Sometimes it takes a while for a prospect to reach his full potential. Sometimes, all it takes is five starts. That's what happened with Kerry Wood, who not only pitched the game of his life 27 years ago this week, but possibly the greatest game anyone has ever pitched, striking out 20 Astros batters while walking zero and allowing one scratch hit. Mike and Bill look back on this game, the phenomenon Wood caused, and on his surprisingly impressive career, even though it was derailed by injuries. Plus, happy birthday to Victor Starffin and Larry Hisle!
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1:19:49
Episode 368 - This Podcast Is Rated Double-X
One of the most awe-inspiring superstars of all time, Jimmie Foxx didn't start out that way, joining Connie Mack's Athletics at the age of 16. Foxx spent three years mostly ridiing the bench while he matured, during which, 100 years ago this week, he collected his first hit. Mike and Bill look back on The Beast's incredible career and sad end and find a lovable good-natured man who turned into a monster with a bat in his hands. Plus, happy birthday to Chris Carpenter and Nip Winters! And farewell to Jim Breazeale and Art Shallock.
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1:27:58
Episode 367 - Talking Talking To Sadaharu Oh (with special guest Michael Clair)
Every great story begins somewhere, and the world home run king's journey to 868 career home runs began 66 years ago this week, when Sadaharu Oh hit his first career home run. To celebrate that, and the man who became a baseball god on the other side of the globe, Mike and Bill talk to MLB.com's Michael Clair. During the Tokyo Series to kick off the 2025 regular season, Michael scored a rare interview with the great Oh-san, and has lots to say about what it's like to meet a living legend. Plus, happy birthday to Mickey Morandini and Ted Easterly! And farewell to Sandy Valdespino and Frank Saucier.
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1:21:59
Episode 366 - Smith Realee Smashes the Saves Record
Between the generations of three inning late game relievers like Rollie Fingers and Goose Gossage and the one inning high leverage relievers like Mariano Rivera and Trevor Hoffman, there was Lee Smith. Smith bridged the gap between these groups, starting his career as a stopper and ending it as a closer. Along the way, 32 years ago this week, Smith set the major league record for career saves, which lasted until Trevor Hoffman and Mariano Rivera blew past him in the 2000s. Mike and Bill look back at the life and career of one of the most intimidating pitchers of all time, and find a self-described "country boy" who stumbled into his life's calling. Plus, happy birthday to Kid Elberfeld and Hal Morris! And farewell to Scott Sauerbeck and Bobby Malkmus.
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1:22:07
Episode 365 - Homer Race, 2000
The Joker famously believed that all it took to drive someone insane was one bad day. But Gordon didn't have to go through what MLB pitchers did 25 years ago this week, on April 7, 2000, when batters hit a combined 57 home runs around the league, setting a new record. Mike and Bill look back on this absolutely wild day and the players who made it so, finding significant milestones, the start and end of careers, and a whole lot of weirdness. Plus, happy birthday to Red Smith and Fred Frankhouse! And farewell to Eddie Fisher and Felipe Montemayor.
This Week In Baseball History is a weekly podcast devoted to the history of baseball, hosted by Mike Bates and Bill Parker, the co-founders of The Platoon Advantage and writers on many fine websites.
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