Best of Guardians on 92.3 The Fan: Parker Messick's brush with history

Afternoon Drive on The Fan52mApril 18, 2026

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AI-Generated Summary

The episode of Afternoon Drive on 92.3 The Fan centers on the near-miss of Parker Messick’s no-hitter in a Guardians game, sparking a nostalgic and passionate discussion among hosts Andy Baskin and Tom Withers about Cleveland baseball history and the cultural significance of such a milestone. They reflect on past iconic moments like Rajai Davis’ home run in Game 7 of the 2016 ALCS and Len Barker’s perfect game in 1981, weighing how a no-hitter by Messick—despite not being completed—would rank among the greatest Cleveland sports moments. The hosts debate whether Messick’s mental toughness and competitive fire make him a true ace, even if his stuff isn’t elite, drawing comparisons to Corey Kluber. They also discuss the jinx myth, the role of media in reporting no-hitters, and the emotional toll of near-misses, including the infamous Jim Joyce call in 2010. Later segments shift to the Browns’ mock draft chaos, the Cavaliers’ playoff series, and concerns over closer Kate Smith’s command and workload, while praising the Guardians’ young rotation and leadership under manager Stephen Vogt.

Key Takeaways
1

Parker Messick’s near no-hitter was a historic near-miss that could have ranked among Cleveland’s greatest baseball moments.

2

Messick’s mental toughness and relentless approach make him a unique 'ace' candidate, even without elite stuff.

3

The Guardians’ starting rotation, led by Messick, Williams, and Bybee, shows promise but requires careful workload management.

4

The fear of 'jinxing' a no-hitter is real in the dugout, but broadcasters and fans often break the silence.

5

Kate Smith’s effectiveness has declined due to a drop in fastball velocity and command, raising concerns about his role in high-leverage situations.

…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus

Chapters
0:00
10 min

Cavs Game 1 & Ticket Giveaway

The episode opens with a promotional segment for Cavs vs. Raptors tickets, urging listeners to call in and win pair of tickets to Game 2 at Rocket Arena. The hosts emphasize the excitement of the upcoming playoff series.

10:00
10 min

Parker Messick’s Near No-Hitter: A Historic Near-Miss

If he'd have got a no-hitter, that might have been number three for me.

Highlight
20:00
10 min

The Jinx, Media, and the Psychology of No-Hitters

I hate it when announcers say no-hitter during the game. And I say this based on the fact that during my senior year, I was on a team that had a 30-game winning streak... and I lost in the state championship.

Highlight
30:00
10 min

Messick vs. Williams: The Ace Debate

Parker Messick is the other kind of ace... where his stuff is relatively middle-of-the-road. But the way the guy thinks and the way the guy competes, takes you to a different level.

Highlight
40:00
10 min

The Guardians’ Rotation, Leadership, and Future

The hosts assess the Guardians’ starting rotation, praising the growth of Williams and Bybee, and the emergence of Messick. They express concern over Kate Smith’s command and workload, while highlighting Stephen Vogt’s leadership and subtle motivational tactics.

High-Impact Quotes
Parker Messick is the other kind of ace... where his stuff is relatively middle-of-the-road. But the way the guy thinks and the way the guy competes, takes you to a different level.
Andy Baskin33:02
Viral: 90.0
I hate it when announcers say no-hitter during the game. And I say this based on the fact that during my senior year, I was on a team that had a 30-game winning streak... and I lost in the state championship.
Tom Withers20:49
Viral: 88.0
If he'd have got a no-hitter, that might have been number three for me.
Andy Baskin1:44
Viral: 85.0
Speakers

Hosts

Andy BaskinTom Withers

Guest

Joe Noga
Topics Discussed
parker messick no-hitter95%cleveland baseball history92%guardians starting rotation90%kate smith bullpen role88%ace pitcher debate85%stephen vogt leadership82%jinxing in sports80%guardians offense75%
People & Brands

cleveland guardians

organization

45xPositive

parker messick

person

28xPositive

kate smith

person

18xMixed

gavin williams

person

15xPositive

92.3 the fan

organization

15xPositive

stephen vogt

person

14xPositive

tanner bybee

person

12xPositive

cleveland cavaliers

organization

12xPositive

joe noga

person

10xPositive

corey kluber

person

10xPositive

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