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Why Fundamentals Still Matter in Baseball | The Shawn Mackey Show S.3 Ep.4



I’ll be honest—there’s nothing better than talking baseball with someone who truly understands the game. In Season 3, Episode 4 of The Shawn Mackey Show, I brought on my first guest of the season, Robert “Soup” Campbell, and we dove deep into everything from old-school baseball fundamentals to the modern-day obsession with launch angles.

Robert and I go way back, and when it comes to sports—especially baseball—we’re like brothers from another mother. This episode felt natural, authentic, and exactly what I want this show to be about: real conversations, real knowledge, and real passion for the game.

We started by breaking down Robert’s journey—from being a Division II ballplayer to getting a shot with the Reds. That alone tells you the guy knows what he’s talking about. But what really stood out to me was how aligned we are when it comes to philosophy.

Fundamentals.

That’s the word that kept coming up over and over again.

In today’s MLB, it feels like fundamentals are becoming a lost art. Players are chasing launch angles, swinging for the fences, and sacrificing consistency for power. Don’t get me wrong—I love a home run as much as anyone—but what happened to hitting .280, moving runners over, and playing smart baseball?

We talked about how the league batting average has dropped significantly over the years, and how players who would’ve thrived 20 years ago might not even fit into today’s game. That’s wild to me.

One of my favorite moments from the episode was breaking down a real in-game situation where the Cardinals executed small ball perfectly—something you just don’t see enough anymore. A simple bunt changed the entire outcome of the game. That’s baseball. That’s strategy.

We also got into team philosophies, roster construction, and even some early-season reactions to our Cubs vs. Cardinals rivalry. And trust me—this is just the beginning. Robert is going to be a regular on the show, and we’re gearing up to make predictions for MVP, Cy Young, and more in future episodes.

At the end of the day, I’m just a fan who invests time, money, and passion into this game. And if you’re anything like me, you understand that every game matters—even in April.

So if you love baseball, real talk, and unfiltered opinions, this episode is for you.

👉 Make sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel: @ShawnMackey96

Let’s keep growing this community together.


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