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Episode 116 – Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker Are Joined

Ruth and Gehrig. Brett and White. Mays and McCovey. There have been so many great pairs of teammates in baseball history. But none of them played together as long or as often as Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker, who began their HoF-worthy careers in the same game 42 years ago this week. Mike and Bill…

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Episode 115 – Joe Bauman, Steve Dalkowski and Their Three True Outcomes (with Gaylon White)

We spend so much time talking about the most famous and greatest players to star in the major leagues. But there was a time when our country was full of stars in every small town. For the 65th and 62nd anniversaries, respectively, of Joe Baumann breaking the single season pro HR record and Steve Dalkowski…

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Episode 120 – The Black Sox Lose On Purpose (with special guest Jacob Pomrenke)

We’ve talked about the conspiracy and we’ve talked about the trial, but this week, on the anniversary of the last out of the 1919 World Series, Mike and Bill talk to SABR Director of Editorial Content and Black Sox expert Jacob Pomrenke (@buckweaver) about the Series itself, what plays were suspect, and how little we…

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Episode 122 – John Updike Witnesses and Publishes a Masterpiece

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…

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Episode 124 – Girls Win One Off the Diamond (with special guest Justine Siegal)

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…

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Episode 123 – Buzzie Bavasi’s New Job (with special guest Bob Bavasi)

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!

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Episode 128 – Dick Allen Won’t Go to Atlanta

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…