Pep Talk: Gastonia Ghost Peppers Podcast

Noah chats with Gastonia reliever Art Warren. The former big-league arm discusses his elite 2021 season with the Reds and how he's gotten low in his set this season. Warren also reveals the toughest hitter he's ever faced...

Noah's joined by Gastonia slugger Brian O'Grady. The former major-league bat discusses his sensational season with the Ghost Peppers and delves into the mental side of hitting. O'Grady also talks about his experience going 2-for-2 off Shohei Ohtani...

RHP Bryan Blanton joins the podcast to talk about his experience as the longest tenured Gastonia pitcher. Having grown up in the state and even moving to Charlotte last year, Blanton talks baseball in Carolina. He also talks about his time in the Yankees organization, which includes the best piece of advice he's ever gotten...

Noah talks to Ljay Newsome, starting pitcher for the Ghost Peppers. Newsome discusses his big-league experience, as well as pitching in China and Mexico. The right-hander delves into his unique set, and talks celebrating the 4th of July...

Noah talks with Ghost Peppers reliever John Wilson about the lefty's experience growing up in New Jersey and pitching in Australia for a season. The southpaw discusses his time in the Twins organization and the love for his best friend/dog, Rowan...

Noah chats with RHP Duane Underwood Jr. about his experience growing up in Atlanta and Puerto Rican lineage. Underwood Jr. discusses pitching for Team Puerto Rico in the 2023 WBC, as well as his recent consistency on the mound. The right-hander also talks about his basketball fandom ahead of Game 7 of the NBA Finals...

Noah chops it up with relief pitcher, Kent Hasler. The right-hander discusses the rise on his fastball and how it allows him to establish a different game plan than others. Hasler also talks about his love for elk hunting, and describes how hunting coincides with being on the mound...

Noah talks with Ghost Peppers center fielder, Dalton Guthrie. The former Philadelphia Phillie discusses growing up with his father, Mark, pitching in the big leagues. Guthrie talks about being one of the 0.9% of players to be Jewish in MLB history. He also ranks his favorite Will Ferrell movies...

Noah's joined by lefty pitcher Justus Sheffield ahead of his first start of the season. Sheffield discusses his journey to the big leagues, where he pitched for the Yankees and Mariners. The southpaw talks about his love for David Price growing up, as well as the connection he made with CC Sabathia while with New York...

Noah's joined by Gastonia OF/1B Narciso Crook. The righty slugger takes us through his baseball journey, starting from when he moved from the DR to New Jersey and began playing ball. Crook discusses what it was like to reach the big leagues with the Cubs, as well as some history he achieved along the way. He also talks about a special connection he made with Albert Pujols...

Noah chops it up with Gastonia closer Nick Snyder. The former Texas Ranger discusses his hard velocity, topping out at 101 miles-per-hour at the minor-league level. Snyder talks about rehabbing from his second Tommy John surgery entering this season. He also talks about Chuck Stewart's influence in him pitching for the Ghost Peppers...

Noah chats with Gastonia center fielder Cole Roederer about his baseball journey in the Cubs organization. Roederer, the self-proclaimed "King Nerd", discusses his love for the Star Wars franchise in advance of "Star Wars Night" at CaroMont Health Park...

As we prepare for the start of the 2025 season, 26 Ghost Peppers players discuss the offseason, as well as their favorite baseball movies and dream travel spots. Broadcaster Noah Epstein also asks the pro athletes their favorite ball player growing up and the best piece of advice they've ever received...

INF Ethan Skender (0:17-2:20)

RHP Nick Snyder (2:21-3:35)

OF Narciso Crook (3:36-4:57)

RHP Jackson Boss (4:58-6:18)

INF Justin Wylie (6:19-8:01)

RHP Duane Underwood Jr. (8:02-9:08)

OF Eric De La Rosa (9:09-11:33)

C Luis Aviles (11:34-13:18)

RHP Kent Hasler (13:19-14:49)

INF Jack Reinheimer (14:50-15:49)

LHP Nick Wells (15:50-17:51)

LHP Justus Sheffield (17:52-19:23)

OF Dalton Guthrie (19:24-20:46)

INF Alan Alonso (20:47-22:04)

RHP Connor Grey (22:05-23:48)

OF Cole Roederer (23:49-24:40)

OF Kevin Watson Jr. (24:41-25:51)

RHP Bryan Blanton (25:52-26:46)

RHP Parker Kruglewicz (26:47-28:54)

RHP Tanner Myatt (28:55-30:06)

RHP Raynel Espinal (30:07-30:54)

LHP Ryan Hennen (30:55-31:59)

RHP Matt Hartman (32:00-33:24)

LHP Kevin Smith (33:25-34:38)

LHP Nick Horvath (34:39-35:21)

LHP Adam Scott (35:22-37:00)

Noah's joined by Ghost Peppers general manager Brady Salisbury and manager Mauro "Goose" Gozzo. The two "Pepper pickers" discuss how they went about fielding the 2025 roster and define their expectations for the upcoming season. Salisbury and Gozzo also talk about what they've learned from each other throughout their three years together, a span in which Gastonia has won over 65% of its games...

Noah is joined by J.J. Jansen, the long snapper for the Carolina Panthers. Heading into his 17th season with Carolina, Jansen discusses owning the record for most games played (260) in franchise history. Jansen talks about his partnership with Zawyer Sports, as well as being the behind-the-scenes broadcast partner for Greg Olsen...

Noah sits down with host family Jon McBroom, who has hosted Gastonia players while being a season ticket holder for the past two seasons. McBroom describes what housing Luis Curbelo and Nate Peden was like, and talks about the connections he's made due to all the time he's spent at CaroMont Health Park. He also discusses his martial arts history...

Noah talks to Carolyn Colton, the events and booking coordinator for the Ghost Peppers. Colton describes what it means to represent women in the sports field, and goes through the events she's planned for Gastonia. She also explains her special connection to Fenway Park...

Noah chats with John Bridges, an operations assistant for the Ghost Peppers. Bridges talks about his longtime support for baseball in Gastonia and the work he does on a daily basis at CaroMont Health Park. He also discusses how having an art background led him to designing cleats for players and creating last year's home run chain...

Noah visits New York Yankees catcher J.C. Escarra in Tampa, Florida, at the team's spring training facility. The former Gastonia star discusses what being on the Yankees' 40-man roster means to him. Escarra also explains how being managed by Yadier Molina helped him win the batting title in the Dominican Winter League...

Noah is joined by Chris Ballard, the senior sales manager for the Ghost Peppers. Ballard, celebrating his 26th birthday, discusses what drove him to work in sales and his love for Detroit sports. He also teases what Gastonia fans have to look forward to in the 2025 season...

Noah talks with former Gastonia pitcher Bryan Sammons, who made his MLB debut with the Tigers last season. The southpaw gives a rundown on his experience with Detroit during the team's unlikely playoff run. Sammons also makes his resolution for 2025...

Noah chats with Tony Fossas, the new pitching coach for the Ghost Peppers. Fossas discusses pitching in MLB for 12 years and how he got the nickname "The Mechanic." In the holiday spirit, Fossas recounts the biggest miracles that he's experienced throughout his journey...

Noah is joined by Spencer Bivens, a relief pitcher for the San Francisco Giants. Bivens discusses his experience pitching with Gastonia for two years, and how it led to him becoming a 30-year-old rookie in MLB this past season...

In the first episode of the offseason, Noah talks to Zach Jarrett, former Gastonia center fielder who was an Atlantic League All-Star in 2023. Jarrett discusses retiring from the game and his new podcast "Ball Was Life," as well as the leadership trait he inherited from his father. The North Carolina native also ranks four Thanksgiving sides with the holiday right around the corner...

Noah chops it up with Gastonia reliever Nick Horvath. The southpaw discusses winning a national championship with the University of Florida as a two-way player. Horvath also talks about turning his 2024 season around after getting traded to Gastonia from Charleston...

Noah chats with Justin Wylie, Gastonia's second baseman. Wylie discusses his historic 30-home run, 20-stolen base season with Gastonia, as well as the team's preparation for the playoffs. Wylie also talks about his experience pursuing a career in broadcast journalism...

Noah chats with Brady Salisbury, Gastonia's general manager. The 26-year-old GM discusses his decision process when it comes to acquiring players and the upcoming Atlantic League postseason. Salisbury also takes part in a "Keep, Trade, Cut" segment...

Noah's joined by Gastonia starting pitcher Jake Miednik for Episode 17. "The Jewish Missile" talks about transitioning from a reliever to a starter this season, as well as his experience being on the Team Israel roster in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. Miednik also explains why "Interstellar" is his favorite movie...

Noah chops it up with Gastonia starting pitcher Gunnar Kines. The southpaw discusses the usage of his changeup, as well as big-time postseason performances he's had with Gastonia. Kines also talks about his love for Esports and fantasy football...

Noah chats with Mauro "Goose" Gozzo, Gastonia's manager. Gozzo discusses his fantastic MLB debut, his connection with Wally Backman, as well as the success Gastonia has had in the franchise's four years. The skipper also talks about his daily responsibilities and explains why he's a "player's manager"...

Noah talks with Marc Flores, Gastonia's first baseman. Flores discusses his baseball journey through California, Hawaii and Mexico, as well as the importance of bonding with teammates throughout his pro career. The lefty slugger delves into what it's like being able to live out his childhood dream...

Gastonia outfielder Jacob Robson hops on with Noah for Episode 13. The former Detroit Tiger discusses his experience playing for Team Canada in the 2023 World Baseball Classic, as well as getting drafted by the Mumbai Cobras of the new Baseball United league. Robson also delves into his interactions with Miguel Cabrera after growing up a Tigers fan...

Noah brings on Gastonia starting pitcher Ryan Conroy this week. The former Baltimore Orioles farmhand discusses the effectiveness of his sinker and pitching during several rain delays this year. Conroy also talks about winning the Gastonia fantasy football championship last season...

Noah talks pitching with Gastonia reliever Nate Peden. The former New York Mets draftee explains the usage of his splitter, his Navy SEAL aspirations and his love for the "Family Guy" Star Wars episodes. Peden also reveals the time he got a phone call from Jacob deGrom...

Noah talks with Chuck Stewart, Gastonia's hitting coach. "Chuckie Ballgame" takes us on a journey through his coaching career and discusses key differences between playing ball now and in the 1980s. Stewart also pridefully chats about the success of the 2024 South Division first half champs...

Noah brings on Kevin Watson Jr. for Episode 9. Gastonia's No. 3 hitter talks about his mindset, routine and approach going into each game. The former Arizona Diamondbacks prospect also discusses the importance of having fun while competing, as well as playing guitar...

Noah is joined by Jake Gatewood, Gastonia's cleanup hitter and third baseman. The former first-round draft pick talks about his experience getting recruited in high school, sharing the field with Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani, as well as doing Pilates during the offseason...

Noah talks ball with Zac Lowther, Gastonia's ace. The former Baltimore Oriole discusses life as a girl dad and his stellar start to the 2024 season...

Noah speaks with shortstop Jack Reinheimer during Gastonia's six-game road trip in New York. The former New York Met goes through the keys to base stealing and hitting leadoff, and even discusses his viral incident from a Gastonia game last season...

Noah sits down with Eric De La Rosa, Gastonia's right fielder. The Detroit Tigers draftee takes us through his baseball journey, which includes playing ball in California and acquiring the nickname "Diesel." De La Rosa also discusses his family life and hitting in the cage with Aaron Judge...

Noah chats it up with Ian McKinney, Gastonia's player-coach. McKinney discusses his role as the team's pitching coach in addition to being a starter himself. He also talks about his experience pitching in Korea last season, his baby daughter and even about his Star Wars/Harry Potter fandom.

Noah talks to Jake Hoover, Gastonia's utility man. The Armada, Michigan native discusses his experience playing in the Texas Rangers organization, his positive mindset, and even takes some Detroit sports trivia...

Noah chats with Gabe Klobosits, Gastonia's closer. The former Washington Nationals reliever talks about his pitch mix, his experience getting called up to The Show, as well as facing Juan Soto in practice...

As we prepare for the start of the 2024 season, Gastonia players discuss the offseason, movies and favorite hobbies. Broadcaster Noah Epstein also gives the pro athletes some "Would you Rather" and trivia questions...

RHP Ryan Conroy (0:17-02:32)

LHP Jake Miednik (02:33-03:24)

RHP Gabe Klobosits (03:25-04:54)

RHP Cory Thompson (04:55-05:57)

RHP Bryan Blanton (05:58-07:34)

LHP Steffon Moore (07:35-08:46)

OF Jacob Robson (08:47-10:44)

OF/1B Kevin Watson (10:45-12:27)

RHP Nate Peden (12:28-14:18)

INF/OF Dean Miller (14:19-16:05)

INF Jake Gatewood (16:06-18:02)

INF Jack Reinheimer (18:03-20:40)

LHP Zac Lowther (20:41-21:59)

INF Matt McDermott (22:00-23:23)

RHP Brett Daniels (23:24-24:14)

C Hidekel Gonzalez (24:15-25:50)

OF Eric De La Rosa (25:51-28:12)

RHP Yefry Ramírez (28:13-29:29)

INF Jake Hoover (29:30-32:33)

RHP Zach Vennaro (32:34-34:25)

OF Josh Stowers (34:26-36:50)