First Ballot: The Hall of Fame Podcast

In 2017, NC State stole away their first win on Duke’s home court in 22 years when Dennis Smith Jr. stole the final possession, dribbled down the court, and dunked it… after the buzzer went off. Here to talk about the dunk is Senior Visual Designer at Google and two time First Ballot Executive Producer Matthew Hollister and First Ballot's first guest co-host Michael Torpey. Plus, incredible breakf...

The First Ballot Hall of Fame Podcast has a lot to be thankful for this year, and today we're incredibly thankful for Andrew Bernstein's return to the pod. The NBA's First Official photographer, LA Lakers photographer, and Legends of Sport podcast host, re-joins the pod to discuss the answers to Neil's burning questions, working with Kobe Bryant, and getting laid out by Shaq.  Timecodes:  (6:34) A...

Precision beats power, and timing beats speed. In 2015 at UFC 194, Conor McGregor took on José Aldo and executed the fastest finish in UFC title fight history. CBS Sports Writer, Showtime Sports Analyst, and host of the Morning Combat Podcast, Brian Campbell joins the pod to determine if McGregor's 13 Second Knock Out is worthy of the First Ballot Hall of Fame. Along with breaking down the moment,...

The Fab Five is arguably one of the greatest and most influential recruiting classes in college basketball history. Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Johnson led Michigan to consecutive NCAA Championship games in 1992 and 1993, with the 1993 title game against UNC being most remembered for Webber's infamous "timeout". Esteemed actor, comedian, and co-head writer of Saturd...

In 1993, Yankees' pitcher Jim Abbott became a baseball legend throwing a no-hitter with ONE HAND. Legendary comedy writer Alison Agosti re-joins the pod to talk about Abott's one-handed no-hitter, what she would do if she was rich, and her favorite item at Trader Joe's. Showtime Codes:  (04:38) Alison Agosti Returns!  (05:40) Surviving the Writers Strike  (07:11) If You Were Rich…  (08:35) Neil’s...

In the 1999 NBA Playoffs, Larry Johnson became a Knicks legend after completing a skillful 4-pt play against the Pacers. Here to discuss the moment is actor, writer, producer, and comedian Adam Pally, who talks about the vulnerability of trash talking, being a Knicks fan, and an underrated pizza combo. Showtime Codes:  (6:55) Sitting courtside at the Knicks game  (8:52) Exchanging phone numbers wi...

Many people might not remember Rolando Blackman hitting the game winner for the Knicks but Drew Dixon does. The writer, producer, and activist joins the pod to discuss this nostalgic moment, working on some of the greatest musical hits, and the importance of fighting for survivors.  Showtime Codes: 7:34 - Drew's basketball career  12:25 - Making All I Need by Method Man and Mary J Blige 30:40 - Fa...

"I just saved my right hand for the Lakers." In 1986, bored of dominating opponents with his right hand, Larry Bird decided to shoot with his off-hand against the Portland Trailblazers. Legendary comedian and former host of Sportscenter, The Daily Show, and The Late Late Show, Craig Kilborn, joins the pod to discuss his basketball and comedy careers, balancing life between Minnesota and LA, and if...

Inside the NBA isn't just a show, it's an institution. In an extra special episode, long-time Inside the NBA producer Tim Kiely joins the pod to talk about his career, working with Shaq and Charles Barkley, and if any iconic Inside the NBA moments are First Ballot Hall of Fame worthy.  Timecodes: (03:54) There's no "I" in Team, but there's one in TIM (05:21) Recruiting Charles Barkley (11:39) Brea...

Normally retirements are celebrated with lots of fanfare, jerseys hanging in rafters, gold statues, and maybe even cake. But in August of 2023, NBA referee, Eric Lewis announced his abrupt retirement after NBA Twitter sleuths discovered the ref's burner account. @Mikeyyy_Wyllin, NBA Twitter Detective and newly appointed second-best Laker fan, joins the pod to discuss how his investigation caused a...

On July 23rd, 2023 Shohei dominated in a double-header against the Detroit Tigers, throwing a one-hitter in the first game and hitting two home runs in the second. Hannah Keyser, National Baseball writer at Yahoo Sports and creator of the Bandwagon podcast, joins the pod to discuss if Shohei's double-header is worthy of the First Ballot Hall of Fame, her favorite tri-colored pasta, and her Basebal...

“I’m sorry son, but you must have me confused with someone else,” is a famous line from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 1980 appearance in the movie Airplane! Deciding whether Abdul-Jabbar’s piloting of the skies is First Ballot worthy is none other than First Ballot MVP and SVP of Late Night West Coast at ViacomCBS, Nick Bernstein. Nick and Neil talk the strike, Nick's movie basketball player dream team, a...

In 1967, some of the greatest athletes of all-time from Jim Brown to Bill Russell joined in solidarity to support Muhammad Ali's refusal to fight in the Vietnam War. Michael Harriot, writer and podcaster, joins the pod to discuss this historic sports moment, why Bill Russell is the GOAT, and how Twitter is the perfect place for an argument.  Showtime Codes: (07:12) Discussing the History of the Te...

“Kobe, tell me how my ass taste" should have been the headline when TMZ broke Shaq's freestyle diss to his former teammate. Joining the pod, the legendary musical storytellers and hosts of of The Blog Era, Jeff and Eric Rosenthal from ItsTheReal break down the moment, talk about what makes a good roast, and if this was really a freestyle.  Showtime Codes: (07:05) Best rapper to make mouth gun soun...

After bumping into Kevin Durant's chest, Carmelo Anthony completely crumbled! His bizarre decision to continue laying down splayed on the court as the game continued became a hilarious moment in the NBA. Writer for The Athletic, Zach Harper joins the pod to discuss if the collapse is First Ballot worthy and the one player that extraterrestrials should see play. Also, two new game segments! Showtim...

Kobe Bryant's 60-point farewell was one of the greatest salutes to a career. Here to discuss Kobe's finale and whether it's First Ballot worthy is none other than the incredible co-host of the Higher Learning podcast, Oscar-winner, Van Lathan Jr., who discusses Kobe's legacy, great sports nicknames, and the moment that changed everything in his career. Showtime Codes: (12:20) What Van Lathan Jr. w...

In June of 1998, Sammy Sosa hit 20 home runs, setting the record for the most home runs in a month. Emmy award winning director Oz Rodriguez joins the pod to talk about Sammy Sosa's historic month, the most intimidating actors to work with, and working on SNL. Showtime Codes: (2:15) The Best Bread (6:07) Growing up in the Dominican Republic (8:25) The Hype of Felipe López  (15:25) Pedro Martinez v...

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! Will the BEST Lakers fan induct a Boston Celtics moment into the First Ballot: Hall of Fame? Comedian and writer, Josh Gondelman, joins the pod to discuss Kevin Garnett's impassioned speech after winning the 2008 NBA Finals, his Twitter Pep Talks, and his favorite cereal. Timecodes: (08:17) Neil Making Enemies (11:34) KG is a CELTIC (14:03) Breaking a sweat with KG (16:17) KG...

In 2018, Twitter nearly exploded when Chris Paul led the Houston Rockets through a "secret tunnel" into the Clippers locker room at Staples Center. NBA Twitter Legend and host of the Trill Withers Show, Trill Withers himself, joins the pod to discuss this iconic NBA moment, breaks down his favorite fast food joint, and Shaq's elite abilities.  Showtime Codes: (11:44) Covering the One Championship...

SEASON PREMIERE! Dennis Rodman skipped practice before an NBA finals game to go hit a guy with a steel chair. Esteemed guests, writer and producer Andrew Goldstein and DJ/WWE expert Peter Rosenberg join First Ballot's season premiere to discuss if the '98 Bash at the Beach is worthy of the Hall of Fame, the genius behind pro wrestling, and Shaq's greatest hits. Showtime codes: (11:51) Andrew's sho...

It's the season 1 finale of First Ballot! We're celebrating with 4x guest, CBS Vice President of Late Night, Nick Bernstein, who joins the pod to discuss the unimpeachable moments of the First Ballot: Hall of Fame and which moments should be revoked.  Showtime Codes: (16:44) Will Neil get a co-host? (20:51) Hardest part of the show  (26:26) Nick's review: the unimpeachable First Ballot episodes (3...

Special guest University of North Florida's coach Matthew Driscoll joins the pod to talk about the surprising way that "Let's Go" got taken to the next level, the best "Let's Go", and a special live demo. Let's Gooooooo! Showtime Codes:  (4:00) What would it take for Matthew Driscoll to be the winningest coach? (4:40) A live demo of Let's Goooooo! (5:15) How Let's Go got created (5:42) The differe...

In just 10 seconds iconic street fighter Kimbo Slice was knocked out by Seth Petruzelli and potentially caused the demise of an MMA organization. Breaking First Ballot history, special guest Michael, Neil's brother, joins for a record THIRD (maybe second and a half) time to break down this fight, the greatest fictional athletes, and if Neil will ever get his Charles Barkley, Scottie Pippen, Karl M...

Every draft season, we are reminded of the 2003 NBA Draft for one iconic reason: gigantic shorts. First Ballot is joined by a very special guest, NBA icon, TJ Ford who talks about his rookie photoshoot, his dunk attempt on Kobe Bryant, and his favorite NBA teammates.  Showtime Codes: (06:52) The Story Behind the Iconic Shorts (13:32) 2005 Swag (15:45) TJ's Best Game (17:21) TJ "Dunking" on Kobe Br...

Tim Derk appeared in over 1,110 games as the San Antonio Spurs Coyote! In this bonus episode, First Ballot meets the man behind the mascot and learns about his contributions to the t-shirt cannon, his pact with Charles Barkley, plus a story you don't want to miss about his dedication to being a mascot.    Showtime Codes:  (01:39) The mascots who helped invent the T-shirt cannon  (05:45) The story...