The Baseball Book Club

The World Series Rewind continues as we travel back to the unforgettable 1979 Fall Classic, where the "We Are Family" Pittsburgh Pirates rallied from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Baltimore Orioles in one of baseball's most memorable championships. We revisit the stars, the drama, the disco-era atmosphere, and the cultural backdrop that made the series an enduring classic.

Then we turn the clock back even further to the 1926 World Series, when veteran pitcher Pete Alexander entered in relief with the bases loaded and two outs...

Author David Krell will join us to talk with Leroy about his fascinating book, 1978: Baseball & America In The Disco Era. 

And The World Series Rewind mini-series continues with the third segment, on the 1962 World Series between the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants. 

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Carl Mays killed Ray Chapman in 1920, but what if you could go back in time and alter history? Author Howard Camerik weaves a story in his book The Curse of Carl Mays that changes the course of so many in baseball. He'll join us to discuss the inspiration behind his book, the research that brought authenticity to the story, and the creative process of blending real baseball history into a compelling work of fiction. 

Also, John and Leroy continue with the World Series Rewind and move up to 1948, the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the B...

This week on The Baseball Book Club, we rewind all the way back to the unforgettable 1914 World Series — the stunning clash between Connie Mack’s powerhouse Philadelphia Athletics and the “Miracle” Boston Braves, one of the greatest upset stories in baseball history. We break down how the Braves went from dead last on July 4th to world champions in one of the sport’s most improbable turnarounds.

Then, on the 16th anniversary of one of baseball’s most heartbreaking moments, we revisit Jim Joyce’s infamous blown call that cost Armando Galarraga a perfect game in 2010. But this isn’t jus...

For our 50th episode of The Baseball Book Club, we’re covering two unforgettable baseball lives that took wildly different paths through the game. 

This week we dive into the career of Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett, ranked #35 in The Baseball 100 by Joe Posnanski. From batting-title brilliance to pine tar controversy and one of the sweetest left-handed swings baseball has ever seen, we look back at the fiery superstar who became the face of the Kansas City Royals franchise.

Then, Leroy sits down with author Adam Henig to discuss his book Baseball's Outcast, the...

This week on The Baseball Book Club, we revisit one of the greatest postseason pitching performances in baseball history: Jack Morris and his unforgettable 10-inning shutout in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. More than three decades later, Morris’ legendary outing still stands as the gold standard for postseason grit, endurance, and October drama.

Then, we welcome author Marshall Garvey to the show to discuss his novel, Interstate '85. We dive into the story behind the book, the baseball themes woven throughout it, and how the game continues to inspire compelling storytelling far beyond the foul lines.

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This week on The Baseball Book Club, we celebrate the legacy of Carl Yastrzemski — one of baseball’s most enduring icons, the last player to win the Triple Crown before the modern power era transformed the game. From Fenway Park lore to his remarkable consistency across three decades, we explore what made Yaz a symbol of excellence and why his impact still resonates with fans today.

We also welcome Christian Sheppard, author of The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball, for a fascinating conversation about how baseball reflects timeless lessons on patience, failure, resilience, tradition, and human nature. Drawing conn...

Author Lenny Levine will be our guest as we discuss his murder mystery novel Diehard Fan, set during the final week of the 1951 season and the historic comeback by the New York Giants. The book tells the story of a boy who tries to figure out who is killing Giants fans in Brooklyn, while weaving the games at Ebbets Field and the Polo Grounds into the plot. 

And we'll unpack the history and the ins-and-outs of The Slider, found in chapter one of Tyler Kepner's Book K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches.

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In this episode of The Baseball Book Club, we close out our Deadball Files series. Joined by historian Justin Renaldi, we explore 19th century pitcher Tim Keefe and his dominance, staggering workload, and why his name still belongs among the elite in baseball history.

Then, in Leroy’s Hot Corner, a personal story takes center stage—connecting family, memory, and the game itself through one of baseball’s most beloved sluggers, Ted Kluszewski. It’s a reminder that baseball isn’t just history—it’s personal.

Finally, author Tom Alesia joins the show to talk about Baseball...

This week, a question that might ruffle a few feathers: why isn’t Jim Thome in the top 100 players of all time? We take a closer look at the numbers, the narrative, and where he may (or may not) belong.

The Deadball Files series is back for Part 3, joined by returning guest Justin Renaldi, as we explore the fascinating and mysterious life of one of baseball’s earliest stars—Ed Delahanty.

And in between, we shift gears to one of the game’s greatest comebacks: the 1951 New York Giants’ improbable run to the pennant, culminating in Bobby T...

On this episode of the Baseball Book Club, we’ve got a full lineup of baseball history and storytelling.

We continue The Deadball Files with guest Justin Renaldi, diving into the life and legacy of 19th-century pitching legend John Clarkson—one of the most dominant and fascinating figures of early baseball.

Author Roger Lusby joins the show to discuss Searching for the Perfect Swing, a project originally started by his brother Steve Lusby, exploring the evolution and philosophy behind hitting.

Plus, we bring back the Baseball Terminology Series, featuring clas...

The Deadball era comes alive this week on The Baseball Book Club as John is joined by Justin Renaldi of Nostalgic Baseball Geezer to kick off a special four-part series: The DeadBall Files.

In this debut episode, the spotlight turns to the legendary and larger-than-life Old Hoss Radbourn—a workhorse pitcher whose feats feel almost mythical in today’s game. Just how dominant was Radbourn, and what made him such a defining figure of early baseball?

Plus, John and Leroy dig into one of the most bizarre and controversial moments in baseball history: the...

In this episode John and Leroy discuss the life and career of Yogi Berra, #43 on the Joe Posnanski 100. Plus, they will introduce a new book to the club, Tyler Kepner's K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches. 

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In this episode, John will sit down with Pittsburgh native and sports journalist Joe Landolina, a walking encyclopedia of Pittsburgh Pirates history. And we'll shine a light on the overlooked career of Jim Derrington—a name lost to time, but not without a story worth telling.

Plus, John and Leroy turn back the clock to the 1986 World Series—not just to revisit it, but to relive it, playing the audio of Mookie Wilson’s legendary 10th-inning at-bat in Game 6, the moment that cracked the series wide open. But this isn’t just about one at-bat—it’s about how hi...

Season 3 of The Baseball Book Club begins with a look at two of the greatest pitchers the game has ever known. John and Leroy continue their countdown of Joe Posnanski’s The Baseball 100, turning their attention to Tom Seaver and Cy Young—two legends separated by nearly a century but connected by dominance on the mound.

The guys explore what made Seaver the defining ace of his generation and how Young became the standard by which pitching greatness is still measured today. Along the way they dig into the numbers, the stories, and the historical context that shap...

 Before the new season gets rolling, we’re tipping our cap to two icons from opposite ends of baseball history. This Best Of episode revisits our conversations on the lightning-fast legend Cool Papa Bell and the smooth, steady greatness of Chipper Jones. From barnstorming brilliance to Hall of Fame consistency, it’s a reminder that baseball greatness wears a lot of different uniforms. One last rewind—then we’re back with brand-new stories. 

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In Part 5 of The Best of The Baseball Book Club, we revisit five moments of unlikely home runs and then talk about two monumental moments in World Series history, including a Bill Mazeroski home run for the ages. 

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The Best of The Baseball Book Club continues. Compiling segments from various shows, this episode features baseball terminology, five funny moments from Joe Posnanski's book Why We Love Baseball, plus Leroy's Hot Corner on the book "Ladies And Gentlemen The Bronx Is Burning."

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In the third installment of The Best of The Baseball Book Club, we talk about the long endured curse over the Chicago Cubs and the moment that ended it for them on a rainy night in Cleveland. 

Plus some classic baseball terminology and Leroy reviews a book on scorekeeping in baseball. 

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In this Best of The Baseball Book Club episode, we bring together some of our favorite conversations in baseball history and culture.

We talk about how the Deadball Era became the Liveball Era with rule changes, equipment, and strategy transforming the game forever. Then we spotlight Hall of Famer Frank Thomas (The Big Hurt), his impact on modern hitting, and his place among the greatest power hitters in MLB history.

The episode also features five unforgettable pitching oddities—rare moments of unusual performances that show us just how weird and wonderful baseball can be.

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In this special Best Of episode, we revisit two unforgettable moments that helped shape baseball’s mythology.

First, we look back at the legend of Bo Jackson—a once-in-a-generation athlete whose power, speed, and sheer presence still feel larger than life. Then, we rewind to one of the most flawless performances the game has ever seen: Sandy Koufax’s perfect game. A night when precision, dominance and history aligned under the lights. A radio broadcast of the final inning, with Vin Scully's play calling, is included. 

From raw athletic brilliance to pitching perfection, this episode celebra...

In this episode of The Baseball Book Club, John Cheslock and Leroy Estep look into the latest Hot Stove activity as teams shuffle rosters and prepare for a new baseball season. The conversation blends current baseball news with the historical perspective that defines the show.

Leroy brings a Hot Corner spotlight on Kirby Puckett, examining the good, the bad, and the complicated legacy of one of Minnesota baseball’s most beloved figures. He'll take a look at Puckett’s on-field greatness, his place in baseball history, and how time reshapes the way we remember icons.

John...

The crew is back together for a special, offseason episode. Leroy chimes in with a Hot Corner and John will speak with a guest as they discuss what may be the greatest decade of baseball. 

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Few pitchers in baseball history combined intelligence, precision and dominance like Christy Mathewson, Greg Maddux and Pedro Martinez. 

In the season finale, John and Leroy examine what set these three legends apart — from Mathewson’s artistry with his fadeaway pitch, to Maddux’s unmatched command, to Pedro’s electric presence in the 1990s and early 2000s. Each man defining greatness and showing why their names still stand as the gold standard for pitching mastery.

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The Great One, Roberto Clemente, is number 40 on the Posnanski 100 and we'll talk about the life and career of one of Pittsburgh's greatest. 

We will also do some baseball terminology - three terms from Paul Dickson's The Baseball Dictionary. 

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What does it take to show up every single day? In this episode, we'll look into the story of Cal Ripken Jr.—the Iron Man of baseball—who redefined durability and dedication by playing in 2,632 consecutive games. From his rookie days in Baltimore to the night he broke Lou Gehrig’s legendary record, Ripken’s career was more than just his streak and we’ll explore what his legacy meant for baseball. 

We'll also discuss five poignant stories that transcend the game. 

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Still hovering around the Top 50, John and Leroy round out this group of third basemen with a 3-pack including Texas Rangers great Adrian Beltre, Boston Red Sox phenom Wade Boggs and Braves legend Eddie Mathews. 

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John and Leroy discuss the chapter Five Pitching Oddities from Why We Love Baseball, looking at various momentous occasions from some of baseball's greats. Plus, they'll talk about Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, ranked 54th in The Baseball 100. 

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John and Leroy talk about the legendary careers of Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan, Warren Spahn and Bob Gibson, four aces that shape baseball history. Plus, hear about wild trade between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles that is so rare, it's only happened twice in MLB history. 

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Guest Zac Schmitz will join John and Leroy to talk about legend Ken Griffey Jr. who is #48 on the Posnanski 100. Plus Leroy will give us a Hot Corner segment about the feisty Salt Lake Trappers from 1987, a team that holds a professional baseball record that may never be broken. 

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 In this episode of The Baseball Book Club, John and Leroy explore the Hall of Fame career of Detroit Tigers legend Al Kaline—his legacy, impact, and what made him one of baseball’s purest hitters. Plus, Leroy sits down with author Aaron Fischman to discuss A Baseball Gaijin, a fascinating look at American players finding purpose and second chances in Japan’s professional leagues. 

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Shoeless Joe Jackson has been reinstated but for over 100 years his legacy has been tarnished by one scandal. We'll talk about his humble beginnings in South Carolina to how he got the wacky nickname and the 1919 World Series that changed everything for him. We'll get into more baseball terminology and Leroy will talk about Jim Bouton's Ball 4. 

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John and Leroy jump back into Joe Posnanski's The Baseball 100 after a few weeks away from doing the countdown. This week they look at The Yankee Clipper, Joe Dimaggio, #56 on the list. Plus they'll talk about a couple of classic World Series moments from 1954 and 1960. 

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Sandy Koufax pitched a perfect game and Vin Scully gave us the perfect broadcast for it. We revisit that special night at Chavez Ravine in September of 1965. Former Major League Baseball player Greg Pryor visits the show to talk about his book and his playing days and John gives a dramatic retelling of a Charles Holdefer short story called Heaven.

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 In this episode of The Baseball Book Club, we dive into three key terms from Paul Dickson’s The Baseball Dictionary, including a breakdown of the Deadball Era vs. the Liveball Era. We’re also joined by Jeff Orens, author of Selling Baseball: How Superstars George Wright and Albert Spalding Impacted Sports in America, to explore how the sport grew off the field. Perfect for fans of baseball history, terminology, and the game's evolution—on and off the diamond. 

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Ring Lardner's Alibi Ike is up for discussion and John will talk with author Charles Holdefer about his short story collection Ivan the Terrible Goes on a Family Picnic. We dig into the joys of historical fiction, how small-town baseball shaped Charles's storytelling, and the time Babe Ruth and Gertrude Stein swapped places in 1926.

Plus, we preview a dramatic reading of Holdefer’s short story Heaven, complete with sound effects, coming in two weeks.

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Closing in on the halfway mark of Posnanski's Top 100 list, John and Leroy talk about the entertaining, (in more ways than one), careers of superstars Pete Rose and Reggie Jackson.  From Rose’s relentless hustle to Jackson’s October heroics, this episode unpacks what made them unforgettable — both on the field and off it. 

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Romantic About Baseball creator Jason Wood stops by for a chat and John and Leroy talk about some funny moments in baseball. 

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John and Leroy talk about another three baseball terms from The Baseball Dictionary, and they'll take a look at legends Willie McCovey of the Giants and Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks. 

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John and Leroy talk about three pitchers whose careers not only see them earn a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame, but also reach a height that is among the greatest to ever play the game: The Top 100. 

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