The Baseball Book Club brings the rich history of baseball to life using classic and contemporary baseball books. With lively discussions, hosts John Cheslock and Leroy Estep reflect on moments in the sport's past as well as the significance it has in our culture today. Ultimately, the goal is to gain a deeper appreciation for the game and build a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for it.
…
continue reading
Guest Zac Schmitz will join John and Leroy to talk about legend Ken Griffey Jr. who is #48 on the Posnanski 100. Plus Leroy will give us a Hot Corner segment about the feisty Salt Lake Trappers from 1987, a team that holds a professional baseball record that may never be broken. [email protected]…
…
continue reading
In this episode of The Baseball Book Club, John and Leroy explore the Hall of Fame career of Detroit Tigers legend Al Kaline—his legacy, impact, and what made him one of baseball’s purest hitters. Plus, Leroy sits down with author Aaron Fischman to discuss A Baseball Gaijin, a fascinating look at American players finding purpose and second chances …
…
continue reading
Shoeless Joe Jackson has been reinstated but for over 100 years his legacy has been tarnished by one scandal. We'll talk about his humble beginnings in South Carolina to how he got the wacky nickname and the 1919 World Series that changed everything for him. We'll get into more baseball terminology and Leroy will talk about Jim Bouton's Ball 4. The…
…
continue reading
John and Leroy jump back into Joe Posnanski's The Baseball 100 after a few weeks away from doing the countdown. This week they look at The Yankee Clipper, Joe Dimaggio, #56 on the list. Plus they'll talk about a couple of classic World Series moments from 1954 and 1960. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading

1
Perfect: Sandy Koufax And Vin Scully
1:00:47
1:00:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:00:47Sandy Koufax pitched a perfect game and Vin Scully gave us the perfect broadcast for it. We revisit that special night at Chavez Ravine in September of 1965. Former Major League Baseball player Greg Pryor visits the show to talk about his book and his playing days and John gives a dramatic retelling of a Charles Holdefer short story called Heaven. …
…
continue reading

1
Deadball: When Babe Ruth Saved The Game
1:03:17
1:03:17
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
1:03:17In this episode of The Baseball Book Club, we dive into three key terms from Paul Dickson’s The Baseball Dictionary, including a breakdown of the Deadball Era vs. the Liveball Era. We’re also joined by Jeff Orens, author of Selling Baseball: How Superstars George Wright and Albert Spalding Impacted Sports in America, to explore how the sport grew o…
…
continue reading
Ring Lardner's Alibi Ike is up for discussion and John will talk with author Charles Holdefer about his short story collection Ivan the Terrible Goes on a Family Picnic. We dig into the joys of historical fiction, how small-town baseball shaped Charles's storytelling, and the time Babe Ruth and Gertrude Stein swapped places in 1926. Plus, we previe…
…
continue reading
Closing in on the halfway mark of Posnanski's Top 100 list, John and Leroy talk about the entertaining, (in more ways than one), careers of superstars Pete Rose and Reggie Jackson. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
Romantic About Baseball creator Jason Wood stops by for a chat and John and Leroy talk about some funny moments in baseball. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
John and Leroy talk about another three baseball terms from The Baseball Dictionary, and they'll take a look at legends Willie McCovey of the Giants and Mr. Cub, Ernie Banks. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
John and Leroy talk about three pitchers whose careers not only see them earn a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame, but also reach a height that is among the greatest to ever play the game: The Top 100. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
John and Leroy's discussion of Miguel Cabrera, Frank Thomas and Brooks Robinson highlights each of their contributions to baseball, emphasizing the impact they had on the game which earned them notable spots in The Baseball 100. Cabrera’s offensive prowess, Thomas’s dual-threat of batting and patience, and Robinson’s legendary defense show the diff…
…
continue reading
Stress is a part of life, especially in the 21st century. Baseball is not immune to that. Managers and baseball players alike experience moments where the job can overwhelm you. John and Leroy talk about some humorous moments when managers lost their cool and guest Danny Coon will talk about the more serious side, when stress can cause much greater…
…
continue reading
Leroy's Hot Corner is finally back. The first Hot Corner of Season 2 features Josh Wilker's "Cardboard Gods" and guest Mark Braff, author of Sons of Baseball, talks about his book. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
Derek Jeter, Robin Yount and Arky Vaughan are three shortstops whose careers meant anchoring their teams as primary figures and now they find themselves as Top 100 players in baseball history. John and Leroy will discuss the three star players as well as pay tribute to Rick Monday as the anniversary of a special moment approaches. TheBaseballBookCl…
…
continue reading
Author Jana Brody will talk with John and Leroy about her book, Sit Behind The Nets. Plus the guys will cover the talents of the legendary Cool Papa Bell and tell of one of the most storied curses in baseball and how it was finally broken. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
Episode 3 sees the return of the baseball terminology series with the use of three throwback terms out of The Dickson Baseball Dictionary. Also, a chapter from 'Why We Love Baseball'. What's the chapter you ask? Bo knows the chapter. And Twin Bill Podcast host Scott Bolohan will appear on the show and discuss his latest venture. TheBaseballBookClub…
…
continue reading
Author Todd Marcum will talk about his new book, Baseball Cards At The Edge of War and John and Leroy will discuss the player strike from 1994. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
John and Leroy kick off Season 2 with a recap on their trip to Kansas City to visit the Negro League's Baseball Museum and continue in Joe Posnanski's The Baseball 100 talking about four Hall of Fame catchers. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
The final replay of Season 1 before launching season 2 on March 25, this episode was about the life of Jackie Robinson, the relationship that Jackie and Yogi Berra had formed after a World Series moment and a hearty discussion on the integration of stats from the Negro Leagues into Major League Baseball. [email protected]…
…
continue reading

1
Annies, Elephants and Kangaroos (Re-release)
42:47
42:47
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
42:47The 2nd to last re-release episode before the launch of Season 2, Annies, Elephants and Kangaroos is another episode on baseball terminology as well as a covering of a short story on a Baseball Annie. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
Episode 9 was more baseball terminology, which included Pine Tar, Immaculate Inning, Baltimore Chop and more. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
The chapter "5 Unlikely Homers" in Joe Posnanski's Why We Love Baseball will be explored by John and Leroy in this episode. They will also take a look at the career of Hall of Famer Larry Walker. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
The replay of episode 7 from September of 2024 means one thing... we're one week closer to the start of season2. John and Leroy talked about Carlos Beltran and Roberto Alomar in this episode, as well as another Hot Corner from Leroy on The Joy of Keeping Score. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
The story of Mighty Casey was told in both an 1888 poem and a 1988 short story, and in this episode, John and Leroy discuss both. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading

1
Deep In The Heart Of A Texas Leaguer (Re-Release)
41:54
41:54
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
41:54Episode 5 from Season 1 was called "Deep In The Heart Of A Texas Leaguer" and John and Leroy continue with their baseball terminology series. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading

1
Baseball Terminology Series Part 1 (Re-release)
35:21
35:21
Play later
Play later
Lists
Like
Liked
35:21Season 1, Episode 4 of The Baseball Book Club originally aired on September 3rd of 2024. This episode is a re-release as we countdown to the premier of Season 2. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
Season 1, Episode 3 of The Baseball Book Club originally aired on August 27 of 2024. This episode is a re-release as we countdown to the premier of Season 2. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
Season 1, Episode 2 of The Baseball Book Club originally aired in August of 2024. This episode is a re-release as we get ready to countdown ten weeks to the premier of Season 2. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
John and Leroy drop in for a middle-of-the-offseason visit and talk free agency and gripe about the MLB Commissioner. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
In the season one finale of The Baseball Book Club, John and Leroy run up the list on Joe Posnanski's The Baseball 100 to number 42, looking at the great Jackie Robinson. In addition to this in depth look at the man that was more than just breaking the color barrier, the duo will also talk about a chapter out of Posnanski's other book, Why We Love …
…
continue reading
Episode 10 is another exciting session of baseball terminology as John and Leroy dive into five more terms that span the life of baseball. Included in the episode is a short story by author Zane Grey, who blends his literary prowess with the world of baseball fiction, making for an engaging exploration of both terminology and storytelling. TheBaseb…
…
continue reading
In this episode, John and Leroy return to the Baseball Terminology series with five words from Paul Dickson's The Baseball Dictionary, looking into intriguing terms like Pine Tar, which revisits the infamous 1983 incident when George Brett's game-winning home run was nullified due to excessive pine tar on his bat, stirring controversy and debate ab…
…
continue reading
The addition of Joe Posnanski's "Why We Love Baseball," to the show's book rotation makes for an interesting episode, as John and Leroy discuss "5 Unlikely Home Runs." The chapter explores the remarkable moments and players who defied expectations in their quest for the long ball, showcasing the unpredictable nature of the game. Additionally, #96, …
…
continue reading
Episode 7 features the return to Joe Posnanski's The Baseball 100 for a double header, as hosts John and Leroy explore the significance of numbers 98 and 97. You'll also hear the third and final installment for Season 1 of Leroy's Hot Corner, a compelling segment on keeping score in baseball. [email protected]…
…
continue reading
Episode 6 of The Baseball Book Club looks into Frank Deford's tribute to the classic poem "Casey At The Bat," exploring the themes of hope, heroism, and disappointment in baseball. Deford captures the essence of the original while adding a modern twist, reflecting on the enduring legacy of the story and its significance in American sports culture. …
…
continue reading
In this installment of the Baseball Terminology Series, listeners can look forward to diving deep into the rich tapestry of baseball slang, uncovering the meanings and origins of terms that add color to the game. Episode 5 is coupled with another "Leroy's Hot Corner" segment, where insightful commentary on his latest recommendation is sure to keep …
…
continue reading
The Terminology Series begins by offering an essential exploration of five fundamental baseball terms, aimed at enhancing the comprehension of the sport for fans, regardless of their experience level. This series will break down the jargon and nuances of baseball, making it accessible for newcomers while also enriching the knowledge of seasoned ent…
…
continue reading
In today's episode, John and Leroy dive into the storied career of Hall of Famer Mike Mussina, highlighting both his remarkable achievements and challenges as detailed in Joe Posnanski's "The Baseball 100." Additionally, listeners can look forward to the introduction of exciting new segments that promise to add depth and variety to the show. TheBas…
…
continue reading
In Episode 2, John and Leroy delve into Joe Posnanski's "The Baseball 100," starting with Ichiro Suzuki, ranked #100. They explore Ichiro's incredible impact on the game, his unique batting style, and the phenomenon of his persona in Major League Baseball. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading
In Episode 1, John and Leroy introduce The Baseball Book Club, talking about the three books they will use for Season 1. [email protected] John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
…
continue reading