Pod of Fame

Jim is joined by Sports Reference's Executive Design Director Adam Darowski to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB third baseman Ken Boyer. First, Adam and Jim cover how Boyer is the most forgotten man from the greatest era of baseball (7:12) . Next, they discuss the 1964 World Series, how Boyer compares to Ron Santo, and how Boyer was on 3B Mount Rushmore when when he retired in 1969 (19:05). Finally, Adam and Jim walk through the best third baseman that came right after Boyer left baseball and where he ranks among them (51:10), before they both state whether or not they believe Boyer deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (59:45).

Jim is joined by USA TODAY Sports reporter and Hall of Fame voter Steve Gardner to break down the HOF candidacy of former Seattle Mariners pitcher Félix Hernández. First, Steve and Jim cover Hernández's immense popularity in Seattle and the unfortunate fact that he never pitched in the postseason (8:20). Next, they discuss Hernández's perfect game in 2012, pitchers with under 169 wins enshrined in Cooperstown, and how long does a peak have to last to make up for low counting statistics (12:10). Finally, Steve and Jim rank the best pitchers in the MLB since 2005 (38:19), before making a final call on whether or not they believe King Felix deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (45:53).

Jim is joined by Atlanta Braves reporter for 92.9 The Game and host of From the Diamond, Grant McAuley, to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB catcher Brian McCann. First, Grant and Jim cover why McCann is not brought up in the same conversations with catching peers Buster Posey and Joe Mauer despite winning more silver sluggers and making the same/more number of all-star game appearances than both (8:40). Next, they discuss McCann's big postseason home runs during his rookie season, his all-star game MVP that did not result in a new car, and how he compares to Hall of Fame catcher Gary Cater (13:55). Finally, they debate the importance of framing and what to make of framing advanced metrics that highly favor McCann (28:15), before making a final call on whether or not McCann deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (37:10).

Jim is joined by baseball Twitter personality Not Gaetti to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB pitcher Orel Hershiser. First, NotGaetti and Jim cover Hershiser's ridiculous 1988 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and whether it may just be the best first start to finish season in MLB history (8:09). Next, they discuss Hershiser's 59-inning scoreless streak, how he compares to HOFer Catfish Hunter, and where Hershiser ranks among the best pitchers of the 1980s (17:51). Finally, they debate how long a dominant peak has to last to overcome lackluster counting stats (48:40), before making a final call on whether or not Hershiser deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (55:27).

The 2024-2025 NBA season begins on Tuesday and it is never too early to begin thinking about which player's have the most on the line this season when it comes to legacy building and adding to their HOF resumes. Jim takes a closer look at five current players (Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell, Bradley Beal, Jrue Holiday, De'Aaron Fox) that still have a bit of work to do if they want to end up in the Basketball HOF.

Jim is joined by sportswriter Neil Paine to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA point guard Deron Williams. First, Jim and Neil cover the Deron Williams vs. Chris Paul debate that actually was a debate in the late 2000s. Next, they Deron's incredible performance in the 2007 Western Conference Finals, his play at the University of Illinois, and how he ranks among the best point guards of his era. Finally, they debate why Derrick Rose is considered to have a much better case for the HOF than Deron despite Rose having less of a career than Deron, before making a final call on whether or not Williams deserves a place in the Basketball HOF.

Jim welcomes senior staff writer at The Ringer and New York Times best-selling author Mirin Fader to discuss her new book, “Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon." Mirin and Jim cover how Hakeem inspired generations of Muslim people around the world (13:02), Hakeem's quadruple-double in 1990 (23:06), who belongs on Center Mount Rushmore (28:02), the explosion of international basketball talent (31:32), and much more.

On Monday, Dikembe Mutombo and Pete Rose both passed away. The Basketball Hall of Famer and MLB Hit King could not have been more different in every way one can be different, but both were giants that both have left legacies that will stand the test of time. Jim first covers Mutombo's career on and off the court (3:37), before tackling Pete Rose's ridiculous career numbers (18:39). Jim then replays a conversation he had with New York Times bestselling author Keith O'Brien earlier this year on Pete Rose's life (30:13),

Jim is joined by Dalton Feely from Jomboy Media to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB left fielder Luis Gonzalez. First, Jim and Dalton cover Gonzalez’s World Series-winning single off Mariano Rivera (7:10). Next, they discuss Gonzalez’s 57 home run, 419 total base season in 2001, how he compares to HOFer Jim Rice, and where Gonzalez ranks among the best left fielders from the 1990s/2000s (10:55). Finally, Jim