Baseball Classics

The Baseball Classics Podcast is your ultimate destination for engaging discussions on all things Major League Baseball, spanning from 1901 to the present. Whether you’re a die-hard fan of baseball’s golden eras or deeply invested in today’s game, this podcast offers something for everyone. Each episode delivers a blend of rich historical narratives, in-depth analyses of modern MLB trends, and exclusive insights pulled straight from Baseball Classics Magazine. Explore featured topics that dive into iconic moments, legendary players, and transformative seasons, alongside interactive quizzes designed to test your baseball knowledge. No topic is off-limits: we tackle controversial debates shaping the game today, from rule changes and Hall of Fame snubs to the analytics vs. tradition divide. With expert commentary and entertaining discussions, the Baseball Classics Podcast connects generations of baseball fans, celebrating the sport’s timeless appeal. Tune in and relive the past, analyze the present, and uncover the hidden gems of baseball’s storied history!

Reversing Season Ending Pitching Injuries 11/23/2024

Reversing Season Ending Pitching Injuries In this episode, we dive deep into the alarming rise in season-ending injuries among MLB pitchers over the decades and explore the solutions that could transform the game. From UCL tears to rotator cuff injuries, the data shows a staggering increase in disabled list stints from the 1970s to today. What’s causing this epidemic, and how can it be reversed? We’ll cover improper pitching mechanics, modern training methods, and the impact of velocity-driven strategies. Featuring insights from biomechanics research and industry experts, this episode offers a roadmap for improving pitcher health and performance. Key Topics Discussed: - Historical Trends: A look at how the rate of season-ending injuries has grown from the 1970s to the present day. - The Mechanics Behind the Injuries: Identifying warning signs in pitching delivery, including forearm flyouts, inconsistent release points, and improper follow-throughs. - The Role of Spin-to-Velocity Ratios (SVR): How the push for higher velocities has increased injury risks. - Training Innovations: The rise of weighted ball programs, strength training, and biomechanical assessments in injury prevention. - Lessons from the Greats: Why legendary pitchers like Nolan Ryan and Randy Johnson avoided major injuries and how modern pitchers can replicate their success. - Future Solutions: From advanced motion capture systems to mental conditioning, we discuss the tools MLB teams are using to protect their stars. Key Takeaways for Listeners: - Learn how poor pitching mechanics can lead to devastating injuries. - Discover the six key indicators of injury risk in a pitcher's delivery. - Understand the importance of integrating nutrition, mental training, and biomechanics into a pitcher’s regimen. Featured Experts and Research: - Dr. Glenn Fleisig, renowned biomechanist, on the science of pitching injuries. - Case studies from MLB organizations utilizing cutting-edge injury prevention technology. Call to Action: Have thoughts on this topic? Share your opinions and experiences with us! Don’t forget to subscribe to our podcast for more deep dives into the world of baseball. Be sure to go to FREE Baseball Real-Time DiamondView to get all the latest going on in MLB in one website plus access to 2024 MLB player overall, lefty, and righty stats to sort, filter, and/or group! No login, freshly updated every day. /episode/index/show/baseballclassics/id/34115731

Busting 3 Legendary MLB Myths Once and For All! 11/21/2024

Building Murderers’ Row – Roster Strategy and the 2024 Dodgers’ Comparison 11/20/2024

Slugger Showdowns: 1970s Trivia Challenge 11/19/2024

The Hall of Fame Case for Dick Allen 11/18/2024

The Hall of Fame Case for Dick Allen Every MLB fan should visit to experience real-time insights, exclusive stats, and interactive tools that bring the excitement of the game to life like never before! In this compelling episode, we delve deep into the case for Dick Allen’s long-overdue induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. A seven-time All-Star, 1964 Rookie of the Year, and 1972 American League MVP, Allen wasn’t just a great player; he was one of the most dominant hitters of his era. His .292 career batting average, 351 home runs, and an eye-popping 156 OPS+—placing him ahead of legendary Hall of Famers like Willie Stargell and Harmon Killebrew—underscore his offensive brilliance during one of baseball’s most challenging periods for hitters. We’ll explore how Allen thrived in the pitcher-dominated era of the 1960s and 70s, often referred to as the “Second Deadball Era,” where raised mounds, expansive strike zones, and pitcher-friendly ballparks stifled offense. Yet, Allen stood out as a powerhouse, twice leading the league in home runs, four times in OPS, and dominating during his MVP season in 1972, where his .420 OBP and 1.023 OPS were unrivaled. But Allen’s story goes beyond the numbers. This episode examines his journey through the racial tensions of his time, enduring hostility from fans and even teammates while maintaining his composure and performing at an elite level. His story is one of resilience and trailblazing, setting the stage for greater inclusivity in baseball. We’ll compare Allen’s performance to Hall of Famers like Ron Santo and Orlando Cepeda, demonstrating how his offensive contributions surpassed many who have already been enshrined in Cooperstown. We’ll also highlight the biases of his era, from racial discrimination to the challenges he faced playing in pitcher-friendly parks like Connie Mack Stadium. Despite these obstacles, Allen’s impact on the game was profound. Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for Dick Allen’s contributions to baseball and a clearer understanding of why he belongs in the Hall of Fame. It’s not just about his stats—it’s about his influence, his perseverance, and the lasting legacy he left on the game. Tune in to hear why Dick Allen deserves to stand among the immortals of baseball history. /episode/index/show/baseballclassics/id/33963802

Greatest Pitchers By Decade 1901-2020 11/17/2024

Decline of Starting Pitchers: What Happened to MLB’s Workhorses? 11/16/2024

Decline of Starting Pitchers: What Happened to MLB’s Workhorses? Get the article in this episode inside Baseball Classics Magazine November 2024 Issue Free at In this episode, we dive into the fascinating evolution of Major League Baseball’s starting pitchers. Once celebrated as the iron men of the game, pitchers like Christy Mathewson and Nolan Ryan routinely pitched complete games, showing endurance and grit. Today, however, starting pitchers are often pulled after just four or five innings. What caused this dramatic shift? Key Topics Covered: Historical Role of Starting Pitchers: Early legends like Christy Mathewson and Nolan Ryan set records with incredible inning counts, often pitching complete games. MLB managers once considered it a badge of honor for starters to pitch deep into games. Top 10 Reasons for the Decline: From the rise of analytics and pitch limits to injury prevention and specialized bullpen roles, we break down the primary factors contributing to the shift. When Did It Begin? The 1990s and early 2000s saw analytics-driven strategies emerge, highlighted by Billy Beane’s “Moneyball” revolution, emphasizing the bullpen's role and limiting pitchers’ third-time-through-lineup exposure. Injury Concerns: Why do modern pitchers face more arm injuries despite throwing fewer innings? Is the emphasis on velocity and year-round training to blame? Data Trends: The average innings per start has dropped significantly over the decades, with complete games becoming nearly extinct in today’s MLB. Impact on Strategy: Modern managers like Kevin Cash prioritize matchups and bullpen usage, as seen in Blake Snell’s controversial early exit during the 2020 World Series. Economic and Cultural Shifts: The decline of starting pitchers may affect salaries, with bullpen aces gaining more prominence. Future of Workhorse Pitchers: Are we witnessing the permanent decline of baseball’s starting pitching icons, or could the pendulum swing back in the future? Takeaway Message: The game of baseball is always evolving, and the decline of the starting pitcher reflects changes driven by data, health concerns, and strategic thinking. While it’s bittersweet to see fewer workhorse performances, this shift highlights the sport’s ongoing balance between tradition and innovation. Call to Action: Tune in to explore the full history, data, and strategy behind this seismic shift in baseball, and let us know your thoughts on whether the decline of starting pitchers is a loss or a necessary evolution. /episode/index/show/baseballclassics/id/33955617