Phil and Joe Niekro went head-to-head several times over the course of their long and illustrious careers. But in an utterly bizarre coincidence, 43 years ago this week, Joe hit the only home run in his big league career in more than 1200 plate appearances off of his big brother. In an episode abbreviated by the holiday weekend, Mike and Bill trace their careers from start to finish, pausing only to examine this truly weird moment.

Few trades in the modern era have altered the course of two franchises like the deal 30 years ago this week that sent Mark Langston from the Seattle Mariners to the Montreal Expos for three pitchers, one of whom was a wild, 6'10" left-hander named Randy Johnson. Obviously, Johnson would go on to become one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history, but Mike and Bill find that there was so much more to the deal than that one singular player. Plus, happy birthday to Joe Judge and Bobby Murcer!

For the 100th fabulous episode of TWIBH, Mike and Bill look at the short but fabulous career of Mark Fidrych, who won his first game 43 years ago this week. Birdmania swept America in 1976, reminding the country that baseball could be and should be fun. Plus, happy birthday to Stubby Overmire and Ed Wright!

There have been few pitching prospects as exciting as Herb Score, and few downfalls that have been disappointing. This week, 62 years ago, Score was struck by a line drive off the bat of Gil McDougald, knocking him out of the rest of the season and, supposedly, ruining his career. But the truth is more complicated, as Mike and Bill find as they examine the rest of his comeback. Plus, happy birthday to Prince Fielder and Rip Sewell!

One of the most dynamic players of all time, Rickey Henderson still has many fans polarized. But everyone seems to agree that he was the best leadoff man and base stealer in baseball history. And, it was 28 years ago this week that he cemented those titles with his 939th career steal, breaking Lou Brock's all time record. Mike and Bill dig into Rickey's past and his path to becoming "The Greatest," as well as his excellent and extended denouement. Plus, happy birthday to Phil Garner and Jeff Reboulet!

Kevin Mitchell was not exactly known for his defense, but 30 years ago this week, he made one of the more amazing catches in baseball history at the beginning of his MVP year. Mike and Bill look back at Mitchell's performance on and off the field, as well as other unlikely MVP seasons. Plus, happy birthday to Mike Scott and Bob Smith.

In the spring of 1925, Babe Ruth collapsed in the arms of a teammate, sparking ridicule in the New York press for "The Bellyache Heard Round the World." Stomach surgery 94 years ago this week would keep the Babe out for two months and tank the Yankees' hopes that year. Mike and Bill look at Ruth's tumultuous offseason, what really happened to him that spring, and how the fallout may have set him and the team up for a run of dominance over the next decade. Plus, happy birthday to Joe Mauer and Jake Daubert.

You already know about Hank Aaron, but Mike and Bill zoom in on the Hammer's 1973 and 1974 chase of Babe Ruth's career home run record, which culminated 45 years ago this week, to examine how the new Home Run King pulled away from Willie Mays, dealt with a steady stream of death threats, and endured a meddling commissioner who demanded he play and put him in an unwinnable position. None of which, of course, would stop him. Plus, happy birthday to John Hiller and Charley Maxwell.

Once one of the best starters in baseball, 32 years ago this week Dennis Eckersley began a new chapter in what would become a Hall of Fame career when he was traded to the Oakland A's and became the first modern closer. Mike and Bill cover both halves of Eckersley's long and impressive career, and his fight against the bottle that almost prevented him from having a second act. Also, happy birthday to Ron Perranoski and Jim Fregosi.

During the World Series in 1977, Melissa Ludtke of Sports Illustrated was denied entrance to clubhouses in the wake of Game 6, while her male colleagues were invited in. This touched off a legal battle that ended 40 years ago, when MLB was ordered to provide equal access for reporters who are women. Liz Roscher (@lizroscher) joins Mike and Bill this week to talk about Ludtke and her fight, and the uphill battle women still have to be involved in the game. Plus, happy birthday to Ferris Fain and Roy Thomas.