Revisit the dramatic end of Joe DiMaggio's 56-game streak, Hank Aaron's 755th and final home run, a perfect game on a legendary day, and the most controversial play in All-Star Game history. Get Deeper Into the Episode Subscribe to the FREE Substack newsletter for videos, photos, and other content related to this episode. Liked the Show? Leave Me a One-Time "Good Game" Tip! Tip on Stripe ...
Jul 17, 2025•6 min
The story of Leonard George Koenecke, an outfielder for the Brooklyn Dodgers, is mostly etched into baseball history books not because of his incredible plays, but because of the absolutely shocking and bizarre way he died. His death, which happened violently mid-flight, immediately grabbed public attention. It took what was a pretty promising career and, as one history writer put it, turned it into "a footnote, a trivial oddity." Imagine the chaos on a small plane, leading to a fatal blow from ...
Jul 14, 2025•33 min•Ep. 107
Picture this: It's the 1900’s and you bought a pack of cigarettes. Inside is a little rectangle of cardboard. There’s no stats on the back, no holograms. Just a hand-drawn image. It's a ballplayer (and maybe some tobacco dust that's still stuck to the edges.) Today, those cards are like gold to collectors. My guest Brent, from the Instagram and Tik Tok channel at @BrewingCards, has been making videos about one of the most iconic sets in baseball history: The T206 Set. If you've never heard of it...
Jun 09, 2025•36 min•Ep. 106
Imagine America in the spring of 1963. The United States was in the thick of experiencing significant social unrest due to its growing Civil Rights Movement. Brutal police actions against protesters in Birmingham, AL led to a historic march on Washington. This is where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech. Baseball’s teams reflected more diverse rosters than ever - so how did the sport reflect and react to the simmering tensions about to boil over? Let’s explore - ...
May 26, 2025•25 min•Ep. 105
I sat down with author Jeffrey Orens, who wrote Selling Baseball: How A.G. Spalding Built America’s Game. This episode is all about the unsung architects of America’s pastime—A.G. Spalding and George Wright. These two names might not be as famous as Babe Ruth or Jackie Robinson, but their impact on baseball’s transformation from a simple game to a nationwide business powerhouse is huge. We’ll explore how Spalding’s marketing genius and Wright’s pioneering play helped shape baseball into the belo...
May 19, 2025•51 min•Ep. 104
I sat down with the director of product development comms and brand strategy at Sony Interactive’s San Diego Studio to talk about MLB The Show 25 - but don’t worry, we’re not just talking button-mashing and graphics. We’re digging into how baseball’s rich history shows up in the game: from recreating classic stadiums to rating Hall of Famers and telling the stories of baseball legends. Learn more about how baseball’s past gets preserved—and played with - on today’s episode! Liked the Show? Leave...
May 01, 2025•17 min•Ep. 103
Today I’m breaking down seven moments when the IRS stepped off the sidelines and went head-to-head with some of pro baseball’s biggest names. From Hall of Famers to World Series champs to obscure role players, nobody was too big (or too forgotten) to get a visit from Uncle Sam. Let’s take a look at what happened when the tax man came calling for pro baseball players. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Dive deeper into the episode, and access to the FREE bonus show at: https://rounders.subs...
Apr 14, 2025•24 min•Ep. 102
Today's episode is about women in baseball. I sat down with author Al Lautenslager to talk about his new book, Leveling the Playing Field: Women Breaking Barriers in Major League Baseball Coaching and Leadership . This conversation digs into how we went from zero women on MLB coaching staffs in 2011 to over 40 today, and what that tells us about the future of the game. Al shares insights from his interviews with front office executives, scouts, and coaches—people who aren’t just breaking ground,...
Apr 07, 2025•36 min•Ep. 101
This week, we're diving into a forgotten chapter of baseball history— the heartbreaking story of the 1946 Spokane Indians bus crash.
Mar 24, 2025•23 min•Ep. 100
Baseball in Ireland? Yeah, it’s a thing—and it’s got a history that might surprise you. This week, we’re heading across the Atlantic to explore how America’s pastime found its way onto the Emerald Isle. We’ll talk about the pioneers, the setbacks, the unlikely heroes, and how baseball carved out a niche in a country better known for hurling and Gaelic football. So grab a pint, settle in, and let’s learn about the story of baseball in Ireland. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Dive deeper into the ...
Mar 17, 2025•31 min•Ep. 99
Baseball isn’t just a game—it’s a reflection of America itself. And nowhere is that more true than in small towns and cities, where the sport isn’t just played—it’s part of the community’s identity. This week, I sit down with author Will Bardenwerper to talk about his new book, Homestand: Small Town Baseball and the Fight for the Soul of America. We dive into what baseball means to small-town life, the challenges these communities face, and why their fight to keep the game alive matters now more...
Mar 10, 2025•24 min•Ep. 98
Before the modern Orioles, there was a National League dynasty that changed baseball forever—then disappeared. This week, I sit down with authors and historians Tom Delise and Jay Seaborg to talk about the 1890s Orioles, the wild tactics of “Foxy” Ned Hanlon, and why this team left a permanent mark on the game—despite being erased from the league. Purchase Jay and Tom's book, " Foxy Ned Hanlon: The Baseball Life of a Hall of Fame Manager .” Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Dive deeper into the ep...
Mar 03, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Ep. 97
Author and historian Paul D. White joins the show to expose the barriers that kept Negro League legends out of Cooperstown for so long —and why work isn't done yet. Check Out Paul's Work: Buy his book "Cooperstown's Back Door: A History of Negro Leaguers in the Baseball Hall of Fame” Amazon Barnes & Noble McFarland Subscribe to Paul on Substack ( Lost in Left Field ) for daily baseball insights and commentary Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Dive deeper into the episode, and acce...
Feb 24, 2025•21 min•Ep. 96
A century before Pete Rose and the Black Sox, one man made history for all the wrong reasons. Dick Higham—a former player turned respected umpire—was banned from baseball in 1882 over a supposed gambling scheme. But was the evidence legit? Or was he a scapegoat in baseball’s early war on corruption? Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Dive deeper into the episode, and access to the FREE bonus show at: https://rounders.substack.com Liked the Show? Leave Me a One-Time "Good Game" Tip! Tip on...
Feb 06, 2025•25 min•Ep. 95
Ichiro Suzuki. Billy Wagner. CC Sabathia. These baseball greats are headed to Cooperstown as the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees. Join us as we rate if the writers made the right picks, who missed selection this year, and our personal choices for players that deserve enshrinement in the Hall. Don’t forget to grab your order of Magic Mind by heading to magicmind.com/JANrounders, with discount code ROUNDERS20 for up to 56% off our subscription. I’d get the 30 pack if I was you, it’s the best ...
Jan 26, 2025•57 min•Ep. 94
A rising star in Major League Baseball, an All-Star career ahead of him, and a senseless act of violence that shocked the sports world . In this episode of Foul Play Files, we look at the tragic murder of Lyman Bostock—a player who was just hitting his prime when his life was taken far too soon. Note: This episode is part of an ongoing series entitled “Foul Play Files." Each episode re-examines a criminal case involving a professional baseball player/team. Check out other episodes in this stack,...
Jan 19, 2025•26 min•Ep. 93
Imagine a world where the MLB had teams like the Orlando Sun Rays or the Indianapolis Arrows. What about a franchise in Mexico City or a Toronto team that isn’t the Blue Jays? Today, we’re diving into the stories of nine MLB expansion teams that almost happened but didn’t. Note: There's even more 'listicle' episodes where you can hear my top rankings for baseball history-related topics. Check out other options in this topic stack, including: History's Worst MLB Winter Trade Meetings Baseball's 8...
Jan 11, 2025•25 min•Ep. 92
What if I told you there’s a pitch so unpredictable, it defies physics and leaves even the best hitters guessing? This week, we’re diving into the wild, weird, and wonderful world of the knuckleball—an innovation that changed pitching forever. Stick around, because this is one ride you don’t want to miss. Note: This episode is part of an ongoing series entitled “Baseball Innovations." Each episode explores a groundbreaking advancement that has advanced the game of baseball. Check out other episo...
Jan 04, 2025•28 min•Ep. 91
Every month I share a preview of our bonus show to the general public. Learn about this week's top events in baseball history! If you like what you hear, head on over to rounders.substack.com to sign up for future bonus shows FOR FREE. Note: Interested in the episode about the Astrodome and Houston Colt 45's? Here's the link....
Jan 02, 2025•14 min
In the latest installment of our "Top 9 Facts" series, we’re examining the lesser-known highlights and stories surrounding the career of the one and only Rickey Henderson. What events, challenges and decisions did he make to become the legend we celebrate today? Let’s learn more about the life of the “Man of Steal” on this episode. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show at rounders.substack.com Sig...
Dec 22, 2024•23 min•Ep. 90
In the mid-1980s, a drug scandal rocked Major League Baseball. The case centered around several players from multiple teams, including some future Hall of Famers, who were found to be using cocaine and even helping distribute drugs to other clubs. The investigation had wild testimonies and verdicts that impacted the league’s reputation. Let’s explore all the details on today’s episode. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show at ...
Nov 17, 2024•26 min•Ep. 89
Hi Folks! Periodically I make our bonus show openly accessible so you can try out one of the perks of becoming a subscriber. If you're interested after listening, head on over to rounders.substack.com to sign up!
Nov 13, 2024•9 min
Last week, we looked at how the sport started and grew in Australia. In this episode, we follow the league’s growth in popularity, where the sport is today in Australia, and profile some of the most famous players from the country to play in Major League Baseball. Today on Rounders: Baseball History. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show at rounders.substack.com Sign up as a premium subscriber and get...
Nov 10, 2024•15 min•Season 6Ep. 9
In a new series I’m calling “Baseball Abroad” we’re looking at how the sport arrived in countries around the globe, how it grew in popularity, famous players representing national pride, and where the game we love stands today in terms of national interest and dominance. To start, we’re traveling to Australia to examine baseball’s origins Down Under. Today on Rounders: Baseball History. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show at ...
Oct 20, 2024•19 min•Season 6Ep. 8
On June 18, 2024, baseball lost one of its greatest players, Willie Mays. Mountains of articles and profiles have honored and recapped his amazing career. We will take a different route and explore some of the lesser-known corners of his journey. So, settle in as we explore nine facts you probably didn’t know about the "Say Hey Kid." Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show at rounders.substack.com Sign up...
Jul 02, 2024•30 min•Season 6Ep. 8
The New York Giants, established in 1883, are a cornerstone of baseball history, boasting legendary players like Christy Mathewson, Willie Mays, and Mel Ott. While the Yankees and Dodgers often get most of the nostalgia coverage, the Giants deserve that same interest level. Let’s look at the club’s fascinating history today on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show at rounders.substa...
May 20, 2024•47 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Learn about the evolution of baseball's batting headgear and its significant changes over the past 100+ years. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show at rounders.substack.com Sign up as a premium subscriber and get this show ad-free PLUS access to several other perks! Liked the Show? Leave Me a One-Time "Good Game" Tip! Tip on Stripe Tip on PayP...
May 11, 2024•31 min•Season 6Ep. 6
Enjoy this free preview of our bonus show, "This Week in Baseball History." If you like what you hear, you can get future episodes for free by signing up at rounders.substack.com.
May 08, 2024•12 min
Kevin Baker joins me in our latest episode to discuss his upcoming book, 'The New York Game: Baseball in the Rise of a New City,' which explores the origins and impact of baseball in New York City over the past 200 years. The book delves into the exclusion of black players, baseball's cultural and societal influence, and the notable players who shaped the game. Order the book on Amazon Order the book on Barnes & Noble Learn more about/Contact Kevin Baker Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get t...
Feb 25, 2024•50 min•Season 6Ep. 5
We’re rating the most recent inductions into the Baseball Hall of Fame. I've invited back an old friend of the show, John Vampatella. We’ve going to cover the 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees and if we agree with the selections. Then we’ll discuss who they may have missed and round out our show with the biggest snubs in HoF history and we think should be enshrined. John is the author of The Forgotten Game , book that covers game five of the 2004 ALCS between the Yankees and the Red Sox. We h...
Feb 11, 2024•57 min•Season 6Ep. 4
