This Week In Baseball History

By Mike Bates and Bill Parker

This Week In Baseball History is a weekly podcast devoted to the history of baseball, hosted by Mike Bates and Bill Parker, the co-founders of The Platoon Advantage and writers on many fine websites.... more

· History

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How many episodes does This Week In Baseball History have?

The podcast currently has 493 episodes available.

Best of This Week In Baseball History

The most played episodes among Podcast App listeners.

Number 1: Episode 419 - 2001, A Baseball Odyssey
Like the rest of the United States, the baseball world stopped 25 years ago this week when the country suffered the most devastating terrorist attack in its history. There aren't words to adequately describe the sum of the national trauma that still resonates today, but maybe there are words to describe baseball's response. Mike and Bill look back on the 2001 season as a whole, and the first World Series to bleed into November that followed as the sport and its players struggled to adapt to the new reality and traditional villains were embraced by (most) of the nation as heroes. Plus, happy birthday to Willie Crawford and Dave Foutz!
September 11, 20261h 19min
Number 2: Episode 420 - George Sisler Stops a Big Train
They don't really make players like George Sisler these days. A slick fielding, average dependent first baseman who demonstrated incredible bat control but almost no power, leading to two .400 seasons. But, before that, the St. Louis Browns tried to use him as a pitcher as well, culminating in a fantastic performance 110 years ago this week, when he beat Walter Johnson, 1-0. Mike and Bill look back at Sisler's bifurcated career and the random illness that radically altered it. Plus, happy birthday to Eddie Rommel and Thornton Lee! And farewell to Héctor Valle and Duane Ward.
September 18, 20261h 15min
Number 3: Episode 418 - The Pirates Look Good In Black
The Pirates proved themselves the best team in baseball in 1971, winning the NL East, the pennant, and the World Series against the Orioles. But they are celebrated these days for another accomplishment, fielding the first all-black and brown lineup in baseball history 55 years ago this week against the Phillies. It was an accidental accomplishment, the result not of social engineering, but of good scouting and good organizational philosophy, and was one of the reasons this team was so great. Mike and Bill look back on this charismatic club, their championship season, and the game that should not overshadow just how incredible they were. Plus, happy birthday to William Bell and Johnny Lindell! And farewell to Phil Regan and Gil Blanco.
September 04, 20261h 26min
Number 4: Episode 417 - Follow the Money: Boston Red Sox
Editor's Note: Bill's audio goes crazy about two-thirds of the way into this episode. We have cleaned it up as much as we're able and apologize in advance. When Tom Yawkey signed his name to the MacPhail Report, delivered 80 years ago this week to new Commissioner Happy Chandler and which argued against integration, he cemented his reputation as one of baseball's hardline racists and helped direct the Red Sox down the path toward a decade and a half of mediocrity and an eternity of shame as the final team to roster a black ballplayer. On this disappointing anniversary, Mike and Bill look back at the history of Red Sox ownership and examine how Yawkey went from being the franchise's savior to one of its biggest liabilities, and the other characters who thought owning a team in Beantown would be a good idea. Plus, happy birthday to Lonnie Frey and Tim Salmon! And farewell to Al Holland and Darrell Jackson.
August 28, 20261h 32min
Number 5: Episode 296 - The Browns Get a Goose For Their Heine
Like a binary star system, Goose Goslin and Heine Manush kept circling each other throughout their careers, but probably never moreso than when the Browns sent Manush and General Crowder to the Senators 93 years ago this week for Goslin. Mike and Bill look back at the surprisingly intertwined lives of two Hall of Fame outfielders. Plus, happy birthday to Charlie Hollocher and Ernie Whitt!
June 16, 20231h 23min