Two Strike Noise - A Baseball History Podcast

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark bring listeners the extraordinary story of Sig Jakucki, a talented yet troubled pitcher whose career was marred by alcoholism. Despite his struggles, Jakucki played a crucial role in the St. Louis Browns' only pennant win in 1944. The duo dives into fascinating anecdotes from Jakucki's career, including his minor league antics and his legendary performance in the World Series. The ...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, hosts Jeff and Mark start with humorous-ish banter and discuss various baseball history topics including a deep dive into the first Mexican-born MLB player, Mel Almada, and his significant contributions to the sport. They also explore the MLB MVP debate and recount a baseball game that caused a stir with international royalty. The hosts engage in a Thanksgiving-themed name game, exploring baseba...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark recount various intriguing baseball history stories. They discuss the recently concluded World Series that garnered the most viewers since 1991's thrilling series and listen to the funniest baseball joke ever told, according to William Shatner, while sitting atop a horse. Included is an exploration of historic player incidents involving Chuck Klein and Ted Kluszewski. The show touc...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark dive into a variety of engaging topics. They kick off by discussing baseball players who stand out due to their 6,7 height. Jeff quizzes listeners on Chicago White Sox mascot Southpaw's weight in baseballs. They transition to humorous Pantone color discussions and a potential new curse linked to Colonel Sanders. The hosts reminisce about various '80s baseball movies and reveal Fran...

This Halloween, Two Strike Noise digs into the eerie side of America’s pastime — haunted ballparks, ghostly players, and one pitcher who went by so many names they just called him Mysterious Walker.

Jeff & Mark unearth the weirdest stories ever to cross the foul line:

• Boris Karloff playing baseball in full Frankenstein makeup

• Night-shift ghosts at the Baseball Hall of Fame

• Ghoulish player names and cursed team legends...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark cover the weird, the wonderful, and the downright unpredictable in baseball. Jeff pitches a Mariners World Series giveaway that’s either bold or a cruse, depending on your perspective, and the guys break down a marketing face-off between Seattle and Toronto.

They dig into the latest from Banana Ball — including new teams paying tribute to the Negro Leagues — and wonder if Trevor Ba...

In this milestone 300th episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark are joined by Ryan Fagan, longtime Sporting News writer, Hall of Fame voter, and noted Seinfeld/baseball connoisseur. Together they finally tackle the crossover we’ve all been waiting for — Seinfeld and baseball.

From Keith Hernandez’s legendary cameo to George Steinbrenner’s unseen hand, the crew breaks down how baseball became the show’s unofficial fifth character...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark discuss a historic baseball matchup between Juan Marichal and Warren Spahn, known as the greatest game ever pitched. They dive into the specifics of the 16-inning game where Marichal and Spahn delivered a masterclass in endurance and skill. The episode also features listener e-mail, debut’s and odd baseball names, updates on the latest MLB season, and a Wax Pack Heroes segment that...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark kick off the show by discussing the sporadic schedule of their monthly baseball history podcast due to studio rentals. They dive into the history of Bo Belinsky, the Los Angeles Angels pitcher known as much for his Hollywood lifestyle as for his on-field performance. Belinsky's remarkable yet tumultuous career is explored, highlighting his brief success, off-field antics, and event...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark open in the Jesus Montero Studio, where an ice cream sandwich has never been more dangerous. From there, the guys dig into a card-collecting dad-and-son duo who cornered the market on Greg Briley, a record-shattering Hall of Fame induction program, and John Kruk’s musings on clocks, vegans, and sandwiches. They check in on the Little League World Series, where one Canadian kid has...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark cover some fresh headlines around the game — including Mariano Rivera going down at Yankees Old-Timers’ Day, Jen Pawol breaking barriers behind the plate, and Fernando Rodney still firing arrows in Canada at age 48. The main topic this week is Babe Phelps, one of baseball’s many “Babes,” but maybe the quirkiest of the bunch. From hitting .367 as a catcher, to Casey Stengel roastin...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark discuss Shin-Soo Choo stepping in as director of Baseball Queen, a new reality series where former female athletes take on the challenge of learning baseball from scratch. They also cover some fresh player nicknames, memorable closer entrances, and notable big-league debuts. The main topic this week is the legendary baseball finale of the original The Naked Gun — packed with hilar...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark discuss Mark’s recent experiences at Cooperstown's Hall of Fame induction, including interactions with various baseball legends like Johnny Bench, Juan Marichal, and Scott Rolen. The main topic this week is the notorious career of Denny McLain, detailing his rise to baseball stardom and subsequent fall due to controversies and legal troubles. The show wraps up with a preseason edit...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark (providing in-depth and pointedly observant pre-recorded comments from Cooperstown during Ichiro's Hall of Fame induction) discuss the news of Jim Clancy's passing and the shocking charges against the newest Do-Not-Talk-About-List member, Dan Serafini, Chris Carter's career and recent milestones, and the Hall of Fame weekend's special team hats. This week’s main segment features th...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, hosts Jeff and Mark discuss a range of baseball history topics, starting with a critique of Justin Verlander's recent performances, a wind-induced balk in the 1961 All-Star game and its parallels today. The talk shifts to notable debuts, including Babe Ruth and Cal Raleigh, and some colorful history involving Hal McRae. The main segment features guest Marshall Garvey discussing his book on the 1...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark recount the infamous Brooklyn Yankees brawl at the Copa Cabana in 1957, involving Billy Martin, Mickey Mantle, and other Yankees players. They share anecdotes about the mob-run nightclub and the fallout of the incident on the Yankees' season. The hosts also explore player histories and quirky trivia when unboxing a pack of re-packed wax baseball cards, revealing some gems like…list...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark discuss fond memories of Tom Wilhelmson, before sharing a recap of Jeff’s Louisville Slugger visit, finding Pete Browning's grave, and trying to locate Chicken Wolf’s. The hosts touch on minor league name rebranding initiatives by John Oliver and brainstorm suggestions for the Erie SeaWolves. The episode also features notable historical baseball debuts and achievements from June 20...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark welcome listeners to another engaging dive into baseball history from the historic Eric Bedard studio. They begin with an amusing discussion on favorite saxophonists, highlighting Nationals reliever Jose Ferrer, who is self-teaching the saxophone via Youtube, it’s going great. They also discuss a surprising story about former MLB player Eric Anthony discovering his biological fathe...

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark discuss the impact of baseball in music videos, particularly MC Hammer's 'Too Legit to Quit,' featuring several pro athletes. The hosts provide updates on real-life events and baseball history, including Dick Schofield's unique playing stats, the Rockies' poor performance, and controversies around John Rocker's appearance on Survivor. The show wraps up with an exciting round of Wax...