The Lovable Reunion - Cubs NUDE batting practice, EXPERT hitting tips & WS Game 7 | John Mallee, Eric Hinske, Ross & Rizzo
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In this heartfelt reunion episode of 'The Herd with Colin Cowherd,' former Cubs hitting coaches John Mallee and Eric Hinske join Anthony Rizzo and David Ross to reflect on their legendary 2016 World Series championship season. The conversation dives deep into the unique coaching dynamic between Mallee and Hinske—two contrasting personalities who balanced old-school intuition with emerging analytics, creating a powerful, player-centered environment. They share behind-the-scenes stories of their daily routines, including the infamous 'naked batting practice' sessions, the 1-0 auto-take philosophy, and the emotional weight of Game 7 in Cleveland. The coaches emphasize the importance of trust, mental resilience, and the unbreakable bond forged through shared grind and celebration. They also reflect on their lasting influence, with Hinske becoming the only coach to win a ring with three different franchises and Mallee’s journey to sobriety. The episode captures the essence of a championship culture built on respect, routine, and unrelenting belief in one another.
The 1-0 auto-take strategy was a psychological weapon that built confidence and forced pitchers to throw more hittable pitches.
Coaching success comes from emotional intelligence and trust—knowing when to push and when to comfort, especially during slumps.
The 2016 Cubs' success was a team-wide puzzle: every player, coach, and staff member had a role, and none could be missing.
Naked batting practice wasn’t just a joke—it was a ritual to reset timing, eliminate distractions, and reconnect with pure mechanics.
Leadership isn’t about micromanaging; it’s about creating a culture where players feel safe to fail and grow.
Intro: The Lovable Reunion
Colin Cowherd introduces the special reunion episode featuring Anthony Rizzo, David Ross, and legendary Cubs hitting coaches John Mallee and Eric Hinske. The episode kicks off with a lighthearted tone, setting the stage for a nostalgic and emotional deep dive into the 2016 championship season.
The Coaching Duo: Mallee & Hinske
“We met and right away we knew we loved baseball. We love being in the cage and we like to drink a little bit. So that's a match made in heaven.”
The 1-0 Auto-Take: A Psychological Edge
“I swear 85 percent of the time you're gonna be 2-0 and if you're not you're 1-1 who cares and I made it my identity like literally anyone who played against me or knew me knew I was 1-0.”
Naked Batting Practice: Ritual & Reset
“I had a hundred percent success rate every time I hit naked. A hundred percent success rate. And you're, this is full hacks.”
Game 7 in Cleveland: The Final Push
“I was like, bro, we gotta get ready for a game. I'm getting emotional right now. But it was like, it meant a lot to me.”
“I had a hundred percent success rate every time I hit naked. A hundred percent success rate. And you're, this is full hacks.”
“Without every single player and personnel, we don't win. There's no way. Without males. There's no ski without ski there's no males.”
“I swear 85 percent of the time you're gonna be 2-0 and if you're not you're 1-1 who cares and I made it my identity like literally anyone who played against me or knew me knew I was 1-0.”
Host
Guests
2016 Chicago Cubs
other
Anthony Rizzo
person
John Mallee
person
Eric Hinske
person
David Ross
person
Joe Maddon
person
Game 7 World Series
other
Cleveland Indians
other
Shohei Otani
person
San Francisco Giants
other
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