Hall of Fame Baseball Writer Tim Kurkjian is joined by his son, Jeff, as they chat all things baseball. Each week you will hear from one of the sport's most storied experts on the history of the game and how it pertains to today. Plus, every week they will be joined by a guest. Without a question, there will be plenty of father-son prodding throughout the show!
Tim and Jeff Kurkjian talk baseball each and every week, thanks for joining. However, there is something much bigger than baseball kicking off this show, the anniversary of 9/11. How did baseball help the country heal? Tim has two great examples of that. We want to thank the brave men and women, our first responders, for putting their life on the line every single day so we can live our life. Thank you. We discuss Cade Horton's insane back half of his year. Walk off hits we didn't see coming. Plus, ladies you are going to love the Team Tim this week, that's for sure. Plus it involves Sandy Koufax, which is always a win. Speaking of great pitchers, we get the greatest number 45 of all time, which is a debate between two of the greatest. The best number 44 of all time, for Tim and pretty much everyone who has seen a baseball game, is super obvious so we do it, quickly. Plus, any Pirates fans? We've got you covered this week! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Jim Abbott might be the greatest story in baseball history. His perseverance inspires us all and we couldn't be more grateful that he took the time for us. We discuss his no-hitter, a feat that is not easy to accomplishment. We also share with him a member of our family, McKinley Abbott (no relation), who was also born with arm differential and has taken to Jim's story for inspiration. At just nine years old, she has began playing softball and loves listening to our podcast with her dad, Andy. We discuss his time with some very big managers and also what it was like to represent the United States in the Olympics back in 1988. Of course, it wouldn't be our show if we didn't bring up OTHER sports, so we hear about his high school football career too and the importance of playing multiple sports. Leave it up to Tim Kurkjian to bring in the biggest guests and names, we recommend checking out "Southpaw: The Life and Legacy of Jim Abbott" streaming now because it's absolutely incredible. If you liked our interview, follow or subscribe wherever you are listening or watching right now and thank you for your support! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
The 30th anniversary of Cal Ripken Jr.'s 2131 record-breaking game came with a fascinating finish as the Orioles hosted the Dodgers. This among so many other takeaway and Quirkjians. We have to say goodbye to one of the game's greats, Davey Johnson. Tim Kurkjian's stories about the (should be) Hall of Fame manager will make you smile and laugh through the difficult loss for the game of baseball. Just how good has Aroldis Chapman been these last couple months? Good enough for a Cy Young, we weigh in there. Walker vs Walker created a great moment for our show. And in honor of our guest for tomorrow's show, Jim Abbott, Tim created a team consisting only of big leaguers that never played a minor league game! Thanks for laughing with us and loving this game the way we do! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
A special guest on a Thursday episode? Count us in! When it comes to On This Date in baseball history, we knew we had to bring this former big leaguer on the show to tell us about his biggest day in the big leagues. The greatest number 42 and 43 are in the mix today along with the best Expos/Nationals player of all time. We begin by reading all of your messages you have been sending us. Now that Tim can see and respond to them, reach out GreatGameOrWhat.com, he loves getting that's for sure. The All-Body Parts Team Tim is definitely not one we saw coming but maybe you can lend us a HAND with it (see what we did there).As we continue to grow our show, it is your support, the members of our family, that makes all of the difference. Sharing the show with a friend does wonders for us, take the time to do so. We love hearing from new people every week but it is, the ones who always come back, who we care for the most so thank you for being a part of our family. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
We have been so excited to bring you the ringmaster behind one of the biggest phenomenons the sporting world has ever seen, Jesse Cole, the mind behind the Savannah Bananas. Now, this might not be your grandad's style of baseball but trust me when I say, these guys can just flat out play. Don't believe us? Well go to one of their sold out "shows" and you tell us what you think. They have been traveling across Major League stadiums all this year bringing the athleticism, comedy and bits to young and old from near and from far. Cole draws inspiration from minds like that of Walt Disney, Jeff Bezos and so many others, and you can tell when it comes to his leadership style. From overdrawing their bank account to creating the thing that everyone wants to see, Jesse and his wife have made it but have no plans on stopping. Thank you for taking some time for baseball from a different league, we really think what they are doing is fantastic and hope you get to see them in town near you soon. If you liked this interview, there are plenty more. Follow or subscribe right now so you know when the next one is out! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Welcome to September, folks. The most exciting time of the regular season is upon us and you have a front row seat for it all. Cal Raleigh got a phone call from a legend, and a long time friend of the show. That story you can't miss. Fantasy football drafts aren't just big with you and your high school buddies, it's big for our big leaguers as well. They take this very seriously. NFL kicks off Thursday and the drafts are in, which players are on your team?Happy Birthdays and memories from our great game plus a Team Tim that was challenged by Jeff. If you love names, then you will absolutely love this! Thanks for listening and sharing the show with a friend, every new member of the family helps! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Welcome to another episode and as you can tell from the title, we've got quite a bit of Tom Seaver in today's episode and for good reason. Also, a whole lot of Willie Mays including a story of what both Johnny Bench and Pete Rose thought of Mays. Trust me, if you don't know how good Mays was, maybe these two can help convince of it. Tim discusses the best number 40 and 41 in the history of our game outlining why one of those players had one of the biggest homers in baseball history (hint, they are both pitchers). Speaking of the mound, Tarik Skubal is just an animal out there and shows us once again how good he is. Plus, Clayton Kershaw hasn't taken his foot off the accelerator, are we sure he's going to retire at the end of this season!Tim also makes a correction to his Team Tim of All Actor names thanks to member of the family, Jeremy Schaap. We also hear about story from Schaap's dad about putting Muhammad Ali and Tom Seaver in a room together, just a knee slapper on this one. If you haven't taken the time to hit the follow or subscribe button, please do so because it really helps with the support of our show! Plus share it with a friend that loves this game as much as you do! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Adnan Virk is back as a guest again on our show. The stories this man has from sports and Hollywood are just undeniably incredible. We sat in the pocket as he made us laugh and cry journeying down memory lane. Adnan just released his first book, "Cinephile: Interviews, Essays, and Tales from the Red Carpet," which is available now wherever books are sold. If you are a member of our family, please support Adnan because he's the absolute best. His stories in the book, if you can believe it, are better than even the ones you hear in this episode. Supporting Adnan is like supporting us, so we very much appreciate it! Thanks so much to Adnan for chatting with us during his vacation and to YOU for taking the time to listen and laugh with us! Remember to subscribe and follow wherever you are listening right now! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Thanks for joining us for another episode of our show, today we continued our fascination with Cal Raleigh. He just broke a record over the weekend and we are here for it. Jeff traveled to Boston over the weekend and had a lot of fun touring Fenway Park. This encouraged Tim to offer a story he's never told publicly! Justin Verlander has struck out a lot of batters but just passed one of our favorites (required mention on the show, of course). Another great pitcher is celebrating a birthday that we celebration plus a tough day for Paul Molitor, all on this date in baseball history. And of course, another Team Tim, this one in celebration of Owen Wilson, the big leaguer, not the actor! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Fresh off a great time at the Little League World Series, thanks to our friends at GameChanger and Dick's Sporting Goods, we are back with yet another episode about all things baseball. Is This A Great Game, Or What?? Ain't that the truth. Tim reveals which of the major awards that he will be voting on this year (it rotates every season) along with a Brady Anderson story that will be hard to believe. Plus, who is the greatest number 38 and number 39 of all time to play Major League Baseball? Tim's All-Music Team in celebration of Todd Frazier's singing during our last episode is guaranteed to make you smile. Thank you so much for listening to the show, it means a lot that you are a part of our family. Do us a favor and RATE the show, share it friends and hit the follow/subscribe button so you can be alerted to new episodes! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Thanks to our friends at GameChanger and Dick's Sporting Goods, we were yet again recording the podcast at the Little League World Series. If you missed our last episode, make sure to go back in the feed to watch our first part! Todd Frazier is a former Little League World Series champion and made a big league career out of it as well. In fact, Tim calls him "Mr. Little League World Series" because he's still loving and living Williamsport every single year. In fact, as a surprise, we brought him pins custom for the weekend and he was shocked. Plus, another surprise from Tim that almost made Todd cry. Karl Ravech is the voice of the Little League World Series and there's no debating it. He has been working alongside Tim Kurkjian at ESPN for 100 years and having him back again the show is a dream come true. We talk pins, Williamsport, inside broadcast jokes and more, we want you to be along for the journey. Thanks for listening or watching and as always, thanks for being a part of our family! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
We were honored to be asked back by our friends of GameChanger and Dick's Sporting Goods to record our podcast at their setup at the Little League World Series in Williamsport, PA. Let me tell you, every year it gets better because every year it gets bigger. This part of a two-part episode we recorded, on Wednesday, August 20th, you will hear from Tim and Jeff Kurkjian with Todd Frazier and Karl Ravech. An "interview" that all of you have been waiting for. It's a conversation between a bunch of guys that just love this game so much. We recap the Little League Game between the Mets and Mariners, different Takeaways and Quirkjians across the league. And back by popular demand, Tim awards a particularly hot team with the "GameChanger of the Week" and honestly, it's very well deserved. Williamsport is a perfect fit for our podcast because we encountered so many amazing families taking in the sites and sounds of this great game. Thanks for listening and thanks for being a part of our family! So glad to meet members of the family out in Williamsport, make sure to share this episode with some friends! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Tim came stacked full of birthdays today including one of a man who never played professional baseball but sure loves this game! We preview what we have in store of the Little League World Series this year including who our guests (yes, plural) will be on location.The MVP race is heating up and Tim makes a compelling argument for The Big Dumper. We go over the best to play the game of baseball wearing number 36 and 37. Plus, I don't think we can grasp just how good Ty Cobb was but the man was a beast (as we would say today, probably wouldn't say that exact phrase when he played). We get a lot of questions about supporting the podcast and how to help. The easiest way to do so is to share it with a friend. Wherever you are listening right now, copy the link and send it over to them! That means a whole lot to us. Thanks for being a part of our family! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Join us as we delve into the world of baseball with legendary umpire Joe West. In this episode, Joe shares some of his most memorable moments on the field, from iconic calls to unexpected challenges. Discover the stories behind the decisions that shaped the game and get an insider's perspective on what it takes to be an umpire at the highest level. Joe is pro-replay, and actually helped make it happen. He also gave us his thoughts on the history made this week featuring a big league game with a female umpire. Thanks for listening to the show, make sure to become part of our family by sharing it with a friend. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
A big birthday weekend all recapped including what Tim Kurkjian dressed up as for his granddaughter's big day. Plus, a callback to Tim's favorite artist of all time, Pitbull (if you know, you know). Aaron Judge holds an obscure record we find out and Shohei Ohtani always continues to impress us all. I mean, seriously, can you have bad show when those two come up in conversation? Our Quirkjians include something fun from you, the members of our family. You can always submit something for the show at GreatGameOrWhat.com and maybe it will be read on the air! On This Date in baseball history includes some high and low lights of our game, which is surprising for the ever-positive Tim Kurkjian. Lastly, we get a Team Tim celebrating a new name in the game, we absolutely love these witty teams! Thanks for listening and for being part of our family! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Welcome to another episode of "Is This Is A Great Game, Or What?" hosted by Tim and Jeff Kurkjian, a father-son duo that has made it impossible to discern who is the one actually talking. Make sure to subscribe or follow wherever you're listening for three episodes a week including a compelling interview with someone who loves the game of baseball just like you do! Today we discuss the surging Brewers and Blue Jays, two of the hottest teams in the game. We hear some great insights from perhaps the greatest baseball trivia mind of all time. Plus we discuss the greatest number 34 and 35 of all time. Mike Trout is a huge portion of today's show, not just because it's his birthday but also because he's Tim Kurkjian's greatest Angel of all time. Once hearing this numbers, we think you will probably agree. And finally, Team Tim are the goofy teams that Tim comes up with but now, as he would say, "I have poisoned you!" Many members of our "family," that's what we call those who listen to the show, have contributed their very own teams! Thanks for listening, enjoy your weekend and remember to rate, subscribe and share the show with a friend! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
With the Trade Deadline behind us, we thought it would be so fitting to get into the mind of a former MLB General Manager as to what exactly goes on during this crazy time. We got only a few questions about that in because we were filled with so much other laughter. New York fans are passionate, but are they too passionate? Steve Phillips explains. Plus, who was the one that almost got away? Plus, imagine if Manny Ramirez was a New York Met? There are so many compelling conversations including the size of Eduardo Perez' ears and how he out kicked the coverage with his beautiful wife. Thanks to Steve for joining us and thank you for watching and subscribing to "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Welcome to another episode of "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" and for those who are new here, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian will take you through the happenings of Major League Baseball in a way only a father and son can do. But in this episode, we actually hear a bit about the Little League World Series regional rounds Tim is covering. So we are more than just the big leagues here on the podcast, we are about the little leaguers too! Keeping in mind, we will be at the Little League World Series on August 18th with our friends at GameChanger, hopefully you can join us! How are these trades shaking out for teams? One closer seems to be making quite a theatrical impact on their new team. The Quirkjians are loaded with so many great stats around the game, of course confirmed by our friend Frank from the Elias (and his brother too). Tim came prepared with amazing things that happened on this date in baseball history. And thanks to a member of our family, we have DOUBLE the Team Tims!! If you ever want to send us something for the show, do so at GreatGameOrWhat.com. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Tim Kurkjian in Bristol in between shows at ESPN, Jeff Kurkjian in between dinner and diaper changes at his house but they came together for you, the members of the family. What is HAPPENING at the trade deadline? Well Tim will tell you the team who came up on top. Relievers seem to be the hot commodity this year and it's necessary because they are pitching 40% of the innings, which is crazy to think about.We also had a very special appearance from a very smart baseball writer who just happened to be walking in the background Thank you so much for taking time for this baby bonus episode we put together, we love keeping you in the loop when it comes to all things about the game we all love the most! Thanks for listening and thanks for being.a part of our family! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Today's show is packed with almost too many things to count. We release the morning of the trade deadline, exciting things buzzing around Major League Baseball right now. Remember, we will release a special bonus episode the morning of Friday, August 1st to discuss all of the crazy trades that went down, so be ready for that. But in this episode, we pay homage to the great Ryne Sanberg who we lost this week. Tim Kurkjian tells two stories about his defense that we bet you've never heard before. Cubs fans are hurting right now and we are right there with you. Some of the best Trade Deadline stories are outlined in our Team Tim this week, that's at the end of the show but very much worth the wait. The ALL BLT TEAM created by Josh, a member of the family, makes the show as well. If you know, you know on that one (see Tuesday's episode). A lot of incredible things happened on this day in baseball history. Babe Ruth with a fungo, Peter Gammons received an incredible honor and Nolan Ryan dazzled, just to name a few. The best players to wear number 31 and 32, have a disagreement? Let us know GreatGameOrWhat.com we would love to hear from you. Thanks for listening and as always, thanks for being a part of our family! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Nobody more perfect for this father-son show than the son of one of the best to ever play the game. Tony Gwynn Jr. was a good Major League player, and now is a really good Major League broadcaster. Right off the bat (ha!) you can tell the similarities, just the way that Jeff is so much like Tim. We revisit Cooperstown 2007, the year Tony Gwynn was inducted into the Hall of Fame. We also talk about the challenges you face as a player turned broadcaster and the difference in playing baseball over the other major sports. As you know, Tony Gwynn was a very good basketball player and his son, well he's a crazy great athlete all around. The apple doesn't fall far, folks. Thanks for listening, share this show with someone who loves baseball and thank you for being a part of our family! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Was this the greatest offensive performance by a player in the history of Major League Baseball? It could be! I mean, we did kind of make that argument last year but we think this one might take the cake. And it was done by a rookie? Absolutely insane. Tim Kurkjian is back from Cooperstown after a really important National Baseball Hall of Fame Induction weekend. He has stories from talks with Ken Griffey Jr, Cal Ripken Jr, Mike Schmidt, and more. It's a magical weekend and we encourage anybody and everybody to go to Cooperstown, New York, even during a non-induction weekend, to experience what it is like. Riley Greene is having a tough month but not as tough as June for this superstar. Is hitting for the cycle even really that hard to do, or more luck or impressive? The Rockies, though we don't like to pile on, are up there doing things some of the worst teams in MLB history did. And we wrap with a Team Tim honoring the greatest players at each position, all Hall of Famers of course! Thanks for listening and we appreciate you taking time to rate and subscribe/follow. It really helps get the show to new people! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Tim Kurkjian, with his son, Jeff, preview the 2025 inductees to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner, Dick Allen and Dave Parker will be enshrined into the hall, and Tim has a breakdown of each of these amazing hall of famers and argument for each and every single one.The greatest number 30 and 31, not sure there is too much debate there but you decide. Words can be hard for Jeff, including two words he hates as a radio host. Plus, a breakdown of a Walk-Off Catcher's Interference during the Phillies-Red Sox game that had baseball fans and seamheads absolutely baffled. Thanks for listening and sharing with friends and family. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
People used to call him "Fence Post" and now he's a Hall of Famer! From "rags to riches" in his words, he waited a bit too long on the ballot in our opinion but he made it! In honor of the National Baseball Hall of Fame Inductions happening this weekend, we had one of the many going in this year. This hard throwing lefty talks about actually being right-handed and how he made that transition. He also told us about where he was when he got the call that he got in and when he got the word that he WASN'T in the Hall just yet. Tim and Billy have known each other a long time and we cannot thank him enough for his time! Thank you for listening, don't forget to share the show with a friend who loves this game as much as we do. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
It's hard not to get pumped up for baseball when the second half of the season has begun. The Brewers are on a tear, tied for the best record in the National League with the Chicago Cubs. Someone might be pulling some strings there. Aaron Judge is doing something only Aaron Judge has done, we call Elias about Elias and David Wright is honored at Citi Field. Many Mets fans would debate, where does he fall among the greatest Mets of all time, let us know in the comments. The auction item any fan would love to bid on (I would think) and Hunter Brown's love and respect for one of the best managers of all time. Thanks for listening or watching to our show, it means a whole lot. Follow wherever you're listening right now and make sure to share it with a friend! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Tim Kurkjian takes us to Atlanta for what was a fascinating week of All Star Game magic. The Homerun Derby was electric, with exclusive moments from Cal Raleigh's dad. Plus the amazing honor for Hank Aaron in Atlanta, core memory for us all. And then of course, the All Star Game finish was just UNREAL. Some purists didn't love it, but we sure were obsessed. The fans, the players, the managers, all were into and it made for incredible television. We dive into that. Both Nolan Ryan and Bob Gibson share this common thread plus just how good was Joe DiMaggio's streak? We have a reason to go into it. Thanks for listening or watching, make sure to hit that subscribe or follow button and share this podcast with a friend. Thanks for being a part of our family! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Happy All Star Week! We had Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves legend, on the show the week that Atlanta hosted the All Star Game, how fitting! The Hall of Famer shares his experiences in baseball, from memorable moments with teammates to his competitive spirit and preparation for games. He reflects on his early career, the importance of education, and the impact of legends like Cal Ripken Jr. and Greg Maddux. Chipper also discusses the talent of current players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and the bond he shares with Freddie Freeman, highlighting the significance of teamwork and mentorship in sports. Thanks for listening or watching and make sure to share the show with a friend! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Tim Kurkjian is in Atlanta covering the All Star Game this weekend. The Homerun Derby on ESPN Radio will feature him in the booth and for the All Star Game, he will be in the dugout for ESPN Radio as well. Don't be fooled, Tim never comes to a show unprepared and today is no different. You will be sipping from a firehose with the amount of absolutely incredible ASG memories this man has. We revisit a couple takeaways including Tito Francona's big milestone, The MLB Draft and honor a listener who LOVES the ASG with our "I Am A Seamhead" segment. If you know someone who loves this game as much as we do, make sure to share the show with them. Whether you listen to the podcast or watch on YouTube, thank you for being a part of our family! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
We are on location this week for the episode at a place both Tim and Jeff grew up going to! We sat down with Bruce Adams of the Bethesda Big Train about the amazing life that college players have playing the wood bat league! It's a really special place and we cannot thank Bruce and his team enough for having us. We also dive into takeaways including what the heck is going on with inside the park homers and why Justin Turner's 200th homerun was actually insane. On this date in baseball history, we dive deep for these and also talk about the greatest number 27 and number 28 of all time. Plus did you know who (in Tim's opinion) is the greatest Toronto Blue Jay of all time? And we wrap things up with a Team Tim in honor of the newest manager in the big leagues! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
In this episode, Scott Bradley, former Major League catcher and current Princeton head baseball coach, shares insights from his extensive baseball career. He discusses the early days of Ken Griffey Jr., the importance of summer leagues for player development, and the value of playing games over mere training. Scott emphasizes the need for youth engagement in baseball, the significance of education in athletics, and offers advice for aspiring players. He also highlights the innovative Bradley Baseball Gloves designed for young players and reflects on the success of his former players in the professional leagues.We thank Scott so much for his time. He's a friend of the show and we hope you enjoyed his insight on the game we all love. Make sure to send this to a friend that you think will love it! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
In this episode, Jeff and Tim Kurkjian discuss Tim's recent trip to San Diego, highlighting the beauty of Petco Park and the game and series that he covered. Tim Kurkjian's take on Manny Machado's Hall of Fame chances is a compelling one. Plus both Tim and Jeff, with some help from friends, dazzle with more Quirkjians, man we love baseball facts. The conversation also touches on the All-Star Game selections, including nineteen first timers. We learn a hilarious story of how reliever Jason Adam found out about being picked as a first time All Star. Plus, do we think that Team Tim is a bit of stretch this time around? He structured this one a bit differently, you be the judge. Episodes three days a week, interview on Wednesdays, we love to keep you up to date and make you laugh along the way! Thanks for listening, share the show with a friend. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
We bring you another edition of "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" with a bit of a patriotic theme throughout. Make sure to stick around for Tim Kurkjian's "All Independence Day" Team which is bound to make you laugh, or scratch your head. We open by hearing what Tim has been up to which truly will baffle the masses (don't worry, nobody was harmed in the making of the story). Plus the greatest number 25 and number 26 of all time, with little to no debate on these ones. How about Elly de la Cruz passing Tony Gwynn this early in his career? Kind of insane. The greatest Rangers player of all time, plus what has happened to Shohei Ohtani's swing? Thank you for being a part of our family, take a moment to send this to a friend and have them join as well! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
For Mets and Braves fans, you remember the Fourth of July, 1985, because of the strangest game maybe ever played in baseball history. We are joined this week by Ron Darling who pitched in that game for the New York Mets. Extra innings, fireworks at four in the morning, lots of rain and even more hits. We break down the box score of this game and take you there via Darling who came in to pitch at roughly three in the morning. These are the type of interviews we LOVE. Ron Darling is currently a broadcaster for the New York Mets, and we thank him so much for yucking it up about a game that happened forty years ago on July 4th! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Welcome to another episode of "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" For those who are new here, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian, a father-son duo, chat with you about baseball three days a week. This week, we take time to remember Dave Parker, who passed away on June 28th and is set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 27th. We get excited because it is finally July, the month that is second only to October for Tim. Cal Ripken on this date, had something huge happen in his career, so did both Bob Gibson and Walter Johnson (hey, did we ever tell you that...)When it comes to intentional walks, James Wood is doing it a lot this year but nobody did it better than Barry Bonds, we get some perspective on that. Two signatures that Tim got as a kid that have us baffled plus, and a special shoutout to a brand new podcast you definitely didn't know existed!Thanks for listening, spread the show to others by subscribing or following wherever you listen. Send it to a friend! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
It is HOT across the country and our players, and your favorite podcast hosts, are feeling the heat. The takeaways include just how good this one AL East team has really become. The Quirkjians will shock you when it comes to strikeout numbers not just from one player but from the entire league in 2025. They also touch on the excitement surrounding the Oakland Athletics' move to Las Vegas, and Jeff's take after living in Las Vegas for five years.On This Date, we say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the captain. We also explore the best players to ever wear number 23 and number 24, one of which Tim says is very obvious. We hear Tim's greatest Marlins player of all time, in spirit of guest from the previous episode, Dan Le Batard. The answer might suprise you given the small amount of time played for the team.And finally, we hear from another Seamhead, you can send your audio note to Jeff@GreatGameOrWhat.com explaining what makes you a Seamhead as well. Thank you so much for listening and as always, thanks for being a part of our family. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Dan Le Batard is our guest this week and it's about time the roles are reveresed. Tim Kurkjian has been a guest with The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz for years, consistently cracking up at their hijanks and looks like, with very little baseball exchanged in those interviews. We kept with that tradition and found time to chat about both of their humble beginnings as newspaper writers. We also discuss some of the best Looks Likes of all time and promote a very big crossover between both of their respective shows! Thanks for listening/watching, make sure to follow and subscribe wherever you're listening and watching! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Tim and Jeff Kurkjian are in the summer mood officially!! Feeling good about the baseball season well into June at this point, Tim provides us with an excellent of "summer" baseball players. We find out the rough start to Jeff's day on the highways of Pennsylvania. Tim finds out what an Instagram "Roll" is. We honor Rickey Henderson on this date in baseball history. And can cricket players really throw harder than Bob Gibson?Thank you so much for taking the time to listen, it means a whole lot. If you are a regular, thanks for being a part of our family. If you are new, welcome! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
In this episode, Jeff and Tim Kurkjian discuss their recent podcast with Cal Ripken Jr. and his son, Ryan. They delve into the meaning of social media slang, share humorous personal anecdotes, and transition into a detailed discussion about current baseball events, including player performances and quirky moments in the game. The episode highlights the challenges players face in today's game, records being set, and the fun side of baseball. In this episode, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian discuss the New York Yankees' struggles with scoring runs, the creation of an all-Seinfeld baseball team, and significant events in baseball history. They also rank Clayton Kershaw among the greatest players, highlighting his achievements and impact on the game. The conversation is interspersed with humorous anecdotes and reflections on the relationship between media and players.Jeff and Tim Kurkjian discuss the best players in baseball history, focusing on number 22, Clayton Kershaw, and the legacy of Cal Ripken Jr. They explore the challenges of selecting the greatest player for each MLB franchise, highlighting the impact of players like Frank Robinson and Jim Palmer. The conversation also touches on family connections in baseball and the importance of humor in the sport.Share the podcast with a friend or family member that loves baseball as much as we do. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
This is the episode we have all been waiting for. Legendary Hall of Famer, Cal Ripken Jr. returns to "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" but this time with his son, Ryan Ripken. In our Father's Day week celebration, we have brought these two together to chat with our father-son duo about the game we love and growing up around it. Ryan Ripken currently is a member of the media, with his very own show, but is a former professional baseball player and great basketball player, just like his dad. Tim, while he was a beat reporter, covered Cal Jr. in the 80's and the two have had a long standing friendship ever since then, even though we aren't allowed to actually say that when it comes to reporter-player (give me a break). Enjoy, share the show with a friend and thank you for listening/watching! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
It wouldn't be a Father's Day episode if Tim and Jeff were apart. This father-son broadcasting duo is at it again recapping great Father's Day games of the past and the happenings of June 15th, 2025 including the biggest trade of the 2025 season. Shohei will take the mound, we dive into that with a throwback clip to Phil Nevin, a former guest of the show, talking about managing Shohei's pitching schedule. We talk Quirkjians that will have you head scratching, brothers who did big things in the same inning and an update for Tim's new dog (spoiler, it's a stinky situation). Thank you for following and subscribing wherever you watch or listen to the show, it means a lot and means you are part of our family! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Welcome to another episode of "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" Take a minute, if you will, to write a review for the show and FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE wherever you are listening right now. That would help us out!Tim & Jeff Kurkjian have a big announcement, a new addition to the Kurkjian family. Aaron Judge is REALLY legit, especially in the first inning, the Astros are not. Tim got a late night text message from a current big league manager. Lefty pitchers just have something going on this season, which traditionally speaking isn't the case. We figure what has happened on this date in baseball history. We check off another number From Ozzie To Orel and Tim awards the greatest Cardinal of all time (the baseball team, not the Catholic Church). Thank you for listening and thank you for being a part of our family! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Tim and Jeff Kurkjian are joined by two members of Congress, Joe Morelle, and Blake Moore to discuss the unique intersection of baseball and politics through the lens of the Congressional Baseball Game. Representative Joe Morelle is a Democrat who represents New York's 25 District and Representative Blake Moore is a Republican who represents Utah's 1st District.They share personal anecdotes, competitive experiences, and the significance of baseball in their lives, both as a sport and a bonding experience. The conversation highlights the camaraderie among lawmakers, the nostalgia of childhood baseball memories, and the lessons learned through coaching and family involvement in sports. Congressman Moore explores the challenges and experiences of being multi-sport athletes, with a focus on baseball as a core sport. While Congressman Morelle discusses the rich baseball legacy of Rochester, highlight rising stars in the game, and reflect on how sports serve as a unifying force in politics and life. The dialogue emphasizes the camaraderie and life lessons learned through sports, culminating in a heartfelt appreciation for baseball's role in bringing people together. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
In this episode, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian explore personal connections in baseball, highlighting Tim's interaction with player Carson Kelly and the familial ties within the sport. They delve into their Armenian heritage, share humorous anecdotes from their lives, including golfing experiences, and discuss notable baseball performances. The conversation reflects on the importance of family, culture, and the joy of sports, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere. In this episode, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian delve into fascinating baseball trivia, including unique game moments, historical insights, and quirky player names. They discuss the Braves' surprising loss after a six-run lead, Willie Mays' memorable hit, and the unusual performance of Jac Caglianone. The conversation also touches on Nolan Ryan's legacy and personal anecdotes from Tim's experiences in baseball history, culminating in a light-hearted discussion about an all-cooking baseball team.Thank you for listening and becoming a part of our family. Subscribe wherever you listen and watch and make sure to share us with a friend. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
In this episode, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian discuss recent updates in Major League Baseball, and reflect on the significance of retired numbers. But first, what in the world is Tim wearing? They also address safety concerns in the sport and highlight notable moments in baseball history. In this episode, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian celebrate the unique career of Bill Spiers, discuss the ranking of baseball legends, particularly focusing on Frank Robinson and Ken Griffey Jr. They also introduce a fun concept called the 'All Clothing Team' and engage with a listener's passion for one-run games, ultimately welcoming him into the Seamhead community.Thank you for listening and sharing the show with a friend or family member so they can become part of our family as well! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Tim Kurkjian's brother, Matt, was a Hall of Fame college baseball player for Catholic University. He was an incredible father, brother, uncle and friend to all. He passed away from ALS in 2023. In a change from the norm, we brought in Tim's oldest brother, Andy Kurkjian, to join as our guest this week as a remember a man that shaped all of our lives in a way that made Matt Kurkjian the PRIDE of the Kurkjian's. Thank you for listening to this episode, we know it is a departure from our usual structure but for us, it was therapeutic in so many ways. Share the show with someone you love and thanks for being a part of our family! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Tim and his son Jeff chat all things baseball and all things family. This episode is a special one giving the significance of the day they are filming, it is Lou Gehrig Day! We chat about an amazing homer from Elly de la Cruz which was bigger than baseball. Plus some stats you won't believe with our Quirkjians. We ripped open some cards again, glad that's back! "All Body Of Water" team for our Team Tim and Pedro Martinez on this date is amazing.Thank you for sharing the show with some people you love. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Tim and Jeff Kurkjian discuss a variety of baseball topics, including memorable players, personal stories, and insights into the current MLB season. Jeff traveled to Las Vegas with his almost two year old on his own and we had to get a recap of that. They share anecdotes about their experiences, highlight significant moments in baseball history, and engage with their audience through listener submissions. You can also submit, email Jeff@GreatGameOrWhat.com to do so. This episode also features a discussion on the legacy of Ted Williams and a countdown of the best players in baseball history by their numbers. Share the show with someone that you love and thanks for being a part of our family. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Tim Kurkjian and Jeff Kurkjian interview Bob Ryan, a legendary sports writer known for his deep knowledge of baseball and basketball. The discussion covers Bob's early influences in baseball, his admiration for players like Willie Mays and Bill Russell, and the importance of minor league baseball in shaping major league talent. They also explore Boston's rich sports history and debate the greatest players in Red Sox history. Bob Ryan reflects on his illustrious career in sports journalism, particularly his time on 'Around the Horn.' He discusses the evolution of sports commentary, the impact of television, and the camaraderie among sports writers. The conversation also touches on the significance of iconic venues like the Palestra and the legacy of legendary sports figures. Ryan shares anecdotes from his early days in journalism and highlights the Boston Globe's unparalleled sports writing excellence. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
In this episode, Jeff and Tim Kurkjian reflect on Memorial Day, honoring those who served, including Tim's father. They share personal anecdotes about family and friends, including the late Jim Henneman, a respected baseball writer. The conversation shifts to Major League Baseball updates, discussing player performances and records. They also share humorous travel stories and trivia about the game. A special guest joins, the head coach of the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WALTER JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL WILDCATS BASEBALL TEAM, Steve Sutherland. Walter Johnson High School, Tim's Alma Mater, are the same age and the school has never won a baseball championship. This is big. The episode highlights the bond between family, sports, and the memories that shape their experiences. Share the show with a friend or someone who loves this game like we do, make them a part of our family! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Jeff and Tim Kurkjian explore various themes in baseball, including family connections, milestones, managerial changes, and the challenges faced by official scorers. They share personal anecdotes, discuss the struggles of teams like the Orioles and Pirates, and reflect on the importance of balancing family and professional commitments in the world of baseball. The conversation also touches on quirky facts and historical moments in the sport. In this episode, your favorite father-son duo explore memorable baseball moments, discuss the greatest Minnesota Twins (franchise) player, and analyze the best players by jersey numbers 17 and 18. They also share insights from the baseball community and look forward to upcoming guests, including the legendary Bob Ryan. The conversation is filled with humor, nostalgia, and a deep love for the game of baseball. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC
Jim Deshaies shares his journey from a small town in New York to becoming a Major League pitcher and broadcaster. He recounts memorable experiences, including his unique connection to the Andy Griffith Show, his college choices, and his remarkable achievement of striking out the first eight batters in a game. Deshaies also humorously reflects on his struggles as a hitter and his unexpected Hall of Fame vote campaign, providing insights into the life of a professional athlete. His experiences as a former player and current broadcaster are fascinating, discussing the nuances of hitting in the big leagues, his memorable high school baseball moments, and the dynamics of working with Boog Sciambi in the broadcast booth. The discussion also touches on the current state of the Cubs, the humor inherent in baseball, and a fun segment creating an All-Andy Griffith Show baseball team, showcasing the light-hearted side of the sport.As you continue to support our show, we cannot thank you enough!! Share it with a friend, rate and review wherever you are listening! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights. Joy Pop Productions LLC