Hardball: MLB History In First Person

The story of the 1969 Mets can not be told without going back to the beginning. The 120 loss record breaking inaugural season of 1962.We will do that and so much more with our TWO guests this week. Ed Kranepool & Ron Swoboda. 50+ years later..this team resonates as much an ANY in the history of The Game.

This episode is a conversation with Hall of Famer and true Broadcast Legend VIN Scully. From his childhood NY roots to his first broadcasting break (a football game!) through some of his memorable days and nights at ballparks across America. The greatest painter of baseballs canvases will share - with the ultimate humility - a life well lived.

When you talk about trying to put together an All-Time All-Time starting 9 in Baseball History, the debate can be both entertaining and anger inducing. And when you think about the men who can even be considered for such an honor, you are talking about the 1% of the 1% of the 1%. While you can say George or Brooks or I can say Chipper...we might all really be keeping the seat warm for today's guest on HARDBALL. For your consideration...at 3B: Michael Jack Schmidt

Today's Episode of HARDBALL is my conversation with Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk. The centerpiece of one of the most iconic moments in sports history, but his 22 year career that was so much more. His stories of rivalries..brawls..and an injury that could have ended it all before it ever got started.

The Ryan Express: Nolan Ryan pitched in the Major Leagues for 27 seasons. He struck out more, walked more, hit more batters than any pitcher in history. And it wasn't even close. He did things that were beyond unprecedented..at his age or any other. And if you wanted to know what baseball fans thought of him..he got more votes than ANY pitcher who ever played the game in the 1999 All-Century Team poll. Oh...and 98% of the writers voted in his 1st year of eligibility for The Hall of Fame,

It's with a heavy heart that baseball fans have lost another legend. Frank Howard was different. His career was fascinating. And his post baseball career more so. 19 years coaching..he loved the game..and maybe more so..loved it's players. It was never Me or I..he spread the word of others. I hope you enjoy this look back to the last sit down that Frank Howard did..,2 yrs ago and as sharp as it gets.Enjoy.

If you asked...players...managers...announcers and fans...ones that had watched enough baseball over a long enough period of time... If that time included the heyday of Willie Mays...take a seat and be enthralled of the stories of the most talented player they had ever seen.   Winner of everything you can win in The Game...The Honor of having The World Series MVP Trophy named after him...Roberto Clemente Award Winner...and the very proud recipient of The Presidential Medal of Freedom Here is my conversation with Willie...2001...on the 50th Anniversary of his debut in the Major Leagues. 

Duke Snider is Brooklyn Royalty. The Duke of Flatbush a Hall of Famer with 5 consecutive 40 HR Seasons. A great defender...his mid 50's production is as good as anyone in The Game. This Episode is also personal, as you'll hear.