Pod of Fame

Jim is joined by Cleveland Browns beat writer for the Akron Beacon Journal, Nate Ulrich, to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former Browns left tackle Joe Thomas. First, Jim and Nate cover Joe's record-setting 10,363 consecutive snap streak (5:38). Next, Nate details conversations with former Browns offensive line coach Bob Wylie on Thomas, including a comparison to Cincinnati Bengals lege...

Jim is joined by national baseball writer for Fox Sports Pedro Moura to discuss his new book "How to Beat a Broken Game: The Rise of the Dodgers in a League on the Brink." First,  Pedro talks about what inspired him to write the book, as well as a quick elevator speech on what the book covers (6:16). Next, Jim and Pedro cover Walker Buehler, the MLB lockout, rule changes that they believe cou...

Jim is joined by Matthew Tynan, who has been covering the San Antonio Spurs since 2012 for a number of publications, including The Athletic, to break down the career of Manu Ginóbili and debate whether or not he should have been a 1st ballot HOFer. Jim and Matthew first describe what Manu meant to the city of San Antonio and how he may have been more beloved by Spurs fans than even Tim Duncan hims...

Jim gives his thoughts on all 13 members of the 2022 Basketball Hall of Fame Class, which was announced over the weekend. He breaks down the legacies of players you know well, like 4-time NBA Champion Manu Ginóbili, as well as players you may not know much about, such as Yugoslavian legend Radivoj Korać, who once dropped 99 points in a Euroleague game. Please see the entire 2022 HOF Class below: M...

To celebrate Pod of Fame's 100th Episode, Jim answers a number of questions submitted by our listeners. Topics include: Ja Morant vs. Zion Williamson, The HOF candidacy of Dustin Pedroia, Deciding who the next "Harold Baines" HOFer will be, Building the best starting 5 made up of non-HOF players, Jim's love of Shawn Kemp, Sterling Sharpe vs. Calvin Johnson, and much more.

Jim is joined by Milwaukee Bucks Expert and friend of the pod Jake Kupferman to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former Milwaukee Bucks swingman Glenn “Big Dog” Robinson. First, Jake and Jim discuss Robinson's offensive versatility and how he would have performed in today's NBA (9:22). Next, they cover Robinson's performance in the 1994 NCAA Tournament, compare him to two former #1 NBA pic...

Jim is joined by Neil Paine, senior writer for FiveThirtyEight, to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NHL Center Jeremy Roenick. Jim and Neil first discuss Roenick's dominance in the video game "NHL '94" and whether or not Roenick makes video game athlete Mount Rushmore (5:57). Then, they cover Roenick's 1991-1992 season with the Blackhawks, whether game-winning goals matter, and how...

Jim is joined by historian and author Clayton Trutor to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former Miami Dolphins Middle Linebacker Zach Thomas. First, Jim and Clayton discuss how Thomas was the quintessential middle linebacker who seemed to make every play on the field despite being undersized (7:16). Next, they cover his record-setting 22 tackle playoff game in 2002, detail how he comp...

Jim is joined by Pod of Fame Social Media Manager and Kentucky Wildcats Expert Shannon Bauer to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former Detriot Pistons swingman Tayshaun Prince. First, Shannon breaks down Prince's infamous 2001 game against North Carolina in which he drained five consecutive 3-pointers to start the game (4:34). Next, they cover "the block" in the 2004 Eastern Conference Fi...

Jim is joined by author Britni de la Cretaz and The Athletic's Lyndsey D'Arcangelo join the podcast this week to discuss their recently released book "Hail Mary: The Rise and Fall of the National Women's Football League", the NWFL, and the Hall of Fame. First, Britni and Lyndsey talk about what inspired them to write a book on the NWFL (2:48). Next, they cover the Toledo Troopers, favorite stories...

Jim breaks down the recently announced 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class this week. First, Jim discusses the career of all eight class members and whether or not he would have voted them in this year (3:45). Next, Jim provides his overall thoughts on the class, why he was shocked neither Torry Holt, Andre Johnson, or Reggie Wayne was elected, and how DeMarcus Ware should have made the HOF on hi...

Jim is joined by Indianapolis Colts beat writer and sports editor for The Herald Bulletin, George Bremer, to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne. First, Jim and George discuss Wayne’s consistency throughout his 14-year career (4:34). Next, they cover the orange glove game, compare the peak Colts offenses of the 2000s to the St. Louis Rams “Greatest Show...

Jim first covers Tom Brady’s possible retirement at the top of the podcast. Next, he tackles the final voting results for the 2022 Baseball HOF class, including a break down of David Ortiz’s career, as well as his thoughts about Bonds/Clemens missing the cut (14:10). Then, Jim discusses Ben Roethlisberger's retirement and where he stands among the best QBs of the 21st Century (29:12). Finally, Jim...

Jim is joined by Sports Illustrated Baseball Editor Matt Martell to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB Closer Joe Nathan. First, Jim and Matt discuss Nathan's dominant stretch during the mid-2000s (6:21). Next, they discuss Game 163 of the 2009 season, some unfortunate playoff outings against the Yankees, and HOF comps (9:45). Finally, Matt and Jim rank the top relievers of Nathan...

Jim goes solo this week when breaking down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB First Baseman Prince Fielder. First, Jim covers how Prince Fielder owned All-Star week, from winning multiple home run derbies to being named MVP of the 2011 All-Star Game (3:30). Next, he reminisces about Fielder's 2003 50 homerun season and how he stacks up to HOFer Orlando Cepeda, and how Fielder's offensive num...

After releasing a new podcast every Monday for 18 straight months, Jim is finally taking a week off. However, Jim still jumps on quickly to promote the episodes he has previously recorded on 18 of the 30 2022 Baseball HOF candidates. Please check out any of the below episodes during our bye week and we will be back next Monday with a new episode! Episode 5: Scott Rolen Episode 8: Bobby Abreu Episo...

Jim is joined by David Kaplan, co-host of Kap and J.Hood on ESPN 1000, to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB slugger Sammy Sosa. First, Kap discusses his relationship with Sosa and Sosa's current standing with the Chicago Cubs organization (5:38). Next, they cover the 1998 home run race, how he compares against other HOF sluggers, and why Sosa is getting such low HOF vote tot...

Jim is joined by Senior Social Media Producer and MLB Writer at CBS Sports Danny Vietti to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former San Francisco Giants pitcher Tim Lincecum. First, Jim and Danny discuss Linecum's unique build and violent pitching motion (3:45). Next, they cover his no-hitters, performance in Game 1 of the 2010 NLDS, and how he compares to current pitcher Jacob deGrom...

Jim goes solo this week when breaking down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB center fielder Torii Hunter. First, Jim covers how Hunter earned the nickname "Spider-Man" (1:52). Next, he reminisces about Hunter's performance in the 2002 All-star game, talks about Ken Griffey Jr., and details Hunter's underrated ability to drive in runs (5:05). Finally, Jim discusses a number of Hunter's conte...

On today's podcast, Jim is joined by USA TODAY Sports reporter and Hall of Fame Voter Steve Gardner to breakdown down the resume of former MLB outfielder Manny Ramirez. First, Steve and Jim discuss their favorite “Manny being Manny” moments (5:07). Next, they cover the 2004 World Series, Manny's elite slugging numbers, and just how much of a liability Manny was in the outfield (12:51). Finally, St...

On 12/5, the era committees elected 6 new members to the Baseball Hall of Fame. First, Jim walks through the 2 players the Early Baseball Era Committee selected and the 4 players the Golden Age Era Committee selected to be inducted into Cooperstown. Then, Jim provides his initial reactions to the results, including Dick Allen’s absence.

Jim is joined by Adam Darowski, Head of User Experience at Sports Reference, to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB shortstop Bill Dahlen. First, Adam and Jim discuss how WAR plays a major factory in Dahlen's Cooperstown case. Next, they cover his 42-game hitting streak and rank Dahlen among other shortstops who played in the late 19th Century/early 20th Century. Finally, Adam...

On today's Thanksgiving Day Special, we draft our Thanksgiving Food Mount Rushmores and provide gambling tips for the three Thanksgiving games.

Jim is joined by Adam Darowski, Head of User Experience at Sports Reference, to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB outfielder Minnie Miñoso. First, Adam and Jim discuss how Miñoso was a pioneer and his importance in baseball history. Next, they detail Miñoso's path to his first full MLB season in 1951, discuss how Miñoso compares to HOFer Larry Doby and how the MLB finally re...

 Jim is joined by HOF voter and MLB Writer John Perrotto to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB slugger Barry Bonds. First, John talks about how Bonds is the best player he has seen in his 57 years on this planet. Next, they discuss Bonds' incredible slugging stretch from 2001-2004, how from an offensive standpoint, Babe Ruth is the only player in MLB history who you can compa...