Explore every episode of the podcast Is This A Great Game, Or What?
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fate Of The 2027 Season According To Tim Kurkjian, Golf Cart Drive Thru, Our New Partnership | 03 Mar 2026 | 00:46:07 | |
Big partnership news to start the show! A huge thank you to @foulterritoryshow Network for bringing us on board for the 2026 season. We’re incredibly grateful to their team for embracing our little show. The best part? Nothing changes for you as a listener! Tim is at Spring Training and fired up to talk about everything he’s seen so far. The impact of the World Baseball Classic is already being felt across clubs, and looming negotiations for the 2027 season are hanging over just about everyone. Tim Kurkjian has exclusive insight on both. “On This Date” in baseball history inspires a brand-new Team Tim — and it wasn’t an easy roster to build. If we missed someone, drop a comment or head to GreatGameOrWhat.com to message us directly. Jeff took the lead on baseball cards this week, and it didn’t disappoint. He even pulled from his personal collection, so we’ve got some heavy hitters (and pitchers) featured in this episode. One quick note: beginning in the 2026 season, we’ll be adjusting our episode schedule to better serve our audience. We’ll still be dropping three episodes a week — just on different days — so stay tuned for the updated lineup. Thanks for listening, and don’t forget to share the show with a friend! Subscribe to the show on YouTube! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information. | |||
| A Mazterclass | 24 Feb 2026 | 00:40:10 | |
We said goodbye to an absolute legend, Bill Mazeroski. He also earned a spot on Tim’s All-Defense Team—alongside several other incredibly skilled defenders. We also recapped Jeff’s weekend adventure involving a pool of ice water (a bold but smart move, Jeff). Eddie Murray was a major topic this week as we celebrated his birthday, along with so many other great baseball birthdays. We also remembered Tony C., lost on this day—perhaps the bravest of them all. Dave Kingman’s baseball card made an appearance during the show, and honestly, he could probably still play in 2026—though maybe not for the best reasons. Tim shared some special memories from his very first Spring Training, especially fitting as he heads to much warmer weather this week (which we’re all looking forward to). And next week, we’ve got absolutely MASSIVE news we can’t wait to share. If you’ve been following along, nothing will change for you—and the same goes for anyone new. But be sure to tune in next week for all the details! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Our Best Guest Moments of 2025 (Part 2) | 30 Dec 2025 | 00:34:11 | |
If you haven't listened to part one yet, STOP and go back one week and start with that episode. The best moment from each of our interviews from this year especially made just for you. These include Joe West, Harold Reynolds, Hall of Famers Chipper Jones and Billy Wagner, plus so many others. Make sure to let us know who you would like to join us in 2026 because we would love to have them on the air thanks to your suggestions. You can reach us at GreatGameOrWhat.com. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Steve Sparks, Big League Pitcher Turned Seamhead Broadcaster | 30 Apr 2025 | 00:48:52 | |
Steve Sparks is hilarious, there's no way around that. He doesn't miss an episode of this show despite being a broadcaster for the Houston Astros; that job will keep you busy. He was a knuckleballer (one of the few) and his way of getting there is fascinating. He shares stories of three different Bobs (Uecker, Gibson and Feller), one of which will definitely make you cry. He explains his nickname that he got in the minor leagues, "Phonebook," plus he dazzles us with his seamhead qualities that we cannot get enough of. Easily one of our favorite interviews in the history of this show, pass it along to someone who loves this game as well and don't forget to subscribe! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| The 4th Be With Eugenio | 29 Apr 2025 | 00:34:05 | |
This week, Tim and Jeff discuss a crazy weekend in baseball but first apologize for a HUGE mistake they made on the show last week. Qurikjians, Takeaways and a strange Kurkjian Quandary make this a show you cannot miss. Team Tim is guessed by Jeff after just one name, shocking Tim into next century. AJ Hinch gets a nod for being an incredible manager for something he did OFF the field. And we look back at Roger Clemens and what he did on this day many years ago. Thank you for listening/watching. Make sure to share the podcast with someone you love. GreatGameOrWhat.com for more. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| A Month In, A Month Out(standing) | 24 Apr 2025 | 00:31:08 | |
Three days a week now you can hear from Tim and Jeff Kurkjian. Takeaways from a couple days in baseball, Quirkjians as well but most importantly, who are the greatest number 9 and number 10 of all time? Plus, the Mets fans are going to debate who is the greatest player to play for them of all time. We hear from another Seamhead, you can submit yours by emailing Jeff@GreatGameOrWhat.com anytime with your audio clip and you might find yourself on the show! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Mel Kiper, NFL Draft Expert | 23 Apr 2025 | 00:34:00 | |
Two of the best experts in their own right meet to chat all about the game of baseball. Tim Kurkjian is a Hall of Fame baseball writer and Mel Kiper is THE voice of knowledge for all things surrounding the NFL Draft. Together, along with Tim's son Jeff, they chat about Mel's love of the game from the beginning growing up in Maryland. We also talk about becoming a grandfather due to the surprise guest that jumped on during the show, how stinking cute is that? Make sure to share the show with someone you love! GreatGameOrWhat.com to find all the links to where to subscribe including right here. Also follow us now on Instagram, TikTok and Facebook! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| April Madness | 22 Apr 2025 | 00:32:47 | |
Tim and Jeff go back and forth with some great Quirkjians and Takeaways from what was a pretty insane weekend of baseball. A lot of talk of official scoring decisions (we don't say that often) plus we celebrate a birthday of a very good friend of ours, Terry Francona. We open a brand new deck of cards and Tim admits that something was in the driveway that he wanted to kill. Share the podcast with some friends, support the show by subscribing (for free) wherever you are listening right now! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Happy (Luke) Easter | 17 Apr 2025 | 00:30:14 | |
Tim Kurkjian's All Easter Team for Team Tim is iconic and not as much of a stretch as he says it is. The pitcher who figured out his curveball was nasty and the mystery of the Detroit Tigers. We also explore the greatest Philadelphia Phillies player of all time, the best player to ever wear number eight and Tim gets schooled on TikTok! Remember, now three days a week, we have "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" Make sure to subscribe and share with a friend. And remember, thank you for being a part of our family. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Coach Jim Boeheim Live From Syracuse | 16 Apr 2025 | 00:50:39 | |
This week we hear from Hall of Fame Coach Jim Boeheim. There's no hiding that this man loves his baseball and loves all things sports. Jeff and his sister, Kelly, are both Syracuse University graduates. Tim sent his only two kids to land of the Orange for college and this guest is connected to the show in so many ways. We discuss Otto The Orange, Kobe's work ethic, Michael Jordan's golf game amongst so much baseball that it's hard to keep up! Thank you to the Newhouse School and the Sports Media Center for hosting us for this LIVE in person interview. Special shoutout to Julie Walas and Olivia Stomski for their helping putting this together. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Jackie Day, The Most Important Day | 15 Apr 2025 | 00:29:21 | |
It isn't passed us just how important today is, Jackie Robinson Day. In fact, we dive deep into just why he was so important to our game. We also bring you a very important announcement for the future of the podcast (yes, more changes but they are GOOD changes that will make you happy). Don't look passed our Quirkjians this week that include strikeouts (always) and homers from the ninth spot in the order. We also get an update from a bachelor party Jeff went on over the weekend that included a beverage Orioles fans know well, that Tim Kurkjian needs schooling on. Share the podcast with a friend, it only helps. Let's make more people a part of our family! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| The Masters Of Baseball | 11 Apr 2025 | 00:41:47 | |
Where golf meets baseball this time on "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" We have some of the best stories crossing these great sports. Plus a Kurkjian Quandary that will have everyone thinking about their own athleticism. The best number six and seven of all time is not up for debate, according to Tim Kurkjian. How do players keep warm during these cold games? First two weeks of the season wrapped up in one great episode! Make sure to follow us on social media @GreatGameOrWhat Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Catching Hank Aaron's 715th, Tom House Joins | 08 Apr 2025 | 01:17:58 | |
Today we are joined by Tom House who caught Hank Aaron's 715th homerun on this date 51 years ago. He has spent his entire life in baseball, a former Major Leaguer turned coach and more in the game we all love. He shares Nolan Ryan, Satchell Paige, Hank Aaron and more stories that will have your jaw on the floor. Plus, Tim shares his on personal anecdotes about Aaron including two stories about current MLB managers completely clamming up when talking to Hammerin' Hank. Also, our reaction to Vlad Guerrero Jr.'s big signing. A pitching matchup that has dad-joke written all over it. And Tim breaks down his Team Tim containing the greatest homeruns of all time, this one is up for debate, let us know what you think in the comments or on social, @GreatGameOrWhat. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Our Best Guest Moments of 2025 (Part 1) | 23 Dec 2025 | 00:29:57 | |
Merry Christmas and a belated Happy Hanukkah to all who celebrated! We’re excited to bring you part one of our two-part year-end recap, featuring some of our favorite moments with our incredible guests this year. Cal Ripken Jr. joined us with his son around Father’s Day, Andy Kurkjian (Tim’s oldest brother) stopped by to talk about their late brother Matt on Lou Gehrig Day, and Dan Le Batard, as always, kept things fun by poking a little fun. The first half of 2025 was one heck of a ride, and we’re so grateful you took it with us. As always, subscribing and following is the best way to support this father-son show, and we truly appreciate you doing so! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| One Week Down & What A Week It Was | 04 Apr 2025 | 00:37:29 | |
Another Friday edition of "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" brings you a recap of the crazy first week of baseball. And we aren't just saying that, it truly has been unbelievable. The Dodgers and Padres, wow, and the Braves, eek. Plus a player that has a personal connection to the Kurkjian family had a monster night on Monday night. Who is the greatest A's player of all time? Or the best player to wear number five? All discussed today on the show. Jeff announces the big news that the show is now on TikTok (Tim is still not sure what that is really). Also, if you want to join the show, tell us why you are a Seamhead and email it to Jeff@GreatGameOrWhat.com. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Wacky Weekend, Dallas Braden Our Wacky/Wonderful Guest | 01 Apr 2025 | 01:09:56 | |
We've got a real treat for you today. Our guest, Dallas Braden, kept us entertained and also made us cry. He gave us great perspective on how Athletics fans are feeling right now. Plus he revisited his days working with Tim at ESPN including the very last game he broadcasted with the company that may or may not have led to him no longer working there. The first weekend of the season was unbelievable, and that's not hyperbole. There were SO many things that happened for the very first time in baseball history that it was hard for Tim to get it all out in this episode. Quirkjians are back with some funny things we bet you didn't notice. Tim comes up with a Team Tim to flatter our guest. And finally, a Phil Nierko story on this date that will make you love the game even more. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Say Hey, Opening Day | 28 Mar 2025 | 00:33:36 | |
Welcome to the first Friday episode of the REGULAR season and boy are we glad to be here with you. Tim Kurkjian, the Hall of Fame baseball writer, with his son, Jeff, have immediate reactions to the first games on Opening Day. The best part? These stats and fun facts you aren't getting anywhere else. One player continues an insane Opening Day streak. A New York Yankee FIRST that has never happened on Opening Day for the storied franchise. And, a pitching line that will scratch your head. We also continue "From Ozzie To Orel" with numbers three and four. Plus, Tim gives us the greatest Cincinnati Reds player of all time! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Adam (Dunn) and (Opening Day) Eve | 25 Mar 2025 | 01:13:50 | |
Join Tim Kurkjian and his son Jeff for an exciting take on baseball in 2025. Each week, this father-son podcast will talk baseball in a way you just aren't hearing on other shows. With laughter, light and love, this podcast is certain to be a baseball fan favorite. Opening Day 2025 is upon us so we are joined by Adam Dunn who shares an incredible Opening Day record. Also, Tim breaks down some incredible stories from Opening Day's past. Jeff breaks down new stadium food additions for the season. Adam Dunn makes us laugh with hilarious memories from his Opening Day's and from his long tenured career. Don't miss when he calls out Jeff Francoeur, former guest on the show, for something they would do as opponents! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Where March Madness Meets MLB | 21 Mar 2025 | 00:35:32 | |
Welcome to our first official FRIDAY episode of "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" We recap (briefly) the Tokyo Series. We dive straight into March Madness with Team Tim March Madness Edition, this one was real creative. A Kurkjian Quandary about Japan vs. Major League Baseball will have your head scratching. Ozzie To Orel begins as Tim Kurkjian outlines the greatest player to wear number one and number two of all time. There might be some debate on #2. Finally, we introduce a new segment that we want YOU to be a part of. If you love this game, tell us why in a 15-30 second voice memo and end with "My name is _______, and I am a Seamhead!" Email your entry to Jeff@GreatGameorWhat.com Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Opening Day: Shohei, Yoshi, Shota, Roki & Eduardo | 18 Mar 2025 | 01:10:13 | |
We are joined by Eduardo Perez, per tradition, for our first regular season episode of the 2025 season. He played in Japan during his career and has such an interesting perspective during his time there. He also tells us about wanting to pluck something off of President Barack Obama, the time his mom yelled at him during a game and the impact Pete Rose had on his career. We recorded this episode on St. Patrick's Day, so Tim came up with his Team Tim of St. Patrick's Day players. Jeff explains to his dad what Grillz are (this is a tough convo). And finally, we celebrate being TWO episodes a week. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Keith Hernandez, Fellow Strat-O-Matic Hall of Famer | 04 Mar 2025 | 01:08:18 | |
Keith Hernandez joins us as a member of the Strat-O-Matic Hall of Fame. Oh yeah, and he was a really REALLY good MLB player as well. He makes it onto a special "Best of All-Tim" team that we hear about. Tim Kurkjian was just inducted into the Strat-O-Matic Hall of Fame, and we hear his best stories of the game. Trout, Ohtani and more updates from Kurkjian from Spring Training. Plus a huge announcement about the future of this podcast (don't worry, it's REALLY good news). Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Maddon Love With Baseball | 18 Feb 2025 | 01:12:27 | |
SPRING TRAINING IS HERE! What an exciting time for baseball fans, Joe Maddon joins us this week to share his favorite Spring Training stories. He also talks about that amazing 2016 curse-breaking season with the Chicago Cubs. Tim Kurkjian takes us down memory lane of his favorite Spring Training memories from covering 45 years of it all. We want to thank everyone for listening. Excited to announce that starting March 18th, we will be BACK to once a week officially kicking off our regular season then. Follow us for fun videos @GreatGameOrWhat on all socials and watch exclusive clips on our YouTube page as well! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Football & Phil Nevin | 04 Feb 2025 | 00:58:27 | |
How fitting? With the 2025 Super Bowl coming up this week, Tim and Jeff Kurkjian bring you a football packed episode that is perfect for all baseball fans. Our guest is Phil Nevin, who was a college football and baseball player and a long-time MLB player. He later became a coach and then a Major League manager of a team that had both Shohei Ohtani and Mike Trout. We asked him about that. We also delve into the nuances of football with the former kicker. And we discussed the amazing crossover that happens between football and baseball when it comes to these incredible athletes. Make sure to follow us on Instagram, @GreatGameOrWhat and sign up for our newsletter at GreatGameOrWhat.com. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Three New MLB Hall Of Famers For 2025 | 22 Jan 2025 | 00:39:22 | |
We took this time to chat about the careers of Ichiro Suzuki, C.C. Sabathia and Billy Wagner and tell some stories that only Tim Kurkjian would know about these players. They will be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in July of 2025. Plus, we opened another deck of cards live on the show, chatted about an app Tim finally downloaded (he might be the last to do so) and debated whether or not you should wear shoes in your house! A friendly reminder that our first regular season episode will start on March 18th, we will be returning to weekly episodes (releasing on Tuesdays) at that point. We are really looking forward to you joining us for another great season. In the meantime, let's get social! We are always posting on our Facebook and Instagram accounts, you can follow us @GreatGameOrWhat. Plus, check out our website to join our email list! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Merry Christmas Steve | 16 Dec 2025 | 00:39:58 | |
Tim and Jeff Kurkjian are back with another offseason podcast, breaking down a few of the biggest moves teams made following the Winter Meetings. But the real highlight? They kick off the holiday spirit early with a special Team Tim Christmas celebration. After spending some quality time together, the duo recaps everything from shoveling snow to hanging TVs—proving once again they can do it all. It’s also time for Three Cards From the Bathroom… who will Tim pull this week? And, without further ado, they wrap up their Seamheads for 2025. Thanks for watching or listening! The best way to support the show is to follow and subscribe—and don’t forget to share it with a friend. Your support means a lot to both Kurkjian boys. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Coaches! Key To The Best Game, Live From ABCA 2025 | 07 Jan 2025 | 00:59:44 | |
Big shoutout and thanks to our friends at GameChanger for having us in their incredible booth, along with Mevo who provided a couple extra cameras! We discuss some of Tim's favorite coach stories. We were joined by the head coach of Catholic University's baseball team, Ross Natoli. He carries a special place in the Kurkjian family that you will learn about. It's an amazing atmosphere at the ABCA, hoping to be back there next year! To all new people to the podcast, WELCOME TO OUR FAMILY! Share the show with someone who loves baseball too. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Holiday Special From Tim & Jeff | 24 Dec 2024 | 00:27:59 | |
We discuss the unfortunate passing of a MLB Hall of Famer and the impact he made on this great game. Filming from Tim's office in Maryland, a special guest joined us on the couch for the entire episode. We opened up cards for "It's In The Cards," still looking for a debut patch in our Topps deck. We also hear a Best Of All-Tim team all about Christmas. Jeff quizzes Tim on pop culture happenings of 2024. Happy Holidays from Tim and Jeff Kurkjian of "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| The Best Of The Great Game 2024 | 10 Dec 2024 | 01:12:16 | |
We have been looking forward to releasing this episode all year long. Our Best Of 2024 Episode features one highlight moment from every single interview we did this season. But we aren't just looking back, we also talk offseason. The biggest signing without a doubt is Juan Soto to the New York Mets. Tim Kurkjian's reaction along with a hilarious moment he shared surrounding it at the grocery store. Plus we get great stories from Tim about the two newest members of the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| MLB Awards Reactions Plus Tim Kurkjian, The Movie Star | 26 Nov 2024 | 00:41:06 | |
This week, Tim and Jeff recap the awards winners in Major League Baseball. We also bring back "It's In The Cards" in search of the Paul Skenes Debut Patch rookie card. You can actually watch us open the deck on our YouTube page linked below. And we get (even though it's November) This Day In Baseball History. We also welcomed in Jodi Michelle Cutler who asked Tim to star in her movie, "Rally Caps." She is the co-author of the book and now producer of the movie that features a small cameo from our Hall of Famer! Stream the movie now on Peacock. Great for the whole family, perfect to keep up your baseball fix in the offseason. Listen to us during the offseason every other Tuesday. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Offseason, What Do We Do Now? | 12 Nov 2024 | 00:12:17 | |
Thank you for a great first regular and postseason of "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" But now, the question so many have asked us, what's going to happen during the offseason? Well, have no fear, Tim and Jeff are here. Moving to every two weeks during the offseason but still keeping you smiling and laughing (we like to hope). Don't forget, special contest going on, the first 50 new followers to @GreatGameOrWhat on Instagram will win a signed baseball card from Tim and Jeff. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| A Bow For Baseball | 05 Nov 2024 | 00:54:48 | |
We put a "bow" on this baseball season with our final episode of the regular season. Don't you worry, big news, we are BACK for another season and will be checking in periodically during the offseason, we aren't going anywhere. A big shoutout to our friends at The Shirley Povich Center For Sports Journalism for hosting us at University of Maryland's Philip Merrill College of Journalism. This week's guest is TIM KURKJIAN! We allowed the students the opportunity to ask us questions that they've always wanted to ask this Hall of Fame baseball writer. We wrap up the 2024 baseball season, celebrating the good and the bad. Tim gives us an "All Presidents" Best of All Tim team in spirit of the election. Last but certainly not least, we look back at what a fun first season of "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| World Series Win and Ross | 29 Oct 2024 | 01:11:58 | |
David Ross is our guest this week who knows a thing or two about stepping up big in a World Series. He won with both the Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs. The former player and former manager turned broadcaster has a bevy of amazing sports stories. We also break down the first couple games of this VERY exciting World Series, it has not disappointed. Plus, thanks to Strat-O-Matic, we figured out who would do better, a team of all Aaron Judges or all Shohei Ohtanis! And we also pay our respects to a legend of the game. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| World Series or Bust(er) | 22 Oct 2024 | 01:10:06 | |
Buster Olney is our amazing guest who hosts his own podcast. “Baseball Tonight with Buster Olney,” wherever you are listening right now. We talk about his growing up a Dodger fan and a cow-milker! Plus we get his take on the two remaining teams vying to win it all. Tim Kurkjian even blesses us with another goofy “Best of All-Tim” and our friends at Strat-O-Matic help us settle the debate, Yankees or Dodgers! You can use GREATGAME20 at checkout for new customers at Strat-O-Matic.com for 20% off all baseball products! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| A Bobby Valentine To Baseball | 15 Oct 2024 | 01:04:09 | |
Can't ask for a better guest other than Bobby Valentine. He was drafted by the Dodgers as a player, played and managed the New York Mets and also managed in Japan. We talk Shohei, we talk potential Subway Series (the last of which he managed) and share laughs over both Tim and Bobby's early years in baseball. The four remaining teams have got us all excited for a potential World Series matchup. We hear about the Best of All Tim team that involves only guests of our show (and boy is it a great list). We get the help of our friends at Strat-O-Matic to simulate just how good Japanese players are. Finally, we hear about what Eddy Perez and Tim will be doing in New York! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Playoff Baseball and Benetti | 08 Oct 2024 | 01:12:12 | |
Jason Benetti is the play-by-play for the Detroit Tigers television broadcast. He has extensive knowledge of just how this team came back to even make it to October. Plus, he does some great impressions along with hilarious shared stories calling games with Tim. We highlight one player from each of the remaining playoff teams. We celebrate a manager getting back into baseball (a former guest on this show). We also simulated the rest of the playoffs and the winner is a team honestly not many have picked! Thanks for listening! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Kent Stop The Feeling | 09 Dec 2025 | 00:41:10 | |
Tim and Jeff Kurkjian dive into the election of Jeff Kent to the National Baseball Hall of Fame—plus the players who just missed the cut, the steroid-era debates, and more. It’s a deeper dive than you usually hear from these two, but a warranted one, offering an interesting contrast between Jeff (born in 1993), who grew up watching these players, and Tim, who has been a Hall of Fame voter for what feels like 150 years. We also talk Christmas décor as both homes get fully decked out. Tim’s tree is so massive he couldn’t set it up on his own—honestly admirable that he asked for help, because most of us men wouldn’t. And Tim’s outfit this episode, while improved, is still far too nice for our usual format. Watch on YouTube to see it for yourself, and don’t forget to subscribe! We wrap up with a look at notable moments in baseball history that happened on this date, and Tim closes the show with an excellent Team Tim, fittingly all about birthdays—since tomorrow is his! Thanks for listening, and we wish you and your family health and happiness! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| October Baseball With Mr. National | 01 Oct 2024 | 01:06:08 | |
Ryan Zimmerman is the greatesting Washington National of all time. And with eleven walk-off homers, he is one of the most clutch batters in the bottom of the ninth and beyond. We talk to him about what it’s like to play in October. We revisit Shohei Ohtani’s 50/50 season, break down the ending for the Mets-Braves, and look at some of the greatest October performances of all time. We also put fandom to the test with our Kurkjian Quandary. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Welcome To Tangier, Adnan Virk | 24 Sep 2024 | 01:16:55 | |
He’s like family to us, Adnan Virk is our guest this week. He can be found on MLB Network or chatting about movies on his podcast, Cinephile. We chat with him about so much, too many laughs to contain. We break it down with our friends at Strat-O-Matic to find out how Aaron Judge would do in the 1920s and how Babe Ruth would do today. We say farewell to the Oakland Athletics playing in Oakland with a Best of All Tim. We hear from Jeff about the Savannah Bananas and chat about the insanity that is Shohei Ohtani. Please rate and review the show, share it with a friend and don’t forget to follow! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Dan Patrick, “GONE!” | 17 Sep 2024 | 01:10:46 | |
Dan Patrick joins us as our special guest. He grew up a fan of The Big Red Machine, and while playing Strat-O-Matic that was his team. A Kurkjian Quandary that surrounds Shohei Ohtani’s potential 50/50 season. And a Best of All-Tim including the best juniors! And of course, you’ll get loaded with brand new Quirkjians as the season eyes October. Thanks to our friends at Strat-O-Matic, you can have fun just like us by getting 20% off at checkout using the code “GreatGame20” at checkout on all of their baseball games! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Clemente and Cakes | 10 Sep 2024 | 01:14:11 | |
Jim Palmer is a Hall of Fame pitcher who is now a broadcaster calling games for the Baltimore Orioles. In his famed career, he faced quite a few Hall of Fame bats including that of Roberto Clemente, who is celebrated every year on Roberto Clemente Day, coming up this Sunday. Fantasy football was talked about quite a bit this week including a team name that got Tim into hip-hop. The greatest defensive players to ever play the game, Tim put his list together, feel free to debate him on this one. A Kurkjian Quandary that is bound to make you feel young again. On This Date In Baseball History, 1963 had a lot of brothers batting in a game! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Pete Fairbanks, Reading At 100 MPH | 03 Sep 2024 | 01:10:12 | |
Current Major League closer, Pete Fairbanks, is our guest this week not only because of his arm, but also because of his mind. Friday, September 6th is National Read A Book Day and boy does this guy love to read! He also loves the NYT crossword puzzle, Legos and video games, we cover it all. Plus, you get a look inside some of the best baseball players that also played college football. Rich Hill is 44 years old, still pitching in the bigs. We dive into more about the hope for the Washington Nationals and a football Kurkjian Quandary that will probably have you limping. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Joey, Judge and Jansen | 27 Aug 2024 | 01:05:29 | |
We took time to recap the incredible Little League World Series finish because we think the Major Leaguers could learn a thing or two from those kids. Tim and Jeff, with the help of our friends at Strat-O-Matic, answer the age old question, what would you rather have, all-contact or all-power? Dan Shaughnessy is a Hall of Famer writer who has relentlessly covered Boston sports throughout his incredible career. Tim and Dan go way back their relationship shines through during their interview together. Also, Tim talked to Danny Jansen about the incredible feat he accomplished, playing for two teams in one game, very impressive! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Todd Frazier, The King Of The LLWS | 20 Aug 2024 | 00:59:18 | |
Need we say more? We were at the Little League World Series with our friends at GameChanger, for this entire episode. We booked the biggest 12-year-old of all time, the one and only Todd Frazier. If you didn't know, he and his Toms River, New Jersey team won it all when he was a kid. He was a really good MLB player, won an Olympic medalist and now has turned to broadcasting. This episode is dedicated to all things Little League. We talk about the Little League Classic game between the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers. Tim came up with the best MLB of players who played at the LLWS and then Jeff surprised him with something bit from our friends at Strat-O-Matic. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Jeff Francoeur, A Pure Athlete | 13 Aug 2024 | 01:05:38 | |
It can’t be understated the amount of fun we had with Jeff Francoeur. We discussed his new venture, “Pure Athlete,” that is so focused on the importance of correctly navigating youth sports. He added stories of being on the golf course with John Smoltz and Tiger Woods. Or the time Bobby Cox had him fake an injury! This conversation is one of our favorites to date. Stat-O-Matic, the market leader in sports simulations, helped us figure out if there was a way that the Cubs curse could’ve been broken sooner. Tim goes off the rails with his new “Best Of All-Tim,” a bit of a stretch even to his standards. Finally, our Kurkjian Quandary is all about a recent NFL Hall of Fame inductee and we are certain you will agree with our decision on this one. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Mike Scioscia Sho-Time | 06 Aug 2024 | 01:06:45 | |
Former Major League Player and Manager, Mike Scioscia, lends us his time to discuss his incredible career. Two World Series rings as a player and one as a manager and a silver Olympic medal to top it all off. He managed the team that represented the United States at the 2020 Olympics. He shares his thoughts on Shohei and Trout (both of whom he managed) and even weighed in on this week's Kurkjian Quandary. It's good to be back together in person after quite a few weeks away from Jeff's basement studio. "It's In the Cards" returns finally and Tim outlines his "All-Romance" team inspired by one player in the game today. Get quirky with this week's Quirkjian's and cry over the White Sox season thus far. Please take a minute to subscribe or follow wherever you're listening right now and share this podcast with a friend who might like it! Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Olympic Medals, Baseball Peddles | 30 Jul 2024 | 01:06:11 | |
We are joined by Eddy Alvarez who has two Olympic medals; one in baseball and one in speed skating! Yes, you read that correctly. Trade deadline big moments and a new segment with our friends at Strat-O-Matic. A new pitcher inspired this week's Best Of All-Tim plus we find out why Jeff and Tim won medals over the weekend. Our Quirkjians cover cycles and Grand Slams, and a Kurkjian Quandary that will make you debate even your best friend. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Winter Is Coming | 02 Dec 2025 | 00:42:20 | |
Tim and Jeff Kurkjian recap their Thanksgiving trip to Florida, including the results of their big golf match (though one of them wasn’t eager to offer many details). Tim also shares a bold move he made at the airport. With the Winter Meetings beginning this weekend, Tim reflects on some of his favorite stories from his early days as a young writer. He’ll be covering the events for ESPN from Bristol, so be sure to tune in for updates. The newly released Hall of Fame ballot features two major names — Barry Bonds and Roger Clemens — on the Contemporary Era ballot. Tim and Jeff break down all eight candidates, including one Jeff is especially passionate about. In “On This Date in Baseball and General History,” Jeff takes the lead, highlighting Hall of Famers replacing one another, the Dodgers’ back-to-back-to-back Rookie of the Year streak, and a notable SportsCenter milestone. Finally, they close with “Three Cards in the Bathroom,” where Tim sifts through a stack of cards he found in the baseball-themed guest bathroom, sparking even more stories from the Hall of Fame writer. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Johnny Bench's Hall | 23 Jul 2024 | 00:56:14 | |
Johnny Bench joins us while we were at the National Baseball Hall of Fame. A big thanks to the Otesaga Hotel for allowing us to record in their hallowed home. We hear stories from Johnny that will make you laugh and cry. His love for his dad is so perfect for this podcast. Tim lays out his best All-HOF Team in spirit of being at Cooperstown over the weekend. We also take you to Cooperstown revisiting some of the most amazing stories of people we met while there. The Kurkjian Quandary is bound to break up friendships and cause some controversy so look out Yankee fans. And finally, we hear about the Cooperstown moment that made Jeff fall in love with broadcasting. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| BONUS: Meet The 2024 Hall of Fame Inductees | 19 Jul 2024 | 00:08:02 | |
Tim Kurkjian tells his best stories about each of the 2024 National Baseball Hall of Fame Inductees. Congrats to Adrian Beltre, Todd Helton, Joe Mauer and Jim Leyland for their amazing accomplishments. Tim was inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame in 2022 as a baseball writer. Cooperstown is a special place to the entire Kurkjian family and to so many other baseball families. Releasing on July 23rd, you can hear our next episode featuring Hall of Famer Johnny Bench. Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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| Cal Ripken Jr. & All-Star Game Humor | 16 Jul 2024 | 01:03:40 | |
It's hard to believe that Cal Ripken Jr. is joining us for this week's podcast. It really is a dream come true! Tim Kurkjian and Cal go way back, even playing basketball on Ripken's home court quite a few times. We get into that including the dig other players use to make about Tim on the court. God intervenes for our Kurkjian Quandary that has our father-son duo at odds. Tim reveals the most historical and his personal favorite All-Star Game moments including a meeting between Ted Williams and Pedro Martinez that will give you chills. This episode is one of our favorites to date, Cal dazzles us with laughter and stories you can only hear on "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.
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