Baseball Buffet

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. This month marks our 50th podcast. Over five years of baseball buffet! To celebrate, we are reviving some of our favorite last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators Andie Giafaglione, Thom Henninger, Chuck Hildebrandt, and Stuart Shea have selected several of their best bites for your enjoyment. Onto the next 50 episodes.

Baseball Buffet 49 looks at MLB's Atlantic League experiment in moving the pitching rubber back a foot. Then we analyzed baseball taking the midnight train from Georgia in moving the All-Star game from Atlanta to Denver. Next, it's some surprising predictions for the 2021 season. We end with a few last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former image master of the Chicago Cubs. --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Thom Henninger, editor at Baseball Digest and author of the just published, The Pride of Minnesota: The Twins in the Turbulent 1960s. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we looked at the expanding role of women in major league baseball that has been darkened by evidence of long ignored sexual harassment. Next, we look at the MLB’s decision pilot several rule changes in the minor leagues Will the minors of today be the majors of tomorrow? We end our day’s ZOOM dinning with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former image master of the Chicago Cubs. --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Baseball Buffet 47 by Jim Walker

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we offer our 2021 hall of fame predictions as well as our own personal choices. Will this be the year the “steroid boys,” Bonds and Clemens finally breakthrough the Hall of Fame doors? Next we look at the MLB’s decision to include the Negro Leagues as part of major league baseball. What are the implications for baseball and its history? We end our day’s ZOOM dinning with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former image master of the Chicago Cubs. --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we look at the free agent signings that are still stuck in our collective craws. Next we examine what's likely to happen this uncertain off-season. After a quick break, we’ll ask a big question: Given all of its problems, what are baseball’s enduring virtues? We end our day’s ZOOM dinning with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former image master of the Chicago Cubs. --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we look at the best moments of the difficult 2020 season. We bring a positive spin to season where testing positive was not so positive. Then we look at three old managers with three new jobs, Tony LaRussa, A.J. Hinch and Alex Cora. Next, we crystal ball the coming off-season. What surprises are in store for the nation’s hot stovers? We end our day’s ZOOM dinning with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former image master of the Chicago Cubs. --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we look at the most surprising moments in the most surprising season of 2020. Next we offer our predictions for the Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Player and Cy Young winners. Then it’s a roll of the dice on the big one: who will win the 2020 World Series? We end our day’s ZOOM dinning with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former image master of the Chicago Cubs. --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we will look at the recent actions taken by major league players to support the Black Lives Matter movement. Is this an historic moment for baseball? Next we will review the impact of this strange 60 game season on pitching. Is it producing more pitching changes and more pitching injuries? We end our day’s ZOOM dinning with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we will look at some startling changes to the grand ole game in a season unlike any other. I know we said that last month but it still true. First, we discuss what we have learned about the COVID-19 pandemic’s effects and what might unfold during the season, if we still have one by the time you hear this podcast. Next we will look at the new 16-team playoff format. Will a sub .500 team win the 2020 World Series? We end our day’s ZOOM dinning with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former image master of the Chicago Cubs' --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we will look at some startling changes to the grand ole game in a season unlike any other. Then we ponder which teams are likely to benefit from the new rules and which are likely to regret them. Next, we’ll consider the impact of this season on the next MLB/player contract. Ending our day’s dinning with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former image master of the Chicago Cubs. --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we will look at the profound changes coming to this year’s MLB’s very limited amateur draft. How do 40 rounds of players fit into five? Next, we’ll scrutinize the proposed safety guidelines offered by MLB. Will making the player’s safe at home mean baseball will no longer be baseball as we know it? We’ll finish, as always, with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former image master of the Chicago Cubs. --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host Jim Walker is author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we will speculate on what the coming major league baseball season might look like. Next we’ll assess the impact of the pandemic on the minor leagues. Can they recover from what is shaping up as a lost season? Finally, we contemplate what changes coming this season might become a permanent part of baseball. We’ll finish as always, with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former image master of the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we celebrate our third anniversary with some highlights from the past three years. With all of us Baseball Buffers sheltering in place, due to the corona virus, there is no buffet for us this month. But we hope you enjoy some our best segments from the last three years. --We start with an eternal debate: Pete Rose, Hall of Fame or Hall of Shame. --In our next segment we ask, why do teams keep shooting stuff at their fans? --Next up is a discussion of our favorite baseball songs. --For a Christmas show, we shared memories of our favorite baseball toys. --Fans love to get free stuff and see wacky happenings at the ballpark. Here are our favorite baseball promotions. --This year we lost the Bulldog, Jim Bouton, author of Ball Four. Our group remembers. --2019 was the 100th anniversary of the Black Sox World Series. We attended a special SABR conference on the scandal. Here is what we learned.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. We’ll lead off with our nominations for the dumbest things ever said by a team owner or a baseball commissioner. Then onto our analysis of the scandalous way that the Astros and Rob Manfred have handled the Astros scandalous ways. Next a look at what no one is looking at because everyone is looking at the Houston Astros. Finishing, as always, with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former image master of the Chicago Cubs, --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend, Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee, --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines, --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. We’ll lead off with the sign of the times: our all-time favorite baseball sign stealing, giving or missing stories. Then onto our analysis of MLB’s latest scandal of the century: the Houston Astros video cameraing, trashcan banging, sign stealing ways. Next a look at this year’s Hall of Fame hits and misses. Finishing, as always, with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former image master of the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. We’ll lead off with our reactions to Hawk Harrelson’s capturing this year’s the Ford Frick Award. Then onto our analysis of the furious flurry of free agent signings since our last podcast. Next a look a commissioner Rob Manfred’s declaration of war on the minor leagues. Finishing, as always, our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. We’ll lead off with our reflections on the 2019 World Series. Then on to our very special guest will be Gary Pressy, recently retired organist for the Chicago Cubs. We will talk him about his 33-year career entertaining Northside fans at Wrigley Field. Next we will give our take on the ten the Modern Era Hall of Fame Player candidates. Finishing, as always, with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former lens shifter for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. We offer our World Series predictions and hold ourselves accountable for our earlier 2019 division predictions. Next we examine MLB’s annual game of managerial musical chairs and conclude, as always, with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning depth of fielder and former photographer for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. -- Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we offer our choices for the 2019 outstanding player awards, examining the consequences of MLB changing its current relationship with the minor leagues and conclude, as always, with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning former photographer for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today look at why major leaguers seem live longer the rest of us rabble and why teams want to roam from their home parks more than they ever have before. We also will offer our selections for the least deserving Hall of Fame members, and conclude, as always, with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former shuttersmith for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Your host Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we analyze the innovations MLB is piloting in the Atlantic League, share our memories of Jim Bouton, the Bulldog, and conclude, as always, with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former color temperature reader for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we look at the strange, strange land of MLB free agent compensation and also how one youngster beat the MLB draft machine. Then time travel back to the 1930s to see just how dramatically the game has change. We also will share our favorite childhood baseball reading and conclude, as always, with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators and for today, time travelers, include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former depth of fielder for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we look at the vanishing stolen base in major league baseball and if pitchers and batters are becoming one and the same. We will also share our favorite baseball nicknames and conclude, as always, with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators and health appetites, include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former image master for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Emeritus Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable on recent baseball events. Today we look the impact of player extension mania on Major League baseball, examine just how poorly umpires call balls and strikes, and recall some of the daffier ballpark promotions. We finish as always with some tasty last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and shutter button pusher for the Chicago Cubs. --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair Emeritus of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable on recent baseball events. We are taking a road trip today to Cuba. Road trip, road trip, road trip! Well, actually a road trip to the 90 Miles Cuban Cafe near Chicago. We’ll be enjoying great Cuban food and universal health care. In today’s show, we make our absolutely certain team predictions for the 2019 season. We know the future, no need to even play the games! We also will offer our take on MLB’s rule changes for the 2019 season and reflect on our favorite 20 or under players. Finishing with some tasty last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators and Cubanno sandwich fixings, include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and shutter button pusher for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we look at possible changes to the national pastime to help it pass the time more quickly. We will also share some Spring Training reflections and conclude, as always, with our last bites. Our buffet of baseball commentators and mom’s big eaters, include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former strobe flasher for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we ask why is it taking forever for Bryce Harper and Manny Machado to sign a contract, look at the new and not so new radio and TV directions of Chicago Cubs and reflect on the occasion of our second anniversary. Our buffet of baseball commentators, slash diners, include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former depth of fielder for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we look at the controversy surrounding Harold Baines selection for the Hall of Fame, MLB’s new deal with the devil, the gambling, oh I mean gaming industry, and just in time for the holidays our favorite baseball related toys. Our buffet of baseball commentators, slash diners, include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former depth of fielder for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --And our special guest,Gary Gillette, transplanted Detroiter, baseball historian and editor, and president of the Friends of Historic Hamtramck Stadium. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we look at where the free agent giants might land, if Joe Madden is really on the hot seat, and what the 2019 season might bring. We will also premiere a new segment called "one last bite," offering a final comment from each of our experts. Our buffet of baseball commentators, slash diners, include: -Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former depth of fielder for the Chicago Cubs -Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend -Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. -Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. -Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we look the impact of sabermetrics on major league baseball and share our passion for baseball music. Our buffet of baseball commentators, slash diners, include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former f-stopper for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events. Today we look offer our suggestions for getting more balls in play, evaluated the recent trade deadline deals, and decipher what it means when a player is labeled soft. Our buffet of baseball commentators, slash diners, include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former aperture setter for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable. Today we ask why teams keep shooting stuff at their fans, offer our predictions for second half surprises, and debate baseball’s most cynical potential player move. Our buffet of baseball commentators, slash diners, include: --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media’s coverage of the national pastime, and more Today we look at MLB’s latest rumblings about expansion, the growing gap between MLB’s have and have not’s, ponder if the Astros have a secret pitching potion, and whether baseball has a generation gap in interpreting its unwritten rules, Our buffet of baseball commentators, slash diners, include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former shutter-smith for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media’s coverage of the national pastime, and more. Today we look at the new Phillie Phanatic, Gabe Kapler, the expansion of protective netting at the ballpark, the early season weather, everyone talks about it, but no one does anything about it, and the latest beast from the East: Ohtani how we love you how we love you. Our always hungry baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former shutter-smith for the Chicago Cubs --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --And a special guest, Dave Stevens, author of Baseball’s Radical for All Seasons: A Biography of John Montgomery Ward --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media's coverage of the national pastime, and more. Today we look at robotic umpires, the return of bullpen carts and Ichiro, and break outs and busts in the coming season. Our always hungry baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former shutter-smith for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR's Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media's coverage of the national pastime, and more. Today we look at Chuck's experience at Cub's fantasy camp, the slow market for free agents, and the controversy over new rules to speed up the action in major league baseball. Our always hungry baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former pic clicker for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR's Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media’s coverage of the national pastime, and more. Today we look at the teardown of the Miami Marlins, offer our picks from this year’s Hall of Fame Ballot, and put Pete Rose in the Hall of Fame, or will it be Hall of Shame? Our buffet of baseball commentators and furious fork thrusters, include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former shuttersmith for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media’s coverage of the national pastime, and more. Today we review MLB’s postseason awards, go to war on WAR (wins above replacement that is), and debate if “juicers” should get into the hall of fame. Our buffet of baseball commentators and hungry folks, include: ==Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former shuttersmith for the Chicago Cubs. ==Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. ==Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. ==Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines and Calling the Game: Baseball Broadcasting from 1920 to the Present. ==Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media's coverage of the national pastime, and more. The baseball commentators and hungry folks recap the 2017 Playoffs and Astros’ historic first-ever championship; look at the recent flurry of managerial changes, expected and unexpected; and discuss radical realignment of the big leagues (“Farewell, NL?”). Our always hungry baseball commentators include: --Andie Giafaglione, award winning photographer and former pic clicker for the Chicago Cubs --Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. --Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR's Baseball and the Media Research Committee. --Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines. Special guests: --Andie Giafaglione, award-winning baseball photographer and former shuttersmith for the Chicago Cubs --James Finn Garner, published author, baseball poet and founder with Stuart of BardBall.com.James Finn Garner, published author, baseball poet and founder with Stuart of BardBall.com. --Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media’s coverage of the national pastime, and more. Today we give our playoff predictions, check how well we did with our preseason predictions, and reveal, for all the world to hear, our favorite baseball movies and TV episodes. Our buffet of baseball commentators and hungry folks, include: Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines and Calling the Game: Baseball Broadcasting from 1920 to the Present. Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media’s coverage of the national pastime, and more. Today we look at the playoff races, why baseball is better than football, and the baseball logos and mascots that we love and hate. Our buffet of baseball commentators and buffet line crashers, include: Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines and Calling the Game: Baseball Broadcasting from 1920 to the Present. and our special guest, Andie Giafaglione, baseball photographer and creator of "Searching for the Pink Poodle: Life with the Cubs '96-99. Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media’s coverage of the national pastime, and more. Today we look at the trade deadline deals, offer our versions of baseball utopia, and review the latest drug controversy in Major League Baseball. Our buffet of baseball commentators include: Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines and Calling the Game: Baseball Broadcasting from 1920 to the Present. Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media’s coverage of the national pastime, and more. Today we look at the voting for the 2017 All-Star squads, differences between the two leagues, offer pointers on grabbing the best stadium experience, and serve up a few more surprises. Our buffet of baseball commentators and buffet line crashers, include: Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. Chuck Hildebrandt, award winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines and Calling the Game: Baseball Broadcasting from 1920 to the Present. Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media’s coverage of the national pastime, and more. We will work our conversation in and around the luncheon buffet at the Viceroy of India on Devon Avenue in Chicago. In this episode, we will focus on some surprising performances during the first third of the 2017 season, a few of our best player memories, our most valued baseball sources on the web, and a few more surprises. Our buffet of baseball commentators and always hungry diners, include: Thom Henninger, editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend. Chuck Hildebrandt, award wining baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee. Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines and Calling the Game: Baseball Broadcasting from 1920 to the Present. Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media’s coverage of the national pastime, and more. We will work our conversation in and around the luncheon buffet at the Viceroy of India on Devon Avenue in Chicago. Today will focus on our impressions after the opening month of the 2017 season, the new, and possibly improved, version of Wrigley Field, the role of the newspaper sports reporters in covering the national pastime, and a musical surprise. Our buffet of baseball commentators, slash diners, include: Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend Chuck Hildebrandt, award wining baseball researcher and Chair of SABR Baseball and the Media Research Committee Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines and Calling the Game: Baseball Broadcasting from 1920 to the Present Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media’s coverage of the national pastime, and more. We will work our conversation in and around the luncheon buffet at the Viceroy of India on Devon Avenue in Chicago. Today we will focus on our predictions for the up coming season and a few more surprises. Our buffet of baseball commentators, slash diners, include: Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend Chuck Hildebrandt, award wining baseball researcher and Chair of SABR Baseball and the Media Research Committee Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines and Calling the Game: Baseball Broadcasting from 1920 to the Present Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media’s coverage of the national pastime, and more. We will work our conversation in and around the luncheon buffet at the Viceroy of India on Devon Avenue in Chicago. Today’s topics include off-season transactions, last season's dramatic rise in home runs, the differences in calling game on TV and radio, some spring training memories, and a few more surprises. Our buffet of baseball commentators, slash diners, include: Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend Chuck Hildebrandt, award wining baseball researcher and Chair of SABR Baseball and the Media Research Committee Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines and Calling the Game: Baseball Broadcasting from 1920 to the Present Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media’s coverage of the national pastime, and more. We will work our conversation in and around the luncheon buffet at the Viceroy of India on Devon Avenue in Chicago. This episode’s topics include the recent Hall of Fame voting, MLB’s 2016 Awards, the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, and the art of baseball announcing. Our buffet of baseball commentators, slash diners, include: Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend Chuck Hildebrandt, award-winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee.” Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines and Calling the Game: Baseball Broadcasting from 1920 to the Present. Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.

Welcome to Baseball Buffet our monthly roundtable focusing on recent baseball events, the media’s coverage of the national pastime, and more. We will work our conversation in and around the luncheon buffet at the Viceroy of India on Devon Avenue in Chicago. This episode’s topics include the recent Hall of Fame voting, MLB’s 2016 Awards, the new Collective Bargaining Agreement, and the art of baseball announcing. Our buffet of baseball commentators, slash diners, include: Thom Henninger, Editor at Baseball Digest and author of Tony Oliva: The Life and Times of a Minnesota Twins Legend Chuck Hildebrandt, award-winning baseball researcher and Chair of SABR’s Baseball and the Media Research Committee.” Stuart Shea, author of Wrigley Field: The Long Life and Contentious Times of the Friendly Confines and Calling the Game: Baseball Broadcasting from 1920 to the Present. Your host is Jim Walker, author of Crack of the Bat: A History of Baseball on the Radio.