Baseball by the Book
216 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 months ago - ★★★★★ - 625 ratingsA veteran baseball journalist interviews today's best baseball authors about their books.
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Episodes
Episode 335: "Baseball: The Turbulent Midcentury Years"
November 22, 2023 03:56 - 48 minutes - 30.1 MBAuthor Steve Gietschier joins us to discuss his new book chronicling baseball history from the 1930s to the 1950s. We discuss how MLB survived the Depression, the rise of the radio, World War II, the end of the color barrier and arrival of big league baseball in California.
Episode 334: "Why We Love Baseball"
October 03, 2023 03:32 - 46 minutes - 29.3 MBAward-winning author Joe Posnanski returns to the podcast to talk about 50 moments (and more) that tell the story of baseball history and why the sport means so much to so many.
Episode 333: "The One Hundred Most Important Players in Baseball History"
September 06, 2023 02:54 - 49 minutes - 31.6 MBNobody doubts Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente are among the most important baseball players ever. But Dorothy Kamanshek? Dolf Luque? Masanori Murakami? Author Lincoln Mitchell joins us to discuss how his selection of important baseball players differs from other such lists — and why so many Giants make the cut.
Episode 332: "Tales from the Dugout"
July 28, 2023 17:29 - 38 minutes - 26.6 MBTim Hagety, broadcaster for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas, takes us on a journey through 1,001 of the zaniest moments in minor league baseball history. Along the way, we'll meet wild bulls, sprinting weiner dogs, greased pigs and pitchers locked in bathrooms.
Episode 331: "Suds Series"
May 03, 2023 02:34 - 50 minutes - 34.9 MBRickey Henderson stole 130 bases. Cal Ripken Jr.'s legendary streak began, although no one knew it at the time. The Big Red Machine broke down as the Cincinnati Reds hit rock bottom while Steve Garvey and Tommy Lasorda found themselves immersed in controversy. And George Steinbrenner fired his manager — twice. At the end of it all, Whitey Herzog's speedy St. Louis Cardinals took on Harvey Keuenn's hard-hitting Milwaukee Brewers in a classic World Series. J. Daniel joins us to discuss the m...
Episode 330: "Welcome to the Circus of Baseball"
April 10, 2023 04:01 - 47 minutes - 33.2 MBRyan McGee spent the summer of 1994 working as a $100-a-week intern for the Class-A Asheville Tourists of the South Atlantic League. Three decades later, McGee —now a senior writer for ESPN — has written a memoir about his misadentures in the low minor leagues. He tells us why he loves Asheville's historic McCormick Field, recounts how he witnessed a comical on-field brawl and explains how he knows what it was like to kiss Elvis.
Episode 329: "Major League Baseball Players of the 1970s"
January 13, 2023 03:54 - 33 minutes - 24.7 MBLet's remember some guys. Author Bill Ballew joins us to discuss his new biographical dictionary of every MLB player who debuted in the 1970s — all 1,312 of them, from Don Aase to Richie Zisk. Ballew spent decades researching and writing this massive collection.
Episode 328: "Baseball's Brief Lives"
October 03, 2022 02:04 - 45 minutes - 30 MBSteven Goldman joins us to discuss his collection of essays inspired by his podcast The Infinite Inning. From Pete Rose and Henry Aaron to Ski Melillo and Pee-Wee Wanninger, Goldman explores the interconnectedness of baseball and the greater world.
Episode 327: "Beauty at Short"
August 31, 2022 03:00 - 44 minutes - 29.4 MBAuthor Tom Alecia joins us to discuss the remarkable life and career of Dave "Beauty" Bancroft, one of baseball's most unlikely Hall of Famers.
Episode 326: "Stumbling Around the Bases"
August 11, 2022 03:15 - 49 minutes - 32 MBAuthor Andy McCue joins us to discuss how the American League mismanaged integration and expansion, allowing the National League to forge ahead in attendance and prestige.
Episode 325: "Intentional Balk"
July 20, 2022 19:58 - 39 minutes - 26.2 MBMark Armour joins us to discuss the history of cheating in baseball, from the 19th century to current issues like electronic sign stealing and Spider Tack.
Episode 324: "Stolen Dreams"
June 09, 2022 02:15 - 44 minutes - 30.8 MBIn 1955, a group of Black Little Leaguers in South Carolina was denied a chance to play for the chamlpionship because of the color of their skin. Author Chris Lamb joins us to discuss the heartbreaking story of the Cannon Street All-Stars and youth baseball's civil war.
Episode 323: "Not an Easy Tale to Tell"
May 23, 2022 04:01 - 47 minutes - 34.8 MBRaph Carhart joins us to discuss a new SABR collection that looks at how Jackie Robinson's legacy has been reflected and shaped by pop culture and literature. He gives his thoughts on "The Jackie Robinson Story," "42," plus a Broadway play, a comic book, children's books, TV movies and much more.
Episode 322: "Whispers of the Gods"
May 03, 2022 04:00 - 40 minutes - 28.8 MBAuthor Peter Golenbock joins us to discuss his new oral history collection, which includes more than a dozen interviews with former baseball players conducted over the course of five decades. From Hall of Famers Mickey Mantle and Roy Campanella to journeyman like Ellis Clary and Kirby Higbe, the players, all now deceased, bring a long-gone era of baseball back to life.
Episode 321: "Red Barber"
April 19, 2022 00:07 - 54 minutes - 36.7 MBWe're in the catbird seat as author James R. Walker joins us to discuss his biography of legendary baseball broadcaster Red Barber.
From the Patreon archives: "Baseball's Great Experiment"
April 15, 2022 13:28 - 1 hour - 42.5 MBFor Jackie Robinson Day, we make this classic bonus episode from our Patreon page available to everyone. Adrian Burgos, Mark Armour and Lisa Alexander join us to take a deep dive look at "Baseball's Great Experiment," by Jules Tygiel.
Episode 320: "Charlie Murphy"
March 30, 2022 19:51 - 48 minutes - 30.3 MBIn the early 20th century, Charlie Murphy was the most successful — and controverisal — owner in the major leagues. Author Jason Cannon joins us to discuss the iconoclast behind the Chicago Cubs dynasty.
Episode 319: "Ted Sullivan, Barnacle of Baseball"
March 17, 2022 04:01 - 38 minutes - 24.8 MBTed Sullivan, once known as "the Daddy of Baseball," is almost entirely forgotten today. Author Pat O'Neill joins us to discuss the life of the Irish immigrant who discovered Charles Comiskey, took baseball international and coined the word 'fan.'
Episode 318: "Max Gordon"
February 23, 2022 02:01 - 38 minutes - 25.1 MBWe're back! Author Jacob Kornhauser joins us to discuss the remarkable and inspiring story of former Oregon State outfielder Max Gordon.
Episode 317: "The Baseball 100"
October 19, 2021 04:00 - 55 minutes - 38 MBWhere does Pete Rose rank on the list of baseball's all-time best players? Was Barry Bonds better than Henry Aaron? Where do players like Sadaharu Oh and Josh Gibson belong on a list of the top 100 players? Author Joe Posnanski joins us to discuss those questions and many more.
From the Patreon archives: '70s baseball movies
September 29, 2021 18:24 - 1 hour - 71.7 MBNow available for all. Dan Epstein, Josh Wilker and Willie Steele join us to discuss "The Bad News Bears," "Bang the Drum Slowly" and more baseball movies from the 1970s.
From the Patreon Archives: "The Glory of Their Times"
September 01, 2021 21:00 - 1 hour - 56.7 MBWe are making available to everyone for the first time our All-Star panel discussing "The Glory of Their Times." Rob Neyer, Jon Leonoudakis and Skip Desjardin join Justin McGuire to discuss Lawrence Ritter's classic oral history.
Episode 316: "My 1961"
August 18, 2021 21:56 - 48 minutes - 32.1 MBAndy Strasberg turned 13 in 1961, the same year his hero Roger Maris made baseball history. Strasberg joins us to discuss how that remarkable year changed his life and led to an enduring bond with the Maris family.
From the Patreon Archives: '80s baseball movies
August 10, 2021 17:37 - 1 hour - 55.2 MBIn honor of the upcoming "Field of Dreams" game, we are making this patron-only bonus episode available to everyone. No decade had as many beloved baseball movies as the 1980s. From "The Natural" in 1984 to "Field of Dreams" in 1989, Hollywood loved the National Pastime. So grab some popcorn and listen as our All-Star panel discusses the controversial ending to the "The Natural," the inaccuracies of "Eight Men Out" and whether Crash Davis could take Ricky “Wild Thing” Vaughn deep. Justin...
Episode 315: "11 in '11"
August 04, 2021 01:55 - 47 minutes - 31.2 MBThe St. Louis Cardinals have won 11 World Series, but perhaps none is as special to its fans as the miracle 2011 title. Author Benjamin Hochman joins us to discuss David Freese, Tony La Russa, Albert Pujols and a legendary Game 6.
Episode 314: "Forty Years a Giant"
July 21, 2021 21:38 - 53 minutes - 34.2 MBFor four decades, Giants owner Horace Stoneham was a pivotal figure in baseball. He brought Willie Mays to the majors, pioneered player development in Latin America and Asia and helped bring baseball to the West Coast. So why has he been largely forgotten? Author Steven Treder joins us to discuss Stoneham's life and legacy.
Episode 313: "The Best Little Baseball Town in the World"
July 13, 2021 04:00 - 44 minutes - 27.7 MBFor a short time in the 1950s, tiny Crowley, La. was the toast of the baseball world as its Class C Millers drew enormous crowds and won multiple pennants. Then it all ended as quickly as it began. Author Gaylon White joins us to discuss a remarkable tale of murder, mystery and tragedy.
Episode 312: "Double Plays and Double Crosses"
June 29, 2021 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.4 MBIn 1920, as rumors about the previous World Series swirled, the White Sox battled the Indians and Babe Ruth's Yankees for the American League pennant. All the while, questions abounded: How much did baseball know about the 1919 fix? Why were the crooked players allowed to play? Were they still throwing games? Don Zminda joins us to discuss a remarkable baseball season.
Episode 311: "Walter Alston"
June 22, 2021 04:00 - 53 minutes - 34.1 MBWalter Alston lacked the flash of fellow managers like Casey Stengel, Leo Durocher or Tommy Lasorda. But the Ohio native was one of the most successful skippers in major league history with more than 2,000 wins, seven pennants and four World Series titles. Author Alan Levy joins us to discuss how a career minor leaguer forged a Hall of Fame managerial career.
Episode 310: "1962"
June 15, 2021 04:00 - 47 minutes - 32.1 MBMajor league baseball came to Texas and returned to New York. Maury Wills and Don Drysdale dominated, but the Dodgers lost the pennant to the hated Giants. Meanwhile, John Glenn orbited the Earth, Americans did the Twist and JFK faced down the Soviets. Author David Krell joins us to discuss the momentous year of 1962. Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 309: "The Giants and Their City"
June 08, 2021 04:00 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MBFrom 1976 to 1992, the San Francisco Giants were mostly mediocre, rarely loved in their own city and constantly looking for a way to get out of frigid Candlestick Park. But, author Lincoln Mitchell says, this forgotten era helped lay the groundwork for all the success the team has experienced in the 21st century. Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Buy merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 308: "Clubbie"
May 25, 2021 04:00 - 43 minutes - 28.1 MBGreg Larson spent two years as a clubhouse attendant for the Aberdeen IronBirds. Along the way, he encountered future major leaguers like Trey Mancini and Josh Hader and found out some harsh truths about life in the minor leagues. The author joins us to discuss his experiences and why he thinks baseball needs to treat its players better. Here's a link to the Slate article about Blake Bailey mentioned during the interview: https://slate.com/culture/2021/04/blake-bailey-lusher-journals-tea...
Episode 307: "The Pride of Minnesota"
May 18, 2021 04:00 - 43 minutes - 30 MBThe Minnesota Twins of the 1960s featured a slew of stars who ended the long run of American League dominance by the New York Yankees in 1965. Author Thom Henninger joins us to discuss how Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva, Billy Martin and Co. navigated America's most turbulent decade. Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 306: "Tony Lazzeri"
May 11, 2021 04:00 - 54 minutes - 33.3 MBTony Lazzeri was baseballs first Italian-American star and a key member of the legendary Murderers' Row Yankees of the 1920s. But today the Hall of Fame second baseman is mostly remembered for one moment of failure. Lawrence Baldassaro joins us to explain why Lazzeri's legacy goes far beyond striking out in the 1926 World Series. Support us on Patreon: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 305: "Comeback Pitchers"
May 04, 2021 04:00 - 44 minutes - 30.3 MBAward-winning author Steve Steinberg returns to the podcast to discuss the remarkable careers of Jack Quinn and Howard Ehmke, two mostly forgotten pitchers from the early 20th century.
Episode 304: "Gathering Crowds"
April 27, 2021 04:00 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBWhen baseball free agency began in the late 1970s, many owners predicted doom for the national pastime. Instead, the game entered an era of sky-rocketing attendance, growing popularity and small-market World Series winners. Paul Hensler joins us to discuss how baseball fever gripped the nation from 1977 to 1989. Support the pod: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 303: "The Captain and Me"
April 20, 2021 04:00 - 54 minutes - 37.4 MBRon Blomberg and Thurman Munson may have seemed like an odd couple, but the gregarious kid from Georgia and the grumpy All-Star catcher were the best of friends on the Yankee squads of the early 1970s. Author Dan Epstein joins us to explain how he and Blomberg got together to tell the story of an unlikely friendship that ended in tragedy. Patreon: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 302: "Two Sides of Glory"
April 13, 2021 04:00 - 45 minutes - 28.8 MBWhat's it like to be on the losing end of one of the most famous World Series in baseball history? Author Erick Sherman talked to Bill Buckner, Wade Boggs, Roger Clemens and other members of the 1986 Boston Red Sox to find out. Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 301: "The Best Team Over There"
April 06, 2021 14:56 - 44 minutes - 28.9 MBBefore World War I, Grover Cleveland Alexander was "The Great Alexander," a superstar pitcher who dominated the National League. After the war, Ol' Pete's life began to spiral out of control as he struggled with alcoholism, PTSD and epilepsy. Author Jim Leeke discusses the remarkable story of a man who went from the heights of the national game to dying alone in a rented room. Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookst...
Episode 300: "Baseball's Greatest Hit"
April 01, 2021 04:00 - 49 minutes - 36.3 MBKatie Casey is baseball mad, and so are we! It's Opening Day AND it's the 300th episode of Baseball by the Book, so we're celebrating by taking an in-depth look at "Take Me Out to the Ballgame." Author Tim Wiles joins us to discuss how a hit 1908 song became an American classic. Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 299: "Our Team"
March 30, 2021 04:00 - 1 hour - 42.6 MBIn 1948, the Cleveland Indians became the first integrated major league team to win the World Series. Author Luke Epplin joins us to discuss Larry Doby, Satchel Paige, Bob Feller, Bill Veeck and the rest of the history-making squad that has been overshadowed by Jackie Robinson and the Brooklyn Dodgers. Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 298: "The Only Way is the Steady Way"
March 26, 2021 04:00 - 53 minutes - 37.6 MBAuthor Andrew Forbes joins us to discuss his new collection of essays on Ichiro Suzuki and other baseball topics, including the 2003 Tigers, Tris Speaker and Pedro Guerrero. Plus, we chat about baseball under the shadow of COVID and nuclear annihilation. Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 297: "Cobra"
March 23, 2021 05:38 - 58 minutes - 37.9 MBDave Parker was one of baseball's brightest stars in the late 1970s, a batting champion with power and a deadly right arm. But injuries and drugs derailed his All-Star career before he found redemption and happiness in his hometown of Cincinnati. Author Dave Jordan joins us to discuss the autobiography he co-authored with Parker. Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Buy merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 296: "Lights, Camera, Fastball"
March 16, 2021 04:00 - 58 minutes - 43.5 MBThe Hollywood Stars were the team of, well, Hollywood stars. For two decades, Gilmore Field in Los Angeles was the place to be for celebrities from Clark Gable and Jimmy Stewart to Barbara Stanwyck and Groucho Marx. Author Dan Taylor joins us to discuss the remarkable run of the Pacific Coast League franchise that pioneered air travel and TV and introduced the world to baseball uniform shorts. Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/b...
Episode 295: "Viva Baseball"
March 09, 2021 05:00 - 49 minutes - 32.9 MBFrom Dolf Luque to Fernando Valenzuela to Pedro Martinez, Latin Americans have long played baseball in the United States — and faced significant racism and cultural barriers along the way. Samuel Regalado joins us to discuss his efforts to chronicle the experiences of Latin major league players. Patreon: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 294: "Pudge"
March 02, 2021 05:00 - 56 minutes - 38 MBCarlton Fisk hit one of baseball's most legendary home runs, but his long career was much more than that. Doug Wilson joins us to discuss the hard-nosed catcher who became a star in his native New England before an acrimonious split with the Red Sox led him to Chicago's South Side. Along the way, he became one of baseball's most respected — and hated — players. Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 293: "Singled Out"
February 23, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 43.2 MBIn a little more than a decade, Glenn Burke went from starting in the World Series to living on the streets of San Francisco, addicted to drugs and suffering from the disease that would eventually kill him. But Burke's role as the first openly gay player in MLB — and the inventor of the high five — has ensured his legacy will live on. Author Andrew Maraniss joins us to discuss the remarkable life and tragic death of a baseball pioneer. Support the podcast: www.patreon.com/baseballbytheboo...
Episode 292: "Ken Williams"
February 16, 2021 05:00 - 57 minutes - 48.9 MBFor a period in the early 1920s, Ken Williams rivaled Babe Ruth as the top slugger in baseball — kind of. Author Dave Heller returns to the podcast to talk about the brief but memorable career of the St. Louis Browns star who became MLB's first 30-30 man and ignited a Hall of Fame debate that continues to this day. Patreon: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 291: "Playing with the Enemy"
February 09, 2021 05:34 - 44 minutes - 31.1 MBGene Moore was a teenage baseball phenom with big league dreams before World War II derailed his plans. But when his second chance came along years later, he wasn't sure he wanted to take it. Author Gary W. Moore (Gene's son) joins us to discuss the story of one man's hopes and disappointments amid the bloodiest conflict of the 20th century. Patreon: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore
Episode 290: "The Last Boy"
February 02, 2021 05:00 - 1 hour - 47.4 MB"Don't be like me," Mickey Mantle told the world toward the end of his life. Emerging from a troubled childhood in Oklahoma, the Mick became baseball's biggest star under the bright lights of New York. But alcoholism and other personal demons trailed him throughout his life, overshadowing his prodigious home runs and World Series rings. Acclaimed author Jane Leavy returns to the podcast to discuss her biography of Yankee legend. Patreon: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www...