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Thomas W. Gilbert is an acclaimed baseball historian and author whose books explore the origins, personalities, and cultural history of America’s national pastime. His previous works include How Baseball Happened, winner of the Casey Award for Best Baseball Book of the Year, as well as Baseball and the Color Line, Roberto Clemente, and Playing First. This time, Tom returns with a remarkable baseball mystery: Death in the Strike Zone: The Mystery of America’s First Baseball Hero.  His latest book uncovers the extraordinary story of James Creighton, the young Brooklyn pitcher who became baseball’s first national superstar in the years before the Civil War. Widely credited with revolutionizing pitching, Creighton was so dominant that he helped transform the way baseball was played. His influence was so profound that his story is connected to the development of the strike zone itself.  But Creighton’s story took a tragic turn. At just 21 years old, he collapsed after a game and died four days later in 1862. What happened to this pioneering pitcher? Was his death the result of a freak injury, the physical demands of his revolutionary pitching style, or something more mysterious? And why has a player who helped shape the game remained largely forgotten by generations of baseball fans? In Death in the Strike Zone, Tom combines meticulous historical research, baseball detective work, and the colorful world of 19th-century America to bring Creighton’s story back to life. Along the way, he explores the origins of modern pitching, the early business of baseball, and the myths and mysteries surrounding the birth of America’s national pastime.  Go to https://howbaseballhappened.com/ for more information on Thomas and his books. Malcom Reed is a barbecue expert, competition pitmaster, and creator of HowToBBQRight. Alongside his wife, Rachelle Reed, he shares recipes, cooking tips, and barbecue adventures with a dedicated audience of BBQ fans. We are revisiting our conversation with Malcom, a competition pitmaster who knows what it takes to turn out championship-quality barbecue. From ribs and pulled pork to brisket and all the techniques that make outdoor cooking special, he brings plenty of experience, enthusiasm, and personality to everything he does. He also shares his knowledge through his HowToBBQRight podcast and the Killer Hogs line of BBQ products. On this replay, we’re bringing back our conversation with Malcom to celebrate the food, traditions, and passion that bring people together around the grill.  Whether you're an experienced pitmaster or someone just getting started with a smoker, Malcom's passion for barbecue makes this a conversation worth revisiting.  For more information on Malcom and How To BBQ Right, go to https://howtobbqright.com/ We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves,  Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to  https://billchuck.substack.com/    We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky. If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you. Call the show:  (516) 855-8214 Email:  [email protected] Twitter:  @baseballandbbq Instagram:  baseballandbarbecue YouTube:  baseball and bbq Website:  https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com Facebook:  baseball and bbq Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Frye is a former Major League Baseball infielder who played eight seasons in the big leagues from 1992 to 2001. Selected by the Texas Rangers in the 30th round of the 1988 MLB Draft, he made his major league debut with Texas in 1992 and went on to play for the Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, and Toronto Blue Jays. A versatile player known for his hitting ability and speed, Frye finished his MLB career with a .290 batting average, 626 hits, 16 home runs, 194 RBIs, and 56 stolen bases. His standout season came in 1997 with the Red Sox, when he batted .312 in 127 games. One of the defining moments of his career came on August 17, 2001, when he hit for the cycle as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming just the second player in franchise history to accomplish the feat. Following his playing career, Frye became a certified Major League Baseball player agent in 2002, representing professional players and remaining connected to the game from a different perspective. He has also participated in speaking engagements, baseball camps, and charitable events. Garett Hemstock aka Uncle Hemmy, is the founder and pitmaster behind Uncle Hemmy BBQ, an Alberta-based barbecue brand.  What started as a backyard passion grew into a business after Garett began smoking meat in 2016. Cooking for friends and family sparked a deeper interest in developing distinctive flavors, experimenting with seasonings, and creating food that brings people together. That passion eventually evolved into Uncle Hemmy BBQ, a brand specializing in handcrafted barbecue rubs and seasoning blends designed to make every cook more memorable. Garett has also built a presence in the barbecue community through social media, sharing his cooking, flavor experiments, and enthusiasm for the craft.  With a hands-on approach to product development and a commitment to bold, distinctive flavor, Garett continues to grow the Uncle Hemmy BBQ brand while connecting with barbecue fans, home cooks, and fellow pitmasters. From backyard beginnings to building a recognizable name in the barbecue world, Garett Hemstock's story is about following a passion, trusting your creativity, and making great food that people remember.  Learn more about Garett and his seasonings at https://unclehemmybbq.com/ We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves,  Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to  https://billchuck.substack.com/    We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky. If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you. Call the show:  (516) 855-8214 Email:  [email protected] Twitter:  @baseballandbbq Instagram:  baseballandbarbecue YouTube:  baseball and bbq Website:  https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com Facebook:  baseball and bbq Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ken Singleton was selected by the New York Mets with the third overall pick in the 1967 MLB Draft. He made his Major League debut in 1970 and went on to enjoy a 15-year career with the Mets, Montreal Expos, and Baltimore Orioles. Singleton was a switch-hitting outfielder and designated hitter.  A three-time All-Star, Singleton enjoyed some of his finest seasons with Baltimore, including 1977, when he hit .328 with 24 home runs and finished third in American League MVP voting, and 1979, when he hit a career-high 35 home runs with 111 RBI and finished second in MVP voting. He was a key member of the Orioles' American League championship teams in 1979 and 1983, winning a World Series championship in 1983. In 1982, Singleton was also honored with the Roberto Clemente Award for his contributions both on and off the field. Following his playing career, Singleton embarked on an equally distinguished career in broadcasting. He began working in television with the Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Expos and became a longtime broadcaster for the Expos through The Sports Network in Canada. He began working in television with the Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Expos and became a longtime broadcaster for the Expos through The Sports Network in Canada. After that, and for more than two decades, he called Yankees games and numerous memorable moments before retiring from broadcasting in 2021. Singleton was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in 1986, and his career stands out for the unique perspective he brought to the game—having experienced Major League Baseball as a player, World Series champion, and longtime broadcaster. From his days as a highly regarded prospect with the Mets to his years as an All-Star in Montreal and Baltimore and his decades behind the microphone, Ken Singleton has spent virtually his entire professional life around the game he loves. Jason Cottingham is the founder and pitmaster behind Trauma Hogs BBQ, based in Brookland, Arkansas. Jason’s background in emergency services has played an important role in shaping his approach to barbecue and the identity of Trauma Hogs. The experience he gained as a first responder—preparation, teamwork, staying calm under pressure, and being ready to perform when it matters—has translated naturally into the demanding world of competition barbecue and running a food business. Over the years, Jason has developed Trauma Hogs into a barbecue brand that has included competition cooking, a food-truck operation, restaurant ventures, and a line of BBQ rubs. Jason’s story is one of passion, hard work, and a willingness to continually learn and adapt. From competing in barbecue to serving customers, he has experienced many different sides of the BBQ business and has built Trauma Hogs around his love of great food and the lessons learned throughout his journey. His combination of first-responder experience and barbecue expertise gives him a unique perspective on leadership, preparation, and performing under pressure. We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves,  Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to  https://billchuck.substack.com/    We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky. If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you. Call the show:  (516) 855-8214 Email:  [email protected] Twitter:  @baseballandbbq Instagram:  baseballandbarbecue YouTube:  baseball and bbq Website:  https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com Facebook:  baseball and bbq Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 362 of Baseball and BBQ features author Kevin Keating, who joins us to talk about his novel Waiting for a Sign and the stories, inspiration, and baseball connections behind the book. We also sit down with Jennifer and Richard Stansbury of TexMo BBQ to hear about their journey as a barbecue competition team, the world of competitive BBQ, and what it takes to cook for the win. Kevin Keating is a lifelong baseball autograph collector, author, and one of the most experienced experts in the sports-autograph world. He began collecting baseball autographs in 1969 at age 10, and by the time he graduated from high school, his collection had grown to more than 10,000 signatures. His passion for collecting eventually became a career: Keating founded Quality Autographs in 1992 and later became a principal autograph authenticator for PSA/DNA. Over the decades, Kevin has met and developed friendships with many of baseball’s legendary figures, turning his remarkable experiences into stories that capture not only the pursuit of an autograph, but the personalities behind the signatures. He is the author of Waiting for a Sign, a two-volume collection of stories from his lifetime of collecting, authenticating, and interacting with baseball and sports personalities. Volume 2 features stories involving figures including Roberto Clemente, Casey Stengel, Warren Spahn, George Brett, Bob Feller, Buck O’Neil, George Sisler, Mark McGwire, and others. Kevin’s expertise extends beyond collecting. He has written extensively about autographs, co-authored The Negro Leagues Autograph Guide, and has been featured as an expert on baseball autographs and authentication. His books offer a unique perspective on baseball history—one built not just from watching the game, but from meeting the people who made it. Jennifer Stansbury and Richard Stansbury join us as they discuss their barbecue team and the successes they have enjoyed.  The following is taken from the team's Facebook page, "My style is built on the foundation of Missouri barbecue—balanced flavors, layered seasoning, and a respect for technique—blended with the bold, no-nonsense approach of Texas barbecue, where quality meat and clean execution take center stage." Our show was their first podcast appearance, but based on our discussion and their love and passion for cooking barbecue, it may end up becoming one of many. We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves,  Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to  https://billchuck.substack.com/    We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky. If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you. Call the show:  (516) 855-8214 Email:  [email protected] Twitter:  @baseballandbbq Instagram:  baseballandbarbecue YouTube:  baseball and bbq Website:  https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com Facebook:  baseball and bbq Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tom Abruscato has spent more than two decades coaching baseball at W.T. Clarke High School on Long Island, developing players, building championship teams, and helping young athletes continue their careers at the collegiate level. His career includes 500+ wins, multiple New York State, Long Island and Nassau County championships, and more than 100 players going on to play college baseball. Tom is also the founder of Central Meadow Baseball Academy, which began in 1999 with the goal of providing affordable, professional baseball instruction to local players and giving back to the Long Island baseball community. The academy reports having donated more than $170,000 to local Little Leagues and former campers through scholarships. Tom is a member of the Class of 2026 New York State Baseball Hall of Fame. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 361 features Nick Elam and Steve Brown AKA Uncle Steve. Nick discusses the innovative Elam Ending, his passion for basketball, and his love of baseball, while Uncle Steve returns for another entertaining conversation about BBQ, his signature seasonings, and the Houston Astros. It’s an episode filled with sports, barbecue, creativity, and great stories. Nick Elam is the creator of the Elam Ending, the innovative basketball format that has changed the way fans think about the final minutes of a game. What began as an idea in 2007 eventually made its way to The Basketball Tournament and the NBA All-Star Game. But Nick's interests go well beyond basketball. His background includes education, leadership, athletics, mathematics and sports innovation. Today, he is a professor of educational leadership at Ball State University and continues to explore ways that sports can evolve. Nick is also the host of Sports Rule Pod, a podcast dedicated to sports innovation, rule changes, big ideas and the people shaping the future of sports. On the show, Nick talks with athletes, coaches, broadcasters, executives and other innovators about how sports can evolve while remaining true to what makes them great. Steve Brown AKA Uncle Steve is the creative force behind Uncle Steve’s Shake, featuring a premier lineup of barbecue rubs. Uncle Steve is a true artist, and spices are his palette. He wants BBQ to be fun, and with his artwork, creative names, and colorful labels, he is definitely having fun. Steve returns for his third appearance, and once again, the conversation is highly entertaining. In addition to his devotion to providing quality barbecue products, Steve is also a huge fan of the Houston Astros. As the barbecue and baseball seasons roll along, we’re excited to have Uncle Steve back to discuss both. For Steve, BBQ isn’t just about what’s on the plate. It’s about the people you meet, the friendships you make, the lessons you learn, and the stories that come from gathering around a grill or smoker.  For more information and to order Uncle Steve’s products, go to https://unclestevesshake.com/ We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves,  Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to  https://billchuck.substack.com/    We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky. If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you. Call the show:  (516) 855-8214 Email:  [email protected] Twitter:  @baseballandbbq Instagram:  baseballandbarbecue YouTube:  baseball and bbq Website:  https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com Facebook:  baseball and bbq Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On episode 360 of Baseball and BBQ, Barbecue Hall of Famer Melissa Cookston joins us to talk about her new cookbook, Fanning the Flames, and reveals the kind and funny woman behind the tough TV-judge persona. Then, Seth S. Tannenbaum, PhD, takes us inside his fascinating new book, Bleacher Seats and Luxury Suites, exploring how America's ballparks have reflected the class, social, and economic divisions of our society. Melissa Cookston is a pitmaster, restaurateur, and television personality.  She is a seven-time World Barbecue Champion and a member of the Barbecue Hall of Fame.  She is the author of three cookbooks, Smokin' in the Boys' Room, Smokin' Hot in the South, and her latest, Fanning the Flames: Recipes and Tall Tales from BBQ Hall of Famer Melissa Cookston. In 2021 Melissa founded the World Junior BBQ League, a nonprofit that uses barbecue competitions to teach kids leadership, teamwork, and strategy.  She also launched The BBQ Allstars retail superstore.  Melissa has appeared on both BBQ Pitmasters and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and as a judge on Netflix's Barbecue Showdown. Seth S. Tannenbaum is an assistant professor of sport studies at Manhattanville University where he teaches classes including Baseball and American Society, Spectators and Fans, Urban Sport, and American Sport History.  His work has been published in The Journal of African American History, The Journal of Sport History, Nine: A Journal of Baseball History & Culture, the Washington Post, and the Philadelphia Inquirer.  He joins us to discuss his latest book, Bleacher Seats and Luxury Suites:  Democracy and Division at the Twentieth-Century Ballpark. We tend to think of the baseball stadium as one of America's great democratic spaces—a place where people from different backgrounds come together to cheer for the same team. But Tannenbaum challenges that familiar idea, asking a provocative question: Has the ballpark ever really been as democratic as we like to believe?  In his book, Seth explores how major league ballparks have reflected and reinforced divisions of class, race, wealth, geography, and access. While baseball promoted the idea that the game was available to everyone, the experience inside the ballpark was often far more complicated.  Some of the stadiums discussed include The Polo Grounds, Yankee Stadium, Dodger Stadium, The Houston Astrodome, and Camden Yards. We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves,  Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to  https://billchuck.substack.com/    We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky. If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you. Call the show:  (516) 855-8214 Email:  [email protected] Twitter:  @baseballandbbq Instagram:  baseballandbarbecue YouTube:  baseball and bbq Website:  https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com Facebook:  baseball and bbq Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

NYS Halls of Fame Podcast featuring Turk Wendell.  Turk spent 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, pitching for the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies. He was part of the New York Mets 2000 World Series team.  Known for his distinctive personality and unforgettable routines on the mound — including jumping over the foul line and brushing his teeth between innings — Turk became one of baseball's most recognizable characters. He tells stories from his career, his charitable efforts and his emotional trip to Afghanistan as part of the Heroes of the Diamond Tour.  Turk  is a member of the Class of 2026 New York State Baseball Hall of Fame. For more information on the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame go to https://www.nysbaseballhof.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On episode 359 of Baseball and BBQ, we travel from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame to the BBQ flame! Scott Crawford takes us inside Canada’s baseball history, sharing fascinating stories and a look at the people, players, and memorabilia that make the Hall so special. Then Ed Reilly of Monument Grills fires up a conversation about his remarkable 35-year career in the BBQ industry, the evolution of grills and outdoor cooking, and his passion for preserving barbecue history. Scott Crawford is the director of operations for the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum in St. Marys, Ontario, Canada.  His baseball knowledge and opinions are always enjoyable and appreciated and we are thrilled to welcome him back as he takes us inside one of baseball's most fascinating museums and gives us a terrific education on Canada's rich baseball history.  We talked about their most current class of inductees.  Go to https://baseballhalloffame.ca/ for more information on the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum. Ed Reilly has spent roughly 35 years in the barbecue and outdoor-cooking business, working in sales, marketing and management with companies including Weber, Char-Broil, Sunbeam, Old World Spices and B&B Charcoal. He is now with Monument Grills.  He is also the holder of the Guinness World Record for the largest collection of barbecue grills, with more than 750 vintage grills and smokers.  He describes himself as a "BBQ-ologist."  We are joined by guest co-host Chef Ray Sheehan Ray SGo to https://monumentgrills.com/ for more information on Monument Grills. Joining us as guest co-host is Chef Ray Sheehan, one of the most recognizable names in the barbecue world and a longtime friend and contributor to Baseball and BBQ. Ray is an award-winning chef, pitmaster, sauce and rub maker, cookbook author, and BBQ educator.  He has spent more than 25 years in the food industry and has competed, judged, written about, and taught barbecue.  Go to https://www.raysheehan.com for more information. We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves,  Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to  https://billchuck.substack.com/    We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky. If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you. Call the show:  (516) 855-8214 Email:  [email protected] Twitter:  @baseballandbbq Instagram:  baseballandbarbecue YouTube:  baseball and bbq Website:  https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com Facebook:  baseball and bbq Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In episode 17 of the NYS Halls of Fame podcast, Victor Feld reflects on a lifetime devoted to baseball, character, and giving back through the Greater New York Sandlot Athletic Alliance. From nurturing young players on the sandlots to helping shape the lives of generations of athletes, Feld shares the stories, values, and passion behind his remarkable journey to the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame. Victor Feld has devoted decades to giving young people in the New York area an opportunity to play baseball—and, just as importantly, to learn the lessons that come with being part of a team. Feld has been involved with the Greater New York Sandlot Athletic Alliance for more than four decades and served as its president for many years. The organization traces its roots to the New York Journal-American Sandlot Alliance, founded in 1945, making it part of a remarkable New York baseball tradition. Victor is a member of the Class of 2020 New York State Baseball Hall of Fame. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 358 features fascinating conversations with acclaimed barbecue writer and Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn and former Major League Baseball pitcher Doug Sisk, whose nine-year MLB career included a memorable run with the New York Mets and much more. Daniel Vaughn is one of the most influential voices in American barbecue and the longtime Barbecue Editor for Texas Monthly. In 2013, Daniel became the first full-time barbecue editor at a major American magazine, a position he continues to hold today. Vaughn first made his mark with his barbecue blog, Full Custom Gospel BBQ, where he documented his travels throughout Texas in search of great smoked meat. His work eventually led to his acclaimed book, The Prophets of Smoked Meat: A Journey Through Texas Barbecue. As Texas Monthly’s Barbecue Editor, Vaughn has traveled thousands of miles eating, reviewing and documenting barbecue across Texas and beyond. He oversees the magazine’s legendary Top 50 Barbecue Joints in Texas list, one of the most influential rankings in the barbecue world.  In 2026 he was named number one on Underseasoned BBQ’s list of the 150 Most Influential People in BBQ, further recognizing the enormous impact he has had on the way barbecue is judged, discussed and celebrated. On this episode we talk with Daniel Vaughn about his journey from architect and barbecue blogger to one of the most respected barbecue journalists in the country, his travels in pursuit of great barbecue, and the people and traditions that make American barbecue such a fascinating part of our culture. Doug Sisk is a former Major League Baseball pitcher who spent nine seasons in the big leagues, most notably as a member of the New York Mets’ pitching staff during their unforgettable 1986 World Series championship season. A right-handed reliever known for his sinking fastball, Sisk was particularly effective at keeping the ball in the ballpark—he surrendered just 15 home runs in more than 500 innings during his Major League career. A native of Washington state, Doug attended Green River Community College and Washington State University before signing with the Mets as an amateur free agent in 1980. He made his Major League debut with New York in 1982 and went on to pitch for the Mets, Baltimore Orioles and Atlanta Braves. His career totals include a 22-20 record, 3.27 ERA, 33 saves and 523⅓ innings pitched. Doug was an important member of the 1986 Mets, appearing in 41 games during the championship season. He also pitched in the World Series, helping the Mets capture one of the most memorable championships in baseball history. On this episode Doug Sisk takes us back to his playing days, his journey to the Major Leagues, and his experiences with the 1986 New York Mets. He shares stories from inside one of baseball’s most legendary clubhouses and reflects on his career, teammates and the unforgettable run to a World Series championship. We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves,  Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to  https://billchuck.substack.com/    We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky. If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you. Call the show:  (516) 855-8214 Email:  [email protected] Twitter:  @baseballandbbq Instagram:  baseballandbarbecue YouTube:  baseball and bbq Website:  https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com Facebook:  baseball and bbq Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 357 features author Rob Weir, who discusses his book 7 Swings at 7: Mickey Mantle — Legend and Victim of American Culture and takes us behind the myth of one of baseball’s most iconic figures. We also revisit our memorable interview with barbecue legends Moe Cason and Bob Trudnak. Rob Weir holds a PhD in American social history and is a retired University of Massachusetts Amherst professor.  He is the author of the book, 7 Swings at 7: Mickey Mantle - Legend and Victim of American Culture.  Weir's lifelong fascination with Mantle began when he was five years old. That personal connection, combined with his academic training, provides the foundation for 7 Swings at 7 and his exploration of why Mickey Mantle continues to fascinate generations of baseball fans. Mickey Mantle remains one of the most fascinating and complicated figures in baseball history. He was a Yankees superstar, a three-time MVP, a seven-time World Series champion, and one of the most celebrated athletes of the 1950s and 1960s. But behind the legendary home runs, incredible speed, and larger-than-life image was a man whose life was shaped by injuries, expectations, personal struggles, and the enormous cultural forces surrounding him. Moe Cason AKA Big Moe is an award winning pitmaster who has toiled for many years creating his well respected brand, Moe Cason Barbeque and his instantly recognizable, Big Moe persona.  Moe is a television personality, cookbook author, and a Navy veteran.  He has been featured in national television segments, including Steve Harvey's and Harry Connick Jr.'s talk shows and had his own segment on NatGeo's World of Flavor.  For more information on Big Moe Cason and to purchase his products go to  https://moecasonbbq.com/ Bob Trudnak has loved barbecue since the age of seven, when his dad placed him "in charge" of putting charcoal in the grill and from that day forward he was hooked.  In 1999, Bob helped co-found the company, BBQ Guru.  He is an award winning competive pitmaster.  Beyond competitions, he is a renowned judge and instructor, having hosted hundreds of in-person and virtual barbecue classes.  He is the creator of BBQ Bob's Sauces and BobbyT's Pizza Products.  His latest accomplishment is winning season seven of BBQ Brawl on the Food Network to become the Master of 'Cue.  For more information on Bob Trudnak go to https://bobtrudnakbbq.com/ We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves,  Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to  https://billchuck.substack.com/    We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky. If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you. Call the show:  (516) 855-8214 Email:  [email protected] Twitter:  @baseballandbbq Instagram:  baseballandbarbecue YouTube:  baseball and bbq Website:  https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com Facebook:  baseball and bbq       Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 356 features conversations with Roy Carlson and George Hovsepian. Roy takes us inside the world of vintage baseball card collecting and the stories and history behind the cards, while George, founder of VGASS, shares how his passion for BBQ led him to create an innovative storage system for grilling accessories. Roy Carlson is a longtime Topps baseball cards collector and baseball-card researcher.  He has been collecting since 1969 and specializes in vintage Topps cards, original production material, artwork, and the fascinating stories behind the cards.  He has spent years researching the photographs, artwork, production techniques, and other details hidden behind vintage Topps issues. His research has uncovered fascinating examples of reused photographs, previously unidentified people appearing in team cards, and the ways Topps created and assembled its iconic baseball cards.His extensive research has appeared in Sports Collectors Daily and his work on vintage Topps team cards received a 2024 SABR Baseball Research Award.  Go to https://www.sportscollectorsdaily.com/author/roy-carlson/ to read his articles. Joining us as guest co-host is Anthony Marasco, a longtime friend of the show and passionate baseball fan whose knowledge and enthusiasm make him the perfect person to help explore Roy's amazing collecting journey. George Hovsepian is the founder of VGASS, the Vertical Grill Accessory Storage System. What began as George's attempt to solve his own outdoor-cooking storage problem evolved into a purpose-built system designed to organize grilling accessories while providing additional prep and serving functionality. VGASS describes its system as mobile, wildly configurable, and compatible with different brands of grills and smokers.  After purchasing his first Kamado Joe, George accumulated many  accessories, including deflector plates, drip pans, pizza stones, cast-iron grates, griddles, and more. The problem was figuring out where to put everything. After searching stores, online forums, and specialty retailers without finding the solution he wanted, George decided to build it himself. That idea ultimately became VGASS.  Go to https://vgass.com for more information. Joining us as guest co-host is Chef Ray Sheehan, one of the most recognizable names in the barbecue world and a longtime friend and contributor to Baseball and BBQ. Ray is an award-winning chef, pitmaster, sauce and rub maker, cookbook author, and BBQ educator.  He has spent more than 25 years in the food industry and has competed, judged, written about, and taught barbecue.  Go to https://www.raysheehan.com for more information. We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves,  Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to  https://billchuck.substack.com/    We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky. If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you. Call the show:  (516) 855-8214 Email:  [email protected] Twitter:  @baseballandbbq Instagram:  baseballandbarbecue YouTube:  baseball and bbq Website:  https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com Facebook:  baseball and bbq       Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this episode of the NYS Halls of Fame Podcast, we welcome Steve Sigler, a true pioneer in adult amateur baseball and the driving force behind the growth of the Men’s Senior Baseball League (MSBL)/Men’s Adult Baseball League (MABL).  In 1985, he placed a simple notice in a Long Island, New York, newspaper looking for men interested in forming a baseball team. That small advertisement became the beginning of something much bigger — a national baseball organization that has helped thousands of players continue doing what they loved as kids and young men: playing baseball.  More than two decades later, Sigler was leading an organization that had grown to 325 local affiliates, 3,200 teams and approximately 45,000 members, with organized amateur baseball being played in communities across the country.  Steve is a member of the Class of 2026 New York State Baseball Hall of Fame. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 355 features Ken Hess of County Smoak BBQ talking about his culinary journey and building a destination for barbecue lovers. Author Tim Brown discusses his new book Nolan, an in-depth look at the life and legacy of baseball legend Nolan Ryan. Ken Hess is the championship pitmaster and co-owner of County Smoak in Lynchburg, Virginia. Ken shares his journey from classically trained chef to award-winning barbecue pitmaster, discusses why he believes Virginia deserves more recognition in barbecue history, and explains what it takes to build County Smoak, one of Virginia's most celebrated barbecue restaurants.  County Smoak is a family-owned barbecue restaurant founded by Ken and his wife Jessica.  The restaurant combines classical culinary training with traditional wood-fired barbecue techniques, emphasizing Virginia-sourced ingredients and regional barbecue styles. The restaurant has been recognized multiple times as one of Lynchburg's top barbecue destinations.  Go to https://www.countysmoak.com for more information. Tim Brown has covered baseball for more than 30 years and has written two New York Times bestsellers: The Phenomenon with Rick Ankiel and Imperfect with Jim Abbott. He also wrote The Tao of the Backup Catcher. His reporting has earned numerous industry honors, including recognition from the Associated Press Sports Editors.  His latest book is Nolan:  The Singular Life of an American Original which traces the remarkable life of Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan—from his upbringing in Alvin, Texas, through his record-setting 27-year Major League career, and into his life after baseball. More than a sports biography, the book explores themes of family, faith, perseverance, and the enduring legacy of one of baseball's greatest competitors.  Go to https://www.bytimbrown.com for more information. We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves,  Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to  https://billchuck.substack.com/    We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky. If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you. Call the show:  (516) 855-8214 Email:  [email protected] Twitter:  @baseballandbbq Instagram:  baseballandbarbecue YouTube:  baseball and bbq Website:  https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com Facebook:  baseball and bbq       Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.