Lost Ballparks: Recent Episodes
Mike Koser
"Lost Ballparks", with Mike Koser, is a podcast that takes you on a journey to the golden age of baseball's Lost Ballparks as told by the players, broadcasters and fans who provide first hand accounts of what it was like to sit in the seats on a summer afternoon at Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds, Forbes Field, Yankee Stadium, Comiskey Park, Crosley Field and many more. New episodes every Wednesday.
Johnnie B. "Dusty" Baker Jr. joins Lost Ballparks to discuss his new book, Crossroads, and reflects on his early years with the Atlanta Braves, being mentored by Hank Aaron, sitting in hotel rooms with "the hammer" and Satchel Paige listening to unforgettable stories. He also takes us inside one of the most iconic moments in sports history, standing on deck as Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth's all-time home run record in Atlanta in 1974. Dusty offers a deeply personal perspective on Aaron's historic achievement, the racism and death threats Aaron endured during the chase, and one unforgettable moment that happened as Aaron crossed the plate.
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Legendary sportswriter Jane Leavy is my guest on this month's episode of Lost Ballparks. We’re gonna relive Sandy Koufax’s perfect game at Dodger Stadium in ’65 that was so expertly chronicled in her bestselling biography A Lefty’s Legacy, and hear some bold potentially game changing ideas from her latest book: Make Me Commissioner: I Know What’s Wrong With Baseball and How to Fix It.
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85-year-old former MLB umpire Terry Tata spent 27 years in the big leagues (1973-1999) calling the action behind the plate. From 3 All-Star Games and 4 World Series to 5 no-hitters and one of baseball’s longest games, he’s here to pull back the curtain on the toughest—and most thankless—job in the game.
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This episode is especially meaningful for me. Years ago, I painted a portrait of my father-in-law’s favorite player, Juan Marichal, in his iconic high-kick windup. Today, that same painting hangs in Marichal’s home—and I had the honor of sitting down with him for this conversation.
From 1960–1975, Juan Marichal was one of the greatest pitchers in baseball: 243 wins, 244 complete games, 52 shutouts, a lifetime 2.89 ERA, and 10 All-Star selections. He won more games in the 1960s than Bob Gibson or Sandy Koufax, and Hall of Famers like Hank Aaron, Mickey Mantle, and Pete Rose all called him one of the toughest pitchers they ever faced.
In this episode, Marichal reflects on his childhood in the Dominican Republic, the racism he faced early in his career, unforgettable moments at Candlestick Park, racing frogs with teammates, the 1962 World Series against the Yankees, and his pride in becoming the first Dominican-born player inducted into the Hall of Fame.
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It’s been 50 years since Philadelphia’s Connie Mack Stadium was torn down—but thanks to longtime Phillies PR man Larry Shenk, "The Baron", it springs back to life in this episode. Larry spent decades behind the scenes with the Phillies, and his memory is an absolute time machine. A baseball encyclopedia. From the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd in North Philly, Larry paints a vivid picture of what it was like inside one of baseball’s great lost ballparks. He also shares untold stories about the legends (Schmidt, Rose, Carlton) he worked with and the golden age of the game most fans never got to see. Sometimes the best storytellers aren’t the ones on the field—but the ones just beyond the dugout.
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Drafted in the 62nd round in 1988, Mike Piazza defied all odds to carve out a 16-year Hall of Fame career. In this episode (which originally aired in 2022, now re-released, remastered with new audio) Piazza shares stories of playing at Dodger Stadium, Shea, and Yankee Stadium, torching the Phillies, passing Johnny Bench, and the day the greatest hitter of all time showed up at his house for breakfast—and batting practice.
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Hip-hop icon and Rock N Roll HOFer Chuck D joins the podcast to remember baseball legend Dave Parker—The Cobra. Chuck reflects on Parker’s impact on the game, his cultural legacy, and what it meant to narrate Cobra at Twilight, the powerful documentary about Parker’s life and battle with Parkinson's.
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Dave Bristol just turned 92 on June 23rd—and he’s packed a lifetime of baseball into those years. A member of the Reds Hall of Fame, Bristol managed Cincinnati in the late ’60s before leading the Brewers, Braves, and Giants, and later coaching with the Expos and Phillies. Born in Macon, Georgia, he's one of the game's great storytellers, with decades of dugout memories to share. Enjoy this journey back to baseball's golden era.
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This month on Lost Ballparks, our guest is Dennis Clotworthy, Al Kaline’s Last Bat Boy. Dennis grew up across the street from Tiger Stadium and eventually worked inside its walls. In our conversation, Dennis brings the old ballpark to life with incredible detail—describing everything from creaky trap doors to the magic of Gate 16, the heavy barn door that opened a hidden world below field level and the old, slick hardwood floors of the clubhouses, worn smooth and marked with metal spike impressions left by generations of legends. His journey, which began in the unlikely setting of Malta, takes him to Detroit, where he chases a dream that leads to jobs as a junior usher, clubhouse attendant, visiting team's bat boy, and ultimately, bat boy for the Tigers. Along the way, he rubbed shoulders with legends like Brooks Robinson, Reggie Jackson, Nolan Ryan and, of course, Al Kaline. If you’ve ever dreamed of being a batboy at one of baseball’s most storied old ballparks, this episode is for you.
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In light of Pete Rose’s posthumous reinstatement to Major League Baseball and his renewed eligibility for induction into the Hall of Fame, I’m re-releasing this short episode from last fall. It features the last message Pete left for me shortly before his passing.
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Before there was a SportsCenter… before ESPN became a juggernaut… there was George Grande—sitting behind a desk, ushering in a new era of sports television with some of the the very first words ever spoken on the network. But his story doesn’t begin there. He played alongside Tom Seaver at USC, interned for Vin Scully, called games for the Yankees, Cardinals, and Reds, and for 31 summers was the voice of baseball immortality as the host of the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. He’s shared dugouts with legends, airwaves with icons, and memories with millions. This month, he shares them with us.
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He started as a batboy at old Seals Stadium in 1958 and spent the next 65 years inside the Giants clubhouse at Candlestick Park and beyond. Along the way, he became great friends with Willie Mays, found himself at a private dinner where a legendary singer answered the door, had an unexpected run-in with a Hollywood cowboy at spring training, "borrowed" something from Bob Uecker and even ran the clubhouse for the biggest band in the world. This month on Lost Ballparks, longtime Giants clubhouse manager Mike Murphy shares stories you won’t believe.
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Baseball is in Buddy Bell’s blood. Growing up, he spent his days at Crosley Field watching his dad, Gus Bell, play for the Reds and later roamed County Stadium when Gus was traded to the Milwaukee Braves. In this episode, Buddy shares stories of his childhood in the game, the special way his dad let him know he made a great play, a life-changing moment in the parking lot at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, his first All-Star Game in 1973, and the unforgettable highlight of his career when he finally put on a Reds uniform in 1985.
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If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow the podcast.
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Bob Uecker was more than just a baseball legend—he was a cultural icon, a Hall of Fame broadcaster, and one of the most beloved personalities in sports history. In this special tribute episode, MLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian, Hall of Famers Rollie Fingers, Ted Simmons, and Paul Molitor share their favorite Ueck stories. From his playing days to the broadcast booth, and of course, his unforgettable moments in pop culture, this is a celebration of “Mr. Baseball”.
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I’m thrilled to bring you one of our all-time most downloaded episodes: my interview with Cal Ripken Jr., originally released on January 4, 2022.
If you’re new to Lost Ballparks, this is the perfect chance to catch up on a conversation that has become a cornerstone of the show. Cal shares incredible stories about the American League ballparks he played in during his career, the advice Reggie Jackson gave him that pulled him out of his first big league slump, and what it was like to play under the watchful eyes of his father and Earl Weaver.He also talks about a memorable exchange with Johnny Bench on the back porch of the Otesaga Hotel in Cooperstown, the two pieces of memorabilia he treasures most, and, of course, the streak that made him a baseball icon.
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Relive the magic of baseball’s golden age through the incredible story of Jackie Brandt, a player who shared the field with legends like Stan Musial, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Brooks Robinson and Eddie Mathews. With a career spanning 12 unforgettable years (1956–1967), Brandt played in some of the most iconic ballparks in history—Polo Grounds, Sportsman’s Park, Ebbets Field and Connie Mack Stadium. In this episode, Jackie, now 90, shares his unique experiences, colorful stories and what it was like to be part of an era that defined America’s pastime.
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Breaking news: Thrilled to announce tonight the Classic Era Baseball Committee has elected Dave Parker and Dick Allen to the Baseball Hall of Fame. He will be inducted next year!! Here is our interview with Parker from March of 2022. Hope you enjoy it and congratulations to the Cobra (and Allen) on an achievement that is long overdue!
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On this month's episode I’m honored to talk with a man who has been the heartbeat of Cleveland baseball for 35 years—Tom Hamilton, the legendary voice of the Cleveland Indians and Guardians. Hear his baseball beginnings, including the first game he ever attended as a kid, the quirks and character that made Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium one of a kind, and the city’s transformation with the opening of Jacobs Field in 1994.
And of course, we revisit those incredible Cleveland teams of the mid-‘90s—teams that had the whole city glued to their radios, with Tom’s iconic calls providing the soundtrack to those magical Ohio summers.
From the vast expanse of Municipal Stadium to the unforgettable debut of ‘The Jake,’ and the moments that united a city, this is one conversation I can't wait to share with you.
Update: 12/11/24 - Tom has been named the Ford C. Frick Award Winner and will take his place in the broadcast wing of the Hall of Fame in 2025!!
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This month on Lost Ballparks, Ken "Hawk" Harrelson joins us with stories as colorful as his career. From meeting Mickey Mantle as a kid to helping save Fenway, playing with Satchel Paige, and even catching the eye of Frank Sinatra, Hawk's stories are legendary. Hear how a twist of fate before Game 7 of the ’67 World Series might have cost the Red Sox their title, and relive highlights from his 9-year big league career and 33 years in the White Sox broadcast booth. Grab some peanuts and cracker jack—Hawk Harrelson joins us on Lost Ballparks!
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On this episode, I'm joined by Ernie Whitt, catcher from the 1977 inaugural Toronto Blue Jays team. He shares stories about some of the historic minor league ballparks he played in, the American League ballparks of the 70s and 80s, his first MLB hit, and the early days of the Blue Jays at Exhibition Stadium. Plus, Ernie reflects on two unforgettable things Dwight Evans and Carlton Fisk did for him that he'll never forget.
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I'm deeply saddened to hear of Pete Rose's passing tonight. Just a few weeks ago, he left me a message that I'd like to share with you. Rest in peace, Pete.
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Jerry Schwab is my guest on this months Lost Ballparks podcast. From 1946-1957, Jerry and his family lived in an apartment underneath the LF grandstands at the Polo Grounds. His Dad, Matty was the head groundskeeper for the New York Giants. His story is a rare glimpse into a world that few have ever seen; personal relationships with legends of the game, hidden passages, tunnels beneath the stands and the dugouts and clubhouses where history was written.
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Denny Matthews, the Royals Hall of Fame Voice, has been calling games in Kansas City since the team's first game in 1969! This is his 56th year with the Royals. He joins me on this month's episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast to talk about K.C.'s Municipal Stadium, The "K", all things Royals, the first MLB game he ever attended and the ingenious strategy he used to get the Royals job!
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Denny McLain, 2X Cy Young Award winner, 3X All-Star, AL MVP, 1968 World Champion and the last pitcher in the big leagues to win 30 games in a season, is my guest on this month's episode. Wait 'til you hear why his Mom chose not to let him sign with the Yankees! We're also talking about his first hand experiences in some of baseball's iconic ballparks and of course that magical 1968 season for the Detroit Tigers!
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At 99 years old (he'll turn 100 in September), The Reverend William "Bill" Greason is the oldest living member of the Negro Leagues. From his heroic service in World War II to his career in the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball, Greason's journey is one of courage, determination, and a remarkable, unwavering spirit of gratitude. Enjoy my conversation with a true American hero!
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Pat Hughes, who was elected to the broadcast wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame last year has broadcast more than 6,000 games over a 40+ year career. The longtime radio voice of the Chicago Cubs joins me on this month's episode to reminisce about the first big league game he ever attended and to share his many vivid ballpark memories of Candlestick, Yankee Stadium, Comiskey Park, Tiger Stadium, the Metrodome, County Stadium, Municipal Stadium and Wrigley Field.
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From the dusty sandlots of Pottstown, PA to the storied ballparks that served as the backdrop to his remarkable career, 98 year old baseball legend and 1952 AL MVP Bobby Shantz looks back on his improbable path to the major leagues. Grab your peanuts and cracker jack and listen to one of the great stories from the golden age of baseball.
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Several months ago, I recorded an interview with the late Larry Lucchino. In addition to being an executive for the Orioles, Padres and Red Sox, Lucchino was a ballpark design revolutionary who ushered in the wave of retro ballparks beginning with Camden Yards. On this week's special episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast, Lucchino tells how the park of his youth, Forbes Field, inspired him to build Camden Yards and Petco Park. Listen now at lostballparks.com or search "Lost Ballparks" wherever you stream podcasts.
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Steve Vucinich spent 54 years with the Oakland A’s working as a peanut vendor, a ballboy, and eventually the clubhouse manager. The much beloved member of the Athletics was inducted into the Oakland A’s Hall of Fame in 2022. He was a part of the team for 7 different decades and has many stories to tell on this month's episode!
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Rocky Colavito finished his career with 374 HR's and he played in 9 All-Star Games. Now 90 years young, Rocky joins me on this episode to talk about his 1st game at the Polo Grounds, his tryout at Yankee Stadium, his love for Cleveland & the wedding gift the team gave him & his wife that he'll never forget!
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Pete Weber, the voice of the minor league Buffalo Bisons (1983-1995), called many games at historic War Memorial Stadium. He was there while they filmed "The Natural" and joins me on this episode to offer behind the scenes details about that all-time great baseball movie. We also spend time remembering some of the quirks and oddities of baseball's lost minor league ballparks.
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Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins joins me to recount the "when" and "where" of attending his first MLB game, the unconventional method his Dad used to make him a strong pitcher, the trials of playing in minor league ballparks of the segregated south in the early 1960's, the baseball legend he admired growing up who would become his roommate and surviving 10 cent beer night at Cleveland's Municipal Stadium!
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Jon Miller, the longtime voice of the San Francisco Giants makes his return visit to Lost Ballparks. His first appearance on the podcast quickly became the most downloaded episode in LB podcast history. He is gracious enough to join us one more time for the series finale sharing his first hand experiences of broadcasting at some of baseball's iconic lost ballparks.
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Mike McDermott began his career at Dodger Stadium as the visiting team batboy in the mid 1960's. He later transitioned to batting practice pitcher for the Dodgers; a position he held for 30 years! He joins me on this episode to talk about a Hall of Famer whose kindness he'll never forget, the time at Candlestick where he caused the game to be stopped and memories of many old, lost ballparks, including a particular goose bump inducing moment at Yankee Stadium.
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Hall of Famer Ted Simmons joins me on this episode to talk about the first big league game his Dad took him to at Briggs Stadium (later named Tiger Stadium), coming back to play there as a major leaguer, catching Bob Gibson's only no-hitter at Three Rivers Stadium and the day he hitched a ride with a rock-n-roll legend.
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Warren Brown's first job was working in the Red's clubhouse at Crosley Field. When the Reds moved into Riverfront Stadium in the middle of the 1970 season, he became one of their batboys. "Brownie" has great stories and wonderful memories to share of both ballparks, Sparky Anderson and the Big Red Machine.
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Rick Dempsey, a member of the Orioles HOF, joins me on this episode to talk about some of the great Lost American League ballparks of the 70's and 80's, his little league manager who turned out to be ______!!! the stadium where he nearly lost his life, and of course the '83 World Series (he was MVP) and the goose bump inducing '88 World Series! This is one of my all-time favorite interviews. Hope you enjoy it!
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On this Extra Innings episode, Steve Garvey talks about the day he became a Brooklyn Dodger batboy in 1956, the first MLB game he attended as a teenager at Tiger Stadium and his walk off home run to win game 4 of the '84 NLCS that made him a San Diego legend!
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On this episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast, Kent Hrbek, a member of the Twins Hall of Fame, joins me to talk about growing up a short bike ride away from Metropolitan Stadium, what it was like playing for the Twins in the ballpark he grew up going to, the challenges and joys of playing in the Metrodome, his practical joking teammates and of course, being a part of the first Twins championship.
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7X Emmy Winner and longtime ESPN host (Sports Look/Up Close), Roy Firestone joins me on this episode to talk about his love for Old Miami Stadium, his days as a Baltimore Orioles batboy, his lifelong friendship with Brooks Robinson, the day he walked through an abandoned Memorial Stadium with Johnny Unitas and his once-in-a-lifetime interview with members of the 500 HR club (Ted Williams, Ernie Banks, Reggie Jackson, Mike Schmidt and Frank Robinson).
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George Toma, 94, has been doing groundskeeping since he was 12 years old. That’s 82 years! The man nicknamed, the "Sodfather" and "the Nitty Gritty Dirt Man" joins me on this episode to talk about being the head groundskeeper in Kansas City at Municipal Stadium for colorful owner Charlie Finley (in the 1950's and 60's), then Royals Stadium. He has advised and been a part of the grounds installation and upkeep at the past 50 some Super Bowls, more ballparks and stadiums than we have time to mention, the '84 and ’96 Olympics and the 1994 World Cup. And well into his 9th decade of living, he still consults.
Lost Ballparks Extra Innings: In this extra innings episode HOFer Reggie Jackson shares details of the first major league game he ever attended as a kid; where it was, who he was with, the teams playing that day and who his favorite player was.
Steve Stone was an All-Star, a Cy Young award winner (He won 25 games in 1980!), and for the past 4 decades has worked in the broadcast booth; first for the Cubs alongside Hall of Famer Harry Caray and since 2005 he has been calling games for the White Sox. He shares vivid details of Comiskey, Wrigley Field, Memorial Stadium, Candlestick and Municipal Stadium and of course some of the best Harry Caray stories I've ever heard! Click here to check out Steve's book.
Art Shamsky was a key member of the 1969 World Champion New York Mets. He joins me on this episode to talk about that magical year and what it was like playing with Tom Seaver, Pete Rose and Frank Robinson in those Lost Ballparks of the 60's - Forbes Field, Connie Mack Stadium, Crosley Field, the Astrodome and Shea Stadium.
Clickhere for Art Shamsky's book: After the Miracle: The Lasting Brotherhood of the '69 Mets
Rollie Fingers, a 7X All-Star, 3X World Champion, MVP, Cy Young winner and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, joins me on this episode to talk about the first MLB game he attended as a kid, his 2 favorite ballparks to pitch in, "Harvey" the mechanical rabbit, historic Rickwood Field, and the 3 days he spent as a member of the Boston Red Sox.
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Andy Strasberg is the author of My 1961. Andy grew up in the Bronx and unlike all of his friends who were Mickey Mantle fans, Strasberg loved Roger Maris. In 1961 he began to make daily journal entries that chronicled his life as a 13 year old Yankee fan, trips to Yankee Stadium with his Father and friends and vivid details of his dreams to 1. Meet Roger Maris. 2. Be given a game used bat by Roger Maris. 3. Be given one of Roger's home run balls. What followed that year and beyond, greatly exceeded even Strasberg's wild expectations. If there was ever a story that should be made into a movie, this is it!
Clickhere to view Strasberg's book My 1961Click here to view Strasberg's book Home Runs: Tales of Tonks, Taters, Contests and Derbies
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Rick Rizzs has been calling Seattle Mariners baseball games since 1983! On this episode he talks about growing up in Chicago attending games at Comiskey Park, paying dues in minor league broadcasting, feeling like he could die at any minute calling games at old Cleveland Stadium, the unique peculiarities of Tiger Stadium and the Mariners historic run in 1995.
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Johnny Bench joins me on this episode to talk about the first MLB game he ever attended, memories of Cincinnati's Crosley Field, what Willie Mays told him at the Astrodome in 1968, his 1971 All-Star game home run at Tiger Stadium and obeying his Mom during the 1972 NLCS at Riverfront Stadium.
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Jack Morris was 254 game winner, a 5x All-Star, 4X World Champion, 1991 World Series MVP and a 2018 inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. On the premiere episode of season 5, Morris joins me to talk about growing up going to Metropolitan Stadium, his love for the most terrifying sport in human history, pitching at Comiskey Park, Jack Murphy, Tiger Stadium, that magical 1984 season and his return to Minnesota to play for his hometown Twins.
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Fred Lynn was a 9X All-Star and the first player in baseball history to win Rookie of the Year, MVP and a Gold Glove in the same year! He joins me on the season finale to talk about the first game he attended as a kid, all things Fenway Park, that special 1975 Red Sox team, his first All-Star game at County Stadium in Milwaukee, the crazy event that probably cost the Angels the '82 ALCS and much more!
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Tommy John, a 4X All-Star, played 26 seasons in the big leagues racking up 288 wins! He joins me on this week's episode to talk about attending games at Crosley Field as a kid, pitching at Municipal Stadium when he was 18, funny stories of Tommy Lasorda and the surgery that bears his name and revolutionized the pitching position forever!
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Author Rick Vaughn spent more than 30 years working as a baseball executive for the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays. I just finished his new book "100 years of Baseball on St. Petersburg's Waterfront", a fascinating account of Florida's west coast city (Al Lang Field/Stadium) hosting some of baseball's all-time greats, Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Ted Williams, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, Bob Gibson and so many others. Click here for more info on the book.
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This week I am taking the Lost Ballparks podcast on the road. This episode was recorded at Dodger Stadium. Janet Marie Smith, my guest on this week's podcast, is currently the Executive Vice President of Planning and Development for the Los Angeles Dodgers. The list of ballparks and baseball related structures that she has been responsible for creating, maintaining and/or preserving is long! They include: Camden Yards, Fenway Park and Dodger Stadium.
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10X All-Star, 2X Cy Young Award Winner and Hall of Famer Tom Glavine is my guest on this week's Lost Ballparks podcast. "Glav" joins me to talk about growing up at Fenway Park (the '75 Series), being drafted by 2 pro sports in 5 days, playing at Fulton County Stadium, baseball superstitions, the hottest ballpark/stadium he ever played in and winning the 1995 World Series.
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For 41 years Ted Leitner was a member of the San Diego Padres broadcast team. He joins me on this episode to talk about the ballpark where he saw his first game as a kid, the so-called "cookie cutter" multi-purpose stadiums of the 70's and 80's, the '84 Padres, the funniest Rick Sutcliffe story I have ever heard and memories of the late Tony Gwynn and Ted's broadcast partner of 35 years, Jerry Coleman.
Click here to check out Ted's book, "Ted Talks: Uncle Teddy's Fond Memories, Crazy Stories and Heartfelt Reflections."
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Hall of Famer Robin Yount spent his entire 20 year career in a Milwaukee Brewers uniform. He joins me on this week's episode to talk about attending his first game at Crosley Field in Cincinnati, playing at County Stadium, being teammates with Hank Aaron and spending time with the cast from Major League.
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Pitcher Elroy Face is a Pittsburgh legend and at 94, he is the oldest living former member of the Montreal Expos. He joins me this week to talk about playing in the most exciting World Series in baseball history (1960), having Roberto Clemente as a teammate and what it was like to play at the Polo Grounds, Crosley Field, Yankee Stadium and Forbes Field.
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Larry Young was an MLB umpire from 1983-2007. He called 2 All-Star Games, 2 World Series, worked the ALCS 3 different times, the Division Series 6 different times and is currently an umpire supervisor for MLB. He joins me on this episode to provide his first hand account of what it was like working at many AL Lost Ballparks and the night he was behind the plate for Nolan Ryan's 5,000th strikeout.
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Five-time Emmy Award winner, former ESPN Sports Anchor and National Radio Hall of Famer Charley Steiner will begin his 19th season as a play-by-play announcer for the Dodgers. He joins me on this episode of the podcast to talk about attending his first games at Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds and Yankee Stadium.
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Ozzie Smith, "The Wizard of Oz" was a 15X All-Star, World Champion, 13X Gold Glover, NL Silver Slugger and a first ballot baseball Hall of Famer! And on the season 4 premiere of the LB podcast he is talking about growing up across from L.A.'s Wrigley Field, his first game at Dodger Stadium, first MLB hit at Candlestick Park and memories of Busch Stadium in St. Louis!
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Brooks Robinson was an 18X All-Star, 16X Gold Glover, 2X World Champion (winning the 1970 WS MVP), AL MVP, a member of the MLB "All Century Team" and a 1st ballot Baseball Hall of Famer.
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I was interviewed this week by my buddy Kevin Pressley...one of the guys who encouraged me to start this podcast. It sure was strange sitting on the other side of the microphone, but hopefully you'll find that his questions and my answers give you sort of a backstage look at Lost Ballparks, how it started, why I do it and why Sandy Koufax called me last month. Hope you enjoy it! - Mike
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Jerry Reuss, was a 2x All-Star, World Champion (1981 Dodgers) and won 221 games during his 22 year big league career. On this week's episode, he shares stories of the first game he ever attended, pranks he pulled on Tommy Lasorda and Lou Pinella, reflections on Montreal's Jarry Park, Forbes Field, Connie Mack Stadium and the Astrodome, his no-hitter at Candlestick and what he did before the final pitch of game 5 of the 1981 World Series!
Click here to see Jerry's incredible ballpark photographs.
Click herefor Jerry's book "Bring in the Right Hander". Highly recommend!
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After spending 50 years in baseball working as an equipment/clubhouse manager, Frank Coppenbarger has many stories to share. On this week's episode, he talks about the night he spent with the World Series trophy, his legendary neighbor, the day he was sent to the airport to pick up a "Mystery Guest", the 1982 World Champion Cardinals, the cast of characters that made up the 1993 Phillies and all the inside scoop you would expect from someone who spent a half century in a major league clubhouse!
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Hall of Famer Jim Kaat joins me on this episode of the LB podcast to talk about attending his very first MLB game in 1946 at Briggs Stadium, his tryout at Comiskey Park in 1957 and his 25 years pitching in the big leagues including the 1965 World Series at Metropolitan Stadium vs. Sandy Koufax and finally winning a World Series ring at Busch Stadium in 1982.
Click hereto check out Jim's book, "Good As Gold"
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Eric Nadel is in his 43rd year broadcasting games for the Texas Rangers. He was inducted into the broadcast wing of the Hall of Fame in 2014 and on this week's episode he shares some of his Rangers' highlights and stories of growing up going to games at Ebbets Field and the Polo Grounds.
Click here for a copy of Eric and Craig Wright's book "The Man Who Stole First Base".
Click herefor a copy of Eric's "Lim-Eric" book.
And herefor Craig Wright's "Baseball's Past" blog.
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Tony Oliva, who spent his entire 15 year career with the Minnesota Twins, joins me on this episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast. He was an 8X All-Star, AL Rookie of the Year, Gold Glove winner, 3X batting champion, the first player to win back to back batting crowns in his first two full seasons and was inducted this summer into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
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What would it be like to have season tickets to watch the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field during the 1950's? Can you imagine what it might be like if in addition to your front row seats you also had an all access pass to go pretty much anywhere on the field you wanted? Richard Stevens doesn't have to imagine, because as a kid, he actually lived that dream! Stevens' grandfather had box seats dating all the way back to the 1930's. On this bonus episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast Stevens shares his childhood memories of that old ballpark and days and nights spent playing ball with Dodger legends!
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Red Sox Hall of Famer Rico Petrocelli joins me on this episode to talk about the 1967 "Impossible Dream" Boston Red Sox, his memories of growing up in Brooklyn going to Dodger games at Ebbets Field and the story of how Fenway almost became a lost ballpark!
Click here to check out Rico's book "Tales from the Dugout" (The 1967 Boston Red Sox).
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Bobby Richardson joins me on this week's episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast. Richardson was the 2nd basemen for the NY Yankees from 1955-1966. He was selected to 7 All-Star teams, played in 7 world series (winning 3 in ’58, ’61 and ’62), was the 1960 World Series MVP, a 5x Gold Glove winner and has many stories to share about Mickey Mantle, Old Yankee Stadium, Forbes Field and the crazy night that Billy Martin had in 1957 that changed Richardson's life forever!
Click here for Bobby's book.
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John Asalon was a member of the Cincinnati Reds grounds crew at Riverfront Stadium from 1972-1979. He had a front row seat for some of the biggest games in baseball history. This week, he gives us an inside look at Crosley Field (games he attended as a kid), Riverfront Stadium (where he worked as a teenager) and the Big Red Machine. It's a completely unique perspective that only someone who worked so closely with the team during that decade could provide. Enjoy!
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On this episode Hall of Famer and Chicago Cub legend Billy Williams joins me to talk about the day in 1956 he found out he was going to be drafted by the Cubs, the life changing comment that Rogers Hornsby made to him and Ron Santo, his incredible (and life-changing) experiences with Buck O'Neil and Satchel Paige and his first hand account of playing in baseball's great old, lost ballparks.
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Bob Costas has hosted 12 Olympics, 7 Super Bowls, 7 World Series, 10 NBA Finals, has won 29 Emmys (more than any other sportscaster in history) and is a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame. What a thrill it was to talk old ballparks with him!
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RIP Vin Scully
1927-2022
"Don't let the winds blow your dreams away... or steal your faith in God." - Vin Scully
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In between Season 2 and the premiere of Season 3 (August 17th) I will be releasing some "Lost Ballparks Shorts" - pocket sized podcasts that highlight a particular broadcaster or old ballpark. Hope you enjoy this first one traveling back to the 1940's and '50's when Red Barber was in the "Catbird Seat" broadcasting Brooklyn Dodger games from Ebbets Field.
-Mike
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Andre Dawson joins me on the season 2 finale of the Lost Ballparks podcast. "Hawk" finished his career with 2,774 hits and 438 home runs. He was the 1977 Rookie of the Year, an 8x All-Star, NL MVP, 8x Gold Glove Winner, 4x Silver Slugger Award winner and a 2010 inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
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Frank White spent 18 years with the Kansas City Royals. He finished his career with 2006 hits, was a 5x All-Star, 8x Gold Glove winner, silver slugger award winner, 1980 ALCS MVP, 1985 World Champion and a member of the Kansas City Royals Hall of Fame and my guest on this week's podcast!
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Steve Blass pitched for the Pirates from 1964-1974. He was an All-Star and a member of the 1971 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates. Blass, a member of the Pirates Hall of Fame, pitched two complete game wins including the deciding game 7 in the '71 Series. He was also a Pirates broadcaster from 1983-2019. On this week's episode he's sharing stories of the '71 championship and some of the behind the scenes moments with Roberto Clemente that made that year so special.
Click here to read "A Pirate For Life" By Steve Blass.
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Alan Trammell is our guest on this week's Lost Ballparks podcast! "Tram" spent his entire 20 year major league career with the Detroit Tigers. He finished his playing days with 2,365 hits, was a 6x All-Star, 4x Gold Glove winner, 3x silver slugger, World Champion, and 1984 World Series MVP and a 2018 inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. This week he is sharing some great stories about the '84 World Series, his partnership with "Sweet Lou" Whitaker and vivid details about one of baseball's most historic old ballparks, his home for 2 decades, Tiger Stadium.
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After not making his high school team 3 years in a row, Phillies legend Larry Bowa went on to have a 16 year major league career. Bowa, a member of the Phillies Wall of Fame, was a 5x All-Star, 2x Gold Glove winner and the starting shortstop on the 1980 World Champion Philadelphia Phillies.
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Dave Van Horne was the play-by-play voice for the Montreal Expos, from their inception in 1969 - 2000. He joins us to talk about those early Expos teams, Jarry Park (the Expos first home) and all of the unique characteristics of that old ballpark and team that made them both feel uniquely a part of the great city of Montreal.
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On this bonus episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast acclaimed photographer Jean Fruth and former President of the Baseball Hall of Fame Jeff Idelson talk about Jean's new book “Grassroots Baseball: Route 66”. This beautiful book, featuring over 250 captivating images, is a celebration and illumination of America’s pastime in the small towns and large cities that connect the historic highway.
Click here to find out more about the book.
Click here to visit Jean's website.
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Cleveland legend "Sudden" Sam McDowell stood 6'5 and could consistently deliver a 103-105 MPH fastball (some say as high as 108!). He finished his career with 141 wins, 2453 strikeouts, a 6X all-star, 5X strikeout leader and a member of the Cleveland Indians Hall of Fame. His new book The Saga of Sudden Sam: The Rise, Fall, and Redemption of Sam McDowell is a must read!
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David "Deuce" Kessler worked at Connie Mack Stadium as the visiting clubhouse batboy in the 1960's. I had a feeling that someone who was in the clubhouse for that many years would have plenty of great stories and ballpark history to share with us. I was not wrong!
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Dale Murphy was a 7X All-Star, 2X NL MVP, 5X Gold Glove winner, 4X silver slugger award winner. He finished his 18 year career with 2,111 hits and 398 home runs and is a member of the Atlanta Braves Hall of Fame.
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As a 15 year old freshmen, he stood 5’7 and weighed 128 pounds. He batted 9th on hisAberdeen High School Team and finished the season hitting .128. Who would have believed that he would one day grow into a 6’4, 225 pound Baseball Hall of Famer?! Cal Ripken, Jr. finished his career a 19 time All-Star, AL Rookie of the Year, 2x AL MVP. He collected 3,184 hits, 431 home runs, was a 2x Gold Glove winner, 8x silver slugger, World Champion, played in the most consecutive games (2,632) and was a 2007 inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
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Today, my guest is Michael Ortman, author of the book "Opening Day: 50 for 50". Beginning in 1970, Ortman attended 50 straight opening day games. If this book and this episode doesn't get you hyped up for the best day in baseball, I'm not sure what will!
Click here to order your copy of the book. It's one of the best baseball books I have read in a year! You won't regret it!
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Just a quick reminder that season 2 of the Lost Ballparks podcast premieres on April 13th with one the greatest players in baseball history, someone who currently holds a record that will never, ever be broken.
Dave Parker grew up a block away from Cincinnati's Crosley Field. He finished his Hall of Fame worthy 19 year career with 2,712 hits, 339 home runs, a 7x All-Star, 2x World Champion, 3x Silver Slugger, 3 Gold Gloves, NL MVP (he finished top 5 in the MVP voting 5 times!) and was one of the most electric players in baseball history! And he's my guest on the season 1 finale of the Lost Ballparks podcast!
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From 1970-2010 Nancy Faust was the organist for the Chicago White Sox. She was a trailblazer who made music an integral part of the ballpark experience. When Harry Caray first sang "Take Me Out To The Ballgame" at Comiskey Park, Nancy was playing the organ for him. She was the first to play "Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye" as an opposing pitcher walked off the field or after a White Sox home run. She is a Chicago treasure!
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Longtime ESPN SportsCenter anchor, Kenny Mayne is one of the funniest, most creative, generous people I know. He grew up in Seattle in the 1960's and had a front row view of baseball's only 1 season franchise, the Seattle Pilots.
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Jim Palmer won 268 games in his big league career. He appeared in 6 World Series and won 3. He was a 3x Cy Young Award winner, 4x Gold Glove winner, won at least 20 games in 8 different seasons and was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990. And oh by the way, he is the only pitcher in baseball history to win a World Series game in 3 different decades!
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Jon Miller, the longtime voice of the San Francisco Giants has been broadcasting major league baseball games for nearly 50 years. For 2 decades he and Joe Morgan called the ESPN Sunday Night Game of the Week. Naturally, after a career of that length, he has been to many old Lost Ballparks and he is sharing his first hand experiences on this week's episode.
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Rod Carew was a lifetime .328 hitter. He finished his 19 year career with 3,053 hits, was the AL Rookie of the Year in 1967, an 18X All-Star - all as a starter, all in a row, won an AL MVP trophy in 1977, was a 7x batting champion (only Ty Cobb and Honus Wagner had more) and was a first ballot inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame and he is our guest on the Lost Ballparks Podcast!
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From 1974-2019 Marty Brennaman did play-by-play for the Cincinnati Reds. His voice was as much a part of the "Big Red Machine" as Johnny Bench, Joe Morgan, Pete Rose and Tony Perez. Inducted into the broadcast wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000, he was behind the mic, on the call for some of the biggest moments in baseball history and he is sharing his stories on this week's episode of Lost Ballparks.
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After being taken in the 62nd round of the draft in 1988, Mike Piazza went on to have a 16 year Hall of Fame career! He finished A lifetime .308 hitter, was a 12x All-Star, NL Rookie of the Year, 10X Silver Slugger and is widely considered one of the greatest hitting catchers in baseball history and he is my guest on this episode of the Lost Ballparks Podcast!
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Bob Ley is a multi Emmy winner, Iconic ESPN Sports Anchor, one of the originals of the network, joining ESPN 3 days after its launch in 1979 and our guest on this week's podcast. From his first game at Yankee Stadium in 1961 to watching the 1969 World Series at Memorial Stadium to watching a game at Wrigley Field and then broadcasting a game at Comiskey Park...in the same day, Bob Ley is here to share his unique experiences at some of baseball's great, old Lost Ballparks!
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There are only 2 living members of the Brooklyn Dodgers who played in and won the 1955 World Series; pitchers Roger Craig and Carl Erskine. Erskine, our first guest on Lost Ballparks, won 122 games for the Dodgers between 1948-1959. He was an All-Star, World Champion and author of 2 no-hitters. Oh, by the way, he struck out Mickey Mantle 4 times. In one game! He also played at Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds and Yankee Stadium and he's here, at 95 years young, to talk about it all!
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