Back When There Was Baseball: Jake O’Donnell

November 22, 2023 Podcasts Baseball

Who is the only person to officiate All-Star games in both MLB and the NBA? We have him as our guest this week and his name is Jake O'Donnell. Jake is more noted for his outstanding NBA officiating career (1967-1995), but we are…

Sports Authors Showcase: Comeback by Ken Berry

November 20, 2023 Podcasts Baseball

Our guest this week is former MLB outfielder Ken Berry. He wrote the book Comeback in 2020 and is here to talk about the book. "The opportunity of a lifetime presents itself to a 63-year-old former baseball…

Back When There Was Baseball: Hector Cruz

November 15, 2023 Podcasts Baseball

Hector Cruz joins us this week.  Hector signed his MLB contract at age 17 in 1970.  He came from Arroyo, Puerto Rico along with brothers Jose and Tommy.  His career spanned from 1970-1982 along with playing in Japan in 1983.  Hector…

Back When There Was Baseball: Rich Hand

November 8, 2023 Podcasts Baseball

Pitcher Rich Hand is our guest this week. Rich is one of only two pitchers in MLB history that played with polio (Gary Ryerson being the other). You will enjoy Rich's stories about playing for the Alaska Goldpanners…

Sports Authors Showcase: Called Out But Safe: A Baseball Umpire's Journey by Al Clark

November 7, 2023 Podcasts Baseball

Our guest this week is former American League umpire Al Clark. Al umpired in the American League/Major League from 1976-2001. He co-authored the book Called Out But Safe: A Baseball Umpire's Journey with Dan Schlossberg. Al…

Back When There Was Baseball: Ted Power

November 1, 2023 Podcasts Baseball

The time machine travels back to the 1980s to take a look at our guest this week, Ted Power.  Ted had an interesting path to the Major Leagues, through amateur baseball and Kansas State University.  Ted ended up stuck in the mix with…

Back When There Was Baseball: Paul Hartzell

October 25, 2023 Podcasts Baseball

We have a Pennsylvania player today, but not one who played for the Philadelphia Phillies or Pittsburgh Pirates. Paul Hartzell played high school baseball for Central Columbia High School near Bloomsburg, PA, then…

Back When There Was Baseball: Balor Moore

October 19, 2023 Podcasts Baseball

Balor Moore is our guest this week. Balor started his career on fire with an ERA under 1.00 in his first season in A ball in 1969. He got his first opportunity in the Big Leagues with the Montreal Expos in 1970 and…

Back When There Was Baseball: Buzz Capra

October 11, 2023 Podcasts Baseball

Buzz Capra joins us this week on the podcast.  Buzz was drafted by the New York Mets in 1969 while leading Illinois State to a Division II National Championship.  His career lasted from 1969-1977 and he had a part in some great…

Back When There Was Baseball: Len Matuszek

October 5, 2023 Podcasts Baseball

If you are a long-time Phillies fan, you will remember our guest this week. Len Matuszek joins us to discuss his career. Rex remembered Len's contributions in the last month of the 1983 season which culminated in a…