Podcast Summary: Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara Episode: Torpedo Bats, Memories of the “Bush Push” & Justin Thomas Talking Masters
Release Date: April 3, 2025

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara, hosts Matt Leinart and Jerry Ferrara delve into a rich tapestry of sports discussions, blending personal anecdotes with expert insights. The episode is anchored by their engaging conversation with professional golfer Justin Thomas, exploring topics ranging from Pro Am experiences to the mental challenges of major golf tournaments.

Pro Am Sports and Golf Culture

The episode kicks off with Matt Leinart and Jerry Ferrara discussing the unique nature of Pro Am tournaments in golf. Matt compares Pro Am golf to other sports, highlighting its distinct social dynamics:

Matt Leinart (00:02): "Just imagine, you know, LeBron's out there getting ready for like game six of the NBA Finals, and he's got to have a fun little five on five pickup game against guys that suck at basketball. We're going to do it for five hours right before you play."

Jerry adds his perspective on the camaraderie and informal competition inherent in Pro Am golf:

Jerry Ferrara (02:07): "It's such a unique thing. No other sport has that."

Their discussion underscores how Pro Am golf fosters friendships and competitive spirit in a relaxed setting, setting the stage for their guest’s insights.

Introducing Justin Thomas

Justin Thomas joins the conversation, bringing his professional golfing experience to the table. The hosts express enthusiasm about having him on the show, highlighting his recent successes:

Justin Thomas (03:29): "He's a big sports fan. He's such a great dude. He's obviously one of the best freaking golfers in the world. He's playing well right now, too."

Jerry and Matt discuss their anticipation for the upcoming Masters, with Jerry humorously mentioning his change in attire to accommodate Justin’s preferences:

Jerry Ferrara (05:23): "I didn’t want to wear my Augusta shirt in front of Justin Thomas. This is how, you know, I was overthinking it. I didn’t want to seem like a total nerd."

Torpedo Bats and MLB Innovations

Shifting focus to baseball, Jerry introduces the topic of Torpedo bats, a new innovation adopted by the Yankees:

Jerry Ferrara (08:24): "The Yankees have the shortest porch in the MLB, too. So let's not."

They delve into the mechanics and implications of Torpedo bats, discussing their impact on gameplay and fan reception:

Jerry Ferrara (09:03): "Basically, someone within the Yankee organization ran a bunch of tests and figured out they could move the sweet spot and stack it. It makes the bat look kind of crazy."

Matt shares insights from his personal experience, emphasizing the universal availability of these bats across teams:

Matt Leinart (09:35): "My mom’s one of the few who doesn't necessarily like to pit. But she says, as long as it's available to everyone, I don't see what the big deal is."

Justin Thomas on Improving Golf Skills

Justin Thomas opens up about his recent experiences on the golf course, seeking advice from Matt and Jerry on enhancing his game:

Justin Thomas (12:20): "I need advice on where to start. Do I just get to the range and hit, just get a feel for the club?"

Jerry responds with practical tips, drawing from his own golfing endeavors:

Jerry Ferrara (14:04): "Go to a range, try to make it fun. Hit those little 50-yard shots and get into a rhythm."

The conversation delves into the technical aspects of golf, including swing mechanics and mental preparation, offering valuable takeaways for listeners looking to improve their game.

Mental Challenges in Major Golf Tournaments

A significant portion of the discussion centers on the mental fortitude required to compete in major golf tournaments like the Masters. Matt Leinart shares his personal struggles and growth:

Matt Leinart (41:02): "Losing a tournament could actually get me more success down the road than winning it."

Justin adds his perspective on handling pressure and maintaining focus during critical moments:

Justin Thomas (41:42): "The Masters feels a little different. It has to be a different mental approach compared to other tournaments."

Their candid conversation highlights the psychological resilience needed to excel in high-stakes environments, providing listeners with a deeper understanding of the competitive spirit in golf.

Personal Anecdotes and Pro Am Experiences

The hosts and Justin reminisce about memorable Pro Am experiences, sharing stories that blend humor with heartfelt moments. Matt recounts playing catch with MLB stars during a lockout:

Matt Leinart (22:27): "Max Scherzer threw a curveball at me, and I had to miss it by three yards. It was awesome."

Jerry reflects on his own interactions in Pro Am settings, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie:

Jerry Ferrara (26:37): "No other sport has that. It's such a unique thing."

These anecdotes not only entertain but also underscore the unique social fabric of Pro Am golf.

Mailbag Segment: Val Kilmer Tribute

In the mailbag segment, Matt and Jerry pay tribute to the late Val Kilmer, sharing their experiences working with the iconic actor on Entourage:

Jerry Ferrara (65:30): "He was playing Jim Morrison in The Doors. He never broke character as the Sherpa. It was a lot of fun."

They reflect on Kilmer’s dedication and talent, offering heartfelt condolences to his family and fans. Justin Thomas contributes by sharing his favorite Val Kilmer films, enhancing the personal touch of the segment.

Closing Thoughts and Future Adventures

As the episode nears its end, the hosts and Justin Thomas discuss upcoming events and future golf adventures. They express excitement about continuing their Pro Am traditions and look forward to upcoming episodes featuring more guests and stories.

Justin Thomas (58:25): "We all did, but it's like golf. Like really, dude, you guys are.."

The episode wraps up with a sense of camaraderie and anticipation for future discussions, leaving listeners eager for more engaging content.

Notable Quotes

• Matt Leinart (00:02): "Just imagine, you know, LeBron's out there getting ready for like game six of the NBA Finals, and he's got to have a fun little five on five pickup game against guys that suck at basketball."

• Jerry Ferrara (14:04): "Go to a range, try to make it fun. Hit those little 50-yard shots and get into a rhythm."

• Matt Leinart (41:02): "Losing a tournament could actually get me more success down the road than winning it."

• Justin Thomas (41:42): "The Masters feels a little different. It has to be a different mental approach compared to other tournaments."

• Jerry Ferrara (65:30): "He never broke character as the Sherpa. It was a lot of fun."

Conclusion

This episode of Throwbacks with Matt Leinart & Jerry Ferrara offers a compelling blend of sports analysis, personal stories, and expert insights. From discussing innovative changes in baseball to exploring the mental challenges of golf’s major tournaments, the hosts and their guest Justin Thomas provide listeners with an engaging and informative experience. The heartfelt tribute to Val Kilmer adds a poignant touch, rounding out an episode that celebrates both the triumphs and tribulations of the sports world.