Two Strike Noise - A Baseball History Podcast

Episode 315 - Tales from the Dugout, New Rules, Missing Coaches and Speedruns

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

Episode 314 - Ken Williams - The Deaball Slugger Nobody Noticed

Jeff and Mark open this week’s episode with some unique baseball history notes, including Andre Dawson’s Hall of Fame plaque, Ramon Laureano’s scratched spring start due to his new best boy, a forgotten Jay Johnstone’s prank, a “Very Reverend” arrested for stealing baseball card packs, and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp using “Honey Drippers” as an alternate identity. The main story spotlights Browns outfielder Ken Williams’ remarkable 1922 season during Babe Ruth’s early suspension, detailing his league-leading power, 30–30 milestone, record feats, lack of MVP votes, a corked-bat controversy, and head injuries that helped end his career. The episode closes with Wax Packs Heroes from a 2003 Topps pack featuring some Hall of Famers and some not even close Hall of Famers.
 
00:00 Podcast Intro and Banter
01:24 Hall of Fame Cap Debate
03:41 Weird Spring Training Injuries
05:14 Jay Johnstone Prank Story
06:26 Reverend Card Theft Bust
09:20 Honey Drippers Name Revival
10:57 Main Story Ken Williams Begins
34:29 Wax Pack Heroes Returns
47:36 Wrap Up Plugs Farewell
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

Episode 313 - Clowning Around

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

Episode 312 - Jackie Jensen, The 'Golden Boy' to the 'Grounded Boy'

Jeff and Mark open the episode by diving into some Pacific Northwest baseball deep-cuts, starting with the 14-year career of Darnell Coles and the search for his possible lone existing mural. They cover a run of opening day oddities, including Tuffy Rhodes’ three-homer barrage against Doc Gooden in '94 and Harry Caray’s confusion over fans spending their honeymoon at Wrigley Field. The guys also look at the current state of Rookie of the Year droughts for the Padres and Guardians and mourn the loss of the MLB.tv discount to the "ESPN corporate machine."
The main feature covers the complex life of Jackie Jensen, the only man to play in a Rose Bowl, a World Series, and an MLB All-Star Game. From his "Golden Boy" status at Cal to being the hand-picked successor to Joe DiMaggio—only to be usurped by Mickey Mantle—the story follows Jensen's MVP peak in Boston and the paralyzing "AV-Phobia" that eventually forced him out of the game. The episode closes with a high-stakes Wax Pack Heroes battle featuring 2003 Topps.
00:00 Welcome01:23 The Darnell Coles Deep-Dive04:59 Opening Day '94: Tuffy Rhodes vs. Doc Gooden07:59 Harry Caray Questions the Youth of America11:30 ROTY Droughts15:07 RIP MLB.tv Discounts and Sunday Night Local Broadcasts18:39 Main Story: The Life and Legend of Jackie Jensen44:36 Wax Pack Heroes: Big Hurt, Albert Pujols, and a Chris Snelling55:36 Wrap-Up
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 #baseball #Yankees #RedSox #Cal #BaseballCards #TwoStrikeNoise

Episode 311 - Mickey Lolich, Why the Detroit Tigers Replaced a 31-Game Winner with a "Mailman" in the World Series

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

Episode 310 - Everybody Loves Addy (Joss)

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark explore the career of one of the most efficient pitchers in baseball history: Addie Joss. Known for his "corkscrew" delivery and a career ERA that remains the second-lowest of all time, Joss's life was cut short at just 31. The hosts detail the incredible 1911 Addie Joss Benefit Game, which brought together icons like Ty Cobb (in a borrowed jersey), Walter Johnson, and Cy Young for a cause that predated the official MLB All-Star Game by over two decades.Before the history lesson, the BP segment covers the recent passing of Tigers legend Mickey Lolich, a strange trivia bit about Ozzy Smith’s fashion sense, and a look at Hall of Famers categorized by their home states. The episode concludes with a high-stakes round of Wax Pack Heroes, where Frank Robinson leads a 2003 Topps pack.
00:00 Intro: The Domingo Ramos Studio & "Ham Gravy" Origins02:15 Non-Baseball Fact: Olive Oil and the Usurping of Popeye04:30 BP Segment: Remembering Mickey Lolich (The Beer Drinker’s Idol)08:50 1987 Tops Trivia: Ozzy Smith, Best Casual Dresser?11:15 The "Other" Ozzy: Canseco’s Stint with the Cardinals14:40 Hall of Famers by State: New York vs. California19:20 WBC Woes: Insurance Issues and Javi Baez’s Suspension23:05 The Human Hairpin: The Dominance of Addie Joss38:40 Wax Pack Heroes: 2003 Topps Mega Pack Battle54:20 Wrapping Up: Mickey Lolich Deep Dive Tease
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

Episode 309 - Billy Hamilton was Ty Cobb Before Lou Brock Was Rickey

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

Episode 308 - Tales from the Dugout v_2026

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark celebrate being "back from the dead" after the holiday break with a look at the chaotic start to 2026. Discussing the weirdly specific reason why Kyle Farnsworth is the king of Iowa baseball searches, and a generous but suspicious offer of "steak for life" in Toronto. In the ‘Same Year, Same Disaster’ category, perennial idiots re-emerge. Lenny Dykstra’s Pennsylvania traffic stops and John Rocker’s latest crusade against hotel bar staff in Columbus. The main event features a debate on King Felix’s Hall of Fame credentials—measuring peak dominance against a lack of help—and a legendary locker room confirmation regarding Greg Maddox’s specific brand of "sanitary" pranks. The episode wraps up with a curated edition of Wax Pack Heroes decide the first victory of the new year.
00:00 Welcome Back to Two Strike Noise00:45 Mike Kingery and College Memories01:11 Tombstone: A Western Classic03:21 Lenny Dykstra's Latest Shenanigans04:26 John Rocker's Controversial Antics08:29 Tales from the Dugout: Light Edition10:21 Daniel Vogelbach: From Player to Coach14:08 Felix Hernandez: Hall of Fame Debate22:05 Greg Maddux's Infamous Pranks26:07 Bo Bichette's Steak for Life Offer28:53 Kyle Farnsworth: Iowa's Most Searched Pitcher31:34 Boomer Boosts Kyle Farnsworth's Popularity32:55 Most Hated Players in Franchise History37:43 Wax Pack Heroes: The Game Begins54:36 Final Thoughts and Wrap-Up
 
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

Episode 307 - Ross Grimsley: Baseball’s Dirtiest Hair, Slowest Pitch, and Strangest 20 Game Winner

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

Episode 306 - Sig Jackuki, The Accidental Ace Who Saved the Saddest Franchise

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark bring listeners the extraordinary story of Sig Jakucki, a talented yet troubled pitcher whose career was marred by alcoholism. Despite his struggles, Jakucki played a crucial role in the St. Louis Browns' only pennant win in 1944. The duo dives into fascinating anecdotes from Jakucki's career, including his minor league antics and his legendary performance in the World Series. The episode rounds off with a competitive session of Wax Packs Heroes, featuring standout baseball cards from the 1998 Upper Deck series.
00:00 Introduction and Thanksgiving Recap01:41 Thanksgiving Baseball Name Game02:39 Contemporary Music and Baseball07:27 Hall of Fame Voting Discussion12:58 Historical Baseball Stats16:57 Sig Jakucki: The Browns' Unlikely Hero37:06 Wax Pack Heroes01:06:54 Wrapping Up and Farewell
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