Two Strike Noise - A Baseball History Podcast

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

Episode 305 - Before Valenzuela, How Mel Almada Broke MLB’s Barrier

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

Episode 304 - Ted Kluszewski, Chuck Klein & Captain Kirk Walk Into a Bar

In this episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark recount various intriguing baseball history stories. They discuss the recently concluded World Series that garnered the most viewers since 1991's thrilling series and listen to the funniest baseball joke ever told, according to William Shatner, while sitting atop a horse. Included is an exploration of historic player incidents involving Chuck Klein and Ted Kluszewski. The show touches on baseball's relationship with pop culture, mentioning appearances on The Simpsons and celebrity reputations. The episode concludes with Wax Packs Heroes, spotlighting nostalgic baseball cards and a friendly competition between Jeff and Mark.
00:00 Introduction and Welcome01:43 World Series Recap05:26 Dodgers' Position Players Pitching08:30 Contemporary Hall of Fame Ballot Discussion10:04 MLB's Competitive Golf Tournament11:06 Japanese TV Show and Shohei Ohtani13:58 Trivia Question and Mascot Weight16:34 Dave Winfield & Robin Givens….mom?27:09 Chuck Klien, consistant HOFer27:46 Snake Deal29:46 A Historic Baseball Game in 196034:31 Wax Packs Heroes: Baseball Card Showdown51:14 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 303 - Frank Pastore & John Beradino, They Left Baseball — And Got Famous Anyway

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