Scott Livingstone details what makes Schlossnagle's 2024 squad 'special'

A two-time All-American and four-year starter at Texas A&M, former third baseman Scott Livingstone joined us in-studio on Friday's edition of TexAgs Radio to talk all about Jim Schlossnagle's 2024 squad, keys to this weekend's regional and much more.

Key notes from Scott Livingstone interview

• I am only in town through Saturday. My brother finally gave up his tickets after about 25 years of trying to see a game. 
   
• I started the Ball 5 podcast this fall. It’s fun. I enjoy doing it. I enjoy meeting the guys. I am not Mr. Technology. Learning Zoom was tough, Editing was new to me. Meeting the guys, it’s cool to watch them on the field and see how great they are off the field and as young men.
   
• Will Johnston follows Aggie baseball a lot. I was surprised how much he knew because of eth major leagues you play every day. He is at the park. He is a smart guy. He had knowledge about everybody, talking about the guys in the bullpen, coach Max Weiner... It was a good interview.
   
• I feel good about the regional. We don't know a lot about Grambling State. You can look at the film. They are 26-26 and will bring a good pitcher in. 
   
• The Rajin’ Cajuns will always be tough. They will play hard. They have coach Matt Deggs. To me, that will probably be the toughest matchup. I am not worried about Texas.
   
• As a hitter, you want consistent reps. You don't want to miss weeks or have time off. If you have an injury in the big leagues, you do rehab to get yourself back fresh.
   
• I think coach Jim Schlossnagle and those coaches will have them as prepared as can be. This coaching staff is amazing. They are so knowledgeable. It’s a top-notch staff. 
   
• I think its been good they have been punched in the mouth. You can’t win a championship without a few bumps in the road. 
   
• I definitely think Braden Montgomery will go back to being Braden Montgomery. That type of hitter, you cannot keep him down for a long period of time. On my Ball 5 podcast, Will Johnston said Braden is a smart hitter. If you fool him with a changeup, you aren’t going to fool him again. He can make adjustments. I think he will be locked and loaded. It will be fun. 
   
• Some people try or focus harder based on what the reward is and how close they are to it. With this squad, the way you hear them talk, it’s “Opening Day.” It's not any disrespect to the opponent, but it’s as long as we play our game, we are going to be fine and win.
   
• A&M had a couple of tough pitching matchups in the last weeks. I don't think there is anybody that can beat two days in a row.
   
• You will put more pressure on yourself. I just think this environment seems normal to them. Every crowd and the way the 12th Man is into it is a playoff game, anyway.
   
• Ryan Prager has filled up the strike zone. I like his changeup. He told me that was a new pitch he was working on. That’s been huge for him to have that. He gets so many swings and misses on his slider. He has that sneaky fastball. 
   
• People talk about the 1989 season, and it was a special season. This is a special season and a special time. I know a lot of good players. I have seen a lot of good baseball. What we are witnessing right now is a special team. People look back a say, “Wow.” They will talk about this team for a long, long time. 
   
• We still talk about the ‘89 season, and they didn't make it to Omaha. Everyone sees it differently.
   
• I never thought of myself as a home run hitter. The year I hit 19, I missed 10 games with a separated shoulder. I think I was more of a complete player. I stole bases, doubles, etc. I don't think as I was as much of a threat as these guys are.
   
• The key to this weekend is staying the same. Slow the heartbeat down. These guys will be confident. They are just good players. This is a special team, special staff and a special year.