1988 Topps

An episode about a Florida Man almost losing his hand, but not to an encounter with a snake or gator!

Zak Ford, author of Called Up: Ballplayers Remember Becoming Major Leaguers, joins the pod to talk about this Future Star.

This no-nonsense lefty spent 11 years in MLB and now lives on a 60-foot boat. What more is there to say?

While Yogi Berra once said, “All pitchers are liars or crybabies,” this Yankees legend (and friend of Yogi) may have been an exception.

This Puerto Rican outfielder wore his emotions on his sleeve and his fortunes around his neck.

This all-around athlete only hit 13 homers in the regular seasons of his career, but his 1983 ALCS game-winning blast was as easy as ABC.

This catcher from South Philly wasn't afraid to joke—or spar—with the best of 'em.

Clerk: [announced over speaker] Paging Mr. Herm. Mr. Herm, you have a telephone call at the front desk.

Herm comes to the desk and picks up the receiver.

Herm: Yes? Uh huh? Yes, I understand.

Herm hangs up the phone.

It was the president again. I've got to win a World Series with a two-strike bunt single.

This unassuming reliever twisted batters into pretzels with his unconventional delivery.

This gold medalist never made it to the bigs, but his commitment to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats was major league.

Editor's Note: In 1988, Beany and Cecil returned to TV as The New Adventures of Beany and Cecil. The new version was produced and directed by John Kricfalusi, creator of The Ren and Stimpy Show. We regret the omission of this important information.

When this versatile pitcher went on a losing streak, it was bulletin board material.

This defensive shortshop never made it as a big league prospect, but he continues to make his mark discovering and nurturing future stars. Plus, how does a 1.4 WAR performance make someone an All-Star Rookie AND an All-Star on the premier baseball video game of the decade?

Mark Simon returns to the pod to discuss Elaine Benes' most-famous boyfriend (other than Lloyd Braun, of course.)

This versatile reliever had one of the best closer seasons in Major League history and one of our favorite quotes: 

"You think I look mean when I pitch? I guess it's because I'm hungry to take you out. I'm hungry to make some money."

This brookie combines brownie batter and chocolate chip cookie dough to create a decadent half brownie, half cookie bar that's fun and easy to make.

This Minnesota journeyman moved 52 times in his 17-year baseball career, but as long as he found a spot in the outfield, he felt at home.

“I don’t think [the 1988 Topps Podcast has] any weaknesses. Some people have God’s gift to [podcast], and I think [they] have it.”

- Jack Clark, probably

After listening to this episode, you will definitely know who Von Hayes is.

With the simple push of a button, the Brazilian judge magically turned one gold medal into two.

First in our alphabet, first in our hearts, first in polished concrete.

Welcome to the 1988 Topps Podcast: Presidential Edition

This journeyman reliever tested 1980s Georgia labor laws as he worked for the minimum wage and made tips.

This speedster from Alabama played 13 years in the bigs and had one of the best seasons at the plate in minor league baseball history.

Stasera Mi Butto!

Tart - a - Bull. Tart - a - Bull.

Say it like a toddler, and you can't help but smile.

Some guys have all the luck,

Some guys can only dream.

Some guys get all the breaks,

Some guys have a Dad who owns the team.

Saturday Night Live, April 17, 1976:

Here’s how it works: Catch a bass, remove the hook, and drop the bass – that’s the whole bass – into the Super Bass-o-Matic ’76. [ drops the bass into the blender ] Now, adjust the control dial so that the bass is blended just the way you like it. [ turns blender on and grinds it to a pulp ] Yes, it’s that simple!

Bass-Drinker: [ drinks a glassful of bass ] Wow, that’s terrific bass!

It's me. Hi. I'm the podcast, it's me. (Bill's Version)

SABR Board President Mark Armour joins the pod to talk about one of the best shortstops of the 1960s who then became an "old school" manager at age 36.

Fun Fact: Tim Birtsas is taller than any candidate for the US Presidency in a general election.

This Mississippi native was a reliable backup for the Mets and Dodgers. But after Hurricane Katrina, he needed some backup of his own.

This hard-throwing reliever went from the top of his game at age 31 to a violent death at age 35. The story behind Donnie Moore's downfall is far more complicated than just giving up a big home run.

"I am glad to hear of their coming, but they will have to wait a few minutes till I get my turn at bat."

- Abraham Lincoln

This hard-working second baseman didn't steal the hearts of Braves fans—he struck, squeezed, and subdued them, then swallowed them whole.

He had the All-Star Rookie card, the nickname, the bat, and the confidence. Could he live up to the legacy of Fenway's left field legends?

The Ultimate Ultimate Ultimate Ultimate Grand Slam is being down 3-0, bottom of the 9th, no team hits yet, bases loaded from 3 walks/errors, 3-2 count, double doink home run off the foul pole and the scoreboard.

Austin, Texas is famous for many things: live music, barbecue, bats, being weird, and Hit By Pitch king Don Baylor.

From the Google Reviews: "It's my favorite 'home away from home' place for pizza. I won't eat pizza from any other establishment! Love Shaners!!!

This episode is as Chicago as a box full of sport peppers, deep dish pizza, House music, and bad Cubs general management decisions.

“Where does he sleep, where does he vote? Where does he go back to every night to watch movies? It boils down to that. And if that is any place in Chicago for an extended period of time, then he's a resident.”

-- Former Chicago Inspector General Joseph Ferguson

We know Belgium has great waffles, chocolate, beer, and mussels. But did you know that it has baseball?

This unassuming Tar Heel spent 10 years in the majors and both played and coached for Team USA. An All-American card.

This week, the pod takes an uncomfortably long look at this dreamy pitcher and learns why it's very hard to say "Piscataway" while wearing bowties and briefs.

Them's fightin' words.

Matt Flesch, director of the documentary "Last Comiskey," joins the show to talk about the reliever who saved everything in 1990 — except that historic ballpark.

This backup infielder and long-time coach was only the second Japanese-American to play in MLB, paving the way for future greats. The extra "N" is for "Nice Glasses."

Pop quiz: Who is the all-time leader in batting average with the bases loaded? 

Meet Mr. Clutch.

Like his mentors Quiz and Teke, this reliever had high integrity and a low release point.