Radio Baseball Cards http://SmarterPodcasts.com Radio Baseball Cards® are a series of amazing and amusing stories as told by some of the greatest Major Leaguers of the 20th century. Your host is Hall of Fame pitcher and network announcer, Don Drysdale. Featured in Sports Illustrated and USA Today, and officially listed in the Baseball Hall of Fame and Library, Radio Baseball Cards are recollections from those stars who played the game. These shows were originally produced in 1987. New episodes are published weekly from Opening Day till the completion of the World Series. Feeder 1.5.4(395) http://reinventedsoftware.com/feeder/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss en 2007 Greene Creative Services fred@smarterpodcasts.com Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:59:26 -0700 Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:59:26 -0700 http://smarterpodcasts.com/radiobaseballcards/RBC_dd.jpg Radio Baseball Cards http://SmarterPodcasts.com 144 144 Don Drysdale Baseball, history, sports, professional clean Fred Greene fred@smarterpodcasts.com no Ted Simmons on Ted Turner's Cartwheel http://SmarterPodcasts.com Ted Simmons (born August 9, 1949, in Highland Park, Michigan) played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1968-80), Milwaukee Brewers (1981-85) and Atlanta Braves (1986-88). Simmons (nicknamed "Simba") was a switch-hitter and threw right-handed.

In a 21-season career, Simmons compiled a .288 batting average with 2,472 hits, 248 home runs and 1389 RBI in 2456 games.
* 8-time All-Star (1972-74, 1977-79, 1981, 1983)
* Silver Slugger Award (1980)
* 7-time hit .300 or more (1971-73, 1975, 1977, 1980, 1983)
* Caught two no-hitters (Bob Gibson in 1971, Bob Forsch in 1978)
* Twice led the National League in intentional walks (1976-77). He ranks 15th in the All-Time list with 188.
* After his playing days were over, Simmons continued in the game as a front office executive. He served two seasons (1992-93) as general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, but stepped down for health reasons. He also was Director of Player Development for both the Cardinals and San Diego Padres, and a scout for the Cleveland Indians. He was named the bench coach for the Milwaukee Brewers starting with the 2008 season.

In 1993, only 17 baseball writers voted for Ted Simmons to get into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Being less than the 5% required to remain eligible, Simmons was taken off the ballot. Under the rules in effect at that time, he was thus permanently ineligible for Hall of Fame selection.

Ted Simmons had 2472 career hits, which was ranked # 1 all time for a catcher, until 2008, when he was surpassed by Iván Rodríguez.

This data was drawn from Wikipedia.

This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in June 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 30 Jun 2008 10:57:43 -0700 ted-simmons-on-ted-turners-cartwheel Don Drysdale Atlanta Braves Catcher Ted Simmons recalls a bizarre incident where new owner Ted Turner did a cartwheel on home plate. Ted Simmons (born August 9, 1949, in Highland Park, Michigan) played for the St. Louis Cardinals (1968-80), Milwaukee Brewers (1981-85) and Atlanta Braves (1986-88). Simmons (nicknamed "Simba") was a switch-hitter and threw right-handed. In a 21-season career, Simmons compiled a .288 batting average with 2,472 hits, 248 home runs and 1389 RBI in 2456 games. * 8-time All-Star (1972-74, 1977-79, 1981, 1983) * Silver Slugger Award (1980) * 7-time hit .300 or more (1971-73, 1975, 1977, 1980, 1983) * Caught two no-hitters (Bob Gibson in 1971, Bob Forsch in 1978) * Twice led the National League in intentional walks (1976-77). He ranks 15th in the All-Time list with 188. * After his playing days were over, Simmons continued in the game as a front office executive. He served two seasons (1992-93) as general manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates, but stepped down for health reasons. He also was Director of Player Development for both the Cardinals and San Diego Padres, and a scout for the Cleveland Indians. He was named the bench coach for the Milwaukee Brewers starting with the 2008 season. In 1993, only 17 baseball writers voted for Ted Simmons to get into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Being less than the 5% required to remain eligible, Simmons was taken off the ballot. Under the rules in effect at that time, he was thus permanently ineligible for Hall of Fame selection. Ted Simmons had 2472 career hits, which was ranked # 1 all time for a catcher, until 2008, when he was surpassed by Iván Rodríguez. This data was drawn from Wikipedia. This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in June 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:45 Steve Garvey on Meeting the Brooklyn Dodgers http://SmarterPodcasts.com In 1985, first baseman Steven Patrick Garvey (born December 22, 1948) established a Major League Baseball record for most consecutive errorless games by an infielder. This record stood until April 2, 2008, when it was bested by Kevin Youkilis.

Garvey played football and baseball at Michigan State University. Garvey played his entire career in the National League West for two teams; the Los Angeles Dodgers (1969-82) and the San Diego Padres (1983-87). He batted right and threw right. In a 19-year career, Garvey was a .294 hitter with 272 home runs and 1308 RBI in 2332 games played. Garvey was part of the longest starting infield to play together with Ron Cey, Bill Russell and Davey Lopes.

Garvey is one of only two players to have started an All-Star Game as a write-in vote, doing so in 1974.

Garvey set a National League record with 1207 consecutive games played, from September 3, 1975, to July 29, 1983. The streak ended when he broke his thumb in a collision at home plate against the Atlanta Braves.

In the 1978 National League Championship Series, Garvey hit four home runs, and added a double for five extra base hits, both marks tying Bob Robertson's 1971 NLCS record; Jeffrey Leonard would tie the NLCS home run record in the 1987 NLCS.

In 1981, at a point in his career when it looked like he would one day rank among the game's all-time greats, Lawrence Ritter and Donald Honig included him in their book The 100 Greatest Baseball Players of All Time.

On his first trip to Los Angeles as a Padre, he took out a full-page newspaper ad thanking fans for their past support.

On October 6, 1984, during Game 4 of the National League Championship Series, Garvey hit a two-run walk-off home run off of Lee Smith in the 9th inning to give the Padres a 7 to 5 victory over the Chicago Cubs. The next day, the Padres won the National League pennant for the first time in franchise history.

Garvey's jersey #6, worn when he was both a Padre and Dodger is retired by the Padres. His number 6 was displayed at the site of his 1984 NLCS home run in right field at Qualcomm Stadium.

Since 1988, he has been running Garvey Communications, mainly involved in television production, including infomercials. He is also the host of Baseball's Greatest Games. In addition he is hired out to do motivational speaking, mainly for corporations.

This data was drawn from Wikipedia.

This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in June 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:51:07 -0700 steve-garvey-on-meeting-the-brooklyn-dodgers Don Drysdale Steve Garvey, whose father drove the Dodger's bus, reminisces about meeting the world champion Brooklyn Dodgers. In 1985, first baseman Steven Patrick Garvey (born December 22, 1948) established a Major League Baseball record for most consecutive errorless games by an infielder. This record stood until April 2, 2008, when it was bested by Kevin Youkilis. Garvey played football and baseball at Michigan State University. Garvey played his entire career in the National League West for two teams; the Los Angeles Dodgers (1969-82) and the San Diego Padres (1983-87). He batted right and threw right. In a 19-year career, Garvey was a .294 hitter with 272 home runs and 1308 RBI in 2332 games played. Garvey was part of the longest starting infield to play together with Ron Cey, Bill Russell and Davey Lopes. Garvey is one of only two players to have started an All-Star Game as a write-in vote, doing so in 1974. Garvey set a National League record with 1207 consecutive games played, from September 3, 1975, to July 29, 1983. The streak ended when he broke his thumb in a collision at home plate against the Atlanta Braves. In the 1978 National League Championship Series, Garvey hit four home runs, and added a double for five extra base hits, both marks tying Bob Robertson's 1971 NLCS record; Jeffrey Leonard would tie the NLCS home run record in the 1987 NLCS. In 1981, at a point in his career when it looked like he would one day rank among the game's all-time greats, Lawrence Ritter and Donald Honig included him in their book The 100 Greatest Baseball Players of All Time. On his first trip to Los Angeles as a Padre, he took out a full-page newspaper ad thanking fans for their past support. On October 6, 1984, during Game 4 of the National League Championship Series, Garvey hit a two-run walk-off home run off of Lee Smith in the 9th inning to give the Padres a 7 to 5 victory over the Chicago Cubs. The next day, the Padres won the National League pennant for the first time in franchise history. Garvey's jersey #6, worn when he was both a Padre and Dodger is retired by the Padres. His number 6 was displayed at the site of his 1984 NLCS home run in right field at Qualcomm Stadium. Since 1988, he has been running Garvey Communications, mainly involved in television production, including infomercials. He is also the host of Baseball's Greatest Games. In addition he is hired out to do motivational speaking, mainly for corporations. This data was drawn from Wikipedia. This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in June 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:39 Bob Feller on his Dad http://SmarterPodcasts.com Robert William Andrew "Bob" Feller (born November 3, 1918 in Van Meter, Iowa), nicknamed the "Heater from Van Meter" and "Rapid Robert", is currently the second oldest living Hall of Famer after Bobby Doerr among players (Lee MacPhail, who is in the Hall as an executive, is now the oldest living Hall of Famer), and is also the senior living Hall of Famer in terms of date of induction (in 1962).

Feller played for the Cleveland Indians, his only team, for 18 years, being one of "The Big Four" Indians pitching rotation in the 1950s, along with Bob Lemon, Early Wynn and Mike Garcia. He ended his career with 266 victories and 2,581 strikeouts, and led the American League in strikeouts seven times and bases on balls eight times. He pitched three no-hit games and shares the major league record with 12 one-hitters. Feller was the first pitcher to win 20 or more games before the age of 21. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, his first year of eligibility. When he was 17 years of age, he struck out 17 batters; he and Kerry Wood are the only two players ever to strike out their age (Wood struck out 20 on May 6, 1998).

Feller was taught to pitch by his father, an Iowa farmer, who built a diamond for his son, and installed a generator and electric lights in his barn for night practice. Although Feller's childhood dream was to pitch for the University of Notre Dame, he was signed by scout Cy Slapnicka for $1 and an autographed baseball. Upon being made GM of the Indians, Slapnicka transferred Feller's contract from Fargo-Moorhead to New Orleans to the majors without the pitcher so much as visiting either farm club, in clear violation of baseball rules. After a three-month investigation, Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis made it clear that he did not believe what Slapnicka or Cleveland president Alva Bradley said, but awarded Feller to the Indians anyway, partly due to the testimony of Feller and his father, who wanted Bob to play for Cleveland.

On the opening day of the 1940 season, Feller pitched a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox, with the help of a diving play on the final out by second baseman, Ray Mack.

Bob Feller when asked if he threw harder than any other pitcher ever, responded that at the end of his career players who had batted against him and also against Nolan Ryan had said Feller threw harder than Ryan. If that was the case, Feller threw over 100 mph. Although there is footage of Feller being clocked by army ordinance equipment (used to measure artillery shell velocity) and hitting 98.6. However, this took place in the later years of his career, and the machine used, like most of the machines at the time, measured the speed of the ball as it crossed the plate whereas now the speed is measured as it leaves the pitcher's hand.

When Feller retired in 1956, he held the dubious major league record for most walks in a career (1,764), and for most hit batsmen. He still holds the 20th Century record for most walks in a season (208 in 1938).

In 1943, Feller married Virginia Winther (1916-1981), daughter of a Wisconsin industrialist. They had three sons, Steve (b. 1945), Martin (b. 1947), and Bruce (b.1950). He lives with his wife, Anne Feller, in Gates Mills, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland.

This data was drawn from Wikipedia.

This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in June 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:24:22 -0700 bob-feller-on-his-dad Don Drysdale Hall of Famer Bob Feller talks about his Dad Robert William Andrew "Bob" Feller (born November 3, 1918 in Van Meter, Iowa), nicknamed the "Heater from Van Meter" and "Rapid Robert", is currently the second oldest living Hall of Famer after Bobby Doerr among players (Lee MacPhail, who is in the Hall as an executive, is now the oldest living Hall of Famer), and is also the senior living Hall of Famer in terms of date of induction (in 1962). Feller played for the Cleveland Indians, his only team, for 18 years, being one of "The Big Four" Indians pitching rotation in the 1950s, along with Bob Lemon, Early Wynn and Mike Garcia. He ended his career with 266 victories and 2,581 strikeouts, and led the American League in strikeouts seven times and bases on balls eight times. He pitched three no-hit games and shares the major league record with 12 one-hitters. Feller was the first pitcher to win 20 or more games before the age of 21. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1962, his first year of eligibility. When he was 17 years of age, he struck out 17 batters; he and Kerry Wood are the only two players ever to strike out their age (Wood struck out 20 on May 6, 1998). Feller was taught to pitch by his father, an Iowa farmer, who built a diamond for his son, and installed a generator and electric lights in his barn for night practice. Although Feller's childhood dream was to pitch for the University of Notre Dame, he was signed by scout Cy Slapnicka for $1 and an autographed baseball. Upon being made GM of the Indians, Slapnicka transferred Feller's contract from Fargo-Moorhead to New Orleans to the majors without the pitcher so much as visiting either farm club, in clear violation of baseball rules. After a three-month investigation, Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis made it clear that he did not believe what Slapnicka or Cleveland president Alva Bradley said, but awarded Feller to the Indians anyway, partly due to the testimony of Feller and his father, who wanted Bob to play for Cleveland. On the opening day of the 1940 season, Feller pitched a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox, with the help of a diving play on the final out by second baseman, Ray Mack. Bob Feller when asked if he threw harder than any other pitcher ever, responded that at the end of his career players who had batted against him and also against Nolan Ryan had said Feller threw harder than Ryan. If that was the case, Feller threw over 100 mph. Although there is footage of Feller being clocked by army ordinance equipment (used to measure artillery shell velocity) and hitting 98.6. However, this took place in the later years of his career, and the machine used, like most of the machines at the time, measured the speed of the ball as it crossed the plate whereas now the speed is measured as it leaves the pitcher's hand. When Feller retired in 1956, he held the dubious major league record for most walks in a career (1,764), and for most hit batsmen. He still holds the 20th Century record for most walks in a season (208 in 1938). In 1943, Feller married Virginia Winther (1916-1981), daughter of a Wisconsin industrialist. They had three sons, Steve (b. 1945), Martin (b. 1947), and Bruce (b.1950). He lives with his wife, Anne Feller, in Gates Mills, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. This data was drawn from Wikipedia. This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in June 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:49 Roger Clemens on the Birth of His Son http://SmarterPodcasts.com William Roger Clemens (born August 4, 1962 in Dayton, Ohio) played in a major league 24 seasons for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros, from 1984 to 2007. Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards, two more than any other pitcher.

Clemens debuted in the majors in 1984 with the Boston Red Sox. He played 13 seasons in a row with them, more than half of his career. In 1997, he moved to Canada to pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays for two seasons.

Clemens was traded to the New York Yankees for the 1999 season, where he had his first World Series success. In 2003, he reached his 300th win and 4,000th strikeout in the same game, the only player in history to record both milestones in the same game.. Clemens is one of only four pitchers to have more than 4,000 strikeouts in their career (the others are pitchers Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, and Steve Carlton). Clemens played three seasons with the Houston Astros, where he won his seventh Cy Young Award. He rejoined the New York Yankees during the 2007 season.

Clemens again decided to put off retirement before the 2005 season after the Houston Astros offered salary arbitration. The Astros submitted an offer of $13.5 million, and Clemens countered with a record $22 million demand. On January 21, 2005, both sides agreed on a one-year, $18,000,022 contract, thus avoiding arbitration. The deal gave Clemens the highest yearly salary earned by a pitcher in MLB history. It also made him the sixth-highest paid player in baseball that year.

Clemens' 2005 season ended as one of the finest he had ever posted. His 1.87 ERA was the lowest in the major leagues, the lowest of his 22-season career, and the lowest by any National Leaguer since pitching great and contemporary rival Greg Maddux in 1995.

On May 31, 2006, following another extended period of speculation, it was announced that Clemens was coming out of retirement for the third time to pitch for the Astros for the remainder of the 2006 season. Clemens signed a contract worth $22,000,022 (his uniform number is # 22), which would have been the highest one-year deal in MLB history.

Clemens made his 2007 return on June 9, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates with six innings of 3 -run, 5-hit, 2-walk, 7-strikeout pitching. On June 21, with a single in the 5th inning against the Colorado Rockies, Clemens became the oldest New York Yankee to record a hit (44 years, 321 days). On June 24, Clemens pitched an inning in relief against the San Francisco Giants. It had been 22 years and 341 days since his previous regular-season relief appearance, the longest such gap in major league history.

In 1999, while many of his performances and milestones were yet to come, he ranked number 53 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, and was elected by the fans to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. In 2005, the updated Sporting News list moved Clemens up to #15.

On August 18th 2007, Roger Clemens got his 1,000th strikeout as a Yankee. He is only the ninth player in major league history to record 1,000 or more strikeouts with two different teams. Clemens has recorded a total of 2,590 strikeouts as a member of the Red Sox and 1,014 strikeouts as a Yankee. Of his nearly quarter century in the Major Leagues, 13 years have been spent with the Red Sox and 5 with the New York Yankees.

This data was drawn from Wikipedia.

This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in June 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 09 Jun 2008 12:57:52 -0700 roger-clemens-on-the-birth-of-his-son Don Drysdale Pitcher Roger Clemens celebrates Father's Day by talking about the birth of his first son. William Roger Clemens (born August 4, 1962 in Dayton, Ohio) played in a major league 24 seasons for the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros, from 1984 to 2007. Clemens won seven Cy Young Awards, two more than any other pitcher. Clemens debuted in the majors in 1984 with the Boston Red Sox. He played 13 seasons in a row with them, more than half of his career. In 1997, he moved to Canada to pitch for the Toronto Blue Jays for two seasons. Clemens was traded to the New York Yankees for the 1999 season, where he had his first World Series success. In 2003, he reached his 300th win and 4,000th strikeout in the same game, the only player in history to record both milestones in the same game.. Clemens is one of only four pitchers to have more than 4,000 strikeouts in their career (the others are pitchers Nolan Ryan, Randy Johnson, and Steve Carlton). Clemens played three seasons with the Houston Astros, where he won his seventh Cy Young Award. He rejoined the New York Yankees during the 2007 season. Clemens again decided to put off retirement before the 2005 season after the Houston Astros offered salary arbitration. The Astros submitted an offer of $13.5 million, and Clemens countered with a record $22 million demand. On January 21, 2005, both sides agreed on a one-year, $18,000,022 contract, thus avoiding arbitration. The deal gave Clemens the highest yearly salary earned by a pitcher in MLB history. It also made him the sixth-highest paid player in baseball that year. Clemens' 2005 season ended as one of the finest he had ever posted. His 1.87 ERA was the lowest in the major leagues, the lowest of his 22-season career, and the lowest by any National Leaguer since pitching great and contemporary rival Greg Maddux in 1995. On May 31, 2006, following another extended period of speculation, it was announced that Clemens was coming out of retirement for the third time to pitch for the Astros for the remainder of the 2006 season. Clemens signed a contract worth $22,000,022 (his uniform number is # 22), which would have been the highest one-year deal in MLB history. Clemens made his 2007 return on June 9, defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates with six innings of 3 -run, 5-hit, 2-walk, 7-strikeout pitching. On June 21, with a single in the 5th inning against the Colorado Rockies, Clemens became the oldest New York Yankee to record a hit (44 years, 321 days). On June 24, Clemens pitched an inning in relief against the San Francisco Giants. It had been 22 years and 341 days since his previous regular-season relief appearance, the longest such gap in major league history. In 1999, while many of his performances and milestones were yet to come, he ranked number 53 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players, and was elected by the fans to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. In 2005, the updated Sporting News list moved Clemens up to #15. On August 18th 2007, Roger Clemens got his 1,000th strikeout as a Yankee. He is only the ninth player in major league history to record 1,000 or more strikeouts with two different teams. Clemens has recorded a total of 2,590 strikeouts as a member of the Red Sox and 1,014 strikeouts as a Yankee. Of his nearly quarter century in the Major Leagues, 13 years have been spent with the Red Sox and 5 with the New York Yankees. This data was drawn from Wikipedia. This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in June 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:26 Don Sutton on The Dating Game http://SmarterPodcasts.com Donald Howard Sutton (born April 2, 1945) was born in Clio, Alabama, a small town in Barbour County, and on the same date as former Dodger teammate Reggie Smith. Clio is also the birthplace of the late Alabama governor George Wallace. He was born to sharecroppers at the end of World War II, in a tar-paper shack. At the time he was born his father was 18 and his mother was 15. Sutton's father, Howard, gave him the strong work ethic that he had throughout his career. His father tried logging and construction work, and in looking for work, moved the family to Molino, Florida, just north of Pensacola.

A right-handed pitcher, Sutton played for the Sioux Falls Packers as a minor leaguer, and entered the major league at the age of 21. Don Sutton's major league debut was on April 14, 1966, the same day that future 300-game winner Greg Maddux was born. In the majors, he played 23 years for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, and California Angels. He won a total of 324 games, 58 of them shutouts and five of them one-hitters, and he is eighth on baseball's all-time strikeout list with 3,574 K's. He also holds the major league record for number of consecutive losses to one team, having lost 13 straight games to the Chicago Cubs.

He was known for doctoring baseballs. His nickname was "Black & Decker"; legend has it that when Sutton met notorious greaseballer Gaylord Perry, Perry handed him a tube of Vaseline, and Sutton responded with a thank-you, then handed him a sheet of sandpaper.

A 4-time All-Star, Sutton was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998. His candidacy and subsequent election were controversial, with critics pointing out that he had never won a Cy Young Award, had won 20 games only once, and had rarely led his league in any statistical category. However, supporters noted that no pitcher with either 300 victories or 3000 strikeouts had ever failed to be elected to the Hall of Fame, and that his 324 wins were, at the time of his retirement, the most by any right-handed pitcher since the 1920s, and many pitchers with worse records were in the Hall of Fame.

Sutton holds the modern record for most at-bats (1,354) without ever hitting a home run.

Sutton's legacy of consistency and longevity is an amazing feat in itself, in an age before pitching counts would lift pitchers well before nine innings. He was the mainstay of a ball club with a pitching-rich tradition, a career that spanned from the Drysdale-Koufax era (1966) to Fernando Valenzuela (1980). In the final game of the 1980 season, Sutton was called on to complete a game winning save, 4-3, over Houston, forcing a one-game playoff — a poetic conclusion to a brilliant span of 15 years in L.A.

Sutton started his broadcasting career in 1989 with the Atlanta Braves on TBS, a position that he held through 2006. He left TBS after the 2006 season, mainly because the network will broadcast fewer games in future seasons. Sutton is now a color commentator for the Washington Nationals on the MASN network. This data was drawn from Wikipedia.

This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in May 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 02 Jun 2008 11:44:48 -0700 don-sutton-on-the-dating-game Don Drysdale Pitcher Don Sutton talks about his embarrassing experience on the Dating Game. Donald Howard Sutton (born April 2, 1945) was born in Clio, Alabama, a small town in Barbour County, and on the same date as former Dodger teammate Reggie Smith. Clio is also the birthplace of the late Alabama governor George Wallace. He was born to sharecroppers at the end of World War II, in a tar-paper shack. At the time he was born his father was 18 and his mother was 15. Sutton's father, Howard, gave him the strong work ethic that he had throughout his career. His father tried logging and construction work, and in looking for work, moved the family to Molino, Florida, just north of Pensacola. A right-handed pitcher, Sutton played for the Sioux Falls Packers as a minor leaguer, and entered the major league at the age of 21. Don Sutton's major league debut was on April 14, 1966, the same day that future 300-game winner Greg Maddux was born. In the majors, he played 23 years for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, and California Angels. He won a total of 324 games, 58 of them shutouts and five of them one-hitters, and he is eighth on baseball's all-time strikeout list with 3,574 K's. He also holds the major league record for number of consecutive losses to one team, having lost 13 straight games to the Chicago Cubs. He was known for doctoring baseballs. His nickname was "Black & Decker"; legend has it that when Sutton met notorious greaseballer Gaylord Perry, Perry handed him a tube of Vaseline, and Sutton responded with a thank-you, then handed him a sheet of sandpaper. A 4-time All-Star, Sutton was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1998. His candidacy and subsequent election were controversial, with critics pointing out that he had never won a Cy Young Award, had won 20 games only once, and had rarely led his league in any statistical category. However, supporters noted that no pitcher with either 300 victories or 3000 strikeouts had ever failed to be elected to the Hall of Fame, and that his 324 wins were, at the time of his retirement, the most by any right-handed pitcher since the 1920s, and many pitchers with worse records were in the Hall of Fame. Sutton holds the modern record for most at-bats (1,354) without ever hitting a home run. Sutton's legacy of consistency and longevity is an amazing feat in itself, in an age before pitching counts would lift pitchers well before nine innings. He was the mainstay of a ball club with a pitching-rich tradition, a career that spanned from the Drysdale-Koufax era (1966) to Fernando Valenzuela (1980). In the final game of the 1980 season, Sutton was called on to complete a game winning save, 4-3, over Houston, forcing a one-game playoff — a poetic conclusion to a brilliant span of 15 years in L.A. Sutton started his broadcasting career in 1989 with the Atlanta Braves on TBS, a position that he held through 2006. He left TBS after the 2006 season, mainly because the network will broadcast fewer games in future seasons. Sutton is now a color commentator for the Washington Nationals on the MASN network. This data was drawn from Wikipedia. This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in May 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:43 Wade Boggs' Advice for Getting to the Big Leagues http://SmarterPodcasts.com Wade Anthony Boggs' hitting in the 1980s and 1990s made him a perennial contender for American League batting titles, in much the same way as his National League contemporary Tony Gwynn. Boggs was elected to the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. With 12 straight All-Star appearances, Boggs is third only to Brooks Robinson and George Brett in number of consecutive appearances as a third baseman. His finest season was 1987 when he set career highs in HR(24), RBI(89), and slugging percentage(.588). Also in that season he batted .363 and held a .461 OBP, both stats leading the league.

A left-handed hitter, Boggs won five batting titles starting in 1983. He also batted .349 in his rookie year which would have won the batting title, but was 121 plate appearances short of the required minimum of 502. From 1982 to 1988, Boggs hit below .349 only once, hitting .325 in 1984. From 1983 to 1989, Boggs rattled off seven consecutive seasons in which he collected 200 or more hits, an American League record for consecutive 200-hit seasons that was later matched by Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki.

Boggs signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for the final two seasons of his career, in 1999 collecting his 3,000th hit. Despite his deserved reputation as a singles hitter with limited power, he is the first and only member of the 3,000-hit club whose 3,000th hit was a home run. Boggs retired in 1999 after sustaining a knee injury, leaving with a career batting average of .328 and 3,010 hits.

He is credited with teaching the Yankees their current pitch-selection technique; swinging only at perfect pitches and fouling off close but tough to hit pitches, forcing teams to go to their usually weak bullpens. Before Boggs joined the Yankees, they were 14th in pitches per plate appearance, and 4th and then 1st after he joined. In addition, the Yankees were 12th and 8th in on base percentage the two years prior to Boggs joining the team and 2nd the year he came on board (1993), followed by 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 1st.

In 1987, Boggs – who was up for a new contract following the season – hit 24 home runs, easily the most in any year of his career.

His "#12" has been retired by the Tampa Bay Rays. Although he has not had his number retired by the Boston Red Sox, he was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2004.

This data was drawn from Wikipedia.

This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in May 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 26 May 2008 12:33:08 -0700 wade-boggs-advice-for-getting-to-the-big-leagues Don Drysdale Wade Boggs, inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005, gives advice to kids on how to get to the Big Leagues. Wade Anthony Boggs' hitting in the 1980s and 1990s made him a perennial contender for American League batting titles, in much the same way as his National League contemporary Tony Gwynn. Boggs was elected to the Red Sox Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2005. With 12 straight All-Star appearances, Boggs is third only to Brooks Robinson and George Brett in number of consecutive appearances as a third baseman. His finest season was 1987 when he set career highs in HR(24), RBI(89), and slugging percentage(.588). Also in that season he batted .363 and held a .461 OBP, both stats leading the league. A left-handed hitter, Boggs won five batting titles starting in 1983. He also batted .349 in his rookie year which would have won the batting title, but was 121 plate appearances short of the required minimum of 502. From 1982 to 1988, Boggs hit below .349 only once, hitting .325 in 1984. From 1983 to 1989, Boggs rattled off seven consecutive seasons in which he collected 200 or more hits, an American League record for consecutive 200-hit seasons that was later matched by Seattle's Ichiro Suzuki. Boggs signed with the Tampa Bay Devil Rays for the final two seasons of his career, in 1999 collecting his 3,000th hit. Despite his deserved reputation as a singles hitter with limited power, he is the first and only member of the 3,000-hit club whose 3,000th hit was a home run. Boggs retired in 1999 after sustaining a knee injury, leaving with a career batting average of .328 and 3,010 hits. He is credited with teaching the Yankees their current pitch-selection technique; swinging only at perfect pitches and fouling off close but tough to hit pitches, forcing teams to go to their usually weak bullpens. Before Boggs joined the Yankees, they were 14th in pitches per plate appearance, and 4th and then 1st after he joined. In addition, the Yankees were 12th and 8th in on base percentage the two years prior to Boggs joining the team and 2nd the year he came on board (1993), followed by 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 1st. In 1987, Boggs – who was up for a new contract following the season – hit 24 home runs, easily the most in any year of his career. His "#12" has been retired by the Tampa Bay Rays. Although he has not had his number retired by the Boston Red Sox, he was inducted into the team's Hall of Fame in 2004. This data was drawn from Wikipedia. This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in May 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:44 Manager Roger Craig's Hijacked Flight http://SmarterPodcasts.com During an 11-year playing career, Roger Craig (born February 17, 1930 in Durham North Carolina) won 10 or more games in 1956, 1957, and 1962. A master at the split-finger fastball, Craig started his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and closed out his playing career with the Philadelphia Phillies.

Craig was best known for being an original member of the New York Mets. In 1963, he suffered through an 18-game losing streak. Remarkably during those two years, he completed 27 games while winning only 15, demonstrating that he was one of the best pitchers on the staff.

From 1986 to 1992, Craig was the manager of the San Francisco Giants. In Craig's first five full seasons with the Giants (1986-1990), they never finished with a losing record. Prior to coming to San Francisco, Craig served as a pitching coach for the 1984 World Champion Detroit Tigers and as manager of the San Diego Padres (the Tigers' opponent in the 1984 World Series) from 1978-1979.

Under Craig (who along the way, instilled the unique motto and rallying cry "Humm Baby"), the Giants won the National League Western Division title in 1987. The original term of "Humm Baby" was given to the roster's third catcher for the 1986 season, Brad Gulden, who was on his way out of baseball but he managed to squeeze onto the roster for the 1986 season. Craig felt that Gulden didn't really have the talent but he had the heart so he called him the "Humm Baby". The Giants' divisional title in 1987 came just two years after they lost 100 games; Roger Craig replaced Jim Davenport for the remaining 18 games of the 1985 season (posting a 6-12 record). The Giants came within one game of going to the World Series that year having lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games.

In 1989 though, the Giants won their first National League pennant since 1962 by defeating the Chicago Cubs in five games in the NLCS. Unfortunately, Craig's Giants were swept by the Oakland Athletics in the World Series, which was interrupted by an earthquake, in a four game sweep.

Roger Craig stepped down from the San Francisco Giants in 1992 after posting a dismal 72-90 record. His successor, Dusty Baker went on to win 103 games the following year and eventually won the 1993 National League Manager of the Year Award.

This data was drawn from Wikipedia.

This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in May 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 19 May 2008 11:20:31 -0700 manager-roger-craigs-hijacked-flight Don Drysdale Manager Roger Craig recalls an unforgettable trip, in which the flight that he as on was hijacked. During an 11-year playing career, Roger Craig (born February 17, 1930 in Durham North Carolina) won 10 or more games in 1956, 1957, and 1962. A master at the split-finger fastball, Craig started his career with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and closed out his playing career with the Philadelphia Phillies. Craig was best known for being an original member of the New York Mets. In 1963, he suffered through an 18-game losing streak. Remarkably during those two years, he completed 27 games while winning only 15, demonstrating that he was one of the best pitchers on the staff. From 1986 to 1992, Craig was the manager of the San Francisco Giants. In Craig's first five full seasons with the Giants (1986-1990), they never finished with a losing record. Prior to coming to San Francisco, Craig served as a pitching coach for the 1984 World Champion Detroit Tigers and as manager of the San Diego Padres (the Tigers' opponent in the 1984 World Series) from 1978-1979. Under Craig (who along the way, instilled the unique motto and rallying cry "Humm Baby"), the Giants won the National League Western Division title in 1987. The original term of "Humm Baby" was given to the roster's third catcher for the 1986 season, Brad Gulden, who was on his way out of baseball but he managed to squeeze onto the roster for the 1986 season. Craig felt that Gulden didn't really have the talent but he had the heart so he called him the "Humm Baby". The Giants' divisional title in 1987 came just two years after they lost 100 games; Roger Craig replaced Jim Davenport for the remaining 18 games of the 1985 season (posting a 6-12 record). The Giants came within one game of going to the World Series that year having lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in seven games. In 1989 though, the Giants won their first National League pennant since 1962 by defeating the Chicago Cubs in five games in the NLCS. Unfortunately, Craig's Giants were swept by the Oakland Athletics in the World Series, which was interrupted by an earthquake, in a four game sweep. Roger Craig stepped down from the San Francisco Giants in 1992 after posting a dismal 72-90 record. His successor, Dusty Baker went on to win 103 games the following year and eventually won the 1993 National League Manager of the Year Award. This data was drawn from Wikipedia. This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in May 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:26 Alvin Davis on His Mom http://SmarterPodcasts.com Alvin Glenn Davis was a first baseman/DH who played for the Seattle Mariners and the California Angels.

Davis played college baseball at Arizona State and broke into the Majors with the Mariners in 1984 and remained there until 1992 when he played one season for the Angels before retiring. He was the 1984 winner of the American League Rookie of the Year Award, he also an All-Star in his season debut.

Davis was a career .280 hitter with 160 home runs and 683 RBI in 1206 games. He hit 20-plus homers in three seasons and drove in over 100 runs in two.

Though Davis' statistics are by no means mind-blowing, he was well-known by Mariners fans and held just about every offensive team record for quite a few years. He burst onto the major league scene in 1984, homering in his first two big-league games and collecting three doubles in his third. He won his team's MVP award that season and was named American League Rookie of the Year after posting .284, 27HRs, 116 RBI. Davis, who was nicknamed "Mr. Mariner", was inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame in 1997.[1]

This data was drawn from Wikipedia.

This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in May 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 12 May 2008 12:14:49 -0700 alvin-davis-on-his-mom Don Drysdale First Baseman Alvin Davis, the 1984 AL Rookie of the Year, shares stories and thoughts about his mother. Alvin Glenn Davis was a first baseman/DH who played for the Seattle Mariners and the California Angels. Davis played college baseball at Arizona State and broke into the Majors with the Mariners in 1984 and remained there until 1992 when he played one season for the Angels before retiring. He was the 1984 winner of the American League Rookie of the Year Award, he also an All-Star in his season debut. Davis was a career .280 hitter with 160 home runs and 683 RBI in 1206 games. He hit 20-plus homers in three seasons and drove in over 100 runs in two. Though Davis' statistics are by no means mind-blowing, he was well-known by Mariners fans and held just about every offensive team record for quite a few years. He burst onto the major league scene in 1984, homering in his first two big-league games and collecting three doubles in his third. He won his team's MVP award that season and was named American League Rookie of the Year after posting .284, 27HRs, 116 RBI. Davis, who was nicknamed "Mr. Mariner", was inducted into the Seattle Mariners Hall of Fame in 1997.[1] This data was drawn from Wikipedia. This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in May 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:53 Darrell Evans on His Mom http://SmarterPodcasts.com Darrell Evans is a former third and first baseman in who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves (1969-76, 1989), San Francisco Giants (1976-83) and Detroit Tigers (1984-88). Overshadowed in his prime by fellow National League third baseman Mike Schmidt, he has been described by author Bill James as the most underrated player in baseball history, primarily because his defensive skill, home run power, and ability to draw walks in a long career were offset by a low career batting average of .248.

Evans became the first player to hit 40 home runs in both leagues, and at 38 became the oldest player ever to lead the league in home runs. Evans hit over 20 home runs in 10 different seasons and drew over 100 walks 5 times, with a career high 126 in 1974. In 1988, he hit his 400th home run, becoming the 22nd player to reach that milestone. He retired after having joined Reggie Jackson in becoming only the second player to hit 100 home runs with three different teams, and ranking in 11th place among all-time walks leaders. Evans hit 60 home runs in his 40s, a major league record. He later served as a coach with the New York Yankees in 1990.

A two-time All-Star (1973 and 1983), Evans was selected as the third baseman on the 1973 Sporting News National League All-Star team. He won the 1983 Willie Mac Award for his spirit and leadership.

Evans gained unusual attention when he stated in 1984 that he and his wife had witnessed a UFO in 1982 at their home in Pleasanton, California.

He also works as a consultant for Netamin Communcation Corporation, ensuring accuracy as the gaming company develops Ultimate Baseball Online 2007, the first-ever Massively Multiplayer Online Sports Game (MMOSG).

This data was drawn from Wikipedia.

This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in May 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 05 May 2008 13:06:23 -0700 darrell-evans-on-his-mom Don Drysdale Darrell Evans, possibly the most underrated player in the history of baseball, shares thoughts about his mother. Darrell Evans is a former third and first baseman in who played from 1969 to 1989 with the Atlanta Braves (1969-76, 1989), San Francisco Giants (1976-83) and Detroit Tigers (1984-88). Overshadowed in his prime by fellow National League third baseman Mike Schmidt, he has been described by author Bill James as the most underrated player in baseball history, primarily because his defensive skill, home run power, and ability to draw walks in a long career were offset by a low career batting average of .248. Evans became the first player to hit 40 home runs in both leagues, and at 38 became the oldest player ever to lead the league in home runs. Evans hit over 20 home runs in 10 different seasons and drew over 100 walks 5 times, with a career high 126 in 1974. In 1988, he hit his 400th home run, becoming the 22nd player to reach that milestone. He retired after having joined Reggie Jackson in becoming only the second player to hit 100 home runs with three different teams, and ranking in 11th place among all-time walks leaders. Evans hit 60 home runs in his 40s, a major league record. He later served as a coach with the New York Yankees in 1990. A two-time All-Star (1973 and 1983), Evans was selected as the third baseman on the 1973 Sporting News National League All-Star team. He won the 1983 Willie Mac Award for his spirit and leadership. Evans gained unusual attention when he stated in 1984 that he and his wife had witnessed a UFO in 1982 at their home in Pleasanton, California. He also works as a consultant for Netamin Communcation Corporation, ensuring accuracy as the gaming company develops Ultimate Baseball Online 2007, the first-ever Massively Multiplayer Online Sports Game (MMOSG). This data was drawn from Wikipedia. This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in May 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:26 Sparky Anderson on his Managing Debut http://SmarterPodcasts.com George Lee "Sparky" Anderson is fifth on the all-time list for manager career wins in Major League Baseball (behind Connie Mack, John McGraw, Tony La Russa and Bobby Cox) and is the first manager to win the World Series while leading clubs in both leagues. He piloted the National League's Cincinnati Reds to the 1975 and 1976 championships, then added a third title in 1984 with the Detroit Tigers of the American League.

Either manager in the 1984 Series would have been the first to win in both leagues, since San Diego Padres (NL) manager Dick Williams had previously won the series with the Oakland Athletics (AL) in 1972 and 1973.

Anderson was a "good field, no-hit" middle infielder as a player. After playing the 1955 season with the Texas League Fort Worth Cats as an apprenticeship in the farm system of the Brooklyn Dodgers, he played one full season in the major leagues, as the regular second baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1959. However, a .218 average with no power ended his big-league career at that point.

Anderson won 102 games and the pennant in his first Major League season as manager, but then lost the 1970 World Series in five games to the Baltimore Orioles. After an injury-plagued 1971, the Reds came back and won another pennant in 1972, losing to the Oakland Athletics in the World Series. They took the National League West division title in 1973, then finished a close second to the Los Angeles Dodgers a year later.

Finally, in 1975, the Reds blew the division open by winning 108 games, swept the National League Championship Series and then edged the Boston Red Sox in a drama-filled, seven-game World Series. They repeated in 1976 by winning 102 games and ultimately sweeping the New York Yankees in the Series. During this time, Anderson became known as "Captain Hook" for his penchant for taking out a starting pitcher at the first sign of weakness and going to his bullpen, relying heavily on closers Will McEnaney and Rawly Eastwick.

When the aging Reds finished second to the Dodgers in each of the next two seasons, Anderson was fired. The Reds won the division title again in 1979 but lost three straight to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the League Championship Series. They would not make the playoffs again until they won the World Series in 1990.

On May 28, 2005, during pre-game ceremonies in Cincinnati, Anderson's jersey number, 10, was retired by the Reds. Anderson's number in Detroit, 11, has been inactive since 1995. However, it has not been officially retired by the Tigers.

Anderson currently resides in Thousand Oaks, California.

This data was drawn from Wikipedia.

This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in April 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 28 Apr 2008 10:46:47 -0700 sparky-anderson-on-his-managing-debut Don Drysdale George "Sparky" Anderson recollects his Major League managing debut. George Lee "Sparky" Anderson is fifth on the all-time list for manager career wins in Major League Baseball (behind Connie Mack, John McGraw, Tony La Russa and Bobby Cox) and is the first manager to win the World Series while leading clubs in both leagues. He piloted the National League's Cincinnati Reds to the 1975 and 1976 championships, then added a third title in 1984 with the Detroit Tigers of the American League. Either manager in the 1984 Series would have been the first to win in both leagues, since San Diego Padres (NL) manager Dick Williams had previously won the series with the Oakland Athletics (AL) in 1972 and 1973. Anderson was a "good field, no-hit" middle infielder as a player. After playing the 1955 season with the Texas League Fort Worth Cats as an apprenticeship in the farm system of the Brooklyn Dodgers, he played one full season in the major leagues, as the regular second baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies in 1959. However, a .218 average with no power ended his big-league career at that point. Anderson won 102 games and the pennant in his first Major League season as manager, but then lost the 1970 World Series in five games to the Baltimore Orioles. After an injury-plagued 1971, the Reds came back and won another pennant in 1972, losing to the Oakland Athletics in the World Series. They took the National League West division title in 1973, then finished a close second to the Los Angeles Dodgers a year later. Finally, in 1975, the Reds blew the division open by winning 108 games, swept the National League Championship Series and then edged the Boston Red Sox in a drama-filled, seven-game World Series. They repeated in 1976 by winning 102 games and ultimately sweeping the New York Yankees in the Series. During this time, Anderson became known as "Captain Hook" for his penchant for taking out a starting pitcher at the first sign of weakness and going to his bullpen, relying heavily on closers Will McEnaney and Rawly Eastwick. When the aging Reds finished second to the Dodgers in each of the next two seasons, Anderson was fired. The Reds won the division title again in 1979 but lost three straight to the Pittsburgh Pirates in the League Championship Series. They would not make the playoffs again until they won the World Series in 1990. On May 28, 2005, during pre-game ceremonies in Cincinnati, Anderson's jersey number, 10, was retired by the Reds. Anderson's number in Detroit, 11, has been inactive since 1995. However, it has not been officially retired by the Tigers. Anderson currently resides in Thousand Oaks, California. This data was drawn from Wikipedia. This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in April 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:29 Mickey Hatcher on his M.L. Debut http://SmarterPodcasts.com Michael "Mickey" Hatcher was, most notably, Kirk Gibson's replacement for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1988 World Series, batting .368 (7/19) with two home runs and five RBI. He is from Mesa, Arizona.

He is admired for his fun-loving approach to playing baseball, particularly on the World Champion 1988 Dodger team, and was featured in various presentations to the tune of the "Mickey Mouse Club" song. He would sprint to first base after drawing walks, like Pete Rose, and garnered a lot of media attention in the 1988 World Series by hitting a first-inning home run in Game 1 and sprinting full-speed around the bases instead of jogging. This prompted NBC broadcaster Vin Scully to say "He's a Saturday Evening Post character!" and "He's running like he's afraid they're going to take it off the board!" Hatcher had only hit one home run in that 1988 season, but hit two in the World Series.

He is currently the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, with whom he won his second World Series title, in 2002. The Angels are managed by Mike Scioscia, Hatcher's teammate from the 1988 World Championship team.

This data was drawn from Wikipedia.

This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in April 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 21 Apr 2008 14:30:22 -0700 mickey-hatcher-on-his-ml-debut Don Drysdale Mickey Hatcher muses on getting lost going to Dodger Stadium when he was called up to the Majors. Michael "Mickey" Hatcher was, most notably, Kirk Gibson's replacement for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 1988 World Series, batting .368 (7/19) with two home runs and five RBI. He is from Mesa, Arizona. He is admired for his fun-loving approach to playing baseball, particularly on the World Champion 1988 Dodger team, and was featured in various presentations to the tune of the "Mickey Mouse Club" song. He would sprint to first base after drawing walks, like Pete Rose, and garnered a lot of media attention in the 1988 World Series by hitting a first-inning home run in Game 1 and sprinting full-speed around the bases instead of jogging. This prompted NBC broadcaster Vin Scully to say "He's a Saturday Evening Post character!" and "He's running like he's afraid they're going to take it off the board!" Hatcher had only hit one home run in that 1988 season, but hit two in the World Series. He is currently the hitting coach for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, with whom he won his second World Series title, in 2002. The Angels are managed by Mike Scioscia, Hatcher's teammate from the 1988 World Championship team. This data was drawn from Wikipedia. This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in April 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:42 Paul Molitor on his Big League Debut http://SmarterPodcasts.com Nicknamed "Molly" and "The Ignitor," Paul Molitor was elected as a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, 2004. He played for 21 seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays and his Minnesota Twins.

Molitor started out as a shortstop, then moved to second base when the briefly-retired Robin Yount returned. During the latter half of his career, he was used primarily as a designated hitter, with occasional games at first base and in the outfield. He played nearly half of his career as a DH.

Molitor was part of a young Milwaukee Brewers team that lost the 1982 World Series in seven games to the St. Louis Cardinals but batted .355 during the series. In Game 1 of the '82 Series, he had five hits, which set a Major League record. During that season, he hit .302 and led the American League with 136 runs scored. Molitor also attracted national media attention during his 39-game hitting streak, which ended with Molitor in the on-deck circle when Rick Manning got a game-ending hit to beat the Cleveland Indians on August 26, 1987. Fans booed Manning for driving in the winning run and thus depriving Molitor of one last chance to reach 40 games. The streak continues to stand as the fifth-longest in modern-day baseball history, and remains the longest since Pete Rose's 44 game hit streak in 1978.

Molitor was a key part of the Blue Jays second World Championship in 1992. Molitor won the World Series MVP Award and tied a World Series record by batting .500 in the six game series.

He left the Blue Jays after the 1995 season and joined his hometown Minnesota Twins for the final three seasons of his career, where he acquired his 3,000th hit. He is the only player to reach the 3000 hits plateau with a triple. Molitor was relishing the opportunity to play with Twins superstar Kirby Puckett, but Puckett developed career-ending glaucoma during spring training in 1996 and never played again. In 1996, Molitor became the first 40-year-old to have a 200-hit season with 225.

Molitor's lifetime statistics include 2,683 games played, 1,782 runs scored, 3,319 hits, 234 home runs, 1,307 runs batted in, a .306 batting average, and 504 stolen bases. He batted .368 in 5 postseason series and was an all-star seven times.

This data was drawn from Wikipedia.

This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in April 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 14 Apr 2008 10:27:47 -0700 paul-molitor-on-his-big-league-debut Don Drysdale Hall of Famer Paul Molitor remembers how he went from being shipped out to AAA to being called up to the show all in 1 day. Nicknamed "Molly" and "The Ignitor," Paul Molitor was elected as a member of the Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility, 2004. He played for 21 seasons with the Milwaukee Brewers, Toronto Blue Jays and his Minnesota Twins. Molitor started out as a shortstop, then moved to second base when the briefly-retired Robin Yount returned. During the latter half of his career, he was used primarily as a designated hitter, with occasional games at first base and in the outfield. He played nearly half of his career as a DH. Molitor was part of a young Milwaukee Brewers team that lost the 1982 World Series in seven games to the St. Louis Cardinals but batted .355 during the series. In Game 1 of the '82 Series, he had five hits, which set a Major League record. During that season, he hit .302 and led the American League with 136 runs scored. Molitor also attracted national media attention during his 39-game hitting streak, which ended with Molitor in the on-deck circle when Rick Manning got a game-ending hit to beat the Cleveland Indians on August 26, 1987. Fans booed Manning for driving in the winning run and thus depriving Molitor of one last chance to reach 40 games. The streak continues to stand as the fifth-longest in modern-day baseball history, and remains the longest since Pete Rose's 44 game hit streak in 1978. Molitor was a key part of the Blue Jays second World Championship in 1992. Molitor won the World Series MVP Award and tied a World Series record by batting .500 in the six game series. He left the Blue Jays after the 1995 season and joined his hometown Minnesota Twins for the final three seasons of his career, where he acquired his 3,000th hit. He is the only player to reach the 3000 hits plateau with a triple. Molitor was relishing the opportunity to play with Twins superstar Kirby Puckett, but Puckett developed career-ending glaucoma during spring training in 1996 and never played again. In 1996, Molitor became the first 40-year-old to have a 200-hit season with 225. Molitor's lifetime statistics include 2,683 games played, 1,782 runs scored, 3,319 hits, 234 home runs, 1,307 runs batted in, a .306 batting average, and 504 stolen bases. He batted .368 in 5 postseason series and was an all-star seven times. This data was drawn from Wikipedia. This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in April 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:53 Lou Pinella's Managerial Debut http://SmarterPodcasts.com He has been nicknamed "Sweet Lou," both for his swing as a major league hitter and, facetiously, to describe his demeanor as a player and manager.

Piniella grew up in West Tampa, Florida. His Asturian grandparents immigrated to Florida from Asturias, Spain. As a child, he played PONY League Baseball alongside Tony La Russa.

Piniella played for the Kansas City Royals from 1969-73, and was the American League's AL Rookie of the Year in 1969. He was the first player to come to bat in Royals history. On April 8 of their first season, he led off the bottom of the 1st and doubled to left field, then scored on an RBI single by Jerry Adair.

After the Royals, Pinella was a member of the New York Yankees for 11 seasons, where they won five AL East titles (1976-78, 1980 and 1981), four AL pennants (1976-78 and 1981), and two World Series championships (1977-78). After centerfielder Mickey Rivers was traded, during the 1979 season, Piniella became the Yankees leadoff hitter. One of the more underrated players of the 1970s (he made just one all star team), he compiled 1705 lifetime hits despite not playing full time for just under half of his career.

After retiring as a player, Piniella managed the Yankees from 1986 to 1987 and for most of 1988 before briefly serving as the club's general manager for the rest of the 1988 and 1989 seasons. Piniella managed the Cincinnati Reds between 1990 and 1992, a tenure that included winning the 1990 World Series against the heavily-favored Oakland Athletics.

From 1993-2002, he managed the Seattle Mariners, winning the AL Manager of the Year Award in 1995, and again in 2001 when he led the Mariners to a record-tying 116 wins. They lost their chance to go to the World Series when they were beat by the Yankees in the ALCS. The Mariners have not reached the playoffs since. In the Mariners' 30-season history, they have had nine winning seasons and reached the playoffs four times. Seven of the winning seasons and all of the playoff appearances occurred during Piniella's ten years with the Mariners.

In his first two seasons with the Devil Rays, Piniella was able to improve the team somewhat, and they won a franchise-record 70 games in 2004, which was also their first season in which they did not finish last in their division.

On October 16, 2006, Piniella agreed to a three-year contract to manage the Chicago Cubs. The contract is for $10 million over three seasons with a $5 million option for a fourth year.

This data was drawn from Wikipedia.

This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in April 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:10:43 -0700 lou-pinellas-managerial-debut Don Drysdale "Sweet Lou" Pinella, currently the manager of the Chicago Cubs, has managed 5 different MLB teams. His first assignment as a field skipper was with the Yankees, which doesn't make this type of high pressure job any easier. He has been nicknamed "Sweet Lou," both for his swing as a major league hitter and, facetiously, to describe his demeanor as a player and manager. Piniella grew up in West Tampa, Florida. His Asturian grandparents immigrated to Florida from Asturias, Spain. As a child, he played PONY League Baseball alongside Tony La Russa. Piniella played for the Kansas City Royals from 1969-73, and was the American League's AL Rookie of the Year in 1969. He was the first player to come to bat in Royals history. On April 8 of their first season, he led off the bottom of the 1st and doubled to left field, then scored on an RBI single by Jerry Adair. After the Royals, Pinella was a member of the New York Yankees for 11 seasons, where they won five AL East titles (1976-78, 1980 and 1981), four AL pennants (1976-78 and 1981), and two World Series championships (1977-78). After centerfielder Mickey Rivers was traded, during the 1979 season, Piniella became the Yankees leadoff hitter. One of the more underrated players of the 1970s (he made just one all star team), he compiled 1705 lifetime hits despite not playing full time for just under half of his career. After retiring as a player, Piniella managed the Yankees from 1986 to 1987 and for most of 1988 before briefly serving as the club's general manager for the rest of the 1988 and 1989 seasons. Piniella managed the Cincinnati Reds between 1990 and 1992, a tenure that included winning the 1990 World Series against the heavily-favored Oakland Athletics. From 1993-2002, he managed the Seattle Mariners, winning the AL Manager of the Year Award in 1995, and again in 2001 when he led the Mariners to a record-tying 116 wins. They lost their chance to go to the World Series when they were beat by the Yankees in the ALCS. The Mariners have not reached the playoffs since. In the Mariners' 30-season history, they have had nine winning seasons and reached the playoffs four times. Seven of the winning seasons and all of the playoff appearances occurred during Piniella's ten years with the Mariners. In his first two seasons with the Devil Rays, Piniella was able to improve the team somewhat, and they won a franchise-record 70 games in 2004, which was also their first season in which they did not finish last in their division. On October 16, 2006, Piniella agreed to a three-year contract to manage the Chicago Cubs. The contract is for $10 million over three seasons with a $5 million option for a fourth year. This data was drawn from Wikipedia. This episode was originally broadcast as a national radio syndication in April 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:39 Mike Krukow on his M.L. Debut http://SmarterPodcasts.com Pitcher Mike Krukow had a solid, if unspectacular career in the major leagues. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 8th round of the 1973 draft and Krukow played Major League baseball for the Chicago Cubs (1976–1981), the Philadelphia Phillies (1982) and the San Francisco Giants (1983–1989).

Krukow's best season was in 1986, posting a record of 20-9 with a 3.05 ERA pitching for the San Francisco Giants. Giants fans can not argue Krukow should have won the Cy Young Award in 1986 as he finished third behind Mike Scott and Fernando Valenzuela, each of whom had better statistics on the season. Krukow was selected to the National League All-Star team that season. He was awarded the Willie Mac Award in both 1985 and 1986 honoring his spirit and leadership. In 1987, Krukow helped lead the Giants to their first division championship in 16 years. His final game was June 4, 1989.

Krukow is currently a broadcaster for the San Francisco Giants. He is a five-time Emmy award winner. "Kruk," who was named as the starting right-handed pitcher to the 1980s Giants All- Decade Team in a vote by Bay Area media in 1999, is noted for his deep knowledge of the game and tremendous sense of humor

This data was drawn from Wikipedia.

This episode originally was broadcast in April 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2008 16:00:20 -0700 mike-krukow-on-his-ml-debut Don Drysdale SF Giants Pitcher Mike Krukow shares a memorable story from 1976 about his first day in the big leagues with the Chicago Cubs Pitcher Mike Krukow had a solid, if unspectacular career in the major leagues. He was drafted by the Chicago Cubs in the 8th round of the 1973 draft and Krukow played Major League baseball for the Chicago Cubs (1976–1981), the Philadelphia Phillies (1982) and the San Francisco Giants (1983–1989). Krukow's best season was in 1986, posting a record of 20-9 with a 3.05 ERA pitching for the San Francisco Giants. Giants fans can not argue Krukow should have won the Cy Young Award in 1986 as he finished third behind Mike Scott and Fernando Valenzuela, each of whom had better statistics on the season. Krukow was selected to the National League All-Star team that season. He was awarded the Willie Mac Award in both 1985 and 1986 honoring his spirit and leadership. In 1987, Krukow helped lead the Giants to their first division championship in 16 years. His final game was June 4, 1989. Krukow is currently a broadcaster for the San Francisco Giants. He is a five-time Emmy award winner. "Kruk," who was named as the starting right-handed pitcher to the 1980s Giants All- Decade Team in a vote by Bay Area media in 1999, is noted for his deep knowledge of the game and tremendous sense of humor This data was drawn from Wikipedia. This episode originally was broadcast in April 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:48 Pee Wee Reese on the Dodgers' 1955 World Series win against the Yankees http://SmarterPodcasts.com Pee Wee Reese played for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1940 to 1958. Reese was a ten-time All Star shortstop who contributed to seven league championships for Brooklyn.

The 1955 World Series matched the Brooklyn Dodgers against the New York Yankees, with the Dodgers winning the Series in 7 games to capture their first championship in franchise history. It would be the only Series the Dodgers won in Brooklyn (the team relocated to Los Angeles after the 1957 season). The two teams were meeting in a World Series for the sixth time since 1941, with the Yankees having won in 1941, 1947, 1949, 1952 and 1953.

This episode originally aired September 26, 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 29 Oct 2007 19:24:58 -0700 pee-wee-reese-on-the-dodgers-1955-world-series-wi Don Drysdale Hall of Famer Pee Wee Reese played in six World Series with the Brooklyn Dodgers, each time against the New York Yankees. 1955 is the only time Bums from Brooklyn ever won. Pee Wee remembers. Pee Wee Reese played for the Brooklyn and Los Angeles Dodgers from 1940 to 1958. Reese was a ten-time All Star shortstop who contributed to seven league championships for Brooklyn. The 1955 World Series matched the Brooklyn Dodgers against the New York Yankees, with the Dodgers winning the Series in 7 games to capture their first championship in franchise history. It would be the only Series the Dodgers won in Brooklyn (the team relocated to Los Angeles after the 1957 season). The two teams were meeting in a World Series for the sixth time since 1941, with the Yankees having won in 1941, 1947, 1949, 1952 and 1953. This episode originally aired September 26, 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:11 Rollie Fingers on 3 World Championships with the Oakland A's http://SmarterPodcasts.com Rollie Fingers is known for his handlebar mustache that was the signature of many Oakland A's players during their amazing run of World Series Championships in 1972, 1973, & 1974. Charles O. Finley, owner of the A's in Kansas City and Oakland offered players an extra $300 if they would grow the outrageous mustache.

Fingers is regarded as a pioneer of modern relief pitching, essentially defining the role of the closer for years to come. Fingers was one of the first players groomed in his minor league career to be a relief pitcher once he reached the majors. Prior to this, most pitchers were starters first and foremost and usually ended up in the bullpen by either necessity or afterthought.

When Fingers reached the major leagues, the role of relief pitchers was limited, as starting pitchers rarely left games while holding a lead; but as team offense increased following the 1968 season, and especially with the American League's introduction of the designated hitter in 1973, managers became more willing to replace starters in the late innings with a lead in order to forestall any late rallies by opponents. Through the 1960s, both leagues' annual saves leaders tended toward totals of 20–25 saves; few pitchers remained in the role more than two or three years, with significant exceptions such as Roy Face and knuckleballer Hoyt Wilhelm. But in the 1970s, in an era allowing for greater opportunities for closers than had previously been available, Fingers' excellence in relief allowed him to gradually increase his annual saves totals past 30. In 1980 he broke Wilhelm's record of 227 saves, and eventually finished with 341, a record that stood until Jeff Reardon passed it in 1992.

This episode originally aired October 10, 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Tue, 23 Oct 2007 11:53:32 -0700 rollie-fingers-on-3-world-championships-with-the-o Don Drysdale Hall of Famer Rollie Fingers defined the roll of the modern day relief pitcher with the Oakland A's. In the early 70s, the Amazing A's won 3 consecutive titles with a solid and consistent lineup. Rollie Fingers is known for his handlebar mustache that was the signature of many Oakland A's players during their amazing run of World Series Championships in 1972, 1973, & 1974. Charles O. Finley, owner of the A's in Kansas City and Oakland offered players an extra $300 if they would grow the outrageous mustache. Fingers is regarded as a pioneer of modern relief pitching, essentially defining the role of the closer for years to come. Fingers was one of the first players groomed in his minor league career to be a relief pitcher once he reached the majors. Prior to this, most pitchers were starters first and foremost and usually ended up in the bullpen by either necessity or afterthought. When Fingers reached the major leagues, the role of relief pitchers was limited, as starting pitchers rarely left games while holding a lead; but as team offense increased following the 1968 season, and especially with the American League's introduction of the designated hitter in 1973, managers became more willing to replace starters in the late innings with a lead in order to forestall any late rallies by opponents. Through the 1960s, both leagues' annual saves leaders tended toward totals of 20–25 saves; few pitchers remained in the role more than two or three years, with significant exceptions such as Roy Face and knuckleballer Hoyt Wilhelm. But in the 1970s, in an era allowing for greater opportunities for closers than had previously been available, Fingers' excellence in relief allowed him to gradually increase his annual saves totals past 30. In 1980 he broke Wilhelm's record of 227 saves, and eventually finished with 341, a record that stood until Jeff Reardon passed it in 1992. This episode originally aired October 10, 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:25 Willie Randolph on the 1977 Dodgers/Yankees World Series http://SmarterPodcasts.com The 1977 World Series may be remembered because Reggie Jackson hit 3 home runs on 3 consecutive pithes, but Willie Randolph remembers being part of the team and living the dream.

Randolph is currently the manager of the New York Mets and played in the big leagues on six teams from 1975 - 1992. He made his major league debut in 1975 with the Pirates, and was at age 20 the 6th youngest player in the NL. Randolph spent 13 of his 18 seasons as a player with the New York Yankees, and finished his career with the New York Mets. He was selected to six All-Star games over his career. He was known as a top lead-off man, a skilled bunter, and a patient hitter who drew more than 80 walks seven times. On Randolph's last career game, Mets second baseman Jeff Kent moved to shortstop to allow Randolph to play his final game at second base. It was the only time in Kent's career that he started at shortstop.

This episode originally aired October 4, 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Tue, 16 Oct 2007 14:14:08 -0700 willie-randolph-on-the-1977-dodgersyankees-world Don Drysdale Willie Randolph played second for the NY Yankees in 1977, his second full season in the Majors. The team included Reggie Jackson and Catfish Hunter (see ep#22), and has recently been featured in an ESPN original mini series called "The Bronx is Burning". The 1977 World Series may be remembered because Reggie Jackson hit 3 home runs on 3 consecutive pithes, but Willie Randolph remembers being part of the team and living the dream. Randolph is currently the manager of the New York Mets and played in the big leagues on six teams from 1975 - 1992. He made his major league debut in 1975 with the Pirates, and was at age 20 the 6th youngest player in the NL. Randolph spent 13 of his 18 seasons as a player with the New York Yankees, and finished his career with the New York Mets. He was selected to six All-Star games over his career. He was known as a top lead-off man, a skilled bunter, and a patient hitter who drew more than 80 walks seven times. On Randolph's last career game, Mets second baseman Jeff Kent moved to shortstop to allow Randolph to play his final game at second base. It was the only time in Kent's career that he started at shortstop. This episode originally aired October 4, 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:25 Joe Morgan on driving in the winning run of 1975 World Series http://SmarterPodcasts.com Joe Morgan was signed by the Houston Colt .45's as an amateur free agent in 1962. Early in his career, Morgan had trouble with his swing because he kept his back elbow down too low. Teammate Nellie Fox suggested to Joe that while at the plate he should flap his back arm like a chicken to keep his elbow up. Morgan followed the advice, and his flapping arm became a familiar sight to baseball fans.

Although Morgan played with distinction with Houston, the Astros wanted more power in their lineup. As a result, they traded Morgan to the Cincinnati Reds as part of a blockbuster multi-player deal on November 29, 1971, announced at baseball's winter meetings. While the Astros got power-hitting Lee May, the deal is now considered one of the most one-sided trades in baseball history. The deal facilitated a shift in Reds team philosophy towards speed over power, with Morgan and outfielder Pete Rose now two central pieces, batting back-to-back. The trade is now referred to, by one author, as the best trade in Reds history. Conversely, it is considered one of the worst, if not the worst, trades in Astros history. Morgan, along with teammates Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Tony Pérez and Dave Concepción, led the Reds to consecutive championships in the World Series. He drove in the winning run in Game 7 of the 1975 World Series, now ranked as one of the great World Series of all time.

Morgan was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990 and is currently an Emmy-winning commentator for ESPN television and radio.

This episode originally aired September 19, 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Tue, 09 Oct 2007 14:22:36 -0700 joe-morgan-on-driving-in-the-winning-run-of-1975-w Don Drysdale Joe Morgan, with Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Tony Pérez and Dave Concepción, led the Cincinnati Reds to consecutive championships. Morgan talks about driving in the winning run in Game 7 of the 1975 Series, ranked as one of the greatest World Series ever. Joe Morgan was signed by the Houston Colt .45's as an amateur free agent in 1962. Early in his career, Morgan had trouble with his swing because he kept his back elbow down too low. Teammate Nellie Fox suggested to Joe that while at the plate he should flap his back arm like a chicken to keep his elbow up. Morgan followed the advice, and his flapping arm became a familiar sight to baseball fans. Although Morgan played with distinction with Houston, the Astros wanted more power in their lineup. As a result, they traded Morgan to the Cincinnati Reds as part of a blockbuster multi-player deal on November 29, 1971, announced at baseball's winter meetings. While the Astros got power-hitting Lee May, the deal is now considered one of the most one-sided trades in baseball history. The deal facilitated a shift in Reds team philosophy towards speed over power, with Morgan and outfielder Pete Rose now two central pieces, batting back-to-back. The trade is now referred to, by one author, as the best trade in Reds history. Conversely, it is considered one of the worst, if not the worst, trades in Astros history. Morgan, along with teammates Pete Rose, Johnny Bench, Tony Pérez and Dave Concepción, led the Reds to consecutive championships in the World Series. He drove in the winning run in Game 7 of the 1975 World Series, now ranked as one of the great World Series of all time. Morgan was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1990 and is currently an Emmy-winning commentator for ESPN television and radio. This episode originally aired September 19, 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:47 Billy Herman on the 1932 Cubs/Yankees World Series http://SmarterPodcasts.com Billy Herman (July 7, 1909 - September 5, 1992) played second base during the 1930s and 1940s for the Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Dodgers, Boston Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates. He also managed the Pirates and the Red Sox.

Herman broke into the majors in 1931 with the Chicago Cubs and asserted himself as a star the following season, 1932 by having 206 hits, 102 runs and a .314 batting average. A fixture in the Chicago lineup over the next decade, Herman was a consistent hitter and solid producer. He regular hit .300 or higher (and as high as .341 in 1935) and drove in a high of 93 runs in 1936.

Herman missed the 1944 and 1945 seasons to serve in World War II, but returned to play in 1946 with the Dodgers and Boston Braves (after being traded mid-season). He was traded again prior to the 1947 season to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he assumed managerial duties, but only played 15 games. His final record as a major league manager was 189-274 (.408).

Herman finished his career with a .304 batting average, 1163 runs, 47 home runs, 839 RBI and a minuscule 428 strikeouts. He won four National League pennants (in 1932, 1935, 1938 and 1941) but no World Series championships, and was 189-274 as a manager.

Herman holds the National League records for most putouts in a season by a second baseman and led the league in putouts seven times. He also shares the major league record for most hits on opening day, with five, set April 14, 1936.

Herman was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975.

This episode originally aired October 5, 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Tue, 02 Oct 2007 14:13:57 -0700 billy-herman-on-the-1932-cubsyankees-world-series Don Drysdale When Babe Ruth pointed to center field and called his final World Series home run, Billy Herman was playing second base for the Cubs. Herman remembers how his 1932 team was completely outmatched in that series by arguably the greatest team of all time. Billy Herman (July 7, 1909 - September 5, 1992) played second base during the 1930s and 1940s for the Chicago Cubs, Brooklyn Dodgers, Boston Braves and Pittsburgh Pirates. He also managed the Pirates and the Red Sox. Herman broke into the majors in 1931 with the Chicago Cubs and asserted himself as a star the following season, 1932 by having 206 hits, 102 runs and a .314 batting average. A fixture in the Chicago lineup over the next decade, Herman was a consistent hitter and solid producer. He regular hit .300 or higher (and as high as .341 in 1935) and drove in a high of 93 runs in 1936. Herman missed the 1944 and 1945 seasons to serve in World War II, but returned to play in 1946 with the Dodgers and Boston Braves (after being traded mid-season). He was traded again prior to the 1947 season to the Pittsburgh Pirates, where he assumed managerial duties, but only played 15 games. His final record as a major league manager was 189-274 (.408). Herman finished his career with a .304 batting average, 1163 runs, 47 home runs, 839 RBI and a minuscule 428 strikeouts. He won four National League pennants (in 1932, 1935, 1938 and 1941) but no World Series championships, and was 189-274 as a manager. Herman holds the National League records for most putouts in a season by a second baseman and led the league in putouts seven times. He also shares the major league record for most hits on opening day, with five, set April 14, 1936. Herman was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975. This episode originally aired October 5, 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 3:03 Willie Stargell on Roberto Clemente http://SmarterPodcasts.com Willie Stargell nicknamed "Pops" in the later years of his career, played his entire Major League career (1962-1982) with the Pittsburgh Pirates as an outfielder and first baseman.

Over his 21-year career with the Pirates, he batted .282, with 2,232 hits, 423 doubles, 475 home runs and 1540 runs batted in, helping his team capture six National League East division titles, two National League pennants and two World Series (1971, 1979).

Beloved in Pittsburgh for his style of play and affable manner, Stargell was known for hitting monstrous home runs, including 7 of the 16 balls ever hit completely out of Forbes Field and several of the upper-tier home runs at its successor, Three Rivers Stadium. At one time, Stargell held the record for the longest homer in nearly half of the National League parks. Standing 6 feet 2 inches, Stargell seemed larger, with his long arms and unique bat-handling practice of holding only the knob of the bat with his lower hand combining to provide extra bat extension, Stargell's swings seemed designed to hit home runs of the Ruthian variety. When most batters would use a simple lead-weighted bat in the on-deck circle, Stargell took to warming up with a sledgehammer, adding another layer of intimidation. While standing in the batter's box, he would windmill his bat until the pitcher started his windup.

This episode originally aired October 3, 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Mon, 24 Sep 2007 14:53:26 -0700 willie-stargell-on-roberto-clemente Don Drysdale Willie Stargell won 2 World Series rings with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He believes that teammate Roberto Clemente had a tremendous influence on his success. Willie Stargell nicknamed "Pops" in the later years of his career, played his entire Major League career (1962-1982) with the Pittsburgh Pirates as an outfielder and first baseman. Over his 21-year career with the Pirates, he batted .282, with 2,232 hits, 423 doubles, 475 home runs and 1540 runs batted in, helping his team capture six National League East division titles, two National League pennants and two World Series (1971, 1979). Beloved in Pittsburgh for his style of play and affable manner, Stargell was known for hitting monstrous home runs, including 7 of the 16 balls ever hit completely out of Forbes Field and several of the upper-tier home runs at its successor, Three Rivers Stadium. At one time, Stargell held the record for the longest homer in nearly half of the National League parks. Standing 6 feet 2 inches, Stargell seemed larger, with his long arms and unique bat-handling practice of holding only the knob of the bat with his lower hand combining to provide extra bat extension, Stargell's swings seemed designed to hit home runs of the Ruthian variety. When most batters would use a simple lead-weighted bat in the on-deck circle, Stargell took to warming up with a sledgehammer, adding another layer of intimidation. While standing in the batter's box, he would windmill his bat until the pitcher started his windup. This episode originally aired October 3, 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:28 Ralph Kiner on Hank Greenberg http://SmarterPodcasts.com Ralph Kiner is a former Major League Baseball player for 3 teams in both leagues and is still announcing at the age of 84. Though constant injuries forced his retirement from the game after only ten seasons, Kiner's tremendous slugging output during his short career outpaced nearly all of his National League contemporaries between the years 1946 and 1954. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975. In 1961, Kiner made his way into the broadcast booth with the Chicago White Sox. The next year, Kiner, along with Lindsey Nelson and Bob Murphy, started announcing the games of the expansion New York Mets on WOR-TV in New York. His traditional home-run call -- "it is gone, goodbye" or "that ball is gone, goodbye" -- is a signature phrase in baseball.

This episode originally aired September 25, 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Tue, 18 Sep 2007 15:55:00 -0700 ralph-kiner-on-hank-greenberg Don Drysdale Hall of Famer and legendary broadcaster Ralph Kiner was roommates with Hank Greenberg during Kiner's rookie season and Greenberg's final. Kiner remembers him for the life lessons more than baseball. Ralph Kiner is a former Major League Baseball player for 3 teams in both leagues and is still announcing at the age of 84. Though constant injuries forced his retirement from the game after only ten seasons, Kiner's tremendous slugging output during his short career outpaced nearly all of his National League contemporaries between the years 1946 and 1954. He was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1975. In 1961, Kiner made his way into the broadcast booth with the Chicago White Sox. The next year, Kiner, along with Lindsey Nelson and Bob Murphy, started announcing the games of the expansion New York Mets on WOR-TV in New York. His traditional home-run call -- "it is gone, goodbye" or "that ball is gone, goodbye" -- is a signature phrase in baseball. This episode originally aired September 25, 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 3:01 Nolan Ryan fondly remembers his time in Little League http://SmarterPodcasts.com Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. (born January 31, 1947) is a former American right-handed pitcher who played in a major league record 27 seasons for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers, from 1966 to 1993.

Ryan, a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher, threw pitches that were regularly recorded above 100 mph, even past the age of 40. The media tagged him, or more specifically his pitching, as "The Ryan Express" (a reference to the 1965 film Von Ryan's Express).

Ryan was an eight-time MLB All-Star, and his 5,714 career strikeouts rank first in baseball history. He leads the runner-up by over 1,000 strikeouts as of early in the 2007 season. The pitcher in second place as of early 2007 varies between Roger Clemens and Randy Johnson, who are both active and who are both over the 4,600-strikeout mark. Similarly, Ryan's 2,795 bases on balls lead second-place Steve Carlton by 962—walking over 50% more hitters than any other pitcher in Major League history.

Ryan is also the all-time leader in no-hitters with seven, three more than any other pitcher. He is tied with Bob Feller for the most one-hitters with 12. Ryan also pitched 18 two-hitters.

This episode originally aired September 11, 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Tue, 11 Sep 2007 10:53:01 -0700 nolan-ryan-fondly-remembers-his-time-in-little-lea Don Drysdale Nolan Ryan may be remembered as the greatest pitcher of all times. Ryan shares his favorite memories of his baseball career, which happened to be Little League. Lynn Nolan Ryan, Jr. (born January 31, 1947) is a former American right-handed pitcher who played in a major league record 27 seasons for the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers, from 1966 to 1993. Ryan, a hard-throwing right-handed pitcher, threw pitches that were regularly recorded above 100 mph, even past the age of 40. The media tagged him, or more specifically his pitching, as "The Ryan Express" (a reference to the 1965 film Von Ryan's Express). Ryan was an eight-time MLB All-Star, and his 5,714 career strikeouts rank first in baseball history. He leads the runner-up by over 1,000 strikeouts as of early in the 2007 season. The pitcher in second place as of early 2007 varies between Roger Clemens and Randy Johnson, who are both active and who are both over the 4,600-strikeout mark. Similarly, Ryan's 2,795 bases on balls lead second-place Steve Carlton by 962—walking over 50% more hitters than any other pitcher in Major League history. Ryan is also the all-time leader in no-hitters with seven, three more than any other pitcher. He is tied with Bob Feller for the most one-hitters with 12. Ryan also pitched 18 two-hitters. This episode originally aired September 11, 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:48 Yogi Berra being classis Yogi http://SmarterPodcasts.com Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra (born May 12, 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri) is a former Major League Baseball player and manager. He played almost his entire career for the New York Yankees and was elected to the baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. He was one of only four players to be named the Most Valuable Player of the American League three times, and one of only six managers to lead both American and National League teams to the World Series.

Berra, who quit school in the eighth grade, has a tendency toward malapropism and fracturing the English language in highly provocative, interesting ways. Simultaneously denying and confirming his reputation, Berra once stated, "I never said half the things I really said."

This episode originally aired August 20, 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Thu, 30 Aug 2007 14:01:44 -0700 yogi-berra-being-classis-yogi Don Drysdale Yogi Berra, known for torturing the English language once confirmed his reputation by stating "I never said half the things I really said." He doesn't disappoint in this episode as he discusses Little League. Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra (born May 12, 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri) is a former Major League Baseball player and manager. He played almost his entire career for the New York Yankees and was elected to the baseball Hall of Fame in 1972. He was one of only four players to be named the Most Valuable Player of the American League three times, and one of only six managers to lead both American and National League teams to the World Series. Berra, who quit school in the eighth grade, has a tendency toward malapropism and fracturing the English language in highly provocative, interesting ways. Simultaneously denying and confirming his reputation, Berra once stated, "I never said half the things I really said." This episode originally aired August 20, 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:23 Billy Williams on being a Hall of Famer http://SmarterPodcasts.com Billy Leo Williams (born June 15, 1938) is a former outfielder who batted left and threw right-handed. A highly competitive player on talented Chicago Cubs teams that never reached the post-season, he finally realized his dream of playing in the post-season late in his career with the Oakland Athletics. Like his teammates Ernie Banks, Ferguson Jenkins, and Ron Santo, he never played in a World Series. After accumulating a lifetime .290 BA with 426 homers and 1475 RBI, Billy Williams was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987, and on 13 August of that same year had his number 26 retired at Wrigley Field. In 1999, he was named as a finalist to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team.

This episode originally aired August 6, 1987, 20 years after his induction.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Tue, 28 Aug 2007 18:39:31 -0700 billy-williams-on-being-a-hall-of-famer Don Drysdale There were two Hall of Fame Inductees in 1987. Last week we featured Catfish Hunter and this week Billy Williams talks about his induction. Billy Leo Williams (born June 15, 1938) is a former outfielder who batted left and threw right-handed. A highly competitive player on talented Chicago Cubs teams that never reached the post-season, he finally realized his dream of playing in the post-season late in his career with the Oakland Athletics. Like his teammates Ernie Banks, Ferguson Jenkins, and Ron Santo, he never played in a World Series. After accumulating a lifetime .290 BA with 426 homers and 1475 RBI, Billy Williams was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1987, and on 13 August of that same year had his number 26 retired at Wrigley Field. In 1999, he was named as a finalist to the Major League Baseball All-Century Team. This episode originally aired August 6, 1987, 20 years after his induction. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 3:02 Catfish Hunter on being selected for the Hall of Fame http://SmarterPodcasts.com The youngest son of eight children, James "Catfish" Hunter excelled in a variety of sports; enjoying success as a linebacker and offensive end in football as well as a shortstop, cleanup batter and pitcher in baseball. His pitching skill began to attract scouts from major league baseball teams to Hertford, North Carolina. In his senior year, Hunter was wounded in a hunting accident which led to the loss of one of his toes and the lodging of shotgun pellets in his foot. The accident left Hunter somewhat hobbled and jeopardized his prospects in the eyes of many professional scouts, but the Kansas City Athletics had faith in the young pitcher and signed Hunter to a contract.

Charles O. Finley, the Kansas City owner, gave Hunter the nickname "Catfish". The investment that Finley and the Athletics made in "Catfish" was returned many times over. In 1968 Charles Finley moved the Athletics from Kansas City to Oakland and on May 8 that year in a game against the Minnesota Twins, Hunter pitched the first perfect game in the American League since 1922. He continued to win games and in 1974 both received the Cy Young Award and was named Pitcher of the Year by The Sporting News. After a contract dispute with Finley in 1974, Hunter left the Athletics in 1975 for the New York Yankees. Catfish's statistics while he was with the Athletics were impressive: four consecutive years with at least 20 wins, four World Series wins with no losses and a 1974 league leading earned run average of 2.49.

Hunter was the highest paid pitcher in baseball when he signed with the Yankees in 1975. That year he again won more than 20 games. Hunter died in Hertford, North Carolina -- more specifically Bear Swamp, in Perquimans County, NC, where he was born. He had been suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) at the time. He was 53 years old.

This episode originally aired August 4, 1987, 20 years after his induction.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Tue, 21 Aug 2007 15:33:22 -0700 catfish-hunter-on-being-selected-for-the-hall-of-f Don Drysdale Celebrating the 20th anniversary of his Hall of Fame induction, Catfish Hunter explains his surprise when he discovered he was being imortalized. The youngest son of eight children, James "Catfish" Hunter excelled in a variety of sports; enjoying success as a linebacker and offensive end in football as well as a shortstop, cleanup batter and pitcher in baseball. His pitching skill began to attract scouts from major league baseball teams to Hertford, North Carolina. In his senior year, Hunter was wounded in a hunting accident which led to the loss of one of his toes and the lodging of shotgun pellets in his foot. The accident left Hunter somewhat hobbled and jeopardized his prospects in the eyes of many professional scouts, but the Kansas City Athletics had faith in the young pitcher and signed Hunter to a contract. Charles O. Finley, the Kansas City owner, gave Hunter the nickname "Catfish". The investment that Finley and the Athletics made in "Catfish" was returned many times over. In 1968 Charles Finley moved the Athletics from Kansas City to Oakland and on May 8 that year in a game against the Minnesota Twins, Hunter pitched the first perfect game in the American League since 1922. He continued to win games and in 1974 both received the Cy Young Award and was named Pitcher of the Year by The Sporting News. After a contract dispute with Finley in 1974, Hunter left the Athletics in 1975 for the New York Yankees. Catfish's statistics while he was with the Athletics were impressive: four consecutive years with at least 20 wins, four World Series wins with no losses and a 1974 league leading earned run average of 2.49. Hunter was the highest paid pitcher in baseball when he signed with the Yankees in 1975. That year he again won more than 20 games. Hunter died in Hertford, North Carolina -- more specifically Bear Swamp, in Perquimans County, NC, where he was born. He had been suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) at the time. He was 53 years old. This episode originally aired August 4, 1987, 20 years after his induction. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:30 "King" Carl Hubbell, NY Giants Pitcher 1928-43 http://SmarterPodcasts.com Nicknamed "King Carl" by the fans and "The Meal Ticket" by his teammates, Carl Hubbell played his entire career for the New York Giants between 1928-1943. With a slow delivery of his devastating screwball, Hubbell recorded five consecutive 20-win seasons for the Giants (1933-37), and helped his team to three NL pennants and the 1933 World Series title.

In the 1934 All-Star game played at the Polo Grounds, Hubbell set a record by striking out in succession five batters destined for Cooperstown: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons and Joe Cronin. For the 50th anniversary of this legendary performance, Hubbell was on hand at the 1984 All-Star Game at the Giants' Candlestick Park in San Francisco to throw out the first pitch (a screwball of course).

Hubbell died due to injuries sustained in an auto accident in Scottsdale, Arizona at 85 years of age in 1988.

This interview, recorded during the Giants' 1987 Spring Training camp, features Hubbell talking about his first game in the Major Leagues and being inducted into the Hall of Fame.

This episode originally aired August 24, 1987, 44 years after his final game.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Tue, 14 Aug 2007 17:25:41 -0700 king-carl-hubbell-ny-giants-pitcher-192843 Don Drysdale "King" Carl Hubbell played his entire career for the New York Giants from 1928-1943. This interview, recorded during Giants' 1987 Spring Training, features Hubbell talking about his first game in the Major Leagues and being inducted into the Hall of Fame. Nicknamed "King Carl" by the fans and "The Meal Ticket" by his teammates, Carl Hubbell played his entire career for the New York Giants between 1928-1943. With a slow delivery of his devastating screwball, Hubbell recorded five consecutive 20-win seasons for the Giants (1933-37), and helped his team to three NL pennants and the 1933 World Series title. In the 1934 All-Star game played at the Polo Grounds, Hubbell set a record by striking out in succession five batters destined for Cooperstown: Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Al Simmons and Joe Cronin. For the 50th anniversary of this legendary performance, Hubbell was on hand at the 1984 All-Star Game at the Giants' Candlestick Park in San Francisco to throw out the first pitch (a screwball of course). Hubbell died due to injuries sustained in an auto accident in Scottsdale, Arizona at 85 years of age in 1988. This interview, recorded during the Giants' 1987 Spring Training camp, features Hubbell talking about his first game in the Major Leagues and being inducted into the Hall of Fame. This episode originally aired August 24, 1987, 44 years after his final game. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:17 Barry Bonds interviewed after his rookie season http://SmarterPodcasts.com When Barry Bonds entered the Majors with the Pirates in 1986, every one knew he had talent, but no one would have guessed that he could be the greatest of all time. At this point in his career he was very willing to speak to reporters. In our conversation that was conducted during Spring Training 1987, he shared his comparison of baseball players and actors and how it effected him on the field.

This episode originally aired July 24, 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Tue, 07 Aug 2007 13:18:46 -0700 barry-bonds-interviewed-after-his-rookie-season Don Drysdale When Barry Bonds entered the Majors with the Pirates in 1986, every one knew he had talent, but no one would have guessed that he could be the greatest of all time. His boyish playfulness comes through in this interview. When Barry Bonds entered the Majors with the Pirates in 1986, every one knew he had talent, but no one would have guessed that he could be the greatest of all time. At this point in his career he was very willing to speak to reporters. In our conversation that was conducted during Spring Training 1987, he shared his comparison of baseball players and actors and how it effected him on the field. This episode originally aired July 24, 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:18 Bobby Bonds on Jackie Robinson http://SmarterPodcasts.com Bobby and Barry Bonds have combined to hit more home runs then any other father/son duo in baseball history. Barry will soon become the greatest home run hitter of all time. Barry was raised around a Major League clubhouse and has learned many lessons from his father and godfather, Willie Mays. Unlike Mays, Bobby Bonds also coached in the Majors. Like his son, he was a student of the game, and before he passed away in 2003, he had great respect and admiration for the contributions that Jackie Robinson made to the game and to American history. He shares his thoughts and personal experiences about Jackie in this episode.

This episode originally aired August 23, 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Tue, 31 Jul 2007 15:47:45 -0700 bobby-bonds-on-jackie-robinson Don Drysdale Bobby Bonds accomplishments as a player are being overshadowed by his son's Barry's statistics, but as a player, coach and person, his contributions were significant. With all of that, he stills has a deep respect and admiration for Jackie Robinson. Bobby and Barry Bonds have combined to hit more home runs then any other father/son duo in baseball history. Barry will soon become the greatest home run hitter of all time. Barry was raised around a Major League clubhouse and has learned many lessons from his father and godfather, Willie Mays. Unlike Mays, Bobby Bonds also coached in the Majors. Like his son, he was a student of the game, and before he passed away in 2003, he had great respect and admiration for the contributions that Jackie Robinson made to the game and to American history. He shares his thoughts and personal experiences about Jackie in this episode. This episode originally aired August 23, 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:28 Hank Aaron on Jackie Robinson http://SmarterPodcasts.com Henry "Hank" Aaron broke into professional baseball in 1951 for the Indianapolis Clowns. One year later, the 18 year old helped the team with the Negro League's World Series. One year later, Aaron was playing for the Boston Braves, who later moved to Milwaukee. These were not easy times for black baseball players and Aaron will never forget Jackie Robinson's contribution to breaking down the color barrier and the impact it had on his life.

This episode originally aired July 20, 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Tue, 24 Jul 2007 14:00:37 -0700 hank-aaron-on-jackie-robinson Don Drysdale Hank Aaron had a lot of praise and thanks for Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier during his Hall of Fame acceptance speech in 1982. He shares his memories and experiences with Jackie in this episode. Henry "Hank" Aaron broke into professional baseball in 1951 for the Indianapolis Clowns. One year later, the 18 year old helped the team with the Negro League's World Series. One year later, Aaron was playing for the Boston Braves, who later moved to Milwaukee. These were not easy times for black baseball players and Aaron will never forget Jackie Robinson's contribution to breaking down the color barrier and the impact it had on his life. This episode originally aired July 20, 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:23 Tommy Lasorda Sour Grapes http://SmarterPodcasts.com Tommy Lasorda has always been known as a great ambassador to Baseball, and the long time manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He'll be the first to tell you that he was a quality Major League pitcher who shouldn't have been sent down to the minors in 1955. He remembers the bad choice the Dodgers management made in sending him down and who took his spot in the rotation.

This episode originally aired July 17, 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Tue, 17 Jul 2007 14:11:51 -0700 tommy-lasorda-sour-grapes Don Drysdale Tommy Lasorda has never been happy that the Dodgers sent him down to the Minor Leagues in 1955 despite which young pitcher took his spot in the rotation. Tommy Lasorda has always been known as a great ambassador to Baseball, and the long time manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers. He'll be the first to tell you that he was a quality Major League pitcher who shouldn't have been sent down to the minors in 1955. He remembers the bad choice the Dodgers management made in sending him down and who took his spot in the rotation. This episode originally aired July 17, 1987. Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice. no 2:14 Paul Molitor's All-Star Neighbors http://SmarterPodcasts.com Despite playing most of his 21 year career with Milwaukee, Hall of Famer Paul Molitor's favorite All-Star game memory was in his home town of Minneapolis/St. Paul. Few major leaguers come from that area, but for this All-Star game, Paul remembers how three local heroes shined.

This episode originally aired July 14, 1987.

Smarter Podcasts.com, Delivering Sound Advice.

]]> Tue, 10 Jul 2007 16:19:37 -0700 paul-molitors-allstar-neighbors Don Drysdale Paul Molito