Lost Ballparks

This month on Lost Ballparks, Ken "Hawk" Harrelson joins us with stories as colorful as his career.  From meeting Mickey Mantle as a kid to helping save Fenway, playing with Satchel Paige, and even catching the eye of Frank Sinatra, Hawk's stories are legendary. Hear how a twist of fate before Game 7 of the ’67 World Series might have cost the Red Sox their title, and relive highlights from his 9-year big league career and 33 years in the White Sox broadcast booth. Grab some peanuts and cracker jack—Hawk Harrelson joins us on Lost Ballparks!

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On this episode, I'm joined by Ernie Whitt, catcher from the 1977 inaugural Toronto Blue Jays team. He shares stories about some of the historic minor league ballparks he played in, the American League ballparks of the 70s and 80s, his first MLB hit, and the early days of the Blue Jays at Exhibition Stadium. Plus, Ernie reflects on two unforgettable things Dwight Evans and Carlton Fisk did for him that he'll never forget.

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Pete Rose has passed away at the age of 83. Just a few weeks ago, he left me a message that I'd like to share with you. Rest in peace, Pete.

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Jerry Schwab is my guest on this months Lost Ballparks podcast. From 1946-1957, Jerry and his family lived in an apartment underneath the LF grandstands at the Polo Grounds. His Dad, Matty was the head groundskeeper for the New York Giants. His story is a rare glimpse into a world that few have ever seen; personal relationships with legends of the game, hidden passages, tunnels beneath the stands and the dugouts and clubhouses where history was written.

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Denny Matthews, the Royals Hall of Fame Voice, has been calling games in Kansas City since the team's first game in 1969! This is his 56th year with the Royals. He joins me on this month's episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast to talk about K.C.'s Municipal Stadium, The "K",  all things Royals, the first MLB game he ever attended and the ingenious strategy he used to get the Royals job!

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Denny McLain, 2X Cy Young Award winner, 3X All-Star, AL MVP, 1968 World Champion and the last pitcher in the big leagues to win 30 games in a season, is my guest on this month's episode. Wait 'til you hear why his Mom chose not to let him sign with the Yankees! We're also talking about his first hand experiences in some of baseball's iconic ballparks and of course that magical 1968 season for the Detroit Tigers!

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At 99 years old (he'll turn 100 in September), The Reverend William "Bill" Greason is the oldest living member of the Negro Leagues. From his heroic service in World War II to his career in the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball, Greason's journey is one of courage, determination, and a remarkable, unwavering spirit of gratitude.  Enjoy my conversation with a true American hero!

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Pat Hughes, who was elected to the broadcast wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame last year has broadcast more than 6,000 games over a 40+ year career. The longtime radio voice of the Chicago Cubs joins me on this month's episode to reminisce about the first big league game he ever attended and to share his many vivid ballpark memories of Candlestick, Yankee Stadium, Comiskey Park, Tiger Stadium, the Metrodome, County Stadium, Municipal Stadium and Wrigley Field.

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From the dusty sandlots of Pottstown, PA to the storied ballparks that served as the backdrop to his remarkable career, 98 year old baseball legend and 1952 AL MVP Bobby Shantz looks back on his improbable path to the major leagues. Grab your peanuts and cracker jack and listen to one of the great stories from the golden age of baseball. 

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Several months ago, I recorded an interview with the late Larry Lucchino. In addition to being an executive for the Orioles, Padres and Red Sox, Lucchino was a ballpark design revolutionary who ushered in the wave of retro ballparks beginning with Camden Yards. On this week's special episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast, Lucchino tells how the park of his youth, Forbes Field, inspired him to build Camden Yards and Petco Park. Listen now at lostballparks.com or search "Lost Ballparks" wherever you stream podcasts.

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