In Part 1 of Episode 28, I’m thrilled to be joined by two incredible guys: former Pirates and Red Sox outfielder Adam Hyzdu, and 5-time winner on Tour, now outstanding broadcaster Jim Gallagher Jr.
Adam Hyzdu’s journey in baseball is nothing short of remarkable. A standout prospect in high school, he left an indelible mark by breaking records, including surpassing Ken Griffey Jr.’s home run record at Moeller High School in Cincinnati. Despite not being selected as the first overall pick or landing with the Reds as he anticipated, being drafted 15th by the San Francisco Giants fueled his determination. Battling skepticism, Adam’s resilience led him to remarkable minor league seasons in 1999 and 2000, where he showcased his abilities by combining to hit 61 home runs and drive in over 200 runs. His eventual stint with the Pittsburgh Pirates saw him etch his name in history, with the AA Altoona Pirates who retired his number—a testament to his impact on the organization. From his memorable Major League debut with the Pirates against the Reds to the clutch pinch-hit home run that sealed a victory just days after his call-up, Adam shares great stories from his time in the big leagues, including his stint with the 2004 Red Sox during their historic World Series season.
Jim Gallagher Jr., a beacon of sportsmanship, success, and positivity in the world of golf. Hailing as the most decorated player in University of Tennessee history, Jim’s accolades span across prestigious halls of fame, including Indiana, Tennessee, and Mississippi. Reflecting on his recent honor of inducting his siblings into the Indiana Golf Hall of Fame, Jim shares poignant insights into his incredible family and the significance of their shared legacy. From discussing his alma mater the UT Vols’ participation in the NCAA Men’s Golf Regional Tournament to revisiting his remarkable third-place finish in the 1991 PGA Championship at Crooked Stick—a tournament that witnessed the meteoric rise of John Daly—Jim’s journey in golf is one of incredible triumphs and fantastic stories. We finish off the segment with Jim’s thoughts on what needs to happen to bring the Professional game back together so we can move forward with the best players being in the same fields.