Podcast
The Baseball Book Club
Hosted by John Cheslock and Leroy Estep · EN
Baseball history isn’t just stats—it’s stories.
The Baseball Book Club brings the game’s past to life through baseball books, author conversations, and exploring forgotten players, iconic moments, and the stories that shaped America’s pastime.
10episodes
Episodes
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We Are Family & One Mighty Strikeout
4d ago00:52:20Tap to summarizeThe World Series Rewind continues as we travel back to the unforgettable 1979 Fall Classic, where the "We Are Family" Pittsburgh Pirates rallied from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Baltimore Orioles in one of baseball's most memorable championships. We revisit the stars, the drama, the disco-era atmosphere, and the cultural backdrop that made the series an enduring classic.Then we turn the clock back even further to the 1926 World Series, when veteran pitcher Pete Alexander entered in relief with the bases loaded and two outs to face Tony Lazzeri. What happened next became one of the defining moments in postseason history and cemented Alexander's place among the game's legends.From comeback champions to clutch performances under impossible pressure, this episode celebrates two unforgettable chapters in World Series history.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
Transcribe →The 1962 World Series & The 1978 Season
2w ago00:55:57Tap to summarizeAuthor David Krell will join us to talk with Leroy about his fascinating book, 1978: Baseball & America In The Disco Era. And The World Series Rewind mini-series continues with the third segment, on the 1962 World Series between the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
Transcribe →Curses: Carl Mays & Championship Banners
3w ago00:54:31Tap to summarizeCarl Mays killed Ray Chapman in 1920, but what if you could go back in time and alter history? Author Howard Camerik weaves a story in his book The Curse of Carl Mays that changes the course of so many in baseball. He'll join us to discuss the inspiration behind his book, the research that brought authenticity to the story, and the creative process of blending real baseball history into a compelling work of fiction. Also, John and Leroy continue with the World Series Rewind and move up to 1948, the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Braves. With so many side stories, this will be a compelling segment. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
Transcribe →Miracles, Missed Calls & Ugly Jerseys
4w ago00:51:30Tap to summarizeThis week on The Baseball Book Club, we rewind all the way back to the unforgettable 1914 World Series — the stunning clash between Connie Mack’s powerhouse Philadelphia Athletics and the “Miracle” Boston Braves, one of the greatest upset stories in baseball history. We break down how the Braves went from dead last on July 4th to world champions in one of the sport’s most improbable turnarounds.Then, on the 16th anniversary of one of baseball’s most heartbreaking moments, we revisit Jim Joyce’s infamous blown call that cost Armando Galarraga a perfect game in 2010. But this isn’t just about the missed call — it’s about the humanity that followed. We take a detailed look at Jim Joyce himself, the emotional aftermath, and why the moment still resonates across baseball today.Plus, Leroy steps into The Hot Corner with a fiery rant on MLB’s City Connect uniforms. Are they creative fun, marketing overload, or crimes against baseball aesthetics? Leroy has thoughts… and he’s not holding back.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
Transcribe →George Brett & Baseball's Outcast
May 2600:48:22Tap to summarizeFor our 50th episode of The Baseball Book Club, we’re covering two unforgettable baseball lives that took wildly different paths through the game. This week we dive into the career of Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett, ranked #35 in The Baseball 100 by Joe Posnanski. From batting-title brilliance to pine tar controversy and one of the sweetest left-handed swings baseball has ever seen, we look back at the fiery superstar who became the face of the Kansas City Royals franchise.Then, Leroy sits down with author Adam Henig to discuss his book Baseball's Outcast, the remarkable story of Ron LeFlore. Before stealing bases in the majors and becoming a star with the Detroit Tigers, LeFlore was serving time in prison when a chance encounter with manager Billy Martin changed his life forever.It’s a conversation about talent, temperament, redemption, and two unforgettable baseball lives that couldn’t have taken more different paths to the spotlight.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
Transcribe →Jack Morris’ Masterpiece & The Show-Me World Series
May 1900:51:22Tap to summarizeThis week on The Baseball Book Club, we revisit one of the greatest postseason pitching performances in baseball history: Jack Morris and his unforgettable 10-inning shutout in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. More than three decades later, Morris’ legendary outing still stands as the gold standard for postseason grit, endurance, and October drama.Then, we welcome author Marshall Garvey to the show to discuss his novel, Interstate '85. We dive into the story behind the book, the baseball themes woven throughout it, and how the game continues to inspire compelling storytelling far beyond the foul lines.From one of baseball’s most iconic nights to a conversation about literature, memory, and the game’s enduring pull, this episode covers a little bit of everything for baseball fans and book lovers alike.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
Transcribe →Carl Yastrzemski & Baseball's Timeless Wisdom
May 1200:56:26Tap to summarizeThis week on The Baseball Book Club, we celebrate the legacy of Carl Yastrzemski — one of baseball’s most enduring icons, the last player to win the Triple Crown before the modern power era transformed the game. From Fenway Park lore to his remarkable consistency across three decades, we explore what made Yaz a symbol of excellence and why his impact still resonates with fans today.We also welcome Christian Sheppard, author of The Ancient Wisdom of Baseball, for a fascinating conversation about how baseball reflects timeless lessons on patience, failure, resilience, tradition, and human nature. Drawing connections between the rhythms of the game and broader life philosophy, Sheppard explains why baseball remains uniquely capable of teaching wisdom across generations.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
Transcribe →Slider Broke Hitters, '51 Broke Hearts
May 500:53:55Tap to summarizeAuthor Lenny Levine will be our guest as we discuss his murder mystery novel Diehard Fan, set during the final week of the 1951 season and the historic comeback by the New York Giants. The book tells the story of a boy who tries to figure out who is killing Giants fans in Brooklyn, while weaving the games at Ebbets Field and the Polo Grounds into the plot. And we'll unpack the history and the ins-and-outs of The Slider, found in chapter one of Tyler Kepner's Book K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
Transcribe →Tim Keefe & Big Klu: Baseball Like It Oughta Be
Apr 2800:57:37Tap to summarizeIn this episode of The Baseball Book Club, we close out our Deadball Files series. Joined by historian Justin Renaldi, we explore 19th century pitcher Tim Keefe and his dominance, staggering workload, and why his name still belongs among the elite in baseball history.Then, in Leroy’s Hot Corner, a personal story takes center stage—connecting family, memory, and the game itself through one of baseball’s most beloved sluggers, Ted Kluszewski. It’s a reminder that baseball isn’t just history—it’s personal.Finally, author Tom Alesia joins the show to talk about Baseball Like It Oughta Be, a look into the world of summer collegiate baseball and the culture that keeps the game pure, local, and deeply connected to its fans. From the success of the Madison Mallards to the enduring charm of small-town ballparks, this conversation highlights why this level of baseball continues to thrive.From Deadball Era legends to mid-century power hitters to modern-day summer leagues, this episode is about what baseball has always been—and what it still can be.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
Transcribe →1951: Bobby Thomson’s Shot Heard ’Round the World
Apr 2100:55:42Tap to summarizeThis week, a question that might ruffle a few feathers: why isn’t Jim Thome in the top 100 players of all time? We take a closer look at the numbers, the narrative, and where he may (or may not) belong.The Deadball Files series is back for Part 3, joined by returning guest Justin Renaldi, as we explore the fascinating and mysterious life of one of baseball’s earliest stars—Ed Delahanty.And in between, we shift gears to one of the game’s greatest comebacks: the 1951 New York Giants’ improbable run to the pennant, culminating in Bobby Thomson’s legendary “Shot Heard ’Round the World.” It’s a story that still feels larger than life—and somehow, it actually happened.History, debate, and a little bit of chaos—just the way we like it.TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com
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