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Welcome to And That’s The Game, brought to you by ProBatter Sports. Today’s episode with Wayne Mazzoni is one you don’t want to miss.

We’re talking with Jason Foley, a standout reliever for the Detroit Tigers, about his journey to the big leagues. From doubting his place in sports as a kid to becoming one of baseball’s most reliable pitchers, his story is full of twists, grit, and a whole lot of heart.

Stick around as we unpack the highs, the challenges, and the moments that turned Jason into one of the game’s most reliable pitchers. This one’s all about the grit behind the glory.

Trying Sports on for Size

Foley’s early days brought a mix of sports under his belt—basketball, soccer, and football. None of them really stayed. Baseball entered the picture not through passion but nudges from those around him, voices echoing his potential. Quiet confidence never made an appearance back then, as his commitment leaned more toward meeting expectations than fulfilling a personal drive.

Sacred Heart and the Power of Teammates

The years at Sacred Heart University carried a weight of transition. A young pitcher stepping into a college environment found more than just teammates. The camaraderie of the team built bonds deeper than the game itself. Relief stints during those years painted glimpses of promise, flashes of the pitcher he could become.

That summer with the Mystic Schooners turned out to be the spark. A scout’s discerning eye caught Foley’s raw potential, an unsigned prospect turning heads during a seemingly unassuming league outing.

Grinding Through the Minors

Life in the minors wasn’t glamorous, but it was where Foley started building the foundation for his career. The setbacks were tough, but every challenge taught him something new and pushed him forward.

• Found his footing as an undrafted free agent in a competitive environment.
• Turned the hardship of Tommy John surgery into a lesson in preparation and resilience.
• Embraced analytics to tweak his game and perfect a devastating sinker.
• Used every experience to move one step closer to his major league dreams.

The Call That Changed Everything

Moments like these always begin in the most unexpected ways. Foley’s call-up to the majors began in the chaos of COVID-era restrictions and last-minute testing. Scrambling from a Memphis coffee shop to the clubhouse carried a weight of nerves and urgency, every step filled with tension.

A day later, the gates opened at a major league stadium. The roar of a packed stadium, the lights bearing down, and a lineup of seasoned hitters awaited. On the mound, nerves gave way to muscle memory, a focus honed over years of struggle and preparation. That first inning didn’t just mark a debut; it planted the seed for a major league career.

Finding His Rhythm in Detroit

Pitching for the Tigers grew into more than just a job. Detroit became a proving ground for Foley’s abilities, the city embracing its bullpen arm during a period of rebuilding and resurgence. A playoff berth, after years of rebuilding efforts, placed Foley at the heart of a rejuvenated team.

The team’s energy surged through young talent and a manager fostering unity. The Tigers carried a certain electricity in 2023, a glimpse of what could lie ahead as Detroit continues to rebuild.

Tomorrow’s Horizon

Foley’s approach to the future carries a balance between ambition and adaptability. A bullpen role suits his style, and the prospect of pitching for a team on the rise keeps him grounded. Long-term goals revolve around growth—building his craft, staying competitive, and contributing to something larger than himself.

A Journey Still in Progress

Jason Foley’s path, from uncertain beginnings to Detroit’s bullpen, carries threads of determination, adaptability, and quiet strength. Each pitch, each inning, and each season adds new layers to a journey that speaks to perseverance without overindulgence in theatrics. For Foley, the mound offers more than a stage—it provides the chance to continually redefine what’s possible.