The 1950 Philadelphia Phillies weren't supposed to win the National League pennant. Yet behind a young, energetic roster that became known as the Whiz Kids, they shocked baseball and captured the imagination of a city.

This week, we're joined by author Dennis Snelling, whose book The Whiz Kids tells the remarkable story of one of baseball's most overlooked pennant winners. We discuss the 1950 National League pennant winning Philadelphia Phillies, their improbable season, and why this team deserves to be remembered alongside the game's greatest underdog stories.

We'll also continue our Baseball Terminology series, inspired by Paul Dickson's The Baseball Dictionary, exploring another piece of the game's colorful language and history.

And in another edition of Baseball's Forgotten, we shine a light on Willie Smith, one of the rare players in Major League Baseball history to make an impact as both a pitcher and a position player.

Forgotten champions. Forgotten players - this episode is packed with the stories that make baseball history so unforgettable.

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Author Tim Newby will be our guest as he talks about his book on slugger Pete Browning. And the World Series Rewind concludes with the 1986 World Series between the New York Mets and the Boston Red Sox, another classic series revisited.

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The World Series Rewind continues as we travel back to the unforgettable 1979 Fall Classic, where the "We Are Family" Pittsburgh Pirates rallied from a 3-1 deficit to defeat the Baltimore Orioles in one of baseball's most memorable championships. We revisit the stars, the drama, the disco-era atmosphere, and the cultural backdrop that made the series an enduring classic.

Then we turn the clock back even further to the 1926 World Series, when veteran pitcher Pete Alexander entered in relief with the bases loaded and two outs to face Tony Lazzeri. What happened next became one of the defining moments in postseason history and cemented Alexander's place among the game's legends.

From comeback champions to clutch performances under impossible pressure, this episode celebrates two unforgettable chapters in World Series history.

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Author David Krell will join us to talk with Leroy about his fascinating book, 1978: Baseball & America In The Disco Era.

And The World Series Rewind mini-series continues with the third segment, on the 1962 World Series between the New York Yankees and the San Francisco Giants.

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Carl Mays killed Ray Chapman in 1920, but what if you could go back in time and alter history? Author Howard Camerik weaves a story in his book The Curse of Carl Mays that changes the course of so many in baseball. He'll join us to discuss the inspiration behind his book, the research that brought authenticity to the story, and the creative process of blending real baseball history into a compelling work of fiction.

Also, John and Leroy continue with the World Series Rewind and move up to 1948, the World Series between the Cleveland Indians and the Boston Braves. With so many side stories, this will be a compelling segment.

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This week on The Baseball Book Club, we rewind all the way back to the unforgettable 1914 World Series — the stunning clash between Connie Mack’s powerhouse Philadelphia Athletics and the “Miracle” Boston Braves, one of the greatest upset stories in baseball history. We break down how the Braves went from dead last on July 4th to world champions in one of the sport’s most improbable turnarounds.

Then, on the 16th anniversary of one of baseball’s most heartbreaking moments, we revisit Jim Joyce’s infamous blown call that cost Armando Galarraga a perfect game in 2010. But this isn’t just about the missed call — it’s about the humanity that followed. We take a detailed look at Jim Joyce himself, the emotional aftermath, and why the moment still resonates across baseball today.

Plus, Leroy steps into The Hot Corner with a fiery rant on MLB’s City Connect uniforms. Are they creative fun, marketing overload, or crimes against baseball aesthetics? Leroy has thoughts… and he’s not holding back.

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For our 50th episode of The Baseball Book Club, we’re covering two unforgettable baseball lives that took wildly different paths through the game.

This week we dive into the career of Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett, ranked #35 in The Baseball 100 by Joe Posnanski. From batting-title brilliance to pine tar controversy and one of the sweetest left-handed swings baseball has ever seen, we look back at the fiery superstar who became the face of the Kansas City Royals franchise.

Then, Leroy sits down with author Adam Henig to discuss his book Baseball's Outcast, the remarkable story of Ron LeFlore. Before stealing bases in the majors and becoming a star with the Detroit Tigers, LeFlore was serving time in prison when a chance encounter with manager Billy Martin changed his life forever.

It’s a conversation about talent, temperament, redemption, and two unforgettable baseball lives that couldn’t have taken more different paths to the spotlight.

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This week on The Baseball Book Club, we revisit one of the greatest postseason pitching performances in baseball history: Jack Morris and his unforgettable 10-inning shutout in Game 7 of the 1991 World Series. More than three decades later, Morris’ legendary outing still stands as the gold standard for postseason grit, endurance, and October drama.

Then, we welcome author Marshall Garvey to the show to discuss his novel, Interstate '85. We dive into the story behind the book, the baseball themes woven throughout it, and how the game continues to inspire compelling storytelling far beyond the foul lines.

From one of baseball’s most iconic nights to a conversation about literature, memory, and the game’s enduring pull, this episode covers a little bit of everything for baseball fans and book lovers alike.

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