Podcasts about Bowie Kuhn

good morning dear friends.  If you're like me, your social media has been chock-a-block with stories concerning a regional tech/influencer convention “reducing their footprint” in coming years and there's no shortage of misinformed, self-styled experts willing to declare the entire endeavor deader than Deadsy.  To which I say, PISH FUCKIN' POSH.  Did Tom Vu throw in the towel the first time he had a poor turnout at the Best Western?  Did Marshall Applewhite take his ball and go home the first time he failed to fill a room?  And if he did, is there such thing as an official mass suicide ball (signed by Bowie Kuhn)?  Without even making a Dr. Gene Scott analogy, if there's one thing I'm overly confident about (other than thinking anyone wants to hear this show) is that the next generation of grifters and narcissists will continue to find an audience, even if they have to lay low for a year or 3.  Goodbye Austin Convention Center, HELLO KICK BUTT COFFEE.  (above : likely location to pick up your 2025 Platinum Pass) 

December 26th Show NotesDecember 26, 1919 — Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee makes a secret agreement to sell Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for $100,000 (one-fourth cash, plus $25,000 a year at 6 percent) plus guaranteeing a $300,000 loan with Fenway Park as collateral. The transaction will be announced publicly in one week.December 26, 2005 — The Associated Press reports that baseball took a lot of shots in 2005 from politicians, commentators and players themselves as the sport struggled with steroids. MLB went from no drug policy in 2002 to anonymous testing in 2003, to counseling for positive tests in 2004, to a dozen 10-day suspensions this year. Starting next year, an initial positive test will result in a 50-game suspension, and players will be tested for amphetamines for the first time, with penalties for a second positive result.MLB took similar shots in 1973, many people don't realize this, but they were on the hot seat by the Staggers Committee that found steroid and amphetamine use in baseball was alarming in November of 1973. Bowie Kuhn was there and testified under oath along with Bud Selig.They did vow to clean up the game and congress let them off easy and never reviled the names of the players, unlike 2003. Tom House would later tell folks that 6 of 8 players were using steroids and his famous line was we never felt we lost, we were out-milligrammed. Born: December 26, 1954 in Mobile, AL. Defying critics who said he was too small and would never hit enough to stay in the big leagues, Ozzie Smith soared through the infield with his acrobatic moves, redefining the role of shortstop. He won 13 consecutive Gold Gloves and set a major league record for assists by a shortstop. Dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals early in his career, Smith became one of the most popular players in franchise history. A switch-hitter, Ozzie blasted one of his few home runs from the left side of the plate to win the 1985 National League pennant. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002, his first year of eligibility.Died: December 26, 2013 in Baltimore, MDAn eight-time Gold Glove Award winner, Paul Blair was the best defensive center fielder in the American League in the late 1960s and early 1970s. With uncanny instincts and great speed, Blair positioned himself perfectly, often gliding into shallow center to snare would-be singles. He had several great moments in the postseason, including a game-winning homer in Game 3 of the 1966 World Series, and a leaping catch the next day to prevent a home run.In 1970, Blair was hit in the cheek, under his left eye, by a fastball from Ken Tatum of the Angels. It shattered about four different bones in his face and he underwent surgery. He missed 21 games but rebounded to play another 10 seasons. Contrary to some who say he was never quite the same hitter, Blair claimed he was...

December 26th Show NotesDecember 26, 1919 — Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee makes a secret agreement to sell Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for $100,000 (one-fourth cash, plus $25,000 a year at 6 percent) plus guaranteeing a $300,000 loan with Fenway Park as collateral. The transaction will be announced publicly in one week.December 26, 2005 — The Associated Press reports that baseball took a lot of shots in 2005 from politicians, commentators and players themselves as the sport struggled with steroids. MLB went from no drug policy in 2002 to anonymous testing in 2003, to counseling for positive tests in 2004, to a dozen 10-day suspensions this year. Starting next year, an initial positive test will result in a 50-game suspension, and players will be tested for amphetamines for the first time, with penalties for a second positive result.MLB took similar shots in 1973, many people don't realize this, but they were on the hot seat by the Staggers Committee that found steroid and amphetamine use in baseball was alarming in November of 1973. Bowie Kuhn was there and testified under oath along with Bud Selig.They did vow to clean up the game and congress let them off easy and never reviled the names of the players, unlike 2003. Tom House would later tell folks that 6 of 8 players were using steroids and his famous line was we never felt we lost, we were out-milligrammed. Born: December 26, 1954 in Mobile, AL. Defying critics who said he was too small and would never hit enough to stay in the big leagues, Ozzie Smith soared through the infield with his acrobatic moves, redefining the role of shortstop. He won 13 consecutive Gold Gloves and set a major league record for assists by a shortstop. Dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals early in his career, Smith became one of the most popular players in franchise history. A switch-hitter, Ozzie blasted one of his few home runs from the left side of the plate to win the 1985 National League pennant. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002, his first year of eligibility.Died: December 26, 2013 in Baltimore, MDAn eight-time Gold Glove Award winner, Paul Blair was the best defensive center fielder in the American League in the late 1960s and early 1970s. With uncanny instincts and great speed, Blair positioned himself perfectly, often gliding into shallow center to snare would-be singles. He had several great moments in the postseason, including a game-winning homer in Game 3 of the 1966 World Series, and a leaping catch the next day to prevent a home run.In 1970, Blair was hit in the cheek, under his left eye, by a fastball from Ken Tatum of the Angels. It shattered about four different bones in his face and he underwent surgery. He missed 21 games but rebounded to play another 10 seasons. Contrary to some who say he was never quite the same hitter, Blair claimed he was...

Caleb Durbin – more like Dustin Pedroia or Jon Berti style of player?Durbin is ElectricWhat can we expect from the Blue Jays in the AL EastBlue Jays pitching is getting older but not as dominant in past yearsWhat do they have for pitching in the minors Willy Adames encourages Corbin Burnes to join the Giants rotationsFree Agents at large – Tommy Pham, Charlie Morton, Kirby Yates, Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Many older pitchers may wait until mid-season until they sign like Roger ClemensOther pitchers still as free agents include Patrick Burnes, Jose Quintana, Sean ManaeaTampa Bay Rays need more experienced leaders for their team – Charlie Morton & Jason HeywardWizard of Oz, Rob Manfred came to Tampa BayGeorge Steinbrenner Field – Yankees Spring Training Stu Sternberg strategy for the future of the TB Rays ballpark Pinellas County Commissioner Chris Latvala loves MLB Commissioner Rob ManfredWill MLB pay the cost overruns for the new Rays Stadium and find a new owner for the Tampa Bay RaysGeorge M. Steinbrenner Field – 2025 Home Field for Tampa Bay RaysHow will a healthy Brandon Lowe, Josh Lowe & Jonathan Aranda impact the 2025 seasonJanet Marie Smith, VP of Planning & Development – Fenway, Camden Yards & Dodgers StadiumChristmas Lobster Dinner with Mat's family – plus breakfast Creamed Lobster with Scrambled EggsStrawberry Pretzel Dessert Dish Christmas favorite with Mark's familyCurt Flood's Christmas Eve letter to Bowie Kuhn – precursor to Free AgencyTed Lindsay – linchpin of the players union in Canada – another courageous player who fought for the rights of all playersCurt Flood issue with Cardinals and they did not want to pay his salaryFlood collected the first hit in a major league game in Canada. General Hospital has nothing on Major League BaseballComparing Nolan Arenado's & Curt Flood's experience with the CardinalsChristmas wishes – no blackouts of ballgamesRemember to thank those who serve us both near and far awayReminder to serve others who are in need or people who do not have someone to celebrate the holydays with.Merry Christmas, Merry Christmas. Ho, Ho, Ho,Just a reminder you can find Mat at  M-A-T-G-E-R-M-A-I-N dot bsky social. That's @matgermain.bsky.social  or Mark at @baseballbizondeck.bsky.social

Before Jack and Randy take a break in launching new episodes until Spring Training, 2025, Willie Cunningham and Randy discuss "THE BIG RED MACHINE'S LAST HURRAH", a newly published book about the travesty of the 1981 MLB season. In that strike interrupted season, the Reds were denied a spot in the postseason despite having the Best record in Baseball. It's the true story of that infamous season, plus a fictional account of what should have happened. A court drama and an ensuing mythical World Series based upon simulations on WhatIf Sports.comIn this engaging conversation, Randy discusses his new book about the Cincinnati Reds, focusing on the team's historical significance and the controversial events of the 1981 season. The discussion covers the Reds' dominance in baseball, the impact of the 1981 strike, the resulting lawsuit, and the long-term effects on the team. Randy also highlights his involvement with the Reds Community Fund and expresses hope for the future of the team.TakeawaysCincinnati was once the epicenter of baseball success.The Reds' 1981 season was marred by controversy and unfair rulings.A lawsuit was filed by law students to challenge the MLB's decisions.The Reds had a stellar team in 1981 but were denied playoff entry.Bowie Kuhn's decisions had lasting negative impacts on the Reds.The book aims to correct historical wrongs regarding the Reds' legacy.Community engagement is crucial for the Reds' future success.The Reds Community Fund provides vital educational opportunities for youth.Hope remains for the Reds' resurgence in future seasons.The conversation reflects on the nostalgia and passion for baseball in Cincinnati.Sound Bites"It was a complete travesty.""The entire world would be different.""All we have is hope."Order the book at www.freakingoutabout.com for prompt delivery, or at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and other book sites for late January delivery. And leave a review on Amazon even if you purchase it elsewhere.  Special thanks to WLW radio and Tony Bender!Sponsored by Moerlein Lager House, host of the March 26, 2025 Opening Day Eve Party benefitting the Reds Community Fund!

Sean throws a quality start with the story of baseball writer and journalist Melissa Ludtke. Her love of baseball lead her to write for Sports Illustrated but a confrontation with Bowie Kuhn during the 1977 World Series changed baseball for the better and set a precedent for women reporters everywhere. https://www.melissaludtke.com/locker-room-talk

Relying on a near half-century of deep research and reflection, Melissa Ludtke recounts her landmark federal case in “Locker Room Talk.” In 1977 and '78, as a Sports Illustrated reporter, Ludtke was the winning plaintiff in Ludtke v. Kuhn, a U.S. federal case that Time Inc. and lawyer Fritz Schwarz Jr. brought against Major League Baseball. In the courtroom, Justice Constance Baker Motley — a civil rights icon  — found that MLB commissioner Bowie Kuhn had violated Kuhn's constitutional rights by denying her the same access the male reporters had at Yankee Stadium during the '77 World Series. Neither the legal win nor the affray in the court of public opinion came easily. But within a decade, Ludtke notes, the ranks of female sports journalists had increased enough to start AWSM (Association of Women in Sports Media). Ludtke, a former TIME magazine correspondent, has also worked at Nieman Labs. She lives in Massachusetts and writes the Let's Row Together newsletter on Substack.

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.

Melissa Ludtke, the author of "Locker Room Talk: A Woman's Struggle to Get Inside," joined Bobby and Mike to promote her new book about Ludtke v. Kuhn, a civil rights case against the MLB in the 1970s. Ludtke explained that the judge ordered Bowie Kuhn, a former MLB commissioner, to ensure women were given equal access to interview players in the locker room. Ludtke also shared her thoughts on Caitlin Clark, the rise of female coaches, and the MLB's decline under Kuhn.

Bobby and Mike projected an 18-game NFL regular season with two bye weeks in the near future. They celebrated the start of Dylan Crews and Paul Skenes' MLB careers and remembered Deion Sanders' comments about hitting major league pitching. Bobby criticized Deshaun Watson for "stealing money" from the Cleveland Browns. Melissa Ludtke, the author of "Locker Room Talk: A Woman's Struggle to Get Inside," joined Bobby and Mike to promote her new book about Ludtke v. Kuhn, a civil rights case against the MLB in the 1970s. Ludtke explained that the judge ordered Bowie Kuhn, a former MLB commissioner, to ensure women were given equal access to interview players in the locker room. Ludtke also shared her thoughts on Caitlin Clark, the rise of female coaches, and the MLB's decline under Kuhn. The guys previewed LSU's season-opener vs. USC. 

Episode 420 of the Sports Media Podcast with Richard Deitsch features Melissa Ludtke, the author of “Locker Room Talk: A Women's Struggle To Get Inside.” The book recounts Ludtke's journey as a 26-year-old Sports Illustrated reporter who sued (and won) a gender discrimination case against Bowie Kuhn and Major League Baseball. The decision opened up MLB locker rooms for women reporters. In this podcast, Ludtke discusses her book and why she wrote it today; what it was like to be female reporter covering baseball in 1977; why she brought to her case to court; the environment for women in baseball today; how to promote a book without a big publicity department, and more. You can subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us a Text Message.Willie Mays did not flaunt it as much as did Joe DiMaggio who reveled in being called Greatest Living Ballplayer (GLB) that he insisted on being introduced that way at public events. But after Joe D. passed away the debate was between Henry Aaron and Willie Mays with Mays' superior defense being a deciding factor.  Both Aaron and Mays were amazing and we discuss the whole idea of GLB being silly. Mays and Mickey Mantle were both barred from baseball by then commissioner Bowie Kuhn for their associations with Atlantic City casinos. Willie's expulsion came five days after he was elected to the Hall of Fame! So we talk about gambling and baseball and the hypocrisy that exists before turning to a more fun subject in discussing who might be the GLB now that Willie and Henry are gone. We also pick a starting 9 of the greatest living ballplayers and even that was a tough choice! Intro & Outro music this season courtesy of Mercury Maid! Check them out on Spotify or Apple Music! Please subscribe to our podcast and thanks for listening! If you can give us 4 or 5 star rating that means a lot. And if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at Almostcooperstown@gmail.com.  You can also follow us on Twitter/X @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page or YouTube channel.  And please tell your friends!www.almostcooperstown.com

SERIES 2 EPISODE 155: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:44) SPECIAL COMMENT: It was a two-word post by Trump: "Biden Trials!!!" and it followed by a day a quote from a Trump campaign official outlining plans to prosecute Joe Biden next year: "Everything you have seen from the Biden DOJ, you can expect to see from the Trump DOJ.”  Everything? Well, what does that mean? It means: Everything. And particularly the thing that matters most to Trump, upon which rests his ability to not feel himself a total failure: that he never loses and everybody else does. That he didn't lose the 2020 election. It was stolen from him. When his staff says "Biden Trials" they might mean over classified documents or business or Commander the dog. To Trump, it MUST mean: Prosecuting Biden in a dream trial in which a court rules Trump really won in 2020 and it really was stolen from him and Biden was the man who stole it. Also: more of Trump's antisemitism is showing. American Jews who don't support him "should be spoken to." And he's already confirmed Monday's "Abortion Ban" video was a lie. And yet another poll shows a significant majority of Republicans believe HE should be allowed to rule without waiting for congress or the courts. The good news? The polls are now breaking almost entirely in Biden's direction.  B-Block (25:45) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: The German Soccer Federation learns never to use an "open" font for the number 44. Montana GOP Senate candidate Tim Sheehy is so tough he still carries a bullet from when he was shot in Afghanistan. Or, from when he dropped his gun in the parking lot and shot himself. Or... And like eight good minutes about Geraldo Rivera and how this little thing between the two of us in the wake of his hilarious self-own while criticizing Larry David, actually dates back to his anger that NBC was promoting my show and not his in 1997, and how he promised to "fight" me in 2007. I know I should fear him: he has a mustache. C-Block (41:40) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: The greatest scoop of my sportscasting career came when I did nothing more than continually answer the phone as viewers called in to tell me the owner of the L.A. Kings had just told them he was trading for Wayne Gretzky. But the second greatest scoop of my sportscasting career came because I really wanted some pizza so I happened to be walking past the bar across the street from the pizza parlor at the exact moment the exact guy who had the exact info I needed, stepped out of the bar and started YELLING that info at the top of his lungs. It's the George Steinbrenner story.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Norm offers more "this day in sports history" notes for February!

Melissa Ludtke is a life-long Red Sox fan from Cambridge, Massachusetts and a former baseball reporter/researcher with Sports Illustrated in the 1970s. Her upcoming book: Locker Room Talk: A Woman's Struggle to Get Inside will be released next summer and details her 1978 US court case vs MLB commissioner Bowie Kuhn and Major League Baseball. The landmark case is responsible for providing equal access to all reporters in baseball, and created ripple effects still felt across the entire sports landscape. We discuss how Melissa got her start in sports journalism, the lawsuit, and what it was like to cover baseball in the 70s. Melissa also shares her best advice for folks who want to get involved in sports journalism or whatever they are passionate about. Use RUSA30 at checkout to get 30% off + free shipping when you pre-order Melissa's new book: https://www.rutgersuniversitypress.org/locker-room-talk/9781978837782/Find Melissa Online: Website: melissaludtke.comSubstack: melissaludtke.substack.comTwitter: @MelissaLudtkeFacebook: @MelissaLudtkeMemoirFind Baseball Bucket List Online:Twitter: @BaseballBucketFacebook: @BaseballBucketListInstagram: @Baseball.Bucket.ListWebsite: baseballbucketlist.comThis podcast is part of the Curved Brim Media Network:Twitter: @CurvedBrimWebsite: curvedbrimmedia.com

10-28-2023 Passed Ball Show. John talks about the sad narrative that surrounds the 2023 World Series. Those who think it is “boring” because of the cities (Phoenix and Arlington) that represent it hopefully did not watch one of the most entertaining games in recent baseball memory. John talks about the company Bruce Bochy could join with a fourth (4th) World Series Championship and the only other teams that have two (2) World Series Championships without a loss. During today's #SavingSportsHistory segment, John talks about a World Series that ended in a tie, Bud Grant's record that will never be broken, Y.A. Tittle, Elmore Smith, the deciding game of multiple World Series, Red Auerbach, Trevor Berbick, Bobby Orr, Bowie Kuhn, Lenny Wilkens, and the two first female officials to ever work for a Major League US Men's Sport.

This interview with Lee Hacksaw Hamilton took place on July 20, 2022, on the John Riley Project podcast. *** Legendary sports radio and NFL play-by-play icon, Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton joined for a wide conversation about his career, the San Diego sports media market, the San Diego Chargers and more. The History of Sports Talk Radio Lee shared his Long Island roots and the start of his radio news/DJ career in his college days on a radio station in Appalachia.  After a great run broadcasting pro hockey in Cleveland, he took his talents to the desert to announce Arizona State football and basketball. Hacksaw also hosted a sports talk show on KTAR in Phoenix shocking the locals with critical comments of ASU's football suspension, the Suns getting blown out in the first round of the 1981 NBA playoffs, and the ineptitude of Bowie Kuhn during the 1981 MLB strike. This was the start of the “Best 15 Minutes in Radio.” This was the start of “Putting Topics on the Table.”  “React!”  Lee was determined to grab his listeners by the throat and hold them for 4 hours of compelling sports talk radio. Hacksaw's reputation in Arizona led to a 1986 phone call from the Noble Broadcast Group in San Diego to be the San Diego Chargers play by play guy and start a sports talk show on the Mighty 690.  At the time the station was broadcasting rock ‘n roll and Wolfman Jack. Little did they know that things were going to radically change in the next few years. Lee was the only sports guy in the entire station, and he started with a blank slate.  How in the hell was he going to pull this off? He started by creating a 9-hour NFL Sunday broadcast with a 2-hour Countdown to Kickoff pre-game show, the live game, and then a post-game show with caller participation.   The Mighty 690 Sports Talk Radio Meanwhile, every afternoon drivetime Hacksaw hosted his talk radio show using many of his provocative techniques to drive listenership. Lee was a sensation bringing sports facts, stats, and opinions in the late 1980s. He was the internet before the internet was a thing. After a brief transition to sports and news talk, the station went 100% sports starting in 1989. The Mighty 690 was the 3rd radio station in America to go all sports, and the first on the west coast. 690 had a “blowtorch signal” that carried Lee's show from “Baja to the Canadian Rockies.” As 690 went all sports, many new voices took the microphone to create a wide variety of opinions and styles on sports talk: Jim Rome came on board to start his Scrub Saturday show. He later got the night shift right after Hacksaw's show, working on developing his style, his smack, and his clones. Rome later went on to national fame, but did you know Hacksaw was first offered the national gig prior to Rome but he turned it down. Steve Hartman joins the station and with Lee's recommendation he was paired up with former Monday Night Football producer Chet Forte.  Two loudmouth guys: one young, one old, one west coast, one east coast.  It was perfect. Steve Mason and John Ireland took on the morning show and later saw their careers take them to new places. Scott Kaplan and Billy Ray Smith joined the station creating a strong show and a loyal listening audience of Great Friends. The Coach John Kentera joins the station sharing his wealth of knowledge of local high school sports, plus offering his commentary on the San Diego pro and collegiate sports teams.   San Diego Chargers: I root for Herbert to Win, but Spanos to Lose As a long time voice of the San Diego Chargers play-by-play, and as an NFL junkie, Hacksaw was right at home broadcasting the Chargers every Sunday. We retrace some of the magical moments of the Chargers Super Bowl season including stories about Bobby Ross, Stan Humphries, Stan Brock, Tony Martin, Dennis Gibson, and the playoff run against the Dolphins in Steelers. We reminisce about the good vibes as both the team and the community both c...

Author John Rosengren takes Nestor back to baseball in 1973 with his new book on a special season

EPISODE 155: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (1:42) SPECIAL COMMENT: "A Democratic president," writes Will Saletan (whose brother and I co-wrote a book of poems in 4th grade, "is standing up to Putin. And he's facing a Republican who would rather attack Mickey Mouse." But Ron DeSantis's ignorant, naive, isolationism is much worse. It opens the door for a full-on Republican campaign pledge (under him or Trump) to betray Ukraine as of 1/20/25. Just last night a retired American military officer went on Fox and told Carlson "The truth is coming out that this war was not started by Russia." What happens on 1/20/25, if one of them is inaugurated as president, and moments later Putin bombs...Poland? Because that just went from farfetched scenario to tangible possibility as the Polish Security Agency discovered Russian agents installing hidden cameras along the Polish railroad lines on which Western ammunition and weapons are transported to Kiev. If Putin has already game-planned an attack on NATO, we have to wonder: Would Trump or DeSantis be so committed to the anti-Ukraine, pro-Putin stance that THEIR United States would wind up permitting or even supporting a Russian war against NATO? It is a long, interwoven saga of DeSantis and Fox and Trump and Georgia 2020 and Marjorie Taylor Greene disclosing classified information at the Mexican border and how you won't hear this on Fox - or on CNN for that matter, where David Zaslav publicly recommitted to Chris Licht (who when we were at MSNBC together we all thought used to eat paste) in a meeting with 600 CNN Managers (CNN? 600 Managers? There's your problem right there). The New CNN's recommitment to useless, pointless, banal stenography was brilliantly characterized by Dylan Byers of Puck: "Nearly one year in, it's clear that Zaslav still believes in his vision for CNN as a nonpartisan, broadcast-style news digest, and still believes that Licht is his Captain Ahab." Captain...AHAB? Wait, doesn't Moby-Dick (or is it Moby-Licht) end with mass death?  CALL ME ISHMAEL. MY BOAT SANK. THE END. B-Block (19:18) EVERY DOG HAS ITS DAY: Shenanigan and Banshee, 14-week old shep/husky puppies in Devore, CA. (20:15) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: My career at the RKO Radio Network, where my boss was Charley Steiner, and where he once tasked me with finding out when and where a secret meeting between Yankees' owner George Steinbrenner and Baseball Commissioner Bowie Kuhn would be held. And after I gave up and went to get some pizza, I literally RAN INTO STEINBRENNER ON THE STREET YELLING OUT THE DETAILS OF THE MEETING. C-Block (43:40) MORE THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: A little under the weather today so let me re-tell the adventures of another '80s job, which I waited 10 months to be able to start, and which lasted only half that long. Why almost nobody remembers me as "Keith Olbermann, SportsCenter 5, Boston."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The '60s were such a great time for the counterculture. For people rebelling against injustice, prejudice, and war. But Denny McLain didn't care about any of that. He was just kind of a jerk. And 53 years ago this week, he was suspended by Bowie Kuhn for helping fund an illegal sports book operation. How did he get involved in such a shady operation, how did that lead to the downfall of baseball's last 30 game winner, and what exactly was his problem anyway? Mike and Bill look back on a life and talent that seems largely wasted. Plus, happy birthday to far more productive members of society Dick Siebert and Tommy Henrich!

December 26th Show Notes December 26, 1919 —  Boston Red Sox owner Harry Frazee makes a secret agreement to sell Babe Ruth to the New York Yankees for $100,000 (one-fourth cash, plus $25,000 a year at 6 percent) plus guaranteeing a $300,000 loan with Fenway Park as collateral. The transaction will be announced publicly in one week. December 26, 2005 — The Associated Press reports that baseball took a lot of shots in 2005 from politicians, commentators and players themselves as the sport struggled with steroids. MLB went from no drug policy in 2002 to anonymous testing in 2003, to counseling for positive tests in 2004, to a dozen 10-day suspensions this year. Starting next year, an initial positive test will result in a 50-game suspension, and players will be tested for amphetamines for the first time, with penalties for a second positive result. MLB took similar shots in 1973, many people don't realize this, but they were on the hot seat by the Staggers Committee that found steroid and amphetamine use in baseball was alarming in November of 1973. Bowie Kuhn was there and testified under oath along with Bud Selig. They did vow to clean up the game and congress let them off easy and never reviled the names of the players, unlike 2003. Tom House would later tell folks that 6 of 8 players were using steroids and his famous line was we never felt we lost, we were out-milligrammed.  Born: December 26, 1954 in Mobile, AL. Defying critics who said he was too small and would never hit enough to stay in the big leagues, Ozzie Smith soared through the infield with his acrobatic moves, redefining the role of shortstop. He won 13 consecutive Gold Gloves and set a major league record for assists by a shortstop. Dealt to the St. Louis Cardinals early in his career, Smith became one of the most popular players in franchise history. A switch-hitter, Ozzie blasted one of his few home runs from the left side of the plate to win the 1985 National League pennant. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2002, his first year of eligibility. Died: December 26, 2013 in Baltimore, MD An eight-time Gold Glove Award winner, Paul Blair was the best defensive center fielder in the American League in the late 1960s and early 1970s. With uncanny instincts and great speed, Blair positioned himself perfectly, often gliding into shallow center to snare would-be singles. He had several great moments in the postseason, including a game-winning homer in Game 3 of the 1966 World Series, and a leaping catch the next day to prevent a home run. In 1970, Blair was hit in the cheek, under his left eye, by a fastball from Ken Tatum of the Angels. It shattered about four different bones in his face and he underwent surgery. He missed 21 games but rebounded to play another 10 seasons. Contrary to some who say he was never quite the same hitter, Blair claimed he was unaffected by the incident. He never saw Tatum's pitch, so, Blair said “I was never haunted by images of the ball hitting me.” On January 20, 1977, Blair was traded to the New York Yankees. On June 18 of that year in a nationally televised game against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park, he was involved—though not directly—in one of the most bizarre scenes in baseball history. Yankee manager Billy Martin took right fielder Reggie Jackson out of the game and replaced him with Blair after Jackson had misplayed Jim Rice's fly ball for a double. As the cameras watched, Jackson and Martin nearly came to blows. After winning World Series titles with the Yankees in 1977 and 1978, Blair was released early in the 1979 season. He earned four World Series rings, two with the Orioles and two with the Yankees. December 26, 1947 – Future Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk is born in Bellows Falls, Vermont. A unanimous Rookie of the Year selection in 1972, when he would win his only gold glove, the studious Carlton Fisk was at times the best catcher in the American League during the 1970s and 1980s. He hit one of the most dramatic home runs in postseason history, winning Game 6 of the 1975 World Series for the Red Sox. Fisk was one of the most interesting characters of his era. He marched to the beat of his own drum. While with the Red Sox, he earned a reputation as a tough competitor and clubhouse lawyer. In both Boston and Chicago, he clashed with his GM and owners, and he was involved in the collusion case against baseball in the late 1980s. In that case, free agents like Fisk and Kirk Gibson charged that owners had conspired to limit free-agent movement. The players won in a slam dunk and Fisk emerged even more bitter and suspicious. As a player, Fisk walked like an 85-year-old man, even when he was in his twenties. He was very concerned with his appearance, and he took as much time as any batter in preparing to hit. He once walked so slow to the mound to talk to his pitcher, that Rangers' manager Bobby Valentine wondered if he was "paid by the hour." Fisk considered himself a protector of the game's honor. On numerous occasions, he challenged teammates for failing to play the game properly or (worst of all) failing to hustle. In a celebrated incident, he nearly came to blows with the entire New York team after he admonished Yankee rookie Deion Sanders for failing to run out a routine grounder. Shocked by the confrontation, Sanders later apologized for his actions. At the end of his career, Fisk had proved most of his critics and skeptics wrong, playing more games than any other catcher in baseball history, despite injuries (many of them before the age of 30), having to fight for playing time, and a tall frame that took abuse. Over 24 seasons, his back and knees held up well and he caught his last game at the age of 45. He was the Nolan Ryan of the catching profession. With the White Sox, he set single-season and career records for homers by a catcher, as well as games caught in a career. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 2000.

Some people podcast about history. Some people witness it. Melissa Ludtke (@MelissaLudtke) made it happen, successfully fighting back against Bowie Kuhn and Major League Baseball to ensure women in journalism could be on equal footing with male sportswriters. Mike, Bill and Mike Duncan (@MikeDuncan) talk with her about that experience, about the importance of representation for women in baseball, and about the book she is working on. This episode is powered by Stathead. Go to Stathead.com and use code HISTORY to get 25% off.

Legendary sports radio and NFL play-by-play icon, Lee “Hacksaw” Hamilton joined for a wide conversation about his career, the San Diego sports media market, the San Diego Chargers and more. Hacksaw and the History of Sports Talk Radio Lee shared his Long Island roots and the start of his radio news/DJ career in his college days on a radio station in Appalachia.  After a great run broadcasting pro hockey in Cleveland, he took his talents to the desert to announce Arizona State football and basketball. Hacksaw also hosted a sports talk show on KTAR in Phoenix shocking the locals with critical comments of ASU's football suspension, the Suns getting blown out in the first round of the 1981 NBA playoffs, and the ineptitude of Bowie Kuhn during the 1981 MLB strike. This was the start of the “Best 15 Minutes in Radio.” This was the start of “Putting Topics on the Table.”  “React!”  Lee was determined to grab his listeners by the throat and hold them for 4 hours of compelling sports talk radio. Hacksaw's reputation in Arizona led to a 1986 phone call from the Noble Broadcast Group in San Diego to be the San Diego Chargers play by play guy and start a sports talk show on the Mighty 690.  At the time the station was broadcasting rock n roll and Wolfman Jack. Little did they know that things were going to radically change in the next few years. Lee was the only sports guy in the entire station, and he started with a blank slate.  How in the hell was he going to pull this off? He started by creating a 9-hour NFL Sunday broadcast with a 2-hour Countdown to Kickoff pre-game show, the live game, and then a post-game show with caller participation. The Mighty 690 Sports Talk Radio Meanwhile, every afternoon drivetime Hacksaw hosted his talk radio show using many of his provocative techniques to drive listenership. Lee was a sensation bringing sports facts, stats, and opinions in the late 1980s. He was the internet before the internet was a thing. After a brief transition to sports and news talk, the station went 100% sports starting in 1989. The Mighty 690 was the 3rd radio station in America to go all sports, and the first on the west coast. 690 had a “blowtorch signal” that carried Lee's show from “Baja to the Canadian Rockies” As 690 went all sports, many new voices took the microphone to create a wide variety of opinions and styles on sports talk: Jim Rome came on board to start his Scrub Saturday show. He later got the night shift right after Hacksaw's show, working on developing his style, his smack, and his clones. Rome later went on to national fame, but did you know Hacksaw was first offered the national gig prior to Rome but he turned it down. Steve Hartman joins the station and with Lee's recommendation he was paired up with former Monday Night Football producer Chet Forte.  Two loudmouth guys: one young, one old, one west coast, one east coast.  It was perfect. Steve Mason and John Ireland took on the morning show and later saw their careers take them to new places. Scott Kaplan and Billy Ray Smith joined the station creating a strong show and a loyal listening audience of Great Friends. The Coach John Kentera joins the station sharing his wealth of knowledge of local high school sports, plus offering his commentary on the San Diego pro and collegiate sports teams. Hacksaw on the Chargers: I root for Herbert to Win, but Spanos to Lose As a long time voice of the San Diego Chargers play-by-play, and as an NFL junkie, Hacksaw was right at home broadcasting the Chargers every Sunday. We retrace some of the magical moments of the Chargers Super Bowl season including stories about Bobby Ross, Stan Humphries, Stan Brock, Tony Martin, Dennis Gibson, and the playoff run against the Dolphins in Steelers. We reminisce about the good vibes as both the team and the community both came together in a very special way. After the 1997 season The Mighty 690 lost its broadcast rights to the t...

Welcome again to the Bill Bradley Collective, where this week in deference to our season-wide theme of criminal justice and sports, your hosts examine the life and crimes of George M. Steinbrenner III. Like many bull's-eyes on the proverbial Collective dartboard, Steinbrenner is born into the dual advantage of white privilege and inherited wealth. His beginnings as a shipping magnate of the Great Lakes eventually leads to ownership of the New York Yankees in 1973. Until his death in 2010, George assumes a massive celebrity persona in New York City, not unlike a certain businessman who failed all the way upwards to eventually become President. Like Donald Trump, Steinbrenner's outspoken brand of cult of celebrity somewhat overshadows a life of serious white-collar crime. A tale of two cases: illegal contributions to then President Richard Nixon in 1974 under the veil of “bonuses” to shipbuilding cohorts that results in a paltry fifteen month suspension from commissioner Bowie Kuhn, and what was a mere 2-year suspension in 1990 from Fay Vincent for employing honorable gambler/snitch Howard Spira in a vain attempt to accrue unsavory information on future Hall-of-Famer and noteworthy Steinbrenner free-agent signee Dave Winfield. A “Seinfeld” caricature, Miller Lite pitchman and presiding “boss” of 7 world championship Yankee teams seems to mask a far more unsavory legacy. This is the story of George Steinbrenner: authoritarian, thug, bully and criminal, this week on the Bill Bradley Collective.

Despite having a great playing career, Willie Wilson is better know for getting caught up in a bad time for professional athletes. Host of Radio Baseball Cards is Hall of Fame Pitcher and play by play broadcaster, Don Drysdale (1936-1993). Created by Fred Greene (Golf Smarter) Radio Baseball Cards was originally a nationally syndicated radio pre-game show in 1987. Radio Baseball Cards is listed in the Baseball Hall of Fame & Library.Willie James Wilson played 19 MLB seasons for the Kansas City Royals, Oakland Athletics, and Chicago Cubs. He was an outfielder known for his speed and ability as an effective leadoff hitter. Wilson's career total of 668 stolen bases currently ranks him in 12th place all-time (after 2019 season) among major leaguers.After the end of the 1983 season, Wilson found himself in a drug scandal along with teammates Willie Aikens, Vida Blue, and Jerry Martin. All four pleaded guilty to misdemeanor drug charges (attempting to purchase cocaine) on November 17. They became the first active major leaguers to serve jail time, serving 81 days at the Fort Worth, Texas, Federal Correctional Institution. He was suspended by commissioner Bowie Kuhn for the entire 1984 season, but the suspension was reduced on appeal and he was able to return on May 15. The Royals traded or released the other three, with only Wilson returning to the Royals, and he hit .301 and stole 47 bases after his return.

On her 1977 lawsuit that resulted in women reporters being allowed to enter Major League clubhouses; on why male media members were so reluctant to change; on an openminded Billy Martin and a resistant Bowie Kuhn.

07.31.19: We break down the likely moves at the MLB Trade deadline! Plus...Robot Umpires! and should we kill the shift and hot takes on other baseball innovations...BMOC's History Corner and Maestro's last cancer question of the year . Finally: Sports Trade trivia!

We have spent a lot of time over 107 previous episodes making fun of former Commissioner Bowie Kuhn, but this episode we really take the time to catalogue what made him such an exceptionally frustrating boss of baseball on the 48th anniversary of Kuhn reversing course and deciding that Negro Leaguers would be full members of the Hall of Fame. We talk about the unlikely hero who popularized the idea and the tumultuous process by which it finally became a reality. Plus, happy birthday to Bill Melton and Bob Bailor!

All owner Charlie Finley wants to do is get something for his star players who are about to become this new thing, free agents. But commissioner Bowie Kuhn says that kind of deal — now common — is "not in the best interests of baseball." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“I do not feel that I am a piece of property to be bought and sold irrespective of my wishes. I believe that any system which produces that result violates my basic rights as a citizen and is inconsistent with the laws of the United States." Curt Flood was born in Houston, Texas on January 18, 1938, but raised in Oakland, California. In 1956, at age 18, Flood was signed to the Cincinnati Redlegs baseball club, but was ultimately traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in December 1957. For the next twelve (12) seasons, Flood played centerfield for the Cardinals. During the 1969 season, Flood’s offensive production slipped a bit, and on October 7th the Cardinals announced they were trading Flood and fellow Cardinals Tim McCarver, Byron Browne and Joe Hoerner to the Philadelphia Phillies. Flood was happy being in St. Louis, didn’t want to be traded, and on December 24, 1969 challenged the very nature of the entire professional sports system. On December 24, 1969, Flood penned a letter to Bowie Kuhn in effect demanding that the commissioner declare him a free agent saying: “After twelve years in the major leagues, I do not feel I am a piece of property to be bought and sold irrespective of my wishes. I believe that any system which produces that result violates my basic rights as a citizen and is inconsistent with the laws of the United States and of the several States. It is my desire to play baseball in 1970, and I am capable of playing. I have received a contract offer from the Philadelphia club, but I believe I have the right to consider offers from other clubs before making any decision. I, therefore, request that you make known to all Major League clubs my feelings in this matter, and advise them of my availability for the 1970 season.” Curt Flood filed a $1 million lawsuit against Bowie Kuhn and Major League Baseball on January 16, 1970. On June 19, 1972, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-3 in favor of Major League Baseball, citing the precedent set forth in the 1922 case Federal Baseball Club v. National League. Twenty-six (26) years following the Supreme Court’s decision in Flood v. Kuhn, the Curt Flood Act of 1998 was passed. The act implemented exactly what Curt Flood himself was hoping for; it stopped major league baseball team owner from singlehandedly controlling the contracts and careers of the individual players.

Bowie Kuhn served as the 5th commissioner of Major League Baseball between February 4, 1969 to September 30, 1984. In 1972, baseball celebrated Jackie Robinson's contribution on the 25th anniversary. Kuhn remembers working with Robinson and his impact. This episode originally aired August 9, 1987.SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice

Bowie Kuhn served as the 5th commissioner of Major League Baseball between February 4, 1969 to September 30, 1984. In 1972, baseball celebrated Jackie Robinson's contribution on the 25th anniversary. Kuhn remembers working with Robinson and his impact. This episode originally aired August 9, 1987.SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice

Bowie Kuhn served as the 5th commissioner of Major League Baseball between February 4, 1969 to September 30, 1984. In 1972, baseball celebrated Jackie Robinson's contribution on the 25th anniversary. Kuhn remembers working with Robinson and his impact. This episode originally aired August 9, 1987.SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice

Bowie Kuhn served as the 5th commissioner of Major League Baseball between February 4, 1969 to September 30, 1984. In 1972, baseball celebrated Jackie Robinson's contribution on the 25th anniversary. Kuhn remembers working with Robinson and his impact. This episode originally aired August 9, 1987.SmarterPodcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice

During Marvin Miller’s tenure as the head of the Major League Baseball Players Association, average player salary increased from $19,000 to over $240,000. Today, this union is acknowledged as one of the strongest labor organizations in the United States. Simply put, Miller changed baseball and the business of sports. That point is emphasized further by author Robert F. Burk in his new book, "Marvin Miller, Baseball Revolutionary." In Part 1 of our two-part interview, Burke discusses Miller’s life in the labor movement prior to involvement in baseball, his early years as the head of MLB’s players union, and the relationship he had with long-time commissioner Bowie Kuhn. Photo courtesy of snipview.com Audio clips courtesy of ‘Baseball: Inning 8’ by Ken Burns

Legendary public relations guru Marty Appel joins Mark Rosenman and Aj Carter of Sportstalkny to talk about his latest book Munson.. Marty Appel, is a veteran of 32 years of experience in communications, public relations and writing. The company, based in New York City, specializes in the communications needs of sports, broadcast, and publishing clients.Mr. Appel, who has won an Emmy Award, a Gold Record, and written award-winning books, is the company’s president.New York Yankees to Olympic GamesHe was the youngest public relations director ever selected to lead a major league baseball team and was George Steinbrenner’s first hire in that position with the New York Yankees. After nine years with the Yankees, under both CBS and Steinbrenner ownership, Appel went on to direct public relations for Tribune Broadcasting’s WPIX in New York and to serve as the Yankees Executive Producer concurrently. He later directed public relations for the Atlanta Committee for the Olympic Games and the Topps Company before opening his own agency.His client base extends beyond the sports field, including NYC Health & Hospitals Corp., Columbia University’s New Teacher Institute, a communications course in Harlem’s District 5 for an after-school program, the New York City D.A.R.E. program, the Maritime Association, Boys and Girls Clubs of America, the New York Academy of Medicine’s ‘Doctors Against Handgun Injury’ program, and Mickey Mantle’s Restaurant. Sports clients include Topps, The Sporting News, The Football Network, The Yogi Berra Museum, and the Yankees.Author of Sixteen BooksHe has also done public relations for World Team Tennis’ New York Apples and for the Office of the Baseball Commissioner. His 16 books include collaborations with Larry King, Bowie Kuhn, Tom Seaver, Lee MacPhail, umpire Eric Gregg, Thurman Munson, the definitive collection of Hall of Fame biographies in Baseball’s Best, and the award-winning biography “Slide, Kelly, Slide” about a 19th century baseball star. His autobiography, “Now Pitching for the Yankees,” named best New York baseball book of 2001 by ESPN, was published in June 2001. You can see SPORTSTALKNY every Wednesday night at 9 PM at sportstalknylive.com