Podcasts about Baseball Prospectus

A wide-ranging journey inspired by the impulse-control problems of a 1950s catcher that provked,  depending on Billy Martin's mood, two, no three, no four on-field fights, with pints of blood flowing onto the infield dirt. Some of it is true, some of it is better. Also, said catcher gets up close and personal with parts of Whitey Ford's anatomy you've never before considered, and the host provides a few thoughts on current events.   The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?

In this week's new discussion, the story of a Yankees prospect who might have made it if not for a certain United Nations police action overseas. Then we return to 2017 for a look back at one of the show's earliest episodes and what was happening in the game on the days the United States went to war. Gee, I wonder what brough that one to mind? The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out? 

Are the Phillies really considering signing Bo Bichette to a free agent contract? And can new bench coach Don Mattingly help bring him to Philly? Probably not, but John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher of SABR's Baseball Research Journal discuss all that on Episode 1039 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, plus J.T. Realmuto's continued absence, Japanese players going elsewhere, and the slew of free agents that remain on the market!

In our second and last holiday mini-episode of the season, we wonder how a sore-armed Yankees pitcher went on a crash diet, then turn to Kid Gleason, manager of the 1919 Chicago White Sox, for a little lesson resilience. Featuring a baserunning tale that isn't true, but it ought to be.(Drum Roll Please.wav by Scheffler) The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?

The waiver wire may have been quiet, but there's no shortage of Phillies items to hit on a new Hittin' Season, hosted by The Good Phight's John Stolnis and Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus. What about Bryce Harper wearing a Not Elite T-shirt? Does Dave Dombrowski give the Phillies an edge over other GMs? And does the Phils outfield have a chance to be the worst in baseball? Surely not! Also, when is J.T. Realmuto going to sign?

Infinite Inning 357 Angels Up the Where? and Baseball True Love In a holiday mini-episode we talk about secular vs. religious holidays in America, the films of Powell and Pressburger, and the faith-based baseball comedy (in which it's the nuns who object most strongly to seeing a manifestation of the divine) “Angels in the Outfield” (1951). (Drum Roll Please.wav by Scheffler) The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?

Ben Lindbergh, Craig Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus, and Joe Sheehan of The Joe Sheehan Baseball Newsletter break down teams’ last-minute Christmas shopping—including the White Sox signing Munetaka Murakami, the Padres signing Michael King and Sung Mun Song, the Orioles trading for Shane Baz, the Red Sox trading for Willson Contreras, a three-team trade involving the Pirates, Rays, and Astros, Jeff McNeil and Matt Strahm swaps, and the Yankees’ hibernation—plus banter about the quasi-retirement of Craig’s nemesis, Joe Kelly, the future of NPB, a report about Emmanuel Clase’s mid-game phone use, and supporting independent media. Then (1:11:40) they conduct an in-depth debate about the respective merits of human umpiring, the challenge system, and full ABS. Audio intro: Harold Walker, “Effectively Wild Theme” Audio outro: Tom Rhoads, “Effectively Wild Theme” Link to Kelly’s podcast Link to Dubuque on the challenge system Link to Craig on the challenge system Link to Joe on the challenge system Link to previous podcast discussion Link to Seitz decision wiki Link to Joe on the Seitz decision Link to Baumann on Murakami Link to Rosenblum on Murakami Link to Longenhagen on Murakami Link to Craig on Murakami Link to Sarris on Murakami Link to Ben on Murakami in 2022 Link to Sato story Link to FG post on King Link to FG post on Song Link to FG post on Baz Link to Craig on Baz Link to team SP projections Link to Joe on three-team trade Link to FG post on three-team trade Link to FG post on Contreras Link to FG post on Strahm Link to Strahm’s beer stance Link to Bowlan info Link to FG post on McNeil Link to Lindor/McNeil drama Link to Clase report Link to Craig on the K-Zone Link to Tango on challenge tactics Link to Five and Dive Link to subscribe to BP Link to subscribe to Joe Link to MLBTR on O’Hearn Link to Posnanski MVP post Link to A’s ballpark update Link to Rian Johnson post Sponsor Us on Patreon Give a Gift Subscription Email Us: podcast@fangraphs.com Effectively Wild Subreddit Effectively Wild Wiki Apple Podcasts Feed Spotify Feed YouTube Playlist Facebook Group Bluesky Account Twitter Account Get Our Merch! var SERVER_DATA = Object.assign(SERVER_DATA || {}); Source

Eli Walsh joins me to talk about Baseball Prospectus' Giants' prospect rankings which just dropped last Friday. We get into a few mano á mano debates in the system — including Bryce Eldridge vs Josuar Gonzalez at the very top — and talk outfielders, shortstops, and a lot about left-handed pitching. Enjoy our final podcast of the year!There R Giants is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rogermunter.substack.com/subscribe

Infinite Inning 356 Did a Hall of Fame Manager Break Three Prospects? A long-promised Casey Stengel episode asks why the press reacted badly when the Ol' Perfesser was named Yankees manager in the fall of 1948, and what it had to do with three busted Braves prospects. And with Venezuela on our minds we recall a recent outfielder who viewed the wall and a dog who feared the hand, perhaps for similar reasons.The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?

In this week's new commentary, we wonder how major league strikeout leader James Wood can reduce his strikeouts by 600 percent in 2026. Then we return to early 2008 for a look at some deleterious, franchise-damaging or -destroying decisions, including a regrettable early mistake in free agency and Connie Mack's decision to run his team like it was the 1910s even though almost 40 years had passed. The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out? 

For episode 74 of Staffcast, Tom and Richard are joined by Baseball Prospectus' Jeffrey Paternostro and Jarrett Seidler to talk about Jeff Epstein, the longest production cars, Italian convertibles, nostalgia bait, Brigham Yum, ranking presidential deaths, White House poop water, fan mail, Baseball Card Guys, getting drafted, and the most talked-about Mets transaction of the offseason.Listen to ⁠For All You Kids Out There⁠!Follow your incredibly cool hosts and guest:⁠⁠Jeffrey Paternostro⁠Jarrett Seidler⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Sean Doolittle⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Trevor Hildenberger⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Richard Staff⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Tom Hackimer⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Episode art by Abigail Noy (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠sympatheticinker.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)Edited by Italian Dave (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠twitter.com/theitaliandave⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)

Pete Alonso's exit from New York triggers an exploration of an earlier first baseman who was not only dispensable, but mocked for the very fact of his aging. Expect more John McGraw shouting, Deadball Era statistics, and four separate tragic endings for people named McGann, three of them in the same family. As for the one non-baseball McGann who chose a dark path, his isn't a baseball story, but an American one. TRIGGER WARNING: This episode contains extensive discussions of self-harm. The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?

Infinite Inning Reissue 025 (077) The Death of Addie Joss Explained and Old-Time Cheating Too In this week's new segment, we talk about some fringe major leaguers named Truck and Hunky who were big in the minors and ask what degree of bitterness and resentment is acceptable when your dream is squelched by a gatekeeper. Then we go back eight years to episode 77 and the final illness of Hall of Fame pitcher Addie Joss. Finally, we go to Philadelphia for a little old-school, pre-Astros electronic cheating.The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out? 

On Episode 1034 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher, Editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal preview this week's Winter Meetings in Orlando. Most people believe Schwarber will re-sign with the Phils this week, but what if he doesn't? Where could he go? What would the Phillies do if that happens? Plus, each host shares an "under the radar" player they'd target, Japanese free agents of interest, and some time is spent discussing Bryce Harper's curious health regimen.

We return from the IL with Casey Stengel's endorsement of the designated hitter, and of astronauts too, then springboard from the recent Red Sox-Pirates trade into a discussion fo the latter's inability to turn prospects into consistent major leaguers, a long ago pitcher who turned outfielder and got a second chance and, finally, a pitcher named Bumpus, who has something to say to RFK Jr. The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?

On Episode 1033 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, The Good Phight's John Stolnis, Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher, editor of the SABR Baseball Research Journal discusses the latest rumors on Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto, Ketel Marte trade ideas, a Japanese pitcher we'd all like to see, and various hot take Phillies topics that may have landed you in a fight at Thanksgiving, courtesy of That Ball's Outta Here! https://thatballsouttahere.com/8-phillies-hot-takes-to-fight-about-over-thanksgiving-dinner?page_source=v_recirc

On Episode 1032 of Hittin' Season, The Good Phight's John Stolnis, Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher, Editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal discuss the trades involving Taylor Ward, Marcus Semien and Brandon Nimmo and how they affect the Phillies, the chances Kyle Schwarber signs with the Pirates or Reds, three non-tendered players of potential interest, and an interview with MLB.com's Todd Zolecki on the 20th anniversary of the trade that sent Jim Thome away from the Phillies to make room for Ryan Howard. Powered by WHYY!

Could we see the Hot Stove start to warm up this week for the Phillies? On Episode 1031 of Hittin' Season, from WHYY in Philadelphia, John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh discuss some deadlines coming this week that could result in some transaction for your Phils. Plus, how long will the Phillies wait for Kyle Schwarber to sign, and are they getting aggressive with a Japanese slugger while they wait? Also, we talk with Matt Winkelman of Phillies Minor Thoughts about the Arizona Fall League and for a 50-foot view of the farm system, as well as some Andrew Painter thoughts.

A pitcher throws a great game in the World Series and is congratulated by a backstop unknown to him, but once he was known to the game. Then we travel back to 1917 when gamblers tried to fix a White Sox-Red Sox game by throwing their bodies in front of it—and the one player who struck back. The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?  Cartoony Clang #6.mp3 by AUDACITIER; kick_w_bone_crunch_inspired_by_tmnt_2012 by Artninja

In this week's new material, we compare a team signing a low-OBP player to the girl you were crushing on choosing the only suitor you would have had her avoid (not that it was up to you, but also not that the universe isn't cruel that way), all of which may turn out to be a tortured political metaphor. Then we return to 2016 for the Dodgers at third base, the tragic and not-at-all funny tale of Giants pitcher Bugs Raymond, and a lot of talk about Yoenis Cespedes falling off a horse. The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out? 

On Episode 1030 of Hittin' Season, from WHYY, The Good Phight's John Stolnis, Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher, editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal, try to figure out what outfield prospect Justin Crawford's role on the Phillies will be in 2026. Center field? Left? Can he hit at the big league level? Plus, more on the Phils' plans for the outfield, Bryce Harper threatened by an MLB executive and a Japanese hitter the gang really likes.

We look at an ordinary day of baseball, May 8, 1949, and some extraordinary—and tragic—things that happened. First, a couple of good pitchers get shelled, then we witness some typically disposable regular season games before noticing a young woman who was treated as if she too were disposable, though she very much was not.Trigger Warning: The second half of this episode contains discussion of a violent crime and some images may be disturbing.The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out? 

In the new commentary segment of this week's reissue episode, we talk about childhood fears of the end times, the degraded state of Times Square in the 1970s and 1980s, the slugging 1964 Twins, and one way the Colorado Rockies might go out in a blaze of fire, weird new GM hire or no. Then we go back to episode 21 for two tales of Hall of Fame catchers under extreme duress. The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out? 

On Episode 1028 of Hittin' Season, from WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher, Editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal, run down the names of the biggest free agents on the market and which ones are fits for the Phils. Also, some thoughts on the World Series, and Rob Thomson, Kyle Schwarber and Cristopher Sanchez are finalists for some of MLB's biggest postseason awards.

We spend the episode in 1933. First, Will Rogers comments on the broadcasts in a way which suggests that not much has changed between the start of on-air baseball commentary and its current state. Then we turn to the World Series and the government anti-hunger programs that arose at the precise moment that the Washington Senators were about to make their last bellyflop off the championship high-dive, and what each says about their time and ours, when we are (as we speak) fighting about some of the same issues. The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?

A slightly discursive rainy-day episode in which we question the unlikely players who have hit three home runs in a game and ask if the Rockies-Pirates season series was really necessary before examining two players who were called “Fat”—Fothergill and Fitzsimmons. The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?  “Bear Angry Growl” by celldroid

First we make amends to a great of the game who was not only left out of last week's Shohei Ohtani-Babe Ruth approbation, but was poorly served by baseball (and Baseball). Then we jump from the bizarre Muncy double play of NLCS Game 1 to the most famous baserunning mishap of the Dodgers' Brooklyn years.   The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?

In both this week's new remarks and our reissue, we go back to pre-Pearl Harbor 1941 and the days when Joe DiMaggio was, day by day, counting up hits and the president, without the medium of television available to him, spoke on a nationwide radio broadcast—an event so new that it caused a major league game to be put on pause. Meet the old boss, different than the new boss, because the world was demonstrably on fire. Then we return to a segment about a manager getting too much credit for helping, which seems timely in a postseason in which managers are taking a good deal of deserved credit for inflicting harm.The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out? 

Blake Murphy and Julia Kreuz are joined by Sportsnet's Buck Martinez to discuss why this Blue Jays team is special and his confidence level that Toronto can win the World Series. MLB.com's Ayako Oikawa (20:08) discusses the fandom for the Dodgers in Japan. Former Blue Jay Ricky Romero discusses attending Game 7 and why he's rooting for the Blue Jays despite growing up in LA. Sportsnet's Dan Shulman (50:15) comes on to talk about the key advantages for the Blue Jays and Dodgers. Lastly, Baseball Prospectus' Craig Goldstein (1:13:18) dives deep into the starting pitching staff of the Dodgers and why he's a big fan of the Blue Jays.The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the hosts and guests and do not necessarily reflect the position of Rogers Sports & Media or any affiliate.

Which Phillies will be on the team in 2026 and which will be heading somewhere else? On Episode 1026 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh give their predictions and preview the World Series between the Blue Jays and Dodgers. Also, would you give up the farm in a deal for Detroit's Tarik Skubal?

We observe the passing of the Milwaukee Brewers out of the championship picture via Casey Stengel (who once managed the minor league Brewers to a championship) mourning a day Whitey Ford was outdueled by a journeyman. Then we go back to 1965 to note the difference between a protest and a riot, theorize about what the latter implies about its participants, and finish with a sincere attempt to alleviate the pain of one of America's worst urban riots by making a new kind of bat.  The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?

On Episode 1025 of Hittin' Season, powered by WHYY, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher, editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal recap Phillies team president Dave Dombrowski's end-of-year news conference. Dave had some interesting things to say about Bryce Harper, Nick Castellanos and the team's performance in the NLDS and hinted at changes that could be coming for the 2026 roster.

In this week's new remarks, we observe how quaint the racial dialogue of 2018 was (or at least your host's was) in light of what was coming down the line for the nation. After a brief discussion of protest and backlash, we proceed to flash back to episode 72's discussion of how the same message can be heard differently in the context of race (that's the quaint part), revisit an oft-injured left-hander who was a low-key Red Sox great, and drop by Casey Stengel sailing uneasily through the great hurricane of 1938.The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out? 

Rob Thomson will be back as manager of the Phillies once again, in 2026. The Good Phight's John Stolnis and Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh react to the reports that came down on Monday. Is it the right move and what coaches should return with Thomson, if any? Can the Phils enact the kind of change the fanbase wants by returning the manager for at least one more season?

We note the passing of Mike Greenwell and an odd time to be an injured player with the Red Sox, and observe the cruel turns fate can take. Continuing on that theme, we go back to the 1925 World Series and ask if Roger Peckinpaugh was truly a goat, just wet, or perhaps some wet-goat combination?The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out? 

The 2025 Phillies are still alive thanks to their 8-2 win over the Dodgers in Game 3 of the NLDS, keeping their season going for at least one more game. On this edition of Hittin' Season, the Good Phight's John Stolnis, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher from SABR's Baseball Research Journal recap Game 3, featuring Kyle Schwarber's two homers, phenomenal pitching by Aaron Nola and Ranger Suarez, and a breakout night from the rest of the bats. Plus, the gang sets up Thursday night's Game 4 in L.A. as well.

In both this week's new remarks and in the reissue segment we revisit our obligation to think critically and how the concept of WAR can help us frame the abstract concepts of “better” and “worse,” and that comes to baseball players, politics, and, yes, chain and independent-bakery coffee rolls—that is, WADD (Wins Above Dunkin Donuts). How many more apples is Aaron Judge than the number of apples you need or want? We even find Luke Skywalker utilizing the replacement-level concept in “Star Wars.” We also find time for some tales of Josh Gibson! Mostly, though, we're here for the donuts and the wins—or the lack thereof.The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out? 

We begin by fixing the Rockies with the 1987 Cardinals, stopping off at the intersection of George Steinbrenner gaslighting and (one more time) my Chuck Knoblauch Story. Then we journey back to World War II and look at some dire events adjacent to some future Hall of Famers and try to place them in context of some current events involving today's fighting forces. And then we come back to the Rockies, who turn out to be the key to the whole thing.The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out? 

We revisit an early episode about two great ballplayers who sickened at midcareer and, sadly, could not come back in any sense. What can we learn from them? This week's new remarks expand on that theme, the government shutdown, and on the idea of the Infinite Inning podcast itself. The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. Baseball, America's brighter mirror, often reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman discusses the game's present, past, and future with forays outside the foul lines to the culture at large. Expect history, politics, stats, and frequent Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?

Collapsing teams this September inspire a visit with a Twins journeyman who has a huge day at the plate, keeping an unexpected contender in first place for a little longer (though the magic leaves when Elvis does), and then reveals the way he's tried to take charge of his destiny, Rod Carew wonders if he's been accepted, and three old guys living near Cincinnati go to jail for “contumely.”The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out? 

Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher decide whether or not Kyle Schwarber will surpass Ryan Howard's single-season Phillies home run record as well as the vicious wild card fights going on the NL and AL as the season wraps up. Then, Baseball Prospectus editor Craig Goldstein gives some inside info on the Phillies' potential NLDS opponent, the Dodgers.

Before we go back to 2018 for a discussion of the only Cubs general manager who was moonlighting from his job at the fish-market and a non-baseball tale, one of the more obscure and unflattering episodes of America's westward expansion, we discuss our need for a shared reality and one of the earliest conspiracy theories. How are you going to be here with us if you believe that we're being controlled by them?  The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. Baseball, America's brighter mirror, often reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman discusses the game's present, past, and future with forays outside the foul lines to the culture at large. Expect history, politics, stats, and frequent Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?

On Episode 1014 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and Liz Roscher of SABR's Baseball Research Journal discuss the Philadelphia Phillies' current position as they head into the final week of the regular season and prepare for the postseason. They analyze key players to watch, including milestones for Trea Turner and Kyle Schwarber, and the importance of maintaining momentum. The conversation shifts to pitching strategies, particularly the roles of Aaron Nola and Walker Buehler in the playoffs. Lineup adjustments are also examined, with a focus on how the team is responding to Alec Bohm's return. The episode concludes with a discussion on the controversy surrounding Nick Castellanos and the competitive landscape of the National League wild card race.

Babe Ruth backs the attack as Babe Ruth gets married, but to a guy named H.C., not a former model named Claire. Cal Raleigh goes on a rampage and Mickey Mantle finishes 1961 quietly, but why did the latter happen and what can we learn from the way he and Billy Martin lived their lives? The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out? 

...Because you might just field the ball with your skull. This week's new remarks include further reflections on the national calamity unleashed last week, leading into a reissue episode focused on a time the manager of the Dodgers, a chronic lie, told a self-protective, CYA fib that got away from him and nearly cost him his job. We also get a look back at slugging first baseman whose knee quit in spectacular fashion, and, in part one, a 1941 story about a “dumb” player which is revealed to have had the opposite meaning from the author's intention. The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. Baseball, America's brighter mirror, often reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman discusses the game's present, past, and future with forays outside the foul lines to the culture at large. Expect history, politics, stats, and frequent Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?

In which the outfielder called Zaza is rediscovered, as is the hit “dirty” turn-of-the-century play that gave him his name. We then briefly pause for a Dodgers outfielder's career to come to a sudden end, leading to an unusual inning in more ways than one, and the ride concludes with a visit to the world of September 1901 and an argument about who acts, who doesn't, and what games they might have attended instead. The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. America's brighter mirror, baseball reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman shares his obsessions: history from inside and outside of the game, politics, stats, and Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out? 

We return to 2018 and a conversation with the late great manager Davey Johnson, with a cameo from his very excited dogs. This week's new remarks expand on Johnson's Hall of Fame case, though it's now beside the point. We also have a brief story in which Babe Ruth gets hurt, but someone else suffers a worse injury.The Infinite Inning is a journey to the past to understand the present using baseball as our time machine. Baseball, America's brighter mirror, often reflects, anticipates, and even mocks the stories we tell ourselves about our world today. Baseball Prospectus's Steven Goldman discusses the game's present, past, and future with forays outside the foul lines to the culture at large. Expect history, politics, stats, and frequent Casey Stengel quotations. Along the way, we'll try to solve the puzzle that is the Infinite Inning: How do you find the joy in life when you can't get anybody out?

After the Phillies' 1-0 win over the Mets in Philadelphia on Monday night, is the National League East race now over? On Episode 1009 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Baseball Prospectus' Justin Klugh and Liz Roscher, Editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal, discuss Aaron Nola's performance and the Phils' 8-game lead in the division with three more to play. Also, a discussion about Trea Turner's hamstring injury, Alec Bohm hitting the Injured List, and a conversation about America's newest villain, Philly Karen.

On Labor Day, the Phillies won a thriller over the Brewers for what was easily their best win of the season. On Episode 1007 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Liz Roscher, Editor of SABR's Baseball Research Journal, and Justin Klugh of Baseball Prospectus discuss Monday's dramatic win, the impact of players like Garrett Stubbs and Harrison Bader, and the performance of the bullpen. As September approaches, the hosts make predictions about the team's chances in the playoffs and the potential for Kyle Schwarber to break Ryan Howard's home run record. Chapters: 00:00 - Phillies' Dramatic Win Over the Brewers 02:59 - Justin Klugh's Upcoming Book on the 1941 Phillies 05:49 - Resilience in the Face of Adversity 09:04 - Key Players Making a Difference 11:53 - The Impact of Garrett Stubbs' Return 14:53 - Harrison Bader's Contributions to the Team 18:02 - Future Considerations for the Phillies 20:55 - Did Realmuto Swing? 26:08 - Managing Player Dynamics: Rob Thompson's Approach 34:38 - Analyzing the Brewers: Strengths and Weaknesses 39:38 - Phillies' Resilience: Learning from Past Series 42:11 - Bullpen Concerns: Navigating Late-Season Challenges 52:38 - September Predictions: Home Run Records and Team Performance 54:22 - Home Run Records and Player Performance 56:20 - Pitching Prospects: Ranger Suarez vs. Jesus Luzardo 59:20 - Aaron Nola's Final Month and Team Dynamics 01:01:11 - Phillies' Division Chances and Playoff Prospects 01:07:15 - Final Thoughts and Reflections on the Season

Round one goes to the Mets, clobbering the Phillies in Monday's opener of a crucial three-game series between the two clubs vying for first in the National League East. On Episode 1003 of Hittin' Season, John Stolnis of The Good Phight, Justin Klugh from Baseball Prospectus and SABR's Liz Roscher chat about a brutal night at Citi Field, the Phils' own personal House of Horrors over the last three seasons. The offense blew scoring chances early, Cristopher Sanchez couldn't hold a lead, the defense was brutal, and yes, Jordan Romano entered the festivities. What does it mean for the rest of the week? How vital is at least one win from the Mets by Wednesday? Chapters 00:00 - Introduction and Initial Reactions 02:43 - Game Overview and Key Moments 05:42 - Phillies' Performance and Missed Opportunities 08:44 - Historical Struggles at Citi Field 11:30 - Emotional Impact of Rivalry Games 14:41 - Pitching Decisions and Game Management 17:40 - Conclusion and Future Outlook 24:52 - Game Analysis and Player Performance 27:36 - Struggles Against Rival Bullpens 30:09 - Frustrations of Phillies Fans 35:18 - Bryce Harper's Rivalry Pack 43:11 - Karma and Performance Metrics 46:27 - The Impact of Zach Wheeler's Injury 48:45 - Rallying for Wheeler 52:05 - The Depth of the Phillies' Rotation 55:24 - Final Thoughts on the Season