The Hall of Very Good Podcast

Filmmaker Jeremy Newberger joins the boys to talk about his new documentary “Heading Home: The Tale of Team Israel”, details covering the World Baseball Classic and why he and his partners decided to follow the team, describes the fear of being in Israel during a terror attack and helps Shawn and Lou crack the code on what “Arrow”, “Lost” and “The Walking Dead” have in common. Episode originally aired February 9, 2018.

Renowned watercolorist (and fellow member of the Graig Kreindler Appreciation Society!) Kenneth Gatewood joins the boys to talk about getting his start painting Los Angeles storefronts and billboards, partying with Magic Johnson and Lawrence Taylor, impressing the legendary Muhammad Ali and, yeah, the elephant in the room…those iconic and precious Baby Sports.

Savannah Bananas catcher Bill LeRoy joins the boys to talk about his journey from Dublin, Georgia, to BananaLand, playing alongside and catching World Series champions (and Boston Red Sox Hall of Famer Bill Lee!), his excitement for the upcoming Banana Ball World Tour and reveals what he knows (and doesn't know) about “the book”.

John Fitzgerald, founder of the Irish American Baseball Society, joins the boys to talk about how the organization came about, shares his vision for the IABS, provides an update on the Irish American Baseball Hall of Fame and gives an overall education on baseball on the Emerald Isle.

2022 women's cheese rolling world champion Abby Lampe joins the boys to talk about how she went from NC State to historic Cooper's Hill in Gloucestershire, England, for the annual Cheese Rolling Championship, how she got interested in the sport, her training regimen and whether or not she'd do it again. Buy the exclusive 2022 Abby Lampe Cheese Rolling Champion t-shirt!

Fresh on the heels of announcing the results of the 2023 BBWAA election, Hall of Fame president Josh Rawitch joins the boys to talk about the pending inductions of Fred McGriff and (fellow Hoosier!) Scott Rolen, details what day-to-day life in Cooperstown is like, shares some of the mail he receives and looks ahead to the Savannah Bananas coming to town.

Jay Jaffe, author of The Cooperstown Casebook and senior writer at FanGraphs, joins the boys (for the fifth time!) to break down the 2023 Hall of Fame ballot, explains why Scott Rolen WASN'T a no-brainer to be elected, discusses the (notso) curious case of Omar Vizquel, reveals his next “cause” and looks ahead to the Class of 2024 and beyond!

Award-winning reporter Tom Rinaldi joins the boys to talk about documenting the life (and death) of Lyman Bostock via his podcast “Wesley”, telling the crazy life story of wrestling legend Ric Flair and that insane ten-day stretch back in November when he covered the World Cup, NFL and college football's biggest rivalry for FOX Sports.

To celebrate the 25th anniversary of the night (January 18, 1998) he showed up in the Royal Rumble THREE TIMES...hardcore wrestling legend and New York Times bestselling author Mick Foley joins the boys to talk about his lifelong love affair with the New York Yankees, that time he met his idol Thurman Munson, going from the WiffleBall diamond to becoming a professional wrestling Hall of Famer and picks which players from his childhood best mirror the iconic “Three Faces of Foley”. Episode originally aired September 20, 2020.

T. Sean Shannon, creator of Baseball Card Theater (and SNL's Bear City!), joins the boys to talk about his lifelong obsession with bear suits and Boog Powell, hanging out with the legendary Fred Willard, one of the nicest hosts he worked with while with “Saturday Night Live” and that time he chatted up Neil Young.

Fred McGriff supercollector Kenny Hillyard joins the boys to talk about how a diehard St. Louis Cardinals fan, born and raised in Texas, amasses a collection of more than 47,000 items dedicated to the “Crime Dog” (and the time it was stolen), shares what “Mrs. McGriff Collector” thinks of his obsession and whether or not they'll be in Cooperstown this July to see Fred get inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame.

To celebrate being the most listened to episode of 2022, Phil Hecken, deputy editor of Uni Watch, takes a break from “throwing stones” to join the boys for an "agenda-free" episode of the podcast, answers listener tweets, explains why 125 Grateful Dead shows isn't too many and shares his least favorite thing about close friend Graig Kreindler. Episode originally aired February 15, 2022.

Just in time for Christmas, St. Nick's favorite former Major Leaguer, Steve Christmas, joins the boys to talk about living with such a festive last name, playing behind Hall of Fame catchers Johnny Bench and Carlton Fisk, how Tom Seaver got him traded and sharing a locker next to another future Hall of Famer...Lee Smith. Episode originally aired December 22, 2017.

Jay Caldwell and Graig Kreindler, author and artist behind Black Baseball in Livng Color, join the boys to talk about what prompted them to team up again and why they chose the stories they did to best represent the history of the Negro Leagues, share an update on Jay's awesome collection and…more listener questions for Graig!

Author and former Major League Baseball executive Rick Vaughn joins the boys to talk about his new book, 100 Years of Baseball on St. Petersburg's Waterfront, the fabled history of Al Lang Stadium (including who brought the biggest crowd to the park), Babe Ruth's connection to Florida's Gulf coast, the sad history of Boardwalk and Baseball and, of course, an update on the infamous F*ckFace bat.

WWE superstar Bobby Lashley joins the boys to preview Survivor Series WarGames, the importance of good entrance music, growing up a Kansas City Royals fan, that time he called out Marcus Stroman on Twitter and how long the pitcher could last in the ring with him.

Vanessa Ivy Rose, granddaughter of Negro Leagues legend (and five-time Hall of Famer) Turkey Stearnes, joins the boys to share some of her favorite stories of her grandfather, her efforts to preserve his legacy, how he got his unique nickname and what his family call him.

Just in time to celebrate her brother Glenn's 70th birthday, Lutha Davis joins the boys to talk about Burke family traditions, being part of Pride Night at Dodgers Stadium, celebrating Dusty Baker's recent World Series win and what we can do to keep her brother's legacy alive.

Former Los Angeles Dodgers (and current Anaheim Ducks) organist Lindsay Imber joins the boys to talk about how she got her start in music, the difference between working baseball and hockey games, who she patterns her style after, her side gig critiquing umpires and whether or not Angel Hernandez is as bad as everyone thinks.

Four-time World Series champion (and Grammy-nominated musician) Bernie Williams joins the boys to talk about whether he considers himself a baseball player who plays guitar or a guitar player who played baseball, that time he surprised Derek Jeter and what he's doing to bring awareness to interstitial lung disease. For more information on ILD, please visit TuneInToLungHealth.com.

For the fifth time, New York Times bestselling author Jeff Pearlman joins the boys to talk about his new book, The Last Folk Hero: The Life and Myth of Bo Jackson, how the pandemic changed the writing process (and whether or not two-sport star offered any assistance), the stories that didn't make the cut and, of course, Tecmo Bowl.

“McCovey Cove Dave” Edlund joins the boys to talk about how he got his start and what all goes into becoming baseball's premier amphibious ballhawk, chasing Barry Bonds' Oracle Park records, his plan for if (when?) he catches the San Francisco Giants' 100th “splash hit” and reveals whether or not he's peed in his wetsuit.

Cherelle “Torch” George and Rock “Wham” Middleton from the Harlem Globetrotters join the boys to talk about their new Saturday morning television show, what shows they probably shouldn't appear on and why one of them should take the mound for the Savannah Bananas.

World Series-winning skipper Joe Maddon joins the boys to talk about Major League Baseball's short attention span (and its inability to market their stars), reveals whether or not he'd consider managing the Savannah Bananas, gives some tips on how to break other curses and, of course, previews his new book, The Book of Joe.

Tom Seaver superfan Stuart Rosenthal joins the boys to talk about the similarities between him and podcast legend Jeff Katz, his chance meetings with his favorite baseball player of all-time, that time he got cursed out by Hall of Famer Warren Spahn and gets Shawn and Lou spill the beans on some of their favorite guests!

After explaining what a sod poodle is, identical twins Chris and Stefan Caray  join the boys to talk about how they ended up joining the family business working in Armarillo as baseball's first fourth-generation broadcasters, how they decide who does what in the booth and share who they think does the best impression of great-grandpa Harry.

Former All-American Girls Professional Baseball League pitcher Maybelle Blair returns to talk to the boys about “A League of Their Own” on Amazon Prime, shares her thoughts on the show's cast, reveals what prompted her to come out and gives an update on the IWBC's efforts to turn Rockford, Illinois, the “cradle of women's baseball”.

Writer, director and producer Will Graham joins the boys to talk about the journey (and decision) to bring “A League of Their Own” back via Amazon Prime, shares the response from those associated with the 1992 classic film, explains the desire to tell the stories that hadn't been told yet and why it was important to get Rockford right.

Dakota”Stilts” Albritton, pitcher and outfielder for the Savannah Bananas, joins the boys to talk about his tryout with the team, playing for former big leaguer Eric Byrnes, who reached out to him after getting his first hit (on national television!) and, of course, the most difficult thing to do while on stilts.

Two-time World Series champion and three-time All-Star Manny Sanguillén joins the boys to talk about how he went from playing baseball in the streets of Panama to being the beloved face of a BBQ restaurant in Pittsburgh, shares what it was like being part of Major League Baseball's first all-black and Latino lineup, recalls his favorite moment as a big leaguer and, of course, fondly remembers his close relationships with both Dock Ellis and Roberto Clemente. Episode originally aired January 1, 2019

Justin Schultz, author of 91 Since ‘91, joins the boys to talk about what prompted him to write a book about the greatest baseball players of his lifetime (and why the list is 91 long instead of, say, 100), how he determined who was included, the biggest surprises and snubs and looks back at his time working alongside Lou at Reviewing the Brew.   

Darren Garnick, founder of Cards for the DR, joins the boys to talk about what prompted him to collect and distribute baseball cards to the youth of the Dominican Republic, how people have responded to his charitable crusade (and how you can get involved!), his love of “Batman '66”, globetrotting with a stuff Dino and makes his case for Carney Lansford to be inducted into The Hall of Very Good.

Legendary sports branding expert Todd Radom joins the boys to talk answer listener questions, introduces us to the Wichita Turbo Tubs, recalls tailgating at Milwaukee County Stadium (and “Midwest nice”) and sings the praises of Frank Pepe and his delicious pizza.

For the ninth time, America's sweetheart Jeff Katz joins the boys to talk about Hall of Fame Induction Weekend and Bud Fowler's connection to Cooperstown, why MLB should bring a regular season game to Doubleday Field, attempts to (kinda) humanize Rob Manfred and reveals a deep, dark secret about his extensive record collection.

From podcast fan to friend, Micah Blunt joins the boys to talk about spending time at the Hall of Fame, planning his next trip to Cooperstown, hanging out at the airport with Randy Johnson, that time the Seattle Mariners honored his lifelong dedication to the team and then, for some reason, turns the tables and asks Shawn and Lou some questions.

On the eve of the 2022 induction ceremony, Josh Rawitch joins the boys to talk about his first year on the job as president of the Hall of Fame, his daily “pinch me” moments, golfing with Bob Kendrick from the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum and what he and his team are looking for during All-Star Weekend in Los Angeles.

Dan Wallach from "My Baseball History" podcast (and, formerly, the Shoeless Joe Jackson Museum) joins the boys to talk about what's next for him personally, the current pains of being a Chicago White Sox fan, way too much "Jurassic Park" conversation and why it's a bad summer for dinosaurs.

“Clerks” star Brian O'Halloran joins the boys to talk about that other Brian O'Halloran in Boston, his admiration of the legendary George Carlin, how he ended up working with director Kevin Smith (and the upcoming “Clerks 3”), “spitting bars” with fellow View Askewniverse mainstay Jeff Anderson and getting the band back together at Fan Expo.

University of Rochester catcher (and glass-ceiling breaker) Beth Greenwood joins the boys to talk about her involvement with the Amazon Prime series "A League of Their Own", hanging out with AAGPBL living legend Maybelle Blair, remembers when she first gave the system the middle finger and reveils her new gig with the Philadelphia Phillies.

To help celebrate the 30th anniversary of "A League of Their Own", actress and activist Tracy Reiner joins the boys to talk about how she landed the role of Betty "Spaghetti" Horn (spoiler alert...it's not how you think), what it was like working on the set of "Die Hard", reminisces about the impact Carrie Fisher had on her life and, of course, shares what life is like growing up in "the circus". This episode originally aired April 28, 2017.

To help celebrate the 30th anniversary of "A League of Their Own", Chris Bolan, the director of “A Secret Love”, joins the boys to talk about how he got the inspiration to record the lives of his great-aunt (former AAGPBL catcher Terry Donahue) and her longtime girlfriend for his Netflix documentary, the unlikely place he found most of the archival footage and pictures he'd end up using, the response he's received from the LGBTQ community and, most importantly, gives an update on the fantastic Pat Henschel. This episode originally aired May 18, 2020.

To help celebrate the 30th anniversary of "A League of Their Own", filmmaker Kelly Candaele joins the boys to talk about his mother, former AAGPBL player Helen Callaghan, how his PBS documentary about the professional women's baseball league led to a call from Penny Marshall's “people” and shares his thoughts on the upcoming Amazon series. This episode originally aired December 1, 2020.  

To help celebrate the 30th anniversary of "A League of Their Own", former pitcher Maybelle Blair joins the boys to talk about her time in the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League and how she got started on the diamond, her quest to preserve the AAGPBL in Rockford, Illinois, why she had to hide her sexuality and shares who her favorite current Major Leaguer is. Oh, and Lou volunteers Shawn to do manual labor. Jerk. This episode originally aired March 2, 2018.

"Facing Nolan" director Bradley Jackson joins the boys to talk about landing his dream gig, working with (and the praise he received from) the Ryan family, shares his favorite interviews and the interview he wishes he would have secured and, naturally, what was left on the proverbial cutting room floor.

Anonymous card artist PardeeStreetBetts joins the boys to talk about his love of Topps Project 70 baseball cards (and, in particular, that certain Mookie Betts card), whether or not he has heard from either Topps or Alex Pardee and, naturally, why he does what he does…and does his spouse approve.

Umpire-turned-author Dale Scott joins the boys to talk about his new book The Umpire is Out, shares the original (and rejected!) title and who would play him in a movie version, recalls the strangest questions he's been asked while promoting his book and recalls that time he received a death threat for simply doing his job. SPOILER ALERT…it possibly (probably?) involves Billy Martin.

Andre Gaines, director of “After Jackie”, joins the boys to talk about his upcoming documentary and how he got involved, separates the Jackie Robinson fact from Jackie Robinson fiction, makes the Hall of Fame case for Bill White and explains how the efforts of the late-Curt Flood directly led to LeBron James making his historic “decision”.

Meat Puppets drummer Derrick Bostrom joins the boys to talk about why baseball is the best sport, fondly remembers those early-to-mid-80s New York Mets (and that time he put his father in his place during the 1986 World Series!) and politely listens to Shawn go on and on about traveling uphill both ways through an ice storm to see him perform.

Matthew Mutton, host of British Baseball Podcast, joins the boys to talk about his favorite Topps Project70 artists, the difficulties of collecting baseball cards outside of the United States, why he collects what he collects and what does and doesn't belong in his Beindler.

Just in time to celebrate the 75th anniversary of Jackie Robinson's debut, author and baseball historian Ralph Carhart joins the boys to talk about 42's best (and worst) big screen portrayals, shares what it was like to interview Jackie's daughter Sharon and, along with Lou, becomes a voluntary spokesperson for the Ireland Board of Tourism. Check out the new SABR book Not an Easy Tale to Tell: Jackie Robinson on the Page, Stage, and Screen!

Former Rockford Peach Shirley Burkovich passed away March 31, 2022. In November 2019, “Hustle” joined the boys to talk about getting her start in the AAGPBL, how she got her nickname, if she saved anything from her playing days, the status of the International Women's Baseball Center and, of course, “A League of Their Own”. Episode originally aired November 19, 2019.