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Bob Gibson, simply put, the greatest pitcher, and fiercest competitor, in St. Louis Cardinals history. Bob was inducted into baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1981 and his final record stands at 251-174.  He was twice the MVP of the World Series, threw a no-hitter, and authored the greatest season pitching season in the history of baseball with a 1.12 ERA in 1968.

An action shot of Bob Gibson.

 

I couldn’t wait to sit down and visit with Bob.  The focus of this podcast was all about 1968.  As you know, this season, it’s the 50th anniversary of that incredible achievement.  An ERA of 1.12.  I mean really…how is that possible?  He literally changed the game the next season when baseball lowered the mound.  I think you’ll enjoy Bob going through that season, the World Series, Tim McCarver, and what it all means to him.

 

Photo credit: St. Louis Cardinals Archive

Willie McGee, in addition to being one of the most popular players in Cardinals history, currently, serves as a coach on the St. Louis Cardinals 2018 staff. A four-time All-Star, the fleet-footed McGee posted a career batting mark of 295 with 352 steals in 18 seasons. Also, Willie was an MVP and won a batting as well.

 

It seems like there is nobody nicer in sports than Willie McGee. In my interview, Willie talks about what the St. Louis Cardinals mean to him. I wanted to know why he’s so humble. He gives some unique background into that, with his childhood, and what he was most proud of as a big league ballplayer. There are also some great stories about his playing career and in particular, the 1982 World Series. What a sports treasure in Willie McGee.

Marty Brennaman has been the “voice” of the Cincinnati Reds since 1974.  In 2000, he was the recipient of the prestigious Ford C. Frick Award, presented annually by the National Baseball Hall of Fame to a broadcaster “for major contributions to the game of baseball.”  In addition to his work in baseball, Marty has been the voice of the NCAA Basketball tournament, football assignments, and so many other sporting events.

I had the chance to visit with Marty on a recent trip into Cincinnati.  Among the many topics we discussed, there was a look back at what Jack Buck meant to Marty’s career.  What it’s like working with his son next to him in the booth.  His biggest influences in the business, that include some of the biggest names in the history of sports broadcasting.  He’s never shy with his opinion and that’s certainly the case in my visit with Marty.

Listen below.

Keith Hernandez was a five-time All-Star who shared the 1979 NL MVP award, and won two World Series titles, one each with the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Mets.  A terrific defensive first baseman, Keith won 11 Gold Gloves and established himself as one of the best to ever play the position.  Currently, he serves as a broadcaster for the Mets on SNY.

This is one of my favorite people to visit with in life.  I find Keith to be very thoughtful, engaging, funny, and opinionated.  When I sat down with Keith in his home in Florida, we went on his back porch and just started to talk about what the Cardinals had meant to him as a player and what they mean to him now that he’s retired.  Yes, his now famous cat, “Hadji,” made its way around our microphones during the podcast.  From the Cardinals, to Stan the Man, the Bill Buckner play in 1986, his new book, to his appearance on Seinfeld, it’s all covered in this podcast with Keith Hernandez.  Enjoy.