All About Baseball with Byron Copley

On April 8, 1974, Hank Aaron broke Babe Ruth’s all-time home run record on national television. Because today, April 8, 2026, is the 52nd anniversary of that event, I thought that I would replay one of the earliest episodes of All About Baseball that recounts my personal experience of that moment when Aaron’s bat made contact with the ball. It was one of extreme disappointment, which transitioned into one of personal growth. [email protected]

Major League Baseball, unlike the other professional sports in the United States, has been exempt from the Sherman Anti-Trust Act since 1922, meaning that no competitive professional baseball league can be established to directly compete with MLB for its players, fans, or markets. Still, that hasn’t prevented a few United States legislators from threatening to introduce legislation that would repeal that exemption because — well — listen to this episode that focuses on one Stuart Symington, a senator from Missouri, who strong-armed American League president Joe Cronin in 1967 to replace the Kansas City Athletics with the Kansas City Royals in the span of a mere 18 months — or else. Be prepared to venture down a few rabbit holes that chase the language of the Sherman Act, the volatile relationship between Symington and Charles Finley, the owner of the Kansas City Athletics, and the willingness of politicians to jump from one side of the fence to the other to get what they want. [email protected] Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

That’s the question that this episode of All About Baseball answers. A listener requested an episode on nicknames, and I tried to place a larger context around the topic and opine that nicknames no longer, “augment a given name and provide a richer and more explicit denotation.” But that’s only part of this story. Listen in to hear the rest of it. https://sabr.org/journal/article/an-analysis-of-baseball-nicknames/ [email protected] Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

In this episode, I, unfortunately, rant somewhat on yet another tinkering of the rules of baseball, using technology to yet again supplant the human factor, which, once ensconced in the game, is “progressively” taking a back seat to machines. “Hey, IT says so!” Controversy resolved, right? As we ignore the larger controversy of handing the judgement and management of the game over to things. I think this is a bad idea, and so does Charles Dickens. [email protected] Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

Baseball has numerous interesting and quirky rules. Perhaps none more so than the “Fourth Out Situation,” where an extra out can be made and applied to replace the third out made in an inning. This episode offers a hypothetical example that is a literal game-changer, and it also recounts two specific incidents in Major League baseball that demonstrate the importance of the rule as well as its rarity in application. With instant replay now a fixture in MLB, however, the Fourth Out has gained significance, and teams need to recognize that any play “isn’t over until it’s over,” to quote Yankees’ Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra.

Subtitled Baseball and the Rise of a New City, the book The New York Game is about the interdependent rise of professional baseball in New York with the grand and grandiose progress that New York accomplished from 1901 to 1945. This is the first episode of that podcast that I wrote in advance so that my words were measured and what I intended to say. I recommend this book, but not for the reasons that reviewers expressed. I find that Baker presents most of the principle characters as universally deficient in moral character. And I think this book clashes its baseball content with the non-baseball content as they compete in a tug-of-war throughout the book. Finally, there are two glaring factual errors — that have no business being inaccurate — that could call into the question the accuracy of other accounts described in the book. Still, Baker describes several famous events in New York baseball history with stunning visualization. Overall, a worthy read with a few swings and misses. [email protected] Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

This episode takes the lessons from a book that I read — and still read — called Quantum Golf, by Kjell (pronounced Shell) Enhager, which offers a radical yet reasonable way to approach the game of golf and asks the question: “can those same lessons be applied on the baseball field to help players enhance the game?” I think they can, and I explain why. I also identify several players who may have been playing Quantum Baseball all along without realizing it. [email protected] Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

This episode asks and answers this question to my satisfaction. At first, I was skeptical if the signing was a good idea. However, as I ruminated in real time, without much preparation, but with an open mind and a predisposition to express gladness that Verlander is a Tiger again, I discovered in the process that I can change my own mind by just talking it through with the “record” button activated. [email protected] Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin Screenshot

This episode examines in a fair amount of detail the reasons why I think that there was no World Series in 1904. The personalities who could have worked out an equitable solution — Byron Bancroft “Ban” Johnson, president of the fledgling American League, John T. Brush, owner of the National League’s New York Giants, and John McGraw, manager of the Giants — were simply too obstinate to negotiate. Instead, they waged a vicious verbal war in the newspapers during the summer and autumn of 1904: firing cocksure word salvos, rife with calumny, covered in vitriol, aimed squarely at their mutual hearts. It was baseball theater at its finest; a passion performance of three men — who refused to play games to preserve (so they thought) their reputations, their pride, and their principles.

Mickey Lolich, who passed away on February 4, 2026, at the age of 85, was a humble, self-effacing, patient, loyal man and teammate. His 13 years as a Detroit Tiger consisted of dramatic highs and lows, but Lolich was a man who always saw the bigger picture. His dedication and durability — and substantial talent that often went unappreciated — served to place him among the all-time great pitchers in wins, innings pitched, and strikeouts. This podcast remembers Lolich as a pitcher who thought of his team first. Still, however, he offers some justifiable, candid comments about being denied the Cy Young Award in 1971 and his exclusion from the Hall of Fame. Rest in Peace, Mickey Lolich, and thank you for your humility, integrity, and loyalty. 9th inning of the 1968 World Series, You Tube: https://youtu.be/cyhY7A9pXuI [email protected] Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

Artificial Intelligence has infiltrated every aspect of our lives, and Major League Baseball has embraced it with boundless enthusiasm. The claims: AI will increase competitiveness, excitement, safety, and fairness. It will extend careers and enhance the quality of play. This podcast offers some opinions on the “wisdom” of surrendering human judgement to computers, possible unforeseen circumstances of AI: as an example, AI could potentially shorten careers. I also relate two historic moments in baseball involving the same MLB player that, thankfully, took place decades before AI was able to prevent them from ever happening. With special thanks to Jay Hanna “Dizzy” Dean, Hall of Fame pitcher, who inspired this podcast and who, more than 90 years ago, often exhibited the property that many today value most about AI: Dizzy often predicted specific outcomes and then made them real. [email protected] Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

Ok. This podcast is a bit of an outlier. First off, I recorded it in my car as an experiment, so you will notice a difference in the audio. It’s more compressed than the podcasts I record in my office/studio. You might need to boost the volume a little bit. But it’s definitely audible. I liked the content, so I published this one. (With some prudent editing, I made it make sense.) I wanted to express the three qualities of baseball that I like and that make it different (and better) than other sports. Rather than give them away here, give this podcast a listen to see if you agree. Comments: [email protected] Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

A listener asked me to provide more information about the story that I offered in the episode published on January 19, 2026, “Humility Personified,” to fill in the details, add color and context, and clear up some questions she had about Lou Gehrig and Wally Pipp. So, this episode, called “Humility Personified (Continued)” hopefully does just that, as it focuses on the impact that Wally Pipp, the man Lou Gehrig replaced as the first basemen of the New York Yankees in 1925, had on his team, his teammate — Gehrig — and on his own family. This episode also reveals several conflicting accounts about the day that Gehrig replaced Pipp, the day Gehrig removed himself from the Yankee lineup after 2,130 consecutive games, and the day Gehrig revealed his vulnerability in front of 61,808 fans. Wally Pipp was as premier player of his era and this podcast episode honors him and his accomplishments, on and off the field. I thank this listener for inspiring me to delve deeper into a topic that I mistakenly thought was so familiar to my audience. [email protected] Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

Inspired by a humble gesture of an unnamed High School baseball player, who recognized that his acceptance of a college baseball offer was in no small part due to the play of his catcher, I reflect on this stellar example of humility and also (finally) after more than 100 episodes of All About Baseball, offer a treatment of whom I consider to be the most humble player in MLB history. He also happens to be one of the best, who’s significant life events as related to baseball are curiously connected to the Detroit Tigers. [email protected] Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin Lou Gehrig, May 2, 1939, Briggs Stadium, the day his consecutive-game streak of 2,130 games ended. Joe DiMaggio, Briggs Stadium, June 3, 1941, the day after Lou Gehrig died. https://youtu.be/nNLKPaThYkE

I can see Ryan’s house from my front yard, and I asked him if he’d be willing to share his experiences as a D1 college baseball player at Gardner Webb, a small Christian college near Charlotte, North Carolina. What came through the most was Ryan’s gratitude and humility throughout the conversation. At the end of the podcast, I chronicle just a few of his numerous and substantial achievements during his four-year career at Gardner Webb University — that he didn’t mention in the interview. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com https://byroncopley.com/

Baseball, unlike the other sports, has, in my opinion, more opportunities to reinforce important virtues, among them being accountability, humility, objectivity, and charity. This podcast presents what these virtues mean in the context of the game of baseball and how to express them. I also share an early memory from when I was 10 years old that helped to help me learn the importance of being accountable for one’s actions. Thank you, Dad, for pointing to our front porch. [email protected] https://byroncopley.com/ Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

Podcasts should grow and evolve as they stick to their fundamental principles. That’s what this episode reinforces, as it projects to expect in 2026. As I continue to cultivate a like-minded band of listeners who share my passion for the game of baseball, I also plan to make each episode more inspiring and more interactive, while covering the game in the same, eclectic way that I have for the past 18 months. From the bottom of my heart and soul, I thank you for your interest, attention, and input. May 2026 be a year of joy, fulfillment, and peace to all. Kind regards, Byron

In the spirit of Christmas Day, I thought it appropriate to offer a replay of a podcast from September 28, 2024, that tells the story of a man with a vision to give of himself 365 days a year. From the original podcast description: “After a 16-year Major League career, Hank Aguirre established a company called Mexican Industries in 1979, with the intent of employing fellow Mexicans and other minorities who lived in an area of Detroit called “Mexicantown.” After several lean years, the company blossomed in to a $150,000,000 business by the time Hank died in 1994.” Merry Christmas to all of you and thank you, as always, for your interest and support Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

I want to share my recommendation for you to read the book, “Tinker to Evers to Chance — The Chicago Cubs and The Dawn of Modern America.” It’s an excellent account of this famous shortstop (Tinker), second baseman (Evers), and first baseman (Chance) combination that helped the Cubs to dominate the National League for the first 10 years of the 20th century (1901-1910) and accelerate the popularity of Big-League baseball. But it’s about so much more — as you will discover when you open the cover and start reading. Be sure to not skip to the end! [email protected] www.byroncopley.com “Baseball’s Sad Lexicon: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/46679/baseballs-sad-lexicon Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

To commemorate surpassing the 100-episode mark of All About Baseball, I wanted to actually do a podcast about how a Major League Baseball is made: the materials used, the manufacturing methods, and the standards that each baseball has to pass. Instead, I discovered something much more important to talk about — the people who work at the. MLB-owned Rawlings plant in Turriabla, Costa Rica, who produce more than 2,000,000 baseballs a year in virtual anonymity. That needs to change, along with the way that they are compensated for their labor. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

A listener asked me this question that I had not previously considered. I was comfortable just letting this scenario play out. His inquiry led me to respond with an answer that presents a specific plan gives the Tigers the best chance to responsibly sign Skubal or, more likely, receive the best possible and comparable value in a trade. Be alerted that this podcast delves into the granular numbers and metrics that I think are essential to examine and evaluate the Tigers’ next best steps — and it’s a plan that I would initiate from Opening Day, 2026. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

The title says it all: I express my gratitude to all who have made this podcast possible, including Almighty God, my creator. I also offer a preview of three future episodes. May your Thanksgiving be filled with joy, good food, and fine company. [email protected] byroncopley.com https://byroncopley.com/ Link to Tinker to Evers to Chance Book Review: https://press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/T/bo24905418.html Music: “Field Grass,” Sergei Pavkin

A bike accident, a dislocated index finger, and a suggestion from my wife prompted me to dig into the life and career of Mordecai “Three-Finger” Brown, who suffered a sudden and gruesome amputation of his right index finger at the tender age of five (or seven, depending on the source). As a result of this, Mordeaci Brown, a Hall of Famer and considered in everyone’s top-30 list of all-time pitchers, delivered the baseball to home plate over 14 professional seasons as no pitcher did before or since — or ever will again. [email protected] byroncopley.com https://byroncopley.com/ Mordeaci Brown warming up https://youtu.be/dYHFUVpSxhA?si=Gow6vAliCzx7DQG7 Mordeaci Brown Foundation https://www.mordecaibrown.com/ Music: Field Grass, By Sergei Pavkin

With the recent indictments of Cleveland Guardians’ pitchers Emmanuel Clase and Luiz Ortiz, for throwing baseballs in the dirt to win bets for their partners, it appears that MLB is doing all it can to sweep this situation under the rug by taking the tepid measure of limiting the amount of money someone can make on prop bets like this to $200. But, with FanDuel as an important sponsor, MLB would rather make half-measures like this instead of eliminating the very possibility of making these bets at all. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

This Latin phrase, translated to In English, means “after, therefore because of it.” This fallacy in logic is all too often applied to the outcome of sporting events . It’s been never more prevalent than in the circumstances of the ninth inning of Game 7 of the 2025 World Series where Isiah Kiner-Falefa was forced out at home by a literal inch, denying the Blue Jays what would have been the winning run and a World Series championship. This podcast reminds us that asking “what if” (Kiner-Falefa had taken a bigger lead) introduces an entirely new chain of events that no one can predict. Yet these same people blame his decision to stay close to third base — as directed by his coaches — as the cause of the Blue Jays losing Game 7. Naturally, this episode also mentions how I met my wife of 42 years and why the Titanic sank. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin Titanic: Ship of Dreams Podcast

Not always. In this podcast, I identify two different 2025 “all-star” lineups by position — one is stocked with underpaid players and the other with overpaid players. The point: demonstrate that owners are compensating many players based on past achievements and future promise instead of present performance, which is all that really matters. That owners, as explained by the Peter Brand character in the movie “Moneyball” are still “misjudging their players.” Using the advance metric of Weighted Run Created Plus, (wRC+), I compare players making multi-millions with players making less than a million. One of the lineups features no players with a wRC+ higher than league average of 100. Can you guess which one? [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin Moneyball clip: Peter Brand explains how owners still get it wrong to Billy Beane

After 20-plus years of umpiring youth baseball, I’m calling it quits as suddenly as I entered the “profession” when I volunteered to umpire my son’s ball game because the assigned umpire didn’t show. This brief podcast explains my reasons why I made an on-the-field decision to walk away. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Parkin

On October 10, 2025, the Seattle Mariners defeated the Detroit Tigers in Game 5 of the American League Divisional Series (ALDS), in part because the Tigers committed two critical “little-league” mistakes that should never happen at the Major-League level. Both occurred on the base paths, with due credit given to Mariners’ first-baseman Josh Naylor’s fearlessness and with substantial scorn directed at Tigers’ third-baseman Zach McKinstry’s foolishness. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass” by Sergei Parkin

In Game 7 of the 1940 World Series, in the seventh inning with the Detroit Tigers clinging onto a tenuous 1-0 lead, Tiger shortstop Dick Bartell inexplicably held the baseball in his right hand as Reds’ first baseman Frank McCormick sauntered home with the tying run. The Reds went on to win the game, 2-1. This podcast recounts that moment and chalks it up to human fallibility, which is what makes us human in the first place. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Link to Bartell’s Critical Mental Error Link to the rock that I “mispainted” (sic) front Link to the rock that I “mispainted” (sic) back

Winning 97 games in an MLB season “only” requires any team to win three of every five games. This podcast, influenced by a similar observation that I saw online, asked the question “is it really that easy?” The answer: No. It’s actually rather difficult, as it should be at the MLB level. In fact, the fewer teams that win 90-plus games in a given season indicates a more competitively balanced league. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

Occasionally, I will replay posts that I think bear a second listen (or a first if it was missed). “Jack T. Jamison” (not his real name) is one of 4,486 Major League Baseball players who never got to make a 10th plate appearance. The story as to why is the the subject of this podcast, the details of which were related to me by two of my cousins. “Jack T. Jamison” is their great uncle, who played for a National League team somewhere between the years of 1910-1930. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

The deluge of data that is delivered to viewers and spectators during a given MLB game, whether in person, on television, or even in a radio broadcast, renders the actual events on the field as specimens to examine rather than feats to admire. In regards to baseball, less data is “more appreciation” for the game itself. This podcast ruminates on the true nature of baseball. And real-time data has no place, in my opinion, in the booth or on any Jumbotron. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin “Vida is throwing extremely hard.”

What a difference a week makes. On September 8, the Tigers were 9.5 games ahead of Kansas City. Now, the 2025 Detroit Tigers, as of this day, are in the EXACT same position as the 1964 Philadelphia Phillies — 5.5 games in first place with 11 games to play, and they lost the National League pennant to the Cardinals. The present second-place team is the red-hot Cleveland Guardians. This podcast measures the Tigers’ chances of maintaining its precarious hold on first place and also presents a case as to why the Guardians have a legitimate shot at catching Detroit. I also claim that a baseball season is not a marathon, but a series of sprints, and the Tigers, after jumping out in front by a wide margin, are fading in the home stretch. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass” by Sergei Pavkin

The New York Yankees offered a moment of silence on September 10, 2025, prior to its game against the Detroit Tigers, to recognize the assassination of Charlie Kirk, which had occurred earlier that day. This podcast supports that decision as a gesture to a person who was only attempting to exercise his right — and that of those with whom he disagreed — of free speech and discourse. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Link to article on Heavy.com

Prior to the game of Friday, September 5, 2025, the Detroit Tigers held a 9.5 game lead over the second-place Kansas City Royals in the American League Central. Only a total collapse that would have to even be more catastrophic than the Tigers’ losing 12 of 13 game from July 9 to July 26 could allow the Royals to catch the Tigers. So, this podcast is a preventative measure that reviews the collapse of the Philadelphia Phillies in 1964, when the bottom dropped out of the tub in the final ten games of the season. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

Rob Manfred is at it again. He wants to expand MLB to 32 teams and organize them in divisions based solely on geographic proximity and dissolve the American and National leagues. His rationale is thin in substance and thick in deception. I think that this is merely about making the TV package negotiations in progress more lucrative for the prospective provider of MLB streaming and TV coverage. Also, I offer a somewhat novel wrinkle to the post season that rewards the all best teams who deserve a shot at a World Series championship. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

A listener-request inspired me to dig into the mystery of the so-called “catcher’s balk,” a term commonly used, but found nowhere in the rule book. Naturally, my investigation lead me into a discussion about the time-space continuum, which, unlike the “catcher’s balk,” definitely does exist. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

Now that this podcast is approaching 100 episodes, with no intention of slowing down, I’m going to start working in past episodes from time to time. This one is one of my favorites to date, and bears a second listen — or a first if you have never heard it. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

This rather clumsy podcast title was born out of the emergence of Jen Powol, the first woman to ever umpire a Major League baseball game in the regular season. The historical significance of this event would be better served if everyone dismissed her gender and acknowledged that measuring her performance at the same standards of her male peers, without bias in either direction, is what really matters. The best umpires are rarely, if ever, noticed, and the best compliment to Jen Powol would be to allow her that same opportunity. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” Sergei Pavkin

The current size of the Little League World Series Baseball field, which features a 46-foot pitching distance from home plate, 60-foot bases, and 225-foot fences, is limiting the development of the 12-year-olds who compete every summer for the LLWS Championship as well as many plays that baseball at the Little League level would offer on a larger field. This podcast identifies specific plays and situations that this small field adversely affects or eliminates altogether, to the detriment of the game. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

Are the scandals involving Cleveland Guardians’ pitchers Luis Ortiz and Emmanuel Clase, who suspiciously threw several pitches well out of the strike zone with the identical count of 0-0 on the leadoff hitter in the inning the result of satisfying bets for their own benefit? This podcast does not answer that question. Instead, it offers a simple solution for rendering these incidents as moot: ban legal gambling from the landscape of Major League Baseball, after “scraping to the bottom of the kettle” to eradicate such possibilities — for the integrity of the game and potential well-being of MLB players, who could be at the mercy of similar nefarious forces who fixed the 1919 World Series. Will MLB Commissioner Rob Manfred follow these recommendations? I wouldn’t bet on it. Special guest appearance by Vern, our Briard puppy, who we adopted from our late son, Stuart. May he rest in peace. In Memoriam: Stuart Mitchell Copley, January 4, 1989 – June 27, 2025. Gus Sands vs. Roy Hobbs in The Natural [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

Baseball testimonials and endorsements are as old as the game itself. What used to make the good ones valuable and relevant to me was that the ballplayers featured didn’t have to act: they could just be themselves. In this podcast, I offer several examples of what I consider as authentic commercials that featured Detroit Tigers Jim Northrup, Al Kaline and Willie Horton, Los Angeles Dodger Don Drysdale, and San Francisco Giant Willie Mays. However, Pete Rose comes off to me as insincere and one-dimensional in the several ads that featured him. Below are links to the commercials I mentioned that I could source online. Willie Mays Blasting Caps PSA Don Drysdale Vitalis Commercial Pete Rose Aqua Velva Commercial [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

Our precious son, Stuart, died on June 27, 2025. I thought it fitting to share this tragic event with this audience to offer tribute to Stuart and relate a few memorable experiences he had as a ballplayer during his youth, and to also share a few lessons learned because of this tragedy. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/charlotte-nc/stuart-copley-12439611

Ball Four, a diary-book by Jim Bouton, a major-league pitcher from 1962 to 1970, (and five pitching appearances in 1978) revealed the “secrets and scandals” of major-league baseball during the 1969 season. The book was heralded as “funny,” honest,” and “groundbreaking.” I think, now, 55 years after I first read the book, that Ball Four did more harm than good for the game, and especially for the people Bouton exposes as drug users, sexual miscreants, and alcoholics — all from the inner sanctum of the major-league locker room, with neither knowledge nor consent from the parties involved. In my opinion, this book is a betrayal of the game, Bouton’s teammates, and even of their descendants. Bouton, in my opinion, abused the privilege of being a major-league player for his own personal gain. This podcast explains why. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass,” by Sergei Pavkin

In my fall back topic — umpiring — I offer the unseen communication that umpires conduct without uttering a word. The next time you witness a baseball game in person, look for these signs of a good umpire. [email protected] www.byroncopley.com Music: “Field Grass” by Sergei Pavkin