Retired Numbers

Long-reigning manager Tom Kelly, homegrown first baseman Kent Hrbek, and three hall of famers who had to fight for recognition (Tony Oliva, Jim Kaat, and Bert Blyleven) are the subject of today's episode.

Zach and Leo discuss the Oakland Athletics' ownership history, including the legacy of retired "number" holder Walter Haas Jr. Then they move on to two of baseball's biggest personalities: Reggie Jackson and Rickey Henderson.

Four players, four mustaches. Zach and Leo discuss Dave Stewart, Rollie Fingers, Dennis Eckersley, and Catfish Hunter.

The Cubs are one of baseball's oldest teams, and their list of retired numbers only tells part of their story. Zach and Leo discuss the legacies of Ernie Banks, Ron Santo, Billy Williams, and Ferguson Jenkins, along with more recent stars Greg Maddux and Ryne Sandberg.

Zach and Leo discuss what may be the best curated list of retired numbers yet. While the Orioles are still emerging from a rough start to the 21st century, they were an iconic team from the 1960s through the 90s led by Earl Weaver, Brooks and Frank Robinson, Jim Palmer, Eddie Murray and Cal Ripken Jr.

The Los Angeles Angels (aka The The Angels Angels, aka Los Los Angeles Angeles aka the California Angels aka the Anaheim Angels aka the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim) have a long a history, but not all of it is captured by their eccentric retired numbers list. Join Zach and Leo for a chat on cowboys, monkeys, fishes, and fugos.

The San Diego Padres numbers include a Dodger's legend, a pitcher named Randy who's the not the famous pitcher named Randy, and three Hall of Famers. This episode touches on how one rates closers, contact-hitters, and ugly uniforms.

The Brewers have five retired numbers, but only two are long-time Brewers players. Zach and Leo discuss a range of topics including Leo's perspective on how we evaluate closers, and why Robin Yount and George Brett make Zach think of Pokemon games.

Zach and Leo discuss a lesser known, but well loved manager, one of baseball's greatest catchers, a position-switching contact hitter, an ageless flamethrower, and perhaps the greatest Dominican player who ever lived.

Every Royals fan knows the signifiance of 5,10, and 20 (allegedly). Zach and Leo discuss Royals legend George Brett, along with two lesser known icons, manager Dick Dowser and fielding wizard Frank White.

Zach and Leo discuss the Rays' two non-traditional retired numbers, and which numbers the team might retire in the future.

Zach and Leo discuss Arizona's explosive rise as a team in the early 2000s, and the intriguing career arcs of Luis Gonzalez, Randy Johnson and Byung-hyun Kim.

Zach and Leo recall Todd Helton and Larry Walker as two baseball giants, who for a time struggled to get their dues outside of Colorado. Zach ask also makes the case that Larry Walker is an honorary millennial.

Zach and Leo discuss Ken Griffey Jr., Edgar Martinez, Ichiro, and a number of other Mariners' icons, some of whom have unofficially retired numbers (note: this episode was recorded before Ichiro Suzuki was voted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame).

The Blue Jays have only one retired number, but they have their own version of the concept; the Level of Excellence. Zach and Leo discuss the several pseudo-retired numbers in Blue Jays' history, before finishing off with their thoughts on Roy "Doc" Halladay.

Maybe this should have been our pilot episode? The Miami Marlins have no retired numbers and there's no obviou candidate in sight. Zach and Leo search for names in Marlins' history that might fit the bill for the billfish. (Note: this episode was recorded shortly before Jesús Luzardo signed with the Phillies).

Zach and Leo begin their series discussing the concept of retired numbers. They begin their series with baseball's youngest team, the Washington Nationals, a team with 1 retired number. They also discuss some other legends in Washington and Expos baseball history.