Almost Cooperstown artwork

Almost Cooperstown

469 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago -

We're a father & son who love to talk and argue about baseball!  Baseball is the professional sport that has the longest history so there is a lot to talk about.  We launched Almost Cooperstown noting that baseball contains a long history of players that, for whatever reasons, have been shunned by the electors of the Hall of Fame.  Consequently here are many 'Almost' players still waiting their turn for induction. With less than 1.5% of the now more than 23,000 players in the HOF, we feel there should be more players included. In these podcasts we discuss the current season as well as the HOF. Please send any messages to [email protected].  

Baseball articles can be found here: https://almostcooperstown.substack.com/publish/posts

Baseball Sports baseball hall of fame sports baseball history baseball rules baseball nicknames baseball fans
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Episodes

Ep 20 - Franchise's Best Player Ever - National League

October 08, 2020 13:00 - 33 minutes - 22.9 MB

Having the designation of being a MLB 'best player in the history of the franchise' is both a fun and dicey topic. Some of them are true no-brainers but others are not as crystal clear. Franchise length has something to do with as well since how to compare the Cubs (pre-dating 1900) franchise with the Marlins (1993)? To be a best player in franchise history means the player was there for at least 7 or 8 years at minimum.  We went deep and will cover the AL in Episode 21.  Correction:  Billy...

Ep. 119 - Crushing Team Collapses

September 30, 2020 00:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

Great stretch runs like the ones we talked about in Episode 118 often have a corresponding team collapse that impacts the playoff race. There have been collapses over the years including our favorite team the #Mets in both 2007 & 2008. The Yankees-Red Sox race of 1978 - a great stretch run and a team collapse at the same time?   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter ...

Ep 19 - Crushing Team Collapses

September 30, 2020 00:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

Great stretch runs like the ones we talked about in Episode 18 often have a corresponding team collapse that impacts the playoff race. There have been collapses over the years including our favorite team the @Mets. The Yankees-Red Sox race of 1978 - a great stretch run and a team collapse at the same time?   Thanks for listening! 

Ep 19 - Worst Collapses

September 30, 2020 00:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

Great stretch runs like the ones we talked about in Episode 18 often have a corresponding team collapse that impacts the playoff race. There have been collapses over the years including our favorite team the @Mets. The Yankees-Red Sox race of 1978 - a great stretch run and a team collapse at the same time?  

Crushing Team Collapses - Ep. 119

September 30, 2020 00:00 - 23 minutes - 16 MB

Great stretch runs like the ones we talked about in Episode 118 often have a corresponding team collapse that impacts the playoff race. There have been collapses over the years including our favorite team the #Mets in both 2007 & 2008. The Yankees-Red Sox race of 1978 - a great stretch run and a team collapse at the same time?   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter ...

Ep 18 - Greatest Stretch Runs In History

September 24, 2020 13:00 - 27 minutes - 19.3 MB

For baseball fans their favorite team's stretch run is something that lives on and on even through generations.  Starting with the Miracle Braves of 1914 (they were in Boston at the time), we talk about some of the most memorable stretch runs over the past 120 years.  A great stretch run should be combined with a World Series victory.  We did not adequately mention the 2008 Phillies who came from behind (again) to beat our choking Mets and went on to win their second World Series overall and...

Ep. 118 - Greatest Stretch Runs In History

September 24, 2020 13:00 - 27 minutes - 19.3 MB

For baseball fans their favorite team's stretch run is something that lives on and on even through generations.  Starting with the Miracle Braves of 1914 (they were in Boston at the time), we talk about some of the most memorable stretch runs over the past 120 years.  A great stretch run should be combined with a World Series victory.  We did not adequately mention the 2008 Phillies who came from behind (again) to beat our choking Mets and went on to win their second World Series overall and...

Greatest Stretch Runs In History - Ep. 118

September 24, 2020 13:00 - 27 minutes - 19.3 MB

For baseball fans their favorite team's stretch run is something that lives on and on even through generations.  Starting with the Miracle Braves of 1914 (they were in Boston at the time), we talk about some of the most memorable stretch runs over the past 120 years.  A great stretch run should be combined with a World Series victory.  We did not adequately mention the 2008 Phillies who came from behind (again) to beat our choking Mets and went on to win their second World Series overall and...

Ep 18 - Greatest Stretch Runs

September 24, 2020 13:00 - 27 minutes - 19.3 MB

For baseball fans their favorite team's stretch run is something that lives on and on even through generations.  Starting with the Miracle Braves of 1914 (they were in Boston at the time), we talk about some of the most memorable stretch runs over the past 120 years.  A great stretch run should be combined with a World Series victory.  We did not adequately mention the 2008 Phillies who came from behind (again) to beat our choking Mets and went on to win their second World Series overall and...

Pinch Hitting - a dying art - Ep. 117

September 16, 2020 21:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

Sitting in the dugout for two hours, waiting for that tap on the shoulder, pinch hitters have always lacked job security. Now with the Universal DH it's a fair bet that there will be fewer pinch hitting appearances per game than any season in recent memory. We talk about the best PH's of all-time which isn't necessarily a list of players everyone will know.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You...

Ep 17 - Pinch Hitting - a dying art

September 16, 2020 21:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

Sitting in the dugout for two hours, waiting for that tap on the shoulder, pinch hitters have always lacked job security. Now with the Universal DH it's a fair bet that there will be fewer pinch hitting appearances per game than any season in recent memory. We talk about the best PH's of all-time which isn't necessarily a list of players everyone will know.   Thanks for listening! 

Ep. 117 - Pinch Hitting - a dying art

September 16, 2020 21:00 - 21 minutes - 14.6 MB

Sitting in the dugout for two hours, waiting for that tap on the shoulder, pinch hitters have always lacked job security. Now with the Universal DH it's a fair bet that there will be fewer pinch hitting appearances per game than any season in recent memory. We talk about the best PH's of all-time which isn't necessarily a list of players everyone will know.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You...

Ep 16 - Worst No-Hitters in MLB history

September 10, 2020 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

Since 1900 there have been hundreds of no-hitters thrown in MLB.  The most recent 2020 no-hitter from Lucas Giolito of the White Sox puts the ChiSox in 2nd place all time for no hitters by a team.  Who do you think is #1?  And can you name the one team that does not have a no-hitter?  As Met fans thank you Johan Santana!  Thanks for listening! 

Ep. 116 - Worst No-Hitters in MLB history

September 10, 2020 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

Since 1900 there have been hundreds of no-hitters thrown in MLB.  The most recent 2020 no-hitter from Lucas Giolito of the White Sox puts the ChiSox in 2nd place all time for no hitters by a team.  Who do you think is #1?  And can you name the one team that does not have a no-hitter?  As Met fans thank you Johan Santana!  Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almost...

Worst No-Hitters in MLB history - Ep. 116

September 10, 2020 14:00 - 25 minutes - 17.6 MB

Since 1900 there have been hundreds of no-hitters thrown in MLB.  The most recent 2020 no-hitter from Lucas Giolito of the White Sox puts the ChiSox in 2nd place all time for no hitters by a team.  Who do you think is #1?  And can you name the one team that does not have a no-hitter?  As Met fans thank you Johan Santana!  Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almost...

Ep. 115 - Hall of Fame Managers

September 03, 2020 12:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

There are 333 individuals in the Baseball Hall of Fame 235 players, 35 Negro Leaguers, 31 executives but only 22 managers. Too few? Too many? Are there any current managers that are likely to be enshrined? This is probably the only time we will ever talk about managers as we like talking about players much more.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or ...

Ep. 115 - Hall of Fame Managers

September 03, 2020 12:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

There are 333 individuals in the Baseball Hall of Fame 235 players, 35 Negro Leaguers, 31 executives but only 22 managers. Too few? Too many? Are there any current managers that are likely to be enshrined? This is probably the only time we will ever talk about managers as we like talking about players much more.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or ...

Hall of Fame Managers - Ep. 115

September 03, 2020 12:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

There are 333 individuals in the Baseball Hall of Fame 235 players, 35 Negro Leaguers, 31 executives but only 22 managers. Too few? Too many? Are there any current managers that are likely to be enshrined? This is probably the only time we will ever talk about managers as we like talking about players much more.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or ...

Ep 15 - Hall of Fame Managers

September 03, 2020 12:00 - 28 minutes - 19.6 MB

There are 333 individuals in the Baseball Hall of Fame 235 players, 35 Negro Leaguers, 31 executives but only 22 managers. Too few? Too many? Are there any current managers that are likely to be enshrined? This is probably the only time we will ever talk about managers as we like talking about players much more.   Thanks for listening! 

Ep 14 - MLB Triple Crown Winners - a ticket to Cooperstown...Almost.

August 27, 2020 14:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

In the modern era (1900) there have been 14 triple crowns won by 12 players. None in the National League since 1937. There have been some near-misses as well as controversy since the RBI was not even an official statistic until 1920.  

Ep. 114 - History of the MLB Triple Crown Winners - a ticket to Cooperstown...Almost

August 27, 2020 14:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

In the modern era (1900) there have been 14 triple crowns won by 12 players. None in the National League since 1937.  It's surprising there have not been more but that's how difficult it is to achieve. There have been some near-misses as well as controversy since the RBI was not even an official statistic until 1920.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoo...

History of the MLB Triple Crown Winners - a ticket to Cooperstown...Almost - Ep. 114

August 27, 2020 14:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

In the modern era (1900) there have been 14 triple crowns won by 12 players. None in the National League since 1937.  It's surprising there have not been more but that's how difficult it is to achieve. There have been some near-misses as well as controversy since the RBI was not even an official statistic until 1920.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoo...

Ep 14 - History of the MLB Triple Crown Winners - a ticket to Cooperstown...Almost

August 27, 2020 14:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

In the modern era (1900) there have been 14 triple crowns won by 12 players. None in the National League since 1937.  It's surprising there have not been more but that's how difficult it is to achieve. There have been some near-misses as well as controversy since the RBI was not even an official statistic until 1920.   Thanks for listening! 

Ep 14 - MLB Triple Crown Winners - a ticket to Cooperstown...Almost

August 27, 2020 14:00 - 23 minutes - 15.9 MB

In the modern era (1900) there have been 14 triple crowns won by 12 players. None in the National League since 1937. There have been some near-misses as well as controversy since the RBI was not even an official statistic until 1920.  

Should the infield shift be banned? - Ep. 113

August 20, 2020 13:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB

Over the years baseball has seen several significant rule changes that were instituted 'in the best interests of the game'.  MLB and the current commissioner Rob Manfred are concerned with all the strikeouts and have discussed the possibility of banning the infield shift.  Spoiler alert - We don't agree.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit t...

Ep 13 - Should the infield shift be banned?

August 20, 2020 13:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB

Over the years baseball has seen several significant rule changes that were instituted 'in the best interests of the game'.  MLB and the current commissioner Rob Manfred are concerned with all the strikeouts and have discussed the possibility of banning the infield shift.  Spoiler alert - We don't agree.   Thanks for listening! 

Ep. 113 - Should the infield shift be banned?

August 20, 2020 13:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB

Over the years baseball has seen several significant rule changes that were instituted 'in the best interests of the game'.  MLB and the current commissioner Rob Manfred are concerned with all the strikeouts and have discussed the possibility of banning the infield shift.  Spoiler alert - We don't agree.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit t...

Ep. 113 - Should the infield shift be banned?

August 20, 2020 13:00 - 21 minutes - 14.5 MB

Over the years baseball has seen several significant rule changes that were instituted 'in the best interests of the game'.  MLB and the current commissioner Rob Manfred are concerned with all the strikeouts and have discussed the possibility of banning the infield shift.  Spoiler alert - We don't agree.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit t...

Ep. 112 - No doubt active MLB players that will be in the Hall of Fame, and others that might

August 13, 2020 13:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

Every baseball generation has its all-time greats. Today's players are no exception.  We talk about 9 'no doubters' playing today who will have their plaque and be enshrined in Cooperstown.  There are also a host of players who either have not quite done enough yet or who will most likely fall short and truly be a part of 'Almost Cooperstown'.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also foll...

No doubt active MLB players that will be in the Hall of Fame, and others that might - Ep. 112

August 13, 2020 13:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

Every baseball generation has its all-time greats. Today's players are no exception.  We talk about 9 'no doubters' playing today who will have their plaque and be enshrined in Cooperstown.  There are also a host of players who either have not quite done enough yet or who will most likely fall short and truly be a part of 'Almost Cooperstown'.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also foll...

Ep 12 - No doubt active MLB players that will be in the Hall of Fame, and others that might

August 13, 2020 13:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

Every baseball generation has its all-time greats. Today's players are no exception.  We talk about 9 'no doubters' playing today who will have their plaque and be enshrined in Cooperstown.  There are also a host of players who either have not quite done enough yet or who will most likely fall short and truly be a part of 'Almost Cooperstown'.   Thanks for listening! 

Ep. 112 - No doubt active MLB players that will be in the Hall of Fame, and others that might

August 13, 2020 13:00 - 30 minutes - 21.3 MB

Every baseball generation has its all-time greats. Today's players are no exception.  We talk about 9 'no doubters' playing today who will have their plaque and be enshrined in Cooperstown.  There are also a host of players who either have not quite done enough yet or who will most likely fall short and truly be a part of 'Almost Cooperstown'.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also foll...

Baseball has the best nicknames - Ep. 111

August 06, 2020 12:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

Baseball has provided some of the most colorful nicknames of any professional sport.  We talk about the great nicknames, the not-so-great nicknames and the surprising fact that there are not many active players with nicknames - good or bad.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page.   www.almostcooperstown.com

Ep 11 - Baseball Nicknames

August 06, 2020 12:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

Baseball has provided some of the most colorful nicknames of any professional sport.  We talk about the great nicknames, the not-so-great nicknames and the surprising fact that there are not many active players with nicknames - good or bad.  

Ep 11 - Baseball has the best nicknames

August 06, 2020 12:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

Baseball has provided some of the most colorful nicknames of any professional sport.  We talk about the great nicknames, the not-so-great nicknames and the surprising fact that there are not many active players with nicknames - good or bad.   Thanks for listening! 

Ep. 111 - Baseball has the best nicknames

August 06, 2020 12:00 - 25 minutes - 17.8 MB

Baseball has provided some of the most colorful nicknames of any professional sport.  We talk about the great nicknames, the not-so-great nicknames and the surprising fact that there are not many active players with nicknames - good or bad.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page.   www.almostcooperstown.com

Ep 10 - Best Fan Bases in Baseball

July 30, 2020 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

What makes a top tier fan base?  How about showing up for your team both in the season as well as ALWAYS showing up for playoff games.  Baseball has some historically great fan bases you might expect to be near the top of any list. But there might be a few surprises as we discuss our top 10 and all the others. 

Ep 10 - Team origins and best fan bases in baseball

July 30, 2020 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

What makes a top tier fan base?  How about showing up for your team both in the season as well as ALWAYS showing up for playoff games.  Baseball has some historically great fan bases you might expect to be near the top of any list. But there might be a few surprises as we discuss our top 10 and all the others.  Thanks for listening! 

Ep. 110 - Team origins and best fan bases in baseball

July 30, 2020 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

What makes a top tier fan base?  How about showing up for your team both in the season as well as ALWAYS showing up for playoff games.  Baseball has some historically great fan bases you might expect to be near the top of any list. But there might be a few surprises as we discuss our top 10 and all the others.  Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or vis...

Team origins and best fan bases in baseball - Ep. 110

July 30, 2020 11:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MB

What makes a top tier fan base?  How about showing up for your team both in the season as well as ALWAYS showing up for playoff games.  Baseball has some historically great fan bases you might expect to be near the top of any list. But there might be a few surprises as we discuss our top 10 and all the others.  Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or vis...

Ep 9 - 2020 Season Preview & Playoff Picks

July 21, 2020 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

We each pick three MLB division winners & two wild cards for both leagues. There will be no fans in the stands but photos of fans and piped in crowd noise. We do a quick analysis of all the divisions and teams.  Can't wait to watch them PLAY BALL!!  Correction Jordan Hicks is the Cardinal closer who has opted out for the season - not Jordan Lyles who plays for the Texas Rangers.  Thanks for listening! 

Ep. 109 - 2020 Season Preview & Playoff Picks

July 21, 2020 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

We each pick three MLB division winners & two wild cards for both leagues. There will be no fans in the stands but photos of fans and piped in crowd noise. We do a quick analysis of all the divisions and teams.  Can't wait to watch them PLAY BALL!!  Correction Jordan Hicks is the Cardinal closer who has opted out for the season - not Jordan Lyles who plays for the Texas Rangers.  Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at Almostcoope...

2020 Season Preview & Playoff Picks - Ep. 109

July 21, 2020 19:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MB

We each pick three MLB division winners & two wild cards for both leagues. There will be no fans in the stands but photos of fans and piped in crowd noise. We do a quick analysis of all the divisions and teams.  Can't wait to watch them PLAY BALL!!  Correction Jordan Hicks is the Cardinal closer who has opted out for the season - not Jordan Lyles who plays for the Texas Rangers.  Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at Almostcoope...

Ep. 108 - Silver Sluggers of the Silver Screen

July 16, 2020 13:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MB

We love baseball movies but there have been a lot of bad ones. We try to put together a 'team' of the best players fictional and otherwise to have never played in an MLB game. It is not really possible to have a complete position by position team since while there are some Silver Sluggers discussed, there are more baseball movies made about pitchers than for any other field position. We talk about the movies we liked as well as ones we did not.   Thanks for listening and thanks to Lee Marc ...

Ep 8 - Silver Sluggers of the Silver Screen

July 16, 2020 13:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MB

We love baseball movies but there have been a lot of bad ones. We try to put together a 'team' of the best players fictional and otherwise to have never played in an MLB game. It is not really possible to have a complete position by position team since while there are some Silver Sluggers discussed, there are more baseball movies made about pitchers than for any other field position. We talk about the movies we liked as well as ones we did not.   Thanks for listening and thanks to Lee Marc ...

Silver Sluggers of the Silver Screen - Ep. 108

July 16, 2020 13:00 - 25 minutes - 17.2 MB

We love baseball movies but there have been a lot of bad ones. We try to put together a 'team' of the best players fictional and otherwise to have never played in an MLB game. It is not really possible to have a complete position by position team since while there are some Silver Sluggers discussed, there are more baseball movies made about pitchers than for any other field position. We talk about the movies we liked as well as ones we did not.   Thanks for listening and thanks to Lee Marc ...

Ep 7 - New rules for the 2020 season in under 20 minutes

July 09, 2020 15:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MB

With the opening of the MLB 60-game season scheduled for July 23.  We discuss the impact of the impending changes in the game for relief pitchers, designated hitters, and a revolutionary way to end extra inning games more quickly.  Please consider subscribing to our podcasts and thank you for listening! 

Ep 7 - 3 jarring new rules for the 2020 season

July 09, 2020 15:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MB

With the opening of the MLB 60-game season scheduled for July 23.  We discuss the impact of the impending changes in the game for relief pitchers, designated hitters, and a revolutionary way to end extra inning games more quickly.  Please consider subscribing to our podcasts and thank you for listening!  

Ep 7 - 2020 season in under 20 minutes

July 09, 2020 15:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MB

With the opening of the MLB 60-game season scheduled for July 23.  We discuss the impact of the impending changes in the game for relief pitchers, designated hitters, and a revolutionary way to end extra inning games more quickly.  Please consider subscribing to our podcasts and thank you for listening! 

Ep. 107 - 3 jarring new rules for the 2020 season

July 09, 2020 15:00 - 18 minutes - 12.5 MB

With the opening of the MLB 60-game season scheduled for July 23.  We discuss the impact of the impending changes in the game for relief pitchers, designated hitters, and a revolutionary way to end extra inning games more quickly.   Thanks for listening and if you have a suggestion for an episode please drop us a line via email at [email protected].  You can also follow us on Twitter @almostcoop or visit the Almost Cooperstown Facebook page.   www.almostcooperstown.com