Starkville | Baseball’s Most Unhittable Pitcher & Terry Francona

Jayson Stark and Doug Glanville explain why Mason Miller may be the most unhittable pitcher in MLB history before discussing the toughest pitcher Doug ever faced. Later, they’re joined by Terry Francona — Doug’s former manager, Jayson’s old neighbor, and current Reds skipper — to talk about his return to the dugout, memories of managing Doug in Philadelphia, and the joy of watching Elly De La Cruz lead the Reds.

Rundown:

1:35 Is Strands Inspired by Starkville?

3:40 Is Mason Miller Baseball’s Most Unhittable Pitcher?

8:01 Doug’s Most Unhittable Pitcher

11:10 Reds Manager Terry Francona Joins the Show

12:40 Being a Manager in 2026

19:21 Adjusting to ABS

25:00 Managing Elly De La Cruz

27:07 Playing 162

28:10 The Good Ole Days

31:38 Most Memorable Regular Season Game

34:00 Health Update

35:22 Benches Clearing Brawls

36:39 Francona’s Gum Chewing Habit 

38:55 Francona’s Most Unhittable Pitcher

41:18 Strange But True

52:00 Call Us at (347) 313-8371 

Is Padres closer Mason Miller the most unhittable pitcher who ever lived?: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/7244775/

Follow Jayson on Bluesky: @jaysonst.bsky.social

Follow Doug on Bluesky: @dougglanville.bsky.social

E-mail: starkville@theathletic.com

Subscribe to The Athletic: theathletic.com/ratesandbarrels

Hosts: Jayson Stark & Doug Glanville

With: Terry Francona

Producer: Jason Potere

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