Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Is This A Great Game, Or What?

On the eve of the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we reflect on how baseball helped this country heal. Tim Kurkjian has some incredible stories and perspective on what the game meant to a very scared America in September of 2001.

The Yankees have done something for 34 straight years, meaning Jeff has never known any differently as a 33-year-old. That streak has only been topped by THE YANKEES, of course. Plus, Kyle Schwarber loves saving the day in a 1-0 win. And then there's Nate Lavender, who is the inspiration behind our Team Tim this week.

On This Date in Baseball History, we hear about the Alou brothers and their improbable inning. Lou Brock gets a SECOND mention on the show. And you know Tim has the best stories, including one that may be as hot as lightning. (You will get it when you hear it.)

Alphabest brings us to the best last-name players beginning with "Y" in Major League Baseball history. Would we say these are obvious? Maybe! But nonetheless, they could stack up as one of the best combos we've seen all season on Alphabest!

Three Cards brings us some fascinating stories, including one about Mickey Mantle. Plus, the Tim Hudson games that Tim Kurkjian has attended have a chance of going a LONG time, that's for sure.

We wrap up with the aforementioned Team Tim for another great episode.

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Thanks so much for listening and watching, and as always, thanks for being a part of our family!

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A big Labor Day Weekend celebration for everyone, including the Kurkjian family! A Team Tim of the All-Labor variety will most likely make you stretch, laugh, and smile just a bit.

PCA continues to lead our Takeaways, mostly because his year has been absolutely insane. In the 155-year history of the Cubs, he is the FIRST player to do WHAT? Seriously… he’s insane.

Plus, Chris Sale and Paul Skenes are pitching out of their minds right now, but where does it rank historically? Tim Kurkjian makes a great point about the length of starts and how the game has changed. Adley Rutschman has done something no other player has ever done in a single season — and it may NEVER happen again. Kyle Schwarber strikes out a lot, yes, but where does this season rank among the most strikeout-heavy seasons in baseball history?

On This Date, we talk Campy, Babe, and Gerrit Cole. What an interesting combination! You never know what you’re going to get On This Date.

And the same goes for The Wheel of Kurkjian, featuring a very special guest wheel spinner: Jeff’s daughter, McKinley! Thank you so much for listening, and as always, thank you for being a part of our family!

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Karl Ravech has been a friend of the Kurkjian family for a very long time. After more than 30 years at ESPN, Ravech reflects on his incredible run at the famed sports media giant — including many of those years and countless shows alongside our very own Tim Kurkjian.

One by one, Karl shares fantastic stories about Buck Showalter, Harold Reynolds, Peter Gammons, John Kruk, Terry Francona, Eduardo Pérez, and so many others. The stories this man has collected over the years might be unmatched!

And, as you might imagine, Tim’s infamous travel woes are very much at the forefront this week.

Karl also takes us inside his final year covering the Little League World Series, which just wrapped up in Williamsport. The incredible people there honored him before the championship game, and, without a doubt, there were plenty of tears shed.

Ravech has also launched a new project called Dirt From the Dugout, part of the Foul Territory Network. Be sure to listen wherever you get your podcasts or watch on YouTube!

Thanks for listening, and as always, thanks for being a part of our family!

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Colton Cowser’s catch just blew us all away, but in the grand scheme of things, how does it rank according to Tim Kurkjian? And wait until you hear who was in the golf group after Tim! Celebrity sightings galore!

Big news for the Angels organization with an ownership changeover. Tim Kurkjian weighs in on the impact to the team and the league as a whole. The Cubbies have been the subject of quite a few Quirkjians this season, and today is no different. In fact, the kind of dominance they’ve shown is something to behold!

On This Date in Baseball History, we hear about The Count once again, two different Gonzalezes, and a Ty Cobb debate. Since there are no X-last-name players, we go to the first name, including a CURRENT player, for Alphabest.

Three Cards In The Bathroom actually brings us two current players and a Hall of Famer. Quite a collection, including a burn from one player to another that had Jeff on the floor!

Finally, we wrap with Team Tim (as is tradition), all about weddings. Jeff and Tim have a family wedding this weekend, and boy, did Tim hit the nail on the head for this one!

Thanks for being a part of our family!

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He was only hit by one pitch in his entire career, but Tom Candiotti still got yelled at for it by Larry Walker! What a great story among so many others during this hour-long interview.

Tom Candiotti is a former MLB pitcher turned broadcaster, and he has plenty of incredible stories to tell. Little did we know that his birth year had been wrong from the very beginning of his career—thank goodness Tim Kurkjian noticed!

The pitcher-turned-knuckleballer also talks about his days playing catch with Phil Niekro and how that experience changed his life. He even shares stories about helping other players hone their craft on the mound while in disguise.

And his Albert Belle stories? Some of the best!

We cannot thank Tom enough for being our guest this week. But most importantly, thanks for watching or listening, and as always, thanks for being a part of our family.

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Tim Kurkjian begins the show with a heartfelt message for the legendary Karl Ravech. Tim’s longtime teammate at ESPN recently called his final game for the network, fittingly, at the Little League World Series. We know Karl will be picking up a new gig soon, and of course, we have a feeling he’ll be joining us as a guest again very soon! 

Pete Crow-Armstrong just did something no Cub has ever done at his age, while Chris Sale continues to show us that age is truly just a number! The Angels continue to struggle when holding a lead, and honestly, it’s getting a little sad. Plus, Buck Martinez gets honored by the Blue Jays, and Tim follows it up with one of the funniest stories you’ll hear. Plus Greg Maddux baffled us ALL! 

George Lombard is struggling a bit at shortstop for the Yankees — no pressure, right? And Drake Baldwin hitting bombs to start a game has officially become a Quirkjian.

On This Date in Baseball History, we talk about Bob Gibson, including a hilarious Johnny Bench story about him, as well as Rico Carty. Cole Hamels and Jonathan Papelbon also get some mentions along the way.

We dive into the Wheel of Kurkjian and need your suggestions! Head over to our website and send them our way. We also talk Wrigley Field, bullpen catchers, and one legendary manager.

Of course, Team Tim wraps things up today.

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Welcome to the podcast! If it’s your first time here, don’t forget to subscribe or follow wherever you watch or listen. Tim Kurkjian and his son, Jeff, are here to make you laugh, smile, and hopefully learn a thing or two about baseball.

We kick things off with the first day of school for Tim’s grandkids and the passing of a legendary country star, which had Jeff—a full-time country music morning show host—very busy on the day of the recording.

Our Takeaways include praise for the White Sox and their incredible walk-off wins. Plus, the Brewers are the best team in Major League Baseball, and Tim explains how they’re doing it. Mason Miller finally showed some weakness, while the Royals have accomplished something not many teams 20 games under .500 have done. And, believe it or not, there’s historical precedent suggesting the Red Sox could win it all!

The Quirkjians feature a Cal Raleigh and Babe Ruth comparison for the ages. We had no idea Ruth did this at the end of his career! We’re still in shock over games from Randy Arozarena and Pete Crow-Armstrong that have NEVER happened before. And then there’s Young Junk, which Jeff couldn’t get enough of.

On This Date in Baseball History, we celebrate Jim Thome’s birthday and a record he holds that Jeff was actually able to guess! Plus, it’s Mike Maddux’s birthday, too. We remember Joe Morgan for what he did back in 1978, and then it’s time for Alphabest! We’re on to the letter W, searching for the best position player and pitcher with a last name beginning with W. Is it Ted Williams or Honus Wagner? Early Wynn or Rube Waddell?

Three Cards in the Bathroom takes a look back at some amazing players, with stories that only Tim Kurkjian could come up with. And we wrap things up with Team Tim, focusing on back-to-school season for our kids, parents, and teachers.

Thanks so much for watching or listening, and as always, thank you for being a part of our family!

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Every once in a while, you come across a human being who changes your life. For the Kurkjian family, that was Michael Brown. The former college baseball catcher, former Secret Service member, was diagnosed with ALS. He's a young dad who would never ask for help, so we helped him. We appreciate everyone who took the time to come to the show or donate on behalf of the Brown family.

We discussed quite a bit on stage, everything from country music to Ted Williams. It was a special afternoon. Keep in mind, this was recorded live, we apologize of the audio but hey, the show must go on!

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Thanks to all who came out to our live event in honor of our friend Michael Brown! More to come on that during tomorrow’s episode! Tim makes a case for Jacob deGrom in the Hall of Fame, do you agree with it? Plus on the other end, we’ve got newbie Kade Anderson just brought up amid a playoff race for the Mariners. Mason Miller is insane still and the Phillies are hot!

Jordan Walker leads our Quirkjians but little we know, he’s not the only one with quirky homer stats! Randy Arozarena said “I see you PCA, how about THIS?” We had no clue this could happen twice in a decade yet alone twice in a month! And On This Date, we got Bill Freehan, Ted Williams and Ernie Banks! And a little family love for a McKinley in the building!

The Wheel of Kurkjian is in need of your help! Go to our website GreatGameOrWhat.com to submit your entries. But today’s Team Tim doesn’t need any help at all because it’s all about Cal Ripken Jr and his unbreakable streak, mostly because, today is Cal’s birthday!

Thank you so much for watching or listening, remember subscribing or following is the easiest way to support the show so take some time to do that now! If you already do, share it with a friend or family member. And as always, thanks for being a part of our family!

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Tim Kurkjian is in awe of Pete Crow-Armstrong’s season this year—and tells us why we all should be. Plus, we celebrate the retirement of one of baseball’s strongest players, dive into Logan Henderson’s insane pitching for the Brewers, and highlight defensive legend JJ Weatherholt.

We have to discuss the Brewers’ 22–0 win over the Mariners, with so many things to unpack. A 3–6–1 double play twice in one game—when was the last time that happened? We also call Frank from Elias for an update, catch up with Joshua Baez after his huge debut, and find out when the last time Carson Benge was this busy during a game.

On This Date in Baseball, we hear about Nolan Ryan’s power, DeWayne Buice’s impressions, and Mark Langston’s slider. Alphabest gives us the best pitcher and batter with the last name “V”—and one of them is actually a current player.

We also explore three cards from the bathroom of Tim Kurkjian’s basement, each with a fun story attached.

We wrap things up with Team Tim: The All-Michael Team, in honor of Michael Brown. We’re holding a charity event for him on August 22nd in Pottstown, PA. If you can join us or would like to donate, click the following link. souljoels.com/shop/tickets/anightwithtimkurkjian/

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Jayson Stark, Hall of Fame baseball writer, joins our Hall of Fame baseball writer Tim Kurkjian and his son, Jeff, for a conversation that every baseball fan will love. We talk about their day-by-day books, how they used to look up stats, and just how nerdy they really are! It’s all love between these two seamheads, that’s for sure.

They are both incredibly curious people, and that curiosity has shown throughout their long and accomplished writing careers. We learn more about Jayson’s mother, who was also a writer, and how he somehow ended up as the only sports lover in his family. He certainly beat the odds!

Jayson also manages to stump Tim with a baseball fun fact, which is exactly what these two do to each other. They have a very long and special relationship, and as Jeff said, “Being a fly on the wall with you two is special for any baseball fan.”

Tim Kurkjian describes Jayson as a “dog grabbing onto your pant” when it comes to finding a story. That might be the ultimate compliment coming from Tim!

Thanks to Jayson for taking the time to join our little show. But most importantly, thank YOU for listening! If you’re new here, make sure to follow or subscribe.

Thank you so much for watching and listening, and as always, thanks for being a part of our family!

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On Sunday, August 16th, it was announced that baseball lost Tommy John at the age of 83. Tim Kurkjian makes a compelling case at 11:40 for his Hall of Fame argument.

Join us IN PERSON on August 22nd in Pottstown, PA, as we come together to raise money for our friend Michael Brown. Get info and tickets at souljoels.com/shop/tickets/anightwithtimkurkjian/. And if you can’t make it in person but would still like to donate, you can do that through the same link.

Tim is in Canada, Jeff is in the U.S., and we’re spanning borders for this episode of “Is This A Great Game, Or What?” Thank you for joining us as we celebrate what may be the greatest MLB debut in history. Three at-bats. Three home runs. Need we say more? Congratulations to Joshua Baez for making history Saturday night!

Pete Alonso batting leadoff?! Corbin Carroll has a lot of home runs AND a lot of triples, putting him in some serious company. And Sal Stewart is one impressive rookie! Mike Trout is important to our Quirkjians this week, unfortunately because of the number of losing seasons he’s been a part of. Alex Bregman and The Mix also make appearances. But it’s what the Detroit Tigers’ pitchers did in a shutout win that had us all scratching our heads. We don’t think you’re finding these kinds of stats anywhere else!

On This Date in Baseball History, we remember a legendary moment on the golf course involving George Brett. Yep… GOLF! Dustin Pedroia celebrates a birthday, and so does River Ryan, who inspired this week’s Team Tim: All Bodies of Water. If you have a great Team Tim to suggest, send it our way at GreatGameOrWhat.com.

Finally, the Wheel of Kurkjian wraps things up for the week. Don’t forget to subscribe or follow so you don’t miss our interview with Jayson Stark, coming Tuesday! Thanks for listening or watching, and as always, thanks for being a part of our family!

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Tim and Jeff are excited for the Field of Dreams game, mostly because they absolutely love that movie. But is it “have a catch” or “play catch”? Man, this might drive everyone crazy. We’re hoping to have Kevin Costner on the show to explain how that iconic line came about.

The play from the Red Sox game has everyone talking—and SO CONFUSED! Tim Kurkjian just can’t get over the fact that the mental side of the game isn’t as important as it used to be. Jacob Wilson has set a record, Cal Raleigh has been struggling (poor guy), and The Mix might still be the most exciting pitcher in baseball. WOAH.

The Quirkjians are led by Kody Clemens, and we know a little something about fathers and sons on this show. Plus, the Dodgers’ pitching is just kind of crazy when you really think about it. And finally, a matchup that actually got Tim some pop culture points!

On This Date starts with a smile and leads us right into Mickey Mantle. And that’s what our Team Tim is all about this week: the greatest Mickeys ever to play the game of baseball. Alphabest features last names starting with U, which proves to be quite the challenge. We wrap things up with Three Cards, where Tim has taken cards from his baseball-themed bathroom and riffs stories from them!

Support our show by leaving a rating or review and subscribing or following wherever you watch or listen. Jeff has some lofty goals for YouTube in 2026, so make sure to subscribe there if you haven’t already.

And, as always, thanks for being a part of our family!

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Mike Monaco is a teammate of Tim Kurkjian at ESPN and also calls Boston Red Sox games. What a team to be a part of in 2026! We start with a lot of Todd Frazier love (and impressions) because we all just love this guy so, so much. The Little League World Series will be starting up soon, and both Mike and Tim have called games there together. That means amazing memories in Williamsport, PA.

The first game these two broadcasters called together, they weren’t even in the same room! We hear all about how that went. Where did Mike get his broadcasting start? Well, you might be surprised to hear that broadcasting wasn’t actually his dream when he entered Notre Dame, but that clearly changed very quickly. He called games in the Cape League, so naturally, Jeff did some deep diving to find a question from someone in Mike’s past.

Mike grew up a Red Sox fan, and we hear about the players he loved growing up, including Mo Vaughn, Nomar Garciaparra and Jason Varitek. They say, “Don’t meet your heroes,” but we disagree — and so would Mike Monaco. We also had to ask him about the red-hot Red Sox, who have completely turned things around. Mike has a message for Red Sox fans, too: He believes they are the best fans in the world.

Mike is a friend of the show and a member of the family, and we are so glad to have him with us — and with YOU! Thank you so much for listening or watching, and as always, thanks for being a part of our family!

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On Jeff Kurkjian’s 33rd birthday, we get Tim and Jeff TOGETHER! How special is that? And as if that weren’t enough to celebrate, it’s also Jeff’s daughter’s third birthday, so there’s plenty of celebrating to go around.

But nobody is celebrating more than Red Sox fans right now… even if their winning streak came to a rather strange ending.

Max Scherzer enters a top-10 list—big ups to him! However, Tim is rather bummed to see one of his favorites OUT of it. Jordan Walker finally breaks the curse. Matt Olson joins an exclusive club. Chase Utley gets honored, and Mike Krukow gets some love from Hall of Famer Tim Kurkjian.

The Tigers are really good—and they’re having a lot of fun doing it, piling up runs in shutout games. Miles Mikolas might just be a new favorite pitcher. Plus, we always seem to have a Shohei note!

We also spin The Wheel of Kurkjian, thanks to all of your suggestions—and there are a LOT of them.

We know we have a lot of new family members joining the show, so we want to give you a big WELCOME! Remember, we don’t do things like all the other baseball shows. Sure, we’ll give you what’s going on around the game, but we also want you to love baseball the way father-son duos do.

Get to know us. Become part of the family by following wherever you listen!

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The Red Sox are red hot, the Tigers are one of the most fun teams in baseball, and Pete Crow-Armstrong left us completely baffled with his latest hot take. We cover all of it in this episode of Is This A Great Game, Or What? But first, Tim shares his latest travel woes, Jeff celebrates an impending birthday, and we answer the question: What exactly is an "Alfonseca?" It couldn't be more perfect for this show.

Our Quirkjians feature plenty of Q's—not questions, but names. Winns and Wynns? That's exactly the kind of baseball quirk we love. Then we compare the Phillies' newest addition, Luis Arraez, with Nick Kurtz, and the contrast between the two is absolutely wild.

On This Date in Baseball History, Tim revisits perhaps the one number that still haunts him to this day—a moment he'll never live down. We also look back at the legendary Tony Gwynn, whose incredible ability to make contact and get on base feels even more remarkable in today's strikeout-heavy era.

For our Alphabest, the letter "T" belongs to a current position player who is a first-ballot Hall of Famer without question. And in 3 Cards In The (Wherever We Find Them), we actually pulled a manager card—a rarity that made for a fun surprise.

Happy early birthday to Jeff and his daughter, McKinley! Thanks for listening, thanks for watching, and as always, thanks for being a part of our family.

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We've got Tim Kurkjian's immediate reactions to one of the wildest trade deadlines in recent memory. The Tarik Skubal news may be a few days old, but it was easily the biggest story of the weekend. Plus, the Red Sox somehow landed Adley Rutschman from their division rival, the Orioles—still hard to believe. We break down all the biggest moves, including the Cubs, Guardians, Rays, and more.

Tim joins us from ESPN headquarters in Bristol, squeezing us in between appearances on Baseball Tonight, SportsCenter, and Buster Olney's podcast. The fact that he still finds time for our little show is something we never take for granted.

With so much trade deadline buzz, don't forget to go back and check out our conversation with Jim Bowden. His perspective as a former general manager provides a unique behind-the-scenes look at what the trade deadline is really like.

We also want to invite you to a very special event on August 22 in Pottstown, Pennsylvania. We'll be hosting an afternoon of great baseball conversation to benefit Michael Brown, a young father living with ALS who has become a close friend of our family. Our goal is to help Michael and his family get the support they need, and we'd love to see you there. If you're in the Philadelphia area—or just looking for a great reason to make a summer trip—join us at the SunnyBrook Ballroom. Get your tickets here: souljoels.com/shop/tickets/anightwithtimkurkjian/

Thanks so much for listening and watching. As always, thank you for being a part of our family!

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HAPPY TRADE DEADLINE! We are celebrating by bringing in Jim Bowden, friend and former General Manager of the Reds and Nationals. He is also the host of GM Territory with HIS son. I mean, come on, how perfect is it to interview him about that given what our show is all about!

His best stories come out including Ken Griffey Jr., Deion Sanders, Ryan Zimmerman and more. His very first year as a GM, well let’s not talk about it, but he has many years of amazing deadlines to talk about!

What ended up being a highlight was the chat about Frank Robinson. What an amazing man. What he had to say about Andruw Jones, now a Hall of Famer, will give you chills. Again, hopefully you laughed and learned in this episode. Our goal is to always tap into something going on in the game and nothing is more exciting than August 3rd, THE TRADE DEADLINE!

We appreciate you watching/listening and as always, thanks for being a part of our family!

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Welcome to "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" hosted by Hall of Famer Tim Kurkjian, with everything else handled by his son, Jeff Kurkjian.

The MLB Trade Deadline is looming, so you know we're diving into plenty of speculation and discussion. But first, Tim has a question about a walk-off automatic double that has us scratching our heads, and we'd love to hear your thoughts.

We all know what an Immaculate Inning is, but what do you call it when a pitcher throws just three pitches and records three outs? Tim may have come up with the perfect name.

In Takeaways, we discuss the Marlins' slump, the Angels' continued struggles, and somehow... The Miz. Plus, Max Muncy has officially cemented his place in Dodgers history.

The Quirkjians feature Shane Bieber and Jacob Young with some of the best quirky baseball stats you'll find anywhere. Then, On This Date in Baseball History takes an unexpected turn involving Adrian Beltre and Bud Selig.

Alphabest continues as Tim tries to name the greatest pitcher and position player for every letter of the alphabet. This week, the letter "S" might have given him his toughest challenge yet.

We wrap things up with Three Cards and Team Tim to close out another fun episode.

As always, thank you for listening. Without you, there is no show, and we truly appreciate all of your support. Be sure to follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts, and thanks for being part of our family!

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Jason Benetti returns to Is This A Great Game, Or What?, and this time he has another impressive title to add to his résumé: host of Sunday Night Baseball on NBC. Alongside his role as the Detroit Tigers' play-by-play broadcaster, Jason is now taking his talents to a national audience every week, and we couldn't be happier for one of the best in the business.

That said... we don't spend much time talking baseball.

Instead, we dive into Jason's marching band days (yes, he played the tuba), his love of trivia and game shows, and how those passions helped shape him into the broadcaster he is today. Then, somehow, Yellowcard enters the conversation—and if you know this podcast, you know things go off the rails in all the right ways.

Former guest Kevin Brown joins the conversation as we look back on their days together in Minor League Baseball. We also swap stories about Bill Walton, Roger Clemens, and John Kruk, making for another unforgettable conversation with this future (one-day) Hall of Fame broadcaster.

Thanks for watching or listening, and as always, thanks for being a part of our family!

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Hall of Fame Weekend is in the books, and Tim Kurkjian shares some incredible stories from his time with this year's inductees and plenty of other baseball legends. Wade Boggs meets Eddie Murray, and you won't believe who Tim ran into in the bathroom. Trust us—this one's an all-timer.

We also break down a surprising Red Sox-Nationals trade that Tim says is unlike anything we've seen in years. With the trade deadline fast approaching, Tarik Skubal has become one of baseball's hottest names. But are the Tigers buyers, sellers, or somewhere in between?

On This Date in Baseball History, it's Alex Rodriguez's birthday, and we'll share a birthday stat about A-Rod that we're willing to bet you've never heard before. We also spin the Wheel of Kurkjian, and when "video games" comes up, it's Jeff's time to shine. Plus, Team Tim is all about the home run!

Thanks so much for listening! If you're enjoying the show, please take a moment to rate us, subscribe or follow, and leave a comment. Every review helps us grow, and we truly appreciate your support. Thanks for listening, thanks for watching, and as always, thanks for being a part of our family!

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This weekend, Carlos Beltrán, Andruw Jones, and Jeff Kent will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in Cooperstown. Naturally, Tim Kurkjian makes the case for why each of these baseball legends is deserving of the honor.

We all know Luis Arraez is a contact machine, but his latest stat has everyone stunned. Nolan Ryan and Goose Gossage? It sounds impossible, but it's true—and it's this week's On This Date in Baseball History.

Alphabet Best moves on to last names beginning with R, and one pick is as obvious as it gets. Before that, Team Tim is made up entirely of players who go by three names. Trust us—there are a lot more than you'd think.

Plus, we crack open some baseball cards for Tim to riff on, featuring Patrick Wisdom, Kevin Youkilis, and Matt Olson. And this week's Quirkjians highlights a Phillies baserunning blunder that has Jeff completely beside himself.

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This interview with John Buccigross isn't just normally good—it's great. He even showed up with some incredible memorabilia, including a bobblehead that absolutely blew our minds. We're always fans of a good show-and-tell, and John definitely delivered.

Of course, we couldn't resist throwing some of our signature hypothetical questions his way—including one about hockey. We also dive into Dan Patrick's legendary confidence in his own athletic abilities. Tim, John, and Dan spent many years together at ESPN, so there are plenty of great stories and laughs along the way.

And then there's Bucket of Chicken Night. We'll let John tell that story because it deserves to be heard firsthand.

John has been a longtime friend of the Kurkjian family, and we're thrilled to finally have him on the show. Thanks so much for watching, listening, and for being part of our family!

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We are officially into the second half of the baseball season, with plenty of games in the books, and it feels great to be BACK!

This episode is packed with Takeaways and Quirkjians, led by the Boston Red Sox. Tim Kurkjian is still trying to figure out exactly what’s happening with this team — because somehow, the story looks completely different than it did just three weeks ago.

James Wood and the Nationals/Athletics series have us scratching our heads, while Victor Martinez and Logan Webb also make their way into this week’s Quirkjians. For On This Date in Baseball History, we take a look back at Gaylord Perry and Hank Aaron. Jeff brings up an interesting question about Hank Aaron’s final home run that you may have wondered about too.

Stephen Strasburg shares a birthday with our friend and former guest Dan Shaughnessy, and Tim shares a story from a recent speech Dan gave that had him laughing so hard he was nearly on the floor. Which makes us wonder… didn’t Tim Kurkjian already know every baseball story ever told? Turns out, not this one! We also spin the Wheel of Kurkjian, so be sure to send in your suggestions on our website.

Finally, Team Tim is becoming more like Team Shannon, thanks to a genius idea from a member of our family. As Jeff mentioned during the show, please subscribe or follow wherever you watch or listen — it helps us out more than you know. And if you have a moment to leave a rating and review, we’d greatly appreciate it.

Thanks so much for watching, listening, and being a part of our family!

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The 2026 All-Star Game, held on America's 250th birthday, felt like the perfect celebration of baseball. While the game itself didn't exactly produce fireworks, the atmosphere made it unforgettable. All-Star Game MVP Cody Bellinger also shared a wild story about something he said to his dad before first pitch.

Jeff and Tim were both at the ballpark, experiencing the game from two very different perspectives, and they break it all down with their biggest takeaways and favorite Quirkjians from one incredible night. Plus, don't miss a couple of fun "On This Date in Baseball History" stories and the answer to this week's trivia question: Who are the best pitcher and hitter whose last names begin with the letter Q?

Finally, we'd love for you to join us for a special live event benefiting an incredible man and his family. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to get your tickets and see Tim and Jeff live!

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LIVE on the day of the 2026 MLB All-Star Game, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian sit down with former All-Star catcher and Foul Territory host A.J. Pierzynski. From hilarious stories to thoughtful conversations about the state of today's game, A.J. brings the perfect mix of insight and entertainment.
A huge thank you to our friends at Iron Hill Brewery for hosting us! Plus, Hall of Fame writer Tim Kurkjian reflects on some of the biggest moments in All-Star Game history, drawing from the 45 All-Star Games he's covered throughout his legendary career.

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Tim and Jeff Kurkjian are live from Iron Hill Brewery for the first of their two All-Star Game specials. In today's episode, they look back at the first half of the season and break down what it all means for the stretch run. Expect plenty of takeaways, Quirkjians, and insight along the way. Then, they turn their attention to what promises to be an incredible Home Run Derby in Philadelphia, including Tim's absolutely epic All-Home Run Derby Team.

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Tim Kurkjian impressions were a big thing back in the day, and he finally reveals which one he thinks is the best...but you'll have to wait for that. The strikeout rate continues to be one of the biggest storylines in baseball this season. Plus, remember the name Tyler Tolbert, because he's about to make history!

The Dodgers came close to setting a record for the fewest extra-inning games, while Andy Pages somehow gets compared to Dikembe Mutombo and Manute Bol—a comparison we definitely didn't see coming. And can you Weathers this Quirkjian? We're not sure you'll be able to.

On This Date features Robin Roberts, Ted Williams, and Alex Rios (no, not Jeff's father-in-law). Plus, Tim shares a hilarious ESPN taxi cab story involving a mistake that any diehard baseball fan could've made...right?

The Alphabest letter "P" gives us the perfect excuse to celebrate the incredible career of Albert Pujols while debating which "P" pitcher deserves a spot on the list. Jeff also pulls three cards from the 2001 box for Tim, including one featuring a player whose brother was a Major League umpire—a baseball connection most fans never knew.

Finally, a member of the Kurkjian family puts Tim to the test with Team Tim. It's a challenge that proves difficult for multiple reasons—sometimes because there just aren't enough options, and other times because there are far too many.

Join us LIVE in Philadelphia on Monday, July 13, and Tuesday, July 14, from 12:00-12:40 p.m. ET at Iron Hill Brewery (1150 Market St., Philadelphia, PA 19107). Both shows will stream live on YouTube (make sure to subscribe!) and will also be available wherever you get your podcasts later that day.

Thanks so much for watching or listening, and thanks for being part of our family!

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PGA Tour pro Will Zalatoris joins the show after answering one of Jeff's Instagram DMs! A huge baseball fan from the Bay Area, Will kicks things off with an incredible Tim Kurkjian story. Little did we know, these two had actually met before!

Of course, because it's Tim and Jeff, the conversation immediately goes off the rails with ridiculous golf hypotheticals involving 18-handicaps, The Masters, and massive galleries. You had to know we'd eventually put a PGA Tour pro through the same scenarios Tim and Jeff usually debate on their own.

Eventually, we make our way back to baseball. Will grew up watching Barry Bonds launch home runs into McCovey Cove and remembers those Giants teams fondly. But it was another San Francisco Giant who truly captured his heart as a young baseball fan.

Will also shares what it was like being part of the new Happy Gilmore movie, including some priceless behind-the-scenes stories about working with Adam Sandler. We think he could have a second career in Hollywood—if he weren't such a darn good golfer.

What would Will ask Barry Bonds? Who has he always wanted to play a round with? And how did he become such good friends with Tony Romo? Those questions—and plenty more—are answered in this episode.

A huge thank you to Will for taking the time to join us. Hopefully these three get to hit the links together someday! Be sure to follow or subscribe, and share the show with a golf- or baseball-loving friend. Thanks, as always, for being part of our family!

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All-Star selections are in! Plus, we announce a huge event benefiting an incredible father of three who has been diagnosed with ALS. And what do David Eckstein and Steve Kerr have in common? Find out on today's episode.

The NL Cy Young race is shaping up to be a lot of fun, but we also take time to celebrate an American League reliever who just broke a major record. Dansby Swanson leaves us baffled, and Dalton Rushing and Bobby Valentine are now kindred spirits.

The Cubs accomplished something that hasn't happened since 1894—yes, 1894. Only in baseball! On This Date in Baseball History, we revisit the famous umpire ejection league that Tim Kurkjian was part of during his ESPN days.

Then we spin the Wheel of Kurkjian as Tim riffs on every category. Team Tim also previews tomorrow's guest, PGA Tour golfer Will Zalatoris. We loved having him on, so be sure to subscribe or follow the podcast so you don't miss the episode.

We wrap things up with Mike Schur, the newly appointed commissioner of the podcast, who weighs in on what it really means to be over—or under—.500.

Thanks for listening! For details about Tim and Jeff's fundraiser event benefiting ALS, visit souljoels.com/shop/tickets/anightwithtimkurkjian/. We hope to see you there. Thanks for listening or watching, and thank you for being part of our family!

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Tim Kurkjian is a baseball expert, so naturally he built a team made up entirely of players who have one thing in common: the number 250 played a significant role in their careers. Trust us, it's a fun and fitting way for baseball fans to celebrate America's 250th anniversary.

The Rangers and Marlins are both on a roll, while Dave Roberts reaches a managerial milestone faster than anyone in history. Plus, the Brewers honor one of their own with a stunning new mural—and it's well deserved.

In this week's Quirkjians, we've got strikeouts, struggling Yankees, and Max Muncy times two. Plus, who's refusing to swing at the first pitch? Steven Kwan, and you can take that to the bank.

Jeff opens a box of 2001 Topps cards that honestly may have never been opened before (so much for preserving their value). Then it's time for the Alphabest, where the last names beginning with "O" spark plenty of debate thanks to Shohei Ohtani's two-way greatness.

Thank you so much for listening, and as always, thanks for being a part of our family!\

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We call him the greatest batting practice pitcher of all time—and honestly, we don't think there's much of a debate.

Tim and Jeff Kurkjian sit down with Rich Donnelly, a man with some of the greatest baseball stories you'll ever hear. From Barry Bonds to Ted Williams, every story is a treat for baseball fans of all ages.

With the All-Star Game right around the corner, it's the perfect time to celebrate Rich's incredible impact on the Home Run Derby. But his legacy goes far beyond batting practice. As one of the game's best third base coaches, his stories about giving signs, waving runners home, and the split-second decisions that define a game are unforgettable.

Nomar, Cano, and Tim Kurkjian's basketball ability somehow all become important topics of conversation, making this one of our favorite episodes yet.

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Who looks like who? Jeff had quite the concert-going experience this week. The White Sox scored 10 runs in a single inning—how often are we seeing that in today's pitching era? And of course, the Phillies found another way to keep things interesting until the ninth inning.

Dansby Swanson, Kyle Schwarber, and Dylan Cease headline this week's Quirkjians. Plus, James Wood becomes the subject of a conversation thanks to a comparison to Ted Williams... sort of. We'll explain.

On This Date in Baseball History, we look back at Craig Biggio's incredible hit-by-pitch total, two cycles in the same week, and why Harmon Killebrew's name is as memorable as his career. Oh, and yes—Moonlight Graham was a real player.

Inspired by Moonlight Graham, Tim brings us a special Team Tim. You may not have heard this one on the show before, but you might remember it from his Twitter a few years ago. Then we spin the Wheel of Kurkjian for more fascinating stories and even a special guest appearance. Thanks for listening and as always, thanks for being a part of our family!

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Tim Kurkjian unveils his list of current players who are as close to Hall of Fame locks as you can get. Do you agree with this week’s Team Tim? Let us know in the comments or on our website!

The Yankees are doing something you rarely see at both the plate and on the mound — even with a giant lollipop sitting on the field. Plus, who should be the National League’s starting shortstop in the All-Star Game? Tim makes the case for two contenders, including one particularly intriguing choice.

Then it’s time for a tale of two pitchers: Jesus Luzardo and Brad Lord. You can probably guess where that conversation leads. We also dive into On This Date in Baseball History, featuring Aaron Nola tying a record, Toby Harrah (still one of the best baseball names ever) going an entire game without seeing a ball, and Edwin Jackson nearly reaching 150 pitches in a start.

We also debate the best last-name “N” pitcher and hitter in Alphabest, open more baseball cards, and wrap things up with a Team Tim that just about every fan should be able to agree with — unless, of course, you really don’t like the Dodgers.

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Our hilarious guest is Kent Mercker, former MLB pitcher who spent 18 seasons in the big leagues and shared clubhouses with 17 Hall of Famers throughout his remarkable career. We dive into his experiences with Greg Maddux, John Smoltz, and Tom Glavine, getting an inside look at what made each of them such extraordinary players, competitors, and teammates.

Plus, we’re never going to pass up a great Bobby Cox story, and Mercker has plenty of them. He threw a no-hitter, was part of a combined no-hitter, and accomplished something else that makes him the only player in baseball history to achieve all three. Find out what that unique distinction is in the interview.

He’s also a proud girl dad, a role he considers one of his greatest accomplishments. He shares a memorable moment with Mark McGwire that we’re willing to bet you’ve never heard before, along with a Vin Scully story that absolutely gave us chills.

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Spend Father’s Day with your favorite father-son baseball podcasting duo, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian!

We cover all the latest happenings across Major League Baseball, but first, we kick things off with a Kurkjian Quandary about golf (yes, we love these).

The Marlins are playing great baseball, and so is Bryce Harper. Harper and Manny Machado both reflect on how different the game is today, especially when it comes to facing pitching compared to when they first broke into the majors.

Plus, the commissioner of the podcast, Mike Schur, shares a Quirkjiian that will have you thinking about unassisted triple plays in a whole new way.

And on this date, we celebrate baseball legends Bobby Cox, Babe Ruth, and Willie Mays. We'd say that's a pretty strong lineup.

Then we spin the Wheel of Kurkjian and talk all things baseball—it's kind of the perfect segment.

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Jeff is back, Tim is visiting his new grandson, and life is good here on Is This A Great Game, Or What? A huge thank-you to Kelly Kurkjian for stepping in on our last episode—she was an absolute superstar!

We start with Cal Raleigh, because he's simply the best. After a slow start to the season, he looks like he's finding his groove again. Nothing will top last year, of course, but it's great to see him back on track. We also discuss Jeff Hoffman's puzzling season and take a look at what baseball could look like in Las Vegas after getting a sneak peek of what's to come.

Colt Keith leads off the Quirkjians segment, and a Hopp, Skip and Jump is finally complete—much to Tim Kurkjian's delight. In Three Cards in the Bathroom, Jeff shares a few favorites from his card collection, featuring some names that are sure to bring back memories.

On This Date and Alphabest both turn into a celebration of Willie Mays. The legendary Hall of Famer is almost impossible to put into words, but we do our best—including sharing what Johnny Bench once said about him, a remarkable testament to Mays' character and impact.

We wrap up the episode with an all-Team Tim lineup featuring the greatest pinch hitters of all time, inspired by Kelly's outstanding pinch-hitting performance earlier in the week.

Thanks so much for listening and watching, and as always, thank you for being part of our family!

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Mike Schur is a TV writer and producer best known for creating Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Good Place. He also worked on The Office and played Mose, Dwight's delightfully odd cousin. Impressive credentials, of course—but most importantly to us, he's a massive baseball fan. That may even be underselling it. Mike joins Tim Kurkjian and Jeff to talk baseball, including the fact that both he and Tim were at Pedro Martínez's legendary 17-strikeout game against the Yankees. Was that the greatest pitching season ever?

The three also dive into their shared love of storytelling and why the best baseball stories often stick with us as much as the games themselves. Is it any surprise that one of television's great writers appreciates a great story?

Schur also praises the Brewers for their knack for pulling off incredible trades and shares his deep admiration for Shohei Ohtani, encouraging everyone to appreciate just how remarkable a player he is. And, of course, there's Mike's new book, Big Fan: Two Friends, 82,490 Miles, and the Wild, Wonderful Sports We Love, co-authored with sportswriter Joe Posnanski. Released in May 2026, the book explores fandom across sports, music, and beyond, celebrating the passion that brings people together. Pick up a copy online or wherever books are sold.

One quick editorial note: this episode was recorded on June 10, just one day before Jeff and his wife, Emily, welcomed their son, Bodie, into the world. Thanks so much for watching and listening, and thanks for being part of our family.

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Kelly Kurkjian makes her show debut! She joins her dad, Hall of Famer Tim Kurkjian, as a special guest host given Jeff's excused absence. Tim will never stop talking about Kelly's free throw shooting prowess.

Tim names his All-Childbirth team and names a new show commissioner. Plus, remembering awkward car rides with dad when Hall of Famers are on the phone! One glove wasn't enough to replace Tim's beloved A2000.

Houston Astros star Yordan Álvarez's incredible first inning leads Takeaways. Milwaukee Brewers stud Jacob Misiorowski tees how Tim took up Pokemon cards.

On This Date: Johnny Vander Meer's second no-hitter, and a couple important birthdays. Plus, hear how Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench warmly celebrated Tim and family in Cooperstown.

Kelly drops her team "Pop Pop's Home Team"

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Tim Kurkjian tackles TWO big questions in this episode of Is This A Great Game, Or What? Jeff is, as usual, on baby watch as he awaits the arrival of his son, so we're glad he made it for this episode!

Tim's run-in with a worker at Camden Yards left him smiling. Plus, there's a Trey Mancini update that everyone will be happy to hear. We have plenty of Quirkjians this week, with both the Dodgers and Brewers piquing our interest.

GameChanger of the Week focuses on the state of baseball and the three outcomes that seem to define almost every at-bat these days. Tim once again dives deep into how the game is changing and why he believes it will eventually swing back in the other direction, or at least we hope so.

Three Cards in the Bathroom has us talking about catchers, specifically Rick Dempsey and the amazing claim he made at age 60. We think he was absolutely right. Some skills just don't go away. Alphabest brings us the best "L" batter and pitcher.

And finally, Team Tim is all about the incredible pitching we've been seeing. How do you build a team around pitching while still going around the diamond? Tim always finds a way.

Thanks for listening and watching. Follow and subscribe to the show so you can keep coming back. Most of all, thanks for being part of our family!

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There isn't a question that Steve Sparks is one of our favorite former guests, and now he's BACK for more laughs. The knuckleballer turned broadcaster remains one of Tim's favorite storytellers in the game today.

He kicks things off with an impression, and yes, it's fantastic. Plus, he shares a hilarious Richie Sexson story that you'll be talking about long after the episode ends. Ever wanted to win a car? So did one former player, who was VERY disappointed after an All Star Game.

We also show some love to our friends at GameChanger. We're grateful for their support of the show. And there's plenty of appreciation for the late, great Stan Musial, including a story about a couple of kids who had absolutely no idea who he was.

We wrap things up with Pete Rose and Bob Feller. That's a pretty strong finish, right?

A huge thank you to Steve for taking time out of his busy schedule to join our little show. Most importantly, thank you for being a part of our family!

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Shohei just cannot be stopped and is doing things we haven't seen in quite some time. But first, Tim figured out QR codes. Watch out, world! We also button up what it means to "bat around." Well, at least we think we figured it out.

Plus, no baby yet for Jeff, so he'll keep hitting the podcast until the new arrival makes an appearance. We also share some father-son facts you may not know involving two current players and two former players. And yes, even Jeff manages to bring Dickie Noles into the conversation. It all makes sense, trust me.

The Dodgers love to score runs early, but is that all there is to it? Oneil Cruz is flirting with history, and it involves a whole lot of strikeouts. Plus, a save for Winn. Yeah, you read that right.

Jeff bought a sign at Hobby Lobby that is surprisingly accurate. And in Wheel of Kurkjian, he finally gets a chance to show off his umpiring skills. That doesn't happen very often.

Don't forget to subscribe wherever you watch, follow wherever you listen, and share the show with a friend. Thanks so much for being part of our family.

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Tim and Jeff went to Lou Gehrig Day together and have some amazing people to shout out, including our friend Michael Brown. Plus, it was pretty awesome to see who was on the mound that day.

The Guardians are really good, and that's not going to change anytime soon. Is Jacob deGrom a Hall of Famer? We debate the numbers after his 100th win. Plus, an ambidextrous glove is flying off the shelves, which makes us seamheads extremely happy.

On This Date in Baseball History, we remember the great Don Zimmer and share some incredible stories, including a special moment Jeff had with the late baseball legend at Fenway Park. He is very much missed.

Alphabest tackles the best "K" batter and pitcher. We're not sure how much debate there really is, but weigh in and let us know in the comments. Three Cards delivers some hilarious stories, including one about a hitting pitcher who put George Brett to shame.

Team Tim might be a little too smart for us, but you be the judge. Thank you so much for listening and watching, and thank you for being part of our family!

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To know Boog is to love Boog.

The legendary play-by-play broadcaster does far more than call baseball and basketball games—he helps change lives in honor of a dear friend.

Project Main Street began in 2006 when Tim Sheehy, then 38 years old, was living with ALS. Friends from his hometown of Roosevelt Island, New York, wanted to help Tim and his young family by organizing a fundraiser. Though hesitant to accept charity, Tim agreed on one condition: that his friends work alongside him to create a true 501(c)(3) organization. Having experienced firsthand the financial burdens that come with an ALS diagnosis, Tim recognized the need for practical support. Project Main Street was born from that vision.

Today, Project Main Street remains one of the only ALS organizations providing unrestricted financial grants directly to people living with ALS.

Boog Sciambi, the play-by-play voice of the Chicago Cubs and an ESPN broadcaster, has been a close friend of Tim Kurkjian for many years. We talk with Boog about the Cubs' rollercoaster season, his favorite ballpark to call a game from (outside of Wrigley Field, of course), and his relationships with television partner Jim Deshaies and radio partner Doug Glanville.

Most importantly, we talk about ALS.

The episode concludes with an emotional tribute to Matt Kurkjian—the Pride of the Kurkjians. Matt, one of Tim's older brothers, passed away from ALS in 2023. Since his passing, the Kurkjian family has never been quite the same. His memory, however, continues to inspire those who knew and loved him.

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Christopher Sanchez is on the brink of making some history—probably just two starts away from it!

Tim and Jeff are heading to the ballpark tomorrow to celebrate Lou Gehrig Day. ALS is a cause that has touched the Kurkjian family deeply, following the passing of Uncle Matt (Tim’s brother) from the disease in 2023. If you can, make it out to a ballpark on Tuesday, June 2, and help support a great cause.

Shohei Ohtani wants a Cy Young Award. Knowing him, he'll probably find a way to get one. But with pitching dominating in both leagues, it won't come easy. Plus, the Washington Nationals are scoring runs in bunches!

We also look back at one of our all-time favorite Bobby Valentine moments. Ronald Acuña Jr. is back and better than ever, and Fernando Tatis Jr. finally does it!

The Wheel of Kurkjian returns on a Monday, which is always a good thing—especially with Tim and Jeff back together in the basement studio. We talk dance recitals, baseball, and feminine baseball player names.

Don't forget to subscribe and follow wherever you listen or watch. Thank you for being a part of our family!

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Ten straight wins turning into ten straight losses? Uh oh. The Cubs may still be above .500, but they could be in some trouble. Was Tim Kurkjian the jinx? He stopped by SVP, and maybe that’s what did it.

Should every team be playing on Memorial Day? Jeff definitely thinks so. Plus, our GameChanger of the Week is a starting pitcher who throws absolute gas all the time.

Under the Quirkjians, we talk no-hitters, Zach Neto strikeouts, and Baz vs. Jax. Don’t forget about Colton Cowser — we’ve got a note on him too.

On This Date in baseball history, we discuss Dale Long, Jim Palmer, and Mariano Rivera. And of course, Walter Johnson is our J Alphabest — no surprise there.

We’ve also got a big announcement: one of our segments is moving from Thursdays to Mondays. We still want your suggestions though, so head to our website and send us a message or leave a comment.

And finally, you get TWO Team Tims today.

Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you listen or watch the show, and thanks for being part of our family!

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Mike Toomey has spent years in baseball — as a player, manager, coach, and scout — making it his life’s work. He’s been friends with Tim Kurkjian for so long that Jeff (now 32) can’t remember life without Mike Toomey in it.

Some of the best stories come from life on the back roads as a scout. Traveling to see players in their hometowns, as you might imagine, leads to some unforgettable moments. Then there are the stories from managing in Washington, D.C. — including the time a horse somehow ended up on the field, along with plenty of confused tourists. These are the kinds of stories you simply can’t make up.

Make sure to follow and subscribe wherever you listen or watch. We’ve always got new episodes coming your way three days a week. Thanks for being part of our family.

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Memorial Day is today, and we thank those who made the ultimate sacrifice so we can continue to live in a free country. We’re grateful beyond words. So many major leaguers have put their lives on the line to serve our great country, and we talk about some of the best during today’s episode. And don’t forget to wait for Team Tim!

Konnor Griffin has clearly figured something out in his 20s — you love to see it. Plus, Christopher Sánchez is doing something for the Phillies that hasn’t been done since before World War I. And Trey Yesavage? Yeah… you’re not homering off him.

There were strikeouts everywhere, including a pair of Yankees teammates who might be swapping places in the record books. Nolan Arenado did something amazing on just the sixth pitch of the entire game. Plus, what in the world is going on with Tatis Jr.?

On This Date in Baseball History, we talk Omar Vizquel, Josh Beckett, Joe West, and Chris Young. We also hear about Tim’s homemade jersey for which player?

Thanks for listening, and as always, we appreciate you being part of our family. Subscribe or follow wherever you watch or listen, and make sure to share the show with a friend!

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It’s May 21st, and Tim comes out of the gate putting Jeff to the test. Did he take the bait and miss, or hit the nail on the head? We open with pitching, because it is just that good right now.

Our GameChanger of the Week looks at how hitters are reacting to the incredible pitching we’re seeing. Is this the end of the long-ball era? Maybe??

Just when we thought a once-in-a-lifetime extra-inning performance was behind us, another one came out of nowhere. More pitching records that made us laugh, and a no-no leads to a walk-off? You don’t see that often.

Happy birthday to the late Bobby Cox, and what an amazing character our game lost this month. We spin the Wheel of Kurkjian and talk ambidexterity and inside-the-park homers, then wrap it all up with Three Cards in the Bathroom.

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Eric Nadel is a National Baseball Hall of Fame broadcaster, and along with Tim Kurkjian, that gives us TWO Hall of Famers on this episode (plus, Jeff is here too).

Eric has covered the Texas Rangers for almost 50 years, and the stories he shared are incredible. We laughed so hard our cheeks hurt afterward.

From taking Mike Emrick’s job to Municipal Field being better known as “Iowjima,” my gosh, we couldn’t stop laughing with him. Little-known fact: Eric helped Tim find his first house in Dallas, where both of his kids were born.

These two have an incredible amount of history together, and this interview is long overdue. We couldn’t be happier to bring it to you.

Thanks for listening. Make sure to subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening right now because it means a lot to us. Thanks for being a part of our family!

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