"Don't be like me," Mickey Mantle told the world toward the end of his life. Emerging from a troubled childhood in Oklahoma, the Mick became baseball's biggest star under the bright lights of New York. But alcoholism and other personal demons trailed him throughout his life, overshadowing his prodigious home runs and World Series rings. Acclaimed author Jane Leavy returns to the podcast to discuss her biography of Yankee legend. Patreon: www.patreon.com/baseballbythebook Merchandise: www.teespring.com/stores/baseballbythebookstore  

Episode 290: "The Last Boy"

A veteran baseball journalist interviews today's best baseball authors about their books.

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Author Steve Gietschier joins us to discuss his new book chronicling baseball history from the 1930s to the 1950s. We discuss how MLB survived the Depression, the rise of the radio, World War II, the end of the color barrier and arrival of big league baseball in California. 

Episode 335: "Baseball: The Turbulent Midcentury Years"

Award-winning author Joe Posnanski returns to the podcast to talk about 50 moments (and more) that tell the story of baseball history and why the sport means so much to so many. 

Episode 334: "Why We Love Baseball"

Nobody doubts Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson and Roberto Clemente are among the most important baseball players ever. But Dorothy Kamanshek? Dolf Luque? Masanori Murakami?  Author Lincoln Mitchell joins us to discuss how his selection of  important baseball players differs from other such lists — and why so many Giants make the cut. 

Episode 333: "The One Hundred Most Important Players in Baseball History"

Tim Hagety, broadcaster for the Triple-A El Paso Chihuahuas, takes us on a journey through 1,001 of the zaniest moments in minor league baseball history. Along the way, we'll meet wild bulls, sprinting weiner dogs, greased pigs and pitchers locked in bathrooms.  

Episode 332: "Tales from the Dugout"

Rickey Henderson stole 130 bases. Cal Ripken Jr.'s legendary streak began, although no one knew it at the time. The Big Red Machine broke down as the Cincinnati Reds hit rock bottom while Steve Garvey and Tommy Lasorda found themselves immersed in controversy. And George Steinbrenner fired his manager — twice. At the end of it all, Whitey Herzog's speedy St. Louis Cardinals took on Harvey Keuenn's hard-hitting Milwaukee Brewers in a classic World Series. J. Daniel joins us to discuss the memorable 1982 baseball season. 

Episode 290: "The Last Boy"

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