PASSED BALL SHOW #198 1/13/2016 Part 1 WITH MAURY WILLS; I start out by mentioning the recent passing of Hall of Famer Monte Irvin, a guest on the PBS a couple years ago. I then play my interview with longtime Dodgers SS Maury Wills. Maury talks about his youth; being the middle child out of 13. the reason he decided he wanted to be a Major League Baseball player and how he learned to steal bases. I finish off by talking about the pros and cons of Maury being elected into HOF and why I think he belongs. I then congratulate Mike Piazza and Ken Griffey Jr for their selection by the BBWAA

PASSED BALL SHOW #196 12/22/2015 Part 2 WITH ARNIE "TOKYO" ROSENTHAL; I start out by venting my frustration with the Cubs over the Starlin Castro trade. I feel the Cubs were so happy to rid themselves of him, they let the Yankees pick whoever they wanted to send to them in the deal. I compare it to some of the Yankees trades they made with the Kansas City Athletics in the 1950s when it was obvious the A's were a MLB farm club for the Yankees. I then play my interview with Arnie "Tokyo" Rosenthal, who wrote the book "A Fauxtographer's Yankee Stadium Memoirs" about having unauthorized press credentials for the Yankees from 1977-1984. I finish off by stating whether or not there is a case for longtime MLB SS Bill Dahlen to be in Baseball's Hall of Fame

PASSED BALL SHOW #196 12/22/2015 Part 1 WITH ROLAND HEMOND; I start out by explaining why there should be no problem with now Rangers RHP Matt Bush getting an opportunity to pursue employment after his recent prison sentence. I then play my interview with long time MLB executive Roland Hemond who currently works for the Arizona Diamondbacks. I finish off by paying my respects to former Orioles and White Sox RHP Hal "Skinny" Brown, a PBS guest who passed away last week at the age of 91

PASSED BALL SHOW #195 11/16/2015 Part 2 WITH ERNIE BOWMAN; I start out by taking a couple shots at the new age "baseball writers" who take the already reported facts of a story just to put their own name on them. These writers never use their opinion and never seem to write a piece outside the box. I then finish my discussion about the Dodgers organization and what it means to be the manager of the franchise. I play my interview with former Giants infielder Ernie Bowman, who played in the 1962 World Series. Then, I finish off by describing five free agent moves the Mets can make to put them on par to repeat as NL East Champions in 2016

PASSED BALL SHOW #195 11/16/2015 Part 1 WITH FERNANDO GONZALEZ; I open up by talking about the exciting future of the PBS and what to expect going into 2016. I then discuss the tragic death of former Braves RHP Tommy Hanson. I play my interview with former Pirates infielder Fernando Gonzalez, who was a teammate of Roberto Clemente. I then send my condolences to the family of former Orioles C Willie Royster, a PBS guest who passed away at the age of 61. I finish by talking about Dave Roberts' opportunity as the next manager of the Los Angeles Dodgers

PASSED BALL SHOW #194 11/5/2015 Part 1 WITH TIM STODDARD; I open up with a recap of the 2015 World Series and postseason and finish off my official 30-1 MLB countdown of the top ten teams in baseball based off postseason finish. 10-Yankees, 9-Pirates, 8-Cardinals, 7-Rangers, 6-Astros, 5-Dodgers, 4-Cubs, 3-Blue Jays, 2-Mets, 1-Royals. I then play my interview I recorded from Chicago with former Orioles, Yankees and Cubs RHP Tim Stoddard. I finish off by paying tribute to a couple recent fallen MLB players

PASSED BALL SHOW #193 10/25/2015 Part 2 WITH JOE NOSSEK; I start out by discussing the baseball career of Dean Chance, who passed away this week at the age of 74. The 1964 Cy Young Award winner was, along with Jim Fregosi, became the first stars in the history of the franchise, leading the team to their first winning season. He would later win 20 games for the Twins in 1967 before finishing his career with the Indians, Mets and Tigers. I then play my interview with former Twins, Athletics and Cardinals OF Joe Nossek. Joe talks about his appearance as a rookie in the 1965 World Series and his 4 World Series hits. I then review the most recent ALCS between the Royals and the Blue Jays, as the Royals won the Pennant 4 games to 2. The Royals offense rose to the occasion with all the attention going to the bats of the Jays. In retrospect, David Price pitched better than he got credit for and Jose Bautista showed up with a big performance

PASSED BALL SHOW #193 10/25/2015 Part 1 WITH FERGUSON JENKINS; I start out by talking about the league division series between the Cubs and the Cardinals. I then discuss the Chase Utley play and how it does not count as a dirty play if you look back at the game's history. In honesty, the play should be perceived simply as a matter of opinion. I then get a chance to speak with Hall of Fame Cubs pitcher Ferguson Jenkins prior to the start of game three of the NLCS between the Cubs and the Mets. I then take a shot at the angry Toronto Blue Jays because of their actions against a Rangers team who has a reputation of bothering nobody, then say goodbye to the 2015 Rangers ballclub. Next to go was the Houston Astros, a team that lost a tough series to the Kansas City Royals and RHP Johnny Cueto. The LA Dodgers had their opportunity to beat Jacob deGrom and the Mets in their NLDS deciding 5th game and could not take advantage of their early opportunity to expand their lead. I finish off by talking about the keys to the Mets NL Pennant clinching victory in game 4 of the NLCS

PASSED BALL SHOW #192 10/9/2015 Part 2 WITH CASPER WELLS; I start out by recapping the Cubs victory in the NL Wild Card Game over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Jake Arrieta duplicated what Madison Bumgarner did against them in last year's WC Game. I then go off on Sean Rodriguez for being a complete clown for no reason in the altercation with the Cubs. I then play my interview with recent Mariners and Tigers OF Casper Wells. Casper talks about growing up in NY and the fact that he could have made it as an outfielder or a pitcher. He recently went back to Towson University, where he had been going to school when he was drafted by the Tigers. He is now studying film and is looking to get into acting

PASSED BALL SHOW #192 10/9/2015 Part 1 WITH WARREN BRUSSTAR; I start out by discussing the Yankees/ Astros Wild Card game and what doomed the Yankees in their defeat. If the Yankees want to compete with the big time AL teams, they need to find a way to score a run against Tony Sipp, Will Harris or Luke Gregerson. I then play my interview with Phillies postseason reliever of the late 1970s Warren Brusstar. Warren talks about those late 1970s Phillies as well as his 32 + innings of scoreless relief for the Cubs in 1984. I finish off by talking about Mets manager Terry Collins, why I continue to insist that managers in baseball are more overrated than any other leadership positions in sports and why Collins being in the postseason is a victory for all managers that are let go after having three losing seasons

PASSED BALL SHOW #191 10/4/2015 Part 2 WITH LEON ROBERTS; I start out by playing my interview with former Tigers and Mariners OF Leon Roberts. Leon has spent his post baseball career both coaching and managing. He talks about facing an adversity that few will ever have to deal with and still becoming a good MLB player in spite of it. He also talks about his opportunity to join the NFL's Houston Oilers. I then talk about the history of father/ son combinations in baseball and one that spanned the years of 1902-1949. I finish off by talking about the outstanding broadcasting career of the great Milo Hamilton, who passed away on September 17th

PASSED BALL SHOW #191 10/4/2015 Part 1 WITH BRANDON DUCKWORTH; I start out by talking about the unfortunate season Mets RHP Dillon Gee has had. As the Mets are headed to the playoffs, Gee will be left behind, something Dillon should have his share of blame in. I then play my interview with former Phillies, Astros and Royals RHP and current scout for the New York Yankees, Brandon Duckworth. After that, I discuss the 2014 1st round draft class and how it compares to the 2012 and 2013 first rounds. I then spend a little time talking about the life and baseball career of Alex Monchak, who recently passed away at the age of 98. Alex will be known as a main coach on the staff of Chuck Tanner with Oakland, Chicago, Pittsburgh and Atlanta from the years of 1971-1988

PASSED BALL SHOW #190 9/28/2015 Part 2 WITH JOHN FRASCATORE; I start out by talking about a couple teams, the Red Sox, Marlins and Phillies, who are still playing hard despite being well out of the playoff picture. I question whether the Braves have quit, or the talent they have on the field has just eroded. I then talk about the job Torey Lovallo has done since taking over for John Farrell as the later recovers from cancer. I question why games that Lovallo and former Blue Jays coach Harry Warner managed while filling in for a sick manager do not count as part of their record. I then play the second part of my interview with former Cardinals, Blue Jays and Diamondbacks RHP John Frascatore

PASSED BALL SHOW #190 9/28/2015 Part 1 WITH MARTY APPEL AND BILLY SAMPLE; I start out by sending my condolences to the family of New Jersey native Yogi Berra, the Yankees great, Hall of Fame Catcher and Baseball Icon who passed away this week at the age of 90. I speak with longtime Yankees PR Director, author and friend of Yogi Marty Appel about some of the things he remembers most about Yogi. I then talk about the man's managerial career which included two stints with the Yankees and one with the Mets. I then introduce my next guest, Billy Sample while giving a plug for his movie Reunion 108. Billy talks about playing for Yogi the first 16 games of the 1985 season. We discuss a couple of other topics, including how Billy Martin led the Yankees to a near division title in 1985 after taking over for Yogi. I then hit my last three points about Yogi- the fact that he was a winner- no doubt winning seemed to follow him wherever he went and it was no coincidence. For as much as he meant to the Yankees franchise history, he was sure treated haphazardly as a manager in his two stints in 1964 and 1984-1985. Finally, he needs to be remembered for his superior baseball mind as opposed to the "Yogi-isms."

PASSED BALL SHOW #189 9/13/2015 Part 2 WITH JOHN FRASCATORE; I talk about the inverse relationship between September of 2015 to that of September of 2007 in regards to the New York Mets. I then talk about the quick demise of Nationals RHP Drew Storen and the what has changed since the team traded for Jonathan Papelbon. I then play my interview with former Cardinals and Blue Jays RHP John Frascatore. I finish off by breaking down the four biggest in-season trades the Mets have made and come to a conclusion which one had the most positive impact

PASSED BALL SHOW #189 9/13/2015 Part 1 WITH MARK KNUDSON; I start out by talking about the recent passing of former Cardinals RHP Joaquin Andujar. When remembering the long time MLB pitcher of the 1980s, its hard to forget the 1985 World Series, when Andujar's reaction in Game 7 of the WS to Don Denkinger was a symbol of the team's frustration of the umpire's missed call in the game before. If instant replay existed in 1985, the Cardinals would have been World Series Champions for the 10th time (12th now) and the Royals would have still won a WS. I then talk about the struggle in organizational philosophy that led to the departure of GM Dave Dombrowski and how it will similarly likely lead to the departure of manager Brad Ausmus. I then play my interview with former Astros, Brewers and Rockies RHP Mark Knudson

PASSED BALL SHOW #188 9/5/2015 Part 2 WITH BUTCH HENRY; I start out by playing my interview with former MLB LHP and current pitching coach of the SI Yankees Butch Henry. After that, I talk about the similarities and differences between the Atlanta Braves and Cincinnati Reds as they play out the string in September. I then give kudos to a team in the same boat that is playing hard and trying to finish strong even though they have no postseason aspirations. I then talk about the connection between the Phillies Paul Owens, Danny Ozark and Dallas Green of the 1970s Philadelphia ballclub. I finish off by speaking a little bit about the innings limit situation of Matt Harvey and the New York Mets

PASSED BALL SHOW #188 9/5/2015 Part 1 WITH JAMES KAPRIELIAN; I start out by wondering why some Toronto Blue Jays players seem to feel like it is them against the world. The actions of a couple players this season have made it seem like they are mad at somebody- whether it is the media, fans or the opposition. I then get into the situation with the Atlanta Braves and question not only the leadership of manager Fredi Gonzalez during their recent tank job- but how the players on said slide can be trusted by the organization going forward. I also think that other teams may factor in certain Braves players psyche when potentially pursuing a trade in the offseason. I then play my interview with Staten Island Yankees RHP and Yankees 2015 1st round draft pick (#16 overall) James Kaprielian (which took place after his most recent pitching performance on Thursday). I finish off by giving props to Phillies LHP Adam Loewen for making his return to the majors as a pitcher

PASSED BALL SHOW #187 8/21/2015 Part 2 WITH KEVIN KOUZMANOFF; I start out by talking about the Pennant Races in Major League Baseball and how it would be great for the sport to see four teams that have not seen a baseball postseason in a while- Chicago Cubs (2008), New York Mets (2006), Houston Astros (2005) and Toronto Blue Jays (1993). I then talk about how I still feel the Washington Nationals themselves will determine whether they will win the NL East. Though the window is closing, there is too much talent on this team for them to not have another run left in them. I then play my interview with former Rangers, Padres and Athletics 3B Kevin Kouzmanoff. Kevin talks about his recent decision to retire and how his father was a great influence in his pre and professional baseball career

PASSED BALL SHOW #187 8/21/2015 Part 1 WITH KEVIN GRYBOSKI; I start out by talking about the significance of the 1995 baseball season and the recovery from the first ever MLB players strike that resulted in the loss of a season's postseason play. I also talk about how the 1995 season was that important for the Atlanta Braves and how it is still a little disappointing that the team that won consecutive division titles from 1991-2005 only won one World Series Championship. I then play my interview with former Braves, Rangers and Nationals RHP Kevin Gryboski. Kevin talks a little bit about the 2015 baseball season as well as his experience at the Braves most recent yearly reunion. Particularly, the Braves honored the 20th anniversary of their 1995 World Series Championship. I finish off by talking about the Boston Red Sox hiring of Dave Dombrowski as President of Baseball Operations, what it says about the last four seasons for Ben Cherington as team's GM and whether the Red Sox have a lot of work to do to get back into the winner's circle of AL teams

PASSED BALL SHOW #186 8/12/2015 Part 2 WITH CHRIS BOOTCHECK; I start out by playing my interview with former Angels RHP Chris Bootcheck. Chris talks about growing up in Indiana and how his father was also a professional baseball player. Chris played in Little League usually two to three years younger than the kids at each level. I then talk a little about umpires in baseball now. I feel the perception should be a lot better than it is because of what it used to be. I use Tim Hurst as my example. I then give the main reason Tigers owner Mike Illich parted ways with Dave Dombrowski and finish off by discussing what has happened to the Minnesota Twins, a team that got off to a good start but has struggled mightily lately

PASSED BALL SHOW #186 8/12/2015 Part 1 WITH FRANK SAUCIER; I open up by talking about the impact of the late Frank Gifford, the Pro Football HOF NY Giant and ABC Monday Night Football TV analyst. I then play my interview with former St Louis Browns OF Frank Saucier. Frank talks about his reasons for playing baseball as a kid, his relationship with longtime Browns owner Bill Veeck and his experience in the Eddie Gaedel game. I then talk about the Brewers and GM Doug Melvin as well as the Tigers parting ways with Dave Dombrowski

PASSED BALL SHOW #185 7/28/2015 Part 2 WITH ROSS GRIMSLEY; I start out by playing my interview with former Reds, Orioles and Expos LHP Ross Grimsley. We talk about his father pitching in the big leagues and the fact that he served the US in World War II, as did his mother. Ross also talks about how he made adjustments along the way to become a successful pitcher. Ross does the pregame for the Orioles on 105.7 the fan in Baltimore. I then take on the baseball writers and radio show hosts that insist that the Padres should have traded their top players away. I finish by highlighting one of Sandy Alderson's boldest moves

PASSED BALL SHOW #185 7/28/2015 Part 1 WITH JON WARDEN; I start out by discussing some MLB trading deadline scenarios. I talk about the Mets need for a bat and show confidence that a deal will get done. I talk about the Blue Jays getting Troy Tulowitzki and how they may be that team that hasnt been to the postseason in a while that will end the drought this year. I then play my interview with the funniest ball player I have met, former Tigers LHP Jon Warden. Jon pitched for the Tigers in 1968 and was part of the World Series Championship team

PASSED BALL SHOW #184 7/28/2015 Part 2 WITH SHAWN ESTES; I start out by playing my interview with former Giants, Rockies, Reds, Padres and Mets LHP Shawn Estes. We talk about kids throwing curveballs and pitching in leagues 12 months a year adn some solutions to the problem. We also talk about who he looked up to as a kid and a couple of his top MLB moments. I then comment on one of them, then talk a little about the Chicago White Sox and some reasons they have not lived up to my expectations. I finish off by talking about the recent passing of one of the three remaining players who were still alive from the 1947 World Series Champion New York Yankees team

PASSED BALL SHOW #184 7/28/2015 Part 1 WITH PAT COMBS; I start out by talking about what stood out from watching the All Star Game this year- the fact that the best pitchers are better than the best hitters (something that has become evident by watching the postseason as well). I also touch on ESPN's most embarrassing moment of the past 36 years- how the can unconscionably decide to ignore the fact that former Reds star 1B and icon Sean Casey made a bare handed catch on a foul ball deep down the left field line. I then play my interview with former Phillies LHP Pat Combs, talking about his development as a young pitcher and looking up to Steve Carlton and how he transitioned into his current career. I then tell my favorite Pat Combs memory. I finish off by talking about the urgency the Toronto Blue Jays must have in regards to upgrading both their starting pitching and bullpen. I then mention the importance in the Mets adding a bat to the middle of their batting order in addition to the trades for Juan Uribe, Kelly Johnson and Tyler Clippard

PASSED BALL SHOW #183 7/12/2015 Part 2 WITH SHAWN RIGGANS; I start out by playing my interview with former Rays C Shawn Riggans. He talks about the catcher that influenced him the most during his baseball development as well as his experience on the 2008 American League Champion Tampa Bay Rays squad. He also talks about Athletes Max, which has done a lot for kids and prepares them in their development. I then give a recap of the first half of the 2015 baseball season. I spend some time talking about the Astros, Twins, Rays, White Sox, Mariners and Red Sox as well as the Padres in the NL

PASSED BALL SHOW #183 7/12/2015 Part 1 WITH DON AUGUST; I start out by talking about the most logical way to determine home field advantage in the World Series, especially the way the game has changed from 20 years ago. I then introduce my guest, former Brewers RHP Don August, who pitched in the big leagues for the Brewers from 1988-1991, the 1984 US Olympic team and in a series of different countries from 1992-2000. I then talk about some reasons Mike Trout has become the face of baseball and try to figure out why sure fire first ballot Hall of Famers Albert Pujols and Miguel Cabrera have not been held in the same regard

PASSED BALL SHOW #182 6/30/2015 Part 2 WITH ORLANDO MERCED; I start out by remembering the life of Darryl Hamilton, whose life was selfishly taken from him at the young age of 50. I then play my interview with former Pirates and Astros 1B Orlando Merced. We talk about how he grew up near the home of the Clemente family and knew Roberto's kids very well in Puerto Rico. We also talk about the 1991-1992 NLCS against the Braves and what it meant for him to play for the same team as his childhood idol. I then spent a little time talking about how it is difficult to not be biased when proposing a trade involving your favorite team and how a Jonathon Niese/ Carl Crawford swap could work out for both the Mets and Dodgers. I finish off by talking about the Phillies situation and whether Ryne Sandberg made the right decision by resigning as manager

PASSED BALL SHOW #182 6/30/2015 Part 1 WITH ROY SMITH; I start out by talking about the firing of Padres manager Bud Black, how the Padres struggles were clearly not his fault and how MLB managers are the easiest scapegoats for anything that goes wrong. I go on to reiterate my point that the most uneducated baseball fans still think managers are the difference between winning and losing. I close the segment by talking about the real reason there are few longer serving MLB managers than there were, say, 10 years ago. I then talk about a Toronto Blue Jays SS who was one of four players to be on the Jays 1985, 1989, 1991 and 1992 postseason teams. Only one of them was also on the 1993 World Series Championship team. I finish off the program by playing my interview with former Cleveland Indians RHP Roy Smith (2001)

PASSED BALL SHOW #181 6/9/2015 Part 2 WITH BRIAN MCRAE;I start hour two by talking about the success of the Minnesota Twins and how they might have put something solid together. Of course, the odds are the other teams in the AL Central will show their true talent, but I do think the Twins can be for real. The same, in my opinion, cannot be said for the Houston Astros and I will give the two reasons why. I then talk about how a proposed Ben Zobrist/ Jonathon Niese (other pieces would have to be involved) can work for both teams. I then welcome to the program 10 year MLB and second generation OF Brian McRae. Brian talks about how he remembers being in the early 1970 Reds clubhouses among all the Hall of Fame players and his story about being drafted by the Royals in the 1st round. He hated the constant questions about playing for his father when Hal was the manager of the Royals in 1991-1994. He also talks about he distinction of playing all ten years in the major leagues at just 1 position (CF)

PASSED BALL SHOW #181 6/9/2015 Part 1 WITH DON LARSEN; I start out by talking about how the game of baseball has changed in regards in players being able to police themselves on the field. Because umpires are so quick to issue warnings and eject players for retaliation, teams are unable to police themselves. Does it cause the childish acts we see when a Brian McCann or JT Realmuto waits for a player to cross the plate to complain the hitter showboated too much? I then talk about the passing of former Cubs SS and the last living member of the 1945 NL Champion Cubs Lennie Merullo. I then talk how the Cubs are getting back to prominence and how they should bring Javier Baez up after he returns from his latest injury in 6-8 weeks and play him somewhere in the field (LF?). Managers Lloyd McClendon and Bryan Price were added to the All Star Game coaching staffs, was it simply so they can keep their jobs through the All Star break? I am then joined by the only pitcher to throw a no hitter in the World Series and the only pitcher to throw a perfect game in the postseason, Don Larsen

PASSED BALL SHOW #180 5/19/2015 Part 2 WITH STEVE LYONS; I start out by talking about the successful playing career and more successful managerial career of the late Billy Martin. I then talk a little bit about the other player to play in the major leagues with the same name of Billy Martin. I then talk about the latter's part on the 1914 Boston Braves and their improbable World Series Championship. After that, I discuss a Philadelphia Phillies OF by the name of Gavvy Cravath who was the first player to challenge the all time HR record held by Roger Connor. Of course, that record would later be shattered by the immortal Babe Ruth. I then play my interview with former White Sox and Red Sox infielder/ outfielder Steve Lyons, who now works for the NESN in Boston. Steve discusses being a utility player, being traded for Tom Seaver and, of course, the incident where he dropped his pants at 1B. I finish off by paying my respects to former MLB C Earl Averill, who passed away this past week at the age of 83. Earl was a guest on the PBS in 2013

PASSED BALL SHOW #180 5/19/2015 Part 1 WITH JON LIEBER; I open up the program by suggesting a new name to the program, perhaps the Past Ball Show as opposed to the Passed Ball Show. I then talk about the firing of Marlins manager Mike Redmond and the fact that he replaced by GM Dan Jennings, who has never worn a uniform at a professional level. I then play my interview with former Pirates, Cubs, Yankees and Phillies RHP Jon Lieber and talk about his Tommy John operation and some of the reasons pitchers are more susceptible to having the operation now. Jon had his procedure done by Dr Andrews, the world renown surgeon

PASSED BALL SHOW #179 4/29/2015 Part 2 WITH TOMMY MANZELLA; I start out by talking about the recent trade of Josh Hamilton to the Texas Rangers and how I hope he is able to overcome his demons to once again become the force he has the ability to be. I also spoke about the Rangers chances this season and the fact that a healthy and focused Hamilton should make them a better ballclub. I then play my interview with former Houston Astros SS Tommy Manzella. We talk about the importance of substituting responsibility for blame and why people are not able to handle adversity well. I finish off by talking about the bad starts of the Brewers, Indians and Nationals and why there is a Nationals player struggling to regain prominence that I am rooting for

PASSED BALL SHOW #179 4/29/2015 Part 1 WITH REGGIE JEFFERSON; I start out by playing my interview with former Indians and Red Sox 1B Reggie Jefferson. Reggie talks about the early 1990s Indians teams and all the youth that was injected into them with stars like Albert Belle, Kenny Lofton and Sandy Alomar. He also talks about his dominant 1996 season with the Boston Red Sox. I then congratulate 2012 Passed Ball Show guest Jack Leathersich for his callup to the major leagues with the Mets before talking about how difficult it is to make it to the major leagues. Part of my monologue includes the fact that every professional baseball player is the best in their high school and that extremely talented ballplayers, including those who could play in the major leagues, do not get there. I then touch on how minor league hitting and pitching coaches can suggest drastic changes to your routine during a slump. While some may be beneficial, others may not and if it doesn't work, these coaches will care less when you are cut. Consult with your inner circle before making any drastic changes. I finish off by recapping some of the most recent MLB injuries

PASSED BALL SHOW #178 4/22/2015 Part 2 WITH MATT DESALVO; i start out by playing my interview with former Yankees and Braves RHP Matt DeSalvo. I remember Matt pitching in spring training for the Mets in 2009. Matt was one of the best Division III pitchers to ever put on a uniform and made his MLB debut with the Yankees in 2007. He talks about how the information provided in an interview became part of his Wikipedia page. I then talk about the impending retirement of Yankees OF Bernie Williams, why I feel he was wronged by the Yankees and the other OF to play in the major leagues with the same name. I finish off by talking about Yasmany Tomas' ability to hit for power and how the Diamondbacks are messing with his assets by trying to play him at 3B

PASSED BALL SHOW #178 4/22/2015 Part 1 WITH MICHAEL TAYLOR; I start out by introducing my guest, former Athletics and White Sox OF Michael Taylor. Michael was originally drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and was highly touted before he was traded to the Toronto Blue Jays in the trade for RHP Roy Halladay. That same day, he was dealt to the Athletics for 1B Brett Wallace. Michael talks about his decision to retire this spring training at age 29 and a lot about his experiences playing in both the minor and major leagues. Michael is a graduate of Stanford University and has a good head on his shoulders and will be successful in wherever his next stop takes him

PASSED BALL SHOW #177 4/22/2015 Part 2 WITH ZACH MINER; I start out by talking about the major league baseball career of the late Harley Hisner and though it lasted just one major league game, it was a game that could have had a book written about it. Harley pitched for the Red Sox in a game in 1951, which happened to be against the Yankees and was the last regular season game played in by Joe DiMaggio. I then talk about a first baseman with the last name of Easter who played for the Cleveland Indians and hit a lot of home runs. Unfortunately, he was unable to get to start his career until after the age of 30. I play my interview with former Tigers and Phillies RHP Zach Miner and talk about his appearance in the 2006 World Series as a rookie, coming up in the Atlanta Braves organization and his decision to stop pitching professionally. I finish off by questioning the decision made by Mets RHP Zack Wheeler to have Tommy John surgery and I wonder if the operation is as mandatory as doctors and major league baseball make it out to be

PASSED BALL SHOW #177 4/10/2015 Part 1 WITH BRAD HOLMAN; I start out by finally finishing my 30-1 MLB countdown previews for 2015 and previewing the perhaps AL Champion Seattle Mariners, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the team who could play the Mariners in the World Series, the Washington Nationals. My World Series prediction matches up the only two MLB teams to have yet to play in a World Series before. I then play my interview with former Seattle Mariners RHP Brad Holman. Brad talks about playing baseball as a kid with his brothers, former Mariners RHP Brian Holman and Brent. Then a little bit about what he learned as a pitcher in college and the differences in the way he pitched in high school, college and in the minor leagues

PASSED BALL SHOW #176 4/1/2015 Part 2 WITH LARRY DIERKER; I start out by continuing my 30-1 MLB countdown previews. I talk about the San Diego Padres, the winners of the 2014-2015 off season. However, I mention how they won it, and the answer is not as obvious as it seems. I also talk about how I like the way GM AJ Preller went about his business. I then preview the Pittsburgh Pirates, a team that I think has its opportunity to control the AL Central. I then talk about the Boston Red Sox and how due to the battle of attrition, they are the team to beat in the AL East division. I then play my interview with longtime MLB RHP, Astros brodacaster and MLB manager Larry Dierker. Larry talks about signing with the Colt 45s at the age of 17, learning how to pitch in the major leagues and how he got into both broadcasting and field manager- the latter after having no experience coaching or managing before. I finish off by talking about what impressed me the most of what Larry Dierker accomplished

PASSED BALL SHOW #176 4/1/2015 Part 1 WITH BRUCE RUFFIN; I start out by continuing my 30-1 MLB countdown previews. I start by previewing the Chicago White Sox, a team whose off season moves have instantly made them a force to be wrecking with in the AL Central. Is it enough to get the team back to the postseason? The same can be said about their cross city rivals, the Chicago Cubs. Is the Cubs addition of manager Joe Maddon and star LHP Jon Lester enough t get the Cubs to the playoff since Lou Piniella got them there in 2008? I then preview the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, talking about the loss of Josh Hamilton and how the team has replenished their farm system without quitting, something that is frowned upon according to todays younger baseball fans. I finish off by playing my interview with former MLB LHP Bruce Ruffin, who pitched in the major leagues for the Phillies, Brewers and Rockies from 1986-1997. Bruce talks about how he easily transitioned into the big leagues and may have prematurely made adjustments to his repertoire before hitters started adjusting to him. He also took the place in the Phillies rotation of Hall of Famer Steve Carlton, a fellow lefty

PASSED BALL SHOW #175 3/23/2015 Part 2 WITH JOE OLIVER;I open up by talking about the absurdness involving the Chicago Cubs decision to likely not start 3B Kris Bryant opening day. Among reasons the Cubs need to bring their best players north is the fact they hired a manager to "win now" I then do my 30-1 MLB countdown previews starting with the New York Mets, who are ready to compete for a NL Wild Card spot now, in spite of the injury to Zack Wheeler. I then preview the Toronto Blue Jays, who according to my previews, miss the AL postseason because of the injury to RHP Marcos Stroman. I finally preview the AL Champion Kansas City Royals and talk about how the team's starting rotation may be better than last year, assuming the team's 2 and 4 starters of last year are ready to make the transition into 1 and 2s. I finish off by playing my interview with former Reds C and manager of the Lowell Spinners, Joe Oliver. Joe talks about his hit in game 2 of the 1990 World Series off Dennis Eckersley and how he returned to baseball after such a long layoff

PASSED BALL SHOW #175 3/23/2015 Part 1 WITH TARRIK BROCK; I start out by talking about the reasons the release and title of Sandy Alderson's book are a iittle bit premature and how he clearly should not be given credit for "reviving the Mets," at least not yet. I also talk about how the release of this book makes it more imperative that the Mets return to respectibility THIS season. I then play my interview with the minor league OF and base running coordinator of the San Diego Padres Tarrik Brock, talking about the years he spent in the Detroit Tigers organization, his MLB debut overseas and how he has the perfect mindset and attitude to coach today's player. I finish off by doing my 30-1 MLB countdown team previews for the St Louis Cardinals, a team I think has more questions about its starting pitching than in many years as well as the Miami Marlins, a team on the rise with the ability to compete- right now

PASSED BALL SHOW #174 3/17/2015 Part 2 WITH RICK BAUER; I start out by questioning the automatic acceptance of pitchers having Tommy John surgery and why nobody ever challenges the doctor and team's recommendations. Can a pitcher ever feel as if there arm is ok? The problem could be a bullying tactic that is keeping the pitchers from sticking up for themselves. I then play my interview with former Orioles and Rangers RHP Rick Bauer, who talks about pitching in different states as a kid, some of what he learned through his own experiences as a young pitcher and what he is able to teach to younger pitchers he mentors. I finish off by previewing the Detroit Tigers, who I question their pitching depth and the Texas Rangers, who I think can finish with an over .500 record even without star pitcher Yu Darvish

PASSED BALL SHOW #174 3/17/2015 Part 1 WITH DON WAKAMATSU; I start out by remembering the great 3B for the Cleveland Indians during the 1950s, Al Rosen, who passed away at the age of 91. Al was an inspiration for many Jewish athletes with his no nonsense approach in regards to discrimination. Al was also a very effective executive in the 1970s and 1980s for then Yankees, Astros and Giants. I then play my interview with Kansas City Royals bench coach Don Wakamatsu. Don talks about growing up in California and the amount of different future professional athletes he was teammates with, how he soaked up so much information from the many people he played and coached for as well as his feelings about the Royals going into the 2015 season. I finish off by previewing the Milwaukee Brewers, a team I think will go as far as their younger starting pitchers take them, the Cleveland Indians, a team in transition with a similar surplus of young starting pitchers and the New York Yankees, a team that may not be dead and ready to bury just yet

PASSED BALL SHOW #173 3/11/2015 Part 2 WITH JACQUE JONES; I start out by playing my interview with former Minnesota Twins OF Jacque Jones. Jacque talks about how he learned to play baseball as a kid in San Diego. He also talks about the importance of his teammates in Minnesota and how he stays in touch with them to this day. I then do my team preview of the Houston Astros, commending them for bringing in some proven players to blend in with their youth. While I preview the Oakland Athletics, I give some credit for GM Billy Beane not having a complete fire sale and while I think the team could be very good in 2016, I think they will fail to make the postseason in 2015. I preview the World Series San Francisco GIants and talk about how they will have a hard time returning to the postseason in 2015. The same can be said about then Baltimore Orioles, who I think lost a lot with FAs Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis leaving to play elsewhere. I finish off by previewing the Arizona Diamondbacks and state why I think they can surprise everybody this season

PASSED BALL SHOW #173 3/11/2015 Part 1 WITH BILL LEE; I start out by taking the media to task for preying on Daniel Murphy's statement with his disagreement of the homosexual lifestyle and put the shoe on the other foot. I also commend the professionalism of Bill Bean and wonder how this became a story if proof was Bean did not have a problem with what Murphy said. I then play my interview with former Red Sox and Expos LHP Bill Lee, who talks about how he still pitches at age 69, how he learned to pitch, his aunt Annabelle who was one of the best female baseball players to ever live and some of the roommates he used to have. I finish off by comparing the accomplishments of John Montgomery Ward to the greats of all time

PASSED BALL SHOW #172 3/4/2015 Part 2 WITH GREG GOLSON; I start out by playing my interview with MLB OF and former Phillies 1st round draft pick Greg Golson. Greg talks about being drafted out of high school and how he spent too much time trying to be what the papers said he should be as opposed to just being himself. Greg also talks about the ritual he has every year just before spring training starts. I then get into my 30-1 MLB countdown previews by telling why the Rays will be the worst team in the American League. I then preview the Reds, who I am down on for two major reasons and the Braves, who are completely looking towards the future. I finish off by previewing the Minnesota Twins, a team who should have a good starting rotation and has a couple future star position players

PASSED BALL SHOW #172 3/4/2015 Part 1 WITH JEFF MONTGOMERY; I start out by remembering the impact of Minnie Minoso and then get on the Veterans Committee for neglecting to vote him into the Hall of Fame this year. Though Minoso would not have been able to attend the ceremony, at least he could have known he got in before he passed away. I think he will get in, just like the late Ron Santo did. I then play my interview with former Royals closer Jeff Montgomery. Jeff talks about growing up in Ohio and what it meant to be drafted by his home state Reds. He also has an interesting take on being traded. Jeff also talks about what the 2015 Royals meant to him. I then get into the history of beer sales at a baseball game and how the Pittsburgh Pirates gained their nickname. I finish off by celebrating the baseball careers of the late Alex Johnson and Jeff McKnight

PASSED BALL SHOW #171 2/24/2015 Part 2 WITH ROBB QUINLAN; I open up hour two by discussing the Mexican Baseball League, how it was founded in 1925 and why in the world it would have ever been considered an outlaw league. I then play my interview with former Angels infielder Robb Quinlan, who talks about having an older brother play baseball in the major leagues, growing up in Minnesota and his decision to go to the University of Minnesota as opposed to sign with the Angels. I then get into my series of baseball previews, starting with the Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies

PASSED BALL SHOW #171 2/24/2015 Part 1 WITH TED BARRETT; I start out by talking about the signing of Cuban infielder Yoan Moncada and his best fit for the Red Sox as well as the other teams pursuing him. I then play my interview with MLB umpire Ted Barrett, talking about his experience umpiring the 2014 World Series, being behind home plate for two perfect games and what he thinks of the advanced instant replay. We also talk about how the umpires intention is to call the game correctly and they do take a little too much criticism sometimes. I finish off this segment by talking about a 19th century pitcher named Terry Larkin, trying to figure out if he was a pitcher who just so happened to be a criminal or a criminal who just so happened to play major league baseball

PASSED BALL SHOW #170 2/15/2015 Part 2 WITH AKEEL MORRIS; I start out by playing my interview with Mets RHP prospect Akeel Morris. Akeel most recently pitched for the Savannah Sand Gnats, pitching to a 0.63 ERA averaging 14.1 Ks per 9/IP. Akeel talks about growing up in the Virgin Islands and a little about his experience pitching professionally. I then talk about losers of the World Series and how they are the only losers of the big game/ series to ever be remembered. Why was a TV documentary (MLB Network style) never done about the 1951 season? I bring up many of the exciting happenings of that season. I then introduce a MLB OF by the name of Gus Dugas- then tell the story of his professional baseball experience. I finish off by talking about the Yankees retired numbers and a little on the passing of long time MLB 3B coach Wendell Kim

PASSED BALL SHOW #170 2/15/2015 Part 1 WITH GEORGE ELDER; I start out by reminding the listeners about my 4th edition of the 30-1 MLB countdown previews which will be starting next week. You can search for last year's at www.johnpielli.com. I then talk about which team may be likely to make a trade before the start of the 2015 season before comparing the first 11 seasons of Albert Pujols career to the first full 11 seasons of the career of Miguel Cabrera. I finish off by playing the second part of my interview with former St Louis Browns OF George Elder, talking about playing baseball in the service, the message he got from Ted Williams and what he did after he was finished playing baseball. The interview can be heard in its entirety on my website

PASSED BALL SHOW #169 2/8/2015 Part 2 WITH BOOF BONSER; I opened up by playing my interview with former Twins RHP Boof Bonser, talking about his experience in baseball and how pitched in the postseason the same year he made his MLB debut. I then talk about the late Dave Bergman and how the three times he was traded, the team he went to benefited from it. I then make a mention of the late Dean Smith before talking about the origins of Brooklyn Baseball. I finish off by discussing something I hope the new Commissioner of MLB decides to do and how it would not harm anybody or the game of baseball

PASSED BALL SHOW #169 Part 1 WITH GEORGE ELDER; I start out by talking about the different steps that General Managers can take when they take over the operations of a new club. I then talk about the San Diego Padres and how GM AJ Preller has been very active in making the Padres a contender right away. I compare the Padres of 2015 to the Marlins of 2012 and Blue Jays of 2013. I then state whether I am a believer that they are a contender right now. I then play part 1 of my interview with 1949 St Louis Browns OF George Elder. George talks about fighting in World War II, playing football for Fordham and who he looked up to most in the process of playing athletics

PASSED BALL SHOW #168 2/1/2015 Part 2 WITH GARRETT MOCK; I start out by talking about my issues with the media and why I will never consider myself a part of it. Because of that, I completely understand why Marshawn Lynch doesn't wish to speak with the media and I have no problem with his actions. After that, I call out Mets GM Sandy Alderson for being the least creative GM in the history of Major League. I then play my interview with former Nationals RHP Garrett Mock, talking about his experience of getting to the major leagues. I finish off by announcing the winner of the 2nd annual NMA, brought to you by johnpielli.com

PASSED BALL SHOW #168 2/1/2015 Part 1 WITH JEFF HUSON; I start out by remembering the great HOF SS/ 1B of the Chicago Cubs Ernie Banks. I think many would find my take interesting as I go off on a number of different angles. I then play my interview with former Expos, Cubs and Rangers SS and current broadcaster for the Colorado Rockies. Jeff talks about being playing in Nolan Ryan's 7th no hitter as well as Cal Ripken's 2131st consecutive game. I then spend a couple of minutes mentioning the recent passings of Bill Monbouquette, Rocky Bridges and Charlie Williams. I finish off by talking about a former MLB catcher who had an amazing distinction that may never be duplicated again

PASSED BALL SHOW #167 1/23/2015 Part 2 WITH JOSH ROENICKE; I start out by playing my interview with MLB RHP Josh Roenicke, who most recently pitched in the big leagues for the Minnesota Twins in 2013. Josh is the son of former MLB OF Gary Roenicke and nephew of Milwaukee Brewers manager Ron Roenicke. He talks about some decisions he had to make while he was a kid. I then spend some time talking about the 1994-1995 Baseball Players Strike and some of the things it led to before talking about a replacement player's second shot at the major leagues. I then talk about a player who's name was Germany, then Liberty and what that has to do with cabbage. I finish off by talking about Benny Kauff and whether Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis had the jurisdiction to ban him for life for suspected auto theft

PASSED BALL SHOW #167 1/23/2015 Part 1 WITH TOM LASORDA; I start out by talking about all the things that are wrong about the Paul Beeston/ Dan Duquette situation in Toronto and how the lack of closure looks bad for Duquette and the Blue Jays organization. I then play my interview with Hall of Fame Dodgers manager Tom Lasorda where we talk about how he used to play baseball in Pennsylvania and what started his interest in wanting to play for the Dodgers. Among other topics are his wife's role in his life and which manager had the biggest impact on him. I then give respect to the Nationals for showing they are going for the World Series, something not all teams can say they really care about. I talk a little bit about the prospective comebacks of Dontrelle Willis and Johan Santana as well as the signings of Ichiro and Jonny Gomes- then finish it off by entailing the very busy off season of RHP Gonzalez Germen

PASSED BALL SHOW #166 1/17/2015 Part 2 WITH JIM CAMPANIS AND JIM CAMPANIS JR; I start out by playing my interview with former Seattle Mariners catching prospect and draft pick Jim Campanis, Jr. I then speak a little bit about why Jim's grandfather Al should be remembered more for his impact in the game of baseball and mentoring Jackie Robinson than for his comments in his 1987 Nightline interview with Ted Koppel. I finish off by playing my interview with former Dodgers, Royals and Pirates C Jim Campanis, Sr.

PASSED BALL SHOW #166 1/17/2015 Part 1 WITH BRAD AUSMUS; I start out by talking about the recent Rays trade of Ben Zobrist and Yunel Escobar to the Athletics and the obvious state of the Rays franchise. I also take a couple minutes to reiterate my criticism of the new age baseball fan that tries to say teams can win a World Series by never spending money. I then play my interview with Detroit Tigers manager and 18 year MLB catcher Brad Ausmus, talking about his Ivy League education at Dartmouth and how he balanced playing minor league baseball for the Yankees at the same time. I then discuss the impact of the first true iron man catcher and other amazing facts about Frank "Silver" Flint. I follow that up with a mention of a former pitcher named General who was never a General. I finish off this spot stating the obvious about why the Mets and SS Ian Desmond are not a match and why he will never be traded to the Mets

PASSED BALL SHOW #165 1/9/2015 Part 2 WITH LUIS LOPEZ; I start out by playing my interview with former Blue Jays and Expos infielder Luis Lopez. Lopez is currently playing for the Bridgeport Bluefish of the Atlantic League and is entering his 20th season playing professional baseball. He is a 6 time MVP, 10 time All Star and has been inducted into two Hall of Fames. Luis talks about growing up in Brooklyn and his relationship with former Blue Jays manager Buck Martinez. I then talk about a baseball pitcher by the name of King Cole, then talk about how some of the best bullpens could have been, hypothetically, mentioning, among others, the 2009 Mets, 1978 Yankees, 1980 Phillies and the 2014 and 1988 Royals. I finish off by mentioning one man, whose story can include a brother, a boxer and an inexcusable attack on an umpire

PASSED BALL SHOW #165 1/9/2015 Part 1 WITH MILT PAPPAS; I start out by congratulating the recent Hall of Fame inductees Randy Johnson, Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz and Craig Biggio. I then make my point that because Curt Schilling had nearly the same career (numbers wise) as John Smoltz and Smoltz was considered a no doubter by the BBWAA (first time eligible), Schilling should be in as well. The same goes for Alan Trammell because of Barry Larkin because Trammell is Larkin (numbers wise). I then halt the silly Biggio detractors saying he was a compiler by proving them wrong. I then talk about how big of a vote next year will be for Mike Piazza and how Carlos Delgado is not a Hall of Famer because Fred McGriff is not a Hall of Famer using by Schilling/ Smoltz- Trammell/ Larkin argument. I then play my interview with former Orioles, Reds and Cubs RHP Milt Pappas, talking about the designated hitter, being a teenager pitching in the big leagues and of course, his near perfect game for the Cubs in September of 1972

PASSED BALL SHOW #164 1/4/2015 Part 2 WITH ORLANDO MERCADO; I start out by playing my interview with former Mariners, Mets and Athletics C Orlando Mercado, who was most recently a coach for the Yankees AA affiliate in Trenton. Orlando talks about growing up in Puerto Rico and hitting a 3 run HR to support fellow countryman Edwin Nunez in his MLB debut. I then bring to light some unknown facts such as Dae Sung Koo still pitching professional baseball in 2014, Prince Joe Henry's impact in Negro League players receiving pensions and how much of a baseball pioneer Harry Wright was. I finish off by discussing the baseball career of late Orioles GM Hank Peters

PASSED BALL SHOW #164 1/4/2015 Part 1 WITH ART DITMAR; I start out by discussing the tremendous impact Stuart Scott had on me as well as anybody else who aspires to be unique. I also take a couple minutes to describe how much of a death sentence the diagnosis of cancer is. I then play my interview with former Yankees and Athletics RHP Art Ditmar, talking about his experience with Connie Mack, pitching and winning the last game in the history of the Philadelphia Athletics franchise and being part of the Yankees 1957 and 1960 AL Pennant and 1958 World Series Championship. We also clear up the misconception that some actually think he gave up the WS winning HR to the Pirates Mazeroski. I finish off by discussing the Phillies/ Reds and Yankees/ Braves trades- both of which should benefit both teams

PASSED BALL SHOW #163 12/30/2014 Part 2 WITH JD CLOSSER;I open up the program by remembering the history of the World Series and the years that led up to it. I then forecast (by going back in time)what would have been the previews of the 1904, 1902 and 1901 World Series and who would have played and who could have more World Series Championships. I then play my interview with former Colorado Rockies C JD Closser where I talk about what got him into baseball, being drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks and being the starting C for the 2003 Rockies

PASSED BALL SHOW #163 12/30/2014 Part 1 WITH CHASE ANDERSON; I start out by wishing everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays and reminding everyone that even those who do not have religious beliefs celebrate the holiday season, which is kind of hypocritical. I then play my interview with Arizona Diamondbacks RHP Chase Anderson, talking about his rookie season and the outlook of the Diamondbacks for 2015 and beyond. I then break down the four trades made by Athletics GM Billy Beane before finishing out explaining how players with long term financial commitments, even in cases where a player has a "bad contact" can be dealt in a way that helps the parent club

PASSED BALL SHOW #162 12/20/2014 Part 2 WITH JOE AYRAULT; I start out by breaking down the Veterans Committee's recent Golden Era's list of candidates and why none were likely to make it into the Hall of Fame. I then talk about the Hall of Fame vote for this coming year as a whole and why not only is it time to allow players who were a representation of the steroids era in the Hall, but certainly its time to allow those who had no proof or serious evidence of use in right now. I then play my interview with former Braves C and long time minor league manager Joe Ayrault. Since Joe had a chance to catch two Hall of Famers and another potential HOF pitcher, I conclude by announcing the players I would vote into the Hall this year

PASSED BALL SHOW #162 12/20/2014 Part 1 WITH TED KUBIAK; I start out by playing my interview with former Athletics and Brewers 2B, 3 time WS Champion and over 20 year minor league manager Ted Kubiak. Ted talks about growing up in NJ and also mentions how the game has changed. I am then motivated to completely break down the stat WAR and seriously criticize its origin and what it is based off of. I finish off by giving credit to the teams such as the Padres and Marlins who continue to attempt to make their teams better and knock the Rays, Athletics and Mets for not attempting to make their teams better

PASSED BALL SHOW #161 12/14/2014 Part 2 WITH HEATH BELL; I start out by playing my interview recorded this week with former Padres and Mets RHP Heath Bell. Heath talks about how he worked hard and threw long distances, keeping his conditioning to a point where he ran more than anybody else, to increase his endurance and velocity on his fastball. I then talk about a 1950s pitcher that would up being part of 11 different organizations. I talk about the $100,000 contract and Joe DiMaggio and Mickey Mantle. I finish off by mentioning one of the more interesting records held by a pitcher that redefines the term "iron man"

PASSED BALL SHOW #161 12/14/2014 Part 1 WITH JIM HOEY; I start out by talking about my first trip to the Baseball Winter Meetings in SD, CA. I play a brief interview that I recorded on video with former Orioles and Twins RHP Jim Hoey. I then talk about the week for the Miami Marlins and why I think there is a way that RHP Dan Haren will pitch for the Marlins this season. I then talk about the busy Chicago White Sox and how they got themselves right into contention of the AL Central. Andrew Friedman has put his stamp on the LA Dodgers, but not in the same way he did in Tampa Bay. I then compare the Oakland Athletics recent firesale to the firesales of Athletics teams past, which includes the times in Philadelphia and Kansas City. I finish off by talking about how teams in baseball are more poised to contend now than in years past. Teams can be in contention with 85 wins, and because of that, teams that may have felt they needed another year to "rebuild" are making moves to contend now that they would not have made in years past

PASSED BALL SHOW #160 12/8/2014 Part 2 WITH CARL SCHEIB; I start out by talking about the lineage of New York Giants managers and how it compares to that of the Philadelphia Athletics history of managers. I then talk about how dominant of an offensive 3B Stan Hack was for the time he played in. What if Walter Johnson jumped from the Washington Senators in 1914 and joined the Federal League like many other MLB players did at that time? I then talk about an old Players League pitcher's one MLB game. I finish off by playing my interview with former Philadelphia Athletics RHP Carl Scheib. Carl talks about playing for Connie Mack for 7 years and what he felt about Jimmy Dykes as a manager. Carl was also an outstanding hitting pitcher and made his MLB debut at age 16, the youngest debut in the history of the American League

PASSED BALL SHOW #160 12/8/2014 Part 1 WITH FRITZ PETERSON; I start out by talking about how well MLB umpire Dale Scott announced he was gay in a respectable, not all about himself and sexuality, way. I then talk about the Tampa Bay Rays manager hiring as well as the Yankees addressing their shortstop need. Didi Gregorius will be fine as long as he is mentally tough enough to deal with the comparisons to Derek Jeter. I then talk about Mets GM Sandy Alderson and question whether he has rubbed other GMs and executives the wrong way with his trade expectations. I then play my interview with former Yankees LHP Fritz Peterson, talking about his book(s) and his experience pitching on the Yankees teams that were between successful times

PASSED BALL SHOW #159 11/30/2014 Part 2 WITH TODD HANEY;I start out by talking about two of the most successful pitchers on the New York Yankees first World Series Championship and AL Pennant Winning teams and question why the team has not honored them. I then state the reasons why we will never see another Cy Young relief pitcher in the history of MLB. Then, I talk about the span from the beginning of one's managerial career from start to finish (even if there is a gap or two in between). Not including Connie Mack, I then discuss the longest careers as a manager, from start to finish. I end the broadcast by speaking with former Mets, Cubs and Expos infielder Todd Haney about growing up in Texas, being a smaller ballplayer and how he continued to improve to make the big leagues as a 38th round draft pick as well as what he has done after baseball

PASSED BALL SHOW #159 11/30/2014 Part 1 WITH CHRIS AGUILA; I start out by talking about the recent signing of Cuban OF Yasmany Tomas and the amazing fact that the price teams are paying for top Cuban born players is not rising at the pace it should. I declare the Athletics trade of 3B Josh Donaldson another dagger in the hopes of money ball ever winning a World Series Championship and also talk about the Red Sox signings of Hanley Ramirez and Pablo Sandoval. I then play my interview with former Marlins and Mets OF Chris Aguila, talking about being a top prospect and the adjustments he needed to make playing ball on a professional level. I finish off by talking about the player who finished with the 4th highest batting average in the history of MLB and why he belongs in Baseball's Hall of Fame (the batting average enough should be enough)

PASSED BALL SHOW #158 11/21/2014 Part 2 WITH DAVE BUSH AND JOE AUSANIO; I start out by playing my interview with former Brewers and Blue Jays RHP Dave Bush and talk about his three near no hitters and the time he gave up 4 consecutive HR in a game. I then rip the younger, uneducated baseball fan about his sillyness regarding baseball trades, then talk about the deals that involved the most players between two or more teams. I then talk about the players that were so called "traded for themselves" and debunk the theory of two of the players. I then break down the 1962 Mets catchers and total up their stats for the season, finding a surprising conclusion on their offensive production. I finish off by playing my interview with former Yankees RHP Joe Ausanio. Joe talks about growing up in NY, pitching for the first time in the big leagues in 1994, the year of the baseball strike and pitching with a young, unproven, Mariano Rivera

PASSED BALL SHOW #158 11/21/2014 Part 1 WITH PAUL BYRD; I open up the program by talking about the new contracts signed by Marlins OF Giancarlo Stanton and new Blue Jays C Russell Martin. I then talk about why I think the Billy Butler signing was a good one for the Oakland Athletics as well as why the Jason Heyward/ Shelby Miller trade could be an even deal or very one sided. I then play my interview with former Phillies, Mets and Braves RHP Paul Byrd, talking about how he got into playing baseball and a little about his book, Free Byrd. I finish off talking about the baseball life and career of late LHP Ray Sadecki, who passed away this week at the age of 73

PASSED BALL SHOW #157 11/14/2014 Part 2 WITH DAMIAN MOSS;I start out by remembering the very good MLB career as both a SS and MGR of Al Dark, who passed away this week at the age of 92. His autobiography was called, "When in Doubt, Fire the Manager." I then mention one of the most bizarre plays in the history of baseball, one in which Dark was a part of. I then talk about the triple- back when it was a big part of baseball- and some of the teams that recorded the most in the history of MLB. I talk about the unsung Cubs career of 1B and mgr Charlie Grimm, the 1998 trade of Paul Konerko for Mike Cameron and how Alfredo Simon has been able to focus on baseball now that his legal issues have been resolved. I finish off by playing my interview with former Braves, Giants and Orioles LHP Damian Moss and talk about being being born and Australia and making it to the big leagues

PASSED BALL SHOW #157 11/14/2014 Part 1 WITH LARRY BOWA AND MIKE SANFILIPPO; Speaking with Mike Sanfilippo, "Old Man Mike" from the Boomer and Carton Show on WFAN NY, I get his reaction to the Mets signing of Michael Cuddyer, where the Mets should go to address their needs at SS and discuss some free agents, including Hanley Ramirez, Pablo Sandoval, Max Scherzer and Jon Lester. I then play my interview with Philadelphia Phillies bench coach and former MLB SS and manager Larry Bowa. Larry talks about how he didn't make his high school team and how it inspired him to work harder. He also talks about playing for the early 1970s Phillies teams and how he saw them develop from a bad team to a team that can compete with anybody, culminating with the 1980 World Series Championship. He also tells me who impacted him the most as a SS and as a MLB manager

PASSED BALL SHOW #156 11/6/2014 Part 2 WITH KERMIT WASHINGTON; I start out by introducing my guest, former Los Angeles Lakers and Portland Trail Blazers PF Kermit Washington. Kermit talks about growing up in a rough area of Washington, DC while getting a chance to play playground basketball with about 10 future NBA players. Kermit talks about the work he put in after high school to become a better player and how he worked hard with Pete Newell in his 3rd NBA season to become a fixture in the NBA. I then talk about the real reason Bud Selig nearly contracted two teams after the 2001 season, the other player signed by the Brooklyn Dodgers at about the same time as Jackie Robinson, the youngest MLB managers in the history of the game as well as the 8 MLB players to die on their birthday

PASSED BALL SHOW #156 11/6/2014 Part 1 WITH BILL MADLOCK; I start out the program by remembering former MLB LHP Brad Halsey, who passed away this week at the age of 33. I then talk about the Cubs hiring of former Tampa Bay Rays manager Joe Maddon and adding a little on the Minnesota Twins hiring of Hall of Famer Paul Molitor as manager. I mention the 9 players who were on the 2010, 2012 and 2014 World Series Champion San Francisco Giants and compare their 3 Championships to the dynasties in the history of MLB. I finish off by speaking with former Cubs, Pirates and Giants infielder Bill Madlock and mention a little about my opinion of the defensive metrics determining the finalists for the Gold Glove Awards

PASSED BALL SHOW #155 10/28/2014 Part 2 WITH HAL RAETHER; I start out by talking about the only known 400 game winner not to pitch in the Major Leagues. I mention the tragic death of St Louis Cardinals OF prospect Oscar Taveras, before coincidentally discussing the many MLB players who were killed or died as active players, including the first professional athlete to die in a plane crash. I then play my interview with former Philadelphia and Kansas City Athletics RHP Hal Raether as I discuss the 54 year history of the franchise in the city of Philadelphia. I then play my second ever PBS Public Service Announcement talking about mortadella. I finish off by giving my logical reasons for a Yasiel Puig for Matt Harvey trade this offseason

PASSED BALL SHOW #155 10/28/2014 Part 1 WITH TIM PURPURA; I open up by discussing the overrating of the ratings of this year's World Series. I then get into the obvious reason that both Tampa Rays GM Andrew Friedman and manager Joe Maddon jumped ship from the Rays this offseason. I then speak with former Astros GM Tim Purpura about how he got into baseball and about the 2005 NL Champion Astros which he was in charge of. I finish off by playing a brief segment of my discussion with former Brooklyn Dodgers RHP Joe Landrum about his experience playing in the first ever College World Series

PASSED BALL SHOW #154 10/17/2014 Part 2 WITH JOE INGLETT; I start out by giving my respect to those who are part of the military and especially those who have given their lives supporting this country. I talk about all the former MLB and Negro Leagues players who gave their life as a result of World War I. I then talk about the life of former Dodgers RHP Hugh Casey, a man who was born and died; started and finished his professional baseball career- in the same city. I make a comparison based on stats between HOF OF Enos Slaughter and former Senators 1B Mickey Vernon- one which concludes with the question: If one is in the HOF, why is the other not and versa. I play my first ever PBS PSA, which has nothing to do with baseball, actually Fat Albert. I then play my interview with former MLB INF Joe Inglett, who talks about growing up in California and some of his experiences playing baseball including his big league debut and the day he pitched for the Brewers. I finish off by talking about the World Series history of the Kansas City Royals and the New York/ San Francisco Giants baseball clubs

PASSED BALL SHOW #154 10/17/2014 Part 1 WITH JEFF CIRILLO; I start out by congratulating new MLB managers Jeff Banister and Chip Hale; two men who have put in their time as minor league managers and big league coaches and are ready to handle a big league club. Hopefully these hires will keep teams away from the stupidity of hiring former players that have never either coached or managed at any level. I then talk about the connection between the small market Tampa Bay Rays and the larger market Los Angeles Dodgers and how Andrew Friedman leaving TB to go to LA will put the younger, dollar obsessed, over-analytical baseball fan in a panic. I then play my interview with former MLB 3B Jeff Cirillo talking about how he got into baseball and the fact that he preferred basketball and some of his experiences in the big leagues. He is currently a MLB scout for the LA Angels and owns the Walla Walla Sweets, a West Coast League team in Washington state

PASSED BALL SHOW #153 10/9/2014 PART 2 WITH MIKE DEVEREAUX; I start out by playing my interview with former Orioles, Dodgers and Braves OF Mike Devereaux, talking about growing up in Wyoming and being right near Kirk Gibson in the clubhouse before he came up in his famous 9th inning at bat against Dennis Eckersley in game 1 of the 1988 World Series. I then talk about managers in the MLB postseason and how my feelings are mixed between their lack of experience and how they should manage the games as they wish. Then I talk about what became a pivotal game 3 of the 1977 NLCS between the Phillies and Dodgers and finish it off by talking about the former Reds pitcher nicknamed Red and though he no longer pitched for the Reds, how he was so near by the city of Cincinnati while the Reds won the 1975 World Series

PASSED BALL SHOW #153 10/9/2014 Part 1 WITH BERT THIEL; I start out by thanking my listeners as I move my program towards syndication. I expect to have an announcement within the next month or so. I talk about the "first interracial handshake" between the late George Shuba and Jackie Robinson. I then play an interview I recorded with a member of the last ever Boston Braves team (1952), RHP Bert Thiel. Bert was a Wisconsin guy, so I am sure he didn't mind when his parent organization moved to his home state. I then talk about the sad story of former Mets OF prospect Rob Lemle

PASSED BALL SHOW #152 10/2/2014 Part 2 WITH BILL SAMPEN; I start out by breaking down the thoughts GMs go through in regards to trades and bash the big market baseball fan for not using logic in trade proposals. I then highlight my 2014 Breakout Season team after I define my criteria. I finish off by playing an interview I recorded with former Expos RHP Bill Sampen as we talk about the Rule 5 Draft, his experience playing basketball growing up and what he learned playing the game that he has passed on to kids at his baseball academy in Indiana

PASSED BALL SHOW #152 10/2/2014 Part 1 WITH TOM GAMBOA; I start out by discussing the recent firing of Twins manager Ron Gardenhire. I compare it to the Astros firing of Bo Porter and get into some detail about the directions of both teams. I then speak with former Cubs and Royals base coach Tom Gamboa, most recently the manager of the Brooklyn Cyclones. I finish off talking about the feat that distinguished former Houston Colt 45s OF John Paciorek from any other player that ever played in the game

PASSED BALL SHOW #151 9/23/2014 Part 2 WITH HAL MORRIS; I start out by playing my interview with former Reds 1B and current Director of Pro Scouting for the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim Hal Morris. I then talk about the career of 328 game winner of the 19th Century John Clarkson. I then talk about the history of pitchers not being able to hit while mentioning the ones who have hit the most career HRs in MLB history. I finish off by talking about why adding Wally Backman to the MLB coaching staff of the Mets next season, let alone naming him manager, is a bad idea

PASSED BALL SHOW #151 9/23/2014 Part 1 WITH JODY GERUT; Talking a little NFL by remembering the late Rob Bironas. I then play my interview with former Indians, Padres and Brewers OF Jody Gerut. I then talk about the increased strike out rate in MLB and the top 25 in regards to ABs per K. I finish off by talking about how the Baltimore Orioles no longer have a connection to the New York Yankees history

PASSED BALL SHOW #150 9/17/2014 Part 1 WITH JON MATLACK; I open up by talking about the MLB career of former Milwaukee Braves 1B Frank Torre, who passed away at the age of 82. I then play my interview with former Mets and Rangers LHP Jon Matlack. Jon talks about not being extremely athletic when he grew up and how he started to get noticed as a young pitcher. Jon also talks about how he was in the wrong fielding position when he got hit in the face with a line drive in 1973. I then compared the managerial careers of Joe Torre and Casey Stengel and the fact that their success as New York Yankees manager trumped the success they had in any other of their MLB stops. I finish off by ranking the top four managers in the history of the NYY franchise

PASSED BALL SHOW #149 9/10/2014 Part 2 WITH RAY KING; I open up by talking about the possibility of Dave Stewart or Hal Morris taking over as the Arizona Diamondbacks GM for the dismissed Kevin Towers and whether mgr Kirk Gibson has a chance to remain in his capacity. I then talk about the shocking departure of Ron Washington as manager from the Texas Rangers. I then play my interview with former Brewers, Cardinals and Braves LHP Ray King. Ray pitched in over 600 MLB games. I then talk about the most prominent deaf MLB player in its history, William "Dummy" Hoy. I then discuss whether Dummy Hoy originated the hand signals used today by umpires (balls and strikes, out and safe)

PASSED BALL SHOW #149 9/10/2014 Part 1 WITH STEVE SAX; I start out by playing my interview with former Dodgers, Yankees and Athletics Steve Sax and talk about the Steve Sax Foundation. Steve talks about coming up at the perfect time to be part of the 1981 World Series Champion Dodgers after making his debut that season. He won the 1982 NL Rookie of the Year Award and the 1988 WS with LA. I then talk about Fred Snodgrass, unfortunately known for his dropped flyball in the 1912 World Series. I mention former Brooklyn Superbas C/ OF Billy Maloney, who as a catcher reportedly allowed 9 stolen bases in a game and quit baseball after the game. I then talk about the 1936 Indians team, a team that was all offense and no pitching. I recap an article from johnpielli.com where I compared the 1927 Yankees offense to the 1936 Yankees which I felt was better, finishing off by talking about a 1936 Indians pitcher and early WS Champ with the Yankees, Johnny Allen

PASSED BALL SHOW #148 9/3/2014 Part 2 WITH LUIS ALICEA; I start out by speaking with former Cardinals, Royals, Red Sox and Rangers infielder Luis Alicea. Luis talks about his baseball academy in Delray Beach, FL and how he got involved in baseball. Among things we discuss is his 1st MLB season in 1988 when he was the heir apparent to Tom Herr (another previous PBS guest), his injury in 1988 which took him 2 years to return to the Cardinals and being a coach on the 2007 World Series Champion Red Sox. I then talk about Nick Altrock, the first MLB player to play in 5 different decades- and how he really enacted what became the beginning of mascots in the sport as we see them today. I finish off by discussing the 6 GMs who are on the hot seat (one has already been let go since)

PASSED BALL SHOW #148 9/3/2014 Part 1 WITH ED OTT; I start out by playing an interview I recorded at Yogi Berra Stadium, home of the New Jersey Jackals, with former Pirates C and 1979 World Series Champion Ed Ott. We talk about Ed's childhood, his relationship with his father and his experience wrestling and playing football. Ed talks about playing for Danny Murtaugh and how he transitioned into a coach after baseball. I then talk about a cold case involving the time former MLB OF Charley Jones passed away. I finish off by talking about the six MLB managers who will be on the hot seat after this season and the likeliness they will be replaced

PASSED BALL SHOW #147 8/27/2014 Part 2 WITH NATE ROBERTSON; I start out by playing my interview with former Tigers and Marlins LHP Nate Robertson. Nate is a part owner of the Wichita Wingnuts of the American Association. Nate talks about having Tommy John surgery at a young age and what the late Dr Frank Jobe means to him. Nate talks about his family's involvement with the Wichita baseball team as well as pitching for the 119 loss 2003 Tigers, then 3 years later pitching in the 2006 WS for Detroit. I then talk about the only fatality on the baseball diamond due to a lightning strike, 40 years of Dutch Leonard and then about my continual issues with the Wins Above Replacement stat

PASSED BALL SHOW #147 8/27/2014 Part 1 WITH ORLANDO CEPEDA; I start out by speaking with HOF 1B Orlando Cepeda. Orlando talks about growing up poor and how his father was a great baseball player in the Negro League as well as Puerto Rico. Check out his biography, "The Orlando Cepeda Story." I then speak about the 1999 Colorado Rockies pitching staff, the six pitchers to throw no hitters against the New York Mets as well as the two feats accomplished by Virgil Trucks that may never be duplicated

PASSED BALL SHOW #146 8/20/2014 Part 2 WITH DAN SERAFINI; I start out by playing my interview with former Twins LHP Dan Serafini, who was a first round draft pick and played in the big leagues for several different teams, including over seas in Japan and in the Mexican League. I talk about terrible New York sportswriting and how it existed in 1940 in New York. I then talked about Frank Schulte, an underrated Cubs OF of their last World Series Championshpip as well as a RHP that pitched at the same time as Walter Johnson who may have thrown harder. I finish off the program by paying my respects to former Yankees, Athletics and Tigers INF Jerry Lumpe, a PBS guest who passed away last week

PASSED BALL SHOW #146 8/20/2014 Part 1 WITH GIL COAN; I start out by giving a little bit of a rant on the state of the New York Mets and why it is a must that they start investing in their offensive players and why, regardless of his flaws, Terry Collins is not to blame for the team being where it is at. I then play my interview with Gil Coan, a MLB of who played for the Senators, White Sox and Orioles from 1946-1956 and owned a successful insurance business he was able to pass to his children. I then talk about George "Rube" Foster, a pitcher that pitched for the World Series Champion Red Sox in 1915 and 1916. I talk about Bob Sprout's 22 K no hitter as well as the top 4 win totals among minor league pitchers in the history of the game. I finish off by giving some details about the grievance the Houston Astros have to deal with from the players union regarding their 1st and 5th round picks

PASSED BALL SHOW #145 8/13/2014 Part 2 WITH JIM COATES; I open up by playing my interview with longtime Yankees RHP Jim Coates who won two WS Championships with the Yankees. We talk about his book, "Always a Yankee" and the inspiration behind it. I then talk about the only person to be in both the Pro Football and Baseball Hall of Fames. I then talk about the inventor of the modern day baseball glove and his career in baseball. I talk about the late Jim Command and his big day in pro baseball. I then mention about an antiques baseball trove found by the PBS series which included documents from a 1871 Boston Red Stockings baseball team

PASSED BALL SHOW #145 8/13/2014 Part 1 WITH RANDALL SIMON; I open up by playing my interview with former Braves, Tigers and Cubs 1B Randall Simon, talking about coming over from Curocao and some of those that have been a positive influence. I then talk about how OF Michael Brantley has quietly become a star and where he ranks in the discussion of the top position players in all of MLB. I then summarize all the retired numbers, monuments, plaques and statues the New York Yankees have at Monument Park. I share a Ken Singleton, Rick Dempsey and Earl Weaver story then talk a little bit about Rob Manfred and John Axford

PASSED BALL SHOW #144 8/6/2014 Part 2 WITH BRIAN SWEENEY; I start out by playing my interview with former Padres and Mariners RHP Brian Sweeney, talking about coming out of the New York and how he signed his first pro contract. We also talk about his experience in Japan and what he noticed being a guest at the BEST Charity Awards Banquet and Golf outing. I mention the active MLB player to commit suicide during the season, Williard Hershberger. I talk about the non meaning in the beanball battle between Pirates and Diamondbacks. I finish off by giving my take in Bryant Gumble's comments about Tony LaRussa

PASSED BALL SHOW #144 8/6/2014 Part 1 WITH SCOTT MATHIESON; I open up the program by speaking with former Phillies RHP and current pitcher for the Yomuiri Giants Scott Mathieson. I then speak a little bit about how I am starting to warm up to Billy Beane and the job he had done in Oakland and opened up my assault on the Tampa Bay Rays and their ways of business. I then talk about the 1972 baseball season, one shortened by a strike. The Tigers picked up a couple of valuable players, Woody Fryman and Duke Sims and they unexpectedly led them to the postseason. I then talk about the long career of LHP John Hiller. I then talk about the Bobby Thompson that made history in the city of Charlotte. I add some insight about a LHP from the 1919-1920 White Sox named Dickie Kerr who quit as opposed to taking Charlie Commiskey's cheap contract. Speaking of contracts, I remind the listeners that the trade for David Price means that RHP Max Scherzer will be pitching for another team in 2015

PASSED BALL SHOW #143 7/31/2014 Part 2 WITH DICKIE THON; I start out by playing my interview with former Astros, Angels and Phillies SS Dickie Thon. Dickie talks about the early start to his career which looked like it was on its way until he was hit in the eye by a Mike Torres pitch early in the 1984 season. He also talks about his family ties to baseball and what he learned from his grandfather and father. I then talk about three players, Curt Schilling, Jeff Kent and Sammy Sosa and how they were traded early on in their careers and would star for the team they were traded for the time after. I then mention the most recent players to steal 2nd, 3rd and home in the same time on the bases. I talk about an unfortunate left handed Pirates pitcher went insane and broke down the 1904 season which resulted in no World Series. I finish off by paying my respects to Passed Ball Show guest Art Schult, who passed away last week

PASSED BALL SHOW #143 7/31/2014 Part 1 WITH DOUG CLEMENS; I play by interview with former Cubs, Cardinals and Phillies OF Doug Clemens as we talk about being involved in the Lou Brock trade to St Louis as well as his memorable MLB debut. I then discuss the most active trading deadline in MLB history and how the Athletics and Tigers are trying to 1-up each other by adding stud starting pitchers. I talk about moves made by the Red Sox, Cardinals and others as 17 teams made trades on July 31st alone

PASSED BALL SHOW #142 7/23/2014 Part 2 WITH JERRY KOOSMAN; I start out by playing what was my second interview with former Mets and 222 game winner Jerry Koosman. Instead of talking about his MLB career and the 1969 World Series, we discuss how he learned to pitch, what made him into an MLB pitcher, his advise to younger pitchers and what he thinks about the routine for MLB pitchers today. I then talk about a pitcher who gave up 23 runs in a 9 inning game in relief as well as a pitcher who hit back to back walk-off HRs. I finish off by talking about Kendrys Morales and my changed feelings on the qualifying offer system in MLB

PASSED BALL SHOW #142 7/23/2014 Part 1 WITH CORY ALDRIDGE; I start out by talking about siblings to both play in the major leagues. I speak about the most brothers (5) to all play and spent a little time talking about what makes Wayne and Adrian Garrett's careers interesting. I then speak with OF Cory Aldridge of the Buffalo Bisons (AAA- Blue Jays) about his continued effort to get back into the big leagues. I then talk about how I truely feel the San Diego Padres and Texas Rangers are the only true "sellers" in MLB this trading deadline

PASSED BALL SHOW #141 7/16/2014 Part 2 WITH JOHNNY GRUBB; I start out by giving my reasons why a conventional MLB umpire will never again make the Hall of Fame while siting what Tom Connolly meant to the game of baseball as a whole. I then play an interview with former Padres and Tigers OF Johnny Grubb talking about being a first round draft pick (and being drafted 4 times), making the All Star team for the 1974 Padres and what it was like playing for the 1984 World Series Champion Detroit Tigers. I then get into how the modern day baseball writers make such a big deal out of nothing when talking about "buying and selling" for the trading deadline. I then talk about Marty Appel's interesting perspective regarding Derek Jeter's All Star Game hits and how it relates to Thurman Munson. I finish off by talking about how much of a dirtbag Hall of Fame inductee Greg Maddux is

PASSED BALL SHOW #141 7/16/2014 Part 1 WITH LYLE MOUTON; I start out by proclaiming that MLB has the best All Star Game among the four major sports but, like many others, wonder why Tony Gwynn and other fallen MLB players and executives were not mentioned during FOX's broadcast. I then talk about how overrated Tampa Bay Rays 2B Ben Zobrist is. I then speak with former White Sox, Orioles and Brewers OF Lyle Mouton about playing his college ball at LSU and what influenced his passion to play baseball. He also talks about his grandfather who played in the Negro Leagues. I finish off by talking about the greatest double header pitching performance in the history of the game

PASSED BALL SHOW #140 7/9/2014 Part 2 WITH JR PHILLIPS; I open up the part of the program by ripping the Yankees fan who fell asleep during the Yankees/ Red Sox game last Sunday and had the nerve to sue ESPN, the Yankees and MLB for comments about him made on the air. I then bring up the fact that many do not understand how close MLB was to radical realignment in 1998 and as many as 17 MLB teams would have switched leagues! Then I get to speak with former Giants 1B JR Phillips about his playing career and his opportunity to play with Will Clark, Jeff Bagwell and Todd Helton. I finish off by talking the chances Masahiro Tanaka can avoid Tommy John Surgery and the possibility the Mets trade Daniel Murphy

PASSED BALL SHOW #140 7/9/2014 Part 1 WITH JIM KAAT; I open up by playing my interview with 283 game winner and 25 year MLB pitcher Jim Kaat. Jim talks about what got him into baseball and his early success with the Minnesota Twins. I also mention the fact that he played in parts of seven different US Presidential Administrations. Jim currently broadcasts games for MLBN. I break down the Jeff Samardzija/ Addison Russell trade and also talk about how team Presidents/ GMs Billy Beane and Theo Epstein/ Jed Hoyer could finish off historic careers in the front office by winning a championship. I talk about how the Cubs batted out of order in a game in 1984 and a little about the recent DFAing of catchers AJ Pierszynski and John Buck

PASSED BALL SHOW #139 7/2/2014 Part 2 WITH JIM MARSHALL; I start out by talking about how the Tampa Bay Rays cannot afford to field a competitive team and are running out of luck trading their top players for "prospects." I talk about David Price and how the only reasonable Yankees/ Rays trade involving him sees Dellin Betances and Brett Gardner going to TB. I then give my 2014 All Star teams if I had the privilege of selecting them. I finish off by speaking with former MLB 1B, original 1962 Mets player and former Cubs and Athletics manager Jim Marshall

PASSED BALL SHOW #139 7/2/2014 Part 1 WITH DAN NORMAN; I start out by spending much time talking about the passing of longtime Mets COO and, VP and GM Frank Cashen. I talk about his hand in not only turning the New York Mets into a winner, but his prior success with the Baltimore Orioles in a similar capacity. Frank was against free agency, calling it,"an auction for mediocre" which could not have been more ccrrect. I then speak with former Mets and Expos OF Dan Norman about his career and his perspective about being part of the midnight massacre deal which sent Tom Seaver to the Cincinnati Reds. I finish off by talking about Max "Camera Eye" Bishop and his excellent eye at the plate. Then I berate by Sabermetric friends by talking about their obsession with the base on ball. I introduce )or reintroduce) a baseball stat simply called OBP/ AVG

PASSED BALL SHOW #138 6/25/2014 Part 2 WITH GREG PRYOR; I play my interview with former White Sox and Royals SS Greg Pryor. We talk about being part of the 1985 World Series Champion Kansas City Royals and his distinguishment of being the only player to be present at both Disco Demolition Night and the Pine Tar Game. I then bring up reasons why RHP Dan Quisenberry gets consideration for Baseball's Hall of Fame. I talk about Alex Johnson and why his reputation unfairly followed him wherever he played and how that relates to anybody's workplace. I finish off by talking about how the Colorado Rockies are the biggest disappointment in all of MLB and why

PASSED BALL SHOW #138 6/25/2014 Part 1 WITH JERRY KOOSMAN; I start out by playing my interview I recorded with 222 game winner and 1969 World Series Champion Jerry Koosman. We talk about his childhood and what got him into baseball and what Gil Hodges meant to him. I then talk about how Paul Richards, in spite of his success as a small ball manager, was behind the times on two very specific occasions. I tell the amazing story of Jack "Lucky" Lohrke and how I understand why he was tired of answering questions about his luck. Finally, I touch on the extreme shifts and question why players don't try to steal home more often

PASSED BALL SHOW #137 6/18/2014 Part 2 WITH JAY JOHNSTONE; I start out by playing my interview with long time MLB OF Jay Johnstone. Jay talks about signing 11 letters of intent to go to college as well as his interest in sports as a kid. He also talks about some of his pranks he and his teammates pulled on each other. Jay also discusses his appearance in Naked Gun and what he learned from Leslie Nielsen. I then play an interview I was a part of on the MTR Morning Throwdown with Mike Sanfilippo about the legacy of Tony Gwynn

PASSED BALL SHOW #137 6/18/2014 Part 1 WITH TOM HERR; I start out by speaking with former Cardinals 2B Tom Herr. Tom talks about being a Giants fan, getting a scholarship offer from the University of Delaware and his interest in wanting to play a professional sport. He also talks about batting 3rd and Whitey Herzog's influence on his career. I then talk about the death of Tony Gwynn and what he should be remembered for. Also, what separates him from other players of this generation. I also spend a moment talking about the pitching career of the late Billy McCool, who also passed away this week. I also spend a little time talking about the seasons of Nelson Cruz and Michael Morse and the development of the Houston Astros franchise.

PASSED BALL SHOW #136 6/11/2014 Part 2 WITH DAVE GALLAGHER; I start out by speaking with longtime MLB OF Dave Gallagher about his hitting academy right here in Hamilton, NJ. We talk about the reasons he wanted to start the academy and what he is able to provide for the kids that attend. We also talk a little bit about his baseball playing career. I then talk about the sad passing of former Dodgers and Athletics RHP Bob Welch at age 57. I finish off by talking about teams like the Rays, Diamondbacks, Giants and Blue Jays and why they are all either letting us down or shocking the hell out of us

PASSED BALL SHOW #136 6/11/2014 Part 1 WITH JIM BUNNING; I open up by playing my interview with long time US Congressman and US Senator and Hall of Fame RHP Jim Bunning. We talk about his 100 wins in both the AL and NL as well as his 1000 Ks in each league and his Father's Day no hitter at Shea Stadium against the Mets in 1964. I then speak about the amazing comeback of OF Jason Lane as a LHP and finish off the hour talking about a SS in the early 1900s named Kid Elberfeld and his impact on the baseball career of the great Ty Cobb

PASSED BALL SHOW #135 6/4/2014 Part 2 WITH LUIS ROJAS, GAVIN CECCHINI, JOHN MINCONE, ROBERT WHALEN AND DOMINIC SMITH; I open up by talking about the baseball life of the late Don Zimmer and how he deserves to be remembered in many aspects of New York baseball history. I then start my series on the 2014 Savannah Sand Gnats and play my interviews with manager Luis Rojas, pitchers Robert Whalen and John Mincone, SS Gavin Cecchini and 1B Dominic Smith as well as discuss the success of their season

PASSED BALL SHOW #135 6/4/2014 Part 1 WITH MICAH BOWIE; I open up by playing my interview with former MLB LHP Micah Bowie who talks about his baseball academy and his experiences with the 2002 moneyball Athletics, the Braves and Nationals. I then speak about the BBWAA and Veterans Committee voting process, its origin and what the "no player should get 100% of the vote" silliness came from. I talk about Hank Gowdy, the 1914 WS Champion Boston Braves C who was the only MLB player in its history to serve in both World Wars. I talk about the 3 distinct careers of Bartolo Colon and the comeback of RHP Chris Young

PASSED BALL SHOW #134 5/28/2014 Part 2 WITH TIPPY MARTINEZ AND MATT MIESKE; I start out by speaking with former Yankees and Orioles LHP Tippy Martinez about his success as an Orioles reiever, his time in NY, his experience with Thurman Munson and "Tippys" Tweeters. After that I speak with former Brewers OF Matt Mieske about his minor league success early and what he thought about the Milwaukee Brewers clubhouse when he first came up

PASSED BALL SHOW #134 5/28/2014 Part 1 WITH CHRIS HAMMOND; I start out by speaking with 14 year MLB pitcher Chris Hammond about what got him interested in the game of baseball. It was the fact that it was fun and not about the competition. He also talks about his relationship with The Lord Jesus Christ. I then speak about the 1984 Cubs team and their GM Dallas Green and why he should have been called "trader Green". I speak about the history of the Venezuelan born SS and how it started with Chico Carrasquel. I then talk about how much New York Mets baseball history would be altered if Todd Hundley had not gotten hurt after the 1997 season

PASSED BALL SHOW #133 5/22/2014 Part 2 WITH JIM MASON AND FRANK MALZONE; I open up by playing my interview with former Yankees and Rangers SS Jim Mason. Jim hit the only HR for the Yankees in their 1976 loss to the Cincinnati Reds in the World Series. I then speak about a great example of unity in the eyes of the Detroit Tigers as they showed their support to their teammate in 1912, Ty Cobb. I talk a little about things that could be done to reduce the amount of arm injuries, most notably, Tommy John surgery. I finish off by speaking with former Red Sox 3B (1955-1965) Frank Malzone, the first recipient of the Gold Glove Award for 3B in 1957

PASSED BALL SHOW #133 5/22/2014 Part 1 WITH ART MAHAFFEY; I open up by teasing the rest of the program then get into my interview with former Phillies RHP Art Mahaffey. Art talks about growing up, being the tallest and strongest kid on his team and how he was the first MLB player to have played in the Babe Ruth League. He also talks about his pickoff move and his career with the Phillies which lasted from 1960-1065. I then talk about the dominance of RHPs Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija and how they may be the top two starting pitchers in the NL right now. I finish off the hour talking about the rise of journeyman RHP Jesse Chavez and the success he is having in Oakland

PASSED BALL SHOW #132 5/15/2014 Part 2 WITH JERRY LUMPE AND TED WIEAND; I start out by speaking with former Yankees and Athletics 2B Jerry Lumpe about being part of the AL Pennant winning 1957 and WS winning 1958 Yankees and then being traded to the Athletics, a less competitive team. It was with Kansas City that Jerry got the opportunity to play and establish himself as a top AL 2B. He made the 1964 All Star team playing for the Detroit Tigers. I talk about the early dominance of former Washington Senators SS Cecil Travis and how his MLB career was completely destroyed by his service in the military, though he went on only limited missions towards the end of his service. I finish off by speaking with former Cincinnati Reds RHP Ted Wieand about his given birth name of Franklin Delano Roosevelt Wieand and why he was called Theodore. He also talks about some of his moments pitching for the Reds in 1958 and 1960

PASSED BALL SHOW #132 5/15/2014 Part 1 WITH BARRY LYONS; I open up by speaking with former Mets catcher Barry Lyons. Barry talks about the late 1980s Mets and some of the bad decisions the players collectively made, including himself, which held the teams success back. Barry was also big in trying bring baseball back to Mississippi, had all his possessions lost in Hurricane Katrina, including his 1986 World Series ring and finally succeeded in getting a stadium in his beloved Biloxi. I then talk about the yearly overhype of the subway series (small s's for a reason) and how Jose Abreu represents the next in the series of Cuban born MLB stars. I also talk about how late 19th Century star Cap Anson was a biggot and ruined the chances for the first Black baseball standout

PASSED BALL SHOW #131 5/7/2014 Part 2 WITH JIM PARQUE AND TIM LAUDNER; I start out by speaking with former White Sox LHP Jim Parque. We talk about his success in college and in the Olympics as well as his quick rise from being drafted to the big leagues and his experience pitching in the ALDS in 2000 against the Mariners. I then speak to former Twins catcher Tim Laudner about his 40 HR season in the minors in 1981 and his many stints as starting and backup catcher throughout the 1980s as well as his experience winning the 1987 World Series. I then talk about Cecil Travis, a very underrated Washington Senators SS who had his career shortened because he was injured in World War II. I finish off by talking about what is making the Miami Marlins so successful at home

PASSED BALL SHOW #131 5/7/2014 Part 1 WITH VAL PASCUCCI; I open up talking about what I think is the best solution to the Mets under talented bullpen and how it should not include Jenrry Mejia. I then talk about a team that has had an outstanding bullpen this season and few could have predicted the San Diego Padres could be that team. I then speak with former Mets and Expos 1B and current hitting coach for the Savannah Sand Gnats Val Pascucci from the visiting dugout at First Energy Park in Lakewood, NJ. I then spend a little time talking about the first African American pitcher in the history of MLB- Dan Bankhead- and question why his name seldom comes up during appreciation of Jackie Robinson. I finish off by calling out one who I feel was one of the most hateful and biggoted players on the 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers

PASSED BALL SHOW #130 5/1/2014 Part 2 WITH JACK REED AND ROSS MOSCHITTO; I open up by talking about the last decade or so of Mickey Mantle's career and how he needed to have a caddy to play the OF in late innings due to his injured legs. My first guest of this hour is Jack Reed, who played the role of "Mickey's legs" from 1961-1963. Then, I speak with Ross Moschitto, who played the role of "Mickey's legs" in 1965 and 1967

PASSED BALL SHOW #130 5/1/2014 Part 1 WITH AL CLARK; I open the program up by talking about the fact that the level of competition in the American League and the fact that the talent in the AL's elite is about 8 deep where in the NL it started out to be just 3. Now, you can say it is 5 if you include the Atlanta and Milwaukee. I then recap the MLB debut of Mike Pelfrey, which happened to be against his current teammate Ricky Nolasco. I then mention the catcher who has caught the most games in professional baseball history (and it is not Ivan Rodriguez). I then welcomed in former AL Umpire Al Clark to talk about his book "Called Out But Safe, A Baseball Umpire's Journey" co-authored by Dan Schlossberg

PASSED BALL SHOW #129 4/23/2014 Part 2 WITH RANDY JOHNSON, GREG BLOSSER AND BILLY STAPLES; I start out by playing my interview with former Braves infielder and current minor league field coordinator for the San Diego Padres Randy Johnson. I then get into my frustration over the fact that the New York Mets refuse to give their major league team any depth and wonder whether the last of MLB depth is a simplle way to try to save money. I finish off by playing an interview I recorded in Sarasota, Florida with former Boston Red Sox OF Greg Blosser. Billy Staples and myself ask Greg a ton of questions. Just a reminder, the entire interview (about 55 minutes) can be found on my Passed Ball Show Interview page on this website

PASSED BALL SHOW #129 4/23/2014 Part 1 WITH DENNY MCLAIN; I start out by recapping the 100 year history of Wrigley Field in Chicago and in doing so, talking about the much longer hisrory of the Chicago Cubs which dates back to 1876. I then speak with the last 30 game winner in the history of MLB Denny McLain about playing the organ as a kid, how he learned how to throw the slider and curve ball and what he feels about baseball the way it is played today. He also talks about the satisfaction he had at his MLB debut as he defeated the Chicago White Sox, the team that told him he wasn't good enough when he pitched for the organization. I finish off my sending my respects to former MLB pitcher Connie Marrero, who passed away this week at the age of 102

PASSED BALL SHOW #128 4/17/2014 Part 2 WITH DON LEPPERT AND MATT NADEL; I start out by playing my interview with former MLB catcher and long time MLB coach Don Leppert. Don has some interesting views about the way the game has changed and the way some remember Jackie Robinson. Don hit a HR on his first MLB pitch against Curt Simmons. I then speak with 15 year old blogger Matt Nadel (@BaseballwMatt). He talks about what got him to study the history of MLB and the interviews he has done with President GW Bush, Billy Crystal and several Hall of Famers. I finish off by talking about the worst team in modern Boston history as well as some interesting facts about the history of baseball in Boston

PASSED BALL SHOW #128 4/17/2014 Part 1 WITH JIM GENTILE; I start out the program by talking about April 15th and how it is remembered for being the anniversary of Jackie Robinson making his MLB debut. It is also the 1 year anniversary of the terrorist activity at the Boston Marathon and April 15th is also the anniversary of the MLB debut of Hiram Bithorn, the first Puerto Rican player in MLB history. I talk about an idea I think will be better than simply having every player and coach wear #42 on every April 15th. I then speak with former Dodgers and Orioles 1B Jim Gentile. We speak about how he was drafted as a pitcher, the fact that he was kept in the minor leagues way too long as his emergence on the scene with the 1961 Orioles when he finally got a chance to play (46 HR, 141 RBI)

PASSED BALL SHOW #127 4/9/2014 Part 2 WITH JOSE CARDENAL AND STEVE KORCHECK; I start out by playing my interview with former Cubs, Giants and Phillies OF Jose Cardenal. Jose talks about being signed by the San Francisco Giants and who he looked up to (listen closely to who he leaves out). He also coached for several seasons in the big leagues which includes three World Series Championships for the Yankees in 1996, 1998-1999. I talk about the life threatening head injury Mickey Cochrane suffered after being hit by a pitch as well as how a similar pitch changed the MLB career of SS Dickie Thon. I then play by interview with former Washington Senators C Steve Korcheck. He makes references to Senators greats Mickey Vernon and Bucky Harris. I finish off by talking about another anniversary we should be celebrating on April 15th every season as it was the first time a Puerto Rican player played in the big leagues (Hiram Bithorn). I also talk about Luis Olmo playing in the 1949 World Series over 7 years after Bithorn made his MLB debut on 4/15/1942

PASSED BALL SHOW #127 4/9/2014 Part 1 WITH RICK REICHARDT AND CHUCK CHURN; I open up with my interview with former Angels OF Rick Reichardt. Rick was the last player that MLB teams bidded over before they instituted the draft in 1965. I then talk about the foolish overreactions over good or bad starts teams get off to within the first week. I then play my interview with 1959 World Series Champion RH Chuck Churn. Chuck talks about his relationship with Earl Weaver and his experience playing with 3 MLB teams. I finish off by talking about the 3 MLB players to hit 3 HR on opening day

PASSED BALL SHOW #126 Part 2 WITH MILT WILCOX AND LARRY JASTER; I start out by playing my interview with former Reds and Tigers RHP Milt Wilcox (recorded in Jacksonville, Fl). We talk about his experience in the 1970 World Series; he had pitched in just 5 MLB games in his career to that point. He had a devastating arm injury that nearly ended his career, but he recovered to become one of the most dependable pitchers on the Detroit Tigers staff in the mid 1970s-1980s. He was a 17 game winner on the Tigers 1984 World Series Championship team. I then talk about the use of LOOGYs in the game today and how it cannot be expected that minor league pitchers make the immediate transition. I then speak with former Cardinals and Expos LHP Larry Jaster about pitching in the World Series (1967 and 1968) and what it was like to throw the first MLB pitch in the history of Canada. I finish off by going over by team predictions and who will make the postseason in 2014

PASSED BALL SHOW #126 4/2/2014 Part 1 WITH TIM MCCARVER AND DESI RELAFORD; I open up the program by talking about the terrible injury suffered by Angels hitting coach Don Baylor. I go over his long MLB career both as a player and coach and mention his diagnosis of bone cancer in 2003. I then speak with long time MLB broadcaster and 20+ year MLB catcher Tim McCarver about playing baseball as a kid, being a teammate of Stan Musial and how he was able to deal with Bob Gibson. He also talks about what changed Steve Carlton into a HOF pitcher and the best quote attributed to the late Ralph Kiner. I then speak with former Mets and Phillies infielder Desi Relaford (recorded in Jacksonville, Fla) about his experiences in the minor league and how he made his MLB debut the day after he was traded from the Seattle Mariners organization. I finish off by bashing the people (You are in the majority) who complain about baseball contracts because they are poor, envious and jealous

PASSED BALL SHOW #125 3/26/2014 Part 2 WITH JASON GRILLI AND KENT TEKULVE; I start out by speaking with All Star Pirates closer Jason Grilli about his book "Just My Game" which talks about his battle back from a potentially devastating knee injury to get back into the big leagues. I then discuss my 30-1 MLB countdown previews for the Chicago Cubs, Seattle Mariners, Atlanta Braves, Tampa Bay Rays, Oakland Athletics and Cincinnati Reds. I finish off by playing my interview I recorded in Pirates camp with Spring Training instructor, broadcaster longtime MLB reliever and 1979 World Series Champion Kent Tekulve

PASSED BALL SHOW #125 3/26/2014 Part 1 WITH VIN MAZZARO AND KENN KASPAREK; I open up by talking about how I agree with the Mets decision to start Ruben Tejada at SS on opening day. I then give my 30-1 MLB countdown previews of the Chicago White Sox and Philadephila Phillies. I play my brief interviews I recorded with Pirates relievers Vin Mazzaro and Kenn Kasparek which I recorded at the Pirates Spring Training facility in Bradenton, Fl. I finish off the hour by doing my 30-1 MLB team preview of the Baltimore Orioles

PASSED BALL SHOW #124 3/18/2014 Part 2 WITH RAUL GONZALEZ AND JORGE PIEDRA; I open up by speaking with former Indians, Reds and Mets OF Raul Gonzalez. Raul was selected to go on the road with Tigers superstar Miguel Cabrera after Miguel was arrested for drunken driving. I then get into my 30-1 MLB countdown previews for the Pittsburgh Pirates and Cleveland Indians. I finish off by speaking with former Colorado Rockies OF (2004-2006) Jorge Piedra. You will enjoy this interview as this man has the ability to be on TV and radio

PASSED BALL SHOW #124 3/18/2014 Part 1 WITH PEDRO VALDES; I open up by playing my interview with former Cubs (1996, 1998) and Rangers (2000) OF Pedro Valdes. We talk about how he got into coaching and his great career he had in Japan and Mexico after he played briefly in the majors. I then get into my 30-1 MLB countdown previews of the Milwaukee Brewers, New York Mets and San Diego Padres

PASSED BALL SHOW #123 3/11/2014 Part 2 WITH PETER MUNRO; I start out by talking about the Braves signing of Ervin Santana and what it means for the other two remaining impactful free agents. I then do my 30-1 MLB countdown previews of the Miami Marlins, Colorado Rockies, Minnesota Twins and Toronto Blue Jays. I finish off by interviewing former Blue Jays RHP Peter Munro. We talk about his combined no hitter with 5 other pitchers against the Yankees while pitching for the Astros. We also talk about his experience in the 2004 NLCS pitching for the Astros and the difficult stretch he went through after the season

PASSED BALL SHOW #123 3/11/2014 Part 1 WITH ED CHARLES; I start out by talking about my preseason predictions and what they mean. I then interview former Athletics and Mets 3B Ed Charles about his portrayal in the Jackie Robinson movie 42, his being held back in AAA for four seasons with the Milwaukee Braves and being part of the 1969 World Series Champion New York Mets. I finish off by doing the first of my 30-1 MLB countdown previews with the Houston Astros

PASSED BALL SHOW #122 3/5/2014 Part 2 WITH CORY ALDRIDGE AND DOUG BOCHTLER; I open up by playing my interview with former Braves (2001) and Angels (2010) OF Cory Aldridge. Cory is still playing ball currently in Mexico and has not stopped playing professionally since he signed with the Braves. I also spoke with Doug Bochtler, a former Padres pitcher who is now a pitching coach in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization

PASSED BALL SHOW #122 2/25/2014 Part 1 WITH ED KRANEPOOL; I open up the program by talking about the declaration that Mets GM Sandy Alderson made to ownership that the team will win 90 games this season. I also broke down what the Mets player stats have to be for the team to win 90 games. I then speak with original Mets 1B and all time franchise leader in games, at bats and sacrifice flies Ed Kranepool. I finish off by talking about how hated Red Sox great Carl Yastzremski was by his teammates and the way he presented himself in the clubhouse

PASSED BALL SHOW #121 2/26/2014 Part 2 WITH DAVE SCHNECK AND BOB HEFFNER; I open up by playing my interview recorded in person with former Mets OF Dave Schneck. We talk about his experience in the Vietnam War and being the heir apparent to Willie Mays after his retirement before the 1974 season. I then play my interview with former Red Sox RHP Bob Heffner talking about his experience in Boston and how crazy Dick Radatz was. We also talk about his interactions with Red Sox greats Ted Williams and Carl Yastzremski. I finish off my discussion of the top ten MLB closers right now

PASSED BALL SHOW #121 2/26/2014 Part 1 WITH DARRYL HAMILTON; I open up with discussion of my upcoming 30-1 MLB team previews. I then speak with MLB Network analyst and former Mets, Brewers and Rockies OF Darryl Hamilton. We talk about his new gig, recovering from his Tommy John Surgery in 1994 and how he sustained his MLB success being a speed and defense guy. I then start my countdown of the 30 MLB closers in ranking worst to best, right now. I then profess my hate for the face of MLB campaign on twitter

PASSED BALL SHOW #120 2/19/2014 Part 2 WITH RON VILLONE, MARK ACRE AND FRANK MARTINEZ; Listen back to hour 2 of the Passed Ball Show where I interview former MLB LHP of 12 MLB teams and 15 MLB seasons Ron Villone, former Oakland Athletics RHP Mark Acre and director of a baseball training camp in Toronto, Canada Fran k Martinez

PASSED BALL SHOW #120 2/19/2014 Part 1 WITH RON SWOBODA; I opened up with talking about how ridiculous it is that the Red Sox cannot give David Ortiz a 1 year extension. I then play my interview with former Mets WS Champion OF Ron Swoboda. I finish off by talking about the silliness with people's assumptions over whether certain players did PEDs or not, the new celebrating a player's career each season and remembering Jim Fregosi

PASSED BALL SHOW #119 2/11/2014 Part 2; I open up by playing my on the road interview with former Philadelphia Athletics LHP Carl Duser. I then play my on the road interview with former Phillies and Cardinals standout LHP Curt Simmons. I finish off my continuing my tribute to Ralph Kiner

PASSED BALL SHOW #119 2/11/2014 Part 1 WITH HARRY WARNER; I open the program by morning the passing of legendary power hitting OF, Hall of Famer and 52 year New York Mets broadcaster Ralph Kiner. I play my Passed Ball on the Road interview with former minor league 1B, manager and coach for the 1977-1980 Toronto Blue Jays and 1981-1982 Milwaukee Brewers Harry Warner. I finish off by talking about how the usually frugal Oakland Athletics made a not so wise move by trading for Jim Johnson. I then show how great the 1930 season was for Hack Wilson and how it was the greatest for a CF. This is not including the fact that he had the most RBIs for a single season in the history of MLB

PASSED BALL SHOW #118 2/5/2014 Part 2 WITH BERNIE CARBO AND RYAN CHURCH; I open up by having a powerful conversation with former Reds, Red Sox and Cardinals OF Bernie Carbo. Bernie talks about how the Lord Jesus Christ saved him after getting into problems with drugs and alcohol. He also talks about what he does for youth groups and his new book. I then speak with former Mets, Braves and Nationals OF Ryan Church. Ryan had a very promising career before a head injury derailed it. He talks about how he felt the Mets handled his concussion and what he is up to now

PASSED BALL SHOW #118 2/5/2014 Part 1 WITH JOE SAMBITO AND RAMON VAZQUEZ; I open up by playing my interview with former Astros and Red Sox LHP Joe Sambito about being a closer for the Astros and transitioning into a LOOGY after his Tommy John Surgery. Joe has been a MLB player agent for the past 25 years and was the first former player tyo become an agent. I then play my interview with former Pirates, Rangers and Padres SS Ramon Vazquez and talk about his performance in the Rangers 30-3 win over the Orioles in 2008. I then talk about the last Seattle Pilots pitcher to throw a pitch for them, the Ruben Tejada approach with Juan Lagares and the important part of the Yankees 2014 rotation

PASSED BALL SHOW #117 1/29/2014 Part 2 WITH JERRY CASALE AND RAY CRONE; I open up by speaking with former Red Sox RHP Jerry Casale. Jerry talks about being a Brooklyn Dodgers fan and getting his opportunity to pitch in the big leagues. He was also a very good hitter and may of hit the longest HRs in Fenway Park history. He then opened up a restaurant in NYC that he owned for years. I then get to speak with former Braves RHP Ray Crone who talks about his experiences and playing for two teams, the Braves and Giants, both of whom moved while he was in their systems

PASSED BALL SHOW #117 1/29/2014 Part 1 WITH LENNY MOORE; I open up by talking a little NFL Football with Hall of Fame Half Back Lenny Moore. Lenny played his college ball at Penn State before Joe Paterno was the head coach and starred in the NFL for the Baltimore Colts from 1956-1967. He talks about the racial issues he had to deal with throughout his childhood and how he stood out for his ability to play the game. He talks about Johnny Unitas, coach Weeb Ewback and the great players he had the opportunity to play with. I finish off by highlighting my Hall of Fame players under the guidelines that only one player would be allowed to be inducted for each MLB team

PASSED BALL SHOW #116 1/21/2014 Part 2 WITH HAL BROWN, BRAD PAYNE AND BILL BRAY; i start out by playing my interview with former MLB pitcher Hal "skinny" Brown, who pitched in the big leagues from 1951-1964. He talks about his experience in the milliatary and how he learned to throw the knuckleball. I then speak with Independent Leaue inf/ of Brad Payne about some of the trials and tribulations of playing Independent Ball, I then talks about what Andruw Jones was on pace of becoming, the career of former MLB catcher Darrell Porter and how players used cocaine then like they do steroids now and the history of the spitball. I finish off by playing my interview with free agent LHP Billl Bray

PASSED BALL SHOW #116 1/21/2014 Part 1 WITH FERGUSON JENKINS; I open up the show by giving the logic landing places for all the remaining big free agents, including taking a chance on where Masahiro Tanaka will land up by the time the show airs. I then speak with Hall of Fame RHP Ferguson Jenkins about his trade from Philadelphia, his success with the Cubs, his experience getting caught with cocaine in his bag and his induction into Baseball's Hall of Fame. I finish off by talking about my issues with OBP becoming too much a big deal in evaluation of a player

PASSED BALL SHOW #115 1/14/2014 Part 2 WITH JOE DURHAM; I open up by playing a touching interview with former MLB OF Joe Durham. Joe had the talent to be a solid MLB player but was held back possibly because of race. Joe played in the 1950s after Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier and put up very good numbers in his many years in AAA. I then get into the possible closure of the Tanaka sweepstakes and what that means to the remaining pitchers on the market. I finish off by talking about the College of Coaches the Chicago Cubs implemented in 1961 and 1962

PASSED BALL SHOW #115 1/14/2013 Part 1 WITH MONTE IRVIN AND RON CLARK; I open up by playing my interview with HOF OF Monte Irvin. We speak a little bit about his childhood and how he went from being a solid player in the Negro Leagues to being a very good OF for the New York Giants, helping them win the NL Pennant in 1951 and the World Series in 1954. I then get into the promising career of Bo Jackson. Bo was a legendary athlete chose career came to a crawl after he dislocated his hip playing Pro Football. I finish off by speaking with former Twins and Athletics infielder Ron Clark

Passed Ball Show #114 (1/7/2014) Part 2 with Eddie Robinson and Larry Colton. John spends this part of the show speaking with former MLB 1B and General Manager Eddie Robinson and former MLB pitcher Larry Colton. John then gives his piece on how underrated former MLB outfielder Sliding Billy Hamilton was.

Passed Ball Show #114 (1-7-2014) Part 1 with Don Loun. John spends this portion of the program talking about Mike Piazza being held out of the baseball hall of fame because of suspicion of PED's and why other players that played during this time are never spoken about in a negative light. John then speaks with former Washington Senators pitcher Don Loun about his complete game shutout during his first ever MLB appearance.

PASSED BALL SHOW #113 12/30/2013 Part 2 WITH SCOTT DRUCKER AND BRYCE FLORIE; I open up by playing my interview with former Athletics and Tigers minor league RHP Scott Drucker. Scott is now a certified MLB player agent. I then play my interview with former Padres, Brewers and Red Sox RHP Bryce Florie. Byrce is known for getting hit in the left eye by a line drive off the bat of Ryan Thompson while pitching for the Red Sox in 2000. I then get into Fred McGriff's place in the Hall of Fame discussion as well as Carlos Beltran's chances of making the Hall. I then talk about former Umpire and Hall of Famer Al Barlick and how great a defensive 2B Nellie Fox was

PASSED BALL SHOW #113 12/30/2013 Part 1 WITH VANCE LAW; I open up by mourning the passing of former Orioles CF Paul Blair. I segway into a discussion about the favorites to land free agent RHP Masahiro Tanaka. I then play my interview with former MLB 3B Vance Law. Vance was the son of former Pirates RHP Vern Law and played for the Pirates, White Sox, Cubs, Expos and Athletics. I finish off my mentioning some pitchers that few are talking about and the impacts they may have

PASSED BALL SHOW #112 12/24/2013 Part 2 WITH MATT NOKES AND WAYNE ROSENTHAL; I open up by explaining my sudden optimism about the Mets signing free agent SS Stephen Drew. I then get into my comparison to the negative impact Jordany Valdespin had on the Mets to that of a similar situation with Gregg Jefferies. I then play my interview with former Tigers and Yankees catcher Matt Nokes, as Matt talks about his observations on all the dynamics of a swing. I then speak with Miami Marlins pitching coordinator Wayne Rosenthal about his MLB experience as a pitcher and what he has done teaching pitchers as they come up through the minor league system. Wayne was also the Florida Marlins pitching coach in 2003 when they won the World Series

PASSED BALL SHOW #112 12/24/2013 Part 1 WITH BRIAN SANCHES; I open up with sending my condolences to Ed Herrmann's family after his recent passing and talk about my connection with the baseball players I have spoken with. I then play my interview with former Phillies, arlins and Royals RHP Brian Sanches, talking about his committment to get back on a MLB team. I then talk about the Ryan Doumit trade and its implications on Evan Gattis' future as the Braves starting catcher. I fiish off by announcing my first annual NMA, given to the biggest MLB bonehead of the 2013 season

PASSED BALL SHOW #111 12/17/2013 Part 2 WITH CHUCK MCELROY AND JERRY SPRADLIN; I start by playing my interview with former Phillies, Cubs, Rockies, Mets (among other teams) LHP Chuck McElroy. He talks about coming up as a MLB reliever and the differences in his uses from when he came up to when he finished his career. He also started a baseball tutorial website annd his son, CJ was recently drafted by the St Louis Cardinals. I then play my interview with former Phillies, Reds, Indians and Giants RHP Jerry Spradlin. Jerry came up with the Reds and talks about his opportunity to learn from some of the games best late inning relievers. I finish off by talking about Carl Erskine, two sport professional athletes and continue my discussion about the history of MLBs expansion drafts. Finally, I conclude why Seattle lost its Pilots baseball team after just one season

PASSED BALL SHOW #111 12/17/2013 Part 1 WITH GREGG ZAUN AND JIM MECIR; I open up by discussing the Yankees recent signing of 2B Brian Roberts and exactly what type of player the team is getting. I talk about how some teams like Houston and the Chicago Cubs may become bigger spenders when some of their younger players start to develop. Then, I talk about why it makes sense for the Mets to keep Ike Davis right now. I then play my interview with longtime MLB catcher Gregg Zaun. Gregg talks about how the game changed before his eyes, why he stopped playing and what it was like having Rick Dempsey as an uncle. Gregg works for Sportsnet in Toronto covering the Blue Jays. I finish off my playing my interview with former Yankees, Devil Rays and Athletics RHP Jim Mecir. Jim mentions his foot condition that he had to overcome to be a major legue pitcher

PASSED BALL SHOW #110 12/12/2013 Part 2 WITH AARON SMALL, DAN COURY AND LANDIS WILSON; I open up by playing my interviews with up and coming pro catchers Landis Wilson and Dan Coury. I then get into the Prince Fielder trade and its impact on future trades. I talk then about the common players that played for the three new Hall of Fame managers Bobby Cox, Tony LaRussa and Joe Torre. I finish off by playing my interview with former Yankees, Athletics and Blue Jays RHP Aaron Small. We talk about his trials and tribulations of bouncing around from the minors to majors for 12 seasons and his 10-0 season for the Yankees in 20005

PASSED BALL SHOW #110 12/12/2013 Part 1 WITH NORMAN BERMAN AND HIRAM BOCACHICA; I open up by talking about how it was great and valuable for the Mets to sign RHP Bartolo Colon. I then play my interview with former 1947 Brooklyn Dodgers ball boy Norman Berman. He talks about his experiences as an aspiring young ballplayer and what he experienced as the ball boy meeting and playing cath with Jackie Robinson and others on that 1947 team. I then play my interview with former Dodgers, Athletics and Rockies OF Hiram Bocachica. He is now a sports agent

PASSED BALL SHOW #109 12/4/2013 Part 2 WITH TIM LEARY AND DAVE VAN HORNE; I open up by speaking with former Mets, Brewers, Dodgers and Yankees RHP Tim Leary about winning the 1988 World Series with the Dodgers, coming up with the Mets and playing for a couple of bad Yankees teams. Tim also started his own website to help start scholarships for high school players looking to excel in baseball. I then get into my annual Mets Black Friday value list, the career of Turkey Stearns and I recap the expansion drafts of the 1998 Arizona Diamondbacks and Tampa Bay Devil Rays. I finish off by speaking with longtime Montreal Expos broadcaster and current voice for the Miami Marlins Dave Van Horne. Dave broadcasted the first game in the history of the Expos franchise and was the 2011 recipient of the Ford C Frisk Award in Baseball's Hall of Fame

PASSED BALL SHOW #109 12/4/2013 Part 1 WITH FRED VALENTINE; I open up by recapping the Jacoby Ellsbury signing as well as the trades the Oakland Athletics made. I mention the Red Sox signing of AJ Pierzynski and how I like the Rays decision to trade for RHP Heath Bell. I show my doubts over whether the Mets will close the deal on OF Curtis Granderson. I then speak with former Orioles and Senators OF Fred Valentine about his playing career, playing in the minors in segregated areas in the south and how he started the MLBP Ulumni Association

PASSED BALL SHOW #108 11/30/2013 Part 2 WITH JIM "MUDCAT" GRANT, JOEL BENNETT AND WILSON CAICEDO; On hour 2, I keep up with my discussion with the Baseball Hall of Fame Ballot. I am then joined by longtime MLB pitcher Jim "Mudcat" Grant. He talks about rooming with his boyhood idol Larry Doby, finding out he was traded to Minnesota by the clubhouse attendant and finally getting his World Series ring with the Pirates from 1971. Jim was the first African American pitcher to win 20 games as well as the first to win a World Series game. Wilson joins me to talk about the Hall of Fame and the Yankees offseason. I finish off with my interview with former Phillies and Orioles RHP Joel Bennett

PASSED BALL SHOW #108 11/30/2013 Part 1 WITH HERM WINNINGHAM; I open up the show by breaking down the Hall of Fame Ballot and talk about which players may make it and which ones should. I then speak with former Mets, Expos, Reds and Red Sox OF Herm Winningham about hcoming up with the Mets, the trade to Montreal and winning the 1990 World Series with the Cincinnati Reds. I finish up by breaking down the 1995 Reds team, led by manager Davey Johnson

PASSED BALL SHOW #107 11/19/2013 Part 2 WITH BOBBY HANEY AND DAMIAN JACKSON; I start out by speaking with SF Giants SS prospect and baseball author Bobby Haney about his development through the Giants system and what inspired his book. I then talk about the NL MVP vote and make my case for Paul Goldschmidt. I then preview the 2014 NY Mets roster if the season started today. I finish off by speaking with former MLB infielder Damian Jackson about his battle to learn baseball on the job and his hard work and determination to make the big leagues

PASSED BALL SHOW #107 11/19/2013 Part 1 WITH ROD GASPAR AND JUAN BERENGUER; I start out by speaking with former Mets and Padres OF and 1969 World Series Champion Rod Gaspar about the 1969 season and how he did not think he was going to make the 1969 Mets team. He also talks about how the success of his first season set back his development and made it difficult to remain in the big leagues afterwards. I briefly touch on the signing of Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz and about the Jay-Z Robinson Cano posturing. I then speak with longtime MLB RHP Juan Berenguer about winning two World Series and his reputation as "Senior Smoke"

PASSED BALL SHOW #106 11/12/2013 Part 2 WITH ANDREW LORRAINE AND WILLIE ROYSTER; I Open up by speaking with former MLB pitcher Andrew Lorraine about his MLB career and his experience over the past several seasons as pitching coach in the Seattle Mariners. Andrew talks about some of the top pitchers in the Mariners organization. I then bring up a possibility that MLB GMs that have a history of being stingy may have difficulty getting free agents to speak with them. I then break down the 12 finalists for the Veterans Committee nominees for the 2014 Baseball Hall of Fame. I finish off with my interview former Orioles catcher Willie Royster

PASSED BALL SHOW #106 11/12/2013 Part 1 WITH LEN BERMAN AND FRANK BOLICK; I open up by speaking with longtime NBC Sportscaster Len Berman about his love for baseball and his ability to transform from a NYC Sportscaster to a National one. Len talks about his books, as well as his blog and website www.thatssports.com. I then get into the MLB free agency period, as many think players will sign for what "they would pay." I finish off by speaking with former Expos and Angels infielder Frank Bolick aboiut his battle to get in the major leagues and his success in Japan

PASSED BALL SHOW #105 11/7/2013 Part 2 WITH BEAU WRIGHT AND RON "PAPA JACK" JACKSON; I open up by playing my interview with Miami Marlins pitching prospect Beau Wright. We talk about his conversion from a starting pitcher to a relief pitcher, which as a lefty mean conversion to a LOOGY. I then speak with former MLB infielder Ron Jackson. He has been an MLB hitting coach for the White Sox, Brewers and Red Sox and was the Red Sox hitting coach when they won the World Series in 2004. I finish off by talking about Pascual Perez, Bob Forsch and Hisashi Iwakuma. Then give some insight on the latest MLB hirings and make a case for Joey Cora to get a MLB gig

PASSED BALL SHOW #105 11/7/2013 Part 1 WITH GREG HANSELL AMD CHUCK HARTENSTEIN; I open up the program by talking about how teams need to do their due dilegence during the offseason. Many fans get too hung up on which players their favorite teams are talking to the first week of free agency. I then speak with former MLB pitcher Greg Hansell, who pitched for 11 different MLB organizations throughout his career. He also spent 3 seasons with the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese League. I finish off by speaking with former MLB pitcher and pitching coach Chuck Hartenstein, who once pitched 18innings in a minor league game, and also pitched for the Cubs and Pirates in the 1960s

PASSED BALL SHOW #104 10/29/2013 Part 2 WITH MIKE BUDDIE, ALONZO HARRIS AND DOUG BERNIER; I open up by playing my interview with former Yankees and Brewers RHP Mike Buddie. We talk about his time with the Yankees, being part of the WS Championship of 1998 and finishing off his education at Wake Forest. He is currently the Associate AD at Wake Forest. I then summarize the limited free agent signings the Mets have made over the past three off seasons. Then play my interview with Mets minor league OF Alonzo Harris. I finish off the program by speaking with Minnesota Twins 2B Doug Bernier about his path to the big leagues and how it feels to be coming back to the Twins in 2014

PASSED BALL SHOW #104 10/29/2013 Part 1 WITH CHAD HERMANSEN AND JAKE EIGSTI; I open up with my interview with former Pirates OF Chad Hermansen. We talk about him being a highly touted prospect and what he does now as a scout for the Angels. I then break down the Jake Peavy trade and explain how all three teams involved could win in the end. I finish off by playing my interview with former Mets minor league infielder Jake Eigsti and talk about his big hit in a spring training game in March of 2008

Passed Ball Show #103 10-22-2013 Part 2 with Todd Greene, John spends this program talking about America's Pasttime and shares his interview with former MLB catcher Todd Greene

Passed Ball Show #103 (10/22/2013) Part 1. John spends this part of the program doing a preview of the 2013 World Series between the Red Sox and Cardinals. John plays an interview he recorded with former MLB pitcher Roger Salkeld.

PASSED BALL SHOW #102 10/17/2013 Part 2 WITH RON BLOOMBERG AND TOBY HALL; I open up by speaking with former Yankees DH/ 1B Ron Bloomberg about being MLB's first DH and his time with the New York Yankees. I then get into my opinions about Yasiel Puig's antics and then talk about the LA Dodgers manager legacy and how it would be if Bill Russell remained the manager for the past 16 1/2 seasons. I finish off by speaking with former Tampa Bay Devil Rays catcher Toby Hall about some of the managers he played for as well as his time catching for Tampa Bay

PASSED BALL SHOW #102 10/17/2013 Part 1 WITH RON KITTLE; I open up the program by talking about the passing of MLB umpire Wally Bell. I get into the discussion about what players and managers on each remaining postseason team I'd like to see winning a World Series. I then speak with former White Sox OF/ DH Ron Kittle about how he was almost out of baseball before he ever played a MLB game and his connection to the White Sox community. I fiish off by highlighting the Pennant and World Series success of the remaining four teams

PASSED BALL SHOW #101 10/8/2013 Part 2 WITH DAN SCHLOSSBERG AND PETE LACOCK; I open up by speaking with longtime well known baseball author Dan Schlossberg. Dan is a big time Atlanta Braves fan and hosts a podcast called Braves Bantor and gives some perspective on the Braves 2014 season and off season and some info about Brian McCann. I then speak with former MLB 1B Pete LaCock about his experience playing for the Royals and Cubs in the late 1970s and early 1980s. Pete talks about how he disliked playing baseball in Japan and how his father was Peter Marshall, the host of Hollywood Squares

PASSED BALL SHOW #101 10/8/2013 Part 1 WITH BILL ZELTMAN, DAN SCHLOSSBERG AND PETE LACOCK; I start out by playing a piece I recorded with MTR Media CEO Bill Zeltman, talking MLB playoffs and other things going on in MLB. I then spend some time talking about Leo Durocher's career both as a player and as a manager. I finish off by speaking about the Dodgers changing the game of baseball by signing Jackie Robinson and the real reason they did it

PASSED BALL SHOW #100 10/1/2013 Part 2 WITH BRIAN DUBOIS, BILLY STAPLES AND GREGG CARLUCCI; I open up by commemorating 100 episodes of the show with some messages from those who have been part of it. I speak with former Tigers LHP Brian DuBois about his brief career as a MLB starting pitcher and what he did to try to stay in the game. I speak with Billy Staples about the playoff races and how he was in Pittsburgh for the Wild Card game between the Pirates and Reds. He also talks about the conversations he had with Justin Morneau, Jason Grilli and Russell Martin. I then speak with the host of the Carlucci Show Gregg Carlucci about radio and our experiences over 100 PBS episodes. I finish off by playing a clip of some of my top interview quotes and some of my best rants over 100 shows

PASSED BALL SHOW #100 10/1/2013 Part 1 WITH BRIAN JOHNSON AND JAMES FLIPPIN; I celebrate the 100th episode of the Passed Ball Show. I speak with James Flippin, one of the first regular guests in the history of the show. I then speak with former Padres and Giants catcher Brian Johnson about steroids as well as some of his big HRs throughout his career. I also play a clip of some of the best soundbites of the interviews I have conducted

PASSED BALL SHOW #99 9/24/2013 Part 2 WITH STEVE ROGERS; I start out by playing my extended interview with former Montreal Expos RHP Steve Rogers. We talk about the 1970s Expos teams, the 1981 strike and making the NLCS in 1981. Steve now works for the MLBPA. I then get into the possibility of Jose Reyes being traded either this offseason or next and the best suitor for the services of Mets 1B Lucas Duda. I finish off by giving you the order of how the MLB Wild Card teams will finish

PASSED BALL SHOW #99 9/24/2013 Part 1 WITH WILLIE MONTANEZ AND ETHAN CHAPMAN; I start out by talking about how teams will continue to overpay for middle relievers/ closers and how Joaquin Benoit and Grant Balfour will benefit. I then speak with former Phillies, Mets, Braves and Giants OF/ 1B Willie Montanez about being a power hitter and how he got under the skin of the teams he played for. I finish off by speaking with Kansas City Royals OF prospect Ethan Chapman about his rise through the farm system and what to expect from him down the road

PASSED BALL SHOW #98 9/17/2013 Part 2 WITH WES CHAMBERLAIN, DICK DRAGO AND JON NUNNALLY; I finish off my interview with Wes Chamberlain. I then speak with former Royals and Red Sox RHP Dick Drago as we get into pitch counts and what allowed him and his contemporaries to pitch deeper into games. I finish off by speaking with former Royals and Reds OF Jon Nunnally about being a Rule 5 pick, playing for Ray Knight and Jack McKeon as well as his son being drafted in the 2013 player draft

PASSED BALL SHOW #98 9/17/2013 Part 1 WITH FELIX MILLAN AND WES CHAMBERLAIN; I open up by adding a new player to the "clown of the year" discussion, talk a little about Jose Fernandez and discuss whether Roger Maris should be a Hall of Famer. I am then joined by former Mets and Braves 2B Felix Millan and talk about the importance of playing defense in the 1960s and 1970s. Former Phillies OF Wes Chamberlain talks about his book "In the Game" and his experience being a top prospect with the Pirates and Phillies

PASSED BALL SHOW #97 9/10/2013 Part 2 WITH WILLIE AIKENS AND JERRY MORALES; I open up with my interview with former Angels, Royals and Blue Jays 1B Willie Aikens. We talk about his book "Safe at Home", his life story, and how he overcame cocaine abuse and incarceration. We talk about cocaine abuse in MLB and how predominant it was in the early 1980s. I then talk about the foolish thought of how the Mets GM can get a pass but the manager does not. I disagree with that assessment. I finish off by speaking with former Cubs, Padres and Mets OF Jerry Morales about playing in the 1970s

PASSED BALL SHOW #97 9/10/2013 Part 1 WITH EARL AVERILL; I open up by making a case that the Jayson Werth and Gio Gonzalez signings were good moves by Nationals GM Mike Rizzo. I am then joined by former Indians, Cubs and Angels catcher Earl Averill, son of HOF OF Earl Averill. We talk about his playing career, his father and his father's animosity with the Veterans Committee regarding his delayed induction in 1975. I finish off by dissecting the trade between the Orioles and Mariners involving Eric Bedard, Adam Jones and Chris Tillman

PASSED BALL SHOW #96 9/3/2013 Part 2 WITH BILL LANDRUM AND CHRIS MICHALAK; I open up by discussing the possibility of Houston Astros manager Bo Porter leaving to take the Washington Nationals job. I then break down the trade that sent RHP Scott Feldman to the Baltimore Orioles for RHPs Jake Arietta and Pedro Strop. I speak with former Pirates and Reds RHP Bill Landrum about watching his former teammates in Cincinnati celebrate the NL Pennant on the field while he was with Pittsburgh and what made those teams in 1990 and 1991 great. I then speak with former MLB pitcher and pitching coach of the Potomic Nationals Chris Michalak about making it to the big leagues and his experience dealing with younger pitchers

PASSED BALL SHOW #96 9/3/2013 Part 1 WITH BILL NAHORODNY; I open up the program by talking about the steroid era of MLB and its impact on the Hall of Fame inductions of next season, featuring first time eligibles Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and Frank Thomas. IF Frank Thomas is elected, Jim Thome should have no problem getting in. I then speak with former MLB catcher Bill Nahorodny. We talk about his playing career, being a prison guard and his association with the BEST scholarship fundraiser. I finish off by talking about the ten MLB teams who would finish with the 10 worst records in MLB, assuring that their first round pick in 2014 is protected

PASSED BALL SHOW #95 8/27/2013 Part 2 WITH BRIAN DORSETT AND STEVE JELTZ; Former Yankees, Athletics and Reds catcher Brian Dorsett joins the program to talk about being part of the unbelievably talented Tacoma AAA team of 1986 and 1987 in Oakland. We also talk about his knee injury which he hid throughout his career as well as his time in New York and Cincinnati. I then speak with former Phillies SS Steve Jeltz about coming up with the 1983 NL Champion Phillies as well as becoming a switch hitter during the middle of his career. I finish off talking about the 1913 World Series, three AL managers that could be out by seasons end and remembering what would have been former Angels RHP Nick Adenhart's 27th birthday

PASSED BALL SHOW #95 8/27/2013 Part 1 WITH GLENN WILSON; I open up talking about Matt Harvey pitching through his UCL tear and give my feelings of the trade that sent Marlon Byrd and John Buck to the Pirates. I then speak with former Tigers, Phillies and Pirates OF Glenn Wilson about being traded from the great Tigers team before the 1984 season, his career in Philadelphia and the meaning of a solid RF throwing arm in the 1980s as opposed to now. I finish off by breaking down the AL Wild Card race and where the Yankees fit in

PASSED BALL SHOW #94 8/20/2013 Part 2 WITH MIKE BIELECKI AND JASON GRABOWSKI; I open up with my interview with former Braves, Cubs and Pirates RHP Mike Bielecki. We talk about being drafted by the Pirates in 1979 and being an Orioles fan, making it to the postseason in 1989 with the Cubs, the Braves pitching staff and nearly being on the boat that killed Steve Olin and Tim Crews. I then get into the Phillies and moving on from Charlie Manuel. I then get to speak with former MLB OF Jason Grabowski about his time in the Oakland and Los Angeles organizations as an OF

PASSED BAL SHOW #94 8/20/2013 Part 1 WITH TODD PRATT AND JOHN WASDIN; I open up by giving my feedback on the Alex Rodriguez/ Ryan Dempster confrontation as well as my enjoyment of the Sunday Night ESPN game between the two clubs. I then speak with former Mets and Phillies catcher Todd Pratt about his time in the minors, playing the beginning and end of his career in Philadelphia and his big postseason moments with the New York Mets. I speak with former Athletics, Red Sox and Rangers RHP John Wasdin about his time in Boston and establishing himself in the big leagues

PASSED BALL SHOW #93 8/13/2013 Part 2 WITH DAVE LAROCHE AND MIKE LUMLEY; I start off by discussing free agent OF Grady Sizemore's value to a 2014 team and what he may or not have left. I play my interview with former minor league pitcher Mike Lumley about some of his experiences and what the London Badgers of Ontario mean to him. Then listen to my recap of all walk off HRs that ended World Series, LCS or LDS. I mention the significance of Joe DiMaggio's first seven seasons. I finish off the program with my interview with former Indians, Twins, Cubs, Angels and Yankees LHP Dave LaRoche. We talk about "La Lob", becoming a major league pitcher after spending the majority of his minor league career as a position player and what it means to have sons in the big leagues

PASSED BALL SHOW #93 8/13/2013 Part 1 WITH MIKE LAVALLIERE; I get into the managerial career of longtime Phillies and Angels manager Gene Mauch and make my case why he deserves more credit. I then speak with former Pirates and White Sox catcher Mike LaValliere about his transition to catcher, playing on the Pirates NL East Championship teams of 1990-1992 and what he has done since his playing days ended. I finish off by making a case for Ted Simmons in baseball's Hall of Fame and talk about former MLB OFs Vada Pinson and Carlos Martinez. I then give my opinion about the value of a MLB manager

PASSED BALL SHOW #92 8/6/2013 Part 2 WITH FRANK TEPEDINO AND RICHIE SCHEINBLUM; I start by playing my interview with former Yankees, Brewers and Braves 1B/ OF Frank Tepedino. I then talk about former Yankees catcher Thurman Munson's place in MLB history among catchers. I then speak with former Indians, Royals and Senators OF Richie Scheinblum and get his views on how todays MLB players are different from when he played. I finish off the program by making the case that the NL playoff teams are set on August 6th and discuss the remaining AL playoff races

PASSED BALL SHOW #92 8/6/2013 Part 1 WITH JIM LEYRITZ; I open up by explaining Alex Rodriguez' right to due process and to a fair trial even if he is guilty of abusing the drug treatment and prevention program of MLB. I then talk about the 1944 Browns and their significance. Former Yankees catcher and World Series hero Jim Leyritz calls in to talk about his motivational speaking, coming up with the early 1990 Yankees teams and winning the World Series. I conclude by talking about the 1981 split MLB season due to the strike

PASSED BALL SHOW #91 7/30/2013 Part 2 WITH GEORGE RILEY AND STEVE SPRINGER; I open with my interview with former Cubs, Giants and Expos LHP George Riley. George talks about his experiences in MLB and how much he enjoyed the game of baseball. He also talks about the opportunity to play in the Phillies organization close to his home in Reading. He expresses a little remorse as he did not have the opportunity to pitch after the invention of the left handed specialist. I talk a little about who is to blame for the struggles of the Angels as well as why Al Oliver belongs in the Hall of Fame. I finish off with my interview with founder of Quality At Bats and former MLB infielder Steve Springer. We talk about the struggles of keeping interest in baseball as well as the launch of his new instructional video

PASSED BALL SHOW #91 7/30/2013 Part 1 WITH JACK FISHER AND DON DEMOLA; I start out by speaking with former Orioles and Mets RHP Jack Fisher. Among things we discuss are giving up the HR to Ted Williams in Williams' final AB in 1960 as well as Roger Maris' 60th HR in 1961. He also talks about a young Tom Seaver and Jerry Koosman and being around before the Mets became WS Champions in 1969. I follow that up with a great interview with former Expos RHP Don Demola. Don may ruffle some feathers with some of his views about Mariano Rivera, Gene Mauch among other topios. I finish off by giving my opinion of the collusion between MLB and the Yankees to force Alex Rodriguez to forfeit the remainder of his contract

PASSED BALL SHOW #90 7/25/2013 Part 2 WITH CHRIS DONNELS AND CHARLIE LEIBRANDT; I open up with my interview with former Mets, Astros, Dodgers and Diamondbacks infielder Chris Donnels. We talk about him being the Mets first round draft pick after winning the World Series, reasons he struggled early in the majors after success in the minors, playing in Japan and making the postseason. I then get into the upcoming trade deadline and discuss options for teams like Boston, Atlanta, the Dodgers as well as the Phillies, Mets and Yankees. I am then joined over the phone by former Reds, Royals, Braves and Rangers LHP Charlie Leibrandt. We talk about his early years in Cincinnati and what he learned from guys like Tom Seaver and Mario Soto, his middle years with the Royals and their younger pitchers and his later years being the veteran on the Atlanta Braves staff

PASSED BALL SHOW #90 7/25/2013 Part 1 WITH AL OLIVER; I inform the listener about the upcoming Hall of Fame induction ceremonies this weekend and give a biography of each of the three inductees. Does the Hall of Fame selection of Col Jacob Ruppert mean George Steinbrenner could be next? I finish up with my extended interview with longtime MLB 1B/OF Al Oliver and discuss playing for the Pirates teams of the 1970s, Roberto Clemente and why his career ended so abruptly

PASSED BALL SHOW #89 7/16/2013 Part 2 WITH CALVIN MADURO; I open up by remembering Disco Demolition Night and who was the case of that disaster. I talk about the significance of Cesar Tovar's feat of playing all 9 positions in a single game. The several players that returned to big leagues after prolonged absences to fill roster spots from players serving in WWII. I compare Josh Satin's start to that of Kevin Maas. I speak with former Phillies and Orioles RHP Calvin Maduro about being the 1st MLB pitcher from Aruba, playing in the WBC and being knighted

PASSED BALL SHOW #89 7/16/2013 Part 1 WITH BENNY AYALA; I open the program by talking about the possibility of pitchers Tim Lincecum, Matt Garza and Phil Hughes being traded. I then speak with former Mets and Orioles outfielder Benny Ayala about hitting a HR in his first MLB AB as well as his postseason success with the Orioles. I finish off by talking about Chris Davis, his all time single season HR chase and where he ranks amongst the best for a single season. I get into the biogenesis scandal, mention how no suspensions will happen this year and no player without a prior suspension will get a penalty of above 50 games

PASSED BALL SHOW #88 7/9/2013 Part 2 WITH BOB WATSON AND JERRY ROYSTER; I open up with my interview with long time Astros and Yankees 1B/ OF, Astros and Yankees General Manager and former VP of On field discipline Bob Watson. We talk about how many home runs he lost playing his home games in the Astrodome, being the GM for the Boss and winning a Gold Medal and World Series. I follow that up by speaking up with former Braves and Dodgers 2B Jerry Royster, who also managed the Brewers n 2002. We talk about coming up with the budding 1970s Dodgers teams as well as becoming a regular for the Braves. In addition, we touch on his catch which was featured on the credits of "This Week in Baseball" as well as taking over as manager for one of his best friends and coaching with Bobby Valentine last season for Boston. To close it out, I criticize the AL Final Vote, which happened to include just relief pitchers this season

PASSED BALL SHOW #88 7/9/2013 Part 1 WITH JERRY REUSS, BRAD PENNINGTON AND WILSON CAICEDO; I start off with my interview with 22 year MLB LHP Jerry Reuss. We talk about being drafted by the hometown team, the trade to the Dodgers for Rick Rhoden, throwing a no hitter as well as playing in 4 different decades. I get into the categories of pitchers who threw more than one no hitter, then talk about trade "dumps" and how they can be sometimes useless. I then speak with former Orioles LHP Brad Pennington about being the heir apparent to Gregg Olson. To finish off, I am joined by MTR Radio's Wilson Caicedo to talk a little about the All Star game and Yasiel Puig

PASSED BALL SHOW #87 7/2/2013 Part 2 WITH BROOKS KIESCHNICK; I open up by talking about the probability of the Twins trading 1B Justin Morneau and OF Josh Willingham and how the Twins may not be in a hurry to deal them. I then talk to former Cubs, Reds, Rockies and Brewers OF/ 1B Brooks Kieschnick about being drafted in the 1st round of the 1993 draft, never getting a chance to get 500 ABs for the Cubs and being taken in the expansion draft by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays. We also talk about being a two way player (pitcher and position player) and how revolutionary his place in baseball was at the time. I then talk about the LOOGYs and why they have to be experienced to be effective, how it is not a surprise that the Pirates have taken their game to the next level and Ryne Duren, the original "Wild Thing." I finish off by sending by condolences to the family of former MLB pitcher Justin Miller and play the interview I recorded with his this past February

PASSED BALL SHOW #87 7/2/2013 Part 1 WITH BRET SABERHAGEN AND BOB KENDRICK; I open with my interview with 2 time AL Cy Young Award winner and former Royals, Mets, Rockies and Red Sox RHP Bret Saberhagen. We talk about his emergence on the Royals staff, the even-odd thing, pitching on a bad Mets team and his comeback after shoulder surgery. I go right into my discussion with the President of the Negro Leagues museum Bob Kendrick. We talk about the history of the Negro Leagues andits place in baseball history. Bob tells us about the museum and how its come a long way since its origins in 1990. We talk about the all time Negro Leagues team and the statues that are in the museum. I finish off by talking a little Josh Satin/ Nick Evans and break down the season Binghamton Mets OF Cesar Puello is having

PASSED BALL SHOW #86 6/25/2013 Part 2 WITH TOMMY JOHN; Listen to my interview with longtime LHP Tommy John, who pitched for the Indians, White Sox, Dodgers, Yankees, Angels and Athletics. We talk about his interest in golf, the operation as well as pitching on the losing ends of the Dodgers/ Yankees World Series. We also talk about his Hall of Fame chances as well as the pitchers who are not in that have more wins than him. I break down all MLB managers who were traded for and state the obvious of why Cole Hamels is having a much worse season than Cliff Lee had in 2012. I talk about 1957 RHP Von McDaniel and his comparison to other pitchers who became position players and make a striking Ike Davis/ Adam Lind similarity

PASSED BALL SHOW #86 6/25/2013 Part 1 WITH RUSTY MEACHAM; I open the program by talking about the three burdens Mets RHP Zack Wheeler has to deal with during his early time with the Mets. I bid adieu to Chicago Cubs RHP Carlos Marmol and ask help for the listeners to help me research a stat. I talk about how soon Ricky Nolasco will be traded and why Corey Hart will not be. Then, I play my interview with former Royals and Tigers RHP Rusty Meacham talking about his hosing down of the Royals fans among other things. I finish off by giving my endorsement to the great Larry Doby

PASSED BALL SHOW #85 6/18/2013 Part 2 WITH KIP GROSS AND MARLON ANDERSON; I start out by speaking with former Reds and Dodgers RHP Kip Gross about coming up with the Mets, being traded to LA with Eric Davis and his opinions about Cincinnati Reds owner Marge Schott. I then speak with former Phillies, Cardinals, Devil Rays, Mets and Dodgers infielder Marlon Anderson. We talk about his inside the park home run against Francisco Rodriguez of the Angels and hitting the 4th of the 4 consecutive 9th inning HRs for the Dodgers against the Padres. I finish up by talking some NL East with Phillies, Mets and Nationals

PASSED BALL SHOW #85 6/18/2013 Part 1 WITH BRAD KOMMINSK; I open the program by speaking with former Braves and Indians OF Brad Komminsk. Brad talks about his coaching career, coming up as a highly touted prospect with the Braves and his famous near catch after scaling the wall in Cleveland. I talk about the resurgence of the Toronto Blue Jays and the balance of the AL East. Then, I mention the anniversaries of the deaths of former Royals manager Dick Howser and longtime Braves broadcaster Ernie Johnson. I also make my case that the Diamondbacks can regret the decision to trade RHP Trevor Bauer

PASSED BALL SHOW #84 6/11/2013 Part 2 WITH ANN LIGUORI AND PETE SMITH; I start the 2nd hour with my interview with WFAN Golf and Tennis correspondent Ann Liguori. Ann hosts Sports Innerview, a television series where she has interviewed all time greats such as Stan Musial, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle and Deacon Jones. I follow that up with Pete Smith, the former Atlanta Braves RHP, who also had a role in the movie "42". Pete talks about being on the set as well as coming up as a Braves pitcher at the same time as Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. I finish up by talking about the Mariners catcher of the future, the Giants potentially adding another starting pitcher and a couple interesting points about this year's MLB player draft

PASSED BALL SHOW #84 6/11/2013 Part 1 WITH LOU COLLIER; I make my comparisons between Yasiel Puig and Mike Trout. Then I make my case why the Mets should continue to bunt runners over and play small ball. Former MLB infielder Lou Collier joins the show to talk about the RBI (Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities) program and his place in it as well as going from a shortstop to a utility player. Lou also played in Korea. I then talk about who the all time home run leader was before Babe Ruth and I have few problems with the so called steroids era

PASSED BALL SHOW #83 6/4/2013 Part 2 WITH BOB KLAPISCH AND CHAD ZURCHER; I speak with longtime sportswriter Bob Klapisch (sorry about the feedback during the pre-recorded interview) about writing "The Worst Team Money Can Buy", his public confrontation with Bobby Bonilla, "Champions" (a book about the 1996 Yankees as well as the great Mariano Rivera. I briefly touch on the possibility of Cliff Lee being traded and a couple surprise teams on his no trade list. I then speak with Mets minor league 2B Chad Zurcher, who currently plays for the Savannah Sand Gnats of the South Atlantic League. I close it up by talking about why the Arizona Diamondbacks will now make more noise than anticipated, the history of women playing in professional baseball as well as the anniversary of one of the weirder baseball manager meltdowns

PASSED BALL SHOW #83 6/4/2013 Part 1 WITH NED GARVER; Longtime MLB pitcher Ned Garver (1947-1961) talks about his career pitching for the St Louis Browns. He talks about winning 20 games, being a good hitting pitcher and playing in the game where owner Bill Veeck allowed the midget, Eddie Gaeddel to come up to bat in a game. I vent my frustration with fans who think players are automatically ok to play just because they are "young" when a team is rebuilding. Finally, I talk about how great of a hitter Johnny Mize was and how he was able to finish his career as a role player winning World Series Championships for the Yankees

PASSED BALL SHOW #82 5/30/2013 Part 2 WITH MATT WALBECK, BOB FRIEND AND CHAD MOELLER; Former MLB catcher Matt Walbeck joins the program to tslk about his baseball clinic, his MLB career and playing for the 2003 Detroit Tigers, one of the worst teams in MLB history. I mention Ken Brett and how underrated of a hitter he was as a pitcher. 1960 Pirates World Champion pitcher and 197 game winner Bob Friend speaks about the 1960 series, the earlier Pirates teams in the late 1950s and playing for Danny Murtaugh. Speaking of hitting pitchers, I discuss the transformation of Smokey Joe Wood from a pitcher to OF, with a special guest appearance from the great Roger Ahl. I then speak with former MLB catcher Chad Moeller about his time with the Diamondbacks and Brewers. Then discuss the amazing similarities between Pedro Guerrero and Kirk Gibson

PASSED BALL SHOW #82 5/30/2013 Part 1 WITH BUDDY BIANCALANA AND DAMON HOLLINS; Buddy Biancalana, former Royals SS on the 1985 World Series team, talks about his "zone" experience in the WS as well as his zone training program. Damon Hollins, former OF for the Devil Rays and Braves, calls in to talk about his career and whether he got a fair chance to show his talents with Atlanta. I conclude the first part of the program by talking about who the biggest MLB disappointment is: the Blue Jays, Dodgers or Angels as well as which team will right the ship and which of the three will change managers

PASSED BALL SHOW #81 5/21/2013 I Part 2 WITH ED MICKELSON; I mention the fact that the NL's original 7 (perhaps 8) should be considered more significant than the NHL's original 6. I recap the Phillies/ Cubs 23-22 game of 1979. Former MLB player Ed Mickelson joins the program to talk about how the Pacific Coast League was a 3rd major league in the 1950s and how the conditions were better with similar pay than MLB

PASSED BALL SHOW #81 5/21/2013 Part 1 WITH ROY SIEVERS AND ROGER MASON; I open up with my interview with 1949 AL Rookie of the Year and 1957 AL HR and RBI leader Roy Sievers. After discussing possible trades for Mets 1B, I speak with former Pirates, Phillies and Giants RHP Roger Mason about his nearly flawless postseason stats. I talk about team is really worse, the 2013 Astros or 2013 Marlins. Also, some discussion about how 2013 is the beginning of the new era of MLB aces and finish with where the Atlanta Braves bullpen will go from here after the recent injuries to Jonny Venters and Eric O'Flaherty

PASSED BALL SHOW #80 5/14/2013 Part 2; I finish up my discussion about the potential Yankees roster crunch before getting into Terry Francona and what he did for Boston and may do for Cleveland. I make some logical, not mongo, trade proposals to upgrade the Mets OF. I entail the great career of Napolean Lajoie as well as talk about Fred Toney's two no hitter feats that may never be equaled. Finally, I talk about the progressive discipline that may start to be handed down to its umpires

PASSED BALL SHOW #80 5/14/2013 Part 1 WITH LENNY DINARDO AND CHASEN BRADFORD; I open up the program by speaking with LHP Lenny DiNardo right before his evening start for the Lancaster Barnstormers of the Atlantic League. We touch on his MLB career as well as his hopes to return to the MLB. Why it makes no sense for the Phillies to trade Jonathan Papelbon. Who Ike Davis's likely replacements will be after his trip to AAA and how the Yankees fan base expects the fill in players to start over the injured Yankees stars return. I finish with my interview with Mets A St Lucie RHP Chasen Bradford. I also compare eras before division play and when there was one playoff team in each league

PASSED BALL SHOW #79 5/7/2013 Part 2; After mentioning the recent death of former Philadelphia Athletics catcher Joe Astroth, I recap the 11 living players from the 1954 Philadelphia Athletics team (the last before the move to Kansas City). I also dub the 1950s as the geographical chance decade for MLB with cities such as Milwaukee, Kansas City, Baltimore, Los Angeles and San Francisco all get MLB franchises. I discuss how Robin Roberts would be a Hall of Famer even if he retired after 1961 with the Phillies. Carlos Gomez' start and how it relates to Nyjer Morgan being gone and I ask what criteria should be used to judge what is the best baseball movie

PASSED BALL SHOW #79 5/7/2013 Part 1 WITH FRED CLAIRE; I make the case why David Wright has been a clutch player for the Mets. I also compare the 2013 Yankees to the 2009 Mets, both teams plagued by injuries. I speak with long time LA Dodgers executive Fred Claire about his run as GM, the 1988 Dodgers, and Fox's takeover of the Dodgers

PASSED BALL SHOW #78 5/3/2013 Part 2 WITH LEE TINSLEY; I start out by criticizing Keith Hernandez for taking broadcasting for granted and his "sighs" throughout the broadcasts. I salute Brad Lesley as well as breakdown the MLB closer changes that will happen this season. I also speak with Lee Tinsley, a current coach in the Chicago Cubs organization and former MLB OF with the Mariners, Red Sox and Phillies

PASSED BALL SHOW #78 5/3/2013 Part 1; Listen to my simple breakdown of what the New York Mets are, and suggestion of a serious trade the Mets should consider. I also talk about the umpires and suggest a solution to their problems that does not involve expanded instant replay. I finish off by making a suggestion to our friends who rely on the sabr stats and WAR

PASSED BALL SHOW #77 4/25/2013 Part 1; Live from Hooters in Princeton, NJ, this is the preview for the 4 hours of NFL Draft (1st round) special. I discuss the slow starts of the New York Mets and Philadelphia Phillies and decide whether or not this weekend's series is big for either team. I spent a couple minutes recapping this past weekend's series between the Lakewood Blue Claws and Savannah Sand Gnats and break down Mets prospects Brandon Nimmo and Kevin Plawecki as well as Phillies prospect Roman Quinn. I question the Nationals simply picking up GM Mike Rizzo's 2014 option and not extending him further

PASSED BALL SHOW #76 4/23/2013; This is the recap of the show I did live from the Hooters in Princeton the prior Thursday. I speak about the Mets, Rockies and Ruben Tejada,the Yankees and Vernon Wells and the Phillies and Roy Halliday's velocity. I speak about the movie "42" and Jackie Robinson Day as well as the renovations being done to Wrigley Field

PASSED BALL SHOW #75 4/11/2013 WITH ARMANDO RIOS AND KEN DAVIDOFF; I speak briefly with New York Post columnist Ken Davidoff and get into some of what I feel the biggest issues are for the Yankees going forward. Armando Rios, former OF for the Giants, Pirates and White Sox, joins the program to talk about his developmental program for young athletes as well as his time in the big leagues. I finish off by making my case that Zack Wheeler should be up with the Mets right now

PASSED BALL SHOW #74 4/4/2013 Part 2 WITH APRIL WHITZMAN AND KEVIN MENCH; I talk about the historic 1948 footrace between elderly Connie Mack and Clark Griffith. April Whitzman calls in to talk about MLB fan cave and her passion for baseball. I throw my full support for Johan Santana and talk about his best New York Mets moments. I reach out to former Texas Rangers OF Kevin Mench to talk about the early 2002-2004 Rangers teams that had all offense and no pitching. I conclude by stating the obvious; why the LA Dodgers will win the NL West this season

PASSED BALL SHOW #74 4/4/2013 Part 1 WITH DON SLAUGHT AND MIKE HARGROVE; I open the program by laughing at the fact that fans run away from their pre season feelings about a team once the season starts. I speak with former MLB catcher Don Slaught about his time with the Royals, Yankees and Pirates and how he separated his responsibility of catching from being a consistent .300 hitter. Former Indians manager Mike Hargrove talks about winning the two AL Pennants in 1995 and 1997 and being part of the "10 cent beer night" disaster as a player

PASSED BALL SHOW #73 3/28/2013 Part 2 WITH TIM DIERKES; I talk about the New York Post article and what it makes of Lenny Dykstra as well as Dykstra's open letter that he would be cleared of all charges. Of course, he was not. I play my earlier interview with MLB Trade Rumors creator and founder Tim Dierkes. I go over this date in baseball history as well as declaring my independent 2013 predictions

PASSED BALL SHOW #73 3/28/2013 Part 1 WITH JASON BERGMANN AND JOSE GUZMAN; I start out by recapping my trip to PSL, Fla and the negatives and positives of the New York Mets going into this season. I blast those who only use baseball prospectus for their MLB predictions and have no open mind. I speak with former Nationals RHP Jason Bergmann about his comeback and his offseason workouts as he looks to land a new team. Former Rangers and Cubs RHP Jose Guzman calls in to talk about playing for Bobby Valentine, nearly throwing a no hitter and his foundation

PASSED BALL SHOW #72 3/18/2013 Part 2 WITH ERIC VALENT AND GARRY TEMPLETON II; I touch a little bit on the WBC and injuries in MLB as well as this date in baseball history and the 2013 Dodgers 8 starting pitchers. Former MLB OF Eric Valent calls in to talk about being Rule 5 picked by the Mets, hitting for the Cycle and what he does now as a scout. Garry Templeton II calls in to talk about his father, his own playing career and what he is doing as a manager now. I finish off talking about the 1941 Dodgers, a team that had just about no relation to the Dodgers teams of the later 1940s, 1950s and 1960s

PASSED BALL SHOW #72 3/18/2013 Part 1 WITH SCOTT POSE AND KEVIN BASS; I give the scenario where Brennan Boesch will end up with the Mets by opening day, even after his signing with the Yankees. Former MLB OF Scott Pose calls in to tslk about being the first batter in the history of the Florida Marlins, being in the movie "For the love of the game" and being featured in the book "Journeymen: 24 Bittersweet Tales of Short Lived Major League Sports Careers." I then speak with former minor league OF Kevin Bass and ask him how often people confuse him with former MLB OF Kevin Bass. He also gets into his sports equipment business and what he does to produce it. I finish by standing by my predictions of the Seattle Mariners for 2013

PASSED BALL SHOW #71 3/14/2013 Part 2 WITH DANNY GARCIA AND SETH ETHERTON; I talk a little bit about the World Baseball Classic and the brawl between Canada and Mexico. Danny Garcia calls in to talk about his brief opportunity to play for the New York Mets in 2003 and 2004 and what he is up to now a days. Seth Etherton talks about his comeback and what is was like pitching for his hometown Los Angles Angels

PASSED BALL SHOW #71 3/14/2013 Part 1 WITH RANDY MARSHALL AND CALVIN PICKERING; I open up by suggesting the Mets get OF Brennan Boesch, who has since signed with the Yankees. Former Mets, Tigers and Rockies minor league LHP Randy Marshall calls in to talk about his issues breaking into the big leagues and why he left the game so soon. Former Orioles, Reds, Red Sox and Royals 1B Calvin Pickering joins the program to talk about being blocked from the Orioles 1B/ DH spot by Will Clark, Rafael Palmeiro and Harold Baines and being the 3rd player from the Island of St Thomas to play in the majors

PASSED BALL SHOW #70 3/7/2013 Part 2 WITH AL HRABOSKY; I start out by talking about my pet peeve when it comes to over analyzing early spring training performance. After a complete break down of the AL Central division, I go over some TDIBBH. Longtime Cardinals broadcaster Al Hrabosky joins the program to talk about his shtick as "The Mad Hungarian" and his time pitching for the Cardinals, Royals and Braves

PASSED BALL SHOW #70 3/7/2013 Part 1 WITH ANDY MCCULLOUGH AND JEFF JUDEN; Listen to some suggestions of what the Yankees can do with the latest string of injuries. Andy McCullough from the Star Ledger calls in to give some insight about the Yankees, Mark Teixeira, Curtis Granderson, Derek Jeter and what they should do to cover for the rash of injuries as well as to what to expect from the team's starting pitchers. He also discusses why he left the Mets beat. I then break down teams such as the Astros and Cubs and mention some good reasons to be more optimistic is you are a fan of either team. Former Astros, Phillies, Indians, Expos, Angels, Brewers and Yankees RHP Jeff Juden joins the program to talk about being a 1st round draft pick, getting his real 1st MLB chance to pitch for the Phillies after the strike, pitching in the World Series for the Indians, pitching in Mike Piazza's first game with the Mets and pitching briefly for the 1999 Yankees who won the World Series

PASSED BALL SHOW #69 2/28/2013 Part 2 WITH MARK DEWEY (Audio skips every 10-15 seconds, sorry for inconvenience); I start the second hour by giving my reasons why I think the Red Sox can overachieve this season. I also mention 5 options for the Yankees to add to their catching depth by not spending or giving up a lot. I express my doubts about the 2013 Orioles and Athletics. Mark Dewey, pitching coach in the Milwaukee Brewers system and former MLB pitcher, joins the program to talk about the Brewers pitchers and his experience pitching for the Mets and Giants. I finish off by ranking the top MLB GMS

PASSED BALL SHOW #69 2/28/2013 Part 1 WITH GABE KAPLER (Audio skips every 10-15 seconds, sorry for the inconvenience); Show starts in the middle of my interview with former MLB OF Gabe Kapler. We talk about his start with the Tigers, playing in the last game at Tigers Stadium and his experience with the Red Sox, winning the World Series in 2004. I spend most of the first hour talking about the AL East, breaking down the Yankees chances and stating my claim that the Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays will finish near the bottom of the division

PASSED BALL SHOW #68 2/21/2013 Part 2 WITH MIKE LACOSS AND VAL MAJEWSKI; Among topics in this hour are the 1979 Montreal Expos, Chris Young and the Nationals and two criminal MLB players that made the 1919 Black Sox and Pete Rose look like saints. Mike LaCoss speaks about who really taught him the split finger fastball and ibaseballchannel.com. I close it off by speaking with Val Majewski about pitching several times as a position player and his roots to Freehold, NJ

PASSED BALL SHOW #68 2/21/2013 Part 1 WITH ROB DUCEY; On the first part of the program, I talk about the potential dis-service the Yankees will be presented with the loss of Phil Hughes. I speak with former Blue Jays and Phillies OF Rob Ducey about being inducted into the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and his persistence throughout his MLB career. I also talk about Michael Jordan's baseball career recapping his 50th birthday. More on Dave Niehaus being the face of the Seattle Mariners franchise

PASSED BALL SHOW #67 2/14/2013 Part 2 WITH SWEENY MURTI, PAT MAHOMES AND RUBBY DE LA ROSA; Part 2 starts out with my call to former Mets and Twins RHP Pat Mahomes. Pat talks about playing for the Mets teams in 1999 and 2000, his disputes with the Red Sox over wanting to be a starting pitcher and what he learned playing in Japan that saved his career. I speak briefly with Boston Red Sox pitcher Rubby de la Rosa about being included in the mega deal between Boston and Los Angeles involving Adrian Gonzalez as well as how he is recovering from his serious shoulder injury. I speak about the changeover in regards to MLB managers and how there is a lack of all time star power like there was as early as 2-3 years ago. Sweeny Murti calls in to talk about the recoveries of Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera and how the Yankees will be better than people think. He also touches on what to expect from other AL East teams and what team poses the biggest threat. I finish by going over this date in baseball history, courtesy of baseballreference.com

PASSED BALL SHOW #67 2/14/2013 Part 1 WITH MONTAOUS WALTON; I start the program by discussing some of the things brought up in Mike Piazza'a new book "Long Shot" as well as make the case why he should be in the Hall of Fame. I predict that RHP Kyle Lohse will be signed by next week's show, just do not know by whom. I speak to ameteur baseball player Montaous Walton about his attempts to try out for independent league teams and his decision to fabricate some of his accomplishments. I finish off by making some striking comparisons between former New York Mets 1B Carlos Delgado and Mo Vaughn

PASSED BALL SHOW #66 2/7/2013 Part 2 WITH GAVIN CECCHINI; I start the second half by calling out Ryan Braun for the fraud he his, making the comparison between him and Rafael Palmeiro. Mets 2012 1st round draft pick Gavin Cecchini calls in to talk about his brother Garin, who was drafted by the Red Sox, living up to being a number 1 draft pick and what he expects to happen in the future. Though I support a potential signing, I compare Michael Bourn to a couple of other leadoff hitters the Mets gave long term deals to. I finish by analyzing the 1960, 1971 and 1979 Pittsburgh Pirates World Series Championship teams

PASSED BALL SHOW #66 2/7/2013 Part 1 WITH MARK BREWER AND JUSTIN MILLER; On this version of the PBS, I start out by giving my approval of Felix Hernandez's new contract with the Mariners and General Manager Jack Zduriencik's commitment to perhaps the greatest player in Seattle Mariners history. I speak with former Mets minor league pitching coach Mark Brewer about his experience as a pitching coach and with the young Mets pitchers and AAA manager Wally Backman. I also speak with former Blue Jays, Marlins and Giants RHP Justin Miller about having his arm tattoos covered as well as being on the 2007 Marlins team that eliminated the Mets from postseason contention

PASSED BALL SHOW #65 2/2/2013 Part 2 WITH DAVE SIMS AND JOHN HALAMA; Listen back to my prerecorded interview from October 2012 with Seattle Mariners and Westwood One broadcaster Dave Sims. Interview has never been played before. Also, listen to my discussion about second basemen and their place in baseball's HOF as well as my ranking of MLB's 30 managers. The show finishes off with my interview with former MLB pitcher John Halama, which was recorded the same day

PASSED BALL SHOW #65 2/2/2013 WITH JOEY GATHRIGHT; Listen back to my interview with MLB OF Joey Gathright as well as some discussion about the 1927 and 1936 New York Yankees. I finish up talking about the latest PED allegations and how much baseball should or should not care

PASSED BALL SHOW #64 Part 2 WITH BILL GULLICKSON AND MATT MCBRIDE; I spend some time on the Delmon Young signing and how much of a bargain it was and state the team that will end up with Michael Bourn. I speak with former MLB pitcher Bill Gullickson and discuss 1987 collusion, Japan, the 1981 postseason and comeback with the Astros. I talk to Colorado Rockies OF Matt McBride and talk about his offseason, being part of the Ubaldo Jimenez trade as well as starting his career as a catcher

PASSED BALL SHOW #64 1/24/2013 Part 1 WITH MARK GRANT; I start out the program by mentioning the simple thing I want to see the New York Mets do, which would be just enough to make me want to go to more games this season. Remembering the legend of Stan Musial in lieu of his passing as well as Hall of Fame manager Earl Weaver. Mark Grant calls in to talk about his playing career, being part of a trade that involved a Cy Young Award Winner and MVP in the same season and what it is like to work next to a legend like Dick Enberg

PASSED BALL SHOW #63 1/17/2013 WITH JOHN PERROTTO, JOINED IN STUDIO BY TONY FELDER AND BILL ZELTMAN; We speak with BBWAA writer John Perrotto about who he voted for and his thoughts on the writers inducting no player this year. He also asks why it can be assumed that any player who played in the steroids era did not use steroids. I also discuss collusion and how it destroyed careers as well as Rafael Soriano being proof that Scott Boras will get his players paid

PASSED BALL SHOW #63 1/17/2013 Part 1 WITH ART SCHULT AND JEFF IDELSON, JOINED IN STUDIO BY TONY FELDER AND BILL ZELTMAN; Listen to my interview with former MLB infielder Art Schult, who was part of the Yankees 1953 World Series Championship team and also played for the Reds, Senators and Cubs. Baseball Hall of Fame President Jeff Idelson speaks with us about the vote this year and everything that can be expected about the weekend in July, 2013. He continue our discussion about the Hall of Fame and whether Mark McGwire and others will ever get in

PASSED BALL SHOW #62 Part 2 WITH AARON GUIEL, JOINED IN STUDIO BY CHRIS SPEZIALE FORM WIRED FOR SPORTS; Chris and I start by breaking down the offseason moves made by the Boston Red Sox. Former MLB OF Aaron Guiel calls in to talk about overcoming ten years of playing in the minors to get to the bigs. He talks about his success in 2003 and his transition to the Japanese League where he played for the Yalkult Swallows for 5 years. Afterwards, I hit on topics such as the worst MLB player names, starting pitchers who also had success as relievers and how dominant Rogers Hornsby was in the decade of the 1920s

PASSED BALL SHOW #62 1/10/2013 Part 1 JOINED BY CHRIS MITCHELL ANS CHRIS SPEZIALE FROM WIRED FOR SPORTS; Listen back as we go over everything involved with yesterday's announcement that nobody will be elected to Baseball's Hall of Fame by the writers. Opinion is shared on candidates such as Mike Piazza, Alan Trammell, Fred McGriff, Barry Bonds, Craig Biggio and more. John has some strong words for the one thing that kept Piazza from being inducted this year

PASSED BALL SHOW #61 1/3/2013 Part 2 WITH STEVE BRAUN AND DUSTAN MOHR, JOINED IN STUDIO BY TONY FELDER AND WILSON CAICEDO; Listen back to my interview with former Cardinals and Twins 1B Steve Braun. We talk about his role as a pinch hitter for the Cardinals in the early 80s and his relationship with manager Whitey Herzog. Dustan calls in and we talk about playing for the Twins teams of the early 2000s- a true team effort. We also discuss the need or lack of need for an All Star at every position. We start and finish by giving some insight on what could be expected from the Yankees this season

PASSED BALL SHOW #61 1/3/2013 Part 1 WITH DWAYNE HOSEY AND JOEY BABOOTS, JOINED IN STUDIO BY TONY FELDER; Listen back to my interview with former Red Sox OF Dwayne Hosey as we talk about his 1995 season which brought him from the minors to a great MLB September and being a starter in the postseason series. Joey Baboots calls in to speak about the BCS Championship game on Monday as well as some perspective on what to expect from the Yankees in 2013. Tony and I also break down the Hall of Fame Ballot and how much steroids should or should not be a factor in determining a Hall of Fame player

PASSED BALL SHOW #60 12/27/2012 Part 2; Listen to my breakdown of the 2012-2013 Hall of Fame Ballot, from those who will get in, those that will fall short and those that will return to the ballot next season, top options to fill the last spot in the Mets rotation, how Indians, Diamondbacks, and Reds all won three way trade and remembering Josh Gibson and Billy Martin

PASSED BALL SHOW #60 12/27/2012 Part 1 WITH MATT ANTONELLI; Listen back as @john_pielli talks about the recent release of Ugueth Urbina from prison, the Red Sox outlook after the trade for Joel Hanrahan and what the best answer for a Yankees RH OF bat. Listen to my interview with MLB infielder and former Padres 2B Matt Antonelli

PASSED BALL SHOW #59 12/20/2012 Part 2 WITH DREW TAYLOR AND BILL ZELTMAN; On part 2 of the program, I speak with former minor league pitcher Drew Taylor about his professional career and what its like pitching in a winter league. We talk a little bit about his father Ron, who pitched for 5 teams, winning WS in 1964 and 1969. Bill Zeltman and I talk about the Angels/Mariners trade of Morales/Vargas and some trade options for OFs

PASSED BALL SHOW #59 12/20/2012 Part 1 WITH MARTY APPEL AND MONTAOUS WALTON; Listen back as I speak with long time Yankees PR director Marty Appel. I ask him about how he got started in the business and he tells his story of success from the beginning. We also spend some time talking about his book on longtime NL umpire Eric Gregg. Later on, I have a classic rant on the direction of the NY Mets and speak with college baseball player Monty Walton, as he lets us know a little bit about what to expect of him in the near future

PASSED BALL SHOW #58 12/13/2012 Part 2 WITH RALPH CITARELLA AND BILLY STAPLES; PBS part 2 with @john_pielli, Billy Staples and Ralph Citarella. We go over some promotional dates for the Newark Bears for next season as well as go over Billy Staples latest book. Also some great stories of Ralph’s playing career and experiences Billy has had with MLB players

PASSED BALL SHOW #58 12/13/2012 Part 1 WITH RALPH CITARELLA AND BILLY STAPLES; Listen back to part one of the show as Ralph and I discuss the signing of Josh Hamilton with the Angels. I also ask Ralph many questions about his rise to the big leagues and am later joined by Billy Staples, a well known baseball author

PASSED BALL SHOW #57 12/6/2012 Part 2 WITH RICH COUTINHO; After I go over the quiet day in baseball history, Rich Coutinho from SNY.tv and WFAN.com calls in to talk about the David Wright extension, what will happen with RA Dickey and the Mets possible plan for this offseason. I also get his take on a couple of other potential trade options regarding OFs. Then, Bill Zeltman and I give some opinion on where Zack Greinke and Josh Hamilton will end up

PASSED BALL SHOW #57 12/6/2012 Part 1 WITH BILL ZELTMAN; On part 1 of the show, I discuss the value of Kevin Youkilis on the Yankees and a possible better trade option for them to land a 3B, breaking down the potential Rangers/ Diamondbacks blockbuster as well as analyzing the crazy relief pitcher market

PASSED BALL SHOW #56 11/29/2012 Part 2 WITH CJ NITKOWSKI;Listen back to part 2 of the program as @john_pielli speaks with MLB pitcher CJ Nitkowski about his comeback, changing his arm angle and his interest in writing. I also touch on this date in baseball history and how Kenishaw Landis may have covered up another gambling scandal as well as what is means to win the offseason pennant

PASSED BALL SHOW #56 11/29/2012 Part 1 WITH BRUCE MURRAY; Listen back to part 1 of the show as @john_pielli speaks with Sirius XM host Bruce Murray from Mad Dog Radio. I also hit on topics like Denard Span and Washington, Mets chances of trading David Wright if he is not extended as well as RA Dickey and BJ Upton signing with the Braves. I also question people’s motives when they suggest trading a player for “prospects” when the term is used anonymously

PASSED BALL SHOW #55 11/24/2012 Part 2 WITH ROBBIE SHIELDS, STEVE FROM MY TWO CENTS AND BILL ZELTMAN; Listen back to my interview with Mets INF prospect Robbie Shields as well as some good discussion about Kyle Lohse, MLB managers and their second terms with the same teams and a black Friday value free agent list for the New York Mets. Also, plenty on Stan Musial turning 92 and where he ranks in the best player of all time discussion

PASSED BALL SHOW #55 11/24/2012 Part 1 WITH JACK LEATHERSICH, JAMES FLIPPIN AND BILL ZELTMAN; Listen back to my interview with Mets pitching prospect Jack Leathersich as well as a breakdown of the league's top free agents, this date in baseball history as well as options for Rangers C/1B Mike Napoli

PASSED BALL SHOW #54 11/15/2012 Part 2 WITH PHILLIP EVANS AND GREG BLOSSER; Listen back to part two of the PBS, where @john_pielli speaks with Mets SS prospect Phillip Evans and former MLB OF Greg Blosser. Also, the MVPs of both leagues are announced, the Reyes trade and which teams will become the next generation of big spenders

PASSED BALL SHOW #54 11/15/2012 Part 1 WITH RYAN FRASER AND MATT BUDGELL; Listen back to part one of the show where @john_pielli speaks with Mets pitching prospects Ryan Fraser and Matt Budgell. Also, some discussion on the Detroit Tigers signing Tori Hunter and how much of a fit Rafael Soriano would be there. A little bit on the postseason, mainly the NL Cy Young award.

PASSED BALL SHOW #53 11/8/2012 Part 2 WITH JOHN MINCONE AND MARC CARIG; On part 2, John speaks with Mets pitching prospect John Mincone about going from the Cubs system, independent ball and to the Mets all early on in his pitching career as well as his transition to a reliever this season. Bill Zeltman talks with John about the change to the "finalists" with the Gold Gloves and other postseason awards. Marc Carig, Mets beat writer from Newsday, calls in to discuss David Wright, Jason Bay and RA Dickey as well as how busy of an offseason the Mets will have. That plus this date in baseball history

PASSED BALL SHOW #53 11/8/2012 Part 1 WITH LARY SORENSEN AND HAMILTON BENNETT; Listen back to part 1 of the show as John speaks with former MLB pitcher Lary Sorensen about his playing career and the way starting pitching has changed since he last pitched. Mets LH pitching prospect Hamilton Bennett calls in to discuss his solid season in A St Lucie. Also, Jason Bay and the Mets parting ways, free agent discussion and the changing of times when it comes to hiring MLB managers

PASSED BALL SHOW #52 11/1/2012 Part 2 WITH BILL ZELTMAN; On part two of the show, John talks about the gold glove awards given out this past week, John and Bill discuss whether the new "finalists" have made the process a little more authertic as opposed to it being a popularity contest. We also touch on Rick Ankiel possibly pitching this season and the Ervin Santana trade to the Royals

PASSED BALL SHOW #52 11/1/2012 Part 1 WITH KEN WEBSTER; Listen back to the PBS Part 1 where @john_pielli talks about the unexpected death of RHP Pascual Perez as well as the Braves signing of OF Jordan Schafer. Well known actor Ken Webster calls in from Texas to recap the 1966-1967 Houston Astros teams through the eyes of catcher John Bateman, as well as talking about players such as Joe Morgan, Eddie Matthews, Robin Roberts, Larry Dierker and Jim Wynn

PASSED BALL SHOW #51 10/25/2012 Part 2 WITH BOY MEETS MACHINE; On part two of the PBS, Boy Meets Machine joins @john_pielli for some more talk on topics such as Carlton Fisk, Chipper Jones and Josh Hamilton. That plus an acoustic performance by the band as well as what is on the callers minds

PASSED BALL SHOW #51 10/25/2012 Part 1 WITH TITO LANDRUM, JOINED IN STUDIO BY BOY MEETS MACHINE; Listen back to @john_pielli as he is joined in studio once again by Boy Meets Machine. Former Cardinals OF Tito Landrum calls in to talk about the 1985 Cardinals team, how he ended up in the starting lineup, how 1983 helped him prepare for the 1985 WS and the Don Denkinger call. Also listen to some discussion on the 2012 Yankees

PASSED BALL SHOW #50 10/18/2012 Part 2 WITH GREGG OLSON; On part 2 of the PBS, @john_pielli gives his opinion on both the Yankees disaster with Alex Rodriguez and the Nationals failure with Stephen Strasburg. Former All Star closer with the Orioles Gregg Olson calls in to talk about his confidence being a closer. He talks about coming up to the majors his first season being drafted on a Baltimore team that lost 107 games, as well as playing for Frank Robinson. Gregg explains why he did not have Tommy John surgery when it was suggested to him and any changes he made toward the latter parts of his career. He also tells a little bit about his recently released book

PASSED BALL SHOW #50 10/18/2012 Part 1 WITH JOHN D'ACQUISTO AND DAVE COGGIN; On part one of the PBS, @john_pielli speaks with former Giants pitcher John D'Acquisto about Tim Lincecum and the adjustments he has made. We also break down the strengths and weaknesses of the St Louis Cardinals and San Francisco Giants as they prepare for game 4 of the NLCS. Former Phillies RHP Dave Coggin calls in to talk about what he does with PFA Baseball and its ability to help young athletes. Dave talks about how he could have benefitted from such training when he pitched and goes over the Pleasc/ Coggin in the noggin joke they played more than once. All that plus John finally takes the New York fans to task

PASSED BALL SHOW #49 10/11/2012 Part 2 WITH DYLAN OWEN; On part 2 of the PBS, @john_pielli speaks with New York Mets pitching prospect Dylan Owen. Also listen to his take on Chris Carpenter's place in Cardinals history as well as the model of consistency the St Louis Cardinals have maintained in spite of the loss of Albert Pujols, Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan

PASSED BALL SHOW #49 10/11/12 Part 1; Listen back to the PBS, where @john_pielli speaks with former Phillies and Cubs pitcher Terry Adams and reporter and radio personality from 610 Sports in Kansas City Robert Ford. Also listen to a recent recap of the 2012 MLB Postseason and up to date progress of the current games in as they were going on. Also some recap of the 2012 over/unders

PASSED BALL SHOW #48 10/4/2012 Part 2 (SORRY, NO AUDIO AVAILABLE) WITH FORMER BRAVES RHP KEVIN GRYBOSKI; Kevin called into the program and talked about pitching for the Braves and manager Bobby Cox, pitching coach Leo Mazzone and future Hall of Fame teammates Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. He brought up some of his greater moments pitching in relief as well as pitching in his first postseason as a rookie.

PASSED BALL SHOW #48 10/4/2012 Part 1 (SORRY, NO AUDIO AVAILABLE) WITH MLB HISTORIAN JOHN THORN; John called into the program to talk about his books The Baseball Encyclopedia, Baseball in the Garden of Eden and his soon to be released children's book, First Pitch. John proved Abner Doubleday did not invent baseball and talks about baseball games in the 1700s. He also explained why some of the greatest players in baseball history may be playing right now. John also did not hold steroids against any players who used, disagreeing that astericks should be used to determine all time rankings and records. He concluded by explaining how it is difficult to quantify a pitcher throughout all the different generations because of the way the pitchers are used, the rules of the game and the increase in strikeouts.

PASSED BALL SHOW (MTR BROADCAST IN HOBOKEN, NJ) 9/29/2012 ASSISTED BY BRET LEUTHNER WITH DOUG JENNINGS AND BILL ZELTMAN; Listen back to the Passed Ball Show from 9/29/2012, where @john_pielli hosts from Green Rock in Hoboken, NJ. This includes the interview with former Athletics and Cubs OF Doug Jennings as well as some discussion of Ted Williams with John and special guest Bill Zeltman

PASSED BALL SHOW #47 Part 2 9/27/2012 WITH MIKE VACCARO JOINED IN STUDIO BY LEON; On part 2 of the PBS, @john_pielli talks with NY Post columnist Mike Vaccaro as well as putting some insight of the firing of Indians manager Manny Acta and Astros hiring of new manager Bo Porter. Leon is in studio to give some perspective on Bobby Valentine's future in Boston and Ozzie Guillen's future in Miami

PASSED BALL SHOW #47 9/27/2012 Part 1 WITH JOSE SILVA AND JAMES FLIPPIN, JOINED IN STUDIO BY LEON; On part one of the show, @john_pielli once again speaks with former MLB pitcher Jose Silva. Jose talks about his upcoming trip to Venezuela for winter league baseball and goes over his latest season pitching in Mexico. James Flippin calls in to comment on RA Dickey winning 20 games and a little about Sandy Alderson and the future of the New York Mets. Leon joins in studio to give some perspective from being at Thursday's Mets game where Dickey notched his 20th win

PASSED BALL SHOW #46 9/20/2012 Part 2 WITH BILLY STAPLES AND WILL PENNYFEATHER; On part of the PBS, Billy Staples calls in to talk about his trip to Cincinnati as well as being at the reunion of the 1982 World Series Champion St Louis Cardinals. Former Pittsburgh Pirates OF Will Pennyfeather calls in to talk about his struggles in the big leagues and what he has learned from his own experiences to help youngsters to better understand the game.

PASSED BALL SHOW #46 9/20/2012 Part 1 WITH BILLY HALL; On part 1 of the show, @john_pielli talks with former Padres and Marlins prospect Billy Hall. After he figures out its not Bill Hall, formerly of the Milwaukee Brewers, John adjusts his line of questioning to talk about Billy's journey to try to get to the big leagues. Listen to his challenge to Mets GM Sandy Alderson and his theory on why the LA Dodgers have not gotten the job done in the second half.

PASSED BALL SHOW #45 9/13/2012 JOINED IN STUDIO BY BOY MEETS MACHINE, WITH JIM COLABELLI AND GREGG CARLUCCI; On part 2 of the PBS, @john_pielli is joined by Boy Meets Machine as we go over the Miami Marlins lack of fan support. Jim Collabelli joins us to talk about why the Yankees cannot get a hit with runners in scoring position. Is Brett Gardner the reason the Yankees have struggled to score without hitting a homerun? Gregg Carlucci calls in to preview The Carlucci Show.

PASSED BALL SHOW #45 9/13/2012 Part 1 JOINED IN STUDIO BY BOY MEETS MACHINE, WITH BILL ZELTMAN; On this edition of the PBS, @john_pielli is joined in studio by well known band Boy Meets Machine. We talk about the Yankees chances of making and advancing in the playoffs as well as what the Boston Red Sox will do after the season is over, Bill Zeltman, CEO of MTR Radio and host of Philly Baseball Beat (on MTR) calls in to talk about the sudden chances of the Philadelphia Phillies making the postseason

PASSED BALL SHOW #44 9/6/2012 Part 2 WITH BRIAN CUSTER, JOINED IN STUDIO BY J M&M; On part 2 of the PBS @john_pielli speaks with host of SNY's The Wheelhouse Brian Custer about the NY Giants and Jets, I also ask him some rapid fire questions regarding the Mets and Yankees. I also discuss recap my Bases Empty Blog sharing some opinions with J M & M regarding the NL Cy Young and what MLB team has been the biggest disappointment. Listen to the last 10 mins, as I totally lose it on the Miami fans.

PASSED BALL SHOW #44 9/6/2012 Part 1 WITH ED HEARN, JOINED IN STUDIO BY JOHN M&M; On part one of the PBS, @john_pielli speaks with former NY Mets catcher and 1986 World Series Champion Ed Hearn. I'm joined in studio by John Maio, who will now be known as J M and M as we talk Yankees and Orioles. Ed talks about his website and everything going on with his Bottom of the 9th organization. Ed also talks about the 1986 season as well as what really happened on the plane after the win over the Astros in the NLCS and proof that Mike Scott scuffed the ball that season.

PASSED BALL SHOW #43 8/30/2012 Part 2 WITH AL WOODS, JOINED IN STUDIO BY BILL ZELTMAN; Listen back to hour two of the PBS, live from Bogey's Tavern in Egg Harbor, NJ where I open the phone lines to discuss topics like the 2013 Mets and whether Jimmy Rollins should be moved out of Philadelphia, Al Woods discusses what is was like to be an original Toronto Blue Jays OF and the very difficult final four years of his professional career, could the Rays catch the Yankees, will Jimmy Rollins be benched for Friday's game, Mike Trout and can the Oakland Athletics maintain their success?

PASSED BALL SHOW #43 8/30/2012 Part 1 WITH FRANK RODRIGUEZ AND STEVE WOODARD, JOINED IN STUDIO BY BILL ZELTMAN; After the first 1:34, technical difficulties for next :30 seconds (please FF), Bill and I recap the Mets/ Phillies from Citizens Bank Park which we just saw in person, Frankie talks about coming up as a minor league SS and transitioning into a MLB pitcher and his recollection of his role in the 1999 brawl with C Joe Girardi and the Yankees, Steve talks about pitching one of the best MLB debuts in the history of the game

PASSED BALL SHOW #42 8/23/2012 Part 2 WITH BRET BOONE, JOINED IN STUDIO BY SEAN BRETHERICK; On the 2nd part of the show, @john_pielli speaks with former MLB All Star 2B Bret Boone. Boone talks about being a third generation player and Mike Cameron's 4 HR game. He also talks about what it was like playing in the steroid era. John and Sean Bretherick talk about how steroids never left baseball and how Brian Sabean is a hypocrite. A little about Roger Clemens potentially delaying his Hall of Fame eligibility. Does it increase his chances?

PASSED BALL SHOW #42 8/23/2012 Part 1 WITH DESI RELAFORD AND NIKCO RIESGO, JOINED IN STUDIO BY SEAN BRETHERICK; On this edition of the PBS, John Pielli is joined in studio by Triple Coverage host Sean Bretherick. We speak with former MLB players Desi Relaford and Nikco Riesgo. Desi talks about spreading the word of baseball overseas. Nikco gives rationale for replacement players in 1994-1995 and talks about his plan to give all players union protection

PASSED BALL SHOW #41 8/16/2012 Part 2 WITH BILLY SAMPLE AND BILLY STAPLES; On part 2 of the Passed Ball Show, the Billys take over. Billy Sample and Billy Staples go back and forth discussing great stories about Pete Rose, Rickey Henderson and Mickey Mantle, among others. We also talk about Ian Sample's career as a WR for the University of Hawaii. His QB was Colt Brennan.

PASSED BALL SHOW #41 8/16/2012 Part 1 WITH BILLY SAMPLE, IAN SAMPLE AND BILLY STAPLES; On part 1 of the PBS, @john_pielli welcomes former MLB OF Billy Sample and his son Ian to the program (in studio). We discuss their new movie Reunion 108. We talk about where the name of the movie came from as well as two (or three) movies it may be a cross between. We talk about Billy's time with the Yankees and towards the end, we welcome in well known baseball author Billy Staples. How could fans ever confuse the two of them?

PASSED BALL SHOW #40 8/9/2012 Part 2 WITH TANYON STURTZE, ROOSEVELT BROWN AND MANNY MOTA, JR; On part 2 of the PBS, @john_pielli speaks with former Yankees and Devil Rays RHP Tanyon Sturtze, former Cubs OF Roosevelt Brown and former Astros farmhand Manny Mota, Jr. Tanyon talks about the stark differences of pitching for the Yankees and Devil Rays as well as his 6-18 2002 season. Roosevelt talks about having his chance taken away by the Cubs acquiring Moises Alou for a pennant run. Manny talks about his MLB opportunity, being part of the Dodgers clubhouse and the memories of growing up with some of the greats.

PASSED BALL SHOW #40 8/9/2012 Part 1 WITH JAMES FLIPPIN AND ALEXIS PIELLI; Listen back to the first part of @john_pielli's Passed Ball Show where 6 year old Alexis Pielli makes her radio debut. I am then joined by host of MTR radio shows Garden State Radio and Turnpike Throwdown @james_flippin as we hit on a number of topics pertinent to the New York Mets. James talks about his lack in faith in the 2012 team as well as what players are worth keeping around for next season.

PASSED BALL SHOW #39 8/2/2012 Part 2 WITH LENNY RANDLE; Listen back to @john_pielli's interview with former MLB infielder Lenny Randle. Lenny introduces AJ Nunzioato, a future star SS with some power who will be in MLB's next player draft. Lenny discusses playing for Ted Williams, his 1995 comeback with the Angels as well as a bunch of other topics. I finish off by talking about Richie Ashburn and recap some of the best trades made since July 31st became the trading deadline.

PASSED BALL SHOW #39 8/2/2012 Part 1 WITH CHRIS DUFFY AND JUAN PADILLA; Listen back as @john_pielli speaks with Philadelphia Phillies prospect and Lakewood Blue Claws 1B Chris Duffy and 2005 Mets relief pitcher Juan Padilla. Chris lets us know when we can expect to see him in the major leagues as well as what its like to hit in front of Ryan Howard. Juan talks about his comeback attempt at age 35 and his potential ability to use an opportunity in the WBC to return to the majors. I also touch on the trading deadline as well as some other MLB topics.

PASSED BALL SHOW #38 7/26/2012 Part 2 WITH PHIL HUFFMAN; On part 2, @john_pielli is joined by former Toronto Blue Jays RHP Phil Huffman, who tells the story of how he made all 31 starts at age 20-21 in 1979, only to never pitch again in the majors. Phil gives his opinion of the change in management of the 1980 Blue Jays as well as his attempts to return to the majors. I also touch on the 1983 Pine Tar game, what it could mean with Barry Larkin and Ron Santo making the HOF and what the proclamation made by Brewers GM Doug Melvin saying Zack Greinke will be traded means to his market.

PASSED BALL SHOW #38 7/26/2012 Part 1 WITH CHRIS BANDO; On Part 1 of today's PBS, @john_pielli speaks with former Cleveland Indians catcher Chris Bando. We discuss catching a knuckleball, playing in the shadow of his older brother, Sal and what happens to a hitter after devoting your game to being a defensive catcher. I also suggest to expect the rest of the season for the New York Mets, laugh at the Miami Marlins firesale as well as talk about what has happened to the Oakland Athletics.

PASSED BALL SHOW #37 7/19/2012 Part 2; On part 2 of the PBS, @john_pielli spends some time discussing what happened to Royals LHP Jonathan Sanchez and how he may very well be the next Oilver Perez. I also break down the trade that sent him to KC for Melky Cabrera and the prior move that sent Cabrera to Atlanta for Javier Vazquez. I spend some time breaking down the legendary career of the great Ty Cobb and pose a question:, who is the greatest MLB player of all time?

PASSED BALL SHOW #37 7/19/2012 Part 1 WITH PAUL SPOLJARIC; On part 1 of the Passed Ball Show, @john_pielli speaks with former Blue Jays LHP Paul Spoljaric. Among the topics are the change in the use of bullpens over even the past 10 years, what he feels about innings limits and the babying of highly rated pitchers and how he was converted into a reliever after being a starter his entire minor league career. I start by ripping the loyalty of NY sports fans, talk about what teams are still in the race and finish by giving reasons why all MLB pitchers want to be starters.

PASSED BALL SHOW #36 7/12/2012 Part 2 WITH BOY MEETS MACHINE IN STUDIO; On part 2 of the PBS, with Boy Meets Machine in studio, the Bill Pulsipher story is finally revealed. Another acoustic performance and then discussion about how much of a jerk Marlins team president David Samson is, would MLB players today fight for their country, and why pitchers always want to be starting pitchers. We also question Tony LaRussa being the All Star manager and discuss why starting pitchers will never go deep into games again.

PASSED BALL SHOW #36 7/12/2012 Part 1 WITH BOY MEETS MACHINE IN STUDIO; @john_pielli is joined in studio by Boy Meets Machine as they perform a couple of acoustic songs live. They talk about how they created and wrote the Passed Ball Show theme song. We also touch on topics such as how Freddy Garcia gets people out and why Chris Berman is still calling the home run derby. Also hear about why Matt Harvey needs to be called up now, how the Marlins should have a representative in this year's AllStar Game and why the players don't care about the ASG like they did years ago.

PASSED BALL SHOW #35 7/5/2012 Part 2 WITH MICHAEL BARON AND BILL ZELTMAN; Michael Baron, writer, blogger and photographer from Mets Blog, joins the show to give some perspective on who the best fit is for the Mets to add a reliever, the reasons the Mets are having success and what the difference is between this Mets team and past ones, Bill and I discuss the Carlos Lee trade, and I touch on topics such as the Boss' birthday, Fred McGriff and who is winning the NL East this year

PASSED BALL SHOW #35 7/5/2012 Part 1 WITH JARED FERNANDEZ AND BILL ZELTMAN; The former Astros and Reds pitcher calls in to talk about the knuckleball and compare it to the one RA Dickey throws, Bill and I bring up a number of topics pertaining to the Phillies and what they should do with this season, are they contenders or sellers? which reliever is the best fit for the Mets? If the Phillies continue to falter, is Amaro or Manuel at risk for losing their job?

PASSED BALL SHOW #34 6/28/2012 Part 2 WITH SNY ANCHOR AND GEICO SPORTSNIGHT HOST KIRK GIMENEZ; On Part 2 of the PBS, @john_pielli speaks with SNY Anchor and host of Geico Sportsnight Kirk Gimenez. Kirk explains the difference between working for a national network (ESPN) and a local, New York-centric network. He lets us know what his favorite sports are and why he is so passionate about what he does. He also reveals why he stopped live tweeting on the air during his TV program. I also make the case on how the Chicago White Sox are for real, discuss an underrated trade that helped both teams, how the 1980 Astros would have been with a healthy JR Richard and how close the Phillies are to being read their last rites.

PASSED BALL SHOW #34 6/28/2012 Part 1 WITH FORMER PIRATES RHP JOSE SILVA; Listen to @john_pielli as he interviews former Pittsburgh Pirates RHP Jose Silva. We talk about his experiences pitching in the Mexican Leagues for the past 9 years as well as his MLB playing career which lasted from 1996-2002. I also touch on how the east coast MLB teams struggle playing on the west coast. I make my case why Daniel Murphy should be more respected, options the Mets have for acquiring a relief pitcher and whats up with Tim Lincecum.

PASSED BALL SHOW #33 6/21/2012 Part 2 WITH MARVIN FREEMAN AND BRET BOONE; On part 2 of the program, @john_pielli is joined by former Phillies, Braves and Rockies pitcher Marvin Freeman. Marvin talks about being both a starter and reliever, hitting his only MLB HR in Chicago where he is from and pitching in the postseason for Atlanta in 1992. He also mentions the 1994 strike shortened season, where he finished 4th in the NL Cy Young voting. We discuss pitch counts and innings limits and whether or not we think Stephen Strasburg will pitch this entire season. I akso get into the conflict between managers Joe Maddon and Davey Johnson, remembering Mel Allen and trying to make sense of the fact that somebody actually fired Tony LaRussa. For the last 10 mins or so, I am joined by former AL All Star 2B Bret Boone. He talks about his development into a power hitter and his experiences during the record setting 2001 Seattle Mariners season where they won 116 games

PASSED BALL SHOW #33 6/21/2012 WITH ELI GRBA: On Part1 of the PBS, @john_pielli is joined by former Yankees and Angels pitcher Eli Grba. Eli talks about his experiences on the 1959 and 1960 NY Yankees teams and his feelings about not getting to pitch in the 1960 World Series. He also discusses being taken as the first player in the 1961 expansion draft by the Los Angeles Angels, where he pitched in and won the first game in the history of the franchise. He also describes the clubhouse behavior against the behavior of the players on the road. Also get my take on the importance of the Mets/ Yankees series this weekend, finally seeing the Mets win a game in person and the potential return of Jamie Moyer.

PASSED BALL SHOW #32 6/14/2012 PART TWO; On the second part of the program, I am joined by former Braves and Blue Jays LHP Pedro Borbon. Pedro discusses whether his chances of making the majors were helped or hurt by having a father that played the game. He talks about the impact the MLB player's strike had on him. He also mentions how being a lefty specialist was a win-win situation. We talk about how it felt to be a part of the 1995 Braves World Series Championship and compares his experience then to what it was like when his father won with the Cincinnati Reds in 1975 and 1976. I start the show by mentioning the Mets AA starting pitching in Binghamton and close by giving an opinion on MLB's looking into David Wright's 1st inning play that may have caused RA Dickey a chance at a no-hitter. Finally, I bring up my suspicion that collusion may have been going on last offseason.

PASSED BALL SHOW #32 6/14/2012 PART ONE WITH BILLY STAPLES; On the first segment of the PBS, @john_pielli talks to baseball writer, author and personality Billy Staples. Bill wrote "Billyball" which was a first person perspective of the entire 2009 season that resulted in the World Series between the Phillies and Yankees. We never got to the book, which we will discuss the next time he comes on, but Billy shared some great stories about speaking with and interviewing Derek Jeter, David Wright, Justin Mourneau among several others. He talks about what got him into interviewing baseball players and he shared some tips about how he has become so successful.

PASSED BALL SHOW #31 6/7/2012 PART TWO WITH RICH COUTINHO AND FORMER METS PITCHER DJ CARRASCO; wishing the best for Hall of Fame manager Tommy Lasorda. SNY.tv and WFAN.com correspondent Rich Coutinho discusses the importance of today's Mets win over the Nationals. Where does the Mets rotation rank among the rest in the NL East? MLB? a case why the Mets bullpen is better than people think. The Mets role players are 1) better than we anticipated, 2) providing the team with depth most didn't think they had and 3) outperforming the Phillies role players. Can the Phillies handle this type of adversity? John is later joined by former New York Mets pitcher DJ Carrasco. They talk about what DJ is up to now that he is not pitching for the Mets anymore as well as whether DJ got a fair chance this year to remain with the Mets. Did DJ enjoy his time in NY? Would he ultimately prefer to be a starting pitcher or a reliever? I close by asking him honestly if he hit Brewers OF Ryan Braun on purpose.

PASSED BALL SHOW #31 6/7/2012 PART ONE WITH DAN SCHLOSSBERG; how random baseball fans suddenly become draft "experts". What do they know? You'd be amazed by which free agent players gave the team that lost them draft compensation. Recap of the Mets 3-1 win over the Washinston Nationals. Well known author of 35 baseball books and over 25,000 baseball books Dan Schlossberg calls in to discuss his book "The 300 club. Have we seen the last of baseball's 300 game winners?" Dan lets John know how much he underrates legendary broadcaster Milo Hamilton. Dan discusses the Braves bullpen, starting rotation, Andrelton Simmons VS Tyler Pastornicky and will let you know if Jair Jurrjens will be traded or be a top starting pitcher in the Atlanta rotation again.

PASSED BALL SHOW #30 5/31/2012 PART TWO WITH WFAN AND SNY HOST MARC MALUSIS AND BLOOMBERG SPORTS HOST JULIE ALEXANDRIA; MARC GIVES SOME OPINIONS ON THE DIRECTION OF THE NY YANKEES, WHATS TO BLAME FOR THE OFFENSIVE STRUGGLES, SHOULD RAFAEL SORIANO STAY THE CLOSER ONCE DAVID ROBERTSON RETURNS?, ARE THE METS FOR REAL, DOES HE LIKE DOING TV OR RADIO BETTER?, JULIE TALKS ABOUT BEING PITCHED THE IDEA FOR BEER MONEY, DOING A SHOW MOCKING WALLSTREET BEFORE THE STOCK MARKET PROBLEMS, HOW SHE BECAME SUCH A HUGE BASEBALL FAN, HAS SHE REACHED HER DREAM JOB HER, WHAT VOICE OVERS SHE DID FOR GRAND THEFT AUTO

PASSED BALL SHOW #30 5/31/2012 PART ONE WITH FORMER CHICAGO CUBS OF DERRICK MAY; BEING A 1ST RD DRAFT PICK, WRIGLEY FIELD, BEING A SECOND GENERATION MLB PLAYER, BEING A PLAYER IN HIS PRIME DURING THE MLB STRIKE, BEING A ROOKIE THE YEAR AFTER THE BREAKOUT SEASONS OF JEROME WALTON AND DWIGHT SMITH, ALSO PHONE LINES OPENED UP FOR THE FIRST TIME ON THE PROGRAM, MLB AND MLB.COM PROMOTING STUFFED BALLOT BOXES, ARE THE CUBS REALLY LOOKING TO TRADE STARLIN CASTRO?

PASSED BALL SHOW #29 5/24/2012 PART TWO WITH SIRIUS XM'S MLB HOMEPLATE HOST CASEY STERN; TRACES THE BEGINNING OF HIS METS FANDOM, HOW THE METS WERE THE TALK OF NYC IN THE 1980S, HOW THE '80S METS BROKE DOWN, HOW THE METS SHOULD HAVE MAKE AN OFFER TO JOSE REYES, RUBEN TEJADA IS A QUESTION MARK, METS MUST EXTEND DAVID WRIGHT, JOHN MAIO JOINS ME FOR THE SECOND HOUR; COLE HAMELS WILL LEAVE THE PHILLIES IF HE REACHES FREE AGENCY, TO DODGERS OR PADRES, PADRES BEING PURSUED BY GROUP LED BY TONY GWYNN, HOW THE TIGERS WILL BE FINE AND SHOULD STILL WIN AL CENTRAL, ORIOLES ARE FOR REAL AND WILL BE IN RACE IN SEPTEMBER, YANKEES MAY NOT INVEST IN KEY 2013 FA DUE TO BUDGET, HOW RUSSELL MARTIN MAY BE THE BEST OPTION AT THIS POINT TO CATCH FOR NYY

PASSED BALL SHOW #29 5/24/2012 PART ONE JOINED IN STUDIO BY JOHN MICHAEL MAIO; THE RESPONSIBILITY OF UMPIRES TO DO THEIR JOBS OR GET DEMOTED OR FIRED, HOW EXPENDED REPLAY GIVES NO REASON TO HAVE UMPIRES, NOBODY COMES TO THE GAME TO WATCH THE UMPIRES, WHY HAVE THE ANGELS STRUGGLED, HOW THE YANKEES AND PHILLIES WILL BE EXPECTED TO FAVORITES IN THEIR DIVISIONS UNTIL PROVEN OTHERWISE, HOW THE NATIONALS WILL NOT BE IN THE NL EAST OR NL WILD CARD RACE BY SEPTEMBER

PASSED BALL SHOW #28 5/17/2012 PART TWO ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE DEATH OF HARMON KILLEBREW, THE INJURY WOES OF THE NATIONALS, THE ORIOLES PITCHING STAFF, MLB CLOSERS TURNOVER FROM INJURY AND INEFFECTIVE PITCHING, JOINED FOR LAST SEGMENT BY MTR RADIO HOST GREGG CARLUCCI FROM "THE CARLUCCI SHOW" DISCUSSING RADIO AND THE DETERMINATION OF TAKING OUR SHOWS TO THE TOP

PASSED BALL SHOW #28 5/17/2012 PART ONE WITH FORMER ANGELS PITCHER JASON DICKSON; RECAP OF JASON'S PATH TO THE MAJOR LEAGUES, HIS BREAKOUT SEASON IN 1997 & ALL STAR APPEARANCE, HIS THOUGHTS ON PLAYING FOR TERRY COLLINS AND HOW THE END OF HIS TENURE WAS, HIS INTEREST IN POLITICS AND RUNNING FOR OFFICE IN CANADA, PLAYING FOR TEAM CANADA IN 2004, JAMES FLIPPIN CALLS IN TO TALK SOME METS; DILLON GEE, METS BULLPEN

PASSED BALL SHOW #27 5/10/2012 PART TWO JOINED IN STUDIO BY BOY MEETS MACHINE'S CHRISTIAN COLABELLI AND WITH JIM COLABELLI; JIM CALLS IN TO DISCUSS YANKEES BASEBALL, HE STARTS BY TALKING ABOUT WHAT IT WAS LIKE GROWING UP BEING A MICKEY MANTLE FAN, HOW THE KIDS USE TO ARGUE OVER WHO WAS BETTER BETWEEN MANTLE, DUKE SNIDER AND WILLIE MAYS, SHOULD THE YANKEES BE CHANGING THEIR LINEUP, DO THEY HAVE ENOUGH STARTING PITCHING, ARE THE YANKEES MISSING BRETT GARDNER, SHOULD GRANDERSON BAT ANYWHERE ELSE BUT 2ND, IS KEVIN LONG TO BLAME FOR THE YANKEES HITTING WOES, WHERE DOES JOE GIRARDI RANK AMONG AL EAST MANAGERS, JOE'S FEELINGS ABOUT BOBBY VALENTINE, JOE MADDON AND BUCK SHOWALTER

PASSED BALL SHOW #27 5/10/2012 PART ONE JOINED IN STUDIO BY BOY MEETS MACHINE'S CHRISTIAN COLABELLI AND WITH FORMER SF GIANTS PITCHER JOHN D'ACQUISTO AND FORMER MLB INFIELDER STEVE SPRINGER; JOHN DISCUSSES WITH US HIS FASTBALL MANY TIMES CLOCKED WELL OVER 100 MPH IN THE 1970s, THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PREPARATION OF PITCHERS THEN AND NOW, PITCH COUNTS, STAMINA AND THE ROLE OF PITCHING COACHES BECOMING LESS THAN WHAT IT WAS, WHY PITCHERS GET HURT SO EASILY HOW AND A BREAKDOWN OF HIS PITCHING CAREER, STEVE CALLS IN TO DISCUSS HIS BRIEF MLB PLAYING CAREER AS WELL AS WHAT HE HAS DONE WITH HIS MENTAL HEALTH PROGRAM AND HOW ITS HELPED YOUNG ATHLETES AND MLB PLAYERS INCLUDING BEN ZOBRIST

PASSED BALL SHOW #26 5/3/2012 WITH FORMER EXPOS PITCHER FLOYD YOUMANS AND ESPN BASEBALL WRITER AND INSIDER JERRY CRASNICK; WE DISCUSS FLOYD'S CAREER, BEING DRAFTED IN THE SECOND ROUND OF THE 1982 DRAFT BY METS AFTER METS SELECTED DWIGHT GOODEN WITH 1ST PICK, BEING TRADED TO EXPOS FOR GARY CARTER, HIS 202 K SEASON OF 1986, HOW ARM INJURIES SHORTENED HIS CAREER, HIS NORTHERN AND CANADIAN LEAGUE COMEBACKS, FLOYD GIVES DETAILS ABOUT HIS PROSPECTIVE BOOK DETAILING HIS LITTLE LEAGUE DAYS AND THE MAJOR LEAGUE TALENT HE PLAYED WITH, JERRY TALKS ABOUT HIS DAYS AS A REPORTER FOR THE CINCINNATI POST, COVERING PETE ROSE'S BANISHMENT FROM BASEBALL, MARGE SCHOTT AND THE 1990 WORLD SERIES CHAMPIONSHIP TEAM, ANAYLSIS ON THE ANGELS, DODGERS, RED SOX AND ROYALS, I CONCLUDE BY TELLING YANKEES FANS TO RELAX- THERE IS NO WORRY ABOUT MAKING THE POSTSEASON & HOW CARLOS MARMOL IS PROBABLY THE WORST CLOSER IN BASEBALL

PASSED BALL SHOW #25 4/26/2012 COHOSTED BY MTR BASEBALL'S BILL ZELTMAN FROM BOGEY'S TAVERN IN EGG HARBOR, NJ WITH CBS SPORTS BASEBALL COLUMNIST DANNY KNOBLER, RECAP OF METS COME FROM BEHIND 3-2 AGAINST MARLINS, MIKE PELFREY INJURY, HOW METS CAN BUILD AROUND WRIGHT AND SANTANA, DANNY GIVES HIS OPINIONS ON THE CARDINALS START WITHOUT LARUSSA AND PUJOLS AND THE ANGELS STRUGGLES, HOW THE YANKEES ARE STILL THE AL EAST FAVORITES, BLUE JAYS SHOULD HAVE ADDED ANOTHER STARTER, NATIONALS START AND PHILLIES STRUGGLES; HOW MUCH OF A JOKE IT IS THAT PITCHERS ARE ON INNINGS LIMITS AND PITCH COUNTS, HOW THE NATIONALS WILL FORFIT THE SEASON IF THEY ARE LEADING NL EAST IN SEPTEMBER, JAKE PEAVY BECOMING A TOP TRADE CHIP FOR WHITE SOX

PASSED BALL SHOW #24 4/19/2012 WITH JACK CURRY FROM YES PREVIEWING TONIGHT'S TWINS/ YANKEES GAME: PHIL HUGHES AND HIS GRASP ON A ROTATION SPOT, DEREK JETER AND HIS RESURGENCE, MICHAEL PINEDA AND ANDY PETTITTE AND WHEN THEY WILL BE IN THE YANKEES ROTATION; DAVE GERSHMAN FROM MARLINS DAILY AND ESPN: OZZIE GUILLEN AND WHETHER HIS COMMENTS WILL IMPACT THE TEAM'S FUTURE, HANLEY RAMIREZ AND HIS SOLID START, JOSE REYES' DEFENSIVE ISSUES, HEATH BELL'S STRUGGLES, WHEN WILL JUAN CARLOS OVIEDO RETURN, HOW GOOD CAN MIKE STANTON BE; MIKE SILVA FROM NYBD: DEREK JETER'S PURSUIT OF ROSE'S HIT RECORD, SHOULD HUGHES GO TO AAA, STRUGGLES OF BETANCES, BANUALOS, HARVEY AND FAMILIA IN AAA, NELSON FIGUEROA; SHOULD 3000 KS BE HOF LOCK FOR PITCHERS, I-ROD IS A HALL OF FAMER

PASSED BALL SHOW #23 4/12/2012 (SORRY, NO AUDIO AVAILABLE) JOINED IN STUDIO BY BOY MEETS MACHINE'S CHRISTIAN COLABELLI AND VIA PHONE BY FORMER PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES RHP DAVID COGGIN, DAVID TALKS ABOUT HIS PFA BASEBALL PROGRAM WHICH WORKS TO TRAIN YOUNGER PLAYERS AND ADVISES THEM ON PROPER REGIMENS, HIS PLAYING CAREER, HIS COMEBACK ATTEMPT AFTER ARM INJURIES WHICH INCLUDED PLAYING INDEPENDENT BALL, AS WELL AS HIS PRANKS WITH DAN PLESAC, CHRISTIAN AND I TALK YANKEES BASEBALL AND WHILE I STATE THERE IS NOTHING TO WORRK ABOUT, CHRISTIAN THINKS THE YANKEES MAY BE IN TROUBLE. (THANKS TO THOSE WHO LISTENED LIVE, TECHINCAL ISSUES KEPT THE SHOW FROM BEING ABLE TO RECORD PROPERLY).

PASSED BALL SHOW #22 4/5/2012 CO-HOSTED BY JAMES FLIPPIN WITH MTR MEDIA'S SCOTT EISENLOHR GIVING A LIVE REPORT FROM PITTSBURGH OF THE PHILLIES 1-0 OPENING DAY VICTORY OVER THE PIRATES, JOHN JOINS THE SHOW WITHIN THE FIRST 5 MINUTES AFTER CATCHING THE METS 1-0 OPENING DAY VICTORY OVER THE BRAVES, OUTLOOK ON THE METS, RECAPPING JOHNS TEN STRAIGHT OPENING DAY APPEARANCES WHETHER THE METS WERE HOME OR AWAY, SHOULD THE MARLINS BE CONCERNED OVER THEIR 0-2 START, WHY THE DODGERS WILL MAKE THE POSTSEASON, HOW ITS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO PICK A TEAM OTHER THAN DETROIT TO WIN THE AL CENTRAL

PASSED BALL SHOW #21 3/15/2012 WITH RICHARD JUSTICE FROM MLB.COM AND MLB NETWORK, WORKING FOR MLB.COM AS OPPOSED TO THE HOUSTON CHRONICLE, THE EXPANSION OF POSTSEASON TEAMS, WHETHER OR NOT REPLAY SHOULD BE EXPANDED, RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE UMPIRES; 30-1 MLB COUNTDOWN- TEAMS 19-13, JOHN LANNAN TRADE POSSIBILITIES, HOW THE RANGERS AND CARDINALS WILL NOT MAKE THE 2012 POSTSEASON

PASSED BALL SHOW #20 3/1/2012 WITH DAVID LENNON FROM NEWSDAY LIVE FROM PORT ST LUCIE, JOHAN SANTANA'S RECOVERY, RUBEN TEJADA, BULLPEN, LACK OF BENCH DEPTH, ATTITUDE OF PLAYERS IN CAMP, JOINED IN STUDIO BY DOVID DOBIN, HOST OF DOVID DOBIN SHOW ON MTR, MIKE FROM BROOKLYN TROLLEY BLOGGER CALLS IN TO TELL US HOW THE METS NEED TO GET RID OF EVERY REMEMBERANCE OF THE 2007-09 TEAMS, GREG PEAVEY METS 6TH ROUND DRAFT PICK IN 2010 DRAFT TALKS ABOUT HIS HIS ADJUSTMENTS AND HOW HE EXPECTS TO PROGRESS IN THE METS MINOR LEAGUE SYSTEM, I MENTION AGAIN HOW IT WAS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE METS TO TRADE JOSE REYES AT ANY TIME LAST SEASON

PASSED BALL SHOW #19 2/23/2012 WITH METS BLOG FOUNDER AND BLOGGER MATT CERRONE, HOW METS BLOG WAS STARTED, THE PARTNERSHIP WITH SNY, HIS IDEAS AND EXPECTATIONS, THE 2012 METS AND THE LACK OF POSITIVITY, SHOULD DAVID WRIGHT BE TRADED OR EXTENDED, COULD JOHAN SANTANA BE PART OF THE FUTURE, CAN DANIEL MURPHY PLAY 2B, WHAT ABOUT ANDRES TORRES IN CF, ADVICE FOR ASPIRING BLOGGERS AND WRITERS, + DID THE METS HAVE THE WORST POST 2011 OFFSEASON, HOW ROY OSWALT SHOULD BE IN SPRING TRAINING RIGHT NOW, HOW THE RYAN BRAUN DECISION IS BAD FOR BASEBALL

PASSED BALL SHOW #18 2/16/2012 WITH 2011 METS 1ST ROUND DRAFT PICK (44TH OVERALL) RHP MICHAEL FULMER, JOINED IN STUDIO BY MIKE SANFLIPPO- HOST OF TRIPLE COVERAGE ON MTR RADIO, DEBATING PLAYING PRO BALL AND GOING TO COLLEGE, FACING PROFESSIONAL HITTERS FOT THE FIRST TIME, HOW QUICKLY HIS PATH TO THE MAJORS CAN BE, + SHOULD SANTANA BE TRADED JUST BECAUSE OF HIS CONTRACT, JAMES FLIPPIN FROM TURNPIKE THROWDOWN ON MTR RADIO JOINS THE PROGRAM TO BREAK THE NEWS OF THE PASSING OF HALL OF FAMER GARY CARTER, BEST CARTER MEMORIES, AL AND NL POTENTIAL PLAYOFF TEAMS

PASSED BALL SHOW #17 2/9/2012 WITH FORMER MLB INF/OF FRANK CATALANOTTO, NEW VITAMIN SUPPLEMENTS, FRANK CATALANOTTO FOUNDATION, WHAT IT FEELS LIKE TO BE TAKEN AND SENT BACK IN THE RULE 5 DRAFT, PLAYING EVERYDAY AS OPPOSED TO BEING A ROLE PLAYER, HOW MUCH STEROIDS WERE IN THE GAME WHEN HE PLAYED, PLAYING FOR ITALY IN THE WBC, TO FINALLY PLAY IN NY, + OIL CAN BOYD, LATEST ON ROY OSWALT, SIMILARITIES BETWEEN NY FOOTBALL GIANTS AND ST LOUIS CARDINALS CHAMPIONSHIP RUNS, OLD HOSS RADBOURN, BEST AND WORST MANAGERS OF ALL TIME

PASSED BALL SHOW #16 2/2/2012 WITH JAMES FLIPPIN FROM TURNPIKE THROWDOWN ON MTR RADIO, WHY THE OVER DISCUSSION ABOUT METS GETTING LEFT HAND HITTING OF, SHOULD THE YANKEES AND RAYS TRADE A STARTING PITCHER, ARE THE PHILLIES STILL THE TEAM TO BEAT IN THE NL EAST, SHOULD BRYCE HARPER START 2012 IN THE MAJORS

PASSED BALL SHOW #15 1/26/2012 WITH RICH COUTINHO FROM SNY/WFAN, STATE AND DIRECTION OF THE METS, HOW GOOD IS THE BULLPEN, DEPTH HAS DESTROYED TEAM MORE THAN INJURIES, HOW THE BENCH SHOULD BE ADDRESSED, CAN THE METS COMPETE WITH THE REST OF THE NL EAST?

PASSED BALL SHOW #14 1/19/2012 WITH STEVE POPPER FROM THE BERGEN RECORD, WELL WISHES FOR GARY CARTER, RETIRE #8, ISSUES WITH K-RODS NEW CONTRACT, IS YONESIS CESPEDES WORTH ML CONTRACT?, HOW YANKEES/MARINERS TRADE IS FAIR, WHY POPPER WENT BACK TO KNICKS BEAT, HOW HE BROKE SANTANA OUT FOR SEASON STORY LAST MARCH, WHY REPORTERS WRITE STORIES WITH "ANONYMOUS" SOURCES

PASSED BALL SHOW #13 1/12/2012 HOW THE METS HAVE MISMANAGED THE $11.7 MILLION THEY HAVE SPENT ON FREE AGENTS, AN OUTLINE OF THE PERFECTION THAT IS NEEDED FOR THE METS TO BE COMPETITIVE, COMPARING BARRY LARKIN TO ALAN TRAMMELL, HOW THE 2013 HALL OF FAME BALLOT WORKS OUT

PASSED BALL SHOW #12 1/5/2012 NOT A SURPRISE METS WILL NOT SIGN ANOTHER PLAYER FOR $1.5 MIL, CASE FOR BILLY WAGNER IN THE HALL OF FAME, RYAN BRAUN HAS TO BE ACCOUNTABLE FOR HIS "MISTAKE", ALARMING NUMBER OF SCOTT BORAS CLIENTS STILL UNSIGNED

PASSED BALL SHOW #11 12/29/2011 HOW DAVID WRIGHT COULD NEVER BE TRADED TO PHILLIES, ONE AND ONLY SCENARIO DW WILL BE TRADED AT ALL, SABER STATS ARE OVERRATED, WHICH SABER STATS HAVE USE, MY HALL OF FAME SELECTIONS

PASSED BALL SHOW #10 12/22/2011 HOW WILPONS ARE GETTING AS CLOSE AS EVER TO SELLING THE METS, MANNY RAMIREZ, BELTRAN TO CARDINALS, NATIONALS ARE GETTING BETTER, THOUGHT BLUE JAYS WERE GOING FOR IT (PLEASE FF THROUGH FIRST 2:34 BECAUSE OF RECORDING ISSUES)

PASSED BALL SHOW #9 12/15/2011 HOW PEDs ARE STILL IN THE GAME, HOW MLB SHOULD NOT HAVE BANNED AMPHETAMINES, HOW JACK MORRIS AND MIKE MUSSINA ARE NOT HALL OF FAMERS, MY PREDICTIONS FOR WHERE FIELDER, BELTRAN, CUDDYER, ROLLINS AND MADSON WILL END UP

PASSED BALL SHOW #8 12/8/2011 WITH JAMES FLIPPIN, REACTION TO REYES AND PUJOLS SIGNINGS, WERE METS "IN IT" FOR REYES, HOW PLAYERS GO FOR THE MOST MONEY, HOW PLAYERS DON'T STAY WITH ONE ORGANIZATION ANY MORE

PASSED BALL SHOW #7 12/1/2011 WITH ED MARCUS FROM THE REAL DIRTY METS, METS OUTLOOK FOR 2012, HOW JOSH THOLE IS BETTER THAN HE GETS CREDIT FOR, METS MISSING A "LODUCA LIKE" TOUGHNESS, HOW DIFFERENT WILL METS LOOK IN 2012

PASSED BALL SHOW #6 11/17/2011 WITH ROB PATTERSON FROM METS FEVER, METS PLAN FOR 2012, REBUILD PLAN, SHOULD TEAM ADD ANOTHER PLAYER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE, WHO IS COMPARING TEJADA TO REYES, PUJOLS TO CUBS?

PASSED BALL SHOW #5 11/10/2011 WITH JAMES FLIPPIN AND JUSTIN SILBERMAN-HOST OF "METS TODAY, WRIGHT OR WRONG," DISCUSSION OF METS OFFSEASON PLANS AND WHETHER THEY HAVE MONEY TO CONTEND, SHOULD THEY PUNT 2012?

PASSED BALL SHOW #4 11/3/2011 KEN WEBSTER: CONCLUSION OF 1966 ASTROS INTERVIEW, LATE '70s ASTROS, 1986 NLCS

PASSED BALL SHOW #3 10/27/2011 KEN WEBSTER: DIARY OF 1966 HOUSTON ASTROS- PART ONE (SHOW CUTS OUT AT 37:54 DUE TO POWER FAILURE)

PASSED BALL SHOW #2 10/20/2011 MIKE FROM B'KYLN TROLLEY BLOGGER, STATE OF THE METS, SHOULD METS HAVE BEEN GUTTED JULY 2007, DRAFT PICKS FOR REYES

PASSED BALL SHOW #1 10/14/2011 JOSE REYES TALK, POSTSEASON AWARDS, WHAT HAPPENED TO THE BIG MARKET TEAMS?