Beating the Odds: Josh Harrison on Overcoming Slumps, Stereotypes & 13 MLB Seasons

In this episode, Sam Acho and Clif Marshall welcome Josh Harrison—two-time MLB All-Star, proud Cincinnati native, and a man grounded by faith, family, and relentless joy. Josh breaks down the reality of thirteen seasons in the majors: the grind, the setbacks, the unseen work, and the gratitude for every step. He shares how a rough junior year and the wisdom in 1 Peter 5:6 forged his humility, how his mother’s words—“big don’t mean bad”—shaped his identity, and why baseball never defined his purpose. With authenticity and fire, Josh opens up about the profound role of mentors, living out “iron sharpens iron” at Ignition, and stepping boldly into “Brittany season” to support his wife and kids in life after baseball.

Key highlights

• Josh Harrison’s path from Cincinnati Bearcats to thirteen MLB seasons and two All-Star selections, earning respect through hustle, athleticism, and genuine joy.

• Facing adversity: being sent down five times in one season, recovering from injuries, and enduring a junior-year slump transformed through 1 Peter 5:6 and unwavering family support.

• Core moments: his first walk-off hit on Mother’s Day with his mom and grandmother present; breaking up Rich Hill’s no-hitter with a walk-off home run; receiving MLB’s Heart and Hustle Award.

• Defining identity beyond the game: why Josh insists baseball doesn’t define him—character, faith, and family are what truly matter.

• “Big don’t mean bad”—how early lessons from his mother and competing against his older brothers fueled a fearless, competitive edge.

• What “Brittany season” really means—stepping into an active, supportive role for his wife’s dreams and his family’s future, embracing life’s next chapter with purpose and humility.

• The lasting impact of Clif Marshall’s mentorship and Ignition’s “iron sharpens iron” culture, plus the brotherhood built with teammates like Andrew McCutchen.

References

• 1 Peter 5:6 (Scripture Josh leaned on during adversity; inscribed on his gloves and wristbands)

• Ignition Athletics; “iron sharpens iron” with Clif Marshall: https://ignitionapg.com/

• The Beat Mom Magazine by Brittney Kelley Harrison: https://www.thebeatmom.com/

• Walk-off home run breaking up Rich Hill’s no-hitter: https://www.mlb.com/news/harrison-s-walk-off-hr-ends-hill-s-no-hitter-c250122390