This episode is dedicated to the memory of Dorothy Seymour Mills.

It's probably not fair to say that Albert Belle was misunderstood. But it is fair to say he made anyone who wanted to understand him regret trying. But he was as much a dynamic force at the plate as he was a disruptive one away from it who, 23 years ago this week, signed the richest deal in baseball history. Mike and Bill trace his career, the incidents that came to overshadow much of his talent, and the abrupt and disappointing end to it all. Plus, happy birthday to Roy Sievers and Dick Bartell. 

Normally, of course, when a club wins the World Series, it inspires so much good will that it forges a generation of new permanent fans for a club. But, Wayne Huizenga's fire sale in the wake of the 1997 win, which began with the trade of Moises Alou 22 years ago this week, poisoned Miami forever after. Mike and Bill look back on the Marlins early history, their incredible championship run, and their shameful selloff. Plus, happy birthday to Jimmy Dykes and Dan Petry!

From its founding in 1939 through 1973, Little League Baseball refused to let girls play, and was deeply and intransigently committed to that position until a New Jersey court decision forced them to relent only 46 years ago this week. Mike and Bill look back on the history of women and girls playing baseball prior to that decision and the suit that forced Little League Baseball to welcome girls. They are also joined by Dr. Justine Siegal (@justinebaseball) of Baseball For All to discuss her journey as a player, coach, and advocate for girls to have access to the game. Plus, happy birthday to Dwight Evans and Edgardo Alfonzo.

Few men in baseball have been as universally beloved as Buzzie Bavasi, who took over the Dodgers front office 69 years ago this week. Joining Mike and Bill to discuss Buzzie's life and 45 year career is his son, Bob Bavasi of Japanball.com. Plus, happy birthday to Brad Radke and Mickey Rivers!

John Updike is often celebrated for having written The Great American Novel, but he also may have written The Great American Essay, which was published 59 years ago this week. Printed in The New Yorker, "Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu," is a tribute to The Great American Hitter, Ted Williams, beautifully describing The Splendid Splinter's final game. Mike and Bill look back on Williams's late career, the life of Updike, the essay itself, and its incredible staying power. Plus, happy birthday to Ned Williamson and Bruce Campbell!

It was only seven years before the Mets won their first championship, but it must have seemed like 70, as they struggled to not to lose 100 games every year. But 50 years ago this week, they finally did, finishing off a miracle season by felling the mighty Orioles in five games. Mike and Bill go through the early history of the Mets and their amazin' championship season. Plus, happy birthday to Eddie Yost and Al Brazle!

We've talked about the conspiracy and we've talked about the trial, but this week, on the anniversary of the last out of the 1919 World Series, Mike and Bill talk to SABR Director of Editorial Content and Black Sox expert Jacob Pomrenke (@buckweaver) about the Series itself, what plays were suspect, and how little we actually know about how exactly the dirty Sox accomplished their mission. Plus, happy birthday to Doc Crandall and Donie Bush!

The first-year expansion Mets of 1962 are, famously, one of the worst teams of all time, and may well be the worst team to suit up since the turn of the last century. In this shorter, solo episode, Bill tells the story of the Mets' dismal season through their final game, 57 years ago this week, which included a particularly weird and appropriate eighth-inning triple play. Also, continuing the Mets theme, happy birthday to Dave Magadan (who happens to have been born on that very day)! 

Lyman Bostock was one of the most dynamic young stars in the American League, compared favorably with Rod Carew and predicted to win multiple batting titles. He was one of the early benefactors of free agency, was quickly becoming one of the most popular players in the game, and may have been on a Hall of Fame track. But 41 years ago this week, Bostock was the victim of a senseless shooting and died, leaving his fans wondering what might have been. Mike and Bill look back on his brilliant career that ended far too soon and the tragedy of both his death and travesty of justice that followed. Plus, happy birthday to Jeffrey Leonard and Jon Garland.

There have been four pitchers to strike out 20 batters in a game, but only one of them did it twice, and the second time that happened, 23 years ago this week, was the last great start he'd make as a member of the Red Sox. At a patron's request, Mike and Bill look at the good, the bad, and the ugly in Clemens' Hall of Fame-worthy career, and talk about why no one should feel sorry if he never is inducted. Plus, happy birthday to Stuffy McInnis and Nick Altrock!