Nicholas Punto joins us for a behind-the-scenes baseball conversation that hits every note: big moments, clubhouse reality, and the details fans only hear when a true pro breaks it down. Nick played 14 years in the majors, won a World Series with the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals, and now helps shape big-league infield play as the San Diego Padres infield coach.

We talk about what it really feels like getting called up as a late-round pick, the surreal timing of his MLB debut just before 9/11, and how baseball helped a shaken country come back together. Nick takes us inside the pressure and emotion of the 2011 World Series — including Game 6, the dugout vibe, and why that team felt destined in Game 7. We also get into elite defense, turning double plays back when runners tried to blow you up, and the pure frustration of facing Mariano Rivera.

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(00:00:00) – Nick Punto intro: 14-year MLB career, World Series champ, Padres coach
(00:03:12) – Late-round mindset, earning a shot, first pro home run
(00:07:04) – First MLB at-bat nerves and first hit in Montreal
(00:09:40) – September 9, 2001 debut and the impact of 9/11
(00:14:59) – Trade to Minnesota and finding a true baseball home
(00:19:18) – Playing multiple positions and infield adjustments
(00:24:46) – Joe Mauer’s arm, athleticism, and leadership
(00:27:08) – Old Yankee Stadium vs new and facing Mariano Rivera
(00:32:32) – 2011 Cardinals run and belief inside the clubhouse
(00:37:27) – Game 6 walk-off, “We’ll see you tomorrow night”
(00:42:10) – Game 7 confidence and why it felt inevitable
(00:45:18) – Don Mattingly as a manager and baseball teacher
(00:55:14) – Basketball roots and getting dunked on by Tony Gonzalez
(01:01:20) – Rapid fire begins: the “Shredder” nickname
(01:04:45) – Hardest hit ball ever fielded
(01:07:42) – Favorite glove and old-school infield communication
(01:10:33) – Defensive play he’s most proud of
(01:13:09) – Best golf courses and Pebble Beach
(01:17:14) – Phil Nevin golf stories and Jim Abbott memories
(01:19:10) – Wrap-up and final thoughts

2011 World Series Game 6 and Game 7 behind the scenes
Life as a late-round pick and earning respect in MLB
9/11 through the eyes of a young major leaguer
Elite infield defense, double plays, and preparation
Facing Mariano Rivera and the legendary cutter
Leadership lessons from Mauer, Utley, Rollins, and others

About Nicholas Punto

Nicholas Punto played 14 seasons in Major League Baseball, won a World Series title with the 2011 St. Louis Cardinals, and built a reputation as one of the toughest, smartest defenders of his era. He currently serves as the infield coach for the San Diego Padres.

️ About the JustIn Time Podcast

The JustIn Time Podcast brings you exclusive, in-depth conversations with the biggest names in sports and beyond. Veteran broadcaster Justin Kutcher delivers unfiltered discussions with legendary coaches, professional athletes, and influential figures who share their journeys and behind-the-scenes stories you won’t hear anywhere else.

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