The Hall of Very Good Podcast

The Hall of Very Good Podcast is focused on you, the fan. Each week, Shawn Anderson and Lou Olsen sit down and talk to people in and around the game of baseball that help make America's Pastime great.

Episode 419: Jim Sundberg 05/07/2024

Episode 419: Jim Sundberg 1985 World Series champion and (should-be) eight-time Gold Glove Award winner Jim Sundberg joins the boys to talk about his journey from tiny Galesburg, Illinois, to the Texas Rangers, what likely cursed the Brewers prior to his arrival in Milwaukee, being part of the longest game in Major League Baseball history, playing “peacemaker” after Andre Dawson took a fastball to the face and his unlikely friendship with Hall of Famer Bill Dickey. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/31121993

Episode 418: Geoff Schumacher 04/30/2024

Episode 418: Geoff Schumacher Geoff Schumacher joins the boys to talk about his personal interest in the seedy Las Vegas underbelly, the history of The Mob Museum, why we’re all still enamored by the 1919 Black Sox scandal, whether or not he’s excited about baseball (seemingly) heading to Sin City and shares the story of everyone’s favorite mass murder…the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre! /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/30904328

Episode 417: Ben Christensen 04/23/2024

Episode 417: Ben Christensen Ben Christensen, Community Engagement Manager for , joins the boys to talk about the benefits of being a Hat Club member, his own involvement with the company, a lifelong obsession with headwear and why he’s the perfect person to rep the brand, how he chooses his eclectic hat and jersey combos and the good and bad (it’s mostly bad) of the current Major League laundry. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/30841938

Minisode: Killing Mr. Met 04/15/2024

Minisode: Killing Mr. Met The day was April 15, 1997 and, apparently, all Hell was about to break loose at Major League Baseball's inaugural Jackie Robinson Day celebration at Shea Stadium. “We have snipers all around the stadium, just in case something were to happen" is what the Secret Service told Mr. Met, the New York Mets beloved mascot. Did the Secret Service REALLY want to kill Mr. Met...and why? To listen to the entire interview, . /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/30835738

Episode 416: Jonathan Knight 04/09/2024

Episode 416: Jonathan Knight Just in time to celebrate the 35th anniversary of "Major League” (and the 30th anniversary of “Major League 2”!), author Jonathan Knight returns to talk to the boys about the best and worst baseball movies, the lasting legacy of the “Major League” franchise, why Milwaukee was chosen to play host to the 1989 film and, for some reason, the weird coincidences surrounding the assassinations of John F. Kennedy and Abraham Lincoln and their connection with showbiz siblings. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/30741203

Minisode: Hank Aaron Hits Number 715 04/08/2024

Minisode: Hank Aaron Hits Number 715 On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron sent an Al Downing pitch over the left field wall for his 715th home run. Waiting for him at third base...Los Angeles Dodgers All-Star Ron Cey. Was "the Penguin" secretly hoping Hank would go yard? How would he react the next time he encountered the new home run king? To listen to the entire interview, . /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/30725613

Episode 415: Brad Balukjian 04/02/2024

Episode 415: Brad Balukjian Brad Balukjian, author of , returns to talk to the boys about how many miles he traveled to write his latest book compared to the last one, promoting the thing now versus during a pandemic, whether or not it’s too early to plan his next project, re-connecting with The Iron Sheik (and getting closure) and Shawn and Lou become the charter members of The Brad Pack! /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/30560893

Episode 414: Gerald Watkins 03/26/2024

Episode 414: Gerald Watkins executive director Gerald Watkins joins the boys to talk about the history of "America's Oldest Baseball Park" (and what it takes to keep it as historically accurate as possible), getting the attention of MLB and convincing them to bring a regular season game to the field and how the greatest basketball player of all-time helped energize baseball in Birmingham, Alabama. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/30514558

Episode 413: Mark Braff 03/19/2024

Episode 413: Mark Braff Author Mark Braff joins the boys to talk about the idea behind his new book, , the role COVID played in getting it published, tracking down the men he talked to (and who he was hoping to get), securing Cal Ripken Jr. and how the promise of new sod got Roger Maris to return to Yankee Stadium. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/30414003

Episode 412: Jennifer McKenney 03/05/2024

Episode 412: Jennifer McKenney Autograph enthusiast Jennifer McKenney joins the boys to talk about why (and when) collecting baseballs signed by anyone who ever wore a Tampa Bay Rays uniform became a family endeavor, the players that were the best (and worst!) to deal with, how you begin to store and document such a large collection and whether or not Kevin Cash is really the best man for the job in St. Pete. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/30183658

Episode 411: Rafi Kohan 02/27/2024

Episode 411: Rafi Kohan In addition to helping Lou pick a fight, author Rafi Kohan joins the boys to talk about about trash talking, the history of and psychology behind “the language of competition”, the different types of trash talking, how former All-Pro linebacker Bryan Cox used to hype himself up and introduces the world to the curious antics of Shep Messing. Also, is Donald Trump actually good at talking smack? /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/30135253

Episode 410: Robert Wuhl 02/20/2024

Episode 410: Robert Wuhl Just in time to celebrate the 35th anniversary of "Batman", award-winning actor and writer Robert Wuhl returns to talk to the boys about working with Tim Burton, carpooling with Jack Nicholson, (definitely not) stealing items from the set, re-visits commissioner Rob Manfred’s rule changes and does a deep dive previewing the 2024 baseball season. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/30028488

Episode 409: Timothy Jenkins 02/13/2024

Episode 409: Timothy Jenkins Longtime Seattle sports supercollector Timothy Jenkins joins the boys to talk about his lifelong obsession with the Pilots, explains how and when he got interesting in collecting, shares some of his favorite (and unique) items, whether or not Bud Selig merch is allowed in his home, recalls quizzing his all-time favorite baseball player and reveals just how many autographed Hall of Fame baseballs he has. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/29911688

Episode 408: Lloyd Kaufman 02/06/2024

Episode 408: Lloyd Kaufman Legendary director/producer Lloyd Kaufman joins the boys to talk about collecting baseball cards and how they likely made him root for the Cincinnati Reds, hanging out with Oliver Stone and George W. Bush at Yale (true story), how he got into film, founding Troma and keeping up with protégés James Gunn and South Park creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone. Subscribe to /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/29804128

Episode 407: Michael Kremer 01/30/2024

Episode 407: Michael Kremer Michael Kremer, volunteer director of the San Quentin baseball program, joins the boys to talk about how he got involved coaching baseball at one of America’s most notorious prisons (and what people think when he tells them what he does), the history of baseball at San Quentin, the diversity and skill level of the players, celebrity sightings, whether or not and scouts have shown up and that one inmate who almost went pro. You can make a donation to the San Quentin Baseball Program . /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/29689053

Episode 406: Penelope Spheeris 01/23/2024

Episode 406: Penelope Spheeris Director and screenwriter Penelope Spheeris joins the boys to talk about her special friendship with the late-Tommy Lasorda Jr, her relationship with “Saturday Night Live” creator Lorne Michaels, the iconic film she turned down, how Donald Trump ended up in one of her movies, breaking David Spade’s “comedy balls” and, of course, “Wayne’s World”. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/29588553

Episode 405: Jay Jaffe 01/16/2024

Episode 405: Jay Jaffe Just in time to celebrate the 20th anniversary of JAWS, author of and senior writer at FanGraphs, Jay Jaffe joins the boys (for the sixth time!) to break down his 2024 Hall of Fame ballot, predicts who will be joining Jim Leyland in Cooperstown this July, wonders whether or not Chase Utley’s plaque will include his soul patch when he ultimately gets to 75% and reveals the player that he can’t wait to NOT vote for. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/29502983

Episode 404: Dirty Dango 01/09/2024

Episode 404: Dirty Dango TNA wrestling star Dirty Dango joins the boys to preview this year’s Hard to Kill pay-per-view, growing up a Boston Red Sox fan, his family history making bats (and syrup!), that time his grandpa played against the famed Kansas City Monarchs, debuting at WrestleMania and whether or not it was more or less nerve wracking than throwing out the first pitch prior to a Tampa Bay Rays game. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/29401268

Rewind: Matt Flesch 01/01/2024

Rewind: Matt Flesch To celebrate being the most listened to episode of 2023, “Last Comiskey” director Matt Flesch joins the boys to talk about growing up a Chicago White Sox fan, spending his summers at 35th Street and Shields, what inspired him and his brother Mike to document the final season at the iconic ballpark, the interview they were most excited to nail down and, of course, the one that got away! Episode originally aired April 10, 2023. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/29300033

Episode 403: Vanessa Ivy Rose 12/19/2023

Episode 403: Vanessa Ivy Rose Vanessa Ivy Rose, host of “”, returns to talk to the boys about her recent appearance on “Good Morning America”, finding a seemingly lost voice recording of her grandfather, Negro Leagues legend (and five-time Hall of Famer) Turkey Stearnes, whether or not we could see Hamtramck Stadium playing host to Major League Baseball and, of course, her lifelong love of Prince. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/29142333

Episode 402: Jon Hamm 12/12/2023

Episode 402: Jon Hamm Award-winning actor and lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan Jon Hamm joins the boys to talk about growing up best friends with the son of Hall of Famer Ted Simmons, how close he came to becoming a Milwaukee Brewers fan, his favorite baseball stadiums to visit (and the food that goes along with them), the baseball role he would’ve loved to have tackled, his upcoming project with acclaimed director Ron Shelton and those three times he’s hosted “Saturday Night Live”. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/29015608

Episode 401: Brandon Steiner 12/05/2023

Episode 401: Brandon Steiner Brandon Steiner, founder of Steiner Sports and returns to tell the boys about that time he beat Michael Jordan, how Jordan changed the game when it comes to sports marketing, shares his thoughts on holiday gift-giving and introduces his newest venture…. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/28932443

Episode 400: John Axford 11/28/2023

Episode 400: John Axford Former big league closer and 2011 Robert Goulet Memorial Mustached American of the Year award recipient John Axford joins the boys for their 400th episode to talk about the role he played in launching The Hall of Very Good Podcast, taking part in the World Baseball Classic, pitching in Milwaukee, his love of photography, reveals his Hollywood crush and, of course, gives a facial hair update. Also…a fan favorite returns! /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/28819803

Episode 399: Ron Cey 11/21/2023

Episode 399: Ron Cey 1981 World Series MVP and author of , Ron Cey joins the boys to talk about where he got his famous nickname, fraternity life at Washington State University (shout out Cougars!), playing with and against countless Hall of Famers, being on the field for Hank Aaron’s historic 715th home run, that time, he’s sure, Shawn grandma witnessed his greatest game at Wrigley Field and, ultimately, why he chose to finally write a book about his career. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/28735178

Minisode: The Kid's Car 11/14/2023

Minisode: The Kid's Car The hobby world is enamored with one of ones and a Montréal collector has a very unique one in his possession. Nearly 50 years ago, then-rookie Gary Carter purchased a brand new Buick Riviera after appearing in just a handful of games for the Expos. For more than a decade, the Hall of Fame catcher's prized car has been sitting in storage, well-maintained, and looking for a new home. The original eBay listing (with pictures!) is available . /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/28610213

Episode 398: Patrick Healey and Chris Felix 11/07/2023

Episode 398: Patrick Healey and Chris Felix Toy sculptor Patrick Healey and artist/illustrator Chris Felix join the boys to talk about how two kids from Elder High School in Cincinnati ended up working for Kenner on one of the biggest toylines ever, their favorite Starting Lineup figures they’ve ever designed, the best (and worst) likenesses, the importance to get everything just right and who may or may not have been partially responsible for those super jacked Star Wars figures from the mid-90s. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/28535909

Minisode: Major League Baseball's Haunted Hotel 10/31/2023

Minisode: Major League Baseball's Haunted Hotel Milwaukee is home to plenty...the Brewers, and, of course, one of the most haunted hotels in America. And according to author and tour guide Tea Krulos, The Pfister Hotel has been welcoming guests (both wanted and unwanted) since 1893. To listen to the entire interview, . /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/28468817

Episode 397: Simeon Lipman 10/24/2023

Episode 397: Simeon Lipman Pop culture specialist and longtime appraiser Simeon Lipman joins the boys to talk about his gig as the go-to guy when it comes to sports memorabilia, the first thing he saw when he joined “Antiques Roadshow”, what you can find in his own personal collection (and why), the hot genre people are buying up, one of the most unique bidding wars he’s even been on the sidelines for and that time he was asked to help sell body parts. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/28403996

Episode 396: Ken Karl 10/17/2023

Episode 396: Ken Karl Sports artist Ken Karl joins the boys to talk about how he got his start in mixed media, explains his “process” (and how that has cost him physical harm), what makes his one of ones so special and, most important, why he’s thrilled to be part of the card art community. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/28339655

Episode 395: John Benedeck 10/10/2023

Episode 395: John Benedeck Classically trained pianist-turned-ballpark “spackle” John Benedeck joins the boys to talk about his journey from Western Illinois University to Chicago’s northside, how he got his gig with the Chicago Cubs, getting paid to play with his organ, using social media to connect with his audience inside and outside of Wrigley Field and where to find the best beer in Wisconsin. /episode/index/show/hallofverygood/id/28243259

The Hall of Very Good Podcast

TOPICS