The Baseball Book Club

In this episode of The Baseball Book Club, we close out our Deadball Files series. Joined by historian Justin Renaldi, we explore 19th century pitcher Tim Keefe and his dominance, staggering workload, and why his name still belongs among the elite in baseball history.

Then, in Leroy’s Hot Corner, a personal story takes center stage—connecting family, memory, and the game itself through one of baseball’s most beloved sluggers, Ted Kluszewski. It’s a reminder that baseball isn’t just history—it’s personal.

Finally, author Tom Alesia joins the show to talk about Baseball Like It Oughta Be, a look into the world of summer collegiate baseball and the culture that keeps the game pure, local, and deeply connected to its fans. From the success of the Madison Mallards to the enduring charm of small-town ballparks, this conversation highlights why this level of baseball continues to thrive.

From Deadball Era legends to mid-century power hitters to modern-day summer leagues, this episode is about what baseball has always been—and what it still can be.

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This week, a question that might ruffle a few feathers: why isn’t Jim Thome in the top 100 players of all time? We take a closer look at the numbers, the narrative, and where he may (or may not) belong.

The Deadball Files series is back for Part 3, joined by returning guest Justin Renaldi, as we explore the fascinating and mysterious life of one of baseball’s earliest stars—Ed Delahanty.

And in between, we shift gears to one of the game’s greatest comebacks: the 1951 New York Giants’ improbable run to the pennant, culminating in Bobby Thomson’s legendary “Shot Heard ’Round the World.” It’s a story that still feels larger than life—and somehow, it actually happened.

History, debate, and a little bit of chaos—just the way we like it.

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On this episode of the Baseball Book Club, we’ve got a full lineup of baseball history and storytelling.

We continue The Deadball Files with guest Justin Renaldi, diving into the life and legacy of 19th-century pitching legend John Clarkson—one of the most dominant and fascinating figures of early baseball.

Author Roger Lusby joins the show to discuss Searching for the Perfect Swing, a project originally started by his brother Steve Lusby, exploring the evolution and philosophy behind hitting.

Plus, we bring back the Baseball Terminology Series, featuring classic terms from Paul Dickson’s The Baseball Dictionary, and John adds another installment of Baseball’s Forgotten, uncovering a story lost to time.

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The Deadball era comes alive this week on The Baseball Book Club as John is joined by Justin Renaldi of Nostalgic Baseball Geezer to kick off a special four-part series: The DeadBall Files.

In this debut episode, the spotlight turns to the legendary and larger-than-life Old Hoss Radbourn—a workhorse pitcher whose feats feel almost mythical in today’s game. Just how dominant was Radbourn, and what made him such a defining figure of early baseball?

Plus, John and Leroy dig into one of the most bizarre and controversial moments in baseball history: the 1910 American League batting title race between Ty Cobb and Nap Lajoie. From questionable scorekeeping to eyebrow-raising bunt tactics, it’s a story that still sparks debate more than a century later.

It’s history, controversy, and Deadball drama—just the way you like it.

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In this episode John and Leroy discuss the life and career of Yogi Berra, #43 on the Joe Posnanski 100. Plus, they will introduce a new book to the club, Tyler Kepner's K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches. 

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In this episode, John will sit down with Pittsburgh native and sports journalist Joe Landolina, a walking encyclopedia of Pittsburgh Pirates history. And we'll shine a light on the overlooked career of Jim Derrington—a name lost to time, but not without a story worth telling.

Plus, John and Leroy turn back the clock to the 1986 World Series—not just to revisit it, but to relive it, playing the audio of Mookie Wilson’s legendary 10th-inning at-bat in Game 6, the moment that cracked the series wide open. But this isn’t just about one at-bat—it’s about how history remembers it, and why Bill Buckner became the lasting symbol of it all.

Forgotten players. Defining moments. And stories that never get old. 

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Season 3 of The Baseball Book Club begins with a look at two of the greatest pitchers the game has ever known. John and Leroy continue their countdown of Joe Posnanski’s The Baseball 100, turning their attention to Tom Seaver and Cy Young—two legends separated by nearly a century but connected by dominance on the mound.

The guys explore what made Seaver the defining ace of his generation and how Young became the standard by which pitching greatness is still measured today. Along the way they dig into the numbers, the stories, and the historical context that shaped both careers.

Two pitchers. Two eras. One fascinating conversation about what greatness on the mound really looks like.

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 Before the new season gets rolling, we’re tipping our cap to two icons from opposite ends of baseball history. This Best Of episode revisits our conversations on the lightning-fast legend Cool Papa Bell and the smooth, steady greatness of Chipper Jones. From barnstorming brilliance to Hall of Fame consistency, it’s a reminder that baseball greatness wears a lot of different uniforms. One last rewind—then we’re back with brand-new stories. 

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In Part 5 of The Best of The Baseball Book Club, we revisit five moments of unlikely home runs and then talk about two monumental moments in World Series history, including a Bill Mazeroski home run for the ages. 

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The Best of The Baseball Book Club continues. Compiling segments from various shows, this episode features baseball terminology, five funny moments from Joe Posnanski's book Why We Love Baseball, plus Leroy's Hot Corner on the book "Ladies And Gentlemen The Bronx Is Burning."

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