It’s been 50 years since Philadelphia’s Connie Mack Stadium was torn down—but thanks to longtime Phillies PR man Larry Shenk, "The Baron", it springs back to life in this episode. Larry spent decades behind the scenes with the Phillies, and his memory is an absolute time machine. A baseball encyclopedia. From the crack of the bat to the roar of the crowd in North Philly, Larry paints a vivid picture of what it was like inside one of baseball’s great lost ballparks. He also shares untold stories ...
Aug 06, 2025•49 min
Drafted in the 62nd round in 1988, Mike Piazza defied all odds to carve out a 16-year Hall of Fame career. In this episode (which originally aired in 2022, now re-released, remastered with new audio) Piazza shares stories of playing at Dodger Stadium, Shea, and Yankee Stadium, torching the Phillies, passing Johnny Bench, and the day the greatest hitter of all time showed up at his house for breakfast—and batting practice. Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, ...
Jul 23, 2025•30 min
Hip-hop icon and Rock N Roll HOFer Chuck D joins the podcast to remember baseball legend Dave Parker—The Cobra. Chuck reflects on Parker’s impact on the game, his cultural legacy, and what it meant to narrate Cobra at Twilight , the powerful documentary about Parker’s life and battle with Parkinson's. Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow the podcast. Want to access to photos, bonus content and exclusive merch? Visit LostBallparks.com and be...
Jul 16, 2025•10 min
Dave Bristol just turned 92 on June 23rd—and he’s packed a lifetime of baseball into those years. A member of the Reds Hall of Fame, Bristol managed Cincinnati in the late ’60s before leading the Brewers, Braves, and Giants, and later coaching with the Expos and Phillies. Born in Macon, Georgia, he's one of the game's great storytellers, with decades of dugout memories to share. Enjoy this journey back to baseball's golden era. Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please ...
Jul 02, 2025•38 min
This month on Lost Ballparks , our guest is Dennis Clotworthy, Al Kaline’s Last Bat Boy . Dennis grew up across the street from Tiger Stadium and eventually worked inside its walls. In our conversation, Dennis brings the old ballpark to life with incredible detail—describing everything from creaky trap doors to the magic of Gate 16, the heavy barn door that opened a hidden world below field level and the old, slick hardwood floors of the clubhouses, worn smooth and marked with metal spike impres...
Jun 04, 2025•44 min
In light of Pete Rose’s posthumous reinstatement to Major League Baseball and his renewed eligibility for induction into the Hall of Fame, I’m re-releasing this short episode from last fall. It features the last message Pete left for me shortly before his passing. Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow the podcast. Want to access to photos, bonus content and exclusive merch? Visit LostBallparks.com and become a Patreon. Follow us on Instagram...
May 14, 2025•4 min
Before there was a SportsCenter… before ESPN became a juggernaut… there was George Grande—sitting behind a desk, ushering in a new era of sports television with some of the the very first words ever spoken on the network. But his story doesn’t begin there. He played alongside Tom Seaver at USC, interned for Vin Scully, called games for the Yankees, Cardinals, and Reds, and for 31 summers was the voice of baseball immortality as the host of the Hall of Fame induction ceremonies. He’s shared dugou...
May 07, 2025•42 min
He started as a batboy at old Seals Stadium in 1958 and spent the next 65 years inside the Giants clubhouse at Candlestick Park and beyond. Along the way, he became great friends with Willie Mays, found himself at a private dinner where a legendary singer answered the door, had an unexpected run-in with a Hollywood cowboy at spring training, "borrowed" something from Bob Uecker and even ran the clubhouse for the biggest band in the world. This month on Lost Ballparks , longtime Giants clubhouse ...
Apr 02, 2025•28 min
Baseball is in Buddy Bell’s blood. Growing up, he spent his days at Crosley Field watching his dad, Gus Bell, play for the Reds and later roamed County Stadium when Gus was traded to the Milwaukee Braves. In this episode, Buddy shares stories of his childhood in the game, the special way his dad let him know he made a great play, a life-changing moment in the parking lot at Cleveland Municipal Stadium, his first All-Star Game in 1973, and the unforgettable highlight of his career when he finally...
Mar 05, 2025•35 min
Bob Uecker was more than just a baseball legend—he was a cultural icon, a Hall of Fame broadcaster, and one of the most beloved personalities in sports history. In this special tribute episode, MLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian, Hall of Famers Rollie Fingers, Ted Simmons, and Paul Molitor share their favorite Ueck stories. From his playing days to the broadcast booth, and of course, his unforgettable moments in pop culture, this is a celebration of “Mr. Baseball”. Send us a text Support the show If ...
Feb 05, 2025•31 min
I’m thrilled to bring you one of our all-time most downloaded episodes: my interview with Cal Ripken Jr., originally released on January 4, 2022. If you’re new to Lost Ballparks, this is the perfect chance to catch up on a conversation that has become a cornerstone of the show. Cal shares incredible stories about the American League ballparks he played in during his career, the advice Reggie Jackson gave him that pulled him out of his first big league slump, and what it was like to play under th...
Jan 15, 2025•46 min
Relive the magic of baseball’s golden age through the incredible story of Jackie Brandt, a player who shared the field with legends like Stan Musial, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Brooks Robinson and Eddie Mathews. With a career spanning 12 unforgettable years (1956–1967), Brandt played in some of the most iconic ballparks in history—Polo Grounds, Sportsman’s Park, Ebbets Field and Connie Mack Stadium. In this episode, Jackie, now 90, shares his unique experiences, colorful stories and what it wa...
Jan 08, 2025•30 min
Breaking news: Thrilled to announce tonight the Classic Era Baseball Committee has elected Dave Parker and Dick Allen to the Baseball Hall of Fame. He will be inducted next year!! Here is our interview with Parker from March of 2022. Hope you enjoy it and congratulations to the Cobra (and Allen) on an achievement that is long overdue! Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow the podcast. Want to access to photos, bonus content and exclusive mer...
Dec 09, 2024•31 min
On this month's episode I’m honored to talk with a man who has been the heartbeat of Cleveland baseball for 35 years—Tom Hamilton, the legendary voice of the Cleveland Indians and Guardians. Hear his baseball beginnings, including the first game he ever attended as a kid, the quirks and character that made Cleveland’s Municipal Stadium one of a kind, and the city’s transformation with the opening of Jacobs Field in 1994. And of course, we revisit those incredible Cleveland teams of the mid-‘90s—...
Dec 04, 2024•43 min
This month on Lost Ballparks, Ken "Hawk" Harrelson joins us with stories as colorful as his career. From meeting Mickey Mantle as a kid to helping save Fenway, playing with Satchel Paige, and even catching the eye of Frank Sinatra, Hawk's stories are legendary. Hear how a twist of fate before Game 7 of the ’67 World Series might have cost the Red Sox their title, and relive highlights from his 9-year big league career and 33 years in the White Sox broadcast booth. Grab some peanuts and cracker j...
Nov 06, 2024•33 min
On this episode, I'm joined by Ernie Whitt, catcher from the 1977 inaugural Toronto Blue Jays team. He shares stories about some of the historic minor league ballparks he played in, the American League ballparks of the 70s and 80s, his first MLB hit, and the early days of the Blue Jays at Exhibition Stadium. Plus, Ernie reflects on two unforgettable things Dwight Evans and Carlton Fisk did for him that he'll never forget. Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, ...
Oct 02, 2024•37 min
Pete Rose has passed away at the age of 83. Just a few weeks ago, he left me a message that I'd like to share with you. Rest in peace, Pete. Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow the podcast. Want to access to photos, bonus content and exclusive merch? Visit LostBallparks.com and become a Patreon. Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and X....
Oct 01, 2024•3 min
Jerry Schwab is my guest on this months Lost Ballparks podcast. From 1946-1957, Jerry and his family lived in an apartment underneath the LF grandstands at the Polo Grounds. His Dad, Matty was the head groundskeeper for the New York Giants. His story is a rare glimpse into a world that few have ever seen; personal relationships with legends of the game, hidden passages, tunnels beneath the stands and the dugouts and clubhouses where history was written. Send us a text Support the show If you enj...
Sep 04, 2024•31 min
Denny Matthews, the Royals Hall of Fame Voice, has been calling games in Kansas City since the team's first game in 1969! This is his 56th year with the Royals. He joins me on this month's episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast to talk about K.C.'s Municipal Stadium, The "K", all things Royals, the first MLB game he ever attended and the ingenious strategy he used to get the Royals job! Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow the podcast. Want ...
Aug 07, 2024•34 min
Denny McLain, 2X Cy Young Award winner, 3X All-Star, AL MVP, 1968 World Champion and the last pitcher in the big leagues to win 30 games in a season, is my guest on this month's episode. Wait 'til you hear why his Mom chose not to let him sign with the Yankees! We're also talking about his first hand experiences in some of baseball's iconic ballparks and of course that magical 1968 season for the Detroit Tigers! Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, an...
Jul 03, 2024•34 min
At 99 years old (he'll turn 100 in September), The Reverend William "Bill" Greason is the oldest living member of the Negro Leagues. From his heroic service in World War II to his career in the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball, Greason's journey is one of courage, determination, and a remarkable, unwavering spirit of gratitude. Enjoy my conversation with a true American hero! Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow the podcast. Want to ...
Jun 19, 2024•19 min
Pat Hughes, who was elected to the broadcast wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame last year has broadcast more than 6,000 games over a 40+ year career. The longtime radio voice of the Chicago Cubs joins me on this month's episode to reminisce about the first big league game he ever attended and to share his many vivid ballpark memories of Candlestick, Yankee Stadium, Comiskey Park, Tiger Stadium, the Metrodome, County Stadium, Municipal Stadium and Wrigley Field. Send us a text Support the show If ...
Jun 05, 2024•32 min
From the dusty sandlots of Pottstown, PA to the storied ballparks that served as the backdrop to his remarkable career, 98 year old baseball legend and 1952 AL MVP Bobby Shantz looks back on his improbable path to the major leagues. Grab your peanuts and cracker jack and listen to one of the great stories from the golden age of baseball. Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow the podcast. Want to access to photos, bonus content and exclusive ...
May 01, 2024•34 min
Several months ago, I recorded an interview with the late Larry Lucchino. In addition to being an executive for the Orioles, Padres and Red Sox, Lucchino was a ballpark design revolutionary who ushered in the wave of retro ballparks beginning with Camden Yards. On this week's special episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast, Lucchino tells how the park of his youth, Forbes Field, inspired him to build Camden Yards and Petco Park. Listen now at lostballparks.com or search "Lost Ballparks" wherever y...
Apr 24, 2024•23 min
Steve Vucinich spent 54 years with the Oakland A’s working as a peanut vendor, a ballboy, and eventually the clubhouse manager. The much beloved member of the Athletics was inducted into the Oakland A’s Hall of Fame in 2022. He was a part of the team for 7 different decades and has many stories to tell on this month's episode! Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow the podcast. Want to access to photos, bonus content and exclusive merch? Visi...
Apr 03, 2024•34 min
Rocky Colavito finished his career with 374 HR's and he played in 9 All-Star Games. Now 90 years young, Rocky joins me on this episode to talk about his 1st game at the Polo Grounds, his tryout at Yankee Stadium, his love for Cleveland & the wedding gift the team gave him & his wife that he'll never forget! Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow the podcast. Want to access to photos, bonus content and exclusive merch? Visit LostBallpa...
Mar 06, 2024•22 min
Pete Weber, the voice of the minor league Buffalo Bisons (1983-1995), called many games at historic War Memorial Stadium. He was there while they filmed "The Natural" and joins me on this episode to offer behind the scenes details about that all-time great baseball movie. We also spend time remembering some of the quirks and oddities of baseball's lost minor league ballparks. Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow the podcast. Want to access ...
Feb 07, 2024•28 min
Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins joins me to recount the "when" and "where" of attending his first MLB game, the unconventional method his Dad used to make him a strong pitcher, the trials of playing in minor league ballparks of the segregated south in the early 1960's, the baseball legend he admired growing up who would become his roommate and surviving 10 cent beer night at Cleveland's Municipal Stadium! Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow t...
Jan 03, 2024•37 min
Jon Miller, the longtime voice of the San Francisco Giants makes his return visit to Lost Ballparks. His first appearance on the podcast quickly became the most downloaded episode in LB podcast history. He is gracious enough to join once again sharing more of his first hand experiences of broadcasting at some of baseball's iconic lost ballparks. Send us a text Support the show If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and follow the podcast. Want to access to photos, bonus content and ex...
Aug 14, 2023•39 min
Mike McDermott began his career at Dodger Stadium as the visiting team batboy in the mid 1960's. He later transitioned to batting practice pitcher for the Dodgers; a position he held for 30 years! He joins me on this episode to talk about a Hall of Famer whose kindness he'll never forget, the time at Candlestick where he caused the game to be stopped and memories of many old, lost ballparks, including a particular goose bump inducing moment at Yankee Stadium. Send us a text Support the show If y...
Aug 07, 2023•24 min
