John Updike is often celebrated for having written The Great American Novel, but he also may have written The Great American Essay, which was published 59 years ago this week. Printed in The New Yorker, “Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu,” is a tribute to The Great American Hitter, Ted Williams, beautifully describing The Splendid Splinter’s…

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

From its founding in 1939 through 1973, Little League Baseball refused to let girls play, and was deeply and intransigently committed to that position until a New Jersey court decision forced them to relent only 46 years ago this week. Mike and Bill look back on the history of women and girls playing baseball prior…

Normally, of course, when a club wins the World Series, it inspires so much good will that it forges a generation of new permanent fans for a club. But, Wayne Huizenga’s fire sale in the wake of the 1997 win, which began with the trade of Moises Alou 22 years ago this week, poisoned Miami…

This episode is dedicated to the memory of Dorothy Seymour Mills. It’s probably not fair to say that Albert Belle was misunderstood. But it is fair to say he made anyone who wanted to understand him regret trying. But he was as much a dynamic force at the plate as he was a disruptive one…

Monty Stratton was on the way to a distinguished career when a hunting trip abruptly turned into a battle for his career, and for his life. Mike and Bill recount the accident that altered his path forever, and the amazing comeback that was literally something out of Hollywood. Plus, happy birthday to Howard Johnson and…

Dick Allen was one of the most controversial players of all time, a deeply and often unfairly maligned slugger whose own fans booed him mercilessly. Responding to a listener request, Mike and Bill recount Allen’s tumultuous and Hall of Fame-worthy career on the 45th anniversary of his refusal to be report after being traded to…

Please, if you can donate to help our friend Jen, who is in a very bad situation after being hit by a drunk driver. https://www.gofundme.com/f/drunk-driver-casualties-helping-a-couple

One of the greatest Cubs of all time, Ron Santo was almost traded out of his beloved adopted home 46 years ago this week, but turned the tables on his team, becoming the first player to invoke his 10-and-5 rights and forced a trade to the other side of town. Mike and Bill recount the…

One of the most beloved broadcasters and beloved people in baseball, Ernie Harwell was an institution in Detroit when, 29 years ago this week, the Tigers told him they didn’t want him anymore. Mike and Bill document the Frick Award winner’s career and how it almost ended, and the backlash that led to its continuation….