Two Strike Noise - A Baseball History Podcast

Jeff and Mark open discussing Hideki Matsui’s scheduled lecture at the Japan Society of Fertilization and Implantation and how he became an ‘expert’ on the subject. They review minor-league rule experiments, including moving second base again, check-swing challenges, limiting batter timeouts, counting PitchCom issues as mound visits, reducing disengagements, and allowing starters to re-enter, plus a DH-related idea. They cover an NPB postseason rule expanding “ghost wins” in the Climax Series and MLB’s spring training re-measurements to calibrate automated strike zones, noting several players’ height changes. In “Tales from the Dugout,” they recount 1900 Giants players rescuing people from a fire before a game that ended in a stalled tie, a 1944 Reds-Braves game finished in 1:15 on 58 pitches, and odd baseball card stories involving Mike Proly’s empty-bench card and forged Little Sun autographs. The episode ends with a 2003 Topps Wax Pack Heroes matchup. 00:00 Podcast Cold Open 00:51 Matsui Fertility Lecture 02:35 Minor League Rule Experiments 07:06 NPB Ghost Wins Debate 08:33 Measuring Strike Zones 13:45 1900 Fire Rescue Antics 18:19 1944 Speedrun Game 22:51 Mike Proly is Missing Card 26:48 Little Sun Set Tease 27:47 Roper Over Jeter Chase 29:46 Backdoored Autograph Scandal 31:10 Mystery Card Hunt Segment 32:44 Wax Pack Heroes Begins 52:01 Wrap Up and Listener Teams 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 #baseball #Yankees #RedSox #Cal #BaseballCards #TwoStrikeNoise

Jeff and Mark open with BP updates including Ben Davis cutting his kneecap to the bone with a chainsaw and Matt Waldron being hospitalized after hemorrhoid surgery, plus an immaculate-grid note that Josh Gibson pitched once and Cool Papa Bell pitched extensively with a winning record. They discuss Mets pitcher Ryan Lambert boosting velocity by eating up to 30 raw eggs a day and debate how baseball phrases dominate everyday language. The main topic covers the Indianapolis Clowns, a Negro American League team that blended high-level play with choreographed comedy (including the “magic circle,” a first baseman on stilts, and barnstorming life under segregation) while still winning, including the 1950 pennant, and featuring a brief 1952 stint by Henry Aaron before the Braves bought his contract for $10,000. They add that the Clowns signed women players like Toni Stone and inspired the film The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings, then finish with a 2003 Topps Wax Pack Heroes round featuring players like Hideo Nomo, Alfonso Soriano, Orlando Hudson, Roberto Alomar, Larry Walker, and “Young Bong.” 00:00 Podcast Cold Open 00:54 Ben Davis Chainsaw Massacre 03:41 Dude Wipes and Waldron 05:33 Immaculate Grid Oddities 08:38 Raw Eggs for Velocity 11:28 Baseball Phrases Everywhere 15:16 Meet the Indianapolis Clowns 34:25 Wax Pack Heroes 50:13 Wrap Up And Plugs 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 #baseball #Yankees #RedSox #Cal #BaseballCards #TwoStrikeNoise

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 Back01:23 RIP Elroy “Roy” Face: The Baron of the Bullpen04:59 Square-Dance Caller Dad & Other Roy Face Oddities05:56 Japan Notes: Murakami, White Sox Bidets & a Name-Tag Fail07:59 Baseball Players Are Children: NoMo’s Sausage Race & More09:10 More Japan: Iga’s Acting Debut + Kuroda as TV Murderer11:30 WBC Injuries & Insurance: Hamate Bones and Bad Bunny Steps In13:07 Nolan Ryan Bloodied Jersey Giveaway (And the Ventura Mix-Up)14:39 Main Story: The Life and Legend of Mickey Lolich31:06 Time for Wax Pack Heroes: Mitch Roasted, Scoreboard Update & New Topps Hunt49:36 Wrap-Up: Final Score, Where to Find the Show, Streams, Email & Baseball’s Back Connect With UsYouTube: www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoiseTwitch: https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoiseBlueSky: @twostrikenoise.bsky.socialEmail: 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

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/@twostrikenoiseTwitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoiseBluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.socialFacebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/Instagram - @twostrikenoiseE-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

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 Banter01:01 Baseball Trivia: Mariners and Erics03:20 Jaden Agassi and Highlight Sports05:14 Unique Baseball Gloves and J-Pop07:52 Listener Trivia Question10:22 Ross Grimsley's Unconventional Career28:36 Wax Pack Heroes: Baseball Card Game55:58 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts YouTube - www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoiseTwitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoiseBluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.socialFacebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/Instagram - @twostrikenoiseE-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

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 Introductions00:56 Baseball MVP Debate03:50 World Series Anecdotes10:22 Thanksgiving Themed Name Game17:11 Mel Almada: A Baseball Pioneer29:48 Wax Pack Heroes50:49 Concluding Remarks and Thanksgiving Break YouTube - www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoiseTwitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoiseBluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.socialFacebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/Instagram - @twostrikenoiseE-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

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark dive into a variety of engaging topics. They kick off by discussing baseball players who stand out due to their 6,7 height. Jeff quizzes listeners on Chicago White Sox mascot Southpaw's weight in baseballs. They transition to humorous Pantone color discussions and a potential new curse linked to Colonel Sanders. The hosts reminisce about various '80s baseball movies and reveal Frank Pastor and John Bernardino's surprising careers post-baseball. Wrapping up, they play Wax Pack Heroes with a focus on 1990 Donruss cards, including notable players like Tim Wallach and Jim Abbott. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:20 Richie Sexton Studio and Tall Players02:14 Trivia Time: South Paw's Weight03:14 World Series and Pantone Colors04:17 Colonel Sanders and a New Baseball Curse?05:24 Bull Durham: The Musical07:45 Lou Gehrig's Historic Jersey09:38 Seinfeld and Baseball Cards12:22 Players with Successful Post-Baseball Careers30:31 Wax Pack Heroes: Baseball Card Game44:42 Wrapping Up and Listener Engagement YouTube - www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoiseTwitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoiseBluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.socialFacebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/Instagram - @twostrikenoiseE-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

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark cover the weird, the wonderful, and the downright unpredictable in baseball. Jeff pitches a Mariners World Series giveaway that’s either bold or a cruse, depending on your perspective, and the guys break down a marketing face-off between Seattle and Toronto. They dig into the latest from Banana Ball — including new teams paying tribute to the Negro Leagues — and wonder if Trevor Bauer’s dominance in Japan is impressive or just a by-product of the league’s current beer shortage. There’s also an urgent public debate over whether the White Sox mascot Southpaw is due for a weigh-in. The main feature: part two of Jeff’s conversation with Hall of Fame voter and veteran writer Ryan Fagan, diving into how ballots really get filled out, what voters wrestle with, and how the process could evolve. The episode wraps with another nostalgic pack of Wax Pack Heroes. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:18 Mariners World Series Ring Giveaway?03:03 Creative Promo Battles: Mariners vs. Blue Jays03:56 Savannah Bananas and Negro Leagues Collaboration09:07 Japanese Baseball Updates12:25 Trivia Time: How Much Does South Paw Weigh?15:02 Baseball writer and HOF voter, Ryan Fagan34:35 Wax Pack Heroes51:20 Wrap up and Goodbyes YouTube - www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoiseTwitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoiseBluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.socialFacebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/Instagram - @twostrikenoiseE-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

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark discuss a historic baseball matchup between Juan Marichal and Warren Spahn, known as the greatest game ever pitched. They dive into the specifics of the 16-inning game where Marichal and Spahn delivered a masterclass in endurance and skill. The episode also features listener e-mail, debut’s and odd baseball names, updates on the latest MLB season, and a Wax Pack Heroes segment that takes a nostalgic look at some classic 1992 baseball cards. 00:00 Introduction and Hosts' Banter00:33 Playoff Tensions and Mariners' Highlights04:15 Listener Feedback and Fun Nicknames11:05 Baseball Debuts and Retirements18:15 The Greatest Baseball Game Ever Pitched29:03 Wax Pack Heroes46:39 Wrapping Up and Announcements YouTube - www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoiseTwitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoiseBluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.socialFacebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/Instagram - @twostrikenoiseE-mail - twostrikenoise@gmail.com We pull ALOT of commons in Wax Pack Heroes. If you've got those Tom Foley 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

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark open in the Jesus Montero Studio, where an ice cream sandwich has never been more dangerous. From there, the guys dig into a card-collecting dad-and-son duo who cornered the market on Greg Briley, a record-shattering Hall of Fame induction program, and John Kruk’s musings on clocks, vegans, and sandwiches.They check in on the Little League World Series, where one Canadian kid has already labeled Juan Soto “overrated,” and highlight professional sluggers who quietly joined the 500-home run club outside MLB. Plus, anniversaries and debuts galore: Nolan Ryan’s 5,000th strikeout, Carmelo Martinez’s fly-ball “weakness,” Big Mac’s towel-wrapped sitcom cameo, and Dustin Pedroia’s Hall of Very Good candidacy.The main feature this week is Mark’s deep dive into Mike Marshall — not the Dodgers first baseman, but the 1974 Cy Young–winning reliever whose 106 appearances, 208 innings, and obsession with kinesiology made him one of baseball’s most fascinating arms.And as always, we wrap with another round of Wax Pack Heroes — where mullets, mustaches, and manager cards all come into play. 00:00 Introduction and Studio Banter03:17 Baseball Card Collecting Adventures06:00 Historic Baseball Memorabilia08:16 John Kruk's Hilarious Commentary10:00 Little League World Series Highlights11:51 500+ Home Run Club15:58 Baseball Debuts and Nostalgia21:05 Mike Marshall: The Iron Man Reliever32:46 Wax Pack Heroes Game48:35 Final Thoughts and Outro YouTube - www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoiseTwitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoiseBluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.socialFacebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/Instagram - @twostrikenoiseE-mail - twostrikenoise@gmail.com We pull ALOT of commons in Wax Pack Heroes. If you've got those Tom Foley 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

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark discuss Shin-Soo Choo stepping in as director of Baseball Queen, a new reality series where former female athletes take on the challenge of learning baseball from scratch. They also cover some fresh player nicknames, memorable closer entrances, and notable big-league debuts.The main topic this week is the legendary baseball finale of the original The Naked Gun — packed with hilarious gags, surprising cameos, and behind-the-scenes baseball trivia that turned this ninth-inning chaos into one of the funniest sports scenes in movie history.The episode wraps up with another round of Wax Pack Heroes, ripping into a stack of 1988 baseball cards to see which stars, surprises, and forgotten names we uncover. 00:00 Introduction and Welcome00:38 Baseball Talk: Trade Deadline and Player Stats03:57 Mariners Updates and Sin Chuchu's New Role06:57 Little League World Series and Wholesome Moments08:27 Two Strike Noise Origin and Baseball Nicknames12:25 Debuts and Hall of Fame Discussions17:02 Pop Culture and Baseball: The Naked Gun40:00 Wax Pack Heroes: Baseball Card Game57:51 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/Instagram - @twostrikenoiseBluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.socialThreads - @twostrikenoiseTwitter - @twostrikenoiseTwo Strike Noise on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoiseTwitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoiseE-mail - twostrikenoise@gmail.com We pull ALOT of commons in Wax Pack Heroes. If you've got those Tom Foley 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

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark (providing in-depth and pointedly observant pre-recorded comments from Cooperstown during Ichiro's Hall of Fame induction) discuss the news of Jim Clancy's passing and the shocking charges against the newest Do-Not-Talk-About-List member, Dan Serafini, Chris Carter's career and recent milestones, and the Hall of Fame weekend's special team hats. This week’s main segment features the legendary rivalry between Ty Cobb and Babe Ruth. The narrative dives into their ideological baseball differences and a historic charity golf series. Mark admits something about past Wax Pack Heroes games before the episode wraps up. 00:00 Welcome and Introductions00:24 Ichiro's Hall of Fame Induction01:07 BP Segment: Remembering Jim Clancy and Dan Serafini03:03 Chris Carter's Career Highlights05:47 Hall of Fame Weekend Hats09:19 Main Segment: Ty Cobb vs. Babe Ruth20:08 Wax Pack Heroes20:54 Closing Remarks Facebook -https://www.facebook.com/TwoStrikeNoise/Instagram - @twostrikenoiseBluesky - @twostrikenoise.bsky.socialThreads - @twostrikenoiseTwitter - @twostrikenoiseTwo Strike Noise on YouTube - www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoiseTwitch - https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoiseE-mail - twostrikenoise@gmail.com We pull ALOT of commons in Wax Pack Heroes. If you've got those Tom Foley 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