Pod of Fame

Jim is selling off just a tiny bit of his Aaron Judge HOF stock following his slow start to the 2024 season (.191 BA, 4 HR). Meanwhile, Jim is buying up Pascal Siakam HOF stock, as the Indiana Pacers forward followed a 36 point, 13 rebound performance in Game 1 of the playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks, with a 37 point, 11 rebound, 6 assist outing in Game 2.

Jim is joined by baseball Twitter personality Not Gaetti to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB right fielder Paul O'Neil. First, NotGaetti and Jim cover O'Neil's fiery personality and the most famous kick in MLB history (8:10). Next, they talk about his performance in the 2000 World Series, how he compares to HOFer Harry Hooper, and whether World Series titles are undervalued when assessing a player's HOF candidacy (24:35). Finally, they discuss if the New York Yankees dynasty of the late 1990s/early 2000s is properly represented in the HOF today (42:32), before making a final call on whether or not O'Neil deserves to be enshrined into Cooperstown (52:34).

Jim is buying up massive quantities of Bobby Witt Jr. HOF stock, as the young Kansas City Royals shortstop continues to showoff his elite combination of power and speed (4 runs, 4 hits, 2 home runs, 5 RBIs, and 1 stolen base in Thursday's win against the Houston Astros). Meanwhile, Jim is finally selling off the remaining Javy Báez HOF stock he has been holding on to for far too long (In last 4 games, has 1 hit, 5 strikeouts. Is currently batting .152 with a -5 OPS+).

Jim is continuing to buy Mookie Betts HOF stock, as Betts currently leads the National League in essentially every possible category after nine games. Meanwhile, Jim started selling off Eury Pérez HOF stock after news broke that the 20-year Miami Marlins phenom is having season-ending Tommy John surgery. His 2024 season is over before it could even begin.

Jim is joined by former Wrigley Field employee and friend of the pod Jim Licato, to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former Chicago Cubs first baseman Mark Grace. First, they discuss Grace's elite hitting ability and his consistency at the plate and in the field during the 1990s (5:08). Next, they cover the 1989 National League Championship Series, how far back in history you have to go to find a light slugging first baseman that was inducted into the HOF, and whether the fact Grace led the 1990s in hits AND doubles is properly celebrated (10:20). Finally, they try and rank Grace among the top first baseman of his era (31:29), before making a final on whether or not Grace deserves to be inducted into Cooperstown (50:28).

Jim is buying even more Juan Soto HOF Stock following his big opening day with the New York Yankees (1 Hit, 1 RBI, 2 Walks, 9th inning outfield assist to preserve the win). Meanwhile, Jim started selling off Royce Lewis stock as the promising Twins third baseman is already injured following just two plate appearances.

Jim is joined by former MLB center fielder Fred Lynn to discuss his illustrious baseball career. We cover his athletic career at USC, his ridiculous 1975 rookie season with the Boston Red Sox, and what playing in the same outfield with Jim Rice and Dwight Evans was like (6:09). We also found time to discuss his former HOF teammate Carl Yastrzemski, his grand slam in the 1983 All-Star Game, and what being inducted into Cooperstown would mean to him (17:32).

It's finally here. Sick days will be used. Office pools with be formed. Money will be lost. The greatest sports event of the year has arrived and if you think we would talk anything besides March Madness this week, you would be sadly mistaken. Pod of Fame's College Basketball Correspondent Shannon Miloch joins the pod to discuss all four tournament regions and Final Four picks (3:52). Then, Jim and Shannon both discuss their top five most memorable players in March Madness history, including Mateen Cleaves, Lonny Baxter, and Kevin Pittsnogle (37:35).

Jim is buying Domantas Sabonis HOF Stock following his triple-double against the Lakers on Wednesday (17/19/10) and overall hot start to March (averaging 21/17/8 through seven March games). Meanwhile, Jim started selling off Keenan Allen HOF stock following the Thursday night trade that sent Allen to Jim's hometown Chicago Bears for a 4th round pick. Wide receivers historically don't thrive in the windy city and all signs point to a rookie quarterback starting this fall.

Jim is joined by the host of the Chicago White Sox podcast Good Guys Talk Back, Nick Murawski, to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB third baseman Robin Ventura. First, Jim and Nick discuss how talented of a defender Ventura was in the hot corner (9:01). Next, they cover Ventura's legendary grand slam single in Game 5 of the 1999 NLCS, how he stacks up to HOFer Ron Santo at third, and his 46.1 bWAR during the 1990s, the highest out of any third baseman (29:02). Finally, they rank Ventura among the best third basemen of his era (50:17), before making a final call on whether or not Ventura deserves to be inducted into Cooperstown (1:02:29).

Jim is buying Jason Kelce HOF Stock before it gets more expensive than it already is following the announcement of his retirement on Monday. Meanwhile, Jim finally sells off the last of his Ben Simmons HOF stock, as Simmons was officially declared out for the rest of the season with a back injury.

Jim is joined by author and sports historian, Clayton Trutor, to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA power forward Elton Brand. First, Clayton and Jim discuss Brand's college career at Duke and the immediate success he found upon arriving in the NBA with the Chicago Bulls (5:25). Next, they cover the 2006 Western Conference Semifinals against Steve Nash and the Phoenix Suns, how he is wingspan buddies with Kevin McHale, and how he compares to the other great power forwards of the 2000s (19:59). Finally, Clayton and Jim build 2X NBA All-Star Mount Rushmore (43:30), before making a final call on whether or not Brand belongs in the Basketball HOF (58:32).

Jim is buying Victor Wembanyama HOF Stock following his 5X5 performance last Friday against the Los Angeles Lakers. Meanwhile, Jim is starting to sell off his Jordan Montgomery HOF stock, as Montgomery has yet to sign with a team and at age 32, can't afford to get off to a slow start this year.

On this week's HOF MarketWatch segment (we are so back), Jim is buying Karl-Anthony Towns HOF Stock following his 4th all-star game selection and status as the 2nd best player on the top team in the Western Conference. Meanwhile, Jim is starting to sell off his Bradley Beal HOF stock, as Beal can't seem to stay healthy (30 games this year and hasn't played over 60 games in a season since 2019) and may never make another all-star team again.

Jim was traveling across Australia and New Zealand for the last month. He saw a lot, ate a lot, and learned a lot. In this episode, Jim covers a variety of topics, including his time spent at the Australian Open in Melbourne, climbing the Sydney Harbour Bridge, visiting the Shire in New Zealand, and his road trip from Queenstown to Christchurch (4:41). Then, he covers the top 3 things he ate and books he read (1:03:40).

Jim is joined by Adam Darowski, Head of User Experience at Sports Reference, to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former Negro League star John Beckwith. First, Adam breaks down the full history of former Negro League stars and their path to Cooperstown (8:39). Next, Jim and Adam discuss what type of offensive numbers Beckwith may have put up if he had been given the opportunity to play in the National or American League and how Beckwith compares to several Negro League players that have already been inducted into Cooperstown (50:58). Finally, Adam and Jim take a look at the top Negro League players that don't have a plaque in Cooperstown today (65:04), before making a final call on whether or not Beckwith belongs in the Baseball Hall of Fame (72:11).

It is Super Bowl week! To celebrate, Jim builds Super Bowl Player Rushmore (7:32). Then, Jim gives his predictions of who will be selected to the 2024 Football Hall of Fame Class, which will be announced this Thursday (22:14).

Jim welcomes acclaimed sportswriter and author John Eisenberg to discuss his latest book, “Rocket Men: The Black Quarterbacks Who Revolutionized Pro Football." Jim and John cover a number of topics, including which black quarterbacks deserve to join Warren Moon in the Football Hall of Fame (9:54), just how special Michael Vick was on the football field (18:04), black quarterbacks who would have been stars if given the proper opportunity (22:06), and of course, which four faces belong on Black Quarterback Mount Rushmore (26:54).

Jim is joined by friend of the pod Dave "Wando" Wandolowski to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NFL defensive end Julius Peppers. First, Jim and Wando cover Peppers' ridiculous athleticism, from his hands to his basketball skills at North Carolina (6:46). Next, they discuss how HOFer Jason Taylor and Julius Peppers were nearly identical twins and then try to determine who is the greatest player in Carolina Panthers history (28:49). Finally, they discuss discuss where Peppers ranks among the best pass rushers of the last 30 years (46:18), before making a final call on whether or not Peppers deserves to be inducted into the HOF in his first year of eligibility in 2024 (52:10).

Jim is joined by sportswriter for The Messenger, Neil Paine, to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry Holt. Jim and Neil first cover the history of "The Greatest Show on Turf" and Holt's role in that electric offense (6:42). Then, they discuss Super Bowl XXXIV, Holt's versatility as a wide receiver, and compare Holt to HOFers Andre Reed and Paul Warfield (22:25). Finally, they rank Holt among best wide receivers of his era (40:35), before reaching a final verdict on whether or not Holt belongs in Canton (53:15).

Jim is joined by the creator of MLB Daily Dingers, Matt Musico, to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB shortstop José Reyes. First, Jim and Matt discuss Reyes' legacy with the New York Mets (7:12). Next, they cover a single-season hitting feat Reyes accomplished in 2006 that has never been repeated and how elite the triple and stolen base totals Reyes recorded really were (15:59). Finally, they rank Reyes among the best shortstop of the 21st Century (39:07), before making a final call on whether or not Reyes deserves to be inducted into Cooperstown (49:57).

Jim is joined by sports transactional attorney and host of the podcast 32 Fans, Alex Chester, to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA power forward Larry Nance. First, Alex and Jim break down Nance's performance in the 1984 NBA Slam Dunk Competition (6:25). Next, they cover the 1984 Western Conference Finals and 1992 Eastern Conference Finals, as well how basketball advanced metrics should factor into a player's HOF case (11:54). Finally, Alex and Jim rank the best PFs of the 1980s (39:42), before making a final call on whether or not Nance belongs in the Basketball HOF (48:06).

Jim is joined by Adam Darowski, Head of User Experience at Sports Reference, to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB third baseman Adrián Beltré. First, Adam and Jim cover just how fun it was to watch Beltré play baseball, antics and all (6:49). Next, they discuss what Beltré's career had in common with Roberto Clemente, just how odd it is that Beltré only made four all-star teams, and whether Beltré belongs on Defensive Third Baseman Mount Rushmore (25:26). Finally, Adam and Jim attempt to determine where Beltré ranks among the best third basemen in MLB history (48:21), before they debate what percentage of the vote Beltré will receive on the 2024 HOF ballot (57:02).

Jim is joined by baseball writer at The Athletic and Hall of Fame voter Jayson Stark to breakdown the HOF candidacy of former Philadelphia Phillies second baseman Chase Utley. First, Jayson and Jim discuss the historic double-play combo of Jimmy Rollins and Chase Utley (5:41). Next, they cover Utley's performance in the 2008 World Series, why Utley reminds Jayson of Derek Jeter, and what to make of Utley earning 0 gold gloves despite his elite defensive advanced metrics (12:20). Finally, Jayson and Jim attempt to properly rank Utley among the best second basemen of his era (35:03), before making a final call on whether or not they believe Utley deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (48:18).

On this week's HOF MarketWatch segment, Jim is buying Scottie Barnes HOF Stock following his 27-point performance on Wednesday and triple-double (31/10/10) last Friday. Meanwhile, Jim is starting to sell off his Bryce Young HOF stock, as Young put together his worst performance of his rookie season on Sunday in New Orleans (13/36, 137 Yards, 0 TDs).

Jim is joined by USA TODAY Sports reporter and Hall of Fame voter Steve Gardner to breakdown the HOF candidacy of former Minnesota Twins catcher Joe Mauer. First, Steve and Jim discuss Mauer's significance in Minnesota Twins franchise history (5:58). Next, they cover Mauer's remarkable 2009 MVP season and what to make of the fact that Mauer caught less than 1,000 games during his major league career (13:17). Finally, Steve and Jim attempt to properly rank Mauer amongst Buster Posey and Yadier Molina (45:49), before making a final call on whether or not they believe Mauer deserves a plaque in Cooperstown (53:28).

On this week's HOF MarketWatch segment, Jim is buying Mike Evans HOF Stock following his 162 receiving yard performance on Sunday, which gave him over 1,000 receiving yards in a season for the 10th consecutive season (Jerry Rice holds the record of 11 consecutive 1,000 receiving yard seasons). Meanwhile, Jim is selling any Austin Ekeler HOF stock he had left, as Ekeler may soon be losing his starting running back spot following yet another lackluster performance last Sunday (14 carries, 18 rushing yards).

Jim welcomes author Michael Maccambridge to discuss his latest book, “The Big Time: How the 1970s Transformed Sports in America." Michael and Jim try and determine the greatest sporting event of the 1970s, build 1970s Athlete Mount Rushmore, and much more.

On this week's HOF MarketWatch segment, Jim is buying DaRon Bland HOF Stock following another interception last night against Seattle (Bland leads the NFL with 8 interceptions). Meanwhile, Jim is selling any Andrew Wiggins HOF stock he had left, as Wiggins numbers are way down across the board this season (12.8 PPG, -0.1 Win Shares).

Jim is joined by David Metter (@CooperstownDave) to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB catcher Charlie Bennett. First, Dave and Jim talk about what playing catcher was like in the 19th Century (8:13). Next, they cover the 1887 World Series, compare Bennett to HOFer Gary Carter, and discuss the 1936 Cooperstown ballot (19:46). Finally, Dave and Jim build Defensive Catcher Mount Rushmore (58:28), before making a final call on whether or not Bennett deserves to be enshrined into Cooperstown (1:06:38).

On this week's HOF MarketWatch segment, Jim is buying Gerrit Cole HOF Stock following the announcement Cole won the 2023 AL Cy Young award. Meanwhile, Jim is starting to sell off some Mark Andrews HOF stock following what looks to be a serious ankle injury Andrews suffered on Thursday Night Football.

Jim is joined by NBA Analyst Mat Issa to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA swingman Lamar Odom. First, Mat and Jim cover Odom's early years with the Clippers and his unique skillset at 6'10" (8:28). Next, they discuss his championship seasons with the Lakers and how he reminds us a bit of Manu Ginóbili and Chris Webber (15:13) Finally, they brainstorm who the best players never to make an NBA all-star team are (39:48), before making a final call on whether or not Odom deserves to be enshrined in the basketball HOF (50:18).

On this week's HOF MarketWatch, Jim is buying all of the Shai Gilgeous-Alexander HOF stock after Shai dropped 43 points on the Cleveland Cavaliers Wednesday. Meanwhile, he is starting to sell just a tiny bit of his Justin Herbert HOF stock following Hebert's 136 passing yard stinker on Monday Night Football.

Jim welcomes author Adam Lazarus to discuss his latest book, “The Wingmen: The Unlikely, Unusual, Unbreakable Friendship Between John Glenn and Ted Williams." Adam and Jim cover the baseball career of Ted Williams, John Glenn's most impressive accomplishment, and what a Glenn presidency would have looked like. Then, Jim has Adam build 20th Century American Hero Rushmore.

On this week's HOF MarketWatch, Jim is buying all of the Corey Seager HOF stock after Seager won his 2nd World Series MVP trophy on Wednesday. Meanwhile, he is selling all of his remaining Kirk Cousins stock following Kirk's season-ending injury last Sunday.

Jim is joined by baseball Twitter personality Not Gaetti to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB first baseman John Olerud. First, NotGaetti and Jim cover Olerud's picturesque swing and remarkable glovework at first base (8:07). Next, they talk about his 1993 MVP-caliber season in Toronto, the ultra exclusive 200 Hit/100 Walk Club, and why Scott Rolen reminds us both of Olerud (20:50). Finally, they review how Olerud compares to the top first baseman of the 1990s/early 2000s (43:58), before making a final call on whether or not Olerud deserves to be enshrined into Cooperstown (58:00).

On this week's HOF MarketWatch, Jim is buying all of the Tyrese Maxey HOF stock after his 31 point, 8 assist, 0 turnover performance against Milwaukee. Meanwhile, he is starting to sell off some of his Deandre Ayton HOF stock following Ayton's 4 point, 12 rebound dud of a Portland Trail Blazers debut.

Jim is joined by Kelly Dwyer, NBA writer and pioneer of the NBA blogosphere, to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA guard Jeff Hornacek. First, Jim and Kelly cover Hornacek's unique offensive game, as well as his elite shooting numbers (6:46). Next, they talk about the 1990 Western Conference Finals, how Hornacek reminds Kelly of Jerry West (you read that right), and attempt to rank Hornacek among the best shooting guards of the 1990s (12:46). Finally, they have a discussion around advanced metrics and their importance when reviewing a player's career, before making a final call on whether or not Hornacek deserves to be inducted into the HOF (27:28).

On our 2nd HOF MarketWatch episode, Jim is buying all of the Kyle Schwarber HOF stock and selling off some of his Jalen Hurts HOF stock.

Jim welcomes SABR member Bob LeMoine to discuss his new book, “When the Babe Went Back to Boston: Babe Ruth, Judge Fuchs, and the Hapless Braves of 1935." Bob and Jim cover Babe Ruth's mostly forgotten 1935 season with the Boston Braves, why Ruth continues to be discussed at length despite retiring almost 90 years ago, the significance of his three home run game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, and whether or not his lackluster season with the Braves cost him Hall of Fame votes.

Jim pays tribute to Chicago Bears legend Dick Butkus, who sadly passed away last Thursday at the age of 80. Butkus is perhaps the greatest Chicago Bear in the franchise's 100+ year history and Jim discusses what made him great, what made him feared, and how many different Football Rushmore's his face graces. Then, Jim introduces his new weekly segment HOF MarketWatch, which will now be released every Friday morning on this channel (25:30).

Jim is joined by friend of the pod Dave "Wando" Wandolowski to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA power forward Carlos Boozer. First, Jim and Wando discuss high school basketball in Alaska, as Boozer is by far the best player to play high school basketball in the 49th state admitted to the union (4:20). Next, they cover his performance coming-out party in the 2007 NBA playoffs and how he compares to Chris Bosh and Chris Webber (8:13). Finally, they discuss how unlucky it was for Boozer to play during the Golden Age of power forwards (31:36), before making a final call on whether or not Boozer deserves to be inducted into the HOF (52:04).

Jim is joined by NBA podcaster Jackson Lloyd to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA swingman Michael Finley. First, Jackson and Jim discuss Finley's remarkable minutes per game numbers, as well as his durability throughout his 15-year NBA career (4:54). Next, they cover the 2003 Western Conference Finals, how Finley's career looks somewhat similar to Mitch Richmond's career, and provide a year-by-year analysis of the All-NBA Teams from 1998-2004 (14:26). Finally, they attempt to rank Finley among the top NBA swingmen of the 1990s/2000s (39:26), before making a final call on whether or not Finley belongs in the Basketball Hall of Fame (42:58).