Adam Darowski of Sports Reference joins Jim to break down the career and HOF candidacy of former New York Yankees catcher Elston Howard. First, they cover the importance of Howard breaking the color barrier in 1955 for the most storied franchise in baseball history (9:59). Next, they discuss Howard's clutchness in Game 7 of the 1958 World Series and why Buster Posey getting into the HOF could help Howard's case (18:53). Finally, they rank the best catchers of the 1950s and 1960s (45:05), before making a final call on whether Howard belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame (59:49).

Jim is joined by NFL Writer for CBS Sports Bryan DeArdo to discuss the Hall of Fame candidacy of former Seattle Seahawks running back Shaun Alexander. First, Jim and Bryan discuss the significance of Alexander having a membership to the 100 TD Club (6:50). Next, they cover Alexander's 2005 NFL MVP season and how he compares to the short career kings better known as Earl Campbell, Gale Sayers and Terrell Davis (21:49). Finally, they cover how Alexander compares to the other great RBs of the 2000s (40:32), before making a final call on whether or not Alexander deserves a place in the Pro Football HOF (51:31).

Jim welcomes award-winning sports journalist and New York Times bestselling author Tim Brown to discuss his new book, Nolan: The Singular Life of an American Original. First, Jim and Tim explore Nolan Ryan’s deep connection with the state of Texas (13:02). Then, they debate whether Ryan had the greatest fastball in MLB history, decide which of Ryan's seven no-hitters was the most significant, and consider which of his records could actually be broken (20:40). Finally, they tackle Ryan’s place on the all-time pitcher list, deciding whether he’s overrated, underappreciated, or properly rated (40:19).

Twitter baseball personality Not Gaetti joins Jim to break down the HOF candidacy of former MLB first baseman Will Clark. First, they cover how Clark had no real weaknesses on a baseball diamond and how he would have been able to perform in any era in baseball history (6:30). Next, they discuss Clark's masterful perormance in the 1989 NLCS against the Chicago Cubs, how his career numbers easily trump Kirby Puckett, and how Clark compares against other Hall of Fame hopefuls who manned 1st base like Paul Goldschmidt and Joey Votto (18:02). Finally, they dig into just how clutch Clark actually was (56:22), before making a final call on whether or not they believe Clark deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (1:06:20).

Sportswriter Neil Paine joins Jim to break down the HOF candidacy of former Angels left fielder Garret Anderson. First, they cover how Anderson is the unofficial "Mr. Angel" of the Angels franchise and how Anderson, not Mike Trout or Shohei Ohtani, is the name you will find most at the top of the Angels recordbook (10:20). Next, they discuss Anderson's huge at-bats in Game 6 and 7 of the 2002 World Series, his big weekend at the Midsummer Classic in 2003, and where he ranks among the best left fielders of his era (23:15). Finally, Jim introduces the "Bobby Abreu Test" to Neil to hear his feedback (56:00), before making a final call on whether or not they believe Anderson deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (1:08:11).

Jim completes his 6th annual NFL draft recap by predicting the four draftees with the best odds of making the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He discusses the HOF odds of:

Arvell Reese (11:50)

Kayden Proctor (16:50)

Jeremiyah Love (19:48)

Fernando Mendoza (24:30)

Jim welcomes New York Times best-selling author and co-author of Jerry West's autobiography West by West: My Charmed, Tormented Life, Jonathan Coleman, to discuss the recent Jerry West documentary released on Amazon Prime, as well as all things West. First, Jonathan provides his thoughts on the documentary, commenting on what he liked, as well as a few key parts of West's life he thought deserved more attention (15:53) . Next, Jonathan details what it was like living with West while writing the autobiography (32:30). Finally, Jonathan helps Jim decide whether West or Oscar Robertson was the better guard (1:11:29), before they both give their opinion on what West's legacy was (1:19:29).

Jim welcomes former MLB manager and player Clint Hurdle to discuss his life in baseball. First, Clint and Jim cover the beginning of Clint's MLB career, including what it was like stepping into the batter's box in the 1980 World Series and what made his teammate, Hall of Famer George Brett, so special (4:35). Next, Clint provides his most fond memories of managing the Colorado Rockies and Pittsburgh Pirates, as well provides details about his new book "Hurdle-isms" (14:29). Finally, Clint, with nearly 50 years of MLB experience, builds his Baseball Mount Rushmore (34:25), before providing his insights on Shohei Ohtani (36:45).

The 2026 Basketball Hall of Fame was announced on Saturday, headlined by Candace Parker and Doc Rivers. Jim reviews the entire class and provides his thoughts:

Candace Parker (8:54)

Amar'e Stoudemire (15:59)

Chamique Holdsclaw (22:53)

Elena Delle Donne (30:00)

Mark Few (36:24)

Doc Rivers (39:18)

Mike D'Antoni (41:05)

1996 US Women's National Team (43:15)

Joey Crawford (45:13)

Jim is joined by sports podcaster Alex Chester to break down the HOF candidacy of former Minnesota Twins first baseman Kent Hrbek. First, Alex and Jim debate whether Hrbek was a good or great defensive 1st baseman, as he never won a gold glove, yet was known for his glove (10:44). Next, they discuss several of his memorable World Series moments, compare Hrbek to his teammate Kirby Puckett, and decide where Hrbek ranks among the best 1st basemen of the 1980s (13:22). Finally, Alex and Jim try to determine whether Hrbek is the best player in MLB history to make one or fewer all-star teams (39:00), before making a final call on whether or not they believe Hrbek deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (46:55).