The Hall of Very Good Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Hall of Very Good
The Hall of Very Good Podcast is focused on you, the fan. Each week, Shawn Anderson and Lou Olsen sit down and talk to people in and around the game of baseball that help make America's Pastime great.
Yeeeeears ago, when we launched The Hall of Very Good, we talked to Tommy John at length about him being our first inductee. He was thrilled. He'd check in randomly throughout those early years and kept in touch as we entered the podcast space.
TJ was a great dude.
To honor his passing, here's the conversation we had with the should-be Hall of Famer back in 2017. He talked to us about his chances at getting into Cooperstown, his favorite baseball movies, the injury that nearly ended his career, his relationship with the late-Frank Jobe (and why the legendary doctor is one of the three most influential men in baseball history) and playing alongside Glenn Burke.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Episode originally aired February 28, 2017.
MLB Network's Lauren Shehadi joins the boys to preview the (should be) annual Field of Dreams game on Netflix, the moment she knew she wanted to cover baseball for a living, watching games alongside Pedro Martinez, her excitement surrounding the WPBL and how everything she does today can be traced back to her early career working in North Dakota's "Magic City".
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
For an unprecedented thirteenth time, Cooperstown correspondent Jeff Katz joins the boys to talk about the excitement (or lack thereof) surrounding the 2026 Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, rubbing elbows with baseball immortals (and Jeffrey Leonard!), the "aura" of Derek Jeter, re-evaluates the greatness of Chicago Cubs legend Ryne Sandberg and, of course, determines whether or not the Los Angeles Dodgers are ruining baseball.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author Jonathan Eig joins the boys to talk about the recent news of his Lou Gehrig biography being made into a major motion picture, how to cast New York Yankees legends, breaks down his favorite (and least favorite) baseball movies, the desire to tackle big name subjects to write about and, of course, answers the question…what did MLK smell like?
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
New York Times bestselling author Joe Posnanski returns to talk to the boys about how he ended up partnering up with should-be future podcast guest Michael Schur, their new book, Big Fan, why it's a good time for fans, his dream event to attend, whether or not anything can compete with late 80s Michael Jackson hysteria, tracking down (and hugging) Mookie Betts, the three most handsome men he's stood next to and, for some reason, the best damn autograph story you'll ever hear. Promise.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
International baseball guru Michael Clair joins the boys to talk about his journey going from blogger to MLB's senior manager, story telling and special projects, how his excitement over the World Baseball Classic led to hooking up with the Czech national team and writing his book, We Sacrifice Everything to Baseball, searching for baseball diamonds overseas and his favorite non-traditional ballpark food.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Six years and three championship rings after her first visit, Janet Marie Smith, Senior Vice President of Planning and Development for the Los Angeles Dodgers, returns to talk to the boys about the importance of preserving the cultural significance and legacy of the team, Dodger Stadium's new display celebrating the lives of Glenn Burke and Billy Bean and, of course, her favorite ballpark food.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Self-proclaimed "visual guy" Todd Radom returns to talk to the boys about his new book, The Ballpark and Beyond: A Celebration of Baseball's Rich History, who probably should've recorded the audio version, whether or not any of the current City Connect uniforms belong in the Jersey Hall of Fame, the sordid origin story of Barrel Man, Lou's obsession with "Sad Grebeck", first jobs and, for good measure, wage war against the city of Anaheim.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
New York Times bestselling author Tim Brown joins the boys to talk about growing up a fan of Nolan Ryan, visiting a senior center in Alvin, Texas, to learn more about the Hall of Famer for his new book, Nolan: The Singular Life of an American Original, whether or not he was able to get the Ryan family involved, shares the incredibly true story of Sid Holland and reveals the missing chapter!
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
53-year-old knuckleballer Vincent Towns joins the boys to talk about the 33-year layoff between playing minor league baseball for the San Francisco Giants and getting drafted by the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars, when he first learned how to throw a knuckleball, the biggest difference between 90s clubhouses and now and how long he plans to keep pitching.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Peabody Award-winning writer/director Jake Szymanski joins the boys to talk about "Jury Duty Presents: Company Retreat" and the day-to-day joys (and difficulties) of the behind-the-scenes of the show, his love of sports documentaries (real and fake), his favorite "off Broadway" sports, growing up a Milwaukee Brewers fan, his appreciation of County Stadium and getting back into baseball card collecting as an adult.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
To celebrate 500 episodes, rap legend and Public Enemy frontman Chuck D joins the boys to talk about falling in love with baseball (and old school ballparks) while growing up in the shadow of Shea Stadium, his dad's tryout with the Brooklyn Dodgers, the importance of the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates, his influence on pop culture and hip hop fashion, touring and hitting baseball games with bandmate, legendary guitarist Tom Morello and, of course, the power of Strat-o-Matic.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Screenwriter Herschel Weingrod joins the boys to talk about growing up cheering for the then-Milwaukee Braves, how being a baseball fan helped shape 1985's "Brewster's Millions" from a Bill Murray vehicle to starring Richard Pryor, hanging out on the set during the baseball scenes, whether or not we could see another version of the fil, being brought in to write "Space Jam" and handpicking the basketball players that would end up being The Monstars.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
CJ Papara, owner of Milwaukee's 4th Base, joins the boys to talk about moving his bar from the tiny Pigsville neighborhood to within walking distance of the Brewers ballpark, the role the team played in the relocation, the bar's iconic appearance in the movie "Major League", re-booting the 1989 classic, how the prosthetic leg of legendary skipper Harvey Kuenn ended up behind the bar and, naturally, drinking from the thing.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Adam Henig, author of Baseball's Outcast, joins the boys to talk about deciding to write the story of prison inmate-turned-Major League All-Star Ron LeFlore after first discovering him in his grade school library nearly four decades prior, the difference between telling the story of a living subject versus a dead one, actually meeting Ron LeFlore, shares the legacy of Frank Wills and introduces the world to Napolun Birdsong.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Brandon Alinger, the Indiana Jones of movie props, joins the boys to talk about the importance Planet Hollywood had on the movie memorabilia industry, his role at Propstore, what they won't sell (and why), the coolest stuff currently on the auction block, why some movies just don't have that signature piece to be purchased and how he got his hands on one of the most iconic items in baseball movie history.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
81-year-old baseball player Robb "Old Man" Herrelson joins the boys to talk about his desire to become the oldest member of the Savannah Bananas, the unique method he plans to use to get around the bases, his quest to rid the world of plastics and, hold on…did he really say he has a 1952 Topps Mickey Mantle?
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
International Women's Baseball Center project coordinator Ryan Woodward joins the boys to talk about how his lifelong fascination of World War II turned into a love of women's baseball, getting involved with the IWBC, the excitement around the upcoming Women's Baseball World Cup, creating the Women's Baseball Heritage Trail, how he ended up in "the Reno of Illinois" and, naturally, what it takes to become a Kentucky Colonel.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Award-winning baseball photographer Brad Mangin joins the boys to talk about getting his start working for his hometown newspaper, being part of the early history of Upper Deck baseball cards, shares his memories of both Candlestick Park and the Oakland Coliseum, living in the Bay Area during the 1989 earthquake, photographing Barry Bonds' historic career in San Francisco and his favorite cities to visit for work.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Former NFL quarterback Jim McMahon joins the boys to talk about going from being a two-sport athlete in college to a SuperBowl winner with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers, whether or not he could've made it to the Majors as an outfielder, landing on the legendary Frank Jobe's operating table, visiting the White House (twice!) and how he ended up in Iraq for the execution of Saddam Hussein.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Fourth-generation baseball executive (and owner of the Joliet Slammers) William Night Train Veeck joins the boys to talk about getting into the family business, the location of his grandfather's prosthetic leg, building a baseball field and planning a game at the historic Old Joliet Prison, his desire to bring back the home run machine, the one stunt he'd love to pull off and, of course, that time he didn't allow any fans into the ballpark.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Baseball Card Theater creator T. Sean Shannon returns to talk to the boys about his favorite sports logos, the importance of "ballers", his time in the SNL writers' room, sketches that never made it, the brilliance of Lorne Michaels (and JB Smoove!), those legendary after parties and whether or not we'll ever see that "Bear City" movie.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Baseball Hall of Fame guru Jay Jaffe joins the boys for the eighth time to break down his 2026 ballot, look ahead to future elections, how he correctly predicted the upcoming induction of Jeff Kent, what the future holds for all-time hit leader Pete Rose, his love of "The Simpsons" and "Futurama" and whether or not they actually drink Guinness in Ireland.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
To celebrate being the most listened to episode of 2025, former Boston Red Sox Director of Grounds and PTSD survivor David Mellor returns to talk to the boys about dogs (his and theirs!), what he's been up to since he retired following the 2024 baseball season, where he keeps his four World Series rings, whether or not he was worried about the field at Fenway Park following a big concert and, of course, "blow flowers".
Episode originally aired May 20, 2024.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Father and son memorabilia dealers Robbie Davis Sr. and Robbie Davis Jr. join the boys to talk about how they went from selling cars to collecting cards, why producers chose their store, Robbie's First Base, as the location for the show "Ball Boys", joining Ken Goldin on his Netflix series "King of Collectibles" and share what their ultimate grail items would be.
Episode originally aired May 15, 2023.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
To help the boys celebrate the tenth anniversary of the podcast, the show's first ever guest, former Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson, returns to talk about how he's been spending his "retirement", his involvement with the documentary "See Her Be Her", the superstar that is Kelsie Whitmore, baseball in Uganda and the upcoming Women's Professional Baseball League.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Television personality and food brand historian Jason Liebig joins the boys to talk about how he turned vintage food into a career, his amazing collection of candy packaging (and its connection to baseball legend Rickey Henderson), the most famous piece he owns, the item of his that is in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, his lifelong fascination with Big League Chew and, of course, his choice for the ultimate ballpark snack.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
1995 American League Most Valuable Player Mo Vaughn joins the boys to talk about his new show (appropriately called The Mo Vaughn Podcast) and the guests he'd love to talk to, shares what he thinks of suspected steroid users in the Hall of Fame, compares former commissioner Bug Selig to the current top guy, reveals how he ended up wearing Jackie Robinson's number and what brought him back to baseball after leaving the game in 2003.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Legendary rock drummer and author Liberty DeVitto joins the boys to talk about giving up playing Little League baseball for Jerry's Lunch Bombers to drum alongside Billy Joel for 30-plus years, growing up going to Yankee Stadium with his dad, returning there as an adult to perform, sharing the stage with Bernie Williams and Paul O'Neill, his favorite (and least favorite) songs to play live and whether or not he farted while wearing Don Mattingly's pants.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Iconic pop culture artist John Costacos returns to talk to the boys about modern athletes he'd love to put on a poster, working with Roger Clemens and the late-Mike Greenwell, the impossibility of disliking ANYONE named Mookie, shares his personal poster Mount Rushmore, revels in the lasting legacy of Brian Bosworth and hints at the possible return of the (Mad) Mac.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Filmmaker Ty Morse, producer of "No Packers, No Life", joins the boys to talk about his fear of flying, traveling to Japan, hanging out (and partying) with the Japanese Packers Cheering Team, bringing them back to Green Bay, celebrates the joy of tailgating and introduces the world to Elvis Presley's favorite rollercoaster.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Former minor league baseball player-turned-WCW wrestler Dale "The Demon" Torborg joins the boys to talk about growing up the son of longtime MLB player, coach and manager Jeff Torborg, following his dad into the family business, how a chance encounter with Hulk Hogan led to a wrestling career, being handpicked (kind of) by Gene Simmons of KISS and the importance of treating people the right way.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
For the seventh time, New York Times bestselling author Jeff Pearlman joins the boys to talk about his new biography, Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur, shares where he was when he learned Tupac had died, the lengths he went to talk to everyone whoever crossed the legendary rapper's path (including, for some reason, Tony Danza), provides his ultimate Tupac playlist and drops some hints as to what his next project might be...maybe.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Just in time for the 40th anniversary of the 1985 World Series, Marshall Garvey, author of Interstate '85: The Royals, The Cardinals, and the Show-Me World Series, joins the boys to talk about how videogames help with his writing process, interviewing umpiring great Don Denkinger, whether or not Dan Quisenberry should be in the Hall of Fame, if Bo Jackson ruined the Kansas City Royals and, yes, that time an All-Star outfielder threatened to kill his general manager.
This week's podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
All-star pitcher and 2004 World Champion Bronson Arroyo joins the boys to talk about growing up surrounded by music, the first time he picked up a guitar and started playing, chooses his “desert island” album (turns out, it’s a no-brainer), goes behind-the-scenes of “The Masked Singer”, reveals his decades-long rivalry with Alex Rodriguez and, yeah…those cornrows.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
New York Times bestselling author Jane Leavy returns to talk to the boys about her new book, Make Me Commissioner: I Know What's Wrong with Baseball and How to Fix It, the changes she’d make if she had baseball’s top job, what the Savannah Bananas are doing right, reveals her “worst interview ever”, the importance of trusting your gut and answers the seven hundred million dollar question…should Shohei Ohtani ever pitch again?
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Tag team wrestling icons Matt and Jeff, The Hardy Boyz, join the boys to talk about growing up dreaming of playing professional baseball, the unfortunate injury that ended Jeff’s big league aspirations, the preparation that goes into throwing up a ceremonial first pitch and getting back in the ring to take on their longtime rivals Bully Ray and D-Von, The Dudley Boyz, at the upcoming Bound for Glory pay-per-view.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Hugh Baver and Lev Kotler-Berkowitz from Cards4DR join the boys to talk about reviving the quest to bring baseball cards (and sports equipment) to kids in the Dominican Republic, their efforts actually help educate as well as inspire, how you can get involved and Hugh’s unlikely friendship with Toronto Blue Jays legend Tony Fernandez and delivering the eulogy at his funeral in 2020.
Click HERE to learn how you can help!
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Actor, comedian and musician, Skip Griparis returns to talk to the boys about his recent induction into the Illinois Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, hanging out with Little Richard, being invited to take part in Bob Uecker’s Celebration of Life, meeting Bob Costas, hitting the convention circuit and, for some reason, celebrity hygiene.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Tom Garvey, author of The Secret Apartment, joins the boys to talk about why he went from working at Philadelphia’s Veterans Stadium to living there for more than two years, how Vietnam helped prepare him for stadium life, whether or not a movie is in the works and, naturally, the reason Pope John Paul II factors into everything.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Baseball historian Bob Wechsler joins the boys to talk about using his 40-plus year journalism career to work telling the story of Jewish baseball players past and present, what it takes to be recognized by The Jewish Baseball Museum (sorry, Rod Carew), the museum’s unique collection of one of a kind items and whether or not it will ever find a physical home.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Public Enemy’s Shawn K. Carter (aka "The Interrogator") joins the boys to talk about growing up in Pittsburgh, hanging out at Three Rivers Stadium, working for the Pirates, his relationship with Dave Parker and Dock Ellis, “The Cobra” finally getting into The Hall of Fame and his frustration that the Bucs haven’t retired number 39 yet.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Fresh off Hall of Fame Induction Weekend 2025, Cooperstown correspondent Jeff “Dirty Dozen” Katz joins the boys to talk about what makes a good speech great, sharing pleasantries with Paul Molitor, his annual porch party, the excitement surrounding Ichiro in Cooperstown, whether or not we could be seeing Pete Rose in the plaque gallery and, of course, who he thinks gets in a year from now.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Blind Melon guitarist and co-founder Christopher Thorn joins the boys to talk about traveling ballpark to ballpark with his pal, Afghan Whigs frontman Greg Dulli, the thrill of watching Dodgers Stadium fireworks from his backyard, battling nerves before performing on “Saturday Night Live”, who talked the band out of canceling their 1994 “Late Show” appearance and why, sometimes, it might be best NOT to meet your heroes.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
On the eve of the induction ceremony, Hall of Fame president Josh Rawitch joins the boys to talk about hanging out in Atlanta for the All-Star Game, that historic swing off, what he brought back to Cooperstown, the excitement surrounding the Class of 2025, the Hall’s newest exhibit and spending time with Dave Parker.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
TNA wrestling’s Mike Santana joins the boys to talk about the incredible ride he’s been on of late, headlining Slammiversary in front of friends and family at home in New York, growing up a Yankees fan, the thrill of being on the field at Yankees Stadium and...was his dad really one of the original “Bleacher Creatures”?
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Nigel “The Freeze” Talton joins the boys to talk about going from working for the Braves at Turner Field to becoming Atlanta’s original speed demon, the thrill of becoming a bobblehead, crazy challengers, retiring at the top of his game and whether or not he could handle the harsh Green Bay winter.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Major League Baseball’s “Mud Guy”, Jim Bintliff, joins the boys to talk about how a tragic on-field event spawned innovation, his family’s original involvement with (and eventual ownership of) Lena Blackburne Baseball Rubbing Mud, what makes his particular mud the industry standard and approximately how much he harvests in a year.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Longtime “Hoarders” host Matt Paxton joins the boys to talk about how he turned personal tragedy into a career, some of the coolest finds from his new show “Filthy Fortunes”, unearthing a stockpile of authentic Muhammad Ali boxing gloves, stumbling upon a John Wilkes Booth “rookie” card, the obvious reason his employee uniforms don’t have pockets and…is there really a market out there for historical hair?
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Doc Martin joins the boys to talk about his massive collection, how his friendship with “The Genius” Lanny Poffo led to him owning (among plenty of other things) a “Macho Man” Randy Savage minor league baseball jersey, who he blames for getting him into collecting true crime murderabilia, whether or not we’ll ever see a Doc Martin Museum and the one item he owns that is absolutely NOT allowed in the house.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Sean Hanish and Kelly Kahl, the team behind “Just a Bit Outside” join the boys to talk about their love letter to the Milwaukee Brewers, getting to interview their favorite players of all-time, hanging out in Cooperstown with “Fat Waldo”, which member of Harvey’s Wallbangers would have made a great “Survivor” castaway and, naturally…brat pizza!
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Former Boston Red Sox Director of Grounds David Mellor returns to talk to the boys about dogs (his and theirs!), what he’s been up to since he retired following the 2024 baseball season, where he keeps his four World Series rings, whether or not he was worried about the field at Fenway Park following a big concert and, of course, “blow flowers”.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Party Animals slugger (and former Texas Rangers first round draft pick) Jake Skole joins the boys to talk about adapting to Banana Ball after an extensive minor league baseball and ACC college football career, whether or not he gets nervous dancing shirtless in front of 81,000 fans, the first thing he would implement if he was MLB commissioner for a day and how he spends his off seasons.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Baseball road tripper Matt Burns joins the boys to talk about his upcoming Midwest adventure with his dad, the extensive planning that goes into Mapping the Path, how he prepares for the unexpected, his favorite ballpark food and how a random game in 2019 got the whole thing started.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Ramone Russell, one of the creative minds behind MLB The Show, joins the boys to talk about his lengthy job title (technically, he’s the Director of Product Development, Communications, and Brand Strategy for San Diego Studio), his lifelong love of video games, the importance of getting the inclusion of The Negro Leagues as accurate as possible, his go-to player and, yeah, exploding birds.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Baseball painter Dick Perez and director Marq Evans join the boys to talk about Dick’s legendary career, re-working one of his pieces for Ichiro, beefing with Joe DiMaggio, who was his favorite Diamond King, whether or not he is the world’s most reproduced artists (he very well might be!) and, of course, Marq’s new documentary “The Diamond King”.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Women’s baseball pioneer Laura Hirai joins the boys to talk about growing up an Ichiro fan in Japan, how she ended up as the first ever ball girl for the New York Yankees, being on the field for the 2019 London Series, wearing Brett Gardner’s pants, hanging out with CC Sabathia (along with some royals?) and her current gig as a pitching coach.
Donate to the Great Britain's Women's National Baseball Team
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Roy Wood Jr., host of “Have I Got News for You” on CNN, returns to talk to the boys about working with Amber Ruffin and Michael Ian Black, whether or not he’s still basking in the glow of last year’s Rickwood Classic, the storylines he’s following so far this baseball season, the return of Sammy Sosa to the Cubs and, for some reason, that time Colonel Sanders found himself in a gunfight.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Legendary umpire Perry Barber returns to talk to the boys about breaking glass ceilings and blazing trails...but this time with a twist. One of the boys is replaced by his daughter. Gasp!
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Troma founder Lloyd Kaufman returns to drop a lot of names and talk to the boys about his new book (kinda), Hands Across Tromerica, whether or not that really is him in the trailer for the new “Superman” movie, the“Toxic Avenger” re-make and, for some reason, the tragic death of Jayne Mansfield.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Dr. Kat Williams, author of All the Way, joins the boys to talk about the movie that changed her life, how she discovered the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, befriending Maybelle Blair (and ultimately penning her biography) and her quest to have Rockford, Illinois, finally recognized as “the cradle of baseball”.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
New York Times bestselling author Jeff Pearlman returns to talk to the boys about why he loves TikTok, his new YouTube series, the countdown to his upcoming Tupac biography, whether or not he and Academy Award winner Adrien Brody have beef and to answer the question everyone is curious about…where is Jodi Cohen?
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
The legendary Perry Barber returns to talk to the boys about her four decades behind the plate, whether or not we’re getting closer to a female umpire in the Major Leagues, her friendship with Chicago folk singer Steve Goodman, hanging out with Hillary Clinton and that crazy summer fifty years ago that put her front and center with Lorne Michaels, Chevy Chase and the “Not Ready for Primetime Players”.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Author William Brashler joins the boys to talk about how basketball and a random phone call to James “Cool Papa” Bell provided inspiration for The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars and Motor Kings, the biggest difference between his book and the movie (thanks Billy Dee Williams!), being on set with Richard Pryor and hanging out in Chicago with James Earl Ray, er…Jones.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Hall of Fame DNA founder Vanessa Ivy Rose returns to talk to the boys about her most recent business venture, her friendship with Negro Leagues legend Ron “Schoolboy” Teasley, the recent shelving of Netflix’s proposed Prince documentary, her (and Lou’s) phenomenal taste in shoes and, for some reason, Shawn’s horrific fit game.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
POP QUIZ. What do you get when you combine a handful of professional athletes, copious amounts of alcohol and one crazy night at a SuperBowl party?
Kevin Millar and Josh Booty join the boys to talk about that time one of them borrowed the other’s World Series ring to impress some fellow revelers.
To listen to the entire interview with Josh Booty, CLICK HERE.
To listen to the entire interview with Kevin Millar, CLICK HERE.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Ken Griffey Junior supercollector Jason Vass joins the boys to talk about the staggering number of different Griffey cards he has in his collection, whether or not he collects Senior the rest of the family, shares the story behind the biggest item in his Griffey collection, that time he was offered a pair of Junior’s pants and how a personal connection with the Hall of Famer saved his life.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Baseball Hall of Fame guru Jay Jaffe joins the boys for the seventh time to break down his 2025 (and 2026!) ballot, explain his issues with the Era Committee, introduce the world to the Hall of Broken Pitchers, crack the code of “what’s the deal with A-Rod” and share that one player that he’d really, really like to see in Cooperstown.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Jimmy Parker, the heart and soul of Beauty of a Game, joins the boys to talk about the role Dale Murphy played in making him love baseball, working behind-the-scenes alongside the Greenville Drive, his appreciation of the art of Jack Davis, movie posters and some of the best (and worst) baseball players on the big screen.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
To celebrate being the most listened to episode of 2024, longtime (and now former) Oakland A’s beer vendor Ice Cold Kenny joins the boys to talk about following his dad and uncle into the family business, the demise of his beloved franchise, whether or not he will be following them to Sacramento and (ultimately) Las Vegas, what that final game at the Coliseum was like, did he take anything home with him and, finally…who is Tom Alfredo?
Episode originally aired October 1, 2024.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel and Old Fort Baseball Co.
Just in time for Christmas, Lou’s best friend in the world, Don Pitsch, joins the boys to talk about New Year’s Resolutions, getting married at T-Mobile Park in Seattle, the inevitability of Ichiro Suzuki entering the Hall of Fame unanimously, bringing back The PsyPhy Original Podcast and spending time with Rickey Henderson at the Field of Dreams movie site in Dyersville, Iowa.
As a bonus, the fellas reveal the top ten most-downloaded episodes from 2024.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel, Old Fort Baseball Co and Patrick's Custom Painting.
Jon Shestakofsky, the Vice President of Communications and Education at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, returns to talk to the boys to talk about how (and if) the Hall can plan additions to the collection, some of the oddball items that have recently crossed his proverbial desk, the museum’s latest exhibit, Souls of the Game, whether or not any more “Honey Boy” Evans trophies have materialized and will he really be sending the cops after Lou…and, if so, why?
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel and Old Fort Baseball Co.
Brandon Steiner, founder of Steiner Sports and CollectibleXchange, returns to talk to the boys about what’s hot in the collectible world right, give an update on the sports card industry, reveals which slugger has his attention (HINT: it’s NOT Aaron Judge or Shohei Ohtani) and not wanting to “re-heat the same old soup”.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel and Old Fort Baseball Co.
Pop culture specialist and longtime appraiser Simeon Lipman returns to talk to the boys about the unique connection between baseball and historical memorabilia, the amazing foresight of Hall of Fame catcher Ray Schalk, that time he hung out with a certain former U.S. president, the recent grail piece he picked up for his personal collection and remembers the excellence of Fernando Valenzuela.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel and Old Fort Baseball Co.
Baseball glove repair specialist Jimmy Lonetti joins the boys to talk about when he got his start and, most importantly, the moment he realized he was good at what he was doing, moving D&J Glove Repair from the garage to the nation’s only brick and mortar location of its kind, what prompted the recent uptick in interest, the worst thing you can do to your mitt and if he misses his old gig delivering mail.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel and Old Fort Baseball Co.
Award-winning documentarian Colin Barnicle joins the boys to talk about “The Comeback”, splitting producing duties with his brother Nick, the 2004 Boston Red Sox breaking The Barnicle Curse (true story), working for the team during their 2007 World Series run, being tormented by Tim Wakefield and whether or not the world was a better place with Alex Rodriguez NOT in BeanTown.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel and Old Fort Baseball Co.
Award-winning writer and actor Robert Wuhl returns (again!) to talk to the boys about his role in the movie “Saturday Night”, whether or not there were bigger plans for Alexander Knox in “Batman”, re-caps his 2024 Major League Baseball season predictions, shares what he would do if he was commissioner for a day and, because he’s polite, listens to Shawn’s horrific take on Mike Trout.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel and Old Fort Baseball Co.
Longtime (and now former) Oakland A’s beer vendor Ice Cold Kenny joins the boys to talk about following his dad and uncle into the family business, the demise of his beloved franchise, whether or not he will be following them to Sacramento and (ultimately) Las Vegas, what that final game at the Coliseum was like, did he take anything home with him and, finally…who is Tom Alfredo?
Former Milwaukee Brewers pitcher and author Don August returns to talk to the boys about turning his international baseball career into the book, Pitching to the Corners, what countries had the best (and the most interesting) food, whether or not he’s surprised by what his former big league is doing this season and how he’d pitch to Shohei Ohtani.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel and Old Fort Baseball Co.
Longtime Major League catcher (and man Mother Nature fears) Ron Hassey joins the boys to talk about being the only player to catch two perfect games, where he was for one of the most iconic home runs of all-time (spoiler alert: it was behind the plate), the earthquake that interrupted the 1989 World Series, whether or not brushback pitchers need to return and inadvertently appearing in two movies.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel and Old Fort Baseball Co.
“Mad TV” original and voice actor extraordinaire Phil LaMarr joins the boys to talk about the role(s) he is most remembered for, how he ended up as Marvin in “Pulp Fiction”, acting alongside Samuel L. Jackson and George Carlin, being a lifelong Los Angeles Dodgers fan and whether or not he should watch “Mr. 3000”.
This week’s podcast was brought to you by Teambrown Apparel and Old Fort Baseball Co.
Comedian and Guinness World Record holder Eitan Levine joins the boys to talk about his 50 First Pitches Project the best (and worst) ballparks he’s visited during his journey, hanging out with Benny Agbayani, why you should donate your Cybertruck, Bobby Bonilla Day and the importance of avoiding the “Reverse Grimace”.
To finish off the unprecedented back-to-back, Graig Kreindler joins the boys to answer questions from the Twittersphere (and relationship website, The Knot!), help establish The Jennifer Connelly Appreciation Society, speculate about what a third Tim Burton “Batman” movie could have been and learns who Lou’s least favorite actors are.
For the sixth-time, renowned baseball artist Graig Kreindler joins the boys to talk about hanging out with Johnny Bench, going “behind the curtain” at The National, recap The Olympics, dispense some painting advice and, for reasons, take a stab at answering the #FridayFive.
Iowa state representative J.D. Scholten joins the boys to talk about growing up the Hawkeye State’s only Brad Radke fan, getting back on the mound for the Sioux City Explorers (and how he has a gigantic plush Minion to thank), sending his cap to Cooperstown, working with Major League Baseball to end blackouts and, yeah, that bus fire.
America’s favorite ex-mayor and Cooperstown correspondent Jeff Katz joins the boys (for the eleventh time!) for entirely way too much Pete Rose chatter and to re-cap Hall of Fame Induction Weekend 2024, talk about the overall vibe of the event, previews next year’s ballot and predicts how insanely packed it will be. Also…does Tim Salmon travel alongside former teammate Vladimir Guerrero? Discuss.
Managing partner of Renaissance Associates (and self-proclaimed “problem solver”) Kevin Barrows joins the boys to talk about being a sports detective, his television show of the same name, tracking down some of the sportsworld’s biggest lost treasures, what he collects, the challenges of being a New York sports fan and why he compares his time with the FBI to Forrest Gump.
To celebrate Women in Baseball Week, former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League pitcher Maybelle Blair returns to talk to the boys about “A League of Their Own” on Amazon Prime, shares her thoughts on the show’s cast, reveals what prompted her to come out and gives an update on the IWBC’s efforts to turn Rockford, Illinois, the “cradle of women’s baseball”.
This episode originally aired September 20, 2022.
To celebrate Women in Baseball Week, Baltimore Orioles head groundskeeper Nicole Sherry joins the boys to talk about how she almost quit baseball to work at a golf course in Hawaii, gets into the specifics of creating grass patterns in the outfield, recalls shagging flies for and getting lost in the dreamy blue eyes of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. and, yeah, brags a little (wouldn't you?) about how great her view is from her office window at Camden Yards.
This episode originally aired July 23, 2018.
To celebrate Women in Baseball Week, legendary organist Nancy Faust joins the boys to talk about how she got her start with the Chicago White Sox and whether or not she ever imagined spending 41 years on the southside, shares her excitement over finding an old reel-to-reel recording of her first game, recalls the team’s infamous “Disco Demolition Night” and, naturally, picks walk up music for Shawn and Lou.
This episode originally aired April 23, 2020.
To celebrate Women in Baseball Week, renowned ballpark architect Janet Marie Smith joins the boys to talk about being rejected by and then designing Camden Yards for the Baltimore Orioles, her current gig with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the difference between building a stadium from the ground up and renovating one that’s been standing for almost a century and what baseball fans can expect when they return to Chavez Ravine.
This episode originally aired June 9, 2020.
To celebrate Women in Baseball Week, 2017 J.G. Taylor Spink Award recipient Claire Smith joins the boys to talk about how she got her start in journalism, shares the story she was most proud to cover, reveals the one story all baseball fans should be following and, lastly, advocates for Billy Williams to join the podcast.
This episode originally aired September 24, 2019.
For the sixth time, Phil Hecken, the newly-minted lead dog at Uni Watch Blog, joins the boys to talk about his new gig, when he first got interested in watching unis (get it?), previews the 2024 MLB All-Star Game jerseys, breaks down what makes a good City Connect cap, gives an update on his Monday night curling league and introduces the world to the word “bonspiel”.
Award-winning sculptor Lou Cella joins the boys to talk about how he got his start in art (including the biggest influence on his career), the hardest part of the human body to sculpt, why the Ryne Sandberg statue outside Wrigley Field might be his most personal pieces so far, his special connection to the family of former Seattle Mariners announcer Dave Niehaus and that time someone’s cremains ended up on one of his statues.
Competitive eater Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti is back to talk to the boys about returning to Surf and Stillwell for the annual Nathan's Famous International Hot Dog Eating contest and preparing for no Joey Chestnut, whether or not he actually likes hot dogs, his least favorite food to eat (looking your way, Uranus Fudge Factory), what he’d eat to help get the Chicago Cubs back to the World Series and, for some reasons, log flumes.
The Famous San Diego Chicken, Ted Giannoulas, re-joins the boys to talk to the boys about his memories of headlining at historic Rickwood Field, the Major League ballpark he (surprisingly) never had a chance to perform at, the night no one laughed at his antics, how many chicken heads he travels with, Lady Gaga stealing his gimmick and goes back 45 years to June 29, 1979 and shares the one story from “The Grand Hatching” that you have to hear to believe.
Longtime journalist Chris Cillizza joins the boys to talk about the newfound joy he finds in covering whatever he wants on a daily basis, playing basketball against Allen Iverson at Georgetown, whether or not there will be another 300-game winner in Major League Baseball, shares his favorite baseball movie, where he was the night of June 17, 1994 (if you know you know) and explaining the O.J. Simpson trial to his kids.
A half-century after surviving Ten Cent Beer Night, lifelong Cleveland resident Ken Kowalski joins the boys to talk about what went down on June 4, 1974, shares his memories of Municipal Stadium, his connection to seven-time All-Star Ken Keltner and realizes that he and Lou have something in common.
Mark Malkoff returns to talk to the boys about his new podcast, Inside Late Night, the history of sports and the late night shows, talk show hosts that probably should have gotten more of a chance behind the desk, the legacy of Hall of Fame broadcaster Harry Caray and the art of baseball nicknames.
Logan Wiening from Old Fort Baseball Co. joins the boys to talk about their shared connection with the AAGPBL, getting his start in graphic design and how that led to launching an apparel company, the popular Support Local Baseball Sticker Club, why it’s easy to hate the St. Louis Cardinals and whether or not Lou would want to hit the field as an old-timey baseball player. #supportlocalbaseball
Fresh off his European vacation, The Dank Diplomat, comedian Ngaio Bealum, returns to celebrate Episode 420 with the boys, shares his favorite ballpark food, the best Major League city to get high in (and the player he’d most like to get high with), playing golf with Bobby Bonds and accidentally brings back The PsyPhy Original Podcast.
1985 World Series champion and (should-be) eight-time Gold Glove Award winner Jim Sundberg joins the boys to talk about his journey from tiny Galesburg, Illinois, to the Texas Rangers, what likely cursed the Brewers prior to his arrival in Milwaukee, being part of the longest game in Major League Baseball history, playing “peacemaker” after Andre Dawson took a fastball to the face and his unlikely friendship with Hall of Famer Bill Dickey.
Geoff Schumacher joins the boys to talk about his personal interest in the seedy Las Vegas underbelly, the history of The Mob Museum, why we’re all still enamored by the 1919 Black Sox scandal, whether or not he’s excited about baseball (seemingly) heading to Sin City and shares the story of everyone’s favorite mass murder…the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre!
Ben Christensen, Community Engagement Manager for Hat Club, joins the boys to talk about the benefits of being a Hat Club member, his own involvement with the company, a lifelong obsession with headwear and why he’s the perfect person to rep the brand, how he chooses his eclectic hat and jersey combos and the good and bad (it’s mostly bad) of the current Major League laundry.
The day was April 15, 1997 and, apparently, all Hell was about to break loose at Major League Baseball's inaugural Jackie Robinson Day celebration at Shea Stadium.
“We have snipers all around the stadium, just in case something were to happen" is what the Secret Service told Mr. Met, the New York Mets beloved mascot.
Did the Secret Service REALLY want to kill Mr. Met...and why?
To listen to the entire interview, CLICK HERE.
Just in time to celebrate the 35th anniversary of "Major League” (and the 30th anniversary of “Major League 2”!), author Jonathan Knight returns to talk to the boys about the best and worst baseball movies, the lasting legacy of the “Major League” franchise, why Milwaukee was chosen to play host to the 1989 film and, for some reason, the weird coincidences surrounding the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln and their connection with showbiz siblings.
On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron sent an Al Downing pitch over the left field wall for his 715th home run. Waiting for him at third base...Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Ron Cey.
Was "the Penguin" secretly hoping Hank would go yard? How would he react the next time he encountered the new home run king?
To listen to the entire interview, CLICK HERE.
Brad Balukjian, author of The Six Pack, returns to talk to the boys about how many miles he traveled to write his latest book compared to the last one, promoting the thing now versus during a pandemic, whether or not it’s too early to plan his next project, re-connecting with The Iron Sheik (and getting closure) and Shawn and Lou become the charter members of The Brad Pack!
Friends of Rickwood executive director Gerald Watkins joins the boys to talk about the history of "America's Oldest Baseball Park" (and what it takes to keep it as historically accurate as possible), getting the attention of MLB and convincing them to bring a regular season game to the field and how the greatest basketball player of all-time helped energize baseball in Birmingham, Alabama.
Author Mark Braff joins the boys to talk about the idea behind his new book, Sons of Baseball, the role COVID played in getting it published, tracking down the men he talked to (and who he was hoping to get), securing Cal Ripken Jr. and how the promise of new sod got Roger Maris to return to Yankee Stadium.
Autograph enthusiast Jennifer McKenney joins the boys to talk about why (and when) collecting baseballs signed by anyone who ever wore a Tampa Bay Rays uniform became a family endeavor, the players that were the best (and worst!) to deal with, how you begin to store and document such a large collection and whether or not Kevin Cash is really the best man for the job in St. Pete.
In addition to helping Lou pick a fight, author Rafi Kohan joins the boys to talk about his new book about trash talking, the history of and psychology behind “the language of competition”, the different types of trash talking, how former All-Pro linebacker Bryan Cox used to hype himself up and introduces the world to the curious antics of Shep Messing.
Also, is Donald Trump actually good at talking smack?
Just in time to celebrate the 35th anniversary of "Batman", award-winning actor and writer Robert Wuhl returns to talk to the boys about working with Tim Burton, carpooling with Jack Nicholson, (definitely not) stealing items from the set, re-visits commissioner Rob Manfred’s rule changes and does a deep dive previewing the 2024 baseball season.
Longtime Seattle sports supercollector Timothy Jenkins joins the boys to talk about his lifelong obsession with the Pilots, explains how and when he got interesting in collecting, shares some of his favorite (and unique) items, whether or not Bud Selig merch is allowed in his home, recalls quizzing his all-time favorite baseball player and reveals just how many autographed Hall of Fame baseballs he has.
Legendary director/producer Lloyd Kaufman joins the boys to talk about collecting baseball cards and how they likely made him root for the Cincinnati Reds, hanging out with Oliver Stone and George W. Bush at Yale (true story), how he got into film, founding Troma and keeping up with protégés James Gunn and South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone.
Subscribe to Troma NOW!
Michael Kremer, volunteer director of the San Quentin baseball program, joins the boys to talk about how he got involved coaching baseball at one of America’s most notorious prisons (and what people think when he tells them what he does), the history of baseball at San Quentin, the diversity and skill level of the players, celebrity sightings, whether or not and scouts have shown up and that one inmate who almost went pro.
You can make a donation to the San Quentin Baseball Program HERE.
Director and screenwriter Penelope Spheeris joins the boys to talk about her special friendship with the late-Tommy Lasorda Jr, her relationship with “Saturday Night Live” creator Lorne Michaels, the iconic film she turned down, how Donald Trump ended up in one of her movies, breaking David Spade’s “comedy balls” and, of course, “Wayne’s World”.
Just in time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of JAWS, author of The Cooperstown Casebook and senior writer at FanGraphs, Jay Jaffe joins the boys (for the sixth time!) to break down his 2024 Hall of Fame ballot, predicts who will be joining Jim Leyland in Cooperstown this July, wonders whether or not Chase Utley’s plaque will include his soul patch when he ultimately gets to 75% and reveals the player that he can’t wait to NOT vote for.
TNA wrestling star Dirty Dango joins the boys to preview this year’s Hard to Kill pay-per-view, growing up a Boston Red Sox fan, his family history making bats (and syrup!), that time his grandpa played against the famed Kansas City Monarchs, debuting at WrestleMania and whether or not it was more or less nerve wracking than throwing out the first pitch prior to a Tampa Bay Rays game.
To celebrate being the most listened to episode of 2023, “Last Comiskey” director Matt Flesch joins the boys to talk about growing up a Chicago White Sox fan, spending his summers at 35th Street and Shields, what inspired him and his brother Mike to document the final season at the iconic ballpark, the interview they were most excited to nail down and, of course, the one that got away!
Episode originally aired April 10, 2023.
Vanessa Ivy Rose, host of “Reclaimed: The Forgotten League”, returns to talk to the boys about her recent appearance on “Good Morning America”, finding a seemingly lost voice recording of her grandfather, Negro Leagues legend (and five-time Hall of Famer) Turkey Stearnes, whether or not we could see Hamtramck Stadium playing host to Major League Baseball and, of course, her lifelong love of Prince.
Award-winning actor and lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan Jon Hamm joins the boys to talk about growing up best friends with the son of Hall of Famer Ted Simmons, how close he came to becoming a Milwaukee Brewers fan, his favorite baseball stadiums to visit (and the food that goes along with them), the baseball role he would’ve loved to have tackled, his upcoming project with acclaimed director Ron Shelton and those three times he’s hosted “Saturday Night Live”.
Brandon Steiner, founder of Steiner Sports and CollectibleXchange, returns to tell the boys about that time he beat Michael Jordan, how Jordan changed the game when it comes to sports marketing, shares his thoughts on holiday gift-giving and introduces his newest venture…StarStock.
Former big league closer and 2011 Robert Goulet Memorial Mustached American of the Year award recipient John Axford joins the boys for their 400th episode to talk about the role he played in launching The Hall of Very Good Podcast, taking part in the World Baseball Classic, pitching in Milwaukee, his love of photography, reveals his Hollywood crush and, of course, gives a facial hair update.
Also…a fan favorite returns!
1981 World Series MVP and author of Penguin Power, Ron Cey joins the boys to talk about where he got his famous nickname, fraternity life at Washington State University (shout out Cougars!), playing with and against countless Hall of Famers, being on the field for Hank Aaron’s historic 715th home run, that time, he’s sure, Shawn grandma witnessed his greatest game at Wrigley Field and, ultimately, why he chose to finally write a book about his career.
The hobby world is enamored with one of ones and a Montréal collector has a very unique one in his possession.
Nearly 50 years ago, then-rookie Gary Carter purchased a brand new Buick Riviera after appearing in just a handful of games for the Expos. For more than a decade, the Hall of Fame catcher's prized car has been sitting in storage, well-maintained, and looking for a new home.
The original eBay listing (with pictures!) is available HERE.
Toy sculptor Patrick Healey and artist/illustrator Chris Felix join the boys to talk about how two kids from Elder High School in Cincinnati ended up working for Kenner on one of the biggest toylines ever, their favorite Starting Lineup figures they’ve ever designed, the best (and worst) likenesses, the importance to get everything just right and who may or may not have been partially responsible for those super jacked Star Wars figures from the mid-90s.
Milwaukee is home to plenty...the Brewers, Harvey Kuenn's wooden leg and, of course, one of the most haunted hotels in America. And according to author and American Ghost Walks tour guide Tea Krulos, The Pfister Hotel has been welcoming guests (both wanted and unwanted) since 1893.
To listen to the entire interview, CLICK HERE.
Pop culture specialist and longtime appraiser Simeon Lipman joins the boys to talk about his gig as the go-to guy when it comes to sports memorabilia, the first thing he saw when he joined “Antiques Roadshow”, what you can find in his own personal collection (and why), the hot genre people are buying up, one of the most unique bidding wars he’s even been on the sidelines for and that time he was asked to help sell body parts.
Sports artist Ken Karl joins the boys to talk about how he got his start in mixed media, explains his “process” (and how that has cost him physical harm), what makes his one of ones so special and, most important, why he’s thrilled to be part of the card art community.
Classically trained pianist-turned-ballpark “spackle” John Benedeck joins the boys to talk about his journey from Western Illinois University to Chicago’s northside, how he got his gig with the Chicago Cubs, getting paid to play with his organ, using social media to connect with his audience inside and outside of Wrigley Field and where to find the best beer in Wisconsin.
Former San Diego Padres executive Andy Strasberg returns to talk to the boys about his 60-plus year bond with the family of Roger Maris, the relationship he had with the late-Tony Gwynn, Tony’s quest to honor baseball history (even though he was afraid to meet a certain “legend”) and the one thing Tony doesn’t get any credit for.
To celebrate the 45th anniversary of becoming the only 20-game winner in Montréal Expos history, Ross Grimsley joins the boys to look back at October 1, 1978 (and the unlikely Hall of Famer who led the way), that time he and the Baltimore Orioles pitching staff made their way backstage at “Saturday Night Live” and into the good graces of John Belushi, hanging out with KISS, giving up Roberto Clemente’s last home run, being on the field for Jackie Robinson’s last public appearance, his special relationship with Thurman Munson and, for some reason…pickleball.
Comedian Roy Wood Jr. joins the boys to talk about heading back out on the road to do standup, what he thinks about the 2023 Chicago Cubs (and Milwaukee Brewers?), his excitement of Major League Baseball playing at Rickwood Field, gives his thoughts on Coach Prime and shares what he’s doing to give back to the community.
Erin Carlson, author of No Crying in Baseball, joins the boys to talk about when she first fell in love with “A League of Their Own”, some of the controversy associated with the film, what Madonna was like on set, Rosie O’Donnell’s connection to the women of the AAGPBL, Penny Marshall’s legacy and the award-winning actress producers gave millions to leave the project.
Montréal Expos supercollector (and Expos Fest organizer) Perry Giannias joins the boys to talk about when he first became a baseball fan, the role Ellis Valentine played in starting his passion, that time a former player asked for something from his collection and answers the age-old question…how does one end up with Gary Carter’s luggage?
New York Times bestselling author Joe Posnanski joins the boys to talk about his new book, Why We Love Baseball: A History in 50 Moments, the trouble had whittling the history of baseball down to 50 awesome moments (spoiler alert: there’s actually 108!), who he shared his list with (and who he didn’t), how Duane Kuiper fits into his lifelong fandom and his friendship with the legendary Buck O’Neil.
Come for Joe Pos…stay for Jim Kern, Alan Ashby and Jeff Suppan!
Helmet frontman Page Hamilton joins the boys to talk about how he became a New York Yankees fan, hanging out with Jack McDowell, his love of Don Mattingly, his hatred of Pedro Martinez, hitting the road with Faith No More and his band’s upcoming tour and album.
Jesse Cole, owner of the Savannah Bananas, joins the boys to talk about BananaBall (and how he makes sure everything remains “fan first”), following the Saturday Night Live framework, the overall importance of Bill Lee and why he’s not always keen on comparisons to the Harlem Globetrotters.
From Dearly Departed Tours, the original death hag, Scott Michaels, joins the boys to talk about his unique collection (and how it led to him working with Quentin Tarantino), the public’s fascination with celebrity and death, the complicated relationship of Joe DiMaggio and Marilyn Monroe and the crazy connection between “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and Disco Demolition Night.
As a bonus, Lou introduces Scott and Shawn to the term “prison wallet”.
For an unprecedented tenth time, Cooperstown correspondent Jeff Katz joins the boys to re-cap the 2023 Hall of Fame induction ceremony, breaks down Fred McGriff and Scott Rolen’s speeches, shares his interaction with “notorious prankster” Greg Maddux, reveals who received the coveted porch invite and talks up Immaculate Grid.
Jason Derr from Tea and Topps joins Lou to re-cap the The National Sports Collectors Convention.
Together, they discuss their experiences hanging out in Rosemont, Illinois, for the 43rd gathering of all things sports and collectibles. What did they find? Who did they run into? Was it really as hot and humid as everyone was saying it was? Overall, where do they see the hobby heading?
And, as a bonus...did Shawn get Lou to finally experience his first live wrestling event?!
Ray Schulte, the Director of Media Relations for The National Sports Collectors Convention, joins the boys to talk about the 2023 event in Chicago, what goes into preparing for the hobby’s premier event, who he’s most excited to see this year, his own personal collecting habits and the parameters of what makes a good collection.
The “most professional wrestler” (and multi-hyphenate) Brian Myers joins the boys to talk about growing up a New York Mets fan, what he collected as a kid (and now!), the rise in collecting during COVID, why he always roots for the “heel” and, because of that, who he’s most excited to meet at the upcoming National Sports Collectors Convention in Chicago.
New York Yankees beat reporter Bryan Hoch joins the boys to talk about growing up a Mets fan, what prompted him to document Aaron’s Judge’s historic 2022 season for his book 62, becoming friends with the family of Roger Maris, who they believe the real home run king is and, of course, that time his wife hit the stage and danced with Bruce Springsteen.
Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench joins the boys to talk about his battle against skin cancer, the excitement around Shohei Ohtani, whether or not he could have duplicated his stats on the mound (Johnny was kidding…calm down) and if he thinks Joey Votto could end up joining him in Cooperstown.
For more information, please visit LetsGetRealAboutSkinCancer.com.
Pilot-turned-actor Fred Sorenson joins the boys to talk about how he got the role of Jock Lindsey in “Raiders of the Lost Ark” (and exactly how close his real life is to that of the fictional pilot), whether or not he drinks for free at the Disney Bar named after his character, who decided to outfit him with a New York Yankees cap in the film and reveals where the iconic headwear is today.
Kent Corser, proprietor of The Man-Cave of Steal, joins the boys to talk about when (and how) his nearly lifelong obsession with Rickey Henderson began, how the all-time steals leader help solidify the connection between him and his dad, his favorite pieces in his collection, the few times he’s met the Hall of Famer and how he found his way into his biography.
2014 Glenn Burke Memorial Courage Award recipient Tanner Vavra joins the boys to talk about his journey through the minor and independent leagues, his unexpected connection(s) to World Series champion Kevin Millar, the lessons he imparts on his student-athletes at the University of St. Thomas and the weight his little brother’s Major League debut took off the shoulders of him and his father.
Late night cue card master Wally Feresten re-joins the boys to talk about whether or not he has reconciled with Hall of Famer Carl Yastrzemski, how close New York Yankees slugger Aaron Judge came to hosting “Saturday Night Live”, where Charles Barkley ranks on the all-time athlete hosting list (and that time Will Forte tried to get the NBA legend to fight him), what cast members are big baseball fans and shares possibly the coolest SNL souvenir anyone could own.
As an added bonus…Wally recommends some future guests!
You can get your own personal cue card from Wally by CLICKING HERE.
Former Chicago White Sox reliever (and the original “Lil Wanye”) Wayne Edwards joins the boys to talk about following in his dad’s musical footsteps by playing drums alongside teammate Jack McDowell in the band V.I.E.W, starting his first game against his idol, Nolan Ryan, sharing a clubhouse with Carlton Fisk and Bo Jackson and what he walked out of Old Comiskey with when it closed its doors in 1990.
Father and son memorabilia dealers Robbie Davis Sr. and Robbie Davis Jr. join the boys to talk about how they went from selling cars to collecting cards, why producers chose their store, Robbie’s First Base, as the location for the show “Ball Boys”, joining Ken Goldin on his Netflix series "King of Collectibles” and share what their ultimate grail items would be.
Just in time to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the San Francisco Gay Softball League, commissioner Vincent Fuqua joins the boys to talk about his SFGSL debut in 1989, playing against gay icon Glenn Burke, participating in the San Francisco Giants Pride Night and what Major League Baseball can do to be more inclusive. You can donate to the San Francisco Gay Softball League, by clicking HERE.
Author Michael Ortman joins the boys to talk about the fifty-year journey that led to his book, Opening Day: 50-for-50, what he remembers from his first Opening Day back in 1970 (and why his dad even took him), the fortuitous gig that required him to be at the ballpark, which of the five presidential first pitchers had the best arm and, of course, starting his streak over post-pandemic.
Jason Derr, co-host of the Tea and Topps and Ballcaps and Bagpipes podcasts, joins the boys to talk about how following the Chemical Brothers through Great Britain led to a love affair with Scotland, playing baseball in Edinburgh, the difficulties collecting cards overseas and, for some reason, that time Lou got a ticket is Glasgow.
In a (mostly) Yogi-ism-free episode, filmmaker Sean Mullin joins the boys to talk about how “It Ain’t Over” fell into his lap, what he knew about Yogi Berra prior to directing the documentary, why he thinks the legendary catcher is overlooked and his own personal connection to the Hall of Famer.
“Last Comiskey” director Matt Flesch joins the boys to talk about growing up a Chicago White Sox fan, spending his summers at 35th Street and Shields, what inspired him and his brother Mike to document the final season at the iconic ballpark, the interview they were most excited to nail down and, of course, the one that got away!
Jason “Heavy J” Schwartz, the Manny Mota of the podcast world, joins the boys to talk about his recent trip to Cooperstown, that grail item he found at a random card store (shout out Dave and Adam’s), shares some travel tips and tricks, proposes a new exhibit for the National Baseball Hall of Fame and makes a stunning offer to listeners of The Hall of Very Good Podcast!
ESPN’s Mike Greenberg joins the boys to talk about the “ultimate sports debate” that sparked his new book, Got Your Number: The Greatest Sports Legends and the Numbers They Own, how (and why) he chose the numbers he picked, his hope that the World Baseball Classic can grow the game internationally similar to how the 1992 Dream Team helped expand basketball’s reach and, yeah, whether or not he’s excited Aaron Rodgers is heading to his New York Jets.
Filmmaker Jeremy Newberger joins the boys to talk about his new documentary “Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel”, details covering the World Baseball Classic and why he and his partners decided to follow the team, describes the fear of being in Israel during a terror attack and helps Shawn and Lou crack the code on what “Arrow”, “Lost” and “The Walking Dead” have in common.
Episode originally aired February 9, 2018.
Renowned watercolorist (and fellow member of the Graig Kreindler Appreciation Society!) Kenneth Gatewood joins the boys to talk about getting his start painting Los Angeles storefronts and billboards, partying with Magic Johnson and Lawrence Taylor, impressing the legendary Muhammad Ali and, yeah, the elephant in the room…those iconic and precious Sports Babies.
Savannah Bananas catcher Bill LeRoy joins the boys to talk about his journey from Dublin, Georgia, to BananaLand, playing alongside and catching World Series champions (and Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Bill Lee!), his excitement for the upcoming Banana Ball World Tour and reveals what he knows (and doesn’t know) about “the book”.
John Fitzgerald, founder of the Irish American Baseball Society, joins the boys to talk about how the organization came about, shares his vision for the IABS, provides an update on the Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame and gives an overall education on baseball on the Emerald Isle.
2022 women’s cheese rolling world champion Abby Lampe joins the boys to talk about how she went from NC State to historic Cooper’s Hill in Gloucestershire, England, for the annual Cheese Rolling Championship, how she got interested in the sport, her training regimen and whether or not she’d do it again.
Buy the exclusive 2022 Abby Lampe Cheese Rolling Champion t-shirt!
Fresh on the heels of announcing the results of the 2023 BBWAA election, Hall of Fame president Josh Rawitch joins the boys to talk about the pending inductions of Fred McGriff and (fellow Hoosier!) Scott Rolen, details what day-to-day life in Cooperstown is like, shares some of the mail he receives and looks ahead to the Savannah Bananas coming to town.
Jay Jaffe, author of The Cooperstown Casebook and senior writer at FanGraphs, joins the boys (for the fifth time!) to break down the 2023 Hall of Fame ballot, explains why Scott Rolen WASN’T a no-brainer to be elected, discusses the (notso) curious case of Omar Vizquel, reveals his next “cause” and looks ahead to the Class of 2024 and beyond!
Award-winning reporter Tom Rinaldi joins the boys to talk about documenting the life (and death) of Lyman Bostock via his podcast “Wesley”, telling the crazy life story of wrestling legend Ric Flair and that insane ten-day stretch back in November when he covered the World Cup, NFL and college football’s biggest rivalry for FOX Sports.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the night (January 18, 1998) he showed up in the Royal Rumble THREE TIMES...hardcore wrestling legend and New York Times bestselling author Mick Foley joins the boys to talk about his lifelong love affair with the New York Yankees, that time he met his idol Thurman Munson, going from the WiffleBall diamond to becoming a professional wrestling Hall of Famer and picks which players from his childhood best mirror the iconic “Three Faces of Foley”.
Episode originally aired September 20, 2020.
T. Sean Shannon, creator of Baseball Card Theater (and SNL’s Bear City!), joins the boys to talk about his lifelong obsession with bear suits and Boog Powell, hanging out with the legendary Fred Willard, one of the nicest hosts he worked with while with “Saturday Night Live” and that time he chatted up Neil Young.
Fred McGriff supercollector Kenny Hillyard joins the boys to talk about how a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan, born and raised in Texas, amasses a collection of more than 47,000 items dedicated to the “Crime Dog” (and the time it was stolen), shares what “Mrs. McGriff Collector” thinks of his obsession and whether or not they’ll be in Cooperstown this July to see Fred get inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
To celebrate being the most listened to episode of 2022, Phil Hecken, deputy editor of Uni Watch, takes a break from “throwing stones” to join the boys for an "agenda-free" episode of the podcast, answers listener tweets, explains why 125 Grateful Dead shows isn’t too many and shares his least favorite thing about close friend Graig Kreindler.
Episode originally aired February 15, 2022.
Just in time for Christmas, St. Nick's favorite former Major Leaguer, Steve Christmas, joins the boys to talk about living with such a festive last name, playing behind Hall of Fame catchers Johnny Bench and Carlton Fisk, how Tom Seaver got him traded and sharing a locker next to another future Hall of Famer...Lee Smith.
Episode originally aired December 22, 2017.
Jay Caldwell and Graig Kreindler, author and artist behind Black Baseball in Livng Color, join the boys to talk about what prompted them to team up again and why they chose the stories they did to best represent the history of the Negro Leagues, share an update on Jay’s awesome collection and…more listener questions for Graig!
Author and former Major League Baseball executive Rick Vaughn joins the boys to talk about his new book, 100 Years of Baseball on St. Petersburg’s Waterfront, the fabled history of Al Lang Stadium (including who brought the biggest crowd to the park), Babe Ruth’s connection to Florida’s Gulf coast, the sad history of Boardwalk and Baseball and, of course, an update on the infamous F*ckFace bat.
WWE superstar Bobby Lashley joins the boys to preview Survivor Series WarGames, the importance of good entrance music, growing up a Kansas City Royals fan, that time he called out Marcus Stroman on Twitter and how long the pitcher could last in the ring with him.
Vanessa Ivy Rose, granddaughter of Negro Leagues legend (and five-time Hall of Famer) Turkey Stearnes, joins the boys to share some of her favorite stories of her grandfather, her efforts to preserve his legacy, how he got his unique nickname and what his family call him.
Just in time to celebrate her brother Glenn’s 70th birthday, Lutha Davis joins the boys to talk about Burke family traditions, being part of Pride Night at Dodgers Stadium, celebrating Dusty Baker’s recent World Series win and what we can do to keep her brother’s legacy alive.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers (and current Anaheim Ducks) organist Lindsay Imber joins the boys to talk about how she got her start in music, the difference between working baseball and hockey games, who she patterns her style after, her side gig critiquing umpires and whether or not Angel Hernandez is as bad as everyone thinks.
Four-time World Series champion (and Grammy-nominated musician) Bernie Williams joins the boys to talk about whether he considers himself a baseball player who plays guitar or a guitar player who played baseball, that time he surprised Derek Jeter and what he’s doing to bring awareness to interstitial lung disease.
For more information on ILD, please visit TuneInToLungHealth.com.
For the fifth time, New York Times bestselling author Jeff Pearlman joins the boys to talk about his new book, The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson, how the pandemic changed the writing process (and whether or not two-sport star offered any assistance), the stories that didn’t make the cut and, of course, Tecmo Bowl.
“McCovey Cove Dave” Edlund joins the boys to talk about how he got his start and what all goes into becoming baseball’s premier amphibious ballhawk, chasing Barry Bonds’ Oracle Park records, his plan for if (when?) he catches the San Francisco Giants’ 100th “splash hit” and reveals whether or not he’s peed in his wetsuit.
Cherelle “Torch” George and Rock “Wham” Middleton from the Harlem Globetrotters join the boys to talk about their new Saturday morning television show, what shows they probably shouldn’t appear on and why one of them should take the mound for the Savannah Bananas.
World Series-winning skipper Joe Maddon joins the boys to talk about Major League Baseball’s short attention span (and its inability to market their stars), reveals whether or not he’d consider managing the Savannah Bananas, gives some tips on how to break other curses and, of course, previews his new book, The Book of Joe.
Tom Seaver superfan Stuart Rosenthal joins the boys to talk about the similarities between him and podcast legend Jeff Katz, his chance meetings with his favorite baseball player of all-time, that time he got cursed out by Hall of Famer Warren Spahn and gets Shawn and Lou spill the beans on some of their favorite guests!
After explaining what a sod poodle is, identical twins Chris and Stefan Caray join the boys to talk about how they ended up joining the family business working in Armarillo as baseball’s first fourth-generation broadcasters, how they decide who does what in the booth and share who they think does the best impression of great-grandpa Harry.
Former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League pitcher Maybelle Blair returns to talk to the boys about “A League of Their Own” on Amazon Prime, shares her thoughts on the show’s cast, reveals what prompted her to come out and gives an update on the IWBC’s efforts to turn Rockford, Illinois, the “cradle of women’s baseball”.
Writer, director and producer Will Graham joins the boys to talk about the journey (and decision) to bring “A League of Their Own” back via Amazon Prime, shares the response from those associated with the 1992 classic film, explains the desire to tell the stories that hadn’t been told yet and why it was important to get Rockford right.
Dakota”Stilts” Albritton, pitcher and outfielder for the Savannah Bananas, joins the boys to talk about his tryout with the team, playing for former big leaguer Eric Byrnes, who reached out to him after getting his first hit (on national television!) and, of course, the most difficult thing to do while on stilts.
Two-time World Series champion and three-time All-Star Manny Sanguillén joins the boys to talk about how he went from playing baseball in the streets of Panama to being the beloved face of a BBQ restaurant in Pittsburgh, shares what it was like being part of Major League Baseball’s first all-black and Latino lineup, recalls his favorite moment as a big leaguer and, of course, fondly remembers his close relationships with both Dock Ellis and Roberto Clemente.
Episode originally aired January 1, 2019
Justin Schultz, author of 91 Since ‘91, joins the boys to talk about what prompted him to write a book about the greatest baseball players of his lifetime (and why the list is 91 long instead of, say, 100), how he determined who was included, the biggest surprises and snubs and looks back at his time working alongside Lou at Reviewing the Brew.
Darren Garnick, founder of Cards for the DR, joins the boys to talk about what prompted him to collect and distribute baseball cards to the youth of the Dominican Republic, how people have responded to his charitable crusade (and how you can get involved!), his love of “Batman '66”, globetrotting with a stuff Dino and makes his case for Carney Lansford to be inducted into The Hall of Very Good.
Legendary sports branding expert Todd Radom joins the boys to answer listener questions, introduces us to the Wichita Turbo Tubs, recalls tailgating at Milwaukee County Stadium (and “Midwest nice”) and sings the praises of Frank Pepe and his delicious pizza.
For the ninth time, America’s sweetheart Jeff Katz joins the boys to talk about Hall of Fame Induction Weekend and Bud Fowler’s connection to Cooperstown, why MLB should bring a regular season game to Doubleday Field, attempts to (kinda) humanize Rob Manfred and reveals a deep, dark secret about his extensive record collection.
From podcast fan to friend, Micah Blunt joins the boys to talk about spending time at the Hall of Fame, planning his next trip to Cooperstown, hanging out at the airport with Randy Johnson, that time the Seattle Mariners honored his lifelong dedication to the team and then, for some reason, turns the tables and asks Shawn and Lou some questions.
On the eve of the 2022 induction ceremony, Josh Rawitch joins the boys to talk about his first year on the job as president of the Hall of Fame, his daily “pinch me” moments, golfing with Bob Kendrick from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and what he and his team are looking for during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.
Dan Wallach from "My Baseball History" podcast (and, formerly, the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum) joins the boys to talk about what's next for him personally, the current pains of being a Chicago White Sox fan, way too much "Jurassic Park" conversation and why it's a bad summer for dinosaurs.
“Clerks” star Brian O’Halloran joins the boys to talk about that other Brian O’Halloran in Boston, his admiration of the legendary George Carlin, how he ended up working with director Kevin Smith (and the upcoming “Clerks 3”), “spitting bars” with fellow View Askewniverse mainstay Jeff Anderson and getting the band back together at Fan Expo.
University of Rochester catcher (and glass-ceiling breaker) Beth Greenwood joins the boys to talk about her involvement with the Amazon Prime series "A League of Their Own", hanging out with AAGPBL living legend Maybelle Blair, remembers when she first gave the system the middle finger and reveils her new gig with the Philadelphia Phillies.
To help celebrate the 30th anniversary of "A League of Their Own", actress and activist Tracy Reiner joins the boys to talk about how she landed the role of Betty "Spaghetti" Horn (spoiler alert...it's not how you think), what it was like working on the set of "Die Hard", reminisces about the impact Carrie Fisher had on her life and, of course, shares what life is like growing up in "the circus".
This episode originally aired April 28, 2017.
To help celebrate the 30th anniversary of "A League of Their Own", Chris Bolan, the director of “A Secret Love”, joins the boys to talk about how he got the inspiration to record the lives of his great-aunt (former AAGPBL catcher Terry Donahue) and her longtime girlfriend for his Netflix documentary, the unlikely place he found most of the archival footage and pictures he’d end up using, the response he’s received from the LGBTQ community and, most importantly, gives an update on the fantastic Pat Henschel.
This episode originally aired May 18, 2020.
To help celebrate the 30th anniversary of "A League of Their Own", filmmaker Kelly Candaele joins the boys to talk about his mother, former AAGPBL player Helen Callaghan, how his PBS documentary about the professional women's baseball league led to a call from Penny Marshall’s “people” and shares his thoughts on the upcoming Amazon series.
This episode originally aired December 1, 2020.
To help celebrate the 30th anniversary of "A League of Their Own", former pitcher Maybelle Blair joins the boys to talk about her time in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and how she got started on the diamond, her quest to preserve the AAGPBL in Rockford, Illinois, why she had to hide her sexuality and shares who her favorite current Major Leaguer is.
Oh, and Lou volunteers Shawn to do manual labor. Jerk.
This episode originally aired March 2, 2018.
"Facing Nolan" director Bradley Jackson joins the boys to talk about landing his dream gig, working with (and the praise he received from) the Ryan family, shares his favorite interviews and the interview he wishes he would have secured and, naturally, what was left on the proverbial cutting room floor.
Anonymous card artist PardeeStreetBetts joins the boys to talk about his love of Topps Project 70 baseball cards (and, in particular, that certain Mookie Betts card), whether or not he has heard from either Topps or Alex Pardee and, naturally, why he does what he does…and does his spouse approve.
Umpire-turned-author Dale Scott joins the boys to talk about his new book The Umpire is Out, shares the original (and rejected!) title and who would play him in a movie version, recalls the strangest questions he’s been asked while promoting his book and recalls that time he received a death threat for simply doing his job. SPOILER ALERT…it possibly (probably?) involves Billy Martin.
Andre Gaines, director of “After Jackie”, joins the boys to talk about his upcoming documentary and how he got involved, separates the Jackie Robinson fact from Jackie Robinson fiction, makes the Hall of Fame case for Bill White and explains how the efforts of the late-Curt Flood directly led to LeBron James making his historic “decision”.
Meat Puppets drummer Derrick Bostrom joins the boys to talk about why baseball is the best sport, fondly remembers those early-to-mid-80s New York Mets (and that time he put his father in his place during the 1986 World Series!) and politely listens to Shawn go on and on about traveling uphill both ways through an ice storm to see him perform.
Matthew Mutton, host of British Baseball Podcast, joins the boys to talk about his favorite Topps Project70 artists, the difficulties of collecting baseball cards outside of the United States, why he collects what he collects and what does and doesn’t belong in his Beindler.
Just in time to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson’s debut, author and baseball historian Ralph Carhart joins the boys to talk about 42’s best (and worst) big screen portrayals, shares what it was like to interview Jackie’s daughter Sharon and, along with Lou, becomes a voluntary spokesperson for the Ireland Board of Tourism.
Check out the new SABR book Not an Easy Tale to Tell: Jackie Robinson on the Page, Stage, and Screen!
Former Rockford Peach Shirley Burkovich passed away March 31, 2022.
In November 2019, “Hustle” joined the boys to talk about getting her start in the AAGPBL, how she got her nickname, if she saved anything from her playing days, the status of the International Women’s Baseball Center and, of course, “A League of Their Own”.
Episode originally aired November 19, 2019.
Lutha Davis, sister of the late-Glenn Burke, joins the boys to talk about growing up in a house full of athletes, the excitement of her brother being drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in 1972, Glenn’s struggles as an openly gay man playing professional baseball and the legacy he left behind following his death in 1995.
On the eve of WrestleMania 23, Wade Boggs inducted his friend Curt Hennig into the WWE Hall of Fame, but did you know that if it wasn't for Mr. Perfect, the Chicken Man's own Hall of Fame career might have been over?
To listen to the entire interview, CLICK HERE.
Former Chicago White Sox batboy Jim Riley joins the boys to talk about his time working for the team (and how he got the gig), whether or not that’s him in that iconic Sports Illustrated cover with Dick Allen and what it was like working alongside Allen, Bill Melton and Jim Kaat.
Holy Hilgendorf! Matt Edwards, proprietor of The Relief Room, joins the boys to talk about how his dad unknowingly inspired him to turn his first floor powder room into a shrine to Philadelphia Phillies relievers, shares the one piece that would complete his museum, explains how he ended up spending his birthday in his bathroom with 2008 World Series champion Scott Eyre and reveals his fool-proof method of sneaking booze into the ballpark.
Kevin Millar, co-host of “Intentional Talk” and 2004 World Series champion joins the boys to talk about Rally Karaoke Guy, losing Josh Booty’s World Series ring, that time he was part of a certain team that came back from an 0-3 deficit, golfing with Alfonso Ribeiro and the upcoming ClubCorp Classic.
New York Times bestselling author Jeff Pearlman joins the boys to talk about the new HBO series “Winning Time” and his super important role as a Hollywood insider, discusses the best and worst sports movies and previews his upcoming book on Bo Jackson.
Chris Ivy, Director of Sports Auctions for Heritage, joins the boys to talk about the company’s upcoming auction and what’s hot right now in the memorabilia world, explains the art of photo matching, shares which item he wishes would cross his desk and recalls how his favorite baseball memory led him to his current career.
Phil Hecken, deputy editor of Uni Watch, takes a break from “throwing stones” to join the boys for an "agenda-free" episode of the podcast, answers listener tweets, explains why 125 Grateful Dead shows isn’t too many, gives his thoughts on the Washington Commanders new uniforms and shares his least favorite thing about close friend Graig Kreindler.
Highland Park high school football coach Randy Allen joins the boys prior to SuperBowl LVI to talk about his relationship with two of his former players, Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and three-time Cy Young award winner Clayton Kershaw, what they’re doing to give back to the community, could Matthew have played professional baseball and how he’s keeping the legacy of former longtime Cowboys coach Tom Landry alive on the sidelines there in Dallas.
Ryan Fagan, senior MLB writer for The Sporting News, joins the boys to talk about his obsession with junk wax and the origin of his “Pack of the Day” series, using his Hall of Fame vote to keep certain players on the ballot, the future of closers making their way to Cooperstown and that time Lou (and a baseball autographed by Jim Gantner) inspired an article.
Author K.P. Wee joins the boys to talk about his book “The Case of Barry Bonds in the Hall of Fame”, why he wasn’t surprised by the 2022 Hall of Fame election, whether or not Bonds was really the bad guy people think he is and what is it about random players like Tom Candiotti and John Cangelosi that he appreciates.
Professional wrestler Colt Cabana joins the boys to talk about his podcast “Wrestling Anonymous”, that time he went to (not really...but kind of?) a Cosby Sweater Convention, how and why he became Chicago’s biggest Kirby Puckett fan, getting stiffed by Hank Aaron and witnessing Wade Bpggs going toe to toe with wrestler Balls Mahoney.
Jay Jaffe, author of The Cooperstown Casebook and senior writer at FanGraphs, returns to talk to the boys about the 2022 Hall of Fame class and what future candidates he’s looking forward to covering the most, what we can expect for pitchers (and relievers) on future ballots, who he thinks might be the next unanimous Hall of Fame and unwittingly names Shawn’s favorite prog rock album.
Painter extraordinaire Graig Kreindler returns to talk to the boys for an "agenda-free" episode of the podcast, answers listener tweets, breakdown Toto's greatest hit(s) and, of course, share what would be in his Beindler...if you had one.
Marilyn Hetrick and daughter Elizabeth Ronie join the boys to celebrate the indelible life of supercollector (and all-around awesome dude) Bill Hetrick.
Please consider making a donation in Bill's name to the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame Museum, the Negro League Baseball Museum or the Holy Savior Catholic Church Building Fund.
As an added bonus, we remember the time Bill, co-founder of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, joined the boys to talk about his massive collection of autographed baseballs, spending time with the likes of Warren Spahn, Vin Scully, Hank Aaron, the New York Mets famed “Million Dollar Outfield” and, of course, those late night trips to IHOP with The Famous San Diego Chicken.
Episode originally aired April 12, 2021.
Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, joins the boys for the seventh time to talk about the recent announcement that his friend Buck O’Neil is (finally!) going to be a member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, what he’s going to wear to the induction ceremony, whether or not he’ll be the one to speak for Buck and, of course, looks ahead to 2022.
16-time Gold Glove Award winner (and 2015 Hall of Very Good inductee) Jim Kaat joins the boys to talk about his 60-plus years in baseball, reflects on his Hall of Fame chances, shares why he started Twitter (and who, from his era, would be a great follow), describes golfing in New Zealand and, naturally, gives Lou some links advice.
Episode originally aired June 30, 2017
Daniel Jacob Horine, the creative mind behind Pop Fly Pop Shop, talks to the boys about the inspiration and process behind his unique mix of the baseball world and comic books, shares his relationship with Dale Murphy, explains the mystique behind “The Mad Hungarian” Al Hrabosky, explains how baseball is the world’s longest-running soap opera and gives his thoughts on what’s currently going on in the Marvel cinematic universe.
Richard Davis, the owner of the world’s biggest Wade Boggs collection, joins the boys to talk about how a Christmas morning gift of a 1983 Donruss rookie card kicked off a lifelong obsession, shares his favorite “oddball” items from the Boggs Tavern and what do you get the guy who has everything? Turns out, The Boggsfather has a few suggestions.
John Owens and Dr. David Fletcher, authors of Chili Dog MVP, join the boys to talk about the new book, their individual relationships with should-be Hall of Famer Dick Allen, his chances at making it to Cooperstown, the story behind the slugger's “chili dog” game and the similarities between that 1972 Chicago White Sox team and the Bulls second three-peat.
Businessman and philanthropist Quint Studer joins the boys to talk about his role in saving minor league baseball in Beloit, Wisconsin, his relationship with Miami Marlins owner Derek Jeter, explains what a Sky Carp is, why downtown stadiums are the way to go and shares just how close the Pensacola Blue Wahoos are to having legendary broadcaster Bob Costas join them in the broadcast booth.
Lifelong Baltimore Orioles fans Sam Dingman and Mac Montandon, the team behind “The Rumor” podcast, join the boys to talk about what prompted them to investigate a nearly 25-year-old story involving Cal Ripken Jr., his wife and (you guessed it) Kevin Costner.
Former Major League Baseball executive Dan Evans once again joins the boys to talk about working for (and alongside) Hall of Famer Frank Thomas at the Field of Dreams movie site, gives insight as to how teams are preparing for a potential work stoppage, recalls his friendship with the late-Tom Seaver and shares how his new gig fulfills a promise he made to his mother.
Gary Portnoy, the Emmy-nominated singer/songwriter of “Where Everybody Knows Your Name”, joins the boys to talk about how he got his start in music, the artists he has worked with, how he ended up with the gig to record the “Cheers” theme (and the various places the song has ended up) and whether or not he drinks for free in Boston.
Mike Murphy joins the boys to talk about how (and why) his grandma Minnie Lee got started documenting her lifelong love affair with the Cincinnati Reds, that time she missed one of the team’s biggest games of the last 35 years, ending on a high note and, of course, what’s next for Grandma’s Reds Scorebook.
“Toni Stone” playwright Lydia Diamond joins the boys to talk about her personal connection to the Negro Leagues pioneer and why she chose to tell her story, what it means to have her play back on the stage, writing through her COVID-impose lockdown and, of course, growing up a baseball fan and her crush on former St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Joaquin Andujar,
Actor and comedian Samm Levine joins the boys to talk about being a lifelong Chicago Cubs fan, being back on the convention circuit, makes the first Reed Johnson mention in the history of the show, goes off on a certain umpire (or two) and helps craft the wonderful new podcast “Let’s Feed Sam(m) Levine”.
“Once Upon a Time in Queens” director Nick Davis joins the boys to talk about growing up a lifelong New York Mets fan, the similarities between their 1986 World Series-winning team and the band Nirvana, who he wishes he could’ve interviewed for his 30 for 30 documentary and, of course, the excitement of showing the world Ed Hearn’s balls.
Hall of Famer Frank Thomas returns to talk to the boys about what to watch for as we head into the playoffs, why Vlad Jr. might be the story of the year, shares his thoughts on the Field of Dreams game and discovers the bond he shares with Lou.
To help celebrate the 300th episode of the podcast, legendary broadcaster Bob Costas joins the boys to talk about the three questions he gets asked the most, who he weirdly gets mistaken for, signing autographs as Bob Cutlass, appearing in BASEketball (and Pootie Tang!), that bet he made with Kirby Puckett back in 1986 and, of course, a little baseball.
For a record eighth time, America’s favorite (former) mayor Jeff Katz joins the boys to talk about almost missing the 2021 Hall of Fame Induction, his favorite moment from the recent ceremony, recalls the most memorable Hall of Fame speech he’s heard and that time John Travolta visited Cooperstown.
Newly-minted president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Josh Rawitch joins the boys to talk about his recent cross-country roadtrip from Arizona to New York, stopping off in Dyersville, Iowa, for a game of catch (and historic baseball game!) at the Field of Dreams movie site, whether or not he can be blamed for those Diamondbacks uniforms and if he’s ready for those cold Cooperstown winters.
"I think the thing that surprises me is when September 1st comes around every year...no one really talks about it."
On September 1, 1971, the Pittsburgh Pirates fielded the first starting nine consisting of all Black and Latino players. Bruce Markusen, author of The Team That Changed Baseball, Al Oliver and Manny Sanguillen join the boys to reflect on that historic team.
Longtime umpire Perry Barber re-joins the boys to talk about her lifelong (and prosperous!) love affair with television quiz shows, that time she walked away from Jeopardy! with a year’s supply of Rice-A-Roni and the latest happenings with the International Women’s Baseball Center.
Prior to heading to Dyersville, Iowa, Frank Thomas joins the boys to talk about his favorite baseball movie of all-time (spoiler alert…it’s NOT “Field of Dreams”), Major League Baseball’s marketing of its current stars and whether or not his former colleague Pete Rose deserves a spot in the Hall of Fame.
Chris Ivy joins the boys to talk about his position as Director of Sports Auctions for Heritage, tells the story of three of his more profitable pieces (including The Black Swamp Find), shares his “holy grail” item and promotes the recent Willie McCovey collection.
Just in time for the Chicago White Sox to play host to the New York Yankees at the “Field of Dreams” Movie Site, operations manager Roman Weinberg leads the boys on a tour of the iconic farmhouse from the film, explains the “how” and “why” the land situated on Lansing Road in Dyersville, Iowa was selected and, ultimately, how it became one of the baseball world's top tourist destinations.
Oh, Roman also tells Shawn and Lou how a random tourist from New York (kinda) led to a $3.4 million payday for the farm’s original owner!
Episode originally aired September 2, 2019.
Former All-American pitcher Danielle O'Toole joins the boys to talk about representing Mexico during the 2020 Olympics, chasing down Pau Gasol (and running into Yao Ming) while in Tokyo, growing up a fan of the Jackass franchise and how she ultimately ended up getting a role alongside Johnny Knoxville and the gang in their upcoming movie.
Kevin Thomas and Vince Biffle from the Global Barber Federation join the boys to talk about how they got their start cutting hair, why they approached the Rocket City Trash Pandas with the idea of putting a barbershop in Toyota Field (and why more teams should) and, of course, what athlete needs their help the most.
Baseball artist and illustrator Josée Tellier joins the boys to talk about her recent involvement (and victory!) in the Josh Gibson Card Art Tournament, lists her favorite Montréal Expos of all-time, expresses her hatred of the Washington Nationals and, of course, shares some secrets of the city that never sleeps…Sherbrooke, Quebec!
Renowned master of cue cards Wally Feresten joins the boys to talk about how a rejected after school special helped lead to his 30-plus year career working at Saturday Night Live, reveals who is the best (and the notso best) when it comes to reading cue cards, dishes on some of the athletes that make their way backstage and how Carl Yastrzemski ended up his mortal enemy.
Kevin Martinez, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications for the Seattle Mariners, joins the boys to talk about how he got his start with the team, the stunt that he was sure would get him fired (HINT: it was Turn Ahead the Clock Night), the thrill of handling the marketing of some of baseball’s biggest stars and that time WrestleMania took over Seattle.
On July 12, 1979, close to 50,000 baseball (and music) fans crowded Comiskey Park to show their hatred of disco music. To call what happened that night in Chicago a "mistake" would be an understatement.
Former big league infielder Greg Pryor was there and witnessed "Disco Demolition Night" firsthand.
To listen to the entire interview, CLICK HERE.
SuperBowl-winning quarterback Joe Theismann joins the boys to talk about how close he was to becoming a professional baseball player instead of an NFL MVP, recalls his historic one yard punt (and, yes, that leg-shattering sack by Lawrence Taylor), goes behind-the-scenes of his movie and television career and previews the upcoming American Century Championship.
Two-time Cy Young Award winner Bret Saberhagen joins the boys to talk about his recent re-watch of his MVP award-winning performance in the 1985 World Series, that famous (infamous?) Ford commercial, whether or not he took anything while visiting The White House, both of his appearances on The Tonight Show, his love affair with golf and SabesWings, the foundation he started alongside his wife Kandace.
Renowned sports artist Blake Jamieson joins the boys to talk about how he got his start, his recent experience working with Topps, the one time he was star stuck by one of his subjects (and the one guy who stiffed him!) and explains NFTs.
“Holey Moley” co-host Joe Tessitore joins the boys to talk about the new season of the hit ABC game show, that time he called one of his son’s nationally-televised college football games and shares how excited he is to return to sold out stadiums this fall.
Legendary baseball agent Don Nomura joins the boys to talk about the numerous stops on his professional journey (and how his brief baseball career saved him from being killed in a liquor store), representing Japanese superstar Hideo Nomo at a time when his homeland had deemed him a traitor, the importance of the internationalization of baseball and how a loophole led to Major League Baseball’s Asian expansion.
#HideoNomoForTheHall
Sean Gibson, executive director of the Josh Gibson Foundation, joins the boys to talk about the legacy of Josh Gibson, how close his great-grandfather came to breaking Major League Baseball’s color barrier, the current push to get the name of baseball’s MVP award changed and that time the greatest home run hitter in the Negro League history hit the longest home run at Yankee Stadium.
This week’s podcast is brought to you by IG Charcoal BBQ.
Boston Red Sox organist Josh Kantor returns to talk to the boys about how kept his iron man streak alive during 2020’s work stoppage, breaks down an average game day, shares where he stands on Sweet Caroline, comments on J-Lo’s "wattage" and, for some reason, the best and worst Batman.
Rich Evans and Molly Willcox from the Bristol Baseball Club join the boys (again) to talk about how they first discovered baseball and picked their favorite teams, Major League Baseball’s ongoing identity crisis, America’s problem with selective and false memories and get introduced to the story of Glenn Burke by Lou.
Rich Evans and Molly Willcox from the Bristol Baseball Club join the boys to talk about the history of and rise in baseball’s popularity in England, what fans of Bristol’s teams can expect this season and introduces the world to their adorably awesome mascot, Biscuit.
Ross Grimsley, the only 20-game winner in Montreal Expos history, joins the boys (and a VERY special guest!) to talk about the fiftieth anniversary of his May 16, 1971 debut with the Cincinnati Reds, pitching to and against the great Johnny Bench and going from collecting baseball cards of to playing alongside The Big Red Machine.
Rob Nelson, the original “shred head” and inventor of Big League Chew, joins the boys to talk about how he ended up in the Pacific Northwest pitching for the Portland Mavericks, spending time alongside Kurt Russell and (eventual Academy Award-nominated director) Todd Field and, of course, how being re-acquainted with Jim Bouton unexpectedly led to him becoming a bubble gum mogul.
Jason “Heavy J” Schwartz, the self-proclaimed “David Hasselhoff of the baseball card art community”, joins the boys to talk about growing up in the competitive world of Los Angeles mathletics, his never ending quest for Platinum Elite status at JOANN Fabric, what prompted him to start Heavy J Studios (and how he ended up creating more than 600 pieces of card art for charity!) and, yeah…that time a certain Tiger Beat coverboy might have (but most definitely probably did) made off with a recipe box full of his high-dollar baseball cards.
Longtime music producer and agent David Fishof joins the boys to talk about his early career representing athletes, the difference between working with them and with musicians and entertainers, the fight that led to him coming up with the idea of Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp and, of course, the new documentary “Rock Camp”.
Bill Hetrick, co-founder of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum (and big time memorabilia collector!), joins the boys to talk about his massive collection of autographed baseballs, spending time with the likes of Warren Spahn, Vin Scully, Hank Aaron, the New York Mets famed “Million Dollar Outfield” and, of course, those late night trips to IHOP with The Famous San Diego Chicken.
Ethan Bryan, author of A Year of Playing Catch, joins the boys to talk about being a lifelong fan of (and his encounters with) Hall of Famer George Brett, visiting the “Field of Dreams” movie site in Dyersville, Iowa, with his dad and, of course, how a chilly New Year’s Day game of catch led to a 365-day journey across the Midwest and beyond!
To celebrate the start of the 2021 baseball season, two-time National League MVP Dale Murphy joins the boys to talk about his chances to make the Hall of Fame, the toughest opponents he faced as a big leaguer, catching Phil Niekro’s knuckleball and that time in 1991 when his former skipper Bobby Cox ordered Tom Glavine to hit him with a pitch.
Episode originally aired November 3, 2017.
To celebrate the start of the 2021 baseball season, 1991 Hall of Fame inductee Fergie Jenkins joins the boys to talk about his time playing for the Harlem Globetrotters (and his relationship with one of their legends…the late-Curly Neal), shares his excitement over another Canadian joining him in Cooperstown and recalls that time he gave Madison Bumgarner a lesson in autograph etiquette.
Episode originally aired March 27, 2020.
To celebrate the start of the 2021 baseball season, should-be Hall of Famer Tommy John joins the boys to talk about his chances at getting into Cooperstown, the injury that nearly ended his career, his relationship with the late-Frank Jobe (and why the legendary doctor is one of the three most influential men in baseball history) and playing alongside Glenn Burke.
Episode originally aired February 28, 2017.
To celebrate the start of the 2021 baseball season, legendary Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith joins the boys to talk about the 25th anniversary of the popular "Homer at the Bat” episode of “The Simpsons”, where his famous backflip came from, growing up in Southern California with Eddie Murray and the one team he would’ve liked to have played for.
Episode originally aired July 14, 2017.
To celebrate the start of the 2021 baseball season, 2005 Hall of Fame inductee Wade Boggs joins the boys to talk about his fear of horses, his unlikely friendship with former WWE superstar Curt Hennig (aka Mr. Perfect), that time the wrestler saved his life and, lastly, his relationship with his number one superfan.
Episode originally aired May 14, 2020.
Dave Berger, author of Take Me Out to the Ballgame, joins the boys to talk about some of baseball’s most comical and freakish injuries, why left-handed pitchers seem to be the most susceptible and how Trevor Bauer’s bloody drone mishap provided him with the inspiration to write a book.
For an autographed copy of the book…CLICK HERE. Tell Dave your favorite team and he'll throw in a surprise bookmarker!
Brandon Steiner, founder of Steiner Sports and CollectibleXchange, joins the boys to talk about the current resurgence in the sports memorabilia market, reveals why so many people are buying and selling their collectibles right now, shares some of the favorite pieces from his own collection and teases the upcoming auction of his personal stuff.
Actor (and lifelong Red Sox fan!) Nate Corddry talks to the boys about the magic of baseball and why it’s okay to root for former players of your favorite team, his favorite ballparks to visit, drinking “water beer” at Wrigley Field, hanging out and talking baseball with the great Billy Crystal and trying to convince Yankees fan Aaron Sorkin to change his name on “Studio 60”.
To mark the fifth anniversary of his first appearance on the podcast, onetime minor league scout-turned-actor Lew Temple re-joins the boys to talk about how he’s been keeping busy during our “societal pause”, that time he bought (and shared!) a drink with Hank Aaron, his friendship with the man who gave up the former home run champ’s record-tying bomb, how the late-Bob Watson inadvertently got him started in Hollywood and led to hanging out with Charlie Sheen and playing catch with a young Matthew McConaughey.
Matthew Mutton, host of British Baseball Podcast, joins the boys to talk about why they should be fans of British baseball (and who they should root for!), introduces the world to the Bolton Robots of Doom, explains how he became a fan of American baseball and why he loves the Negro Leagues and the AAGPBL.
Andrea Williams, author of Baseball’s Leading Lady, joins the boys to talk about her journey of wanting to be Major League Baseball’s first female general manager to working alongside Bob Kendrick at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to writing about African-American icons Effa Manley and Charley Pride, what it would take for Hollywood to properly honor their memory and reveals (kinda) what she’s working on next.
Phil Sklar from the National Bobblehead Hall of Fame and Museum in Milwaukee joins the boys to update them on the status of the museum, talks about the most popular bobbleheads they’ve created and sold (as well as the money they’ve raised for first responders battling COVID-19) and offers up a special *FREE* bobblehead offer. #IBOBBLE
Bob Kendrick, President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, joins the boys for the sixth time to talk about his relationship with fellow Hall of Very Good class of 2021 inductees Dick Allen and Charley Pride, looks back at the effect the COVID-19 pandemic had on the museum, looks ahead to 2021 and gives an update on the Nashville Stars.
We're still not sure how or why we became friends with Larry King...but it certainly had something to do with our shared love of baseball.
The legendary interviewer (and very proud baseball dad!) joined us a number of times and talked about a host of things, including the Hall of Fame, the most exciting and best players that he's seen, his all-time favorite uniforms and, naturally, his lifelong fandom of the Los Angeles AND Brooklyn Dodgers.
Larry died on January 23, 2021 at age 87.
“Meeting on the Mound” host Jake Reiner joins the boys to talk about how his previous life as a broadcast journalism has helped him transition into podcasting, shares his thoughts on the legitimacy of the Los Angeles Dodgers 2020 World Series championship, looks ahead to the 2021 season and reveals his hypothetical Hall of Fame ballot.
Longtime ESPN broadcaster Kenny Mayne joins the boys to talk about the “magic device” that enabled him to get back on his feet and how he’s made it his mission to help others do the same, his love of Tommy Harper and the Seattle Pilots, the game he invented with his uncle, his experience making “Baseketball” and shares his favorite Milwaukee story.
Regarded as the Negro League’s youngest player, Dennis "Bose" Biddle joins the boys to talk about leaving Magnolia, Arkansas, and heading to the Windy City to try out for (and eventually sign a contract to play in) the Chicago American Giants, his efforts to preserve the legacy of the league’s historic past and that time he met the legendary Charley Pride.
To celebrate being the most listened to episode of 2020, Micky Dolenz from The Monkees joins the boys to talk about his new gig with Wizard World, learning how to play golf alongside Alice Cooper, explains the origin of The Hollywood Vampires and helps Lou earn some major points with his mother-in-law.
Episode originally aired July 28, 2020.
For no reason whatsoever, a mystery guest joins the boys to talk about why it's more than okay to ignore and cancel Aubrey Huff, whether or not steroid guys should be in the Hall of Fame, helps coin the term "fat-neck Griffey", shares their favorite baseball-related comedy routine and reveals their three song strip club setlist.
Baseball historian/researcher and taphophile Sam Gazdziak joins the boys to talk about his fascination with celebrating the lives of the recently deceased, introduces the world to Kentucky’s number one chicken thief, “Turkey Bob” Turner, expresses his anger following the recent passing of Charley Pride and reveals whether or not we’ll ever see an RIP Baseball book.
Andrew Maraniss, author of the upcoming Glenn Burke biography “Singled Out”, joins the boys to talk at length about why he chose to write about Major League Baseball’s first openly gay player (and inventor of the high five), whether or not his story would make a good movie and, yeah, walks right into a return of #FredKilledRube.
1988 Rookie of the Year and three-time All-Star Chris Sabo joins the boys to talk about why he chose to pursue the dream of playing baseball professionally instead of hockey, suiting up for Pete Rose, going wire-to-wire and winning the 1990 World Series with the Cincinnati Reds and the challenge of going back to college, first to get his law degree and next, as the head coach of the University of Akron baseball team during a pandemic.
Documentary filmmaker Kelly Candaele joins the boys to talk about his mother, former AAGPBL player Helen Callaghan, and how his PBS documentary about the professional women's baseball league led to a call from Penny Marshall’s “people”, whether or not we could see a sequel to “A League of Their Own” and his thoughts on the upcoming Amazon series.
Stand-up comedian and Donald Trump impersonator J-L Cauvin joins the boys to talk about one of his greatest accomplishments (spoiler alert: it involves a pair of middle fingers and a group of high school cheerleaders), shares his all-time favorite New York Yankees players, reveals why he hates Derek Jeter so much and, for some reason, recalls that time he was offered free Rich Little tickets...and explains why he didn't take them.
Fresh off the 2020 induction ceremony, president and CEO of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Greg Harris joins the boys to talk about his personal journey from the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown to Cleveland’s Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, shares the similarities (and, of course, the differences) between the two museums and their induction ceremonies, reveals his favorite piece in each museum and reveals the baseball player he’d like to see get his due.
Former umpire John Hirschbeck joins the boys to talk about his lengthy big league career (including his most memorable games and run-ins with managers and players), the reason he got into the profession, that night in Mexico that led to him meeting his wife and how they’re now honoring the legacy of their late son through The Magic of Michael Foundation.
The Toddfather, Todd Radom, joins the boys to talk about the recent loss of several baseball Hall of Famers and the uniforms they were least known for wearing, Lou Brock’s unique headwear, that time he saw the entire Boston Red Sox team hop into the stands at Yankee Stadium, whether or not Major League Baseball should bring back 1999’s Turn Ahead the Clock jerseys and, of course, his new book…Fabric of the Game.
Author and American Ghost Walks tour guide Tea Krulos joins the boys to talk about the haunted history (including that of countless baseball players) of The Pfister Hotel in downtown Milwaukee, whether or not Jeffrey Dahmer is still terrorizing Cream City, why Milwaukee City Hall once became the hot spot for those looking to commit suicide and, of course, his new book American Madness.
Actor and director Stu Stone joins the boys to talk about his new film “Faking a Murderer”, shares the response to his previous opus “Jack of All Trades”, the effect it had on his family and the rise in popularity of Foul Ball Paul, drops far too many late-80s/early-90s baseball names and educates everyone on the sordid past of former outfielder Mel Hall.
Should-be Hall of Famer Al “Scoop” Oliver joins the boy to talk about how he would’ve handled playing during the coronavirus pandemic and why being a “creature of habit” could’ve helped him out, playing for the history-making 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates and who his closest teammates were, the toughest pitchers he faced during his career and, of course, his new book.
Jeff Pearlman, the self-proclaimed “Jewish Michael Lewis”, joins the boys to talk about that time he and Jesse Orosco ran over a cat, why he chose the Los Angeles Lakers as the subject of his latest book (Three-Ring Circus: Kobe, Shaq, Phil, and the Crazy Years of the Lakers Dynasty), reveals the subject of his next book and explains why it isn’t about who it should have been about and what the somebody is not Matisyahu.
Manuel Oliver, founder of Change the Ref, joins the boys to talk about how even though he lost his son (and best friend) Joaquin on February 14, 2018, he’s made it to at least 15 Major League Baseball parks this summer, where the CTR name came from, what it stands for and why we all should just f**king vote on November 3.
Graig Kreindler and Jay Caldwell, the men behind the Black Baseball in Living Color exhibit, talk to the boys about what it took to get 230 paintings from Graig’s New York studio to the Negro Leagues Museum in Kansas City Museum and getting namechecked by rap icon Chuck D, talk at length about Jay’s awesome memorabilia collection and reveal how you can win a set of the limited edition Negro Leagues Legends baseball cards.
Hardcore wrestling legend (and New York Times bestselling author) Mick Foley joins the boys to talk about his lifelong love affair with the New York Yankees, that time he met his idol Thurman Munson, going from the WiffleBall diamond to becoming a professional wrestling Hall of Famer and picks which players from his childhood best mirror the iconic “Three Faces of Foley”.
Plaid jacket winner Connie Amarel talks to the boys about going from underdog to favorite on “Holey Moley 2”, shares the behind-the-scenes secrets of the popular ABC gameshow and how a decadeslong obsession, er, admiration of Hall of Fame closer Dennis Eckersley helped lead her to becoming the Oakland A’s (un)official “cookie lady”.
Bruce Markusen, manager of digital and outreach learning at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, joins the boys to talk about staying busy and keeping the museum relevant during the coronavirus pandemic, how his two favorite exhibits tie in nicely to his book about the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates, that historic day Bucs skipper Danny Murtaugh put an all-black lineup on field and whether or not we might see another player (or two) from that World Series team enshrined in Cooperstown.
Rachael Penman, director of artifacts and exhibits at the Alcatraz East Crime Museum, joins the boys to talk about what people can expect when they visit the 25,000 square foot museum in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, shares some of the most popular exhibits (i.e. Ted Bundy’s VW, OJ Simpson’s White Bronco and the 9/11 gallery) and tells the story of a painting by John Wayne Gacy that features the signatures of close to fifty baseball Hall of Famers and former president Richard Nixon as well as a baseball signed by Charles Manson and Juan Corona.
America’s favorite (former) mayor Jeff Katz joins the boys for a record seventh time to talk about what Cooperstown has been up to following the cancellation of Induction Weekend 2020, looks ahead at the Class of 2021, explains why he thinks Alex Rodriguez is the most underrated player of the lasts quarter-century and, for some reason, unironically drops a Randy Velarde reference.
On August 10, 1989, Dave Dravecky came back from cancer to re-join the San Francisco Giants.
Five days later…it was all over.
Now, more than thirty years after that tragic last pitch, a random fan letter and a chance poolside encounter have completed Dravecky's story...and it is nothing short of magical.
To listen to the entire interview, CLICK HERE.
Eight-time Gold Glove winner and 1985 World Series champion Frank White joins the boys to talk about playing for his hometown Kansas City Royals for eighteen years, his side job building Kauffman Stadium (true story!), why players from his era aren’t getting their just due, how he’s celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues and, lastly, his current career as an elected official.
Third generation broadcaster Josh Caray joins the boys to talk about sharing the booth with his father Skip and grandfather Harry, who does the best impression of his late-Hall of Fame grandfather and, of course, his new gig as the voice of the record-shattering Rocket City Trash Pandas.
Micky Dolenz from The Monkees joins the boys to talk about his new gig with Wizard World, learning how to play golf alongside Alice Cooper, explains the origin of The Hollywood Vampires and helps Lou earn some major points with his mother-in-law.
Longtime San Francisco Giants public address announcer Renel Brooks-Moon joins the boys to talk about how she got her history-making gig with the team, her favorite moments from her 20-plus years in the booth, hanging out with Hall of Famers Willie Mays and Willie McCovey, where she keeps her THREE World Series rings and, of course, fangirling over Beyoncé.
To celebrate Women in Baseball Week, longtime umpire (and onetime Jeopardy! champ) Perry Barber joins the boys to talk about how she went from opening up for Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen to umpiring games across the country and gives her insight on why it is important that girls play baseball and stay involved well into adulthood.
This episode originally aired November 5, 2019.
To celebrate Women in Baseball Week, shortstop-turned-nun Sister Toni Ann Palermo joins the boys to talk about traveling the country playing professional softball at age 11, how she ended up playing in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, borrowing Hall of Famer Phil Rizzuto’s “magic glove” and why she didn’t know about “A League of Their Own” until more than a decade after its release.
This episode originally aired July 2, 2020.
To celebrate Women in Baseball Week, Shirley “Hustle” Burkovich joins the boys to talk about getting her start in the AAGPBL, how she got her nickname, if she saved anything from her playing days, the status of the International Women’s Baseball Center and, of course, “A League of Their Own”.
This episode originally aired November 19, 2019.
To celebrate Women in Baseball Week, former pitcher Maybelle Blair joins the boys to talk about her time in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and how she got started on the diamond, her quest to preserve the AAGPBL in Rockford, Illinois, why she had to hide her sexuality and shares who her favorite current Major Leaguer is.
Oh, and Lou volunteers Shawn to do manual labor. Jerk.
This episode originally aired March 2, 2018.
Famed rock and roll photographer Danny Clinch joins the boys to talk about his relationship with Blind Melon, what it was like performing in front of the massive crowd at Woodstock ’94, the hundreds of hours of video and audio recordings made by the band’s late- singer Shannon Hoon and, of course, the fantastic new documentary “All I Can Say”.
Legendary Stray Cats drummer Slim Jim Phantom joins the boys to talk about bringing rockabilly music back into the mainstream during the rise of MTV, joining Jerry Lee Lewis on the road, hanging out with longtime friend (and rock God) Lemmy Kilmister and how he and a bunch of his showbiz friends have kept their shared love of Strat-o-matic and fantasy baseball alive.
Emmy Award-winning television writer and former baseball announcer Ken Levine joins the boys to talk about his time writing for “Cheers”, the reaction to his Glenn Burke-inspired episode “Boys in the Bar”, his desire to grow up to be Vin Scully, working with Hall of Famer broadcaster Dave Niehaus and being handpicked by Jon Miller to work for the Baltimore Orioles.
Shortstop-turned-nun Sister Toni Ann Palermo joins the boys to talk about traveling the country playing professional softball at age 11, how she ended up playing in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, borrowing Hall of Famer Phil Rizzuto’s “magic glove” and why she didn’t know about “A League of Their Own” until more than a decade after its release.
Brandon Steiner, “serial entrepreneur” and founder of Steiner Sports and CollectibleXchange, joins the boys to talk about how he turned a chance encounter with Thurman Munson into a sports memorabilia empire, how much money he made off of (legally) selling grass, hanging out with Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra and where he thinks the collectible hobby is heading.
Musician and host of “The Son Ranto Show” Danny Rockett joins the boys to talk about the proposed return of Major League Baseball and why he won’t be upset about another Chicago Cubs World Series win, his disdain for the current commissioner and, naturally, his band’s new single…“Rob Manfred Hates Baseball”.
Buy "Rob Manfred Hates Baseball" HERE!
Brian Volk-Weiss, the creative force behind “A Toy Store Near You”, “The Toys That Made Us” and “The Movies That Made Us”, joins the boys to talk about the challenges of producing his latest Netflix series amid a global pandemic, the creative process behind choosing the toys and movies he does (and the thrill of shooting down the ideas of others), how we’re all collectors at heart and whether or not baseball cards (or Starting Lineup) will ever be showcased on one of his shows.
Olympic silver medal-winning pitcher (and future author?) Don August joins the boys to talk about being part of that fabled team from the 1984 Summer Games, when he knew Mark McGwire was for real, owning “The Bash Brothers”, playing alongside a number of Hall of Fame-caliber players in Milwaukee, making history against the Toronto Blue Jays and, yeah, that time he encountered a lion outside a ballpark in Mexico.
Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, joins the boys (for the fifth time!) to talk about the recent civil unrest and why he’s encouraged by the actions of today’s young African-American players, what Buck O’Neil would think of what’s going on in 2020 and whether or not the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues would extend beyond its scheduled centennial celebration.
Renowned ballpark architect Janet Marie Smith joins the boys to talk about being rejected by and then designing Camden Yards for the Baltimore Orioles, her current gig with the Los Angeles Dodgers, the difference between building a stadium from the ground up and renovating one that’s been standing for almost a century and what baseball fans can expect when they return to Chavez Ravine.
Greg Proops returns to talk to the boys about (and share the behind-the-scenes account of) his role as emcee of the 2019 Negro Leagues Hall of Game celebration, celebrates the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues, explains why he’s always “dressed to the nines” and shares his pandemic reading list.
New York Times bestselling author Jon Pessah joins the boys to talk about his new book Yogi: A Life Behind the Mask and the personal reasons he chose to write about the Hall of Famer, whether or not the catcher should be considered one of the faces on a New York Yankees Mount Rushmore, recalls that crazy 1998 home run chase and whether or not some of baseball’s suspected steroid users deserve a place in Cooperstown.
Mark Malkoff, the host of “The Carson Podcast”, joins the boys to talk about growing up going to Chicago Cubs games, Johnny Carson’s relationship to Milwaukee Brewers legendary broadcaster Bob Uecker, hanging out at Dr. Ruth Westheimer’s New York apartment and shares the one guest he’d love to have on his podcast.
Chris Bolan, the director of “A Secret Love”, joins the boys to talk about how he got the inspiration to record the lives of his great-aunt and her longtime girlfriend for his Netflix documentary, the unlikely place he found most of the archival footage and pictures he’d end up using, the response he’s received from the LGBTQ community, the heartbreak of not premiering at SXSW and, most importantly, gives an update on the fantastic Pat Henschel.
2005 Hall of Fame inductee Wade Boggs joins the boys to talk about his fear of horses, his unlikely friendship with former WWE superstar Curt Hennig (aka Mr. Perfect), that time the wrestler saved his life and, lastly, his relationship with his number one superfan.
Former Major Leaguer Kurt Bevacqua joins the boys to talk about the eclectic and mustachioed cast of characters (including the late-Hall of Famer Tony Gwynn!) he played with on the 1984 National League champion San Diego Padres, fondly remembers, for some reason, his favorite boot shop in Texas, dishes on Bruce Bochy’s hat size and, lastly, shares his thoughts on what effect baseball current work stoppage will have on the game.
Entrepreneur and owner of multiple minor league teams Gary Green joins the boys to talk about his recent donation of more than 45,000 medical masks to the Omaha community, whether or not he thinks Major League Baseball’s plan to contract 42 minor league teams will actually happen, that time he flew cross country just to meet Warren Buffett (and ended up buying a baseball team!) and some of his favorite New York Mets memories.
April Matthis, the star of the off-Broadway play “Toni Stone” joins the boys to talk about how she prepared to take on the role of one of the legendary Negro Leagues player and what it meant to her and her family personally, shares what it was like hanging out with Negro Leagues Baseball Museum president (and good friend of the podcast) Bob Kendrick in Kansas City, offers up what she knows about whether or not a Toni Stone movie could be in the works and, yeah, dishes on that recent Drama Desk Award nomination she received.
Outspoken former minor league player-turned-advocate Eric Sim joins the boys to talk about how he is staying active and in shape during the coronavirus pandemic, what he’s doing to help minor leaguers (and what you can do to help!) and shares his thoughts on the current state of baseball and commissioner Rob Manfred.
Former three-sport collegiate athlete and 1997-98 NBA World Champion Rusty LaRue joins the boys to talk about making ACC history and how that might’ve earned him some points with a fellow baseball player-turned-basketball player, how he withstood the hoopla of playing with the eventual six-time champion Chicago Bulls and that time he scored some of Michael Jordan’s tickets for some friends.
Legendary organist Nancy Faust joins the boys to talk about how she got her start with the Chicago White Sox and whether or not she ever imagined spending 41 years on the southside, shares her excitement over finding an old reel-to-reel recording of her first game, recalls the team’s infamous “Disco Demolition Night” and, naturally, picks walk up music for Shawn and Lou.
The host of the Starting 9 Podcast (and former Oakland A’s pitcher), Dallas Braden joins the boys to talk about how he’s been passing the time without baseball and why this work stoppage is the game’s “Coyote Ugly” moment, reveals the reason behind Major League Baseball’s marketing problem, remembers how cool it was to share his Mother’s Day perfect game with his grandmother and, most importantly, gives an update on his beard.
New Cleveland Indians outfielder Delino DeShields returns to talk to the boys about what he’s doing to pass the time during baseball’s work stoppage, reviews the “Sonic the Hedgehog” movie (and talks about the screening he hosted), shares his thoughts about fitting in with his new team, answers Lou’s question about whether or not Terry Francona is cool and reveals if he thinks Ohio is big enough to handle both him and his dad, Cincinnati Reds coach Delino DeShields.
The day was April 15, 1997 and, apparently, all Hell was about to break loose at Major League Baseball's inaugural Jackie Robinson Day celebration at Shea Stadium.
“We have snipers all around the stadium, just in case something were to happen" is what the Secret Service told Mr. Met, the New York Mets beloved mascot.
Did the Secret Service REALLY want to kill Mr. Met...and why?
Duane Rieder, the Curator and Executive Director of The Clemente Museum, joins the boys to talk about how a chance encounter with Roberto Clemente as a kid in 1971 helped shape his life and paved the way for him to devote his life to preserving the memory of the Pittsburgh Pirates legend and, of course, all the cool things he has going on with Engine House 25 Wines.
New New York Yankees hitting coach Rachel Balkovec joins the boys to talk about what she’s been up to since she was first on the podcast (SPOILER ALERT: she's been up to a lot), lays out her new gig, shares what she is doing to help people out during the current pandemic and, for some reason, wonders what a travel show with her and 2 Chainz would look like.
Actor, writer and director D.B. Sweeney joins the boys to talk about preparing to play “Shoeless” Joe Jackson in “Eight Men Out”, how he hoped starring in “Fire in the Sky” would lead to a role as Spiderman for James Cameron, the best advice he’s ever gotten if confronted by two alligators, when to use a stunt double (and when not to) and, of course, working alongside Sean Astin in his new short film “Two Dum Micks".
1991 Hall of Fame inductee Fergie Jenkins joins the boys to talk about his time playing for the Harlem Globetrotters (and his relationship with one of their legends…the late-Curly Neal), shares his excitement over another Canadian joining him in Cooperstown in July and recalls that time he gave Madison Bumgarner a lesson in autograph etiquette.
Author Brendan Donley, the dude behind the 2020 Astros Shame Tour, joins the boys to talk about how broke social media by creating Houston’s least-favorite Twitter account, breaks down commissioner Rob Manfred’s punishment of the 2017 World Series champs and re-visits Bob Gibson’s 1968 dominance.
Jared Orton, president of the Savannah Bananas, joins the boys to talk about how he went from being a headless mascot to heading up one of minor league baseball’s most fan-friendly teams, why his team opted to go ad-free at historic Grayson Stadium, how he managed to get the team to play wearing kilts and explains the beef between his team and the Macon Bacon.
Matt Iseman, host of “American Ninja Warrior” and winner of “The Celebrity Apprentice”, joins the boys to talk about when he was first bitten by the showbiz bug, that no-hitter he threw while at Princeton and the work he’s doing for The Arthritis Foundation.
Anika Orrock, author of The Incredible Women of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League, joins the boys to talk about what inspired her to write her new book, shares her favorite story and, most importantly, teams up with Lou to plan a “Golden Girls” re-boot.
Mike Oz, host of the Yahoo! series “Old Baseball Cards”, joins the boys to talk about how his grandma got him into collecting (and their quest to find that elusive Jose Canseco Rated Rookie card), lists the top guys he’d like to have on his show and goes full-on “Inside the Actors Studio” and answers some James Lipton-inspired questions.
Painter Graig Kreindler joins the boys to talk about hanging out at the Negro Leagues Museum in Kansas City and the 228 paintings he did to help commemorate the 100th anniversary of the league, shares his favorite story he learned along the way and, for some reason, the Kenneth Gatewood references return.
And, yeah, MLB commissioner Rob Manfred still hates baseball.
Actor Adrian Zmed joins the boys to talk about his lifelong love of the Chicago Cubs, returning to The Windy City stage alongside Don Most and Sandy Duncan, his short-lived TV series “Flatbush” and spills the beans on the acting secrets of his “T.J. Hooker” co-star, William Shatner.
Gary Sheffield Jr. joins the boys to talk about his dad’s chances of ending up in Cooperstown and reveals why he was traded by the Milwaukee Brewers, painfully recalls some of the worst fans he’s encountered and rightfully coins the term “Full Django”.
Author and baseball historian Phil S. Dixon joins the boys to talk about co-founding the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in Kansas City, conspiracy theories surrounding the death of Rube Foster, Buck O’Neil’s chances at making the Hall of Fame in 2021 and, of course, his latest book about the Dean Brothers and their role in helping integrate baseball.
Kevin Malone, the former general manager for the Montréal Expos and Los Angeles Dodgers, joins the boys to talk about Larry Walker’s Hall of Fame induction, how he ended up with the Expos and that time he drafted a catcher named Tom Brady out of Junípero Serra High School in San Mateo, California, who just so happened to grow up to be the greatest quarterback of all-time.
Also, Kevin’s successor in Los Angeles, Dan Evans, shares his thoughts and insight on the MLB’s ongoing sign stealing scandal.
Jay Jaffe, author of The Cooperstown Casebook, joins the boys to talk about the 2020 Hall of Fame class, breaks down whether or not Derek Jeter goes in unanimously (and if Larry Walker goes in at all), looks ahead to future classes and what Curt Schilling’s chances are moving forward.
Baseball historian and author Ralph Carhart joins the boys to talk about the incredible journey of The Hall Ball (and how that turned into book deal), what prompted his new website Bent Knees and Raised Fists, shares his plans for the upcoming 100th anniversary of The Negro Leagues and, for some reason, the extraordinary luck of The Baseball Brit, Joey Mellows.
Tim Mead, the newly-minted president of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum, joins the boys to talk about his forty years with the Anaheim Angels organization and his favorite memories while working for the team, how he got the gig in Cooperstown, his favorite piece in the museum and whether or not he’ll try and get Albert Pujols to wear an Angels cap on his HOF plaque.
To celebrate being the most listened to episode of 2019, longtime friends and uniform experts Phil Hecken and Todd Radom re-join the boys to break down their favorite teams (more specifically…their logos, jerseys and caps) taking part in last year’s Copa de la Diversión.
Also…what is a bivouac?
Episode originally aired May 7, 2019.
To help celebrate the 200th episode(!) of the podcast, former Mayor of Cooperstown Jeff Katz joins the boys for the sixth time to talk about his upcoming Friends of Doubleday event before turning the tables, taking over the show and asking some listener questions and some of his own.
The mustachioed Baseball Brit, Joey Mellows, joins the boys to talk about his recently completed season-long journey across America, how his trip almost ended midway through its 162-game schedule, lays out the three ways to improve baseball and explains how he became Tulane’s favorite son.
Baseball historian Graham Womack joins the boys to talk about the news that Marvin Miller and Ted Simmons are heading to the Hall of Fame, looks ahead to this summer’s induction, discusses next year’s Golden Days and Early Baseball elections and reveals the one player he’d like to see in Cooperstown right now.
Brad Balukjian, the author of The Wax Pack, joins the boys to talk about the idea behind his new book (and why it took driving 11,341 miles and tracking down more than a dozen Major Leaguers to make it a reality), that time he pretended to be a multi-millionaire to meet Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk and why the story behind his wanting to document The Iron Sheik’s life might be more interesting that his life itself.
Randy and Jason Sklar join the boys to talk about the newly released Hall of Fame ballot (and the chances someone DOESN’T cast a vote for Derek Jeter), whether or not baseball’s steroids guys belong in Cooperstown, give their thoughts on the sign stealing allegations facing the Houston Astros and share their memories of 2019 Hall of Very Good inductee Brody Stevens.
Shirley “Hustle” Burkovich joins the boys to talk about getting her start in the AAGPBL, how she got her nickname, if she saved anything from her playing days, the status of the International Women’s Baseball Center and, of course, “A League of Their Own”.
The man known as “Bobby Dynamite” (ne Bobby Vasquez) joins the boys to talk about how being in the right place at the right time led to him driving the train at Minute Maid Park for the last two decades, relives the 2004 Home Run Derby, recalls some of the famous faces who have stopped by his train and shares his favorite moments as “the luckiest Astros fan alive”.
Longtime umpire (and onetime Jeopardy! champ) Perry Barber joins the boys to talk about how she went from opening up for Billy Joel and Bruce Springsteen to umpiring games across the country and gives her insight on why it is important that girls play baseball and stay involved well into adulthood.
On the eve of Game Six of the 2019 World Series, former Los Angeles Dodgers general manager Dan Evans joins the boys to talk about Justin Verlander squaring off against Stephen Strasburg, shares his excitement over David Ross getting hired as the latest Chicago Cubs skipper, sings the praises (for real!) of Hideo Nomo and trumpets the Hall of Fame candidacy of Larry Walker.
Also, Lou introduces Shawn to the term “buzzed his Brillo”.
Dan Wallach, Executive Director of the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum in Greenville, South Carolina, joins the boys to talk about everything going on at the museum (including expansion plans!) and hanging out with everyone's favorite British baseball fans, Andy and Joey.
Just in time to remember the 30th anniversary of the Loma Prieta earthquake, filmmaker Jon Leonoudakis joins the boys to talk about growing up a San Francisco Giants fans, documenting the chaos surrounding Game Three of the 1989 World Series and his friendship with 2012 Shrine of the Eternals inductee Jim “Mudcat” Grant
David Samson joins the boys to talk about his favorite (and least favorite) moves as president of the Florida/Miami Marlins, how Steve Bartman led to one of the best feelings in the world, living through a disastrous 2012 season and, of course, those three days in the Phillippines when he played “Survivor”.
Fresh from completing his tour of all 30 Major League stadiums, British artist and painter Andy Brown joins the boys to talk about spending the second half of the baseball season crisscrossing the United States in a rental car, his favorite places to visit and paint, the milestones he’s witnessed and (for some reason) shares his newfound his love of smoked salmon.
2017 J.G. Taylor Spink Award recipient Claire Smith joins the boys to talk about how she got her start in journalism, shares the story she was most proud to cover, reveals the one story all baseball fans should be following and, lastly, advocates for Billy Williams to join the podcast.
Hours before taking the field during the annual Team of Dreams celebrity softball game, Shane Obedzinski joins the boys to talk about the excitement of riding the Budweiser bus, the rumors surrounding Steve Carlton’s RV and reprising his role of Tommy “Repeat” Timmons when “The Sandlot” returns in 2020.
Team of Dreams veteran Chris Kleveno joins the boys to talk about taking part in the annual Team of Dreams celebrity softball game (2019 marked his fourth year), what it’s like crossing off bucket list items playing alongside Hall of Famers and hitting against Charlie Sheen and introduces everyone to the magic of Steve Carlton’s RV.
Just yards from the iconic baseball field immortalized in the movie, Dan Evans and Tucker LaBelle join the boys to talk about the path both of them took to getting to being involved with the Field of Dreams Movie Site, their plans for the location up to and beyond the New York Yankees-Chicago White Sox game next summer, how a polar vortex helped Dan go from the Majors to dedicating his life to a farm in Dyersville, Iowa.
Also, the former Los Angeles Dodgers general manager shares with Shawn and Lou one of the best Vin Scully stories you’ll ever hear.
Finishing up just a stone’s throw from where he started his day, Roman Weinberg, the Operations Manager of the “Field of Dreams” Movie Site re-joins the boys to talk about this year’s Team of Dreams event, shares what the future holds for the location and lays out the plans for All-Star Ballpark Heaven.
Just in time to celebrate the 30th anniversary of the movie, Roman Weinberg, the Operations Manager of the “Field of Dreams” Movie Site leads the boys on a tour of the iconic house from the film, explains the “how” and “why” the land situated on Lansing Road in Dyersville, Iowa was selected and, ultimately, how it became one of the baseball world's top tourist destinations.
Oh, Roman also tells Shawn and Lou how a random tourist from New York (kinda) led to a $3.4 million payday for the farm’s original owner!
Experience the magic of the Field of Dreams Movie Site and rediscover America’s favorite pastime as legends from the world of sports & film come together on Labor Day weekend. From an autograph show, Q & A with players, a celebrity softball game, fantasy camp, silent auction, and more – see your favorite players in action. Watch as the Field’s famous Ghost Players emerge from the corn and entertain the crowd with their on-field antics. Wrap up the weekend experiencing the story that started it all – watch the “Field of Dreams” on the very outfield where the Oscar nominated movie was filmed.
Get event information HERE.
Tim “the guy that cuts baseball cards” Carroll joins the boys to talk about how he got the inspiration to butcher baseball cards and turn them into art, his favorite piece, the other stuff he’s used (think Band-Aids, pine tar and peach pits!) to immortalize some of baseball’s best, that time he injured himself for his craft and how he went from Conway, South Carolina to Cooperstown.
“Baseball Brothers” Muneesh Jain and Ty Simpkins join the boys to talk about their quest to visit all 30 MLB stadiums together, their upcoming trip to the National Baseball Hall of Fame, how Muneesh’s six(!) near-death experiences have led him to introducing people to the game of baseball and, of course, Ty’s involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Recently retired slugger Cody Decker joins the boys to talk about (literally) walking off a winner after eleven seasons, his new gig as Associate Executive Director of El Paso Border Youth Athletic Association, his new radio show “Swings & Mrs”, whether or not we should bring back “Bull Durham” and dealing with San Diego Padres Twitter.
Three-time NFL champion and FOX analyst Mark Schlereth joins the boys to talk about that time he single-handedly won SuperBowl 32, growing up in Alaska(!) a fan of Pittsburgh sports, being the father of a former Major League pitcher, the promise he made to his son Daniel when he was 12 and his diarrhea moment.
This week's episode is brought to you by Team of Dreams.
Super-talented sculptor Tom Tsuchiya joins the boys to talk about his gig creating the Hall of Fame plaques, shares his favorite and most difficult creations and explains how it is possible to park a car on the Pete Rose statue outside Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
And, yeah, Shawn and Lou do their best to convince Tom to add mustaches to all the plaques in Cooperstown.
On July 24, 1983, MLB Rule 1.10(c) received national attention when Kansas City Royals great George Brett hit a go ahead two-run home run off New York Yankees closer Goose Gossage.
Former big league infielder Greg Pryor was there, had a locker next to Brett and witnessed the aftermath of the "Pine Tar Incident" firsthand.
Newly-minted “Cooperstown Correspondent” (and the show’s first five-time guest!), Jeff Katz joins the boys to talk about the 2019 Hall of Fame Induction ceremony, upcoming elections, how this most recent Hall of Fame Weekend nearly killed him and spending part of his weekend in a funeral home with Jay Jaffe.
Fresh off of celebrating the 40th anniversary of “The Hatching”, Ted Giannoulas (aka The Famous San Diego Chicken) joins the boys to talk about being interviewed by the legendary Ron Burgundy, that time in 1976 when he interrupted Elvis, getting arrested at an Aerosmith concert and whether or not a memoir could be in the works.
From the marketing of its young stars to the failings of its current commissioner, La Vida Baseball’s Ozzie Guillen Jr. joins the boys to talk about the current state of Major League Baseball.
Oh…Ozzie also talks about the ups and downs of his famous father’s managerial career.
#RobManfredHatesBaseball
Patrick “Deep Dish” Bertoletti joins the boys to talk about his time as a competitive eater, gaining 25 pounds during one competition, that time he and four buddies attempted to eat a 40-pound goat to help the Chicago Cubs win the World Series, competing at WingBowl alongside former slugger Matt Stairs and introduces the world to the former Major Leaguer who once set a record by eating a 72-ounce steak.
In the summer of 1979, Ted Giannoulas went from local radio station employee in a chicken suit to global superstar…but it wasn’t without controversy.
How did Giannoulas come to be known as “The Famous Chicken”? Would he ever go high-tech with his costume? And, most important…who would play him in a biochick, er, biopic?
To listen to the entire interview, CLICK HERE.
Muneesh Jain, co-host of the popular Clubhouse Podcast, joins the boys to talk about his favorite (and least favorite) ballparks, reveals his new baseball crush, opens up about the recent changes to baseball and picks a side in the ongoing Madison Bumgarner-Max Muncy debate. Kinda.
Painter and illustrator Graig Kreindler joins the boys to talk about how he got his start as baseball’s foremost portrait artist and why he’s so good, shares what he’d like to paint and what he’s got in the pipeline for Topps and what he’s working on for the Negro Leagues Museum.
Oh…Lou also introduces Graig (and the world!) to the work of Kenneth Gatewood.
Bob Kendrick, president of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, returns (for the fourth time!) to talk to the boys about the “electric” 2019 Hall of Game class and upcoming celebration, lays out the plans for the 100th anniversary of the Negro Leagues and drops some Harlem Globetrotters knowledge.
Lastly, Bob provides an update on when the Buck O’Neil Education and Research Center will be open.
British artist and painter (and Trivial Pursuit answer!) Andy Brown joins the boys to talk about when he got interested in baseball, his desire to visit and paint at all 30 Major League Baseball stadiums and that time he got a letter of approval from the Queen of England.
Emmy Award-winning writer, producer, comedian and actor Robert Wuhl joins the boys to talk about the latest Batman, whether or not we might see “Arli$$” on television again and speculates whether Ichiro or Albert Pujols (or someone else) will be the next unanimous Hall of Famer.
Oh…and Shawn attempts to cast a 12-episode Netflix re-imagining of the iconic film “Bull Durham”.
Emmy-nominated director and producer Mo Marable joins the boys to talk about getting his start behind the camera, how he ended up working on IFC’s “Brockmire” and what it’s like working with Spike Lee, Hank Azaria, Bob Costas, Joe Biden and a slew of others.
Also, Lou introduces the world to the “48-Hour Rule”.
It's been thirty years since "Field of Dreams" was in movie theaters. What was it like to work with Kevin Costner? How hard is it to launch a home run into the cornfield?! Timothy Busfield knows.
Also...some great "Revenge of the Nerds" talk.
Longtime friends and uniform experts Phil Hecken and Todd Radom re-join the boys to break down their favorite teams (more specifically…their logos, jerseys and caps) taking part in this year’s Copa de la Diversión.
Also…what is a bivouac?
Attorney-turned sportswriter-turned radio host-turned Peabody Award winner-turned podcaster Julie DiCaro joins the boys to talk about her deep dive into investigating the murder of James Jordan, father of NBA superstar-turned minor league baseball player-turned NBA superstar Michael Jordan for her new podcast, The Score: Behind the Headlines.
Peter Kerasotis, author of Alou: My Baseball Journey, joins the boys to talk about how he got his start in journalism, the journey that led to him partnering up with former Major League player and manager Felipe Alou to co-write his autobiography, Alou’s relationship with Roberto Clemente and whether or not he believes the “Dominican Jackie Robinson” deserves a spot in Cooperstown.
Jon Shestakofsky, the Vice President of Communications and Education at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, joins the boys to talk about how he went from Single-A ball with the Boston Red Sox to Cooperstown, the generosity of Ichiro Suzuki, why Ralph Carhart’s “Hall Ball” is something special and, of course, the museum’s newest exhibit…Shoebox Treasures.
Oh, Jon also introduces Shawn and Lou to George “Honey Boy” Evans.
Emmy-nominated director Lauren Meyer joins the boys to talk about what all went into the making of her new documentary “The Other Boys of Summer”, why she chose to spend more than a decade tracking down as many living members of the Negro Leagues in order to tell their story and that time she ended up in Mamie “Peanut” Johnson’s living room.
Tampa Bay Rays minor league reliever (and self-proclaimed “bus guy”) Jack Labosky joins the boys to talk about his plan to spend this upcoming season living in a renovated school bus with his girlfriend Madi, explains how he got her to agree to calling the J&M Express home, reflects on his painful time at the plate while with Duke and looks back at how he spent his first Spring Training.
Oh…Jack also gets caught up wondering out loud how a basketball game between three Lous and one Zion Williamson would play out!
Actor, writer, comedian and Little League All-Star(!) Carl Tart joins the boys to talk about his podcast “Carl Alarm”, shares the specifics of his recent appearance on Comedy Central’s “Drunk History” and reveals just how drunk he was, recalls just how much fun it was to write for “Brockmire” and imagines just how far in life an email from Hank Aaron could get him.
Beau and Bryan Abbott, the brothers behind Baseball Card Vandals, join the boys to talk about when (and how) they started defacing their baseball card collection, what their parents think of their favorite pastime, how their new book came to fruition and, of course, that time Lisa Loeb showed up at their job for an impromptu concert.
The founders of The Dock Ellis Foundation, Hjordis and Jasmine Lee Ellis, join the boys to talk about the work they’re doing assisting victims of domestic violence, share what the legendary Major Leaguer was like as a husband and a father, update the status of the proposed Dock Ellis biopic (and who the pitcher would have liked to have played him) and reflect upon Dock’s relationship with his former teammate Roberto Clemente.
Three-time All-Star and current MLB analyst John Kruk joins the boys about to talk about the importance of young women playing baseball, why he took over the head coaching gig for his daughter’s softball team what it was like digging in against Randy Johnson.
Texas Rangers outfielder Delino DeShields joins the boys to talk about being part of an athletic family (his father played Major League Baseball and his sister is in the WNBA), the historic and cultural significance of his tattoos, his desire to get more African-American youth involved in baseball and, lastly, his connection with Sonic the Hedgehog.
New York Times bestselling author Michael Connelly joins the boys to talk about his return to journalism in the form of his podcast “Murder Book, how he nabbed Vin Scully for his hit Amazon show “Bosch”, that time he and his buddies took over George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa and, lastly, answers the age-old question “does dude REALLY name some of his characters after former Major Leaguers?”
On the eve of reporting to Spring Training, San Francisco Giants pitching prospect Kieran Lovegrove joins the boys to talk about the day-to-day of training camp, taking the high road on social media (and how some Major League Baseball teams take the lead), playing for David Ortiz in the 2018 Futures Game and his plans for expanding America’s Pastime to his home country of South Africa.
Former big leaguer Kurt Bevacqua welcomes the boys on to his podcast, Dirty Kurt’s Dugout, to talk to them about which players should (and shouldn’t) be in the Hall of Fame that aren’t already, why he hates the city of Milwaukee and Shawn shares a story about that time he found himself face-to-face with Pete Rose in Las Vegas.
Brian Cronin, the creative mind behind Sports Urban Legends Revealed, joins the boys to talk about the fact and fiction behind some of baseball’s greatest urban legends including Rickey Henderson’s million dollar check, Lou Whitaker’s missing jersey, Wade Boggs’ drinking habits, that time someone tried to maim Wally Joyner and more.
And as a bonus…lots of comic book talk!
Legendary broadcaster Larry King joins the boys (for the third time!) to talk about the 2019 Hall of Fame class, looks ahead at the 2020 ballot, reveals the one guy who he believes should be getting more love from the BBWAA and speculates as to who might be the next unanimous Hall of Famer.
The Cooperstown Casebook author (and beer aficionado) Jay Jaffe joins the boys to talk about the 2019 Hall of Fame class, looks ahead at the 2020 ballot, shares his next pet project and reveals the one candidate he wishes he would have included in his book. Also, Jay admits to having never seen 1966’s “Batman”. Say what?
Executive director of the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame Scott Crawford joins the boys to talk about the history of and the differences between his Hall of Fame and that other one in Cooperstown, the recent remodeling that took place there in St. Marys, Ontario, 2009 inductee Larry Walker’s chances at getting inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame and, lastly, how Shawn and Lou might be able to influence future Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame elections.
Baseball For All founder Justine Siegal joins the boys to talk about her experience as Major League Baseball’s first female coach, trumpets the successes of fellow trailblazers Kim Ng and Jessica Mendoza, opens up about what Penny Marshall meant to women’s baseball and shares who she would put on an all-women’s baseball Mount Rushmore.
Two-time World Series champion and three-time All-Star Manny Sanguillén joins the boys to talk about how he went from playing baseball in the streets of Panama to being the beloved face of a BBQ restaurant in Pittsburgh, shares what it was like being part of Major League Baseball’s first all-black and Latino lineup, gets excited about fellow countryman Mariano Rivera making it into the Hall of Fame, recalls his favorite moment as a big leaguer and, of course, fondly remembers his close relationships with both Dock Ellis and Roberto Clemente.
Just in time for Christmas, St. Nick's favorite former Major Leaguer, Steve Christmas, joins the boys to talk about living with such a festive last name, playing behind Hall of Fame catchers Johnny Bench and Carlton Fisk, how Tom Seaver got him traded and sharing a locker next to another future Hall of Famer...Lee Smith.
Episode originally aired December 22, 2017.
The talented actor, comedian and musician, Skip Griparis joins the boys to talk about his time working alongside Bob Uecker on the set of both “Major League” and “Major League 2”, shares how he got the role of “Monty the Colorman”, reminisces about opening up for the legendary Rodney Dangerfield, working with Tim Allen and playing guitar for Olivia Newton-John and, of course, explains the idea behind his traveling one-man stage show.
2018 Glenn Burke Memorial Courage Award recipient David Mellor joins the boys to talk about his long (and tragic) journey to become the Boston Red Sox Director of Grounds, working the field at County Stadium in Milwaukee alongside Bernie Brewer, his struggles with PTSD and how his service dog Drago has helped him every step of the way.
Oh…David also talked about that time he hung out at Fenway Park with President George H. W. Bush.
David Raymond, the original Phillie Phanatic, joins the boys to talk about the upcoming grand opening of the Mascot Hall of Fame, what visitors (both young and old) can expect when they walk through the doors, the creation of Gritty and the insane popularity of the new Philadelphia Flyers mascot.
The Bleacher Preacher, Jerry Pritikin joins the boys to talk about his lifelong love of the Chicago Cubs (and the first time he heard “wait ‘til next year”), his team getting kicked out of the Gay Softball World Series for being “too straight”, striking out former Major Leaguer Glenn Burke and his time photographing the gay rights movement.
Nearly 30 years ago, the baseball card world was turned upside when a certain four-lettered word made its way past censors.
Rick Vaughn, the former public relations director for the Baltimore Orioles, was there and thinks he knows exactly how "F*ck Face" went from being scribbled on the knob of Billy Ripken's bat and straight into your collection.
MLB Network host Brian Kenny joins the boys (for the third time!) to talk about the sudden popularity of bullpenning, previews the off season whereabouts of both Manny Machado and Bryce Harper, gives his Hall of Fame picks and explains why he thinks Orel Hershiser deserves a spot in Cooperstown. Oh…Brian also conveniently blames Lou for any perceived failings Mike Trout might have.
In 1988, brothers John and Tock Costacos helped make Jose Canseco and Mark McGwire larger than life by putting them and their big bats (and even bigger biceps) on the walls of every baseball fan across the country.
But before “The Bash Brothers” got posterized and immortalized, there was a different dynamic duo decorating bedrooms and dorms across the country...Walter Payton and Jim McMahon.
Jane Leavy, the New York Times bestselling author of *The Big Fella***, joins the boys to talk about the lunacy behind spending eight years writing about Babe Ruth (and compares him to the Kardashians!), what she learned most about “Little George” and why her 1987 piece about Muggsy Bogues is one of the great embarrassments of her life.
Hall of Famer Dave Winfield joins the boys to talk about his 40-plus year relationship with Don Baylor (and why he joined the Myeloma MVP campaign), what current player reminds him of when he played and what current pitchers he’d like to face and that night in San Diego when the Famous Chicken was hatched.
For more than 40 seasons, Nancy Faust was the organist for the Chicago White Sox, so when her Hammond Elegante Model 340100 went up for auction, Boston Red Sox organist Josh Kantor knew he had to have it.
There was just one catch...he had to pick it up in person.
Famed poster boy-turned-author John Costacos returns to talk to the boys about all those times he and his brother Tock almost killed their subjects (turns out it happened a lot!), what current players they’d like to make posters of, the one guy who turned them down and, of course, his new book “Walls of Fame”.
Recorded on the official last day of the baseball season, actor Lew Temple talks to the boys about his postseason picks and expectations, questions why the NFL always gets top-billing on ESPN.com, wonders what current-day pitchers might have flourished during 1968’s “Year of the Pitcher” and, naturally, Lou had to ask him about his upcoming role in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood”.
Comedian River Butcher joins the boys to talk about their podcast Three Swings, why men are afraid of women playing baseball, shares what it was like doing “Conan” and, along with Lou, starts preparing a “Racism in Baseball” college curriculum.
America’s favorite houseguest, Kato Kaelin, joins the boys to talk about the postseason chances of his beloved Milwaukee Brewers, opens up about the downfall of being so outspoken on Twitter and, for some reason, introduces Shawn and Lou to the friendliest valets in all of Los Angeles.
“The Daily Show” correspondent Roy Wood Jr. joins the boys to talk about the Chicago Cubs chances of going back to the World Series and whether or not they want (or even have room for) Bryce Harper, recalls that time Randy Johnson killed a bird with a pitch, explains why the Milwaukee Brewers remind him of Boba Fett and shares his desire to visit all the major sports stadiums/arenas.
New York Times bestselling author Jeff Pearlman finally returns to talk to the boys about his new book (Football for a Buck: The Crazy Rise and Crazier Demise of the USFL) and how Donald Trump paid a pivotal role in the demise of the league, shares the crazy story of Greg Fields and gives his theory as to why we’re fixated on years-old tweets and former sitcom actors bagging groceries.
Christy Colt, the only full-time “girl beer vendor” at Nationals Park, joins the boys to talk about slinging brews at some of the biggest events in sports, knowing when to watch and when to work, serving beers to Kris Bryant during the All-Star festivities in DC, why mint juleps and, for some reason, Lou thinks way too much about the RV Hall of Fame in Elkhart, Indiana.
To celebrate the 25th anniversary of his movie “Rookie of the Year”, screenwriter Sam Harper joins the boys to talk about where he came up with the idea of Henry Rowengartner, how long it takes to go from script to screen, what it’s like working with Steve Martin and realizes that he might just agree with Lou that The Rock probably makes everything a little bit better.
Oh, yeah, and in a podcast exclusive, Sam also drops some knowledge on a likely re-boot of “Rookie of the Year”.
The hosts of the popular Clubhouse Podcast, Muneesh Jain and Anthony Rapp, join the boys to talk about their adventures together traveling the country, visiting all 30 Major League parks, hanging out with legendary ballhawk Zack Hample, Muneesh’s favorite moment as a baseball fan (spoiler alert…it involves Anthony singing) and who they would most like to have as a guest on their podcast.
And, to appease his wife, Shawn asks Anthony to endorse her “passion project”.
Jose Canseco supercollector Tanner Jones joins the boys to talk about his massive baseball card and, specifically, his Canseco collection, how he got started in the hobby, that time he roadtripped to Las Vegas to hang out with his favorite baseball player and the coolest piece in his collection.
For a podcast-record fourth time, Jeff Katz, the now-former mayor of Cooperstown, joins the boys to talk about Curt Schilling for some reason, politely listens to Shawn blabber on and on about his summer concerts, tells the story of how he ended up officiating Brian Kenny’s daughter’s wedding(!), coins the term “Tony Danza Tribute Hat” and shares his all-time favorite broadcast team.
Oh…Jeff also gives his annual re-cap of the Hall of Fame induction ceremony.
TJ Connelly joins the boys to talk about how he ended up the DJ for the Boston Red Sox (and, ultimately, the New England Patriots and Boston Bruins), explains the art of choosing the right walk up music, explains his bond with slugger David Ortiz and, ultimately, shares the one song he won’t play. Ever.
Baltimore Orioles head groundskeeper Nicole Sherry joins the boys to talk about how she almost quit baseball to work at a golf course in Hawaii, gets into the specifics of creating grass patterns in the outfield, recalls shagging flies for and getting lost in the dreamy blue eyes of Hall of Famer Cal Ripken Jr. and, yeah, brags a little (wouldn't you?) about how great her view is from her office window at Camden Yards.
Famed cannabis expert and comedian Ngaio Bealum joins the boys to talk about his unique look and style (is it "Funky Preacher" or "Sexy Professor"?), being a fan of his hometown San Francisco Giants, the main difference between 1980s baseball and now, hanging out with Doug Benson and, of course, his new Netflix show “Cooking on High”.
Plus, Lou helps Ngaio plan his return trip to Milwaukee.
Actor, comedian and baseball historian Greg Proops joins the boys to talk about his recent gig as emcee of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum’s annual Hall of Game ceremony, his experiences interviewing some of baseball’s greats, recalls the mysterious death of Rube Foster and shares his admiration for San Francisco Giants greats Willie Mays and Barry Bonds.
Oh, yeah, Greg also joins in on Lou’s distaste of the 2013 movie “42”.
Rick Vaughn joins the boys to talk about his time as the public relations director for the Baltimore Orioles and Tampa Bay Rays, his current gig working with Chicago Cubs skipper Joe Maddon’s charity and, most importantly, helps Shawn and Lou begin their quest to track down the infamous Billy Ripken “Fuck Face” bat.
Four-time Emmy Award-winning writer and producer of “The Simpsons”, Mike Reiss, joins the boys to talk about his new book, pretends to be interested when Shawn and Lou share their favorite episodes, goes behind-the-scenes of the iconic “Homer at the Bat” episode, grades Ted Cruz’s impressions of everyone’s favorite TV family and imagines a dark, gritty re-boot of “Alf”.
And as a bonus...hear all about that time Lou was served a “meal” of toast!
To celebrate the 30th anniversary of the release of "Bull Durham", famed filmmaker Ron Shelton joins the boys to talk about the making of one of baseball's most iconic movies, his days in the minor leagues and Michael Jordan's brief stint as a professional baseball player.
Episode originally aired August 26, 2016.
Writer and director Matthew S. Robinson joins the boys to talk about his new play, “BlackBalled: The Rise and Fall of Negro League Baseball", what current players embody the spirit of the Negro Leagues, why Babe Ruth never got a shot at managing in the Majors and, along with Shawn and Lou, get real about kneeling, not kneeling, visiting The White House (or not) and the overall “patriotism” in sports.
Former Major League umpire Dale Scott joins the boys to talk about his 33 seasons behind the plate, the best and worst managers (looking your way, Billy Martin) to deal with, what it’s like calling balls and strikes during a no-hitter, that final concussion that ended his career and why he and his husband Michael would never do “The Amazing Race”.
Filmmakers Stu Stone and Adam Rodness join the boys to talk about their documentary "Jack of All Trades", call fellow Canadian, Olympic sprinter Ben Johnson (for real!), describe what it’s like hanging out with Jose Canseco, speculate on the whereabouts of the famed Billy Ripken “F*ck Face” bat and, of course, discuss their love of collecting baseball cards.
Dr. Tommy John joins the boys to talk about his new book, his quest to keep people from having Tommy John surgery, shares his family’s relationship with Dr. Frank Jobe and recalls the time his dad flirted with becoming a knuckleballer.
Oh...and Lou (briefly) had a new pet.
Joel Church-Cooper, the creator of the hit IFC show “Brockmire”, joins the boys to talk about the origin of show and getting picked up for two more seasons, what he borrowed from Bill Veeck, improvising on set with Hank Azaria and the return of Joe Buck!
All-Star outfielder-turned broadcaster-turned author, Ron Fairly, joins the boys to talk about Ichiro Suzuki’s sudden retirement, Edgar Martinez’s chances at the Hall of Fame, coaching Reggie Jackson, playing alongside Dodgers greats Duke Snider and Carl Furillo and the time John Roseboro saved Juan Marichal’s life.
Larry King re-joins the boys to talk about the 2018 baseball season (so far), shares his thoughts on what he would do if he was commissioner and wonders aloud about doubleheaders and Shohei Ohtani.
Also, Shawn and Lou’s new best friend responds to Todd Radom’s question about one of the greatest uniforms in baseball history.
Todd Radom and Phil Hecken re-join the boys to share their thoughts on some of baseball’s best (and absolute worst) looking uniforms, reflect on the most out of place baseball players and, of course, talk all about Todd’s new book…Winning Ugly: A Visual History of the Most Bizarre Baseball Uniforms Ever Worn.
Also, Shawn tries to start a debate that is, arguably, far dumber than that annoying “is a hot dog a sandwich?” discussion.
David Mickey Evans, writer and director of “The Sandlot", joins the boys to talk about the making of the iconic film, speculates as to whether or not Benny “The Jet” Rodriguez was really safe at the plate, shares his plans for the 25th anniversary of the movie, marvels at those glorious Funko Pop! figures and Lou thanks David (on behalf of everyone) for creating Wendy Peffercorn.
John Costacos, the creator of some of the world’s most popular sports posters, re-joins the boys to talk about his latest creation for Adidas (SPOILER ALERT: it’s Aaron Judge!), shares what might be next for The Costacos Brothers and revisits what makes their artwork great.
Hall of Fame president Jeff Idelson returns to talk to the boys about what’s new in Cooperstown and the growing anticipation for the Class of 2018 (and beyond!), shares the best Brad Ausmus story in the history of Brad Ausmus stories, explains what it is like hanging out with Bob Uecker and walks Shawn and Lou through the four “can’t miss” spots at The Hall and reveals his favorite museum pieces.
Gar Ryness, aka Batting Stance Guy, returns to talk to the boys about the need for a great hype man, pulls the curtain back as to why he thinks he is so good at what he does, shares how Hunter Pence has become the new Kevin Youkilis, remembers the careers of players he thought were “can’t miss” Hall of Famers and, along the way, plenty of names are dropped. Among those names…the three most handsome men Shawn has ever met.
Lastly, Gar makes a plea to his friends Randy and Jason Sklar to join the podcast.
Kirsten Karbach, the voice of the Clearwater Threshers, joins the boys to talk about being one of baseball’s only female play-by-play announcers, reveals what her ultimate goal is, cheers the Philadelphia Phillies off season moves and, lastly, answers the age-old question…what is a thresher?
Denny McLain, Major League Baseball’s last 30-game winner, joins the boys to talk about the “Year of the Pitcher”, his love/hate relationship with former skipper Ted Williams (and how he thinks he would’ve fared against “The Splendid Splinter”), that time he was thrown off his Little League team and, lastly, shares his thoughts on working the talk show circuit as late night television’s preeminent organ player.
Former pitcher Maybelle Blair joins the boys to talk about her time in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and how she got started on the diamond, her quest to preserve the AAGPBL in Rockford, Illinois, why she had to hide her sexuality and shares who her favorite current Major Leaguer is.
Oh, and Lou volunteers Shawn to do manual labor. Jerk.
The legendary Larry King joins the boys to talk about his beloved Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers, who he says is the most exciting player and the best player he’s ever seen play, who he likes watching now, gives his thoughts on suspected steroid users in the Hall of Fame and shares his excitement over his son Chance being drafted by the Chicago White Sox.
Longtime Minor Leaguer Cody Decker joins the boys to talk about Team Israel’s remarkable run during the 2017 World Baseball Classic, being part of the documentary “Heading Home”, the genesis of the Mensch on the Bench, pranking Jeff Francoeur and that time he did (or didn’t) play darts with filmmaker Jeremy Newberger following a robotics show in Japan.
Filmmaker Jeremy Newberger joins the boys to talk about his new documentary “Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel”, details covering the World Baseball Classic and why he and his partners decided to follow the team, describes the fear of being in Israel during a terror attack and helps Shawn and Lou crack the code on what “Arrow”, “Lost” and “The Walking Dead” have in common.
On the eve of the 25th anniversary of the iconic film “The Sandlot”, actor-turned-restauranteur Shane Obedzinski joins the boys to talk about his role as Tommy “Repeat” Timmons, whether or not he believes Benny was really safe at the end of the movie (SPOILER ALERT: Lou argues he wasn’t), the lastly legacy of Wendy Peffercorn, getting hit in the balls (sorry, Shane!) during practice and hanging out with James Earl Jones and, wait for it…BURT REYNOLDS!
Bruce Prichard, host of the popular “Something to Wrestle with” podcast, joins the boys to tell them all about what happened when Pete Rose ended up in the WWF/WWE (and, subsequently, their Hall of Fame) and how he’s the perfect heel, the relationship between Wade Boggs and “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig and who came up with the ill-fated Abe “Knuckleball” Schwartz gimmick.
Episode originally aired March 3, 2017.
Since his election in 1989, Johnny Bench has been sitting down and advising each and every new member of baseball's Hall of Fame. What advice does he give them?
Baseball Hall of Fame expert Jay Jaffe joins the boys to talk about, naturally, the upcoming Hall of Fame announcement, why he thinks Lou Whitaker might still have a chance at Cooperstown, that time he took part in the famed Klements Sausage Race during a Milwaukee Brewers game and beer. So much beer.
Author and screenwriter Byron Motley joins the boys to talk about his father, legendary Negro Leagues umpire Bob Motley, explains what happened to his screenplay about Effa Manley, gives his thoughts on instant replay in baseball and pulls the curtain back on why he absolutely adores Cuba.
President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Bob Kendrick, joins the boys (for the third time!) to talk about the life and legacy of the late, great Mamie “Peanut” Johnson, educates Shawn as to who Rube Foster is and why he is one of the most important people in the history of the Negro Leagues and celebrates the inevitable Hall of Fame induction of longtime Atlanta Brave Chipper Jones.
It's Episode 100, gang!
Rich Grisham, TJ Lauerman and Kris Jardine from Out of the Park Baseball join the boys to talk about the history of their award-winning game, the recently completed Hall of Very Good Celebrity Tournament, reveal what’s next for OOTP 19 and explore Lou’s deep, personal hatred of a certain former Major Leaguer.
In 1980, Willie Mays Aikens was seemingly on top of the world. Along with future Hall of Famer George Brett, Willie Wilson and Dennis Leonard, the former first baseman helped lead his Kansas City Royals to 97 victories and a spot in the World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. The Royals would end up losing in six games, but, still…they’d walk away with some pretty sharp American League Championship rings.
Less than a year later, Aikens’ ring was gone. Missing. It would stay that way for more than 33 years.
St. Nick's favorite former Major Leaguer, Steve Christmas, joins the boys to talk about living with the last name Christmas, playing behind Hall of Fame catchers Johnny Bench and Carlton Fisk, how Tom Seaver got him traded, sharing a locker next to Lee Smith and his unlikely relationship with Rod Carew.
“Black Jack” himself, 1993 American League Cy Young Award winner Jack McDowell, joins the boys to talk about throwing inside (specifically the two batters he might have very much hit on purpose), steroid users in the Hall of Fame, the difference between coaching in the minor leagues versus college, reminisces on his lifetime in music and shares his most memorable concert experience.
Jody Avirgan, the man behind ESPN Film’s acclaimed “30 for 30” podcast series, joins the boys to talk about his love of both sports and politics (and which one he prefers), describes the type of stories they look to tell and shares the process of how that story goes from a simple pitch meeting to showing up in your podcast feed.
MTV News anchor-turned-photographer Tabitha Soren joins the boys to talk about about going from being on-air in market 99 to 1, explains the genesis of her new book Fantasy Life, wonders if she can travel cross country with a bundle of bone spurs, reveals who she would like to be when she “grows up” and shares her odd relationship with former Los Angeles Dodgers utilityman Davey Lopes.
Ted Giannoulas has been the only guy dressing up as The Famous San Diego Chicken for more than forty years...except for that one time.
Also, the man behind the mascot reveals the craziest thing ever asked of The Chicken.
For more than forty years, Ted Giannoulas has been dressing up as The Famous San Diego Chicken. More impressive, he's been the only guy to do it...except for that one time Giannoulas couldn't get a flight home and hundreds of fans were left waiting for their favorite real life cartoon character.
This is the story of that time Andy Strasberg was forced to go behind the beak.
Danny Clinch, director of Pearl Jam’s “Let’s Play Two” documentary, joins the boys to talk about shooting at Wrigley Field, shares his favorite moments from the Hall of Fame rock band’s legendary two nights at the historic ballpark, recalls his friendship with Blind Melon and gives an update on his planned Shannon Hoon documentary.
Stand-up comedian Brody Stevens joins the boys to talk about his days on the diamond, pitching at Arizona State, remembers the Hall of Fame-worthy career of the late-Roy Halladay and throws his hat in the ring to star in a re-boot of the “Major League” franchise.
Two-time National League MVP Dale Murphy joins the boys to talk about his chances to make the Hall of Fame, the toughest opponents he faced as a big leaguer, catching Phil Niekro’s knuckleball and that time in 1991 when his former skipper Bobby Cox ordered Tom Glavine to hit him with a pitch.
Former Los Angeles Dodgers and Houston Astros hurler Jerry Reuss joins the boys to talk about who he is rooting for in this year's World Series, what it was like performing on “The Tonight Show” (among other television shows) following the 1981 Fall Classic, shares a hilarious story about being stuck in an elevator with Dave Parker and Muhammad Ali and discloses who he’d rather fight…Lou Piniella or Tommy Lasorda.
Mary Poppins himself, Michael Rooker, joins the boys in hopes to get them to root, root, root for the Cubbies, goes behind-the scenes of “Eight Men Out”, spills the beans on who is the better baseball player (him or “Little Chuckie” Sheen), shares which role people recognize him from the most, explains why everyone likes his “Guardians of the Galaxy” character Yondu and, lastly, gives Shawn and Lou a taste of their own medicine by asking THEM questions!
Old friend Ted Giannoulas joins the boys to talk about growing up a baseball fan in Canada, reveals why he never shows his face, dishes on the hardest (and easiest) players to work with, shares what current mascot he thinks is doing it right, answers the dreaded NSFW question and discloses how much longer he can perform as The Famous San Diego Chicken.
Also…could a memoir be in the works? Listen now!
2017 Glenn Burke Memorial Courage Award recipient Stacy Piagno joins the boys to talk about her historic win this past summer for the Sonoma Stompers, that no-hitter she threw during the 2015 Pan American Games, discloses what Major League hitter she’d least like to face and (along with Shawn) tries to help Lou sort out his love of Wilson Phillips.
Jonathan Knight, the author of The Making of Major League, joins the boys to talk about, you guessed it, the making of the popular movie, spells out its original ending (and explains how it might have invented “moneyball”), compares Wesley Snipes to Omar Epps, breaks down some plot ideas for what should-be an upcoming sequel and, along with Shawn and Lou, mentions “Mr. 3000” way too many times.
Jonathan Knight, the author of The Making of Major League, joins the boys to talk about, you guessed it, the making of the popular movie, spells out its original ending (and explains how it might have invented “moneyball”), compares Wesley Snipes to Omar Epps, breaks down some plot ideas for what should-be an upcoming sequel and, along with Shawn and Lou, mentions “Mr. 3000” way too many times.
Celebrated gossip columnist and podcast host A.J. Benza joins the boys to talk about about whether or not he believes Kevin Costner almost ended Cal Ripken Junior’s streak, compares Aroldis Chapman to Dwight Gooden, reveals what he thinks might’ve cost the 2003 New York Yankees a World Series championship (hint…it rhymes with “brocaine”), all but confirms the Derek Jeter gift basket rumors and shares some stories about getting bombed with certain members of the Bronx Bombers.
Legendary ballhawk Zack Hample joins the boys (for the third time!) to talk about snagging his 10,000th ball (and why he wanted to get it in Baltimore), the science behind getting a ball after the third out, shares what his mom thinks of his YouTube successes, reveals how much longer he thinks he can do what he does and (almost) ponders the existence of God.
MLB Network host Robert Flores joins the boys to talk about the Boston Red Sox and their (alleged) cheating, convinces Shawn why he should go all-in on the Houston Astros, assures Lou his Milwaukee Brewers might actually be for real, explains how he got involved with Slammiversary XV and reveals the three songs he’d like to hear before he dies.
With Players Weekend in his rearview mirror, Phil Hecken, the weekend editor (and “bench coach”) for the Uni Watch Blog, re-joins the boys and gives them his thoughts about Major League Baseball’s latest stunt, breaks down his favorite (and least favorite) uniforms, offers up some of his favorite nicknames and reveals the one Players Weekend cap he would actually wear.
Charles Leerhsen, the author of Ty Cobb: A Terrible Beauty, joins the boys to talk about about the misconceptions surrounding baseball’s first Hall of Famer, why he thinks the world casts certain people as monsters, calls Cobb biographer Al Stump a “liar” and shares who he thinks is the greatest player he’s ever seen play.
Famed comedian and New York Mets superfan Jim Breuer joins the boys to talk about becoming the voice of Mets fans everywhere, his videos going viral on YouTube and how they’ve affected his standup, compares being a rockstar to an athlete and shares his thoughts on the greatest baseball player he’s even seen play.
Curator and founder of the National Mustard Museum Barry Levenson joins the boys to talk about how (and why) he started the museum, dispenses some advice on what mustard pairs the best with what tubed meat, shares his special relationship with former Milwaukee Brewers slugger Gorman Thomas and answers the age-old question…is a hot dog a sandwich.
Lastly, make sure you stick around for the Poupon U. fight song!
Author-turned-Cooperstown mayor-turned author Jeff Katz joins the boys to talk about Bill “The Spaceman” Lee ending up on his front porch during Hall of Fame Induction Weekend, how he became Mayor Quimby for the day and that chance encounter with Elvis Costello. Lastly…what does Milwaukee Brewers playoff baseball have in common with U2 and Nirvana? You won’t know unless you listen to the entire podcast!
Boston Red Sox organist Josh Kantor joins the boys to talk about gigging with The Baseball Project, his “side hustle” working at the “Harvard of the Northeast” and how he and a group of musician friends ended up on a cross country road trip with “the single most important musical instrument in the history of baseball”.
This week, Guinness Book world record holder Brett Carow joins the boys to talk about his decades-long love affair with Strat-O-Matic, what possessed him to play the iconic baseball board game for 61-straight hours and shares the story behind the coolest cake a wife can buy her husband. Oh, and the gang comes to the startling realization that Ozzie Smith might be immortal.
Legendary Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith joins the boys to talk about the 25th anniversary of the popular "Homer at the Bat” episode of “The Simpsons”, where his famous backflip came from, growing up in Southern California with Eddie Murray and the one team he would’ve liked to have played for.
Former Chicago White Sox shortstop Greg Pryor joins the boys to talk about Disco Demolition Night and the events of July 12, 1979, the day he made Jimmy Piersall go crazy, describes what it was like being part of the circus surrounding Bo Jackson in 1986 and spills the beans on what he thinks is the worst baseball movie ever.
16-time Gold Glove Award winner (and 2015 Hall of Very Good inductee) Jim Kaat joins the boys to talk about his 60-plus years in baseball, reflects on his Hall of Fame chances, shares why he started Twitter (and who, from his era, would be a great follow), describes golfing in New Zealand and, naturally, gives Lou some links advice.
Phil Hecken, weekend editor (and “bench coach”) for the *Uni Watch Blog*, joins the boys to talk about those hideous things the Arizona Diamondbacks are wearing, the best (and worst) uniforms in the Majors, why baseball needs to tone down their special jerseys and why 1969 might have been the greatest looking year on the diamond.
Former Major Leaguer-turned-author Adam Greenberg joins the boys about the injury that stalled his Major League career, his long journey back to the bigs, playing for Team Israel during the World Baseball Classic, getting inducted into the National Jewish Sports Hall of Fame and the awesome healing power of, wait for it…deer antlers.
Actor-turned-musician Scott ("Gilmore Girls") Patterson joins the boys to talk about his seven-year minor league baseball career, what it’s like going one-on-one against Don Mattingly, hanging out with Bobby Bonds, shares the advice Sandy Koufax gave him and previews the new EP from his band SMITHRADIO.
Brandiose co-founder Jason Klein joins the boys to talk about what it takes to completely re-design the image of a baseball franchise, how he went from high school mascot to one of the most sought after minds in marketing, shares a great story about friend of the pod, Ted (The Famous Chicken) Giannoulas and introduces Shawn to the most exciting vegetable he’s never heard of.
20 years ago, Ila Borders broke through baseball's "glass ceiling" when she appeared in a game for the St. Paul Saints. From Mick Veeck to (yes) Marge Schott, her journey was an interesting one.
Attorney-turned sportswriter-turned radio host-turned Peabody Award winner Julie DiCaro joins the boys (again) to talk about how she deals with the haters online, shares her thoughts on the recent Ronnie Woo Woo-Chicago Cubs controversy and explains why "Tin Cup" is the worst baseball movie of all-time...and, yes, she knows it's about golf.
Oh...did anyone mention Julie's Peabody Award?
Bob Kendrick returns to talk about the origin of the Kansas City Royals "Dressed to the Nines" game, Adam Jones's recent $20,000 donation to the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and gives an update on the efforts to save Buck O'Neil's home.
Also, Ralph Carhart stops by to fill-in as co-host and give an update on The Hall Ball Project.
It's been 46 years since Ross Grimsley threw his first Major League pitch. Since then, the longtime hurler (and the last Montreal Expo to win 20 games) has been the subject of many rumors. From hair grease to allegations of witchcraft...it's time to play "True or False".
Baseball historian Ralph Carhart joins the boys to talk about the very unique Hall Ball Project, spills the beans on which of the 317 Hall of Famers have been the most difficult to track down and shares the story of baseball legend Cristóbal Torriente.
Before he was a member of the San Diego Padres, then-college student Tony Gwynn donned the mustard and brown for a spoof of a local used car commercial. True story.
Actress and activist Tracy Reiner joins the boys to talk about how she landed the role of Betty "Spaghetti" Horn in "A League of Their Own" (spoiler alert...it's not how you think), what it was like working on the set of "Die Hard", reminisces about the impact Carrie Fisher had on her life and, of course, shares what life is like growing up in "the circus".
Legendary interviewer Roy Firestone joins the boys to talk about what inspired him to go into broadcasting and what he thinks is wrong (and right) about the industry today, recalls some of his most memorable interviews of all-time, sheds some light on his 1992 discussion with O.J. Simpson and delivers the best Harry Caray impression you’ve ever heard.
The son of baseball’s all-time hit king (and manager of the Wichita Wingnuts), Pete Rose Jr. joins the boys to talk about growing up at Riverfront Stadium, getting his first Major League hit at home in front of his dad, shares his love of WWE and reveals the one skill he wishes he had.
MLB Network host (and HOVG Podcast favorite) Brian Kenny re-joins the boys to talk about his guest spot on IFC's "Brockmire", breaks down 2017 storylines, reveals his pick for the worst baseball movie of all-time and etches in stone, his personal Baseball Mount Rushmore.
With no baseball early in the 1995 season, former Major League umpire Larry Young did what he could to help pay the bills. One of those things...refereeing The Undertaker-King Kong Bundy match at WrestleMania XI.
Actor Hank Azaria joins the boys to talk about his new IFC show “Brockmire”, explains where the idea came from, what inspired Jim Brockmire’s unique voice, working with famed baseball announcer Joe Buck and how, sometimes, you take a role simply to pay the bills.
Is Pete Rose the ultimate heel? If you ask Bruce Prichard...you better believe it. And while Major League Baseball's hit king might not be in Cooperstown, he did parlay his three WrestleMania appearances into enshrinement into the WWE Hall of Fame.
Famed actor/director Timothy Busfield joins the boys to talk about his beloved Detroit Tigers chances this upcoming season, working with Kevin Costner, filming with Ken Griffey Jr., kicking it with Hall of Famer Al Kaline, trying out for the Kansas City Royals (true story) and why, perhaps, Ryan Gosling longs to be him.
Emmy Award-winning writer, producer, comedian and actor Robert Wuhl joins the boys to talk about his horrible audition for "Bull Durham", improvising on the set of "Batman”, what inspired the TV show “Arli$$” (hint…it involves our current President), the good and bad of playing fantasy baseball and throws out some predictions for the upcoming 2017 MLB season.
Former San Diego Padres executive Andy Strasberg joins the boys to tell them about about that time he filled in for his buddy Ted Giannoulis (chicken costume and all), backflipping into the Hall of Fame with Ozzie Smith, his relationship with the late-Roger Maris, working on the Billy Crystal movie “61*” and getting Tony Gwynn his first TV commercial.
Writer/director Ron Shelton didn't have to think too hard to come up with the idea and characters for the 1988 movie "Bull Durham". He lived it.
Bruce Prichard, host of the popular “Something to Wrestle with” podcast, joins the boys to tell them all about what happened when Pete Rose ended up in the WWF/WWE (and, subsequently, their Hall of Fame) and how he’s the perfect heel, the relationship between Wade Boggs and “Mr. Perfect” Curt Hennig and who came up with the ill-fated Abe “Knuckleball” Schwartz gimmick.
Should-be Hall of Famer Tommy John joins the boys to tell them all about his chances at getting into Cooperstown, the injury that nearly ended his career, his relationship with the late-Frank Jobe (and why the legendary doctor is one of the three most influential men in baseball history) and playing alongside Glenn Burke.
Graphic design extraordinaire Todd Radom joins the boys to talk all about how he got his start in the business, why that Cleveland Browns logo he created means so much to him, that time he witnessed a brawl at Yankee Stadium, working with Ice Cube on his new basketball league and spending part of his Christmas with the Clintons.
Yes…THOSE Clintons.
Former big league pitcher-turned-author-turned motivational speaker Dave Dravecky joins the the boys to talk about his special friendship with Kevin Mitchell, what it’s like being a teammate of Tony Gwynn, the worst fans in baseball and of course, that horrific injury that ultimately ended his Major League career and meeting up with Tim Raines 27 years later.
Marcus Giamatti, son of former MLB commissioner A. Bartlett Giamatti, joins the boys to talk about his late-father's brief (albeit memorable) stint in baseball, throwing out the first before Game One of the 1989 World Series, being the "go to" guy for nearly every CBS drama and appearing on an episode of the X-Files.
New York Yankees batboy-turned-author Matthew McGough joins the boys to talk about his first day on the job with the Bronx Bombers, how his book changed the batboy rules, his lasting relationship with Don Mattingly and working on the CBS show “Clubhouse”.
23 years ago, Henry Rowengartner helped the Chicago Cubs to a World Series victory. Now, nearly a quarter-century since “Rookie of the Year” hit the big screen, the film’s star, Thomas Ian Nicholas, disclosed that the movie could be getting a sequel in 2018…just in time for its 25th anniversary.
MLB Network host Brian Kenny joins the boys to talk about boxing alongside Mike Tyson, breaks down the 2017 Hall of Fame ballot, looks ahead to the Class of 2018, explains why "Major League 2" is better than its predecessor and, along with Lou, questions Shawn's life choices.
Legendary catcher Johnny Bench joins the boys to share his thoughts about this year’s (potential) Hall of Fame class, his favorite things to do during his annual trip to Cooperstown, goes behind-the-scenes of the “Baseball Bunch” and speculates who should host a proposed re-boot of the popular program.
Not long before she was begging Jose Canseco to make her a mother (Jose's words...not ours), a different Major League slugger caught the eye of The Material Girl.
Rob Deer.
Former slugger Rob "Rooster" Deer joins the boys to talk about his friendship with Robin Yount, his love for Milwaukee (and why he believes he was allowed to leave the Brewers via free agency), playing in Japan and that one special night he caught the eye of The Material Girl.
1989 National League MVP Kevin Mitchell joins the boys to tell them about playing for (and partying with) the 1986 World Champion New York Mets, the friendships he made during his playing career, the worst decision he ever made, the best hitter he’s ever seen and battling back from paralysis. True story.
What do you get when you combine a handful of professional athletes, copious amounts of alcohol and one crazy night at a SuperBowl party in New Orleans?
Former Kansas City Royals slugger Willie Mays Aikens joins the boys to talk about his baseball career, the cocaine addiction that sent him to prison and being reunited with his 1980 American League Championship ring after more than 30 years.
Former wrestling great Lanny Poffo joins the boys to talk about growing up a baseball fan outside Chicago, his brother (and 2015 Hall of Very Good™ celebrity inductee), Randy "Macho Man" Savage's minor league baseball career and what ultimately led to his induction into the WWE Hall of Fame.
President of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, Bob Kendrick, joins the boys to talk about his special relationship with the late, great Buck O'Neil, the most interesting donation made to the museum (hint...it involves Rush frontman Geddy Lee!) and introduces Lou to "The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings".
The self-proclaimed Emperor of Fun, David Raymond, joins the boys to talk about his years as the original Phillie Phanatic, whether or not mascots should be in baseball's Hall of Fame, breaking ground on the Mascot Hall of Fame and what it takes to be a successful entertainer.
Famed ballhawk Zack Hample returns to the podcast to re-cap what went down at Fort Bragg, get a handle on the craziness that was the 2016 baseball season, explain why he didn't head to this year's World Series and update the boys on his baseball total.
Niko Bonds joins the boys to talk about the worst fans in sports, why he didn't join the family business and what it is like growing up the son of baseball's home run king, Barry Bonds.
Paul Sianis, co-owner of Chicago's famed Billy Goat Tavern, joins the boys to talk about the restaurant's history, being immortalized by "Saturday Night Live" and, of course, a certain curse from 1945.
Former two-sport star Josh Booty joins the boys talk about his professional sports careers (both of them!), whether or not he thinks Tim Tebow can succeed on the diamond and that wild and crazy night in New Orleans with Kevin Millar.
Second generation big leaguer Brian McRae joins the boys to talk about his life in baseball, suiting up alongside his dad, the good and bad of Wrigley Field and where he was during Game Six of the 2003 NLCS.
Joel Hawkins from The House of David Baseball Team Research Project joins the boys to separate fact and fiction when it comes to the bearded bunch of baseball players.
Groundbreaking pitcher Ila Borders joins the boys to talk about her career, what it's like being the first woman to win a professional baseball game and what she's up to today.
All-around baseball Renaissance Man Seth Swirsky joins the boys to talk about his famed memorabilia collection, the buying and selling of the famed “Buckner Ball” and that time he might’ve jinxed the Red Sox.
Famed "Poster Boy" John Costacos joins the boys to talk about the (surprisingly) crazy world of posters and shares some of the best stories you're likely to hear all week. True statement.
Comedian and podcasting legend Jay Mohr joins the boys to conduct the inaugural HOVG fantasy draft. Later, Rich Grisham from Out of the Park lets everyone know who had the best team.
Famed filmmaker Ron Shelton joins the boys to talk about his days in the minor leagues, the making of "Bull Durham" and Michael Jordan's brief stint as a professional baseball player.
"Spaceman" writer/director Brett Rapkin joins the boys to talk about his new movie, working with Josh Duhamel, hanging out with Fergie and, of course, the enigma that is, former pitcher Bill Lee.
"The Rookie" Jim Morris joins the boys to talk about his journey from high school teacher to Major Leaguer, getting jeered by some of baseball's finest and, of course, hanging out with Dennis Quaid while his life got the Disney treatment.
Cooperstown mayor Jeff Katz returns to the podcast to talk about how Hall of Fame Induction weekend affects the town of Cooperstown, re-caps the 2016 inductions of Ken Griffey Jr. and Mike Piazza and looks ahead to the Class of 2017. Also, Jeff purposely avoids getting financial advice from Lenny Dykstra.
2016 Glenn Burke Memorial Courage Award recipient David Denson joins the boys to talk life in the Minors with the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers and becoming the first active player within a Major League Baseball organization to come out as gay.
To commemorate the 33rd anniversary of the Pine Tar Incident, former Kansas City Royals infielder Greg Pryor joins the boys to take them behind-the-scenes and onto the field with stories from the legendary game.
Thomas Ian Nicholas, best known to baseball fans as Henry Rowengartner, joins the boys to talk about "Rookie of the Year" (and his hopes for a sequel), the "American Pie" franchise and his first celebrity crush.
Gar Ryness, aka Batting Stance Guy, joins the boys to talk Midwestern geography, everyone's secret desire to be lefthanded, celebrating Pete Rose and, naturally, the least marketable skill in America.
Attorney-turned-sportswriter Julie talks to the the boys about her beloved Chicago Cubs, the viral "More Than Mean" YouTube video and when you can and can't call a woman "dame". Plus, Julie's first celebrity crush revealed!
Former big league batboy Spenser Clark joins the boys to talk about his time with the Washington Nationals, his aspirations after law school and being a gay man in Major League Baseball.
Minnesota Twins official scorer Stew Thornley joins the boys to talk about graveyard hunting and all the graves he's visited, Ted Williams' frozen head and that time he wrestled a bear. True story.
Former catcher Dave Nilsson joins the boys to talk about his days with the Milwaukee Brewers, what it's like playing baseball in America versus Down Under and his least favorite "Australian" catchphrase.
Actor Jim O'Heir joins the boys to talk about growing up a Chicago baseball fan, his fear of peeing in the trough at Wrigley Field and, of course, life on the set of "Parks and Recreation".
Finally, Ross Grimsley joins the boys to dispel internet rumors, explain how he got the nickname "Scuz" and share what he thinks about being the logo for The Hall of Very Good.
This week, Shawn Anderson and Lou Olsen talk with Chicago Cubs super fan Ronnie “Woo Woo” Wickers.
Ronnie tells the boys about his early days as a fan watching games at the then-segregated Wrigley Field, his run-in with the one and only Steve Bartman and what it’s like to get his own bobblehead.
Check out the full show notes over at The Hall of Very Good.
The first female strength and conditioning coach in Major League Baseball history, Rachel Balkovec, joins the boys to talk about how she got her start, what a strength and conditioning coach does and, for whatever reason, boy bands.
National Bobblehead Hall of Fame co-founder and CEO Phil Sklar joins the boys to talk about bringing a bobblehead museum to downtown Milwaukee and how Pete Rose was the obvious choice to induct as the inaugural member.
Two-time All-Star Dmitri Young joins the boys to talk about his extensive and pricey baseball card collection, his favorite baseball stadiums to hit (and eat) at and, finally, his obsession with WWE and professional wrestling.
Famed houseguest (and TV personality) Kato Kaelin joins the boys to talk about how and why baseball brought him to Los Angeles, his love/hate relationship with his beloved Milwaukee Brewers and, of course, his new sports talk show, Sports Haters.
Former umpire Larry Young joins the boys to talk about his career behind the plate, the mechanics behind throwing someone out of a game and, believe it or not, how he ended up refereeing the Undertaker-King Kong Bundy match at WrestleMania XI.
Minor leaguer-turned-actor Casey Bond joins the boys to talk about his latest movie, learning how to play the fiddle, hanging out with Moneyball co-star Brad Pitt and raiding the refrigerator of Gene Simmons.
New York Times best-selling author Erik Sherman returns to talk to the boys about the life and times of Glenn Burke, the first and only openly gay player in Major League Baseball.
New York Times best-selling author Erik Sherman joins the boys to talk about the 1986 New York Mets, his special bond with previous subjects Mookie Wilson and Steve Blass and, naturally, his dream project.
Albuquerque Isotopes broadcaster Josh Suchon joins the boys to talk about their shared interest in HH Holmes, Better Call Saul jersey night, how the Springfield Isotopes got their name and his book Murder in Pleasanton..
Author and ESPN Fantasy writer AJ Mass joins the boys to talk about his days as Mr. Met, baseball players as contestants on Survivor and, yeah, that time the Secret Service threatened to kill him.
Actor Lew Temple re-joins the boys to talk about the time he and Will Clark dated the same girl, his thoughts on the 1986 New York Mets and, of course, the behind-the-scenes of The Walking Dead.
Actor Lew Temple joins the boys to talk about his days as a Houston Astros scout, his thoughts on steroids, his friendship with Rob Zombie and, naturally, how he ended up in Hollywood and on The Walking Dead.
Nick Hall, better known as Coach Kent Murphy, joins the boys to talk his comedy influences, YouTube successes, his one regret and hanging out with Larry Bird.
Dwier Brown, John Kinsella from the hit film ''Field of Dreams'', joins the boys to share some stories from his recent book tour, his trip back to Iowa and what movie he is recognized from most.
ESPN baseball analyst Dan Szymborski joins to boys to discuss ZiPS and the Hall of Fame Class of 2016, but ends up going off the rails, and reveals his affinity for Honey Bunches of Oats and, of course, how he got the nickname ''Digital Dandy''.
Cooperstown mayor Jeff Katz joins the boys to talk about having the coolest job in the world, previews Hall of Fame Weekend 2016, his book (Split Season: 1981) and he reveals the essential album any vinyl collector should have in his collection.
New York Times bestselling author Jeff Pearlman kicks off the New Year by talking to the boys about why he chooses to write about the subjects he does, his unprecedented affinity for both Hall and Oates and 90s rock and roll and reveals his dream subject.
Atlanta Braves organist Matthew Kaminski joins the boys and explains how one goes from playing jazz to working for an MLB team, the inspiration behind some of baseball's more unique walk-up songs and that top secret Giancarlo Stanton nickname no one knows. Until now.
Famed ballhawk Zack Hample joins the boys to talk about keeping track of his 8,633 baseballs, that whole A-Rod situation, getting assaulted at Yankee Stadium, and, oh yeah, hanging out with porn star Lisa Ann.
Ted Giannoulas joins the boys and talks about his career as The Famous San Diego Chicken, that time he incited a riot, his days as a member of The Baseball Bunch, hanging out with The Great One and reveals who he would want play him in a biochick, er, pic.
Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson joins the boys to share his insight on the excitement leading up to Ken Griffey Junior's obvious induction to Cooperstown, his favorite piece of memorabilia in the Hall of Fame Museum and, yeah, Pete Rose.