Small Hall Baseball Podcast

This week we discuss the concept of "Gamesmanship" and how far is too far. Is it okay so long as you keep it on the field or are there things that are just too far for us to accept? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the 1947 suspension of Leo Durocher. Was this an unwarranted suspension or was Durocher not such a neat and clean type of guy?Our Hall of Famer this week is shortstop Dave Bancroft. The numbers are good, but are they good enough to warrant the call to Cooperstown? In our singlular parting shot his week we discuss Rob Thomson and his fate in the upcoming Phillies seasons.Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials with a Babe Ruth Brisk Ice Tea, Mikey and Whitey for Miller Lite, and the 1985 Phillies talking trivia.Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 18:58Hall of Fame Discussion - 30:15Parting Shots - 40:00

This week we discuss the ABS Challenge System for balls and strikes during Spring Training. Is the ABS system useful or could it possible be more useless than doing nothing? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the the lawsuit the Cubs brought against Chicago over night games. Is there some understanding here and is it as ridiculous as it sounds?Our Hall of Famer this week is first baseman Jake Beckley. He really put together solid counting numbers, but was it enough to push him to stay in the Hall. In our singlular parting shot his week we discuss having baseball teams where they will find a passionate fanbase and not just as a destination.Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials with a Kyle Seager being "Old School", representing your nation in the WBC, and and a throwback Camel cigarettes ad.Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 18:10Hall of Fame Discussion - 36:32Parting Shots - 48:45

This week we discuss expansion of the HOF to include players from International competition. Many have suggested adding big stars from leagues like the NPB, but do we support the notion or even understand it? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the Braves trying to hold Henry Aaron back from playing in an effort to have him hit 715 at home. Do we think this harmless or find something more sinister in the attempt?Our Hall of Famer this week is outfielder Chick Hafey. He had a very good peak, but is that good enough or is he Charlie Keller part 2? In our singlular parting shot his week we discuss the looming CBA expiration and what effects it could have on the future of baseball.Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials with a Field of Dreams MLB ad, Ozzie Smith for Atari Baseball, and a 2017 MLB season preview!Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 18:09Hall of Fame Discussion - 34:54Parting Shots - 46:11

This week we discuss the our much disliked Desginated Hitter. We know that the DH is here to stay, but do we think that's for the better and is it even really necessary anymore? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the 1957 Supreme Court decision upholding the MLB's lone anti-trust exemption. Do we agree with the decision or do we wonder if it should have even come to be in the first place?Our Hall of Famer this week is outfielder Harry Hooper. He has some decent looking numbers, but was he good enough in his day to warrant his addition to the HOF? Shaking it up, we will only have a single part shot in our last segment going forward and will then discuss it. This week we discuss the tumultuous offseason of Alec Bohm and his future with the Phillies.Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials with a 1997 Mastercard commercial and 2 Oakland A's local commercials!Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 23:57Hall of Fame Discussion - 36:49Parting Shots - 48:28

We present to you Part 2 of  "The Smörgåsbord"This episode we will be reviewing even more players that are not in the Baseball Hall of Fame, but were suggested by folks on social media as players who should have their case reviewed. We took a look at each player and gave our thoughts on their case. Do we think any of them were oversights and should be in the HOF? Have a listen won't you? This is our second set of players and we will review even more in the future.Each player can be found at the timestamp below:Dock Ellis: 02:11Willie Randolph: 09:53Vern Stephens: 19:07Jimmy Wynn: 26:40Jim Edmonds: 36:27Wes Ferrell: 47:03Don Mattingly: 54:50

Once Again, that time of year has arrived, the new Baseball Hall of Fame announcement! This episode is dedicated entirely to discussing the results of the most recent BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot.We discussed the 3 BBWAA electees and along with Dave Park in great detail. Dick Allen was discussed in our September 23rd Small Hall Smorgasbord episode so, if you would like our opinions on Allen, feel free to listen to that earlier episode. Time Stamps for each section are below:Ichiro: 1:42C.C. Sabathia: 14:54Billy Wagner: 24:08Dick Allen Recap: 33:00Dave Parker: 35:12Full Ballot Review and Look Ahead: 48:10

This week we discuss the relationship between sports owners and fans of their temas. We know that those owners have control of their teams, but just how much should they listen to their fandom? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the 1943 banning of Phillies owner William Cox and subsequent sale of the team. The Cox was banned for gambling, but how good an owner was he and how did his successors the Carpenters do after?Our Hall of Famer this week is outfielder Joe Kelley. He had a great stretch for a number of years, but was this enough for us to give him our blessing? For our parting shots we talk about Ken Boyer's HOF candidacy and the malaise of the MLB awards season.Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials with Mrs and Ken Griffey Jr for Geico, Cito Gaston for Ken Griffey Jr Baseball on SNES, and Jimmy Rollins for Dick's Sporting Goods!Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 20:55Hall of Fame Discussion - 34:29Parting Shots - 45:46

Welcome to season 3 of the Small Hall Baseball Podcast! This week we discuss the character clause for Baseball Hall of Fame election. Do we like that its there or do we have some beef with this nearly 80 year old part of the election process? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the Mass Market Free Agent Re-Entry Drafts from 1976-78. The title is a mouthful, but was the process itself any less complicated? Our Hall of Famer this week is pitcher Rube Marquard. The numbers don't really give us a lot of hope on their face, but is he really as bad as he appears?. For our parting shots we talk about the the greatest 1-2 punch in baseball, the Yankees fan intereference, and a glorious lack of fundamentals in modern baseball.Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials with Daniel Vogelbach stealing a base, Vin Scully rousing the fans for opening day, and Dustin Pedroia taking offense from Playstation.Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 17:19Hall of Fame Discussion - 28:59Parting Shots - 38:22

This week we discuss the 2024 Phillies season. The final nail in the coffin was delivered by the Mets some time ago, but we partake in a debrief for the season and air our grievances. For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the two Phillies World Series events in the form victory in 1980 and painful defeat in 1993. Our father had great joy 1980 as a young man and my brother had great pain in 1993 as a boy who loved his Phillies to his core.Our Hall of Famer this week is Satchel Paige. We discuss his numbers, but more importantly we have a discussion about NeL players as a whole and if we have a future discussing those players at all. For our parting shots we talk about the future of the Phillies and how "postseason" numbers can be just a smidge misleading.Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials with Kate Upton for MLB 2K12, Starting Lineup Talking Baseball, and Kenny Mayne ESPN catch phrases.Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 22:13Hall of Fame Discussion - 47:10Parting Shots - 1:01:02

This week we discuss the death, career, and impact of Pete Rose. We have slightly different opinions than many folks, but he certainly was an impactful part of baseball history for better or worse. For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the the Phillies day in history known as "Black Friday". While 2 of us were not alive, the pain that must've happened for Phillies fans watching must have been crippling.Our Hall of Famer this week is shortstop Lou Boudreau. Voted in after several attempts, he has some good numbers, but was his playing career enough for any of us to favor his election? For our parting shots we speak the Phillies 2024 postseason, the idea of the lesser known postseason hero, and why Aaron has grown weary of online Phillies fandom.Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials for Robbie Cano and Mariners Baseball, Lou Pinella for Aquafina, and Bip Roberts with Tony Gwynn for baseball cards.Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 22:15Hall of Fame Discussion - 38:34Parting Shots - 50:24

We present to you a very special episode of the Small Hall Baseball Podcast entitled, "The Smörgåsbord"This episode we will be reviewing players that are not in the Baseball Hall of Fame, but were suggested by folks on Twitter as players who should have their case reviewed. We took a look at each player and gave our thoughts on their case. Do we think any of them were oversights and should be in the HOF? Have a listen won't you? This will be the first set of players and we will review more in the future.Each player can be found at the timestamp below:"Indian" Bob Johnson: 1:29Reggie Smith: 9:59Lou Whitaker: 14:40Luis Tiant: 22:11Vada Pinson: 32:26Dick Allen:  41:49Charlie Keller: 53:20

This week we discuss the miasma of the 2024 Chicago White Sox. They're on pace for one of the worst seasons in MLB history, but should this kind of thing ever happen? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the tragic death of Ray Chapman in 1920. This sort of thing doesn't happen often, but could it happen again and is there anything that can be done?Our Hall of Famer this week is Center Fielder Earle Combs. The Vet's committee was favorable to the leader man for Murderer's Row, but was it a justified favor? For our parting shots we speak on the trials and tribulations of Mike Trout, the deep cutting nature of the 1994 strike, and the curious case of the Speedway Classic MLB just announced.Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials for Tiger Electronics Home Run Derby, Frank Howard for Nestle's Quick, and Tony Gwynn, Paul Molitor, and Jim Abbott for your favorite trading cards.Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 18:59Hall of Fame Discussion - 33:05Parting Shots - 44:55

This week we discuss the legitmacy of shortened seasons. Many a Dodger fan has complained about the 2020 season and its title, but do we feel the same?. For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the famous Yankees/Red Sox brawl from 2004. It was also the day Josh got married, but was it as significant for the Red Sox?Our Hall of Famer this week is pitcher Jesse Haines. The Vet's committee has wrongfully put it a lot of players, but did they get it right with Haines? For our parting shots we speak on expectations for the Phillies' second half, the joys of RBI Baseball 94, and peoples' unrealistic complaints about the HR Derby.Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials in between segments with Steve Garvey for HungryMan Meals, Rusty Staub for MasterCard, and Yogi Berra for Kinney Shoes.Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 15:33Hall of Fame Discussion - 29:13Parting Shots - 40:04

This week we discuss the careers of Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda. Two great players that were part of stellar Giants teams and their presence in baseball will be greatly missed. For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss a game were pitcher Eddie Rommel threw 17 innings of relief. Connie Mack wanted to save train fare, but just how few people did he bring?Our Hall of Famer this week is Catcher Roy Campanella. I started the conversation tepidly, but was my frown turned upside down when all was said and done? For our parting shots we speak on the life of Moe Berg, MLB Blackout Rules/The Phillies playing on the road July 4th, and the MLB All-Star selection process.Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials in between segments with Willie Mays for Schaefer Beer, Catfish Hunter and Dwight Gooden for Diet Pepsi, and Reggie Jackson for Reggie Bars.Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 19:04Hall of Fame Discussion - 33:18Parting Shots - 48:06

This week we discuss the different standard for Catchers to enter the HOF versus other position players. Is it fair that those in the crouch can put up lower hitting numbers or does it feel right for their workload? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the unique Tri-Cornered Baseball Game from 1944. Three teams play in a round robin format to raise money for the war effort, but could something like this happen today?Our Hall of Famer this week is Stan Conveleski. He brings really good numbers in a short amount of time, but was it good enough for the three of us to keep him in? For our parting shots we speak on the life of Effa Manley, the majesty of the Perfect Game, and the ups and downs of collecting for "The Hobby".Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials in between segments with USPS Baseball Stamps, Roger Maris' for cereal, and Cal Ripken for the Yellow Pages.Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 18:44Hall of Fame Discussion - 32:26Parting Shots - 44:47

This week each of us bring a different player to the table that had their career marred by injury. It sucks to have a shining career ended by injury or health, but which players did we think really had it bad? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the dedication of the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1939. Speeches and festivities abound, but just how much of an impact the Hall's very existence had on baseball?Our Hall of Famer this week is Waite Hoyt. He brought wins to the table, but did he have enough oomph to deserve a spot in Cooperstown? For our parting shots we speak on the life and impact of Mary Dobkin, the return of Rhys Hoskins to Philly, and the colorful history of the foreign ballplayer in Japan.Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials in between segments with Roger Maris' baseball game, Bob Uecker for Miller Lite, and Bert Blyleven for Century 21!Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 22:26Hall of Fame Discussion - 45:02Parting Shots - 57:33

This week we discuss the the ups and downs of top baseball prospects. It sounds really awesome to have the top prospect label on a player, but what perils are there for that label? We also discuss big top prospects that let down through the decades. For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the approval of the AL divisional alignment in 1968. What were the rammifications of this and was it the wheelhouse for baseball in terms of format?Our Hall of Famer this week is Stan Musial. No real discussion in terms of election, but just how great was Musial during his career? Buckle up! For our parting shots we discuss the forgotten powerhouse Jimmie Foxx and addressing the "weak schedule" for the Phillies in 2024 so far. Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials in between segments with Michael Jordan for Gatorade, the famous "Chicks Dig the Long Ball" Nike ad, and an Upper Deck Griffey Jr contest!Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 25:19Hall of Fame Discussion - 41:02Parting Shots - 1:01:04

This week we discuss the spectre of gambling in professional sports. Just how much further can this go before something monumental happens again and can sports keep their integrity with its presence? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss Ty Cobb's assault of a fan and its consenquences. Could this sort of thing happen today and how bonkers were the repercussions of his actions.Our Hall of Famer this week is outfielder Kiki Cuyler. His career has a lot of merit to it, but was the call for his election via Vet's Committee in 1968 the right call? For our parting shots we discuss Luis Arraez and Rogers Hornsby as well as how much baseball has become a TV show. Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials in between segments with Daryl Strawberry for Milk, Frank Howard for Brut 33, and Reggie Jackson for Panasonic!Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 18:40Hall of Fame Discussion - 37:23Parting Shots - 48:25

This week we discuss Umpiring in MLB with all of its ups and downs. Do we think the robots and lasers should be brought out in full force or are more sympathetic of these men behind the plate? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the end of Lou Gehrig's Iron Man streak in 1939. It truly was the end of an era and even though the streak would be surpassed by Ripken Jr, no one will quite match The Iron Horse.Our Hall of Famer this week is left fielder Goose Goslin. His totals are impressive and his effort was undeniable, but was the Vet's Committee right to call his name for election in 1968? For our parting shots we discuss the true dynastic greatness of the Yankees, the seven deadly sins of baseball, and a historic night for the opener of the York Revolution. Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials in between segments!Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 22:58Hall of Fame Discussion - 34:40Parting Shots - 47:55

This week we discuss the Royals and their newest disagreement with the city and citizenry of Kansas City. Do the two parties come to an agreement or does another city lose their franchise in the coming years? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the debut and rookie campaign of Jackie Robinson. He not only blazed the trail for so many after him, but tore it up on the diamond as well.Our Hall of Famer this week is left fielder Joe "Duckie" Medwick. His high peak and bonkers early numbers speak for themselves, but did he do enough to warrant his eventual election in 1968? For our parting shots we discuss the the courage of Jackie Robinson, the all too quick panic of many baseball fans, and how thought exercises are just plain fun. Enjoy our new crop of weekly commercials in between segments!Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 19:54Hall of Fame Discussion - 32:36Parting Shots - 46:49

This week we discuss the Shohei Ohtani controversey, but also go in depth with our predictions for each division's winner, the wild card teams, and our World Series picks. Do we go all chalk or do we have some surprises in store? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the sudden passing of Gil Hodges in 1972. The too soon death of a person always a tragedy, but had he lived, what could his career after baseball have been?Our Hall of Famer this week is Red Ruffing. He knew how to stay on the mound for inning, but was there enough dominance for us to keep him in the Hall? For our parting shots we discuss the unimportance of titles for a Hall of Fame case, the terror that is the blackout rules for TV baseball, and how people put too much stock into awards for players. We also have classic baseball commericla breaks in between segments for the first time!Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 41:21Hall of Fame Discussion - 51:45Parting Shots - 1:03:35

This week we discuss the the injury to Gerrit Cole and its potential rippling effects. Will there be an adjustment in the game or will pitchers stay disposable and easily replaced? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the 1990 MLB lockout. The terms that were settled upon have lasted to this day, but it became a harbinger of the greater looming strike of 1994-95.Our Hall of Famer this week is Lloyd "Little Poison" Waner. He had a famous brother who is also a Hall of Famer, but did the younger Waner brother meet the high bar set by his brother? For our parting shots we discuss the numerous "Former Phillies", whether or not baseball is for the fans or the fans for baseball, and the over optimization of MLB. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 23:45Hall of Fame Discussion - 43:22Parting Shots - 55:41

This week we discuss the Fanatics and Nike baseball uniform debacle. Its bad enough the players are wearing bootleg looking jerseys, but single-ply pants too? For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the deal that brought the Braves to Atlanta from Milwaukee, how the team performed, and how back then differed from now in terms of team movement.Our Hall of Famer this week is legendary hitter Ted Willimas. We all know he's a slam dunk hall of famer, but just how incredible was he? Please enjoy the lovefest for Williams and how much fun we have talking about his greatness. For our parting shots we discuss player salaries and historical paycuts, Bryce Harper's tone deaf extension talk, and a reflection on Scott Boras' place in baseball. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 19:03Hall of Fame Discussion - 35:11Parting Shots - 58:01

This week we discuss our perspecive on statistics which includes which ones we like, ones we don't like, and our philosophy on where the line is on just how complex they need to be. For our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the legendarily lopsided trade of Steve Carlton to the Phillies for Rick Wise and if it seemed to be so unbalanced at the time from a person who was saw it when it happened.Our Hall of Famer this week is 19th century pitcher Pud Galvin. He was the first to 300 wins and held many of the pitching records for years before Cy Young happened. Is he a slam dunk though? For our parting shots we discuss my father's all time team, my brother looks whistfully at the start of spring training, and how finally, a woman has been hired as the primary play-by-play caller for an MLB team. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 22:08Hall of Fame Discussion - 37:11Parting Shots - 46:54

This week we discuss the recently announced sale of the Baltimore Orioles. Just how giddy are O's fans and what does it mean for the near future of the franchise? Continuing our This Week In Baseball, we discuss "The Infield" from the 70s LA Dodgers. We lose the thread a little bit talking about the escapades of Steve Garvey, but we marvel at the success and longevity of those four gentlemen.Our Hall of Famer this week is runoff recipient Luke Appling. A man who only received 0.8 percent on his first ballot, but did we think that was an unjust result for him? For our parting shots we discuss refining the Hall of Fame voting process, enjoying success as it comes, and the folly of comparing players across eras of baseball. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 14:50Hall of Fame Discussion - 29:36Parting Shots - 40:19

That time of year has arrived, the new Baseball Hall of Fame announcement! This episode is dedicated entirely to discussing the results of the most recent BBWAA Hall of Fame ballot. We discuss the newest inductees, the ones who will not see the light of another ballot, and all of the men in between from near misses to those who will languish for more years with no hope!We hope you enjoy listening to our discussion as much as we enjoyed having it! This is our Christmas on this show and thank you for joining us!

This week we finally talk in great detail what the Baseball Hall of Fame means to us and why we're so picky about who goes in, who gets to stay, and who gets the heave ho. Continuing our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the landmark lawsuit by Curt Flood against MLB and their reservce clause while discussing just how important it was and how important Flood was to baseball.Our Hall of Famer this week is early 20th century pitcher Red Faber. He's looking better than last week's contestant, but if that man was just a diet Red Faber, how good does that make Faber? For our parting shots we discuss the memorable moments of being present at two Phillies Opening Days, the anniversary of Pete Rose's admission, and how folks need to chill about arbitration hearings. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 34:11Hall of Fame Discussion - 51:34Parting Shots - 1:02:40

This week we discuss the continued dominance of the Dodgers in the big contract market. With the Dodgers signing the two big fish and trading for another well regarded starter due to the deferred Ohtani money, could this all come to a head when the CBA Expires for players and other owners? Continuing our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the recalling of Ted Williams to active combat during the Korean War in 1952 and its repurcussions.Our Hall of Famer this week is early 20th century pitcher Burleigh Grimes. He garnered himself a lot of wins, but did the rest of his stats convince us the Vet's Committee made a good choice? For our parting shots we discuss John Fisher's lack of wiggle room to sell the A's, the hand wringing over PED users in the Hall, and how people take the HOF voting much too seriously. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 19:30Hall of Fame Discussion - 31:41Parting Shots - 44:26

This week we discuss the bonkers and quite strange signing of Shohei Ohtani. With the crazy amount of deferred money and a couple of caveats, what do the three of us think of the whole thing? Continuing our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the landmark Messersmith/McNally ruling on December 23, 1975 and its long lasting effects on baseball.Our Hall of Famer this week is 19th century pitcher Tim Keefe. He holds the single season record for WAR, but just how impressed were we for the totality of his career? For our parting shots we discuss Bryce Harper wanting an even further contract with the Phillies and the oft-forgotten feat of the 200 hit season. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 24:31Hall of Fame Discussion - 41:55Parting Shots - 51:37

This week we discuss the projected 2024 rotation for the St. Louis Cardinals. After the signing of Sonny Gray, do we think the Cards have any sort of shot or is their new retirement home of a rotation is a mistake? Continuing our This Week In Baseball, we discuss the Phillies attempt and pulling back to broadcast their games into the NYC area in 1959 along with its rammifications.Our Hall of Famer this week is LF Heinie Manush. His WAR may not jump out at you, but is that enough for us to give him the heave ho? For our parting shots we discuss the change in MLB ownership over the years, one sport only fans, and cherishing the great teams you have while you have them. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 15:26Hall of Fame Discussion - 32:26Parting Shots - 43:58

Welcome back for Season 2 of the Small Hall Baseball Podcast! This week we discuss the biggest awards given out for the 2023 MLB season. Did we think the best Rookies, Managers, Pitchers, and the MVPs were worthy or perhaps a little head scratching? We introduce a new segment, replacing our Phillies discussions, were we discuss an event that occurred this week in history in the baseball worldOur Hall of Famer this week is late 19th century two-way player John Montgomery "Monte" Ward. We couldn't all agree on whether this early pitcher turned full time fielder was a worthy election, but did we think he deserved to stay put? For our parting shots we discuss the parting of Rhys Hoskins from the Phillies, putting the team before any of its players, and a tribute to the greatness of Ryan Howard. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsThis Week In Baseball - 20:32Hall of Fame Discussion - 37:29Parting Shots - 47:37

This week we discuss the finale of the World Series with the Texas Rangers winning their first in only 5 games. The Rangers won, but do we think the Arizona Diamondbacks are one and done?This week our we discuss we discussed late 19th century pitcher John Clarkson. This became a sort of Old Hoss Radbourn part 2, but just how impressed were we with the video game-esque numbers? For our parting shots we speak on the wholesome career of Frank Howard, the absense of baseball for a few months being good for you, and our heartfelt thanks for a finish to our first full season of the podcast. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsHall of Fame Discussion - 23:09Parting Shots - 35:21

This week we discuss the the League Championship round that went all seven games in both leagues and did not disappoint in terms of drama. Both teams for the World Series were set, but what did we think of how they got there? We've once again hybrid our Phillies segment into the postseason topic this week and, as you can imagine, we were not please with the results from our Phils. We discuss just exactly what went wrong and were the team can go from here.This week our we discuss we discussed late 19th century/early 20th century right fielder Elmer Flick. He gave us good baseball for 10 years, but that was really it and was that enough for us to think he warranted a call to the hall?. For our parting shots we talk King Ng and her bright future in baseball and how, as we get older, our fandom grows and changes with us. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsHall of Fame Discussion - 35:17Parting Shots - 44:46

This week we're back to full strength with all three of us as we discuss the Divisional round we missed as well as the rapidly progressing championship round that is currently upon us. There have been some surprised, but just how much of a surprise has any of this been? We hybrid our Phillies segment into the postseason topic this week and the team has looked good, but are we worried about our opponent Diamondbacks in this series?This week our we discuss we discussed early 20th century outfielder Sam Rice. He was a rock solid, steady as hell player, but did he do enough to cross our line into Cooperstown?. For our parting shots we talk about Phillies fans needing to see a shrink, the whining about the current postseason format, and the potential future for the size of MLB. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsHall of Fame Discussion - 31:19Parting Shots - 42:30

This week discuss the very quick opening Wild Card round for the Postseason. The games came and went with sweeps in every single series, but what did who want to win get the job done? The Phillies managed to man handle the Marlins in their two games and we were very impressed. However, can they do the same against the historic Atlanta Braves offense?This week our we discuss the still active career of Nelson Cruz. He has been a known commodity for some years, but do we think he has enough to warrant a call from Cooperstown?. For our parting shots we talk about the firing of Buck Showalter, the potential for surprise heroes during the Postseason, and what, if anything, can be done to make everyone happy with the postseaon. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 26:48Hall of Fame Discussion - 48:49Parting Shots - 1:01:52

This week discuss the candidates for the 2023 Cy Young Award for both leagues. The AL is looking pretty cut and dry, but how do we feel about the messier NL Cy Young race? The Phillies clinched the first Wild Card spot for the postseason this past week so they get to take a breather. However, even though they have home field for that first series, do we feel confident its a sure thing?This week our Hall of Famer for discussion is Brooks Robinson in light of his recent passing and even though his fielding is stellar, he might have been an even greater human being. For our parting shots we talk about the quality of upcoming position plater Hall of Fame candidates, getting territorial about hometown players, and if baseball awards even have a place any longer. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 21:06Hall of Fame Discussion - 41:12Parting Shots - 52:52

This week we are joined Kelsey Burd of the Peace, Love and Baseball and Babe's Babes podcasts to discuss all things St. Louis Cardinals including Waino's 200th win, improvements that could be made, and just what exactly went wrong in 2023? The Phillies took 2 of 3 from the Braves, but the work is still not done. Even with the 1st Wild Card basically a forgone conclusion, can they really go deep into the postseason?This week our Hall of Famer for discussion is Eppa Rixey and while he was a man who knew how to pitch a lot of innings, did we think he did enough to warrant a spot in Cooperstown? For our parting shots we talk about the quality of upcoming Hall of Fame candidates, the wild ride the was game 162 in 2011, and what happens when a fan becomes too objective. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 31:02Hall of Fame Discussion - 55:21Parting Shots - 1:07:13

This week we discuss the favorites for the AL and NL MVP and just what it means to us to be an MVP. Is being really good enough to win an MVP or is there more to it in the bigger picture? The Phillies have a woeful homestand that included the Braves clinching the division on their field. Do we think they have any hope of marginal success and does Aaron even want that kind of success?This week we discussed an active player whom many tag as a potential Hall of Famer, but does he clear the bar for us? For our parting shots we talk about how important Pete Rose was to the Phillies, the importance of being able to bunt, and a trip down memory road to discuss great baseball video games. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 22:53Hall of Fame Discussion - 45:44Parting Shots - 58:09

This week we discuss the current standings going down the stretch of the baseball season. Is it anything like what we had at the beginning of the season or do surprises abound? The Phillies keep wonking up and down, but while we have no doubt they will make the postseason, do we think they have any hope for a deep run?.This week's Hall of Famer, Bob Feller, had a meteoric rise as a young pitcher, but we discuss the sum of his career and possibly what could have been. For our parting shots we talk about the greatness of Vin Scully, the rise in facial recognition in businesses, and the unknown greatness of Sadaharu Oh. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 19:51Hall of Fame Discussion - 42:36Parting Shots - 1:01:26

This week we discuss the Angels punting on their season after doubling down from not trading Ohtani at the deadline. After trading for several players they have put all of them on the waiver wire, but to what end did they do all of this? The Phillies rise to a 5 game winning streak and then proceed to lose 3 in a row to our increased frustration due to poor decision-making and mental mistakes.This week's Hall of Famer, Edd Roush, has a familiar feeling to a lot of our recent Vet's Committee inductees, but can we all agree on his place? For our parting shots we speak on the end of the career for Stephen Strasburg and remind everyone of why Ripken's streak was so important for baseball in 1995. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 18:47Hall of Fame Discussion - 39:25Parting Shots - 53:58

This week we discuss the news of Shohei Ohtani having a UCL tear in his pitching arm and what exactly this means for him hitting free Agency. Wild speculation abounds as we try to figure out what could happen in the coming months. The Phillies insist on treading water and we continue to be pessimistic about their chances of going far this postseason.This week's Hall of Famer, Max Carey, certainly has a place in the Hall of Nice, but did the Vet's Committee get this one right? For our parting shots we discuss the history of the "Jockocracy", the incredible excitement of the 1998 Home Run Chase, and a fond farewell to the soon to be retired Adam Jones. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 23:11Hall of Fame Discussion - 44:36Parting Shots - 1:03:00

This week we discuss how Angel Hernandez's discrimination lawsuit was a non-started and whether or not the Yankees faithful can be upset that their team isn't more dour during their failure. The Phillies continue to have us wonder just which team is showing up every night and whether or not they can hang on to that first wild card spot to end the season.This week's Hall of Famer, Sliding Billy Hamilton, racked up incredible numbers for only playing in 12 full season. It impressed the Vet's Committee, but did we feel the same? For our parting shots we discuss the myriad of dead arm cases with a solution, that winning a penant can sometimes be enough, and that more is not always better when it comes to the postseason. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 19:00Hall of Fame Discussion - 35:39Parting Shots - 48:49

This week we discuss the kerfuffle with the Baltimore Orioles management and TV announcer Kevin Brown. The Angelos family has never been particularly great at running their team and we get down to the nitty gritty just how bad they are. The Phillies have shows strides of improvement since the calendar flipped to August, but we're wondering it can be sustained for the remainder of the season.This week's Hall of Famer, Zack Wheat, brought his own brand of consistency to the table, but do we think its enough to keep his plaque in Cooperstown after being unanimously voted in by the Vet's Committee in 1959? For our parting shots we discuss the underwhelming 1983 and 93 teams, the inherent romanticism of baseball, and sometimes if it wouldn't be better to just walk away from the game. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 18:21Hall of Fame Discussion - 34:52Parting Shots - 46:22

This week we discuss the 2023 MLB Trade Deadline with all of us big trades and big non-trades. The Mets appear to have punted, but does it have a greater purpose sooner than we think?. The Phillies continue to wobble up and down while making winning look so very difficult every game they manage to accomplish it. The big guns continue to struggle while the young players continue to impress.This week we discuss the resume of career triples leader Sam Crawford and find a man who was an OPS machine when there were no OPS machines pre-live ball. For our parting shots we discuss the the lackluster Phillies, the surging Orioles, and the quandry of fan sentiment toward sports ownership. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 16:52Hall of Fame Discussion - 42:45Parting Shots - 53:00

This week we discuss the Arizona Diamondbacks being the second MLB team to lose their RSN as Diamond Sports Group finally jumps ship. The future may not be looking so bright for baseball on TV, but can we use our crystal ball to see just how bad it'll be? The Phillies can't seem to find a good groove and we sit and discuss just what that could mean for the rest of the season.This week we discuss the resume of Joe Cronin and manage to come to a decision, but how close was it? And in our last segment my father tries to step up to bat for Bull Durham not being a "chick flick", but will he persuade you? Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 24:55Hall of Fame Discussion - 45:31Parting Shots - 54:48

This week we discuss the 2023 All-Star Break including the the draft, the Home Run Derby, and the game itself. The ratings for MLB's All-Star Break festivities continue to fall, but is there anything MLB can do about it? The Phillies have been middling so far this season, but can they come out of the break swinging and pick themselves up? Who knows really, but we give our two cents.A slight change of format going forward as we'll only be discussing a single Hall of Fame player every week so we can give them more attention. This week we discuss Hammerin' Hank Greenberg. We love to convict him for the 1st Degree Murder of baseballs in his career. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 24:40Hall of Fame Discussion - 39:23Parting Shots - 51:38

This week we have our All-Star Game Special so, we discuss the 2023 AL and NL All-Star teams for this year's game and decide who are the best and worst players for each squad. We discuss our Phillies recent great road performance even with their remaining frustrations along with the best and worst Phillies All-Stars of all time for each of usNo current Hall of Fame players this week, but we discuss Trout, Votto, and deGrom and examine their cases for entering Cooperstown if their careers ended this year! These three run the gamut of careers, but which of them deserves to be in?. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 21:38Hall of Fame Discussion - 47:36Parting Shots - 1:18:18

This week on the podcast we discuss our oh so mutual love of what has become the Galactic Hype Train for Shohei Ohtani and some already calling him, "GOAT". We discuss the, frankly, insane rumored contract length and dollars some are floating and why that most certainly cannot end as well and people seem to think.The last 3 1955 hall of famers are examined this week and another split-decision is upon us! Our Phillies continue win games, but we still aren't convinced this team is going places. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 17:42Hall of Fame Discussion - 34:52Parting Shots - 1:00:19

This week on the podcast we discuss what exactly it means to block the plate and just what to do about the MLB All-Star Game. Jonah Heim and Bruce Bochy were driven to a fit of apoplexy over a replay overturning that should have never happened and is we sit and ponder what the All-Star game really means how to best get players there.A fresh trio hall of famers are in front of us this week and we've come across a relatively rare split-decision on one of them and the Phillies continue to twitch, but don't leave a lot of hope for a full resurrection Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 24:33Hall of Fame Discussion - 47:52Parting Shots - 1:07:21

This week on the podcast we discuss what may be the single worst contract given to a player in MLB history. Stephen Strasburg may very well never pitch again and Jacob deGrom may be on his way there despite their huge contracts, but we also discuss past terrible contracts given to players that quite work out as they had hoped.A new trio hall of famers are on our plate for discussion and while some were impressive, one was quite unimpressive to our eyes. Josh won't recant his eulogy for the 2023 Phillies season, but they have looked a little better recently. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 18:47Hall of Fame Discussion - 33:36Parting Shots - 54:18

This week on the podcast we discuss the incredible life and career of Lou Gehrig in honor of June 2nd being Lou Gehrig Day around Major League Baseball. The man had a fantastic career, led a humble life, and never seemed to let the terrible disease that took his life get him down.Yet another new pair hall of famers come to the across our gaze and we were less than impressed with their credentials. Our Phillies have looked just sad and that 2023 Phillies Eulogy has arrived. Please join us as we discuss baseball topics and we continue our mission to make The Hall small. We hope you'll enjoy the ride.TimestampsPhillies Segment - 14:09Hall of Fame Discussion - 31:30Parting Shots - 50:13