Lost Ballparks
"Lost Ballparks", with Mike Koser, is a podcast that takes you on a journey to the golden age of baseball's lost ballparks as told by the players, broadcasters, batboys, clubhouse managers, groundskeepers, umpires and fans who provide firsthand accounts of what it was like to spend a summer afternoon at Ebbets Field, the Polo Grounds, Forbes Field, Yankee Stadium, Comiskey Park, Crosley Field and many more.
Episodes
88 episodes
George Grande (ESPN, HOF, Reds)
Before there was a SportsCenter… before ESPN became a juggernaut… there was George Grande—sitting behind a desk, ushering in a new era of sports television with some of the the very first words ever spoken on the network. But his story doesn’t ...
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42:12
Mike Murphy (Giants HOF)
He started as a batboy at old Seals Stadium in 1958 and spent the next 65 years inside the Giants clubhouse at Candlestick Park and beyond. Along the way, he became great friends with Willie Mays, found himself at a private dinner where a legen...
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27:53
Buddy Bell (Rangers HOF)
Baseball is in Buddy Bell’s blood. Growing up, he spent his days at Crosley Field watching his dad, Gus Bell, play for the Reds and later roamed County Stadium when Gus was traded to the Milwaukee Braves. In this episode, Buddy shares stories o...
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35:28
Remembering Bob Uecker
Bob Uecker was more than just a baseball legend—he was a cultural icon, a Hall of Fame broadcaster, and one of the most beloved personalities in sports history. In this special tribute episode, MLB Network’s Matt Vasgersian, Hall of Famers...
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31:27
RE-RELEASE: Cal Ripken Jr. (HOF 2007)
I’m thrilled to bring you one of our all-time most downloaded episodes: my interview with Cal Ripken Jr., originally released on January 4, 2022.If you’re new to Lost Ballparks, this is the perfect chance to catch up on a conversation th...
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46:14
Jackie Brandt (1959 Gold Glove - 1961 All-Star)
Relive the magic of baseball’s golden age through the incredible story of Jackie Brandt, a player who shared the field with legends like Stan Musial, Willie Mays, Willie McCovey, Brooks Robinson and Eddie Mathews. With a career spanning 12 unfo...
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29:49
RE-RELEASE: Dave Parker (HOF 2025)
Breaking news: Thrilled to announce tonight the Classic Era Baseball Committee has elected Dave Parker and Dick Allen to the Baseball Hall of Fame. He will be inducted next year!! Here is our interview with Parker from March of 2022. Hope you e...
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31:16
Tom Hamilton (HOF 2025)
On this month's episode I’m honored to talk with a man who has been the heartbeat of Cleveland baseball for 35 years—Tom Hamilton, the legendary voice of the Cleveland Indians and Guardians. Hear his baseball beginnings, including the first gam...
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43:14
Hawk Harrelson (HOF 2020)
This month on Lost Ballparks, Ken "Hawk" Harrelson joins us with stories as colorful as his career. From meeting Mickey Mantle as a kid to helping save Fenway, playing with Satchel Paige, and even catching the eye of Frank Sinatra, Hawk's...
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32:42
Ernie Whitt (1977 Blue Jays)
On this episode, I'm joined by Ernie Whitt, catcher from the 1977 inaugural Toronto Blue Jays team. He shares stories about some of the historic minor league ballparks he played in, the American League ballparks of the 70s and 80s, his first ML...
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37:07
Remembering Pete Rose (1941-2024)
Pete Rose has passed away at the age of 83. Just a few weeks ago, he left me a message that I'd like to share with you. Rest in peace, Pete.
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2:56
Jerry Schwab (Polo Grounds 1946-1957)
Jerry Schwab is my guest on this months Lost Ballparks podcast. From 1946-1957, Jerry and his family lived in an apartment underneath the LF grandstands at the Polo Grounds. His Dad, Matty was the head groundskeeper for the New York Giants. His...
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30:35
Denny Matthews (HOF 2007)
Denny Matthews, the Royals Hall of Fame Voice, has been calling games in Kansas City since the team's first game in 1969! This is his 56th year with the Royals. He joins me on this month's episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast to talk about K.C...
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33:58
Denny McLain (1968 AL MVP)
Denny McLain, 2X Cy Young Award winner, 3X All-Star, AL MVP, 1968 World Champion and the last pitcher in the big leagues to win 30 games in a season, is my guest on this month's episode. Wait 'til you hear why his Mom chose not to let him sign ...
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34:17
Rev. William Greason (1948 Birmingham Black Barons)
At 99 years old (he'll turn 100 in September), The Reverend William "Bill" Greason is the oldest living member of the Negro Leagues. From his heroic service in World War II to his career in the Negro Leagues and Major League Baseball, Greason's...
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19:12
Pat Hughes (HOF 2023)
Pat Hughes, who was elected to the broadcast wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame last year has broadcast more than 6,000 games over a 40+ year career. The longtime radio voice of the Chicago Cubs joins me on this month's episode to reminisce abou...
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32:19
Bobby Shantz (1952 AL MVP)
From the dusty sandlots of Pottstown, PA to the storied ballparks that served as the backdrop to his remarkable career, 98 year old baseball legend and 1952 AL MVP Bobby Shantz looks back on his improbable path to the major leagues. Grab your p...
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33:51
Bonus Episode: Larry Lucchino (Padres & Red Sox HOF)
Several months ago, I recorded an interview with the late Larry Lucchino. In addition to being an executive for the Orioles, Padres and Red Sox, Lucchino was a ballpark design revolutionary who ushered in the wave of retro ballparks beginning w...
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22:43
Steve Vucinich (Oakland A's HOF)
Steve Vucinich spent 54 years with the Oakland A’s working as a peanut vendor, a ballboy, and eventually the clubhouse manager. The much beloved member of the Athletics was inducted into the Oakland A’s Hall of Fame in 2022. He was a part...
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34:19
Rocky Colavito (Indians HOF)
Rocky Colavito finished his career with 374 HR's and he played in 9 All-Star Games. Now 90 years young, Rocky joins me on this episode to talk about his 1st game at the Polo Grounds, his tryout at Yankee Stadium, his love for Cleveland &a...
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22:21
Pete Weber (Buffalo Bisons/War Memorial Stadium)
Pete Weber, the voice of the minor league Buffalo Bisons (1983-1995), called many games at historic War Memorial Stadium. He was there while they filmed "The Natural" and joins me on this episode to offer behind the scenes details about t...
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27:40
Fergie Jenkins (HOF 1991)
Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins joins me to recount the "when" and "where" of attending his first MLB game, the unconventional method his Dad used to make him a strong pitcher, the trials of playing in minor league ballparks of the segregate...
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36:39
Jon Miller (HOF 1998) Returns
Jon Miller, the longtime voice of the San Francisco Giants makes his return visit to Lost Ballparks. His first appearance on the podcast quickly became the most downloaded episode in LB podcast history. He is gracious enough to join once again ...
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38:38