Two Strike Noise - A Baseball History Podcast

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

Episode 302 - Mysterious Walker, Baseball's Mystery Man

This Halloween, Two Strike Noise digs into the eerie side of America’s pastime — haunted ballparks, ghostly players, and one pitcher who went by so many names they just called him Mysterious Walker.
Jeff & Mark unearth the weirdest stories ever to cross the foul line:
Boris Karloff playing baseball in full Frankenstein makeup
Night-shift ghosts at the Baseball Hall of Fame
Ghoulish player names and cursed team legends that feel too strange to be true
Then it’s back to reality — sort of — with another round of Wax Pack Heroes, opening vintage cards and revisiting cult favorites like Al Newman and Pete Incaviglia.
If you like baseball, Halloween, or stories that make you say “that can’t be real,” this is your episode.
00:00 Introduction and Halloween Special Announcement01:20 World Series Ring Raffle and Spooky Baseball Quotes02:56 Hollywood's Monsters Love Baseball08:23 Haunted Baseball Hall of Fame10:53 Spooky Baseball Names17:46 The Mysterious Life of Frederick Mitchell Walker33:01 Wax Pack Heroes: Opening the 1987 Tops Pack56:50 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 301 - Ryan Fagan: What Hall of Fame Voters Don’t Say Out Loud

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

Episode 300 - The Baseball Podcast About Nothing, But Also, the Seinfeld Episode

In this milestone 300th episode of Two Strike Noise, Jeff and Mark are joined by Ryan Fagan, longtime Sporting News writer, Hall of Fame voter, and noted Seinfeld/baseball connoisseur. Together they finally tackle the crossover we’ve all been waiting for — Seinfeld and baseball.
From Keith Hernandez’s legendary cameo to George Steinbrenner’s unseen hand, the crew breaks down how baseball became the show’s unofficial fifth character. Ryan shares insider context from both the press box and the writer’s room, while Jeff and Mark connect the dots between sitcom absurdity and real-life dugout drama.
Along the way they revisit the fantasy camp episode, debate which ballplayer cameo aged best, and decide whether the Keith Hernandez two-parter might just be the most enduring sports cameo in television history.
Episode Timeline
00:00 Introduction – Episode 300!03:10 Batting Practice – Baseball quirks, Operation Shut Down, and Miguel Montero09:45 Meet Ryan Fagan – Sporting News, Hall of Fame voter, Seinfeld fan13:20 When Baseball Met Seinfeld – Keith Hernandez, fantasy camp, and “The Boyfriend”23:40 The Yankees Era – Steinbrenner’s appearances and Costanza’s chaos33:25 Cameos & Callbacks – Jeter, Bernie Williams, Paul O’Neill, and beyond42:05 Baseball’s Influence on Seinfeld – Competition, rituals, and superstition
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 299 – Spahn vs. Marichal: Endurance, Willpower, and Willie

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