Fall Classic Rewind

We are back after a bit of a hiatus, covering the exciting 1973 postseason. First up is a National League matchup between the Cincinnati Reds (99 - 63) and the New York Mets (82 - 79). Although their respective records might not indicate it, both of these teams had to overcome 10+ game deficits to take their divisions, and neither of them had led their divisions heading into September. Talk about catching fire to end the season. The Big Red Machine captured its fourth consecutive NL West crown behind an MVP season from Pete Rose (.338/.401/.437 5 HR 64 RBI), as well as outstanding performances from Hall-of-Famers Joe Morgan, Johnny Bench, and Tony Perez. The Mets eked out in the East thanks in large part to otherworldly pitching from Cy Young winner Tom Seaver and young lefties Jon Matlack, Jerry Koosman, and George Stone. Right-fielder Rusty Staub was their best hitter (.279/.361/.421 15 HR 76 RBI), and one of only three Mets play above average offensively. The first two games would be played at Riverfront Stadium in Cincy, with the final three to be played at Shea Stadium. The pitching matchups were as follows

Righties Tom Seaver (19 - 10 2.08 ERA 290 IP) vs. Jack Billingham (19 - 10 3.04 ERA 293 IP)

Young Lefties Jon Matlack (14 - 16 3.20 ERA 242 IP) vs. Don Gullet (18 - 8 3.51 ERA 228 IP)

The Mets had a slight edge in pitching, though the Reds were the more complete team. Who would take advantage early? Tune in to hear these great games.

Audio Clips for Game 1 from Youtube. Game 2 from Classic Baseball on the Radio Youtube.

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

With the Winter Meetings starting up this weekend, we will soon find out the fates of the Contemporary Era Committee ballot. I am joined by a special guest (my dad) to discuss the players on the ballot, who we would vote for, and what we expect to happen. All eight of these players have a case for the Hall of Fame, but the voters can choose up to only three. Will anyone make it, or will the committee throw a shutout?

Audio Clips from MLB Vault

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference for statistics, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

** joined by F.C.O. **

2022 was an up and down season for the Philadelphia Phillies. They got off to a rough start, fired their manager, and then reigning MVP Bryce Harper went out with an injury. They could have wilted, but instead they rose up under new manager Rob Thomson, going 65 - 46 after taking over for Joe Girardi (22 - 29). Still, their improvement only guarantied them a Wild Card showdown with the NL Central Champion St. Louis Cardinals (93 - 69). The Phillies might not have met their regular season expectations, and they were certainly not without their flaws. They boasted a powerful lineup, with sluggers Kyle Schwarber (46 HR 94 RBI), Rhys Hoskins (30 HR 79 RBI), and JT Realmuto (22 HR 84 RBI) anchoring the lineup. But their defense was shoddy, the bullpen unreliable, and the starting rotation thin behind the two aces, Aaron Nola (11 - 13 3.25 ERA 205 IP) and Zach Wheeler (12 - 7 2.82 ERA 153 IP). They were the last team to make it into the postseason for a reason. But with those pocket aces and the firepower in that lineup, this Phillies team was dangerous. And if they could find a way to get past the Cardinals, the NL East Champion Braves would have to contend with the raucous crowd of Citizens Bank Park in the Division Series. All that matters for postseason baseball is that you got in. The 2022 Philadelphia Phillies will become a prime example of that, which in turn will be a rude awakening for their opponents. Tune in for a celebration of a magical postseason run.

Audio Clips from MLB.tv (NLWC ESPN and 94.1 WIP, NLDS and NLCS FS1 and 94.1 WIP)

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

It's been quite a thrilling postseason so far, hasn't it? Over the next few episodes we'll be reacting to this wild and entertaining postseason, which has been filled with incredible game. Take a listen and relive these awesome moments from this year's playoffs, starting with the American League Wild Card and Divisional Series. Central Division Champions the Cleveland Guardians (92 - 70) take on the Tampa Bay Rays (86 - 76), with a chance to face the Yankees (99 - 63). The Seattle Mariners (90 - 72) have broken a 21-year playoff drought, and they match up with the Toronto Blue Jays (92 - 70). The winner of the three game set north of the border will take on the AL's best, the Houston Astros (106 - 56). Pitchers' duels, crazy comebacks, and so much more are in store for the 2022 playoffs. We will cover the NLWC and NLDS games in the next episode, with the Championship series following shortly thereafter.

Audio clips from MLB.TV - TV Broadcasts from ESPN and TBS. Radio Calls from WTAM 1000 (CLE), WFAN 660 (NYY), KIRO 97.3 (SEA), KBME 790 (HOU).

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

With yet another late-inning, comeback win in Game 5, the Phillies return home to Veterans Stadium just one win away from their first ever World Series. Embattled manager Dallas Green couldn't ask for a better pitcher in Game 6: the best lefty to ever throw a baseball, Steve Carlton (24 - 9 2.34 ERA 304 IP). Slugger Mike Schmidt (game tying run) and ace reliever Tug McGraw (win and 3 scoreless innings of relief) played hero in the ninth inning, and the bottom of the order has consistently provided a spark with defensives whizzes SS Larry Bowa and C Bob Boone hitting like All-Stars.

The Royals have played well so far, but they just haven't been able to close games out. An early lead was erased in Game One, and the typically lockdown Dan Quisenberry blew late leads in Games Two and Five, seemingly dooming KC to a potential series loss. Big righty Rich Gale (13 - 9 3.92 ERA 190 IP) gets the nod in an elimination game, though manager Jim Frey will be sure to have all hands on deck with the season on the line. His lineup has put constant pressure on the Philadelphia pitching and defense, though it has perhaps lacked the key hit or knockout blow. The middle of the order (Brett, Aikens, McRae, and Otis) have been phenomenal, but the others (Wilson, Washington, and White) have struggled mightily. Can KC stave off elimination, or will PHI finally break through with a championship? Tune in to an excellent conclusion to this thrilling series.

Audio Clips from Youtube.

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference for statistics, box-scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

With the series all knotted up at two games apiece, a pivotal Game 5 matchup will likely determine who wins the 1980 World Series. Both the Phillies and the Royals have held serve at home to this point in the series, and neither wants to be on the brink of elimination when we head back to Philadelphia for Game 6. The starting pitching matchup: KC lefty ace Larry Gura (18 - 10 2.59 ERA 283 IP) versus Philly rookie righty Marty Bystrom (5 - 0 1.50 ERA 36 IP). Perhaps more pertinent to each manager are the statuses of their respective bullpen aces. Royals sidewinder Dan Quisenberry has pitched in every game of this series, with mixed results. He was shelled in a Game 2 blown save and loss, though he has bounced back with two excellent outings the past two games, earning a win and a multi-inning save. Phillies lefty Tug McGraw has been up and down so far for the Phillies, saving Game 1 but taking a walk-off loss in Game 3. If this game goes how the others have, expect both of these star relievers to be in the game late and close. Who will take control of this thrilling series? Tune in to an excellent and exciting Game 5.

Audio Clips from Youtube.

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference for statistics, box scores, background information and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

The Royals were able to prevail in extra innings against the Phillies in a back and forth game three, but now they have to try and do it again just about 12 hours later. This Saturday matinee matchup will be crucial in deciding who will control the series. Kansas City, with a chance to even the series at two games apiece, turn to their workhorse, righty Dennis Leonard (20 - 11 3.79 ERA 280 IP), who is looking to bounce back after a disappointing game one loss. Young Royals slugger Willie Aikens played hero in last night's walk-off victory, and he already has a multi-homer game to his credit in this series. Looking to put themselves on the cusp of a championship, Philadelphia turns to veteran righty Larry Christenson (5 - 1 4.03 ERA 73 IP), though manager Dallas Green has a well rested bullpen to turn to if things go south. The Phillies were able to cash in on RBI opportunities in games one and two (combined 7 for 15 w/RISP), but they struggled in clutch situations in game three, stranding 15 runners (1 for 13 w/RISP). There's no rest for the weary in this World Series, and neither team wants to lend an advantage to the other. Tune in for an explosive game four.

Audio Clips from Youtube.

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference and BR-Bullpen for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.

After yet another comeback win in game one, the Phillies turn to their ace, Steve 'Lefty' Carlton (24 - 9 2.34 ERA in 304 IP), to maintain home-field advantage in this series. Carlton was in the midst of yet another outstanding, Cy Young winning season (his third so far of his illustrious career); however, his two previous postseason starts against the Astros were no cakewalk. He had to work hard and without his best stuff. The Royals would send a lefty ace of their own to the mound, Larry Gura (18 - 10 2.95 ERA in 283 IP). Gura was excellent in his start against the Yankees in the ALCS, going the distance despite two early home runs. The Phillies lineup boasted right handed hitting power with Schmidt and Luziniski, but the Bull would miss this game due to illness. And of greater concern was the status of Royals star third-baseman George Brett, who was suffering from great discomfort in a sensitive area. Lineups and strategies would be adjusted for both sides, as each team sought to take a hold before the series moved to Kansas City. Who would come out on top in this pivotal game two matchup?

Audio Clips from Youtube.

As always, shout out to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, box score, background information, and much, much more.

Catch you next time,

P.C.O.