Shows
The Baseball Book ClubThe Greatness Of Mathewson, Maddux & MartinezFew 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.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-09-0950 minThe Baseball Book ClubClemente The GreatThe 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. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-09-0253 minThe Baseball Book ClubIron Man Cal RipkenWhat 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. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-08-2658 minThe Baseball Book ClubTriple Play: Beltre, Boggs And MathewsStill 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. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-08-191h 06The Baseball Book ClubFeelin' Kinda ChipperJohn 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. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-08-1249 minThe Baseball Book ClubFour Aces: The Epic Arms Of Feller, Ryan, Spahn & GibsonJohn 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. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-08-051h 09The Baseball Book ClubMinor Leagues And Major LegendsGuest 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. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-07-2946 minThe Baseball Book ClubMr. Tiger, Al Kaline 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. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-07-221h 06The Baseball Book ClubSay It Ain't So, Shoeless JoeShoeless 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. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-07-1559 minThe Baseball Book ClubWorld Series Magic: Willie Mays and Bill MazeroskiJohn 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. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-07-0854 minThe Baseball Book ClubPerfect: Sandy Koufax And Vin ScullySandy 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.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-07-011h 00The Baseball Book ClubDeadball: When Babe Ruth Saved The Game 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. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-06-241h 03The Baseball Book ClubHe Woulda Hit .400 If Not For EverythingRing 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.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-06-1747 minThe Baseball Book ClubNot Enough Mustard: Reggie Jackson and Pete RoseClosing 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. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-06-101h 10The Baseball Book ClubHow Can You Not Be Romantic?Romantic About Baseball creator Jason Wood stops by for a chat and John and Leroy talk about some funny moments in baseball. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-06-0350 minThe Baseball Book ClubMcCovey, Banks And Baseball SlangJohn 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. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-05-2756 minThe Baseball Book ClubFrom The Hill To The HallJohn 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. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-05-2049 minThe Baseball Book ClubCornering The MarketJohn and Leroy's discussion of Miguel Cabrera, Frank Thomas and Brooks Robinson highlights each of their contributions to baseball, emphasizing the impact they had on the game which earned them notable spots in The Baseball 100. Cabrera’s offensive prowess, Thomas’s dual-threat of batting and patience, and Robinson’s legendary defense show the different facets of their greatness and why they've become immortalized as some of baseball's all time best. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-05-1342 minThe Baseball Book ClubThe Melting PointStress is a part of life, especially in the 21st century. Baseball is not immune to that. Managers and baseball players alike experience moments where the job can overwhelm you. John and Leroy talk about some humorous moments when managers lost their cool and guest Danny Coon will talk about the more serious side, when stress can cause much greater problems. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-05-0644 minThe Baseball Book ClubThrough The Eyes Of BoysLeroy's Hot Corner is finally back. The first Hot Corner of Season 2 features Josh Wilker's "Cardboard Gods" and guest Mark Braff, author of Sons of Baseball, talks about his book. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-04-2956 minThe Baseball Book ClubFour Stars Earn Their StripesDerek Jeter, Robin Yount and Arky Vaughan are three shortstops whose careers meant anchoring their teams as primary figures and now they find themselves as Top 100 players in baseball history. John and Leroy will discuss the three star players as well as pay tribute to Rick Monday as the anniversary of a special moment approaches. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-04-2246 minThe Baseball Book ClubOf Curses And LegendsAuthor Jana Brody will talk with John and Leroy about her book, Sit Behind The Nets. Plus the guys will cover the talents of the legendary Cool Papa Bell and tell of one of the most storied curses in baseball and how it was finally broken. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-04-1559 minThe Baseball Book ClubBetter To Burn Out Than Fade AwayEpisode 3 sees the return of the baseball terminology series with the use of three throwback terms out of The Dickson Baseball Dictionary. Also, a chapter from 'Why We Love Baseball'. What's the chapter you ask? Bo knows the chapter. And Twin Bill Podcast host Scott Bolohan will appear on the show and discuss his latest venture. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-04-0850 minThe Baseball Book ClubWho Cancels A World Series?Author Todd Marcum will talk about his new book, Baseball Cards At The Edge of War and John and Leroy will discuss the player strike from 1994. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-04-0153 minThe Baseball Book ClubThe Men Behind The DishJohn and Leroy kick off Season 2 with a recap on their trip to Kansas City to visit the Negro League's Baseball Museum and continue in Joe Posnanski's The Baseball 100 talking about four Hall of Fame catchers. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-03-251h 18The Baseball Book ClubJackie Robinson (Re-release)The final replay of Season 1 before launching season 2 on March 25, this episode was about the life of Jackie Robinson, the relationship that Jackie and Yogi Berra had formed after a World Series moment and a hearty discussion on the integration of stats from the Negro Leagues into Major League Baseball. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-03-1846 minThe Baseball Book ClubAnnies, Elephants and Kangaroos (Re-release)The 2nd to last re-release episode before the launch of Season 2, Annies, Elephants and Kangaroos is another episode on baseball terminology as well as a covering of a short story on a Baseball Annie. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-03-1142 minThe Baseball Book ClubPine Tar (Re-release)Episode 9 was more baseball terminology, which included Pine Tar, Immaculate Inning, Baltimore Chop and more. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-03-0439 minThe Baseball Book Club5 Homers And A Walk(er) (Re-release)The chapter "5 Unlikely Homers" in Joe Posnanski's Why We Love Baseball will be explored by John and Leroy in this episode. They will also take a look at the career of Hall of Famer Larry Walker. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-02-2553 minThe Baseball Book ClubPuerto Rican Twins (Re-release)The replay of episode 7 from September of 2024 means one thing... we're one week closer to the start of season2. John and Leroy talked about Carlos Beltran and Roberto Alomar in this episode, as well as another Hot Corner from Leroy on The Joy of Keeping Score. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-02-1841 minThe Baseball Book ClubMighty Casey! (Re-release)The story of Mighty Casey was told in both an 1888 poem and a 1988 short story, and in this episode, John and Leroy discuss both.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-02-1144 minThe Baseball Book ClubDeep In The Heart Of A Texas Leaguer (Re-Release)Episode 5 from Season 1 was called "Deep In The Heart Of A Texas Leaguer" and John and Leroy continue with their baseball terminology series. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-02-0441 minThe Baseball Book ClubBaseball Terminology Series Part 1 (Re-release)Season 1, Episode 4 of The Baseball Book Club originally aired on September 3rd of 2024. This episode is a re-release as we countdown to the premier of Season 2. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-01-2835 minThe Baseball Book ClubMike Mussina (Re-release)Season 1, Episode 3 of The Baseball Book Club originally aired on August 27 of 2024. This episode is a re-release as we countdown to the premier of Season 2. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-01-2144 minThe Baseball Book ClubIchiro Suzuki (Re-release)Season 1, Episode 2 of The Baseball Book Club originally aired in August of 2024. This episode is a re-release as we get ready to countdown ten weeks to the premier of Season 2. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2025-01-1429 minThe Baseball Book ClubThe Hot StoveJohn and Leroy drop in for a middle-of-the-offseason visit and talk free agency and gripe about the MLB Commissioner. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2024-12-1120 minThe Baseball Book ClubJackie RobinsonIn the season one finale of The Baseball Book Club, John and Leroy run up the list on Joe Posnanski's The Baseball 100 to number 42, looking at the great Jackie Robinson. In addition to this in depth look at the man that was more than just breaking the color barrier, the duo will also talk about a chapter out of Posnanski's other book, Why We Love Baseball. Finally, they will offer their own take on the controversial topic of MLB's decision to integrate the stats from the Negro Leagues into Major League Baseball. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2024-10-2245 minThe Baseball Book ClubAnnies, Elephants and KangaroosEpisode 10 is another exciting session of baseball terminology as John and Leroy dive into five more terms that span the life of baseball. Included in the episode is a short story by author Zane Grey, who blends his literary prowess with the world of baseball fiction, making for an engaging exploration of both terminology and storytelling.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2024-10-1542 minThe Baseball Book ClubPine TarIn this episode, John and Leroy return to the Baseball Terminology series with five words from Paul Dickson's The Baseball Dictionary, looking into intriguing terms like Pine Tar, which revisits the infamous 1983 incident when George Brett's game-winning home run was nullified due to excessive pine tar on his bat, stirring controversy and debate about rules and fairness in the game. They also explore the Baltimore Chop, a unique batting technique known for its bouncing nature, and the Immaculate Inning, a rare feat where a pitcher strikes out all three batters in an inning. With a couple more terms thrown...
2024-10-0838 minThe Baseball Book Club5 Homers And A Walk(er)The addition of Joe Posnanski's "Why We Love Baseball," to the show's book rotation makes for an interesting episode, as John and Leroy discuss "5 Unlikely Home Runs." The chapter explores the remarkable moments and players who defied expectations in their quest for the long ball, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the game. Additionally, #96, Larry Walker, from "The Baseball 100," is the focus as they talk about the Canadian superstar's exceptional talent and career achievements, enriching the love for baseball through personal anecdotes and historical context.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2024-10-0153 minThe Baseball Book ClubPuerto Rican TwinsEpisode 7 features the return to Joe Posnanski's The Baseball 100 for a double header, as hosts John and Leroy explore the significance of numbers 98 and 97. You'll also hear the third and final installment for Season 1 of Leroy's Hot Corner, a compelling segment on keeping score in baseball. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2024-09-2441 min
The Twin Bill Baseball Book Podcast26. John Cheslock and Leroy Estep of The Baseball Book Club PodcastWe're joined by John Cheslock and Leroy Estep, the hosts of The Baseball Book Club Podcast. We talk about baseball books with also a lot of Mike Mussina slander.
Listen to The Baseball Book Club
The Baseball Book Club Instagram
The Twin Bill Lit Journal
Patreon
Instagram
Twitter
Hosted by Scott Bolohan
Music by Mark Bolohan
2024-09-2338 minThe Baseball Book ClubMighty Casey!Episode 6 of The Baseball Book Club looks into Frank Deford's tribute to the classic poem "Casey At The Bat," exploring the themes of hope, heroism, and disappointment in baseball. Deford captures the essence of the original while adding a modern twist, reflecting on the enduring legacy of the story and its significance in American sports culture. The episode invites listeners to appreciate the artistry of Deford's writing as well as the nostalgia and emotional gravity that baseball evokes in its fans.The show also contains another segment of This Week In Baseball History, remembering the anniversary of significant...
2024-09-1744 minThe Baseball Book ClubDeep In The Heart Of A Texas LeaguerIn this installment of the Baseball Terminology Series, listeners can look forward to diving deep into the rich tapestry of baseball slang, uncovering the meanings and origins of terms that add color to the game. Episode 5 is coupled with another "Leroy's Hot Corner" segment, where insightful commentary on his latest recommendation is sure to keep viewers entertained and informed.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2024-09-1041 minThe Baseball Book ClubTerminology Series Part 1The Terminology Series begins by offering an essential exploration of five fundamental baseball terms, aimed at enhancing the comprehension of the sport for fans, regardless of their experience level. This series will break down the jargon and nuances of baseball, making it accessible for newcomers while also enriching the knowledge of seasoned enthusiasts. Delving into these terms will help create a deeper appreciation and enjoyment of America's pastime.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2024-09-0335 minThe Baseball Book ClubMike The MenschIn today's episode, John and Leroy dive into the storied career of Hall of Famer Mike Mussina, highlighting both his remarkable achievements and challenges as detailed in Joe Posnanski's "The Baseball 100." Additionally, listeners can look forward to the introduction of exciting new segments that promise to add depth and variety to the show.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2024-08-2744 minThe Baseball Book Club#100 Ichiro SuzukiIn Episode 2, John and Leroy delve into Joe Posnanski's "The Baseball 100," starting with Ichiro Suzuki, ranked #100. They explore Ichiro's incredible impact on the game, his unique batting style, and the phenomenon of his persona in Major League Baseball. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2024-08-2229 minThe Baseball Book ClubThe Baseball Book Club IntroductionIn Episode 1, John and Leroy introduce The Baseball Book Club, talking about the three books they will use for Season 1. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
2024-08-2116 min
Knight Commission on Intercollegiate AthleticsSports participation and sports sponsorship in Division I intercollegiate athletics: How has participation and sponsorship changed over time? How have financial pressures contributed to these changes?Featuring John Cheslock, Associate Professor in the Center for the Study of Higher Education, University of Arizona; and, Tim Curley, Athletic Director at Pennsylvania State University.
2009-05-1400 min