The podcast makes a triumphant return from Bradenton, Florida, at the Florida Gulf Coast League! Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson are back to discuss the summer thus far, chat with some friends, and finally react to all of the recent news. Here's what's due up in the episode: First (0:00-46:09), Tom and Gray form an FGCL Roundtable with some of the coaches in the league. Erica Beach (Pioneers), Caitlin Gambone (Lynx), and Nikki Cuccio (Squeeze) join the guys to discuss takeaways from the summer, lessons in coaching, bonding with the players, strange situations during games, which players have stood out, and much more. Plus, there's an MTV show in the mix? Then (46:20-1:06:26) the guys react to the incoming transfers at Alabama, Ally Shipman and Ashley Prange, while also discussing rule changes, scheduling wishes for Alabama, and so much more, including a tease for the second edition of Softball Media Days and a quick discussion about pullout couches.

Out of the Box

On the Road at the FGCL: Sun, Beach, Softball

The season is over, a champion has been crowned, and Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson are ready to review the softball year that was in 2021 and even look ahead a little bit to 2022. Here's your trip around the bases (it's a long one, but you can parse it out all summer...we took our time trotting around the bags): At the Plate (0:00-38:05): After a stupendous intro, Tom and Gray recap the WCWS and discuss Alabama’s run in OKC, including Montana’s perfect game against UCLA and what happened in the two games against Florida State. Then, the guys give a detailed tribute to every senior leaving the program. Advancing to First (38:11-1:11:09): At the risk of everything changing, the guys go through the entire SEC and take a glance at what rosters might look like in 2022 while also talking about which teams might contend for next year’s conference title. Stealing Second (1:11:28-1:39:57): Alabama head coach Patrick Murphy joins the show to discuss his main takeaways from Team 25, the impact of the seniors, the potential for the pitching staff in 2022, Lexi Kilfoyl’s WCWS performance, Bailey Hemphill’s place in the Alabama power hitter rankings, the retirement of Mike Candrea and Lu Harris-Champer, ways to keep growing the sport, rules that need to be changed, and much more. Plus, Coach Murphy drops some breaking news about the coaching staff and gives a 2022 schedule sneak peek. Rounding Third (1:40:16-1:59:57): Fresh off watching Oklahoma win the national championship, ESPN analyst and All-American Kayla Braud joins the podcast to give her immediate thoughts on the win for the Sooners, life on the set of 7Innings Live during the championship series, whether this might be the best WCWS ever, Jocelyn Alo’s place in history, takeaways from the season both nationally and at Alabama, and so much more. Plus, everyone plays one final round of “What’s Good, Braud?” for the 2021 season. Heading Home (2:00:12-2:38:43): To close the show, the guys dive into the 2021 All-Name Team before explaining the wondrous meals in Oklahoma City for “Tom’s Hungry.” Then, Tom and Gray decide their medalists for the year-long Tom’s Hungry Podium before finishing off with an “Off the Wall” that details speculation around what players will do next year, evaluations of the season, and the fact that the segment even had to exist at all in 2021.  Oh, and we’re coming back for Season Four.

Episode 40: Thank You, Softball

The WCWS is set, and Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson are ready to prep you for all the action from the Renaissance Waterford hotel in OKC. Here's your trip around the bases: At the Plate (0:00-13:41): Tom and Gray discuss everything that happened in the Tuscaloosa Super Regional, including Lexi Kilfoyl’s triumphant return to form in the circle and the offensive balance. Then, it’s a preview of the Tide’s Thursday match-up with Arizona in OKC. Advancing to First (13:51-26:01): The guys discuss the top-half of the WCWS bracket and dissect the Oklahoma-James Madison and Oklahoma State-Georgia games. Stealing Second (26:15-38:59): The guys move down and discuss the bottom-half of the WCWS bracket and take a deep look at the Alabama-Arizona and UCLA-Florida State match-ups, while also reacting to the latest news involving an injury to Bruin pitcher Megan Faraimo. Rounding Third (39:06-59:40): Tom and Gray go around the bracket and make their WCWS predictions. Heading Home (59:46-1:16:07): To close the show, the guys dive into an “Off the Wall” that covers people giving up way too easily and then discuss “Tom’s Hungry” before signing off.

Episode 39: On the Road in OKC at the 2021 WCWS

The field of 64 has been cut down to 16, and Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson are ready to recap all the action from Regionals as well as look ahead to Supers. Here's your trip around the bases:  At the Plate (0:00-15:53): Tom and Gray discuss everything that happened in the Tuscaloosa Regional, including Alabama’s dominant pitching and the continued rise of Taylor Clark. Then, it’s a preview of yet another matchup with Kentucky, this time in Super Regionals.  Advancing to First (16:01-47:11): The guys discuss each and every Regional from last weekend, breaking down the surprises, the biggest moments, and the weirdest drama, including whatever that was out in Tucson.  Stealing Second (47:27-1:19:27): D1 Softball’s Tara Henry swings by to talk about steak bets (and you thought the episode title was a typo?), the feeling of watching postseason softball again, the biggest Regional surprises, Oklahoma’s pitching issues, Washington’s comeback in Seattle, Alabama’s run, the Oklahoma-Washington Super Regional, UCLA, the drama between Ole Miss and Arizona, Softball on ABC this weekend, and so much more.  Rounding Third (1:19:37-1:37:26): Tom and Gray go through each Super Regional and discuss what teams will need to do to punch a ticket to OKC.  Heading Home (1:37:37-2:07:12): To close the show, the guys actually pick all of the Super Regional matchups, and then finish with an “Off the Wall” that dives into pitching change decisions and Super Regional TV times.

Episode 38: So Much at Steak

The bracket is here, and Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson are ready to break it all down ahead of the 2021 NCAA Tournament! Here's your trip around the bases: At the Plate (0:00-26:06): Tom and Gray give overall reactions to the NCAA Tournament bracket, including winners and losers from selection night and a deeper look into some of the issues with the postseason. Then, it’s a quick look at the Tuscaloosa Regional coming up this weekend. Advancing to First (26:15-49:00): The guys go through the left side of the bracket and discuss the biggest stories surrounding the regionals happening in Norman, Seattle, Knoxville, Columbia, Stillwater, Austin, Athens, and Gainesville. Stealing Second (49:14-1:11:00: The guys cross over and go through the right side of the bracket, looking at the most interesting storylines for the regionals in Tuscaloosa, Lexington, Tucson, Fayetteville, Baton Rouge, Tallahassee, Tempe, and Los Angeles. Rounding Third (1:11:08-1:37:51): Finally, Tom and Gray make some picks, going through every Regional and every potential Super Regional before arriving at eight possible WCWS contenders. Heading Home (1:37:58-2:09:46): To close the show, the guys answer NCAA Tournament questions from the mailbag, and then look back at the SEC Tournament and discuss what made the week so special for Alabama and the conference as a whole. Then, “Off the Wall” makes a long-awaited return for the first time in a few episodes.

Episode 37: A Bracket of Pure MAYhem...and John Cena

With the postseason looming, Tom Canterbury and an allergy-ridden Gray Robertson return to breakdown all of the action across the sport. Here's your trip around the bases: At the Plate (0:00-19:06): Tom and Gray discuss every detail about Alabama’s sweep against Ole Miss, including another awesome performance from the offense. Then, it’s a preview of Alabama’s SEC Tournament path. Advancing to First (19:14-51:15): The guys discuss everything that happened in the SEC, including Florida’s clutch weekend, Mississippi State’s hot streak, Missouri’s road win, and so much more. They also cover all of the SEC Awards, saying who should and will take home each conference honor. Then, the Week Thirteen FGCL Player of the Week is revealed. Stealing Second (51:32-1:18:25): SEC Network analyst, 7Innings Podcast contributor, and Tennessee legend Madison Shipman swings to talk about Florida sharing the title after sweeping Texas A&M, what Mississippi State has done right lately, issues with Georgia, Bedlam, and the SEC Tournament, including who will win, which top four team is in danger, and so much more. Rounding Third (1:18:32-1:30:15): Gray presents his fifth edition of Bracketology and fields Tom’s questions about the seed list. Heading Home (1:30:22-1:56:38): To close the show, the guys give their SEC Tournament picks starting with the quarterfinals, and then present the “SEC Tournament in Tuscaloosa Starter Pack,” which will get all visitors ready for their journey to TTown this week.

Episode 36: The Show is in TTown

After a weekend that shifted lots around in the softball world, Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson return to breakdown all of the action across the sport. Here's your trip around the bases: At the Plate (0:00-27:14): Tom and Gray discuss every detail about Alabama’s sweep at Georgia, including the awesome performance from the offense. Then, it’s a preview of the regular season finale against Ole Miss. Advancing to First (27:22-47:19): The guys discuss everything that happened in the SEC, including Arkansas clinching the SEC, LSU's disappointing showing, Florida's clutch performance in Columbia, the SEC Player of the Year and Pitcher of the Year races, and much more. Then, the Week Twelve FGCL Player of the Week is revealed. Stealing Second (47:43-1:15:33): ESPN analyst, 7Innings Podcast contributor, and Arizona legend Jenny Dalton-Hill swings to talk about Arkansas winning the SEC title, the strengths of Florida, Alabama's impressive performance of late, the big SEC awards, Bedlam, predetermined sites, and her thoughts on the debate of whether it's harder to win the SEC or the Pac-12 right now. Rounding Third (1:15:42-1:30:14): Gray presents his fourth edition of Bracketology and fields Tom’s questions about the seed list. Heading Home (1:30:25-2:10:51): To close the show, the guys give their series picks for the SEC, and then are joined by SID extraordinaire Nathan Sheehan for "Tom's Hungry" and the world premiere of "Nate's Thirsty."

Episode 35: Hog Heaven and the Last Resort

After more craziness in softball, Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson return to breakdown all of the action across the sport. Here's your trip around the bases: At the Plate (0:00-22:16): Tom and Gray discuss every detail about Alabama’s week, including the two wins over Louisiana. Then, it’s a preview of the upcoming road series this weekend in Athens against Georgia. Advancing to First (22:24-41:45): The guys discuss everything that happened in the SEC, including Missouri’s status as the agent of chaos in the SEC, South Carolina’s surprising win at Florida, Mississippi State’s first conference victory, LSU’s road wins at Kentucky, and much more. Then, the Week Eleven FGCL Player of the Week is revealed. Stealing Second (41:58-1:20:50): ESPN analyst, 7Innings Podcast contributor, and UCLA Bruin Jen Schroeder swings by for an extensive conversation that digs into Washington-UCLA, the possible blueprint to beat Oklahoma and who could execute that blueprint, the SEC title race, the many questions surrounding predetermined NCAA Tournament sites, the Big Ten’s status as a wildcard in May, and so much more. Rounding Third (1:21:02-1:34:31): Gray presents his third edition of Bracketology and fields Tom’s questions about the seed list. Heading Home (1:34:40-2:05:05): To close the show, the guys give their series picks for the SEC and then dig into another great “Off the Wall” before teasing a brand new food and beverage segment that will drop on next week’s show.

Episode 34: Agents of Chaos

After a wild weekend of softball, Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson return to breakdown all of the action across the sport. Here's your trip around the bases: At the Plate (0:00-20:03): Tom and Gray take a look at Alabama’s series loss at Florida and discuss some of the reasons why the Crimson Tide dropped two of three to the Gators. Then, after looking over some of the injuries on the roster, it’s a preview of the upcoming week, including Wednesday’s game against Southern Miss and a weekend showdown with Louisiana. Advancing to First (20:09-38:55): The guys discuss everything that happened in the SEC, including another Auburn series win, Kayla Kowalik’s SEC POTY case, Georgia getting swept by Arkansas (and then what they did immediately after to Oklahoma), Missouri’s sweep of Mississippi State, and much more. Then, the Week Ten FGCL Player of the Week is revealed. Stealing Second (39:14-1:09:26): ESPN analyst, 7Innings Podcast contributor, and Alabama All-American Kayla Braud swings by to talk about the Georgia-Oklahoma game, Florida’s series win over Alabama, the recent performances from Montana Fouts, the Arkansas-Florida race for a title, the Tennessee-South Carolina series, big games coming this week including UCLA-Washington, and much more. Plus, “What’s Good, Braud?” returns, and Tom, Gray, and Kayla all react in real-time, mid-interview, to Georgia tying it up in the bottom of the seventh against Oklahoma (1:02:12 mark). Rounding Third (1:09:34-1:29:31): Gray presents his second edition of Bracketology and fields Tom’s questions about the Top 16 seed list. Then, it’s a quick RPI discussion as well as a Mini Mailbag! Heading Home (1:29:44-1:56:32): To close the show, the guys give their series picks for the SEC and some other big games around the country, and then dig into an “Off the Wall” that addresses complaints, provides some important information, and is a reminder that, yes, Alabama will make the postseason.

Episode 33: There's No Place Like Home Plate

After a jam-packed weekend of softball, Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson return to breakdown all of the action across the sport. Here's your trip around the bases: At the Plate (0:00-21:05): Tom and Gray take a look at Alabama’s series win at Arkansas and discuss the impressive weekend from Montana Fouts. Then, it’s a preview of the upcoming week, including a massively critical series in Tuscaloosa against Florida. Advancing to First (21:14-37:08): The guys discuss everything that happened in the SEC, including Auburn’s wins on the road, wackiness in Lexington, South Carolina’s first conference victory, and much more. Then, the Week Nine FGCL Player of the Week is revealed. Stealing Second (37:35-1:13:00): ESPN analyst, 7Innings Podcast contributor, and friend of the pod Amanda Scarborough swings by to talk about evaluations of Alabama after the Arkansas series, Montana Fouts, Florida’s offense and pitching staff, Arkansas’ viability as a threat, confusion with Georgia and LSU, Florida State’s spot in the national landscape, UCLA-Oregon, and what the NCAA Tournament might look like with predetermined sites. Rounding Third (1:13:10-1:26:35): Gray presents his first edition of Bracketology and fields Tom’s questions about the seed list. Then, it’s a quick RPI discussion. Heading Home (1:26:44-1:59:34): To close the show, the guys give their series picks for the SEC and some other big games around the country, provide another quality “Off the Wall,” and then dig into a legendary “Tom’s Hungry” after an incredible trip to Fayetteville.

Episode 32: It Doesn't Get Bigger Than This

After another jam-packed weekend of softball, Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson return to breakdown all of the action across the sport. Here's your trip around the bases: At the Plate (0:00-20:50): Tom and Gray take a long look at Alabama’s sweep of Texas A&M as well as where the team is at the midpoint in SEC Play. Then, it’s a quick preview of the upcoming series at Arkansas. Advancing to First (20:58-39:30): The guys discuss everything that happened in the SEC, including Arkansas sweeping Auburn, Tennessee taking two from Kentucky, an offensive explosion in Athens, and much more. Then, the Week Eight FGCL Player of the Week is revealed. Stealing Second (39:43-1:05:31): It’s time for the Midseason Boxies! Tom and Gray hand out awards for the halfway point of college softball for Alabama, the SEC, the FGCL, and nationally, including Player of the Year, Freshman of the Year, Pitcher of the Year, Coach of the Year, and more. Rounding Third (1:05:56-1:23:38): The guys discuss the official announcement about predetermined Regional and Super Regional sites for the NCAA Tournament, and then take a gander at the new RPI as well as other games to watch this week. Heading Home (1:23:50-1:52:39): To close the show, Tom and Gray give their SEC series picks and then dig into an “Off the Wall” that asks the question: why are you arguing with statistical facts? DISCLAIMER: Gray’s mic had an issue while recording, so some of the audio is a bit grainy. It’s been fixed for the next show, so it shouldn’t be an issue moving forward.

Episode 31: The 2021 Midseason Boxies

In the first ever spin-off podcast, Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson return with the full, extended cut of the "Off the Wall" segment from Episode 30, "A Kick in the Butt." The guys will go over why, obviously, none of the coaches need to be fired, why creating fake Twitter accounts is never a good idea, and why the overall lack of nuance in the comments after a difficult, frustrating game was so disappointing.  The Out of the Box Boys sincerely hope an episode like this never has to be done again. 

Out of the Box: Off the Wall, Volume I

After another wild weekend of softball, Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson return to breakdown all of the action across the sport. Here's your trip around the bases: At the Plate (0:00-17:44): Tom and Gray take a long, hard look at Alabama’s series loss to Kentucky and what the team needs to do going forward. Then, it’s a preview of the upcoming series with Texas A&M in Tuscaloosa. Advancing to First (17:51-38:01): The guys discuss everything that happened in the SEC, including Arkansas and Florida snagging sweeps, Ole Miss shocking Georgia, Texas A&M rolling over South Carolina, and much more. Then, the Week Seven FGCL Player of the Week is revealed. Stealing Second (38:11-1:01:32): ESPN analyst and softball legend Michele Smith swings by to do a deep, analytical dive into the Alabama-Kentucky series, discuss what the Florida sweep of LSU means for both teams, hash out whether or not Arkansas is for real, glance over the Pac-12 powers, and provide her thoughts on the NCAA’s decision to set predetermined hosting sites for Regionals and Super Regionals in the NCAA Tournament. Rounding Third (1:01:53-1:16:25): Tom and Gray take a look around the RPI and further discuss what predetermined Regionals and Supers sites could mean this season for the NCAA Tournament. Then, the guys take a look at the big games coming up this week around the country. Heading Home (1:16:47-1:42:04): To close the show, the guys give their picks for upcoming SEC series, provide a shortened “Off the Wall,” and then dig into “Tom’s Hungry” after a strong meal trip in Lexington. For the FULL and EXTENDED edition of “Off the Wall,” check out the new “Out of the Box: Off the Wall” episode!

Episode 30: A Kick in the Butt

After another crazy slate of softball, Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson return to breakdown everything from the past weekend of action. Here's your trip around the bases:  At the Plate (0:00-22:34): Tom and Gray dissect the series against Tennessee, especially what the injury to Bailey Dowling means going forward. Then, it’s a quick preview of the North Alabama game and the upcoming road series against Kentucky.  Advancing to First (22:45-42:04): The guys discuss everything that happened in the SEC, including Arkansas sweeping Ole Miss, Mississippi State’s struggles, a wild series in Athens, and more. Then, the Week Six FGCL Player of the Week is revealed.  Stealing Second (42:28-1:08:09): It’s crossover time! Eric Lopez and Victor Anderson from In the Circle swing by for a different kind of segment. Eric, Victor, Gray, and Tom spend this time answering some open-ended questions and discussing some of the biggest topics in college softball.  Rounding Third (1:08:16-1:24:43): Tom and Gray play a round of “On Second Thought,” going back and looking at old predictions from earlier this season. Then, it’s a glimpse at the RPI and some big games coming this weekend.  Heading Home (1:24:51-1:51:06): To close the show, the guys give their SEC series picks, and then dive into an “Off the Wall” that features one of the more baffling revelations in podcast history.

Episode 29: Crossovers, Contingencies, and...Oprah?

After a wild weekend of SEC conference play, Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson return to break down everything from the past weekend of softball action. Here's your trip around the bases:  At the Plate (0:00-20:52): Tom and Gray dissect the sweep of Auburn, the incredible pitching in the series, and the pair of Baileys doing damage at the plate for Alabama. Then, it’s a quick preview of the (recently postponed) UAB game and a huge series in Tuscaloosa against Tennessee.  Advancing to First (21:00-39:42): The guys discuss everything that happened in the SEC during the opening weekend of conference play, including Arkansas sweeping South Carolina, LSU’s road wins at Tennessee, the battle of the enigmas in Gainesville, and an Egg Bowl stunner. Then, the Week Five FGCL Player of the Week is revealed.  Stealing Second (39:51-1:06:39): ESPN analyst and former Tennessee softball player Madison Shipman swings by to talk about Arizona’s struggles in Florida, what to expect from the Wildcats this weekend against Washington, the LSU-Tennessee series, Alabama’s sweep, lessons learned in Florida-Kentucky, concerns for the SEC teams that got swept, and much more.  Rounding Third (1:07:04-1:35:05): The voice of Tennessee softball Brian Rice joins the show to give a more extensive breakdown of the Lady Vols, including what happened against LSU, how the pitching staff looks behind Ashley Rogers, where Tennessee stands in the SEC right now, and much more. Plus, Winston Churchill quotes!  Heading Home (1:35:17-1:59:15): To close the show, Tom and Gray look at other big games around the country and then give their SEC series picks. After that, they dive into a smaller edition of “Off the Wall” before the long-awaited return of Tom’s Hungry.

Episode 28: A Strong Shot of Baileys

Featuring Alabama softball radio broadcasters Tom Canterbury and Gray Robertson, Out of the Box is the newest available college softball podcast. The guys will talk about the national landscape, the SEC, and Alabama softball each episode, plus special guests from around the sport will frequently stop by for a conversation. There will be entertaining segments, informative debates, and lots of fun. Check it out! Make sure you follow the show on Twitter @OutoftheBox_Pod!

hubhopper

Out of the Box

hubhopper