1-22-2022 Passed Ball Show. John spends this show taking about how the NFL has flexed itself and will never let anything get in the way of it making itself money. The NFL has changed its COVID safety protocol eliminating daily testing and no longer requiring players to identify themselves as being vaccinated or unvaccinated. It makes it clear the NFL will not allow anything get in the way of the Billions and Billions of dollars they generate each year. They have assured it will not happen this year. John then talks about the New York Football Giants and their change in direction. He compares the hiring of Joe Schoen to that of George Young in 1979. John explains the Young (and ancestors) era, which is ending after 43 years. John discusses that timeframe and why it is exactly the same as what the Giants have gone through the last five seasons. Finally, John explains why the two teams with the first round bye are playing must win games and asks out loud why so many non- SF 49ers fans seem to root for (fan boy/ girls).

Passed Ball Show #594 (1/22/2022)

6-8-2022 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by reminding the viewers about the two MLB managers that have been let go in the past five days. He talks about what they have in common- proven MLB managers, those who have in the past had more autonomy when it comes to game planning. John talks about the lack of patience MLB teams have with proven managers now, as it seems a proven MLB manager will only be hired with the expectation of only "win now." John believes that proven MLB managers will have to now succeed at all costs if they expect to survive in the game today, one that John claims is leaning towards the checklist followers that simply listen to the front office's game plan. John then calls out now former Utah Jazz Head Coach Quin Snyder for quitting on his team, which may result in the team being completely reconstructed. He finishes by comparing Snyder to College Football Head Coaches Lincoln Riley, Brian Kelly, and Mario Cristobal, all of whom turned their back on young men that had committed themselves to them.

Passed Ball Show #629 (6/8/2022)

PASSED BALL SHOW #82 5/30/2013 Part 2 WITH MATT WALBECK, BOB FRIEND AND CHAD MOELLER; Former MLB catcher Matt Walbeck joins the program to tslk about his baseball clinic, his MLB career and playing for the 2003 Detroit Tigers, one of the worst teams in MLB history. I mention Ken Brett and how underrated of a hitter he was as a pitcher. 1960 Pirates World Champion pitcher and 197 game winner Bob Friend speaks about the 1960 series, the earlier Pirates teams in the late 1950s and playing for Danny Murtaugh. Speaking of hitting pitchers, I discuss the transformation of Smokey Joe Wood from a pitcher to OF, with a special guest appearance from the great Roger Ahl. I then speak with former MLB catcher Chad Moeller about his time with the Diamondbacks and Brewers. Then discuss the amazing similarities between Pedro Guerrero and Kirk Gibson

Passed Ball Show #82 (5/31/2013) Part 2

PASSED BALL SHOW #88 7/9/2013 Part 2 WITH BOB WATSON AND JERRY ROYSTER; I open up with my interview with long time Astros and Yankees 1B/ OF, Astros and Yankees General Manager and former VP of On field discipline Bob Watson. We talk about how many home runs he lost playing his home games in the Astrodome, being the GM for the Boss and winning a Gold Medal and World Series. I follow that up by speaking up with former Braves and Dodgers 2B Jerry Royster, who also managed the Brewers n 2002. We talk about coming up with the budding 1970s Dodgers teams as well as becoming a regular for the Braves. In addition, we touch on his catch which was featured on the credits of "This Week in Baseball" as well as taking over as manager for one of his best friends and coaching with Bobby Valentine last season for Boston. To close it out, I criticize the AL Final Vote, which happened to include just relief pitchers this season

PASSED BALL SHOW #88 7/9/2013 Part 2

PASSED BALL SHOW #66 2/7/2013 Part 1 WITH MARK BREWER AND JUSTIN MILLER; On this version of the PBS, I start out by giving my approval of Felix Hernandez's new contract with the Mariners and General Manager Jack Zduriencik's commitment to perhaps the greatest player in Seattle Mariners history. I speak with former Mets minor league pitching coach Mark Brewer about his experience as a pitching coach and with the young Mets pitchers and AAA manager Wally Backman. I also speak with former Blue Jays, Marlins and Giants RHP Justin Miller about having his arm tattoos covered as well as being on the 2007 Marlins team that eliminated the Mets from postseason contention

PASSED BALL SHOW #66 2/7/2013 Part 1

PASSED BALL SHOW #71 3/14/2013 Part 1 WITH RANDY MARSHALL AND CALVIN PICKERING; I open up by suggesting the Mets get OF Brennan Boesch, who has since signed with the Yankees. Former Mets, Tigers and Rockies minor league LHP Randy Marshall calls in to talk about his issues breaking into the big leagues and why he left the game so soon. Former Orioles, Reds, Red Sox and Royals 1B Calvin Pickering joins the program to talk about being blocked from the Orioles 1B/ DH spot by Will Clark, Rafael Palmeiro and Harold Baines and being the 3rd player from the Island of St Thomas to play in the majors

PASSED BALL SHOW #71 3/14/2013 Part 1

PASSED BALL SHOW #105 11/7/2013 Part 1 WITH GREG HANSELL AMD CHUCK HARTENSTEIN; I open up the program by talking about how teams need to do their due diligence during the offseason. Many fans get too hung up on which players their favorite teams are talking to the first week of free agency. I then speak with former MLB pitcher Greg Hansell, who pitched for 11 different MLB organizations throughout his career. He also spent 3 seasons with the Hanshin Tigers of the Japanese League. I finish off by speaking with former MLB pitcher and pitching coach Chuck Hartenstein, who once pitched 18innings in a minor league game, and also pitched for the Cubs and Pirates in the 1960s

PASSED BALL SHOW #105 11/7/2013 Part 1

PASSED BALL SHOW #105 11/7/2013 Part 2 WITH BEAU WRIGHT AND RON "PAPA JACK" JACKSON; I open up by playing my interview with Miami Marlins pitching prospect Beau Wright. We talk about his conversion from a starting pitcher to a relief pitcher, which as a lefty mean conversion to a LOOGY. I then speak with former MLB infielder Ron Jackson. He has been an MLB hitting coach for the White Sox, Brewers and Red Sox and was the Red Sox hitting coach when they won the World Series in 2004. I finish off by talking about Pascual Perez, Bob Forsch and Hisashi Iwakuma. Then give some insight on the latest MLB hirings and make a case for Joey Cora to get a MLB gig

PASSED BALL SHOW #105 11/7/2013 Part 2

PASSED BALL SHOW #111 12/17/2013 Part 2 WITH CHUCK MCELROY AND JERRY SPRADLIN; I start by playing my interview with former Phillies, Cubs, Rockies, Mets (among other teams) LHP Chuck McElroy. He talks about coming up as a MLB reliever and the differences in his uses from when he came up to when he finished his career. He also started a baseball tutorial website annd his son, CJ was recently drafted by the St Louis Cardinals. I then play my interview with former Phillies, Reds, Indians and Giants RHP Jerry Spradlin. Jerry came up with the Reds and talks about his opportunity to learn from some of the games best late inning relievers. I finish off by talking about Carl Erskine, two sport professional athletes and continue my discussion about the history of MLBs expansion drafts. Finally, I conclude why Seattle lost its Pilots baseball team after just one season

PASSED BALL SHOW #111 12/17/2013 Part 2

PASSED BALL SHOW #116 1/21/2014 Part 1 WITH FERGUSON JENKINS; I open up the show by giving the logic landing places for all the remaining big free agents, including taking a chance on where Masahiro Tanaka will land up by the time the show airs. I then speak with Hall of Fame RHP Ferguson Jenkins about his trade from Philadelphia, his success with the Cubs, his experience getting caught with cocaine in his bag and his induction into Baseball's Hall of Fame. I finish off by talking about my issues with OBP becoming too much a big deal in evaluation of a player

PASSED BALL SHOW #116 1/21/2014 Part 1

PASSED BALL SHOW #121 2/26/2014 Part 2 WITH DAVE SCHNECK AND BOB HEFFNER; I open up by playing my interview recorded in person with former Mets OF Dave Schneck. We talk about his experience in the Vietnam War and being the heir apparent to Willie Mays after his retirement before the 1974 season. I then play my interview with former Red Sox RHP Bob Heffner talking about his experience in Boston and how crazy Dick Radatz was. We also talk about his interactions with Red Sox greats Ted Williams and Carl Yastzremski. I finish off my discussion of the top ten MLB closers right now

PASSED BALL SHOW #121 2/26/2014 Part 2

PASSED BALL SHOW #84 6/11/2013 Part 2 WITH ANN LIGUORI AND PETE SMITH; I start the 2nd hour with my interview with WFAN Golf and Tennis correspondent Ann Liguori. Ann hosts Sports Innerview, a television series where she has interviewed all time greats such as Stan Musial, Ted Williams, Mickey Mantle and Deacon Jones. I follow that up with Pete Smith, the former Atlanta Braves RHP, who also had a role in the movie "42". Pete talks about being on the set as well as coming up as a Braves pitcher at the same time as Tom Glavine and John Smoltz. I finish up by talking about the Mariners catcher of the future, the Giants potentially adding another starting pitcher and a couple interesting points about this year's MLB player draft

PASSED BALL SHOW #84 6/11/2013 Part 2

PASSED BALL SHOW #122 3/5/2014 Part 2 WITH CORY ALDRIDGE AND DOUG BOCHTLER; I open up by playing my interview with former Braves (2001) and Angels (2010) OF Cory Aldridge. Cory is still playing ball currently in Mexico and has not stopped playing professionally since he signed with the Braves. I also spoke with Doug Bochtler, a former Padres pitcher who is now a pitching coach in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.

PASSED BALL SHOW #122 3/5/2014 Part 2

PASSED BALL SHOW #129 4/23/2014 Part 2 WITH RANDY JOHNSON, GREG BLOSSER AND BILLY STAPLES; I start out by playing my interview with former Braves infielder and current minor league field coordinator for the San Diego Padres Randy Johnson. I then get into my frustration over the fact that the New York Mets refuse to give their major league team any depth and wonder whether the last of MLB depth is a simplle way to try to save money. I finish off by playing an interview I recorded in Sarasota, Florida with former Boston Red Sox OF Greg Blosser. Billy Staples and myself ask Greg a ton of questions. Just a reminder, the entire interview (about 55 minutes) can be found on my Passed Ball Show Interview page on this website

PASSED BALL SHOW #129 4/23/2014 Part 2

Passed Ball Show #712 12-16-2023. This program is centered around John talking about the advantage the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers have over the other teams in Major League Baseball when it comes to signing free agents. Even if the competing teams (the non Yankees and Dodgers) are willing to pay the cost of a perspective free agent, the fact that the Yankees and Dodgers want the player plays out to the advantage of the latter two teams. But just getting a seat at the table is not enough to get an equal chance as the others. The other team will have to pay more for the player because the player will go to the Yankees or Dodgers if the money is similar or equal. During today's #Savingsportshistory segment, John talks about Jack Dempsey, the Canton Bulldogs, Providence Steam Roller, Joe Louis, NFL Champions, OJ Simpson, the Miami Dolphins, Tom Brookshier, Refrigerator Perry, Sliding Billy Hamilton, and Ernie Terrell.

Passed Ball Show #712 (12/16/2023)

12-26-2023 Passed Ball Show. John spends this show talking about the predicament New York Mets Owner Steve Cohen is. Players and Agents are taking his contract offers to other teams to match. John asks how much money would it have taken to get Yoshinobu Yamamato to come to the Mets? $350 million? 400 million? 434 million? And if he gave him that number, the press would have been critical. Ultimately, the pitcher went to the team he wanted to sign with, something he probably was conscious of all along. John then discusses the National Football League's Los Angeles Rams and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the latter led by Baker Mayfield. John believes both teams will be dangerous in the NFC postseason and is keeping receipts. During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John spends some time talking about Jack Johnson and Tommy Burns, and the former becoming the first African American to win the World Heavyweight Championship, and then a little bit about Babe Ruth, some NFL and AFL Champions, Chuck Noll, Carlton Fisk, Ozzie Smith, NHL Hall of Famer Defenseman Doug Harvey, Allie Reynolds, Reggie White, and Phil Niekro.

Passed Ball Show #713 (12/26/2023)

1-11-2024 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this version of the PBS talking about the College Football Championship, which Michigan defeated Washington. John’s claims were right, as it was a battle of Washington’s offense against Michigan’s defense, with the latter prevailing over the length of the game. After a historic day of three great coaches ending their tenures within 16 hours, John discusses the future of some NFL coaching vacancies and who might be the best fit to lead the University of Alabama. John talks a little bit about the value of a good Coach and the implications of a downgrade. On today's #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about Jacob Ruppert's purchase of the New York Yankees, Bert Bell, J Edgar Hoover, Billy Martin, Pat Lafontaine, Elmer Flick, Ben Crenshaw, Darryl Dawkins, Wally Pipp, Bob Lemon, Monte Irvin, and Heisman Trophy winner Charles White.

Passed Ball Show #715 (1/11/2024)

1-14-2024 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this show by getting to the point: The Chicago Bulls fans embarrassed themselves by booing the wife of former Bulls General Manager Jerry Krause. After summarizing everything that led to the whole deal, John talks about Michael Jordan's responsibility and what he could have done to keep the fans from booing Krause's wife. Phil Jackson could have prevented this too but chose not to. Both are responsible. John wonders what happened to the Cleveland Browns defense. He then suggests an addendum to the National Hockey League's overtime. During a brief verrsion of #savingsportshistory, John talks about John McGraw, Super Bowl's 2 and 7, Catfish Hunter, Billy WIlliams, Mark Eaton, Johnny Murphy, and Ray Kroc.

Passed Ball Show #716 (1/14/2024)

2-1-2024 Passed Ball Show. John opens up this program by explaining how Bill Belichick will return to the NFL as a Head Coach using what just happened with Doc Rivers, Adrian Griffin, and the Milwaukee Bucks as a precursor to what is to come. John then talks about the remaining MLB free agents and suggests how both a team and a player can be happy with their next contract. John wonders why most teams don’t include a one year opt out provision in a multiyear deal instead of a straight one-year contract.

Passed Ball Show #717 (2/1/2024)

2-17-2024 Passed Ball Show. John titles this show, "You never go full re-build!" as he explains why it does not make sense for MLB teams to completely shut competitive operations down, in spite of examples of success in Houston and Baltimore. John points out that full rebuilds are usually copouts by MLB owners that are trying to get away with paying their players less. He also points to the reason the Houston Astros have had sustained success after their rebuild- they have a payroll that is the highest in franchise history. The same can be said for the Tampa Bay Rays. No excuse in the era of 12 MLB playoff teams (40% of the league!) for any team to not give their players and fans the best shot of competing. John remembers the career of Lefty Driesell, the longtime College Basketball coach who passed away today. During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John honors some of the greatest to ever do it, Michael Jordan, Jim Brown, and Buddy Ryan, as they were all born on February 17th. He also talks about Richard Petty, Danny Hamlin, and what Masanori Murakami means for Major League Baseball.

Passed Ball Show #718 (2/17/2024)

2-22-2024 Passed Ball Show. John shares his farewell to MLB first baseman Eric Hosmer on his retirement and shares his two biggest Hosmer memories. He then rips the Brooklyn Nets, General Manager Sean Marks, and whatever players felt they had the right to opine on their feelings in playing for departed Head Coach Jacques Vaughn. John goes into a tirade about how NBA players undermine their HC's all the time and wonders if it is time for more active players to take on the additional role as Head Coach. John then talks about the Milwaukee Bucks and suggests they made a mistake by firing 2021 NBA Champion Head Coach Mike Buddenholzer. John will judge current coach Doc Rivers entire legacy upon what happens with this current club. During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about the first Iron Bowl, the first Daytona 500, The Miracle on Ice, Billy Martin and Charlie Finley, Bill Klem, Michael Chang, Julius Irving, Pat LaFontaine, Sparky Anderson, Reggie Roby, and Dennis Johnson.

Passed Ball Show #719 (2/22/2024)

2-24-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the Las Vegas Raiders Quarterback situation going into next season. He believes the team should take one of the first round QB's in this year's draft and wonders whether they should trade up for the number one overall pick to select Caleb Williams out of USC. The Raiders have options to move up from 13 overall, where if they cannot secure the number one pick, possibilities to trade up exist at 3, 4, and 5 which could set them up to get Jalen Daniels or JJ McCarthy. John believes Mets POBO (David Stearns) has officially decided to punt the 2024 Mets baseball season because of his answer to Ace pitcher Kodai Senga being out to start the season being "next man up." John contemplates his move as to how to "fan" for the 2024 Mets season. During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about Smoky Joe Wood, USA/ Finland of 1980, Wayne Gretzky, Roberto Duran, and the USA Gold Medal Hockey team of 2002, while also mentioning Honus Wagner, Eddie Murray, Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Eddie Plank, and Tony Conigliaro.

Passed Ball Show #720 (2/24/2024)

2-29-2024 Passed Ball Show. John talks about the standoff between MLB Owners and Scott Boras, the four remaining high profile Boras represented free agents, and whether this situation is more on the MLB Owners or on Boras and his corporation. If you listened to John's show before, you know who he is calling to task. John then opines on why it is good for the NBA to have star led teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors in its playoffs and also why it might be difficult for both to make the playoffs (past play-in tournament). During today's brief #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about Leap Day, the Cincinnati Royals, Oscar Robertson, Jerry Lucas, Gordie Howe, Ray Bourque, Al Rosen, Henry Richard, and Jerry Groom- then tells you who Dickey Pierce and Lena Blackburne are and why they have an impact on sports history.

Passed Ball Show #721 (2/29/2024)

3-2-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about how the Heisman Trophy Trust and the NCAA should return the 2005 Heisman Trophy back to Reggie Bush. With the NIL's insuring college football players will be compensated, it is a joke that neither Heisman, nor NCAA have changed their ruling. Johnny Manziel did a solid job speaking out and his future of not attending Heisman presentations should be a staple among living Heisman Award winners. John calls out to all the past winners to join Manziel with the hopes Bush will get his award back. During today's #savingsportshistory segment, John talks about the "newly" created baseball rules of 1874, the one time 44 goal season that was a long time NHL record, Bobby Hull scoring 50 twice, Brett Hull scoring 70 twice, Phil Esposito being the first to 100 points in a season, Jari Kurri getting 100 points for his fourth straight season as well as Wilt's 100 point game, Clair Bee, Mel Ott, Denny Crum, Ben Roethlisberger, Henrik Lundqvist, Matt Kilroy, and Marge Schott.

Passed Ball Show #722 (3/2/2024)

3-23-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spend this show continuing to express his opinion on cancel culture and explains how it is happening with Shohei Ohtani. John also gives reasons why it is happening and what is up with the people that are pushing it. John gives a little bit of kudos to Tennessee Titans General Manager Ran Carthon for the offseason the Titans are having before talking about the major economical differences between the NFL and MLB. John explains why a salary cap could help baseball and why a universal 30 team television agreement could allow for all teams to share the revenue of the sport as opposed to the wealthy teams giving the teams that refuse to spend money. Finally, John goes off on the Anti-Trevor Bauer hypocrites that have the nerve to use anti Bauer propaganda to try to sleep with women!

Passed Ball Show #723 (3/23/2024)

4-8-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this show talking about the split between Stefon Diggs and Josh Allen following the former's trade to the Houston Texans. John opines on who was the most responsible for the success between the two as he believes that both Josh Allen made Stefon Diggs and Stefon Diggs made Josh Allen. He compares that to the debate between Bill Belichick and Tom Brady over who was most responsible for their success together. John talks about how LeBron James is one of his heros and what separates him from some of the other greats in National Basketball Association history.

Passed Ball Show #724 (4/8/2024)

4-13-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the great professional football career of all time great running back #OJSimpson. Outside of the likes of Jim Brown and perhaps Lenny Moore, OJ was one of the best to ever play the position, becoming the first player to rush for over 2000 yards in a season. OJ’s acquittal of double murder charges is the first time the court of public opinion prevailed over the legal justice system paving the way for the system that exists now. John explains the real reason pitchers in Major League Baseball are getting injured at an all time rate.

Passed Ball Show #725 (4/13/2024)

4-20-2024 Passed Ball Show. John opens up the program by making an interesting point over the last name Jacquez. He then talks about how the Houston Astros slow start will be pinned by the media and fans on new manager Joe Espada, but believes the Astros will revert back to its 2017-2023 form before too long. John then questions why MLB has not implemented the ball/ strike challenge system that has proven to be successful in Triple- A this season. John gives his respect to Hall of Fame manager Whitey Herzog before applauding him for having the balls to stick with his intention to rebuild the 1980’s St. Louis Cardinals in spite of winning the 1982 World Series. He then wonders aloud whether the 1970’s New York Mets would have had better fortune if they had hired Whitey instead of Yogi Berra in 1972 to replace the decreased legendary manager Gil Hodges.

Passed Ball Show #726 (4/20/2024)

4-28-2024 Passed Ball Show. John spends this program talking about the charade that has become position players pitching mop up relief in MLB games. John cites two examples of BOTH teams using such a player in the same game as his reason to suggest something must be done to change this. He discusses the impact of MLB stats and wonders if soon we can track how hitters do against non-pitchers. John suggests two possible changes to make this situation better. He then suggests that MLB umpires have colluded together because they have grown tired of New Yotk Yankees manager Aaron Boone's antics which have led to several ejections from games over the past handful of seasons. John finishes off this show talking about the Quarterbacks selected in this year's NFL draft and how the record amount of first round selections (in the first 12 picks) may have led to teams staying away from the position for almost the rest of the draft.

Popular tracks by johnpielli