Join us for a special conversation with Dr. Pat Baker, the 28th recipient of the Bud Metheny Award, longtime volunteer with Old Dominion Athletics, and lifelong supporter of ODU Baseball. Dr. Baker shares stories of playing for Bud Metheny, volunteering on the athletic medical staff, building youth baseball in Norfolk, and decades of service to Monarch Nation.

Whether you’re an ODU fan, baseball enthusiast, or someone who values the power of community, this episode is full of history, memories, and inspiration.

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📌 Chapters

00:00 – Intro & Welcome Dr. Pat Baker

02:00 – Growing up in Norfolk & ODU Connections

03:00 – Playing Freshman Year for Bud Metheny

05:00 – Baseball Fields Conditions & Life of a College Baseball Player in the 60s

07:00 – Transfer to William & Mary & Dental School

08:00 – Returning to Norfolk & Reconnecting with ODU

10:00 – Volunteering with Old Dominion Athletics

12:00 – From Dental Work to Dugout Club & Fundraising

14:00 – Stories of Coaches, Athletes, & ODU Family Culture

20:00 – The Importance of Asking for Support

21:00 – Favorite Athletes to Watch Over the Years

22:00 – Supporting Youth Baseball & Fleet Park

25:00 – Balancing Dentistry, Family, & Volunteering

27:00 – Unsung Leaders & Lasting Connections with Athletes

28:00 – Opening of The Bud & ODU Baseball Facilities

30:00 – Longtime Friendships & ODU’s Community Spirit

32:00 – ODU as a Big School with a Small Family Feel

36:00 – Chris Finwood’s Leadership & New Stadium Excitement

37:00 – ODU Athletes in the MLB & Growing Influence

39:00 – Monarchists Podcast Origins & Growth

42:00 – Full Circle: AJ Oliver Story

43:00 – Closing Thoughts & Inspiration

Assistant Coach and Recruiting Coordinator Paul Panik joins CB, Finny and Gary to talk about the incoming transfers, stadium updates and MLB Expansion.

Assistant Coach Mike Marron joins CB, Gary and Coach Finny to recap the MLB Draft. They also take a look at the incoming class this fall and the Monarchs' approach to reloading the pitching staff. Plus we chat with Blake Morgan about his bright future with the Rays.