The Baseball Book Club

John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
  • 4.7 (12)
  • BASEBALL
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Baseball Book Club is a baseball history podcast that brings the game’s rich past to life through classic and contemporary baseball books. Hosts John Cheslock and Leroy Estep study forgotten players, iconic moments, legendary seasons, and the stories that shaped America’s pastime. Through lively discussions and thoughtful analysis, the show explores not only baseball history, but the game’s lasting impact on culture, memory, and community. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a baseball history nerd, or someone who simply loves a great story, The Baseball Book Club invites you to rediscover the game—one book, one era, and one conversation at a time.

  1. 1D AGO

    The Curse Of The Billy Goat

    In the third installment of The Best of The Baseball Book Club, we talk about the long endured curse over the Chicago Cubs and the moment that ended it for them on a rainy night in Cleveland.  Plus some classic baseball terminology and Leroy reviews a book on scorekeeping in baseball.  TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com

    43 min

  2. FEB 10

    Eras Collide and The Big Hurt Rises

    In this Best of The Baseball Book Club episode, we bring together some of our favorite conversations in baseball history and culture. We talk about how the Deadball Era became the Liveball Era with rule changes, equipment, and strategy transforming the game forever. Then we spotlight Hall of Famer Frank Thomas (The Big Hurt), his impact on modern hitting, and his place among the greatest power hitters in MLB history. The episode also features five unforgettable pitching oddities—rare moments of unusual performances that show us just how weird and wonderful baseball can be. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com

    58 min

  3. FEB 3

    Baseball Immortals: Bo Jackson's Arm and Sandy Koufax's Perfect Night in 1965

    In this special Best Of episode, we revisit two unforgettable moments that helped shape baseball’s mythology. First, we look back at the legend of Bo Jackson—a once-in-a-generation athlete whose power, speed, and sheer presence still feel larger than life. Then, we rewind to one of the most flawless performances the game has ever seen: Sandy Koufax’s perfect game. A night when precision, dominance and history aligned under the lights. A radio broadcast of the final inning, with Vin Scully's play calling, is included.  From raw athletic brilliance to pitching perfection, this episode celebrates baseball at its most iconic—stories that never fade, no matter how many times they’re told. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com

    53 min

  4. 12/17/2025

    The Christmas Hot Stove

    In this episode of The Baseball Book Club, John Cheslock and Leroy Estep look into the latest Hot Stove activity as teams shuffle rosters and prepare for a new baseball season. The conversation blends current baseball news with the historical perspective that defines the show. Leroy brings a Hot Corner spotlight on Kirby Puckett, examining the good, the bad, and the complicated legacy of one of Minnesota baseball’s most beloved figures. He'll take a look at Puckett’s on-field greatness, his place in baseball history, and how time reshapes the way we remember icons. John then reflects on baseball on the radio—why it still matters, how it connects generations of fans, and why the sound of a ballgame on the AM dial remains one of the sport’s most enduring traditions. Along the way, there’s plenty of classic Baseball Book Club banter and a little extra fun stuff mixed in. If you enjoyed the episode, subscribe to the show, leave a review and tell a friend. Every listen helps keep the signal humming through the static. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com

    45 min

  5. 11/18/2025

    Baseball In The 90s

    The crew is back together for a special, offseason episode. Leroy chimes in with a Hot Corner and John will speak with a guest as they discuss what may be the greatest decade of baseball.  TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com

    33 min

  6. 09/09/2025

    The Greatness Of Mathewson, Maddux & Martinez

    Few pitchers in baseball history combined intelligence, precision and dominance like Christy Mathewson, Greg Maddux and Pedro Martinez.  In the season finale, John and Leroy examine what set these three legends apart — from Mathewson’s artistry with his fadeaway pitch, to Maddux’s unmatched command, to Pedro’s electric presence in the 1990s and early 2000s. Each man defining greatness and showing why their names still stand as the gold standard for pitching mastery. TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com

    51 min

  7. 09/02/2025

    Clemente The Great

    The Great One, Roberto Clemente, is number 40 on the Posnanski 100 and we'll talk about the life and career of one of Pittsburgh's greatest.  We will also do some baseball terminology - three terms from Paul Dickson's The Baseball Dictionary.  TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com

    54 min

  8. 08/26/2025

    Iron Man Cal Ripken

    What does it take to show up every single day? In this episode, we'll look into the story of Cal Ripken Jr.—the Iron Man of baseball—who redefined durability and dedication by playing in 2,632 consecutive games. From his rookie days in Baltimore to the night he broke Lou Gehrig’s legendary record, Ripken’s career was more than just his streak and we’ll explore what his legacy meant for baseball.  We'll also discuss five poignant stories that transcend the game.  TheBaseballBookClub@gmail.com

    59 min
See All (52)

4.7
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

The Baseball Book Club is a baseball history podcast that brings the game’s rich past to life through classic and contemporary baseball books. Hosts John Cheslock and Leroy Estep study forgotten players, iconic moments, legendary seasons, and the stories that shaped America’s pastime. Through lively discussions and thoughtful analysis, the show explores not only baseball history, but the game’s lasting impact on culture, memory, and community. Whether you’re a lifelong fan, a baseball history nerd, or someone who simply loves a great story, The Baseball Book Club invites you to rediscover the game—one book, one era, and one conversation at a time.

Information

  • Creator
    John Cheslock and Leroy Estep
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 The Baseball Book Club
  • Show Website
    The Baseball Book Club