The Baseball Book Club
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.
Episodes
46 episodes
Clemente The Great
The Great One, Roberto Clemente, is number 40 on the Posnanski 100 and we'll talk about the life and career of one of Pittsburgh's greatest. We will also do some baseball terminology - three terms from Paul Dickson's The Baseball Di...
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Season 2
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Episode 24
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53:37
Iron Man Cal Ripken
What does it take to show up every single day? In this episode, we'll look into the story of Cal Ripken Jr.—the Iron Man of baseball—who redefined durability and dedication by playing in 2,632 consecutive games. From his rookie days in...
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Season 2
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Episode 23
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58:49
Triple Play: Beltre, Boggs And Mathews
Still hovering around the Top 50, John and Leroy round out this group of third basemen with a 3-pack including Texas Rangers great Adrian Beltre, Boston Red Sox phenom Wade Boggs and Braves legend Eddie Mathews.
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Season 2
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Episode 22
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1:06:16
Feelin' Kinda Chipper
John and Leroy discuss the chapter Five Pitching Oddities from Why We Love Baseball, looking at various momentous occasions from some of baseball's greats. Plus, they'll talk about Atlanta Braves third baseman Chipper Jones, ranked 54th in The ...
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Season 2
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Episode 21
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49:45
Four Aces: The Epic Arms Of Feller, Ryan, Spahn & Gibson
John and Leroy talk about the legendary careers of Bob Feller, Nolan Ryan, Warren Spahn and Bob Gibson, four aces that shape baseball history. Plus, hear about wild trade between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Baltimore Orioles that is so rare, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 20
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1:09:20
Minor Leagues And Major Legends
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 baseba...
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Season 2
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Episode 19
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46:26
Mr. Tiger, Al Kaline
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 autho...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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1:06:19
Say It Ain't So, Shoeless Joe
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 every...
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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59:11
World Series Magic: Willie Mays and Bill Mazeroski
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 m...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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54:50
Perfect: Sandy Koufax And Vin Scully
Sandy 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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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1:00:47
Deadball: When Babe Ruth Saved The Game
In 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...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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1:03:17
He Woulda Hit .400 If Not For Everything
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 baseba...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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47:50
Not Enough Mustard: Reggie Jackson and Pete Rose
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. From Rose’s relentless hustle to Jackson’s October heroic...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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1:10:02
How Can You Not Be Romantic?
Romantic About Baseball creator Jason Wood stops by for a chat and John and Leroy talk about some funny moments in baseball.
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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50:40
McCovey, Banks And Baseball Slang
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.
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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56:07
From The Hill To The Hall
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.
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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49:24
Cornering The Market
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 offen...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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42:23
The Melting Point
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...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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44:20
Through The Eyes Of Boys
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.
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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56:03
Four Stars Earn Their Stripes
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 s...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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46:53
Of Curses And Legends
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. ...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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59:01
Better To Burn Out Than Fade Away
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 ...
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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50:50
Who Cancels A World Series?
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.
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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53:38