Passed Ball Show: Recent Episodes
John Pielli
How the Tennessee Titans destroyed their franchise by making three distinct moves. John Pielli, Passed Ball Show #738 1-4-2025.
PBS- 737 12-14-2024 John Pielli spends this program talking about the players in each sport (NBA, MLB, NHL, NFL) that changed the game forever. While he has no doubt over which player fits the build in basketball, baseball, and hockey, there is more uncertainty when it comes to the National Football League. At the end of the video, John leaves a choice for the audience over which football players deserves the honor.
PBS 736- John Pielli talks about the original home run derby- a television series hosted by Mark Scott in 1960. The predecessor to today’s All Star Break competition was done in game form and featured head to head matchups of some of the best home run hitters of that time. #savingsportshistory
PBS 735 John Pielli explains why the Philadelphia Phillies should have moved to Kansas City based off of merit and why the Athletics stand out among the five teams that changed locations in Major League Baseball in the 1950's.
Passed Ball Show #734 (December 7, 2024) John lists off reasons history should not blame Donnie Moore for the California Angels losing the 1986 American League Championship Series to the Boston Red Sox.
8-3-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the Baseball Hall of Fame, particularly, the obvious cases for Barry Bonds, Pete Rose, and Roger Clemens. John states that their statistical achievements merit inclusion on their own. John further pushes the issue by putting the credibility of the entire Hall of Fame process and institution on trial, as the Hall of Fame of any and every sport should include the players with the best career statistics.
6-13-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about how Jerry West was a top five (5) Los Angeles Laker player of all time and is surprised many do not understand how good a NBA player he was. John thinks the Tennessee Titans will regret not retaining running back Derrick Henry, feeling that it was not financially impossible for the organization to do. He then acknowledges the Stanley Cup as the most prestigious award, trophy, and championship in all of professional sports. At the end, he asks his viewers and listeners a question he very much values the answer to.
6-5-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program explaining why Josh Gibson deserves the all time cumulative batting average record in Major League Baseball history. While John stops short of claiming you are a racist if you do not accept the updated records are the real records, he feels those that are the most bothered, insulted, and angriest over the changes are doing so with racial undertones. John references the Marcus Stroman durag comment made by Bob Brenly as an example where racial undertones exist even in a person who is not a racist person. John finishes this discussion by questioning the players of pre- 1947. John feels in 2024 people could get together to support a cause by why not pre- 1947? Even those players who were not considered racist have to own the fact that nobody stepped up to make a case that black players should play on the same field as white players. Recognizing Josh Gibson as the all time career batting average leader does nothing to change what was done to him and the other black players of his time. John once again questions why Negro Leagues history is not recognized as predating 1920 and calls John Donaldson one of the top ten starting pitchers of all time.
5-15-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program giving the exact reason attendance is down for the New York Mets this season. It is not as simple as the team is under .500. It is not as simple as anything that can be attributed to the field play this season. John speaks about this after he once again asks the listeners (and viewers) what they want to hear about.
5-9-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program expressing how he believes the New York Knicks need to expand their rotation to achieve their postseason goals. Using Jericho Sims, Alec Burks, and others for even bits of time is a better option than playing the remaining six players unmaintainable minutes. John believes the rust needs to be taken off these players as opposed to them being forced in while rotation players are in foul trouble. John also believes it is a joke when teams refuse to players that are healthy while on a roster, especially when injuries start to mount. John then talks about MLB teams that were expected to he bad and end up performing well. That always comes at the expense of a team that was expected to do well that is performing poorly.
4-28-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the charade that has become position players pitching mop up relief in MLB games. John cites two examples of BOTH teams using such a player in the same game as his reason to suggest something must be done to change this. He discusses the impact of MLB stats and wonders if soon we can track how hitters do against non-pitchers. John suggests two possible changes to make this situation better. He then suggests that MLB umpires have colluded together because they have grown tired of New Yotk Yankees manager Aaron Boone's antics which have led to several ejections from games over the past handful of seasons. John finishes off this show talking about the Quarterbacks selected in this year's NFL draft and how the record amount of first round selections (in the first 12 picks) may have led to teams staying away from the position for almost the rest of the draft.
4-20-2024 Passed Ball Show. John opens up the program by making an interesting point over the last name Jacquez. He then talks about how the Houston Astros slow start will be pinned by the media and fans on new manager Joe Espada, but believes the Astros will revert back to its 2017-2023 form before too long. John then questions why MLB has not implemented the ball/ strike challenge system that has proven to be successful in Triple- A this season. John gives his respect to Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog before applauding him for having the balls to stick with his intention to rebuild the 1980’s St. Louis Cardinals in spite of winning the 1982 World Series. He then wonders aloud whether the 1970’s New York Mets would have had better fortune if they had hired Whitey instead of Yogi Berra in 1972 to replace the decreased legendary manager Gil Hodges.
4-13-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the great professional football career of all time great running back #OJSimpson. Outside of the likes of Jim Brown and perhaps Lenny Moore, OJ was one of the best to ever play the position, becoming the first player to rush for over 2000 yards in a season. OJ’s acquittal of double murder charges is the first time the court of public opinion prevailed over the legal justice system paving the way for the system that exists now. John explains the real reason pitchers in Major League Baseball are getting injured at an all time rate.
4-8-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this show talking about the split between Stefon Diggs and Josh Allen following the former's trade to the Houston Texans. John opines on who was the most responsible for the success between the two as he believes that both Josh Allen made Stefon Diggs and Stefon Diggs made Josh Allen. He compares that to the debate between Bill Belichick and Tom Brady over who was most responsible for their success together. John talks about how LeBron James is one of his heros and what separates him from some of the other greats in National Basketball Association history.
3-23-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spend this show continuing to express his opinion on cancel culture and explains how it is happening with Shohei Ohtani. John also gives reasons why it is happening and what is up with the people that are pushing it. John gives a little bit of kudos to Tennessee Titans General Manager Ran Carthon for the offseason the Titans are having before talking about the major economical differences between the NFL and MLB. John explains why a salary cap could help baseball and why a universal 30 team television agreement could allow for all teams to share the revenue of the sport as opposed to the wealthy teams giving the teams that refuse to spend money. Finally, John goes off on the Anti-Trevor Bauer hypocrites that have the nerve to use anti Bauer propaganda to try to sleep with women!
3-2-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about how the Heisman Trophy Trust and the NCAA should return the 2005 Heisman Trophy back to Reggie Bush. With the NIL's insuring college football players will be compensated, it is a joke that neither Heisman, nor NCAA have changed their ruling. Johnny Manziel did a solid job speaking out and his future of not attending Heisman presentations should be a staple among living Heisman Award winners. John calls out to all the past winners to join Manziel with the hopes Bush will get his award back. During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about the "newly" created baseball rules of 1874, the one time 44 goal season that was a long time NHL record, Bobby Hull scoring 50 twice, Brett Hull scoring 70 twice, Phil Esposito being the first to 100 points in a season, Jari Kurri getting 100 points for his fourth straight season as well as Wilt's 100 point game, Clair Bee, Mel Ott, Denny Crum, Ben Roethlisberger, Henrik Lundqvist, Matt Kilroy, and Marge Schott.
2-29-2024 Passed Ball Show. John talks about the standoff between MLB Owners and Scott Boras, the four remaining high profile Boras represented free agents, and whether this situation is more on the MLB Owners or on Boras and his corporation. If you listened to John's show before, you know who he is calling to task. John then opines on why it is good for the NBA to have star led teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors in its playoffs and also why it might be difficult for both to make the playoffs (past play-in tournament). During today's brief #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about Leap Day, the Cincinnati Royals, Oscar Robertson, Jerry Lucas, Gordie Howe, Ray Bourque, Al Rosen, Henry Richard, and Jerry Groom- then tells you who Dickey Pierce and Lena Blackburne are and why they have an impact on sports history.
2-24-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the Las Vegas Raiders Quarterback situation going into next season. He believes the team should take one of the first round QB's in this year's draft and wonders whether they should trade up for the number one overall pick to select Caleb Williams out of USC. The Raiders have options to move up from 13 overall, where if they cannot secure the number one pick, possibilities to trade up exist at 3, 4, and 5 which could set them up to get Jalen Daniels or JJ McCarthy. John believes Mets POBO (David Stearns) has officially decided to punt the 2024 Mets baseball season because of his answer to Ace pitcher Kodai Senga being out to start the season being "next man up." John contemplates his move as to how to "fan" for the 2024 Mets season. During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about Smoky Joe Wood, USA/ Finland of 1980, Wayne Gretzky, Roberto Duran, and the USA Gold Medal Hockey team of 2002, while also mentioning Honus Wagner, Eddie Murray, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Eddie Plank, and Tony Conigliaro.
2-22-2024 Passed Ball Show. John shares his farewell to MLB first baseman Eric Hosmer on his retirement and shares his two biggest Hosmer memories. He then rips the Brooklyn Nets, General Manager Sean Marks, and whatever players felt they had the right to opine on their feelings in playing for departed Head Coach Jacques Vaughn. John goes into a tirade about how NBA players undermine their HC's all the time and wonders if it is time for more active players to take on the additional role as Head Coach. John then talks about the Milwaukee Bucks and suggests they made a mistake by firing 2021 NBA Champion Head Coach Mike Buddenholzer. John will judge current coach Doc Rivers entire legacy upon what happens with this current club. During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about the first Iron Bowl, the first Daytona 500, The Miracle on Ice, Billy Martin and Charlie Finley, Bill Klem, Michael Chang, Julius Irving, Pat LaFontaine, Sparky Anderson, Reggie Roby, and Dennis Johnson.
2-17-2024 Passed Ball Show. John titles this show, "You never go full re-build!" as he explains why it does not make sense for MLB teams to completely shut competitive operations down, in spite of examples of success in Houston and Baltimore. John points out that full rebuilds are usually copouts by MLB owners that are trying to get away with paying their players less. He also points to the reason the Houston Astros have had sustained success after their rebuild- they have a payroll that is the highest in franchise history. The same can be said for the Tampa Bay Rays. No excuse in the era of 12 MLB playoff teams (40% of the league!) for any team to not give their players and fans the best shot of competing. John remembers the career of Lefty Driesell, the longtime College Basketball coach who passed away today. During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John honors some of the greatest to ever do it, Michael Jordan, Jim Brown, and Buddy Ryan, as they were all born on February 17th. He also talks about Richard Petty, Danny Hamlin, and what Masanori Murakami means for Major League Baseball.
2-1-2024 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by explaining how Bill Belichick will return to the NFL as a Head Coach using what just happened with Doc Rivers, Adrian Griffin, and the Milwaukee Bucks as a precursor to what is to come. John then talks about the remaining MLB free agents and suggests how both a team and a player can be happy with their next contract. John wonders why most teams don’t include a one year opt out provision in a multiyear deal instead of a straight one-year contract.
1-14-2024 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by getting to the point: The Chicago Bulls fans embarrassed themselves by booing the wife of former Bulls General Manager Jerry Krause. After summarizing everything that led to the whole deal, John talks about Michael Jordan's responsibility and what he could have done to keep the fans from booing Krause's wife. Phil Jackson could have prevented this too but chose not to. Both are responsible. John wonders what happened to the Cleveland Browns defense. He then suggests an addendum to the National Hockey League's overtime. During a brief verrsion of #savingsportshistory, John talks about John McGraw, Super Bowl's 2 and 7, Catfish Hunter, Billy WIlliams, Mark Eaton, Johnny Murphy, and Ray Kroc.
1-11-2024 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the PBS talking about the College Football Championship, which Michigan defeated Washington. John’s claims were right, as it was a battle of Washington’s offense against Michigan’s defense, with the latter prevailing over the length of the game. After a historic day of three great coaches ending their tenures within 16 hours, John discusses the future of some NFL coaching vacancies and who might be the best fit to lead the University of Alabama. John talks a little bit about the value of a good Coach and the implications of a downgrade. On today's #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about Jacob Ruppert's purchase of the New York Yankees, Bert Bell, J Edgar Hoover, Billy Martin, Pat Lafontaine, Elmer Flick, Ben Crenshaw, Darryl Dawkins, Wally Pipp, Bob Lemon, Monte Irvin, and Heisman Trophy winner Charles White.
1-6-2024 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show with the following statement, "Trevor Bauer has the right to work." John states his interest in discussing this matter with others, especially those with differing points of view. He then explains why Trevor Bauer should be playing Major League Baseball for a Major League Baseball team right now. During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about the first ever boxing match (it happened in 1681!), Bob Feller, Ted Turner, Nancy Lopez, Lenny Wilkens, Don Sutton, John Smoltz, Ban Johnson, Lou Holtz, Nancy Kerrigan, Tonya Harding, Rabbit Maranville, and Johnny Keane.
12-26-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this show talking about the predicament New York Mets Owner Steve Cohen is. Players and Agents are taking his contract offers to other teams to match. John asks how much money would it have taken to get Yoshinobu Yamamato to come to the Mets? $350 million? 400 million? 434 million? And if he gave him that number, the press would have been critical. Ultimately, the pitcher went to the team he wanted to sign with, something he probably was conscious of all along. John then discusses the National Football League's Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the latter led by Baker Mayfield. John believes both teams will be dangerous in the NFC postseason and is keeping receipts. During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John spends some time talking about Jack Johnson and Tommy Burns, and the former becoming the first African American to win the World Heavyweight Championship, and then a little bit about Babe Ruth, some NFL and AFL Champions, Chuck Noll, Carlton Fisk, Ozzie Smith, NHL Hall of Famer Defenseman Doug Harvey, Allie Reynolds, Reggie White, and Phil Niekro.
Passed Ball Show #712 12-16-2023. This program is centered around John talking about the advantage the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have over the other teams in Major League Baseball when it comes to signing free agents. Even if the competing teams (the non Yankees and Dodgers) are willing to pay the cost of a perspective free agent, the fact that the Yankees and Dodgers want the player plays out to the advantage of the latter two teams. But just getting a seat at the table is not enough to get an equal chance as the others. The other team will have to pay more for the player because the player will go to the Yankees or Dodgers if the money is similar or equal. During today's #Savingsportshistory segment, John talks about Jack Dempsey, the Canton Bulldogs, Providence Steam Roller, Joe Louis, NFL Champions, OJ Simpson, the Miami Dolphins, Tom Brookshier, Refrigerator Perry, Sliding Billy Hamilton, and Ernie Terrell.
12-14-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program explaining why Major League Baseball went out of its way to implement a soft salary cap in the form of a luxury tax and the reasons the league insisted it needed to be done. John then calls to task the same sport for allowing for the most clear manipulation of the very thing it seemed insistent on preventing. Catchers' framing is cheating, just cheating that is legal and not frowned upon. So apparently is deferring a player's agreed to salary for no other reason than to manipulate the luxury tax number. Another example of selected crimes that are okay. John makes a case of why Draymond Green continues to find himself in trouble with the NBA. Maybe he really does not want to play anymore. During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about Jack Dempsey, Marcel Dionne, the Miami Heat, Mike Gartner, Steph Curry, Ernie Davis, George Gipp, Elston Howard, and Roger Maris.
12-9-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program laughing at the baseball writers for their meltdowns over their attempt to cover the free agency of Shohei Ohtani. John breaks down the simplicity of what the writers are trying to do (be the first to report it). Is it really important? And John thinks it would be even more hilarious if Ohtani decided to return to play professional baseball in Japan. John brings up the first round of the MLB draft of 2014 and the NBA draft of 2020 and points out the similarity before spending a couple of minutes talking about the NBA In Season Tournament- why it is good for the sport and when teams should start putting up banners (if at all). During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about the National League (Baseball) prohibiting uniform numbers, the Heisman Trophy, the All American Football Conference and the Cleveland Browns, Frank Robinson, Old Hoss Radbourn, Dick Butkus, Kurt Angle, the fact that Rube Foster and Branch Rickey were equal baseball pioneers, Archie Moore, Al Unser, and Demaryius Thomas.
12-4-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the College Football Playoff and how the selection committee got the right four teams to play for the National Championship. John gives his reasons why, including the precescdent that has been set for teams that lose a game early in the season. John understands the frustration from Florida State fans over their team not making the top four in spite of being undefeated. He blames Georgia for that happening; a Georgia victory would have all but assured a FS top four spot. John then talks about the Baseball WInter Meetings and reiterates his belief that more MLB teams are willing to spend near the top tier for an individual player than ever before and why he would be surprised if the Atlanta Braves signed Shohei Ohtani. During today's #SavingSportsHistory segment, John talks about the first Grey Cup, the birth of the Montreal Canadiens, the first (forced) pro football Championship game, Kenesaw Mountain Landis allowing black players to be signed, Floyd Patterson, Masanori Murakami, Jesse Burkett, Lee Smith, and Shannon Briggs.
12-2-2023 Passed iBall Show. John spends this program venting about Major League Baseball's injustice when it comes to its Hall of Fame. John's suggestion to partially right this wrong includes the opportunity its writers have to elect (select) Alex Rodriguez, Manny Ramirez, and Gary Sheffield THIS year. John brings up the ridiculous "character clause" which has been used to selectively support Baseball's political agenda. John questions the character of "Hall of Famers" Kenesaw Mountain Landis, Bud Selig, Cap Anson, Rogers Hornsby, and others who have may not been the best people. During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John brings up Canadian Heavyweight Champion Tommy Burns, the first NFL Wide Receiver Don Hutson, Dan Marino, Gerry Cheevers, Patrick Roy, Willie Brown, Monica Seles, and Jean Beliveau. He also shares an interesting point or two about Eiji Sawamura: you would be interested in knowing who he is.
11-25-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the biggest rivalries in the world of sport. He then talks about some of the best players/ coaches to never win a championship in their respective sport. During today’s #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about the NFL’s Dallas Texans, not the Kansas City Chiefs, and a little historical value about the head coach of the 1952 team. John then talks about the second NBA player to ever reach 15,000 career points. Who was the first to reach? John then talks about the first broadcast of the best ever play by play/ analyst combination. John also mentions a four (4) time Hart Trophy winner, Joe DiMaggio, Lenny Moore, Joe Gibbs, and Cris Carter. Finally, John goes off on Kenesaw Mountain Landis and why MLB cannot talk about its “character clause” while remembering one of the greatest world soccer players to ever play the game.
11-18-2023 Passed Ball Show. Live from the RWJ Barnabas Arena in Toms River, NJ- site of the Harlem Wizards vs Team Sario. John interviews longtime MMA and UFC fighter George Sullivan as they discuss what got him into fighting, what separates him from a lot of other “fighters,” his fighting style, submissions, and the fact that boxers still get paid so much even though MMA fights draw better and have more views. John then gets to speak with World Champion wrestler Paul Kenny about what got him interested in wrestling and how has been able to handle teenage fame. John then brings up his theory of the corruption of professional boxing leading to the emergence of MMA and its popularity. John then talks about the MLB Milwaukee Brewers and describes why they may be very vulnerable while wondering if this could be a Chris Hansen dateline catching type of predator situation going on (metaphor only). He then talks about players like Mike Trout and Pete Alonso and the reason players like that will NOT be traded. During today’s #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about Jackie Robinson and the 1949 MVP vote (why they got it right),
11-11-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the New York Yankees and their quarter Centurian General Manager Brian Cashman, who seems interested (probably ownership driven) in selling its fans on why the team is good right now as opposed to what it needs to do to be even better. John explains why the bar might not be so high to get into the postseason (Arizona Diamondbacks won the National League Pennant with 84 regular season wins), but it should not keep the Yankees away from upgrading the many areas they need to improve upon and the fact that some of that will have to come from increasing their payroll. John then talks about the Milwauykee Brewers and their potential firesale. John gives a good reason why the Brewers may believe they can slide lesser expensive pitchers into their system, but John believes the team may take some big steps back for 2024. John then gives his endorsement to the Indiana Pacers and Houston Rockets of this 2024-25 NBA season, and he explains why During today's #savingsportshistory segment of the program, John talks about Eddie Collins, the New York Hockey Rangers, Fernando Valenzuela, playing a pro sport in two countries in the SAME DAY, Rabbit Maranville, Pie Traynor, and Warner Wolf.
11-4-2023 Passed Ball Show- John spends this program talking about the average salaries of the Major League Baseball manager and whether the fact that salaries have gone down are justified due to their responsibilities being taken away. Is Craig Counsell the right poster child for the increase in MLB manager salaries? Should there be six (6) MLB managers making barely over the MLB player minimum? John also talks about how difficult it is to quantify the performance of today’s MLB manager. He also talks about the history of diva Wide Receivers in the National Football League and particularly how it pertains to the Pittsburgh Steelers. During today’s #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about the MLB Players’ League of 1890, a NFL team that gave up their first points of the season in week EIGHT (8)! Stan Mikita, MLB’s first big time free agent offseason, Bobby Wallace, Orlando Pace, Grover Cleveland Alexander, Cy Young, and George “Sparky” Anderson.
10-31-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the New York football Giants and how they could possibly put themselves in a position to have a quarterback playing in the NFL that they could not trust to throw a forward pass. John blames the team's loss on Tommy DiVito and the fact that he was not capable of performing the duties of a NFL quarterback. John wonders out loud why Collin Kaepernick was not in the game, knowing very well that he was blackballed by collusion of the 32 NFL owners. John then talks about Buck Showalter and why even though he would love to see him manage in the major leagues again, it would be better if he did not get the Los Angeles Angels manager job. During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about the significance of Earl Lloyd, some past Cy Young Award winners, Venus Williams, Pete Henry, Cal Hubbard, Wilbur Shaw, Nick Saban, Fred McGriff, George Halas, Willie McCovey, and John McVay.
10-28-2023 Passed Ball Show. John talks about the sad narrative that surrounds the 2023 World Series. Those who think it is “boring” because of the cities (Phoenix and Arlington) that represent it hopefully did not watch one of the most entertaining games in recent baseball memory. John talks about the company Bruce Bochy could join with a fourth (4th) World Series Championship and the only other teams that have two (2) World Series Championships without a loss. During today’s #SavingSportsHistory segment, John talks about a World Series that ended in a tie, Bud Grant’s record that will never be broken, Y.A. Tittle, Elmore Smith, the deciding game of multiple World Series, Red Auerbach, Trevor Berbick, Bobby Orr, Bowie Kuhn, Lenny Wilkens, and the two first female officials to ever work for a Major League US Men's Sport.
10-23-2023 Passed Ball Show. John starts off this program by pointing out that the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies both clinched the League Championship Series OTD last year and have a chance to do it again tonight. John then talks about the success of the Philadelphia Phillies and the reason they have a chance to win the World Series this season. That is because of the amount of money they have spent in free agency. John believes that this is great for the sport of baseball and explains why. John then talks about how many in the baseball community have overrated the managerial success of Bob Melvin as he gets set to take his third MLB manager job in Four Seasons. During today's #savingsportsHISTORY segment, John discusses, among other things, cricket, Pele, Jackie Robinson, Rick Sutcliffe, John Heisman, Frank "Bruiser" Kinard, Vern Stevens, Jim Bunning, and W. G. Grace.
10-14-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the difficulties the Boston Red Sox may be facing in their efforts to hire a new General Manager/ President of Baseball Operations. John talks about the decision to move on from Ben Cherington and David Dombrowski not too long after both led their franchise to World Series Championships. After spending a couple of minutes previewing the League Championship Series', John comes up with a proposal to lessen the amount of time between the last day (Sunday) of the regular season and the League Division Series. John says it is time to stop blaming Head Coaches and Coordinators for the teams that are struggling and start blaming the players (and he then explains why). John expresses an understanding of frustration for now former Charlotte Hornets forward Kai Jones before suggesting he let his future numbers speak for themselves before comparing himself to any NBA greats. Finally, on todays #SavingSportsHistory, John remembers five World Series that ended on this date, a baseball player that died after injuring his bladder hitting a home run, what George Blanda has in common with Joe Montana, the BBWAA, Ezzard Charles, Chris Chambliss, Wayne Gretzky, when the Olympics loss a lot of luster, and who was to blame more than Steve Bartman for his infamous 15 minutes of fame (It may not be who you think), as well as Oscar Charleston, John Wooden, Charlie Joiner, and 2006 Tour de France Champion Floyd Landis!
9-23-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show congratulating the Minnesota Twins on winning the 2023 American League Central division. He then wonders if they have a better chance of competing for the AL Pennant now that the New York Yankees are unlikely to make the postseason. John asks out loud why the Twins run and hide whenever they play the Yankees in the postseason? The fear they have for the Yankees is unbelievable. John next asks what New York Giants Head Football Coach Brian Daboll said to his team during halftime before their comeback victory over the Arizona Cardinals. He then rips the San Francisco 49ers defensive players who ANONYMOUSLY criticized Giants quarterback Daniel Jones without having the balls to put their name and image with it. John then goes on a rant about how one could be a professional football and be so weak as to lack the self-confidence to put your name behind a comment like that. During today’s #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about the first ever organized baseball team, Gene Tunney, Rocky Marciano, Jose Canseco, Albert Pujols, and Gale Sayers speaking about the latter in regards to his place among all time NFL running backs.
9-19-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program making a case of why it would have been beneficial for the New York Mets to get All Star relief pitcher Edwin Diaz into a game or two THIS season as long as he is fully recovered from his injury, Among reasons outside the fact that he is being paid to pitch, John also analyzes why it makes more sense for the 2024 Mets to get him into a game or two this season. John spends a little bit of time talking about the decision made by Michigan State to fire Head Coach Mel Tucker and the fact that the school cares a lot more about not having to pay the $70 million owed to him than the victim and the reason they have "cause" to let him go. On today's #SavingSportsHIstory segment, John talks about Lefty Grove, Jackie Robinson winning the "Jackie Robinson Award," Denny McLain, Mickey Mantle, Jerry Rice, Roger Angell, Duke Snider, Joe Morgan, Hugo Bedzek, and makes a Baseball Hall of Fame case for the late Maury Wills.
9/16/2024 Passed Ball Show. John opens a show up by making a specific statement about Deion Sanders, and the Colorado buffaloes if Colorado is successful under coach primes leader ship his style will be deemed a success and others will follow. If not, nobody will care about whatever he does. John then talks about the potential upcoming US Olympic basketball dream team. He envisions an all-time team that consist of LeBron James, Steph Curry, Kevin Durant, Joel Embiid, Anthony Davis, Jimmy Butler, Kyrie Irving, Jayson Tatum, Kawhi Leonard, Trae Young, James Harden, and Russell Westbrook. John believes that is a better team than a 1992 version. He then gives his praise for North Carolina Tar Heels, college football head coach, Mack Brown for his statement in support of his player. He then brings up a couple distinct possibilities when it comes to the New York football, Jets trading for a quarterback to replace the injured Aaron Rodgers During today’s #SavingSportsHistory segment John brings up Elgin, Baylor, Dave Winfield, Paul Moliter, Bill Klem, Warren Spahn, and the Cleveland Browns.
9-7-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens the show by explaining why Navy and Notre Dame will play each season until the end of time. He then spends some time talking about why there are good teams in bad teams and what the difference is. There is only one common denominator, John then talks about the dominant run of former heavyweight champion John L Sullivan before segueing that conversation into the greatest player to dominate each individual sport. You may be surprised with some of the answers. Finally, during today’s #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about Bobby Riggs, and Billie Jean King, Billy Martin and complete games, Fay Vincent, and how bad of a commissioner Bud Selig was while also mentioning the likes of Paul Brown, Bill Giles, Don Haskins, and Gene Michael.
8-22-2023 Passed Ball Show.  John opens the show by making a Declaration about Baker Mayfield. next he challenges the NFL in their most recent decision to cancel alive NFL game. He talks about the precedence, and what it sets considering the history of the sport wondering out loud who does the cancellation of a live game appease? He has also had enough with the MLB Owners that do not want to take care of the obligation of their job which is to pay players to play baseball. That is their job and if they cannot do their job, they should sell the team to somebody who can do the job. Once again, the obligation of THEIR job is to pay the players to play baseball.  Finally during today’s #SavingSportsHistory segment, John talks about Babe Ruth and the MLB home run record, Wes Ferrell, and two home runs hit by a pitcher in a major-league baseball game, 168 game MLB schedule, the birth of the American football league, Juan Marichal and John Roseboro Nolan Ryan 5 K, 30 runs in a game and the most runs scored in a major league baseball game while also mentioning Ned Hanlon, Pat Gillick, Carl Yastrzemski, Bill Parcells, Ray Burris, Paul Molitor, Matt Wilander, Rod Gilbert, and Bill Haller.
8-15-2023 Passed Ball Show. The best way to enforce appropriate accountability for the failure to live up to expectations, Could Shohei Ohtani turn down over $100 million to remain on West Coast? If James Harden does not play this year- he should not get paid, SSH: PGA Championships, Ezzard Charles, Gene Upshaw, Pete Carril
7-23-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens this program by discussing the over discussed upcoming baseball trading deadline. John has contested for years the fact that the media drives how a baseball team can either be a buyer or a seller. Each professional sports team has the right to operate as its own entity.  John then discusses the issue that seems to involve the NFL’s running backs. Even the most elite at the position has become expendable and easily replaceable while this is a problem and John doesn’t have an issue with the running backs, organizing some sort of union. This doesn’t seem to be an issue that’s going to resolve itself in the favor of the NFL’s running back, John also discusses the fantasy football implications of having two running backs on a roster.  Finally, during today’s saving sports history segment John talks about the 1866 Cincinnati, red stockings, Hank Greenberg, Dan Quisenberry, Bill Buckner, Don Mattingly, all while praising Lance Armstrong for his dominance in the world of sports.
6-24-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by reactivating himself from the Injured List due to back problems. Even he knows nobody noticed, cared, or gives a shit. He talks about the direct correlation between the success of the Cincinnati Reds, Miami Marlins, and Arizona Diamondbacks and the disappointment of the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres. As a proponent of more “fan blame,” one might think John could side with the MLB Commissioner for blaming the fans for the Oakland Athletics move to Las Vegas. John does not take the bait. John still seems to believe the Portland Trail Blazers will hold on to Damian Lillard unless the player wants out. Finally, John talks about what Chris Paul to the Golden State Warriors looks like. During the #SavingSportsHistory segment, John talks about a Gambling Umpire, Bobby Jones, Joe Frazier, Shaquille O’Neal, the New Jersey Devils, Chicago Blackhawks, and Michael Olowokandi.
6-7-2023 Passed Ball Show. John wonders what the best single sport merger in history in light of the PGA LIV golf tour unification. John wants you to let him know if there was a more effective one than the AFL/ NFL football merger. John then spends a couple of minutes talking about how much he has enjoyed watching Jacob deGrom pitch over the past several years. He then wonders whether Jake can effectively dial down his fastball or he can only operate at throwing every pitch over 100 miles per hour. During today’s #SavingSportsHistory segment, John remembers several number one (1) overall MLB draft picks, including the Mets decision to not draft Reggie Jackson, some French Open Champions including Chris Evert, the Seattle Supersonics, Thurman Munson, Allen Iverson, and Herb Score.
6-6-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by questioning whether or not Kyrie Irving is a winning player and whether he is the appropriate player to build a team around. John then quiets any talk that either the Florida Panthers or Miami Heat are any type of Cinderella story. He then compares star MLB shortstops Francisco Lindor and Trea Turner, concluding that a rooting bias may be the reason one is preferered over the other- then laughing that both Mets and Phillies fans are generally so down on their own players that they may prefer the other. John opens the #SavingSportsHistory segment by recapping the tremendous baseball life of former MLB pitcher, pitching coach, and manager Roger Craig. Other #SSH topics include Bobby Mitchell, World War II, Steffi Graf, Louis Chevrolet, Charley Jones, Bjorn Born, Scooter Gennett, and Cam Neely.
5-27-2023 Passed Ball Show. John talks about Aaron Boone getting thrown out of baseball games and wonders if he is overdoing it because the MLB manager has such limited responsibility in regards to impacting the game. John believes a digital strikezone in some form (perhaps through instant replay) is coming to MLB soon. John hopes the corrected ball/strike calls can be as instantaneously put into play as we see with our own eyes through the MLB.com app. John shares his excitement over the fact that catcher’s cheating (he means “framing”) will become a thing of the past once a digital strikezone (replay or otherwise) is implemented. John then talks about the once 3-0 series deficit the Boston Celtics faced and why it seems like they can pull it off with a game six (6) victory in Miami against the Heat. John believes whomever wins Game 6 will win the series and if Boston takes this game, they will not only win Game 7 in Boston, but sweep the NBA Finals against the Denver Nuggets. John then speaks of a similar possibility happening in Dallas, as a Game Five (5) victory in Las Vegas, as a win sets them up for the return of their suspended Captain Jamie Benn with the potential game being played on the Stars home ice. During today’s #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about Dan McGann, Carl Hubbell, George Halas, the Indy 500, Sam Snead, Walt Kiesling, Jackie Slater, Frank Thomas, Frant Grant, Ezzard Charles, Maurice Richard, Bill Buckner, and Craig “Iron Head” Heyward.
5-20-2023 Passed Ball Show. John starts this program by talking about the St. Louis Cardinals PR disaster as it applies to their catcher Willson Contreras. John talks about the difficulty of replacing an all-time great witch Contreras had to do replacing Yadier Molina. He also talks about the rich history of the St. Louis Cardinals, and how well run they have been historically. He then states he believes the Cardinals are still an elite team in the National League. John then talks about the latest situation regarding Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson. John believes that there is racial motivation behind the publics opinion of Anderson when it comes to different antics. John reiterates the issues of a black player playing in the major leagues right now which there are so few. White America is still trying to profile Anderson as a problem. John, then questions how good of a teammate, Eric Hosmer really is as he is now been designated for assignment for the second time by a team, paying him the major league minimum John then breaks down the final four teams in the national basketball Association, and explains why his heart is in the west, finally during today’s saving sports history segment, John talks about the late Jim Brown and his impact on the world also mentioning Buster Mathis, the Indiana Pacers, Larry Holmes, Steve Carlton, Bud Grant, Stan Mikita, Craig Patrick, Terrell Brandon, Martin Dihigo, and Billy Canno
5-9-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the consequences of using slurs to put down an entire group of people. Within the last week, Glen Kuiper used the “N” slur during his description of his visit to the museum in Kansas City. John adds the responsibility as a professional speaker to reiterate how inexcusable it was for Kuiper to make that “mistake,” as he put it. Bob Huggins went on a homophobic rant during and interview as the West Virginia Head College Basketball coach was talking about a rivalry between his then school Cincinnati against Xavier. While there should be consequences to these actions, John believes that after remorse there should be forgiveness and these men should NOT be cancelled, which John is completely against. John talks about the difficulty Nikola Jokic is up against as he continues to try to lead the Denver Nuggets to victory by himself. During today’s #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about a Four (4) times Wimbledon Champion and a Tour de France winner both Killed in Action in 1915, Harry Vardon, Betty Jameson, why Tony Gwynn was so much better a hitter than he ever got credit for, Prince Fielder and Brandon Webb as well as Bob Devaney, Dan Devine, and Chuck Daly.
5-5-2023 Passed Ball Show. John makes it very clear what he thinks of the fan that says, “Play the Kids.” That fan has given up on their favorite team’s chances and is using Play the Kids as an addition lifeline to justify a now- projected, lousy season. That fan is a quitter and it is even more embarrassing when a member of the media makes that statement. John then continues to make his feelings known to how disrespected coaches are in both the NBA and NHL in the aftermath of the Milwaukee Bucks firing Mike Budenholdzer. Watch out Steve Kerr, you could be next. 🙄Perhaps the Los Angeles Lakers should give Championship rings to Russell Westbrook and Patrick Beverly (if they win the NBA Championship) being the Lakers took off AFTER getting rid of both. John gives a couple of reasons of why it does not make much sense to restrict ticket sales based off of state/ country or region. During today’s #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about a 19th Century championship fight that went 67 rounds, Lee Richmond, Cy Young and their Perfect Games, Charlie Gehringer, Pete Rose, John Means, and “Baby Jordan,” Harold Miner.
4-30-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by explaining why Jacob deGrom continues to have arm ailments and will likely be injury prone for the remainder of his Major League Baseball career. John believes that Jacob throws too hard every single pitch for his forearm, shoulder, and elbow to be able to handle. John cites other pitchers who have learned to get hitters out by not throwing so hard- but that has been out of necessity. He then cites Justin Verlander, who keeps the velocity of his fastball down with some left in reserve. It is hard to point out a fair enough comp to what Jake is going through, but the bottom line is he should curtail the max effort on his fastball if he ever wants to make it through another full MLB season without a trip to the injured list. Next John talks about MLB doubleheaders and why he believes it is time to get rid of the split ones and why. He even explains why it is better for the players. John then expresses his shock over fourteen (14) NFL teams deciding to draft a quarterback. John cannot believe the decisions made to waste a pick because of position scarcity. Outside of Bryce Young and CJ Stroud, John believes most of the other selections were a waste of time, perhaps for the exception of Anthony Richardson and maybe Will Levis. During today’s “Saving Sports History” segment of the show, John talks about Charlie Robertson, Lou Gehrig, Willie Mays, Monica Seles, Charley Jones, and Isiah Thomas.
4-24-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program questioning the value of the regular season of the four major U.S. team sports. With so many teams now given a spot in the postseason, there is limited value in a team having the best record in a given division- let alone the entire league. John makes some suggestions to better incentivize finishing with the best record of a given league, such as an automatic berth in the conference (or league) championship series. John then congratulates the Pittsburgh Pirates- first for their solid start to the 2023 baseball season, then for the belief in their manager to give him an extension. John brings up the Houston Astros terrible (at the time) decision to fire Bo Porter during an organizational decision based rebuild and doubles down on his appreciation for an organizational belief in a manager even when the team is losing. Finally, John questions whether there is a need for a NBA team to have an enforcer- a shittalking, trouble starting player whose sole goal is to get under the skin of the opponent's star(s). And during today's Saving Sports History segment, John talks about Lave Cross, the first American League Game, Happy Chandler, Bob Cousy, past NFL Drafts, Andy Cooper, Omar Vizquel, Chipper Jones, and Lee Westwood.
4-22-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by explaining why the Oakland Athletics owner and the City of Oakland have failed the Athletics fans. He then talks about the only other sports franchise (if you can name another one, please let him know) to play in four different cities. John then implicates the Los Angeles Dodgers as the reason Max Scherzer was found to have had a sticky substance on his glove. He then goes full WWE on the ending of Drew Smyly's MLB Perfect Game attempt. As usual, John sides with the coach when now Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Jonathan Gannon calls out the Philadelphia Eagles fans for wanting him fired when his team had a perfect record and had the best defense in the NFL. John explains why he always sides with the coaches and players against the fans and the media. In today's "Saving Sports History" segment, John talks about the first National League Game, Babe Ruth's MLB debut, the Yankees pinstripes, the first NAA Championship, some NFL Drafts, and one of the final straws when it came to his belief in professional boxing.
4-19-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about Draymond Green’s unwillingness to respond to the fact that the league and its officials look at him as a problem. It did not matter that Green could have been right about his beef with Damontas Sabonis getting away with extra physical play. When Green stepped on Sabonis- his reputation alone was getting ejected and suspended, whether he was in the right initially or not. Green has to know this now and understand he is getting judged differently because of his reputation. Though he may have been right in his criticism of the officials treatment of Sabonis, he HAD to have known this was going to be the result of his actions at the expense of his own team and teammates. John then makes a case that most pitchers could be in a similar situation that Max Scherzer was in when he was ejected and eventually suspended for possibly rosin and water or sweat. John believes that MLB has to do a better job of ruling on exactly what can and cannot be part of the check between the umpire and the player and simply leave it up to the umpire to opine. During today’s Saving Sports History segment, John talks about the first Boston Marathon and what led to it, two undefeated MLB teams after ten (10) plus games, Michael Spinks, Al Unser, Jr., Candace Parker, and Maria Sharapova.
4-13-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this show talking about the other teams in Major League Baseball history to win their first ten (10) or more games to start a season. The 2023 Tampa Bay Rays joined the 1982 Atlanta Braves and the 1987 Milwaukee Brewers as the only teams in MLB history to win their first thirteen (13) games. Only one (1) team has won their first ten (10) games and gone on to win the World Series. John talks about the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and their self destruction and while Rudy Gobert may not be a winning player nor the best teammate, he explains why Kyle Anderson was wrong and questions why the latter was bounced out of San Antonio and Memphis. He then asked who is he? John then makes it clear the reason Odell Beckham signed with the Baltimore Ravens and why it has little to nothing to do with Lamar Jackson. John then makes an ambiguous double entendre when he questions was healthy enough to play in the playoffs and how that will impact his future in Baltimore. In today’s “Saving Sports History,” John recalls several Masters winners, a handful of Stanley Cup Finals winners, Slick Leonard, Shibe Park, Walter Johnson, and the other American League Baltimore Orioles and Milwaukee Brewers.
4-4-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program giving his best wishes to the great College Basketball Coach Bob Knight before putting in his two cents when it comes to the off the court bull shit generated during the Women's NCAA Tournament Final Four. His message to those criticizing LSU's Angel Reese: Once you have been shown Caitlin Clark's antics and you still feel ill towards Reese, your racism is clearly showing. The next thing you are going to say is, "You have black friends." The overreaction to black male and female athletes is a sign there are still a lot of white men and women that do not like blacks. John then talks about the incident involving Los Angeles Angels infielder Anthony Rendon, the punishment that was handed out and questions whether there is any accountability out there for the fan that was involved in this. Can fans literally do whatever they want? John then reiterates his belief that at least two NFL teams will be franchising destroying mistakes when they select a quarterback in the top ten (10) in this month's draft. He also believes there is a college QB that will be selected later on in the draft that will be better than most of the first round choices. In today's "Saving Sports History," John talks about Byron Nelson, the Masters, Connie Mack, Hank Aaron, NC State, Wayne Gretzky, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Sheryl Swoops, Tris Speaker, Gil Hodges, Guy Chamberlin, Elmer Lach, and Whitey Skoog.
3-27-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this show asking “what quantifies an all time great?” He discusses the natural reaction to make it about total championships won but questions whether or not it is all about it. John talks about Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, and other Basketball greats as well as Tom Brady and Otto Graham before discussing whether Nikola Jokic can be an all time great if he never wins an NBA Championship. John then ambiguously weights in on Lamar Jackson’s request for a trade from the Baltimore Ravens: he gets why Jackson 1. Deserves to get paid as an elite star quarterback and 2. Feels disrespected AND gets why the Ravens, nor any other NFL team, will give any player a 100% guaranteed contract. John finishes the program by talking about the New York Mets bench stating that the team made the correct decisions while finalizing their roster.
3-21-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this show talking about the once proud Men’s College Basketball programs at St. John’s and Georgetown and whether they could return to prominence with the respective hires of Rick Pitino and Ed Cooley. John believes that it was those programs success in the 1980’s that carried the Big East nationally, not the likes of Syracuse and Connecticut. After John makes it clear why Farleigh Dickenson should have not been in the NCAA Tournament. After giving them credit for their unprecedented victory over number one (1) seeded Purdue, John discusses what he believes are the biggest upsets in the history of sports. On "Saving Sports History!" John talks about Joe Louis, 106 fouls, Ron Tugnutt, Tommy Davis, Ducky Medwick, and Chuck Bednarik, among other historical sports topics.
3-14-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by declaring the combined Perfect Game thrown by team Puerto Rico against Israel during the World Baseball Classic as official and should be considered the twenty-fourth (24th) of all time in the history of baseball. John explains why it does not matter that four (4) pitchers were needed to finish the job and why it does not matter that the self imposed mercy rule was used to limit the game to eight (8) innings. Also, John gives reasons why the World Baseball Classic is not an exhibition and what he compares it to. John then talks about the decision made by the Las Vegas Raiders and Head Coach Josh McDaniels to sign Jimmy Garoppolo to be the team’s starting quarterback. He explains why McDaniels has the right to put his stamp on the team he is ultimately going to take the blame for if they do not win over time. John then takes Tennessee Titans owner Amy Skunk Adams to task for her reasoning for firing General Manager Jon Robinson. She claimed the latter was fired because there is an expectation to win now. New GM Ran Carthon seems ready for a full blown rebuild, something completely contradictory to what caused Robinson his job. On today’s “Saving Sports History” segment, John talks about the Stanley Cup Champion Canadian teams, Kirby Puckett, and Stephen Curry before mentioning the 1992 rape allegations against former Mets players Dwight Gooden, Vince Coleman, and Darryl Boston. If that had happened today, all three would have been suspended without the opportunity to prove their own innocence, and probably released from their contracts and blackballed from the league the same way Trevor Bauer was. Bauer has the right to work and should have a job as a Major League Baseball pitcher.
3-9-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the World Baseball Classic and the players preparing for it also while preparing for the upcoming baseball season. John compares it to the NHL players leaving during the middle of the season for the Olympics (though he believes that is a bigger deal). John believes baseball should try the WBC in November as opposed to March but it will not happen because of the national obsession with trying to find popular sports in the month of March. John separates the Lamar Jackson discussion between Race and 100% guarantee of his contract as he states this is an example of the latter, explaining the NFL simply is not ready to start guaranteeing contracts. Deshaun Watson’s Cleveland Browns deal is an outlier and will, for the foreseeable future, not become the NFL norm. In this program’s Saving Sports History, John talks about the Montreal Canadiens, Babe Ruth, Glenn Davis, Willie Davis, Bobby Fischer, and George Yardley, III.
3-6-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by declaring it is a bullshit show. He talks about how the Eastern NBA Conference is very top heavy and most of the best talent and overall teams once again reside in the Western NBA Conference. John then compares teams like the Sacramento Kings and Memphis Grizzlies to the likes of the Golden State Warriors and Los Angeles Lakers, for a couple of reasons and questions whether the two latter teams can simply play their best basketball at the most opportune time. John then declares the six MLB teams who should be locks to make it to the postseason, not just in 2023, but for the distant future (ask him about one he conveniently left off). On Saving Sports History, John talks about Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson, Pete Gray, Willie Stargell, Kirby Puckett, and Shaquille O’Neal.
2-25-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show talking about the Sacramento Kings 176-175 win over the Los Angeles Clippers and where it ranks in history among the highest scoring games ever. John talks about the highest scoring game in history, which was between the Detroit Pistons and Denver Nuggets on December 13, 1983. After declaring that the National Football League is America’s Pastime and telling you why, John foreshadows some of the future mistakes NFL teams will continue to make when it comes to drafting Quarterbacks in the first round- no offense to Will Levis or Anthony Richardson. John uses the past decade plus to prove that teams are overlooking better talent at other positions to select inferior players at a more scare position. The dream of a great franchise quarterback has clouded the minds of some of the top football executives in the sport. John then puts some of the potential limbo/ moving NFL Quarterbacks in new homes before declaring that four (4) QB’s will reluctantly go in the first round of this year’s NFL draft. In today’s “Saving Sports History” segment, John talks about Marie Boyd’s 156 points in a game, Tom Yawkey, Muhammad Ali, Steve Carlton, Bert Bell, Pete Maravich, John McGraw, Monte Irvin, and James Brown.
2-21-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program talking about why the play in the NBA All Star Game is so much different than it is during the regular season and why the ASG is difficult to watch. He reiterates why the selections itself are still important to the players and their resumes. He then defends (while completely flabbergasted that he even felt the need to defend) the Utah Jazz’ decision to center the all-star weekend around its two all-time greats, Karl Malone and John Stockton. There is nobody else in the history of the franchise more accomplished on the basketball court than either of the two, yet John believes the general public has the right to judge Malone anyway they wish. John then explains how a championship in the National Football League is on equal footing whether it comes from a Super Bowl, NFL or AFL Championship, AAFC or AFPL, as long as it is either the final/ championship game of a season or the champion is determined by the team with the best record. After explaining this, John reads off the NFL teams with the most total championships- Super Bowls+ NFL Championships+ AFL Championships+ AAFC Championships which determine the Green Bay Packers (13) have won the most, followed by the Chicago Bears (9), New York Giants (8), and Cleveland Browns (8). In his Saving Sports History segment, John talks about Denny Hamlin, Novak Djokovic, Dr. Jack Ramsay, Tom Yawkey, Tim Horton, Henry Jordon, and Steve Francis.
2-18-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by explaining, in detail, why the Baseball Hall of Fame has failed both the players it has held out and the players that are being selected to enter. John claims that the essential ignorance of an entire generation of top baseball players has caused a ripple effect of campaigns for very good players to get in due to a resurgence of popularity. John also mentions the fact that the Baseball Hall of Fame can never be looked at as the place for the "elite of the elite" for two reasons: 1. being that all time greats like Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Joe Jackson, Pete Rose, and Rafael Palmeiro are NOT in. and 2. being the fact that good players that needed strong contingents (either through the inside of MLB or through online campaigns) like Scott Rolen, Harold Baines, Tony Oliva are now in. He also points out that baseball thinks racism belongs in its Hall of Fame over steroids, which put that way, is a shitty stance to take. John mourns the passing of long time MLB catcher and even longer time broadcaster Tim McCarver, whom he considers a mentor. John describes what he learned from McCarver that has become part of him. Former MLB pitcher Brian BuBois, another former PBS guest, passed away this week as well. In this day's "Saving Sports History," John talks about the before mentioned racist MLB Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis and the day he resigned as a US Judge, a 33 year old just minted MLB Baseball Owner, a 15 year old baseball pitcher, seven (7) Daytona 500's, including the one responsible for the death of Dale Earnhardt, George Gipp, Enzo Ferrari, Joe Gordon, Manny Mota, Pat Bowlen, Andy Moog, Gary Reasons (PBS guest), Alexander Mogiliny, James J Corbett, Harry Caray, and Eddie Mathews.
PASSED BALL SHOW #137 6/18/2014 Part 2 WITH JAY JOHNSTONE; I start out by playing my interview with long time MLB OF Jay Johnstone. Jay talks about signing 11 letters of intent to go to college as well as his interest in sports as a kid. He also talks about some of his pranks he and his teammates pulled on each other. Jay also discusses his appearance in Naked Gun and what he learned from Leslie Nielsen. I then play an interview I was a part of on the MTR Morning Throwdown with Mike Sanfilippo about the legacy of Tony Gwynn
PASSED BALL SHOW #137 6/18/2014 Part 1 WITH TOM HERR; I start out by speaking with former Cardinals 2B Tom Herr. Tom talks about being a Giants fan, getting a scholarship offer from the University of Delaware and his interest in wanting to play a professional sport. He also talks about batting 3rd and Whitey Herzog's influence on his career. I then talk about the death of Tony Gwynn and what he should be remembered for. Also, what separates him from other players of this generation. I also spend a moment talking about the pitching career of the late Billy McCool, who also passed away this week. I also spend a little time talking about the seasons of Nelson Cruz and Michael Morse and the development of the Houston Astros franchise.
PASSED BALL SHOW #136 6/11/2014 Part 2 WITH DAVE GALLAGHER; I start out by speaking with longtime MLB OF Dave Gallagher about his hitting academy right here in Hamilton, NJ. We talk about the reasons he wanted to start the academy and what he is able to provide for the kids that attend. We also talk a little bit about his baseball playing career. I then talk about the sad passing of former Dodgers and Athletics RHP Bob Welch at age 57. I finish off by talking about teams like the Rays, Diamondbacks, Giants and Blue Jays and why they are all either letting us down or shocking the hell out of us
PASSED BALL SHOW #136 6/11/2014 Part 1 WITH JIM BUNNING; I open up by playing my interview with long time US Congressman and US Senator and Hall of Fame RHP Jim Bunning. We talk about his 100 wins in both the AL and NL as well as his 1000 Ks in each league and his Father's Day no hitter at Shea Stadium against the Mets in 1964. I then speak about the amazing comeback of OF Jason Lane as a LHP and finish off the hour talking about a SS in the early 1900s named Kid Elberfeld and his impact on the baseball career of the great Ty Cobb
PASSED BALL SHOW #135 6/4/2014 Part 2 WITH LUIS ROJAS, GAVIN CECCHINI, JOHN MINCONE, ROBERT WHALEN AND DOMINIC SMITH; I open up by talking about the baseball life of the late Don Zimmer and how he deserves to be remembered in many aspects of New York baseball history. I then start my series on the 2014 Savannah Sand Gnats and play my interviews with manager Luis Rojas, pitchers Robert Whalen and John Mincone, SS Gavin Cecchini and 1B Dominic Smith as well as discuss the success of their season
PASSED BALL SHOW #135 6/4/2014 Part 1 WITH MICAH BOWIE; I open up by playing my interview with former MLB LHP Micah Bowie who talks about his baseball academy and his experiences with the 2002 moneyball Athletics, the Braves and Nationals. I then speak about the BBWAA and Veterans Committee voting process, its origin and what the "no player should get 100% of the vote" silliness came from. I talk about Hank Gowdy, the 1914 WS Champion Boston Braves C who was the only MLB player in its history to serve in both World Wars. I talk about the 3 distinct careers of Bartolo Colon and the comeback of RHP Chris Young
PASSED BALL SHOW #134 5/28/2014 Part 2 WITH TIPPY MARTINEZ AND MATT MIESKE; I start out by speaking with former Yankees and Orioles LHP Tippy Martinez about his success as an Orioles reiever, his time in NY, his experience with Thurman Munson and "Tippys" Tweeters. After that I speak with former Brewers OF Matt Mieske about his minor league success early and what he thought about the Milwaukee Brewers clubhouse when he first came up
PASSED BALL SHOW #134 5/28/2014 Part 1 WITH CHRIS HAMMOND; I start out by speaking with 14 year MLB pitcher Chris Hammond about what got him interested in the game of baseball. It was the fact that it was fun and not about the competition. He also talks about his relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ. I then speak about the 1984 Cubs team and their GM Dallas Green and why he should have been called "trader Green". I speak about the history of the Venezuelan born SS and how it started with Chico Carrasquel. I then talk about how much New York Mets baseball history would be altered if Todd Hundley had not gotten hurt after the 1997 season
PASSED BALL SHOW #133 5/22/2014 Part 2 WITH JIM MASON AND FRANK MALZONE; I open up by playing my interview with former Yankees and Rangers SS Jim Mason. Jim hit the only HR for the Yankees in their 1976 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. I then speak about a great example of unity in the eyes of the Detroit Tigers as they showed their support to their teammate in 1912, Ty Cobb. I talk a little about things that could be done to reduce the amount of arm injuries, most notably, Tommy John surgery. I finish off by speaking with former Red Sox 3B (1955-1965) Frank Malzone, the first recipient of the Gold Glove Award for 3B in 1957
PASSED BALL SHOW #133 5/22/2014 Part 1 WITH ART MAHAFFEY; I open up by teasing the rest of the program then get into my interview with former Phillies RHP Art Mahaffey. Art talks about growing up, being the tallest and strongest kid on his team and how he was the first MLB player to have played in the Babe Ruth League. He also talks about his pickoff move and his career with the Phillies which lasted from 1960-1065. I then talk about the dominance of RHPs Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija and how they may be the top two starting pitchers in the NL right now. I finish off the hour talking about the rise of journeyman RHP Jesse Chavez and the success he is having in Oakland
PASSED BALL SHOW #132 5/15/2014 Part 2 WITH JERRY LUMPE AND TED WIEAND; I start out by speaking with former Yankees and Athletics 2B Jerry Lumpe about being part of the AL Pennant winning 1957 and WS winning 1958 Yankees and then being traded to the Athletics, a less competitive team. It was with Kansas City that Jerry got the opportunity to play and establish himself as a top AL 2B. He made the 1964 All Star team playing for the Detroit Tigers. I talk about the early dominance of former Washington Senators SS Cecil Travis and how his MLB career was completely destroyed by his service in the military, though he went on only limited missions towards the end of his service. I finish off by speaking with former Cincinnati Reds RHP Ted Wieand about his given birth name of Franklin Delano Roosevelt Wieand and why he was called Theodore. He also talks about some of his moments pitching for the Reds in 1958 and 1960 WITH JERRY LUMPE AND TED WIEAND; I start out by speaking with former Yankees and Athletics 2B Jerry Lumpe about being part of the AL Pennant winning 1957 and WS winning 1958 Yankees and then being traded to the Athletics, a less competitive team. It was with Kansas City that Jerry got the opportunity to play and establish himself as a top AL 2B. He made the 1964 All Star team playing for the Detroit Tigers. I talk about the early dominance of former Washington Senators SS Cecil Travis and how his MLB career was completely destroyed by his service in the military, though he went on only limited missions towards the end of his service. I finish off by speaking with former Cincinnati Reds RHP Ted Wieand about his given birth name of Franklin Delano Roosevelt Wieand and why he was called Theodore. He also talks about some of his moments pitching for the Reds in 1958 and 1960
PASSED BALL SHOW #132 5/15/2014 Part 1 WITH BARRY LYONS; I open up by speaking with former Mets catcher Barry Lyons. Barry talks about the late 1980s Mets and some of the bad decisions the players collectively made, including himself, which held the teams success back. Barry was also big in trying bring baseball back to Mississippi, had all his possessions lost in Hurricane Katrina, including his 1986 World Series ring and finally succeeded in getting a stadium in his beloved Biloxi. I then talk about the yearly overhype of the subway series (small s's for a reason) and how Jose Abreu represents the next in the series of Cuban born MLB stars. I also talk about how late 19th Century star Cap Anson was a biggot and ruined the chances for the first Black baseball standout
2-16-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this version of the program talking about what made Don Coryell a Hall of Fame Head Football Coach. In addition to being a successful college and professional football coach, he was innovator. Most importantly, he was the father or grandfather to the modern day pass happy NFL offense. John celebrates what he considers a great moment for football- one in which a Hall of Fame resume finally gets its due. John then talks about the situation going on in the NBA and the players being bought out of contracts so they can be free to sign with other teams. John explains his initial point of view, the turning point, and why he now has a completely different feeling when it comes to the players getting an opportunity that they were not getting with their parent (or contract paying) club. In what will now become the “Saving Sports History” segment of the show, John talks about Ted Williams crash landing a fighter jet, what Davey and Bobby Allison have in common and what that meant for Richard Petty and AJ Foyt, and when Wilt Chamberlain became the first player in NBA history to score his 30,000th point. He also honors the memories of Sliding Billy Hamilton, Gary Carter, and Dazzy Vance while it also being John McEnroe’s birthday.
2-13-2013 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by supporting the efforts of Kansas City Chiefs Offensive Coordinator Eric Bieniemy that led to the Chiefs winning Super Bowl 57. John has believed all along that teams need to make more conscious effort to hire black Head Coach candidates and he believes there is less of an excuse of not hiring Bienemy based on his success as a two-time Super Bowl Champion Offensive Coordinator. John cites the rise of former KC OC's Matt Nagy and Doug Pederson to back his point that it has to do with race. John then shares his concerns for the future of the Philadelphia Eagles as he claims this was their best shot to win the Super Bowl. Because they have very good to great players on both sides of the ball, it is going to cost the organization a lot of money to bring back the same team. On the TDSH segment, John talks about the "start" of the Negro Leagues, the Renaissance, Boston Redskins, Rocky Marciano, Cool Papa Bell, Hal Chase, Eddie Robinson, and Randy Moss.
2-11-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the real football championship history of the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs, not just in the “Super Bowl era.” John honors the Eagles NFL Championships in 1949, 1949, and 1960 while talking about greats like Steve Van Buren, Norm Van Brocklin, and Chuck Bednarik. John then talks about the 1962 AFL Champion Dallas Texans, led by Hall of Fame Coach Hank Stram and HOF QB Len Dawson. John then gets into his This Date in Sports History segment when he remembers Buster Douglas beating Mike Tyson, the NHL Players Association forming and the Philadelphia 76ers losing their 20th straight game. Finally, John gives his Super Bowl 57 prediction as he hopes for a competitive and entertaining game.
PASSED BALL SHOW #131 5/7/2014 Part 2 WITH JIM PARQUE AND TIM LAUDNER; I start out by speaking with former White Sox LHP Jim Parque. We talk about his success in college and in the Olympics as well as his quick rise from being drafted to the big leagues and his experience pitching in the ALDS in 2000 against the Mariners. I then speak to former Twins catcher Tim Laudner about his 40 HR season in the minors in 1981 and his many stints as starting and backup catcher throughout the 1980s as well as his experience winning the 1987 World Series. I then talk about Cecil Travis, a very underrated Washington Senators SS who had his career shortened because he was injured in World War II. I finish off by talking about what is making the Miami Marlins so successful at home
PASSED BALL SHOW #131 5/7/2014 Part 1 WITH VAL PASCUCCI; I open up talking about what I think is the best solution to the Mets under talented bullpen and how it should not include Jenrry Mejia. I then talk about a team that has had an outstanding bullpen this season and few could have predicted the San Diego Padres could be that team. I then speak with former Mets and Expos 1B and current hitting coach for the Savannah Sand Gnats Val Pascucci from the visiting dugout at First Energy Park in Lakewood, NJ. I then spend a little time talking about the first African American pitcher in the history of MLB- Dan Bankhead- and question why his name seldom comes up during appreciation of Jackie Robinson. I finish off by calling out one who I feel was one of the most hateful and biggoted players on the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers
PASSED BALL SHOW #130 5/1/2014 Part 2 WITH JACK REED AND ROSS MOSCHITTO; I open up by talking about the last decade or so of Mickey Mantle's career and how he needed to have a caddy to play the OF in late innings due to his injured legs. My first guest of this hour is Jack Reed, who played the role of "Mickey's legs" from 1961-1963. Then, I speak with Ross Moschitto, who played the role of "Mickey's legs" in 1965 and 1967
PASSED BALL SHOW #130 5/1/2014 Part 1 WITH AL CLARK; I open the program up by talking about the fact that the level of competition in the American League and the fact that the talent in the AL's elite is about 8 deep where in the NL it started out to be just 3. Now, you can say it is 5 if you include the Atlanta and Milwaukee. I then recap the MLB debut of Mike Pelfrey, which happened to be against his current teammate Ricky Nolasco. I then mention the catcher who has caught the most games in professional baseball history (and it is not Ivan Rodriguez). I then welcomed in former AL Umpire Al Clark to talk about his book "Called Out But Safe, A Baseball Umpire's Journey" co-authored by Dan Schlossberg
PASSED BALL SHOW #129 4/23/2014 Part 2 WITH RANDY JOHNSON, GREG BLOSSER AND BILLY STAPLES; I start out by playing my interview with former Braves infielder and current minor league field coordinator for the San Diego Padres Randy Johnson. I then get into my frustration over the fact that the New York Mets refuse to give their major league team any depth and wonder whether the last of MLB depth is a simplle way to try to save money. I finish off by playing an interview I recorded in Sarasota, Florida with former Boston Red Sox OF Greg Blosser. Billy Staples and myself ask Greg a ton of questions. Just a reminder, the entire interview (about 55 minutes) can be found on my Passed Ball Show Interview page on this website
PASSED BALL SHOW #129 4/23/2014 Part 1 WITH DENNY MCLAIN; I start out by recapping the 100 year history of Wrigley Field in Chicago and in doing so, talking about the much longer hisrory of the Chicago Cubs which dates back to 1876. I then speak with the last 30 game winner in the history of MLB Denny McLain about playing the organ as a kid, how he learned how to throw the slider and curve ball and what he feels about baseball the way it is played today. He also talks about the satisfaction he had at his MLB debut as he defeated the Chicago White Sox, the team that told him he wasn't good enough when he pitched for the organization. I finish off my sending my respects to former MLB pitcher Connie Marrero, who passed away this week at the age of 102
PASSED BALL SHOW #128 4/17/2014 Part 2 WITH DON LEPPERT AND MATT NADEL; I start out by playing my interview with former MLB catcher and long time MLB coach Don Leppert. Don has some interesting views about the way the game has changed and the way some remember Jackie Robinson. Don hit a HR on his first MLB pitch against Curt Simmons. I then speak with 15 year old blogger Matt Nadel (@BaseballwMatt). He talks about what got him to study the history of MLB and the interviews he has done with President GW Bush, Billy Crystal and several Hall of Famers. I finish off by talking about the worst team in modern Boston history as well as some interesting facts about the history of baseball in Boston
PASSED BALL SHOW #128 4/17/2014 Part 1 WITH JIM GENTILE; I start out the program by talking about April 15th and how it is remembered for being the anniversary of Jackie Robinson making his MLB debut. It is also the 1 year anniversary of the terrorist activity at the Boston Marathon and April 15th is also the anniversary of the MLB debut of Hiram Bithorn, the first Puerto Rican player in MLB history. I talk about an idea I think will be better than simply having every player and coach wear #42 on every April 15th. I then speak with former Dodgers and Orioles 1B Jim Gentile. We speak about how he was drafted as a pitcher, the fact that he was kept in the minor leagues way too long as his emergence on the scene with the 1961 Orioles when he finally got a chance to play (46 HR, 141 RBI)
PASSED BALL SHOW #127 4/9/2014 Part 2 WITH JOSE CARDENAL AND STEVE KORCHECK; I start out by playing my interview with former Cubs, Giants and Phillies OF Jose Cardenal. Jose talks about being signed by the San Francisco Giants and who he looked up to (listen closely to who he leaves out). He also coached for several seasons in the big leagues which includes three World Series Championships for the Yankees in 1996, 1998-1999. I talk about the life threatening head injury Mickey Cochrane suffered after being hit by a pitch as well as how a similar pitch changed the MLB career of SS Dickie Thon. I then play by interview with former Washington Senators C Steve Korcheck. He makes references to Senators greats Mickey Vernon and Bucky Harris. I finish off by talking about another anniversary we should be celebrating on April 15th every season as it was the first time a Puerto Rican player played in the big leagues (Hiram Bithorn). I also talk about Luis Olmo playing in the 1949 World Series over 7 years after Bithorn made his MLB debut on 4/15/1942
PASSED BALL SHOW #127 4/9/2014 Part 1 WITH RICK REICHARDT AND CHUCK CHURN; I open up with my interview with former Angels OF Rick Reichardt. Rick was the last player that MLB teams bidded over before they instituted the draft in 1965. I then talk about the foolish overreactions over good or bad starts teams get off to within the first week. I then play my interview with 1959 World Series Champion RH Chuck Churn. Chuck talks about his relationship with Earl Weaver and his experience playing with 3 MLB teams. I finish off by talking about the 3 MLB players to hit 3 HR on opening day
PASSED BALL SHOW #126 4/2/2014 Part 2 WITH MILT WILCOX AND LARRY JASTER; I start out by playing my interview with former Reds and Tigers RHP Milt Wilcox (recorded in Jacksonville, Fl). We talk about his experience in the 1970 World Series; he had pitched in just 5 MLB games in his career to that point. He had a devastating arm injury that nearly ended his career, but he recovered to become one of the most dependable pitchers on the Detroit Tigers staff in the mid 1970s-1980s. He was a 17 game winner on the Tigers 1984 World Series Championship team. I then talk about the use of LOOGYs in the game today and how it cannot be expected that minor league pitchers make the immediate transition. I then speak with former Cardinals and Expos LHP Larry Jaster about pitching in the World Series (1967 and 1968) and what it was like to throw the first MLB pitch in the history of Canada. I finish off by going over by team predictions and who will make the postseason in 2014
PASSED BALL SHOW #126 4/2/2014 Part 1 WITH TIM MCCARVER AND DESI RELAFORD; I open up the program by talking about the terrible injury suffered by Angels hitting coach Don Baylor. I go over his long MLB career both as a player and coach and mention his diagnosis of bone cancer in 2003. I then speak with long time MLB broadcaster and 20+ year MLB catcher Tim McCarver about playing baseball as a kid, being a teammate of Stan Musial and how he was able to deal with Bob Gibson. He also talks about what changed Steve Carlton into a HOF pitcher and the best quote attributed to the late Ralph Kiner. I then speak with former Mets and Phillies infielder Desi Relaford (recorded in Jacksonville, Fla) about his experiences in the minor league and how he made his MLB debut the day after he was traded from the Seattle Mariners organization. I finish off by bashing the people (You are in the majority) who complain about baseball contracts because they are poor, envious and jealous
PASSED BALL SHOW #125 3/26/2014 Part 2 WITH JASON GRILLI AND KENT TEKULVE; I start out by speaking with All Star Pirates closer Jason Grilli about his book "Just My Game" which talks about his battle back from a potentially devastating knee injury to get back into the big leagues. I then discuss my 30-1 MLB countdown previews for the Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds. I finish off by playing my interview I recorded in Pirates camp with Spring Training instructor, broadcaster longtime MLB reliever and 1979 World Series Champion Kent Tekulve
PASSED BALL SHOW #125 3/26/2014 Part 1 WITH VIN MAZZARO AND KENN KASPAREK; I open up by talking about how I agree with the Mets decision to start Ruben Tejada at SS on opening day. I then give my 30-1 MLB countdown previews of the Chicago White Sox and Philadelphia Phillies. I play my brief interviews I recorded with Pirates relievers Vin Mazzaro and Kenn Kasparek which I recorded at the Pirates Spring Training facility in Bradenton, Fl. I finish off the hour by doing my 30-1 MLB team preview of the Baltimore Orioles
PASSED BALL SHOW #124 3/18/2014 Part 2 WITH RAUL GONZALEZ AND JORGE PIEDRA; I open up by speaking with former Indians, Reds and Mets OF Raul Gonzalez. Raul was selected to go on the road with Tigers superstar Miguel Cabrera after Miguel was arrested for drunken driving. I then get into my 30-1 MLB countdown previews for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Indians. I finish off by speaking with former Colorado Rockies OF (2004-2006) Jorge Piedra. You will enjoy this interview as this man has the ability to be on TV and radio
PASSED BALL SHOW #124 3/18/2014 Part 1 WITH PEDRO VALDES; I open up by playing my interview with former Cubs (1996, 1998) and Rangers (2000) OF Pedro Valdes. We talk about how he got into coaching and his great career he had in Japan and Mexico after he played briefly in the majors. I then get into my 30-1 MLB countdown previews of the Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets and San Diego Padres
PASSED BALL SHOW #123 3/11/2014 Part 2 WITH PETER MUNRO; I start out by talking about the Braves signing of Ervin Santana and what it means for the other two remaining impactful free agents. I then do my 30-1 MLB countdown previews of the Miami Marlins, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays. I finish off by interviewing former Blue Jays RHP Peter Munro. We talk about his combined no hitter with 5 other pitchers against the Yankees while pitching for the Astros. We also talk about his experience in the 2004 NLCS pitching for the Astros and the difficult stretch he went through after the season
PASSED BALL SHOW #123 3/11/2014 Part 1 WITH ED CHARLES; I start out by talking about my preseason predictions and what they mean. I then interview former Athletics and Mets 3B Ed Charles about his portrayal in the Jackie Robinson movie 42, his being held back in AAA for four seasons with the Milwaukee Braves and being part of the 1969 World Series Champion New York Mets. I finish off by doing the first of my 30-1 MLB countdown previews with the Houston Astros
PASSED BALL SHOW #122 3/5/2014 Part 2 WITH CORY ALDRIDGE AND DOUG BOCHTLER; I open up by playing my interview with former Braves (2001) and Angels (2010) OF Cory Aldridge. Cory is still playing ball currently in Mexico and has not stopped playing professionally since he signed with the Braves. I also spoke with Doug Bochtler, a former Padres pitcher who is now a pitching coach in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.
PASSED BALL SHOW #122 2/25/2014 Part 1 WITH ED KRANEPOOL; I open up the program by talking about the declaration that Mets GM Sandy Alderson made to ownership that the team will win 90 games this season. I also broke down what the Mets player stats have to be for the team to win 90 games. I then speak with original Mets 1B and all time franchise leader in games, at bats and sacrifice flies Ed Kranepool. I finish off by talking about how hated Red Sox great Carl Yastzremski was by his teammates and the way he presented himself in the clubhouse
PASSED BALL SHOW #38 7/26/2012 Part 2 WITH PHIL HUFFMAN; On part 2, @john_pielli is joined by former Toronto Blue Jays RHP Phil Huffman, who tells the story of how he made all 31 starts at age 20-21 in 1979, only to never pitch again in the majors. Phil gives his opinion of the change in management of the 1980 Blue Jays as well as his attempts to return to the majors. I also touch on the 1983 Pine Tar game, what it could mean with Barry Larkin and Ron Santo making the HOF and what the proclamation made by Brewers GM Doug Melvin saying Zack Greinke will be traded means to his market.
PASSED BALL SHOW #38 7/26/2012 Part 1 WITH CHRIS BANDO; On Part 1 of today's PBS, @john_pielli speaks with former Cleveland Indians catcher Chris Bando. We discuss catching a knuckleball, playing in the shadow of his older brother, Sal and what happens to a hitter after devoting your game to being a defensive catcher. I also suggest to expect the rest of the season for the New York Mets, laugh at the Miami Marlins firesale as well as talk about what has happened to the Oakland Athletics.
PASSED BALL SHOW #37 7/19/2012 Part 2; On part 2 of the PBS, @john_pielli spends some time discussing what happened to Royals LHP Jonathan Sanchez and how he may very well be the next Oilver Perez. I also break down the trade that sent him to KC for Melky Cabrera and the prior move that sent Cabrera to Atlanta for Javier Vazquez. I spend some time breaking down the legendary career of the great Ty Cobb and pose a question:, who is the greatest MLB player of all time?
PASSED BALL SHOW #37 7/19/2012 Part 1 WITH PAUL SPOLJARIC; On part 1 of the Passed Ball Show, @john_pielli speaks with former Blue Jays LHP Paul Spoljaric. Among the topics are the change in the use of bullpens over even the past 10 years, what he feels about innings limits and the babying of highly rated pitchers and how he was converted into a reliever after being a starter his entire minor league career. I start by ripping the loyalty of NY sports fans, talk about what teams are still in the race and finish by giving reasons why all MLB pitchers want to be starters.
PASSED BALL SHOW #36 7/12/2012 Part 2 WITH BOY MEETS MACHINE IN STUDIO; On part 2 of the PBS, with Boy Meets Machine in studio, the Bill Pulsipher story is finally revealed. Another acoustic performance and then discussion about how much of a jerk Marlins team president David Samson is, would MLB players today fight for their country, and why pitchers always want to be starting pitchers. We also question Tony LaRussa being the All Star manager and discuss why starting pitchers will never go deep into games again.
PASSED BALL SHOW #36 7/12/2012 Part 1 WITH BOY MEETS MACHINE IN STUDIO; @john_pielli is joined in studio by Boy Meets Machine as they perform a couple of acoustic songs live. They talk about how they created and wrote the Passed Ball Show theme song. We also touch on topics such as how Freddy Garcia gets people out and why Chris Berman is still calling the home run derby. Also hear about why Matt Harvey needs to be called up now, how the Marlins should have a representative in this year's All Star Game and why the players don't care about the ASG like they did years ago.
PASSED BALL SHOW #34 6/28/2012 Part 2 WITH SNY ANCHOR AND GEICO SPORTSNIGHT HOST KIRK GIMENEZ; On Part 2 of the PBS, @john_pielli speaks with SNY Anchor and host of Geico Sportsnight Kirk Gimenez. Kirk explains the difference between working for a national network (ESPN) and a local, New York-centric network. He lets us know what his favorite sports are and why he is so passionate about what he does. He also reveals why he stopped live tweeting on the air during his TV program. I also make the case on how the Chicago White Sox are for real, discuss an underrated trade that helped both teams, how the 1980 Astros would have been with a healthy JR Richard and how close the Phillies are to being read their last rites.
PASSED BALL SHOW #34 6/28/2012 Part 1 WITH FORMER PIRATES RHP JOSE SILVA; Listen to @john_pielli as he interviews former Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Jose Silva. We talk about his experiences pitching in the Mexican Leagues for the past 9 years as well as his MLB playing career which lasted from 1996-2002. I also touch on how the east coast MLB teams struggle playing on the west coast. I make my case why Daniel Murphy should be more respected, options the Mets have for acquiring a relief pitcher and whats up with Tim Lincecum.
PASSED BALL SHOW #104 10/29/2013 Part 2 WITH MIKE BUDDIE, ALONZO HARRIS AND DOUG BERNIER; I open up by playing my interview with former Yankees and Brewers RHP Mike Buddie. We talk about his time with the Yankees, being part of the WS Championship of 1998 and finishing off his education at Wake Forest. He is currently the Associate AD at Wake Forest. I then summarize the limited free agent signings the Mets have made over the past three off seasons. Then play my interview with Mets minor league OF Alonzo Harris. I finish off the program by speaking with Minnesota Twins 2B Doug Bernier about his pathto the big leagues and how it feels to be coming back to the Twins in 2014
PASSED BALL SHOW #104 10/29/2013 Part 1 WITH CHAD HERMANSEN AND JAKE EIGSTI; I open up with my interview with former Pirates OF Chad Hermansen. We talk about him being a highly touted prospect and what he does now as a scout for the Angels. I then break down the Jake Peavy trade and explain how all three teams involved could win in the end. I finish off by playing my interview with former Mets minor league infielder Jake Eigsti and talk about his big hit in a spring training game in March of 2008
PASSED BALL SHOW #99 9/24/2013 Part 2 WITH STEVE ROGERS; I start out by playing my extended interview with former Montreal Expos RHP Steve Rogers. We talk about the 1970s Expos teams, the 1981 strike and making the NLCS in 1981. Steve now works for the MLBPA. I then get into the possibility of Jose Reyes being traded either this offseason or next and the best suitor for the services of Mets 1B Lucas Duda. I finish off by giving you the order of how the MLB Wild Card teams will finish
PASSED BALL SHOW #99 9/24/2013 Part 1 WITH WILLIE MONTANEZ AND ETHAN CHAPMAN; I start out by talking about how teams will continue to overpay for middle relievers/ closers and how Joaquin Benoit and Grant Balfour will benefit. I then speak with former Phillies, Mets, Braves and Giants OF/ 1B Willie Montanez about being a power hitter and how he got under the skin of the teams he played for. I finish off by speaking with Kansas City Royals OF prospect Ethan Chapman about his rise through the farm system and what to expect from him down the road
PASSED BALL SHOW #98 9/17/2013 Part 2 WITH WES CHAMBERLAIN, DICK DRAGO AND JON NUNNALLY; I finish off my interview with Wes Chamberlain. I then speak with former Royals and Red Sox RHP Dick Drago as we get into pitch counts and what allowed him and his contemporaries to pitch deeper into games. I finish off by speaking with former Royals and Reds OF Jon Nunnally about being a Rule 5 pick, playing for Ray Knight and Jack McKeon as well as his son being drafted in the 2013 player draft
PASSED BALL SHOW #98 9/17/2013 Part 1 WITH FELIX MILLAN AND WES CHAMBERLAIN; I open up by adding a new player to the "clown of the year" discussion, talk a little about Jose Fernandez and discuss whether Roger Maris should be a Hall of Famer. I am then joined by former Mets and Braves 2B Felix Millan and talk about the importance of playing defense in the 1960s and 1970s. Former Phillies OF Wes Chamberlain talks about his book "In the Game" and his experience being a top prospect with the Pirates and Phillies WITH FELIX MILLAN AND WES CHAMBERLAIN; I open up by adding a new player to the "clown of the year" discussion, talk a little about Jose Fernandez and discuss whether Roger Maris should be a Hall of Famer. I am then joined by former Mets and Braves 2B Felix Millan and talk about the importance of playing defense in the 1960s and 1970s. Former Phillies OF Wes Chamberlain talks about his book "In the Game" and his experience being a top prospect with the Pirates and Phillies
PASSED BALL SHOW #97 9/10/2013 Part 2 WITH WILLIE AIKENS AND JERRY MORALES; I open up with my interview with former Angels, Royals and Blue Jays 1B Willie Aikens. We talk about his book "Safe at Home", his life story, and how he overcame cocaine abuse and incarceration. We talk about cocaine abuse in MLB and how predominant it was in the early 1980s. I then talk about the foolish thought of how the Mets GM can get a pass but the manager does not. I disagree with that assessment. I finish off by speaking with former Cubs, Padres and Mets OF Jerry Morales about playing in the 1970s
PASSED BALL SHOW #97 9/10/2013 Part 1 WITH EARL AVERILL; I open up by making a case that the Jayson Werth and Gio Gonzalez signings were good moves by Nationals GM Mike Rizzo. I am then joined by former Indians, Cubs and Angels catcher Earl Averill, son of HOF OF Earl Averill. We talk about his playing career, his father and his father's animosity with the Veterans Committee regarding his delayed induction in 1975. I finish off by dissecting the trade between the Orioles and Mariners involving Eric Bedard, Adam Jones and Chris Tillman
PASSED BALL SHOW #96 9/3/2013 Part 2 WITH BILL LANDRUM AND CHRIS MICHALAK; I open up by discussing the possibility of Houston Astros manager Bo Porter leaving to take the Washington Nationals job. I then break down the trade that sent RHP Scott Feldman to the Baltimore Orioles for RHPs Jake Arietta and Pedro Strop. I speak with former Pirates and Reds RHP Bill Landrum about watching his former teammates in Cincinnati celebrate the NL Pennant on the field while he was with Pittsburgh and what made those teams in 1990 and 1991 great. I then speak with former MLB pitcher and pitching coach of the Potomic Nationals Chris Michalak about making it to the big leagues and his experience dealing with younger pitchers WITH BILL LANDRUM AND CHRIS MICHALAK; I open up by discussing the possibility of Houston Astros manager Bo Porter leaving to take the Washington Nationals job. I then break down the trade that sent RHP Scott Feldman to the Baltimore Orioles for RHPs Jake Arietta and Pedro Strop. I speak with former Pirates and Reds RHP Bill Landrum about watching his former teammates in Cincinnati celebrate the NL Pennant on the field while he was with Pittsburgh and what made those teams in 1990 and 1991 great. I then speak with former MLB pitcher and pitching coach of the Potomic Nationals Chris Michalak about making it to the big leagues and his experience dealing with younger pitchers
PASSED BALL SHOW #96 9/3/2013 Part 1 WITH BILL NAHORODNY; I open up the program by talking about the steroid era of MLB and its impact on the Hall of Fame inductions of next season, featuring first time eligibles Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas. IF Frank Thomas is elected, Jim Thome should have no problem getting in. I then speak with former MLB catcher Bill Nahorodny. We talk about his playing career, being a prison guard and his association with the BEST scholarship fundraiser. I finish off by talking about the ten MLB teams who would finish with the 10 worst records in MLB, assuring that their first round pick in 2014 is protected
PASSED BALL SHOW #92 8/6/2013 Part 2 WITH FRANK TEPEDINO AND RICHIE SCHEINBLUM; I start by playing my interview with former Yankees, Brewers and Braves 1B/ OF Frank Tepedino. I then talk about former Yankees catcher Thurman Munson's place in MLB history among catchers. I then speak with former Indians, Royals and Senators OF Richie Scheinblum and get his views on how todays MLB players are different from when he played. I finish off the program by making the case that the NL playoff teams are set on August 6th and discuss the remaining AL playoff races
2-9-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the overnight trade of Kevin Durant to the Phoenix Suns from the Brooklyn Nets. John talks about the opportunities that exist with the young Nets core and how it will impact their playoff position in the Eastern Conference. John believes it is easier for the Nets to sell a post Durant/ Irving era to the fans and they have now become an underdog story. He believes this move could put the Suns over the top and praises General Manager James Jones for getting this deal done. When it comes to the Los Angeles Lakers, John believes that while the trade of Russell Westbrook netted them useful players in return, the pressure is on this team to start to move in the right direction. Westbrook is no longer there to be the scapegoat. Finally, John talks about Bill Veeck, Satchel Paige, Joe Louis, and mentions the year of 1540 in this episode's version of This Date in Sports History.
2-7-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by wondering where was going to go with his Kyrie Irving trade take- not wanting to be repetitive. Among points John was able to make include 1. Kevin Durant (when healthy) has a chance to finally lead his own team. 2. 50/50 chance this deal works for Dallas/ it totally blows up in their face and why. 3. The Nets are NOT to blame for Kyrie not working out. Among the TDSH topics include John L. Sullivan, Joe DiMaggio, Nap Lajoie, Frank Robinson, Steve Nash, Endy Chavez, and why Dan Quisenberry belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
PASSED BALL SHOW #95 8/27/2013 Part 2 WITH BRIAN DORSETT AND STEVE JELTZ; Former Yankees, Athletics and Reds catcher Brian Dorsett joins the program to talk about being part of the unbelievably talented Tacoma AAA team of 1986 and 1987 in Oakland. We also talk about his knee injury which he hid throughout his career as well as his time in New York and Cincinnati. I then speak with former Phillies SS Steve Jeltz about coming up with the 1983 NL Champion Phillies as well as becoming a switch hitter during the middle of his career. I finish off talking about the 1913 World Series, three AL managers that could be out by seasons end and remembering what would have been former Angels RHP Nick Adenhart's 27th birthday
PASSED BALL SHOW #95 8/27/2013 Part 1 WITH GLENN WILSON; I open up talking about the possibility of Matt Harvey pitching through his UCL tear and give my feelings of the trade that sent Marlon Byrd and John Buck to the Pirates. I then speak with former Tigers, Phillies and Pirates OF Glenn Wilson about being traded from the great Tigers team before the 1984 season, his career in Philadelphia and the meaning of a solid RF throwing arm in the 1980s as opposed to now. I finish off by breaking down the AL Wild Card race and where the Yankees fit in
PASSED BALL SHOW #94 8/20/2013 Part 2 WITH MIKE BIELECKI AND JASON GRABOWSKI; I open up with my interview with former Braves, Cubs and Pirates RHP Mike Bielecki. We talk about being drafted by the Pirates in 1979 and being an Orioles fan, making it to the postseason in 1989 with the Cubs, the Braves pitching staff and nearly being on the boat that killed Steve Olin and Tim Crews. I then get into the Phillies and moving on from Charlie Manuel. I then get to speak with former MLB OF Jason Grabowski about his time in the Oakland and Los Angeles organizations as an OF
PASSED BAL SHOW #94 8/20/2013 Part 1 WITH TODD PRATT AND JOHN WASDIN; I open up by giving my feedback on the Alex Rodriguez/ Ryan Dempster confrontation as well as my enjoyment of the Sunday Night ESPN game between the two clubs. I then speak with former Mets and Phillies catcher Todd Pratt about his time in the minors, playing the beginning and end of his career in Philadelphia and his big postseason moments with the New York Mets. I speak with former Athletics, Red Sox and Rangers RHP John Wasdin about his time in Boston and establishing himself in the big leagues
PASSED BALL SHOW #93 8/13/2013 Part 2 WITH DAVE LAROCHE AND MIKE LUMLEY; I start off by discussing free agent OF Grady Sizemore's value to a 2014 team and what he may or not have left. I play my interview with former minor league pitcher Mike Lumley about some of his experiences and what the London Badgers of Ontario mean to him. Then listen to my recap of all walk off HRs that ended World Series, LCS or LDS. I mention the significance of Joe DiMaggio's first seven seasons. I finish off the program with my interview with former Indians, Twins, Cubs, Angels and Yankees LHP Dave LaRoche. We talk about "La Lob", becoming a major league pitcher after spending the majority of his minor league career as a position player and what it means to have sons in the big leagues
PASSED BALL SHOW #93 8/13/2013 Part 1 WITH MIKE LAVALLIERE; I get into the managerial career of longtime Phillies and Angels manager Gene Mauch and make my case why he deserves more credit. I then speak with former Pirates and White Sox catcher Mike LaValliere about his transition to catcher, playing on the Pirates NL East Championship teams of 1990-1992 and what he has done since his playing days ended. I finish off by making a case for Ted Simmons in baseball's Hall of Fame and talk about former MLB OFs Vada Pinson and Carlos Martinez. I then give my opinion about the value of a MLB manager
PASSED BALL SHOW #92 8/6/2013 Part 1 WITH JIM LEYRITZ; I open up by explaining Alex Rodriguez' right to due process and to a fair trial even if he is guilty of abusing the drug treatment and prevention program of MLB. I then talk about the 1944 Browns and their significance. Former Yankees catcher and World Series hero Jim Leyritz calls in to talk about his motivational speaking, coming up with the early 1990 Yankees teams and winning the World Series. I conclude by talking about the 1981 split MLB season due to the strike
PASSED BALL SHOW #91 7/30/2013 Part 2 WITH GEORGE RILEY AND STEVE SPRINGER; I open with my interview with former Cubs, Giants and Expos LHP George Riley. George talks about his experiences in MLB and how much he enjoyed the game of baseball. He also talks about the opportunity to play in the Phillies organization close to his home in Reading. He expresses a little remorse as he did not have the opportunity to pitch after the invention of the left handed specialist. I talk a little about who is to blame for the struggles of the Angels as well as why Al Oliver belongs in the Hall of Fame. I finish off with my interview with founder of Quality At Bats and former MLB infielder Steve Springer. We talk about the struggles of keeping interest in baseball as well as the launch of his new instructional video
PASSED BALL SHOW #91 7/30/2013 Part 1 WITH JACK FISHER AND DON DEMOLA; I start out by speaking with former Orioles and Mets RHP Jack Fisher. Among things we discuss are giving up the HR to Ted Williams in Williams' final AB in 1960 as well as Roger Maris' 60th HR in 1961. He also talks about a young Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman and being around before the Mets became WS Champions in 1969. I follow that up with a great interview with former Expos RHP Don Demola. Don may ruffle some feathers with some of his views about Mariano Rivera, Gene Mauch among other topios. I finish off by giving my opinion of the collusion between MLB and the Yankees to force Alex Rodriguez to forfeit the remainder of his contract
PASSED BALL SHOW #86 6/25/2013 Part 2 WITH TOMMY JOHN; Listen to my interview with longtime LHP Tommy John, who pitched for the Indians, White Sox, Dodgers, Yankees, Angels and Athletics. We talk about his interest in golf, the operation as well as pitching on the losing ends of the Dodgers/ Yankees World Series. We also talk about his Hall of Fame chances as well as the pitchers who are not in that have more wins than him. I break down all MLB managers who were traded for and state the obvious of why Cole Hamels is having a much worse season than Cliff Lee had in 2012. I talk about 1957 RHP Von McDaniel and his comparison to other pitchers who became position players and make a striking Ike Davis/ Adam Lind similarity
PASSED BALL SHOW #86 6/25/2013 Part 1 WITH RUSTY MEACHAM; I open the program by talking about the three burdens Mets RHP Zack Wheeler has to deal with during his early time with the Mets. I bid adieu to Chicago Cubs RHP Carlos Marmol and ask help for the listeners to help me research a stat. I talk about how soon Ricky Nolasco will be traded and why Corey Hart will not be. Then, I play my interview with former Royals and Tigers RHP Rusty Meacham talking about his hosing down of the Royals fans among other things. I finish off by giving my endorsement to the great Larry Doby
PASSED BALL SHOW #85 6/18/2013 Part 2 WITH KIP GROSS AND MARLON ANDERSON; I start out by speaking with former Reds and Dodgers RHP Kip Gross about coming up with the Mets, being traded to LA with Eric Davis and his opinions about Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott. I then speak with former Phillies, Cardinals, Devil Rays, Mets and Dodgers infielder Marlon Anderson. We talk about his inside the park home run against Francisco Rodriguez of the Angels and hitting the 4th of the 4 consecutive 9th inning HRs for the Dodgers against the Padres. I finish up by talking some NL East with Phillies, Mets and Nationals
PASSED BALL SHOW #85 6/18/2013 Part 1 WITH BRAD KOMMINSK; I open the program by speaking with former Braves and Indians OF Brad Komminsk. Brad talks about his coaching career, coming up as a highly touted prospect with the Braves and his famous near catch after scaling the wall in Cleveland. I talk about the resurgence of the Toronto Blue Jays and the balance of the AL East. Then, I mention the anniversaries of the deaths of former Royals manager Dick Howser and longtime Braves broadcaster Ernie Johnson. I also make my case that the Diamondbacks can regret the decision to trade RHP Trevor Bauer
PASSED BALL SHOW #84 6/11/2013 Part 2 WITH ANN LIGUORI AND PETE SMITH; I start the 2nd hour with my interview with WFAN Golf and Tennis correspondent Ann Liguori. Ann hosts Sports Innerview, a television series where she has interviewed all time greats such as Stan Musial, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle and Deacon Jones. I follow that up with Pete Smith, the former Atlanta Braves RHP, who also had a role in the movie "42". Pete talks about being on the set as well as coming up as a Braves pitcher at the same time as Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. I finish up by talking about the Mariners catcher of the future, the Giants potentially adding another starting pitcher and a couple interesting points about this year's MLB player draft
PASSED BALL SHOW #84 6/11/2013 Part 1 WITH LOU COLLIER; I make my comparisons between Yasiel Puig and Mike Trout. Then I make my case why the Mets should continue to bunt runners over and play small ball. Former MLB infielder Lou Collier joins the show to talk about the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program and his place in it as well as going from a shortstop to a utility player. Lou also played in Korea. I then talk about who the all time home run leader was before Babe Ruth and I have few problems with the so called steroids era
PASSED BALL SHOW #83 6/4/2013 Part 2 WITH BOB KLAPISCH AND CHAD ZURCHER; I speak with longtime sportswriter Bob Klapisch (sorry about the feedback during the pre-recorded interview) about writing "The Worst Team Money Can Buy", his public confrontation with Bobby Bonilla, "Champions" (a book about the 1996 Yankees as well as the great Mariano Rivera. I briefly touch on the possibility of Cliff Lee being traded and a couple surprise teams on his no trade list. I then speak with Mets minor league 2B Chad Zurcher, who currently plays for the Savannah Sand Gnats of the South Atlantic League. I close it up by talking about why the Arizona Diamondbacks will now make more noise than anticipated, the history of women playing in professional baseball as well as the anniversary of one of the weirder baseball manager meltdowns
PASSED BALL SHOW #83 6/4/2013 Part 1 WITH NED GARVER; Longtime MLB pitcher Ned Garver (1947-1961) talks about his career pitching for the St Louis Browns. He talks about winning 20 games, being a good hitting pitcher and playing in the game where owner Bill Veeck allowed the midget, Eddie Gaeddel to come up to bat in a game. I vent my frustration with fans who think players are automatically ok to play just because they are "young" when a team is rebuilding. Finally, I talk about how great of a hitter Johnny Mize was and how he was able to finish his career as a role player winning World Series Championships for the Yankees
PASSED BALL SHOW #81 5/21/2013 I Part 2 WITH ED MICKELSON; I mention the fact that the NL's original 7 (perhaps 8) should be considered more significant than the NHL's original 6. I recap the Phillies/ Cubs 23-22 game of 1979. Former MLB player Ed Mickelson joins the program to talk about how the Pacific Coast League was a 3rd major league in the 1950s and how the conditions were better with similar pay than MLB
PASSED BALL SHOW #80 5/14/2013 Part 2; I finish up my discussion about the potential Yankees roster crunch before getting into Terry Francona and what he did for Boston and may do for Cleveland. I make some logical, not mongo, trade proposals to upgrade the Mets OF. I entail the great career of Napolean Lajoie as well as talk about Fred Toney's two no hitter feats that may never be equaled. Finally, I talk about the progressive discipline that may start to be handed down to its umpires Part 2; I finish up my discussion about the potential Yankees roster crunch before getting into Terry Francona and what he did for Boston and may do for Cleveland. I make some logical, not mongo, trade proposals to upgrade the Mets OF. I entail the great career of Napolean Lajoie as well as talk about Fred Toney's two no hitter feats that may never be equaled. Finally, I talk about the progressive discipline that may start to be handed down to its umpires
PASSED BALL SHOW #80 5/14/2013 Part 1 WITH LENNY DINARDO AND CHASEN BRADFORD; I open up the program by speaking with LHP Lenny DiNardo right before his evening start for the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League. We touch on his MLB career as well as his hopes to return to the MLB. Why it makes no sense for the Phillies to trade Jonathan Papelbon. Who Ike Davis's likely replacements will be after his trip to AAA and how the Yankees fan base expects the fill in players to start over the injured Yankees stars return. I finish with my interview with Mets A St Lucie RHP Chasen Bradford. I also compare eras before division play and when there was one playoff team in each league
2-1-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the recent coaching hires of Demeco Ryans and Sean Payton by the Houston Texans and Denver Broncos, respectively. John likes the idea of Ryans in Houston with his belief that he can develop a young team. He also adds that the hiring might provide an extra lifeline for General Manager Nick Caserio, whom John believes has done a poor job in his role. John questions how much of the Broncos struggles were because of Natahniel Hackett, and how much they were because of the declining Russell Wilson. If there is somebody that can get Denver’s offense back on track, he believes in Payton and his offensive football acumen. John then talks about the football New York Giants and their 2016 decision to bench all time Giants QB and consecutive games played record holder Eli Manning in favor of Geno Smith. From a pure football standpoint, John questions whether the Giants, then Head Coach Ben McAdoo, and then General Manager Jerry Reese knew about Geno’s ability in a similar way to how Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks knew. Among “This Date in Sports History,” John mentions Jim Thorpe, Curly Lambeau, Monte Irvin, Zack Wheat, and Barry Bonds.
PASSED BALL SHOW #121 2/26/2014 Part 2 WITH DAVE SCHNECK AND BOB HEFFNER; I open up by playing my interview recorded in person with former Mets OF Dave Schneck. We talk about his experience in the Vietnam War and being the heir apparent to Willie Mays after his retirement before the 1974 season. I then play my interview with former Red Sox RHP Bob Heffner talking about his experience in Boston and how crazy Dick Radatz was. We also talk about his interactions with Red Sox greats Ted Williams and Carl Yastzremski. I finish off my discussion of the top ten MLB closers right now
PASSED BALL SHOW #121 2/26/2014 Part 1 WITH DARRYL HAMILTON; I open up with discussion of my upcoming 30-1 MLB team previews. I then speak with MLB Network analyst and former Mets, Brewers and Rockies OF Darryl Hamilton. We talk about his new gig, recovering from his Tommy John Surgery in 1994 and how he sustained his MLB success being a speed and defense guy. I then start my countdown of the 30 MLB closers in ranking worst to best, right now. I then profess my hate for the face of MLB campaign on twitter
PASSED BALL SHOW #120 2/19/2014 Part 2 WITH RON VILLONE, MARK ACRE AND FRANK MARTINEZ; Listen back to hour 2 of the Passed Ball Show where I interview former MLB LHP of 12 MLB teams and 15 MLB seasons Ron Villone, former Oakland Athletics RHP Mark Acre and director of a baseball training camp in Toronto, Canada Fran k Martinez
PASSED BALL SHOW #120 2/19/2014 Part 1 WITH RON SWOBODA; I opened up with talking about how ridiculous it is that the Red Sox cannot give David Ortiz a 1 year extension. I then play my interview with former Mets WS Champion OF Ron Swoboda. I finish off by talking about the silliness with people's assumptions over whether certain players did PEDs or not, the new celebrating a player's career each season and remembering Jim Fregosi
PASSED BALL SHOW #118 2/5/2014 Part 2 WITH BERNIE CARBO AND RYAN CHURCH; I open up by having a powerful conversation with former Reds, Red Sox and Cardinals OF Bernie Carbo. Bernie talks about how the Lord Jesus Christ saved him after getting into problems with drugs and alcohol. He also talks about what he does for youth groups and his new book. I then speak with former Mets, Braves and Nationals OF Ryan Church. Ryan had a very promising career before a head injury derailed it. He talks about how he felt the Mets handled his concussion and what he is up to now
PASSED BALL SHOW #118 2/5/2014 Part 1 WITH JOE SAMBITO AND RAMON VAZQUEZ; I open up by playing my interview with former Astros and Red Sox LHP Joe Sambito about being a closer for the Astros and transitioning into a LOOGY after his Tommy John Surgery. Joe has been a MLB player agent for the past 25 years and was the first former player to become an agent. I then play my interview with former Pirates, Rangers and Padres SS Ramon Vazquez and talk about his performance in the Rangers 30-3 win over the Orioles in 2008. I then talk about the last Seattle Pilots pitcher to throw a pitch for them, the Ruben Tejada approach with Juan Lagares and the important part of the Yankees 2014 rotation
PASSED BALL SHOW #117 1/29/2014 Part 2 WITH JERRY CASALE AND RAY CRONE; I open up by speaking with former Red Sox RHP Jerry Casale. Jerry talks about being a Brooklyn Dodgers fan and getting his opportunity to pitch in the big leagues. He was also a very good hitter and may of hit the longest HRs in Fenway Park history. He then opened up a restaurant in NYC that he owned for years. I then get to speak with former Braves RHP Ray Crone who talks about his experiences and playing for two teams, the Braves and Giants, both of whom moved while he was in their systems
PASSED BALL SHOW #117 1/29/2014 Part 1 WITH LENNY MOORE; I open up by talking a little NFL Football with Hall of Fame Half Back Lenny Moore. Lenny played his college ball at Penn State before Joe Paterno was the head coach and starred in the NFL for the Baltimore Colts from 1956-1967. He talks about the racial issues he had to deal with throughout his childhood and how he stood out for his ability to play the game. He talks about Johnny Unitas, coach Weeb Ewback and the great players he had the opportunity to play with. I finish off by highlighting my Hall of Fame players under the guidelines that only one player would be allowed to be inducted for each MLB team
PASSED BALL SHOW #116 1/21/2014 Part 2 WITH HAL BROWN, BRAD PAYNE AND BILL BRAY; i start out by playing my interview with former MLB pitcher Hal "skinny" Brown, who pitched in the big leagues from 1951-1964. He talks about his experience in the milliatary and how he learned to throw the knuckleball. I then speak with Independent Leaue inf/ of Brad Payne about some of the trials and tribulations of playing Independent Ball, I then talks about what Andruw Jones was on pace of becoming, the career of former MLB catcher Darrell Porter and how players used cocaine then like they do steroids now and the history of the spitball. I finish off by playing my interview with free agent LHP Billl Bray
PASSED BALL SHOW #116 1/21/2014 Part 1 WITH FERGUSON JENKINS; I open up the show by giving the logic landing places for all the remaining big free agents, including taking a chance on where Masahiro Tanaka will land up by the time the show airs. I then speak with Hall of Fame RHP Ferguson Jenkins about his trade from Philadelphia, his success with the Cubs, his experience getting caught with cocaine in his bag and his induction into Baseball's Hall of Fame. I finish off by talking about my issues with OBP becoming too much a big deal in evaluation of a player
PASSED BALL SHOW #115 1/14/2014 Part 2 WITH JOE DURHAM; I open up by playing a touching interview with former MLB OF Joe Durham. Joe had the talent to be a solid MLB player but was held back possibly because of race. Joe played in the 1950s after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and put up very good numbers in his many years in AAA. I then get into the possible closure of the Tanaka sweepstakes and what that means to the remaining pitchers on the market. I finish off by talking about the College of Coaches the Chicago Cubs implemented in 1961 and 1962
PASSED BALL SHOW #115 1/14/2014 Part 1 WITH MONTE IRVIN AND RON CLARK; I open up by playing my interview with MLB HOF OF Monte Irvin. We speak a little bit about his childhood and how he went from being a solid player in the Negro Leagues to being a very good OF for the New York Giants, helping them win the NL Pennant in 1951 and the World Series in 1954. I then get into the promising career of Bo Jackson. Bo was a legendary athlete chose career came to a crawl after he dislocated his hip playing Pro Football. I finish off by speaking with former Twins and Athletics infielder Ron Clark
Passed Ball Show #114 (1/7/2014) Part 2 with Eddie Robinson and Larry Colton. John spends this part of the show speaking with former MLB 1B and General Manager Eddie Robinson and former MLB pitcher Larry Colton. John then gives his piece on how underrated former MLB outfielder Sliding Billy Hamilton was.
Passed Ball Show #114 (1-7-2014) Part 1 with Don Loun. John spends this portion of the program talking about Mike Piazza being held out of the baseball hall of fame because of suspicion of PED's and why other players that played during this time are never spoken about in a negative light. John then speaks with former Washington Senators pitcher Don Loun about his complete game shutout during his first ever MLB appearance.
PASSED BALL SHOW #113 12/30/2013 Part 2 WITH SCOTT DRUCKER AND BRYCE FLORIE; I open up by playing my interview with former Athletics and Tigers minor league RHP Scott Drucker. Scott is now a certified MLB player agent. I then play my interview with former Padres, Brewers and Red Sox RHP Bryce Florie. Byrce is known for getting hit in the left eye by a line drive off the bat of Ryan Thompson while pitching for the Red Sox in 2000. I then get into Fred McGriff's place in the Hall of Fame discussion as well as Carlos Beltran's chances of making the Hall.I then talk about former Umpire and Hall of Famer Al Barlick and how great a defensive 2B Nellie Fox was
PASSED BALL SHOW #113 12/30/2013 Part 1 WITH VANCE LAW; I open up by mourning the passing of former Orioles CF Paul Blair. I segway into a discussion about the favorites to land free agent RHP Masahiro Tanaka. I then play my interview with former MLB 3B Vance Law. Vance was the son of former Pirates RHP Vern Law and played for the Pirates, White Sox, Cubs, Expos and Athletics. I finish off my mentioning some pitchers that few are talking about and the impacts they may have
PASSED BALL SHOW #112 12/24/2013 Part 2 WITH MATT NOKES AND WAYNE ROSENTHAL; I open up by explaining my sudden optimism about the Mets signing free agent SS Stephen Drew. I then get into my comparison to the negative impact Jordany Valdespin had on the Mets to that of a similar situation with Gregg Jefferies. I then play my interview with former Tigers and Yankees catcher Matt Nokes, as Matt talks about his observations on all the dynamics of a swing. I then speak with Miami Marlins pitching coordinator Wayne Rosenthal about his MLB experience as a pitcher and what he has done teaching pitchers as they come up through the minor league system. Wayne was also the Florida Marlins pitching coach in 2003 when they won the World Series
PASSED BALL SHOW #112 12/24/2013 Part 1 WITH BRIAN SANCHES; I open up with sending my condolences to Ed Herrmann's family after his recent passing and talk about my connection with the baseball players I have spoken with. I then play my interview with former Phillies, Marlins and Royals RHP Brian Sanches, talking about his commitment to get back on a MLB team. I then talk about the Ryan Doumit trade and its implications on Evan Gattis' future as the Braves starting catcher. I fiish off by announcing my first annual NMA, given to the biggest MLB bonehead of the 2013 season
PASSED BALL SHOW #111 12/17/2013 Part 2 WITH CHUCK MCELROY AND JERRY SPRADLIN; I start by playing my interview with former Phillies, Cubs, Rockies, Mets (among other teams) LHP Chuck McElroy. He talks about coming up as a MLB reliever and the differences in his uses from when he came up to when he finished his career. He also started a baseball tutorial website annd his son, CJ was recently drafted by the St Louis Cardinals. I then play my interview with former Phillies, Reds, Indians and Giants RHP Jerry Spradlin. Jerry came up with the Reds and talks about his opportunity to learn from some of the games best late inning relievers. I finish off by talking about Carl Erskine, two sport professional athletes and continue my discussion about the history of MLBs expansion drafts. Finally, I conclude why Seattle lost its Pilots baseball team after just one season
PASSED BALL SHOW #111 12/17/2013 Part 1 WITH GREGG ZAUN AND JIM MECIR; I open up by discussing the Yankees recent signing of 2B Brian Roberts and exactly what type of player the team is getting. I talk about how some teams like Houston and the Chicago Cubs may become bigger spenders when some of their younger players start to develop. Then, I talk about why it makes sense for the Mets to keep Ike Davis right now. I then play my interview with longtime MLB catcher Gregg Zaun. Gregg talks about how the game changed before his eyes, why he stopped playing and what it was like having Rick Dempsey as an uncle. Gregg works for Sportsnet in Toronto covering the Blue Jays. I finish off my playing my interview with former Yankees, Devil Rays and Athletics RHP Jim Mecir. Jim mentions his foot condition that he had to overcome to be a major legue pitcher
PASSED BALL SHOW #110 12/12/2013 Part 2 WITH AARON SMALL, DAN COURY AND LANDIS WILSON; I open up by playing my interviews with up and coming pro catchers Landis Wilson and Dan Coury. I then get into the Prince Fielder trade and its impact on future trades. I talk then about the common players that played for the three new Hall of Fame managers Bobby Cox, Tony LaRussa and Joe Torre. I finish off by playing my interview with former Yankees, Athletics and Blue Jays RHP Aaron Small. We talk about his trials and tribulations of bouncing around from the minors to majors for 12 seasons and his 10-0 season for the Yankees in 20005
PASSED BALL SHOW #110 12/12/2013 Part 1 WITH NORMAN BERMAN AND HIRAM BOCACHICA; I open up by talking about how it was great and valuable for the Mets to sign RHP Bartolo Colon. I then play my interview with former 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers ball boy Norman Berman. He talks about his experiences as an aspiring young ballplayer and what he experienced as the ball boy meeting and playing cath with Jackie Robinson and others on that 1947 team. I then play my interview with former Dodgers, Athletics and Rockies OF Hiram Bocachica. He is now a sports agent
PASSED BALL SHOW #109 12/4/2013 Part 2 WITH TIM LEARY AND DAVE VAN HORNE; I open up by speaking with former Mets, Brewers, Dodgers and Yankees RHP Tim Leary about winning the 1988 World Series with the Dodgers, coming up with the Mets and playing for a couple of bad Yankees teams. Tim also started his own website to help start scholarships for high school players looking to excel in baseball. I then get into my annual Mets Black Friday value list, the career of Turkey Stearns and I recap the expansion drafts of the 1998 Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. I finish off by speaking with longtime Montreal Expos broadcaster and current voice for the Miami Marlins Dave Van Horne. Dave broadcasted the first game in the history of the Expos franchise and was the 2011 recipient of the Ford C Frisk Award in Baseball's Hall of Fame
PASSED BALL SHOW #109 12/4/2013 Part 1 WITH FRED VALENTINE; I open up by recapping the Jacoby Ellsbury signing as well as the trades the Oakland Athletics made. I mention the Red Sox signing of AJ Pierzynski and how I like the Rays decision to trade for RHP Heath Bell. I show my doubts over whether the Mets will close the deal on OF Curtis Granderson. I then speak with former Orioles and Senators OF Fred Valentine about his playing career, playing in the minors in segregated areas in the south and how he started the MLBP Ulumni Association
PASSED BALL SHOW #108 11/30/2013 Part 2 WITH JIM "MUDCAT" GRANT, JOEL BENNETT AND WILSON CAICEDO; On hour 2, I keep up with my discussion with the Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot. I am then joined by longtime MLB pitcher Jim "Mudcat" Grant. He talks about rooming with his boyhood idol Larry Doby, finding out he was traded to Minnesota by the clubhouse attendant and finally getting his World Series ring with the Pirates from 1971. Jim was the first African American pitcher to win 20 games as well as the first to win a World Series game. Wilson joins me to talk about the Hall of Fame and the Yankees offseason. I finish off with my interview with former Phillies and Orioles RHP Joel Bennett
PASSED BALL SHOW #108 11/30/2013 Part 1 WITH HERM WINNINGHAM; I open up the show by breaking down the Hall of Fame Ballot and talk about which players may make it and which ones should. I then speak with former Mets, Expos, Reds and Red Sox OF Herm Winningham about coming up with the Mets, the trade to Montreal and winning the 1990 World Series with the Cincinnati Reds. I finish up by breaking down the 1995 Reds team, led by manager Davey Johnson
PASSED BALL SHOW #107 11/19/2013 Part 2 WITH BOBBY HANEY AND DAMIAN JACKSON; I start out by speaking with SF Giants SS prospect and baseball author Bobby Haney about his development through the Giants system and what inspired his book. I then talk about the NL MVP vote and make my case for Paul Goldschmidt. I then preview the 2014 NY Mets roster if the season started today. I finish off by speaking with former MLB infielder Damian Jackson about his battle to learn baseball on the job and his hard work and determination to make the big leagues
PASSED BALL SHOW #107 11/19/2013 Part 1 WITH ROD GASPAR AND JUAN BERENGUER; I start out by speaking with former Mets and Padres OF and 1969 World Series Champion Rod Gaspar about the 1969 season and how he did not think he was going to make the 1969 Mets team. He also talks about how the success of his first season set back his development and made it difficult to remain in the big leagues afterwards. I briefly touch on the signing of Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz and about the Jay-Z Robinson Cano posturing. I then speak with longtime MLB RHP Juan Berenguer about winning two World Series and his reputation as "Senior Smoke"
PASSED BALL SHOW #106 11/12/2013 Part 2 WITH ANDREW LORRAINE AND WILLIE ROYSTER; I Open up by speaking with former MLB pitcher Andrew Lorraine about his MLB career and his experience over the past several seasons as pitching coach in the Seattle Mariners. Andrew talks about some of the top pitchers in the Mariners organization. I then bring up a possibility that MLB GMs that have a history of being stingy may have difficulty getting free agents to speak with them. I then break down the 12 finalists for the Veterans Committee nominees for the 2014 Baseball Hall of Fame. I finish off with my interview former Orioles catcher Willie Royster
PASSED BALL SHOW #106 11/12/2013 Part 1 WITH LEN BERMAN AND FRANK BOLICK; I open up by speaking with longtime NBC Sportscaster Len Berman about his love for baseball and his ability to transform from a NYC Sportscaster to a National one. Len talks about his books, as well as his blog and website www.thatssports.com. I then get into the MLB free agency period, as many think players will sign for what "they would pay." I finish off by speaking with former Expos and Angels infielder Frank Bolick aboiut his battle to get in the major leagues and his success in Japan
PASSED BALL SHOW #105 11/7/2013 Part 2 WITH BEAU WRIGHT AND RON "PAPA JACK" JACKSON; I open up by playing my interview with Miami Marlins pitching prospect Beau Wright. We talk about his conversion from a starting pitcher to a relief pitcher, which as a lefty mean conversion to a LOOGY. I then speak with former MLB infielder Ron Jackson. He has been an MLB hitting coach for the White Sox, Brewers and Red Sox and was the Red Sox hitting coach when they won the World Series in 2004. I finish off by talking about Pascual Perez, Bob Forsch and Hisashi Iwakuma. Then give some insight on the latest MLB hirings and make a case for Joey Cora to get a MLB gig
PASSED BALL SHOW #105 11/7/2013 Part 1 WITH GREG HANSELL AMD CHUCK HARTENSTEIN; I open up the program by talking about how teams need to do their due diligence during the offseason. Many fans get too hung up on which players their favorite teams are talking to the first week of free agency. I then speak with former MLB pitcher Greg Hansell, who pitched for 11 different MLB organizations throughout his career. He also spent 3 seasons with the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese League. I finish off by speaking with former MLB pitcher and pitching coach Chuck Hartenstein, who once pitched 18innings in a minor league game, and also pitched for the Cubs and Pirates in the 1960s
1-28-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the failures of the National Football League, most notably the NFL Owners, to hire the necessary amount of African American Head Coaches through its sport. The point was made further by the Carolina Panthers and their owner David Tepper, when he chose to bypass his interim HC Steve Wilks by hiring Frank Reich. John makes it very clear that this has nothing to do with Reich, himself a deserved HC that should be one in the league. After calling the Rooney rule "semantics" and blasting teams for their "token" interviews, John makes his case for what he believes will be the only way to ensure more black Head Coach candidates will get their due chances, and that is to mandate that all teams that hire a HC for the next ___? (maybe five?) years to have no choice than to hire a HC of dark skin. John then continues his frustration over the Baseball Hall of Fame's refusal to include some of the greatest players to play in its sport's history. John believes that MLB, the BBWAA, the Veterans Committee, and Hall of Fame puppeteers Bud Selig and Jane Forbes Clark all colluded together to determine who gets in and who does not, completely not based off of merit. John further connects the fact that lesser qualified players are getting in simply because the beforementioned have blackballed players from the "steroids era," among others. This will continue to happen until the best players with the best stats and best accomplishments get their due. In today's version of This Day is Sports History, John talks about Monte Irvin, Roy Campanella, Goose Goslin, the Dallas Cowboys, Minnesota Vikings, Sam Thompson, OJ Simpson, Jim Plunkett, Red Holzman, Bill Fitch, Red Grange, Chris Doleman, and Andre Iguodala.
1-24-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the Vancouver Canucks decision to fire Head Coach Bruce Boudreau. After making the obvious points centered around the fact that coaches in the National Hockey League have the shortest shelf life in regard to holding onto their job, John points out how bad a look it was for the Canucks to leave him out to dry the way they did. They should have fired him immediately- when they decided that they were going to, not wait the ten (10) days or so with the media reporting on it daily. John then talks about the Baseball Hall of Fame and how it would send a message on how the hall is broken if the BBWAA voted in nobody again this year. John reiterates his point when it comes to the change in the BBHOF in how it went from an exclusive club of the game's all-time greats to a popularity contest rewarding players that had the best run campaigns. The best players in the history of the sport are no longer being selected, instead being replaced by very good players that need to be spoken on behalf of so others can be reminded they were good. All-time greats are being replaced by popular very good players.
1-21-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by stating there are two classes of New York Mets fans in regard to the Carlos Correa signing/ no agreement. John explains their different stances before offering his own based on the fact that the Mets have not won a World Series in thirty-seven (37) years and why the urgency was there to pay him $315 million over the next twelve (12) years. John openly states that he does not give a shit about how much any player is getting paid and for how long and uses that fuel to declare that two World Series Championships in the next three years would have been enough to pay Correa his entire deal. That being said, John still feels that the Mets had a great offseason and is happy with the team’s moves. John then talks about the four NFL divisional round underdog teams and how the biggest underdog player is on a team that is favorited to win. John then explains why Brock Purdy may have saved what he believes was an awful QB draft class. In the OTD in sports history segment, John gives some respect to all-time great NBA star Bob Pettit and declares Wayne Gretzky the greatest of all sports GOATs (greatest of all time).
1-18-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by criticizing JK Dobbins for his comments after his team lost on Wild Card weekend. While John gets a grown man wanting the ball, Dobbins looked bad by ripping his team, a team in which (arguably) he has still not earned the number one running back spot. John believes the Baltimore Ravens should look to trade Dobbins for his comments alone. John also believes that Los Angeles Quarterback Justin Herbert deserves some of the blame for his team’s blowing of a 27-0 lead during their loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Fans and the media will continue to spin it in a different direction, ie. blaming coaches, etc. There is no more accountable position on a NFL field than the QB and because of that, Herbert will be judged by his wins and not by his individual numbers. Herbert should be expected to not only lead his team to the playoffs in 2023, but to win playoff games. John takes another shot at soon to be former Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder for refusing to play while his team seeks a trade. With Devin Booker and Chris Paul, among others, out it would be a time for Crowder to show how much of a “leader” he is. He is called a “leader” but has bailed on his team when they need him the most. John finishes off the program with this day in sports history.
1-14-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by stating that if Brooklyn Nets Guard Ben Simmons premeditated intention was to not score for an entire game, his team needed to win said game for it to be a good look. John’s prolegomenal point of the program is centered around the Head Coaching position of the National Football League. John’s belief has been centered around the fact that because the NFL Head Coach is the most important from the standpoint of being “face of the franchise,” firing a coach after a year or two is a bad look. The New York Giants and Brian Daboll have put a wrinkle in John’s argument, as have Doug Pederson and the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both coaches have proven the previous were the incorrect hires (obviously) but most importantly, proved that their predecessors were not right for the franchise. John explains the difference before talking about whether a coach such as Sean Payton can change the Denver Broncos and their fortune. John spends the rest of the program talking about Lamar Jackson and why his value to the Baltimore Ravens is higher to that of any other NFL franchise and compares it to Aaron Judge’s value to the New York Yankees. John still believes there is a racial undertone to NFL teams trusting black quarterbacks and head coaches, but does not believe this to be the case with Jackson and the Ravens. He finishes this show by stating he believes Jackson will remain in Baltimore and explains why.
1-10-2023 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about Black Monday and the National Football League, mainly the psychological “good place” fans are in if their favorite team’s coach gets fired. It is like a consolation prize for the team not making the playoffs, as if the coach is the only one to blame for the team not making the postseason. John gives a handful of reasons firing a coach is not always a good idea, especially after just one season. John then tries to place the now two time defending National Champion Quarterback Stetson Bennett into the NFL wondering how much of a chance he will get considering NFL teams obsession with the QB position. John explains why the Tampa Bay Rays are the right team to add Trevor Bauer and finishes off explaining why it is best for baseball that Carlos Correa signs with the Minnesota Twins.
1-7-2023 Passed Ball Show. In this brief episode, John takes a shot at star NBA guard Trae Young, declaring he might be what is holding the Atlanta Hawks back. John defends Hawks coach Nate McMillan and doubles down, claiming that Young will NEVER win a NBA Championship, comparing him (different players) to Russell Westbrook by stating he does make his team better. Instead, both are big on padding stats, Russ being Mr. Triple Double and Trae padding his scoring line. Next, John declares that Trevor Bauer will pitch for a MLB team THIS season and the fans for said team will still show up and root for the team he plays for. John believes that fans threaten to boycott their teams all the time but never follow through. Some might, but not enough to get a team to change their mind. Finally, John states the seriousness of cardiac infractions, and that there are 1,000 cases of cardiac arrest every day, over 90% of them fatal. John stands up for everybody that were not the sheep when it came to the Damar Hamlin moment of last Monday night. John states that you can BOTH care deeply about the young man, pray for his health, support him, and be compassionate AND question whether the NFL was right for cancelling the game and shutting the league down. John cites the fact that this decision was unprecedented and may have been done to appease a radical crowd- one of whom may be trying to silence free speech. John brings up Chuck Hughes, who died on the field for the Detroit Lions on October 24, 1971 in a game that was completed in its entirety. John then names six players who became paralyzed during a game that was then completed in its entirety.
12-28-2022 Passed Ball Show. In the final PBS broadcast of 2022, John wonders whether it is just Mets fans or whether other fans just expect the worst when it comes to things surrounding their favorite team. John now feels that somehow the Mets are going to back out of their deal with Carlos Correa. John reiterates his belief in Baker Mayfield and thinks he will be a starter in the NFL next season. Russell Wilson deserves blame for the embarrassing season the Denver Broncos are having. John suggests a contingency plan for the Broncos in the near future in case Russ is “Cooked.” With the possibilities of two (2) NFL divisions getting a postseason berth (a home playoff game) with a losing record, John suggests a reformatting of the playoff grid to give the team with the better record a hone playoff game. Finally, John criticizes the NBA media, and the players for taking the bait, when it comes to selfish NBA stat lines.
Passed Ball Show #103 10-22-2013 Part 2 with Todd Greene, John spends this program talking about America's Pasttime and shares his interview with former MLB catcher Todd Greene
Passed Ball Show #103 (10/22/2013) Part 1. John spends this part of the program doing a preview of the 2013 World Series between the Red Sox and Cardinals. John plays an interview he recorded with former MLB pitcher Roger Salkeld.
PASSED BALL SHOW #102 10/17/2013 Part 2 WITH RON BLOOMBERG AND TOBY HALL; I open up by speaking with former Yankees DH/ 1B Ron Bloomberg about being MLB's first DH and his time with the New York Yankees. I then get into my opinions about Yasiel Puig's antics and then talk about the LA Dodgers manager legacy and how it would be if Bill Russell remained the manager for the past 16 1/2 seasons. I finish off by speaking with former Tampa Bay Devil Rays catcher Toby Hall about some of the managers he played for as well as his time catching for Tampa Bay
PASSED BALL SHOW #102 10/17/2013 Part 1 WITH RON KITTLE; I open up the program by talking about the passing of MLB umpire Wally Bell. I get into the discussion about what players and managers on each remaining postseason team I'd like to see winning a World Series. I then speak with former White Sox OF/ DH Ron Kittle about how he was almost out of baseball before he ever played a MLB game and his connection to the White Sox community. I fiish off by highlighting the Pennant and World Series success of the remaining four teams
PASSED BALL SHOW #101 10/8/2013 Part 2 WITH DAN SCHLOSSBERG AND PETE LACOCK; I open up by speaking with longtime well known baseball author Dan Schlossberg. Dan is a big time Atlanta Braves fan and hosts a podcast called Braves Bantor and gives some perspective on the Braves 2014 season and off season and some info about Brian McCann. I then speak with former MLB 1B Pete LaCock about his experience playing for the Royals and Cubs in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Pete talks about how he disliked playing baseball in Japan and how his father was Peter Marshall, the host of Hollywood Squares
PASSED BALL SHOW #101 10/8/2013 Part 1 WITH BILL ZELTMAN, DAN SCHLOSSBERG AND PETE LACOCK; I start out by playing a piece I recorded with MTR Media CEO Bill Zeltman, talking MLB playoffs and other things going on in MLB. I then spend some time talking about Leo Durocher's career both as a player and as a manager. I finish off by speaking about the Dodgers changing the game of baseball by signing Jackie Robinson and the real reason they did it
PASSED BALL SHOW #100 10/1/2013 Part 2 WITH BRIAN DUBOIS, BILLY STAPLES AND GREGG CARLUCCI; I open up by commemorating 100 episodes of the show with somemessages from those who have been part of it. I speak with former Tigers LHP Brian DuBois about his brief career as a MLB starting pitcher and what he did to try to stay in the game. I speak with Billy Staples about the playoff races and how he was in Pittsburgh for the Wild Card game between the Pirates and Reds. He also talks about the conversations he had with Justin Morneau, Jason Grilli and Russell Martin. I then speak with the host of the Carlucci Show Gregg Carlucci about radio and our experiences over 100 PBS episodes. I finish off by playing a clip of some of my top interview quotes and some of my best rants over 100 shows
PASSED BALL SHOW #100 10/1/2013 Part 1 WITH BRIAN JOHNSON AND JAMES FLIPPIN; I celebrate the 100th episode of the Passed Ball Show. I speak with James Flippin, one of the first regular guests in the history of the show. I then speak with former Padres and Giants catcher Brian Johnson about steroids as well as some of his big HRs throughout his career. I also play a clip of some of the best soundbites of the interviews I have conducted
PASSED BALL SHOW #61 1/3/2013 Part 2 WITH STEVE BRAUN AND DUSTAN MOHR, JOINED IN STUDIO BY TONY FELDER AND WILSON CAICEDO; Listen back to my interview with former Cardinals and Twins 1B Steve Braun. We talk about his role as a pinch hitter for the Cardinals in the early 80s and his relationship with manager Whitey Herzog. Dustan calls in and we talk about playing for the Twins teams of the early 2000s- a true team effort. We also discuss the need or lack of need for an All Star at every position. We start and finish by giving some insight on what could be expected from the Yankees this season
PASSED BALL SHOW #61 1/3/2013 Part 1 WITH DWAYNE HOSEY AND JOEY BABOOTS, JOINED IN STUDIO BY TONY FELDER; Listen back to my interview with former Red Sox OF Dwayne Hosey as we talk about his 1995 season which brought him from the minors to a great MLB September and being a starter in the postseason series. Joey Baboots calls in to speak about the BCS Championship game on Monday as well as some perspective on what to expect from the Yankees in 2013. Tony and I also break down the Hall of Fame Ballot and how much steroids should or should not be a factor in determining a Hall of Fame player
PASSED BALL SHOW #79 5/7/2013 Part 2; After mentioning the recent death of former Philadelphia Athletics catcher Joe Astroth, I recap the 11 living players from the 1954 Philadelphia Athletics team (the last before the move to Kansas City). I also dub the 1950s as the geographical chance decade for MLB with cities such as Milwaukee, Kansas City, Baltimore, Los Angeles and San Francisco all get MLB franchises. I discuss how Robin Roberts would be a Hall of Famer even if he retired after 1961 with the Phillies. Carlos Gomez' start and how it relates to Nyjer Morgan being gone and I ask what criteria should be used to judge what is the best baseball movie
PASSED BALL SHOW #79 5/7/2013 Part 1 WITH FRED CLAIRE; I make the case why David Wright has been a clutch player for the Mets. I also compare the 2013 Yankees to the 2009 Mets, both teams plagued by injuries. I speak with long time LA Dodgers executive Fred Claire about his run as GM, the 1988 Dodgers, and Fox's take over of the Dodgers
PASSED BALL SHOW #78 5/3/2013 Part 2 WITH LEE TINSLEY; I start out by criticizing Keith Hernandez for taking broadcasting for granted and his "sighs" throughout the broadcasts. I salute Brad Lesley as well as breakdown the MLB closer changes that will happen this season. I also speak with Lee Tinsley, a current coach in the Chicago Cubs organization and former MLB OF with the Mariners, Red Sox and Phillies
PASSED BALL SHOW #78 5/3/2013 Part 1; Listen to my simple breakdown of what the New York Mets are, and suggestion of a serious trade the Mets should consider. I also talk about the unpires and suggest a solution to their problems that does not involve expanded instant replay. I finish off by making a suggestion to our friends who rely on the sabr stats and WAR
PASSED BALL SHOW #74 4/4/2013 Part 2 WITH APRIL WHITZMAN AND KEVIN MENCH; I talk about the historic 1948 foot race between elderly Connie Mack and Clark Griffith. April Whitzman calls in to talk about MLB fan cave and her passion for baseball. I throw my full support for Johan Santana and talk about his best New York Mets moments. I reach out to former Texas Rangers OF Kevin Mench to talk about the early 2002-2004 Rangers teams that had all offense and no pitching. I conclude by stating the obvious; why the LA Dodgers will win the NL West this season
PASSED BALL SHOW #74 4/4/2013 Part 1 WITH DON SLAUGHT AND MIKE HARGROVE; I open the program by laughing at the fact that fans run away from their pre season feelings about a team once the season starts. I speak with former MLB catcher Don Slaught about his time with the Royals, Yankees and Pirates and how he separated his responsibility of catching from being a consistent .300 hitter. Former Indians manager Mike Hargrove talks about winning the two AL Pennants in 1995 and 1997 and being part of the "10 cent beer night" disaster as a player
PASSED BALL SHOW #71 3/14/2013 Part 2 WITH DANNY GARCIA AND SETH ETHERTON; I talk a little bit about the World Baseball Classic and the brawl between Canada and Mexico. Danny Garcia calls in to talk about his brief opportunity to play for the New York Mets in 2003 and 2004 and what he is up to now a days. Seth Etherton talks about his comeback and what is was like pitching for his hometown Los Angles Angels
PASSED BALL SHOW #71 3/14/2013 Part 1 WITH RANDY MARSHALL AND CALVIN PICKERING; I open up by suggesting the Mets get OF Brennan Boesch, who has since signed with the Yankees. Former Mets, Tigers and Rockies minor league LHP Randy Marshall calls in to talk about his issues breaking into the big leagues and why he left the game so soon. Former Orioles, Reds, Red Sox and Royals 1B Calvin Pickering joins the program to talk about being blocked from the Orioles 1B/ DH spot by Will Clark, Rafael Palmeiro and Harold Baines and being the 3rd player from the Island of St Thomas to play in the majors
PASSED BALL SHOW #58 12/13/2012 Part 2 WITH RALPH CITARELLA AND BILLY STAPLES; PBS part 2 with @john_pielli, Billy Staples and Ralph Citarella. We go over some promotional dates for the Newark Bears for next season as well as go over Billy Staples latest book. Also some great stories of Ralph’s playing career and experiences Billy has had with MLB players
PASSED BALL SHOW #58 12/13/2012 Part 1 WITH RALPH CITARELLA AND BILLY STAPLES; Listen back to part one of the show as Ralph and I discuss the signing of Josh Hamilton with the Angels. I also ask Ralph many questions about his rise to the big leagues and am later joined by Billy Staples, a well known baseball author
PASSED BALL SHOW #68 2/21/2013 Part 2 WITH MIKE LACOSS AND VAL MAJEWSKI; Among topics in this hour are the 1979 Montreal Expos, Chris Young and the Nationals and two criminal MLB players that made the 1919 Black Sox and Pete Rose look like saints. Mike LaCoss speaks about who really taught him the split finger fastball and ibaseballchannel.com. I close it off by speaking with Val Majewski about pitching several times as a position player and his roots to Freehold, NJ
PASSED BALL SHOW #68 2/21/2013 Part 1 WITH ROB DUCEY; On the first part of the program, I talk about the potential dis-service the Yankees will be presented with the loss of Phil Hughes. I speak with former Blue Jays and Phillies OF Rob Ducey about being inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and his persistence throughout his MLB career. I also talk about Michael Jordan's baseball career recapping his 50th birthday. More on Dave Niehaus being the face of the Seattle Mariners franchise
PASSED BALL SHOW #66 2/7/2013 Part 2 WITH GAVIN CECCHINI; I start the second half by calling out Ryan Braun for the fraud he his, making the comparison between him and Rafael Palmeiro. Mets 2012 1st round draft pick Gavin Cecchini calls in to talk about his brother Garin, who was drafted by the Red Sox, living up to being a number 1 draft pick and what he expects to happen in the future. Though I support a potential signing, I compare Michael Bourn to a couple of other leadoff hitters the Mets gave long term deals to. I finish by analyzing the 1960, 1971 and 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates World Series Championship teams
PASSED BALL SHOW #66 2/7/2013 Part 1 WITH MARK BREWER AND JUSTIN MILLER; On this version of the PBS, I start out by giving my approval of Felix Hernandez's new contract with the Mariners and General Manager Jack Zduriencik's commitment to perhaps the greatest player in Seattle Mariners history. I speak with former Mets minor league pitching coach Mark Brewer about his experience as a pitching coach and with the young Mets pitchers and AAA manager Wally Backman. I also speak with former Blue Jays, Marlins and Giants RHP Justin Miller about having his arm tattoos covered as well as being on the 2007 Marlins team that eliminated the Mets from postseason contention
PASSED BALL SHOW #65 2/2/2013 Part 2 WITH DAVE SIMS AND JOHN HALAMA; Listen back to my prerecorded interview from October 2012 with Seattle Mariners and Westwood One broadcaster Dave Sims. Interview has never been played before. Also, listen to my discussion about second basemen and their place in baseball's HOF as well as my ranking of MLB's 30 managers. The show finishes off with my interview with former MLB pitcher John Halama, which was recorded the same day
PASSED BALL SHOW #65 2/2/2013 WITH JOEY GATHRIGHT; Listen back to my interview with MLB OF Joey Gathright as well as some discussion about the 1927 and 1936 New York Yankees. I finish up talking about the latest PED allegations and how much baseball should or should not care
PASSED BALL SHOW #64 Part 2 WITH BILL GULLICKSON AND MATT MCBRIDE; I spend some time on the Delmon Young signing and how much of a bargain it was and state the team that will end up with Michael Bourn. I speak with former MLB pitcher Bill Gullickson and discuss 1987 collusion, Japan, the 1981 postseason and comeback with the Astros. I talk to Colorado Rockies OF Matt McBride and talk about his offseason, being part of the Ubaldo Jimenez trade as well as starting his career as a catcher
PASSED BALL SHOW #64 1/24/2013 Part 1 WITH MARK GRANT; I start out the program by mentioning the simple thing I want to see the New York Mets do, which would be just enough to make me want to go to more games this season. Remembering the legend of Stan Musial in lieu of his passing as well as Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver. Mark Grant calls in to talk about his playing career, being part of a trade that involved a Cy Young Award Winner and MVP in the same season and what it is like to work next to a legend like Dick Enberg
PASSED BALL SHOW #62 Part 2 WITH AARON GUIEL, JOINED IN STUDIO BY CHRIS SPEZIALE FORM WIRED FOR SPORTS; Chris and I start by breaking down the offseason moves made by the Boston Red Sox. Former MLB OF Aaron Guiel calls in to talk about overcoming ten years of playing in the minors to get to the bigs. He talks about his success in 2003 and his transition to the Japanese League where he played for the Yalkult Swallows for 5 years. Afterwards, I hit on topics such as the worst MLB player names, starting pitchers who also had success as relievers and how dominant Rogers Hornsby was in the decade of the 1920s
PASSED BALL SHOW #62 1/10/2013 Part 1 JOINED BY CHRIS MITCHELL ANS CHRIS SPEZIALE FROM WIRED FOR SPORTS; Listen back as we go over everything involved with yesterday's announcement that nobody will be elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame by the writers. Opinion is shared on candidates such as Mike Piazza, Alan Trammell, Fred McGriff, Barry Bonds, Craig Biggio and more. John has some strong words for the one thing that kept Piazza from being inducted this year
PASSED BALL SHOW #60 12/27/2012 Part 2; Listen to my breakdown of the 2012-2013 Hall of Fame Ballot, from those who will get in, those that will fall short and those that will return to the ballot next season, top options to fill the last spot in the Mets rotation, how Indians, Diamondbacks, and Reds all won three way trade and remembering Josh Gibson and Billy Martin
PASSED BALL SHOW #60 12/27/2012 Part 1 WITH MATT ANTONELLI; Listen back as @john_pielli talks about the recent release of Ugueth Urbina from prison, the Red Sox outlook after the trade for Joel Hanrahan and what the best answer for a Yankees RH OF bat. Listen to my interview with MLB infielder and former Padres 2B Matt Antonelli
PASSED BALL SHOW #76 4/23/2013; This is the recap of the show I did live from the Hooters in Princeton the prior Thursday. I speak about the Mets, Rockies and Ruben Tejada,the Yankees and Vernon Wells and the Phillies and Roy Halliday's velocity. I speak about the movie "42" and Jackie Robinson Day as well as the renovations being done to Wrigley Field
PASSED BALL SHOW #75 4/11/2013 WITH ARMANDO RIOS AND KEN DAVIDOFF; I speak briefly with New York Post columnist Ken Davidoff and get into some of what I feel the biggest issues are for the Yankees going forward. Armando Rios, former OF for the Giants, Pirates and White Sox, joins the program to talk about his developmental program for young athletes as well as his time in the big leagues. I finish off by making my case that Zack Wheeler should be up with the Mets right now
PASSED BALL SHOW #73 3/28/2013 Part 2 WITH TIM DIERKES; I talk about the New York Post article and what it makes of Lenny Dykstra as well as Dykstra's open letter that he would be cleared of all charges. Of course, he was not. I play my earlier interview with MLB Trade Rumors creator and founder Tim Dierkes. I go over this date in baseball history as well as declaring my independent 2013 predictions
PASSED BALL SHOW #73 3/28/2013 Part 1 WITH JASON BERGMANN AND JOSE GUZMAN; I start out by recapping my trip to PSL, Fla and the negatives and positives of the New York Mets going into this season. I blast those who only use baseball prospectus for their MLB predictions and have no open mind. I speak with former Nationals RHP Jason Bergmann about his comeback and his offseason workouts as he looks to land a new team. Former Rangers and Cubs RHP Jose Guzman calls in to talk about playing for Bobby Valentine, nearly throwing a no hitter and his foundation
PASSED BALL SHOW #72 3/18/2013 Part 2 WITH ERIC VALENT AND GARRY TEMPLETON II; I touch a little bit on the WBC and injuries in MLB as well as this date in baseball history and the 2013 Dodgers 8 starting pitchers. Former MLB OF Eric Valent calls in to talk about being Rule 5 picked by the Mets, hitting for the Cycle and what he does now as a scout. Garry Templeton II calls in to talk about his father, his own playing career and what he is doing as a manager now. I finish off talking about the 1941 Dodgers, a team that had just about no relation to the Dodgers teams of the later 1940s, 1950s and 1960s
PASSED BALL SHOW #72 3/18/2013 Part 1 WITH SCOTT POSE AND KEVIN BASS; I give the scenario where Brennan Boesch will end up with the Mets by opening day, even after his signing with the Yankees. Former MLB OF Scott Pose calls in to tslk about being the first batter in the history of the Florida Marlins, being in the movie "For the love of the game" and being featured in the book "Journeymen: 24 Bittersweet Tales of Short Lived Major League Sports Careers." I then speak with former minor league OF Kevin Bass and ask him how often people confuse him with former MLB OF Kevin Bass. He also gets into his sports equipment business and what he does to produce it. I finish by standing by my predictions of the Seattle Mariners for 2013
PASSED BALL SHOW #40 8/9/2012 Part 2 WITH TANYON STURTZE, ROOSEVELT BROWN AND MANNY MOTA, JR; On part 2 of the PBS, @john_pielli speaks with former Yankees and Devil Rays RHP Tanyon Sturtze, former Cubs OF Roosevelt Brown and former Astros farmhand Manny Mota, Jr. Tanyon talks about the stark differences of pitching for the Yankees and Devil Rays as well as his 6-18 2002 season. Roosevelt talks about having his chance taken away by the Cubs acquiring Moises Alou for a pennant run. Manny talks about his MLB opportunity, being part of the Dodgers clubhouse and the memories of growing up with some of the greats.
PASSED BALL SHOW #40 8/9/2012 Part 1 WITH JAMES FLIPPIN AND ALEXIS PIELLI; Listen back to the first part of @john_pielli's Passed Ball Show where 6 year old Alexis Pielli makes her radio debut. I am then joined by host of MTR radio shows Garden State Radio and Turnpike Throwdown @james_flippin as we hit on a number of topics pertinent to the New York Mets. James talks about his lack in faith in the 2012 team as well as what players are worth keeping around for next season.
PASSED BALL SHOW #33 6/21/2012 Part 2 WITH MARVIN FREEMAN AND BRET BOONE; On part 2 of the program, @john_pielli is joined by former Phillies, Braves and Rockies pitcher Marvin Freeman. Marvin talks about being both a starter and reliever, hitting his only MLB HR in Chicago where he is from and pitching in the postseason for Atlanta in 1992. He also mentions the 1994 strike shortened season, where he finished 4th in the NL Cy Young voting. We discuss pitch counts and innings limits and whether or not we think Stephen Strasburg will pitch this entire season. I akso get into the conflict between managers Joe Maddon and Davey Johnson, remembering Mel Allen and trying to make sense of the fact that somebody actually fired Tony LaRussa. For the last 10 mins or so, I am joined by former AL All Star 2B Bret Boone. He talks about his development into a power hitter and his experiences during the record setting 2001 Seattle Mariners season where they won 116 games
PASSED BALL SHOW #33 6/21/2012 WITH ELI GRBA: On Part1 of the PBS, @john_pielli is joined by former Yankees and Angels pitcher Eli Grba. Eli talks about his experiences on the 1959 and 1960 NY Yankees teams and his feelings about not getting to pitch in the 1960 World Series. He also discusses being taken as the first player in the 1961 expansion draft by the Los Angeles Angels, where he pitched in and won the first game in the history of the franchise. He also describes the clubhouse behavior against the behavior of the players on the road. Also get my take on the importance of the Mets/ Yankees series this weekend, finally seeing the Mets win a game in person and the potential return of Jamie Moyer.
PASSED BALL SHOW #32 6/14/2012 PART TWO; On the second part of the program, I am joined by former Braves and Blue Jays LHP Pedro Borbon. Pedro discusses whether his chances of making the majors were helped or hurt by having a father that played the game. He talks about the impact the MLB player's strike had on him. He also mentions how being a lefty specialist was a win-win situation. We talk about how it felt to be a part of the 1995 Braves World Series Championship and compares his experience then to what it was like when his father won with the Cincinnati Reds in 1975 and 1976. I start the show by mentioning the Mets AA starting pitching in Binghamton and close by giving an opinion on MLB's looking into David Wright's 1st inning play that may have caused RA Dickey a chance at a no-hitter. Finally, I bring up my suspicion that collusion may have been going on last offseason.
PASSED BALL SHOW #32 6/14/2012 PART ONE WITH BILLY STAPLES; On the first segment of the PBS, @john_pielli talks to baseball writer, author and personality Billy Staples. Bill wrote "Billyball" which was a first person perspective of the entire 2009 season that resulted in the World Series between the Phillies and Yankees. We never got to the book, which we will discuss the next time he comes on, but Billy shared some great stories about speaking with and interviewing Derek Jeter, David Wright, Justin Mourneau among several others. He talks about what got him into interviewing baseball players and he shared some tips about how he has become so successful.
PASSED BALL SHOW #31 6/7/2012 PART TWO WITH RICH COUTINHO AND FORMER METS PITCHER DJ CARRASCO; wishing the best for Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda. SNY.tv and WFAN.com correspondent Rich Coutinho discusses the importance of today's Mets win over the Nationals. Where does the Mets rotation rank among the rest in the NL East? MLB? a case why the Mets bullpen is better than people think. The Mets role players are 1) better than we anticipated, 2) providing the team with depth most didn't think they had and 3) outperforming the Phillies role players. Can the Phillies handle this type of adversity? John is later joined by former New York Mets pitcher DJ Carrasco. They talk about what DJ is up to now that he is not pitching for the Mets anymore as well as whether DJ got a fair chance this year to remain with the Mets. Did DJ enjoy his time in NY? Would he ultimately prefer to be a starting pitcher or a reliever? I close by asking him honestly if he hit Brewers OF Ryan Braun on purpose.
PASSED BALL SHOW #31 6/7/2012 PART ONE WITH DAN SCHLOSSBERG; how random baseball fans suddenly become draft "experts". What do they know? You'd be amazed by which free agent players gave the team that lost them draft compensation. Recap of the Mets 3-1 win over the Washinston Nationals. Well known author of 35 baseball books and over 25,000 baseball books Dan Schlossberg calls in to discuss his book "The 300 club. Have we seen the last of baseball's 300 game winners?" Dan lets John know how much he underrates legendary broadcaster Milo Hamilton. Dan discusses the Braves bullpen, starting rotation, Andrelton Simmons VS Tyler Pastornicky and will let you know if Jair Jurrjens will be traded or be a top starting pitcher in the Atlanta rotation again.
PASSED BALL SHOW #30 5/31/2012 PART TWO WITH WFAN AND SNY HOST MARC MALUSIS AND BLOOMBERG SPORTS HOST JULIE ALEXANDRIA; MARC GIVES SOME OPINIONS ON THE DIRECTION OF THE NY YANKEES, WHATS TO BLAME FOR THE OFFENSIVE STRUGGLES, SHOULD RAFAEL SORIANO STAY THE CLOSER ONCE DAVID ROBERTSON RETURNS?, ARE THE METS FOR REAL, DOES HE LIKE DOING TV OR RADIO BETTER?, JULIE TALKS ABOUT BEING PITCHED THE IDEA FOR BEER MONEY, DOING A SHOW MOCKING WALLSTREET BEFORE THE STOCK MARKET PROBLEMS, HOW SHE BECAME SUCH A HUGE BASEBALL FAN, HAS SHE REACHED HER DREAM JOB HER, WHAT VOICE OVERS SHE DID FOR GRAND THEFT AUTO
PASSED BALL SHOW #30 5/31/2012 PART ONE WITH FORMER CHICAGO CUBS OF DERRICK MAY; BEING A 1ST RD DRAFT PICK, WRIGLEY FIELD, BEING A SECOND GENERATION MLB PLAYER, BEING A PLAYER IN HIS PRIME DURING THE MLB STRIKE, BEING A ROOKIE THE YEAR AFTER THE BREAKOUT SEASONS OF JEROME WALTON AND DWIGHT SMITH, ALSO PHONE LINES OPENED UP FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THE PROGRAM, MLB AND MLB.COM PROMOTING STUFFED BALLOT BOXES, ARE THE CUBS REALLY LOOKING TO TRADE STARLIN CASTRO?
PASSED BALL SHOW #29 5/24/2012 PART TWO WITH SIRIUS XM'S MLB HOMEPLATE HOST CASEY STERN; TRACES THE BEGINNING OF HIS METS FANDOM, HOW THE METS WERE THE TALK OF NYC IN THE 1980S, HOW THE '80S METS BROKE DOWN, HOW THE METS SHOULD HAVE MAKE AN OFFER TO JOSE REYES, RUBEN TEJADA IS A QUESTION MARK, METS MUST EXTEND DAVID WRIGHT, JOHN MAIO JOINS ME FOR THE SECOND HOUR; COLE HAMELS WILL LEAVE THE PHILLIES IF HE REACHES FREE AGENCY, TO DODGERS OR PADRES, PADRES BEING PURSUED BY GROUP LED BY TONY GWYNN, HOW THE TIGERS WILL BE FINE AND SHOULD STILL WIN AL CENTRAL, ORIOLES ARE FOR REAL AND WILL BE IN RACE IN SEPTEMBER, YANKEES MAY NOT INVEST IN KEY 2013 FA DUE TO BUDGET, HOW RUSSELL MARTIN MAY BE THE BEST OPTION AT THIS POINT TO CATCH FOR NYY
PASSED BALL SHOW #29 5/24/2012 PART ONE JOINED IN STUDIO BY JOHN MICHAEL MAIO; THE RESPONSIBILITY OF UMPIRES TO DO THEIR JOBS OR GET DEMOTED OR FIRED, HOW EXPENDED REPLAY GIVES NO REASON TO HAVE UMPIRES, NOBODY COMES TO THE GAME TO WATCH THE UMPIRES, WHY HAVE THE ANGELS STRUGGLED, HOW THE YANKEES AND PHILLIES WILL BE EXPECTED TO FAVORITES IN THEIR DIVISIONS UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE, HOW THE NATIONALS WILL NOT BE IN THE NL EAST OR NL WILD CARD RACE BY SEPTEMBER
PASSED BALL SHOW #27 5/10/2012 PART TWO JOINED IN STUDIO BY BOY MEETS MACHINE'S CHRISTIAN COLABELLI AND WITH JIM COLABELLI; JIM CALLS IN TO DISCUSS YANKEES BASEBALL, HE STARTS BY TALKING ABOUT WHAT IT WAS LIKE GROWING UP BEING A MICKEY MANTLE FAN, HOW THE KIDS USE TO ARGUE OVER WHO WAS BETTER BETWEEN MANTLE, DUKE SNIDER AND WILLIE MAYS, SHOULD THE YANKEES BE CHANGING THEIR LINEUP, DO THEY HAVE ENOUGH STARTING PITCHING, ARE THE YANKEES MISSING BRETT GARDNER, SHOULD GRANDERSON BAT ANYWHERE ELSE BUT 2ND, IS KEVIN LONG TO BLAME FOR THE YANKEES HITTING WOES, WHERE DOES JOE GIRARDI RANK AMONG AL EAST MANAGERS, JOE'S FEELINGS ABOUT BOBBY VALENTINE, JOE MADDON AND BUCK SHOWALTER
PASSED BALL SHOW #27 5/10/2012 PART ONE JOINED IN STUDIO BY BOY MEETS MACHINE'S CHRISTIAN COLABELLI AND WITH FORMER SF GIANTS PITCHER JOHN D'ACQUISTO AND FORMER MLB INFIELDER STEVE SPRINGER; JOHN DISCUSSES WITH US HIS FASTBALL MANY TIMES CLOCKED WELL OVER 100 MPH IN THE 1970s, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PREPARATION OF PITCHERS THEN AND NOW, PITCH COUNTS, STAMINA AND THE ROLE OF PITCHING COACHES BECOMING LESS THAN WHAT IT WAS, WHY PITCHERS GET HURT SO EASILY HOW AND A BREAKDOWN OF HIS PITCHING CAREER, STEVE CALLS IN TO DISCUSS HIS BRIEF MLB PLAYING CAREER AS WELL AS WHAT HE HAS DONE WITH HIS MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM AND HOW ITS HELPED YOUNG ATHLETES AND MLB PLAYERS INCLUDING BEN ZOBRIST
PASSED BALL SHOW #70 3/7/2013 Part 2 WITH AL HRABOSKY; I start out by talking about my pet peeve when it comes to over analyzing early spring training performance. After a complete break down of the AL Central division, I go over some TDIBBH. Longtime Cardinals broadcaster Al Hrabosky joins the program to talk about his shtick as "The Mad Hungarian" and his time pitching for the Cardinals, Royals and Braves
PASSED BALL SHOW #70 3/7/2013 Part 1 WITH ANDY MCCULLOUGH AND JEFF JUDEN; Listen to some suggestions of what the Yankees can do with the latest string of injuries. Andy McCullough from the Star Ledger calls in to give some insight about the Yankees, Mark Teixeira, Curtis Granderson, Derek Jeter and what they should do to cover for the rash of injuries as well as to what to expect from the team's starting pitchers. He also discusses why he left the Mets beat. I then break down teams such as the Astros and Cubs and mention some good reasons to be more optimistic is you are a fan of either team. Former Astros, Phillies, Indians, Expos, Angels, Brewers and Yankees RHP Jeff Juden joins the program to talk about being a 1st round draft pick, getting his real 1st MLB chance to pitch for the Phillies after the strike, pitching in the World Series for the Indians, pitching in Mike Piazza's first game with the Mets and pitching briefly for the 1999 Yankees who won the World Series
PASSED BALL SHOW #67 2/14/2013 Part 2 WITH SWEENY MURTI, PAT MAHOMES AND RUBBY DE LA ROSA; Part 2 starts out with my call to former Mets and Twins RHP Pat Mahomes. Pat talks about playing for the Mets teams in 1999 and 2000, his disputes with the Red Sox over wanting to be a starting pitcher and what he learn playing in Japan that saved his career. I speak briefly with Boston Red Sox pitcher Rubby de la Rosa about being included in the mega deal between Boston and Los Angeles involving Adrian Gonzalez as well as how he is recovering from his serious shoulder injury. I speak about the changeover in regards to MLB managers and how there is a lack of all time star power like there was as early as 2-3 years ago. Sweeny Murti calls in to talk about the recoveries of Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera and how the Yankees will be better than people think. He also touches on what to expect from other AL East teams and what team poses the biggest threat. I finish by going over this date in baseball history, courtesy of baseballreference.com
PASSED BALL SHOW #67 2/14/2013 Part 1 WITH MONTAOUS WALTON; I start the program by discussing some of the things brought up in Mike Piazza'a new book "Long Shot" as well as make the case why he should be in the Hall of Fame. I predict that RHP Kyle Lohse will be signed by next week's show, just do not know by whom. I speak to ameteur baseball player Montaous Walton about his attempts to try out for independent league teams and his decision to fabricate some of his accomplishments. I finish off by making some striking comparisons between former New York Mets 1B Carlos Delgado and Mo Vaughn
PASSED BALL SHOW #88 7/9/2013 Part 2 WITH BOB WATSON AND JERRY ROYSTER; I open up with my interview with long time Astros and Yankees 1B/ OF, Astros and Yankees General Manager and former VP of On field discipline Bob Watson. We talk about how many home runs he lost playing his home games in the Astrodome, being the GM for the Boss and winning a Gold Medal and World Series. I follow that up by speaking up with former Braves and Dodgers 2B Jerry Royster, who also managed the Brewers n 2002. We talk about coming up with the budding 1970s Dodgers teams as well as becoming a regular for the Braves. In addition, we touch on his catch which was featured on the credits of "This Week in Baseball" as well as taking over as manager for one of his best friends and coaching with Bobby Valentine last season for Boston. To close it out, I criticize the AL Final Vote, which happened to include just relief pitchers this season
PASSED BALL SHOW #88 7/9/2013 Part 1 WITH JERRY REUSS, BRAD PENNINGTON AND WILSON CAICEDO; I start off with my interview with 22 year MLB LHP Jerry Reuss. We talk about being drafted by the hometown team, the trade to the Dodgers for Rick Rhoden, throwing a no hitter as well as playing in 4 different decades. I get into the categories of pitchers who threw more than one no hitter, then talk about trade "dumps" and how they can be sometimes useless. I then speak with former Orioles LHP Brad Pennington about being the heir apparent to Gregg Olson. To finish off, I am joined by MTR Radio's Wilson Caicedo to talk a little about the All Star game and Yasiel Puig
PASSED BALL SHOW #87 7/2/2013 Part 2 WITH BROOKS KIESCHNICK; I open up by talking about the probability of the Twins trading 1B Justin Morneau and OF Josh Willingham and how the Twins may not be in a hurry to deal them. I then talk to former Cubs, Reds, Rockies and Brewers OF/ 1B Brooks Kieschnick about being drafted in the 1st round of the 1993 draft, never getting a chance to get 500 ABs for the Cubs and being taken in the expansion draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. We also talk about being a two way player (pitcher and position player) and how revolutionary his place in baseball was at the time. I then talk about the LOOGYs and why they have to be experienced to be effective, how it is not a surprise that the Pirates have taken their game to the next level and Ryne Duren, the original "Wild Thing." I finish off by sending by condolences to the family of former MLB pitcher Justin Miller and play the interview I recorded with his this past February
PASSED BALL SHOW #87 7/2/2013 Part 1 WITH BRET SABERHAGEN AND BOB KENDRICK; I open with my interview with 2 time AL Cy Young Award winner and former Royals, Mets, Rockies and Red Sox RHP Bret Saberhagen. We talk about his emergence on the Royals staff, the even-odd thing, pitching on a bad Mets team and his comeback after shoulder surgery. I go right in to my discussion with the President of the Negro Leagues museum Bob Kendrick. We talk about the history of the Negro Leagues andits place in baseball history. Bob tells us about the museum and how its come a long way since its origins in 1990. We talk about the all time Negro Leagues team and the statues that are in the museum. I finish off by talking a little Josh Satin/ Nick Evans and break down the season Binghamton Mets OF Cesar Puello is having
PASSED BALL SHOW #90 7/25/2013 Part 2 WITH CHRIS DONNELS AND CHARLIE LEIBRANDT; I open up with my interview with former Mets, Astros, Dodgers and Diamondbacks infielder Chris Donnels. We talk about him being the Mets first round draft pick after winning the World Series, reasons he struggled early in the majors after success in the minors, playing in Japan and making the postseason. I then get into the upcoming trade deadline and discuss options for teams like Boston, Atlanta, the Dodgers as well as the Phillies, Mets and Yankees. I am then joined over the phone by former Reds, Royals, Braves and Rangers LHP Charlie Leibrandt. We talk about his early years in Cincinnati and what he learned from guys like Tom Seaver and Mario Soto, his middle years with the Royals and their younger pitchers and his later years being the veteran on the Atlanta Braves staff
PASSED BALL SHOW #90 7/25/2013 Part 1 WITH AL OLIVER; I inform the listener about the upcoming Hall of Fame induction ceremonies this weekend and give a biography of each of the three inductees. Does the Hall of Fame selection of Col Jacob Ruppert mean George Steinbrenner could be next? I finish up with my extended interview with longtime MLB 1B/OF Al Oliver and discuss playing for the Pirates teams of the 1970s, Roberto Clemente and why his career ended so abruptly
PASSED BALL SHOW #89 7/16/2013 Part 2 WITH CALVIN MADURO; I open up by remembering Disco Demolition Night and who was the case of that disaster. I talk about the significance of Cesar Tovar's feat of playing all 9 positions in a single game. The several players that returned to big leagues after prolonged absences to fill roster spots from players serving in WWII. I compare Josh Satin's start to that of Kevin Maas. I speak with former Phillies and Orioles RHP Calvin Maduro about being the 1st MLB pitcher from Aruba, playing in the WBC and being knighted
PASSED BALL SHOW #89 7/16/2013 Part 1 WITH BENNY AYALA; I open the program by talking about the possibility of pitchers Tim Lincecum, Matt Garza and Phil Hughes being traded. I then speak with former Mets and Orioles outfielder Benny Ayala about hitting a HR in his first MLB AB as well as his postseason success with the Orioles. I finish off by talking about Chris Davis, his all time single season HR chase and where he ranks amongst the best for a single season. I get into the biogenesis scandal, mention how no suspensions will happen this year and no player without a prior suspension will get a penalty of above 50 games
PASSED BALL SHOW #82 5/30/2013 Part 2 WITH MATT WALBECK, BOB FRIEND AND CHAD MOELLER; Former MLB catcher Matt Walbeck joins the program to tslk about his baseball clinic, his MLB career and playing for the 2003 Detroit Tigers, one of the worst teams in MLB history. I mention Ken Brett and how underrated of a hitter he was as a pitcher. 1960 Pirates World Champion pitcher and 197 game winner Bob Friend speaks about the 1960 series, the earlier Pirates teams in the late 1950s and playing for Danny Murtaugh. Speaking of hitting pitchers, I discuss the transformation of Smokey Joe Wood from a pitcher to OF, with a special guest appearance from the great Roger Ahl. I then speak with former MLB catcher Chad Moeller about his time with the Diamondbacks and Brewers. Then discuss the amazing similarities between Pedro Guerrero and Kirk Gibson
PASSED BALL SHOW #82 5/30/2013 Part 1 WITH BUDDY BIANCALANA AND DAMON HOLLINS; Buddy Biancalana, former Royals SS on the 1985 World Series team, talks about his "zone" experience in the WS as well as his zone training program. Damon Hollins, former OF for the Devil Rays and Braves, calls in to talk about his career and whether he got a fair chance to show his talents with Atlanta. I conclude the first part of the program by talking about who the biggest MLB disappointment is: the Blue Jays, Dodgers or Angels as well as which team will right the ship and which of the three will change managers
PASSED BALL SHOW #81 5/21/2013 Part 1 WITH ROY SIEVERS AND ROGER MASON; I open up with my interview with 1949 AL Rookie of the Year and 1957 AL HR and RBI leader Roy Sievers. After discussing possible trades for Mets 1B, I speak with former Pirates, Phillies and Giants RHP Roger Mason about his nearly flawless postseason stats. I talk about team is really worse, the 2013 Astros or 2013 Marlins. Also, some discussion about how 2013 is the beginning of the new era of MLB aces and finish with where the Atlanta Braves bullpen will go from here after the recent injuries to Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty
PASSED BALL SHOW #51 10/25/2012 Part 2 WITH BOY MEETS MACHINE; On part two of the PBS, Boy Meets Machine joins @john_pielli for some more talk on topics such as Carlton Fisk, Chipper Jones and Josh Hamilton. That plus an acoustic performance by the band as well as what is on the callers minds
PASSED BALL SHOW #51 10/25/2012 Part 1 WITH TITO LANDRUM, JOINED IN STUDIO BY BOY MEETS MACHINE; Listen back to @john_pielli as he is joined in studio once again by Boy Meets Machine. Former Cardinals OF Tito Landrum calls in to talk about the 1985 Cardinals team, how he ended up in the starting lineup, how 1983 helped him prepare for the 1985 WS and the Don Denkinger call. Also listen to some discussion on the 2012 Yankees
PASSED BALL SHOW #49 10/11/2012 Part 2 WITH DYLAN OWEN; On part 2 of the PBS, @john_pielli speaks with New York Mets pitching prospect Dylan Owen. Also listen to his take on Chris Carpenter's place in Cardinals history as well as the model of consistency the St Louis Cardinals have maintained in spite of the loss of Albert Pujols, Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan
PASSED BALL SHOW #49 10/11/12 Part 1; Listen back to the PBS, where @john_pielli speaks with former Phillies and Cubs pitcher Terry Adams and reporter and radio personality from 610 Sports in Kansas City Robert Ford. Also listen to a recent recap of the 2012 MLB Postseason and up to date progress of the current games in as they were going on. Also some recap of the 2012 over/unders
PASSED BALL SHOW #50 10/18/2012 Part 2 WITH GREGG OLSON; On part 2 of the PBS, @john_pielli gives his opinion on both the Yankees disaster with Alex Rodriguez and the Nationals failure with Stephen Strasburg. Former All Star closer with the Orioles Gregg Olson calls in to talk about his confidence being a closer. He talks about coming up to the majors his first season being drafted on a Baltimore team that lost 107 games, as well as playing for Frank Robinson. Gregg explains why he did not have Tommy John surgery when it was suggested to him and any changes he made toward the latter parts of his career. He also tells a little bit about his recently released book
PASSED BALL SHOW #50 10/18/2012 Part 1 WITH JOHN D'ACQUISTO AND DAVE COGGIN; On part one of the PBS, @john_pielli speaks with former Giants pitcher John D'Acquisto about Tim Lincecum and the adjustments he has made. We also break down the strengths and weaknesses of the St Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants as they prepare for game 4 of the NLCS. Former Phillies RHP Dave Coggin calls in to talk about what he does with PFA Baseball and its ability to help young athletes. Dave talks about how he could have benefitted from such training when he pitched and goes over the Pleasc/ Coggin in the noggin joke they played more than once. All that plus John finally takes the New York fans to task
PASSED BALL SHOW #56 11/29/2012 Part 2 WITH CJ NITKOWSKI;Listen back to part 2 of the program as @john_pielli speaks with MLB pitcher CJ Nitkowski about his comeback, changing his arm angle and his interest in writing. I also touch on this date in baseball history and how Kenishaw Landis may have covered up another gambling scandal as well as what is means to win the offseason pennant
PASSED BALL SHOW #56 11/29/2012 Part 1 WITH BRUCE MURRAY; Listen back to part 1 of the show as @john_pielli speaks with Sirius XM host Bruce Murray from Mad Dog Radio. I also hit on topics like Denard Span and Washington, Mets chances of trading David Wright if he is not extended as well as RA Dickey and BJ Upton signing with the Braves. I also question people’s motives when they suggest trading a player for “prospects” when the term is used anonymously
PASSED BALL SHOW #54 11/15/2012 Part 2 WITH PHILLIP EVANS AND GREG BLOSSER; Listen back to part two of the PBS, where @john_pielli speaks with Mets SS prospect Phillip Evans and former MLB OF Greg Blosser. Also, the MVPs of both leagues are announced, the Reyes trade and which teams will become the next generation of big spenders
PASSED BALL SHOW #54 11/15/2012 Part 1 WITH RYAN FRASER AND MATT BUDGELL; Listen back to part one of the show where @john_pielli speaks with Mets pitching prospects Ryan Fraser and Matt Budgell. Also, some discussion on the Detroit Tigers signing Tori Hunter and how much of a fit Rafael Soriano would be there. A little bit on the postseason, mainly the NL Cy Young award.
12-21-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends the majority of this show speaking of his proudness to be a New York Mets fan right now. The Carlos Correa reported signing is one that he is having a hard time matching throughout the history of the franchise. While expressing his excitement, he discusses the implications on what the Mets have become as it compares to the past perception of the New York Yankees. He also makes it clear that the rest of MLB and their fans will hate the Mets. He also compares the 1986 Mets perception and the fact that the players were hated by other teams to the likeliness of a similar occurrence with the 2023 and future teams. John takes a couple of minutes to discuss the falling apart of the negotiations between the San Francisco “Baseball” Giants and Correa and how bad it looks from their end. How do they pivot to salvage an offseason that obviously had higher aspirations. Go trade for Ohtani? John concludes this program that this day should be enjoyed by all Mets fans, even the many that John does not get along with. Here is to John’s hopes to a great future for his favorite baseball team.
PASSED BALL SHOW #13 1/12/2012 HOW THE METS HAVE MISMANAGED THE $11.7 MILLION THEY HAVE SPENT ON FREE AGENTS, AN OUTLINE OF THE PERFECTION THAT IS NEEDED FOR THE METS TO BE COMPETITIVE, COMPARING BARRY LARKIN TO ALAN TRAMMELL, HOW THE 2013 HALL OF FAME BALLOT WORKS OUT
PASSED BALL SHOW #12 1/5/2012 NOT A SURPRISE METS WILL NOT SIGN ANOTHER PLAYER FOR $1.5 MIL, CASE FOR BILLY WAGNER IN THE HALL OF FAME, RYAN BRAUN HAS TO BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIS "MISTAKE", ALARMING NUMBER OF SCOTT BORAS CLIENTS STILL UNSIGNED
12-20-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by talking about Jacob deGrom’s decision to leave the Mets and New York. John specifically talks about Jake’s right to not want to thank the fans, the Mets, and New York if he truly does not want to. John makes the comparison to a “forced” apology- one that we ALL know is not sincere. John states that Jacob has the right to have not liked his time with the Mets, to have not liked his time with the fans, and to have not liked his time in New York. Fans and the media have the right to treat him however they want as a result. John then laughs about something that has proven to be true. You ever notice that every fan that complains about the officiating during an NFL game happens to also be a fan of the team that loses. Coincidence? Of course not. John gives an unequivocal answer on who the worst coach in the history of the NFL is and finishes off ruffling feathers by stating why Trevor Bauer has the right to work.
12-14-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about how great a job MLB Player Agent Scott Boras has done this offseason. He has gotten his players paid and it seems like his pending FA clients will be getting paid as well. John describes the payroll flexibility many teams have had and why San Francisco was ready to pay Carlos Correa. He uses the same logic to explain why Carlos Rodon might end up with the Minnesota Twins. In between, John bugs out on the losers on social media who have nothing better to do than make up random shit and hope something sticks to the wall. Finally, John wonders if the Yankees could convince Rodon to take a pay cut (he could get a $200 million contract) and how much of a hero he would be in New York if he did.
12-13-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by talking about the embarrassment that is the Oakland Athletics. The franchise is currently being run into the ground by its cheap ass owner with little hope in sight. John believes something could be done to save the team and he brings up a couple possibilities. He then pays his respect to Mississippi State Head Coach Mike Leach, who passed away last night unexpectedly. John questions whether running plays up the middle are the reason to explain injuries to Deebo Samuel, Trey Lance, and Jimmy Garoppolo. John finishes off the program by once again explaining why the baseball hall of fame is a joke.
12-10-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by stating what the most overrated annual game is. He then explains why the Mets were in a Catch 22 situation this offseason because of how impactful their free agents were this season. They needed to retain/ replace their free agents (and that cost of business is high) just to be as good (on paper) as the team that won 101 games in 2022. After discussing how long it has been since the Mets had a wire to wire NL East division winner, let alone World Series Championship, John gives the reason it makes the most sense right now for the team to do whatever it takes finally to win a World Series next season. John reiterates his belief in Baker Mayfield by stating there are NOT 32 NFL Quarterbacks that are better than him. However, it is important for Baker to prove himself over the next four (4) games of the regular season to earn his next job for 2023. Finally, John laughs at the Phoenix Suns and their childish sore loser antics in the waking seconds of their recent loss to the New Orleans Pelicans.
12-7-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by displaying the point of view of the average baseball fan during the free agent signing period. As players sign new deals with teams, the fan reacts to each one as if it applies to their own favorite team. Every time a free agent signs, that means the person’s team missed out on another player. John then talks about the surprising sudden firing of Tennessee Titans General Manager Jon Robinson. Weird to see a team fire a GM that is currently in first place. John believes it completely has to do with the trade of Wide Receiver AJ Brown to the Eagles, where the reminder of Brown’s value was on full display to Titans owner Amy Adams.
12-6-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about MLB and its free agency. John discusses some of the issues that have gone on for years between the MLB players and the owners. John believes that the players that are free agents will hold out for every dollar and year they can get and that the owners should pay full price for a free agent they really want. John then talks about the baseball hall of fame and wonders what is it about baseball that keeps the best players from being enshrined with the game’s highest honor. The three other major sports honor the players with the best statistics. Would baseball have found a way to not put Michael Jordan, Wayne Gretzky, or Tom Brady in had the all time greats dominated baseball? Also, a big time kudos to deserved Baseball Hall of Famer Fred McGriff.
12-3-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up by congratulating the Texas Rangers for winning the sweepstakes for Jacob deGrom. Jacob did not want to come back to New York and John believes he is not the only one. Could Aaron Judge follow him out of town? If he does, the NY Sports Fans and the NY Media need to held responsible for letting this happen. John asks when was thr last time a top three (or even ten) NBA player chose the Knicks? As far as the Baseball Hall of Fame, John can only dream that all time greats Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Rafael Palmeiro finally get their do call. If not, it will still be a great day for baseball to see Curt Schilling and Fred McGriff get their deserving place in the Baseball Hall of Fame. John finishes off by wondering how the Mets respond after not keeping deGrom and wonders how the Yankees will react if Aaron Judge leaves.
11-30-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about how it is uncommon for a team to give up on a quarterback they drafted in the top of the first round, or is it? John makes the case that the Zach Wilson benching is not so common and the patience for an organization to stick with any QB is at an all time low. John has some fun by discussing some top of the first round QB’s of Christmas past and points out how the hype of a successful college QB does not last long. John then makes the blanket statement that the grass is always greener and the most popular player is the backup QB. Then, John talks about two Head Coaches that could be on their way out after one season, then cites some others that have had the same fortune. He finishes off his filibuster by question whether Russell Wilson has been given enough of the blame for the struggles of the Denver Broncos.
11-29-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by criticizing Houston Astros Owner Jim Crane for his failure to relinquish handling of day to day baseball operations of the team. John describes several examples of not only owners meddling in sports front offices and influencing decisions, but making them and makes an argument that there is no example of an owner being successful in that role. John’s belief is that the Astros are headed down the wrong path if they do not hire a new team President or General Manager with the autonomy that was given to Jeff Luthnow. Listen to John’s takes on Jerry Jones and George Steinbrenner as well as Ted Turner and Jim Irsay. John talks about how illogical it is for there to be serious discussion about the job status of Ohio State Head Football Coach Ryan Day (45-5). John then talks about the hiring of new Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule and why he could have easily gotten a ten (10) year contact. Finally, John continues his assault on the Baseball Hall of Fame, the BBWAA, Bud Selig, and Jane Forbes Clark but discussing the current state of the ballot, fluff, and why many undeserving players will be getting into the Baseball Hall of Fame soon.
11-26-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by ripping into Phoenix Suns forward Jae Crowder for thinking he has earned his right as a player to not only ask for and demand a trade, but to have the audacity to refuse to play until a deal is completed. And he plays for a good team that was in the NBA Finals two years ago. John then gives a massive amount of confidence in the 2022-2023 Portland Trail Blazers and makes a claim that they will prove to be a top two (2) or three (3) team in the entire NBA and then explains why. He then salutes all time great NFL Head Coach George Halas for being among the GOATS at the position, but questions his logic in his decision to move on from George Blanda as his Quarterback. Blanda, of course, went on to a Hall of Fame career, leading the 1960 and 1961 Houston Oilers to the first two AFL Championships, On rivalry weekend, John asks if there is a better rivalry in sports than Michigan/ Ohio State. He cites some others, please add one if your favorite rivalry was omitted.
11-19-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about Geno Smith being a backup quarterback succeeding as a starter in the NFL and why it is not a bad thing. He compares Geno to some of the best backup quarterbacks in NFL history such as Earl Morrall, Craig Morton, Steve Young (when he was Joe Montana's backup), Steve Beuerlein (with Dallas), Jeff Hostetler, and Nick Foles. He then laughs at the hypocrisy of the former NFL players complaining on their talk programs about Jeff Saturday becoming the Head Coach of the Indianapolis Colts. Saturday became the HC for the Colts for the same reason the players got jobs as NFL analysts- BECAUSE THEY PLAYED THE FRIGGIN eGAME! The same nepotism they are criticizing Saturday for getting is the same reason they got their jobs. After giving some credit to 2022 NFL Draftees Christian Watson and Treylon Burks, John blasts the draft as possibly being the worst in the history of the league when it comes to the quarterback position. John doubles down on that by stating that five years from now there will be zero (0) starting QB's from this draft class with the likeliness that all nine that were drafted in 2022 will be out of the league. Finally, when NoBody is Listening, John gives a destination for free agent outfielder Brandon Nimmo that would improve that team more than either Toronto or New York.
11-12-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens this program by talking, in detail, about the similarities between now former Houston Astros General Manager James Click and perhaps soon to be former New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom. Click is leaving the Astros organization, not because he did not produce the appropriate amount of results, but because the team’s owner Jim Crane did not want to retain him. That is the only way to explain the one (1) year contract offer he was given after leading the Astros to their second World Series Championship. deGrom, on the other hand, heads to open free agency knowing he just played for the team that has the resources to give him anything he wants to finish his career in New York. Jake does not get to free agency if he truly does not want to leave the Mets. Just like Click does not get a one (1) year contract offer if the Astros truly want him to return. John talks about the possibility of deGrom pitching in Texas with the Rangers and manager Bruce Bochy. He also wonders whether any of the major New York free agents (Jake, Aaron Judge, Brandon Nimmo, Anthony Rizzo, Chris Bassitt, Jameson Tallion, Taijuan Walker) actually want to return to New York with the way their teams are treated by their fans and the media. John then proposes a too perfect fit for Aaron Judge before bullshitting about the three major free agent shortstops. Finally, John gets into what you (YOU) can do to influence the program going forward.
11-5-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by asking whether it will be the two (2) time World Series Champion Houston Astros or the three (3) time WS Champion Philadelphia Phillies. He then dunks on Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay claiming he has instructed the Colts to quit this season. John talks about how unprecedented it is for a team to quit and give up on an entire season after being only 3-3. John then looks for a different take when it comes to Kyrie Irving and the Brooklyn Nets. After stating some of the obvious, he talks about Irving’s apology, forced or not, and whether he should have the opportunity to learn from his support of a hate infested film that was antisemitic. John examines soon to be former Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver’s apology and wonders if he can be forgiven and use his platform to become a better person. John accepts Kyrie’s apology and also accepts Sarver’s with the hope they become better human beings and prove it with their future actions. John cites racists during the time of Jackie Robinson to show that people can become more inclusive even if their parents and grandparents were not. Finally, John talks about Brandin Cooks’ decision to not play last Thursday because he was not traded by the NFL trading deadline. After expressing that he has never forgiven James Harden for doing the same, he gives his respect to Houston Texans Head Coach Lovie Smith for clarifying why Cooks did not play and taking ownership of it. Once Cooks’ returned to Texans practice on Friday, John was willing to forgive him as well.
10-29-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by stating the obvious about JT Realmuto and Justin Verlander. He then talks about the perspective free agency of Aaron Judge and Jacob deGrom and makes a case for why they do not need New York. This is a far cry from years ago when NY was considered the destination for any top athlete. Reggie Jackson and Mark Messier believed winning in New York was better than winning anywhere else, but what players of today believe the same to be true? John mentions the fact that the amount of money may no longer be greater in NY and that other states do not have income taxes. Has the NY fans treatment of players become a deterrent when it comes to players staying/ wanting to play in NY? John cites Aaron Judge being booed in the playoffs and explains why there might have been something to the Mets "Thumbs Down" message of 2021. John laughs off the 'New York sports fans are the most passionate in the country" schtick by making one statement, what other region or sports city believes this? Obviously, it is all subjective. He finishes off by asking, have the fans and media of NY ruined what used to be a draw playing in the very city they support their sports?
10-25-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by laughing at the fact that University of Texas Football Head Coach Steve Sarkisian had to apologize for not signing the school’s Texas song after following their loss to Oklahoma State. He then cuts into the fact that it would have not been an issue had the team won. This launches him into his rant about the under respecting of the basic win or loss when it comes to the teams we root for. Win and loss is too basic for most, we need to tell the public we (the media and fans) are much smarter than anybody who thinks, simply, : the team that wins is good and the team that looses is bad. John claims that is all it is. He talks about the NY Football Giants great start and how everybody believes it all about the coach. He asks you if you feel the same way if the Giants lose their next five? (This is not a prediction, just a question.) He then talks about the Denver Broncos and Chicago Bears and asks if you would be still down on the Denver coach if they won their next five? Would you believe the Bears are still headed in the right direction if they shit the bed next week? He then finishes off his point by discussing the careers of Hall of Fame Baseball managers Casey Stengel and Joe Torre. Finally, he advocates a Bruce Bochy/ Jacob deGrom combo in Texas (providing Jake really wants out of New York) and why Hideki Matsui belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame.
10/1/2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by talking about the Boston Celtics and why they were right to suspend and likely fire Head Coach Ime Udoka, even though initially John disagreed. He then explains why the NFL, its concussion protocol, and the Miami Dolphins did their job in handling of injured Quarterback Tua Tagliavioga in spite of how YOU feel. He then compares the anticipated exit of disgraced Phoenix Suns owner Robert Sarver to murder and makes a case that murderers have gotten the opportunity to continue in their professions after they have served their time. John then uses the old "Sticks and Stones may break my bones" reference, then proves that words are now more of a crime than anything done in a physical nature. He then moves into his prolegomena as he mentions the recent passing of former Athletics and Yankees outfielder Hector Lopez. He then goes on a rant about conflict of interest, first about the Kansas City Athletics and their owner, Arnold Johnson- then about longtime owner and manager Connie Mack and Philadelphia. He finishes off by crediting Charlie Finley for saving the Athletics franchise and why his idea of how to handle free agency in baseball was what baseball should have used.
9-20-2022 Passed Ball Show. John makes his return to the PBS by reminding those who need to know that Barry Bonds is still the MLB single season home run leader. He talks a little bit about Aaron Judge’s season and laughs at anybody that thinks he is not the AL MVP. John then talks anout the obsession with the LA Angels MVP club. The same people that thought that Mike Trout should have won the award from 2012-2019 think Shohei Ohtani should win every year he both hits and pitches. John reminds the viewers that the Angels season went to shit because they fired Joe Maddon before talking about some of the disappointing teams in the National Football League. The Colts, Titans, and Bengals stand out and John discusses why all could miss out on playing postseason football. John then goes off on the offseason darlings of the NFL, the Denver Broncos. John laughs at all the rhetoric whether it was Russell Wilson, the offensive minded Head Coach, and all those that automatically punched Denver’s ticket to Super Bowl LVI. Finally, John talks about the obsession with the NFL Backup Quarterback, especially the rookie- just drafted QB. John reiterates that the draft class lacked talent at the position, but it will not stop pundits and fans for wanting to see the likes of Kenny Pickett, Desmond Ridder, and Malik Willis, simply because they have not played. John doubles down by stating that none of the three will be a regular starter in the NFL in three (3) years. Check back with you then
9-1-2022 Passed Ball Show. John comes back from his brief hiatus to stick up for one of the best managers in the history of Major League Baseball, Tony LaRussa. While woke baseball fans want to run him out of town, John speaks out about why he will always support the White Sox manager. John then questions whether Albert Pujols will return to MLB next season, in spite of his decision to call it quits after the 2022 baseball season. Would he retire if he hit 699 home runs? 698? 697? John then spends a little time talking about the Baltimore Orioles and how their organizational talent has impact their parent club. He declares the turning point to their season when they brought up Adley Rutschman, comparing his arrival to that of Tom Seaver to the Mets in 1967. He then declares that the change in culture (from losing to winning) of the Mets was when they signed Starling Marte for similar reasons to Rutschman, and of course to a much greater extent, Seaver. John finishes off this version of the program by talking about Aaron Judge and his quest for 60 home runs and whether the Yankees have the balls to play hardball when it comes to negotiate his next contract.
8-8-2022 Passed Ball Show. John starts out by making four basic declarations, all of whom are true. He then gets into the perception that bad baseball teams should trade valuable players to contenders regardless of what the return is. John cites the Colorado Rockies and Daniel Bard, a player whom the Rockies obviously valued more than what other teams were willing to give up to obtain him. John hates the publicly declared "buyers and sellers" and believes each team should do whatever it believes is the best for the ballclub going forward, not what "you" think they should do. John then calls out national "rub and tugs" and wonders why few seem to care that there are massage parlors that also offer services such as masturbation assistance and "happy endings." John would figure that those outraged over Deshaun Watson's behavior would have a problem with these places, that exist all over the country and the world. John finishes off this program by letting out his frustration with baseball catchers who now throw the ball around the horn on third out strike three as opposed to simple rolling the ball out to the mound.
7/10/2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program complaining about those obsessed with the possession of a baseball at a ballgame. People embarrass themselves daily for their pursuit of something that John even questions whether it has any value to it. Grown adults make complete fools of themselves just to possess a baseball. John then gives a couple reasons the Carolina Panthers traded for Baker Mayfield, the most important being newly drafted quarterback Matt Corral not being signed. John explains why Corral, Malik Willis, and Desmond Ridder have not signed yet, blaming the media for hyping them up as first round draft picks when they clearly were not. Finally, John makes a reasonable claim that Kevin Durant may very well remain in Brooklyn for this next NBA season and explains why.
6-27-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by highlighting some of the underrated closers in Major League Baseball this season (in 2022). He then laughs at all the teams’ fans that believe their team will be best suited to acquire Chicago Cubs relief pitcher David Robertson. John’s first prediction of the show is the statement that Robertson will be traded for a team’s top ten (10) prospect. John then talks about the fight between the Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels. John talks about how an actual baseball fight, not the dog and pony show we see very often, is more entertaining than on the field action in baseball over the last couple of years. After congratulating the Colorado Avalanche on their third (3rd) Stanley Cup, John reminisces about the Quebec Nordiques and the original Winnipeg Jets (1979-1996) and wonders if the NHL missed out on its last expansion by not adding another Canadian team. John then talks about the Deshaun Watson case and his eventual suspension and the futures of Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo, who everybody assumes are going to either Seattle or Carolina. John makes his second prediction when he states Baker Mayfield will still be a member of the Cleveland Browns Week One (1) of this coming NFL season.
6-25-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about Major League Baseball’s arbitration system and how very little constructive things come out of an arbitration hearing. John is lost for words when it comes to the Atlanta Braves choosing to go to arbitration with ace starting pitcher Max Fried over $250,000. John talks about the airing of dirty laundry and the personal elements and what arbitration cases do to the relationship between the player and the team. John then congratulates the New York Yankees and their agreement with Aaron Judge to a contract for the 2021 season that avoided arbitration. John expresses his fear that the “Yankee Brand” and the “Yankee Way” could get in the way of Judge receiving the longterm contract he deserves. John gives some examples of some differences between the free agent market now and what it was during the time of say, Derek Jeter’s and Bernie Williams’ free agency. John concludes his points by stating the Yankees still never miss out on a player they truly want, ie. Gerrit Cole, Masuhiro Tanaka. John then spends some time talking about the struggles of the now 0-35 Empire State Greys of the Independent Frontier Professional Baseball League. He compares their incompetence to the 1899 Cleveland Spiders, though he gives legitimate reasons the latter was so bad. John then celebrates the latest NBA draft by talking about his fascination with parity balanced with his intrigue with dominance (dynasties).
6-21-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by congratulating Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors on their seventh (and fourth in the last eight years) NBA Championship. John was critical of Green’s performance in Games One (1)- Four (4), but the all around team leader was strong in Game Five (5) and elite in Game Sox (6). John then discusses the season ending injury to Los Angeles Angels third baseman Anthony Rendon and spends some time talking about the recent (last 10-12 years) history of the Angels giving out bad contracts. John mentions specifically the deals they gave Rendon, Albert Pujols, Josh Hamilton, Justin Upton, and CJ Wilson and the fact that none of them worked out favorably for Los Angeles. Is it the fault of the team for giving said bad contracts? Hindsight says it is. Was Rendon worth $245 million over seven (7) years? Maybe not, but he was due a big contract based off his performance in Washington. There was a market for Rendon’s services and the Angels outbid the other teams for him. Pujols’ contract does not look good in hindsight, but how does one explain not giving him that big of a deal coming off the run he had over his eleven (11) seasons in St. Louis? John questions some of the blame that is often thrown on a team that signs a player to a contract that ends up not working out. At what point is it the responsibility of the player to perform to a close enough level to their past? Depreciation is understandable, but the dropoffs of some of the Angels players, particularly Hamilton and Upton, could not have been predicted. John makes some similar points about Jason Bay and a minor point about Carl Pavano before discussing the parameters of Shohei Ohtani’s next contract. First, John talks about how the Angels cannot let their past bad signings impact their expected investment in Ohtani. Secondly, John breaks down Shohei’s value as both a top of the rotation starting pitcher and as a middle of the order bat wondering if he should get paid for both. Or each separately? This, of course, is assuming Ohtani can perform the duties of two specific (and different) players over the course of the next decade. John finishes off the program by proposing a lengthy (between 10-12 years, maybe more) contract to keep the average annual value down, similar to the deal that Ilya Kovalchuk got when he signed a long term deal with the New Jersey Devils, albeit one that the players did not fulfill the obligations of.
6-13-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by mentioning he would like to see the Tampa Bay Lightning win their third straight Stanley Cup Finals and how he is seeing a totally different way that Draymond Green is going to cost the Golden State Warriors a NBA Championship. John spends the bulk of this program talking about the Court of Public Opinion and the fact that it has been against Tony LaRussa since the day he was hired for the second (2nd) time as manager of the Chicago White Sox. There has been a cult that has wanted him to fail from the beginning in a time where baseball’s manager has changed responsibilities. John talks about the hypocrisy when it comes to fans, who want a manager to have the balls to do what he feels is right in a sport that follows a game plan created by the front office. LaRussa did that, of course to the worse of consequences, but he did go against the grain and likely did not follow the game plan. John spends the last part of show talking about selective cheating in MLB and how catchers’ framing and the left handed pitchers’ privilege as they are allowed to balk the ball to first base when throwing out a leading baserunner.
6-8-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by reminding the viewers about the two MLB managers that have been let go in the past five days. He talks about what they have in common- proven MLB managers, those who have in the past had more autonomy when it comes to game planning. John talks about the lack of patience MLB teams have with proven managers now, as it seems a proven MLB manager will only be hired with the expectation of only "win now." John believes that proven MLB managers will have to now succeed at all costs if they expect to survive in the game today, one that John claims is leaning towards the checklist followers that simply listen to the front office's game plan. John then calls out now former Utah Jazz Head Coach Quin Snyder for quitting on his team, which may result in the team being completely reconstructed. He finishes by comparing Snyder to College Football Head Coaches Lincoln Riley, Brian Kelly, and Mario Cristobal, all of whom turned their back on young men that had committed themselves to them.
5-26-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the program by questioning why Manu Ginobili is in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame. The Four Time NBA Champion had an exciting run, but John believes this is just another example of the NBA’s Hall of Fame being watered down. John then compares the decision most recent Florida Panthers forward Joe Thornton has to make regarding his future to former MLB players Julio Franco, Jamie Moyer, and Bartolo Colon. The latter group had the energy and stamina to continue playing but were a shed of their best. Does Thornton want to be like Udonis Haslem? Not everybody is Tom Brady. Finally, John talks about the decision of the Las Vegas Raiders to work out Colin Kaepernick. John believes Kaepernick is owed that closure even if his comeback is not successful. John points to recent NFL comebacks by Tiki Barber and Tim Tebow as reasons that Kaepernick should be given an opportunity to attend training camp.
5-24-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by remembering the impact Jackie Robinson had on baseball and reminding many of his sacrifices he made when he signed a professional contract with the Brooklyn Dodgers (Montreal Royals) for the 1946 season. Jackie had a clause in his contract that he agreed to that prevented him from fighting back from any ridicule he would be subjected to. This was for his first three years. Chicago White Sox infielder Tim Anderson could not shine Robinson’s shoes- this is where the comparison between the two should stop. Anderson has every right to admire Robinson, but he should in no way compare himself to the latter. His sensitivity proves he could not go through what Robinson went through. John does not stop at criticizing just Anderson, as he states that Josh Donaldson’s reputation gives him no credibility when he speaks. John also questions why JD has been on so many teams and has not remained with a single team for four (4) complete MLB seasons. John then opines about the Los Angeles Lakers and how they may go forth with Russell Westbrook. While John believes the Lakers’ best play is to keep Westbrook, especially due to his expiring contract, he disagrees with Magic Johnson’s insinuation that the Lakers’ next coach will best be able to utilize the future Hall of Famer. Westbrook’s game is best suited to himself and his best team will fit in with him as opposed to the opposite. John finishes the program off by questioning the longevity of the Lakers Head Coaches since Phil Jackson’s departure. John believes a stable force at the HC position, as opposed to the revolving door which has been the past ten (10) plus years, is the best formula for establishing the proper chain in command.
5-21-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens this show up by mentioning that John Salley was the first player in NBA history to win NBA Championships with three (3) or more NBA teams. He has since been joined by Robert Horry, Danny Green, and LeBron James. John then gets into discussion about what would be the best for Baker Mayfield this coming NFL season. While others have spent time trying to find a team to use him as their starting quarterback, John makes the case of why it might be best for Baker to stay in Cleveland this year. Especially if Deshaun Watson faces a suspension for his off the field conduct, Baker could be best suited playing out his option as a showcase for his future employer. Of course, if Watson plays, it will take a lot for Baker to back off his ego, an ego that John explains is necessary to be a QB in the NFL. John then plays up what he feels can be an enjoyable and exciting NBA Finals between Boston and Golden State, half of which John predicted from the onset of the postseason. John’s finale includes some reasons he believes Tiger Woods playing in a major will always be stronger than the performance of any other player on the PGA Tour.
5-17-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends this show talking about the state of the Golden State Warriors and whether this playoff run constitutes a part of their dynasty. The dynasty which saw the Warriors make it to five straight NBA Finals and win three championships. John thinks it could be part of the same thing as long as they win the NBA Championship this year. He makes the comparison to the 1990's Chicago Bulls and the "break" in their dynasty caused by Michael Jordan's decision to quit to play baseball. John then goes on a tangent talking about how one can quantify the best player to ever play a sport and why a lot of fans forget to normalize the generational differences between a player that plays now and a player that played a game from a different generation. John cites George Mikan, Babe Ruth, and others as he makes a profound point about comparing different generations of players.
5-14-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends a significant time on this show comparing the way the Philadelphia 76ers and Memphis Grizzlies lost the sixth (6th) game of their respective conference semifinals series. John wonders why they are being perceived by the National media differently even though they both lost the same way. Both teams went through the motions in the fourth quarter when their opponent took the lead and a case could be made that both teams gave up over the last five minutes of the deciding games. Yet, Philadelphia is looked at as a failure and Memphis is looked at as the future of the NBA. John knocks some holes into this real narrative. John then applauds the New Orleans Saints signing of Jarvis Landry and talks about the potential Wide Receiver core of Landry, Chris Olave, and Michael Thomas and how that may raise the game of Jameis Winston. However, this could also expose the former Florida State star is they cannot develop the appropriate chemistry. John goes off on the fact that the NFL schedule reveal is a waste of time and questions why it is such a big deal even though mostly everyone knows which teams are playing whom. Finally, a little more love and respect for Robinson Cano as John hopes for his success during his future with the San Diego Padres.
5-11-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by giving his grand finale to the Conference Semi-Final round. John’s belief is that three of the four series are coming to a conclusion, with the likeliness that Golden State, Phoenix, and Miami are headed to their respective conference finals. John believes that few are respecting the talents of the top seeded teams in each conference (Miami, Boston, Phoenix, Memphis) with an emphasis on the Heat. John explains why Memphis will not win the series and how the Grizzlies failed to take advantage of an opportunity they will never have again. John then takes a couple minutes to remember former Detroit Pistons and Milwaukee Bucks Center Bob Lanier, who passed away at the age of 73. Lanier was a dominant big man when the league took pride in its rim protectors. Lanier was a solid emeritus for the league and his work with NBA players for the past 30 years makes him as much of a Hall of Fame person as he was a Hall of Fame player. John then talks about Reid Detmers no hitter and how nine (9) inning no hitters could become a thing of the past. John then stakes his claim that the Los Angeles Angels are finally going to have a big season. John talks about the Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds and how their owners have single handed lay screwed up the once proud franchises.
5-9-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by professing his love for sports. He talks about the sanctuary sports have become- not only to him, but what it is to other sports fans. John talks about his disappointment when other things work their way into sports, even though he understands. He then explains why athletes have the right to talk about whatever they want with the understanding that they are open to ridicule and the listener/ viewer reserves the right to just not listen. John talks about the difference in NBA Basketball action between the 1980’s and early 1990’s and now and laughs as violence has been replaced with drama and acting. John brings up his favorite sport, baseball, and asks some questions about what can be done to bring more action on the field. Is it a pitchers advantage? Ala 1968? Or has it become an information overload, slowly driving its fans to other sports? Or perhaps it is simply a younger fans game?
5-7-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about why baseball should have a salary cap and why it should come in conjunction with a salary floor. John brings up the reasons why baseball players are having their salaries impacted because the owners have a right to determine exactly how much they want to put aside to pay their players. John then brings up some of the issues with the NFL salary cap and why the players rise in salary is not moving at the same pace as the salary cap number. John talks about Ryan Tannehill and agrees with his comments about not being responsible for mentoring and training his replacement. John compares that to your average job and only has one example why somebody would be willing to train their replacement. John then cites the other examples of NFL quarterbacks and the transition of power to prove that nobody does this. Finally, John previews a piece he is working on in regards to the teams that had the best record in a MLB league since 1969 and how many of them made it to the World Series.
Passed Ball Show 5-4-2022. John opens up this program by mentioning the interesting fact that this week was the first time in Major League Baseball history that the two New York baseball teams (Yankees and Mets) and the two Los Angeles baseball teams (Dodgers and Angels) are all in first place at the same time. John then speaks about the Memphis Grizzlies and questions why the doubt in their quest to be the Western Conference's representative in the NBA Finals. John believes in this team, in spite of its inexperience and in spite of the National respect of the Golden State Warriors and the expected renewal of their dynasty. John then speaks about the Tennessee Titans and their decision to first trade star Wide Receiver AJ Brown to the Philadelphia Eagles, and next to draft Liberty Quarterback Malik Willis in the fourth (4th) round of the NFL Draft John speaks to the importance of incumbent QB Ryan Tannehill to have a solid season and speaks of some reasons it may be tough to duplicate their dominant regular season of a season ago. John also talks about the value of the NFL wide receiver as it is coming at the expense of the running back, starting with Le'Veon Bell. Finally, John speaks a little bit about the future of Robinson Cano and gives a reasonable timetable of when he should receive some Hall of Fame consideration.
4-28-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up by comparing the attendance figures of the first home game of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the first seven (7) home games of the Oakland Athletics. He then gets into his prolegomena point in regard to this year's (2022) NFL draft. Teams are going to reach by taking any quarterback in the first round. John rants about the scarcity of the QB position and the over-analysis that is done because teams have this dream that the player select is going to hold down the fort under center for the next ten (10) to fifteen (15) years. This will not happen in this case. Any team that takes a day one (first round) QB this year will regret it. John then opines about the Yankee fans that threw objects on the field and why Yankee fans should be the most pissed off about it. Finally, John explains why players should not be allowed to leave the bullpens during altercations while conceding that players in the dugout should still be allowed to.
4-25-2022 Passed Ball Show. John "breaks" the "story" of Ben Simmons' projected return (or debut) for the Brooklyn Nets for the 2022 NBA Finals, but it will be a gametime decision. He then gives some props to the Toronto Raptors and Denver Nuggets for their performances in Game Four (4) of their respective series. John then talks about the under-discussed depth that both teams possess. John then knocks the Brooklyn Nets, claiming they do not have a performance like that in them, before claiming that they will lose Game Four against the Boston Celtics in an unspirited bow. John then speaks a little bit about the USFL and mentions two rule changes that he is interested in seeing how they pan out. He compares it to the rule experiments going on in Major League Baseball before making one final plea to get rid of the ghost runner extra innings rule. He suggests two remedies to extra innings that make more sense. He then spends some time paying his respect to the great Guy LaFleur, whom he calls Gretzky before Gretzky, before explaining why. We also lost former Oakland Raiders Quarterback Daryle Lamonica, who John spends a little bit of time remembering. Finally, John makes a good (well... I guess that is up to you) comparison of Roki Sasaki to Masahiro Tanaka.
4-21-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by congratulating Miguel Cabrera as he is right on the verge of getting his 3000th MLB hit. Cabrera will join the likes of all time greats Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols, and Eddie Murray as the only players in history to have both 3000 hits and 500 home runs. John spends the nucleus of this podcast talking about the blame game and why some stars always escape the blame when their teams do not win. John talks about the Brooklyn Nets and asks why Kevin Durant and Kyrie Irving have not taken enough of the blame for not delivering a Championship to the city of Brooklyn. Is it because both players have won before? John compares this to the Dallas Cowboys, Dak Prescott, and Ezekiel Elliott and wonders aloud why enough blame has been thrown their way. Similar to the Cowboys, the Nets have been through two (2) Head Coaches. When does the blame for the lack of team success move on from the Coach to the star players? When will stars like KD, Kyrie and (to a lesser extent) Dak and Zeke be held accountable for the failures of their teams to deliver a respective Championship? John then spends a little bit of time talking about Gerrit Cole and the Yankees. John questions the Yankees' analytics department and wonders why they cannot spot mechanical issues with Cole during a game. John allows the conversation to grow to bigger things, such as players being athletes and perhaps why they are becoming victims to the information overload. The players are not scientists, not mathematicians, their talents involve simple things like hitting or throwing a baseball. Sure, the information is intended to help them, enhance their performance. But has enough research been done to see how much data and information becomes an overload and players' ability to do their job is compromised?
4-16-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens this program by telling his audience that Wilt Chamberlain died on his 20th birthday (October 12, 1999). He proceeds to talk about the Minnesota Twins decision to retool themselves for the 2022 baseball season after a disappointing 2021. He expresses his anger and frustration for the Cincinnati Reds and their fans after ownership quit on a promising rebuilt team that would have been competitive if the owner actually gave a shit. John talks about some of the things that hurt the Arizona Diamondbacks and why he feels the team will surely be bad in 2022. Finally, John talks a little Ben Simmons and whether he thinks the latter wants to play basketball and a little bit on why he believes the Miami Heat and Boston Celtics are not getting the credit they deserve for the season they just had.
4-13-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the Cherry Blossom Washington Nationals uniform branding that he feels has, to this point, been successful. John's tie shows his favor for the new uniforms. John's prolegomenal point on today's show has to do with the national prominence that exists for very few teams in the world of sports. He uses the Los Angeles Lakers as an example, as he (rhetorically) asks why an NBA team that did not make the playoffs should be such an important sports news story? While the Lakers might take some of the spotlight of some of the solid seasons had by actual playoff teams, John explains the some of the real reasons why teams like the Lakers, New York Yankees, and Dallas Cowboys have the pulse of the public regardless of how good they are at a given time. John takes a couple of minutes to touch on a couple of baseball topics as well, first of all, celebrating the fact that there is even a full baseball season, where it did not seem possible just a month or so ago. John talks about some of the things he likes about the Cleveland Guardians this year, from Steven Kwan to the team's sudden interest in signing core players to longterm extensions. All while continuing to refer to them as the Indians (unintentionally). John explains why there should be a grace period for the transitioning of the name while giving credit for the catchy smooth name change.
4-9-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by expressing his shock over the tragic death of Pittsburgh Steelers and Former Ohio State Quarterback Dwayne Haskins. He then blasts CBS Sports and their fantasy baseball “experts” over his most recent fantasy baseball draft. He wonders how an outfield of Juan Soto, Mike Trout, and Kyle Schwarber ranks 10th out of 10 teams and what particularly is wrong with choices of Jose Abreu (6th round), Javier Baez (9th), Corey Seager (4), Kris Bryant (5), and Joey Votto (8)… all when the team featured keepers Shohei Ohtani (10) and Wander Franco (12). John will take that instead of Guru suggestions of Brandon Belt and Ke’Bryan Hayes. John then spends some time talking about the 1962 National League MVP vote, one that ultimately went to Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Maury Wills. John talks a little about Wins Above Replacement, something nobody in 1962 knew anything about, and why Willie Mays would have won the award unanimously had the vote been done today. John then makes his case for the late Tommy Davis before explaining why Frank Robinson really should have won the award. John then talks about Burt Shotton’s connection to Branch Rickey and their ties to the St. Louis Cardinals. John then talks about longtime sportswriter Dick Young’s impact on the sports beat and media
4-2-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program by giving his reasoning of why New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom will never be the same again. John cites his consistent velocity and the fact that no other starting pitcher equals his 98-100 miles per hour velocity on just about every pitch. As great as deGrom has been, the days of making 30 starts are long behind him as he will never be able to sustain what it takes to complete a full MLB season. John states that he really hopes he is wrong, but stands by his take. John then spends a couple of minutes talking about the retirement, then unretirement of Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback Tom Brady, followed by the stepping aside by Bruce Arians as the Head Coach of the same team. John explains why one has nothing to do with the other and the exact reason both happened within the same timeframe.
3-30-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends the duration of this program (just under 60:00) giving his regular season predictions of the upcoming 2022 MLB baseball season. During his eleventh (11th) annual revealing, John explains why he thinks the Pittsburgh Pirates will be the worst team in baseball and the Milwaukee Brewers will be the best. In doing so, he discusses all thirty (30) MLB teams and ranks them accordingly, based off predicted win loss record. As always, the teams total wins and losses added together will add up to exactly 2430- 2430, with both leagues surprisingly finishing with the same 1215-1215 record.
3-28-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends the first part of this program talking about how the NCAA's Seeding Committee has failed those who follow the College Basketball Tournament. John cites the fact that there have been seven instances in which a 15th seed (or lower) has won a first round matchup in the past eleven (11) years. (Six 15 seeds and one 16 seed.) John blames the less than stellar emphasis on ranking the teams that receive automatic bids (teams that won their conference tournament, etc.) and questions how their ranking and seeds in the tournament are quantified. John then talks about Baker Mayfield and questions whether he compromised his future by playing hurt last season. John talks about the percentage at which a player plays hurt and compares it to the player(s') replacement at 100%. John is convinced that James Harden at whatever (20%?) percent he played in the Eastern Conference Semi-Finals put the team at a disadvantage and had he not played, the Brooklyn Nets would have had a better chance of defeating the Milwaukee Bucks. John feels the same way about Baker and his backup, Case Keenum. After some unexpected Deshaun Watson discussion (and support for the QB and his defense), John questions where Albert Pujols will finish numbers wise when his MLB career comes to an end.
3-21-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the recent success of the 15 seed beating the number two (2) seed in the NCAA college basketball tournament, mostly recently St. Peters. While moments like St. Peters, Oral Roberts, and Florida Gulf Coast getting to the Sweet 16 are nice, it would become more historic and memorable if a team like that got to the Elite 8 or Final Four, something that has never happened before. John once again questions whether those in charge of seeding for the tournament have enough information to seed the teams correctly. John then questions whether or not there are any MLB free agents left that can make a serious impact before going off on another pro-Barry Bonds rant. Finally, John spends some time talking about rights the fans have after yet another incident involving a fan and a NBA player. John states the obvious in regards that should be off limits for fans but makes a claim that players should be a little less sensitive.
3-19-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the impact on the rest of the NFL Quarterbacks after the trade of Deshaun Watson to the Cleveland Browns. John brings up the possibility that Baker Mayfield could (but very unlikely) stick around as Watson still likely faces a suspension from the NFL. A once potentially slow offseason in regards to QB movement has turned to a tremendous game of musical chairs. John tells of why the Indianapolis Colts are not a good landing spot for Mayfield and which QB would be a better get. He then talks about why the Colts should be cautious when selecting their next QB and, for the future of their franchise, need to get it right. John then pumps up the National League East baseball division and explains why the Braves and even Phillies may be better than the Mets, at this moment. John concludes his show by talking about another division that is underrated and may very well be the best in baseball in the year of 2022.
3-16-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by stating that Draymond Green should not be eligible for defensive player of the year in the NBA because he is/ will not play enough games. He compares that to those who think Mike Trout should have won the MVP this season for the American League in baseball in spite of playing just 36 games. John then talks about the fallacies of the salary cap, particularly in the National Football League and why it may be time to get rid of it. And why it makes sense for both the players and the owners. He makes an example out of Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams to prove players can’t both be the highest player at their position and honestly say their priority is to win the Super Bowl. John then gives reasons why the biggest winners of the MLB Lockout resolution are the teams that want to tank. Finally, John takes another shot at the City of New York, this time over its insistence that unvaccinated players are not allowed to play professional sports.
3-9-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens this program by putting on the record the possibility that Major League Baseball could postpone the start of the MINOR LEAGUE baseball just out of spite. John is convinced that MLB does not want to please its fans in any way. John then speaks of his love/ hate (mostly hate) relationship with the media and their propaganda. However, very often, the media is set to either believe well-spoken answers to questions or be sinical, the latter could be used to describe how the NFL Media continued to believe Russell Wilson would be traded even though the team and Wilson stated otherwise. John admits he fell for it, believing Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks were a marriage worth continuing. John slides over to speak about Green Bay's decision to offer Aaron Rodgers the record setting deal he agreed to and what it says about Jordan Love. It was not a "wasted pick" to select Love, John cites that Love did not prove he was worth Green Bay committing its future to. John then rebuts the testimony one could give when it comes to the fact that Love never got a chance to play by talking about the "it" factor that many highly drafted NFL quarterbacks fail to show. Love's opportunity to show that could have been in practice, during the pre-season, and during meetings and such. John brings up the high amount of first round quarterbacks that end up out of the league in just a couple of seasons. Finally, John talks about the transition, at least when it comes to a single game, of the National Basketball Association from two or three big time stars to a single player winning the game on its own. John cites some of the games of the past weekend.
3-7-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about two of the greatest dynasties in the history of professional sports. While it is worthy to talk about the dominance of the earlier NHL Montreal Canadiens and maybe a little bit about the contemporary New England Patriots, there were no other teams that dominated the world of pro sports like the 1947-1964 New York Yankees and the 1957-1976 Boston Celtics. John spends some time talking about what it takes to dominate a sport for so long and then debates which one of the two was superior. He closes the discussion by mentioning that the Yankees won the World Series in 1977 and 1978, closing a run from 1947-1978 (42 years) that the entire world of professional sports was dominated by two teams. John then talks a little bit about the NFL Combine, which due to extensive sports talk and coverage, he believes it is overrated. John talks about some useful elements of this and then questions why other pro sports do not have variations of this. He finishes off by talking a little NBA Basketball and the drastic change in the NBA Finals he was rooting for as opposed to what he is now rooting for.
3-2-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about why the MLBPA and Baseball's Owners failed to get an agreement in place, causing the start of the MLB season to be delayed. John cites the sanctity of marriage and the failures of those who divorce as the correct analogy to describe what no baseball means to the fans. The fans are the children of divorced parents, parents who failed to fulfill their obligation to their spouse within their agreement. Fans should not care who is at fault for this split, just like it should not be important who is at fault for a child and which one of their parents are at fault for the divorce. John continues to rant about the fact that it does not matter who is at fault over Opening Day being delayed. He then spends a little bit of time talking about the "other options" to watch a baseball game. He explains that those that say, "Watch minor league baseball" or "Watch college baseball" are doing a verbal form of self medicating. Say it is better, but you know that it is not.
2-26-2022 Passed Ball Show. John starts off the show by blaming both the players and the owners (playners) for their apparent lack of interest of starting the 2022 baseball season on time. John cites the amount of time BOTH sides have had (information describing the odds the players association and owners dated more than TWO years before the expiration of the latest Collective Bargaining Agreement) and neither sides interest in addressing any of the core economical issues before the expiration of the CBA as reasons he has any sympathy for each side. John takes a shot of the Symantec’s when fans say “don’t go to the games, etc,” knowing damn well die hards will be back when baseball is back, whenever that is. John speaks about the most important issues destroying the sport he loves and why they will not even be addressed during this lockout. John doubles down on his lost bet from a couple weeks ago when he declares that MLB and its playners (once again, owners and players) will not come to an agreement my Monday, February 28ths deadline to not lose any of the 162 scheduled games of the 2022 baseball season. If there is, he owes you twice to a penalty of YOUR choice. Finally, John discusses some of the issues that have led to players like Russell Westbrook and James Harden not winning NBA Championships and why Harden will be judged by whether he either wins a Championship or gets to an NBA Finals. He also makes a case that Harden tries to hard in his first game with a new team to impress his teammates.
2-21-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by welcoming his new green carpet in his studio, hoping that it will soon be representing the green grass that Major League Baseball brings to the spring. John talks about the NBA’s job of honoring the 75 greatest players and how it probably could not be done with any other major sport. He then advocates for the firing of University of Michigan Head Basketball Coach Juwan Howard while comparing the events of yesterday’s game to the demise of Woody Hayes. John explains why the decision to fire Howard will determine the serious that the University takes its Athletics. John trusts that those in power will make the right decision and shuns anybody that wants to make race a factor. John then talks about LeBron James statement that spoke about him and his son Bronny becoming a package deal. John loves that from a marketing and business sense and explains why any parent would want the best for their child. John adds that everybody is against nepotism until it involves their own child. He also believes it may help the younger James get drafted when it is not a guarantee at this point. John finishes the show by suggesting a penalty for consistently bad baseball teams and explains why it could cause teams to change their speed on the self induced rebuilds.
2-19-2022 Passed Ball Show. John starts out by stating that catcher's framing in baseball is cheating. It is an acceptable form of cheating and there is nothing forbidden with the game's rules. Framing is the deception of a catcher by moving his glove to fool the umpire into believing a pitch that should be called a ball should be called a strike. John compares the acceptance of framing to the acceptance of steroids before baseball banned them and the use of spider-tack until baseball outlawed it. John reminds the viewer that framing will become obsolete once the automatic strike zone is implemented. John concludes this segment by encouraging catchers to continue to manipulate the strike zone as long as they can. John then talks about the forgotten Super Bowl runner ups, mentioning the likes of the Minnesota Vikings and Buffalo Bills as the only Super Bowl losers to be on the tip of the tongue of the non-die-hard football fan. John sends respect to teams such as the 1972 Redskins, 1977 Broncos, 1979 Rams, 1980 Eagles, 1995 Chargers, 1996 Steelers, 1998 Falcons, 1999 Titans, 2003 Panthers, 2005 Seahawks, 2007 Bears, 2009 Cardinals, and others whose Super Bowl loss has been forgotten by many. John ties that into the most recent Super Bowl runner up, the Cincinnati Bengals. John wonders if Joe Burrow will get to another Super Bowl, as top quarterbacks and NFL MVP's Dan Marino and Cam Newton never made it back to the Super Bowl after getting there at a young age. John gives his respect to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2022- LeRoy Butler, Richard Seymour, Sam Mills, Cliff Branch, Tony Boselli, and Bryant Young before ranking their dominance on the football field. Finally, John compares it to the Baseball Hall of Fame, the Baseball Hall of Fame's exclusion of its top players, and whether football and basketball now have Hall of Fames that are watered down.
2-16-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the NBA's latest list of the Top 15 Coaches in the history of the sport. John cannot believe John Kundla is not on this list. He adds four more deserving coaches in the place of five that were selected and gives credit to the other ten who he considers more than worthy. John then talks about baseball's problem with drug abuse and how the tragedy of Tyler Skaggs is just another example of how prevalent drugs are in the sport. Matt Harvey is not another Doc Gooden or Darryl Strawberry, just because he used cocaine too. John explains how Harvey was never on either of the other two stars levels, but wishes him all the best with the hopes he gets through any addictions he is battling. John makes the case that Thoracic Outlet Syndrome and the operation itself is what has curtailed his career and not the use of drugs. Finally, John touches on the Super Bowl LVI Halftime show, taking several white football fans to task for their anger over the choice of Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and Kendrick Lamar. John respects the view of the football fan that is simply not into rap music, but he thinks it is disgraceful for those who use racial undertones to try to put them down. Dr. Dre had just as much a right to host a half time show as anybody else, and the performance was not insulting. It did not have a message, did not disrespect police officers. John explains why many were trying to put down the performance and wishes those would simply admit the real reason they had a problem with it.
2-11-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up the program by throwing a couple of ideas out there of penalties he should suffer for being wrong over the James Harden/ Ben Simmons trade. He then talks about the Baseball Hall of Fame and how it is supposed to be a museum that tells the history of baseball. While baseball wants to forget and intentionally not tell the story of the steroid's era, it does not seem to have an issue in highlighting its refusal to integrate the sport any sooner than it did. It celebrates Hall of Famers such as Cap Anson and Kenesaw Landis, who did all they could to keep MLB white. John states that the steroids era was more worthy of celebrating that segregation. Baseball, its writers, and those who work for its Hall of Fame, seem to think that segregated baseball is better for the game to celebrate than the steroids era. John talks about the constant struggle that exists between Baseball's owners and players and how that might impact the future of minor league baseball. John brings up the possibility that MLB (led by the Commissioner and the owners) may actually be looking to eliminate minor league baseball. John spends the next half of the show talking about how it seems NBA players are not very bound to the very contracts they sign and have agreed to. John believes healthy players should not be paid to NOT play, citing John Wall in Houston (even though John knows this is not John Wall's fault) and of course, the displeasure expressed by Ben Simmons and James Harden leadind to the trade for each other. What other sport allows for its top players to decide whether or not they want to play for their team, the same team that is paying them to play. John talks about Kyler Murray and the Arizona Football Cardinals and whether he has earned a big time contract extension yet. John cites Dak Prescott and to this point, believes Kyler is not close to being on Dak's level.
2-9-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this discussion by questioning exactly what it is there is to talk about in the world of sports. The NBA trade deadline has John happy with some of the direction (one way or the other) that teams such as the Indiana Pacers, Portland Trail Blazers, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Sacramento Kings are headed. He questions the Lakers deadline approach and whether they can make a significant enough move to thrust themselves into contention as a NBA Championship contender. John would be shocked (and will pay a price for being wrong) if 1. Russell Westbrook is traded. 2. Ben Simmons is traded to the Brooklyn Nets for James Harden. He once again questions why a playoff caliber team would have any interest in Simmons, a proven quitter who does not want the ball when the game is on the line AND subsequently has not proven that he even wants to play basketball. John brings up the upcoming Super Bowl and how the "hot" offensive coordinator (as a head coach) has not won a Super Bowl outside of the Eagles/ Doug Pederson/ Frank Reich. While one will win this week by default, John discusses why this hiring trend has not produced enough results so far. Should teams hire more experienced HC's? Finally, a little bit of gas is thrown on the race discussion when it comes to teams hiring an NFL Head Coach.
2-5-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends this time mentioning ESPN's list of top 100 baseball players of all time and compares it to his list of top 100 offensive position players in his book yet to be published. While he makes some stark comparisons, his main issue has to do with the general public's perception of current players against those that played the game years ago in a different backdrop. Many believe it is easy to state that a player from today is better than a player from yesteryear. John's contention, while respecting that perspective, is that it is not fair to transplant a player from now into a time where their personal advantages did not exist and compare them to somebody who does not have the same advantage because of circumstance. It is an unfair comparison. John brings up two fair suggestions. One is to simply credit the best in each generation for the fact that they did the best with no control over when they were born. The other is to normalize one timeframe or the other. In other words, imagine Mike Trout playing in 1923 with no personal trainer, "nutritional" supplement, video or any other technology, deeper rosters with expansion, etc. Or Babe Ruth with a personal trainer, weight training, supplements, video technology with an understanding that pitchers will be throwing 100 miles per hour with movement. John's contention is that it is not fair to shame a player from when they played and automatically assume they could not make the proper adjustments to succeed in today's game and conversely, automatically assume players from today would be great in past eras without the knowledge of being in shape and weight training and not having the video provided for them. Then John talks a little bit about Ben Simmons and whether it makes sense for a team to trade for him before the NBA's trade deadline. John suggests that a potential playoff contending team stay away due to the uncertainty over whether Simmons will play, especially due to his high price tag and the fact that General Manager Darryl Morey does not seem like he is willing to settle for a lesser package. John suggests that a non-contending team, such as the Rockets or Pistons make a deal for Simmons due to his relatively young age and long-term contract. Plus, the losing team does not have to worry/ care about whether Simmons plays this season or not. A dream scenario might involve a swap with Houston for John Wall, but obviously there would have to be other moving parts.
2-2-22 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by questioning whether it will ever be acceptable again for an NFL team to zero in on a particular candidate and hire them as a Head Coach. John talks about the New York Giants and the obvious connection between new Head Coach Brian Daboll and newly hired General Manager Joe Schoen. It was obvious that the coach was the number one target of the GM. Is that racist? John says no but that hiring process is not an acceptable practice for the NFL right now. The Giants should be found guilty of direct violation of the Rooney Rule and there should be a penalty they should have to face. John openly asks if it is possible for an NFL team to openly target a white football coach. The Rooney Rule, while well intended, has become a checklist point for teams hiring a coach as opposed to giving qualified candidates of color a genuine opportunity to get a job they may have not been considered for. John reiterates that there are still nine (9) NFL teams who have never hired a black Head Coach (as well as reminding the viewers/ listeners that there are still nine (9) MLB teams who have still never hired a black manager), including the Giants and New Orleans Saints (who currently have a Head Coach vacancy). John suggests a solution to the NFL diversity problem when it comes to Head Coaches of color getting jobs -JOHN ONCE AGAIN MAKES THE POINT THAT IT IS A DISGRACE THAT IN A LEAGUE COMPOSED OF 70% BLACK PLAYERS JUST ONE OUT OF 32 TEAMS HAS A BLACK HEAD COACH-. He suggests that every NFL HC vacancy be limited to just prospects of color. That may be the only solution. Whites may not like it but how does it feel to have the shoe on the other foot? Finally, John talks about the obvious tanking situation going on in the NBA and the Houston Rockets. Why is it okay for the team to intentionally not play its best player when he is healthy, able to play, and gives his team the best chance to win? John says this is on the Rockets and owner Tilman Fertitta, on Head Coach Stephen Silas, and Commissioner Adam Silver. He concludes the show by mentioning how much of a scandal it would be if a Miami Dolphins Head Coach took money from the owner to intentionally lose games, then asks- Why is it okay for an NBA team to intentionally not suit up its best healthy players?
1-26-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends this show talking about his issues with the Baseball Writers Association of America and their inconsistent voting process when it comes to the Baseball Hall of Fame. John congratulates David Ortiz for his well-deserved selection into the Baseball Hall of Fame and admits he was wrong when he declared that no player would be selected by the BBWAA this cycle. He gladly takes the "L" but makes the statement that it is not like Ortiz made it in with flying colors. 22.1% of the baseball writers did not vote for him, far more than should have. John makes his annual declaration that the Baseball Hall of Fame has not done enough to honor the best players to ever play its sport. John continuously advocates for Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, Curt Schilling, and others, to get their place in Baseball's Hall of Fame. John talks about steroids and how the entire sport, its fans, its teams, its players, and its commissioner all turned a blind eye to the steroid fueled home run chase of 1998. Hall of Fame Commissioner Bud Selig was cheering from the front row as Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa shattered Roger Maris' single season home run record of 61. Baseball enabled the use of steroids and had no issue with until US Congress got involved and invited players to their chambers to discuss their use of PED's. It was not until then that baseball even banned to use of these substances in their sport. John feels that Alex Rodriguez has a much better chance to get into the Baseball Hall of Fame over the next nine years than Bonds or Clemens. John states that some players that have at least some suspicions are already in the Baseball Hall of Fame. Bonds and Clemens, themselves, will have a chance to be elected next year through the Veterans Committee. John talks about the significance of this and how the Veterans Committee may gain more credibility than the Baseball Writers Association of America when it comes to electing players to the Baseball Hall of Fame. Finally, John talks about how the attempt to hold out the best players of the steroid's era are causing lesser players to get more consideration than they deserve.
1-24-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show ridiculing those complaining about the NFL overtime rules. Whatever the rules are, somebody will be unhappy. Changing them is only a thing because you wanted the other team to win. At least fans are finally laying off the officials. John then gives some reasons why the NFL is the most popular sport in the country and why it is not even close. After that, he reiterates the reasons it is important for a team to have a star quarterback and why he believes a team may never win a Super Bowl without one again. He then compares not having a star quarterback to a small market team in Major League Baseball.
1-22-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends this show taking about how the NFL has flexed itself and will never let anything get in the way of it making itself money. The NFL has changed its COVID safety protocol eliminating daily testing and no longer requiring players to identify themselves as being vaccinated or unvaccinated. It makes it clear the NFL will not allow anything get in the way of the Billions and Billions of dollars they generate each year. They have assured it will not happen this year. John then talks about the New York Football Giants and their change in direction. He compares the hiring of Joe Schoen to that of George Young in 1979. John explains the Young (and ancestors) era, which is ending after 43 years. John discusses that timeframe and why it is exactly the same as what the Giants have gone through the last five seasons. Finally, John explains why the two teams with the first round bye are playing must win games and asks out loud why so many non- SF 49ers fans seem to root for (fan boy/ girls).
1-19-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by speaking of Martin Luther King’s impact on the world of sports. He then spends some time talking about Elston Howard, the first black player in the history of the New York Yankees. The Yankees were one of the last MLB teams to integrate when they signed Howard, who would play in ten World Series and win the 1963 AL MVP. The Yankees had a chance to make Howard, an extremely well respected baseball man, the league’s first black manager prior to the 1974 season, but chose Bill Virdon instead. To this day, the Yankees are one of ten MLB teams who have yet to hire a manager or color. John then talks about the mistreatment of Doug Williams in the 1980’s. The same sentiment that exists when it comes to black Head Coaches existed when it came to quarterbacks at one point. Williams’ treatment by the NFL was uncalled for, and looks even worse all these years later. John then talks about “House Money,” a description that is used to rate the state of a team that has little to lose in the postseason. John talks about the Cardinals, Eagles, Raiders, Steelers, and Bengals in varying degrees. He finishes off the program by comparing the Dallas Cowboys to the Big Ten in College Basketball.
1-11-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the program by congratulating the Georgia Bulldogs on a well played National Championship victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide. John talks about his rooting interest which was leaning for Alabama because of his interest in their dominance as a historian. John then explains how fun it was to watch this Georgia team and how by the time the game was over, he was happy for Kirby Smart, Stetson Bennett, and the Bulldogs. Speaking of Bennett, John talks about how an NFL developmental league would be perfect for the quarterback and why it might be better to have a league run simultaneously with the NFL and its regular season. After he gives his reasons, he compares it to the likes of the NBA’s G League and explains why that is working and perfect for the NBA right now. Finally, John spends some time talking about the return of Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson, how hyped this return was, and why the Warriors are just as good now as they were when they won three NBA Finals and two other Western Conference Championships. Lastly, John talks about the fake news involving New York being such a superior sports city and how it is all relative to which fans we are talking about. Non NY fans do not look at NY as having the best fan base and most passionate fans. The only fans that believe that are NY fans, as they should.
1/10/2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the commonalities that exist among teams that are firing their head coaches in the National Football League. There is not a team who fired their HC that has a star quarterback. John plays the chicken and egg game, but states that great quarterbacks “coincidentally” always have great coaches. John spends a little time laughing at the thought of the Raiders and Chargers intentionally allowing their game to end with a tie just so both teams could make the playoffs. He then gives a couple of reasons why teams would never do it and how it might open the door for gamblers to get to close to players/ teams. John talks about Mark Davis (Raiders owner) and his apparent disregard to the Rooney Rule as it applies to interviewing Coach candidates in the NFL. John claims a black coaching candidate was not interviewed when the Raiders hired Jon Gruden and that one will not be interviewed if Davis hires Jim Harbaugh. He also throws out a possibility of racism that would have to be considered if Brian Flores is not coaching an NFL team in 2022. He then spends some time talking about the 1971 NFL Draft, Archie Manning’s sperm, and the first Green Bay Packers QB to throw for 30 or more touchdowns and for over 4000 yards in a season. Finally, John gives the reason he cannot lose when it comes to the CFB National Championship Game between Alabama and Georgia.
1-7-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program analyzing whether fans could suffer long term by their actions when they choose to boo their own favorite players. While it seems to be a tough topic to take on, John explains that the change in society’s approach should make the fans consider the mentality of the very players they are booing. John makes it clear that he feels paying fans have the right to express themselves anyway they want- which includes booing if they so feel. However, John believes players have the right to respond back, ie. making a “thumbs down” gesture as a response. John explains the change in the mentality of society and how it has gone away from structure and towards individualism. Because of that, and mostly because of social media, we can no longer control whether a player decides to express themself, especially in situations of negativity. John makes examples of non- fan friendly decisions made by Kyrie Irving and more directly, Ben Simmons, which are individual decisions that impact whether they are on the court playing basketball. If they can choose to not play, they can choose to react to fans booing them. John plays the other side for a second, and believes that if the players hold in their emotions it will only boil over during time. He then envisions a scenario where teams start to strive to win for themselves and no longer for the fans. He concludes with a sad scenario of a New York Sports Team winning a championship and not showing up for the fans’ parade. While it sounds extreme, it could happen because of the change in the mentality of today’s athlete. Howard Cosell gives us a couple occurrences in “This Day in Sports History” before John reiterates his points on why the players will eventually come out on top when it comes to their challenging of fans unruly behavior.
1-5-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the importance given to NFL teams that have a big time Quarterback. Unless the team has one, the National Media does not give them the respect they may very well deserve. John talks about how the Tennessee Titans could be peaking at exactly the right time, not just with the return of Derrick Henry, but a potentially “close to” 100% Julio Jones. After that, John plays devil's advocate and questions exactly how healthy Henry is and equates that to injury situations involving Baker Mayfield and James Harden. In pro sports, bad performance is not excused just because you “played hurt.” Howard joins the program to talk about the legendary John Madden and John says some stuff you probably didn’t know about him before some exciting things coming to the show in 2022.
12-28-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the risks professional sports teams on the rise have when they make a big time move in season for a big time player. John discusses some pros and cons of a Ben Simmons trade to the Cleveland Cavaliers and questions whether a trade can disrupt the chemistry the team has already put together. John makes the statement he has made multiple times regarding Miami Dolphins Head Coach Brian Flores- he is a very good coach. He was still a very good coach when the team was 1-7. John gives some reasons why Flores earned his keep even before the team ran off seven consecutive victories this year. John then talks about Baseball’s Antitrust Exemption and why it may be time to allow the Federal Government to intervene. That and the second “Howard Cosell this day in sports history segment.”
12-27-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by discussing the John Madden documentary and questioning whether this is the last we may ever hear from him. John talks about how Madden mastered three major talents over the course of the last 55 years and has lived the life of lives. John then talks about the situation in professional sports and how teams are being compromised because of the coronavirus. This could potentially be the difference in who wins a championship and who loses and John makes a comparison to World War II and the World Series played during those years. Finally, John asks the open ended question of Are You What Your Record Says It Is? He questions whether a coach is bad, simply because of their record. It is a fair question as a coach has to own their record regardless of the amount of talent the team has. John then introduces his first “This Day in Sports History” Segment hosted, badly he must add, by the legendary Howard Cosell.
12/22/2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by asking the viewers/ listeners what they suggest to best assure a quality NFL Quarterback is under center almost all the time. John then gives multiple reasons of why Tony Gwynn should retain his earned status as one of the greatest offensive position players of all time. John cites his on base percentage and rank within the game while he played as a couple softer reasons. He then talks about double plays, strikeouts, and base hits to finish off his points about Gwynn. Then, he suggests the NFL put an active developmental league to play at the same time as the NFL teams do (perhaps Tuesday and Wednesday games). This would keep solid quarterbacks fresher for use when injury/ coronavirus hits. He finishes off by taking another shot at the NFL for Colin Kaepernick not playing in one game over the past two COVID impacted seasons.
12/20/2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by explaining why there is a lack of continuity when it comes to the two New York Pro Football teams. Losing teams change their coach every two seasons, losing teams change their coach or GM without changing the other, losing teams refuse to commit themselves to the same quarterback and coach during troubling times. John explains why all have hurt the Giants and Jets and what else can be done to change the teams’ fortune. John then talks about the NFL, NBA, and NHL postponing games just like they said they would not do. John makes a suggestion as to what could be done to make sure games continue to be played during positive cases and outbreaks. Finally, John takes a little time to reorder the Quarterbacks of the 2012 draft. Once owned by Andrew Luck and Robert Griffin, III, the top three QB’s in that draft are all none of the above.
12-18-2021 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the many tentacles sticking out of the still fresh firing of Urban Meyer by the Jacksonville Jaguars. John questions whether or not Urban ever wanted the job or whether he just took it because of the money. He was not fired because the Jaguars were 2-11 this season; a coaching staff of Curly Lambeau, Knute Rockne, Vince Lombardi, George Halas, and Bill Belichick could not turn this group of players into a winner in one season. John probes the not spoken about angle of whether Meyer ever wanted this job in the first place, comparing it to the Boston Red Sox hiring of Bobby Valentine in 2012. Both moves in hindsight should not have been made. John questions whether money was the determining factor in both hirings and compares that to when players make a decision to take the extra money to play for a team they do not want to play for. Next, John studies the upcoming decision the Mets have when it comes to their next manager. John calls it a win/ win (for himself). If the Mets hire Buck Showalter, they will be hiring the most intelligent baseball person he has ever met, and after declaring Buck Showalter knows way more about baseball that even he knows, he mentions how excited he would be if that were the team's hire. He then asks whether the Mets increase in their analytics department could lean to a decision to hire either Matt Quatraro or Joe Espada as opposed to Showalter. Yes, Buck understands and cares about analytics, but John questions whether the Mets (or any other MLB team in this day and time) want to hire a manager that could pose a threat to the data that every MLB team has invested itself in. A hiring of either of the latter two candidates would be a victory for John, who claims that teams view its manager as nothing more than a figurehead, one who simply implements the plan of the front office and its analytics staff, and is responsible for the players being excited and motivated to come to work. All three should be able to check off box three, but the latter two fit the bill when it comes to the "Yes Men" baseball teams are leaning on for their manager. John talks about how a rift between baseball people and analytics could be a problem and cites the issues going on with the Phillies and their baseball people and numbers staff. Finally, John cites the eight times in a Championship Series (World Series, Stanley Cup Final, NBA Final) a team has won after trailing 3-1 in the series.
12-15-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by congratulating Stephen Curry for becoming the NBA's All Time leader in three point shots made. John gets something off of his chest he has been bothered by since Thanksgiving week when he blasts "reporter" Mark Konkol for lying about Matt Nagy being fired as Head Coach of the Chicago Bears after the Thanksgiving game against the Detroit Lions. John despises those that make up statements for personal promoting. This claim had no base for the beginning and John challenges Mark Konkol's rights to be able to put out a blatant falsity of a report. The Bears will fire Matt Nagy at some point, even if it is not after this season, which is expected. John takes this energy to the NBA and continuous reports that Damian Lillard is going to be traded, all reports that similarly have no merit. John explains that these reports come from the fans posed as media members who simply want this player on their favorite team. The Portland Trail Blazers seem to be building their team around Lillard and do not seem intent on moving him, something that is hard to believe based on all of the false reporting out there. Finally, John chronologizes the history of the three point shot in the NBA and how it has come from non-existent, to a novelty, to the center of the National Basketball Association and why Steph Curry may set a record that may never again be broken.
12-3-2021 Passed Ball Show. John spends some time talking about the history of the MLB players and owners being at odds and makes an interesting comparison to everyday life. John's loyalty to the MLB Players' Union is put to the test as he talks about a couple of things that may not need to be changed as much as has been publicized. John then opens up the Greatest of All Time discussion, stating that the GOAT in a sport should consider the entirety of the sport as opposed to just a specific era. John also adds the importance of position designation in situations when comparing the players is like comparing apples to oranges. He uses scenarios and examples for the four major sports. Finally, John shows some love for Babe Ruth, the inventor of the "Launch Angle" and elevating the baseball. John also explains why Babe Ruth would quickly adapt to the game of baseball the way it is played today.
11-30-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the upcoming MLB Lockout and some of the reasons for it. He then talks about the pettiness of some of the major issues and declares what side he is on. Are the players and owners close enough when it comes to their disagreement? How long of a lockout should we expect starting at midnight of December 2nd? John then eats a little bit of crow from his initial opinion about the MLB free agent movement. He talks a little about some of the major free agent moves and gives credit to the Mets, Rangers, and Tigers, all of whom were extremely aggressive. He then talks about what is worse, a bad team not making offseason additions or a bad team being aggressive in free agency. Finally, John questions whether it is time for reform when it comes to College Football and its Head Coach hiring process. John speaks about how it sucks for the players who get the short end of the stick when their coach bails on them in-season. John reiterates the reason most of these players choose these schools and suggests a way to keep college football coaches from leaving their school before the end of the regular season.
11-23-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by declaring that no major free agent position player (a player commanding over $150 million over the terms of their next contract) will sign before the owners lock out the players on December 1st. John then explains why. He then brings up the hypocrisy when it comes to the Baseball Hall of Fame and gives reasons why Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and others should finally get their due. John then spends a little bit of time on the Kevin Garnett documentary and brings up two things he did not know before he watched it.
11-22-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by talking about the fallout from the incident during the Detroit Pistons/ Los Angeles Lakers game the day before. He defends LeBron James, who he says deserved to be ejected and likely suspended for striking Isaiah Stewart during a scrum after a foul shot. While James should be held accountable, John states the contact was not deliberate and Stewart's actions following the incident are inexcusable. Prior to this game, few non-Pistons/ University of Washington fans had any idea who Isaiah Stewart and sadly, this moment will be what he will forever be remembered for. John also thinks Stewart will regret the mockery he made during this game, as justifiably mad as he was. Finally, John states that LeBron James, unlike great NBA players before him, has to deal with haters that will use everything that happens with the intent to discredit him. John then talks about how Baker Mayfield should not have been on the field during the team's victory over the Detroit Lions. He is clearly compromised, and even so, did not present himself well during this particular game. John believes he was playing to better position himself for his next contract extension, but he feels he is better off resting, definitely during this game against the Lions where they could have won without him. John next brings up the New York Yankees and makes it clear that there is no longer an armored car full of money for the Yankees to spend in the offseason and reiterates his earlier points that Hal Steinbrenner is (and will) forc(ing) General Manager Brian Cashman to be more creative when it comes to the team's plan. Does it mean the team is out on the major free agent pieces? John says maybe and he certainly does not predict a Mark Teixeira/ CC Sabathia/ AJ Burnett type of offseason ala 2008
11/18/2021 Passed Ball Show. John starts this show giving some credit to the progress of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers. He discusses the depth of their roster and talks about some of the tough decisions they have to make going forward. He states how the team’s expectations should be raised and how they are a playoff team right now. John then states Rex Ryan’s place as NFL commentator and how it relates to his criticism of current New York Jets football coach Robert Saleh. John backs Ryan’s right to be critical, then states the last person he ever wants to hear from- Saleh’s brother. John compares the latter to LaVar Ball and Odell Beckham Sr. Finally, John breaks down his version of the NFL Quarterback carrousel for the 2022 season. He gives every team a starting QB, including new teams for Aaron Rodgers and Jimmy Garappolo. He then explains why as many as four NFL teams will have rookie starting QB’s NEXT season and there may be another two serving as backups.
11/17/2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens the program by expressing his excitement for the near completion of his broadcasting studio, which will have some decorations up in time for his next broadcast scheduled for tomorrow. He then hits a "Top Ten" topic when he questions society's obsession with dragging people's names down because of their popularity regarding the DUI of Duke Basketball player Michael Savarino. John explains his point of view that Paolo Banchero was nothing more than a passenger in the car driven by Savarino and there is a public attempt to destroy Banchero because of his guilt by association. Had Banchero not been touted as... as much of a star, the police likely would not have charged him. If they had probable cause, than any passenger in a car driven by a drunk driver should be guilty as well, and John proves that is not the case. John then expresses his concern that the New York Mets are behind the other 29 MLB teams in regards to their interest in upgrading their team. John explains why it is imperative that teams that are expecting to compete in 2022 be as active early on as they can and the Mets cannot identify their needs without having a new GM in place. John adds the expiring CBA on December 1 is the reason that many high profile free agents will likely be signed by then. John then talks about the MLB Awards finalist, a system that he believes is not necessary. John lauds the original Monday Night Football broadcast team of Howard Cosell, Don Meredith, and Frank Gifford (Keith Jackson during season one) and how they turned the weekly game into a National event. After mentioning how watered down MNF has been during the past 20 or so years, he feels the Manning broadcast has the ability to revitalize what has been sagging ratings. Finally, John laughs off the take of the Mile High altitude in Denver helping Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts' completion percentage before calling out whether there really was a legitimate person that actually said that.
11-11-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens this discussion by talking about those who continuously blame officials (umpires in baseball) for their teams losing. There are fewer takes that come off lazier than that; it gives the impression the person is a sore loser, and straight up makes the complainer look bad. John stresses the need for more accountability when it comes to officiating in sports, but points out that winning teams rise above calls that do not go their way. John also talks about the annual comments made by top MLB player agent Scott Boras. He agrees with Scott’s points about teams that are not trying to win, but disagrees with his assertion that MLB would not benefit from having a salary floor. In regards to the Atlanta Braves, they were able to take advantage of the fact that up to six teams had already stopped competing during a given season. (The Braves made trades for outfielders Joc Pederson, Jorge Soler, Adam Duval, and Eddie Rosario.) John believes the Braves were rewarded for their commitment to winning even though they were not leading in the standings. Finally, John explains why John Wall not playing for the Houston Rockets is bad for the NBA, looks bad for the player, and encourages tanking.
11-8-2021 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the his weakness for the Super Team and why he will likely take the bait this offseason when a particular MLB team "wins the offseason." He talks about the Los Angeles Lakers slow start and whether Russell Westbrook is a good fit there. He talks about Odell Beckham and how much of a fit he was in Cleveland, and then mentions the 1992 New York Mets and his excitement during that offseason. He then talks about Urban Meyer and the Jacksonville Jaguars. As the media is trying to destroy and plan his demise, John makes a bold statement on record about Urban Meyer's future in Jacksonville. He then picks three of the 14 MLB players given the qualifying offer by their parent clubs as ones he has picked to accept and take the offer. Finally, he pays some respect to former MLB and Mets pitcher Pedro Feliciano who passed away today.
11-4-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show talking about two things he hates to discuss. The first being a crime involving a professional athlete. The other being a primadonna pro athlete that expects everything to just revolve around them. First is the terrifying accident involving the now former Las Vegas Raiders receiver Henry Ruggs which sadly involved the death of the woman he collided with. John breaks down the simple difference between murder and killing, stating that the latter is not a choice, premeditated, or was done on purpose. That being said, Ruggs' negligence led to the woman's death and there is a penalty to be paid for it. Ruggs' life will never be the same, but he should have the opportunity to continue to live his life once he was paid the price/ served his time. John then discusses the selfishness of Odell Beckham, Jr. with the backdrop of how a star player may not necessarily have control of the impact they have on their ballclub. OBJ can walk away from Cleveland, but he now has two strikes against him. Two separate teams would not handle his bullshit. His next opportunity may not be his last, but he is out of excuses, he is out of chances to rectify the perception that he is a selfish player and an awful teammate. Finally, John talks about the career of Buster Posey and the fact that he is likely headed to the Baseball Hall of Fame in five years. John then talks about the cases of Thurman Munson, Joe Mauer, and other catchers that may need some reconsideration.
11/3/2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the program by congratulating the Atlanta Braves for their victory in this year's World Series. John discusses some of their keys to victory which started with the decision to go six innings with Max Fried in Game Six, the fact that the Braves managed their bullpen better (John discusses how the Braves held back their top relievers a little better in the World Series), and the fact that the Houston Astros offense was a complete no show. John talks about the trades General Manager Alex Anthopoulos made at the trade deadline to strengthen their outfield and offense in spite of being behind in the standings. He also mentions how there is no "Braves model" for winning and it is time to stop with the cliche and rhetorics. John spends some time talking about his disappointment in Scottie Pippen for his decision to voice his displeasure of his tenure in Chicago with the Bulls. John discusses why Pippen was a favorite to him and to many others and how Scottie would have better addressed his fans by not talking about these topics. It comes off as selfish and takes Pippen off the pedestal he was on for being a great team player, an unsung star, and certainly portrays him in a more unlikeable state. John is happy he admitted his mistake by casting Phil Jackson as a racist, and he understands how hard it is to get us to get over his decision to take himself of the playoff game when the play was not designed for him. While the intention is not to knock Pippen, still one of John's favorite players, he needed to express his disappointment. John finishes off the program by explaining reasons why it is very difficult to market stars in Major League Baseball and compares it to the National Football League.
10-26-2021 Passed Ball Show. John spends this show talking about the World Series in Baseball history prior to the start of the World Series era (1903). He adds two World Series Championships to the New York/ San Francisco Giants and another to the St. Louis Browns/ Perfectos/ Cardinals. The Giants now have ten (+1888 and 1889) and the Cardinals now have twelve (+1886). John discusses natural reasons why the World Series will never seen in the same light as the Super Bowl. John talks about what the Braves need to watch out for (and resist doing) in the World Series that will cost them if they do. John shows his respect for Dusty Baker and declares that either a team missing Ronald Acuna or a team missing Justin Verlander will win the World Series this year. John then touches on the recent article questioning the New York Yankees clubhouse. MLB's mid season (unorthodox) banning of the sticky substances hurt Gerrit Cole as much, if not more, than any other MLB pitcher. To use an incident between Cole and Brett Gardner as a means to show contention amongst the Yankees players was a lazy act. John reminds us that Joey Gallo is exactly what he has always been, a .200 hitter who walks, hits a lot of home runs and strikes out. Finally, John makes the case for four potential additions for the Baseball Hall of Fame via the Veterans Committee.
10-25-2021 Passed Ball Show. John spends a lot of time on this program talking about the quarterback position in the National Football League and how paramount it is to the success of a given team. John's position has been that there are not enough star, no doubt, number one options to cover the 32 NFL teams and because of this, the quality of football we watch every week has suffered. John talks about the San Francisco 49ers' decision to draft Trey Lance while Jimmy Garoppolo is still the starting QB and compares that to the Green Bay Packers' decision to draft Jordan Love in the first round last year. Teams sometimes go generations without finding an elite QB and others feel like they can groom their next QB while the other one is still around. John questions why Cam Newton is not on a team's roster and knocks the Houston Texans for not rostering a quality NFL QB to compete with Davis Mills. He then talks about the extra time teams could take to evaluate a QB based off where they are taken in the draft. Does Baker Mayfield get more of an evaluation because he was taken 1(1)? John then gets into the upcoming World Series between the Houston Astros and Atlanta Braves, the 71st different matchup in the 117th World Series. He talks about the Braves World Series Championship in 1914 and wonders aloud whether the Braves could have built their 1990-2005 squad without Bobby Cox. He then talks about how close the Braves were to not getting Cox back after owner Ted Turner fired him after the 1981 baseball season. John also talks about the impact that TBS had on him as a baseball fan.
10-18-2021 Passed Ball Show. John spends some time today talking about the overuse of relief pitchers in the postseason and how it has become a detriment to the teams that end up losing given postseason MLB series. John slows it down to try to get the listener to understand the advantage any given team gains by seeing the same reliever game after game. In addition, he gives examples of recent World Series Champions that have stayed away from using the same relievers game after game and have used starting pitchers as relievers to break up the repetitive monotony. John then spends a little time talking about the vacation (removal) of the 2004 USC College Football National Championship and how it can never take away the fact that it happened. John segues this discussion into a little bit about the likes of Barry Bonds, Rogers Clemens, and OJ Simpson- even mentioning the football accomplishments of Aaron Hernandez and why nothing can remove what has been seen with the naked eye. A bad person still can be known for great accomplishments. John is officially a stan for Urban Meyer, as he is tired of cancel culture and the attempt from the general public to destroy people in the spotlight. Urban has to do more to help himself, stop drawing attention that has nothing to do with football to himself, but has gained himself a new fan.
10-11-2021 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about why Cam Newton is not on a NFL roster right now. John cites the injury to Seattle's Russell Wilson and the agreement in Houston that Deshaun Watson is not going to play as examples that the quarterback position in the NFL lacks depth. John believes that there are not 32 no doubt starting quarterbacks in the league (he then explains what that means). In addition to that, there are not 32 quality, dependable backup QB's in the league. Because of that, there is no excuse for Cam Newton to not be on an NFL roster. John makes comparisons to the blackballing of Collin Kaepernick and the treatment of Doug Williams in the 1980's and asks if Newton is subject to the same treatment. If so, John explains why something must be done. He then talks about the Tampa Bay Rays and their unprecedented 100 win season in 2021. While he gives all the credit to the front office and their "system" for the Rays success, John wonders if there is, in fact, a ceiling that the Rays may not be able to break through. The Rays have committed to using their pitchers a certain way, a way that is vulnerable in a short series without the benefit of a 40 man roster and extra inning rules set up to shorten the game. It will be interesting how they face the adversity of having their season come down to the use of seven relievers and hoping they all have it the same day. Finally, John lets out his disgust over the NFL defensive players wearing single digit numbers. Admittedly, John states this is one of his worst takes, but one he feels he is given his God given right to express, silly or not.
10-2-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up the program by promoting his live show, which are intended to engage the listener and summarizes his future shows (three points, twenty or so minutes). He talks about the ESPN 30 for 30 on the 1986 Mets and specifically about George Foster and his comments about race. John supports Foster's right to make the comments and explains why he may have not been wrong to discuss race as it had to do with NYC at that time. John describes the upcoming Bucs/ Pats game (Tom Brady's return to Foxboro) as a ratings champion, but warns the viewers about their upcoming disappointment. It will not be much of a game. To conclude, John sides with Ben Simmons and his right to choose to not play for the Philadelphia 76ers. John warns, however, that if Simmons were to not play this season, he may depreciate as a player in a similar manner to that of Le'Veon Bell after he sat out his last season in Pittsburgh with the Steelers.
8-24-2021 Passed Ball Show. John starts the program by describing some of the lazier baseball takes that fans have when they discuss baseball and their favorite baseball team. John talks about fans not understanding the role of the MLB manager, the overhyping of minor leaguers, and other reasons fans look juvenile. John asks some serious questions when it comes to booing players. He talks about reasons and times that may make more sense than others and then brings up other times when the fan embarrasses themself. He then speaks about the rights Trevor Bauer and/ or Marcell Ozuna have when it comes to their right to work. Mike Vick was convicted and served time in prison, then had a NFL job waiting for him when he was released. The same should be there for both Bauer and Ozuna, minus any suspension enforced by MLB. John finishes this program by explaining why Josh Rosen still has a chance to succeed as a NFL quarterback.
8-3-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by talking about the most vulnerable teams in MLB as we hit the final two months of the regular season. He feels that the New York Mets are in trouble and that it is time for the Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies to make a push for a playoff berth. The Yankees won the trading deadline, do they have enough to catch up to the Red Sox, Rays, and Athletics? All it takes is a 9 out of 10 stretch. John talks about why it might have been best for the Seattle Mariners to not be aggressive at this year’s trading deadline. He also compares their projected offensive core to one of the greatest of all time. John compares the big three of LeBron James, Anthony Davis, and Russell Westbrook to the greatest threesome in the history of the National Basketball Association. Then he makes the obvious point about Westbrook being judged as a winning player based off of what eventually happens in LA. Finally, John takes on the lazy discussion that is had each year when it comes to Super Bowl teams meeting in the Super Bowl the next season, something that has only happened how many times?
7-27-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by expression his excitement over what the next four days will bring with the MLB trade deadline approaching. He then jumps into discussion on why we as fans talk about everything else other than winning and losing when it comes to our favorite sports teams. Why does there always have to be a reason? Sometimes wins and losses are separated by the narrowest of margins. John questions why we do not see wins and losses being as powerful as they are. Sometimes it distorts is in believing a team is better or worse than we thought, but the record is still what it is. John then talks about Star quarterbacks in the National Football League and how the worst things teams do is try to develop a successor to the star QB while the star QB is still there. It creates resentment and the star QB wants to dictate how long they will be there. John talks about some dynamics with Aaron Rodgers, Joe Montana, Brett Favre, Tom Brady, and others and why it is not a good football move to have a star QB’s successor on the same roster as the star QB. John suggests the one way a team should move on from their star QB. Finally, he makes it clear that there is no way one could tell if the selection of Jordan Love with their first round choice two years back was a good or bad one. We will know once he plays.
7-8-2021 Passed Ball Show. John jumps right into his take on the excerpts of Scottie Pippen’s book “Unguarded.” John thinks Pippen comes up bitter and expresses his disappointment over a player he referred to as a “hero.” As the most underrated all time great in the history of the sport, it seems as if he uses the book to air dirty laundry about Phil Jackson and Michael Jordan. It is extremely unlikely that race was the reason that Toni Kukoc got the shot with 0.8 seconds against the Pacers. John then takes baseball to task for moving the All Star Game away from Atlanta. What a horrible way to disrespect Hank Aaron in the heels of his passing of last year! Chris Paul, similar to Pippen, is one of the most underrated all time greats. John talks about the path of a player that has won a ton of games and is now closing in on a championship. Finally, listen to John’s take on MLB teams as “independent contractors” and how the should not concede to the media’s categorizing them as either “buyers” or “sellers.”
6-19-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this baseball discussion by talking about the inexplicable decision by Ronald Acuna, Jr. to try to stretch a double into a triple with two outs in the ninth inning and the defending National League Most Valuable Player coming to bat. Yes, players make mistakes. But there has to be some sort of accountability when it comes to said mistake. That is why manager Brian Snitker was 100 percent in the right for his criticism of Acuna’s only self serving decision. The last person anybody should need to hear from is Acuna’s father. What is this, Little League?! John blasts Acuna’s father for potentially living vociferously through his child, ala LaVar Ball. John then takes the time to question what exactly a manager does in a game of baseball anymore. Managers do not write their own lineups, position their fielders, and John explains why they likely do not even control which pitchers come in games at given times. When it comes to cheating, John talks about the history of cheating and deviousness as it imply to baseball and it’s inception. John then spends a couple minutes questioning the 1914 World Series and whether it was on a level or not. John then explains how baseball is “tainted” and it is impossible to be a baseball fan and not root for some deviousness/ cheating in the game as it is played.
6-12-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up the program by defending his take about Bob Brenly’s reference to Marcus Stroman’s DuRag. While the reference itself is not racist, and the mere mention of it is not worthy of cancellation or one losing their job over it, the way it was said downgraded Stroman’s classification because he was wearing the DuRag. The insinuation that Tom Seaver would never wear a DuRag implied that Seaver was from a higher class of people. Brenly’s apology and decision to undergo sensitivity training is proof that Brenly understands he was wrong, or at the very least is admitting wrong because he wants to keep his employment. If the latter is true, it means Brenly’s employer is admitting he was wrong. John then talks about the changing of the nicknames of sports franchises and how he has evolved from his original point of view. In acknowledgment of the Tennessee Titans trade for Wide Receiver Julio Jones, John constructed a list of the top 15 Wide Receivers to ever play for the Houston Oilers/ Tennessee Titans. Finally, he reconstructs and reorders the top ten players taken in the 2018 NBA Draft and explains why the Phoenix Suns would have not taken DeAndre Ayton if they had the number one overall pick if they had it to do over again.
6-2-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the terrible comment Arizona Diamondbacks broadcaster Bob Brenly made about Marcus Stroman’s head covering. There should be repercussions for it, yet John stands by the fact that a firing should not come with a life sentence. Assuming Brenly is contrite, he should be allowed to work in baseball again. That being said, a terrible look for Brenly and the entire Diamondbacks organization. John then talks about why both the Diamondbacks and San Francisco Giants could not be good this year, in fact, he explains why one had to be good and one had to be bad. He then spends a little time talking about the impact of former MLB relief pitcher Mike Marshall on baseball and what he did that we will never see again. John then talks about why there needs to be a limit to how many pitchers a team can have on a staff at a given time. He then expounds to why there needs to be some reform in regards to the usage of pitchers to increase the amount of contract and balls put into play. He finishes off this show by talking about the Los Angeles Lakers and why, in spite of a very deep roster, they are doomed if Anthony Davis does not return to full health.
5-29-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show expressing his comfort with the decision MLB made to deem former MLB Coach and Manager Mickey Callaway ineligible through the end of the 2022 season. John felt that it was not fair for him to not get the equivalent of a trial after being accused by women of lewd conduct. Should he never work in baseball again? John believes sports have picked and chosen which athletes/ coaches get additional chances after screwing up. Of course, it is assumed that the violator was contrite and are not going to do the same thing again. John mentions the former manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, Tim Johnson, and the fact that he has been blackballed from the sport because he fabricated his military experience. Leo Durocher, AJ Hinch, and Alex Cora all continued to work after their suspensions. John also cites Plaxico Burress and Michael Vick and wonders aloud whether what they did, particularly Vick, was worse that what Callaway or former Mets GM Jared Porter did. John then mentions the potential comeback of Brandon Jacobs, who is apparently thinking about coming back as a defensive end after a nine year career as a running back. John equates it to Tim Tebow or Tiki Barber, reiterating that nobody will make it into the NFL based solely off of name recognition. If a player cannot play at the highest level, they will get cut. Finally, John talks about a couple destinations for Atlanta Falcons Wide Receiver Julio Jones amid the terrible job Shannon Sharpe did by calling him during a live television show.
5-22-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by previewing the upcoming NBA Playoffs while stating the 7th and 8th seeds should have to earn their respective playoff berths. He picks a couple upsets. He then breaks down four major points in the media/ Chicago White Sox players/ Tony LaRussa saga. First, he mentions the fact that the fans and media wanted him gone since the day he was hired. Then, he brings up the fact that LaRussa screwed up by airing the dirty laundry to the media, something Francisco Lindor and Jeff McNeil did not do and something Joe Girardi refused to do. When it comes to the 3-0 take sign LaRussa gave to Yermin Mercedes, there is no excuse for the player to ignore the sign- insubordination should not be tolerated at any job at any level. Finally, John refuses to exonerate the Minnesota Twins, who quit competing in the game by throwing a random position player on the mound. The Twins do not have the right to dictate to their opponent whether their opponent should compete or not. He then compares LaRussa’s situation with the White Sox to the 2012 Red Sox and Bobby Valentine and the 1965-1966 Yankees and Johnny Keane. John finishes off the program by knocking Jim McMahon for taking a shot at Bill Belichick, something he never earned the right to do. He compares McMahon to Jimmy Garappolo in regards to his inability to stay healthy.
5-15-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the program by knocking those that overrate the release of the new NFL Schedule. His two reasons are 1. The parity of the NFL is unlike any other sport. How does anybody know how good any team is going to be? You cannot logically predict records for your favorite game based on the opponent in the month of May. 2. The opponents of each team are known well before the announcement of the new schedule. Each team knows it will play their division rivals twice, each team in an in conference division once, and each team in a non conference division once. Those divisions rotate each season and are known well before the release of the schedule. John then spends a couple minutes talking about Tim Tebow and his attempted comeback in the NFL. It is simple, either he can play or he can’t. The NFL will not give him similar privileges he got in minor league baseball. Ask Tiki Barber. If Tebow cannot play, he will be cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Finally, John spends a couple minutes on the Colorado Rockies and their dysfunction. They have been blessed with some incredible offensive players but have been unable to retain them. They may be the worst team in baseball for the next five years
5-8-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the show by reminding the viewers of the ignorant/ racist comments made by former Los Angeles Dodgers General Manager Al Campanis and CBS NFL Today host Jimmy “The Greek” Snyder. While both statements made by each men could be considered reprehensible, John questions whether the statute of limitations have run out and they should finally be forgiven. John makes a comparison to contrite criminals who have served their time and in some cases, are given a chance to rehabilitate. Should Thom Brennaman and Jared Porter have the opportunity to work again? John then spends a little time talking about the Atlanta Hawks and their turnaround under new Head Coach Nate McMillan. He talks about the difference between coaching changes in the NBA and NHL and those in the NFL and MLB. Finally, John spends a little bit of time talking about the Rangers/ Capitals animosity over the past week. John compares the fighting in the NHL and wonders if MLB should eliminate allowing pitches coming in from the bullpen during altercations.
4-29-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the program by talking about the difference Chris Paul has made for the Phoenix Suns and why they should be taken seriously when it comes to the upcoming NBA playoffs. He also asks out loud whether the Los Angeles Lakers at full strength can be stopped and when the Los Angeles Clippers’ players, mainly Kawhi Leonard and Paul George, will be held accountable for the team not winning a championship or getting to the Finals. He then talks about the problems with Major League Baseball as it is currently played and the advantage that pitchers have over the hitters. For the first time in the history of baseball, the percentage of time a hitter strikes out is actually higher than the league’s collective batting average. John drives that point home when talking about the complaints fans have when watching the game. Fans don’t want gimmicks, they want a more entertaining product. But quite simply, fans do not want to see a bunch of strikeouts and walks. That is what bores them. Not extra innings, not too many pitching changes. Excessive walks and strikeouts lead to less action, hence the reason popularity of the game is down. John finishes off this show by talking about the upcoming NFL Draft and why a couple teams will be making a mistake by selective a quarterback.
4-15-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the program by talking about baseball fans disconnect with who is to blame when things go wrong for their favorite baseball team. Fans still believe MLB managers are responsible for more than they are. John talks about some of the things MLB managers are responsible and then some things they no longer do, such as writing lineups and arrange defensive alignments. John then compares the responsibilities of a MLB manager to that of an NFL Head Coach. Should Kyrie Irving retire from playing professional basketball? John wonders how many personal days any average American worker could get away with taking in a given year. He then finishes off the program by talking about the Chicago Bears quarterback situation and why they should draft one this year. Then, he wonders how many of the QB’s drafted this year will turn into busts in the NFL
4-8-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up the least watched talk program in the country by talking about the decision MLB made on its own to change the site of the 2021 MLB All Star Game. Their political stance punishes nobody but the Atlanta Braves and their fans. It also is an insult to the legacy of Hank Aaron, who should have been honored in the stadium of the team he was most known for the first All Star Game after his death. John then talks about anti-trust and why baseball should not have special powers to govern itself when no other sport has such right. John then talks about how the game has thrown rules changes in our face that we can do nothing about. Even if one was to leave a game before the runner is automatically put on second base in the start of extra innings, baseball has already gotten that person's ticket money and any revenue for food and merchandise. John recommends not attending seven inning double headers and shares the story of the Washington Nationals offering the first game of a seven inning double header as equal to the price of an overpriced opening day game ticket. JT Realmuto is better than James McCann- John is astonished that he even has to say that. What gives James McCann the right to tell another MLB player what to do? A leader needs to have a track record, right? Finally, John talks about the obsession that exists when it comes to college football quarterbacks and why the first four players (all likely quarterbacks) will not be the four best players taken in the draft.
3-18-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about Shohei Ohtani's value when it comes to fantasy baseball. John once again gives his top 20 players that should be drafted in order. He then breaks down the top players at each position, and gives a sleeper player as well as a player he believes is overrated. John takes a little time to share his belief that there is a good chance women's sports can gain more popularity over time. John then debates with himself which team is better right now, the Brooklyn Nets or Philadelphia 76ers? He finishes off talking about the offseason the New England Patriots are having and how the AFC East looks at this very moment.
3-12-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show talking about the Nolan Ryan trade from the New York Mets to the California Angels. Hindsight says the trade was one of the worst in the history of the Mets franchise, but is it that easy to assume Ryan would have been great for the Mets. Imagine a 1970’s starting rotation of Tom Seaver, Jerry Koosman, and Ryan? After the trade to the Angels, his walk rate went down two walks per nine innings pitched and he proceeded to give up the fewest hits per nine innings pitched in baseball history, signs he never showed for the Mets. John then talks about the first two times a player (or players) were granted free agency in Major League Baseball. Looking back, John explains why the Catfish Hunter and Andy Messersmith contracts did not work out. Finally, John provides some insight when it comes to what to expect for the upcoming fantasy baseball season. He talks about how the game has changed, gives his top twenty players he would take, then gives his top sleeper or keeper eligible picks. Stay tuned for the sleeper/ keeper eligible players to stay away from, some insight on Shohei Ohtani, and some other players that may be undervalued on the next PBS which is scheduled for Thursday March 18th.
3-11-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the program by talking about how the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame is watered down and this year's "finalists" are an example of how watered down the Hall of Fame is. John then profiles the coaches in every major sport (MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL, NCAAB) that have the highest winning percentage in their respective history. After that, John spends some time reminding the general public they are being selfish when it comes to the cancel culture that exists today. Just because somebody has a notable position, the general public cannot wait to see them eliminated from the workforce and hope that they never work again. John cites several examples of figures such as Greg McDermott, Andrew Cuomo, Mickey Callaway, and Jared Porter- obviously all different circumstances and levels of evidence and the public's interest in seeing them fired from their employer and banned from ever getting a job again. John explains why cancel culture has gone too far.
3-6-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by expressing his frustration with the cancel culture and why it has gone too far. He then breaks down the National League and gives his predictions of the division winners and wild card representatives. He talks about why the Mets will fall short in their chase for the postseason and why more playoff teams would have benefitted them. He then talks about why extra playoff teams are a bad idea. He then throws his support for coach Greg McDermott of Creighton College Basketball after his “insensitive” remarks make to his team the other day. Though the word “plantation” was a poorly chosen word, there was no racial motivation or intent behind it. Assistant coach Terrance Rencher is using race-baiting tactics to make this story more than it is, and John gives respect to the Creighton players for standing behind their coach and not succumbing to the pressure to cancel. John also mentions the allegedly false allegations against Star New York Rangers forward Artemi Panarin. The general public and court of public opinion is against anybody that has a name to them. John will continue to defend those who want to destroy the credibility of anybody in the spotlight as a sign of jealousy. Finally, John discusses the Elam Ending and describes how it might make sense to play a whole game to a target score.
3-4-2021 Passed Ball Show. John broadcasts this show live from West Palm Beach, Florida. John talks about the fact that Major League Baseball already announced that the National League would operate without the designated hitter in 2021... in December. The media kept the possibility open and is responsible for this long, drawn out, process. Nobody should be surprised that the NL is not using the DH, it was announced already. John talks about the for spring training (through March 13th) rules that may or may not impact the games that are being played. John does not mind the rule that allows a team to reinsert a pitcher that has already been taken out. However, when it comes to allowing a team to terminate an inning if their pitcher has thrown more than 20 pitches, it compromises the integrity of the game and in this case, may be better if the teams stopped keeping score. John talks about how that happened in yesterday's Mets/ Cardinals game in Jupiter, FL. Finally, John has imposes a cease and desist order against the sports media outlets that are making believe Russell Wilson and Dak Prescott are getting traded. John explains why neither player are getting traded and then politely asks outlets such as ESPN to stop talking about this nonsense.
2-27-2021 Passed Ball Show. John starts off this show by welcoming his new twitter live listeners to the program. He only has to adjust the camera twice during this broadcast, lol. He breaks down the American League East division and why the New York Yankees are still the prohibitive favorites to win the division. John is down on the Tampa Bay Rays and he explains why he has the Toronto Blue Jays finishing second and the Boston Red Sox finishing third in the AL East. He then breaks down the rest of the American League with emphasis on the Chicago White Sox and Los Angeles Angels. He then previews the National League by giving his predictions on which teams will finish where. After that, he talks a little salary cap as it pertains to the National Basketball Association. Because there are so few players on an NBA team, it is easier to pay a player much more than what they are worth. John talks about several players that are paid way more than they contribute to their teams.
2-25-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about how the Seattle Seahawks are not going to trade Russell Wilson, at least not this offseason. He then puts on the record a promise of what he will do if Wilson gets traded. John then talks about the how the media has made more of this possibility than really exists, though Deshaun Watson will likely be traded from Houston. He then envisions a scenario where JJ Watt signs with his favorite football team, the Tennessee Titans. How about a list of your top ten favorite team's acquisitions? John spends some time talking about that doctor that always says, "He/ she will never walk again." Is this one doctor? Why are they so negative? Why are they always saying that? While the Lakers are going to have a tough time winning an NBA Championship without Anthony Davis, there is no reason to overreact to the team's struggles without the star player. John talks about how all great players, even LeBron James need a star complementary player to succeed. Michael Jordan needed Scottie Pippen, Babe Ruth needed Lou Gehrig, and Bill Russell never would have won 11 NBA Championships in 13 seasons without Bob Cousy, John Havlicek, and Sam Jones. Finally, John talks about his disbelief in the Tampa Bay Rays for 2021 and what it might mean for the Boston Red Sox.
2-13-2021 Passed Ball Show. John spends the first part of this show talking about the severity of racist and sexist statements and the seriousness of sexual harassment and domestic violence. Should racism, sexism, and sexual harassment, when proven, be the equivalent to a felony conviction? If not, why are sports public figures banned from employment? They should have the right to work. If John was hiring, he would want to know the person was remorseful and had learned from the terrible thing they said/ did. Once again, the court of public opinion is stronger than the court of law and John believes that should change. Chris Doyle and Jared Porter should be able to get a job again assuming they are contrite about what they did. John then talks about the upcoming Daytona 500 and whether Denny Hamlin can become the first driver to win the race three years in a row. John talks about the possibility of Bubba Wallace becoming the first black driver to win the race. John also brings up a couple long shots and why if you buy lottery tickets, you should consider placing a bet on these drivers. Finally, John talks about how LaMelo Ball was cost the number one overall selection in this past year’s NBA draft by his father. At this point, Ball has been the best player from that draft class and it is not even close. John talks about why Yasiel Puig would be a good fit for the New York Mets and Jedd Gyorko would be for the New York Yankees. And why Roberto Osuna should also have a right to work.
2-11-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up by mentioning the unlikeliness that the Super Bowl streaker receives a payout for his prop bet. John also questions whether or not said bet was made then talks about how bets like this can be influenced by human action and therefore, should not be allowed. John talks about Otto Graham, a quarterback with seven championships who has not gotten the credit he deserves. Speaking of not getting deserved credit, Marty Schottenheimer had a .631 winning percentage (31st all time- min. 50 games) and had two losing seasons out of 21 as a head coach. John calls out all the quarterbacks taken in the 1999 NFL draft before Tom Brady and compares his 7th Super Bowl to Michael Jordan and Babe Ruth. Finally, a list of every Baseball shall of Famer who had any tie to the New York Mets.
2-6-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by expressing concern over whether the Mets will be a good baseball team in 2021. Most of the Mets fans positivity stems from their hatred of Brodie Van Wagenen and their previous owners. While Francisco Lindor was a great acquisition, is he single handedly enough to make the Mets the favorites in the National League East? The Mets have holes in centerfield, potentially at third base, and can use another starting pitcher and reliever. Is the Mets roster right now finalized for the start of the 2021 season? If it is, they get a C + tops for their work, especially considering they have an owner worth more than any other in professional sports. Plus Steve Cohen is the only owner that is not inheriting a loss from no fans at games in 2020. John is disappointed, but hopes there is more to his favorite team’s offseason. John gives his key to Super Bowl LV. It is whether the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense can stop the Kansas City Chiefs offense. That will determine whether Tampa Bay has a chance to win. Finally, props to the Utah Jazz as John talks about what has led them to the best record in the western conference of the National Basketball Association.
2-4-2021 Passed Ball Show. John brings up a controversial take when it comes to sexual harassment- the presumed guilty as opposed to being innocent until proven guilty. There is a difference between the reaction after one is found guilty to have done something unacceptable and the mere accusation that one committed such misconduct. The court of public opinion has grown to become stronger than that of the court of law. Mickey Callaway should not be fired for what he was accused of. He should be fired if it is determined that he did what he was accused of. He deserves the same rights of even anybody accused of a heinous crime, that he is innocent until proven guilty. Jared Porter admitted what he did- he deserved to lose his job. Calllaway claimed the accusations are not true, his job status should be on hold until more facts are uncovered. John then talks about those in the NHL who are now blaming teams such as the New Jersey Devils for a spread of the coronavirus. Likely the same mindset as those who blamed the Miami Marlins, Tennessee Titans, and Baltimore Ravens for similar outbreaks among sports teams. This virus has impacted random people for all different reasons, most of them not resulting in direct blame.
1-31-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by discussing the public’s perception of social media. One that engages themselves in social media has to understand what the public consists of. And therefore, nobody in the public eye should feel required to participate. While Cespool Sports CEO Dave Portnoy may have some points when it comes to how Mets owner Steve Cohen may have made his fortune, he used similar tactics in his acquisition of Cespool Sports. He (and his co-founders) manipulated the sexual drive of the average middle aged male for ratings. He created a locker room talk platform and required nice looking women to talk about promiscuity in order to generate ratings. While Portnoy may have “only” made millions over it, he used similar deceptive tactics to earn those millions. He manipulated a man’s sex drive like he claims Cohen manipulated the stock market. John then talks about Cardinals trade for Nolan Arenado. It always seems the Cardinals get a big player when they need to. John goes back to the days of Jack Clark and mentions five other star players the Cardinals acquired in the past. There is a connection between that and the fact that the Cardinals are always a playoff caliber team. Finally, John throws some more salt on the MLB teams that attempt these drawn out rebuilds and sends some sympathy to the Pittsburgh Pirates fan. They deserve better.
1-28-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by talking about how the Mets may have become the favorites to land free agent pitcher Trevor Bauer. John would like the move, but it may be to early to declare the Mets as the only horse in the race. John mentions six other MLB teams that would be very good fits and could realistically make him an offer. All it takes is one other team to change the expectation. John expresses his disappointment over the Baseball Writers Association of America as a whole. John believes it is time to ask why the voting process for baseball Hall of Famers has changed so much over the years. It is almost like the writers are trying to disqualify each candidate while the strict evaluation has not been a staple of the voting process since its inception. John talks about some of the flaws of early Hall of Fame members and points out the BBHOF has enshrined worse. John then talks about how the quarterback position in the NFL may be about to go through a major overhaul as maybe as much as half the league may have a new signal caller by the start of next season. In his conclusion, John mentions a couple of trade possibilities for the New York Mets which share the same goal- freeing up left field for Marcell Ozuna to be a free agent target.
1-23-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up by talking about the legendary Hank Aaron and how he may have been underrated. With all respect to the Hall of Famers we have lost over the past calendar year, Aaron’s death is like when Babe Ruth died, it is like when Jackie Robinson died, it is like when Ty Cobb or Lou Gehrig died. John mentions that Aaron had more walks than strikeouts during his career as well as the fact that he scored 100 or more runs in 13 straight seasons and 15 out of 16. John then compiles his list of the top ten Head Coaches in the history of the National Hockey League. He predicts five more MLB free agent homes and finishes off with a Super Bowl LV prediction of who will be in the game.
1-21-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about how the Brooklyn Nets new Big Three may need a little time to figure out how to play with each other. James Harden has been too passive. From a defensive standpoint, it should be near impossible to stop Kevin Durant, Kyrie Irving, and Harden. One of them should have either a good look or an opportunity to go to the basket. If not, Joe Harris is one of the best three point shooters in the sport. John then talks about the fallout from the Mets firing of General Manager Jared Porter. Was it the determining factor in George Springer choosing to sign with the Blue Jays? Are the Mets a good team right now? John explains why it is a hard no. Finally, John talks about the potential hypocrisy in the NFL maybe moving back the AFC Championship Game to accommodate the Kansas City Chiefs and Patrick Mahomes. The prescient has NOT been set.
1-16-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about whether Tua Tagovailoa will be the starting quarterback for the Miami Dolphins for the distant future. Most importantly, John calls out an anonymous report that players do not trust Tua to be the leader they need. They do not trust Tua as much as they did Ryan Fitzpatrick. The problem is, the players do not have the balls to put their names behind it. The Miami Dolphins are a group of cowards. If they do not believe in Tua, so be it. But at least have the confidence in yourself to put a name behind it. John talks about the recent hiring of NFL Head Coaches, mainly Urban Meyer with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Urban walked into the ultimate scenario... a chance to take the best amateur quarterback in years, a ton of draft capital, a ton of salary cap space. A great opportunity to win. What happens if he has a losing season? What if things get a little tough? Will Urban Meyer be able to handle the NFL, or is it another example of Bobby Petrino or Nick Saban? What does the hiring of Arthur Smith mean for the future of Matt Ryan? Did the Jets finally get their leader in Robert Salah? John then talks about the New York Yankee brand. How it originated and how Brian Cashman will be their general manager as long as he wants. John explains how Cashman is able to use the brand to bully players and other teams’ executives.
1-14-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by calling out the Pittsburgh Steelers for their enabling of a series of skill players who have had disruptive or rouge moments over the past couple years. Wide Receiver Chase Claypool is the most recent Steelers receiver to cause controversy when he posted a live tic tic video stating that the Browns will “get clapped” next round so it is “all good.” The well respected franchise, with the most stability in all of professional sports (three coaches since 1969) should have to answer to a pattern of behavior that started with Le’Veon Bell, continued with Antonio Brown, and recently resulted in the actions by WR JuJu Smith-Schuster. Is it enabled by Head Coach Mike Tomlin? Or is it the front office? John then talks about the James Harden trade to the Brooklyn Nets and his concern over whether Kyrie Irving will be a contributor on this team. Kyrie is the reason Kevin Durant is in Brooklyn. Kyrie is the reason Kenny Atkinson is no longer the team’s Head Coach. (Indirectly) Kyrie is the reason the Nets panicked and made the Harden trade. Irving can be whatever he wants to be- the mayor, a martyr, whatever. He has an obligation to live up to his professional basketball contract, something he is unlikely to voluntarily forfeit. John then mentions that there are 33 head coaches in the history of the National Football League that have won a Super Bowl. John questions whether the Philadelphia Eagles were correct in their decision to fire HC Doug Pederson. He then talks about NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman’s latest comments and why they are not good for his image, an image John just praised on his last show. Finally, five more MLB free agent predictions.
1-9-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the program by expressing his excitement and surprise over the Mets acquisition of Cleveland Indians shortstop Francisco Lindor. The Mets are now one of the teams that jump at the opportunity to prey on teams that cannot afford to pay their own players. John does mention two previous trades involving star Indians infielders, Carlos Baerga and Roberto Alomar. He then tries to think of another time he has been this excited as a sports fan in the offseason. John talks a little NBA and what it is like for a team to not have a big star to build their team around. He talks about the Knicks and how he feels they are going about the build of their team the right way- a proven coach and the development of young, role players who are not intended to be stars. While the Knicks may be ready to add a big star, they have the foundation in place for that star to succeed. John talks about the Oklahoma City Thunder and the fact that they have a great player in Shai Gilgious- Alexander and very little built around him. John finishes off by giving his NFL picks for the first ever six game Wild Card weekend including a surprise pick against his favorite team.
1-2-2021 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program talking about upcoming College Football Championship game between Alabama and Ohio State. Two of the storied CFB programs in the history of the sport both earned a shot at an additional national championship. John discusses the legacy of Nick Saban and talks about why the Ohio State Buckeyes beat Clemson relatively easily. John then talks about the potentially historic occurrence in the NBA as Becky Hammon was handed the clipboard after Head Coach Gregg Poppovich was ejected. The NBA may be closer than other sports when it comes to the first female HC in men’s sports history. John then talks about the great Paul Brown, one of the greatest coaches in the history of pro sports. Were the Cleveland Browns named after him? Or were they named after Joe Louis? Where does Brown rank among the best Head Coaches in the history of the National Football League? Historically, the Browns have been much better than what they are credited for. Finally, five more free agent predictions in what has been a kind of slow MLB offseason.
12/30/2020 Passed Ball Show. John recaps his strongest sports takes for the year of 2020. He starts by questioning the excuse of a “market” for baseball teams like Tampa Bay, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh when they have teams that play other professional sports in the same place. John reminds the viewer that there are eight NFL teams (there were nine coming into this season before the Houston Texans hired Romeo Crennel as interim head coach) that have not hired a black head coach. There are ten MLB teams that have not hired a black manager and eleven MLB teams that have not hired a Latin American manager. John has constantly stated that managers in Major League Baseball do not have the ability to influence a game and maybe even their own players. This point was not more evident when the Houston Astros implemented a plan to steal pitchers signs using technology, mainly manipulating the replay monitors. Manager AJ Hinch knew about the system, but could not do anything about it. Proof that a manager has no say in what a team is doing on the field. John has a hard time understanding why racism was ever okay, especially as it relates to professional sports. God created all living beings; what gave mankind the right to determine any of God’s children were any better than other of his same creation? The Detroit Pistons of the late 1980’s have been dubbed the “Bad Boys.” Perhaps it was more about the way the NBA was played at that time- there is no need for them to apologize. Isiah Thomas should have been on the 1992 Dream Team. It is insane that New York Yankees fans can mention the “Core Four” and intentionally leave out Bernie Williams. Lou Brock’s trade from the Chicago Cubs to the St. Louis Cardinals had a little bit to do with race- owner Phillip Wrigley felt the team was over their self imposed (or MLB imposed) quota of black players. John still has a hard time understanding why the Atlanta Braves were penalized for signing Tom Seaver, a player they selected in the draft. Obviously Mets fans everywhere are glad they were. How can you call yourself a sports fan and actually root for your team to lose? John would not consider a fan that rooted for his favorite team to lose an equal, would you? John also feels that a lot of New York Mets fans celebrate mediocrity as opposed to really wanting to see their team win. Some fans would rather have their players win awards than see the best team be assembled to win a World Series. Finally, John talks about the reputations of coaches and players and how it is directly tied to their winning and losing. Sometimes their knowledge or skill set may remain the same, the only thing that separates their legacy is whether they won or lost. See Casey Stengel.
12-26-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about Alvin Kamara’s 6 touchdown performance against the Minnesota Vikings. Where does 6 TD’s rank among other sports feats? Is it 5 HR or 4? 70 points in a basketball game or 80? 4 goals in hockey or 5? John then talks about the Josh Bell trade to the Nationals. What a great move by an organization that continues to do everything it needs to do to win! Mets, Phillies, Braves- it is your move. Phillies keeping JT Realmuto or Mets signing of George Springer will likely equal the Nats trade for Bell. John reminds the viewers the amount of Hall of Fame baseball, football, and basketball players and coaches we have lost this year. Finally, it is time to stop putting the Golden State Warriors on prime time games.
12/23/2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by explaining his feelings about Festivus in his ten seconds. He then blasts the fans of the New York Jets for rooting for their team to lose, then explains how it is not really possible for pro football players to not give maximum effort on a football field. John then brings up the opportunity the New York Mets have this off-season to do what no other MLB has the chance to do. It will be disappointing to see this organization not address EVERY need they have and project to be the team to beat in all of Major League Baseball. They may not get this chance again. John finishes off by talking about the NBA and questions whether they got it right by not having the bubble like settings that were proven to be successful during the recent playoffs and NBA Finals.
12-19-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens this program by discussing some of the greatest endings in the history of sports. He uses as examples the Shot Heard around World, Cal/ Stanford walk off kick return (band on the field), NC State/ Virginia finish in 1983 Final Four, and the Music City Miracle of 2000. John then talks about Trevor Bauer involving himself in what is being reported about him. While John agrees with a player disproving something they do not believe is true, he does not believe Jon Heyman was giving his own opinion/ analysis. If the Reds do not have the financial resources and most importantly, if they declared they are not making an offer to sign Bauer, any reporter has the right and is not in the wrong to report it. John then talks about the probability that James Harden will get traded before the start of the NBA regular season. He talks about the Brooklyn/ Philadelphia possibilities and if it would be better to have Kyrie Irving or Ben Simmons go the Houston. Two is company and three is a crowd. John finishes off the program by making five more free agent predictions for Major League Baseball.
12-16-2020 Passed Ball Show. John starts out this program by giving the NBA, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Milwaukee Bucks credit for getting a super max deal done. Giannis being in Milwaukee is great for the NBA, an establishment that has enabled its best players to all play in the best markets. John brings up the Domestic Abuse accusation against former MLB shortstop Omar Vizquel. He talks about how this will stay connected with him for the rest of his life, even if it will not be the determining factor over whether he makes it into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Speaking of the BBHOF, John uses the mention of it to advocate the players that deserve to be in but have been held out. John then talks about the development of Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield and the connection to offensive that is being centered around his strengths. If a coach is not catering his offense around the strengths of his QB, the team will be behind the times. John then compares some great Negro Leagues players to great MLB players. And he finishes off the program by declaring new homes for the top five MLB free agents right now.
12-14-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program discussing how the time is right for the Cleveland Indians to change their nickname. John makes the point that “Baseball Team” might best the best suggestion so, as a society, we do not sweep under the rug their previously accepted nickname. John states that it is not okay to be offended just because you feel somebody can be offended. There has to be an offended party involved. Hopefully the Atlanta Braves follow suit and why do the college sports program seem to be ahead of the curve in acknowledging that these names are inappropriate? John then talks about the New York Jets and states the team will win a game this season. He mentions the previous teams (11 total) that went winless during an entire season. Will the Jets lousy organizational structure lead Trevor Lawrence to question whether he should enter this years NFL draft? John talks about two other consensus number one picks and their refusal to sign with the teams that drafted them. There is one major difference. John suggests some potential Sam Darnold destinations via trade including a complex one involving the Philadelphia Eagles. Will there only be three NFL Head Coaches fired on Black Monday this year?
12-9-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opines about the Baseball Hall of Fame screwing over the late Dick Allen, adding him to the list of players the Hall has neglected. Dick Allen was one of the best right handed power hitters the game has ever seen and it is criminal the BBHOF did not elect him in while he was still alive. John then talks about load management in the National Basketball Association. Now is not the time to mandate players play when they are healthy. What is the sense when there are no fans in the stands? The fact this is brought up now makes it seem the NBA is prioritizing money over health and well being of its players. John then states that if it wasn’t for the Cowboys and the Eagles terrible seasons, neither the Giants nor Football Team would have won their games against winning teams this past week. John also talks about College Football teams saving face by having games cancelled against superior opponents. Florida State did it against Clemson and Michigan avoided an embarrassment against Ohio State. Should a team with seven or eight games played be permitted to play in the BCS playoff?
12-5-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by stating definitively that a signing of James McCann will be an overpay, a mistake, and a decision that will not lead to prominence for the New York Mets franchise. John then cites several other options the Mets could trade for if the price tag for JT Realmuto is too high. He then questions why we are talking about price tag when the Mets now have the richest owner in all of US professional sports? Being a Mets fan means you have learned to celebrate mediocrity. When the Mets celebrate the thirty-fifth year anniversary of their last World Series Championship, only eight teams would have waited longer to either celebrate another or their first. Are the Mets settling for the second best at each position and if so, what does that mean? John then gets into some discussion on the merits of Curly Lambeau as an all time NFL Head Coach. He ranks him in the top five and goes over the rest of his top ten. Then finishes off the program by naming the eight teammates to both run for over 1,000 yards in the same season and why we may never see that again.
12-3-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the program by simplifying the difference between a good team and a bad team, a good coach and a bad coach, a great star player and a very good star player. It is whether their team wins or loses- whether their team scores in some cases one more run, one more point, or one more goal than their opponent. Seems cavalier to say that, maybe even patronizing, but we tend to judge coaches (managers) and star players by their ability to win. Most of the time, they have less to do with the winning or losing. John cited the careers of Andy Reid, Doug Pederson, Casey Stengel, Bruce Bochy, Joe Torre, Mike Brown, LeBron James, and others to prove that the best do not win all the time. But most importantly, John shows that the win or the loss is the determining factor for how good a team is, not how good the coach/ manager or star player is. John spends a little time talking about baseball and its non- tender deadline and why fans/ media need to just allow each MLB team to determine whether their players are warranted a contract for the next season. John compares the great careers of Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle and declares Mickey would win in a poll because there are less people responding to the poll that saw Joe D play. John chooses Mickey, but by the slightest of margins and explains why. Finally, why is Drazen Petrovic in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame and not Reggie Lewis?
11-28-2020 Passed Ball Show. John spends this show talking about how there is a misconception that those that are testing positive for the coronavirus because they are negligent. This sentiment is more popular as it applies to athletes and professional sports. The Baltimore Ravens are the latest pro-sports team to have an outbreak among its players and staff. This is resulting to those in the general public (and media) to assume this is their own fault. The only fault that exists here is the assumption that anybody that gets this virus is the one to blame. It is as if they are either choosing to get the virus or are blatantly disregarding the guidelines of the CDC. Members of the media in Pittsburgh are calling for the Ravens to forfeit their game to the Steelers because of this. Has their view changed since at least two (maybe three) members of the Pittsburgh Steelers tested positive? John then talks about the use of Performance Enhancing Drugs in professional sports. When a player fails a drug test, it is assumed they failed because they were the only one taking a banned substance and it is an isolated incident. John contends that way more players on all sports are using variations of PED’s and are getting away with it. He talks about the advantage the pharmacists, chemists, lab technicians, and even trainers have in their quest to develop a substance that does not come up under a standard test. There is also a movement to develop PED’s (some are already being used) that enhance performance without naturally increasing an individual(s)’ body mass. John then talks about a bizarre story about a 1918 professional hockey arena bring down and a team suspending operations. Finally a Mount Rushmore of pro sports head coaches/ managers who have won the most championships in their respective sports.
11-26-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by wishing everybody a Happy Thanksgiving and hoping all get to enjoy the day with their family. Thanksgiving is synonymous with family, of course, but there other specifics. Turkey, Pumpkin Pie, and Football. The history of football on Thanksgiving dates all the way back to 1920, the inception of the National Football League. John talks about some of the best games and accomplishments in the history of Thanksgiving, both on the pro and college football level. John then talks about one of the best offensive position players to ever play professional baseball, Turkey Stearnes. Stearnes accomplishments during his Negro League career speak for themself, as he is the unofficial all time Negro Leagues home run champion, led the league in HR seven times, hit .344 for his career, and hit over .400 three times. John mentions the five Negro Leagues players featured in his Top 100 Offensive Position Players All Time book. He concludes this program by giving his top ten when it comes to the best Pro Football Head Coaches of All Time. It is as follows- 1. Bill Bellichick 2. Vince Lombardi 3. Paul Brown 4. George Halas 5. Don Shula 6. Chuck Noll 7. Bill Walsh 8. Hank Stram 9. Tom Landry 10. Bill Parcells Who did he miss? What is yours?
11-23-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about what it is like to be a sports fan. It is okay to be critical, it is okay to want to see change- especially in situations when a fan(s)’ favorite team is losing often or if the particular season seems to be a losing one. A fan can want to see a new coach/ GM, and can even call for the star players to be traded, released, but never, EVER, should a fan be allowed to root for their favorite team to lose. When a fan does that, it should be an insult to all the die hard fans of the given team. That fan should lose their ‘card.’ They should automatically be demoted to a lesser level fan. The other fans should not welcome these fans in their celebration in the event the team eventually turns things around. John then talks about the awful play in the closing minutes of the Colts/ Packers game on Sunday. For two teams that are 7-3, it looked as if both teams were trying to lose. John explains. John then talks about a missed opportunity at the end of the Ohio State/ Indiana game and why he was disappointed in Indiana’s last drive in its attempt to tie the game. John finishes by talking a little bit about the NBA free agency before picking the best fit for a New York Yankees catcher for 2021 and explaining what should be done with Gary Sanchez. All the while waiting for the rapture... call it when you see it.
11-19-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens this show by questioning those who use this time of year to make cases for marginal MLB players to get into Cooperstown. Comparing the players to others who barely made it is counterproductive when some of the game’s all time greats remain on the outside looking in. What other sport has the equivalent to its all time hits leader, all time home run leader, the players with the third and forth highest batting average in the history of the sport, the player with the most Cy Young Awards, the player with the most MVP’s, two of the only six players to ever have both 500 home runs and 3,000 hits, and the four players with the highest single season home run totals NOT in its respective Hall of Fame? But let’s forget about that when we try to use stats to get a marginal player into the Hall through the back door. John talks about the impact of failing a PED test now as opposed to years ago and why Robinson Cano may be considered by the Veterans Committee for the Baseball Hall of Fame thirty to fifty years from now. John then talks about the NBA draft and how it was expected to be disappointing (it did not disappoint to be disappointing). Would LaMelo Ball have been the number one overall pick if it wasn’t for his dad? Has Gary Sheffield Jr. overtaken LaVar Ball for trying to gain fame just because who his father is? Finally, John puts together a list of the best quarterbacks in the National Football League right now.
11-14-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up the program talking about why it has been difficult to be a New York Mets fan. He relates it to what is probably like to be a fan of most other baseball teams. Those teams’ fans know what it is like to win. Only eight MLB teams can go back further than 1986 since their last World Series Championship. Mets fans still celebrate that team like it won last year. It is fair to ask fans of other teams to be happy for Mets fans since they seemed to not have deserved good things for a long time. Sports teams should not be run like a business, as new Mets owner a Steve Cohen said. The next year or so should be rough for a lot of sports fans as it has become evident that the mentality of most owners is to operate their team this way. John is on the Tony LaRussa bandwagon. He has a message for cancel culture and most of the hypocrites that believe in it. He also gives another reason he likes the fit. Finally, John gives a little bit of respect for a NFL quarterback that doesn’t seem to have gotten enough of it, Phillip Rivers. Enjoy.
11-9-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the huge drop off when it comes to quarterback play in the National Football League. John is wondering when the next backup or third string QB will prove they belong in this league. As it does not look good, he suggests a team giving Collin Kaepernick a workout. If that ship has sailed because of Kaepernick’s interest, or he is simply not in the appropriate shape to play, John understands. But there is no reason these players deserve a chance over him assuming he wants to play, he is in shape to play, and he is healthy. Nick Falk, Duck Hodges, Ben DiNicci, and how many other quarterbacks have proven they cannot play in this league? It is an embarrassment Kaepernick has no gotten at least a workout for a NFL team. John then talks about some of the positives of the NFC East division. If Dak Prescott were healthy and playing, the Cowboys would have beaten the Pittsburgh Steelers and would likely be running away with the division. The Football Team have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL and the Giants have a solid and deep offensive line. If all the best features of the four teams in the division were combined, they would make a solid playoff football squad. John mentions the fact that Cowboys QB Garrett Gilbert’s father Gale was part of five straight teams that made it to the Super Bowl and the fact that Kyle Allen broke his ankle in nearly the same spot as Alex Smith and Joe Theismann. Finally, John talks about the embarrassment former Astros General Manager Jeff Luthnow is for attempting to sure the Houston franchise and why he deserved to lose his job.
11-9-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the huge drop off when it comes to quarterback play in the National Football League. John is wondering when the next backup or third string QB will prove they belong in this league. As it does not look good, he suggests a team giving Collin Kaepernick a workout. If that ship has sailed because of Kaepernick’s interest, or he is simply not in the appropriate shape to play, John understands. But there is no reason these players deserve a chance over him assuming he wants to play, he is in shape to play, and he is healthy. Nick Falk, Duck Hodges, Ben DiNicci, and how many other quarterbacks have proven they cannot play in this league? It is an embarrassment Kaepernick has no gotten at least a workout for a NFL team. John then talks about some of the positives of the NFC East division. If Dak Prescott were healthy and playing, the Cowboys would have beaten the Pittsburgh Steelers and would likely be running away with the division. The Football Team have one of the best defensive lines in the NFL and the Giants have a solid and deep offensive line. If all the best features of the four teams in the division were combined, they would make a solid playoff football squad. John mentions the fact that Cowboys QB Garrett Gilbert’s father Gale was part of five straight teams that made it to the Super Bowl and the fact that Kyle Allen broke his ankle in nearly the same spot as Alex Smith and Joe Theismann. Finally, John talks about the embarrassment former Astros General Manager Jeff Luthnow is for attempting to sure the Houston franchise and why he deserved to lose his job.
11-7-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the reasons some (including himself) have had against the idea of a universal designated hitter in MLB. It is time to have the DH in the National League because pitchers are not given the chance to hit anymore, they do not try to learn how to hit, and few NL pitchers even take regular batting practice anymore. If baseball does not want them to try to be competitive hitters, the game should not allow it. And they should come to a decision soon so the NL teams can best address the rule change when it comes to the composition of their roster. John then talks about the importance of fans when it comes to sports. Without fans, there is no sports. Without fans, there is no sports talk. During what has been a trying year, it has become evident that sports miss fans in attendance more than they just feel in their wallets. In MLB, the NBA, NHL, and now the NFL, it is obvious how fans attendance can impact a game. Teams play full seasons not just for the opportunity to make the sport’s respective postseason, but for seeding purposes and home field/ court/ ice advantage. John cannot wait until more arenas, ballpark, fields, and courts are open for fans to attend games. John then talks about cheating in baseball and why cheating is always in the eyes of the beholder. Many have tunnel vision when it comes to their particular form of cheating they are against. John questions catcher framing and the deception it creates to fool an umpire into calling a Ball a strike. What about a fielder pushing a runner’s hand or leg off a base? Is that ethical? Cheating has been in baseball since it inception and John talks about what the early baseball players were and why they were deviants. Finally, John talks about which MLB players YOU wished played 20 seasons in MLB.
10-29-2020 Passed Ball Show. John starts this show by reminding the viewers that MLB managers do not make decisions. He then talks about the Moneyball Tampa Bay Rays and how they will never win a World Series with solely that type of mentality. Neither will the Oakland Athletics. The rest of MLB is catching up with the use of analytics and while other teams are going to use actual money to obtain/ retain players, the Rays/ Athletics or Rathletics will once again be left behind. John pleads for people to stop saying Kevin Cash took out Blake Snell in the sixth inning of Game Six of the World Series. While that is literally what we saw, Cash was taking orders from the Tampa Bay analytics department which stated he was to do what he did. Kevin Cash did not decide this. The Tampa Bay Rays analytics department, or Johnny Sprinklersmeller did. Sprinklersmeller represents the name of the computer savvy technician in the Rays front office that dictated what the team was going to do. Can you reasonably blame your waiter for poorly cooked food? No, but people still do even though they know the waiter did not cook their food. The same can be said about Kevin Cash. He was the waiter. His name tag said Kevin Cash. Those watching the game know his name, they do not know Johnny Sprinklersmeller’s. Stop blaming MLB managers for decisions they do not have the autonomy to make. John then explains why MLB screwed up the Justin Turner coronavirus fiasco. While MLB Commissioner Manfred is patting himself on the back for getting through the MLB season, Turner is on the field celebrating with his teammates. Turner should have been kept from the game and at the very least, should have been removed from the stadium when it was determined he tested positive. He was not and I blame MLB for that. They could have had him leave with the threat that if he did not, the game would be suspended. And it would have been up to him. Finally, John gets in to what seems like a “too good to be true” scenario with the New York Mets and the change of ownership. John is not confident Steve Cohen will become the next NY Mets owner.
10/20/2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by continuing to blame MLB for its enabling its players’ use of steroids/ PED’s, then blaming the players who used. This all after profiting off of the 1998 home run chase between Mark McGwire and Sammy Sosa. John reminds the listeners that baseball is the only sport that has the equivalent to its all time hits leader, all time home run leader, the players with the 3rd and 4th highest batting average in the history of the sport, the four players with the highest single season home run totals, the player with the most MVP Awards, and the player with the most Cy Young Awards NOT IN ITS HALL OF FAME! John then talks about the collusion that must have been going on to keep Barry Bonds off a MLB roster in 2008. (*John mistakenly refers to 2006 as Bonds’ last MLB seasons, it was 2007.) Bonds stats in 2007 deserved a contract offer and it was criminal MLB prohibited any team from signing him. John then talks about the oldest MLB players to play in a game. The list is deceiving because it includes players who were inactive for years at a time and made an appearance. It is as if they never left. John gives a list of the top five continuous MLB players to play to the oldest age. He finishes off the program by giving his favorite lineups in the history of baseball and asks for yours.
10-14-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by talking about a go to topic- the role of a Major League Baseball Manager in the current game. It seems as if the playoffs bring out those that seem to bitch and complain about their favorite team’s manager. It is as if they are saying it with a disclaimer, “I don’t understand anything about baseball now!” There is nothing else to say outside the fact that fans and worse off, actually baseball “writers” have no shame embarrassing themselves by showing how little they understand how the game works. John explains (once again) the role and responsibilities of a baseball manager in the present game. John then talks about the New York Jets and how the release of Le’Veon Bell may be a sign the team is sticking with Head Coach for the long term. Finally, John talks about the amount of baseball Hall of Famers who have passed away during this calendar year. He mentions that the number six (amount of baseball Hall of Fame players who have passed away- Al Kaline, Tom Seaver, Lou Brock, Bob Gibson, Whitey Ford, Joe Morgan) is the most in a calendar year since 1972 (Roberto Clemente, Jackie Robinson, Gabby Hartnett, Pie Traynor, Zack Wheat, George Weiss). He also adds a couple other tidbits about baseball Hall of Famer deaths.
10-1-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by reminding his listeners that his last show sucked. He then talks about the value of a Head Coach in the National Football League and how it contrasts with a Major League Baseball manager. He then gives three reasons a NFL Head Coach could reasonably be fired in season. He then talks about the Detroit Tigers decision to promote coach Lloyd McClendon to interim manager after the retirement of Ron Gardenhire. McClendon is the first black manager in the history of the Tigers franchise, which leaves ten MLB teams who have yet to hire. John advocates for McClendon getting the full time title starting next season. He finishes off the program talking about prejudices and how it is assumed that blacks live in poverty and how it is prejudice to use that as a reason there are less in professional baseball. John then mentions fans that would not give up their rooting interests for their sports teams because they have a black player on the team. Yet these are the same people who have decided not to watch their favorite sports team because of the sport(s) support to Black Lives Matter. At this point, John’s show immediately ends after his camera is attacked by a flying Chicken Cow.
9-19-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens this program by talking about how Trevor Bauer has not only performed to a point where he is the favorite to win the National League Cy Young Award, he has become the prime to be sought after prize when it comes to free agency after the 2020 season. The media and general public shame players for saying their next home will be the team that pays them the most money. They are shamed to a point where they are considered selfish if they talk about it. That is why players like Bauer give the answers he gave when asked about impending free agency. Bauer says his perspective new employer will have a great medical staff and will be have a sound analytical staff. While individually both could be a tie-breaker when it comes to the team he signs with, the number one factor will unequivocally be money. It may be a choice between highest annual value and total dollar amount, but the final decision will come down to money. Jacob deGrom will never have more value at any other point of his MLB career than this upcoming offseason. Because of that, the Mets should at least entertain the possibility of trading him for an overwhelming return. John proposed ten different trade scenarios, all centered around four top pitching prospects and one top position player, preferably a catcher. John finishes off this show by talking about the voting process when it comes to the NBA regular season awards. LeBron James points out its inconsistency and how the voting is not set upon the same criteria each season. While Giannis Antetokounmpo deserved the award almost hands down, LeBron expressed his disappointment over receiving only 16 of the 105 votes. While that seems a little sore, his issue with the voting process over the past twenty years is legit.
9-12-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show talking about the underrated baseball career of the late Hall of Famer Lou Brock. Besides being the one time all time stolen base leader, two time World Series Champion, and member of the 3,000 hit club, Brock is known for being on the right end of one of the most one-sided trades in the history of the sport. Sadly, the main reason that trade was made has not been discussed enough. Owner Phillip K. Wrigley received several letters from season ticket holders claiming the Cubs had become “too black.” They threatened to not renew their ticket plans unless something was done about it. The result was Brock’s trade from the Cubs to the Cardinals for pitcher Ernie Broglio. Hiram Bithorn made his MLB debut in 1942, becoming the first Puerto Rican born player in MLB history. Unfortunately he never accomplished anything near what Roberto Clemente would over the course of his career. And because of this, John says, Bithorn never gets the credit he deserves for overcoming the racial barrier. While Clemente will be forever known as an all time great, he has mistakenly been given the title of the first PR born MLB player, leading many to believe his number 21 should be retired throughout the sport. While John does not have a problem is that becomes the case, he feels more credit should be given to Bithorn for what he had to endure. John then reminds his viewers that every NBA Basketball team has hired a black head coach. He then asks why eleven MLB teams have never hired a black manager and nine NFL teams have never hired a black head coach. John finishes off the program talking about FCC regulation, Sirius XM, and Cable TV and why the “F” word and other profanities have become desensitized.
9-5-2020 Passed Ball Show. John spends this show talking about the great career of the legendary Tom Seaver, who passed away this past week. Seaver will always be synonymous with the New York Mets, as his nickname describes. John tells about how the Braves did not do anything wrong by signing him after he was taken with the 20th overall pick of the June 1966 MLB draft. The Mets had a chance to take him at 18, instead going with Dalllas, TX outfielder James Taylor, not to be confused with the singer. The Mets rode their gift (by winning a lottery of being among the three teams willing to match the Braves offer) to a World Series champion and another National League pennant before making the decision to trade him in 1977. Seaver had demanded to be traded, likely because of a story published by New York Daily News columnist Dick Young talking about Seaver’s wife Nancy. The Mets were later given another gift with the Reds, the team Seaver was traded to, falling on some hard times and who traded Seaver back to the Mets for the 1983 season. This should have been the signal for Seaver to finish his career with the Mets. But the Mets screwed it up. First, by leaving him unprotected in the free agent compensation draft to be selected by the Chicago White Sox because they lost Dennis Lamp to the Toronto Blue Jays. Second, by not opting out to signing type- A free agents that offseason. They did not sign a type- A free agent anyways, and they could have kept themselves from having to protect any players. Seaver winning his 300th game at Yankee Stadium not wearing a Mets Jersey was a travesty, one that could have been averted. Perhaps he could have been in the Mets dugout for the final out of the 1986 World Series and not wearing a Boston Red Sox uniform. He also asks why the Atlanta Braves were not allowed to be part of the Seaver lottery in 1966. Finally, John breaks down his top ten starting pitchers of all time and makes a case for why Seaver could be on the list.
8-30-2020 Passed Ball Show. John spends this version of the program talking about issues that need to be spoken about when it comes to the police treatment of people of color. John brings up shoot to kill, the possibility of a hate crime, and the police union backing every single officer. John then brings up the importance of establishing what the law is and how one is to act within the confines of an average police encounter. John then talks about the changes to the current MLB baseball season and how some of the rules changes could become permanent. Analytics have ruined the starting pitcher, and this could lead to seven inning games becoming a real possibility. Lance Lynn isn’t having a problem pitching the third time through a batting order. Why isn’t any team doing what the Texas Rangers did in 2009-2011? The lack of individuality may lead to more permanent changes to the rules of the game.
8-22-2020 Passed Ball Show. In this abbreviated version of the PBS, John discusses NBC Hockey analyst Mike Milbury’s “distraction” comment and states whether it was inappropriate or another example of the general public trying to cancel a person in the spotlight by exaggerating a comment thrown under the microscope.
8-20-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up the program by reminding the viewers about his Top 100 Offensive Position Players of All Time project and an additional feature to the www.johnpielli.com website. He then makes fun of baseball’s unwritten rules and criticizes a whining team that is losing. John talks about how multiple games are played within MLB teams and even the worst teams beat the best teams once in a while. For those really bothered by Fernando Tatis’ grand slam the other day with a 3-0 count and a seven run lead, how about a forfeit option to end the game instantly is an opponent feels like they are down by too many runs? John then brings up the unfortunate hot mic incident involving Thom Brennaman. While there is no excuse for using that kind of language today, John applauds the reaction to it- it may have not gotten the same attention thirty years ago. John discusses some of the ways society has progressed in regards to race and homophobia issues. He finishes off by talking about the Los Angeles Clippers losing to the Dallas Mavericks and whether a lack of home court advantage could hurt the favorited teams.
Listen back to @john_pielli's interview with former Yankees first round draft pick James Kaprielian. During this interview, James was pitching for the Staten Island Yankees.
8-13-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the program by explaining why Oakland Athletics bench coach Ryan Christenson should not be shamed for his inappropriate gesture(s) during a game. There is no evidence that exists to prove that Christenson is a Nazi sympathizer. Yes, his gesture could be perceived as hurtful and for that he apologized, like he should have. But to make him out to be a disciple of Adolph Hitler is extreme and a bit of a reach. Shaming of those in a public spotlight has gotten excessive and should be limited by examples of blatant acts. John then gives a couple of psychological reasons the New York Mets do not support Jacob deGrom. Finally, John declares that it is time to get over the trade of Jared Kelenic. He left you (John explains why).
8-1-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the program by bringing up Joe Kelly’s decision to police the Houston Astros cheating scandal by throwing at Alex Bregman. John has made it clear that he has no problem with players policing the sport. It has been part of the game for years. When MLB did very little to Chase Utley for hurting Mets infielder Ruben Tejada in a playoff game in 2015, Mets pitcher Noah Syndergaard took matters in his own hands. While John has no problem with that, nor Kelly’s actions by themselves, he has an issue with the timing. MLB has put health and safety protocols in place with the intention of preventing the spread of the coronavirus. Part of it involves the avoidance of any team to team altercations. Kelly could have waited until the virus boils over or until next season to the season after. He was selfish to allow his agenda to override the need to be safe. A team (the Miami Marlins) is on the verge of losing their season and this guy wants to be the poster child for revenge on the Astros. Time and place. John then talks about how the use of starting pitchers may completely change the game forever. It has already cause the need for 12-14 pitchers on a staff and the universal designated hitter. It may very well be responsible for the change of the game length from nine to seven innings. Contemporary starting pitchers are ruining the game of baseball. Finally, John has a message for Mets General Manager Brodie VanWagenen- Stop trying to justify the trade for Edwin Diaz and put the best players in position to compete for a playoff spot. Diaz is not good, he is a bad pitcher. And it has nothing to do with the “bright lights of New York City.”
7-24-2020 Passed Ball Show. John starts the show by calling out the media for, once again, being hypocritical. The media says it supports Black Lives Matter, yet calls out everybody that wears a BLM shirt. The media says it supports athletes that kneel for the National Anthem, yet calls out every player that kneels. As it applies to sports, we need to be more like Pee Wee Reese was portrayed in the movie “42,” as it is embarrassing that we have not grown as a society in regards to race relations since Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in Major League Baseball in 1947. Those who still say “All Lives Matter” and focus on the One Percenters- the minority, which is those out there looting and rioting, have to come to grips with the fact they simply do not like black people. There is hope though, because if this dawned on you today, you probably are not too proud to learn this. Talk to your family members, friends, etc. Most of those who understand were in your shoes before. John then talks about the reason Mookie Betts never signed a long term extension with the Boston Red Sox. Torii Hunter, Adam Jones, and others have pointed out the fact that fans at Fenway Park often yell racial slurs at opposing players- most in plain view of everybody, likely including Betts. Even though Betts was probably not the target to such taunts, why would a black man want to spend the rest of his career in Boston, where the “good fans” refuse to condemn the actions of the racist few? Finally, John gives his predictions for the upcoming 2020 truncated baseball season with a couple of surprises. He then explains why there is a better chance for a surprise team to make the playoffs or even win the World Series.
7-18-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by giving a couple of reasons he is not excited about the return of sports, especially with no fans. The compromised rules and shortened baseball season may lead to future changes. Baseball continues to want to appease a group of fans who don’t like baseball anyways. John also has his doubts of the bubble like settings in regards to the NBA, NHL, and MLS. And it will be a matter of time before owners start opening the doors of their sports stadium, most likely by the time the NFL season starts. And it will be because of their need for revenue and not because of YOUR safety. John then talks about the worst managers in the history of the New York Mets franchise. Casey Stengel and Joe Torre are in the Baseball Hall of Fame and deservedly so. However, John struggles to name another Mets manager who performed worse than those two.
7-11-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up by talking about the fact the show has reached 500 episodes. He transitions into discussing exactly what he wants to be part of. Thinking of recent comments of Drew Brees and Desean Jackson, John brings up one of societies biggest failures, it’s inability to condemn those of their own group. Police officers refuse to condemn the actions of those who abused their powers. Blacks refuse to condemn blacks who riot and loot during what was supposed to be a peaceful protest. Until we can hold our own self segregated groups accountable for what they are doing wrong, unity amongst its people will be a far cry from reality. Within that, is the ability to grow and use mistakes to educate those who make mistakes. John sites the example of Jackie Robinson and how he was treated. As unacceptable as the treatment was, future generations have turned racists into the minority. Racism is universally condemned by society today. We still have further to go. John finishes this non sports discussion by reminding us that we are all God’s children, created to be equal. All of us are to blame for the negative and unequal treatment of others. John brings up some possible scenarios we may see in a shortened baseball season and finishes off my reiterating how sports are a sanctuary which distract us from all of our self- inflicted negativity.
7-2-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the program by talking about opportunity. A greater amount of opportunity exists for those who are known and popular within the general public. Will Ferrell gets to play spring training baseball because he is Will Ferrell, not a C or D list actor. Michael Jordan gets to play professional baseball because he is Michael Jordan, not an average an ordinary NBA basketball player. Tim Tebow has absolutely used his fame to get an opportunity to play professional baseball. Perhaps the 2020 baseball season would have provided a last chance to see if Tebow could bring his hitting ability to a higher level, but with no minor league baseball season that means he will not get a chance to prove himself. John makes a legit case that Tebow could be on a 60 man MLB roster with a condition that he will not, under any circumstance, suit up and play in a Major League Baseball game this season. Tebow gets to work out with the team, prepare for next year, and give playing professional baseball one more shot. In spite of Tim's celebrity, he kind of gives off a "First World Rudy" vibe to him and one that would be worth seeing if he can earn a chance to play in the big leagues. John then talks about whether or not we can any longer criticize a player for his performance on an athletic field, court, or ice. Ian Desmond chose a great reason for opting out for the 2020 baseball season. Does that leave him in a position to not be criticized for his performance during the first three seasons of his 5 year, $70 million contract with the Colorado Rockies? Perhaps the expectations were too high. Desmond is an A+ person and his decision to take the season off is well respected, but he gets a grade of a C at the very highest for how he has performed as a Rockies player. John then spends a couple minutes hyping his book, "Top 100 Offensive Position Players of All Time,"
6-27-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by reminding those to wear a mask in public. Those who are not wearing a mask are directly responsible for the outbreak in cases of the coronavirus in the states of Florida, Texas, and California. Major League Baseball is implementing a rule to start the tenth inning with a runner at second base as a means to speed up the game. Who had a say in this rule change? It is near criminal that the Commissioner of Major League Baseball has the authority to completely change the rules of the game on a whim. It is embarrassing, and it is insulting to any baseball fan. It is also embarrassing that MLB owners, led by Commissioner Manfred have used a national wide pandemic to air the dirty laundry they have with their players. John then talks about sports like NASCAR and the National Hockey League and asks why there so few blacks and minorities involved in these sports. Hopefully NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace and Jerome Iginla, the most recent inductee into the Pro Hockey Hall of Fame, can serve as role models to other people of color and encourage them to be part of the sports. John once again mentions the lack of diversity when it comes to MLB managers and NFL Head Coaches and suggests the teams who have not hired a black coach or manager be forced to fulfill their next vacancy with one.
6-20-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens this program talking about the owners of Major League Baseball. In a nationwide pandemic, they have chosen to take advantage of it by attempting to reduce the players’ salaries. Basically, the owners are trying to reverse the Peter Seitz decision of 1975. It is not the time or place. There are owners (all health concerns aside) that would prefer to not have a baseball season at all just so they do not have to pay their players. Those owners need to speak up, not just so the general public knows who they are, but so they can be asked questions of why they feel that they feel. And what happened to winning a World Series being the number one goal? John then talks about some rough (bad) sports takes that exist. As much as one may disagree, the right to a bad take is equated to the rights of any difference any American may have. We are about inclusion, right? So we need to include the bad takes of Mad Dog Russo and Phil Mushnick. Censoring is not an option. John finishes off this program by talking about the underrated success of Indians pitcher Stan Coveleski. Coveleski pitched in three games in the 1920, won all three with three complete games- including a shutout in the decisive seventh game (best of nine series). Where will he rank on the upcoming PBS top 100 starting pitchers of all time?
6-3-2020 Passed Ball Show. John spends the majority of this show talking about how Black Lives Matter is a movement that all people should be taken seriously. All lives matter is an ignorant statement that’s ignorance makes a statement of its own. History has shown that black lives have not mattered. George Floyd’s murder is an example of a black life not mattering. Many people have judged the violence of some of the protests and making it seem as if it is the bigger problem. It is a classic pivot, usually one that hides the person’s racial biasness. Civil unrest happens when a person has exhausted all avenues to solve a problem. All avenues to no avail. What is happening against them is wrong and nobody cares. Think about it the next time you see somebody upset. John hopes this round of protests send the right message, the fact that we need to change. God created all of us as his children- all of us are equal. Why did mankind screw that up? It is time to change the curve. John then reminds the viewers of the NFL and MLB teams that have never hired a black head coach/ manager. He asks the question of “What makes a black person different than a white person?” John finishes off the program by spending a couple of minutes talking about Wes Unseld, the former Washington/ Baltimore Bullets player and Washington Bullets Head Coach and General Manager who passed away just the other day.
5-23-2020 Passed Ball Show. John talks about the proposed changes to the Rooney Rule in the NFL and how teams can use it as a tactic to gain draft picks and better their team. Rather than that, teams that have a history of not hiring minority candidates should be mandated to. John once again mentions the fact that eleven teams in Major League Baseball have never hired a black manager, yet few think it is even worth mentioning. He then remembers former Astros first baseman Bob Watson and recaps his telling of scoring the 1,000,000th run in MLB history and what is was like working for George Steinbrenner. Watson was also the first black General Manager to win a World Series (1996 Yankees). John talks about a comparison he made about Michael Jordan and Johnny Carson that coincidentally got mentioned on another sports talk show. He finishes off this podcast by showing why the 1987 Blue Jays did not choke and how a player can be drafted by five different MLB teams and never play in a minor or major league game.
5-16-2020 Passed Ball Show. John starts off this show by teasing his Rooney Rule take which will air on his next show. John then talks about the allegations against NFL players Deandre Baker and Quinton Dunbar, innocent until proven guilty vs guilty until proven innocent, and lists pasts NFL players who got additional chances in the NFL after doing terrible things. John then talks about the tragic passing of up and coming NBA star Drazen Petrovich and how it relates to that of MLB pitcher Jose Fernandez. John mentions how similar their Hall of Fame cases could be and why one will always be a Hall of Famer and the other will never be thought of in that regard. Will New York City ever be the same? It is impossible for the most populated city in the United States to keep social distance, especially on its subways. Should businesses move to less populated areas? Finally, John talks a little bit about the fans and why they are not losing anything if there are no sports for the foreseeable future. Also, John makes a case of why any player has the right not to play under the proposed amended season.
5-9-2020 Passed Ball Show. John talks about the Yankees’ Core Four and how criminal is the neglect of Bernie Williams. Outside of Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera, there was no more impactful Yankees player from 1996-2000. Any mention of Core Four without Bernie disrespects the player who traced back the team to the Stump Merrill days. In fact, before the significance of Andy Pettitte and Jorge Posada can be brought up, Paul O’Neill and Timo Martinez need to be mentioned. John then talks about the upcoming MLB Draft and the decision to reduce the 40 rounder to just five rounds. That means that around 1050 players will not get selected this year. Perhaps the draft needed to be reduced, but five rounds will likely ruin lives, but also sets in place the reduction of minor league baseball teams and leagues. A wise team would load up on minor league free agents that missed out on being selected during the five round draft. The goal should be to sign those players before the ones that were drafted. John then talks about Craig Hodges and his decision to make a statement to the President during the Chicago Bulls’ visit to the White House after their second straight NBA Championship in 1992. Hodges did not make a statement that was out of line, however, as the 12th man on the Bulls team, it took attention away from the team and most importantly, those that were the reason the team won the Championship. While a debate is warranted over whether Michael Jordan could have used his fame to better race relations, Hodges’ timing was off. He was Collin Kaepernick before his time, but it became more of a disruption than constructive. Hodges then shows sour grapes complaining about the All Star Game’s Three Point Shootout, as if anybody even knows about the change to the rules and the addition of the “money ball.” John finishes off the show by questioning the Hall of Fame resumes of Bill Walton and Tony Perez.
5-2-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by talking about the Bad Boys Detroit Pistons teams of the late 1990’s and why they were successful. They absolutely should not back down from their reputation as instigators and dirty basketball players. Any remorse is contradictory to what led them to their two NBA Championships and three consecutive NBA Finals appearances. Plus, it comes off as forced, PC, and not genuine. Isiah Thomas should stop complaining about not being included on the 1992 NBA Dream Team. Michael Jordan was basically the general manager of that team and had a big say on who was on that roster. Michael did not get along with Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, and others, but respected them as basketball players. Isiah was the ringleader of a basketball team that not only played dirty, but attempted to injure its opposition. John then gets into the rankings of the sports Hall of Fames. Not surprisingly, he ranks the Baseball Hall of Fame dead last when it comes to its inclusion of the best players to ever play its game. He then makes some powerful comparisons to the Hall of Fames or Football and Basketball and how they made it right.
4-16-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by giving respect to the sacrifice of the great Jackie Robinson. Jackie handled something that was unfair and unacceptable now and changed the history of civil rights. John openly asks why people are now more accepting of differences in skin color but were not for so many years? Did God not always create every man equal? We seem to understand more now, but why didn’t our parents? Why didn’t our parents’ parents? From NASCAR driver Kyle Larson losing his job and sponsorships and the former LA Clippers owner being forced to sell over racist remarks, where was the pressure of the public prior to now? We should be ashamed of our ancestors. John then talks about whether sports are an essential form of employment. The sports unions want to convince you so to allow their players to get paid. John admits his ambivalence on the issue but leans towards holding off until there is a cure or vaccine. He then calls out for all unemployed Americans to take a page out of the book of the Pearl Harbor aftermath. There should be a mass group of people deciding to work in the hospital industry, food service industry, the post office, etc because that is what we need our Americans to do. Just like we needed military personnel for World War II after we were cowardly attacked by the Japanese. Finally, John makes it clear we are better off not playing sports, especially if the only option is to drastically change the way a game is to be played.
4-2-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show reminding some about the importance of sports even in a time where there is no sports. He talks about the 33 NFL non-special teams players who played a game into their forties. He re-tells a hilarious Bill Simmons comparison about Tom Brady. After that, John talks about a couple of extremely tragic deaths that involved former players for the Houston Oilers/ Tennessee Titans. The Steve McNair story, which is well known, bit then he talks about the untimely suicide of former Oilers defensive lineman Jeff Alm. He compares the death of Alm's friend to that of a person unintentionally killed by the coronavirus and how one would feel if they brought the disease into their home. John then mentions the MLB players who won the first World Series Championship of two different franchises and finishes off by talking about the two Joe Fergusons and two Jim Marshalls, individuals who played two different sports.
3-28-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the show by talking about how odd it is to not have live baseball to watch right now. Would you rather have games played in front of no audience or wait until fans can once again attend? John then talks about the upcoming MLB draft and how if it is limited to five rounds, teams can sign as many amateur players without any sort of draft system. John feels that would be revenge for a lousy idea in the first place. He then talks about the coaching/ managing careers of NBA Head Coach Bill Fitch and MLB manager Bucky Harris and openly questions their place in their respective sports’ Hall of Fames. Finally, John speaks a little bit about the 1978-79 Seattle SuperSonics, the 1981 Montreal Expos, and the 1948 Cleveland Browns.
3/11/2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up the program telling people to chill about the pandemic involving this virus. He then talks about the depth, particularly in the first round, of this year’s upcoming NFL Draft. Is this the year Gonzaga finally wins its first National Championship in College Basketball? John then talks about some of the worst teams in the National Basketball Association. Finally, John makes a case of how the 1914 Philadelphia Athletics may have thrown the World Series.
3-7-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by giving the Yankees and Dodgers the preseason odds to win their respective league pennants and reminding those who are bitter about what the Houston Astros did to not rule them out just out of spite. John talks about how common scoring five goals in an NHL game is, even if it does not happen as much I’m this generation. Spoiler alert- a player in NHL history has scored seven goals in a game. John then talks about Washington Redskins offensive tackle Trent Williams and how borderline criminal it was for the team to under/ mis- diagnose a cancerous growth he had in his head. How can Williams trust the Redskins medical team to even give him a physical? John talks about the opportunity some of the lesser known college basketball programs have to make a statement in this year’s NCAA tournament. John then spends some time talking about the value of today’s reliever in baseball and how that should influence how much a six inning starting pitcher should make
3-6-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program talking a little bit about the LA Angels and their decision to fire their visiting clubhouse attendant. Allegedly, was he a bitter employee? Why would he want to help his teams’s opposition? Did he really expect loyalty from those he was helping? John then talks about some of the worst reported landing spots for free agent Tom Brady. He then makes some sense of one that seems out of touch and left field. John then laughs at the angry baseball fans and media that think just because they are mad at the Houston Astros it means the team will not play well this season. They are still the team to beat in the American League West and a top TWO team in the American League. They are not missing the playoffs just because YOU are mad that they cheated.
2-29-2020 Passed Ball Show. John starts this abbreviated show by talking about the reasons Tom Brady may play for a new team in 2020. And why over time, many will not remember or think of it. John talks about where Joe Namath and Johnny Unitas finishes their careers and the reasons why few remember that. It may make little sense though, for a team to bring Brady in considering his worst season as a pro being his most recent. John then talks about the NBA’s decision to fine the Minnesota Timberwolves for their decision not to play a healthy D’Angelo Russell. This is the league’s first action taken on a team for something that has become a common occurrence throughout the sport. John does not like the choice of selective discipline and wonders aloud why the league has not fined teams like the Clippers, Celtics, and Mavericks- all of whom have admitted using different levels of “load management.” And what about the San Antonio Spurs and Gregg Poppovich? John finishes this show making the two different cases for Curt Flood and the MLB Hall of Fame. John believes Flood belongs in as a pioneer, not as a player. Nonetheless, Flood is a Hall of Famer.
2-28-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the show talking about the history of the NBA and its player coaches. Is now a better time than ever to revive the once popular happenstance? Does the player coach have to be a star? History shows both stars and non-stars have succeeded in player coaching. Is it time to junk some of NBA’s hideous uniforms? John makes it known his feelings of a couple teams’ choices. John then suggests that Jalen Hurts play in the XFL for a season. In fact, if the XFL wants to succeed (John feels strongly that the league can survive.), it needs to be able to draw superior college athletes. Hurts may not get a fair chance to QB in the NFL next year, but if he plays in the XFL, he will get to showcase himself in a way he cannot do on a NFL practice squad. And John finishes off this version of the program by suggesting players to rank in the neighborhood of 21-30 in johnpielli.com’s top 100 offensive position players of all time. Is there a better number 21 selection than Hank Greenberg? The top 20 is on the site www.johnpielli.com.
2-20-2020 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program previewing the 30 MLB teams (In a cliff notes version) and what could be expected. Results will be on www.johnpielli.com. It is an embarrassment to baseball that the Red Sox will not play Rusney Castillo this season regardless of his 2020 performance. A loophole in the CBA allows a team paying a player to not have that contract count against the luxury tax threshold if a player is outrighted off the team’s 40 man roster. John then talks a little about the Wilder/ Fury rematch and how he hopes for a classic bout to help restore the terrible image the state of boxing is stuck with.
2/3/2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by reminding the country that it is not baseball season. The fact that the end of the Super Bowl begins the lame “it is baseball season” statements is just that, lame. John talks about the reason the Kansas City Chiefs won the Super Bowl and the fact that their offense was stronger and more durable than the highly respected San Francisco defense. The Chiefs overcame a ten or more point deficit for the third consecutive playoff game. The 49ers did not choke, they were outplayed by a better team. When push came to shove, the Chiefs moved the ball at will. Patrick Mahomes won the Super Bowl MVP- deservedly so. Damien Williams should not have won the award. John explains the Chiefs reliance on Williams during the first three quarters of the game and the fact that the Chiefs looked bad. John then talks about the coaches and player(s?) on the Chiefs to have now won multiple Super Bowls and the total professional sports championships by the Kansas City Chiefs, Royals, and Monarchs. John then throws a little water on Portland Trailblazers’ Star Damian Lillard’s recent performance and finishes off with a little on the goalie fight between the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames.
This is an interview I conducted with Luis Rojas in 2014 when he was the manager of the Savannah Sand Gnats of the South Atlantic League. Among players on this team were Dominic Smith, Jeff McNeil, Gavin Cecchini, Robert Gsellman, Rob Whalen, John Gant, and Akeel Morris.
1-18-2020 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show piggybacking off his last show talking about how the Astros cheating is just par for the course when it comes to the history of Major League Baseball. Since the inception of the sport, it has been run by deviousness and straight up criminal activity. Few tell the story of the origins of “America’s Past Time” but truth is, during the middle to the latter part of the 19th century, while most American men were working on the railroad, on construction sites, on farms, and other noble professions, baseball players were outcasts that were perceived as lazy. It was assumed that they chose not to work and because of that, most players were at the very least devious, at the worst they were criminals. Yet we look at baseball as always being a pure game. The game was controlled by gamblers for almost 50 years, blacks were forbidden to play on the same field as whites for 60 years- yet we worry about the “sanctity” of the game of baseball. From scuffing baseballs, spitballs, corked bats, baseball players have done anything to gain an advantage on their competition. Players have loaded their bodies up with alcohol, amphetamines, cocaine, and steroids- all with little regard to whether or not they had an unfair advantage over their competition. John then talks about how the players on the 2017 Houston Astros need to be held accountable for their actions during this breach of trust. Not that John asks for blood often, but it is not fair that only one player from that team had to suffer and consequences for the actions of the group. Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis would not have let one player be scapegoated for an entire group. Carlos Beltran is just like A-Rod- one who did wrong, but one of many who did the same thing. It is just as criminal to allow for one player to take the hit for the rest. Only in Cris Carter’s world is that okay. John then talks about Beltran’s Hall of Fame candidacy and how it compares to three current Hall of Famers. He finishes off the show by giving props to Odell Beckham, Jr.
1-4-2020 Passed Ball Show. John shows his love for his country and baseball by bringing in a new year of the PBS. He talks about the lack of Latin American managers in Major League Baseball. In fact, he chronicles the first LA manager of each team and points out the eleven teams who have yet to do so. He recaps his list of African American managers and calls out the Phillies (1883), Senators/ Twins (1901), Athletics (1901), Highlanders/ Yankees (1903)- all of whom have never hired either! John then talks about the postseason history of the eight teams playing in Wild Card weekend in the NFL playoffs. Then, he compiles a top ten list of the greatest College Football Head Coaches in the history of the sport. The show ends with Wild Card weekend predictions and a little baseball trivia.
12-23-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by thanking his listeners for another solid year on the PBS. John then talks about the job MLB player agent Scott Boras has done and where it ranks among all time pioneers for the sport. Has Boras done enough for MLB players that it can be considered “game changing”? Enough to warrant consideration for the Baseball Hall of Fame? John then talks about the surprising lack of parity in the National Football League. There is a battle for the worst that has included teams expected to battle for postseason berths. John then talks about the NBA and the discussion (which now includes Commissioner Adam Silver) about the need to keep interest in the league’s 82 game regular season. John does not like the 7-10/ 8-9 playin game format proposal, but there should be something done to regain the interest from the players, teams, and fans. Finally, John questions whether teams with losing records should ever be allowed to play in the postseason.
12-19-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by talking about the grave health of long time NBA Commissioner David Stern. Stern was one of the best commissioners in the history of sports. Baseball owners continue to claim poverty citing "market size." How come football and basketball teams don't have the same problems? It is all because of the lack of a salary cap, but just as important, a salary floor. Owners continue to feel they run the sport and will continue to do so until changes are made. MLB and its owners are to blame for the haves and havenots that exist among current teams. They are to blame for the lack of parity that exists in the sport. John talks about the Mets quest to 86- not to repeat their last World Series Championship, but their eagerness to win just as many games as they did in 2019. After firing their manager because 86 wins was not good enough, the Mets seem content running the same team out there again. The ceiling is just the 86 games they won last season. John then talks about the College Football playoff and the chance LSU, Ohio State, and Clemson have to win 15 games this year. It has only been done five times in the long standing history of College Football. The sad state of former Boston Bruins goaltender Tim Thomas brings to life the seriousness of concussions, CTE, and brain injuries as they apply to sports. One does not understand the significance unless they have dealt with one themselves.
12-14-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the program by talking about how the New York Mets are in a business of saving money. They continue to put up the front that they have to reduce payroll if they are to make the necessary additions they need to make to compete with the best teams of the National League. Yet, they did not pay Yoenis Cespedes almost half of his contractual obligations for 2019. The Mets have used the Cespedes contact as an excuse of why they cannot afford other upgrades, yet they were not paying him in the first place. In spite of saving $20 million in having to pay Cespedes this coming season, they STILL claim they need to move a $10 million or so contact (Jed Lowrie or Jeurys Familia) if they are to have the financial ability to address the worst bullpen in Major League Baseball. The Mets answer to improving the worst bullpen in baseball is to send out the same exact relievers. What is the definition of insanity? John then talks about the Baseball Hall of Fame and how its voting process and choices of exclusion are different from Pro Football and Pro Basketball. Did OJ Simpson and Pete Rose dominate a sport enough to warrant inclusion in its respective Hall of Fame? Yes. Did anything they did (or did not do) after their playing career was over have anything to do with what they did when they played? No. Why is Pete Rose not in Baseball's Hall of Fame for what he did as a player? Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens (and anybody else suspected of using performance enhancing drugs) would get a more fair trial if they were being accused of a heinous crime. John gives a different take, though, when it comes to the career of Will Clark. While John does not back down from his support of the "steroids era" players getting enshrined in its Hall of Fame, he does feel for a player like Will Clark. Clark was as good as Rafael Palmeiro, but chose to not use PED's. Will Clark's accomplishments are not given the credit they deserve because of Palmeiro, because of Mark McGwire- two players that would be considered Clark contemporaries. Finally, in the Nobody's Listening segment of the show, John talks about the "R" word, and even though it should not be used, the context and intention should be considered before the PC police eats them alive. A statement of such should not be grounds for termination and definitely should not lead to somebody being given future employment
12-12-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this portion of the program by talking about the change amongst MLB free agents and the Baseball Winter Meetings. The last couple of sessions have seen the likes of top free agents not even sniffing their next contract due to owners' collision. The combination of team(s) needs and owners stepping up to the plate, free agency is well under way. Since the start of free agency, the Yankees have a history of getting the top pitcher when they have made it their top priority. John brings up the last ten examples of the Yankees getting the top free agent pitcher when they have made such declaration. John then talks about the impact new Hall of Famer Marvin Miller had on the game of baseball, why he was the pioneer of pioneers and what his election means for the Baseball Hall of Fame going forward. John then talks about the need for a salary floor being a priority or at the very least, a negotiating tactic, for an eventual salary cap in baseball. John then talks about some of the NFL coaches with the lowest career winning percentages and finishes off the show about an interesting fact about the Detroit Tigers winning percentage since 2000.
12-12-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this portion of the program by talking about the change amongst MLB free agents and the Baseball Winter Meetings. The last couple of sessions have seen the likes of top free agents not even sniffing their next contract due to owners' collision. The combination of team(s) needs and owners stepping up to the plate, free agency is well under way. Since the start of free agency, the Yankees have a history of getting the top pitcher when they have made it their top priority. John brings up the last ten examples of the Yankees getting the top free agent pitcher when they have made such declaration. John then talks about the impact new Hall of Famer Marvin Miller had on the game of baseball, why he was the pioneer of pioneers and what his election means for the Baseball Hall of Fame going forward. John then talks about the need for a salary floor being a priority or at the very least, a negotiating tactic, for an eventual salary cap in baseball. John then talks about some of the NFL coaches with the lowest career winning percentages and finishes off the show about an interesting fact about the Detroit Tigers winning percentage since 2000.
12-4-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the feelings of the younger generation. As history has proceeded, older generations have had issues with the decisions of the younger. Today, the issue has more to do with right and wrong. The definition of right and wrong has changed to where a point can no longer be proven with a series of facts. Also, there are more angered takes against athletes (and others with known names) for bad decisions made. Little regard is put into whether others, including the judgmental outsider, have made similar bad decisions. Most importantly, John talks about the feeling that millennials have that those that have made bad decisions do not deserve the right to work. As if any financial, and in other cases life altering, penalties for crimes are not enough, these people believe athletes in these situations should never play the sport they play again. John then talks about the top ten NFL Head Coaches of All Time, and when he says, "All Time," he means all time. John then asks the question of whether this offseason will be a little bit busier than the past two. And he finishes off the filibuster by talking about his past experiences at the Baseball Winter Meetings and why this year may be the last he attends.
11-29-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the demise of major newspapers. Newspapers are almost as irrelevant as the rotary phone- maybe at the level of a house phone. The New York Daily News (a paper struggling to sell print or web clicks- just like any other) chose to turn a simple story in to one that became an instant reach. New York Giants long snapper Zak DeOssie was placed on injured reserve because he was injured. Sportswriter Pat Leonard decided to either insinuate DeOssie was not injured, which there was no proof, or make it seem as if the Giants got rid of him on Thanksgiving. John reiterates the fact that Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Jason Garrett will not get fired during the regular season. It makes no sense to fire a coach when there is still a good chance the team will make the playoffs. Plus, the next Cowboys HC is likely coaching with another organization, or at the very least, is not employed by the Dallas Cowboys at the moment- which means there will be an extensive search that cannot happen during the regular season. Finally, John lets out some more frustration about the Baseball Hall of Fame process. The sport continues to neglect the honor of some who have accomplished some of the best all time feats in the history of the sport. No other (major four- football, basketball, hockey) sport holds out some of the best ever under any circumstance. Baseball should construct a museum to honor its history, one in which includes non-Hall of Famers. The Hall of Fame should not profit one bit off of anything related to a player not selected.
11-23-2019 Passed Ball Show. John has had enough of what he calls an "unfair debate." It seems as if nobody is wrong anymore. Perhaps it is society placating millennials for "hurt feelings." You drive home a point with facts and it doesn't matter anymore. People twist the truth until they can say they are not wrong anymore. As John digresses, he talks about fandom as it exists in the world of sports and the figurative cool-aid that is consumed among said fans. If you are a Cleveland Browns fan, Miles Garrett did nothing wrong. If you root for the Houston Astros fan, every excuse can be made for why it is okay that they did what they did. Since when did fans sell their souls to support their team and players' decisions right or wrong? Last time I checked, it was aggravated assault when an athlete beat another in the head with a helmet. Last time I checked, it was against the rules of baseball to use surveillance cameras to steal the signs of the opposition. It does not seem to be about what is right and what is wrong. It is all about what team a "fan" supports. John continues to nail home points supporting his argument about baseball data and analytics coming at the expense of a MLB manager, but it seems a lot of people still do not understand. It is almost as if they want to use their favorite team's manager as the scapegoat for anything they do not like to see. To quote NFL Hall of Fame Wide Receiver Cris Carter, "You need to have a fall guy." Maybe it is because fans do not know the name of the Ivy League graduate that works for their favorite team's front office (that just studies numbers and has never seen a sporting event in their life). John then spends a little time talking about second generation professional athletes as it applies to LeBron James' son Bronny. John cites examples of Bobby and Barry Bonds, Ken and Ken Jr Griffey, as well as Clay and Cody Bellinger as why it may be the hardest out of all for Bronny to follow in his father's footsteps.
11-21-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up the program by talking about the workout held November 16th by Colin Kaepernick for NFL teams. Kaepernick deserves the right to work, the right to seek employment, and in no way deserves to be blackballed from the National Football League. However, the decisions made to change the destination of the workout add murky details to an already confusion set of events. Does Colin Kaepernick want to play in the NFL again? Did he hold the workout more for his post-workout speech? Does he want to be a quarterback in the NFL or does he prefer to be a Martyr? There is a reason to be concerned over Kaepernick's interest at this point. Has he come to grips with his football career being over at this point? The other aspect is the obvious need for good quarterbacks in the NFL and the fact that Kaepernick is clearly as good as some that are in the league and making starts. Names like TJ Yates, Tom Savage, Chase Daniel, Luke Falk, and others have started games in the NFL over the past couple of seasons. Colin can clearly perform at the levels of the above named, even being three years removed from playing in the NFL. John then talks about the Baseball Hall of Fame and comparisons people like to do when it comes to cases being made for those not in. It is weak to make a case that a non- Hall of Famer is more worthy than Harold Baines, but it is worse when some are trying to discredit the credentials of Tony Gwynn. Gwynn will never be known as a power hitter and because of that, numbers like OPS+, WRC, and similar stats inflated by power numbers make him look less of the player he was. Gwynn was a throwback player- would have stood out even in the deadball era and hit for a higher career batting average than anybody since Ted Williams. Those comparisons are looking kind of lazy. Finally, there is no reason to make a case for another Hall of Fame baseball player until Barry Bonds is inducted. Bonds belongs in based off the merits of his accomplishments. He is the only player in baseball history with over 600 doubles and 700 home runs. Bonds is one of four players with a career on base percentage of over .440 and a career slugging percentage of over .600. The other names are Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, and Ted Williams. No other player in baseball has over 500 home runs and over 500 stolen bases. How about the fact that he was one of three players with over 1000 more walks than strikeouts? The other players are Williams and Eddie Collins. In the history of a sport that has its share of cheats, some of whom are in the Hall of Fame, why discredit a player who did more in their career than anybody else in this lifetime?
11-16-2019 Passed Ball Show. John starts out by talking about the ugly situation that concluded the Browns/ Steelers game this past week. How it embarrassed the league, but most importantly, how it took the fans away from their sanctuary as a sports fan. Violence exists in sports, but this was an over the top decision that makes a mockery of the very game that Miles Garrett was representing, John makes the comparison to the 1965 incident between Juan Marichal and John Roseboro of the Giants and Dodgers, respectively, and suggests a similar reconciliation between the two parties of Garrett and Mason Rudolph. John also brings up the Ron Artest "Malace at the Palace" incident, Marty McSorley and other hockey player stick incidents and asks where this most recent act of violence ranks amongst the rest of sports history. John then reiterates the facts that support a MLB manager having little or no impact on a current team winning or losing and brings to mind the example of Gabe Kapler. There is a cult following that assumes he is not a good manager, or at least was not during his two years with the Philadelphia Phillies. John debunks that silly idea and takes a shot of the credibility of those that believe a manager impacts the game like they used to. The ignorance of those that believe this really has to be acknowledged and the blasphemy that continues to be thrown out regarding this issue needs to involve some accountability. At the very least, those who feel this way have to be looked at as if they do not know very much about baseball. John declares he is now a Gabe Kapler fan. Next, John talks a little about the Houston Astros controversy and what would be the best penalty (assuming they are guilty of using surveillance equipment to steal signs). It would be an embarrassment to the sport if MLB takes away their World Series Championship of 2017. If current MLB managers AJ Hinch, Alex Cora, and Carlos Beltran are suspended for part of the 2019 season, they should be replaced with the computer equipment that does their jobs for them anyway. John finishes off by talking about suspended coaches Sean Payton (2012) and Leo Durocher (1947).
11-13-2019 Passed Ball Show. John talks about the scandal involving the Houston Astros and their alleged use of cameras to dictate what pitch is coming. Should the Astros be held accountable for cheating as a team? John says it would be insane to consider taking away their World Series Championship in 2017. However, if baseball doesn’t sanction the Astros, a John wonders if the individual players who cheated in the past ie. steroids users, gamblers, etc. should have their credibility reinstated. The message, if not addressed, would state that it is okay for teams to cheat without risk of losing their accomplishments, but individual players lose their reputations and their stats “do not count.” Players accused of cheating should be eligible for the Hall of Fame and elected if their accomplishments warrant so. Especially, if teams are not held to the same standards. Fans (and the media which leads and incites fans) want to see the those in the spotlight fail.
11-6-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up this show by talking about the possibility of Ty Cobb and Tris Speaker conspiring to throw a game in 1919. After wishing his mother, Nancy, well as she recovers from her hip replacement, he talks about the fact that the Atlantic League, an independent baseball league which once had a lot of pride, has clearly shamed itself by becoming a guinea pig for any rule baseball is considering changing. The latest involves the use of a robotic or computerized strike zone. This will take effect next year and will already start in the Arizona Fall League. While many in the general public that a computerized strike zone will come at the expense of the umpires, few understand that analytics have come at the expense of the MLB manager. John talks about how well LeBron James has played and how it has impacted the Los Angeles Lakers and their strong start. Is it sustainable? Can LeBron maximize himself on both ends of the court for an entire 82 game regular season and potential 20 plus game playoff schedule? If he can, he is Superman. It is a lot to ask. It is insane that reports still come out that the Los Angeles Chargers are moving to London after the owner categorically denies it through a profane laced tirade. People will make a story out of whatever they want.
11-1-2019 Passed Ball Show. John makes the case that postseason baseball teams have gone too far with the use of their relievers. Over the course of a seven game series, the more a particular reliever faces the same hitters on the same team, the advantage goes to the hitters. We saw that in this year's World Series with Will Harris. It happened with the Yankees in the ALCS against the Astros and it also has derailed the Los Angeles Dodgers the past three seasons. The last three World Series Champions have one thing in common- they relied on their starting pitchers. Not just to give them length throughout the postseason, but most importantly to piggy back off of each other. It is amazing the Astros decided to move away from something that already worked in winning a World Series title. It is interesting to see if teams view the failure of the repetitive use of relievers in the same series as a means to adapt and rely more on starting pitchers. Perhaps the use of starters as relievers (on their throw day, etc.) can make up from what was lost when their role as 8-9 inning pitchers changed to be just 5-6 or 6-7. John uses more lemans terms (for those who have a hard time understanding) to describe the role of a MLB manager in 2019. If you think a good manager can win your team an extra ___ games, John says "with all due respect"- that your baseball acumen is currently in concussion protocol. He then reminds the listeners what exactly a manager is responsible for. Finally, John talks about Jimmy Garoppolo's current 16-2 record as a starting quarterback and its means in rating his performance.
10-26-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by talking about the silly insinuation that Tom Brady considered giving his number 12 to Mohammad Sanu. It sounds like a nice gesture, but it was never serious. There was no way Brady was going to concede his number. Brandon Taubman deserved to lose his job as assistant GM of the Houston Astros for his inappropriate comments regarding domestic violence. However, the player should not be blackballed from ever having employment. John then talks about the now expected fire sale with the Boston Red Sox and what owner John Henry is finally getting his wish as it was portrayed in the movie “Moneyball.” John compares the Brooklyn Nets of this season to last season (assuming Kevin Durant is not playing this year) and asks if they are better now with Kyrie Irving or we’re better last year with DeAngelo Russell. John gives his NBA predictions (posted on www.johnpielli.com) and his Week 8 NFL picks.
10-30-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up by talking about the importance of clarifying what the rules are in major sports. There is a distinction between what the officials (in pro football) and umpires (in baseball) pull directly out of the rule book and what the athletes believe the rules are. Clarity will make it known without a doubt whether a player is within the confines of the games' rules. John then talks about some of the greatest World Series games in the history of the Fall Classic. Unlike other compilations, John ranks games from 1912, 1924, 1926, and 1932 and properly places these games among the greatest of all time. John then talks about the status of black head coaches in the NFL and NBA and why one seems to get it. Finally, the program is finished with John letting off some stream by talking about those that make a big deal about the NFL trading deadline.
10-21-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by recapping the finish of a weird game between the Los Angeles Chargers and Tennessee Titans that was oddly on CBS as the AFC Game of the Week. John talks about the fourth and one that the Titans failed to convert, the non-challenge of the spot, and finally, the odd sequence that finished the game when it seemed as if the Chargers had scored the go-ahead touchdown twice only to have the first one overturned and the second one changed to a lost fumble. John then makes some bizarre comps to the 1919 White Sox World Series team with this the 100th year anniversary of the infamous series. The 2019 Astros are the favorites after winning two years ago against a team appearing in the Fall Classic for the first time. John talks about how mighty New York Yankees were once an underdog. They were once a team that could not win the big game (World Series). John talks about that first World Series Championship for the Yankees- in 1923. He finishes off the program by talking about the defensive centerfielder in baseball. Is defense in CF overrated now? Or have teams in some ways disregarded its importance? John talks about some of the top pure centerfielders that can be had in trades this offseason.
10/14/2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by stating the exact reasons why a manager in Major League Baseball does not have the responsibilities fans think they do. John does into depth to describe the exact responsibilities a manager in baseball has in 2019. He reminds the viewers that 50% of all baseball fans still think the manager has a bigger role than he has. John's job is to convince you this is not the case. John then talks about the fact that there are still eleven teams (really twelve including the San Diego Padres) that have still never hired a black manager. Three of them, have managerial vacancies. How come this is not spoken about? John makes a case the quarterback is more important than the Head Coach. He uses some results from this past Sunday to back his point. Finally, he talks about he "Rage Room" in the Wells Fargo Center and how it may be quite innovative. It has at least earned a trip from him to see how it works.
10-12-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by reminding all of the viewers that share the birthday of October 12 of the handful of current and former MLB players that have the same birthday. He then makes his rock solid World Series prediction of the Yankees/ Cardinals- teams with a combined 58 League Pennants and 38 World Series Championships. He also talks about the combined twenty (20) World Series losses between the two of them (1921, 1922, 1955, 1957, 1960, 1963, 1968, 1976, 1981, 1985, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2013), not to mention the (CORRECTION: The Yankees and Cardinals have met in the World Series five times {1926, 1928, 1942, 1943, 1968}, not three as John incorrectly stated) times the Yankees and Cardinals have played each other in the fall classic. John then plays a game of musical chairs with the eight managerial vacancies in Major League Baseball. He names eight legitimate candidates and gives each of whom a home. After John's five NFL picks for Week Six, he finishes with a "Nobody's Listening" topic. He gives some attention to the father who did not want his kid to be taught hockey by a darker skinned, Muslim hockey coach.
10-7-2019 Passed Ball Show. John starts this version of the program by talking about the American League Division series between the Twins and the Yankees. The Twins are overmatched, maybe they knew that coming in to the series. The decision to go to a human interest story to start game two gave everybody following the series exactly what they needed to know- the Twins could have cared less about whether they won the series. John also brings up how the teams that are in the postseason are a little top heavy. Maybe it is time to scale back the amount of teams that are in the postseason each season. The "David vs Goliath" dream exists, but it clearly does not reward the best regular season teams. Teams make the playoffs in baseball solely because other teams can care less about winning during a given season. Speaking of tanking, is there any sport that can less handle (from the players standpoint) not trying to win? You mean to tell me that players that put their lives on the line and risk their futures with the possibility of getting CTE, are okay doing so when their owner/ GM/ Team President does not want them to win this year. Finally, the roasting of Houston Rockets General Manager Daryl Morey is silly and shows the issues we have in this country over stupid political opinions. Stop rooting for your political beliefs like it is your favorite sports team. Being that you are, maybe you should understand why somebody else may root for a different team.
10-4-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by wishing his mother Nancy Pielli a very happy 64th birthday by recapping the 1955 World Series game seven. A game in which the Brooklyn Dodgers clinched their first (and only) World Series Championship in Brooklyn on that very day. John talks about how Ronald Acuna's choice to stare and watch a ball hit the fence is not just an embarrassment to him, but to his teammates and they may be growing tired of the act. As for Cardinals' pitcher Carlos Martinez, he doesn't deserve "respect" for being a veteran player. He would earn this respect by simply getting Acuna out, not throwing batting practice in the ninth inning. As a pitcher, he has the right to handle his gripe in the mound. John recaps the fines and suspensions that led to the NFL suspending Oakland Raiders LB Vontaze Burfict for the remainder of the NFL season and opines over whether the season long suspension was too harsh a penalty. John talks about the battle over whether the new guard of MLB managers will prevail over the old school. Finally, a NBA season preview of the 2019-20 Utah Jazz.
10-2-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the show by talking about the possibility of College Athletes getting paid for their namesake. The Governor of California passed a law allowing athletes to be compensated for their namesake, for jersey sales, and even for giving lessons within the confines of the college or university. We tend to look at students and athletes as one and the same. Unfortunately, they are not. The reason colleges and universities exist is for one thing and one thing only, for the students to get an education. Sports are nothing but an extracurricular activity. This makes compensating the athletes a difficult concept. Especially when the top athletes are making the school so much money. John talks about the record sales of Chris Webber's number four Michigan jersey and states that is borderline criminal that he did not receive any royalties for the likeness of his name, though it was not on the back of the jersey. The NCAA should remove its mandates that basketball players have to play a year in college to be eligible for the NBA draft. Why force somebody to go to college that may not want to? John then talks about the recent MLB managers that have lost their job, a little bit about how the job description has changed and whether or not experienced MLB managers would even want to take another job with the changed role. A MLB manager is nothing more than a guidance counselor. His job is to implement the game plan set forth by above. The manager in baseball has nowhere near the amount of control of a game plan as any other coach in any other sport. John then gives his MLB postseason predictions and talks about why teams with the better bullpens may actually be in trouble. He finishes off by giving his weekly NFL picks and a tiny preview of the upcoming NHL season.
9-25-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up the program by reminding the listeners that both Mickey Callaway and Gabe Kapler will be back as the respective managers of the Mets and Phillies. John then talks about the sanctity of the Perfect Game in Major League Baseball and how there will never be a Perfect Game that is not first a complete game. It is great that the Mets will retire Jerry Koosman's number 36. Hopefully, it opens up the gateway for other numbers to be retired honoring the team's best players. After John gives his NFL picks for this week, he goes on a rant about people who cannot dispute a fact. Instead of stating a fact is a fact, they twist and turn parts of the fact to make a completely unrelated point. John gives two examples.
9-18-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by clearing up a flawed Instagram post where he did not include his mention of the talk show host who stated that Antonio Brown's actions were the most unprofessional in the history of sports. He also includes his mention of the seriousness of rape and his reference to how it changed the life of Mike Tyson. John then talks about his hope that the Wild Card races in Major League Baseball will come down to the wire and include as many teams as possible. Buffalo is considered no where near New York City, yet two New York City teams play football in another state. John then talks about how baseball history was changed when it was discovered that Ty Cobb had two less hits than he was originally credited. He then gives his list of the top 19 position player (hitters) in the history of baseball. Finally, week three of NFL picks
9-11-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by remembering all those that lost their lives during the tragic events of 9/11. This should be a time where the United States of America takes a break from all its infighting and embraces all of its differences and comes together as a nation. John then talks about Antonio Brown and the fact that Brown did nothing different than what Anthony Davis did to get out of New Orleans and to LA. Star players want to facilitate their next destination and even though their parent team is not obligated to listen, it is not the worst thing an athlete can do. To put it into proper perspective, think about what Tonya Harding did by hiring a hitman to break the leg of her opponent with a crowbar. The Miami Dolphins should face sanctions from the NFL if they are, in fact, losing games on purpose to get the number one overall pick in next year's NFL draft. That being said, the players that are asking to be traded are soft- a sign of what athletes have becoming in this generation. To hide being an "anonymous" report is cowardly and shows the athlete does not believe they can succeed in face of adversity. John then talks about the MLB manager and adds some points that lessens their power. A catcher and pitcher relationship is relative to what the pitcher prefers. Some pitchers allow the catcher to call the game, others would rather throw the pitch they want when they want. Most managers listen to what is in their ear now- information and suggestions and even decisions they get from their bench coach, pitching coach, algorithms, and other information from their analytics staff and front office. John hates the fact that catchers throw the ball around the horn after strike three for the third out. He then bases four of his Week Two NFL picks off the theory that teams that dominate in Week One are set up for a letdown and teams that struggle in Week One are due for a bounce back. God Bless America.
9-5-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by continuing to drive home his points on the castration of MLB managers. Out of touch fans (and some media types) still insist that the manager is responsible for every decision in every game and should be held accountable for every loss. MLB manager bullies should be compared to the third grader who picks on the fat kid, the ugly kid, or the person they claim is inferior. When you get into your thirties or forties, it is a complete embarrassment to conduct yourself like that. The same applies to bullying MLB managers. There is a narrative that states, "The manager is the one to blame." Those that continue to believe are equated to a flock of sheep. You will do whatever you are told, you lack the ability to form your own thoughts. John then talks about the top five fighters in the history of the National Hockey League. For the start of the 2019 NFL Football season, John does his postseason picks and his six bets for this week
8-28-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by talking about Andrew Luck's sudden retirement from the Indianapolis Colts just two weeks before the regular season. Anybody who thinks Luck stuck it to the Colts by handling it in this fashion should realize the Colts stuck it to Luck with the way they treated him over the course of his career. Their negligence led to his injuries and are the reason he is retiring. The Colts have nobody to blame but themselves. Billy Hatcher has some of the best postseason numbers in the history of the sport, albeit 52 at bats. He should have won the 1990 World Series MVP over Jose Rijo. Steve Young will forever be remembered as a Pro Football Hall of Fame Quarterback. John talks about how easily this may not have happened and the circumstances that led to him becoming the San Francisco 49ers starting QB. John finishes off by giving the single season home run records for each of the 30 MLB teams. CORRECTION: the Royals record belongs to Mike Moustakas, who hit 38 in 2017.
8-22-2019 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by talking about the "replacement" Yankees and the injured players they have that are returning. John gives a postseason 25 man roster that includes all of the injured players (assuming they are all ready to return) and most of the players who have thrived while filling in. John then talks about what he perceives as the biggest achilles heel of the National League Wild Card race- bullpens. He ranks the six legitimate (at this point) contenders based off who has the worst bullpen in typical PBS worst to first fashion. The Cleveland Browns are the most lovable losers- maybe in all of professional sports. John talks about the history of this old NFL franchise and the success it had prior to the Super Bowl era. In the Nobody's Listening segment of the show, John talks about a distinct difference between God's Law and law created by man.
8-15-2019 Passed Ball Show. John talks about why fans fully support their team only when they win. It is not that fans stop rooting for a team that is not performing, they simply do not show up at the ballpark, stadium, or arena. John explains why the crowds at Madison Square Garden are manufactured and exist separate from fans showing up thick and thin and why MSG is the attraction, not the NY Knicks or Rangers. John asks Yankees fans where they were in 1992, the last losing season the team had where attendance ranked 11th out of 14 American League teams. The same for the Chicago Cubs in 2012 and 2013. John also questions why professional athletes seem to never take responsibility for what goes into their body, especially when have a performance enhancing substance in their body. And a tribute to former MLB infielder Ernie Bowman, who recently passed away.
8-9-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up this brief filibuster with a little historical perspective about the history of the New York Mets franchise. As awful as the bad is, the franchise has a history of great runs in August and September. Any questions, refer to the seasons of 1969, 1973, 2015, and 2016. The perception exists that the Mets owners, Fred and Jeff Wilpon, are cheap. While they operate the team more like a business than one would like, John does not necessarily agree with the perception. Oakland Raiders Wide Receiver Antonio Brown thinks he is more powerful than the National Football League. The league will continue to prosper long after he is gone. If the NFL was smart, they would call his bluff and see if he has the balls to quit the sport that has given him his livelihood.
7-31-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens this show by talking about his excitement over the July 31st trading deadline in major league baseball. While a lot could be expected before 4 pm, there may not be as many high profile trades as expected. Greed has kicked in and teams are not willing to part with players from their major league roster and top prospects. The days of a fair trade could be over. John makes it clear how he feels about all of this. The media tells teams that have a bad record they have to be "sellers" and teams that have a good record they have to be "buyers." Yet MLB General Managers and their front office staff are the ones held accountable if their teams do not win. If my job was on the line, I would do what I think is necessary, not what the media tells me to do. More on the buyer/ seller garbage and the media telling teams what they should do. John finishes up this program by doing a ten player quiz on who will be traded by 4 pm eastern today and who will not.
7-26-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up this version of the program by talking about the difference between entertainment and life. While entertainers should understand their opinions are relevant, they should take time to identify their audience. Athletes (and entertainers) have gained their audience through their talents. That is what their fans come to see and hear. Angel Hernandez is known as one of the worst umpires in baseball history. However, he did a good job of overseeing the Rays/ Red Sox confusion the other day. A voluntary choice by a team to take its designated hitter results in the pitcher having to hit for the remainder of the game. Adam Kolarek, a pitcher, moved to first base, abolishing the DH and leaving him in the lineup as the first baseman. Chaz Roe came in to pitch and replaced first baseman Ji-Man Choi in the lineup. Baseball's Hall of Fame is responsible for the watering down of its own honor and until its best players and contributors are put in, there will be more examples of questionable candidates getting in. The acknowledgment of the WBO heavyweight champion was one of the factors that led to the destruction of its very sport. Around since 1989, the organization failed to acknowledge champions such as Mike Tyson, Evander Holyfield, George Foreman, and Lennox Lewis.
7-20-2019 Passed Ball Show- John starts out the program by calling out umpire Brennan Miller. Not in the way he usually does, but giving him respect for the way he conducted himself during the Yankees/ Rays game the other day. Miller did not antagonize the Yankees and gave manager Aaron Boone way more time to vent before he ejected him. Miller was a true professional and other umpires both young and experienced, should take notice. The series of reporters that cover the New York Mets have become a clown show. They seem like they would rather be doing something else. John sites some examples. Maybe local media outlets should open up opportunities for those that want to cover the team in a non- passive aggressive way. John then talks about the famous October 2, 1980 Heavyweight Championship bout between two of the greatest champions of all time- Larry Holmes and Muhammad Ali. Should the fight have even taken place? Finally, a couple words of this week's British Open and a little on the fact that so many past champions missed the cut.
7-13-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up this show by teasing the significance of what is a better accomplishment, a lot of individual championships or a lot of team championships? It was a surreal night in Los Angeles as the Angels honored their fallen teammate Tyler Skaggs in the teams' first home game since his tragic passing. The Angels scored seven runs in the first inning, Mike Trout hit a home run in his first at bat, and Taylor Cole and Felix Pena combined to throw a no hitter as the Angels defeated the Seattle Mariners 13-0. The divine intervention was eerily similar to that of the 2016 Miami Marlins during their honor of Jose Fernandez. John talks about God's presence that would even convince some of the nay-sayers. As Serena Williams attempts to win her 24th Grand Slam title and Roger Federer goes for his 21st, John talks about its significance when it comes to the world of sports. Are these more impressive than World Series, NFL Championships/ Super Bowls, NBA Championships, Stanley Cups? The NFL has a new proposal for an 18 game season. Those it will likely never happen, John talks about some things that might make sense about it. Finally, John sends his thoughts and prayers to Dwight Gooden as he battles his serious addiction.
7-6-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the program by suggesting a trade the New York Mets make for a relief pitcher immediately to send the right message to the players on the team. Super Teams in the NBA are expected and not a surprise when they are formed by the choice of the players teaming up. When is the expectation of winning going to come with it? Are the teaming players going to be held accountable when they do not deliver the expected championship? John then grieves over the passing of Angels pitcher Tyler Skaggs and wonders aloud whether there is a curse over the franchise that has had more in season active player deaths than any other in professional sports. Legendary Grambling State College coach Eddie Robinson gets nowhere near the amount of respect he deserves for all he did. For those that do not put him at the level of Bear Bryant and Joe Paterno, he did not have the same opportunities to coach a Division I school because he was a black coach in the south. He did more than anybody else could do with all the opportunities he had. Best of luck to the USA women in the World Cup Finals. It is silly though (in all of world soccer) that championship tournament games are decided by shoot outs, an embarrassment to decide a game with a gimmick! John hypes up the documentary about Ron Artest and summarizes the HBO special. Finally, a cheating 70 year old who won a marathon is dead, could it have been a mob hit?
6-26-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up this edition of the PBS by talking about winning baseball teams in 2019. He then brings up the media's part in what makes communication difficult in today's MLB. It starts with the over abundance of press conferences and questions a manager has to take. Throw in the fact they are blamed for all the incorrect decisions the front offices and analytics staff make for them and it is understandable why some may crack. How long can a manager take the blame and criticism for things they did not do? And of course, they cannot say that either as that would put them at risk for losing their job. John then talks about the NJ Devils trade for PK Subban and how it ranks within the most exciting trades his favorite teams have made. He also asks the audience if they ever rooted for a player on a team other than their favorite and got to celebrate their favorite team acquiring them. John then spends some time talking about Joe Theismann and his comments regarding the time Dwayne Haskins will make his NFL debut. John also talks about how difficult it is for a rookie QB to get the support from the incumbent. And he finishes off by talking about a bizarre play at the end of the Lakewood Blue Claws game on Friday.
6-12-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up this edition by recapping his reasons of why MLB managers have limited to no power and therefore, should have limited to not as much accountability. John then talks about MLB pitching matchups and how they are overrated in this generation as opposed to past ones. John then talks about the Kawai Leonard/ DeMar DeRozan trade and whether it was better that the Toronto Raptors got Leonard than they got rid of DeRozan and sites examples of Tiki Barber, George Foster and Nomar Garciaparra as why sometimes getting rid of a star player can lead a team to prominence. John also sites Yoenis Cespedes and Justin Verlander as examples of stars that were the reason a team made it to a championship setting. John then talks about Chris Blewitt and other examples of players who had ironic names such as Andy Friese and Grant Balfour. Other names have sexual innuendos and yet others are people exercising their rites to legally change their names.
6-5-2019 Passed Ball Show- John unexpectedly loses it when it comes to the blame MLB managers are given in the year 2019. John is fed up of the lack of baseball intellect that leads fans to think the manager makes any decisions in a baseball game. If fans are so smart that they can use different stats to make themselves sound superior, how come they do not understand MLB managers do not make any decisions on their own anymore? John then talks about the media's role in comments made by DeMar DeRozan and comments made/ not made by Clint Frazier. As much of a distraction as the media's battle with Frazier may be, it will not have the impact of Gregg Jefferies on the late 1980's Mets teams. John finishes off talking about why NHL players are stronger both mentally and physically than any other in sports and why it is okay to bunt the ball against a shift- even if a no hitter is on the line.
4-20-2019 Passed Ball Show- John keeps this show brief, but lets out some frustration on the fact that MLB umpires, mainly Joe West, are not held accountable for their reckless actions. In baseball, players, coaches, and even fans are held accountable for their actions, but baseball has enabled Joe West and those like him to pretty much do what they want. John then goes off on the fact that the Miami Marlins think they are better off now that they have fired their hitting coach. Trading away a lineup that included the likes of Stanton, Yelich, Ozuna, Gordon, and Realmuto has nothing to do with the fact that the team cannot hit? A couple 4-20 shout outs and a brief mention of the fact that marijuana possession in the United States of America is not handled the same universally. Finally, forget about Jacob deGrom's contract, if he is done, so are the 2019 Mets.
4-18-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show talking about bat flips and pitchers retaliating. Too much stock is put into a pitcher or team being insulted by a bat flip. That being said, the pitcher has the control over how he handles said insult. If he throws below the belt and behind the batter, there should be no issue. John was bothered by the dust up between the Chicago White Sox and Kansas City Royals- two teams going NOWHERE this season! What was it? Amateur hour? The die hard NFL fans have make too big of a deal of the NFL releasing its schedule- the opponents were already announced. The 100th anniversary opener between the Packers and Bears was a nice tough, hopefully the NFL will embrace its history a little better than it has. Jackie Robinson's impact on Major League Baseball will never be forgotten. Branch Rickey deserves credit, but it needs to be mentioned how there were competitive advantage and monetary motivations for Rickey signing a (or many) black players. Finally, after the legendary Howard Cosell, Al Michaels, and Bob Costas, who should fill out the Mount Rushmore of Sports Broadcasting? John talks about some fits.
4-11-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens the show by suggesting a documentary for the Virginia college basketball team that just won the National Championship. In addition to the improbable wins in their last three games, there is the backdrop of being the first number one seed to lose to a 16th seed in the history of the NCAA tournament as well as the Ralph Sampson team of 1982-83. John talks about some long shots as it comes to this week's Masters including Tiger Woods, Ian Woosnam, and Larry Mize. John then talks about the NHL lottery and a little about the NHL playoffs. Magic Johnson needs to admit his time as an executive with the Los Angeles Lakers was a complete failure even if he does not care about the way he embarrassed himself by the way he quit. Can anybody compete with the Golden State Warriors for this year's NBA Championship? John then talks about the top five (or ten) MLB position players right now. Finally, a birthday shout out to his daughter Alexis Pielli and a couple things that happened in baseball history on April 11, 2006.
4-3-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by talking about the over-reaction that takes place at the beginning of every baseball season. In baseball, a little over ten games equates to a single NFL game or ten games is about the same equivalent to one sixteenth of a MLB season. It takes a while before teams (and fans) should start either panicking or gaining some unforeseen faith in a team that was not expected to be a contender. John takes a phone call (Kevin from Millstone) where the topic of Ron Darling's book and his comments regarding Lenny Dykstra and game three of the 1986 World Series are brought up. John states it is simply Ron's word against Lenny's , but it is something Darling had brought up previously in his first book. There is a chance that Darling may end up alienating more people than Dykstra, mainly because of the matter of "what happens among the players, stays among the players" code of conduct. John then reminds fans and the media that a MLB manager has absolutely no power and very little influence in a given game. This applies mainly to pitching changes, players getting rest, and relievers being available for said game. These decisions are not made by the manager, but many make it as though it is. Finally, there are eleven MLB teams that have never had a black manager and it is 2019, maybe it is time to bring this topic up again- it certainly does not have the same urgency that every team having a black player did in the 1950's.
0:02 / 43:05 3/6/2019 PBS- MLB FA's after Kimbrel, Keuchel, Gio, 2019 Previews, Top QB, LeBron, Boygirl Sports 5 views
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John Pielli Published on Mar 6, 2019 3-6-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up this show by talking about the remaining MLB free agents and gives a top ten list of solid options not named Craig Kimbrel, Dallas Keuchel, and Gio Gonzalez. The 2019 PBS MLB Countdown team predictions are up on johnpielli.com- John breaks down some of his favorites and why his prediction method is different from what most sites base their picks off of. If the Arizona Cardinals choose to draft Kyler Murray number one overall and trade Josh Rosen, teams should be lining up at the door for the opportunity as Rosen's potential is much better than what most teams are considering. LeBron James is polarizing mostly because of jealousy. This is a man who has been well compensated for his talents, but has used his wealth to help others, while living an honest life with his wife and children. Haters are bothered that he has the wealth and success, but most importantly, a life that is free from scandal and the downfalls many run into when they are afforded a life of luxury. Finally, John talks about girls playing boy sports and how boys should be able to play girl sports. The total number of boys playing on a girls team should be limited to allow for as many girls possible to have a chance to compete.
2-27-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by discussing the issues MLB teams have when it comes to gaining an extra season of control. It is a flawed point of view, one in which could be eradicated by simply signing the player to an extension. John also points out the fact that the Cubs may have cost themselves a chance of winning the NL Central in 2015, or at least the first Wild Card spot, by not playing Kris Bryant in the first eight games of the season. John then takes a phone call from "Willie" from Toms River, who asks about Patriots owner Robert Kraft and his recently being in the news. John talks about the need for the NFL to hold owners to the same standards as players and coaches when it comes to its personal conduct policy. If convicted, Kraft should face a suspension of some sorts, from a couple of games to a full season. The severity of the case has to do with whether the girls in question were being trafficked for sex or this was a woman making a living getting paid for the sex. Bruce Bochy is finishing his managerial career in 2019, is he as much a Hall of Fame lock as some think? While three World Series Championships in five seasons have only been done six times, Bochy is likely to finish his career as a manager with a losing record (unless the 2019 Giants win 90 games or more). Out of the other nine managers who have won three or more World Series, all nine are in Baseball's Hall of Fame. John wishes his father John Anthony Pielli a Happy 63'rd Birthday and mentions on February 27, 1956, the Piedmont League, a minor league baseball entity, disbanded after 35 years of business. The Piedmont League was based in North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania, and briefly in Maryland. It was also one of the only minor leagues which continued operations during World War II.
2-21-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the program by mourning the loss of long time Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Don Newcombe. Don was a force in the Dodgers World Series Championship season in 1955 and won 27 games a year later. An extremely prolific figure in the civil rights movement, Newcombe had his MLB career interrupted two separate times. Because of this, he should get more consideration for Baseball's Hall of Fame. John also talks about Vinny Vella's impact on his life and his show. Vinny was a solid actor and comedian and had a show only he could host. Really, nobody else could have successfully hosted his show- his personality and style was perfect for his show. Thanks to Vinny for having John as a guest on his show. John then suggests a change to the rules of Nascar which would give racers another chance if their car either malfunctions or is involved in an accident during a race. Finally, John talks about the difference between being the greatest and being the best, making some points about how it is difficult to quantify how good a player of 100 years ago or 75 years ago is compared to a player over the last 45-50 years. John then lists his top ten MLB position players of all time.
2-20-2019 Passed Ball Show- John starts off this edition by talking about the positivity in regards to baseball with the Padres signing of Manny Machado. Great to see a non-known spending team go the distance for both the present and the future. While the future looks bright (What is a prospect?) for the Padres, they may not quite be at the level as a complete team as the Dodgers and Rockies right now. Jacob deGrom has handled himself like a true professional his entire career. He deserves a mulligan for his comments perceived as being a threat that he would compromise his future performance if he does not get a new contract soon. The NBA should try to align its yearly All Star Game to what a regular season and postseason game is. Perhaps more defensive minded and role player types could make each All Star team, making each a real team and not just a compilation of the league's top scorers. Great to see Collin Kaepernick and Eric Reid getting settlements from the NFL. They both deserve it and should not have been colluded against by the league's owners. It is also good for the NFL to reach a settlement and not have to air out its dirty laundry through arbitration.
2-12-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up this version of the program by talking about Kareem Hunt's second chance. After he faces his penalty (by the court of law) for the crimes he committed and his penalty for violation of NFL's personal conduct policy, he has the right to earn a living. The general public does not agree (for the most part) with the concept of a person earning a living. The feeling is, because an athlete has a "name" to them, they should lose their right to work- something the critic themselves never has to worry about. Kyler Murray and his decision to play in the NFL is a product of a best case scenario, not an example of the player using the Oakland Athletics in any way, shape, or form. John then mentions NHL's shift times of star players being on the screen of their telecasts and how they would be better suited having the top player of each team listed under the score with a colored light shining when they are on the ice. Finally, a disturbing story out of the University of Nebraska involving a top recruit and "revenge porn." John talks about what that means and why it is not a coincidence that the University of Nebraska is at an all time low as a CFB program.
2-5-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens this program up by talking about how the Patriots should be respected for what they have done. Not this year, but for the past eighteen. And for those upset that the Patriots are "always in the Super Bowl," they should maybe write their Congressman (i.e. favorite NFL team) and encourage them to get a better squad. Dynasties like this generally get more respect after they are finished. The Pats are more in the league of Vince Lombardi and Bart Starr- they have surpassed the likes of Bill Walsh and Joe Montana. While the latter were great in the Super Bowl, they also have faced little criticism for all the years they did not make it as well as all the times they lost in the divisional round or in the conference championship. Lonzo Ball needs to stop his father from controlling his life. They need to have a deep conversation, one that consists of Lonzo telling dad to stop living his life son's vociferously through him. As much as John is looking forward to baseball season, he has to tell the viewers it is not. February does not belong to baseball, baseball season is not coming for the better part of another month.
2-3-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens the show by apologizing for the cold he has and how it is impacting the sound of his voice. The New York Knicks made a solid trade with the attempt to save some salary cap space. Hopefully, this will lead the team to two max players. The problem with Madison Square Garden is the fact that New York looks at it as the place to be and because of that believes a winning team should be handed to them by the NBA. Yes, the Garden is full virtually every game, but it is full because it is owned by the corporations who buy the tickets up in advance. Stop with this silly insinuations that the die hard fans still fill the building in spite of having one of the worst teams in the NBA. John shares some interesting Super Bowl facts about the Rams and Patriots, where they each came from, their records in Championship Games, and the fact that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady have played in more Super Bowls than any team in NFL history. Finally, John talks about the reasons Don Coryell and Tom Flores should have made it into this year's Pro Football Hall of Fame class.
1-29-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up this version of the program by talking about the waste of time in sports information that exists between the NFC and AFC Championship games in pro football and the Super Bowl. He also mentions how it is a precursor to what to expect in the world of sports in the month of February. John then talks about competitive advantage in sports, compares it to cheating, gamesmanship, and the lines that are drawn when it comes to being devious. John concludes this filibuster by putting together a team of baseball non- Hall of Famers against a team of the least deserving of what has been put in. What team is better?
1-21-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the program by asking a trivia question about baseball and the Cincinnati Reds (the question was answered correctly). The official(s) that missed the call during the NFC Championship game this past Sunday need their names put out to the general public. Patrick Turner and Gary Cavaletto were negligent for not throwing a flag during the non-call on the pass interference situation. Their names need to be known, not so they can be at risk- not even to encourage ridicule- but so they can be accountable for their actions (or lack there of) just like anybody else that makes a mistake. The Baseball Hall of Fame will gain some new members, mainly Mariano Rivera and Roy Halladay, and possibly Edgar Martinez and Mike Mussina. John has a message for those writers who feel they are doing the game justice by holding out Hall of Fame worthy players because of "ethical reasons." Baseball is and never has been an ethical game and holding the likes of Barry Bonds, Roger Clemens, and Curt Schilling out of the game for "ethical" reasons is delaying the inevitable. THEY ARE GETTING INTO THE HALL OF FAME. Is the story about Eagles QB Carson Wentz' likeness from teammates a fabrication? We will never know because the writer was not able to get any players to make comments on the record. John finishes off the program by talking about Willard Hershberger, the Cincinnati Reds catcher who committed suicide in 1940, the first act in season in the history of the sport.
1-19-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the program by paying his respect to former Yankees and Angels pitcher Eli Grba, the one time PBS guest who passed away this week at the age of 84. John then brings up what he feels is an overemphasis of two way MLB players, basically a glorification of a position player who will pitch regularly in mop up situations. We are likely to not even see a Shohei Ohtani like scenario again in the sport. Have fans and the media today forgot about Wilt Chamberlain? James Harden scoring 40 points a game is nice, but please stop making like it has never happened before. Speaking of not getting attention that is deserved, the NHL should make January 18th Willie O'Ree day and make every team pay homage to the first black player in the history of the National Hockey League. All that plus a preview of the NFL Conference Championship games.
1-14-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the program by once again thanking his loyal listeners and viewers- whether it is from I-Tunes, Google Play, YouTube, Periscope, or Facebook Live. The landing spots for Manny Machado and Bryce Harper are not important at this point. More needs to be discussed about why most teams do not view these players (and the fact they are about to enter the prime of their career) as upgrades on their current rosters. Is it because most owners already make their bottom lines? Is it because winning a World Series is not profitable enough? Should the reward be more so all teams are on the same page, searching the same prize? Is it time to pass the torch in the NFL when it comes to the New England Patriots? In a league where a lot of teams say they want it, the Pats continue to be among the cream of the NFL year after year. Blake Griffin returning to the Los Angeles Clippers as an opponent makes John think about how a player should be expected to act as they return to a team they starred for. Finally, John releases his MLB Hall of Fame ballot, curtly stating that these ten players need to be put into the HOF before anybody else should be considered.
1-11-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the program by talking about the following NFL franchises who think the "in thing" is to hire the next quarterback whisperer. A head coach in the National Football League is too serious of a job to be turned into such a specific qualification. If the NFL and NFLPA feel that Eric Reid is fabricating how many times he was drug tested last season, they should report the results of their computer algorithm, list the total amount of tests and players tested, and report who the most tested players are. Great job by P. K. Subban for making a video in support of the 13 year old hockey player in Detroit who is dealing with racial slurs. There should be a penalty for anybody caught using a word that should be forbidden from the English language. The Yankees should not be able to trade Sonny Gray for anything close to what they gave up for him- he is not worth it at this point. Plus, John's NFL Picks for the Divisional Round of the National Football League.
1-9-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by talking about the two most important needs for a College Football National Championship Game: the two best teams and an excellent game. The performance of Clemson QB Trevor Lawrence may change the thought process of NFL teams when it comes to the upcoming NFL draft. Are NFL teams focusing too much on a QB whisperer as opposed to a figurehead to run a football team? Congrats to Kliff Kingsbury for getting the job as Head Coach of the Arizona Cardinals- it was completely asinine to even think that USC Athletic Director Lynn Swann would hold back Kingsbury to interview for an NFL HC job. What if the Mets recent trades were a prelude to more trades leading to a couple impactful free agent signings? Finally, people in all professions screw up, have bad days, and do not do their jobs.
1-5-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up this program by talking about using stats to back your argument. When it comes to comparing Johan Santana to Sandy Koufax, stats like ERA+ and WAR are almost the fake news version of comparing the two. Koufax's ability to complete the games he started and the amount of innings he pitched during his prime make the comparison to Johan a little bit unfair. John once again brings up his anonymous source argument to talk about the difference between MLB and NFL players. Few NFL players would run to a reporter and ask them to not put their name behind something they wanted to say or a point they wanted to make. Who is more to blame? The media or the soft individuals who choose to act in this cowardly way? Neither should be commended. What do the likes of Michael Jordan, John Elway, Russell Wilson, and Tim Tebow have in common? Answer... all have been falsely considered two sport athletes when none have played in two sports highest level. Kyler Murray has a chance, if he chooses, to do something the beforementioned (outside of maybe Tebow) will ever do. John then talks about some of the best two sport athletes before giving his NFL Picks for Wild Card weekend.
1-1-2019 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by wishing everybody a Happy New Year (US) and as a reminder, to make any change you want- there is no need to broadcast it. Black Monday (as usual) took a chuck out of the amount of head coaches in the National Football League. Coincidentally, four of the six coaches fired after Sunday and five of seven fired since the season started are African American. Intentional or not, it has to be discussed whether there is anything to this. John gives out his first trivia question (first correct answer wins a ten dollar Visa gift card. John then talks about token Hall of Fame votes, whether they are necessary, but most importantly, whether or not a writer has the right to vote for an undeserving player that happens to be on the ballot. Some interesting facts about the significance of the 1899 baseball season, the Cleveland Spiders, and the first tank job in sports history. Finally, a little bit for those who want to diminish Eli Manning's pro football career.
12-28-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by mentioning Davis Webb and Christian Hackenberg. That should tell you everything you need to know if the New York Giants decide not to play Kyle Lauletta this Sunday in a meaningless game. The Giants have seen Lauletta play, if they do not play him, that is all you need to hear. Once again, hope is that Manny Machado signs a fair deal for him and for baseball- not taking whatever the Yankees offer just because he wants to be a Yankee. The Mets do not have to apologize to anybody for not signing Bryce Harper. After John shares this week's NFL Picks, he talks a little bit about some of the lessons he learned in his first football season of competitive sports gambling. Finally, a Nobody's Listening segment about confrontation and diffusion.
12/26/2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the program by talking about a familiar topic- the Baseball Hall of Fame. After pointing out its hypocrisy, John talks about all the different players that are not in Baseball's Hall of Fame for different reasons. Commissioners like Kenesaw Mountain Landis and Bud Selig are in despite their shortcomings and ignorance. Why is that looked over? What keeps other players who played during the "steroid era" from facing similar circumstantial suspicion that others are being held out for. John then breaks down the NFL playoff scenarios just prior to Week 17- how the AFC South can be won by three different teams, how either the Steelers or Ravens will win the AFC North or not make the playoffs at all, and how if the Philadelphia Eagles make the playoffs... will it be time for them to consider using Nick Foles as their starting quarterback? Finally, the best sports holidays are Thanksgiving (Football), New Years Day (College Football, Hockey) and Christmas (Basketball)- in that order.
12-23-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up this installment of the program by talking about how few African American managers there have been in baseball history. After starting out by playing the clip of Jackie Robinson speaking at Crosley Field in Cincinnati at the 1972 World Series, John mentions the fact that only two-thirds of MLB's teams have even had one black manager. NL stalwarts like the Braves, Phillies, and Cardinals have never had one, even though they have been playing professional baseball since the 19th Century. Original American League teams like the Red Sox, Tigers, Athletics, Senators (Twins), and Yankees (Orioles in 1901 and 1902) have never had a black manager even though they have been around since 1901. Perhaps racism was involved with the wrestler being forced to cut his hair in the incident in New Jersey. More than likely, it was ignorance. Either way, the referee had no right to do that. John explains why. The AFC playoff picture is starting to take shape. All that, plus Pielli's week sixteen NFL picks.
12-18-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens the show up by talking the whole Yankee (or other hometown team) discount. Fans tend to think players will over compensate because they want to play for a team so bad. Maybe they will take less money to play for a particular franchise. John brings logic back to this topic, and reminds of the implications a hometown discount has on future free agents. As much as any player claims to want to play for the Yankees, they will likely have to offer said player the most lucrative contract for a deal to be consummated. Cam Newton has been playing hurt. Is that necessarily a good thing? We ask our players to toughen out injuries and credit them for playing hurt, but what is where is the line that separates a good player playing at less than 100% and a backup player at 100%? Jay Bruce hurt the Mets by playing hurt last season. Reading about Manchester United soccer coach Jose Mourinho getting fired alerted John about the over use of the word "sack." John finishes off the show talking about the winningest managers in MLB history for each respective MLB team.
12-15-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens this show by talking about the probability of more off season baseball action at the start of this coming week. Harold Baines being in the Hall of Fame is not the fault of Harold, nor anybody else except for the baseball writers. They have created a narrative driven agenda focused on keeping players out of the Hall of Fame as opposed to stating cases for those who are not in to get in. It is clear that there is an undermining that exists with the Veteran's Committee that has not existed since the 1960's and 1970's and this time it is the fault of the baseball writers who are not doing their job. Should more research be done on the results of the 1914 World Series between the Boston Braves and Philadelphia Athletics- considered the biggest upset in World Series history? John points to some important points that could lead to that series not being played on a level. The wrong Brooks and the misunderstanding of the potential three team NBA trade involving Trevor Ariza made John think of the two NBA coaches named Jim Boylan and Boylen and two sets of US Presidents who had the same name. NFL Picks will be on johnpielli.com.
John Pielli describes how baseball (and its voting process) has chosen to keep some of its best players of all time out of its Hall of Fame.
12-13-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens his first show since returning from the Baseball Winter Meetings in Las Vegas, Nevada by talking about... how Pittsburgh Steelers HC Mike Tomlin has every right to talk about his players that are "there" as opposed to answer any redundant question about Le'Veon Bell. Bell is Benedict Arnold, similar to Ice Cube in NWA. Though neither Bell nor Ice Cube intended to dessert their group/ team, both left their peers with no choice but to feel so. Similar to NWA, the Steelers are moving on, exactly what is expected to happen when a player chooses not to play for their team. The Steelers have replaced Bell, the same way NWA replaced Cube. (Has the point been made yet?) John then talks about the increase in the amount of teams that plan on being competitive, a number much higher than last off season. For those Mets fans who think the team should "just sign a catcher," would you feel the same if that was the only move they could make due to payroll restrictions? Are you okay with just Diaz and Familia? An outfield of Nimmo, Conforto, and Lagares? Even though the UCLA student knew she was not eligible for to win a car for her layup, foul shot, three pointer, and half court shot, John talks about several reasons this situation should have been avoided.
12-9-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by paying his respect to former Major League infielders Luis Valbuena and Jose Castillo. There is a parallel to the respect that existed during the Jose Fernandez/ Miami Marlins tributes. Is the stat of On Base Percentage in baseball overrated? John brings up some valid points about the lack of interest in batting average and strikeout percentage and how a walk may not be "as good as a hit." Every NBA and most college basketball players either are or were scorers. What happens to a scorer when they are no longer the "go to" guy? NFL picks will be on www.johnpielli.com.
12-5-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the program by mentioning his domestic violence points being one minute segments on instagram. He then divulges into the possibility of the New York Mets acquiring Miami Marlins catcher JT Realmuto. It will cost the Mets Michael Conforto, Brandon Nimmo, and/ or Amed Rosario to start, and John makes the case for Nimmo being enough to get this deal started. John makes it clear what he thinks of Nimmo- a MLB regular player with a ton of upside. You have to give something to get a player like Realmuto, who is a much better option than signing Yasmani Grandal, as he opines. The NHL continues to water down its product when it comes to expansion. A lot of the world's most talented hockey players do not even play in the NHL, a similar issue that exists in USA soccer. Urban Meyer has nothing left to prove- ie. he does not have another national job that will top his at Ohio State- reason enough to feel he will be coaching his last game in the Rose Bowl this New Year's Day. John touches a little on the impact of Jim Valvano, the great NC State college basketball coach and motivational speaker. Finally, should it be a crime if you are blatantly withholding the truth? Should we take advantage of technology and insert something along the lines of a truth serum chip into all Americans?
12-1-2018 Passed Ball Show- John starts out by reminding the viewer that sports is a sanctuary from the negative aspects of life. As these aspects intersect with the sports news feeds, it is a reminder that there may be no escaping it. Domestic violence is a serious issue in this country (and world)- not just for those whose names are in the spotlight, but for those who are not accomplished. When players like Kareem Hunt, Reuben Foster, and Ray Rice could be blackballed from employment, the same should apply for those aggressors who make minimum wage and everybody in between. Government assistance should be taken away from domestic violence convicts. With Alabama, Clemson, and Notre Dame essentially guaranteed the first three places in the BCS playoffs, the following teams control their own destiny in this order: Georgia, Oklahoma, Ohio State, and UCF. John is rooting for UCF. The trade discussion in MLB is setting up for an unprecedented off season, one in which we have not seen in a series of years. All that- plus Week 13's NFL picks.
11-28-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens this show up with a little recap of what worked in Ohio State's surprising blowout victory over Michigan. Ohio State clearly held back their entire game plan for Michigan for the entire season. College Football has the strongest rivalries in all of sports. Baker Mayfield should have acknowledged his former coach after the Browns victory over the Bengals this past Sunday. It was not Hue Jackson's decision to leave the Browns- he was fired. Because of that, he should not be vilified for choosing his next job. Similarly, Mayfield's decision to leave Texas Tech for Oklahoma was for his own good and under no circumstances be an indictment of Baker. Robinson Cano is likely to be traded by the rebuilding Seattle Mariners, but GM Jerry DiPoto needs to stick to his guns and get the trading team to take Cano's contract in full as part of the deal. Jacoby Ellsbury has no trade value and if he is dealt, it simply means Yankees GM Brian Cashman bullied another team into taking him. John then talks about a couple football fights that reminded him of two unpopular middle school students being baited into a fight with the popular kids just laughing at them. Finally, in "Nobody's Listening," John reminds to viewer that everybody makes inappropriate comments. Maybe it is time to cut people some slack.
11-24-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by teasing his Nobody's Listening segment of the show talking about shopping on Thanksgiving. Have we hit a point where some of the most accomplished athletes should be expected to be owning some of sports' franchises? Why are there not more athletes involved with ownership of sports franchises? It might be time to end the advantage random business owners have over the control of sports teams. The Tiger Woods vs Phil Mickelson match play pay per view event went about as well as could have been imagined. It is two top players playing on the same level and a match went the equivalent of four overtimes. John just finds it hard to expect the same competition with another two golfers. Should Tiger and Phil (and maybe Connor McGregor and Floyd Mayweather) have put their own money down as the prize? Houston Texans owner Bob McNair passed away at the age of 81. While he deserves credit for bringing pro football back to Houston, he seemed to not have a feel of his players during the protesting controversy of last year. NFL picks plus should family members be insulted if their own leave them during Thanksgiving to get some shopping done? Shame on department stores for making people have to make such decisions.
11-21-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up this show with some discussion on rhetorical Thanksgiving comments. Why do people cook for large groups of family members if they are just going to complain about it? If it is such a chore and an inconvenience, don't do it. Don't invite your relatives in from across the country if all you are going to do is complain about the inconvenience of picking them up. Good to decent MLB players have been taken off of rosters due to crunches. Hopefully, CJ Cron and Derek Dietrich will land new roles soon just as Christian Villenueva has by having his contract purchased by the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese Pacific League. John also brings up the possibility that teams are not looking at talent as much as they claim; they are loading their 40 man roster with players that happen to just be under the age of 22. Just because a player is young, does it mean they have the upside of the likes of Bryce Harper, Ronald Acuna, and Juan Soto? The Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists were announced. Tony Gonzalez, Eric Reed, Edgerin James, Don Coryell, and Clay Matthews are the most deserving of the honor. Once again, the NFL has done a great job of honoring the best players to ever play the game, unlike another sport we know and love. Perhaps a case can be made (being ambivalent for a minute) that the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a little watered down because of the amount of those honored each year. The Washington Wizards are going through a tough time- one that may lead to the trade of Bradley Beal to the Charlotte Hornets. The disrespect of NBA coaches continues to be an issue that should be addressed. While they are responsible for wins and success, they are not given the tools to do their job.
11-16-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens the show up by talking about the studio conditions and how they compare to Mexico City as they were preparing for the Rams/ Chiefs game this Sunday. The American League MVP vote was flawed because of its three "finalist" policy. The writers had a chance to stick it to the process by voting for JD Martinez, a player who was essentially eliminated by the fact the finalist had become a thing. Reporting in this country is getting worse and worse- How does a player's name remain anonymous when he makes a statement in front a group of reporters? The key to a winning culture in the NBA is not the best players, not the most regular season wins, not the best coach- it is the chemistry among the players. We have seen it impact the Houston Rockets and now it could be happening to the Golden State Warriors. NFL picks are up on johnpielli.com. Finally, if you want to be taken seriously on social media or on comment threads, maybe its time you stop protecting your name like it your IP address. Stop hiding behind a cartoon character.
11-13-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by talking about the recently announced Rookie of the Year Award in MLB- particularly, the AL and winner Shohei Ohtani. John blasts the criticism of people who look at Ohtani in the same way Ichiro, Hideki Matsui, Hideo Nomo, and others were judged when they all came from Japan with many years of professional experience. Ohtani bypassed that, and the financial benefits of remaining in Japan to play for the league minimum in MLB. In addition, he proved to be a true two-way playing MLB pitcher, something the game had not seen since Babe Ruth. John segues that into the mental barrier fans put on themselves when it comes to the knowledge of the sport they "support." In other words, fans put the knowledge of their favorite team over that of the sport, making them biased towards their team. In 2018, it is very ignorant for a fan to ignore the information on sports that is at their fingertips. That judgement clouded some Yankees' fans evaluation of Miguel Andujar against that of Ohtani. John then puts a list together of the ten worst quarterbacks in the (recent) history of the NFL in honor of the just released Nathan Peterman. Finally, some homage is paid to the life of Stan Lee, the founder of Marvel Comics- with a comparison made to Sy Berger, the founder of Topps Baseball Cards.
11-10-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by talking about the recent conviction of radio show host Craig Carton. While the message should be sent as a wake up call to those who have a gambling addictions, the significance of what he did needs to equally told. He deserves to serve time in prison. Hopefully, the Carton story can not only be one of redemption, but also a lesson that can potentially save the next gambler from going down the same path. This is similar to what Rae Carruth has the opportunity to do now that he has been released from prison. John then talks about the Alabama Crimson Tide and the possibility the team can be out of the BCS playoffs with a loss in the SEC Championship game against Georgia. Sports are going in the wrong direction. The rewards for mediocrity are in parallel to that of the best teams being put at a disadvantage. Regular season champions have to start over in a postseason format. Is that fair? John does his NFL picks before dedicating his nobody's listening segment to the obsession people have with cell phones.
11-3-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up this version of the program by talking about the potentially frivolous lawsuit former Cavaliers assistant coach Jim Boylan is looking to file against the Cavaliers regarding age discrimination. Businesses move on from older personnel all the time as the goal is to get younger. If this applies to players, it should apply to coaches as well. John then gets into his hideous NFL picks. (Pick the opposite.) The top 50 MLB free agents (according to MLB Trade Rumors) are up and John gets into some of the potential destinations for some of the players. Finally, John talks about the hate as it pertains to sports fans.
11-2-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the program by talking about the passing of Hall of Fame first baseman Willie McCovey. McCovey was a dominant power hitter of his time and his style and approach should be studied by the home run hitters of today. Two fair comparables would be HOF first baseman Willie Stargell and should be Hall of Famer Fred McGriff. John then talks about the disastrous season the Oakland Raiders have had, who is to blame, and is the message is fair enough to say that the future could look bright as the team plans its move to Las Vegas. Could the 1983 Phillies won the World Series if they upgraded at first base instead of playing Pete Rose there? Rose had one of the worst recorded seasons for a regular player in baseball history. As much as Luis Tiant is respected throughout the game of baseball, he falls short when it comes to legitimate consideration for Baseball's Hall of Fame. Finally, some respect and prayers are needed for Glory's Market in Jackson. Terrible job by the local news media to prioritize the traffic conditions over the lives that are at risk and the damage caused to the business.
10-20-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens this show by talking about the false controversy involving the last play from scrimmage in the Rams/ Packers game on Sunday afternoon. Todd Gurley did his job- he was under no obligation to anybody- especially fans who play fantasy football- to score a touchdown in the final seconds of the game. His responsibility is to help his team win the game- not rack up yards and score touchdowns. The Cavaliers look silly by firing their coach Tyrone Lue after their 0-6 start. It is not like Lue forgot how to coach or lost the team. This is what the Cavaliers are without Lebron James. John gives some interesting advice to just released prisoner and convicted murderer Rae Carruth. Finally, some obvious questions newly named Mets General Manager Brodie Van Weganan has to answer.
10-26-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show talking about the improvement (record wise) of the Houston Texans after a bad start. With the hiring of first time managers Rocco Baldelli and Charlie Montoyo, 30 percent of MLB managers are entering either their first or second season as a big league manager. The Mets may not be hiring a General Manager at all. Are they essentially hiring a puppet? John cannot make much of candidates if they are not given the tools to be their own boss. Is it Frank Cashen? Or Jeff Wilpon? The Rockets are willing to trade four first round picks to get Jimmy Butler from Minnesota. Very similar to the Brooklyn Nets trade for Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce and the draft picks they gave up there. NFL Picks.
10-25-2018 Passed Ball Show- John starts the program by reminding the listener how important the discussion of race, discrimination, and prejudice is in this country and how important it is for us to unify as one. John then talks about the LA Dodgers and how much of a disappointment it will be for them to once again not win a World Series. After that, John talks a little NBA and the performance of Steph Curry. It is amazing how the Washington Wizards almost conceded the game based off the fact that Curry could not miss a shot. Perhaps they could have fouled.The Vegas Golden Knights signed suspended defenseman Nate Schmitt to a six year contract suspension while he is currently sitting out due to PED use. John talks about how sports organizations are maybe enabling the use of PED's in sports. John gives some Fantasy Football advice, with the emphasis on drafting a top running back. Finally, John talks about the embarrassment the Red Sox organization must be feeling after they elected not to bring Curt Schilling back for the 15 year anniversary of the 2004 World Series Championship and who it insults the most.
10-24-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens this program by teasing his later segment on race. He then talks about Clayton Kershaw's chance to redeem himself from a poor performance in Game One of the 2018 World Series, after a bad showing in last year's fall classic. Will a Dodgers WS win make redundant Kershaw's struggles? John then brings up TMZ's incorrect headline of "Cocaine Themed Party" in connection to Chad Kelly's arrest this week. Once again, the headlines make an insinuation of something that may not be true- Media in the Year 2018. John compares the NY Giants trade of Damon Harrison to that of the Pirates trade of Ralph Kiner. "We can finish in last place without you." Finally, John opines on the divide between NFL safeties Eric Reid and Malcolm Jenkins. Race is a difficult topic to bring up because everybody tends to hear only what fits their own narrative. From the Colin Kaepernick decision to kneel for the National Anthem to something as simple of little kids being brainwashed by their parents, there is something EVERY one of can do to improve our own relations with each other, regardless of what our differences are. What exactly is about money? Is it everything?
10-22-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by teasing his monologue he will get into later in the week about race. He then gets into the difference between a quit and a rebuild in baseball. It is amazing how many people do not know the difference. There is no sense trading a great player for little to no value just to tell your fans it is about the future. It is nice to see Rajon Rondo is still playing in the NBA- it is apparent he needed to remind the general public the same. Maybe he was trying to impress his new boss, LeBron James. Finally, John would rather see a fake extra point cost a team a tie than a missed two point conversion. And how come more teams don't fake extra points?
10-19-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the program by talking about the possibility of Clayton Kershaw and David Price pitching against each other in the World Series. He also adds some other pitchers to the list of those who have not performed well in the postseason. John then talks about Champion Floyd Mayweather and how he is planning to at least take on a fight with Khabib Nurmagomedov after claiming he was likely done boxing. Boxers always have the tendency to take at least one fight too many and Floyd seems to be no different; Khabib and a Manny Pacquiao rematch are on the reasonable horizon. It is a shame and at some point, will lead to the destruction of his perfect record. It is getting closer and closer to the time top college football and basketball players should be paid legally. The NBA's G-League potentially giving high school players an option not to go to college is a good idea, but there is a lot of things to sort out- such as what constitutes a team's right to have the property of a certain player or what draft pick compensation should a team give up for the rights to a player. That an Week Seven's PBS NFL Picks.
10-18-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the program by adding the Houston Rockets to his list of possible unders when it comes to 2018 NBA win totals, citing Carmelo Anthony's impact on the 2017 Oklahoma City Thunder as a reason to think he may not help the Rockets as much as expected. John then mans up and admits his mistake on a tweet he sent earlier in the morning claiming that the Red Sox and Dodgers have never played in a World Series. They did, of course, in 1916, when the Red Sox won the series 4 games to 1. Mookie Betts attempt to catch a ball in the stands last night should have been either a ball in play or a home run, depending on whether the fan actually made contact with the ball. More information is coming out about the life of former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez- from his relationship with Tim Tebow to his asking Bill Bellichick to trade him early in 2013. Was Hernandez hanging out with a bad crowd, or was he the negative influence on his "friends"? Looking forward to reading the Babe Ruth book by sportswriter Jane Leavy, "The Big Fellow." Was Babe Ruth the first American domestic celebrity?
10-17-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens the show up with a little discussion about the MLB playoffs and how the winner of the Red Sox/ Astros series will likely be the World Series favorite. There is a clear difference between gamesmanship and cheating, especially as it applies to the sport of baseball. If there is reasonable doubt whether something is cheating, it is likely gamesmanship being taken to literally. The Buffalo Bills traded Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns at the same time they traded for AJ McCarron (from the Bengals). The subsequent trade of McCarron to the Oakland Raiders left the Bills with Josh Allen and Nathan Peterman. Allen's injury has forced the Bills to bring in Derek Anderson- could it make sense for the Bills to possible trade back for Taylor? John then discusses his five over/ unders he bet for the upcoming NBA season.
10-12-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by talking about how the New York football Giants are a bad team. Any team that is 4-18 in their last 22 games cannot be just a win a way from turning it around. In Major League Baseball, there is no coincidence that the four teams that are alive in the playoffs are all analytically driven. It is also no coincidence that the three teams looking for new leadership (General Managers) are the three teams who seem to be the least tech savy when it comes to analytics. This weeks NFL picks, plus a message about those say "Happy Birthday" to people they do not know and do not know them.
10-9-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up with a little recap of the roller coaster Boston Red Sox season 2018 season. One that went from historic, to overrated- back to confident as the Yankees face elimination. Please consider donating for two year old JJ Schmoyer, who was inexplicably murdered by his father during a suicide car-bombing. https://www.gofundme.com/674zlb4 John then talks about the umpiring of Angel Hernandez. While Hernandez has himself to blame for his lousy reputation and the fact that he is fraudulently suing MLB, is another umpire had the misfortune of missing the calls he missed, it may not be as much of a story. The Phoenix Suns just fired General Manager Ryan McDonough (no relation to the NHL defenseman)- kind of odd since it comes with just over a week to go before the NBA season and just after he was able to hire a new coach, draft the number one player overall in the NBA draft, and make a significant trade. Finally, the vultures are about to come after Mark Cuban, the owner of the Dallas Mavericks, after his friend, photographer Danny Bollinger was fired for sexual misconduct.
10-8-2018 Passed Ball Show- The show opens up with a quick take on the inevitability of the Yankees/ Red Sox ALDS Series and a mention of how Odell Beckham has turned back to his old self after getting his contract. UFC might very well be scripted. Not the action, but the sideshows. John talks about the similarities between the antics at the McGregor/ Khabib fight and boxing of the 1990's, even some comparisons to the WWE and the Real Housewives of !#@. Twins designated hitter Miguel Sano had his live encounter with what could have come from the TV Series Cops.
10-5-2018 Passed Ball Show- The show opens up with a welcome to the start of the National Hockey League season. John then adds to his points on why the overuse of relievers in baseball will ultimately lead to the destruction of a postseason team. John then makes the comparison of the most recent NASCAR race to the movie Talledega Nights. Finally, Week 5 NFL Picks which will be on the website johnpielli.com.
10-2-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show with a brief recap of some of the sports happenings of this past weekend. Should he bet against himself? To vilify Peter O'Brien in the 2019 baseball season, Mets fans will prove their stupidity more than John can ever state on his own. O'Brien is not Chase Utley, Pete Rose, or John Rocker, nor Chipper Jones, Willie Stargell or Willie McCovey- you are booing him because he caught a ball? For doing his job? The most redundant thing in baseball is throwing the ball to third or first base on the third out on a strikeout. John takes out his frustration on this pointless act. Are the Athletics throwing in the towel against the Yankees in the Wild Card Game this Wednesday? John ranks the 32 NFL starting quarterbacks in order of worst to best.
9-28-2018 Passed Ball Show- John starts out the show by giving his NFL Picks for Week number 4 in the National Football League. All picks will be on www.johnpielli.com. The Ryder Cup has started; as exciting as it is, is there an issue with the fact that the United States get to assemble their own team and the European countries get to put together theirs? How about the Little League World Series? Should either or both be similar to the selection process of the World Cup in soccer? John gets into the political correctness argument and its selective usage. Whether it is right or not, Hooters has the ability to be more selective in its hiring process and use looks and body figure to hire its waitresses. Even if they did not, those that are more attractive and have better looking bodies are guaranteed to be able to earn more money in tips. Finally, has the importance of the use of grammar gone completely out the window?
9-26-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by talking about all the different ways you can listen or watch the PBS. John then gives his MLB regular season awards for MVP, Cy Young, Rookie of the Year, and Manager of the Year in each league. John then talks about the depths of the decision making process when it comes to a National Championship contending College Football team and their quarterback. Clemson, Alabama, and Ohio State have had similar decisions to make. Choosing a QB in college is more immediate as opposed to the NFL where it is likely more long term. Finally, how should Bill Cosby be remembered? John chooses to remember the comedian, America's Dad, and entertainment icon over the sexual predator.
9-25-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by talking about how the NFL is a complete free for all when it comes to competition and its parity. Tiger Woods draws a lot of attention, particularly when he is contention or is in position to win a PGA Tour event. When John feels is being disregarded is the witnessing of a living legend, which is clearly what Tiger is. Hopefully anybody watching is appreciating what they have the opportunity to see with their own eyes. The National League baseball playoff races are causing a series of games to have a playoff like atmosphere over the last week of the regular season. Finally, there has to be a line drawn in the NFL between what officials should allow and what is in the best interest of players safety. When it comes to concussions and serious head and brain injuries, only those who can relate seem to have compassion. For those that think vicious hits in the NFL are funny and great entertainment, you obviously have not had your brain jarred in that type of matter (no pun intended).
9-21-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by talking about how the Cleveland Browns could be 3-0 if Baker Mayfield was their quarterback. It would be a clown move if coach Hue Jackson does not use Mayfield as his QB the rest of the season- he gives them the best chance to win RIGHT NOW. The Passed Ball Show gives an official warning to umpire DJ Rayburn for his actions in yesterday's Mets/ Nationals, a game in which he embarrassed himself in his manner of ejection members of each team. Mark Geragos is a lawyer who represented Scott Peterson- a murderer- and Chris Brown- a convicted domestic abuser. He is also representing Collin Kaepernick. In a separate question, when are criminal defense attorneys going to be held accountable for the criminals they defend? Especially the ones that are convicted? All that plus Pielli's picks for Week Three of the National Football League.
2-19-2018 Listen back to @john_pielli's interview with former Twins, Orioles, and Dodgers relief pitcher Mike Trombley.
9-18-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by discussing his opinion of his show from yesterday. A college team in South Dakota defeated a team from Arkansas 90-6 and the coach apologized for using incorrect judgement in running up the score. On the surface, this looks like a clear path to blast the South Dakota State coach. His handling of the situation and his comments were as good as could have been imagined and it honestly seems like the man (John Stiegelmeier) learned a great deal from the ordeal. The penalty called on Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews for his tackle of Minnesota Vikings QB Kurt Cousins puts the NFL in a position where they MUST do one of two things. Either the NFL must physically demonstrate exactly what an acceptable tackle on a passing NFL QB looks like or make a proclamation that any contact with a QB will result in a penalty. If they choose the latter, the quarterback must be considered down with a simple touch of a hand or any contact from a defensive player. Whatever the rule is must be enforced fairly. Finally, with the announcement of the first openly gay golfer, does it matter what the man's sexual orientation is? Former MLB umpire Dale Scott never felt the need to have a news conference. In a world full of political correctness and attention to every statement ever made- in addition to the narrative that people are treated differently because of differences, why can a player just be gay and not have to have a press conference? John finishes the program by talking about the importance of being the individual first, then your difference- whether the difference in self-induced or pointed out by the general public.
9-17-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by talking about how much it could suck to have "skin in the game" after a disastrous performance in his weekly NFL picks. How selfish was the move of Vonte Davis to retire during halftime during a loss to the LA Chargers? Terrible job and a virtual slap in the face to his teammates. He should have addressed it at a different time, similar to Alex Rodriguez'/ Scott Boras' decision to opt out of his contract during the 2007 World Series- one in which ARod was not playing. There is clearly a blueprint to stop the New York Giants offense- expect every team to duplicate it going forward. MLB umpire Tom Hallion made the game of baseball about himself again when he interfered with Mets celebration by standing on home plate. Known for his hot temper, Hallion was making a childish statement against Todd Frazier, who had been critical of the umpiring throughout the series against the Marlins. Walker Buehler, though he may not impact this year's post season- even if the Dodgers make it- will be the next star pitcher in major league baseball. Finally, the David Wright catch (when he jumped into the stands vs Seattle) was a better catch than the Derek Jeter stands catch vs Boston.
9-14-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by talking about the word immediacy and how it applies to today's news. People need to hear immediate reaction, something I started doing in 2012 with Johan Santana's no hitter. John gives a recap of his Week One NFL picks and picks five games for Week Two. The National League is going to be interesting as we reach the two week (left in the season) point. The Rockies have an ace, something they did not have last season. Wade Davis, Bryan Shaw, and Jake McGee have struggled this year, but the Rockies need them to perform at a high level if they are going to advance in the NL Postseason. As for the Braves, they need to push their starting pitchers further than most teams traditionally do in the playoffs.
9-13-2018 Passed Ball Show- John starts the show by calling into the question the decision to have a press conference just to announce when David Wright is playing again. Obviously, there is more to this- likely the announcement that Wright will either be retiring or not playing anymore after this season. If not, what is the need to have COO Jeff Wilpon and assistant GM John Ricco at the same presser. Khris Davis will almost certainly not be playing for the Oakland Athletics after the 2019 season when he is eligible to become a free agent and may even be traded this off season. This has more to do with precedence than anything else and is (and will be) clearly money-driven. Davis, an AL MVP candidate this season and a huge reason the Athletics are headed to an unexpected playoff season, fits the build of a reasonably paid player who is exceeding the worth of his contract ($10.5 million in 2018). Rather than pay him what he deserves, the Athletics would rather either trade him or simply not retain him once his contract runs out after the 2019 season. Finally, defensive pro football players should not be expected to be nice people. For years, since the days of Buddy Ryan, defensive players have been taught to be ferocious, tenacious, and have little regard for the safety of offensive players, particularly the quarterback. And we expect them to be nice guys? The days of the conventional defensive player becoming the best of all time are likely over for that reason. Players that play with that regard today would likely be suspended and eventually blackballed.
9-11-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the show by giving a quick recap of Week One in the National... Football... League. Pro Football is supposed to be for the toughest of tough, the manliness of man, however, there are more weather delays during the game than ever before. Le'veon Bell should continue his holdout as it is different than others in past history. The NFL should modify the franchise tag that it allows teams to put on a player. Finally, for those quick to judge Nike for its commercial that includes Collin Kaepernick, I hope you at least watched the commercial.
9-4-2018 Passed Ball Show- John opens up the program by talking about why it might make more sense to have your fantasy football draft as close to the start of the regular season as possible. John then brings up a proposal for how Major League Baseball can realign itself to reward the team that finishes with the best record (just like it did between the years of 1901-1968). The NFL is always more difficult to call than other sports, as more credit seems to go towards teams that did well last year. How did that go with most people's Giants pick from last year? Expect more surprises this season, especially in the NFC East and West and the AFC South and West. Finally, John reminds the listeners how Rap Artists continue to not be held to the same standards as other entertainers, especially when it comes to providing racist, sexist, and homophobic content.
This is a brief excerpt from an interview I recorded with former Brooklyn Dodgers pitcher Joe Landrum. It is only about two minutes- but Joe describes a lot of his baseball career in the late 1940's and early 1950's. In college, Joe got to play against a Yale team that included future U.S. President George Bush (#41).
1-18-2018 Listen back to @john_pielli's interview with longtime NFL kicker Nick Lowery. Interview starts about 32.00 minutes into the show and lasts just about to the end. Please fast forward and rewind as you wish.
10-18-2017 Listen back to @john_pielli's interview with MLB pitcher Aaron Laffey, who has pitched in the major leagues with the Indians, Blue Jays, Mariners, Mets, Yankees, and Rockies.
9/19/2017 Listen back to @john_pielli and Mike Sanfilippo's interview with the manager of the Somerset Patriots, Brett Jodie from the Game Over show on WCTC 1450 am and wctcam.com.
9-11-2017 Listen back to @john_pielli and Mike Sanfilippo's interview with former Cardinals, Mets, and Dodgers infielder Todd Zeile. The interview mostly talks about the events of 9-11 and how baseball attempted to aid in the recovery process.
10-1 2012 Listen back to @john_pielli's interview with former Brooklyn Cyclones SS Phillip Evans. Phillip recently made his MLB debut with the New York Mets
7-1-2014- Listen back to @john_pielli's interview with New York Mets first baseman Dominic Smith. At the time of this interview, Dominic was playing for the Savannah Sand Gnats of the South Atlantic League.
7-24-17 Listen back to @john_pielli and Mike Sanfilippo's interview with former Braves and Pirates first baseman Sid Bream.
10/9/2015 Listen back to @john_pielli's interview with former Mariners and Tigers outfielder Casper Wells.
10/9/2015 Listen back to @john_pielli's interview with former Phillies and Cubs pitcher Warren Brusstar.
12/16/2015 Listen back to @john_pielli's interview with former Pittsburgh Pirates and San Diego Padres infielder Fernando Gonzalez.
12/15/2015 Listen back to @john_pielli's interview with former Giants infielder Ernie Bowman.
Listen back to @john_pielli's interview with former Cubs star and Hall of Fame pitcher Fergie Jenkins.