Episode XI: 2x MLB All-Star&World Series champion Johnny Damon - a podcast by wheretheyat

The 11th edition of Whe're They At features 2-time All-Star outfielder and 2-time World Series champion (w/2004 Boston Red Sox and 2009 New York Yankees), Johnny Damon. Johnny was one of the best outfielders in Major League Baseball during the decade of the 2000's. He has over 2,700 career hits, 1,600 runs, 400 stolen bases and batted .284 in his excellent 18-year career. He provided a major contribution to the Red Sox's 2004 championship run, as they were the only team in MLB history to come back from a 0-3 deficit (vs. New York Yankees in American League Championship Series) and proceeded to help lead the Red Sox to their first World Series championship in 86 years. He went on to help the New York Yankees win the World Series, five years later, as him and Babe Ruth are the only starters to win for both the Red Sox and Yankees. Johnny is doing major charitable work though his foundation (Johnny Damon Foundation) as well. Host Nabaté Isles had the honor to speak with Johnny on a cornucopia of topics including:                      

02:00: Funny story on how his Thai mother and American father met in Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War.                             

03:37: His natural athleticism helped him excel in different sports as a youngster.                    

07:00: Teaming up with other future professional athletes on the All-Star high school baseball team, representing the state of Florida.                               

09:10: His tough senior year had his stock drop in the 1992 MLB Amateur Draft.                   

11:05: The necessity of going to the Major Leagues out of high school. 

12:40: On finding his way, developing a tireless work ethic.                  

14:04: Having to prove himself and dealing with the lack of leadership on the Kansas City Royals.              

18:25: On how playing with the 2001 Oakland A's inspired him as a player and as a teammate.                   

20:07: Reflected on the Derek Jeter play that derailed the A's season.                   

21:18: On the false accusation from his ex-wife about him using Performance Enhancing Drugs.                               

23:19: On his friend and former A's teammate Jason Giambi being connected to BALCO.                   

24:54: Will Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens eventually be inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?                       

25:50: Johnny speaks on not having the opportunity to extend his career and the lack of recognition from the Hall of Fame.                           

29:06: On how he created a more relaxed and fun clubhouse in Boston, leading to a historic championship run in 2004.                 

32:26: The start of the 'Idiots' in Boston.                    

35:41: The reason that he had to move on from the Red Sox to join the rival New York Yankees.                                           

39:29: The power of Jay-Z and Alicia Keys' performance of 'Empire State of Mind' during the 2009 World Series.                       

40:12: On his own personal obstacles and Yankees' playoff struggles, eventually leading to the 2009 championship.                       

42:46: On adjusting to retirement and his vast amount of endeavors, especially with his foundation.                          

46:16: Johnny shares his candid take on the Houston Astros cheating scandal.                        

52:06: His picks for the 2020 World Series.                             

53:14: On the Red Sox making a mistake trading away the elite Mookie Betts and how they have a history of letting players go too soon.                        

54:56: On the talented Tampa Bay Rays going into the 2020 season.                       

55:37: Johnny is not a fan of the proposed MLB playoff format, nor the current WildCard Round format.                                 

57:57: HIT AND RUN segment of random questions for Johnny.               

1:04:01: Discusses the charity boxing match involving our mutual friend, Mike Dempsey and former Heavyweight contender, Gerry Cooney for the YCS Foundation on June 20 in Hoboken, NJ.     

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Musical selections are from Nabaté Isles' album, 'Eclectic Excursions', available on iTunes, Spotify, Google Play, Amazon, Tidal, etc. Check out his website as well: www.nabateisles.com             

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