Lost Ballparks
Episodes
Jane Leavy (Sportswriter)
05 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Legendary sportswriter Jane Leavy is my guest on this month's episode of Lost Ballparks. We’re gonna relive Sandy Koufax’s perfect game at Do...
Terry Tata (Umpire 1973-1999)
01 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
85-year-old former MLB umpire Terry Tata spent 27 years in the big leagues (1973-1999) calling the action behind the plate. From 3 All-Star Games and ...
Juan Marichal (HOF 1983)
03 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This episode is especially meaningful for me. Years ago, I painted a portrait of my father-in-law’s favorite player, Juan Marichal, in his iconic hi...
Larry Shenk (Phillies PR 1964–2007)
06 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
It’s been 50 years since Philadelphia’s Connie Mack Stadium was torn down—but thanks to longtime Phillies PR man Larry Shenk, "The Baron&qu...
RE-RELEASE: Mike Piazza (HOF 2016)
23 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Drafted in the 62nd round in 1988, Mike Piazza defied all odds to carve out a 16-year Hall of Fame career. In this episode (which originally aired in ...
Chuck D Remembers Dave Parker
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Hip-hop icon and Rock N Roll HOFer Chuck D joins the podcast to remember baseball legend Dave Parker—The Cobra. Chuck reflects on Parker’s impact ...
Dave Bristol (Reds HOF)
02 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Dave Bristol just turned 92 on June 23rd—and he’s packed a lifetime of baseball into those years. A member of the Reds Hall of Fame, Bristol manag...
Dennis Clotworthy (Al Kaline's Last Bat Boy)
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This month on Lost Ballparks, our guest is Dennis Clotworthy, Al Kaline’s Last Bat Boy. Dennis grew up across the street from Tiger Stadium and even...
RE-RELEASE: Remembering Pete Rose
14 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In light of Pete Rose’s posthumous reinstatement to Major League Baseball and his renewed eligibility for induction into the Hall of Fame, I’m re-...
George Grande (ESPN, HOF, Reds)
07 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Before there was a SportsCenter… before ESPN became a juggernaut… there was George Grande—sitting behind a desk, ushering in a new era of sports...
Mike Murphy (Giants HOF)
02 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
He started as a batboy at old Seals Stadium in 1958 and spent the next 65 years inside the Giants clubhouse at Candlestick Park and beyond. Along the ...
Buddy Bell (Rangers HOF)
05 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Baseball is in Buddy Bell’s blood. Growing up, he spent his days at Crosley Field watching his dad, Gus Bell, play for the Reds and later roamed Cou...
Remembering Bob Uecker
05 Feb 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Bob Uecker was more than just a baseball legend—he was a cultural icon, a Hall of Fame broadcaster, and one of the most beloved personalities in spo...
RE-RELEASE: Cal Ripken Jr. (HOF 2007)
15 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
I’m thrilled to bring you one of our all-time most downloaded episodes: my interview with Cal Ripken Jr., originally released on January 4, 2022.If ...
Jackie Brandt (1959 Gold Glove - 1961 All-Star)
08 Jan 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Relive the magic of baseball’s golden age through the incredible story of Jackie Brandt, a player who shared the field with legends like Stan Musial...
RE-RELEASE: Dave Parker (HOF 2025)
09 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Breaking news: Thrilled to announce tonight the Classic Era Baseball Committee has elected Dave Parker and Dick Allen to the Baseball Hall of Fame. He...
Tom Hamilton (HOF 2025)
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this month's episode I’m honored to talk with a man who has been the heartbeat of Cleveland baseball for 35 years—Tom Hamilton, the legend...
Hawk Harrelson (HOF 2020)
06 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This month on Lost Ballparks, Ken "Hawk" Harrelson joins us with stories as colorful as his career. From meeting Mickey Mantle as a kid to...
Ernie Whitt (1977 Blue Jays)
02 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode, I'm joined by Ernie Whitt, catcher from the 1977 inaugural Toronto Blue Jays team. He shares stories about some of the historic ...
Remembering Pete Rose (1941-2024)
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pete Rose has passed away at the age of 83. Just a few weeks ago, he left me a message that I'd like to share with you. Rest in peace, Pete.Send ...
Jerry Schwab (Polo Grounds 1946-1957)
04 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Jerry Schwab is my guest on this months Lost Ballparks podcast. From 1946-1957, Jerry and his family lived in an apartment underneath the LF grandstan...
Denny Matthews (HOF 2007)
07 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Denny Matthews, the Royals Hall of Fame Voice, has been calling games in Kansas City since the team's first game in 1969! This is his 56th year w...
Denny McLain (1968 AL MVP)
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Denny McLain, 2X Cy Young Award winner, 3X All-Star, AL MVP, 1968 World Champion and the last pitcher in the big leagues to win 30 games in a season, ...
Rev. William Greason (1948 Birmingham Black Barons)
19 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
At 99 years old (he'll turn 100 in September), The Reverend William "Bill" Greason is the oldest living member of the Negro Leagues. Fr...
Pat Hughes (HOF 2023)
05 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pat Hughes, who was elected to the broadcast wing of the Baseball Hall of Fame last year has broadcast more than 6,000 games over a 40+ year career. T...
Bobby Shantz (1952 AL MVP)
01 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
From the dusty sandlots of Pottstown, PA to the storied ballparks that served as the backdrop to his remarkable career, 98 year old baseball legend an...
Larry Lucchino (Padres & Red Sox HOF)
24 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Several months ago, I recorded an interview with the late Larry Lucchino. In addition to being an executive for the Orioles, Padres and Red Sox, Lucch...
Steve Vucinich (Oakland A's HOF)
03 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Steve Vucinich spent 54 years with the Oakland A’s working as a peanut vendor, a ballboy, and eventually the clubhouse manager. The much beloved m...
Rocky Colavito (Indians HOF)
06 Mar 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Rocky Colavito finished his career with 374 HR's and he played in 9 All-Star Games. Now 90 years young, Rocky joins me on this episode to talk ...
Pete Weber (Buffalo Bisons/War Memorial Stadium)
07 Feb 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Pete Weber, the voice of the minor league Buffalo Bisons (1983-1995), called many games at historic War Memorial Stadium. He was there while they fi...
Fergie Jenkins (HOF 1991)
03 Jan 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Hall of Famer Fergie Jenkins joins me to recount the "when" and "where" of attending his first MLB game, the unconventional method...
Jon Miller (HOF 1998) Returns
14 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jon Miller, the longtime voice of the San Francisco Giants makes his return visit to Lost Ballparks. His first appearance on the podcast quickly becam...
Mike McDermott (Former Dodgers BP Pitcher)
07 Aug 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Mike McDermott began his career at Dodger Stadium as the visiting team batboy in the mid 1960's. He later transitioned to batting practice pitche...
Ted Simmons (HOF 2020)
31 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hall of Famer Ted Simmons joins me on this episode to talk about the first big league game his Dad took him to at Briggs Stadium (later named Tiger St...
Warren Brown (Reds Clubhouse/Batboy 1970's)
24 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Warren Brown's first job was working in the Red's clubhouse at Crosley Field. When the Reds moved into Riverfront Stadium in the middle of t...
Rick Dempsey (Orioles HOF)
17 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rick Dempsey, a member of the Orioles HOF, joins me on this episode to talk about some of the great Lost American League ballparks of the 70's ...
Steve Garvey (Padres HOF)
14 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this Extra Innings episode, Steve Garvey talks about the day he became a Brooklyn Dodger batboy in 1956, the first MLB game he attended as a teenag...
Kent Hrbek (Twins HOF)
10 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast, Kent Hrbek, a member of the Twins Hall of Fame, joins me to talk about growing up a short bike ride awa...
Roy Firestone (ESPN)
03 Jul 2023
Contributed by Lukas
7X Emmy Winner and longtime ESPN host (Sports Look/Up Close), Roy Firestone joins me on this episode to talk about his love for Old Miami Stadium, his...
George Toma (K.C. A’s Groundskeeper)
26 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
George Toma, 94, has been doing groundskeeping since he was 12 years old. That’s 82 years! The man nicknamed, the "Sodfather" and "th...
Reggie Jackson (HOF 1993)
23 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Lost Ballparks Extra Innings: In this extra innings episode HOFer Reggie Jackson shares details of the first major league game he ever attended as a k...
Steve Stone (White Sox/Cubs)
19 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Steve Stone was an All-Star, a Cy Young award winner (He won 25 games in 1980!), and for the past 4 decades has worked in the broadcast booth; first f...
Art Shamsky (1969 Mets)
12 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Art Shamsky was a key member of the 1969 World Champion New York Mets. He joins me on this episode to talk about that magical year and what it was lik...
Rollie Fingers (HOF 1992)
09 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Extra Innings Episode: Rollie Fingers, a 7X All-Star, 3X World Champion, MVP, Cy Young winner and member of the Baseball Hall of Fame, joins me on thi...
Andy Strasberg (My 1961)
05 Jun 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Andy Strasberg is the author of My 1961. Andy grew up in the Bronx and unlike all of his friends who were Mickey Mantle fans, Strasberg loved Roger Ma...
Rick Rizzs (Mariners Radio Voice)
29 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Rick Rizzs has been calling Seattle Mariners baseball games since 1983! On this episode he talks about growing up in Chicago attending games at Comisk...
Johnny Bench (HOF 1989)
26 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Extra Innings Episode: Johnny Bench joins me on this episode to talk about the first MLB game he ever attended, memories of Cincinnati's Crosle...
Jack Morris (HOF 2018)
22 May 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Jack Morris was 254 game winner, a 5x All-Star, 4X World Champion, 1991 World Series MVP and a 2018 inductee into the Baseball Hall of Fame. On the pr...
Fred Lynn (Red Sox HOF)
08 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Fred Lynn was a 9X All-Star and the first player in baseball history to win Rookie of the Year, MVP and a Gold Glove in the same year! He joins me on ...
Tommy John (288 Wins!)
01 Mar 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Tommy John, a 4X All-Star, played 26 seasons in the big leagues racking up 288 wins! He joins me on this week's episode to talk about attending g...
Rick Vaughn (Al Lang Field/Stadium)
25 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Author Rick Vaughn spent more than 30 years working as a baseball executive for the Baltimore Orioles and the Tampa Bay Rays. I just finished his new ...
Janet Marie Smith (Ballpark Architect - EVP Dodgers)
22 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
This week I am taking the Lost Ballparks podcast on the road. This episode was recorded at Dodger Stadium. Janet Marie Smith, my guest on this week&ap...
Tom Glavine (HOF 2014)
15 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
10X All-Star, 2X Cy Young Award Winner and Hall of Famer Tom Glavine is my guest on this week's Lost Ballparks podcast. "Glav" joins me...
Ted Leitner (Padres HOF)
08 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
For 41 years Ted Leitner was a member of the San Diego Padres broadcast team. He joins me on this episode to talk about the ballpark where he saw his ...
Robin Yount (HOF 1999)
01 Feb 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Hall of Famer Robin Yount spent his entire 20 year career in a Milwaukee Brewers uniform. He joins me on this week's episode to talk about atte...
Elroy Face (Pirates HOF)
25 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Pitcher Elroy Face is a Pittsburgh legend and at 94, he is the oldest living former member of the Montreal Expos. He joins me this week to talk about ...
Larry Young (Umpire)
18 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Larry Young was an MLB umpire from 1983-2007. He called 2 All-Star Games, 2 World Series, worked the ALCS 3 different times, the Division Series 6 dif...
Charley Steiner (Dodgers)
11 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Five-time Emmy Award winner, former ESPN Sports Anchor and National Radio Hall of Famer Charley Steiner will begin his 19th season as a play-by-play a...
Ozzie Smith (HOF 2002)
04 Jan 2023
Contributed by Lukas
Ozzie Smith, "The Wizard of Oz" was a 15X All-Star, World Champion, 13X Gold Glover, NL Silver Slugger and a first ballot baseball Hall of F...
Brooks Robinson (HOF 1983)
30 Nov 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Brooks Robinson was an 18X All-Star, 16X Gold Glover, 2X World Champion (winning the 1970 WS MVP), AL MVP, a member of the MLB "All Century Team&...
Lost Ballparks - Behind the Scenes
26 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
I was interviewed this week by my buddy Kevin Pressley...one of the guys who encouraged me to start this podcast. It sure was strange sitting on the o...
Jerry Reuss (1981 World Champion)
19 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jerry Reuss, was a 2x All-Star, World Champion (1981 Dodgers) and won 221 games during his 22 year big league career. On this week's episode, he ...
Frank Coppenbarger (Cardinals - Phillies Clubhouse Mgr.)
12 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After spending 50 years in baseball working as an equipment/clubhouse manager, Frank Coppenbarger has many stories to share. On this week's epi...
Jim Kaat (HOF 2022)
05 Oct 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Hall of Famer Jim Kaat joins me on this episode of the LB podcast to talk about attending his very first MLB game in 1946 at Briggs Stadium, his tryou...
Eric Nadel (HOF 2014)
28 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Eric Nadel is in his 43rd year broadcasting games for the Texas Rangers. He was a Baseball Hall of Fame 2014 Ford C. Frick winner and on this week&apo...
Tony Oliva (HOF 2022)
21 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Tony Oliva, who spent his entire 15 year career with the Minnesota Twins, joins me on this episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast. He was an 8X All-Sta...
1950's Brooklyn Dodger Season Ticket Holder
19 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
What would it be like to have season tickets to watch the Brooklyn Dodgers at Ebbets Field during the 1950's? Can you imagine what it might be li...
Rico Petrocelli (Red Sox HOF)
14 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Red Sox Hall of Famer Rico Petrocelli joins me on this episode to talk about the 1967 "Impossible Dream" Boston Red Sox, his memories of gro...
Bobby Richardson (1958 New York Yankees)
07 Sep 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bobby Richardson joins me on this week's episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast. Richardson was the 2nd basemen for the NY Yankees from 1955-1966....
John Asalon (Cincinnati Reds Grounds Crew)
31 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
John Asalon was a member of the Cincinnati Reds grounds crew at Riverfront Stadium from 1972-1979. He had a front row seat for some of the biggest gam...
Billy Williams (HOF 1987)
24 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this episode Hall of Famer and Chicago Cub legend Billy Williams joins me to talk about the day in 1956 he found out he was going to be signed by t...
Bob Costas (HOF 2018)
17 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bob Costas has hosted 12 Olympics, 7 Super Bowls, 7 World Series, 10 NBA Finals, has won 29 Emmys (more than any other sportscaster in history) and a ...
Remembering Vin Scully
03 Aug 2022
Contributed by Lukas
RIP Vin Scully 1927-2022"Don't let the winds blow your dreams away... or steal your faith in God." - Vin ScullySend us a text
Red Barber/Ebbets Field
29 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
"Lost Ballparks Shorts" - pocket sized podcasts that highlight a particular broadcaster or old ballpark. Hope you enjoy this first one trave...
Andre Dawson (HOF 2010)
15 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Andre Dawson joins me on the season 2 finale of the Lost Ballparks podcast. "Hawk" finished his career with 2,774 hits and 438 home runs. He...
Frank White (Royals HOF)
08 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Frank White spent 18 years with the Kansas City Royals. He finished his career with 2006 hits, was a 5x All-Star, 8x Gold Glove winner, silver slugger...
Steve Blass (Pirates HOF)
01 Jun 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Steve Blass pitched for the Pirates from 1964-1974. He was an All-Star and a member of the 1971 World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates. Blass, a member of ...
Alan Trammell (HOF 2018)
25 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Alan Trammell is our guest on this week's Lost Ballparks podcast! "Tram" spent his entire 20 year major league career with the Detroit ...
Larry Bowa (Phillies HOF)
18 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After not making his high school team 3 years in a row, Phillies legend Larry Bowa went on to have a 16 year major league career. Bowa, a member of th...
Dave Van Horne (HOF 2011)
11 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dave Van Horne was the play-by-play voice for the Montreal Expos, from their inception in 1969 - 2000. He joins us to talk about those early Expos tea...
Grassroots Baseball: Route 66
06 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
On this bonus episode of the Lost Ballparks podcast acclaimed photographer Jean Fruth and former President of the Baseball Hall of Fame Jeff Idelson t...
"Sudden" Sam McDowell (Indians HOF)
04 May 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Cleveland legend "Sudden" Sam McDowell stood 6'5 and could consistently deliver a 103-105 MPH fastball (some say as high as 108!). He f...
David Kessler (Connie Mack Stadium Batboy)
27 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
David "Deuce" Kessler worked at Connie Mack Stadium as the visiting clubhouse batboy in the 1960's. I had a feeling that someone who wa...
Dale Murphy (Braves HOF)
20 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dale Murphy was a 7X All-Star, 2X NL MVP, 5X Gold Glove winner, 4X silver slugger award winner. He finished his 18 year career with 2,111 hits and 398...
Cal Ripken Jr. (HOF 2007)
13 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
As a 15 year old freshmen, he stood 5’7 and weighed 128 pounds. He batted 9th on his Aberdeen High School Team and finished the season hitting .128....
Opening Day Special
06 Apr 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Today, my guest is Michael Ortman, author of the book "Opening Day: 50 for 50". Beginning in 1970, Ortman attended 50 straight opening day g...
Dave Parker (HOF 2025)
09 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Dave Parker grew up a block away from Cincinnati's Crosley Field. He finished his Hall of Fame worthy 19 year career with 2,712 hits, 339 home ru...
Nancy Faust (White Sox Organist)
02 Mar 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From 1970-2010 Nancy Faust was the organist for the Chicago White Sox. She was a trailblazer who made music an integral part of the ballpark experienc...
Kenny Mayne (ESPN)
23 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Longtime ESPN SportsCenter anchor, Kenny Mayne is one of the funniest, most creative, generous people I know. He grew up in Seattle in the 1960's...
Jim Palmer (HOF 1990)
16 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jim Palmer won 268 games in his big league career. He appeared in 6 World Series and won 3. He was a 3x Cy Young Award winner, 4x Gold Glove winner, w...
Jon Miller (HOF 1998)
09 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Jon Miller, the longtime voice of the San Francisco Giants has been broadcasting major league baseball games for nearly 50 years. For 2 decades he a...
Rod Carew (HOF 1991)
02 Feb 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Rod Carew was a lifetime .328 hitter. He finished his 19 year career with 3,053 hits, was the AL Rookie of the Year in 1967, an 18X All-Star - all as ...
Marty Brennaman (HOF 2000)
26 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
From 1974-2019 Marty Brennaman did play-by-play for the Cincinnati Reds. His voice was as much a part of the "Big Red Machine" as Johnny Ben...
Mike Piazza (HOF 2016)
19 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
After being taken in the 62nd round of the draft in 1988, Mike Piazza went on to have a 16 year Hall of Fame career! He finished A lifetime .308 hitte...
Bob Ley (ESPN)
12 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
Bob Ley is a multi Emmy winner, Iconic ESPN Sports Anchor, one of the originals of the network, joining ESPN 3 days after its launch in 1979 and our...
Carl Erskine (1955 Brooklyn Dodgers)
05 Jan 2022
Contributed by Lukas
There are only 2 living members of the Brooklyn Dodgers who played in and won the 1955 World Series; pitchers Roger Craig and Carl Erskine. Erskine, o...