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Pandemic Baseball Book Club

Pandemic Baseball Book Club

By Brad Balukjian

The digital cul-de-sac where authors go to promote their new baseball books amid a supervirus lockdown.
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The Only Way is the Steady Way: Devin Gordon in Conversation with Andrew Forbes

Pandemic Baseball Book ClubApr 02, 2021

00:00
49:17
Loserville: Frank Guridy in Conversation with Clayton Tudor

Loserville: Frank Guridy in Conversation with Clayton Tudor

In this episode of our Author Conversation series, Clayton Tudor sits down with PBBC Member Frank Guridy to discuss his latest work "Loserville:  How Professional Sports Remade Atlanta - And how Atlanta Remade Professional Sports".  Here they discuss the history of Atlanta teams, fans, and the role public resources play in the history of the city's relationship with sports.

Jun 27, 202250:36
The Umpire is Out: Rob Neyer in conversation with Jason Cannon

The Umpire is Out: Rob Neyer in conversation with Jason Cannon

In the latest edition of our author interview series, PBBC Member Jason Cannon discusses "The Umpire is Out!:  Calling the Game and Living my True Self" with it's co-author, Rob Neyer.  In the interview, they discuss Dale Scott, the books subject, the research it took and Rob's approach to writing.

Jun 22, 202237:51
 Red Barber: Andy McCue in Conversation with Judith Hiltner and James Walker

Red Barber: Andy McCue in Conversation with Judith Hiltner and James Walker

In our latest edition of our Author Interview Series, recent interview subject Andy McCue goes to the other side of the microphone to discuss "Red Barber:  The Life and Legacy of a Broadcasting Legend" with it's co-authors Judith R. Hiltner and James R. Walker.  They discuss the voice behind the legendary Brooklyn Dodgers, what he meant to broadcasting and the game overall.

May 12, 202233:57
Rethinking Fandom: Craig Calcaterra in Conversation with Dan Epstein

Rethinking Fandom: Craig Calcaterra in Conversation with Dan Epstein

In our latest edition of the Author Interview series, Craig Calcaterra talks about the sports-industrial complex and the state of fandom with Dan Epstein.

May 06, 202254:57
Charlie Murphy, The Iconic Showman: Jim Overmeyer in conversation with Jason Cannon

Charlie Murphy, The Iconic Showman: Jim Overmeyer in conversation with Jason Cannon

In the latest of our Author Interview Series, Jim Overmeyer is joined by Jason Cannon, where they talk about life and tenure of the turn-of-the-century Chicago Cubs owner, his relationship with other owners, the team, and more.

Apr 27, 202248:37
Classic Baseball: Tim Wendel in Converstation with John Rosengren

Classic Baseball: Tim Wendel in Converstation with John Rosengren

In our latest edition of our Author Interview Series, John Rosengren discusses his latest work "Classic Baseball", the challenges of researching a more broad project, the stories that make the game interesting, and... La Tortuga?  

Apr 20, 202240:38
"Stumbling Around the Bases": Jim Walker in Conversation with Andy McCue

"Stumbling Around the Bases": Jim Walker in Conversation with Andy McCue

In this episode of our ongoing Author Interview Series, Jim Walker talks about the American League during the era of expansion in his latest book "Stumbling Around The Bases".  They discuss the teams that sprung up during this transformative era, the players that defined it, and also the story behind the scenes as well.

Apr 13, 202232:11
Victory on Two Fronts: Scott H. Longert with Luke Epplin

Victory on Two Fronts: Scott H. Longert with Luke Epplin

In this episode of our author conversation series, Luke Epplin discusses the history of the Cleveland baseball franchise (formerly Indians, now Guardians), focusing specifically on the World War II era, which Scott H. Longert's book focuses in on.  It's the second in a trilogy of books he's writing about the team, and he and Epplin go into great detail about the team, ownership, the players, and more.

Apr 06, 202201:01:35
Whispers Of the Gods: Peter Golenbock with Jason Turbow

Whispers Of the Gods: Peter Golenbock with Jason Turbow

In the debut pod of the new season, Peter Golenbock, author of more than 60 Baseball Books including "Bums", "The Bronx Zoo", "Sprit Of St. Louis" and more talk about his life before writing, reflect on his experiences interviewing people around the game, and more!

Mar 30, 202242:35
Escape from Castro's Cuba: Tim Wendel in conversation with Emily Nemens

Escape from Castro's Cuba: Tim Wendel in conversation with Emily Nemens

In this episode of our Author Conversation Series, novelist Tim Wendel brings his readers back to Havana with Escape from Castro's Cuba, his visionary sequel to Castro's Curveball, where the main character becomes entangled in a scheme that pits him against his old friend, Fidel Castro. He's here in conversation with Emily Nemens, author of The Cactus League.

Jul 16, 202147:30
All-Star Special: Frank Guridy in conversation with Howard Bryant

All-Star Special: Frank Guridy in conversation with Howard Bryant

As we approach the 2021 MLB All-Star game, our own Frank Guridy talked with writer Howard Bryant about a particular All-Star game, in 1971, and about how important that game, and that era was for black and latino players. 

Jul 08, 202144:13
100 Miles of Baseball: Heidi and Dale Jacobs in conversation with Andrew Forbes

100 Miles of Baseball: Heidi and Dale Jacobs in conversation with Andrew Forbes

In this episode of our author interview series, Andrew Forbes talks with Heidi and Dale Jacobs about their latest book "100 Miles of Baseball:  Fifty Games, One Summer".  An ambitious project to, as the title suggests, attend 50 baseball games within a 100 mile radius, over a single summer.  They talk about how the idea came about, the variety of games they attended, and their writing process along the way.

Jun 10, 202142:41
Comeback Pitchers: Steve Steinberg in Conversation with Mark Healey

Comeback Pitchers: Steve Steinberg in Conversation with Mark Healey

On the latest edition of the PBBC's author interview series, club member Mark Healey (Author of Gotham Baseball) spoke with Steve Steinberg, one half of the team that wrote "Comeback Pitchers:  The Remarkable Careers of Howard Ehmke & Jack Quinn".  In this conversation, they talk about the writing process, how to balance other characters in the story like Connie Mack, and what makes these two particular players so interesting.  

May 07, 202133:09
Cobra: Dave Jordan in Conversation with Andrew Maraniss

Cobra: Dave Jordan in Conversation with Andrew Maraniss

In this episode of the PBBC Author Interview Series, Dave Jordan discusses his book "Cobra:  A Life of Baseball and Brotherhood" with fellow club member Andrew Maraniss.  Jordan wrote the book with it's subject, former outfielder Dave Parker, an accomplished all around player during the heyday of black baseball at the Major League level.  They discuss the research required for the book, working with Parker, and more...

Apr 29, 202143:15
The Captain and Me: Dan Epstein in conversation with Lincoln Mitchell

The Captain and Me: Dan Epstein in conversation with Lincoln Mitchell

Today’s conversation is between Lincoln Mitchell and Dan Epstein, talking about Epstein’s book “The Captain and Me” that he wrote with former Yankee Ron Blomberg. The discussion centers around the main characters in the book, Blomberg and his teammate Thurman Munson, but also the teams they played on, and the era in which they played.

Apr 21, 202152:41
Clubbie: Greg Larson in Conversation with Andrew Forbes

Clubbie: Greg Larson in Conversation with Andrew Forbes

Today’s conversation features Greg Larson, author of “Clubbie: A Minor League Baseball Memoir”, chronicling his time as a clubhouse attendant for the Aberdeen IronBirds. It was there he transformed from starry eyed fan to the crafty clubbie, getting a first hand look at the exploitative nature of the Minor Leagues. He talks with Andrew Forbes about his adventures in the dugout and beyond.

Apr 15, 202135:50
Two Sides of Glory: Greg Larson in Conversation with Erik Sherman

Two Sides of Glory: Greg Larson in Conversation with Erik Sherman

They say that the history books are written by the winners, but Erik Sherman took a different approach in his latest book "Two Sides of Glory:  The 1986 Red Sox in their Own Words".  A collection of interviews with players from the team that fatefully lost a title in dramatic fashion, not just on a ground ball to first.  He talks with fellow author Greg Larson about the process of writing the book, the players he talked to, and more.

Apr 07, 202152:25
The Only Way is the Steady Way: Devin Gordon in Conversation with Andrew Forbes

The Only Way is the Steady Way: Devin Gordon in Conversation with Andrew Forbes

In the latest edition of our Author Interview Series, Essayist Andrew Forbes talks with club member Devin Gordon about his latest book "The Only Way is the Steady Way" (released just this week), a collection of essays, stories, and reflections on the wisdoms of superstar Outfielder Ichiro Suzuki.

Apr 02, 202149:17
Baseball's Leading Lady: Anika Orrock in conversation with Andrea Williams

Baseball's Leading Lady: Anika Orrock in conversation with Andrea Williams

On this episode of our Author Interview Series, Anika Orrock talks with the PBBC’s newest member, Andrea Williams, who authored “Baseball’s Leading Lady: Effa Manley and the Rise and Fall of the Negro Leagues”. On what would be Manley’s 124th Birthday, the two discuss Manley’s impact and why her story needed to be told.

Mar 27, 202101:18:54
The Giants and Their City: Lincoln Mitchell in conversation with Dave Jordan

The Giants and Their City: Lincoln Mitchell in conversation with Dave Jordan

Released earlier this month, author Lincoln Mitchell discusses "The Giants and Their City:  Major League Baseball in San Francisco 1976-1992", when the team was unliked, un-welcomed, and un-winning (that's a thing, right?), not to mention in constant competition with their cross-bay rivals, the Oakland A's.  He and fellow author Dave Jordan (author of "COBRA") talk about the team, the city, and why they nearly left not once, but twice.  

Mar 26, 202101:16:47
The Sports Revolution: Dan Epstein in conversation with Frank Guridy

The Sports Revolution: Dan Epstein in conversation with Frank Guridy

It's another "Opening Day Special" episode with Dan Epstein talking with Frank Guridy about his new book, out today, "The Sports Revolution:  How Texas Changed the Culture of American Athletics".  They discuss Texas's place in American sports history, and why it's a lot more complicated than you may think.

Mar 23, 202157:43
So Many Ways to Lose: Frank Guridy in conversation with Devin Gordon

So Many Ways to Lose: Frank Guridy in conversation with Devin Gordon

On this episode of our author interview series, Frank Guriti talks with Devin Gordon, author of “So Many Ways to Lose, The Amazing True Story of the Mets, the Best-Worst team in sports”, which releases today. The two authors cover the book’s genesis, as a magazine article, and dives into its content. From Casey Stengel to Pedro Martinez and more.

Mar 16, 202101:03:24
Double Plays and Double Crosses: Steve Steinberg in Conversation with Don Zminda

Double Plays and Double Crosses: Steve Steinberg in Conversation with Don Zminda

In his latest book, Don Zminda examines the aftermath of the 1919 Chicago Black Sox team, as it navigated through the following season before the story broke of their fixing the World Series to the benefit of gamblers.  Steve Steinberg asked Zminda about what inspired the story, the other factors at play, and so much more during their conversation.  

Mar 10, 202149:27
Singled Out: Erik Sherman in Conversation with Andrew Maraniss

Singled Out: Erik Sherman in Conversation with Andrew Maraniss

"Singled Out" is a book, released today, telling the story of Glenn Burke, Major League Baseball's first openly gay player.  It is the latest book written by author Andrew Maraniss, but no the first one on the former outfielder.  In 2015, Erik Sherman wrote "Out at Home" along with Burke himself, and sat down with Maraniss to talk about the book, the man, and the impact he left on the game and culture at large.  

Mar 02, 202137:21
Birdie Can Too!: Anika Orrock in Conversation with Malaika Underwood

Birdie Can Too!: Anika Orrock in Conversation with Malaika Underwood

Another day, another Author Interview!  This episode features a conversation between two authors, Anika Orrock ("The Incredible Women of the AAGBL") and Malaika Underwood, author of "Birdie Can Too!" (which Orrock illustrated).  Along with other topics, they discuss how they became connected, Underwood's experience as an infielder on the USA Women's National Baseball Team, and so much more.  

Feb 10, 202141:30
Alou: Jason Turbow in Conversation with Felipe Alou and Peter Kerasotis

Alou: Jason Turbow in Conversation with Felipe Alou and Peter Kerasotis

Jason Turbow sits down with legendary baseball player and manager Felipe Alou, and author Peter Kerasotis, to talk about "Feliple Alou: My Baseball Journey."  

Feb 09, 202158:19
Intangibles: Brad Balukjian in conversation with Geoff Miller

Intangibles: Brad Balukjian in conversation with Geoff Miller

In the latest installment of our interview series, author of “The Wax Pack”, Brad Balukjian gets to talk to Geoff Miller about his latest book “Intangibles”. In this discussion, Balukjian and Miller talk about his work in Major League Baseball, and approach to working with athletes and understanding things like pressure and anxiety, and what makes them perform at their best. To order: https://bookshop.org/books/intangibles-big-league-stories-and-strategies-for-winning-the-mental-game-in-baseball-and-in-life/9781618220622

Jan 09, 202157:20
A Year of Playing Catch: Ethan Bryan in conversation with Mark Healey

A Year of Playing Catch: Ethan Bryan in conversation with Mark Healey

For our latest installment of the Author Interview Series, Mark Healey sits down with Ethan Bryan about his latest book "A Year of Playing Catch."  They talk about how the book was put together, his own baseball fandom, and share some stories about his adventures playing catch every day for a year (with some pretty extraordinary people).  

Jan 04, 202136:31
Captain: Anthony DiComo in conversation with Brian Wright

Captain: Anthony DiComo in conversation with Brian Wright

In this installment of our author interview series, book club member and author of "Mets All-Time All-Stars" Brian Wright talks to MLB.com writer Anthony DiComo about his joint venture with Mets third baseman David Wright's memoir.  They discuss the writing process with David, and his overall legacy and impact on the Mets organization.

Dec 01, 202032:27
Dodgers Seven in Seven: Part VII, 2020

Dodgers Seven in Seven: Part VII, 2020

Like John Smoltz and Jack Morris, the concluding matchup might be the most exciting, as Eric Nusbaum and Jason Turbow discuss the series won just last night by the Los Angeles Dodgers over the Tampa Bay Rays.  They discuss the sixth and deciding game, how it feels to see them win, and more!

Oct 29, 202012:41
Dodgers Seven in Seven: Part VI, 2017

Dodgers Seven in Seven: Part VI, 2017

In the sixth episode of our special mini-series on Dodgers World Series appearances, Jason Turbow and Eric Nusbaum talk about the controversial 2017 World Series, where the Dodgers ultimately lost to the Houston Astros, but the results have since been in doubt over cheating by the Astros during the series. 

Oct 28, 202009:28
Dodgers Seven in Seven: Part V, 1981

Dodgers Seven in Seven: Part V, 1981

In the fifth installment of our special series, discussing seven Dodgers World Series over seven conversations lasting (roughly) seven minutes, Jason Turbow and Eric Nusbaum re visit the 1981 World Series, which also happens to be the subject of Jason's Book "They Bled Blue".

Oct 27, 202010:19
Dodgers Seven in Seven: Part IV, 1965

Dodgers Seven in Seven: Part IV, 1965

In part four of Jason Turbow and Eric Nusbaum's series of conversations paying tribute to the Dodgers in the Fall Classic, we visit 1965 when the team from LA faced off agains the Minnesota Twins.

Oct 25, 202006:50
Dodgers Seven in Seven: Part III, 1978

Dodgers Seven in Seven: Part III, 1978

In the third in a seven part series, Eric Nusbaum and Jason Turbow continue their discussions on the Dodgers in the Fall Classic.  Next up, 1978.  

Oct 24, 202010:14
Dodgers Seven in Seven, Part II: 1955

Dodgers Seven in Seven, Part II: 1955

In part two of their ongoing series of short conversations about the Dodgers in the World Series, Jason Turbow and Eric Nusbaum discuss a bright spot in Dodger history, the 1955 Fall Classic.

Oct 23, 202007:01
The Dodgers Seven in Seven Series, Episode I

The Dodgers Seven in Seven Series, Episode I

In celebration of the Dodgers reaching the World Series, founding club members Eric Nusbaum (author of "Stealing Home") and Jason Turbow (author of "The Baseball Codes" and "They Bled Blue"), reflect on the team's previous adventures in the Fall Classic!

Oct 22, 202007:20
BONUS EPISODE: Fall Classic Memories
Oct 20, 202009:07
"Mets in Popular Culture": David Krell in conversation with Brian Wright

"Mets in Popular Culture": David Krell in conversation with Brian Wright

In our latest installment of our author interview series, Brian Wright and David Krell sit down to discuss "Mets in Popular Culture", a collection of essays which Krell contributed to and edited.  There's not possibly two better people to discuss the impact of the franchise not just on the field, but in popular culture at large.  Enjoy!

Oct 12, 202040:50
"The New Baseball Bible" and "Designated Hebrew": Dan Schlossberg in conversation with Mark Healey

"The New Baseball Bible" and "Designated Hebrew": Dan Schlossberg in conversation with Mark Healey

Mark Healey sits down with Dan Schlossberg to discuss his two works released this year, "Designated Hebrew" and "The New Baseball Bible".  In this conversation, Mark and Dan talk about the books, baseball in general, and about what the PBBC means to them.  

Oct 08, 202041:46
Big Sexy: Michael Stahl in conversation with Jason Turbow

Big Sexy: Michael Stahl in conversation with Jason Turbow

In our latest episode, Michael Stahl sits down with Jason Turbow to discuss "Big Sexy:  In His Own Words", which Stahl co-wrote with beloved pitcher Bartolo Colon.  Listen as they talk about the research, working with Bartolo, and how the project came together.  

Oct 05, 202041:49
How Baseball Happened: Tom Gilbert in Conversation with Ralph Carhart

How Baseball Happened: Tom Gilbert in Conversation with Ralph Carhart

In this episode of our author interview series, Ralph Carhart (author of "The Hall Ball") talks to Paul Gilbert about his latest book "How Baseball Happened:  Outrageous Lies Exposed!  The Truth Revealed.".  

Oct 01, 202001:08:27
Culture of Excellence: Colin Cerniglia in conversation with Mark Healey

Culture of Excellence: Colin Cerniglia in conversation with Mark Healey

Mark Healey, author of "Gotham Baseball"  is joined by Colin Cerniglia, author of "Culture of Excellence:  What the Yankees can teach us about Leadership".  The book is as much about winning in business as it is winning in baseball, and makes for good conversation.  

Sep 28, 202039:24
YOGI: Jon Pessah in conversation with Jason Turbow

YOGI: Jon Pessah in conversation with Jason Turbow

Founding club member Jason Turbow interviews Jon Pessah on his latest book, "YOGI:  A life Behind The Mask".  If you're looking for interesting stories on one of baseball's most interesting lives, then look no further.

Sep 24, 202049:41
BONUS EPISODE: PBBC Announces partnership with SABR

BONUS EPISODE: PBBC Announces partnership with SABR

It is officially official!  We at the Pandemic Baseball Book Club are thrilled to announce that we are joining SABR as an online chartered community!  This opens a lot of doors for the club and for those who follow us as well, and we're thrilled to be in such company.  Here with the inaugural address are founding members Jason Turbow, Eric Nusbaum, and Anika Orrock, along with SABR CEO Scott Bush.

Sep 22, 202025:30
Bouton: Mitch Nathanson in conversation with Brad Balukjian

Bouton: Mitch Nathanson in conversation with Brad Balukjian

In this episodes, Mitch Nathanson, author of "Bouton:  Life of a Baseball Original" sits down with Brad Balukjian (author of "The Wax Pack") to talk about Nathanson's latest book Bouton:  Life of a Baseball Original


Music Credit: "Blossom Being the Quickest, Most Viscous Root" - The Collingwood

https://thecollingwood.bandcamp.com/album/the-pitter-patter-of-little-everything

Sep 17, 202057:39
Always Remembered: Danny Gallagher in conversation with Dan Schlossberg

Always Remembered: Danny Gallagher in conversation with Dan Schlossberg

Author of the new Expos book Always Remembered, Danny Gallagher, discusses his work with Dan Schlossberg.

Sep 10, 202043:03
A Tribute to Tom Seaver

A Tribute to Tom Seaver

Our own Brian Wright and Jason Turbow discuss the legacy of Terrific Tom.

Sep 05, 202025:04
Gotham Baseball: Mark Healey in conversation with Ralph Carhart

Gotham Baseball: Mark Healey in conversation with Ralph Carhart

Mark Healey discusses his new book, Gotham Baseball, with Ralph Carhart.

Sep 04, 202001:10:04
From the Stick to the Cove: Chris Haft in conversation with John Shea

From the Stick to the Cove: Chris Haft in conversation with John Shea

Chris Haft discusses his new book, co-written with Giants clubhouse manager Mike Murphy, with the SF Chronicle's John Shea.

Aug 21, 202052:23
Working A Perfect Game: Bill Nowlin in conversation with Jim Overmyer

Working A Perfect Game: Bill Nowlin in conversation with Jim Overmyer

SABR editor and writer Bill Nowlin discusses his new book "Working A Perfect Game" with Jim Overmyer.

Aug 06, 202046:28