Tim Kurkjian, with his son, Jeff, preview the 2025 inductees to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York. Ichiro Suzuki, CC Sabathia, Billy Wagner, Dick Allen and Dave Parker will be enshrined into the hall, and Tim has a breakdown of each of these amazing hall of famers and argument for each and every single one. The greatest number 30 and 31, not sure there is too much debate there but you decide. Words can be hard for Jeff, including two words he hates as a radio host. Plus...
Jul 24, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 53
People used to call him "Fence Post" and now he's a Hall of Famer! From "rags to riches" in his words, he waited a bit too long on the ballot in our opinion but he made it! In honor of the National Baseball Hall of Fame Inductions happening this weekend, we had one of the many going in this year. This hard throwing lefty talks about actually being right-handed and how he made that transition. He also told us about where he was when he got the call that he got in and when he got the word that he ...
Jul 23, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 52
It's hard not to get pumped up for baseball when the second half of the season has begun. The Brewers are on a tear, tied for the best record in the National League with the Chicago Cubs. Someone might be pulling some strings there. Aaron Judge is doing something only Aaron Judge has done, we call Elias about Elias and David Wright is honored at Citi Field. Many Mets fans would debate, where does he fall among the greatest Mets of all time, let us know in the comments. The auction item any fan w...
Jul 22, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 51
Tim Kurkjian takes us to Atlanta for what was a fascinating week of All Star Game magic. The Homerun Derby was electric, with exclusive moments from Cal Raleigh's dad. Plus the amazing honor for Hank Aaron in Atlanta, core memory for us all. And then of course, the All Star Game finish was just UNREAL. Some purists didn't love it, but we sure were obsessed. The fans, the players, the managers, all were into and it made for incredible television. We dive into that. Both Nolan Ryan and Bob Gibson ...
Jul 17, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 50
Happy All Star Week! We had Chipper Jones, Atlanta Braves legend, on the show the week that Atlanta hosted the All Star Game, how fitting! The Hall of Famer shares his experiences in baseball, from memorable moments with teammates to his competitive spirit and preparation for games. He reflects on his early career, the importance of education, and the impact of legends like Cal Ripken Jr. and Greg Maddux. Chipper also discusses the talent of current players like Ronald Acuña Jr. and the bond he ...
Jul 16, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 49
Tim Kurkjian is in Atlanta covering the All Star Game this weekend. The Homerun Derby on ESPN Radio will feature him in the booth and for the All Star Game, he will be in the dugout for ESPN Radio as well. Don't be fooled, Tim never comes to a show unprepared and today is no different. You will be sipping from a firehose with the amount of absolutely incredible ASG memories this man has. We revisit a couple takeaways including Tito Francona's big milestone, The MLB Draft and honor a listener who...
Jul 15, 2025•42 min•Season 2Ep. 48
We are on location this week for the episode at a place both Tim and Jeff grew up going to! We sat down with Bruce Adams of the Bethesda Big Train about the amazing life that college players have playing the wood bat league! It's a really special place and we cannot thank Bruce and his team enough for having us. We also dive into takeaways including what the heck is going on with inside the park homers and why Justin Turner's 200th homerun was actually insane. On this date in baseball history, w...
Jul 10, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 47
In this episode, Scott Bradley, former Major League catcher and current Princeton head baseball coach, shares insights from his extensive baseball career. He discusses the early days of Ken Griffey Jr., the importance of summer leagues for player development, and the value of playing games over mere training. Scott emphasizes the need for youth engagement in baseball, the significance of education in athletics, and offers advice for aspiring players. He also highlights the innovative Bradley Bas...
Jul 09, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 46
In this episode, Jeff and Tim Kurkjian discuss Tim's recent trip to San Diego, highlighting the beauty of Petco Park and the game and series that he covered. Tim Kurkjian's take on Manny Machado's Hall of Fame chances is a compelling one. Plus both Tim and Jeff, with some help from friends, dazzle with more Quirkjians, man we love baseball facts. The conversation also touches on the All-Star Game selections, including nineteen first timers. We learn a hilarious story of how reliever Jason Adam f...
Jul 08, 2025•41 min•Season 2Ep. 45
We bring you another edition of "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" with a bit of a patriotic theme throughout. Make sure to stick around for Tim Kurkjian's "All Independence Day" Team which is bound to make you laugh, or scratch your head. We open by hearing what Tim has been up to which truly will baffle the masses (don't worry, nobody was harmed in the making of the story). Plus the greatest number 25 and number 26 of all time, with little to no debate on these ones. How about Elly de la Cruz pa...
Jul 03, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 44
For Mets and Braves fans, you remember the Fourth of July, 1985, because of the strangest game maybe ever played in baseball history. We are joined this week by Ron Darling who pitched in that game for the New York Mets. Extra innings, fireworks at four in the morning, lots of rain and even more hits. We break down the box score of this game and take you there via Darling who came in to pitch at roughly three in the morning. These are the type of interviews we LOVE. Ron Darling is currently a br...
Jul 02, 2025•35 min•Season 2Ep. 43
Welcome to another episode of "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" For those who are new here, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian, a father-son duo, chat with you about baseball three days a week. This week, we take time to remember Dave Parker, who passed away on June 28th and is set to be inducted into the Hall of Fame on July 27th. We get excited because it is finally July, the month that is second only to October for Tim. Cal Ripken on this date, had something huge happen in his career, so did both Bob Gibso...
Jul 01, 2025•33 min•Season 2Ep. 42
It is HOT across the country and our players, and your favorite podcast hosts, are feeling the heat. The takeaways include just how good this one AL East team has really become. The Quirkjians will shock you when it comes to strikeout numbers not just from one player but from the entire league in 2025. They also touch on the excitement surrounding the Oakland Athletics' move to Las Vegas, and Jeff's take after living in Las Vegas for five years. On This Date, we say HAPPY BIRTHDAY to the captain...
Jun 26, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 41
Dan Le Batard is our guest this week and it's about time the roles are reveresed. Tim Kurkjian has been a guest with The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz for years, consistently cracking up at their hijanks and looks like, with very little baseball exchanged in those interviews. We kept with that tradition and found time to chat about both of their humble beginnings as newspaper writers. We also discuss some of the best Looks Likes of all time and promote a very big crossover between both of thei...
Jun 25, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 40
Tim and Jeff Kurkjian are in the summer mood officially!! Feeling good about the baseball season well into June at this point, Tim provides us with an excellent of "summer" baseball players. We find out the rough start to Jeff's day on the highways of Pennsylvania. Tim finds out what an Instagram "Roll" is. We honor Rickey Henderson on this date in baseball history. And can cricket players really throw harder than Bob Gibson? Thank you so much for taking the time to listen, it means a whole lot....
Jun 24, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 39
In this episode, Jeff and Tim Kurkjian discuss their recent podcast with Cal Ripken Jr. and his son, Ryan. They delve into the meaning of social media slang, share humorous personal anecdotes, and transition into a detailed discussion about current baseball events, including player performances and quirky moments in the game. The episode highlights the challenges players face in today's game, records being set, and the fun side of baseball. In this episode, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian discuss the New ...
Jun 19, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 38
This is the episode we have all been waiting for. Legendary Hall of Famer, Cal Ripken Jr. returns to "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" but this time with his son, Ryan Ripken. In our Father's Day week celebration, we have brought these two together to chat with our father-son duo about the game we love and growing up around it. Ryan Ripken currently is a member of the media, with his very own show, but is a former professional baseball player and great basketball player, just like his dad. Tim, w...
Jun 18, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 37
It wouldn't be a Father's Day episode if Tim and Jeff were apart. This father-son broadcasting duo is at it again recapping great Father's Day games of the past and the happenings of June 15th, 2025 including the biggest trade of the 2025 season. Shohei will take the mound, we dive into that with a throwback clip to Phil Nevin, a former guest of the show, talking about managing Shohei's pitching schedule. We talk Quirkjians that will have you head scratching, brothers who did big things in the s...
Jun 17, 2025•43 min•Season 2Ep. 36
Welcome to another episode of "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" Take a minute, if you will, to write a review for the show and FOLLOW or SUBSCRIBE wherever you are listening right now. That would help us out! Tim & Jeff Kurkjian have a big announcement, a new addition to the Kurkjian family. Aaron Judge is REALLY legit, especially in the first inning, the Astros are not. Tim got a late night text message from a current big league manager. Lefty pitchers just have something going on this seaso...
Jun 12, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 35
Tim and Jeff Kurkjian are joined by two members of Congress, Joe Morelle, and Blake Moore to discuss the unique intersection of baseball and politics through the lens of the Congressional Baseball Game. Representative Joe Morelle is a Democrat who represents New York's 25 District and Representative Blake Moore is a Republican who represents Utah's 1st District. They share personal anecdotes, competitive experiences, and the significance of baseball in their lives, both as a sport and a bonding ...
Jun 11, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 34
In this episode, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian explore personal connections in baseball, highlighting Tim's interaction with player Carson Kelly and the familial ties within the sport. They delve into their Armenian heritage, share humorous anecdotes from their lives, including golfing experiences, and discuss notable baseball performances. The conversation reflects on the importance of family, culture, and the joy of sports, creating a warm and engaging atmosphere. In this episode, Tim and Jeff Kurkjia...
Jun 10, 2025•38 min•Season 2Ep. 33
In this episode, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian discuss recent updates in Major League Baseball, and reflect on the significance of retired numbers. But first, what in the world is Tim wearing? They also address safety concerns in the sport and highlight notable moments in baseball history. In this episode, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian celebrate the unique career of Bill Spiers, discuss the ranking of baseball legends, particularly focusing on Frank Robinson and Ken Griffey Jr. They also introduce a fun concept...
Jun 05, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 32
Tim Kurkjian's brother, Matt, was a Hall of Fame college baseball player for Catholic University. He was an incredible father, brother, uncle and friend to all. He passed away from ALS in 2023. In a change from the norm, we brought in Tim's oldest brother, Andy Kurkjian, to join as our guest this week as a remember a man that shaped all of our lives in a way that made Matt Kurkjian the PRIDE of the Kurkjian's. Thank you for listening to this episode, we know it is a departure from our usual stru...
Jun 04, 2025•53 min•Season 2Ep. 31
Tim and his son Jeff chat all things baseball and all things family. This episode is a special one giving the significance of the day they are filming, it is Lou Gehrig Day! We chat about an amazing homer from Elly de la Cruz which was bigger than baseball. Plus some stats you won't believe with our Quirkjians. We ripped open some cards again, glad that's back! "All Body Of Water" team for our Team Tim and Pedro Martinez on this date is amazing. Thank you for sharing the show with some people yo...
Jun 03, 2025•45 min•Season 2Ep. 30
Tim and Jeff Kurkjian discuss a variety of baseball topics, including memorable players, personal stories, and insights into the current MLB season. Jeff traveled to Las Vegas with his almost two year old on his own and we had to get a recap of that. They share anecdotes about their experiences, highlight significant moments in baseball history, and engage with their audience through listener submissions. You can also submit, email Jeff@GreatGameOrWhat.com to do so. This episode also features a ...
May 29, 2025•36 min•Season 2Ep. 29
Tim Kurkjian and Jeff Kurkjian interview Bob Ryan, a legendary sports writer known for his deep knowledge of baseball and basketball. The discussion covers Bob's early influences in baseball, his admiration for players like Willie Mays and Bill Russell, and the importance of minor league baseball in shaping major league talent. They also explore Boston's rich sports history and debate the greatest players in Red Sox history. Bob Ryan reflects on his illustrious career in sports journalism, parti...
May 28, 2025•52 min•Season 2Ep. 28
In this episode, Jeff and Tim Kurkjian reflect on Memorial Day, honoring those who served, including Tim's father. They share personal anecdotes about family and friends, including the late Jim Henneman, a respected baseball writer. The conversation shifts to Major League Baseball updates, discussing player performances and records. They also share humorous travel stories and trivia about the game. A special guest joins, the head coach of the STATE CHAMPIONSHIP WALTER JOHNSON HIGH SCHOOL WILDCAT...
May 27, 2025•44 min•Season 2Ep. 27
Jeff and Tim Kurkjian explore various themes in baseball, including family connections, milestones, managerial changes, and the challenges faced by official scorers. They share personal anecdotes, discuss the struggles of teams like the Orioles and Pirates, and reflect on the importance of balancing family and professional commitments in the world of baseball. The conversation also touches on quirky facts and historical moments in the sport. In this episode, your favorite father-son duo explore ...
May 22, 2025•39 min•Season 2Ep. 26
Jim Deshaies shares his journey from a small town in New York to becoming a Major League pitcher and broadcaster. He recounts memorable experiences, including his unique connection to the Andy Griffith Show, his college choices, and his remarkable achievement of striking out the first eight batters in a game. Deshaies also humorously reflects on his struggles as a hitter and his unexpected Hall of Fame vote campaign, providing insights into the life of a professional athlete. His experiences as ...
May 21, 2025•46 min•Season 2Ep. 25
Tim and Jeff Kurkjian explore various themes surrounding baseball, family dynamics, and personal anecdotes. They discuss the excitement of rivalry week in baseball, the joys and challenges of grandparenting, and the impact of managerial changes on team performance. The conversation also highlights the remarkable achievements of players like Shohei Ohtani and the unpredictability of the game, culminating in quirky stories and fun facts about baseball. In this episode, Tim Kurkjian shares amusing ...
May 20, 2025•40 min•Season 2Ep. 24
