Author Lenny Levine will be our guest as we discuss his murder mystery novel Diehard Fan, set during the final week of the 1951 season and the historic comeback by the New York Giants. The book tells the story of a boy who tries to figure out who is killing Giants fans in Brooklyn, while weaving the games at Dodgers Stadium and the Polo Grounds into the plot.

And we'll unpack the history and the ins-and-outs of The Slider, found in chapter one of Tyler Kepner's Book K: A History of Baseball in Ten Pitches.

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In this episode of The Baseball Book Club, we close out our Deadball Files series. Joined by historian Justin Renaldi, we explore 19th century pitcher Tim Keefe and his dominance, staggering workload, and why his name still belongs among the elite in baseball history.

Then, in Leroy’s Hot Corner, a personal story takes center stage—connecting family, memory, and the game itself through one of baseball’s most beloved sluggers, Ted Kluszewski. It’s a reminder that baseball isn’t just history—it’s personal.

Finally, author Tom Alesia joins the show to talk about Baseball Like It Oughta Be, a look into the world of summer collegiate baseball and the culture that keeps the game pure, local, and deeply connected to its fans. From the success of the Madison Mallards to the enduring charm of small-town ballparks, this conversation highlights why this level of baseball continues to thrive.

From Deadball Era legends to mid-century power hitters to modern-day summer leagues, this episode is about what baseball has always been—and what it still can be.

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This week, a question that might ruffle a few feathers: why isn’t Jim Thome in the top 100 players of all time? We take a closer look at the numbers, the narrative, and where he may (or may not) belong.

The Deadball Files series is back for Part 3, joined by returning guest Justin Renaldi, as we explore the fascinating and mysterious life of one of baseball’s earliest stars—Ed Delahanty.

And in between, we shift gears to one of the game’s greatest comebacks: the 1951 New York Giants’ improbable run to the pennant, culminating in Bobby Thomson’s legendary “Shot Heard ’Round the World.” It’s a story that still feels larger than life—and somehow, it actually happened.

History, debate, and a little bit of chaos—just the way we like it.

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