Two Strike Noise - A Baseball History Podcast

twostrikenoise

We talk to you about baseball history & have been described as specializing in Boston Red Sox history. Only one of those are true. It’s isn’t the latter.

  1. 3D AGO

    Episode 311 - Mickey Lolich, Why the Detroit Tigers Replaced a 31-Game Winner with a "Mailman" in the World Series

    Jeff and Mark open the episode with early-season baseball energy (NCAA baseball starting, spring training nearing, and WBC chatter) before noting the passing of relief legend Elroy “Roy” Face and revisiting stories tied to Ralph Terry. They share a run of baseball oddities and news, including the White Sox adding bidets at a Japanese player’s request while misspelling his locker name, Hideo Nomo sausage race, and former Yankees pitcher Kei Igawa’s acting debut. They also discuss Puerto Rico WBC insurance issues, including Bad Bunny offering to cover premiums for Carlos Correa and Francisco Lindor, plus the Rangers’ planned Nolan Ryan bloodied-jersey replica giveaway tied to the Bo Jackson line drive. The main feature is a career-focused tribute to recently deceased Tigers legend Mickey Lolich, from his childhood accident that helped turn him into a left-hander to his workhorse peak to his iconic 1968 World Series performance. The episode closes with the Wax Pack Heroes game from a 2003 Topps pack, along with show plugs and contact info. 00:00 Welcome Back to Two Strike Noise + Baseball Is Back 01:23 RIP Elroy “Roy” Face: The Baron of the Bullpen 04:59 Square-Dance Caller Dad & Other Roy Face Oddities 05:56 Japan Notes: Murakami, White Sox Bidets & a Name-Tag Fail 07:59 Baseball Players Are Children: NoMo’s Sausage Race & More 09:10 More Japan: Iga’s Acting Debut + Kuroda as TV Murderer 11:30 WBC Injuries & Insurance: Hamate Bones and Bad Bunny Steps In 13:07 Nolan Ryan Bloodied Jersey Giveaway (And the Ventura Mix-Up) 14:39 Main Story: The Life and Legend of Mickey Lolich 31:06 Time for Wax Pack Heroes: Mitch Roasted, Scoreboard Update & New Topps Hunt 49:36 Wrap-Up: Final Score, Where to Find the Show, Streams, Email & Baseball’s Back Connect With Us YouTube: www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoise Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoise BlueSky: @twostrikenoise.bsky.social Email: twostrikenoise@gmail.com Support a Great Cause: Don't let your common cards collect dust! Donate them to help spark a child's interest in the game at http://commons4kids.org/. #baseballhistory #mlb #AddieJoss #MickeyLolich #AllStarGame #BaseballCards #TwoStrikeNoise #DeadBallEra

    56 min
  2. FEB 8

    Episode 310 - Everybody Loves Addy (Joss)

    In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark explore the career of one of the most efficient pitchers in baseball history: Addie Joss. Known for his "corkscrew" delivery and a career ERA that remains the second-lowest of all time, Joss's life was cut short at just 31. The hosts detail the incredible 1911 Addie Joss Benefit Game, which brought together icons like Ty Cobb (in a borrowed jersey), Walter Johnson, and Cy Young for a cause that predated the official MLB All-Star Game by over two decades. Before the history lesson, the BP segment covers the recent passing of Tigers legend Mickey Lolich, a strange trivia bit about Ozzy Smith’s fashion sense, and a look at Hall of Famers categorized by their home states. The episode concludes with a high-stakes round of Wax Pack Heroes, where Frank Robinson leads a 2003 Topps pack. 00:00 Intro: The Domingo Ramos Studio & "Ham Gravy" Origins 02:15 Non-Baseball Fact: Olive Oil and the Usurping of Popeye 04:30 BP Segment: Remembering Mickey Lolich (The Beer Drinker’s Idol) 08:50 1987 Tops Trivia: Ozzy Smith, Best Casual Dresser? 11:15 The "Other" Ozzy: Canseco’s Stint with the Cardinals 14:40 Hall of Famers by State: New York vs. California 19:20 WBC Woes: Insurance Issues and Javi Baez’s Suspension 23:05 The Human Hairpin: The Dominance of Addie Joss 38:40 Wax Pack Heroes: 2003 Topps Mega Pack Battle 54:20 Wrapping Up: Mickey Lolich Deep Dive Tease Connect With Us YouTube: www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoise Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoise BlueSky: @twostrikenoise.bsky.social Email: twostrikenoise@gmail.com Support a Great Cause: Don't let your common cards collect dust! Donate them to help spark a child's interest in the game at http://commons4kids.org/. #baseballhistory #mlb #AddieJoss #MickeyLolich #AllStarGame #BaseballCards #TwoStrikeNoise #DeadBallEra

    56 min
  3. JAN 31

    Episode 309 - Billy Hamilton was Ty Cobb Before Lou Brock Was Rickey

    Dust off your spurs and grab your table-leg bats! In this episode, Jeff and Mark bridge the gap between the Old West and the diamond. We discuss why Wyatt Earp is buried in a San Francisco suburb and hunt for the best "Western" names in baseball history—from Hoot Gibson to the legendary Tony Tombstone. Then, we dig into the career of the original Billy Hamilton. Long before Rickey Henderson or Lou Brock, there was a 5'6" powerhouse from a Massachusetts cotton mill who invented the headfirst slide and averaged over a run per game. We settle the score on his "lost" stolen base records and his fuming retirement letters to the Sporting News. Finally, we travel back to the 1920s-40s for a special "Conlon Collection" version of Wax Pack Heroes, featuring a third baseman who could hold seven baseballs in one hand and a World Series riot involving flying bananas. Show Chapters & Timestamps [00:00] Intro: [03:15] BP Segment: Truck Day, Blue Sky baseball, and watching 80s games. [08:42] Rick Rizzs: Celebrating the legendary Mariners voice. [11:20] Tombstone Connections: Why Wyatt Earp is buried near "High Pockets" Kelly. [16:45] Western Baseball Names: From Doc Halladay to Dusty Baker and Pat Corrales. [24:10] The Legend of Sliding Billy Hamilton [42:30] Wax Pack Heroes (Vintage Edition) YouTube - www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoise Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoise Bluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.social Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/ Instagram - @twostrikenoise E-mail - twostrikenoise@gmail.com We pull ALOT of commons in Wax Pack Heroes. If you've got those Tim Foli or Ernest Riles cards just sitting around you can donate those commons to charity and maybe spark a child's interest in baseball and collecting. Find out more here: http://commons4kids.org/ #podernfamily #podnation #baseball #mlb #history #podcast #baseballcards

    1h 9m
  4. JAN 12

    Episode 308 - Tales from the Dugout v_2026

    In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark celebrate being "back from the dead" after the holiday break with a look at the chaotic start to 2026. Discussing the weirdly specific reason why Kyle Farnsworth is the king of Iowa baseball searches, and a generous but suspicious offer of "steak for life" in Toronto. In the ‘Same Year, Same Disaster’ category, perennial idiots re-emerge. Lenny Dykstra’s Pennsylvania traffic stops and John Rocker’s latest crusade against hotel bar staff in Columbus. The main event features a debate on King Felix’s Hall of Fame credentials—measuring peak dominance against a lack of help—and a legendary locker room confirmation regarding Greg Maddox’s specific brand of "sanitary" pranks. The episode wraps up with a curated edition of Wax Pack Heroes decide the first victory of the new year. 00:00 Welcome Back to Two Strike Noise 00:45 Mike Kingery and College Memories 01:11 Tombstone: A Western Classic 03:21 Lenny Dykstra's Latest Shenanigans 04:26 John Rocker's Controversial Antics 08:29 Tales from the Dugout: Light Edition 10:21 Daniel Vogelbach: From Player to Coach 14:08 Felix Hernandez: Hall of Fame Debate 22:05 Greg Maddux's Infamous Pranks 26:07 Bo Bichette's Steak for Life Offer 28:53 Kyle Farnsworth: Iowa's Most Searched Pitcher 31:34 Boomer Boosts Kyle Farnsworth's Popularity 32:55 Most Hated Players in Franchise History 37:43 Wax Pack Heroes: The Game Begins 54:36 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up   YouTube - www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoise Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoise Bluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.social Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/ Instagram - @twostrikenoise E-mail - twostrikenoise@gmail.com We pull ALOT of commons in Wax Pack Heroes. If you've got those Tim Foli or Ernest Riles cards just sitting around you can donate those commons to charity and maybe spark a child's interest in baseball and collecting. Find out more here: http://commons4kids.org/ #podernfamily #podnation #baseball #mlb #history #podcast #baseballcards

    59 min
  5. 12/13/2025

    Episode 307 - Ross Grimsley: Baseball’s Dirtiest Hair, Slowest Pitch, and Strangest 20 Game Winner

    In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark dig into one of the strangest success stories of the 1970s: Ross “Scuz” Grimsley, the pitcher who looked like he threw 100 mph and won by barely breaking 50. Before the deep dive, the show warms up with some classic Two Strike Noise chaos — including a bizarre Mariners stat involving pitchers named Erik, Andre Agassi’s son pitching in international baseball, a Japanese pitcher debuting a J-pop–inspired glove, and a listener trivia question that quietly ruins everyone’s confidence. The main event is Grimsley’s improbable career arc. A first-round pick with the Reds, he wins early, gets traded anyway, and becomes the ultimate anti-establishment figure in a league obsessed with clean hair and harder fastballs. With long, greasy hair, turquoise contact lenses, witch-provided lucky stones, and a pitch mix built entirely on deception, Grimsley carved out wins while driving traditionalists insane. The episode wraps up with a lively game of Wax Pack Heroes, where Jeff and Mark open 2002 Topps baseball cards, aiming to accumulate the highest WAR scores while reminiscing about the players featured. 00:00 Introduction and Opening Banter 01:01 Baseball Trivia: Mariners and Erics 03:20 Jaden Agassi and Highlight Sports 05:14 Unique Baseball Gloves and J-Pop 07:52 Listener Trivia Question 10:22 Ross Grimsley's Unconventional Career 28:36 Wax Pack Heroes: Baseball Card Game 55:58 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts YouTube - www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoise Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoise Bluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.social Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/ Instagram - @twostrikenoise E-mail - twostrikenoise@gmail.com We pull ALOT of commons in Wax Pack Heroes. If you've got those Tim Foli or Ernest Riles cards just sitting around you can donate those commons to charity and maybe spark a child's interest in baseball and collecting. Find out more here: http://commons4kids.org/ #podernfamily #podnation #baseball #mlb #history #podcast #baseballcards

    1h 1m
  6. 12/06/2025

    Episode 306 - Sig Jackuki, The Accidental Ace Who Saved the Saddest Franchise

    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 episode rounds off with a competitive session of Wax Packs Heroes, featuring standout baseball cards from the 1998 Upper Deck series. 00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Recap 01:41 Thanksgiving Baseball Name Game 02:39 Contemporary Music and Baseball 07:27 Hall of Fame Voting Discussion 12:58 Historical Baseball Stats 16:57 Sig Jakucki: The Browns' Unlikely Hero 37:06 Wax Pack Heroes 01:06:54 Wrapping Up and Farewell YouTube - www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoise Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoise Bluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.social Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/ Instagram - @twostrikenoise E-mail - twostrikenoise@gmail.com We pull ALOT of commons in Wax Pack Heroes. If you've got those Tim Foli or Ernest Riles cards just sitting around you can donate those commons to charity and maybe spark a child's interest in baseball and collecting. Find out more here: http://commons4kids.org/ #podernfamily #podnation #baseball #mlb #history #podcast #baseballcards

    1h 10m
  7. 11/22/2025

    Episode 305 - Before Valenzuela, How Mel Almada Broke MLB’s Barrier

    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 baseball player names related to the holiday. The episode concludes with the Wax Packs Heroes segment, featuring curated packs from a listener, before Jeff and Mark announce a break for Thanksgiving. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions 00:56 Baseball MVP Debate 03:50 World Series Anecdotes 10:22 Thanksgiving Themed Name Game 17:11 Mel Almada: A Baseball Pioneer 29:48 Wax Pack Heroes 50:49 Concluding Remarks and Thanksgiving Break YouTube - www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoise Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoise Bluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.social Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/ Instagram - @twostrikenoise E-mail - twostrikenoise@gmail.com We pull ALOT of commons in Wax Pack Heroes. If you've got those Tim Foli or Ernest Riles cards just sitting around you can donate those commons to charity and maybe spark a child's interest in baseball and collecting. Find out more here: http://commons4kids.org/ #podernfamily #podnation #baseball #mlb #history #podcast #baseballcards

    56 min
  8. 11/08/2025

    Episode 304 - Ted Kluszewski, Chuck Klein & Captain Kirk Walk Into a Bar

    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 touches on baseball's relationship with pop culture, mentioning appearances on The Simpsons and celebrity reputations. The episode concludes with Wax Packs Heroes, spotlighting nostalgic baseball cards and a friendly competition between Jeff and Mark. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome 01:43 World Series Recap 05:26 Dodgers' Position Players Pitching 08:30 Contemporary Hall of Fame Ballot Discussion 10:04 MLB's Competitive Golf Tournament 11:06 Japanese TV Show and Shohei Ohtani 13:58 Trivia Question and Mascot Weight 16:34 Dave Winfield & Robin Givens….mom? 27:09 Chuck Klien, consistant HOFer 27:46 Snake Deal 29:46 A Historic Baseball Game in 1960 34:31 Wax Packs Heroes: Baseball Card Showdown 51:14 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts YouTube - www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoise Twitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoise Bluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.social Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/ Instagram - @twostrikenoise E-mail - twostrikenoise@gmail.com We pull ALOT of commons in Wax Pack Heroes. If you've got those Tim Foli or Ernest Riles cards just sitting around you can donate those commons to charity and maybe spark a child's interest in baseball and collecting. Find out more here: http://commons4kids.org/ #podernfamily #podnation #baseball #mlb #history #podcast #baseballcards

    57 min
4.8
out of 5
62 Ratings

About

We talk to you about baseball history & have been described as specializing in Boston Red Sox history. Only one of those are true. It’s isn’t the latter.

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