Baseball and BBQ

Thomas W. Gilbert is an acclaimed baseball historian and author whose books explore the origins, personalities, and cultural history of America’s national pastime. His previous works include How Baseball Happened , winner of the Casey Award for Best Baseball Book of the Year, as well as Baseball and the Color Line , Roberto Clemente , and Playing First . This time, Tom returns with a remarkable ba...

Jeff Frye is a former Major League Baseball infielder who played eight seasons in the big leagues from 1992 to 2001. Selected by the Texas Rangers in the 30th round of the 1988 MLB Draft, he made his major league debut with Texas in 1992 and went on to play for the Boston Red Sox, Colorado Rockies, and Toronto Blue Jays. A versatile player known for his hitting ability and speed, Frye finished his...

Ken Singleton was selected by the New York Mets with the third overall pick in the 1967 MLB Draft. He made his Major League debut in 1970 and went on to enjoy a 15-year career with the Mets, Montreal Expos, and Baltimore Orioles. Singleton was a switch-hitting outfielder and designated hitter.  A three-time All-Star, Singleton enjoyed some of his finest seasons with Baltimore, including 1977, when...

Episode 362 of Baseball and BBQ features author Kevin Keating, who joins us to talk about his novel Waiting for a Sign and the stories, inspiration, and baseball connections behind the book. We also sit down with Jennifer and Richard Stansbury of TexMo BBQ to hear about their journey as a barbecue competition team, the world of competitive BBQ, and what it takes to cook for the win. Kevin Keating...

Tom Abruscato has spent more than two decades coaching baseball at W.T. Clarke High School on Long Island, developing players, building championship teams, and helping young athletes continue their careers at the collegiate level. His career includes   500+ wins, multiple New York State, Long Island and Nassau County championships, and more than 100 players going on to play college baseball. Tom i...

Episode 361 features Nick Elam and Steve Brown AKA Uncle Steve. Nick discusses the innovative Elam Ending, his passion for basketball, and his love of baseball, while Uncle Steve returns for another entertaining conversation about BBQ, his signature seasonings, and the Houston Astros. It’s an episode filled with sports, barbecue, creativity, and great stories. Nick Elam is the creator of the Elam...

On episode 360 of Baseball and BBQ, Barbecue Hall of Famer Melissa Cookston joins us to talk about her new cookbook, Fanning the Flames, and reveals the kind and funny woman behind the tough TV-judge persona. Then, Seth S. Tannenbaum, PhD, takes us inside his fascinating new book, Bleacher Seats and Luxury Suites, exploring how America's ballparks have reflected the class, social, and economic div...

NYS Halls of Fame Podcast featuring Turk Wendell .  Turk spent 11 seasons in Major League Baseball, pitching for the Chicago Cubs, New York Mets, Philadelphia Phillies and Colorado Rockies. He was part of the New York Mets 2000 World Series team.  Known for his distinctive personality and unforgettable routines on the mound — including jumping over the foul line and brushing his teeth between inni...

On episode 359 of Baseball and BBQ, we travel from the Canadian Baseball Hall of Fame to the BBQ flame! Scott Crawford takes us inside Canada’s baseball history, sharing fascinating stories and a look at the people, players, and memorabilia that make the Hall so special. Then Ed Reilly of Monument Grills fires up a conversation about his remarkable 35-year career in the BBQ industry, the evolution...

In episode 17 of the NYS Halls of Fame podcast, Victor Feld reflects on a lifetime devoted to baseball, character, and giving back through the Greater New York Sandlot Athletic Alliance. From nurturing young players on the sandlots to helping shape the lives of generations of athletes, Feld shares the stories, values, and passion behind his remarkable journey to the New York State Baseball Hall of...

Episode 358 features fascinating conversations with acclaimed barbecue writer and Texas Monthly barbecue editor Daniel Vaughn and former Major League Baseball pitcher Doug Sisk, whose nine-year MLB career included a memorable run with the New York Mets and much more. Daniel Vaughn is one of the most influential voices in American barbecue and the longtime Barbecue Editor for Texas Monthly . In 201...

Episode 357 features author Rob Weir, who discusses his book 7 Swings at 7: Mickey Mantle — Legend and Victim of American Culture and takes us behind the myth of one of baseball’s most iconic figures. We also revisit our memorable interview with barbecue legends Moe Cason and Bob Trudnak. Rob Weir holds a PhD in American social history and is a retired University of Massachusetts Amherst professor...

Episode 356 features conversations with Roy Carlson and George Hovsepian. Roy takes us inside the world of vintage baseball card collecting and the stories and history behind the cards, while George, founder of VGASS, shares how his passion for BBQ led him to create an innovative storage system for grilling accessories. Roy Carlson is a longtime Topps baseball cards collector and baseball-card res...

On this episode of the NYS Halls of Fame Podcast, we welcome Steve Sigler, a true pioneer in adult amateur baseball and the driving force behind the growth of the Men’s Senior Baseball League (MSBL)/Men’s Adult Baseball League (MABL).  In 1985, he placed a simple notice in a Long Island, New York, newspaper looking for men interested in forming a baseball team. That small advertisement became the...

Episode 355 features Ken Hess of County Smoak BBQ talking about his culinary journey and building a destination for barbecue lovers. Author Tim Brown discusses his new book Nolan , an in-depth look at the life and legacy of baseball legend Nolan Ryan. Ken Hess is the championship pitmaster and co-owner of County Smoak in Lynchburg, Virginia. Ken shares his journey from classically trained chef to...

Episode 354 features New York Mets legend Roger McDowell and coauthor Doug Feldmann as they share stories from Hot Foot: My Hijinks and Upside-Down Life with the World Champion New York Mets . Then, Jimmy Carbone joins the conversation to talk about his incredible year so far and give a preview of the upcoming Pig Island barbecue celebration. Roger McDowell and Doug Feldmann  join us to discuss th...

Our featured guests are Stadium Man Tarri Haina and Orlando Acosta of Gourmet Wood Products. Joining us as special guest co-hosts are Doug Scheiding and Chef Ray Sheehan for conversations about baseball road trips, ballpark experiences, premium cooking wood, and great barbecue on episode 353. Tarri Haina , known throughout the baseball community as Stadium Man, is one of baseball's most passionate...

Episode 15 features Mike Trimboli, President of USA Hockey, as he shares his remarkable hockey journey, his commitment to growing the game, and his induction into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame. Mike Trimboli has dedicated more than five decades to the sport of hockey. Before becoming President of USA Hockey, he served as a coach, official, instructor, player development leader, and volunt...

Episode 352 features Duane Rieder, founder and curator of the Clemente Museum and Chef Jean-Paul Bourgeois, winner of the 2026 James Beard Media Award for Duck Camp Dinners. Duane Rieder is the executive director and curator of the Clemente Museum which is housed in a historic firehouse in the revitalized Lawrenceville section of Pittsburgh.  Engine house 25 has been  meticulously renovated to sho...

Episode 351 features former MLB manager Terry Collins reflecting on his remarkable baseball career, followed by an engaging conversation with Honey & Co. Daily authors and restaurateurs Itamar Srulovich and Sarit Packer. Leonard is joined by his wife, Patty Jarrett, making her first appearance as a special guest co-host, as they explore Itamar and Sarit's culinary journey, their partnership, a...

Tavis Bryant is the host of the BBQ Therapy Podcast.  Through his podcast he strives to educate, inspire, and connect members of the barbecue community while promoting personal growth and a positive mindset.  Tavis discusses his journey in barbecue, competition cooking, and podcasting.  Through his podcast, he highlights the stories of pitmasters, chefs, competitors, and barbecue  personalities wh...

Darryl Strawberry was an eight-time All-Star and four-time World Series champion whose career included standout years with the New York Mets and New York Yankees . Today, he is a minister, motivational speaker, author, and advocate for restoration and recovery through faith.  He discusses his new book, Another Life:  Discovering the Healing Power of Purpose on My Long Journey from Player to Preach...

Andrea Kilbourne-Hill is an Olympic silver medalist and former member of the United States women’s ice hockey team. A New York State hockey standout, she went on to represent her country on the international stage and remains connected to the sport through mentorship and community involvement.  She reflects on her career in elite women’s ice hockey, her Olympic experience with Team USA, and her co...

Adam Henig is a prolific author whose latest book, Baseball's Outcast: The Story of Ron LeFlore , takes a fascinating look at the life of Ron LeFlore. His journey from the prison leagues to the Major Leagues sounds fictional, but it is absolutely true. Adam shares the remarkable story of Ron's life and career. Blessed with blazing speed and a powerful swing, Ron traded his prison uniform for a bas...

Neil Smith has been a hockey executive, broadcaster, and former player, best known for serving as general manager of the New York Rangers from 1989 to 2000. He built the roster that ended the Rangers' 54-year Stanley Cup drought, culminating in the team's championship in 1994.  Steve is a member of the 2026 class being inducted into the New York State Hockey Hall of Fame. Hosted by Simplecast, an...