Experience The Buzz: NO. 40 -- MATT WALBECK | Walbeck Baseball Academy on Steno.fm

Experience The Buzz

NO. 40 -- MATT WALBECK | Walbeck Baseball Academy

May 27, 2021 1:00pm

1h 21m

Matt Walbeck of Walbeck Baseball Academy had a dream of being a Major League Baseball player ... at FIVE years old! That dream became reality in 1987 when the City's Player of the Year from Sac High was drafted as a catcher by the Chicago Cubs in the 8th Round of the MLB draft. In 1993, he made his debut in Wrigley Field. That magical moment led to an 11-year career spanning five different teams. He wasn't done there. He was also a successful manager in the Minor Leagues. When it was time to head to the next chapter in his life, Walbeck's vision was clear. Teach the game to others through instruction. In 2011, Walbeck Baseball Academy was born.

In today's episode of Experience the Buzz, Host Steve Buzzard talks baseball and takes a walk down memory lane with Walbeck"Matt is a true baseball guy. I was in awe of the stories and his recollection of specific moments where he could recall dates, times, and the players involved. Truly one of the reasons why I love baseball so much." Our conversation hits THREE areas:

Segment ONE 💥 kicks off with Walbeck's childhood surrounding baseball. We get an understanding of how the dream first started and the journey that carried the Sacramento native to the MLB. Walbeck shares his life inside of Minor League Baseball and what was behind his style of play as a catcher.
Segment TWO 💥 is all about the MLB life. His first at-bat. The stories. Appreciating the moment of being on the big stage of the MLB. Establishing relationships with umpires. And catching a no-hitter from Scott Erickson while a member of the Minnesota Twins. Being a minor league manager. We learn of his love story with wife Stephanie and get started on the origin of Walbeck Baseball Academy.
Segment THREE 💥 is just me firing away with random baseball questions. We get the story behind the Walbeck Baseball Academy logo (just remember 'Ballpark Wiener'). Walbeck shares a baseball card story and the conversation finishes up with Rapid Fire 💥.

Here are my favorite HIGHLIGHTS ...
▪️1. The baseball stories. They never get old. Matt was throwing names out like Chan Ho-Park, Tim Belcher, Kenny Rogers, Scott Erickson, amongst others. I literally could talk hours about baseball.
▪️2. Matt's description of what set Walbeck Baseball Academy apart from other baseball programs. Teaching life skills as they relate to baseball. Beyond that, he and his staff was teaching kids about the respect for the game of baseball.
▪️3. Matt discussing the relationship with umpires. I found that fascinating.

Our Connection | Matt and I both graduated in 1987. While I was at Christian Brothers, Walbeck had common baseball friends from CB. I was well aware of his talents in high school. It was fun to follow his baseball journey.

ENJOY THE TALKING STORY! 🏝

☑️ Walbeck Baseball Acad