Baseball and BBQ

Brian Kennish is from B's Que Crew, a family competition barbecue team with roots in Philadelphia and based in the Richmond, Virginia, area. What began in 2012 as a way to enjoy cooking and competition while raising a family has grown into a nationally recognized team competing among the best in the barbecue world.

B's Que Crew recently reached the pinnacle of competitive BBQ with incredible back-to-back performances at two of the sport’s most prestigious events. They captured Grand Champion at the 2026 American Royal World Series of Barbecue Invitational, prevailing over a field of 158 teams, before following it...

Jerry Rosen is a respected baseball coach and educator whose impact extends far beyond the baseball diamond. Recognized for his knowledge of the game, his experience as a player, and his dedication to coaching, Rosen has made a lasting impression on the athletes and students he has mentored throughout his career.

His work in the Schenectady, New York community reflects the important role a coach can play in shaping young people's lives. Beyond teaching the fundamentals of baseball, Coach Rosen has helped develop character, confidence, discipline, and leadership in the individuals he has coached.

In...

Thomas W. Gilbert is an acclaimed baseball historian and author whose books explore the origins, personalities, and cultural history of America’s national pastime. His previous works include How Baseball Happened, winner of the Casey Award for Best Baseball Book of the Year, as well as Baseball and the Color Line, Roberto Clemente, and Playing First.

This time, Tom returns with a remarkable baseball mystery: Death in the Strike Zone: The Mystery of America’s First Baseball Hero.  His latest book uncovers the extraordinary story of James Creighton, the young Brooklyn pitcher who became baseball’s first national...

Jeff Frye is a former Major League Baseball infielder who played eight seasons in the big leagues from 1992 to 2001. Selected by the Texas Rangers in the 30th round of the 1988 MLB Draft, he made his major league debut with Texas in 1992 and went on to play for the Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, and Toronto Blue Jays.

A versatile player known for his hitting ability and speed, Frye finished his MLB career with a .290 batting average, 626 hits, 16 home runs, 194 RBIs, and 56 stolen bases. His standout season came in 1997 with the Red Sox, when he batted .312 in 127 games...

Ken Singleton was selected by the New York Mets with the third overall pick in the 1967 MLB Draft. He made his Major League debut in 1970 and went on to enjoy a 15-year career with the Mets, Montreal Expos, and Baltimore Orioles. Singleton was a switch-hitting outfielder and designated hitter.  A three-time All-Star, Singleton enjoyed some of his finest seasons with Baltimore, including 1977, when he hit .328 with 24 home runs and finished third in American League MVP voting, and 1979, when he hit a career-high 35 home runs with 111 RBI and finished second in MVP voting. He was a key member of the O...

Episode 362 of Baseball and BBQ features author Kevin Keating, who joins us to talk about his novel Waiting for a Sign and the stories, inspiration, and baseball connections behind the book. We also sit down with Jennifer and Richard Stansbury of TexMo BBQ to hear about their journey as a barbecue competition team, the world of competitive BBQ, and what it takes to cook for the win.

Kevin Keating is a lifelong baseball autograph collector, author, and one of the most experienced experts in the sports-autograph world. He began collecting baseball autographs in 1969 at age 10, and by...

Tom Abruscato has spent more than two decades coaching baseball at W.T. Clarke High School on Long Island, developing players, building championship teams, and helping young athletes continue their careers at the collegiate level. His career includes 500+ wins, multiple New York State, Long Island and Nassau County championships, and more than 100 players going on to play college baseball.

Tom is also the founder of Central Meadow Baseball Academy, which began in 1999 with the goal of providing affordable, professional baseball instruction to local players and giving back to the Long Island baseball community. The academy reports having do...

Episode 361 features Nick Elam and Steve Brown AKA Uncle Steve. Nick discusses the innovative Elam Ending, his passion for basketball, and his love of baseball, while Uncle Steve returns for another entertaining conversation about BBQ, his signature seasonings, and the Houston Astros. It’s an episode filled with sports, barbecue, creativity, and great stories.

Nick Elam is the creator of the Elam Ending, the innovative basketball format that has changed the way fans think about the final minutes of a game. What began as an idea in 2007 eventually made its way to The Basketball Tournament and the NB...

On episode 360 of Baseball and BBQ, Barbecue Hall of Famer Melissa Cookston joins us to talk about her new cookbook, Fanning the Flames, and reveals the kind and funny woman behind the tough TV-judge persona. Then, Seth S. Tannenbaum, PhD, takes us inside his fascinating new book, Bleacher Seats and Luxury Suites, exploring how America's ballparks have reflected the class, social, and economic divisions of our society.

Melissa Cookston is a pitmaster, restaurateur, and television personality.  She is a seven-time World Barbecue Champion and a member of the Barbecue Hall of Fame.  She is the author of thr...

NYS Halls of Fame Podcast featuring Turk Wendell.  Turk spent 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, pitching for the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies. He was part of the New York Mets 2000 World Series team.  Known for his distinctive personality and unforgettable routines on the mound — including jumping over the foul line and brushing his teeth between innings — Turk became one of baseball's most recognizable characters. He tells stories from his career, his charitable efforts and his emotional trip to Afghanistan as part of the Heroes of the Diamond Tour.  Turk  is a member of the Clas...

On episode 359 of Baseball and BBQ, we travel from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame to the BBQ flame! Scott Crawford takes us inside Canada’s baseball history, sharing fascinating stories and a look at the people, players, and memorabilia that make the Hall so special. Then Ed Reilly of Monument Grills fires up a conversation about his remarkable 35-year career in the BBQ industry, the evolution of grills and outdoor cooking, and his passion for preserving barbecue history.

Scott Crawford is the director of operations for the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Mar...

In episode 17 of the NYS Halls of Fame podcast, Victor Feld reflects on a lifetime devoted to baseball, character, and giving back through the Greater New York Sandlot Athletic Alliance. From nurturing young players on the sandlots to helping shape the lives of generations of athletes, Feld shares the stories, values, and passion behind his remarkable journey to the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame.

Victor Feld has devoted decades to giving young people in the New York area an opportunity to play baseball—and, just as importantly, to learn the lessons that come with being pa...

Episode 358 features fascinating conversations with acclaimed barbecue writer and Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn and former Major League Baseball pitcher Doug Sisk, whose nine-year MLB career included a memorable run with the New York Mets and much more.

Daniel Vaughn is one of the most influential voices in American barbecue and the longtime Barbecue Editor for Texas Monthly. In 2013, Daniel became the first full-time barbecue editor at a major American magazine, a position he continues to hold today.

Vaughn first made his mark with his barbecue blog, Full Custom Gospel BBQ, where he documented...

Episode 357 features author Rob Weir, who discusses his book 7 Swings at 7: Mickey Mantle — Legend and Victim of American Culture and takes us behind the myth of one of baseball’s most iconic figures. We also revisit our memorable interview with barbecue legends Moe Cason and Bob Trudnak.

Rob Weir holds a PhD in American social history and is a retired University of Massachusetts Amherst professor.  He is the author of the book, 7 Swings at 7: Mickey Mantle - Legend and Victim of American Culture.  Weir's lifelong fascination with Mantle began when he was five years old. That personal connect...

Episode 356 features conversations with Roy Carlson and George Hovsepian. Roy takes us inside the world of vintage baseball card collecting and the stories and history behind the cards, while George, founder of VGASS, shares how his passion for BBQ led him to create an innovative storage system for grilling accessories.

Roy Carlson is a longtime Topps baseball cards collector and baseball-card researcher.  He has been collecting since 1969 and specializes in vintage Topps cards, original production material, artwork, and the fascinating stories behind the cards.  He has spent years researching the photographs, artwork, production techniques, and other details hi...

On this episode of the NYS Halls of Fame Podcast, we welcome Steve Sigler, a true pioneer in adult amateur baseball and the driving force behind the growth of the Men’s Senior Baseball League (MSBL)/Men’s Adult Baseball League (MABL).  In 1985, he placed a simple notice in a Long Island, New York, newspaper looking for men interested in forming a baseball team. That small advertisement became the beginning of something much bigger — a national baseball organization that has helped thousands of players continue doing what they loved as kids and young men: playing baseball.  More than two decades l...

Episode 355 features Ken Hess of County Smoak BBQ talking about his culinary journey and building a destination for barbecue lovers. Author Tim Brown discusses his new book Nolan, an in-depth look at the life and legacy of baseball legend Nolan Ryan.

Ken Hess is the championship pitmaster and co-owner of County Smoak in Lynchburg, Virginia. Ken shares his journey from classically trained chef to award-winning barbecue pitmaster, discusses why he believes Virginia deserves more recognition in barbecue history, and explains what it takes to build County Smoak, one of Virginia's most celebrated barbecue restaurants.  County Smoak is a...

Episode 354 features New York Mets legend Roger McDowell and coauthor Doug Feldmann as they share stories from Hot Foot: My Hijinks and Upside-Down Life with the World Champion New York Mets. Then, Jimmy Carbone joins the conversation to talk about his incredible year so far and give a preview of the upcoming Pig Island barbecue celebration.

Roger McDowell and Doug Feldmann join us to discuss the book they coauthored, Hot Foot: My Hijinks and Upside-Down Life with the World Champion New York Mets.  The following is taken from the internet, "Roger McDowell dishes on everything from the Ne...

Our featured guests are Stadium Man Tarri Haina and Orlando Acosta of Gourmet Wood Products. Joining us as special guest co-hosts are Doug Scheiding and Chef Ray Sheehan for conversations about baseball road trips, ballpark experiences, premium cooking wood, and great barbecue on episode 353.

Tarri Haina, known throughout the baseball community as Stadium Man, is one of baseball's most passionate ballpark travelers. He's known for documenting his visits to Major League Baseball stadiums, sharing travel tips, unique stadium experiences, and celebrating baseball culture through social media and appearances on baseball podcasts. He has become a recognizable voice...

Episode 15 features Mike Trimboli, President of USA Hockey, as he shares his remarkable hockey journey, his commitment to growing the game, and his induction into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame.

Mike Trimboli has dedicated more than five decades to the sport of hockey. Before becoming President of USA Hockey, he served as a coach, official, instructor, player development leader, and volunteer administrator. He also enjoyed a distinguished 31-year career with the New York State Police while coaching high school hockey for more than 25 seasons, including leading his team to a New York State championship in 2014. H...

Episode 352 features Duane Rieder, founder and curator of the Clemente Museum and Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois, winner of the 2026 James Beard Media Award for Duck Camp Dinners.

Duane Rieder is the executive director and curator of the Clemente Museum which is housed in a historic firehouse in the revitalized Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh.  Engine house 25 has been  meticulously renovated to showcase the world’s largest exhibited collection of baseball artifacts, works of art, literature, photographs, memorabilia, and related materials which focus on Roberto Clemente, his teammates, his personal life, and his humanitarian causes.  Before founding the museum, Rieder built...

Episode 351 features former MLB manager Terry Collins reflecting on his remarkable baseball career, followed by an engaging conversation with Honey & Co. Daily authors and restaurateurs Itamar Srulovich and Sarit Packer. Leonard is joined by his wife, Patty Jarrett, making her first appearance as a special guest co-host, as they explore Itamar and Sarit's culinary journey, their partnership, and the experiences that have shaped their lives together.

Terry Collins has managed the Houston Astros, the Anaheim Angels, and the New York Mets in Major League Baseball and the Orix Buffaloes of Nippon Professional Baseball.  Terry started his baseball c...

Tavis Bryant is the host of the BBQ Therapy Podcast.  Through his podcast he strives to educate, inspire, and connect members of the barbecue community while promoting personal growth and a positive mindset.  Tavis discusses his journey in barbecue, competition cooking, and podcasting.  Through his podcast, he highlights the stories of pitmasters, chefs, competitors, and barbecue  personalities while exploring the mindset and community aspects of barbecue culture.

Patrick Montgomery is an award-winning baseball author and historian.  His latest book is A Dynasty Interrupted:  The Rise and Fall of the 1980s Atlanta Braves.  The book examines how the Braves r...

Darryl Strawberry was an eight-time All-Star and four-time World Series champion whose career included standout years with the New York Mets and New York Yankees. Today, he is a minister, motivational speaker, author, and advocate for restoration and recovery through faith.  He discusses his new book, Another Life:  Discovering the Healing Power of Purpose on My Long Journey from Player to Preacher.  The conversation explores his remarkable journey from baseball superstardom to personal struggles, redemption, faith, and a life devoted to ministry and helping others.  Darryl shares how purpose, healing, and spiritual growth transformed his life and why he beli...

Andrea Kilbourne-Hill is an Olympic silver medalist and former member of the United States women’s ice hockey team. A New York State hockey standout, she went on to represent her country on the international stage and remains connected to the sport through mentorship and community involvement.  She reflects on her career in elite women’s ice hockey, her Olympic experience with Team USA, and her connection to New York State athletics.  She shares insights on competing at the highest level, representing her country, and what it means to be recognized among New York’s most accomplished athletes.  She is a memb...

Adam Henig is a prolific author whose latest book, Baseball's Outcast: The Story of Ron LeFlore, takes a fascinating look at the life of Ron LeFlore. His journey from the prison leagues to the Major Leagues sounds fictional, but it is absolutely true.

Adam shares the remarkable story of Ron's life and career. Blessed with blazing speed and a powerful swing, Ron traded his prison uniform for a baseball uniform and became a dynamic offensive player and dangerous base stealer during the latter half of the 1970s.

In Baseball's Outcast, Adam traces LeFlore's family roots...

Neil Smith has been a hockey executive, broadcaster, and former player, best known for serving as general manager of the New York Rangers from 1989 to 2000. He built the roster that ended the Rangers' 54-year Stanley Cup drought, culminating in the team's championship in 1994.  Steve is a member of the 2026 class being inducted into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame.

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Riley Breckenridge is the drummer for the band Thrice. Riley began playing the drums in high school after tearing multiple ligaments in his legs while playing football. Being unable to play sports for several months, he bought a drum kit and taught himself to play.  Originally, Riley had aspirations of becoming a professional baseball player.  He played college baseball for Pepperdine.  A middle infielder, he redshirted as a freshman and only saw limited action as a sophomore. After a coaching change at Pepperdine, he transferred to a junior college where he played for a year before giving up baseball to...

Robert C. Cottrell is a writer with eclectic interests.  Robert has written numerous books on topics ranging from American radicalism, the 1960s, and the counterculture to baseball, WWII-era conscientious objectors, and popular culture.  His most recent work, The Heyday of Willie, Duke, and Mickey: New York City Baseball's Golden Age Amid Integration, involves a dissection of the ascent and descent of the New York baseball dynasty, with a close look at the New York Giants, the Brooklyn Dodgers, and the New York Yankees. That also involves an emphasis on those teams’ star center fielders, Willie Mays, Duke Snider, and Micke...

Robert Harmon better known as Uncle Bob is the founder and creative force behind the brand, Uncle Bob's Sauces and Rubs.  Uncle Bob's love for cooking and BBQ started at a young age, and he quickly became known for his delicious creations. He began entering cooking competitions, where he honed his skills and passion for cooking. As his reputation grew, he decided to share his passion with the world, and Uncle Bob's sauces and rubs was born in 2022.  Go to https://theunclebobs.com for more information on Uncle Bob and his products.

Christopher Hebert is an author, as...

This week we welcome Steve Janaszak, former goaltender and member of the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic “Miracle on Ice” gold medal-winning hockey team.  Steve is being inducted into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame.

Steve shares stories from his hockey journey, including his time starring at the University of Minnesota, where he helped lead the Golden Gophers to two NCAA Championships.  He reflects on what it was like being part of one of the greatest moments in sports history at the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York

Steve discusses many things including, the at...

Sandy Carter is the widow of the late Baseball Hall of Famer, Gary Carter.  Christy, Kimmy, and D.J. are her and Gary's children.  Gary's 19 year Major League Baseball career was spent primarily with the Montreal Expos and New York Mets.  He was nicknamed, The Kid and was named an All-Star 11 times and was an essential member of the 1986 World Series champion Mets.  In May 2011, Gary was diagnosed with a brain tumor and less than a year later he passed away at the age of 57.  His statistics and intense play on the baseball field were more than enough to gain h...

Tracy and Jimmy Spruill are competitive barbecue cooks from Bulverde, Texas who compete as Kickin' Ash BBQ.  They are becoming well known for attention to detail and their passion for creating great Texas barbecue.  How did this husband and wife team meet and become a winning competition barbecue team?   That's just one of the many questions we explore as we hear from two people who are doing what they love together.  Joining us as guest co-host is Doug Scheiding, another Bulverde, Texas pitmaster who once again adds his own special insights and questions.

Robby Zucker is a very t...

Paul Mound is a member of the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame, having been inducted in the Class of 2017.  He is the Head Baseball Coach at SUNY Adirondack.  Paul previously served as Head Coach at Union College, where he became the all-time wins leader in the program's history.  During his tenure, he built one of the most successful programs in the school's history, leading the team to multiple Liberty League Championships, NCAA Regional appearances, and several record-breaking seasons.  Paul has been committed to not only winning on the field but also shaping well-rounded athletes. He has worked with...

Elizabeth Liu is the CEO of Crowd Cow.  She has vast amounts of experience in direct to consumer, marketplace startups, and publicly traded tech companies. As CEO of Crowd Cow, she work in helping with their mission statement, "Our mission is to create an alternative to the current meat commodity system, and to create a meaningful connection between the farmer and the customer, so people can know and appreciate exactly where their food comes from."  Elizabeth is passionate about food, startups, culture, and performing arts.  For more information on Crowd Cow go to https://www.crowdcow.com/

Mat...

Ken Davidoff has been covering Major League Baseball for 30 years. He served as a baseball columnist at the New York Post from 2012 through 2022.  Prior to joining The Post, Ken wrote about baseball for Newsday and The Record. He has appeared on ESPN, the MLB Network, YES Network, CNN, and others. A former president of the Baseball Writers Association of America, Ken now works as an adjunct professor at Endicott College in Beverly, Mass., teaching various journalism and writing courses.  His latest project is the book, 101 Lessons From The Dugout:  What Baseball And Softball Can Teach Us About The Game Of...

Rene LeRoux is the founder and executive director of the New York State Halls of Fame for baseball, basketball, and hockey.  As co-host of this show he is pulling double duty as he is also our guest.  After a very successful New York State Basketball Hall of Fame Dinner, Rene takes us behind the scenes and explains all that was involved in making it happen as well as what is involved with all of the dinners.  Rene has a knack for making these highly involved and very entertaining events look easy, but after this episode you may neve...

Steve Somers nicknamed the Schmoozer, is a sports radio personality, best known for his work on the sports radio station WFAN.  He has been with the station since its inception in 1987.  Steve is originally from San Francisco, California, but his dream was to end up sportscasting in New York City.  The story of how he finally got to New York with some stops along the way is entertaining and fascinating.  All of these stories and more are found in the book he co-wrote with Dick Friedman titled, Me Here, You There:  My Three Decades Overnight, Under The Covers, Schmoozing S-P-O...

Kurt Smith is a staff writer for JerseyMan and MiamiMan magazines, an occasional contributor to Stadium Journey magazine/blog, and former NASCAR writer for the Charlotte Observer and the Frontstretch website.  He also writes web content for VisionLine Media, a website design team.  We spoke to him about his website, Ballpark E-Guides:  True Insider Fan Guides to MLB Ballparks, https://ballparkeguides.com/  The website is a great resource for ballpark information, including tips and money-saving hacks.  Kurt provides details on obtaining cheaper tickets, saving money on parking, and what to eat once in the stadium.

Joel Fleetwood is part...

Marc Kestecher is the lead play-by-play voice for the NBA on ESPN Radio, as well as College Football on ESPN Radio.  He joined ESPN in 1999 as an ESPN Radio SportsCenter update anchor, also provides commentary for ESPN Radio’s NFL and college basketball broadcasts, and he is a fixture at major events such as NBA All Star Weekend, NBA Finals, NBA Draft, World Series, MLB All Star Game and the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.  In addition to his play-by-play duties, he hosts studio coverage of Major League Baseball, The College Football Playoff semifinals and National Championship game.  Prior to j...