Thomas W. Gilbert is an acclaimed baseball historian and author whose books explore the origins, personalities, and cultural history of America’s national pastime. His previous works include How Baseball Happened, winner of the Casey Award for Best Baseball Book of the Year, as well as Baseball and the Color Line, Roberto Clemente, and Playing First.

This time, Tom returns with a remarkable baseball mystery: Death in the Strike Zone: The Mystery of America’s First Baseball Hero. His latest book uncovers the extraordinary story of James Creighton, the young Brooklyn pitcher who became baseball’s first national superstar in the years before the Civil War. Widely credited with revolutionizing pitching, Creighton was so dominant that he helped transform the way baseball was played. His influence was so profound that his story is connected to the development of the strike zone itself. But Creighton’s story took a tragic turn. At just 21 years old, he collapsed after a game and died four days later in 1862. What happened to this pioneering pitcher? Was his death the result of a freak injury, the physical demands of his revolutionary pitching style, or something more mysterious? And why has a player who helped shape the game remained largely forgotten by generations of baseball fans?

In Death in the Strike Zone, Tom combines meticulous historical research, baseball detective work, and the colorful world of 19th-century America to bring Creighton’s story back to life. Along the way, he explores the origins of modern pitching, the early business of baseball, and the myths and mysteries surrounding the birth of America’s national pastime. Go to https://howbaseballhappened.com/ for more information on Thomas and his books.

We are revisiting our conversation with Malcom, a competition pitmaster who knows what it takes to turn out championship-quality barbecue. From ribs and pulled pork to brisket and all the techniques that make outdoor cooking special, he brings plenty of experience, enthusiasm, and personality to everything he does. He also shares his knowledge through his HowToBBQRight podcast and the Killer Hogs line of BBQ products.

On this replay, we’re bringing back our conversation with Malcom to celebrate the food, traditions, and passion that bring people together around the grill. Whether you're an experienced pitmaster or someone just getting started with a smoker, Malcom's passion for barbecue makes this a conversation worth revisiting. For more information on Malcom and How To BBQ Right, go to https://howtobbqright.com/

We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves, Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to https://billchuck.substack.com/

We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky.

If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you.

Call the show: (516) 855-8214
Email: baseballandbbq@gmail.com
Twitter: @baseballandbbq
Instagram: baseballandbarbecue
YouTube: baseball and bbq
Website: https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com
Facebook: baseball and bbq

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jeff Frye is a former Major League Baseball infielder who played eight seasons in the big leagues from 1992 to 2001. Selected by the Texas Rangers in the 30th round of the 1988 MLB Draft, he made his major league debut with Texas in 1992 and went on to play for the Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, and Toronto Blue Jays.

A versatile player known for his hitting ability and speed, Frye finished his MLB career with a .290 batting average, 626 hits, 16 home runs, 194 RBIs, and 56 stolen bases. His standout season came in 1997 with the Red Sox, when he batted .312 in 127 games. One of the defining moments of his career came on August 17, 2001, when he hit for the cycle as a member of the Toronto Blue Jays, becoming just the second player in franchise history to accomplish the feat.

Following his playing career, Frye became a certified Major League Baseball player agent in 2002, representing professional players and remaining connected to the game from a different perspective. He has also participated in speaking engagements, baseball camps, and charitable events.

Garett has also built a presence in the barbecue community through social media, sharing his cooking, flavor experiments, and enthusiasm for the craft. With a hands-on approach to product development and a commitment to bold, distinctive flavor, Garett continues to grow the Uncle Hemmy BBQ brand while connecting with barbecue fans, home cooks, and fellow pitmasters.

From backyard beginnings to building a recognizable name in the barbecue world, Garett Hemstock's story is about following a passion, trusting your creativity, and making great food that people remember. Learn more about Garett and his seasonings at https://unclehemmybbq.com/

We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves, Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to https://billchuck.substack.com/

We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky.

If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you.

Call the show: (516) 855-8214
Email: baseballandbbq@gmail.com
Twitter: @baseballandbbq
Instagram: baseballandbarbecue
YouTube: baseball and bbq
Website: https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com
Facebook: baseball and bbq

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Ken Singleton was selected by the New York Mets with the third overall pick in the 1967 MLB Draft. He made his Major League debut in 1970 and went on to enjoy a 15-year career with the Mets, Montreal Expos, and Baltimore Orioles. Singleton was a switch-hitting outfielder and designated hitter. A three-time All-Star, Singleton enjoyed some of his finest seasons with Baltimore, including 1977, when he hit .328 with 24 home runs and finished third in American League MVP voting, and 1979, when he hit a career-high 35 home runs with 111 RBI and finished second in MVP voting. He was a key member of the Orioles' American League championship teams in 1979 and 1983, winning a World Series championship in 1983. In 1982, Singleton was also honored with the Roberto Clemente Award for his contributions both on and off the field.

Following his playing career, Singleton embarked on an equally distinguished career in broadcasting. He began working in television with the Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Expos and became a longtime broadcaster for the Expos through The Sports Network in Canada. He began working in television with the Toronto Blue Jays and Montreal Expos and became a longtime broadcaster for the Expos through The Sports Network in Canada. After that, and for more than two decades, he called Yankees games and numerous memorable moments before retiring from broadcasting in 2021. Singleton was inducted into the Baltimore Orioles Hall of Fame in 1986, and his career stands out for the unique perspective he brought to the game—having experienced Major League Baseball as a player, World Series champion, and longtime broadcaster. From his days as a highly regarded prospect with the Mets to his years as an All-Star in Montreal and Baltimore and his decades behind the microphone, Ken Singleton has spent virtually his entire professional life around the game he loves.

Jason Cottingham is the founder and pitmaster behind Trauma Hogs BBQ, based in Brookland, Arkansas. Jason’s background in emergency services has played an important role in shaping his approach to barbecue and the identity of Trauma Hogs. The experience he gained as a first responder—preparation, teamwork, staying calm under pressure, and being ready to perform when it matters—has translated naturally into the demanding world of competition barbecue and running a food business. Over the years, Jason has developed Trauma Hogs into a barbecue brand that has included competition cooking, a food-truck operation, restaurant ventures, and a line of BBQ rubs.

Jason’s story is one of passion, hard work, and a willingness to continually learn and adapt. From competing in barbecue to serving customers, he has experienced many different sides of the BBQ business and has built Trauma Hogs around his love of great food and the lessons learned throughout his journey. His combination of first-responder experience and barbecue expertise gives him a unique perspective on leadership, preparation, and performing under pressure.

We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky.

If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you.

Call the show: (516) 855-8214
Email: baseballandbbq@gmail.com
Twitter: @baseballandbbq
Instagram: baseballandbarbecue
YouTube: baseball and bbq
Website: https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com
Facebook: baseball and bbq

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 362 of Baseball and BBQ features author Kevin Keating, who joins us to talk about his novel Waiting for a Sign and the stories, inspiration, and baseball connections behind the book. We also sit down with Jennifer and Richard Stansbury of TexMo BBQ to hear about their journey as a barbecue competition team, the world of competitive BBQ, and what it takes to cook for the win.

Kevin Keating is a lifelong baseball autograph collector, author, and one of the most experienced experts in the sports-autograph world. He began collecting baseball autographs in 1969 at age 10, and by the time he graduated from high school, his collection had grown to more than 10,000 signatures. His passion for collecting eventually became a career: Keating founded Quality Autographs in 1992 and later became a principal autograph authenticator for PSA/DNA.

Over the decades, Kevin has met and developed friendships with many of baseball’s legendary figures, turning his remarkable experiences into stories that capture not only the pursuit of an autograph, but the personalities behind the signatures. He is the author of Waiting for a Sign, a two-volume collection of stories from his lifetime of collecting, authenticating, and interacting with baseball and sports personalities. Volume 2 features stories involving figures including Roberto Clemente, Casey Stengel, Warren Spahn, George Brett, Bob Feller, Buck O’Neil, George Sisler, Mark McGwire, and others.

Kevin’s expertise extends beyond collecting. He has written extensively about autographs, co-authored The Negro Leagues Autograph Guide, and has been featured as an expert on baseball autographs and authentication. His books offer a unique perspective on baseball history—one built not just from watching the game, but from meeting the people who made it.

Our show was their first podcast appearance, but based on our discussion and their love and passion for cooking barbecue, it may end up becoming one of many.

We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves, Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to https://billchuck.substack.com/

We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky.

If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you.

Call the show: (516) 855-8214
Email: baseballandbbq@gmail.com
Twitter: @baseballandbbq
Instagram: baseballandbarbecue
YouTube: baseball and bbq
Website: https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com
Facebook: baseball and bbq

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tom Abruscato has spent more than two decades coaching baseball at W.T. Clarke High School on Long Island, developing players, building championship teams, and helping young athletes continue their careers at the collegiate level. His career includes 500+ wins, multiple New York State, Long Island and Nassau County championships, and more than 100 players going on to play college baseball.

Tom is also the founder of Central Meadow Baseball Academy, which began in 1999 with the goal of providing affordable, professional baseball instruction to local players and giving back to the Long Island baseball community. The academy reports having donated more than $170,000 to local Little Leagues and former campers through scholarships. Tom is a member of the Class of 2026 New York State Baseball Hall of Fame.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode 361 features Nick Elam and Steve Brown AKA Uncle Steve. Nick discusses the innovative Elam Ending, his passion for basketball, and his love of baseball, while Uncle Steve returns for another entertaining conversation about BBQ, his signature seasonings, and the Houston Astros. It’s an episode filled with sports, barbecue, creativity, and great stories.

Nick Elam is the creator of the Elam Ending, the innovative basketball format that has changed the way fans think about the final minutes of a game. What began as an idea in 2007 eventually made its way to The Basketball Tournament and the NBA All-Star Game.

But Nick's interests go well beyond basketball. His background includes education, leadership, athletics, mathematics and sports innovation. Today, he is a professor of educational leadership at Ball State University and continues to explore ways that sports can evolve.

Nick is also the host of Sports Rule Pod, a podcast dedicated to sports innovation, rule changes, big ideas and the people shaping the future of sports. On the show, Nick talks with athletes, coaches, broadcasters, executives and other innovators about how sports can evolve while remaining true to what makes them great.

Steve Brown AKA Uncle Steve is the creative force behind Uncle Steve’s Shake, featuring a premier lineup of barbecue rubs. Uncle Steve is a true artist, and spices are his palette. He wants BBQ to be fun, and with his artwork, creative names, and colorful labels, he is definitely having fun.

Steve returns for his third appearance, and once again, the conversation is highly entertaining. In addition to his devotion to providing quality barbecue products, Steve is also a huge fan of the Houston Astros. As the barbecue and baseball seasons roll along, we’re excited to have Uncle Steve back to discuss both.

For Steve, BBQ isn’t just about what’s on the plate. It’s about the people you meet, the friendships you make, the lessons you learn, and the stories that come from gathering around a grill or smoker. For more information and to order Uncle Steve’s products, go to https://unclestevesshake.com/

We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky.

If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you.

Call the show: (516) 855-8214
Email: baseballandbbq@gmail.com
Twitter: @baseballandbbq
Instagram: baseballandbarbecue
YouTube: baseball and bbq
Website: https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com
Facebook: baseball and bbq

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On episode 360 of Baseball and BBQ, Barbecue Hall of Famer Melissa Cookston joins us to talk about her new cookbook, Fanning the Flames, and reveals the kind and funny woman behind the tough TV-judge persona. Then, Seth S. Tannenbaum, PhD, takes us inside his fascinating new book, Bleacher Seats and Luxury Suites, exploring how America's ballparks have reflected the class, social, and economic divisions of our society.

Melissa Cookston is a pitmaster, restaurateur, and television personality. She is a seven-time World Barbecue Champion and a member of the Barbecue Hall of Fame. She is the author of three cookbooks, Smokin' in the Boys' Room, Smokin' Hot in the South, and her latest, Fanning the Flames: Recipes and Tall Tales from BBQ Hall of Famer Melissa Cookston.

In 2021 Melissa founded the World Junior BBQ League, a nonprofit that uses barbecue competitions to teach kids leadership, teamwork, and strategy. She also launched The BBQ Allstars retail superstore. Melissa has appeared on both BBQ Pitmasters and Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives and as a judge on Netflix's Barbecue Showdown.

Seth S. Tannenbaum is an assistant professor of sport studies at Manhattanville University where he teaches classes including Baseball and American Society, Spectators and Fans, Urban Sport, and American Sport History. His work has been published in The Journal of African American History, The Journal of Sport History, Nine: A Journal of Baseball History & Culture, the Washington Post, and the Philadelphia Inquirer. He joins us to discuss his latest book, Bleacher Seats and Luxury Suites: Democracy and Division at the Twentieth-Century Ballpark.

We tend to think of the baseball stadium as one of America's great democratic spaces—a place where people from different backgrounds come together to cheer for the same team. But Tannenbaum challenges that familiar idea, asking a provocative question: Has the ballpark ever really been as democratic as we like to believe? In his book, Seth explores how major league ballparks have reflected and reinforced divisions of class, race, wealth, geography, and access. While baseball promoted the idea that the game was available to everyone, the experience inside the ballpark was often far more complicated. Some of the stadiums discussed include The Polo Grounds, Yankee Stadium, Dodger Stadium, The Houston Astrodome, and Camden Yards.

We recommend you go to Rogue Cookers website, https://roguecookers.com/ for award-winning rubs, Chef Ray Sheehan’s website, https://www.raysheehan.com/ for award-winning saucess, rubs, and cookbooks, Baseball BBQ, https://baseballbbq.com for special grilling tools and accessories, Magnechef https://magnechef.com/ for excellent and unique barbecue gloves, Mantis BBQ, https://mantisbbq.com/ to purchase their outstanding sauces with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the Kidney Project, and for exceptional sauces, Elda's Kitchen https://eldaskitchen.com/ To team up against prostate cancer go to https://fansforthecure.org/ for Fans for the Cure, and to subscribe to Bill Chuck's newsletter, Billy-Ball go to https://billchuck.substack.com/

We conclude the show with the song, Baseball Always Brings You Home from the musician, Dave Dresser and the poet, Shel Krakofsky.

If you would like to contact the show, we would love to hear from you.

Call the show: (516) 855-8214
Email: baseballandbbq@gmail.com
Twitter: @baseballandbbq
Instagram: baseballandbarbecue
YouTube: baseball and bbq
Website: https//baseballandbbq.weebly.com
Facebook: baseball and bbq

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

NYS Halls of Fame Podcast featuring Turk Wendell. Turk spent 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, pitching for the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies. He was part of the New York Mets 2000 World Series team. Known for his distinctive personality and unforgettable routines on the mound — including jumping over the foul line and brushing his teeth between innings — Turk became one of baseball's most recognizable characters. He tells stories from his career, his charitable efforts and his emotional trip to Afghanistan as part of the Heroes of the Diamond Tour. Turk is a member of the Class of 2026 New York State Baseball Hall of Fame.

For more information on the New York State Baseball Hall of Fame go to https://www.nysbaseballhof.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.