In a special, bonus podcast episode, ESPN researcher and author Mark Simon talks to Daniel Ford about his book The Yankees Index: Every Number Tells a Story.

Simon, who grew up a New York Mets fan devoted to reliever Neil Allen, discusses how he landed his job at ESPN, what led him to Triumph Books and writing about the New York Yankees, and his research process for the book (aided in part by past Writer's Bone guest Katie Sharp). He also shares sound advice that aspiring sportswriters and researchers should take to heart.

To learn more about Mark Simon, visit ESPN or follow him on Twitter @msimonespn.

(Photo credit: Amber Jones Photography)