Loserville, with Author Clayton Trutor
When the NHL awarded the expansion Flames to Atlanta in 1972, it became the first southern city with teams in all four major sports. The city's initial excitement soon gave way to widespread frustration and, eventually, apathy. The Braves, the Falcons, the Hawks and the Flames all struggled to draw fans. Atlantans’ indifference to their new teams took place amid the social and political fracturing that had resulted from a new Black majority in Atlanta and a predominately white suburban exodus. In Loserville, Clayton Trutor examines the pursuit, arrival, and response to professional sports in Atlanta during those early days, scrutinizing the origins of what remains the primary tool for acquiring professional sports franchises: municipal financing for new stadiums. Other cities followed, with similarly mixed results.
The Umpire is Out, with Author Rob Neyer
Dale Scott was a Major League umpire from 1985 to 2017, working exactly a thousand games behind the plate and, with author Rob Neyer, accumulating a book’s worth of stories. What makes this tale different is Scott’s perspective as the only umpire in the history of professional baseball to come out as gay during his career. This followed decades spent in the closet, and Scott writes vividly about maintaining a facade of straightness while building a lasting relationship with his future husband. Neyer helps Scott tell this story, as well as unlocking decades’ worth of on-the-field tales involving some of baseball’s brightest stars. Rob Neyer talks about The Umpire is Out with Jason Cannon, author of Charlie Murphy.
Rethinking Fandom, with Author Craig Calcaterra
In an age when modern sports franchises make more money from real estate investments than they do from ticket sales, when TV packages and other revenue streams make the winning of games almost incidental, it can be tough to root for a team for which on-field success does not appear to bear any sort of priority. It can be similarly tough to root for a winner that appears to systematically alienate its fans in pursuit of corporate dollars. Either way, sports fandom isn't what it once once. Craig Calcaterra breaks it all down in Rethinking Fandom, explaining not only how franchise owners care less than ever about their respective fanbases, but what we as fans can do to respond. He's in conversation with Dan Epstein, author of Big Hair and Plastic Grass, and, more recently, The Captain & Me.
Charlie Murphy, with Author Jason Cannon
Charles Webb Murphy was the ebullient and mercurial owner of the Chicago Cubs from 1905 through 1914. In his second full season, the Cubs won their first World Series, and then won again in 1908. Murphy’s unconventional style alienated fellow owners, the press and his own players, even as he led the Cubs through their most successful era. In Charlie Murphy: The Iconoclastic Showman behind the Chicago Cubs, author Jason Cannon explores the life of the man who sent the sport spinning and elevated Chicago to the center of the baseball universe. He's in conversation here with Jim Overmyer, author of Queen of the Negro Leagues, and Cum Posey.
Classic Baseball, with Author John Rosengren
John Rosengren's stories about baseball legends like Ty Cobb, Christy Mathewson, Josh Gibson, Bob Feller, Frank Robinson, Sandy Koufax and Kirby Puckett have appeared in Sports Illustrated, The New Yorker and Sports on Earth. Now they are collected in his book, Classic Baseball, and cover the game's most famous moments (Hank Aaron hitting No. 715) as well as some you've never heard of (the Ku Klux Klan squaring off against an all-Black team). There are stories about John Roseboro forgiving Juan Marichal for clubbing him in the head with a bat, about Elston Howard breaking down the Yankees' systemic racism, and the national pastime played on snowshoes during July in a remote Wisconsin town. Rosengren discusses his book in conversation with Tim Wendel, author of Escape From Castro's Cuba.
Stumbling Around the Bases, with Author Andy McCue
From the late 1950s to the early '80s, the American League lagged far behind the National League when it came to topics like integration and expansion. The league was saddled by owners who were disruptive, incompetent or insufficiently wealthy, and continued to miss out on baseball's best expansion markets. The NL ended up drawing more fans and better attention in bigger cities while the American League struggled with infighting. Stumbling Around the Bases takes a close look at how this all came to be. Author Andy McCue is in conversation here with James Walker, co-author of Red Barber.
Victory on Two Fronts, with Author Scott Longert
When pitcher Bob Feller became the first major leaguer to enlist in the military during World War II, it began a string of hard luck for the Cleveland Indians. That string ended when Cleveland became the first American League team to employ Black players -- Larry Doby and Satchel Paige -- and ended up winning the World Series. Author Scott Longert covers it all in his new book, and discusses it here with fellow Indians author Luke Epplin (Our Team).
Whispers of the Gods, with Author Peter Golenbock
Author Peter Golenbock talks about his new book, compiled from hundreds of hours of taped interviews he's conducted with the likes of Ted Williams, Stan Musial and Roy Campanella. In the spirit of The Glory of Their Times, these first-person accounts of legendary baseball figures offer a vivid glimpse into bygone eras of baseball. In conversation with Jason Turbow.
The Reshaping of America's Game, with Author Bryan Soderholm-Difatte
Author Bryan Soderholm-Difatte, author of two recent books -- The Reshaping of America's Game, and America's Game in the Wild Card Era -- talks Moneyball, Theo Epstein and the state of baseball in the 21st century with author and poet E. Ethelbert Miller.
Unwritten Rules: A Gay Sports Romance, With Author KD Casey
KD Casey discusses the intricacies of romance novels, her love of baseball and how the two intertwine in her novel, Unwritten Rules. From the publisher's blurb: "Zach wants a second chance. Eugenio wants a relationship he doesn't have to hide. Maybe it's finally time they both get what they want." How you gonna resist that? She's here in conversation with Clubbie author Greg Larson.
Beyond Baseball's Color Barrier, with Author Rocco Constantino
Beyond Baseball's Color Barrier recounts the history of Black players in Major League Baseball from the 1800s onward, detailing how the color line was drawn, the efforts made to erode it and the progress towards Jackie Robinson’s debut — including a pre-integration survey in which players unanimously promoted integration years before it actually happened. He talks about it here with Thom Henninger, author of The Pride of Minnesota.
The Bronx Zoom, With Author Bryan Hoch
2020 was the most bizarre baseball season ever, and no city was hit harder by the pandemic than New York. Yankees insider Bryan Hoch chronicles the oddities, struggles and victories of the Yankees' journey. He's here in conversation with author Mark C. Healey.
When Your Wife Has Tommy John Surgery, With Author E. Ethelbert Miller
The metaphysics of baseball. The hope embedded in the game. The social impact of sport. Poet E. Ethelbert Miller, author of the new baseball poetry collection When Your Wife Has Tommy John Surgery, covers it all. He is here in conversation here with Tim Wendel, author of Escape From Castro's Cuba.
1962, With Author David Krell
Nineteen-sixty-two saw John Glenn become the first astronaut to orbit earth, even as JFK stared down Russia in the Cuban Missile Crisis. The baseball season saw five no-hitters and a seven-game World Series, with Mickey Mantle’s Yankees winning their 20th title over the Mays-McCovey-Cepeda Giants. Weaving the 1962 baseball season within the social fabric of this era, David Krell delivers a fascinating book as epochal as its subject. He's here in conversation with E. Ethelbert Miller.
Opening Random Packs of Baseball Cards, with Brad Balukjian and Andrew Forbes
Authors Brad Balukjian and Andrew Forbes seize on the conceit of Brad's book, The Wax Pack, in concert with a bunch of card packs that Andrew's publisher procured to help promote The Only Way is the Steady Way. Learn what they do with them! Learn about some players! Learn just how steady Andrew's internet connection can be! All this and more in a Very Special Episode from the Pandemic Baseball Book Club.
The Pride of Minnesota, With Author Thom Henninger
The Minnesota Twins' first decade included the coaching debut of Billy Martin, the first-ever African American 20-game winner in Mudcat Grant, power and panache from the likes of Harmon Killebrew and Tony Oliva and an awful lot of winning. It's the subject of Thom Henninger's new book, THE PRIDE OF MINNESOTA, which he discusses with author Tim Wendel.
11 in '11, With Author Benjamin Hochman
St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Benjamin Hochman offers on-the-ground and behind-the-scenes perspective in reporting an unparalleled 2011 championship season for the Cardinals after they barely made the playoffs as a wild card. He is here in conversation with Our Team author Luke Epplin.
Escape From Castro's Cuba, with Author Tim Wendel
Novelist Tim Wendel brings his readers back to Havana for his visionary sequel to Castro's Curveball, where the main character becomes entangled in a scheme that pits him against his old friend Fidel Castro. He's here in conversation with Emily Nemens, author of The Cactus League.
Telling Baseball People's Stories, a Tattered Cover All-Star Panel
Convened in conjunction with the Tattered Cover bookshop's array of author panels in conjunction with the All-Star Game, this group of Pandemic Baseball Book Club authors talks about inhabiting the personas of their subjects, and writing in a ballplayer's voice. Panelists are Dave Jordan (Cobra), Dan Epstein (The Captain & Me) and Mitch Nathanson (Bouton). Moderated by Jason Turbow.
Vida Blue and Black Baseball, with Author Howard Bryant
Fifty years ago, a rookie pitcher named Vida Blue ravaged the major leagues, becoming the youngest player to win the MVP or Cy Young Award, let alone both at the same time. Frank Guridy and sportswriter/cultural critic Howard Bryant discuss Blue, and the state of Black players in the sport, past and present. And, yes, Rickey Henderson matters to the story.
Lights, Camera, Fastball, with Author Dan Taylor
During their 20-year run in the Pacific Coast League, the Hollywood Stars were among the most inventive teams in baseball, with celebrity owners and fans including Clark Gable, Jimmy Stewart and Humphrey Bogart. They wore short pants, used cheerleaders and pioneered air travel.Lights, Camera, Fastball author Dan Taylor tells tales from the team's history with David Krell, author of 1962.
Cheated, with Author Andy Martino
At this point, we all know what happened with the Houston Astros ... or do we? Using new, in-depth research, award-winning journalist Andy Martino uncovers the deep storylines that led to the Astros cheating scandal, and humanizes the characters therein beyond the many two-dimensional portrayals with which we've so far been inundated.
100 Miles of Baseball, with Authors Dale and Heidi Jacobs
In 100 Miles of Baseball, authors Heidi L.M. Jacobs and Dale Jacobs create a series of beautiful, heartfelt and carefully considered meditations on baseball's myriad pleasures and meanings. They're in discussion with Andrew Forbes, author of The Only Way Is the Steady Way.
#Never Give Up, with Author Ruppert Jones
Ruppert Jones' life and big league career was altered when he collided with an outfield wall in 1980, the resulting brain injury slowly altering his personality and affecting bad behavior. Now, Jones tries to make sense of it all in his new memoir. He is interviewed by Andrew Maraniss, author of Singled Out.
The Giants and Their City, with Author Lincoln Mitchell
In the late 1970s, the Giants had no recognizable stars, were last in the league in attendance, and had more than one foot out the door on the way to Toronto when a local businessman and a brand new mayor found a way to keep the team in San Francisco. Lincoln Mitchell delves into the decades-long accord struck between a baseball team and a city with a unique and frequently confounding political culture. In conversation with Dave Jordan, author of COBRA.
COBRA, with Author Dave Jordan
Dave Parker was one of the biggest and most badass baseball players of the late twentieth century. Cobra is the story of a Black athlete making his way through the sport during a time of social and cultural transformation. Author Dave Jordan talks about this epic tale of friendship, indulgence, redemption and family.
Comeback Pitchers, with Author Steve Steinberg
In Comeback Pitchers, author Steve Steinberg and co-author Lyle Spatz uncover two great, forgotten Dead Ball Era pitchers, Jack Quinn and Howard Ehmke, whose paths crossed on multiple teams, in fascinating ways. The result is a heretofore untold story including Connie Mack, Ty Cobb and other legends of the game. In conversation with Mark C. Healey, author of Gotham Baseball.
The Best Team Over There, with Author Jim Leeke
Epilepsy, alcoholism and the Great War. Author Jim Leeke discusses the fascinating and tumultuous World War I service of baseball Hall of Famer Grover Cleveland Alexander, and how it profoundly affected the rest of his career ... and the rest of his life. In conversation Don Zminda, author of Double Plays and Double Crosses.
Clubbie, with Author Greg Larson
Former minor league clubhouse attendant Greg Larson airs all the dirty laundry on life in the minors, as well as the lengthy and controversial process of writing and publishing a clubhouse memoir/exposé. In conversation with author Andrew Forbes.
The Captain & Me, with Author Dan Epstein
Epstein tells the story of former Yankee Ron Blomberg's friendship with legendary catcher Thurman Munson during the early days of the infamous Bronx Zoo. In conversation with Lincoln Mitchell.
Two Sides of Glory, with Author Erik Sherman
Erik Sherman
People best remember the 1986 Red Sox for one play: Bill Buckner's error. Erik Sherman goes in depth with the central players from that roster to find out what their lives have looked like ever since, and to explain how the team, and Buckner himself, cannot be defined by a single moment. In conversation with Clubbie author Greg Larson.
The Only Way is the Steady Way, with Author Andrew Forbes
Andrew Forbes
Andrew Forbes offers a series of mediations on baseball as he sees it, pertaining to society, geography, parenthood and, from his perch in small-town Canada, nationality. Ichiro Suzuki, as both player and symbol, dominates these pages, lending heart and depth to multiple essays. Andrew discusses TOWSW with Devin Gordon, author of So Many Ways to Lose.
Our Team, with Author Luke Epplin
Luke Epplin
Just 11 weeks after Jackie Robinson debuted with the Dodgers, Larry Doby integrated the American League for Cleveland. Doby, owner Bill Veeck, Bob Feller and Satchel Paige intertwined in a dramatic story that's at the heart of Our Team. Author Luke Epplin discusses his book with author Andrew Forbes.
The Sports Revolution, with Author Frank Guridy
Frank Guridy
How did integration, free agency and wealthy team owners across all sports help Texas change the culture of the American sporting landscape? THE SPORTS REVOLUTION author Frank Guridy tells the story of Texas sports history -- and American sports history -- in conversation with author Dan Epstein.
Double Plays and Double Crosses, with Author Don Zminda
Don Zminda
We all know about the Black Sox scandal of 1919, in which certain members of the Chicago White Sox were paid to throw the World Series. In his new book, author Don Zminda tells us that the scheme carried into the 1920 season, and was further reaching than people have realized.
So Many Ways to Lose, with Author Devin Gordon
Devin Gordon
How many ways are there to lose? If you're the New York Mets, SO MANY. Author Devin Gordon discusses his chronology of Mets failure and abundant tales of woe with Frank Guridy, author of The Sports Revolution.
Singled Out: The True Story of Glenn Burke, with Author Andrew Maraniss
Andrew Maraniss
It's not often that two authors get to discuss a subject they've both written about, but Andrew Maraniss — whose new book, Singled Out, discusses Glenn Burke, MLB's first openly gay player — gets to do that very thing, being enjoined in conversation by Erik Sherman, who wrote Burke's biography, Out at Home, in 1995.
Stealing Home Wins The Seymour Medal!
Last week, Stealing Home was awarded the Seymour Medal, SABR's award for baseball book of the year. To commemorate the moment, we sat down with author Eric Nusbaum and SABR CEO Scott Bush to discuss the award.
How Baseball Happened, with Author Thomas
W. Gilbert
Thomas W. Gilbert
Author Thomas W. Gilbert discusses his new book, How Baseball Happened: Outrageous Lies Exposed! The True Story Revealed, with Ralph Carhart, author of The Hall Ball.
PBBC Presents: A's vs. Giants
The Pandemic Baseball Book Club presents A's vs. Giants, in which two die-hard fans square off to see who knows more about their respective teams, as judged by our crack panel of Joan Ryan, Chris Haft and Ray Ratto. Points are awarded, snide comments are made and a champion is crowned.
SABR 50 at 50 Panel
To commemorate its 50th birthday, SABR put out an astounding book of 50 essays it's published over the years, called 50 at 50. PBBC gathered its editors -- John Thorn, Leslie Heaphy, Mark Armour and Bill Nowlin -- to talk about its creation and the stories therein.
PBBC Movie Debate: For Love of the Game
Brad Balukjian adores the Kevin Costner movie For Love of the Game. Jason Turbow and Anika Orrock have good taste, and do not. Together, they appear on the Big Screen Sports podcast, where host Kyle Bandujo gamely tries to make sense of it all.
What the Yankees Can Teach Us About Leadership, with Author Colin Cerniglia
Colin Cerniglia
Colin Cerniglia, author of the new book Culture of Excellence, sits down with Mark C. Healey to discuss what we can learn from the New York Yankees about leadership.
The Pandemic Baseball Book Club Joins SABR
The Pandemic Baseball Book Club has officially joined SABR, and it's a partnership made in heaven. To mark the moment, PBBC founders Jason Turbow, Anika Orrock and Eric Nusbaum sat down with SABR CEO Scott Bush to discuss our collective state of affairs, and a surprising amount of minor league baseball.
Joan Ryan and John Shea Talk About Their Recent Titles at Sausalito Books by the Bay
Joan Ryan and John Shea brought a distinctly Bay Area vibe to their event last week at Sausalito Books by the Bay, where they discussed Intangibles and 24.
Extra Innings: Fred Claire's Journey to City of Hope and Finding a World Championship Team
Former Dodgers General Manager Fred Claire discusses the new book, written by journalist Tim Madigan, that examines both LA's 1988 championship team and his battle against jaw cancer. In conversation with They Bled Blue author Jason Turbow.
Gotham Baseball: New York's All-Time Team
Mark C. Healey
Mark C. Healey discusses his book, Gotham Baseball — the culmination of his longtime magazine and website of the same name — with Ralph Carhart, author of The Hall Ball.
Issei Baseball: The Story of the First
Japanese American Ballplayers
Rob Fitts
Before there was professional baseball in Japan, a group of Japanese ballplayers decided to tour the United States, starting in Los Angeles. Rob Fitts wrote about it. He discusses his book with Mitchell Nathanson, author of Bouton.
Extra Innings: Fred Claire's Journey to City of Hope and Finding a World Championship Team
Fred Claire
Former Dodgers General Manager Fred Claire discusses the new book, written by journalist Tim Madigan, that examines both LA's 1988 championship team and his battle against jaw cancer. In conversation with They Bled Blue author Jason Turbow.
Jason Turbow and Brian Wright Discuss Tom Seaver's impact on the New York Mets
With Tom Seaver's passing, Jason Turbow sat down with Brian Wright, author of The New York Mets All-Time All-Stars, to talk about the impact Tom Terrific made on his first and most prominent team.
YOGI: A Life Behind the Mask
Jon Pessah
Jon Pessah, author of Yogi: A Life Behind the Mask, dives deep into the golden age of Yankees baseball by exploring the winningest player of all time. In conversation with Jason Turbow, author of They Bled Blue, for the Pandemic Baseball Book Club.
Buy Yogi: A Life Behind the Mask.
PBBC Presents: Mets vs. Yankees, a Game Show
Brian Wright, author of The New York Mets All-Time All-Stars, squares off against James Griffin, author of The New York Yankees All-Time All-Stars, to see whose knowledge of New York baseball runs deeper.
Our esteemed judging panel is made up of Tyler Kepner, Jared Diamond and Jon Pessah, Hosted by Jason Turbow.
Let's play some games!
The Hall Ball
Ralph Carhart
Ralph Carhart discusses his book, in which he brings a baseball, scavenged from a creek in Cooperstown, to every Hall of Famer, living or dead. In conversation with Mark C. Healey.
PBBC at New Jersey City University
In a panel discussion at NJCU, Pandemic Baseball Book Club founders Brad Balukjian, Eric Nusbaum, Anika Orrock and Jason Turbow discuss the club's origin story and offer readings from their own books. Moderated by PBBC member, and author of The Hall Ball, Ralph Carhart.
The Hall Ball
Ralph Carhart
PBBC Presents: Icons and Iconoclasts
A panel conversation about some of the greatest characters baseball has known. Jon Pessah (YOGI), John Shea (24), Mitch Nathanson (Bouton), Dale Tafoya (Billy Ball) and Jason Turbow (They Bled Blue) discuss the towering figures central to their books. Moderated by Justin McGuire.
June 29, 2020
From the Stick to the Cove
Chris Haft
Chris Haft discusses his book, written in conjunction with legendary San Francisco Giants clubhouse manager Mike Murphy. In conversation with John Shea.
Buy From the Stick to the Cove.
From the Stick to the Cove: My Six Decades With the San Francisco Giants
Chris Haft
The New York Mets All-Time All-Stars
Brian Wright
Queen of the Negro Leagues: Effa Manley and the Newark Eagles
James Overmyer
Working a "Perfect Game"
Bill Nowlin
24: Life Stories and Lessons from
the Say Hey Kid
John Shea
THE CACTUS LEAGUE: A NOVEL
Emily Nemens
STEALING HOME: LOS ANGELES,
THE DODGERS, AND THE LIVES CAUGHT IN BETWEEN
Eric Nusbaum
THE INCREDIBLE WOMEN OF THE ALL-AMERICAN GIRLS PROFESSIONAL BASEBALL LEAGUE
Anika Orrock
INTANGIBLES: UNLOCKING THE SCIENCE AND SOUL OF TEAM CHEMISTRY
Joan Ryan
HALL OF NAME
D.B. Firstman
K: A HISTORY OF BASEBALL IN TEN PITCHES
Tyler Kepner
THEY BLED BLUE
Jason Turbow
"ON OPENING DAY (FERNANDO VALENZUELA)"
Jason Turbow
In conversation with sing-songwriter Bob Hillman on March 27, 2020.
When he found out about the existence of They Bled Blue, Bob Hillman—who as an 11-year-old in LA in 1981 worshiped those Dodgers—seized upon it as inspiration and immediately wrote a song about Fernando Valenzuela. Jason and Bob discuss the song and those Dodgers and wonder of baseball in childhood.
Find Bob Hillman here.
Check out Dodger blog Think Blue Planning Committee's take on Bob's song here.
Hear the studio version of "On Opening Day (Fernando Valenzuela)"
THE WAX PACK
Brad Balukjian
In conversation with Jason Turbow on March 25, 2020.
Buy The Wax Pack here.