This Week In Baseball History

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This Week In Baseball History is a weekly podcast devoted to the history of baseball, hosted by Mike Bates and Bill Parker, the co-founders of The Platoon Advantage and writers on many fine websites.

Mike Bates and Bill Parker


    • Jun 20, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • weekly NEW EPISODES
    • 1h 13m AVG DURATION
    • 375 EPISODES

    4.3 from 222 ratings Listeners of This Week In Baseball History that love the show mention: baseball history podcast, baseball podcast, event, interesting topics, well researched, theme, known, one of my favorites, highly recommended, fascinating, game, fans, guys, past, well done, stories, great job, hosts, keep up the great work, humor.


    Ivy Insights

    The This Week In Baseball History podcast is a fantastic resource for any baseball fan interested in delving into the rich history of the sport. Hosted by Bill Parker and Mike Bates, this podcast provides insightful and well-researched episodes that cover a wide range of topics from baseball's past.

    One of the best aspects of this podcast is the depth of knowledge and research that Bill and Mike bring to each episode. They showcase their expertise on the subject matter, surprising even knowledgeable fans with their facts and details. Their passion for the game shines through as they explore various historical events and players, making it a must-listen for all baseball enthusiasts. Additionally, their love and respect for the game and its characters are evident, creating an engaging experience for listeners.

    Another great aspect is the entertaining banter between Bill and Mike. Their chemistry is evident as they navigate through each episode, adding humor to keep listeners entertained while also delivering valuable information. The hosts strike a perfect balance between being serious when necessary and injecting humor at appropriate moments.

    On the downside, some listeners have commented on certain audio distractions such as eating, drinking sounds, eructations (burping), lip smacking, etc., which can be distracting while trying to listen to the podcast. Additionally, there was feedback about the oddness of the birthday intro in one review.

    In conclusion, The This Week In Baseball History podcast is an excellent resource for anyone interested in learning more about baseball's fascinating past. Bill Parker and Mike Bates deliver informative and entertaining episodes that capture the essence of America's favorite pastime. With their deep knowledge, engaging banter, and passion for baseball history, this podcast deserves its reputation as one of the greatest baseball podcasts out there.



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    Latest episodes from This Week In Baseball History

    Episode 373 - The Big Poison Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 20, 2025 91:31


    While his nickname suggested otherwise, Paul Waner was good for whatever was ailing the Pirates for 15 of his 20 big league seasons. But 83 years ago this week, after moving on from the Bucs, Big Poison would cement his Hall of Fame legacy by becoming the seventh player to reach 3,000 career hits. Mike and Bill look back on a deserving Hall of Famer and find are surprised to find that his nickname was a misnomer on both ends. He was neither big, nor dished out more poison than he ingested. Plus, happy birthday to Sandy Alomar Jr and Brett Butler! And farewell to Chito Martinez and Tom Brown.

    Episode 372 - Don Drysdale Dominates

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 13, 2025 85:33


    Don Drysdale was one of the most intimidating pitchers to ever take a big league mound, and his career seemingly reached its peak 57 years ago this week when he broke the record for consecutive scoreless innings pitched just before having the record snapped at 58 2/3 innings. Mike and Bill look back at this icon of the 1960s and are surprised to find out, while he became an ace almost immediately, it took a few years for Big D to pick up his enduring reputation as a brushback artist. Plus, happy birthday to Van Lingle Mungo and Ken Singleton! And farewell to Tommy Helms and Marshall Edwards.

    Episode 371 - Lou Gehrig, Early Streaker

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 6, 2025 86:32


    When we think of Lou Gehrig, we usually think about one of two things: his tragic early death or his record breaking consecutive games played streak, which began this week 100 years ago. This week, we celebrate the happier of those two aspects of his life and career, looking back at the 2,130 games that made up Gehrig's incredible accomplishment. Through it, you get a sense of just how determined, exceptional, and lucky Laruppin' Lou was until the moment his luck and body gave out. Plus, happy birthday to Terry Kennedy and Johnny Mostil! And farewell to Billy Smith, Tony Blanco, Octavio Dotel and Nate Oliver.

    Episode 51 (re-run) - Eddie Grant Goes to War

    Play Episode Listen Later May 30, 2025 51:49


    Due to a personal conflict, Mike was unable to help with a new episode this week. So, in honor of Memorial Day, we are re-running a very early episode of TWIB History, in which Mike and Bill celebrate the life and career of Eddie Grant, an underappreciated Phillies, Reds, and Giants third baseman who gave his life in the Argonne Forest in the closing days of World War I. Grant's sacrifice was commemorated by the Giants 104 years ago this week with a touching memorial at the Polo Grounds, which was stolen after the Giants' final game there and disappeared from the historical record. Also happy birthday to Larry Jackson and Eric Davis.

    Episode 370 - The Red Sox Close the Doerr On Number One

    Play Episode Listen Later May 23, 2025 69:00


    Bobby Doerr is not talked about much outside of Boston these days, but was a pretty big deal back in the 1940s, when he suddenly elevated his game to become a perenial All Star and a Hall of Fame caliber player. The Red Sox recognized that 37 years ago this week, when they made him just the third player to have his number retired by the club. Mike and Bill look back on the career of this largely silent Hall of Famer, finding one of the biggest prospects of all time, a surprising and mysterious mid-career improvement, and a long legacy of not being talked about, which is probably how Doerr liked it. Plus, happy birthday to Jack Sanford and Joe Harris! And farewell to Tommie Reynolds and Rich Rollins.

    Episode 201 (Re-run) - Joe DiMaggio Goes Streaking

    Play Episode Listen Later May 16, 2025 70:24


    It's one of the most iconic records in sports, Joe DiMaggio's unbelievably improbable 56 game hitting streak, that began 84 years ago this week. With Kyle Schwarber's 47 game on-base streak now snapped, Mike and Bill thought it was appropriate to revisit the greatest streak of them all, going step by step through this incredible accomplishment and marvel at the talent and luck it took to ultimately pull it off. Plus, happy birthday to Chicken Wolf and Gentleman Jim Hickman!

    Episode 369 - The Kerry Wood Game

    Play Episode Listen Later May 9, 2025 79:49


    Sometimes it takes a while for a prospect to reach his full potential. Sometimes, all it takes is five starts. That's what happened with Kerry Wood, who not only pitched the game of his life 27 years ago this week, but possibly the greatest game anyone has ever pitched, striking out 20 Astros batters while walking zero and allowing one scratch hit. Mike and Bill look back on this game, the phenomenon Wood caused, and on his surprisingly impressive career, even though it was derailed by injuries.  Plus, happy birthday to Victor Starffin and Larry Hisle!

    Episode 368 - This Podcast Is Rated Double-X

    Play Episode Listen Later May 2, 2025 87:58


    One of the most awe-inspiring superstars of all time, Jimmie Foxx didn't start out that way, joining Connie Mack's Athletics at the age of 16. Foxx spent three years mostly ridiing the bench while he matured, during which, 100 years ago this week, he collected his first hit. Mike and Bill look back on The Beast's incredible career and sad end and find a lovable good-natured man who turned into a monster with a bat in his hands. Plus, happy birthday to Chris Carpenter and Nip Winters! And farewell to Jim Breazeale and Art Shallock.

    Episode 367 - Talking Talking To Sadaharu Oh (with special guest Michael Clair)

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 25, 2025 81:59


    Every great story begins somewhere, and the world home run king's journey to 868 career home runs began 66 years ago this week, when Sadaharu Oh hit his first career home run. To celebrate that, and the man who became a baseball god on the other side of the globe, Mike and Bill talk to MLB.com's Michael Clair. During the Tokyo Series to kick off the 2025 regular season, Michael scored a rare interview with the great Oh-san, and has lots to say about what it's like to meet a living legend. Plus, happy birthday to Mickey Morandini and Ted Easterly! And farewell to Sandy Valdespino and Frank Saucier.

    Episode 366 - Smith Realee Smashes the Saves Record

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 18, 2025 82:07


    Between the generations of three inning late game relievers like Rollie Fingers and Goose Gossage and the one inning high leverage relievers like Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman, there was Lee Smith. Smith bridged the gap between these groups, starting his career as a stopper and ending it as a closer. Along the way, 32 years ago this week, Smith set the major league record for career saves, which lasted until Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera blew past him in the 2000s. Mike and Bill look back at the life and career of one of the most intimidating pitchers of all time, and find a self-described "country boy" who stumbled into his life's calling. Plus, happy birthday to Kid Elberfeld and Hal Morris! And farewell to Scott Sauerbeck and Bobby Malkmus.

    Episode 365 - Homer Race, 2000

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 11, 2025 64:14


    The Joker famously believed that all it took to drive someone insane was one bad day. But Gordon didn't have to go through what MLB pitchers did 25 years ago this week, on April 7, 2000, when batters hit a combined 57 home runs around the league, setting a new record. Mike and Bill look back on this absolutely wild day and the players who made it so, finding significant milestones, the start and end of careers, and a whole lot of weirdness. Plus, happy birthday to Red Smith and Fred Frankhouse! And farewell to Eddie Fisher and Felipe Montemayor.

    Episode 194 (Re-run) - The Pilots Crash and Burn

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 4, 2025 80:07


    55 years ago this week, if the story is to be believed, a truck waited at a rest area in the middle of Utah, waiting to find out if it should travel west or east. In the balance hung the hopes of two cities that each wanted a big league baseball team. In Part 1 of a two part episode, Mike and Bill look at the troubled first year of the Seattle Pilots and the messy process that left them on the verge of moving to Milwaukee. Plus, happy birthday to Gary Pettis and Tommy Holmes! Part 2: Bud Selig and the Birth of the Brewers: https://thisweekinbaseballhistory.libsyn.com/episode-195-bud-selig-and-the-birth-of-the-brewers-part-2

    Episode 364 - Kiki Cuyler Catches Another Bad Break

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 28, 2025 87:17


    Continuing their recent run of outfielders who may or may not be Hall of Fame material, Mike and Bill look back this week at the life and career of "Cuy" Cuyler, on the 92nd anniversary of him breaking his leg in an exhibition. It was his second straight year missing time with a broken leg. Did that ultimately hurt the case of this early all star and World Series hero? Tune in to learn more. Plus, happy birthday to Ray Kremer and Wilson Álvarez! And farewell to Ángel Torres, Jim Todd, Rich Dauer, and Dave Van Gorder.

    Episode 41 (Re-run) - Charlie Brown Plays, and Homers, for Peanuts (with special guest Larry Granillo)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 21, 2025 46:42


    As they gear up for the start of the regular season, Mike and Bill proudly present an encore episode from the early days of the show: With all due respect to the 1899 Spiders, the worst team in baseball history was undoubtedly the one managed by Charlie Brown in Peanuts, the iconic comic strip written by Charles Schulz. And no one knows more about that team than special guest Larry Granillo (@wezen_ball), who joins Mike and Bill to discuss Peanuts, its connection to baseball, the statistics Larry calculated in his 2011 SABR presentation, and Charlie Brown's first homer, which happened 25 years before we first published this episode in 2018. Fun and whimsy!

    Episode 363 - Chucking Klein Into Cooperstown

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 14, 2025 82:39


    The parade of questionable Hall of Fame outfielders continue, as Mike and Bill celebrate Chuck Klein being elected to Cooperstown by the Veterans Committee 45 years ago this week. Klein put together some of the greatest seasons in baseball history, but in some of the weirdest contexts in baseball history, before suddenly flaming out. What happened? And did the strange conditions in which he played make his election a mistake? Like life, it's all very complicated! Plus, happy birthday to Ewell Russell and Terry Mulholland! And farewell to Don Secrist, Jeff Torborg, Tommy Brown, and Bobby Cuellar.

    Episode 362 - What's All the Hooperla About Harry?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 7, 2025 68:16


    Despite being a fine player for 17 seasons and a World Series hero three times over, Harry Hooper is one of the least discussed Hall of Famers in 2025. But 124 years ago this week, he was the only man who could replace Joe Jackson and return credibilty to the White Sox, who acquired him from Boston. On this anniversary, Mike and Bill look back on one of the best outfielders of the young American League to see what made him the man for the job. Plus, happy birthday to Jim Konstanty and Paul Konerko! And farewell to Félix Mantilla and Bob Veale.

    Episode 361 - Pinstripes and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 28, 2025 71:53


    Over more than a century, the Yankee pinstripes have perhaps become the most iconic uniform element in all of sports, instantly identifiable to fans everywhere. And 113 years ago this week, the New York then Highlanders announced they'd be wearing them for the first time. Mike and Bill looks back at the history of the uniform pinstripes, as well as the Old English D on Tigers uniforms, the Athletics' continued association with elephants as they migrated across the country, and more! Plus, happy birthday to Ray Brown and Wilbur Cooper! And farewell to Mark Bradley, Jim Lawrence, and Brian Matusz.

    Episode 360 (Supplemental) - That Missing 6th Inning

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 24, 2025 4:50


    Mike accidentally deleted his description of the 6th inning and the unappreciated efforts of Frank McCormick from this week's episode, and so re-presents it here. Apologies!

    Episode 360 - Random Game V

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 21, 2025 90:20


    With the baseball history cupboard relatively bare this week, Mike and Bill fire up the ol' randomizer, which settles on an early season Reds and Pirates game from April 24th, 1937. In the process of talking about the game, they learn about Paul Waner, Frank McCormick, pitchers who refuse to allow home runs, batters who don't strike out, Forbes Field and more! Plus, happy birthday to Logan Hensley and Wally Pipp! And farewell to Juan Jaime, Gary Sutherland, Lenny Randle and Brent Billingsley.

    Episode 359 - The Rise and Fall of the Senior Professional Baseball Association

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 75:20


    After threatening for years, Mike and Bill finally get around to the short-lived Senior Professional Baseball Assocation to celebrate the 35th anniversary of the league's only championship. How did this glorious thing come to be and why did it fail? What happened in between? Was its downfall inevitable, or could the idea actually work today? All these questions will be answered (or at least speculated about)! Plus, happy birthday to Roger Peckinpaugh and Orval Overall. And farewell to Roberto Gomez, Jack DiLauro, Ron Locke, and Wayne Simpson.

    Episode 136 (Re-run) - The Dodgers Break Up a Good Thing

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 7, 2025 71:03


    There has never been an infield that has played together longer, more often, or perhaps better than the Dodgers' incredible combination of Steve Garvey, Davey Lopes, Bill Russell, and Ron Cey, a dynamic foursome that lasted 9 years and 833 starts together. But it all came to an end 38 years ago this week, when Lopes was traded away. Mike and Bill examine the long and excellent careers of all four players, together and apart, and what ended their incredible run after they finally won their championship. 

    Episode 358 - Earle Combs Slides Into Cooperstown

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 31, 2025 90:41


    More maligned than most inductees into the Baseball Hall of Fame, Earle Combs has developed an unfair reputation over the last decade or so as one of the worst choices of the old Veteran's Committee, 55 years ago this week. Mike and Bill look back at the Kentucky schoolmaster to see whether that reputation is warranted and find a much better player than they expected. Plus, happy birthday to Charley Gelbert and Bibb Falk! And farewell to Bob Kelly, Gail Henley, Al Fitzmorris, and Rico Carty.

    Episode 357 - The Many Lives of Bob Uecker

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 24, 2025 85:35


    In 1961, Chuck Dressen told Bob Uecker that there was no place in baseball for a clown. But Uecker proved him wrong over the next 64 years, becoming a beloved backup catcher, World Champion, scout, broadcaster, actor, raconteur and, eventually, Hall of Famer. He became the very manifestation of the American Dream, the son of an immigrant and high school dropout who found success through hard work, talent, good humor, and kindness. He turned being the butt of a joke into an art form over 90 years. This week, as Mike and Bill mourn his passing, they celebrate one of the great lives and people in baseball history. Plus, happy birthday to Jon Matlack and Chick Gandil! And farewell to Don Ferrarese, Al Ferrara, Don Young and Tommy Smith.

    Episode 356 (Re-post) - The Umpire Gets The W

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 18, 2025 84:06


    Apologies for the truncated version of this episode that appeared initially. This has been rectified in this re-posting.  Bernice Gera tried exceptionally hard to become one of baseball's pioneers. And, in many ways, she succeeded when, 53 years ago this week, a court ordered the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues to hire her as the first professional female umpire in minor league history. But her story is also an indictment of the culture of baseball, as she was hounded and bullied out of the sport by the worst misogynits on and off the field after umpiring just one game. Her story is a reminder that Baseball has always resisted change, often with threats of violence, that would allow it to be more inclusive, even when that change would have no effect on the game itself.  Plus, happy birthday to Ed Sartwood and Bob Forsch! And farewell to Bud Daley, Gaylen Pitts, Rudy May, and Ray Semproch.

    Episode 31 (Re-run) - Glenn Davis Gets Dealt To Baltimore

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 9, 2025 72:35


    Apologies for the re-run. Bill's family had a medical issue this week (everyone is fine, thankfully), so we are re-releasing our 2018 episode on the fascinating Glenn Davis and the disastrous trade that Orioles made to acquire him. In the long history of trades, few have ever been so disastrous for a team than the Orioles acquisition of Glenn Davis, 34 years ago this week, for Pete Harnisch, Steve Finley, and Curt Schilling. Perhaps a good idea in theory, Davis was a rising star from a horrifying childhood whose bizarre injury issues kept scuttling any chance he had of fulfilling his promise in Baltimore. (Disclaimer: This episode contains frank discussions of child abuse and suicide.)

    Episode 355 - The Hall of Fame Ballot, 2025

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 3, 2025 85:38


    Either traveling or recovering from travel, Bill and Mike break format to run through the current Hall of Fame ballot, and each find themselves at least one vote short to accomodate all the deserving candidates. But will the agree on who those deserving candidates are?

    Episode 98 (Re-Run) - Rickey Becomes the Greatest

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 25, 2024 68:39


    In memory of his passing and in celebration of what would have been his 66th birthday, please enjoy this re-release of our episode focusing on the great Rickey Henderson:  One of the most dynamic players of all time, Rickey Henderson still has many fans polarized. But everyone seems to agree that he was the best leadoff man and base stealer in baseball history. And, it was 28 years ago this week that he cemented those titles with his 939th career steal, breaking Lou Brock's all time record. Mike and Bill dig into Rickey's past and his path to becoming, in his words, "The Greatest," as well as his excellent and unexpectedly extended denouement. Plus, happy birthday to Phil Garner and Jeff Reboulet!

    Episode 80 (Re-run) - The Red Sox Let Fred Lynn and Carlton Fisk Slip Away

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2024 58:55


    Free agency doesn't seem that complicated, but 44 years ago this week, the Boston Red Sox made a colossal error, accidentally non-tendering two of their biggest stars, Fred Lynn and Carlton Fisk. Mike and Bill trace the careers of two of the 1970s and 1980s best players, find out what went so wrong at the end of 1980, and sort through the fallout of one of baseball's biggest blunders. Plus, happy birthday to Andy Van Slyke and Moose Skowron.

    Episode 354 - One Random Game IV

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 13, 2024 73:13


    With the holidays on the horizon, Mike and Bill were feeling a little scrambled and decided, rather than focus on one prominent player or incident, they'd just pick a game at random and talk about it. They landed in Montreal on August 19th, 1974, as the Padres took on the Expos. In addition to an exciting back and forth game, they talk about Parc Jarry, Willie Davis, Ron Hunt, the Chuck Taylor All Stars and more! Plus, happy birthday to Jimmy "Pepper' Austin and Ernest "Spoon" Carter!

    Episode 353 - Luis Aparicio Changes His Sox

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 6, 2024 78:47


    Understandably underappreciated due to his complete inability to hit, Luis Aparicio fell into disfavor amongst new fans in the 21st century. But, on the 54th anniversary of his trade from the White Sox to the Red Sox, Mike and Bill discover that there was far more to Aparicio's game than meets the eye, including some of the best defense of all time and the blinding speed that brought the stolen base back to baseball after years of dormancy. Plus, happy birthday to Cookie Lavagetto and Gary Ward. And farewell to Bob Speake and Ozzie Virgil Sr.

    Episode 352 - Crowning Prince Hal

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 29, 2024 69:04


    The first thing most people think about when they think about Hal Newhouser is World War II. That's ironic, given that he was not allowed to serve. But his dominance during the war years led to the longstanding belief that he was some kind of mirage, created by the lack of talent in the American League in those years. But, as Mike and Bill found out as they traced his career on the 80th anniversary of winning his first of consecutive MVP awards, that's not remotely the whole story, as  Newhouser remained a dominant and Hall of Fame caliber pitcher for several years after everyone came home.  Plus, happy birthday to Billy Rogell and George Burns. And farewell to John Baumgartner and Joey Jay.

    Episode 351 - The Red Sox Peel Rice Off

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 92:11


    When he was elected to the Hall of Fame, he was touted as the most feared hitter of his era. But by the time the Red Sox released him 35 years ago, Rice was looking old before his time, hobbled from various injuries and poor eyesight. On the anniversary of the end of his career, Mike and Bill look back at a controversial Hall of Fame choice to figure out what all the fuss was actually about. Plus, happy birthday to Mitch Williams and Roosevelt Harris! And farewell to Doug Bird, Harry Chappas, Minnie Mendoza and Ed Kranepool.

    Episode 350 - The American League Tries to Ban Johnson

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 9, 2024 70:53


    Prior to Babe Ruth and Judge Landis, perhaps no person was as synonymous with baseball as Ban Johnson, the visionary who founded the American League, outfought the National League, and ran the National Baseball Commission until the Black Sox scandal. But his tenure was not always a smooth one, and he was not well liked. So much so that 104 years ago this week, the Yankees, Red Sox, and White Sox all tried to abandon the AL and form a super Senior Circuit with the NL teams. While that plan was thwarted, it signalled the beginning of the end for Johnson's reign, which Mike and Bill look back at this week. Plus, happy birthday to Tommy Leach and Jim McCormick! And farewell to Bob Blaylock and Wayne Graham.

    Episode 123 (Rerun) Buzzie Bavasi's New Job (with special guest Bob Bavasi)

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 1, 2024 87:55


    Few men in baseball have been as universally beloved as Buzzie Bavasi, who took over the Dodgers front office 69 years ago this week. Joining Mike and Bill to discuss Buzzie's life and 45 year career is his son, Bob Bavasi of Japanball.com. Plus, happy birthday to Brad Radke and Mickey Rivers!

    Episode 349 - The Red Sox Quit Cursing

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 26, 2024 99:14


    The Red Sox's World Series road always seems, one way or another to run through New York. And most of the time, the Yankees have proven an effective road block. It certainly seemed that way 20 years ago this week, until the Sox complete the most improbable comeback in baseball history, toppling the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS and their way to their first championship in 86 years. Mike and Bill look back at a historic team and its historic run for glory that is stiil so vivid in their memories. Plus, happy birthday to Juan González and Vern Stephens!

    Episode 226 (Rerun) - Fernandomania!

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 23, 2024 94:40


    Just 20 years old, Fernando Valenzuela took the world by storm in 1981, becoming an international superstar and spawning a phenomenon with his screwball. And 40 years ago this week, Fernandomania culminated in both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards, the only time a player has won both in the same season. Mike and Bill look back at that amazing season and Fernando's long subsequent career. Plus, happy birthday to Dick Stuart and Adam Dunn!

    Episode 121 Rerun - The Mets Are Finally Amazin'

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 18, 2024 64:30


    It was only seven years before the Mets won their first championship, but it must have seemed like 70, as they struggled to not to lose 100 games every year. But 50 years ago this week, they finally did, finishing off a miracle season by felling the mighty Orioles in five games. Mike and Bill go through the early history of the Mets and their amazin' championship season. Plus, happy birthday to Eddie Yost and Al Brazle!

    Episode 348 - The Senators Win One For Once And For All

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 11, 2024 89:56


    The Washington Senators' history has been virtually abandoned by major league teams, so you'd be forgiven if you didn't know that 100 years ago this week, thanks to a heroic effort by the great Walter Johnson, the Senators won their only World Series. Mike and Bill look back at this surprising championship club, the opposing and heavily favored New York Giants, and the Series that pitted them against one another. Plus, happy birthday to Alfredo Griffin and Ping Bodie! And farewell to Don Wert and Pete Daley.

    Episode 347 - Rose's Final Petal Falls

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 4, 2024 86:15


    The proverbial "they" say that any hero who lives long enough sees himself become a villain.  While that may or may not be true, no baseball player fully inhabited both roles as thoroughly as Pete Rose, whose death this week at the age of 83 marks the end of a turbulent life. Rose found himself at the top of the sporting world over and over, but his personal demons and abhorent conduct off the field left hiim permanently banned from the game and reviled by many. In recognition of his accoomplishments and his place in baseball history, Mike and Bill look back at Charlie Hustle's life and career, warts and all. Plus, happy birthday to Harry Steinfeldt and Earl Wilson! And farewell to Jim Brady and Mike Cubbage.

    Episode 346 - Joe Jackson, Who Almost Always Wore Shoes (with Dan Wallach)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 27, 2024 128:23


    Despite his career ending in ignomy 104 years ago this week, Joe Jackson remains a larger than life figure iin baseball and in American culture. But so much of how we picture Jackson is wrong, says former executive director of the Shoeless Joe Museum Dan Wallach (@shoelesspodcast). We talk with Dan about the man behind the myth and why it persists. Plus, happy birthday to Bernard Gilkey and Urban Shocker! And farewell to Jim Umbarger and Doug Creek.

    Episode 345 - Wade Boggs Is A Hitmaker

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 20, 2024 79:20


    The best hiitter of the 1980s is, beyond a doubt, either Tony Gwynn or Wade Boggs, two remarkably diifferent people and players who, nonetheless, both slashed singles and doubles all over every park they played in. Boggs, though, added tremendous patience to his game, making it remarkable that he was able collect his 200th hit for the sixth year in a row 36 years ago this week when he was also walking 100 times a year. On the anniversary of this impressive accomplishment, and in the wake of the news that Boggs is battling prostate cancer, Mike and Bill look back at the singular career of one of baseball's best third basemen. Plus, happy birthday to Mickey Tettleton and George Uhle! And farewell to Mike Ferraro, Gary Dotter, Reyes Moronta, and Denny Lemaster.

    Episode 344 - You Can't Keep A Good Woman Out (with special guest Melissa Ludtke)

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 13, 2024 122:46


    There are no reporters more integral to the actual history of how baseball is covered today than Melissa Ludtke (@MelissaLudtke on social media). Ludtke's brave fight against Bowie Kuhn and major league baseball opened clubhoouses to all reporters, regardless of gender, and made it possible for women to cover the game every day. Her new book, Locker Room Talk: A Woman's Struggle To Get Inside, chronicles how this crucial fight was won and its repercussions across sports, popular culture, and Ludtke's personal life. It's a great conversation with a true pioneer, whose heroism and sacrifice made today's media landscape possible. Plus, happy birthday to Ken Forsch and Roger Maris! And farewell to Nelson Chittum, Mel Held, Bob Chlupsa, and Jerry Walker.

    journalism roger maris good woman sportswriting melissa ludtke bowie kuhn ludtke
    Episode 166 (Re-run) - No-Nos No More!

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2024 74:56


    When is a no-hitter not a no-hitter? When Fay Vincent decided, 36 years ago this week, that it shouldn't be. Specifically, he decreed that any no-hitters shorter than nine full innings or that was broken up after the ninth no longer counted, consigning 50 no-hitters to the dustbin of history. That's where Mike and Bill found them in this re-run from 2020, polished them up, and presented them for your enjoyment. Plus, happy birthday to Tug McGraw and Ed Konetchy!

    Episode 343 - The Life and Legacy of Billy Bean

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 30, 2024 82:31


    While they were away, baseball lost one of its most important and irreplaceable figures, Billy Bean, the second former MLB player to come out as gay. Mike and Bill look back at the Bean's short career, his struggle to accept his sexuality and keep it private, his decision to come out and what has (and hasn't) happened since. Plus, happy birthday to Oddibe McDowell and Tony González! And farewell to Danny Fife, Jimmy Hurst, Mike Brumley, and Hank Allen.

    Episode 342 - Who's the Fastest? (with special guest Adam Darowski)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 23, 2024 116:24


    There are a number of unanswerable questions in baseball history, but none truly tantalizes like the question of which pitcher was the fastest of all time. So this week, on the 78th anniversary of Bob Feller setting a new record for recorded pitch speed AND the 50th anniversary of Nolan Ryan doing the same, Mike and Bill break a record of their own, turning in their longest episode yet, looking back at the various attempts to figure out exactly who was the fastest before we had radar guns to spoil all the fun. And they even rope in Sports Reference guru Adam Darowski (@baseballtwit) to help them. Plus, happy birthday to Wild Bill Hallahan and Max Lanier!

    Episode 11 Rerun - Mashi Murakami Mania! (with special guest Rob Fitts)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 16, 2024 68:15


    Major League Baseball, like America, is at its best when it's diverse and reflective of the countries that play the game. So this week, 59 years after the anniversary of Masahiro Murakami Day at Candlestick Park, Mike and Bill, along with special guest and Murakami biographer Rob Fitts (robfitts.com), remember the first player of Japanese descent to play in the Big Leagues. Mashi's career took him from Japan to Phoenix to Fresno and San Francisco before finally returning to Japan in 1966. Along the way they discuss how the 20 year old came to be a Giant, why he was exactly what the club and San Francisco needed in 1964 and 1965, why he went back to his homeland, and why it took 30 years for another Japanese player to play in the Majors.

    Episode 341 - Ott's Got A Lot (Of Home Runs)

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 2, 2024 73:07


    Why is Mel Ott such an enigma? For all of his accomplishments, we really know very little about the stocky little right fielder who made hittiing at the Polo Grounds an art. So, on the 79th anniversary of his 500th homer, Mike and Bill go looking for the best hitter no one talks about today. Plus, happy birthday to Freddie Fitzsimmons and Larry Doyle! And farewell to Hank Foiles and John Upham.

    Episode 340 - The Hall's Molitor

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 26, 2024 84:43


    In honor of Joe Mauer going into the Hall of Fame, Mike and Bill look back at another Minnesotan who was inducted 20 years ago this week, the great Paul Molitor. The fellas look back at his career's rough start, the injury problems and personal demons that almost sunk him, and the late career, DH-fueled revival that ultimatel paved his path to the Hall.  Plus, happy birthday to patron request Dave Stieb and Moe Drabowsky!

    Episode 7 (Re-run) - The Black Sox Go To Trial (with Jacob Pomrenke)

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 19, 2024 49:36


    With Mike out on vacation and the annual SABR convention just on the horizon, it's a great time to revisit one of our earliest episodes with our favorite person from SABR, Jacob Pomrenke (@buckweaver), on the 103rd anniversary of the start of the Black Sox trial. 

    Episode 339 - One Random Game III

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 12, 2024 93:49


    After a couple of bummer weeks, Mike and Bill decided to dust off a favorite old gimmick and pick a random game to write about from this week in baseball history. The random number generator hit on the Royals vs. the Blue Jays from July 12th, 1987. Learn about weirdos like Garth Iorg, Jeff Musselman, Lloyd Moseby, Bud Black and more.  Plus, happy birthday to Willie Wilson! It is also Chuck Knoblauch's birthday. And farewell to Bill Murphy and Cuno Barragan.

    Episode 338 - The Life and Times of Orlando Cepeda

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 5, 2024 88:35


    With sadness, Mike and Bill reflect on the career and impact of the second Giant legend to leave us in the last two weeks. Orlando Cepeda was a tremendous slugger and a Puerto Rican pioneer in Major League Baseball, who built on his legendary father's career, destroyed his reputation after his career ended, then rebuilt it. Plus, happy birthday to Greg Vaughn and Ed Rile! And farewell to Buzz Stephen, Joe Shipley, Sean Burroughs, and Tom Tischinski.

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