Back When There Was Baseball
Rex Naylor
Step into the golden era of America's Pastime with "Back When There Was Baseball." Uncover the untold stories, thrilling triumphs, and heart-wrenching trials of the sport's most iconic figures, spanning from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s - a transformative era when the baton was gracefully handed from titans like Hank Aaron, Orlando Cepeda, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays to the new generation of legends like Johnny Bench, George Brett, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan. Each episode of "Back When There Was Baseball" is more than a mere retrospective; it's a journey through time. We weave together the intricate...
Episodes
Back When There Was Baseball: Mike Garman
Mike Garman is our guest this week. Mike pitched in the Majors from 1969-1978 and was the 3rd overall pick out of the 1967 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. He pitched for the Red Sox, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers and Expos in his career. Mike shares a story about how he and Bill Buckner were traded for each other and they were notified while they were both hunting together. He also saved the wild Dodgers comeback in Game 3 of the 1977 NLCS in Philadelphia. Mike was a very good relief pitcher in the Majors and shares some interesting stories about his journey through the Big Leagues.
Back When There Was Baseball: Ron Hunt Tribute
We are fortunate to have Tad Myre as our guest this week. Tad wrote the SABR article on Ron Hunt. Ron passed away on July 15, 2026, at the age of 85. He played from 1963-1974 in the Majors with the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Montreal Expos and St. Louis Cardinals. Ron was noted for leading the league in hit by pitches. He was quite a character and could play most infield positions. It was unfortunate that he never played in the post-season. Tad wrote a fantastic SABR article on Ron and did a great job of depicting the "real" Ron Hunt. Enjoy this trip Back When There Was Baseball with our guest Tad Myre as he talks about the career of Ron Hunt.
Back When There Was Baseball: Joe Sambito
We are privileged to speak with pitcher Joe Sambito this week. Joe took part in two of the best League Championship series in history (1980 NLCS Phillies/Astros and 1986 ALCS Angels/Red Sox). He became a left-handed short relief specialist for the Astros and overcame arm trouble to work his way back and help the Boston Red Sox get to the World Series in 1986. Sit back and listen to Joe talk about working his way to the big leagues and how he adapted into the short relief specialist role he succeeded in during the late 1970s through the early 1980s.
Back When There Was Baseball: Ernie Camacho
Ernie Camacho joins us on the podcast this week. Ernie signed with the Oakland A's after being drafted in the 1st round of the 1976 June Draft out of Hartwell College. Ernie was a hard thrower and pitched in the Minor/Major Leagues from 1976-1990. His best season was with the Cleveland Indians in 1984 as he appeared in 69 games and finished with 23 saves. He also pitched very well for the San Francisco Giants in 1989 but did not appear in the post-season. After baseball, Ernie founded the Ernie Camacho Educational Foundation which helps young kids get their education so they can fall back on their education after baseball.
Back When There Was Baseball: Rick Bladt
Rick Bladt joins us on the show this week. Rick played in the Major/Minor Leagues from 1966-1977. He was a non-drafted free agent in 1966 signed by the Chicago Cubs. He played parts of 2 seasons in the Majors with the Chicago Cubs in 1969 and the New York Yankees in 1975. Rick had solid stats in the Minor Leagues, and you have to wonder what his career could have been had he been given an opportunity to play every day. He played a long time with Syracuse in the International League at the AAA level and had a lot of success. Join us as we go Back When There Was Baseball to the late 1960s through the 1970s with Rick Bladt.
Back When There Was Baseball: Charlie Leibrandt
This week on Back When There Was Baseball, Rex and Steve take a look back at a "control/finesse" pitcher, which you don't see very often in today's game. His name is Charlie Leibrandt and he pitched in the majors from 1979 through 1993 with the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers. He appeared in 5 games (starting 4) of the 1985 ALCS and World Series, throwing 31 2/3 innings. He also pitched in the 1991 and 1992 postseason. Listen and relive those great baseball years from the late 1970s through the early 1990s.
Back When There Was Baseball: Steve Luebber
Steve Luebber joins us this week. Steve played in the Major/Minor Leagues from 1967-1988. He made his Major League debut with the Minnesota Twins in 1971 and had stints with the Twins in 1971, 1972 and 1976 as both a relief pitcher and a starter. Steve had some really good years at the AAA level but didn't get much of a chance to pitch in the Majors. He also coached for a significant amount of time after his playing days. Enjoy this trip Back When There Was Baseball with our guest Steve Luebber.
Back When There Was Baseball: Randy McGilberry
Former Major League pitcher Randy McGilberry joins us this week. Randy was drafted by the Kansas City Royals in 1975 out of Louisiana Tech University. He made it up to the Big Leagues in 1977-1978 as a relief pitcher. This was in the middle of the Royals' 3-year playoff run facing the New York Yankees in the A.L. Championship series (1976-1978). He was taken off the roster in the 1978 playoffs for Steve Busby. He knew his arm wouldn't hold up and his final year in baseball was 1980. Randy shares some great stories as we go Back When There Was Baseball.
Back When There Was Baseball: Jack McKeon
Former Major League manager Jack McKeon joins us this week. Jack signed his first contract in 1949 and played several years in the Minor Leagues but never made it to the Majors as a player. He started his managing career in the Minor Leagues in the 1950s and what a career it was. He is the only manager that won 1,000 games in both the Major and Minor Leagues. Jack built the Kansas City Royals, which won the AL West in 1976-1978 (managed by Whitey Herzog). He went to the San Diego Padres and built them into a World Series team in 1984 as their General Manager. Jack won a World Series in 2003 with the Marlins. He was also manager of the year in 1999 (Reds) and 2003 (Marlins). Jack is in the Padres and Marlins Halls of Fame. Enjoy this interview with Jack McKeon as we go Back When There Was Baseball.
Back When There Was Baseball: Jim Lefebvre
Our guest this week is the 1965 National League Rookie of the Year. His name is Jim Lefebvre and he played with the Los Angeles Dodgers from 1965-1972 then continued his career in Japan for four more years. Jim also managed the Mariners, Cubs and Brewers as well as the Chinese National Team. He has some great insight into his playing and managing days both in the states and Far East, and the comparisons between the game when he played it compared with today.
Back When There Was Baseball: Jim York
Jim York joins us on the podcast this week. Jim had a storied road to his signing with the Kansas City Royals. He started his college career at Cerritos Junior College and the team went 40-0. He then migrated to UCLA before he was drafted by the Royals in 1969. He played in the Big Leagues from 1969-1976. He had a good year with Kansas City in 1971, then was traded to the Houston Astros and Jim did not care for his time in Houston. He finished up with the New York Yankees organization in 1976, which was the year when the Yankees lost to the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. Enjoy this trip Back When There Was Baseball to the 1970s with our guest, Jim York.
Back When There Was Baseball: Willie Lozado
Willie Lozado joins us on the podcast this week. Willie played his high school baseball in Brooklyn, NY, then migrated to Miami Dade College. He was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the Milwaukee Brewers on December 3, 1978. Willie talks extensively about coming up through the Minor Leagues. The Brewers had a solid infield with Cecil Cooper at 1B, Jim Gantner at 2B, Robin Yount at SS and Paul Molitor at 3B. Willie was called up in 1984 after Paul Molitor was injured and he played well. However, he was stuck behind the starters and ended up selected in the Rule 5 draft by the Cardinals in 1985. He hung on for a couple more years before retiring from the game. Willie shares some great memories from his playing days as we go Back When There Was Baseball to the early 1980s.
Back When There Was Baseball: Pete LaCock
Pete LaCock joins us this week on the podcast. Pete went to William Howard Taft Charter High School in Woodland Hills, CA surrounded by Hollywood stars as his father, Peter Marshall, was the host of the legendary game show Hollywood Squares. He was drafted in the 1st round of the 1970 MLB January Draft by the Chicago Cubs. Pete debuted with the Cubs in 1972 and played for them through the 1976 season. He was traded to the Kansas City Royals in December of 1976 and played with them through the 1980 season. Pete had some nice seasons with the Royals and played in the 1980 World Series. He played in Japan for the 1981 season which was his last. We go Back When There Was Baseball to the 1970s through the early 1980s with our guest Pete LaCock.
Back When There Was Baseball: Leo Mazzone
We are blessed to have one of the greatest pitching coaches of all time with us this week. Leo Mazzone joins us to talk about his career as a pitching coach and how he was able to keep the Atlanta Braves in contention each year with his stable of pitchers. In the 1990s it was Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz along with a 4th pitcher throughout the decade. He talks about not only the top three, but also how he was able to consistently have a 4th starter. Leo also talks about what he learned from Johnny Sain Back When There Was Baseball.
Back When There Was Baseball: Dave Phillips
Do you remember the Disco Demolition Night in 1979? If so, the crew chief of that event is our guest this week. His name is Dave Phillips and he was an umpire in the American League from 1971-2002. Dave recalls that event in Comiskey Park along with his ejection of Gaylord Perry for throwing an illegal pitch and other events in a long umpiring career. Sit back and enjoy Dave talk about the stories from Back When There Was Baseball.
Back When There Was Baseball: Don Money
Don Money joins us on the podcast this week. Don played in the Majors from 1968-1983. He started out in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization but got his break when he was traded to the Phillies. He was a shortstop in the organization but later moved to 3rd Base to make room for Larry Bowa. Don was traded at the end of the 1972 season to the Milwaukee Brewers where he finished his career. Don was able to play all the infield positions along with DH. He was part of that great Brewers team in 1982 that lost to the Cardinals in the World Series in 7 games. Enjoy Don revisit his career when we go Back When There Was Baseball.
Back When There Was Baseball: Jim Kern
We are pleased to host one of the best relief pitchers in MLB history. Jim Kern joins us this week. He won the American League Rolaids Relief Man Award in 1979 and was one of the best relief pitchers in the history of the game until he suffered an arm injury. He was not highly touted out of high school but signed with Cleveland in 1968. He entered the Marine Corps in 1969, and we would like to thank him for his service. Jim progressed as a hard throwing reliever which culminated in his best season in 1979 with the Texas Rangers. His nickname was "Emu" and he appeared in 3 consecutive All-Star games from 1977-1979. Jim's stats in a 4-year span rank him as one of the best in MLB history. We hope you enjoy this interview with Jim Kern as we go Back When There Was Baseball.
Back When There Was Baseball: Father's Day Special
Two members of the PennSports.live family had fathers who played in the Minor Leagues and this episode will honor those fathers. My co-host, Steve Schaaf's father, Charles Dean Schaaf, played from 1955-1957 in the Baltimore Orioles organization. Tim Clark, host of Musings of a Sports Fanatic and Wall 2 Wall Football, had a father who played in the St. Louis Cardinals organization from 1949-1952. Steve and Tim share insights about their father's careers in baseball as we honor them this Father's Day.
Back When There Was Baseball: Tom Carroll
Our guest this week is Tom Carroll who played most of his career in the Cincinnati Reds system. Tom was a 6th round draft choice in 1970 out of North Allegheny High School in Wexford, PA. He worked his way up the ladder as a pitcher and finally got his call up to the majors in 1974 at the age of 21. When Don Gullett fractured his thumb in 1975, Tom was called up and was a major part in the Reds 1975 World Series winning team. Unfortunately for Tom, injuries curtailed his career. Join us Back When There Was Baseball as Tom talks about those great years playing for the Reds.
Back When There Was Baseball: Art Kusnyer
Art Kusnyer joins us this week. Art was a catcher and bounced around the Minor/Major Leagues from 1966-1979 with the Chicago White Sox, California Angels, Milwaukee Brewers and Kansas City Royals. He was a valuable part of a ball club as he knew how to handle pitchers. In 1980, he was offered the bullpen coaching position with the White Sox, which started his coaching career. He coached with the White Sox and A's from 1980-2009. Enjoy this interview with Art Kusnyer as we go Back When There Was Baseball.
Back When There Was Baseball: Nancy Finley
We are celebrating the Oakland A's dynasty (1972-1974) this week with our guest Nancy Finley. The A's won the World Series 3 consecutive years (1972-1974) and Nancy was a part of these seasons. Nancy is the daughter of GM Carl Finley and the niece of owner Charlie Finley. She shares stories about those years along with the rebuilding of the A's in the early 1980s. Nancy also wrote a book entitled Finley Ball which focuses on the years starting with Kansas City, the move to Oakland and culminating with the 3 world championships.
Back When There Was Baseball: Wayne Causey
Wayne Causey joins us this week. Wayne was one of the "Bonus Babies" in the 1953-1957 rule, which meant that he had to be up with the parent club (Baltimore Orioles) for his first 2 years. After working his way up through the Minors after his first MLB stint, he was traded to the Kansas City Athletics before the 1961 season. His best years as an infielder were with the Kansas City A's in 1963-1964. He played in the Majors/Minors from 1955-1968 with the Baltimore Orioles, Kansas City A's, Chicago White Sox, California Angels and the Atlanta Braves. Join us as we go Back When There Was Baseball with our guest Wayne Causey.
Back When There Was Baseball: Al Worthington
We have a rare treat for you this week. Our guest played with Willie Mays, Orlando Cepeda, Ted Williams, Pete Rose, Frank Robinson, Tony Oliva, Harmon Killebrew and Rod Carew to name a few. His name is Al Worthington and he pitched in the Majors from 1953-1969. He was in the dugout when Willie Mays made that great catch in the 1954 World Series and with the Giants when they moved from New York to San Francisco. Al also played in another World Series with the Minnesota Twins in 1965. When his career ended, he got into coaching and guided Liberty University for 13 seasons with a career record of 343-189-1. Enjoy this look Back When There Was Baseball with our esteemed guest, Al Worthington
Back When There Was Baseball: Leron Lee
Leron Lee joins us this week as we take a look Back When There Was Baseball. Leron played in the Majors from 1969-1976 with the Cardinals, Padres, Indians and Dodgers. He then travelled to Japan and had a stellar career from 1977-1987. Leron was the leading hitter in Japanese history until it was broken in early 2018 (he held that record for 31 years with a .320 batting average). His best year in the Majors was in 1972 when he hit .300 with the San Diego Padres (a team that lost 95 games). Leron takes us Back When There Was Baseball and talks about his MLB career along with his years in Japan.
Back When There Was Baseball: Bill Haller
American League Umpire, Bill Haller, passed away on August 20, 2022. We are re-airing this podcast conducted in 2020 as a tribute to Bill. Bill umpired in the American League for 21 years (1961, 1963-1982) and is considered one of the best umpires in MLB history. You can still see the iconic Earl Weaver "incident" on YouTube where Bill was mic'd for an upcoming documentary. We were very blessed to share an interview with Bill as he discussed the game of baseball as it was when he umpired, compared to the game today. He shared many stories during his career that are priceless. Bill was a one-of-a-kind, downright genuine person and was very candid in this interview. Sit back and enjoy Back When There Was Baseball!
Back When There Was Baseball: Al Woods
Al Woods joins us on the podcast this week. Al played in the Major/Minor leagues from 1973-1986 with the Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays. He debuted with the Blue Jays in 1977 as an outfielder. Al was a solid hitter and had several good years in MLB with 1980 being his best. We take the time machine back to the late 1970s through the mid-1980s, Back When There Was Baseball, with our guest Al Woods.
Back When There Was Baseball: Pat Zachry
Pat Zachry passed away on April 4, 2024 at the age of 71. We re-air this podcast to honor him. Our guest this week is one of the winners of the 1976 National League Rookie of the Year award. That is correct, there were two that year and Pat Zachry was one of them. Pat pitched for the Cincinnati Reds when they won the 1976 World Series. He pitched in the Majors for 10 years, with a long stint in the New York Mets organization and ended his career with the L.A. Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies. Pat also pitched in the Senior League (Florida) and threw a game or two with a broken leg. Listen in as Pat recalls his career and the game Back When There Was Baseball.
Back When There Was Baseball: Darrel Chaney
We travel back to the 1970s with our guest this week. Darrel Chaney played in the Majors from 1969-1979. He started out his athletic career as a Parade All American quarterback in 1965. Darrel turned down scholarship offers to Notre Dame and Michigan State to pursue his baseball career. He made his name as a utility-infielder, but as all utility players will tell you, they intended to be starters and Darrel was no exception. But when you look at the Cincinnati Reds lineup during the years he was with the club (1969-1975), you had to have been an outstanding player to even make the team. Darrel was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 1976 where he finally got his chance to start and had the best season of his career. Join us as we go Back When There Was Baseball with our guest Darrel Chaney.
Back When There Was Baseball: Don Cooper
We merge modern day baseball with baseball played 40+ years ago when we go Back When There Was Baseball. Don Cooper joins us this week. Don played in the Minor/Major Leagues from 1978-1987 with stints in the Majors with the Minnesota Twins, Toronto Blue Jays and New York Yankees. His experience as a pitcher helped him immensely as he became a pitching coach and had a long stint with the Chicago White Sox from 2002-2020. What is amazing about this long stint is that he worked for 4 different managers: Jerry Manuel, Ozzie Guillen, Robin Ventura and Rick Renteria. He was part of the 2005 World Series Champion Chicago White Sox and coached some outstanding pitchers during his tenure.
Back When There Was Baseball: John Doherty
We take the time machine back to the early 1970s with our guest John Doherty. John was drafted in the 1st round of the 1970 MLB January Draft - Secondary Phase by the California Angels. He played in the Major/Minor Leagues from 1970-1978. John suffered an arm injury early in his career which relegated him to 1st Base. He broke into the Majors in 1974 with the Angels and had a decent season. He also played in the Majors in 1975 which was the last time he played in the Major Leagues. Join us as we go Back When There Was Baseball with our guest John Doherty.
Back When There Was Baseball: Curt Kaufman
Curt Kaufman joins us this week. Curt received a scholarship out of high school to play baseball at Iowa State University. After that he was signed as a non-drafted free agent by the New York Yankees on July 10, 1979. He worked his way through the minor leagues rather quickly and was named the International League Relief Pitcher of the Year in 1983 with 25 saves while playing for Columbus. Curt first appeared in the Majors with the Yankees in 1982 and was up for a short stint in 1983. He was traded to the California Angels in December of 1983 in exchange for Tim Foli. He played the 1984 season with the Angels and never made it back to the Big Leagues as elbow surgery curtailed his career. Join us as we go Back When There Was Baseball to the early 1980s with our guest Curt Kaufman.
Back When There Was Baseball: Doug Rau
Doug Rau joins us this week. Doug had a good collegiate career at Texas A&M which earned him a #1 draft pick of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the secondary phase of the June 1970 draft. He had an 81-60 record with a career ERA of 3.35 from 1972-1981. However, Doug may be best known for his infamous mound visit during Game 4 of the 1977 World Series as manager Tommy Lasorda was mic'd. He was a very effective pitcher until arm problems curtailed his career. Doug was part of 3 World Series teams, however the Dodgers lost all 3 (1974 to the Oakland A's and 1977-1978 to the New York Yankees). Join us as we travel Back When There Was Baseball with our guest Doug Rau.
Back When There Was Baseball: Rudy Meoli
Rudy Meoli joins us this week. Rudy played in the Major and Minor Leagues from 1969-1979 for several teams (California Angels, Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies). He got up to the Majors in 1971 for a short stint, but 1973 was the season that he established himself. Rudy started at 2B for the Phillies during that infamous 23-22 game with the Cubs on May 17, 1979, which ended up being his last year in the Major Leagues. Join us as we take a trip Back When There Was Baseball to the 1970s with our guest Rudy Meoli.
Back When There Was Baseball: Rich Garcia
American League umpire Rich Garcia joins us this week. Richie was one of the most highly respected umpires of his time period (1976-1999). During his career, he worked 2 All-Star games (1980, 1992), 3 ALDS (1995, 1997, 1998), 5 ALCS (1978, 1982, 1986, 1990, 1996) and 4 World Series (1981, 1984, 1989, 1998). Richie was part of some memorable post-season games including the great 1982 ALCS between the Milwaukee Brewers and California Angels. He was the first base umpire in Game 5 of the 1986 ALCS when Donnie Moore served up the infamous home run ball to Dave Henderson of the Red Sox. Richie was scheduled to be the left field umpire in Game 3 of the 1989 World Series before the earthquake delayed the series. Enjoy this look Back When There Was Baseball with umpire Rich Garcia.
Back When There Was Baseball: John Werhas
We take the time machine this week Back When There Was Baseball to the mid-1960s with our guest John Werhas. John was signed in 1960 by the Dodgers after being a 2-sport athlete out of USC (baseball and basketball). He was the opening day starter at 3rd base for the Dodgers in 1964. After he struggled hitting, Manager Walt Alston inserted Junior Gilliam at 3rd base which provided the Dodgers with an all-switch-hitting infield in 1965 (1B - Wes Parker, 2B - Jim Lefebvre, SS - Maury Wills, 3B - Junior Gilliam). John exited baseball after the 1973 season and devoted his life to the ministry.
Back When There Was Baseball: Art Howe
There were a few players in the 1970s whom Rex was told to emulate if he wanted to play Big League Baseball. Art Howe was one of them and he is our guest this week. Art started his athletic career as a football player at the University of Wyoming. After an injury, he concentrated on baseball and it paid dividends. Art started out in the Pirates organization but was traded to the Houston Astros and finally made it to the Majors permanently at the age of 30 in 1977. He was able to play all infield positions and was part of the Greatest 5-Game NLCS in history when the Astros lost to the Phillies in 1980. Not only did Art have a solid Major League career, but he followed that up with a solid managing career with a record of 1129-1137. We travel Back When There Was Baseball to the mid-1970s through the early-1980s with our esteemed guest, Art Howe.
Back When There Was Baseball: Ellis Valentine
When you talk about the greatest outfield arms in the history of the game players such as Roberto Clemente, Dave Parker and Ichiro Suzuki come to mind. However, our guest this week may have the greatest arm of them all. Ellis Valentine joins us to talk about his MLB career. Ellis was drafted in 1972 in the 2nd round by the Montreal Expos and made his Major League debut in 1975. He was part of that great outfield in the late 1970s which consisted of himself, Andre Dawson and Warren Cromartie. He was traded to the New York Mets in 1981 and also played for the California Angels and Texas Rangers to end his career. Injuries curtailed his career, but we consider Ellis one of the better players of his generation. Join us as we go Back When There Was Baseball with our guest Ellis Valentine.
Back When There Was Baseball: Tom Murphy
Tom Murphy joins us this week. Tom played in MLB from 1967-1979 with the California Angels, Kansas City Royals, St. Louis Cardinals, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox and Toronto Blue Jays. He pitched as a starter and a reliever. Tom was drafted out of Ohio University in 1967 and made his Major League debut with the Angels in 1968. Enjoy this trip Back When There Was Baseball with our guest Tom Murphy.
Back When There Was Baseball: John Morlan
John Morlan is our guest this week. He played in the Pittsburgh Pirates organization from 1971-1977 with stints in the Major Leagues in 1973 and 1974. John is our first guest that was drafted 4 times before signing with the Pirates out of Ohio University. He participated in the 1974 season which included the Dock Ellis incident where Dock attempted to hit every Cincinnati Reds batter on May 1. The Pirates also won the National League East but lost to the L.A. Dodgers in the NL Championship Series. Enjoy this trip Back When There Was Baseball with John Morlan.
Back When There Was Baseball: Skip Lockwood
Our guest this week is former MLB pitcher Skip Lockwood. Skip signed with the Kansas City A's in 1964 for the unbelievable sum of $135,000. He started out at 3rd base and played behind Ed Charles in 1965 with the parent club. He had trouble hitting, especially during night games and was transitioned into a pitcher. Skip played for the A's, Seattle Pilots/Milwaukee Brewers, California Angels, New York Mets and Boston Red Sox. He excelled with the Mets from 1975-1979 mainly as a closer. Enjoy this trip Back When There Was Baseball with our guest Skip Lockwood.
Back When There Was Baseball: Doug Corbett
Doug Corbett joins us this week. Doug played college baseball at the University of Florida but was not drafted. He signed with the Kansas City Royals for $500 on a free agent contract in 1974. Doug debuted with the Minnesota Twins in 1980 and had a great year as a relief pitcher, which resulted in a 3rd place finish for Rookie of the Year award (behind Joe Charboneau and Dave Stapleton). He played for the Twins, California Angels and Baltimore Orioles in a career that lasted through the 1987 season. Enjoy this trip Back When There Was Baseball with our guest Doug Corbett.
Back When There Was Baseball: Mike Stenhouse
We travel Back When There Was Baseball this week to the 1980s with our guest Mike Stenhouse. Mike was one of the best hitters in Ivy League history coming out of Harvard before signing with the Montreal Expos in 1980. Mike was able to hit everywhere he played, but he struggled when he got to the Majors. We speak with Mike about having to break into the lineup playing behind Andre Dawson, Warren Cromartie, Tim Raines, Terry Francona and Al Oliver to name a few. He talks about not getting a chance to play on a regular basis, which he needed to become consistent as a hitter. Mike shares some great stories and elaborates on the game being a "business" as we go Back When There Was Baseball.
Back When There Was Baseball: Sam Ewing
Our guest this week was All-Everything out of the University of Tennessee before he entered the professional ranks. Sam Ewing hit .412 during his career at Tennessee garnering him All-American status. After competing in the World Amateur Games, he started his Major League baseball career. He was drafted by the Chicago White Sox and had stints with the parent club in 1973 and 1976. Sam was selected by the Toronto Blue Jays out of the expansion draft in 1976. He had a very productive year in 1977, hitting .287 while platooning. Sam takes us on a trip Back When There Was Baseball and talks about being platooned and also being labeled, which was prevalent in the 1970s.
Back When There Was Baseball: Jim Lyttle
Jim Lyttle joins us on the podcast this week. Jim played in the Majors from 1969-1976. He then had a successful career in Japan from 1977-1983. Jim played with the Yankees during the CBS years (1969-1971), White Sox (1972), Expos (1973-1976) and Dodgers (1976). Jim discusses his career, what it was like fighting for playing time, and also playing for 4 teams then playing in Japan. He was a solid outfielder during his career and played with many great players. Join us as we journey Back When There Was Baseball with Jim Lyttle.
Back When There Was Baseball: Dyar Miller
Dyar Miller joins us this week. Dyar graduated from Utah State and was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1968 after he was not drafted. Dyar played from 1968-1984 with 7 of those years in the Majors (Baltimore, California, Toronto and the New York Mets). After switching to a relief pitcher in 1975, he posted a career record of 23-17 with a 3.23 ERA. After retiring as a player, Dyar stayed in the game as a coach from 1985-2012 with most of those years in the Cardinals organization. Enjoy this trip Back When There Was Baseball to the mid-1970s through the early 1980s with our guest Dyar Miller.
Back When There Was Baseball: Duke Sims
Who was the last player to hit a home run in the original Yankee Stadium (1973) before the massive remodel? His name is Duke Sims and he is our guest this week. Duke also had the privilege of catching one of the greatest pitching staffs in the history of the game, the 1968 Cleveland Indians staff which included "Sudden" Sam McDowell, Luis Tiant, Sonny Siebert, Stan Williams and Steve Hargan. Duke was also the catcher in Game 2 of the 1972 ALCS when Bert Campaneris threw his bat at Detroit Tigers pitcher Larrin LaGrow after being hit by a pitch. Duke shares some great stories about his career Back When There Was Baseball.
Back When There Was Baseball: Mike Paul
Mike Paul joins us on the podcast this week. He came out of the University of Arizona and was drafted in the 20th round in 1967 by the Cleveland Indians. He was a part of arguably the best pitching staff in Major League history in the 1968 Cleveland Indians. Mike made it to the Majors quickly and had success. He played for the Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs and then finished out his career in the Mexican League. Mike talks about the Indians pitching staff and playing for Ted Williams in Texas.
Back When There Was Baseball: Ken Frailing
Ken Frailing passed away on August 25, 2022. We re-air this podcast in honor of him. Ken Frailing is our guest this week. Ken pitched from 1966-1978 in the Minor Leagues and the Majors. Ken was very promising out of high school as he had a 13-0 record his senior season with an unbelievable 0.17 ERA. He played for the White Sox and Cubs organizations in his tenure and shares some fascinating stories about his career in Chi-Town. Ken was also a very good hitting pitcher and unfortunately an injury curtailed his career. We hope you enjoy this interview with Ken Frailing Back When There Was Baseball.
Back When There Was Baseball: Bart Zeller
Bart Zeller joins us this week. He was with the St. Louis Cardinals organization his entire career. Bart was a catcher and only appeared in one game with the parent club. So, you ask, why would you interview Bart Zeller? It's simple, Bart was the Cardinals insurance policy and worked with their great young staff which included the likes of Steve Carlton, Mike Torrez, Wayne Granger, and Reggie Cleveland to name a few. He played behind great Cardinal catchers Tim McCarver and Ted Simmons. Bart shares some great stories Back When There Was Baseball.
Back When There Was Baseball: Bill Melton
Bill Melton passed away on December 5, 2024. We are re-airing this podcast in honor of him. Who was the American League home run leader in 1971? If you do not know the answer, maybe "It is soo hot in Chicago that the third baseman is Melton" will jog your memory. Bill Melton is our guest this week. Bill talks about his career and the many teammates he played with, including the late Dick Allen. He also shares his feelings toward Harry Caray who turned the fans against him. Bill Melton was a very good third baseman, mostly with the White Sox, and we are fortunate to have him share his story. Sit back and enjoy this interview Back When There Was Baseball.