When you think of Deion Sanders, you think prime-time swagger, dual-sport greatness, and highlight reels. But few fans know about the quiet moments in the clubhouse that defined his teammates’ careers.

On The JustIn Time Podcast, C.J. Nitkowski recalls how Deion not only welcomed him as a rookie but gave him the bat that delivered his very first big league hit. The story has it all—nicknames (“Snacks”), piles of clubhouse candy, and the broken bat that still hangs in C.J.’s office. It’s the kind of behind-the-scenes story that captures why Deion Sanders was more than a superstar—he was a teammate who left his mark in unforgettable ways.

00:00 – Asked About Deion Sanders
00:15 – Why He Called Me “Snacks”
00:30 – Rookie Struggles at the Plate
00:45 – Deion Hands Me His Bat
00:59 – First Big League Hit + Broken Bat

✅ Why this rookie story still resonates decades later
✅ The impact of Deion Sanders beyond the spotlight
✅ A legacy-defining first hit story fans never forget

C.J. Nitkowski pitched in the majors for nearly a decade, suiting up for the Reds, Tigers, Mets, and Rangers, before becoming a broadcaster and analyst. His perspective on the game blends firsthand clubhouse experience with sharp insight into the moments that shaped baseball history.

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