Profiles in Sports: Recent Episodes
Brian Wright
Great sporting memories are recalled here - featuring in-depth interviews with notable players, writers, broadcasters and personalities. The 'Profiles in Sports' podcast reflects on the games and events of years past and the individuals that helped create them.
No defense in NFL history ever enjoyed more sustained greatness than Pittsburgh’s famed “Steel Curtain. This group played a major role in the Steelers winning four Super Bowls over a six-year span and featured four eventual Hall of Famers. Among this collection of stars was Ham, the premiere outside linebacker of the 1970s. His quickness and intelligence would help him reach eight Pro Bowls, be named a First-team All-Pro on six occasions, and earn No. 59 a spot in Canton in 1988. Photo courtesy of Manny Rubio/NFL Photos Audio clips courtesy of NBC Sports
The St. Louis Cardinals have set the standard that all other MLB clubs aspire to match. Over the past 16 seasons, they have reached the postseason 12 times, won four NL pennants and two World Series. And thanks to a farm system that is as deep as any other, they don’t seem to be letting up any time soon. Megdal discusses his newest book, “The Cardinals Way, and how a franchise has managed to blend new wave ideals while maintaining an old school approach. Photo courtesy of St. Martin’s Press Audio courtesy of FOX Sports
His is a football life that has taken him to some of the sport's premier locations – from Green Bay to Baltimore to Tuscaloosa. He’s played for a trio of Hall of Fame coaches and was a starter in three of the first five Super Bowls – including the two that were most responsible for laying the groundwork of what we now know as America’s biggest sporting event. Photo courtesy of billcurry.net Audio clips courtesy of NBC Sports and CBS Sports
The former Dodgers general manager talks about how his background in journalism led to him starting out as a public relations executive, the critical moves that helped win the 1988 World Series, a trade he still regrets, and how the blockbuster deal that moved Mike Piazza out of Los Angeles in 1998 – a move made behind his back – led to dismissal after 30 years with the organization. Photo courtesy of yahoo.com Audio clips courtesy of “1988 World Series Film by MLB Productions, NBC Sports, and MLB.com
The nationally-recognized writer is back for a second straight year on the show to discuss all things Hall of Fame – including the recent voting results, the legacies of Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza, as well as a preview of what’s to come for 2017. Audio courtesy of MLB Network, “The Dan Patrick Show/Premiere Radio Networks, ABC Sports, MLB.com, and NBC Sports Photo courtesy of The Associated Press
Joe Jackson, Lefty Williams, Happy Felsch, Buck Weaver, Swede Risberg, Chick Gandil, Eddie Cicotte, Fred McMullin. Eight names forever linked in baseball infamy. They, of course, are the members of the Chicago White Sox who received lifetime banishment from baseball for conspiring to throw the 1919 World Series against Cincinnati. While the dark cloud that hovered over the sport would eventually fade away, the discussion hasn’t. Charles Fountain examines the myriad details in his new book, “The Betrayal, released on October 15. Photo courtesy of Oxford University Press Audio clips courtesy of “Baseball: Inning 3 by Ken Burns
The excitement of the first five games of the 1975 World Series was nothing compared to what took place over the final two. On October 21, Fenway Park played host to arguably the greatest game in World Series history – a four hour, 12-inning classic that ended with Carlton Fisk’s unforgettable home run to keep the Red Sox alive. Game 6 is forever an all-timer, but the deciding Game 7 was also tremendous theatre – ultimately decided in the ninth. Cincinnati came out a winner, and so did baseball. Once again, taking us through the dramatic conclusion are four key figures from the series: -Fred Lynn, Red Sox center fielder as well as the ’75 AL Rookie of the Year and MVP -Tony Perez, Reds Hall of Fame first baseman who drove in 109 runs that season -Bernie Carbo, Boston outfielder and a former member of Cincinnati -Bill Lee, Red Sox left-handed starting pitcher and winner of 17 games Photo courtesy of AP Images Audio clips courtesy of NBC Sports, “Baseball: Inning 8 by Ken Burns, and “1975 World Series Film by MLB Productions
It wasn’t just one of the best-played World Series of all-time; it probably was the most impactful. Millions around the country were witness to a true Fall classic 40 years ago – a showdown between two talent-laden clubs that was taken to its limit. Providing first-hand accounts from this series are: -Fred Lynn, Red Sox center fielder as well as the ’75 AL Rookie of the Year and MVP -Tony Perez, Reds Hall of Fame first baseman who drove in 109 runs that season -Bernie Carbo, Boston outfielder and a former member of Cincinnati -Bill Lee, Red Sox left-handed starting pitcher and winner of 17 games In Part 1 of a two-part retrospective, we look back at the build-up to this match-up, the pitching prowess of Luis Tiant in Games 1 and 4, and the controversy that ensued in Game 3. Photo courtesy of sikids.com Audio clips courtesy of NBC Sports and “1975 World Series Film by MLB Productions
The story of Frank Tanana's major league career can be divided into two acts. He quickly rose to stardom with the California Angels as a strikeout pitcher – fanning as many as 269 in 1975. But a shoulder injury in 1979 necessitated a wholesale alteration to his throwing style. Tanana eventually regained a winning form, compiling 240 victories – the most notable of which occurred on the final day of the 1987 season, in which he shut out the Toronto Blue Jays to propel his hometown Detroit Tigers to the American League East title. Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio clips courtesy of MLB.com and ABC Sports
The 56-game hitting streak for Joe DiMaggio. Cal Ripken’s 2,632 consecutive games played. Cy Young’s 511 victories. All are baseball records which will never be surpassed. Bob Wolff also holds an unbreakable record. Covering everything from the National Football League to the Westminster Dog Show, Wolff has been on the air since 1939. The baseball-related feats of this 1995 Hall of Fame inductee include countless interviews, being the play-by-play voice of the Washington Senators, and calling several World Series games – including the finest pitching performance in postseason history. Photo courtesy of The New York Times Audio clips courtesy of MLB.com and the National Baseball Hall of Fame
In a career that covered 24 seasons and four decades, Rick Dempsey possessed endearing qualities as both a durable catcher and a unique personality. Our lineup of topics discussed with Rick includes: -His relationship with his Orioles Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver -How the World Series loss in 1979 to the Pittsburgh Pirates was motivation to winning it all in 1983 against the Philadelphia Phillies, a series in which he was named the Most Valuable Player -His heavyweight home plate collision with Bo Jackson -The inspiration behind his comic “rain delay theater Photo courtesy of The Baltimore Sun Audio clips courtesy of ABC Sports and This Week in Baseball’s Greatest Plays by Major League Baseball Productions
The 1960 Pittsburgh Pirates, as he put it, were a team of destiny. Dick Groat, the National League’s Most Valuable Player that season, was one of many key contributors who led the Bucs to their first title in 35 years – culminating in the unforgettable Game 7 bottom-of-the-ninth home run off the bat of Bill Mazeroski. An MVP and two World Series rings are feats not many major leaguers get to experience. But Groat has an additional accomplishment on his athletic resume – a two-time All-American basketball player at Duke University and a short stint in the NBA before choosing to stick with baseball. That knowledge and love of basketball hasn’t left him, and is currently used in his long-standing position as radio analyst for the Pittsburgh Panthers. Photo courtesy of SI.com Audio clips courtesy of “1960 World Series Film by Major League Baseball Productions, “Baseball: Inning 8 by Ken Burns, and IMG College Audio Network
The 1986 Mets didn’t just dominate the major league competition. They ruled New York City in a way that hasn’t been matched since. Filmmaker Heather Quinlan is in the late stages of developing a documentary on this team that won 108 games with brash and bravado and would go on to capture the World Series over the Boston Red Sox with a remarkable comeback spirit. For more on the project, including interview clips with Dwight Gooden, Mookie Wilson, Bill Buckner, Lenny Dykstra, and Kevin Mitchell, go to http://86metsmovie.com. Part of this episode also features sound from the music video “Let’s Go Mets, created in 1986 by Shelly Palmer and available on iTunes. Photo courtesy of metshotcorner.com Audio clips courtesy of NBC Sports, “Let’s Go Mets by Shelly Palmer, and “1986 Mets: A Year to Remember by Major League Baseball Productions
The list of accomplishments in the storied life of Lawrence Peter Berra is just about as long as the many endearing and humorous quotes that will forever make him the indelible Yogi. But there could very well be one more honor headed his way in the near future. Thanks to a petition initiated by the board members of his learning museum in New Jersey and signed by thousands of admiring fans, this all-time great is under consideration from the White House to receive the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Lindsay Berra speaks on her grandfather’s legacy as a Hall of Fame catcher and citizen. Photo courtesy of Lindsay Berra Audio clips courtesy of Baseball: Inning 7 by Ken Burns, NBC Sports, and WCBS-TV New York
There was plenty to talk about with the veteran of 15 big league seasons and 176 wins – from his college days at St. John’s to the grand stage of the World Series to coaching some of the top young arms of the New York Mets’ minor league system – and “Sweet Music was happy to oblige. Among the topics discussed with Frank Viola: -His role in what many consider to be the greatest game in college baseball history, when he and Ron Darling dueled into extra innings during the 1981 NCAA Northeast Regional -The Minnesota Twins’ run through the 1987 postseason, ultimately leading to the franchise’s first title and the World Series MVP -How the assignment of pitching Game 1 of that ’87 World Series conflicted with another major responsibility -The Cy Young Award-winning season of 1988, in which he tallied 24 victories -Why attaining his 20th victory of the 1990 season for New York wasn’t without a moment of public embarrassment -His thoughts on the potential of the current crop of talented Mets pitchers that he helped mold in the minors Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio courtesy of ABC Sports and SportsNet New York
The Hall of Fame Induction ceremony isn’t just a special time for those honored. It’s a focal point of the baseball calendar – when the sport has its eyes on Cooperstown and when many fans of the game make the trek to the tiny village in upstate New York. But, in fact, the National Baseball Hall of Fame Museum is a year-long attraction for the history buffs of our national pastime. President Jeff Idelson plays a key role in helping preserve that history. In addition to discussing this year’s Hall of Fame class, Jeff talked about his background in baseball, how the museum obtains the materials for some of its exhibits, and how it will deal the dilemmas surrounding performance enhancing drug users. Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio clips courtesy of Fox Sports Houston, WNYW (New York), CBS Sports, and Turner Sports
Having earned plaudits as one of baseball's best and most respected journalists, Tom Verducci embarks on his second turn as an All-Star Game color analyst for FOX. Here's a lineup of some of the topics discussed: -The 1970 All-Star Game, which also took place in Cincinnati, and showcased the competitiveness of Pete Rose -Memories of watching the Midsummer Classic as a youngster, covering it as a reporter, and broadcasting it from the TV booth last year -His thoughts on the Franchise Four voting, which is set to be revealed at Great American Ballpark in a pregame ceremony Photo courtesy of onwardstate.com Audio clips courtesy of WLW-AM and NBC Sports
One of the stars who powered the Big Red Machine, Tony Perez' standout years in Cincinnati earned him a ticket to the Hall of Fame. In total, he played 23 seasons with the Reds, Red Sox, Expos and Phillies. Among the topics discussed: -How those who have recently made the daunting journey from Cuba to the United States relate to his transition in 1960 at age 17. -His critical home run in the sixth inning of Game 7 of the 1975 World Series, which got the Reds on track toward the victory over Boston. -Election into the Hall in 2000 after nine turns on the ballot, becoming the first Cuban-born player to receive that honor -Historical comparisons to Marlins slugger Giancarlo Stanton Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio clips courtesy of NBC Sports and the National Baseball Hall of Fame
From the high of being an All-Star starting pitcher to the low of homelessness, J.R. Richard has experienced both extremes. By 1980, he had established himself as the most intimidating pitcher in the game – coming off of two consecutive 300-plus strikeout seasons and helping lead the Houston Astros into pennant contention. But in late July, the 30-year-old suffered a major stroke, and would never pitch in the majors again. Within 15 years, he would hit rock bottom. Financial issues led to him living under a bridge in Houston – a mere eight miles from the Astrodome. It’s been only positive since then, as he now serves his community and has penned a new book, “Still Throwing Heat. Photo courtesy of Bill Ames/Triumph Books Audio clips courtesy of ABC Sports
In a straight-laced sport such as baseball, Bill Lee – better known as “Spaceman – was a distinctive personality. Through 14 big league seasons and 119 victories, he was as crafty on the mound as he was opinionated off of it. But Lee has defied age by pitching competitively into his late 60s. So, even though he may have left the majors in 1982, Bill Lee has really never left baseball. It only makes sense that this outrageous character will be the subject of a biographical film based on one of Lee's books, with Josh Duhamel in the lead role. Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio clips courtesy of NBC Sports and “Spaceman: A Baseball Odyssey by Mangito Enterprises
Jackie, Pee Wee, Duke, Campanella, and Hodges – names that still resonate strongly in the borough of Brooklyn and make up one of the most indelible teams in baseball history. Another name that will long be remembered is Carl Erskine, a right-hander who threw two no-hitters, won 20 games in 1953, and set a then-World Series single game record that same year with 14 strikeouts. But the greatest memory of his career, along with the careers of those other great players, has to be the 1955 World Series – as the Dodgers broke through to finally win a long-awaited championship over the crosstown rival New York Yankees. Photo courtesy of Dodger Insider Audio clips courtesy of “Baseball: Inning 6 by Ken Burns, “1955 World Series Film by MLB Productions, and “Baseball: Inning 7 by Ken Burns
From the Dave Winfield sweepstakes to Fernandomania, Pete Rose’s National League hit record to the comeback Dodgers ultimately capturing the World Series, the 1981 season -- and the winter that preceded it -- wasn’t lacking for storylines. But the biggest news was about the games that weren’t played. A players strike in June caused a rupture in the schedule, in addition to the obvious division between the owners and their high-priced employees. Jeff Katz, author of “Split Season (not to mention the mayor of Cooperstown, NY), details this historic year in baseball – both on the field and in the boardroom. Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio clips courtesy of KABC, NBC Sports, and ABC Sports
He was not your prototypical power hitter. Yet Jimmy Wynn slugged 20 or more home runs eight times during his 15-year career. Seven of those seasons were while wearing the colors of the Houston Astros – and dealing with the pitcher-friendly dimensions of the Astrodome. But the “Eighth Wonder of the World, which opened 50 years ago, was much more than just a spacious ballpark. It was the first fully air-conditioned multipurpose domed stadium, and brought about many revolutionary and radical innovations. Among other topics, “The Toy Cannon recalls his memories of playing in the Astrodome during its early days, his resurgence with the pennant-winning Los Angeles Dodgers in 1974, and speaks on his most towering homer. Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio clips courtesy of Universal Newsreel, MLB Productions, and NBC Sports
Once an established pitcher and now a respected broadcaster, Jim Kaat has been one of baseball's finest representatives. Soon after his 25-year playing career ended, Kaat seamlessly transitioned from sporting a glove to using a microphone. He's been a lead color analyst on MLB Network since 2009. But from 1995-2006, he did local broadcasts for the New York Yankees. Those years, plus his stint in pinstripes as a player, make up most of the stories found in his new book, "If These Walls Could Talk: New York Yankees." Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio clips courtesy of "1965 World Series Film" by MLB Home Video, NBC Sports, MSG Network, and MLB Network
Trying to describe Billy Martin in one word is no easy task. Belligerent, mercurial, intelligent, aggressive, confusing, and insightful would all qualify. Because of that, he can best be remembered as a complex character. Bill Pennington’s new book, "Billy Martin: Baseball’s Flawed Genius", describes the former Yankee player and manager’s life in great detail – from his upbringing in Berkley, CA to his untimely death in a car accident in upstate New York, as well as every significant moment in-between. Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio clips courtesy of NBC Sports and MLB Productions
Some players deal with obstacles on their road to achieving Major League status. But Jim Abbott is in a class all his own. As has been well documented over the years, Abbott was born without a right hand. Nonetheless, he pursued baseball – despite a steepened learning curve. He would be more than up to that challenge. Not only did he succeed immensely as a pitcher in high school and college, Abbott earned a complete game victory in the gold medal game of the 1988 Summer Olympics. Those accomplishments, though, paled in comparison to his no-hitter in 1993 against the Cleveland Indians – as this unlikely story added one more incredible chapter. Today, Abbott is a motivational speaker – giving further inspiration to those with similar adversities. Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio clips courtesy of NBC Sports and MSG Network
Babe Ruth’s legacy is eternal. That statement holds true some 80 years after he played his final big league game. From a stellar pitching record with the Boston Red Sox to an unbelievable home run-hitting ability that had been unseen before, Ruth’s career leaves little doubt as to who is baseball’s all-time greatest player. The Babe’s only living daughter, 98-year-old Julia Ruth Stevens, was more than happy to share some fond memories of her famous father. Photo courtesy of TenSportsClub.com Audio clips courtesy of “Just Pals, “Baseball: Inning 4 by Ken Burns, MLB Productions and “Baseball: Inning 6 by Ken Burns
The average Major League Baseball career today lasts 5.6 years. Jerry Reuss had nearly four times that length. During his 22 seasons, this left-handed starting pitcher won 220 games, played on seven different teams and earned a World Series ring as a member of the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1981 – with the help of his Game 5 victory. Tales of more than two decades at the game’s highest level is described in his 2014 book, "Bring in the Right-Hander!", and is also shared in our discussion. Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio clips courtesy of KTVU-TV and ABC Sports
There’s no denying Pete Rose’s place among the greatest and most passionate players the game has ever seen. However, the man with the most hits in baseball history is still without a Hall of Fame plaque. That doesn’t do much to suppress the outpouring of support from his legions of fans – including Terry Lukemire, who grew up following the Reds in the heyday of “The Big Red Machine. His 2010 documentary is just a small example of how Rose continues to be revered in Cincinnati even though he may not yet be recognized in Cooperstown. For more on Lukemire’s film, go to www.4192movie.com Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio clips courtesy of “4192: The Crowning of the Hit King, MLB Productions and WLWT-TV
The national pastime in our nation’s capital is a perfect match. But it wasn’t too long ago that baseball was absent from Washington D.C. – a 33-year break, to be specific. Then came the Washington Nationals nearly ten years ago. It was a much-anticipated moment for the city – especially for long-standing residents who went as much as three decades without a ballclub. Among them was Phil Wood, whose childhood includes following both versions of the Senators. The longtime Washington baseball historian reflects on the evolution of Nationals franchise since 2005 and the events that preceded its arrival. Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio clips courtesy of WWDC-FM and WJFK-FM
As the first player in MLB history to win Rookie of the Year and Most Valuable Player in the same season, Lynn helped lead the Boston Red Sox to the 1975 American League pennant and into a classic World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. He made the All-Star Game nine times and had a penchant for daring outfield play over the course of his 16 big league seasons. In our interview, Lynn discusses his most memorable All-Star outing as well as his noted fielding style – along with his memories of the seven-game Fall Classic that took place nearly 40 years ago. Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio clips courtesy of NBC Sports and MLB Productions
It’s only appropriate that we talk baseball movies with the Academy Awards upcoming. The Washington Post movie critic provides her take on some of the noteworthy films – such as Field of Dreams, Pride of the Yankees, Moneyball and Eight Men Out. Photo from Orion Pictures/Bull Durham Audio clips from Orion Pictures/Bull Durham, Columbia Pictures/Moneyball, Warner Bros. Pictures/42, and MGM/Eight Men Out
The former Kansas City Royals slugger discusses his historic performance in the 1980 World Series, his severe involvement with cocaine and subsequent prison sentences, as well as his road to redemption. Aikens' biography, "Safe at Home" by Gregory Jordan, can be purchased at Amazon and other places books are sold. Photo courtesy of Getty Images Audio clips courtesy of NBC Sports and HBO/"Real Sports with Bryant Gumbel"
The author of the newly-released book, "Marvin Miller, Baseball Revolutionary" discusses the moments that made him one of the sport's most important figures -- including the death of the long-standing reserve clause in 1975. Photo courtesy of USATSI Audio clip courtesy of "Baseball: Inning 9" by Ken Burns
During Marvin Miller’s tenure as the head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, average player salary increased from $19,000 to over $240,000. Today, this union is acknowledged as one of the strongest labor organizations in the United States. Simply put, Miller changed baseball and the business of sports. That point is emphasized further by author Robert F. Burk in his new book, "Marvin Miller, Baseball Revolutionary." In Part 1 of our two-part interview, Burke discusses Miller’s life in the labor movement prior to involvement in baseball, his early years as the head of MLB’s players union, and the relationship he had with long-time commissioner Bowie Kuhn. Photo courtesy of snipview.com Audio clips courtesy of ‘Baseball: Inning 8’ by Ken Burns
Reaching a goal he had set out since youth, Brian Jordan distinguished himself with a feat rarely achieved in the world of athletics. Jordan’s professional career began as a safety with the Atlanta Falcons, where he played three seasons and became a Pro Bowl alternate in 1991. Then, it was on to the diamond – beginning with the St. Louis Cardinals. His stay in the major leagues lasted much longer – a 15-year career that was highlighted by four seasons of 20 or more home runs, a lifetime batting average of .282 as well as an All-Star selection and a World Series appearance in 1999. Brian Jordan dreamed big. Now, he encourages today’s youngsters to do the same through his charitable organization. For more on the Brian Jordan Foundation, visit brianjordanfoundation.com. Photos courtesy of sikids.com and 0hs.eu Audio clips courtesy of NFL Films and NBC Sports/Major League Baseball
In basic medical terms, it’s an ulner collateral ligament replacement procedure. In more understandable baseball terms, it’s Tommy John Surgery. A medical operation that is certainly one of the hot-button issues in the game today has its origins back to 1974, when Los Angeles Dodgers team physician Dr. Frank Jobe and left-hander Tommy John collaborated on a revolutionary treatment with the hopes of saving John’s pitching elbow as well as his Major League career. It became a wondrous success – and baseball has never been the same since. For more on Tommy John’s career and his “Let’s Do It Foundation, visit tommyjohn25.com. Photo courtesy of horsehidetrivia.blogspot.com Audio clips courtesy of NBC Sports, MLB Productions, WAVY-TV Hampton Roads, and Fox Sports 1
For "postgame" analysis on last week's Hall of Fame vote, we had the pleasure of talking with two BBWAA members to discuss their own ballots, the voting results, and preview the 2016 candidates. Barry Bloom is an MLB.com national reporter who has more than 35 years of sports journalism experience – including a lengthy stint with the San Diego Union-Tribune, where he regularly covered the brilliant career of Tony Gwynn. He has his own blog, Boomskie on Baseball, and can be followed on Twitter (@boomskie). An author of four books, Joe Posnanski has been an NBC Sports national columnist since February 2013. Prior, he wrote for Sports Illustrated, Sports on Earth as well as The Kansas City Star (among other ventures) and has been the recipient of many awards for his work. He, too, has his own blog (Joe Blogs) and is @JPosnanski on Twitter. Photo courtesy of USA Today Audio clips courtesy of Associated Press and MLB Network
No other professional sports franchise has altered the course of human evolution like the Chicago Cubs. That is proven in great detail by author Scott Rowan in his recently-released book, "The Cubs Quotient: How the Chicago Cubs Changed the World." Nearly 200 stories, spread over 77 chapters, cover this team’s influence on various aspects of our society: from White House scandals to secret societies; firsts in medicine, psychology, architecture, music and race relations; covert relationships with underworld figures and unknown connections to some of the most notorious figures in American history. For more on "The Cubs Quotient," visit sherpamultimedia.com. Rowan’s book can purchased on Amazon.com as well as other retailers. Photo courtesy of lasordaslair.com
Determined, passionate, proud, talented -- all apt descriptions for Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente. He was intent on not just earning respect for his play on the field, but to provide a charitable impact on communities less fortunate -- especially those in his native Puerto Rico. With 3,000 hits, four batting titles, two World Series rings, 12 consecutive gold gloves, many posthumous dedications as well as a litany of fans and players that revere him still, there's no doubt he accomplished those goals. It was a life well-lived, but a life that came to an untimely and tragic end on Dec. 31, 1972, when he was killed in a plane crash en route to aid earthquake victims in Nicaragua. Many thanks to Roberto Clemente Jr. for joining us as we honor the memory of his father on the anniversary of that fateful day. Photo courtesy of ct.gov Audio clips courtesy of MLB.com
'Baseball', a nine-part documentary by Ken Burns that premiered in September 1994, chronologically follows the history of the sport — profiling the key personalities and events in great detail over an unprecedented 18.5 hours. The initial broadcast was watched by 45 million viewers and the film won a 1995 Emmy Award for Outstanding Informational Series. In our discussion, done around the program's 20th anniversary, Burns talks about the film’s production, some of its notable interview subjects, and its legacy. Photo courtesy of freerepublic.com
Craig Biggio and Jeff Bagwell were among the best at their respective positions in the 1990s and were the faces of the Houston Astros franchise during that era. However, neither has received the call for Cooperstown. Biggio, a member of the 3,000-hit club, has come closest – falling just two votes short of election in January 2014. Bagwell received 54.3 percent of the vote in the most recent writer’s ballot. Larry Dierker got to know these two quite well – first as an Astros broadcaster and then as their manager from 1997-2001. As an advocate for both to enter the Hall of Fame, Dierker spoke about their outstanding baseball careers. Photo courtesy of blog.chron.com Audio clips courtesy of MLB.com
Many speak very highly of their time playing with and for Gil Hodges. Under Hodges’ guidance as manager of the New York Mets, Jerry Koosman thrived instantly with an outstanding rookie season in 1968. Becoming the top left-handed starting pitcher on a dominant staff, Koosman helped forge the New York Mets run to an unlikely World Series title one year later. Koosman speaks to the impact Hodges had on the Miracle Mets and the impact he has on him still to this day. Audio courtesy of MLB Productions and the New York Mets
The fight between San Francisco Giants Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal and Los Angeles Dodgers catcher John Roseboro was baseball at its worst. What happened in the coming years would be forgiveness at its best. John Rosengren, author of "The Fight of their Lives", discusses a story that goes well beyond what took place on August 22, 1965 at Candlestick Park. For more on John Rosengren and this highly-acclaimed book, go to fightoftheirlives.net and johnrosengren.net. Photo courtesy of Deadspin Audio courtesy of MLB Network
Come Dec. 8, there will be ten baseball men who have another chance of being elected to Cooperstown and the Hall of Fame. Among them are Tony Oliva and Gil Hodges. Mike Murphy, co-founder of VoteTonyO.com, speaks on behalf of Oliva's candidacy, while Gil Hodges, Jr. discusses his late father's legacy. Photos courtesy of notinhalloffame.com and lewpaper.com Audio clips courtesy of the Minnesota Twins, MLB Productions and NBC Sports
There are some stories that are so unbelievable that they have to be true. The tall tale perpetuated by Dock Ellis regarding June 12, 1970 in San Diego most definitely qualifies as such. On that date, the late Pittsburgh Pirates right-hander pitched a no-hitter against the Padres. And for years, he claimed to have completed this feat while under the influence of LSD. But Ellis’ career and personal life isn’t singularly defined by that experience, which was brought to light in "No No: A Dockumentary." He was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and one-of-a-kind personality on a Pirates team that was ahead of the curve as far as social standards were concerned. All of those facets of Dock Ellis were discussed with director and producer Jeffrey Radice. Photo courtesy of Rolling Stone