Sportscaster Dan

The Boston Red Sox did not make the wrong move in letting free agent shortstop Xander Bogaerts go.  I detail my reasons in this latest episode.  Meanwhile, the baseball winter meetings were fascinating, as some clubs threw money around like it was candy. In this episode, I also talk about Judge and the Yankees, the Mets, San Diego, expansion and much more. 

It is awards week for Major League Baseball, with post season awards being handed out across the board.  Meanwhile, the focus is on free agents and where they will end up.  With the sport's labor dispute in the rear view mirror, expect a more active winter on the free agent front with numerous big names on the market.  MLB.com polled 50 of its reporters on where they believe the high profile ball players will end up and I also weigh in, including where the biggest name of them all, Aaron Judge will land.

Four Houston Astros pitchers combined to throw the second no-hitter in World Series history, as the Astros blanked the Philadelphia Phillies, 5-0 in Game 4 of the World Series. As I point out in this episode, Don Larsen, the only pitcher to throw a perfect game in the World Series, need not move over despite the historic accomplishment by the Astros pitching staff.  

Game 3 of the 2022 World Series is tonight, Halloween.  The series between the Houston Astros and Philadelphia Phillies will extend into November.  That is a big deal for some people.  As I explain in this episode, however, so what if they are still playing baseball. I also weigh in on MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred's latest comments on the future of the Athletics' franchise in Oakland and why there is an urgency to resolve that issue. 

The Houston Astros are on quite a roll, having won four American League pennants in the last six seasons and going to the ALCS six straight years. Their dominance of the New York Yankees not withstanding, however, I make the case that in order for the Astros to be considered for the Mt. Rushmore of great clubs, they must win this World Series against the Philadelphia Phillies. 

As the New York Yankees fall behind, 3-0, to the Houston Astros in the best-of-seven ALCS, I am hearing a lot of conversation from so-called "opinion makers" that the Yankees pride is at stake.  In this episode, I explain why that mindset is a lot of malarky. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies continue to amaze in the NLCS with a commanding, 3-1 lead over the San Diego Padres.  I talk about that series as well. Enjoy the podcast.  

The Philadelphia Phillies are in control, after winning Game 3 of the NLCS on Friday night to take a 2-1 lead over the San Diego Padres in the best-of-seven series.  I detail the game, including the controversial third strike call in the ninth inning on San Diego's Jurickson Profar. Meanwhile, the New York Yankees are playing for their playoff lives against the Houston Astros as the scene shifts to Yankee Stadium for Game 3 of ALCS.  I talk about that and the consequences surrounding this battle between two archrivals. I also discuss why the officiating needs to be scrutinized now that betting is part of the equation in sporting events.

Who's your Daddy?  The New York Yankees know.  And the Philadelphia Phillies battle the San Diego Padres tonight in a pivotal Game 3 in the NLCS. I detail it all, plus an astounding story about the Houston Astros front office, in the latest episode of Baseball Discourse.

The New York Yankees find themselves in a hole, after striking out 17 times in losing to the Houston Astros, 4-2, in Game One of the ALCS on Wednesdsay night.  In this episode, I detail why the Astros continue to be the Yankees' nemesis.   I also delve into the NLCS between the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies and why you can make the case the Padres' win on Wednesday was a statement game, without setting the Phillies back on their heels.  

The Philadelphia Phillies delivered a major statement in Game One of the NLCS on Tuesday night.  I explain why in this latest episode of Baseball Discourse.  Meanwhile, while the New York Yankees took care of business against the Cleveland Guardians on Tuesday, they are now confronted with an overwhelming favorite in the archrival Astros.  I also detail why the Yankees-Astros rivalry is more intense than the Yankees-Red Sox.

With Monday night's rainout of the deciding game of the ALDS, some pundits are saying the edge for Game 5 goes to the New York Yankees, but in my latest episode, I explain why the so called advantage could be overrated as the Cleveland Guardians will battle right to the end. The National League Championship series will also be fun, even though the clubs involved may not have nationwide "appeal."  I dispute that notion, explaining why the Philadelphia Phillies vs. San Diego Padres will be riveting for baseball fans everywhere.  I also predict which club will win.

Saturday brought about amazing playoff baseball once again, while raising numerous questions in the process. In this latest episode, I discuss why we may be witnessing the end of an era for the New York Yankees, while baseball's newest playoff system could come under scrutiny and why if you are a Red Sox, Mets or Yankees fan, you cannot feel good about the success of the Philadelphia Phillies. All that and more in this latest edition.  

Three clubs face elimination in the MLB. playoffs today, the Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Dodgers.  The Cleveland Guardians, meanwhile, are playing with house money.  In this latest episode of Baseball Discourse, I break it all down, as the divisional series in both the American and National Leagues continue. 

Who is the best player in the clutch, Aaron Judge or Yordan Alvarez?  In this episode, I offer my viewpoint and preview the upcoming divisional series games in the American and National Leagues for Friday, Oct. 14, 2022.

Huge wins for the Atlanta Braves and San Diego Padres in the NLDS on Wednesday.  What does this all mean as the playoffs proceed?  I break it down in this latest episode of Baseball Discourse.  I also look ahead to today's ALDS games between the Astros and Mariners and Yankees and Guardians.

Do not count out the Seattle Mariners yet, despite their heartbreaking defeat to the Houston Astros on Tuesday in Game One of the ALDS.  In this episode, I explain why it's too early to discount this talented Seattle ballclub. I also review the other games on the first day of the divisional series and recall the dramatic home run hit by Mickey Mantle in the third game of the 1964 World Series.  It was 58 years ago on Oct. 10, 1964, that Mantle set a record with his blast.  I also explain why the Mariners can draw some inspiration from the Mantle home run.

The San Diego Padres proved they were the better baseball club, as they dismantled the New York Mets in the deciding game of the NL wild card playoff round on Sunday night. In my latest podcast, I breakdown what the Padres did right and what went wrong with a New York Mets club, whose season of hope fizzled faster than a 4th of July firecracker.  In the end, the Mets year could only be  termed a colossal collapse. 

The New York Mets and San Diego Padres square off tonight in the deciding game of their wild card playoff series at Citi Field.  It is the culimination of what has been a wild weekend of baseball. Saturday's games were riveting, except for the Mets-Padres.  In this episode, I recap the games played and how exciting they were.  

New York Mets manager Buck Showalter is about to face his biggest game in his long, managerial career.  The Mets, a feel good story for most of the 2022 baseball season, are suddenly one loss away from a long, cold winter. In this podcast, I explain why Showalter's managerial tenure is facing scrutiny, but that it is not the end of the road for the Mets just yet.  I also review the other three wild card playoff games from Friday and why the Seattle Mariners could be the sleepers in this baseball post season.  It is a reason, by the way, the New York Yankees should be very concerned.  

Buck Showalter, manager of the New York Mets, and Bob Melvin, manager of the San Diego Padres are peas in a pod. In this edition of Baseball Discourse, I explain why these managers are similar, as they prepare to battle in the National League Wild Card Series.   I also detail why this series, in many respects, is more important for Showalter and his legacy than Melvin and his baseball resume. 

Aaron Judge is chasing baseball history, having hit 60 home runs in the 2022 season.  He needs one more to tie the American League single-season home run mark, held by the late Roger Maris, who hit 61 home runs in 1961. The nation has been captivated by the chase, much as the nation was enthralled back in 1961, when Maris and teammate Mickey Mantle were chasing Babe Ruth's single season record of 60. In this episode of Baseball Discourse, I look back at the closing week of the season, as Maris attempted to set the mark. (Mantle fell from the race, sidelined with a hip infection.)  We hear the "Voice of the Yankees," Mel Allen, interview Maris in the Yankees clubhouse, after New York clinched the AL pennant, and we hear the call (in its entirety) of Yankees broadcaster Phil Rizzuto, as Maris slugs home run number 61. Enjoy. 

Can the New York Yankees' Aaron Judge break the American League single-season home run record?  The record was set by another Yankee, Roger Maris, when he belted 61 home runs in 1961. In this episode, I speculate on Judge's chances and also take you back to a game in 1961 between the New York Yankees and Cleveland Indians.  Maris and teammate Mickey Mantle had captivated a nation, chasing Babe Ruth's single-season home run mark.  I also play a snippet of Mel Allen, the "Voice of the Yankees," in a single discourse about the chances for Maris and Mantle to set a new record. It is against this backdrop, I measure Judge's chances of making history. 

While sifting through my collection of interviews the other day, I came across one with former New York Yankees first baseman Joe Pepitone.  As I explain in the podcast, it is appropriate that Pepitone be part of episode 63. The interview took place on Aug. 4, 2001, when I was broadcasting New Britain Rock Cats games with the "Voice of the Rock Cats," Jeff Dooley, and the Rock Cats - at the time AA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins - were playing the Norwich Navigators, AA affiliate of the New York Yankees.   Pepitone was in a hurry to get out of the booth, but still, he was terrific and generous enough to sit in for one-half inning. By the way, Jeff and I are still broadcasting games together, calling the action for the Hartford Yard Goats, AA affiliate of the Colorado Rockies.  Where does the time go?

MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred told ESPN this week, that there is a good chance baseball will go to an automated strike zone in 2024.  In this podcast, I discuss why MLB will adopt the system and why umpires are not as opposed to it as you might think. July 1st is also "Bobby Bonilla Day," and I talk about what that means.  Let's just say, it's not too bad, being Bobby Bonilla, when July 1 rolls around.  Bobby Bonilla Day

In 2002 I had the chance to interview former Pittsburgh Pirates pitcher, Bruce Kison.  At the time he was working in the Baltimore Orioles minor league system. Kison, who died on June 2, 2018 at the age of 68, was the winning pitcher in the first-ever World Series night game.  We talked about that fete, as well as his pitching for notable managers Danny Murtaugh, Gene Mauch and John McNamara.

He played shortstop, coached, managed and scouted in the major leagues, but he may have been most noted for building the New York Yankees dynasty of the 1990s.  His name was Gene Michael and in 2002, I caught up with "The Stick," nicknamed for his career .229 batting average, while broadcasting for the New Britain Rock Cats. We cover a lot of ground in this interview, including Michael discussing his relationship with club owner George Steinbrenner, his trade for Paul O'Neill, and his favorite sport, growing up in Akron, OH.  

What is in a name?  I am about to find out, as I change my name of this podcast to Baseball Discourse. Why the name change?  I am glad you asked.  Well, for openers, the old name contained a word that should not be part of a show's title.  And no, it is not a four-letter word.  I do all of my explaining in this latest episode. Thank you for subscribing to the podcast. 

Admit it Yankees fans it hurts to see the Boston Red Sox in the post season.

Any talk of the Houston Astros being cheaters should come to an end with the Boston Red Sox and the Houston Astros in the American League Championship Series.

In Part Two of my two-part series, I continue with the visit the great K.C. Jones made to our broadcast booth to visit Jeff Dooley and me, during a New Britain Rock Cats baseball broadcast in 2005.

On Christmas Day, 2020 basketball legend K.C. Jones passed away.  K.C. became a dear friend as he and I broadcast many basketball games together and later he and my dear friend and broadcast partner Jeff Dooley broadcast games together too. Jeff and K.C. also became dear friends.  How could you not?  K.C. was that kind of a person, who became your friend for life.  On occasion, K.C. would visit the baseball broadcast booth and one night in the early 2000s, Jeff and I had the recorder going.  Here is part of that broadcast, as K.C. talked basketball and baseball. 

It was 25 years ago on June 16, 2021 that the "Voice of the Yankees," Mel Allen passed away.  In his day he was the nation's leading sportscaster with a recognizable voice that even drew notice from Variety magazine. In the second part of this two-part series, I replay an interview I did with Stephen Borelli about his book: How About That!  The Life of Mel Allen.. The interview was recorded in 2005, the year the book was published. 

June 16, 2021 marks 25 years since the passing of Mel Allen, the "Voice of the Yankees."  Considered the premiere sportscaster of his day, Allen was unceremoniously dismissed by the New York Yankees after the 1964 season. In this episode I play an interview I did with Curt Smith, author of the book: The Voice: Mel Allen's Untold Story.  Smith examines why Allen may have been fired at the relatively young age of 51 and how it changed his life forever.  

There is a reason behind Major League Baseball's move to suddenly pressure the Athletics into reaching a decision on their stadium issue.  And it may be more than just giving the franchise the okay to move out of Oakland.   I speculate what may be the motives behind MLB's actions in my latest podcast episode. 

Baseball great Willie Mays turned 90 on May 6.  In this podcast, I recall the time I interviewed the baseball Hall of Fame player in 1973 at Shea Stadium, when he played for the New York Mets.

Will the Chicago Cubs trade Kris Bryant?  The 2016 NL MVP seems to be healed from recent injuries and is off to his best start in years.  He is also a free agent and the Cubs are in a rebuild. In this latest episode, podcast host Dan Lovallo explains why recent stories indicate Bryant is on the block, while disputing that the Dodgers may be the only suitors for Bryant's services.

Just what Major League Baseball needs, a good, old-fashioned rivalry.  No, I'm talking about the Yankees vs. Red Sox.  This is the San Diego Padres against the Los Angeles Dodgers and what unfolded this past weekend, Apr. 16-18, may be the start of something special.  

As presently constituted, the New York Yankees are not going to win the American League pennant.  I explain why, but I also delve into some of the culture issues on the ballclub and why they need to change, if they want to contend and have fun in the 2021 major league baseball season. 

My podcast is undergoing a name change, from "The Baseball Beat" to "The Baseball Podcast."  In the podcast, I explain why the name change has been undertaken. Also, April 15 is "Jackie Robinson Day" throughout major league baseball.  I talk about the day and also about an interview I did with Negro League baseball star and Hall of Fame player Buck Leonard. Below are links to stories I discussed in the podcast. Buck Leonard interview Red Barber interview

I was saddened to hear of the passing of Hank Aaron, at one time Major League baseball's all-time home run hitter. Aaron, 86, died on Jan. 22. His passing brought back memories for me, as I harkened back to the time I gave the baseball Hall of Fame player a ride back to his hotel. I recall the story in this latest episode of The Baseball Beat.

University of Connecticut icon Dee Rowe died on Sunday. He was 91. Rowe was much admired, not only at UConn but throughout sports. He was not only a successful coach of the UConn men's basketball team, he later became a successful fundraiser and goodwill ambassador for the university. How many know that Dee Rowe was also a big baseball fan, who frequently visited New Britain Stadium? When William Dowling and Coleman Levy purchased the New Britain Rock Cats in 2000, they not only revived a stagnant franchise, they reached out to many people, among them Rowe. When Rowe visited the ballpark, he would always make sure to drop by and visit Rock Cats voice Jeff Dooley and me in the broadcast booth. Occasionally he would sit in on the broadcast, including the night of July 19, 2000. I was calling the play-by-play, while Rowe talked baseball and UConn basketball. At the time, the men's hoop program had been riding a 10-year high as one of the best programs in the nation. The Rock Cats, then the AA affiliate of the Minnesota Twins, were playing the Cleveland Indians affiliate the Akron Aeros, who eventually became the Rubber Ducks. Rowe joined me during the last of the sixth inning. Enjoy, as Rowe relives some UConn memories.

Was Bob Feller the greatest Cleveland Indian? You can make an argument in his favor. Dec. 15, 2020 will mark 10 years since the passing of the Hall of Fame pitcher. I had planned to release the interview I recorded with Feller in 1983 around this date, not knowing the story would break that Cleveland will be changing its team name. As for Feller, when I taped the interview with him he was touring the country, putting on pitching exhibitions, before minor league baseball games. I was in Kinston, NC, broadcasting for the Toronto Blue Jays A ball club in the Carolina League, when Feller passed through. He gave me a marvelous interview and even sat in the booth with me, during the game, to provide commentary. I do not pretend to know what Feller might have said about Cleveland changing its nickname, but I do know a lot of what he said about pitching in the interview could easily apply to today. In the interview, we talk about his pitching philosophy, how he pitched to Ted Williams and Joe DiMaggio and much more.

David Dahl, non-tendered by the Colorado Rockies on Dec. 2, will be a good acquisition for some MLB club now that he is a free agent. I explain why in my opening comments of the podcast. How many recall Max Patkin, the "Clown Prince of Baseball?" I had the chance to interview him on June 14, 1984 and he was terrific. Patkin, who was nearing 65 at the time of the interview, performed his antics on baseball fields across the country, until 1995. By the way, "the Chicken" to which Patkin refers was the "Famous Chicken," Ted Giannoulas. I interviewed Ted too and will resurrect that interview on a future podcast. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z61l4QMCb8E

The World Series is over and now the real fun begins. Major League baseball is faced with a myriad of challenges, not the least of which is what will happen to the minor leagues? MLB's agreement with the NAPBL has expired. Once separate entities, with MLB clubs supplying the minor leagues with their players, MLB will now bring the NAPBL under its wings, exerting total control over the minor league framework. Franchises will be contracted and other major changes will be made. To that end, I thought it would be a great time to delve into my archives and post two interviews I recorded with author and former newspaper journalist Andrew Linker of Harrisburg. Linker is a walking encyclopedia about minor league baseball, and I always look forward to our conversations, when visiting Harrisburg. His books remind us of how important the minor league landscape is to baseball's overall fabric. I can only hope that the "Lords of Baseball" will remember this in their redesign of the minor league template. Below are links to the Linker books we talk about. One Patch of Grass Clippings: All the Other Cool Stuff That Didn't Fit into the First Book The Class of '93: How One Baseball Team Wrecked An Entire League

In the summer of 2019, before MLB adopted the extra-inning rule, the minor leagues were employing it.  It became the subject of debate in this roundtable, converted into a podcast, with the guests' permission. 

Now that Major League Baseball's expanded post season is underway, you will be hearing plenty from commentator John Smoltz. The former Atlanta Brave and Hall of Fame pitcher does a superb job, providing insight for FOX and the MLB Network. With the Atlanta Braves attempting to win their first post season series in 19 years and Smoltz a major part of baseball's post season broadcasts, David O'Brien thought it a good time to write a story about the trade that sent Smoltz from the Detroit Tigers to Atlanta. Entitled "What if the Braves had not traded Doyle Alexander for John Smoltz?" O'Brien's story immediately caught my eye, because I was there, when word was received about the trade. I provide the background in my latest podcast.

In 1973 I interviewed Willie Mays and Tug McGraw, during a New York Mets media day for radio stations on the Mets' network. At the time, I was a teenager interning at the radio station in my hometown of Torrington, CT. Dan Lovallo interviews Willie Mays To say I was nervous to interview arguably the greatest player in the game in Mays, would be an understatement. The interview was awkward and lasted about 75 seconds, but I am including it in this podcast, because how often does a teen get to interview Willie Mays? I am also including the interview with McGraw, who died in 2004, because it was the opposite of the Mays' interview. The closer for the Mets was gracious, perhaps sensing how nervous and young I was. Coincidentally, the father of award-winning country singer Tim McGraw, turned out to be one of the vital cogs for the Mets that season. He led a dramatic September comeback. The Mets went from last place in the Eastern Division to winning it and advancing to the World Series, before losing to the Oakland Athletics. And it was McGraw who coined the phrase "Ya Gotta Believe," during the Mets furious drive to the top. I hope you enjoy both interviews.

Terry Tata was 13-years-old, while his friends played sandlot baseball. Instead of playing, he umpired those same games in his hometown of Waterbury, Connecticut. Serving as an arbiter placed him on a path to realize his dream of becoming a major league baseball umpire. A few years back, I interviewed Tata for another podcast I hosted. I decided to dig into the archives and post the interview, because what he says today, resonates as much as when he discussed his career a few seasons ago. Tata umpired MLB games from 1973 to 1999. During that time, he worked four World Series, seven League Championship Series and three All-Star games. In this interview, he shares some of the moments of his illustrious career, including the first MLB game he umpired and what Paul O'Niell said to him, after striking out to end a World Series game at Yankee Stadium. As for changes in the game, including the review of umpires' calls with replay, Tata has some thoughts about that too.

Paul Hensler loves history, baseball and writing and he has been able to turn those passions into a career as an author. Hensler, an adjunct lecturer at Trinity College and Manchester Community College, has written several books on baseball, authored pieces for the Society for American Baseball Research and spoken at several baseball-related symposiums. Hensler writes baseball books I recently interviewed Hensler about his baseball books, including The American League in Transition, 1965-1975: How Competition Thrived When the Yankees Didn't. He has also completed another book about baseball and we talk about that as well. Hensler is making his second appearance on The Baseball Beat. In his first appearance he discussed his book about legendary Connecticut broadcaster and sportscaster Bob Steele. The book is entitled Bob Steele on the Radio: The Life of Connecticut's Beloved Broadcaster. Grenke telegraphs pitches on purpose As always, I get into some of the latest baseball news, including the Cardinals finally playing baseball, Zach Grenke telegraphing pitches and the shockingly, poor play of the Boston Red Sox.

Major League baseball players are blaming the lack of video for their hitting woes. J.D. Martinez is among those complaining that players' access to in-game video has been limited because of Covid-19 and recent cheating scandals. How did the players of yesteryear manage without videos? When Pat Crawford died  at a nursing home in Morehead City, N.C. 26 years ago, he was the last surviving member of baseball's famous Gashouse Gang, the 1934 St. Louis Cardinals team which one the World Series over the Detroit Tigers in seven games.  He died three days shy of his 92nd birthday on Jan. 25, 1994. Eleven years before his death, Crawford was living in Kinston, NC, where I was broadcasting the Carolina League games of the Toronto Blue Jays affiliate.  Through the club's owner, Ray Kuhlman, I met up with Crawford in his home.  He graciously gave me a interview, reminiscing about his baseball playing days, including the Cardinals, for whom he played in 1933 and 1934.  Crawford got into two games in that infamous 1934 World Series. The series became renown because it was played closely until the final game, when the Cards annihilated the Tigers, 11-0 in Detroit.  However, the game made headlines because of a hard slide into third  base in the top of the sixth inning by the Cardinals' Joe Medwick. That led to a brief fight between Medwick and Detroit third baseman Marv Owen.  However, when Medwick took his position in left field in the last of the sixth, frustrated Detroit fans pelted him with fruit, vegetables, bottles and cushions.  Commissioner Kennesaw Mountain Landis, in attendance, ordered Medwick removed from the game.  It became the only time in the history of the major leagues that a commissioner ejected a player from a game. Crawford played 318 games in the big leagues with the New York Giants, Cincinnati Reds and Cardinals.  He had a lifetime .280 average and played first base, second base and third base.  He also played collegiate baseball with Springfield College in Springfield, MA, Ohio State and Davidson College. I hope you enjoy the interview, as Pat Crawford, whose real name was Clifford Rankin Crawford, takes us back to a different era of Major League Baseball.