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!

Ruth and Gehrig. Brett and White. Mays and McCovey. There have been so many great pairs of teammates in baseball history. But none of them played together as long or as often as Alan Trammell and Lou Whitaker, who began their HoF-worthy careers in the same game 42 years ago this week. Mike and Bill trace their excellent and often overlooked time together that propelled the Tigers back to prominence and lament Whitaker's exclusion from Cooperstown. Plus, happy birthday to Mark Prior and Bernie Williams!

We spend so much time talking about the most famous and greatest players to star in the major leagues. But there was a time when our country was full of stars in every small town. For the 65th and 62nd anniversaries, respectively, of Joe Baumann breaking the single season pro HR record and Steve Dalkowski K'ing 24 and BBing 18, we talk to @GaylonWhite about his new book, Left on Base in the Bush Leagues. Plus, happy birthday to Claudell Washington and Carmen Fanzone.

It took 21 years and 742 starts, but 37 years ago this week, Gaylord Perry was finally caught greasing up a baseball. Or was he? In response to a Patreon request from Jim Gatton, Mike and Bill examine the life and career of baseball's most beloved, and most unrepentant, cheater, and try to figure out the secrets that the Hall of Fame righty still won't reveal. Plus, happy birthday to Wally Schang and Lonnie Frey!