. The conversation takes us through Phil’s journey from college two-sport athlete to MLB player, coach, and manager, including his candid reflections on managing Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani with the Angels. Whether you’re a baseball purist or casual fan, this episode delivers fascinating insider stories and perspectives from someone who’s experienced the game at every level. Listen now for an authentic baseball conversation you won’t find anywhere else.

⏰ Timestamps:

(00:01) - Justin introduces Phil Nevin, his first-ever college baseball analyst

(05:28) - Phil discusses becoming a trendsetter with Oakley sunglasses at Cal State Fullerton

(09:31) - Playing with Tony Gwynn and how he transformed Phil’s career

(12:14) - Tony Gwynn calling his own hit-and-runs from the batter’s box

(16:29) - Stories about playing with Rickey Henderson and his legendary personality

(22:23) - First base conversations and memorable moments with opponents

(27:00) - Phil’s coaching stories and lightening the mood on the mound

(29:24) - Turning down the Dodgers as a third-round pick to play college baseball and football

(32:36) - The pressure difference between kicking game-winning field goals and clutch hitting

(35:17) - Phil’s last football kicking experience and the injury that followed

(38:30) - Putting on the Yankees pinstripes as a coach and working with Aaron Boone

(43:45) - Becoming the Angels’ manager and organizational challenges

(48:30) - Phil’s thoughts on Mike Trout being the best player he’s ever seen

(52:40) - The impact of Shohei Ohtani on baseball and if others can follow his path

(54:14) - Phil’s experience as an Olympian at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics

(57:50) - Rapid-fire questions about best #1 draft picks and golf achievements

💡Key Topics:

📌 Phil’s journey from #1 overall draft pick to MLB player, coach and manager

📌 Playing with baseball legends Tony Gwynn and Rickey Henderson

📌 The transition from college two-sport athlete to professional baseball

📌 Managing Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani with the Angels

📌 Phil’s Olympic experience at the 1992 Barcelona Games

📌 Behind-the-scenes stories from his time as Yankees third base coach

⚾ About Phil Nevin:

Phil Nevin was the #1 overall pick in the 1992 MLB Draft and enjoyed a 12-year playing career before transitioning to coaching and managing. After serving as the New York Yankees third base coach for four years, he became the manager of the Los Angeles Angels in 2022. Currently, Phil serves as a special assistant with the Chicago White Sox.

🎙️ About the JustIn Time Podcast:

The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. As veteran broadcasters, Justin brings unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their remarkable journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

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