Clear the Field Podcast

Paul Jackson and Ted Walker
  • 5.0 (8)
  • SPORTS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Clear the Field is a baseball history podcast about when the game goes sideways. From the sepia-toned malarky of the 19th century game to the psychedelic mayhem of the swingin’ 70s, these true stories of baseball’s forfeits, mad scientists, and general mayhem are brought to you by two writers, history nuts, and lifelong fans. www.project-318.com

  1. 6D AGO

    Flour Bombing at Dodger Stadium

    In 1971 (and 1969 and 1970), light aircraft used Chavez Ravine for target practice. Highlights - Vin Scully, aeronautics expert - A blurb of a bombardment in 1970 - Animals on the grounds, flour from the skies - Siege weapons at the ballpark? Really? - Post-game speculation worthy of a ‘90s action movie - Another unexpected target across the country? Paul asks questions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.project-318.com

    32 min

  2. JAN 24

    The Children's Forfeit

    In 1942, the wartime scrap effort costs the war-bound Giants a game. Highlights - Let’s Play Eight at the Polo Grounds - Highlights from New York City’s Junk Drawers - A youth movement as the Giants head off to war - A mostly inexplicable crowd surge - How America used “stuff” to win World War II This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.project-318.com

    37 min

  3. JAN 9

    "Scrappy" Baseball Promotions in World War II

    In 1942, major league baseball turned a few of New York’s green cathedrals into makeshift junk yards. Highlights - FDR nationalizes the National Game - What scrap metal meant to the war effort - Dispatches from the Junk Drawer War - The Dodgers pitch in to help New York meet its quota - A scramble at the Ebbets Field “scrap gate” - Next time: Metal mania moves to Manhattan This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.project-318.com

    38 min

  4. 12/23/2025

    Fencing In the Wrigley Field Bleacher Bums

    In 1969, the Cubs’ famous fans had an incredibly special relationship with the team. In 1970, they didn’t. Highlights - The Bleacher Bum org chart - The most special fan relationship - A funereal end to 1969 - Mistakes were made, sayeth the Cubs' owner. - The vibes shift at Wrigley Field in 1970 - Big Brother at the ballpark Further Reading: https://www.project-318.com/p/the-break-up This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.project-318.com

    42 min

  5. 12/11/2025

    Whistling Past the World Series

    In 1907, Detroit’s ebullient manager tried to save his voice by coaching with a whistle and blew his way into trouble. Highlights - Some surprising HBP trivia - Breaking down early 20th century noisemakers - Verbal managerial subterfuge through the ages - Instruments proliferate and umpires deteriorate - The first-ever World(‘s) Series ejection goes to...you guessed it! Further Reading: Support Us You can support Clear the Field by following the show on your favorite platform: Apple Podcasts Spotify RSS Give a Rating, Like, or Restack If you enjoyed an episode on a platform like Spotify or Apple Podcasts, can you give it a quick rating and let folks know? A 5-Star rating helps our podcast appear as suggested and helps people find us. Here on Substack, restacking an episode is one click that really helps us, so if you had fun, please click that button up there on the far right of the episode that has two circling arrows on it. Email If you have comments or details that add to our stories or ideas for future installments, send us an email at clearthefieldpod@gmail.com. Gentle corrections are also welcome. Warning: If a comment is particularly enlightening and/or funny, we might read it during a future episode. On Social Media Paul: Substack Instagram Ted: Substack Original Research and Writing: Paul Jackson Production and Music: Ted Walker Design: Ketaki Kulkarni This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.project-318.com

    41 min

  6. 11/24/2025

    Cork Hunt '87

    In 1987, the Mets / Cardinals rivalry exploded into a hunt for Howard Johnson’s magic bat. Highlights - Lawn Dart Day is cancelled. - Corking 101 - Whitey Herzog’s haphazard investigation. - Howard Johnson’s suspect bat. - Unsatisfying allegations and extrajudicial acquisitions. - Holding your feelings in your mustache. - A harassment campaign leads to a new rule. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.project-318.com

    33 min

  7. 11/13/2025

    Tommy Herr Ruins Seat Cushion Night

    In 1987, sneaky power hitting turned the greatest National League rivalry you’ve never heard of on its head. Highlights - The rivalry that Bud Selig forgot. - Great moments in name-calling. - Lunar charts and ballpark giveaways. - Is Jack Clark the K-Mart of baseball players and what does this mean? - A sprinkle of seat cushions becomes a blizzard. - Tommy Herr sends ‘em home happy and sans posterior support. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.project-318.com

    33 min

  8. 10/30/2025

    Joe Niekro: The Busted Knuckler

    In 1987, Twins pitcher Joe Niekro was found with contraband in his pockets but not necessarily with larceny in his heart. Highlights - A pitching career that just kept going - A sting operation in Anaheim - Caught with red hands and perfect cuticles - Following in Gaylord Perry’s footsteps (and getting lost) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.project-318.com

    43 min
See All (14)

5
out of 5
8 Ratings

About

Clear the Field is a baseball history podcast about when the game goes sideways. From the sepia-toned malarky of the 19th century game to the psychedelic mayhem of the swingin’ 70s, these true stories of baseball’s forfeits, mad scientists, and general mayhem are brought to you by two writers, history nuts, and lifelong fans. www.project-318.com

Information

  • Creator
    Paul Jackson and Ted Walker
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Paul Jackson
  • Show Website
    Clear the Field Podcast

You Might Also Like