Talking the Game of Baseball

Jeff Pearlman, New York Times best-selling author of nine books including "The Bad Guys Won", "Boys Will Be Boys", and "Showtime" (adapted for the HBO Series 'Winning Time'), joins the podcast to talk about his new book "The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson." Jeff shares his process that took almost three years, 700 original interviews and scores of research to craft this seminal biography about the elusive Bo Jackson. Bo was the first two-sport superstar in the modern era, shining on the diamond for the Kansas City Royals and on the gridiron with the Los Angeles Raiders in the 1980s. Jackson was a Heisman Trophy winner at Auburn, the only professional athlete to play in an MLB All-Star Game and the NFL Pro Bowl, and a pop culture phenomenon with his incredible athletic exploits in both. Jeff deep dives into the mythology of what makes Bo Jackson immortal in a time before social media and 24/7 sports coverage.

Author Clayton Trutor joins Tucker and Coach to talk about his new book “Loserville: How Professional Sports Remade Atlanta - and How Atlanta Remade Professional Sports.” In the time period between the early 1960s through the late 1970s in Atlanta, city government and local business leadership created the mold for bringing sports franchises to a new city (4:51). A cautionary tale of “Too Much, Too Soon”, Clayton examines the circumstances and actions that led to Atlanta having zero major professional sports teams to all four in less than a decade (31:20). The lack of success and support gave Atlanta the moniker of “Loserville”, a struggle later experienced in cities like Phoenix, Tampa and San Diego (39:53). Finally, Tucker and Coach take a long overdue victory lap on the Braves' improbable 2021 World Series Championship (54:46).

Coach and Tucker preview the 2021 MLB Season: Predictions for every team in every division, starting in the AL West (2:38) where the villain Astros are favored once again. Is this make or break time for the Angels and Trout? Can the A’s pull out another moneyball trip to October? The AL Central (9:58) features a stacked White Sox team, and a Twins team ready to go toe-to-toe with the South-Siders. In the AL East (17:57), it is once again the Yankees to lose, but you can’t count out the Rays. In the National League, the Dodgers and Padres are the class of baseball in the West (30:21), and might be the best present-day rivalry in baseball. The Cardinals are loaded in the NL Central (39:52), but start the year with serious pitching issues. The Brewers may have the best manager in baseball, and could grab hold with a hot start. Finally, the strongest division in baseball in the NL East (51:53), where the top four (Braves, Mets, Phillies, Nationals) could finish in any order. All the individual awards and postseason predictions for both leagues, everything from Opening Day until the end of October.

Running the Bases is back for the 2021 season! Coach and Tucker look forward to (hopefully) a full summer of Baseball (1:30), and what changes to expect moving forward. Coach gives proper tribute to the colossal Henry Aaron, as seen in person from Day One in Atlanta, through Home Run no. 715, all the way to his final game at Fulton County Stadium (20:26). Coming into home, reflecting on the surreal 2020 season- The 60-game sprint, ever-changing Covid protocols, and where baseball fit amid the strife and chaos within the United States (47:36).

Tucker is joined by Coach via phone for the first Coronavirus podcast for RTB. Out of the Box, Coach and Tucker discuss MLB's different strategies to try and have a 2020 baseball season (3:12). The CPBL in Taiwan offers a baseball fix to the masses with a bizarre new approach (20:26), what permanent changes to MLB will result from COVID-19 (42:12), and what gets lost in a lost season (51:23). Coming into Home, remembering the great Al Kaline, "Mr Tiger" and one of the great elder statesmen of baseball (54:58).

Originally recorded in 2018, Tucker and Coach are joined by author Clayton Trutor to discuss Bernard Malamud's seminal baseball work, "The Natural" (2:45). Written in 1949, Malamud had no prior knowledge of baseball history. He crafts the character of Roy Hobbs to be the "Great American Monomyth" (5:05). Filled with lush poetic imagery (Wonderboy and the Wasteland), Malamud weaves the Vegetative myth, Arthurian Legend and the mode of Joseph Campbell's "Hero with a Thousand Faces", to pen the standard for baseball fiction (15:00). From the book came the beloved 1984 film starring Robert Redford, featuring an A-List cast, Oscar-winning cinematography, and Randy Newman's iconic score. However, the ending is pure Hollywood and a far cry from the book (50:00).

First RTB Podcast of 2020, Coach and Tucker discuss the 2019-2020 Offseason (2:00), the best players still available and the team that won the Hot Stove. 1st to 3rd, they give their Hall of Fame predictions for the Class of 2020 (24:30) and respect for Marvin Miller (41:54). Coming into Home, Coach breaks down Chad Harbach's beautiful baseball novel "The Art of Fielding" (46:22). *Podcast recorded before MLB ruled on the cheating Astros, Cora, et. al.

Coach and Tucker talk MLB Postseason predictions for 2019. Out of the Box (2:00): A recap of key storylines as the regular seasons' end, including Maddon and the Cubs parting ways, and send offs for Bochy, MadBum and King Felix. First to Third (17:35): All the predictions for October baseball, with the Astros as a juggernaut that would give the '27 Yankees the shakes. Cardinals strike fear in the hearts of the Braves, Yankees and Twins slugfest, and can the Dodgers avoid becoming the Buffalo Bills of baseball? Coming into Home (52:30): Awards Predictions and our Prep-Star Shout Out.

Coach and Tucker give thoughts on the 2019 MLB regular season heading into the stretch run. The Terrifying Cardinals have returned, the Twins are a delightful surprise, while the Rockies make us sad. Who will be playing in October, and a fond farewell to the worst uniforms ever. Going 1st to 3rd, Coach recalls the experience of the Braves first ever division title 50 years ago (37:32), a bow to Aaron and Niekro, and surprisingly disappointing. Coming into home, our first Prep-Squad Shout Out to a star at Hampton High School in Georgia (55:03).

Premiere episode of the Running the Bases "State of the Franchise", breaking down a team in rebuilding. Coach and Tucker take a deep dive into the Cincinnati Reds, the oldest team in MLB, but far removed from the days of the Big Red Machine. Going back to the "Nasty Boys" championship team of 1990, the Reds have stepped out from under the cloud of Marge Schott (3:30), while current ownership has failed to build a contender outside of 2010-2013. We rate farm system health (12:00), "Worst Move of the Decade" (16:50), "Best Move of the Decade" (23:30), and "Time Until Competitive" (32:00). Finally, the ballpark factor, rating the game-day experience and fan support, and what changes we would make to the Great American Ballpark (40:00).

Coach invites "WhatifSports" superstar Ozomatli on the podcast for a second installment on Simulation Baseball Leagues. Ozomatli shares his strategies on drafting a team (19:30), setting Player Hierarchies (41:00), the difference in managing a sim league versus daily fantasy baseball (54:30), and a memo to all the rookie managers (59:00).

RTB returns for it's season preview podcast, making all the predictions for the 2019 MLB Season. Love for Ichiro out of the box, predictions for the American League, where the Yankees are a machine, Astros are pitching dominant, Tucker believes in Oakland, and Coach keeps the faith in Cleveland (02:15). A.L. awards and postseason picks (38:00), then on to the far more competitive National League, where the Dodgers reign is over, St. Louis reloads big, and why this could be the swan song for Joe Madden and the Cubs. N.L. Awards and postseason picks (01:16:15), why the Braves make us sad, and quick reaction to Trout's super-mega-deal (01:26:16). Play Ball!

Coach invites vaunted "WhatifSports" legend Skunk206 on the podcast to discuss the odds and ends of Simulation Baseball Leagues, where baseball is always in season. What strategies are most successful in building a juggernaut, the difference in managing a sim league versus regular fantasy baseball, and the finest vintages of hall of fame players.

Jonathan Mayo, accomplished writer for MLB.com and MLBPipeline.com, joins the RTB Podcast to talk about His career in journalism, the early days of covering the MLB Draft, and what it takes to produce the MLB Pipeline 100 for every franchise in MLB. He shares insight on favorite Minor League venues, the fun of the Arizona Fall League, and the surreal experience of being involved with the film "Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel".

Tucker is joined by good friend, filmmaker and Chicago homer Scott Brown to talk about his beloved White Sox. Scott shares what makes a person go White Sox over Cubs in Chi-Town (3:05), the recognition of Big Hurt (14:22), the forgotten glory of the 2005 Championship team (26:48), and ranking sports titles in the Windy City (47:22). We discuss the stark differences between Wrigleyville and the South Side (59:30), the current state of the Sox franchise (1:10:00), and what a Sox/Cubs World Series would mean to the people of Chicago (1:45:23).

Coach and Tucker discuss teams going into the stretch run of the MLB Season. The Nationals are a franchise in need of group therapy (1:50), and for all the hitting additions, the Dodgers are falling off thanks to a banged up bullpen. Who are these Tampa Bay Rays (9:30), here come the terrifying Cardinals, and a real team of ballplayers in Oakland (25:20). Coming into Home: The Problems with Acuna getting hit (28:20), Drysdale vs. Mathews in the 60s, love for the Little League WS (36:41), and not enough love for the Women's Baseball World Cup (40:20).

Tucker and Coach share the experience of Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in Cooperstown. Out of the Box, post-trade deadline baseball chatter. Going 1st to 3rd (26:04), all that is Cooperstown, with speech grades (37:36), the beauty and efficiency of the town on HOF Weekend (41:00), and the great reverence for Hank Aaron (45:00). Coming into Home, thoughts on the tweet controversies surrounding baseball players (48:00).

With the season nearing the Midsummer Classic, Coach and Tucker empty the notebook on MLB before the 4th of July. Out of the Box- Surprises (Braves!) and disappointments (Orioles, Twins) in each division, the mess in the host town of the All Star Game, and another wasted season of Trout. First to Third- All-Star Game talk (33:19) and Trade Deadline chatter (39:14). Coming into Home- How to fix Sunday Night Baseball on ESPN... If possible. (57:08)

Coach and Tucker return to debate the Greatest Players of the Decades. Out of the Box: A quick recap of the MLB season through 2 months. 1st to 3rd: Best of the Decades from 1900 to today (17:30). Dizzy, Dazzy, and Lefty with the best names (32:22), the great "What if" of Ted Williams and the "Myth of Mantle" (36:46). Tom Terrific of the 70’s could be more Big Red than Mr. Met (53:16), the forgotten dominance of Dave Stieb in the 80s (1:03:34), and why the GOAT will never actually be known (1:14:53). Coming into Home: The Supreme Court’s decision on sports gambling create chaos, and it’s terribly exciting (1:17:01).

Part 2 of the 2018 MLB Season Preview: Coach and Tucker give their sure-fire, can't miss predictions for the National League in 2018! The Mets should be a lot better, but then, so should everyone but the Reds, Marlins and Pirates. Coach sees a watered down league, where 83 wins is enough to make a Wild Card. The Cubs, Nats and Dodgers remain the class of the divisions, and why the Braves' Acuna will be Bonds, the Hammer, and the Babe combined.

Part 1 of the 2018 Season Preview: Coach and Tucker give their sure-fire, can't miss predictions for the American League in 2018! The Yankees are monsters (but don't hand them the world), the Indians are right there (again), and the Astros own the least compelling division in MLB. The Twins are most exciting, Detroit and Oakland are punching bags, and the Blue Jays could surprise for one more ride.

Coach and Tucker debate the 20 "Most Significant" baseball persons to put on a uniform and step between the lines, based on criteria of performance, innovation, character, and importance to the game of baseball.

Tucker and Coach recap the premiere of the baseball documentary "Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel" at the Atlanta Jewish Film Festival, and reactions to the film. Going First to Third: Making sense of the "Race to the Bottom" for tanking MLB teams (2:55) and if there is actual collusion amongst owners, the future of free agency (23:30), and the need for a Salary Floor (30:45). Coming into Home: The Tampa Bay Rays announce a stadium site (36:35), and if this will make baseball in Florida fully viable.

Coach and Tucker cast their annual fictitious ballot for the Baseball Hall of Fame, make predictions on who will be in the Class of 2018, the greatest omissions to the Hall, and what changes they would make to the HOF election process. Chipper and Thome are 1st ballot, with Hoffman and Vladdy as virtual locks. Love for Alan Trammel and Jack Morris, the case for Dale Murphy and Tim Simmons, and why Cooperstown should create the "Wing of Infamy."

Coach and Tucker debate the 20 most significant moments through the history of Major League Baseball. From Jackie in '47 (2:05), the invention of the curveball (6:15), the 1994 strike (17:55), through the significance of baseball in war-time (33:53), Coach and Tucker present the moments that forever changed the course of "Our Great Game", for better or worse.

Game 5 of the 2017 World Series was EPIC! However... Was it actually a good baseball game? Tucker and Coach sort through the madness of Game 5, the league-doctored ball, the "tremendously awful" managing, and discuss the entire picture of the WS, leading into Game 6. Plus, the era of successful failures in managing, and if the AZ Fall League All-Star Game is the last chance to see Ronald Acuna in a Braves uniform.

Tucker and Coach preview the World Series match-up between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Houston Astros, including: Best match-up, most intriguing sub-plot, potential heroes and goats, and who America wants to win. We recap the 2017 Postseason that was, why the Indians fell flat (all credit to the Yankees), where the Cubs go from here, and is there no end to the dysfunction in D.C.?

We review all that was in the 2017 MLB regular season: The teams that surprisingly over-performed (Brewers, Twins), underperformed (GIANTS), and the sad state of the Atlanta Braves. The players that shined the brightest (Lindor, Judge, Altuve), and those that would just as soon forget this season happened (MATT HARVEY). Then, all things Postseason, with predictions through to the World Series. Coming into home: We hand out the awards for the regular season, and give our love to Puerto Rico, Houston, South Florida, and Las Vegas.

Cleveland Indians are making history, and it's a true joy to watch (6:53). The Dodgers are floundering and can't beat the Snakes (12:35). Going 1st to 3rd- The Nature of Momentum, if there's truth to peaking too soon in the regular season, whether October clears the slate for all teams (17:29), and how bullpen and health are the best indicators of postseason success (26:20). The Cardinals are the "Ultimate Villain" (33:18), the Yanks are scary-good and still two years away (38:20), and pennant predictions coming into home (46:22).

Orwin Smith, former All-ACC running back at Georgia Tech, joins the podcast to talk about his boys playing youth football, club teams vs. multi-sport at the youth level, CTE and the "gladiator" culture of football. We also discuss the continuing rise of MLS with Atlanta United, NCAA revenue sharing with its' players, Orwin's near-sit out while playing at Georgia Tech, and baseball's problem with reaching inner-city youth.

Out of the Box: The Braves are back! Coach and Tucker debate the All Star Game, which (thankfully) doesn't count, but does it matter at all? Going First to Third: The moves to make at the trade deadline, how the surprise 1st-half struggles of the Giants, Cubs and Indians, overshadows the success of the feel-good Rockies and Brewers, and the end of the Tigers window. Coming into Home: Sleeper picks for the postseason, and any excitement for the 2017 Hall of Fame weekend?

Die-hard Oakland A's fan Kate Fratar joins Tucker on the Podcast to talk about the state of Athletics Baseball: The quest for a new stadium, opening up the third deck, "Rooted in Oakland", and the showdown between the A's and Braves. The next jersey to be retired in Oakland? And has interleague play overstayed it's welcome, 20 years later?

Coach Bounds offers THE Solution to MLB's Pace of Play problem! And with SunTrust Park officially open for baseball in Atlanta (28:00), Coach and Tucker discuss the Cash Cow of the Battery, why every visiting team to SunTrust will want a new stadium when they leave, and who is to blame in the case of Braves vs. City of Atlanta?

Part 2 of our 2017 MLB Season Preview runs through the American League: The Indians and Red Sox are the cream, while the Tigers, Yankees and Astros are the crop. The middle class Blue Jays and Orioles remain formidable, and what to make of the Wild Wild AL West? Coming into Home: A return to Riverwood High School baseball in Atlanta for Coach Jordan Bounds.

Coach and Tucker's two-part 2017 MLB Season Preview! Out of the Box: Recap of the excitement that was the World Baseball Classic, and why we'll never see another Classic that compares. First-to-Third: The National League predictions for 2017 - Can the Nationals and Mets stay healthy? Will the Cardinals take back the division from the World Champion Cubs? And is the West the Dodgers to lose?

Author and Sports Clairvoyant Clayton Trutor joins the RTB podcast to discuss his new book, "Overcoming Adversity: Baseball's Tony Conigliaro Award." Clayton talks about writing for SB Nation's Cincinnati Bearcats blog (0:34), the "What if?" of Tony Conigliaro and his significance to Red Sox fans (11:00), the collaborative efforts of SABR in editing the book (17:04), fan inspiration from personal struggle (24:50), hanging your hat on singular sports success (37:00), love for the WBC (42:20) and a few predictions for the 2017 Red Sox (45:18).

Episode 100 of the Running the Bases Podcast! Coach and Tucker discuss how baseball exists in the digital era: How social media can enhance the game experience, but can also distract fans from the real beauty of the ballpark. The changes in writing (and baseball writers) with the exponential growth of the "Baseball Blogger", and where baseball media goes from here? (Congratulations! We played ourselves!) Thank you to everyone who has ever listened to an RTB Podcast over 100 episodes.

Coach and Tucker debate the "Faces of Baseball" in the National League. Out of the Box: Love to the Super Bowl bound Falcons (District 5 Pride), and the baseball community mourns the loss of Yordano Ventura and Andy Marte(2:48). First to Third: The Faces of the National League(5:47), and if Bryce Harper's face is too young(20:52). The NL Central(22:38) with "Mr. Cardinal" Willie McGee(23:48), and waving the black flag in Pittsburgh(33:35). The NL West(41:34), where Buster Posey could be the Face of the National League(48:54), given how much money he saves and how he delivers babies in the clutch... Coming into Home: Coach and Tucker give reactions to the Hall of Fame Class of 2017(1:00:15), and preparing to swallow the bitter pill of Bonds and Clemens.

Revising the "Faces of MLB" debate from the 2015 ASG, Coach and Tucker pick one all-time and one for the present day of the franchises in the American League. Out of the Box: Excitement building for the 2017 WBC(1:34). First to Third: The "Face of the Franchise" in the American League East (5:35), the Central (22:42), and the West (40:45). Coming into Home: Final predictions for the Hall of Fame Class of 2017 (1:02:02).

We kick off the New Year with our annual Hall of Fame Special! Coach makes a case for Larry Walker (1:50), the softening stance on PEDs and character flaws (4:00), and the case against Trevor Hoffman (9:02). Coach casts his ballot (12:05), professional hitter Matt Stairs gets a vote (19:12), Tucker's ballot (23:28) with love for the Crime Dog (28:17) and the need for Edgar Martinez (35:50). Going First to Third, the better ballot is for "Snubbed Players" (35:49), and Coming into Home, changes to make with the HOF process (48:25).

Part 3 of our extensive breakdown of the Hot Stove Season looks at the entire National League! In the East, the Braves (0:38), Phillies (4:20), Marlins (7:22), Mets (9:42), and Nats (14:02). In the Central, Reds (19:38), Brewers (22:12), Pirates (25:00), Cards (31:15) and Cubs (36:00). Then in the West, Padres (41:25), D-Backs (44:06), Rockies (49:15), Giants (53:53) and Dodgers (58:42). Finally, a farewell to 2016, a turbulent year that produced incredible Baseball (1:06:14). See you in 2017!

Part 2 of our extensive tour of the Hot Stove league looks at the AL Central and the AL West. In the Central, is Joe Mauer the "Greatest Albatross Contract" of all time (3:00)? After Sale, are the rest of the White Sox up for grabs (5:15)? Starting pitchers may be a thing of the past (17:45), and if it's All for One Cleveland (24:50). In the West, when is there more than Trout (30:05)? The Astros as the team to watch (35:26), doing it for the King in Seattle (40:56), and every move is bigger in Texas (47:00).

We dive into our breakdown of every MLB Team in the Hot Stove Season, starting with the AL East. Out of the Box, what's missing from the new CBA (0:46), the issue of domestic violence and hazing (5:25), and debate over Bud Selig in the HOF (12:46). With the Hot Stove in full swing, we look at the chaos of the Winter Meetings (22:22), and a team-by-team breakdown of the AL East (31:14), the "Most Competitive Division in Baseball".

Tyler Boronski, young sports vlogger and reporter for the Bridgeport Bluefish, joins the podcast to talk about the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball, Big Pappi's last game in the Bronx, interviewing the "D-Train", and the joys of watching batting practice. Find his YouTube channel at https://www.youtube.com/user/Tbautos512.

Coach and Tucker reflect on the pure joy of the 2016 World Series. Awards talk and predictions on "Who Deserves to Win" vs. "Who Will Win" (5:30), the under appreciated year of Dave Roberts (16:20), and throwing the Yankees a bone (18:47). The Braves make a "BIG" free agent signing (24:17), how trades will eclipse FA signings this offseason (27:28), and if the Tigers can really move their albatross contracts (28:36). Coming into home, Coach and Tucker share their thoughts on the Presidential Election, how in times of upheaval, we can always find joy in the National Pastime (30:12). "Where have you gone, Joe DiMaggio? A nation turns its lonely eyes to you..."

Coach and Tucker discuss the sights and sounds of the 2016 World Series through 5 games, and whether "Game 6" is greater in World Series history than "Game 7."

Cubs vs. Indians... Someone has to win. Of all the World Series preview shows for this historic match-up!... This is one of them.

Coach and Tucker recap the first two weeks of the Postseason, and debate the Micro-Managing trend in October. Out of the box, farewell to the even-year reign of the Giants (4:35), the Indians slamming the cover on the Red Sox fairy tale (13:00), and the broke-down Nats (16:32). First to Third on the 6 million pitching changes (20:45), Roberts playing too close to the spreadsheet (27:00) versus Francona's expert feel for his team and the moment (31:00). Coming into Home, the strike-zone is under fire more than ever, so is it time for the Dawn of the Robot Umpires? (35:00)

Coach and I are back, and ready for the best time of year! Out of the Box, reflections from the WBC Qualifier in Brooklyn (1:00) and special praise for Team Israel! We preview the MLB Postseason, starting with the NL (10:12), with sadness about the Pirates' season (17:55). AL Preview (18:12), Papi's storybook ending, and the missing out on Trout (25:52). Coming into Home, the Cubs and the Apocalypse (38:00), proper farewells to Vin, Turner Field, and the soul of Jose Fernandez (42:23).

The Mighty Yankees have fallen on hard times. With ARod's retirement, comes the end of one of the most bizarre careers in the history of baseball. Out of the Box, love for Ichiro's 3000th hit (1:12), then the "State of the Empire" (8:42) and if the Yankees are still the "Brand of Baseball" (15:38). Who is Alex Rodriguez? Or... What was Alex Rodriguez (25:35)? When will the Empire Be Great Again (39:25)?

Our 2016 MLB Trade Deadline special! Out of the box, we give love to the new class of the Hall of Fame (4:00) and what future speech would demand seeing the induction live (10:45). We welcome the Yankees to the seller's market (12:30), the White Sox "slashing" inventory with Sale (17:30), and the Royals unloading (25:00). The Buyer's feature the Rangers (43:00), the curious Tigers situation (51:00), and if the Rockies can Roll like it's 2007 (56:00).