Talking Baseball With Ed Randall

Talkin' Baseball's Ed Randall takes a closer look at how numbers have played such a large role in the curse of the Cubs. Grant DePorter, managing partner of Harry Caray's restaurant group, joins Ed to share what he did after purchasing the Steve Bartman ball at an auction and why all numbers point to a Cubs World Series victory this year.

After a 14 year career in Major League Baseball, Gregg Olson has come out of the bullpen one more time to help with Fox's new TV show "Pitch". Talkin' Baseball's Ed Randall caught up with the former reliever to hear how he had the opportunity to work with Kylie Bunbury on "Pitch" and how he's taken his baseball knowledge and applied it to the television world.

When it comes to the Cubs, their fans and their World Series drought, patience has been a virtue. Talkin' Baseball's Ed Randall caught up with comedian Tom Dreesen to hear some of his favorite Cub memories, discuss the infamous Steve Bartman moment and whether or not the Cubbies can go all the way in 2016.

Seth Lugo didn't have the easiest path to the Major Leagues. Talkin' Baseball's Ed Randall caught up with the Mets pitcher to learn more about the moment Lugo found out he was drafted and obstacles he's overcome to make it to the show.

What went into the making of World Series-bound 2007 Rockies team? Talkin' Baseball's Ed Randall caught up with current Pirates manager Clint Hurdle to reflect on the 2007 season and the Rockies' first World Series appearance.

6 1/2 game lead with 12 to play. When it comes to collapses, the 1964 Philadelphia Phillies own one of the worst feats in professional sports history. Talkin' Baseball's Ed Randall spends some time talking about the collapse with author John Rossi, who recently wrote a book about the gold standard of September swoons.

Ron Swoboda played nine seasons in the bigs, mostly known for his time with the New York Mets. It was there that the outfielder would reach the pinnacle of the baseball world and win the World Series with the miracle Mets in 1969. Talkin' Baseball's Ed Randall and Swoboda talk about his career and what his fondest memories are of that magical season in Flushing.

In 1971, Al Oliver was part of a moment in Major League history that may never be repeated. Talkin' Baseball's Ed Randall caught up with Oliver to reflect on a September game when the Pirates took the field with an all-minority lineup, becoming the first team in history to start nine black players and go on to win the World Series.

Jackie Robinson broke the baseball color barrier in 1947, becoming the first African-American player to play in MLB. With similar courage, Brewers Minor Leaguer David Denson became the first openly gay active player to be affiliated with an MLB club when he came out in 2015. Talkin' Baseball's Ed Randall speaks with the Brevard County Manatees' DH about his journey that ultimately helped Denson make his decision to come out to his family, friends, coaches and teammates last season.

Kathryn Massar has always had a love affair with baseball and dreamed to play first base for the New York Yankees. Becoming the first woman to play in the Little League World Series, she attended tryouts among other boys to try and prove that she belonged playing the game she loves. Talkin' Baseball's Ed Randall discusses Kathryn's passion for baseball and her experiences throwing out the first pitch at a Yankees and Athletics game.

Mike Hessman might be the true definition of a journeyman. The former infielder spent time in the Majors with the Braves, the Tigers and the Mets, but he's most known for setting the all-time Minors home run record with 433 career dingers. Although he doesn't play anymore, Hessman is still very involved in the game of baseball. Talkin' Baseball's Ed Randall speaks with the former slugger about his career, his time in Japan and his advice for players trying to break into the show.

Andrew Bailey's path to playing Major League Baseball has not been paved in gold. Talkin' Baseball's Ed Randall caught up with the recent Angels acquisition to find out how he ended up in Anaheim, what it was like to experience a World Series with Boston and how he plans on positively impacting the Halos and proving himself all over again.

Bill Hayes has seen a lot during his 40 seasons in professional baseball. Following his playing days, Bill became a coach and manager in the Minors as well as a bullpen catcher for the San Francisco Giants. Now, he's in his second season as the first base coach on Bruce Bochy's staff. MLB.com's Ed Randall talks with the baseball lifer about some of his most memorable experiences on and off the diamond.

The Detroit Tigers have had a multitude of personalities come in and out of their clubhouse, but one that stands out is Mark Fidrych. The unorthodox starting pitcher whose nickname is The Bird formed a relationship with catcher Bruce Kimm. Because of their success together, Kimm became The Bird's personal catcher. MLB.com's Ed Randall spends some time talking with Bruce about the relationship he had with Fidrych and the lasting memories he has from his time catching him.

Hall of Fame weekend in Cooperstown enshrined two new members of the Baseball Hall of Fame. During the ceremony, a retired FDNY battalion chief was honored for his bravery for being a first responder following the September 11 attacks. Vin Movaro joins MLB.com's Ed Randall to discuss his incredible story and what led him to having one of the more memorable moments in Cooperstown this past weekend.

The White Sox have a very long, illustrious history in the game of baseball. One of their more notable moments, not involving a game, occured in-between a doubleheader between the White Sox and the Tigers on July 12, 1979. MLB.com's Ed Randall spends some time talking with Mike Veeck, son of former White Sox owner Bill Veeck, who was one of the masterminds behind the promo night that went so very wrong. The two discuss how the idea came to be, the fallout and what Mike has been up to since one of the more famous promotions in professional sports.

In his 14-year career, Bill Lee amassed 119 career wins between pitching for the Boston Red Sox and Montreal Expos. Known as "The Spaceman", Bill has hung up his spikes and is now running for Governor of Vermont. MLB.com's Ed Randall spends some time talking with the former lefty starter about his long career, which led to his induction into the Red Sox Hall of Fame, and why he has turned his attention to politics.

The game of baseball has produced numerous superstars over its existence, but none is bigger and more of a cultural icon than Babe Ruth. On the latest edition of Talking Baseball, MLB.com's Ed Randall spends some time with the granddaughter of The Great Bambino, Linda Ruth Tosetti, to discuss her work in the P4 Foundation and the responsibility of giving back in the name of the Ruth family.

A.J. Pierzynski has accomplished a lot over his 19-year MLB career, including bringing the White Sox their first championship since 1917 and catching a perfect game as well as a no-hitter. The veteran catcher of the Atlanta Braves sits down with MLB.com's Ed Randall to discuss his career and how the game has changed since he first broke in. A.J. also talks about what his future might hold once he decides to hang his spikes up.

There's no doubt how valuable Rusty Kuntz is to the Kansas City Royals. MLB.com's Ed Randall caught up with the Royals first base coach to hear how his role has evolved, what a typical day is like for Kuntz and how he helped turn Alex Gordon into a Gold Glove talent.