Xavier Scruggs podcast: Former MLB'er on media, trusting God

SS PODCAST: Former MLB player Xavier Scruggs on rising media career, trusting God’s plan

By Sports Spectrum Jun 20, 2025

(Photo courtesy of Xavier Scruggs)

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING XAVIER SCRUGGS

Xavier Scruggs is a baseball analyst with ESPN and the MLB Network. As a player, Scruggs was selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 19th round of the 2008 MLB Draft and made his MLB debut with St. Louis on Sept. 4, 2014. After two seasons with the Cardinals, he moved to the Miami Marlins in 2016. In December 2016, he made the decision to sign with the NC Dinos in South Korea, where he hit .300 with 35 home runs in 2017.

Today on the podcast, Xavier Scruggs joins us to discuss the challenges of balancing a demanding career with family life, the significance of setting boundaries, and the role of faith in navigating life’s transitions. Scruggs reflects on his testimony, the impact of tragedy on his faith, and the providence of God in his career changes, ultimately highlighting the importance of using one’s platform to inspire others.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

"It really means nothing compared to Jesus Christ, my savior."
– Baseball Player @Xavier_Scruggs on John 3:30 #TheIncrease pic.twitter.com/guUPfChFal

— Sports Spectrum (@Sports_Spectrum) December 19, 2018

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Baseball Sports Spectrum Podcast

SS PODCAST: Mets pitcher Nolan McLean on baseball over football, being ambassador for Christ

By Sports Spectrum Dec 19, 2025

Nolan McLean in August 2025. (AP Foto/Pamela Smith)

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING NOLAN MCLEAN

Nolan McLean is a pitcher with the New York Mets. He was selected in the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft after being a two-way player in college at Oklahoma State. After turning pro, he focused on being a full-time pitcher, and in August 2025 he made his MLB debut with the Mets, pitching 5.1 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts in earning his first MLB win. In his eight appearances this year, he went 5-1 with a 2.06 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 48 innings.

Today on the podcast, Matt Forte talks to Nolan McLean about his breakout 2025 season, making his MLB debut, choosing baseball over football at Oklahoma State, growing in his Christian faith, and why he posts his daily devotional to Instagram each day.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

The Mets have selected Nolan McLean in the third round of the 2023 MLB Draft.

McLean was a two-way player for Oklahoma State this season, logging a .911 OPS and pitching to a 3.30 ERA. pic.twitter.com/JugNM5jgby

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) July 10, 2023

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Football Sports Spectrum Podcast

SS PODCAST: Former NFL receiver Mohamed Massaquoi on faith, football, amputation

By Sports Spectrum Dec 12, 2025

Mohamed Massaquoi in 2013. (AP Photo)

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING MOHAMED MASSAQUOI

Mohamed Massaquoi is a former NFL wide receiver who played five seasons with the Cleveland Browns, New York Jets and Jacksonville Jaguars. He was selected in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft by Cleveland after a stellar career in college with Georgia, where he was a first-team All-SEC selection in 2008.

Today on the podcast, Matt Forte talks to Mohamed Massaquoi about his college choice of Georgia, lessons learned from playing with the Browns, his draft-day experience, transitioning out of the NFL, the accident that caused him to have four fingers amputated, and how God has remained constant in his life through the highs and lows.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

“The highest human act is to inspire.” – Nip pic.twitter.com/zhGXFhqalY

— Mohamed Massaquoi (@IronMassaquoi) May 3, 2025

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Baseball Sports Spectrum Podcast Video

SS PODCAST: Dodgers outfielder Alex Call on winning the World Series, lessons learned from God

By Sports Spectrum Dec 5, 2025

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING ALEX CALL

Alex Call is an outfielder with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He was traded to Los Angeles from the Washington Nationals on July 31, 2025, and helped lead the Dodgers to the 2025 World Series.

Call was originally selected in the third round of the 2016 MLB Draft by the Chicago White Sox. He was traded to Cleveland in 2018 and spent the next four years in the minors before making his MLB debut in July 2022. He was selected off waivers by Washington in 2023 and played in 128 games for the Nationals that season, hitting eight home runs. In 2024, Call played in 30 games with the Nationals and hit .343 with five stolen bases in 99 at-bats.

Today on the podcast, Alex Call shares about his journey to the Dodgers, winning a World Series, lessons God taught him this year, and being content in Christ.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

We are World Series Champs!!!! pic.twitter.com/kbno05Nq0Z

— Alex Call (@ACAD_27) November 2, 2025

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Coaches Football Sports Spectrum Podcast Video

SS PODCAST: Former Pro Bowler & current Bowling Green head coach Eddie George on faith, football

By Sports Spectrum Nov 21, 2025

THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING EDDIE GEORGE

Eddie George played nine seasons in the NFL with the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans (1996-2003) and Dallas Cowboys (2004). He was selected 14th overall in the 1996 NFL Draft by the Oilers after a stellar collegiate career at Ohio State, where he won the 1995 Heisman Trophy.

In 2011, George was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, and in 2019 his number 27 was retired by the Titans.

Currently, George is in his first season as the head coach at Bowling Green State University, after spending four years as Tennessee State’s head coach (2021-24).

Today on the podcast, fellow Pro Bowl running backs Matt Forte and Eddie George discuss George’s strong faith in Jesus Christ, rededicating his life to the Lord, why ballet is something that helped him as a running back, and lessons he learned in college at Ohio State.

>> Do you know Christ personally? Learn how you can commit your life to Him. <<

"I think it's important for them to understand who I am as a man." – @EddieGeorge2727 #GUTS x #AyZiggy 🟠🟤 pic.twitter.com/bu7zaqZkeM

— BGSU Football (@BG_Football) July 27, 2025