Two Strike Noise - A Baseball History Podcast

A catcher catches a baseball dropped from a blimp and ruins his face in the process, and Jeff and Mark draft baseball players named after months, days, and holidays. Also: the answer to last week's puzzle — how many hits can a team get in one inning without scoring a run?

Also in this episode: A Rickey Henderson story from spring training with the Padres. The universal DH debate. The last time a pitcher stole a base in the American League. Zack Hample straps on a chest protector and tries to break an 80-year-old record. Johnny Bench holds ba...

Rabbit Maranville spent 23 seasons in the National League, holds the all-time putouts record at shortstop, and has been in the Baseball Hall of Fame since 1954. He also faked his own death, got dangled out of a 14th floor hotel window by Jim Thorpe, and dove headfirst through a moving subway car. Jeff makes the case that Rabbit belongs in one Hall of Fame — just not the one in Cooperstown.

Also in this episode: A minor league bat boy gets tossed for slamming baseballs into an umpire's mask. Jeff introduces a baseball puzzle and spring training stolen bases. An...

Jeff and Mark open with light banter before diving into baseball odds and ends, including Aroldis Chapman’s “yes hitter” outing, the show’s odd placement on Red Sox and funny history podcast lists, and White Sox reliever Mike Vassal’s Harry Potter wand-and-hat home run celebration. They share Mets-themed items, from a velvet/velour Mets sweatsuit to the Brooklyn Cyclones’ King of Queens bobblehead night, plus Keith Hernandez’s first-class flight story where a Mets fan doesn’t recognize him until landing. The main history segment spotlights Hall of Fame Yankees pitcher and Reds broadcaster Waite Hoyt, covering his 1920s succes...

On this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark cover recent baseball chatter (Jazz Chisholm borrowing gear, a new baseball rom-com, and the 1986 Wally Joyner knife incident) before welcoming Baseball-Reference’s Adam Darowski for a deep dive on Julio Franco, from his Dominican upbringing and Phillies signing through stints with Cleveland, Texas, the White Sox, and extensive play in Japan, Mexico, Korea, and back in MLB with Atlanta and the Mets, highlighting his longevity, unique batting stance, training regimen, and age-related MLB records. They discuss Franco’s production peaks (including a 1991 AL batting title), his global hit totals and...

On May 17, 1998, David Wells showed up to Yankee Stadium having slept maybe two and a half hours, running on coffee, a single pancake, and whatever was left of Saturday night. He then threw the 15th perfect game in Major League Baseball history in front of 49,820 people who were mostly there for a Beanie Baby. That's the story this week.

We go deep on the whole thing — the legendary SNL after-party that didn't happen, the cast members who swear they were there and provably weren't, the Mandela Effect that turned one hungover pitcher into baseball mythology, and what We...

The mailbag delivers. Listener emails this week include a baseball honeymoon, a Jeopardy-funded wedding (not a typo), and a fan who shipped over APBA game materials and a stack of 1972 Topps cards. That last one matters by the end of the episode.

In BP, Jeff and Mark work through the week's oddities: batters watching their own strikeout replays in real time, the phrase "circuit clout" making a comeback, Elmo showing up in the Phillies booth alongside John Kruk, Jazz Chisholm wearing Giancarlo Stanton's pants to break a slump, and a genuinely strange roster trivia note involving the...

Jeff and Mark return and open with BP topics including Bobby Witt Jr.’s inside-the-park homer and a minor-league inside-the-park home run created when a fielder slid on a ball and unknowingly plugged it under the turf. They discuss Cal Raleigh ending an 0-for-38 slump by showering in full uniform, then going on the IL, and debate complaints about constant in-stadium audio at Yankee Stadium, including claims Aaron Judge wants Madison Square Garden-style energy and even signals the production booth. In Tales from the Dugout, Mark explains “Eddie Sissons Syndrome” for exaggerated baseball biographies, while Jeff shares an 1883 carrier-pigeon score...

Jeff and Mark kick off their opening day episode of Two Strike Noise by mocking the Giants’ version of the viral 9-9-9 challenge (mini hot dogs and one beer split into flight glasses) and complaining about MLB games being scattered across too many streaming platforms. They share quirky baseball items and stories, including a Royals rookie oversleeping, an MLB/Mountain Dew promo tied to 420-foot homers, Rays jerseys containing pieces of Tropicana Field’s hurricane-damaged roof, and a collector seeking ticket stubs from all 2,499 Carlton Fisk catching games. They then run through notable opening day history: Ruth homering at t...

Jeff and Mark open discussing Hideki Matsui’s scheduled lecture at the Japan Society of Fertilization and Implantation and how he became an ‘expert’ on the subject. They review minor-league rule experiments, including moving second base again, check-swing challenges, limiting batter timeouts, counting PitchCom issues as mound visits, reducing disengagements, and allowing starters to re-enter, plus a DH-related idea. They cover an NPB postseason rule expanding “ghost wins” in the Climax Series and MLB’s spring training re-measurements to calibrate automated strike zones, noting several players’ height changes. In “Tales from the Dugout,” they recount 1900 Giants players rescuing people from a fire before...

Jeff and Mark open this week’s episode with some unique baseball history notes, including Andre Dawson’s Hall of Fame plaque, Ramon Laureano’s scratched spring start due to his new best boy, a forgotten Jay Johnstone’s prank, a “Very Reverend” arrested for stealing baseball card packs, and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp using “Honey Drippers” as an alternate identity. The main story spotlights Browns outfielder Ken Williams’ remarkable 1922 season during Babe Ruth’s early suspension, detailing his league-leading power, 30–30 milestone, record feats, lack of MVP votes, a corked-bat controversy, and head injuries that helped end his career. The episode closes wit...

Jeff and Mark open with BP updates including Ben Davis cutting his kneecap to the bone with a chainsaw and Matt Waldron being hospitalized after hemorrhoid surgery, plus an immaculate-grid note that Josh Gibson pitched once and Cool Papa Bell pitched extensively with a winning record. They discuss Mets pitcher Ryan Lambert boosting velocity by eating up to 30 raw eggs a day and debate how baseball phrases dominate everyday language. The main topic covers the Indianapolis Clowns, a Negro American League team that blended high-level play with choreographed comedy (including the “magic circle,” a first baseman on stilts, and barn...

Jeff and Mark open the episode by diving into some Pacific Northwest baseball deep-cuts, starting with the 14-year career of Darnell Coles and the search for his possible lone existing mural. They cover a run of opening day oddities, including Tuffy Rhodes’ three-homer barrage against Doc Gooden in '94 and Harry Caray’s confusion over fans spending their honeymoon at Wrigley Field. The guys also look at the current state of Rookie of the Year droughts for the Padres and Guardians and mourn the loss of the MLB.tv discount to the "ESPN corporate machine."

The main feat...

Jeff and Mark open the episode with early-season baseball energy (NCAA baseball starting, spring training nearing, and WBC chatter) before noting the passing of relief legend Elroy “Roy” Face and revisiting stories tied to Ralph Terry. They share a run of baseball oddities and news, including the White Sox adding bidets at a Japanese player’s request while misspelling his locker name, Hideo Nomo sausage race, and former Yankees pitcher Kei Igawa’s acting debut. They also discuss Puerto Rico WBC insurance issues, including Bad Bunny offering to cover premiums for Carlos Correa and Francisco Lindor, plus the Rangers’ planned No...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark explore the career of one of the most efficient pitchers in baseball history: Addie Joss. Known for his "corkscrew" delivery and a career ERA that remains the second-lowest of all time, Joss's life was cut short at just 31. The hosts detail the incredible 1911 Addie Joss Benefit Game, which brought together icons like Ty Cobb (in a borrowed jersey), Walter Johnson, and Cy Young for a cause that predated the official MLB All-Star Game by over two decades.
Before the history lesson, the BP segment covers the recent passing...

Dust off your spurs and grab your table-leg bats! In this episode, Jeff and Mark bridge the gap between the Old West and the diamond. We discuss why Wyatt Earp is buried in a San Francisco suburb and hunt for the best "Western" names in baseball history—from Hoot Gibson to the legendary Tony Tombstone.

Then, we dig into the career of the original Billy Hamilton. Long before Rickey Henderson or Lou Brock, there was a 5'6" powerhouse from a Massachusetts cotton mill who invented the headfirst slide and averaged over a run per game. We settle th...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark celebrate being "back from the dead" after the holiday break with a look at the chaotic start to 2026. Discussing the weirdly specific reason why Kyle Farnsworth is the king of Iowa baseball searches, and a generous but suspicious offer of "steak for life" in Toronto. In the ‘Same Year, Same Disaster’ category, perennial idiots re-emerge. Lenny Dykstra’s Pennsylvania traffic stops and John Rocker’s latest crusade against hotel bar staff in Columbus. The main event features a debate on King Felix’s Hall of Fame credentials—measuring peak dominance ag...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark dig into one of the strangest success stories of the 1970s: Ross “Scuz” Grimsley, the pitcher who looked like he threw 100 mph and won by barely breaking 50. Before the deep dive, the show warms up with some classic Two Strike Noise chaos — including a bizarre Mariners stat involving pitchers named Erik, Andre Agassi’s son pitching in international baseball, a Japanese pitcher debuting a J-pop–inspired glove, and a listener trivia question that quietly ruins everyone’s confidence. The main event is Grimsley’s improbable career arc. A first-round pick with the...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark bring listeners the extraordinary story of Sig Jakucki, a talented yet troubled pitcher whose career was marred by alcoholism. Despite his struggles, Jakucki played a crucial role in the St. Louis Browns' only pennant win in 1944. The duo dives into fascinating anecdotes from Jakucki's career, including his minor league antics and his legendary performance in the World Series. The episode rounds off with a competitive session of Wax Packs Heroes, featuring standout baseball cards from the 1998 Upper Deck series.

00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Recap
01:41 Thanksgiving Baseball Name...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, hosts Jeff and Mark start with humorous-ish banter and discuss various baseball history topics including a deep dive into the first Mexican-born MLB player, Mel Almada, and his significant contributions to the sport. They also explore the MLB MVP debate and recount a baseball game that caused a stir with international royalty. The hosts engage in a Thanksgiving-themed name game, exploring baseball player names related to the holiday. The episode concludes with the Wax Packs Heroes segment, featuring curated packs from a listener, before Jeff and Mark announce a break for Thanksgiving.<...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark recount various intriguing baseball history stories. They discuss the recently concluded World Series that garnered the most viewers since 1991's thrilling series and listen to the funniest baseball joke ever told, according to William Shatner, while sitting atop a horse. Included is an exploration of historic player incidents involving Chuck Klein and Ted Kluszewski. The show touches on baseball's relationship with pop culture, mentioning appearances on The Simpsons and celebrity reputations. The episode concludes with Wax Packs Heroes, spotlighting nostalgic baseball cards and a friendly competition between Jeff and...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark dive into a variety of engaging topics. They kick off by discussing baseball players who stand out due to their 6,7 height. Jeff quizzes listeners on Chicago White Sox mascot Southpaw's weight in baseballs. They transition to humorous Pantone color discussions and a potential new curse linked to Colonel Sanders. The hosts reminisce about various '80s baseball movies and reveal Frank Pastor and John Bernardino's surprising careers post-baseball. Wrapping up, they play Wax Pack Heroes with a focus on 1990 Donruss cards, including notable players like Tim Wallach and Jim...

This Halloween, Two Strike Noise digs into the eerie side of America’s pastime — haunted ballparks, ghostly players, and one pitcher who went by so many names they just called him Mysterious Walker.

Jeff & Mark unearth the weirdest stories ever to cross the foul line:

Boris Karloff playing baseball in full Frankenstein makeup

Night-shift ghosts at the Baseball Hall of Fame

Ghoulish player names and cursed team legends that feel too strange to be true

Then it’s back to reality — sort of — with another round of Wax Pack Heroes, op...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark cover the weird, the wonderful, and the downright unpredictable in baseball. Jeff pitches a Mariners World Series giveaway that’s either bold or a cruse, depending on your perspective, and the guys break down a marketing face-off between Seattle and Toronto.

They dig into the latest from Banana Ball — including new teams paying tribute to the Negro Leagues — and wonder if Trevor Bauer’s dominance in Japan is impressive or just a by-product of the league’s current beer shortage. There’s also an urgent public debate over whether...

In this milestone 300th episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark are joined by Ryan Fagan, longtime Sporting News writer, Hall of Fame voter, and noted Seinfeld/baseball connoisseur. Together they finally tackle the crossover we’ve all been waiting for — Seinfeld and baseball.

From Keith Hernandez’s legendary cameo to George Steinbrenner’s unseen hand, the crew breaks down how baseball became the show’s unofficial fifth character. Ryan shares insider context from both the press box and the writer’s room, while Jeff and Mark connect the dots between sitcom absurdity and real-life dugout drama.

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark discuss a historic baseball matchup between Juan Marichal and Warren Spahn, known as the greatest game ever pitched. They dive into the specifics of the 16-inning game where Marichal and Spahn delivered a masterclass in endurance and skill. The episode also features listener e-mail, debut’s and odd baseball names, updates on the latest MLB season, and a Wax Pack Heroes segment that takes a nostalgic look at some classic 1992 baseball cards.

00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter
00:33 Playoff Tensions and Mariners' Highlights
04:15 Listener Feedback and Fun Ni...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark kick off the show by discussing the sporadic schedule of their monthly baseball history podcast due to studio rentals. They dive into the history of Bo Belinsky, the Los Angeles Angels pitcher known as much for his Hollywood lifestyle as for his on-field performance. Belinsky's remarkable yet tumultuous career is explored, highlighting his brief success, off-field antics, and eventual downfall. The episode also features a detailed discussion on rankings of local TV and radio baseball announcers, with special attention to the Seattle Mariners team. Additionally, the duo engage in...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark open in the Jesus Montero Studio, where an ice cream sandwich has never been more dangerous. From there, the guys dig into a card-collecting dad-and-son duo who cornered the market on Greg Briley, a record-shattering Hall of Fame induction program, and John Kruk’s musings on clocks, vegans, and sandwiches.
They check in on the Little League World Series, where one Canadian kid has already labeled Juan Soto “overrated,” and highlight professional sluggers who quietly joined the 500-home run club outside MLB. Plus, anniversaries and debuts galore: Nolan Ryan’s...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark cover some fresh headlines around the game — including Mariano Rivera going down at Yankees Old-Timers’ Day, Jen Pawol breaking barriers behind the plate, and Fernando Rodney still firing arrows in Canada at age 48.
The main topic this week is Babe Phelps, one of baseball’s many “Babes,” but maybe the quirkiest of the bunch. From hitting .367 as a catcher, to Casey Stengel roasting his pitch-calling, to being nicknamed “The Grounded Blimp” after refusing to fly, Phelps collected as many roommate stories as base hits. Along the way, we meet a young P...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark discuss Shin-Soo Choo stepping in as director of Baseball Queen, a new reality series where former female athletes take on the challenge of learning baseball from scratch. They also cover some fresh player nicknames, memorable closer entrances, and notable big-league debuts.
The main topic this week is the legendary baseball finale of the original The Naked Gun — packed with hilarious gags, surprising cameos, and behind-the-scenes baseball trivia that turned this ninth-inning chaos into one of the funniest sports scenes in movie history.
The episode wraps up with an...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark discuss Mark’s recent experiences at Cooperstown's Hall of Fame induction, including interactions with various baseball legends like Johnny Bench, Juan Marichal, and Scott Rolen. The main topic this week is the notorious career of Denny McLain, detailing his rise to baseball stardom and subsequent fall due to controversies and legal troubles. The show wraps up with a preseason edition of Wax Pack Heroes, featuring a matchup of 1981 baseball cards.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
01:02 Cooperstown Hall of Fame Experience
11:35 Debuts and Baseball History
17:23 Denny McLain: A...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark (providing in-depth and pointedly observant pre-recorded comments from Cooperstown during Ichiro's Hall of Fame induction) discuss the news of Jim Clancy's passing and the shocking charges against the newest Do-Not-Talk-About-List member, Dan Serafini, Chris Carter's career and recent milestones, and the Hall of Fame weekend's special team hats. This week’s main segment features the legendary rivalry between Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. The narrative dives into their ideological baseball differences and a historic charity golf series. Mark admits something about past Wax Pack Heroes games before the episode wr...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, hosts Jeff and Mark discuss a range of baseball history topics, starting with a critique of Justin Verlander's recent performances, a wind-induced balk in the 1961 All-Star game and its parallels today. The talk shifts to notable debuts, including Babe Ruth and Cal Raleigh, and some colorful history involving Hal McRae. The main segment features guest Marshall Garvey discussing his book on the 1985 World Series, highlighting key moments in pop culture, sports, and the captivating 1985 World Series. The episode blends historical insights with nostalgic anecdotes and rounds off with a fun session of...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark recount the infamous Brooklyn Yankees brawl at the Copa Cabana in 1957, involving Billy Martin, Mickey Mantle, and other Yankees players. They share anecdotes about the mob-run nightclub and the fallout of the incident on the Yankees' season. The hosts also explore player histories and quirky trivia when unboxing a pack of re-packed wax baseball cards, revealing some gems like…listen to find out who. The episode includes some strange Rockies stories, lightning strikes, and Fernando Tatis, Jr. suing people.

00:00 Welcome to Two Strike Noise
01:23 SABR Convention Hi...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark discuss fond memories of Tom Wilhelmson, before sharing a recap of Jeff’s Louisville Slugger visit, finding Pete Browning's grave, and trying to locate Chicken Wolf’s. The hosts touch on minor league name rebranding initiatives by John Oliver and brainstorm suggestions for the Erie SeaWolves. The episode also features notable historical baseball debuts and achievements from June 20th, including Bob Welch, Ivan Rodriguez, and Miguel Cabrera. The main segment focuses on the life and career of forgotten 19th-century baseball player Dave Orr. Finally, the Wax Packs Heroes game segm...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark welcome listeners to another engaging dive into baseball history from the historic Eric Bedard studio. They begin with an amusing discussion on favorite saxophonists, highlighting Nationals reliever Jose Ferrer, who is self-teaching the saxophone via Youtube, it’s going great. They also discuss a surprising story about former MLB player Eric Anthony discovering his biological father was a Dodgers legend. They recount events in baseball history, including significant player debuts and unique player nicknames, and cover the important contributions of Jefferson Burdick to baseball card collecting. The episode wraps up...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark discuss the impact of baseball in music videos, particularly MC Hammer's 'Too Legit to Quit,' featuring several pro athletes. The hosts provide updates on real-life events and baseball history, including Dick Schofield's unique playing stats, the Rockies' poor performance, and controversies around John Rocker's appearance on Survivor. The show wraps up with an exciting round of Wax Packs Heroes, showcasing baseball cards from 1985, including Mike Scott, Eddie Murray, and Tony Gwynn.

Grid For A Cure - https://youtube.com/live/a1jT4hyZ2Ns?feature...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark discuss Major League Baseball's lifting of lifetime bans on players like Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson amongst others, debating their Hall of Fame eligibility. They explore the legacy and off-field controversies of these players. Mark delves into the life of early 20th-century baseball figure Turkey Mike Donlin, a crossover sports and entertainment personality. The show wraps up with an exciting round of Wax Pack Heroes, featuring baseball cards from 1990, including iconic players like Ken Griffey Jr. and Kirby Puckett.

00:00 Welcome and Introductions
01:06 Controversial MLB Announcement<...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark catch up on some of the latest baseball history news, including Randy Bass receiving Japan's national medal, Wade Boggs holding a fishing world record, and 4 home run games. They explore historical anecdotes like Lou Proctor's phantom baseball appearance and unique career paths of players such as Mike Cameron and Ed Delahanty. The show also features the return of Wax Packs Heroes, where Jeff and Mark compete by comparing 1996 baseball cards. Amid humorous exchanges and fascinating baseball trivia, they highlight the dedication and quirks of past and present baseball figures.<...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark kick off with a discussion on the passing of a significant figure in Italy and explore fascinating connections between religious figures and baseball. They delve into the 1942 Negro League World Series featuring Satchel Paige's Kansas City Monarchs against Josh Gibson's Homestead Grays. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by Negro League teams, quirky anecdotes, and the historic importance of the series. The episode concludes with Wax Packs Heroes, where Jeff and Mark have another intense card battle, showcasing baseball cards from the early '90s and discussing lesser-known players...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark cover a range of baseball history topics, including a legendary doubleheader between Lehman College and the Yeshiva Maccabees that ended both teams' extensive losing streaks. They delve into the storied career and infamous spitball tactics of Hall of Famer Gaylord Perry. The episode also highlights several notable baseball debuts, including Buck Weaver and Rod Carew. The show concludes with an intense round of Wax Pack Heroes featuring 1987 Topps cards, bringing nostalgia and competition to the forefront.

00:00 Welcome to Two Strike Noise
00:25 Baseball Banter: Favorite Players and...