On the surface, legendary general manager Buzzie Bavasi and journeyman outfielder Al "The Bull" Ferrara wouldn't seem to have much in common. But Ken LaZebnik says Ferrara embodied the "intangibles" Bavasi valued as he put together his championship Dodgers teams. The author traces the relationship of the two friends in 1965, a season that saw Los Angeles win the World Series but also saw the Bull banished to the minors.  To support Baseball by the Book, go to www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook

Episode 274: "Buzzie and the Bull"

A veteran baseball journalist interviews today's best baseball authors about their books.

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Author Steve Gietschier joins us to discuss his new book chronicling baseball history from the 1930s to the 1950s. We discuss how MLB survived the Depression, the rise of the radio, World War II, the end of the color barrier and arrival of big league baseball in California. 

Episode 335: "Baseball: The Turbulent Midcentury Years"

Award-winning author Joe Posnanski returns to the podcast to talk about 50 moments (and more) that tell the story of baseball history and why the sport means so much to so many. 

Episode 334: "Why We Love Baseball"

Nobody doubts Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente are among the most important baseball players ever. But Dorothy Kamanshek? Dolf Luque? Masanori Murakami?  Author Lincoln Mitchell joins us to discuss how his selection of  important baseball players differs from other such lists — and why so many Giants make the cut. 

Episode 333: "The One Hundred Most Important Players in Baseball History"

Tim Hagety, broadcaster for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas, takes us on a journey through 1,001 of the zaniest moments in minor league baseball history. Along the way, we'll meet wild bulls, sprinting weiner dogs, greased pigs and pitchers locked in bathrooms.  

Episode 332: "Tales from the Dugout"

Rickey Henderson stole 130 bases. Cal Ripken Jr.'s legendary streak began, although no one knew it at the time. The Big Red Machine broke down as the Cincinnati Reds hit rock bottom while Steve Garvey and Tommy Lasorda found themselves immersed in controversy. And George Steinbrenner fired his manager — twice. At the end of it all, Whitey Herzog's speedy St. Louis Cardinals took on Harvey Keuenn's hard-hitting Milwaukee Brewers in a classic World Series. J. Daniel joins us to discuss the memorable 1982 baseball season. 

Episode 274: "Buzzie and the Bull"

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