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 the dynamics of the tournament. In this engaging conversation, Sam Fischer and Haylie McCleney delve into the intensity of postseason softb...

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 shares her experiences and advice for young women in sports, emphasizing the importance of self-confidence and resilience in the face of criticism...

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 of being part of the softball community. Welcome to the official channel for "Base Hits & Banter," the ultimate destination for softball en...

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 delves into her mental approach to hitting, the importance of support systems, and her aspirations for the future, including the Olympics. Mega...

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 player of the year discussions and predictions for upcoming conference tournaments, culminating in a light-hearted wrap-up. Welcome to the o...

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 found the right fit at Arkansas. The conversation culminates in her emotional moment receiving a 'golden ticket' from Kim Ng, symbolizing her op...

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 game. The conversation also touches on the challenges faced by teams like Missouri and the impressive performances of emerging programs like...

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 hobbies, academic interests, and offers advice to her younger self about the pursuit of perfection and the value of surrounding oneself with suppor...

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 the candid coaching style of Patty Gasso, Tennessee's impressive season, and the struggles faced by Oklahoma State. As they look ahead, they...

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 her aspirations for the future. Welcome to the official channel for "Base Hits & Banter," the ultimate destination for softball enthusiast...

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 dominance of UCLA and Oregon, the debate over the best team between Texas and Florida, and highlights key player statistics. As they look ahead to...

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 teamwork, leadership, and maintaining a positive mindset. She also reflects on her aspirations to play for Team USA and the significance of participating...

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. The conversation also touches on the importance of clean play and individual achievements in softball, culminating in a celebration of the sport'...

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 tournament directors, and insights into the structure of USA Softball. The conversation emphasizes the significance of youth development, mentorship, and th...

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 conversation also highlights the impressive stats of players like Jordie Ball and the potential of teams like Arkansas as they navigate the season. Welcom...

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 selection process for the national teams and offers advice to young athletes about versatility and resilience in sports. Welcome to the official c...

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 NCAA tournaments. Welcome to the official channel for "Base Hits & Banter," the ultimate destination for softball enthusiasts! Join hosts H...

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, the process of growth, and the need to trust one's journey in sports. With personal anecdotes and insights, they encourage athletes to focus on t...

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 outcomes and the importance of team spirit and celebrations in softball culture. Welcome to the official channel for "Base Hits & Banter," the...

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 highlights the mission of Athletes Unlimited in promoting women's sports. Kim emphasizes the significance of building a strong team culture and the need...