Word to the Weisman

Hey - I'm recording from indoors!  Inside of 24 hours before the 2022 Dodgers' first playoff game, I lay down some tracks -- well, thoughts, anyway -- looking at the team's strengths and weaknesses and of course, all the potential fan joy and despair. We also revisit -- ideally for the final time -- the Kershaw Chart, talk about sports fan purity tests, and finally offer a quick update from the book world. Give us a listen, will ye?

We start off by talking about the Dodgers' ridiculous start, then segue into the topic of journeys, relating to both baseball and the personal. Plus, a celebration of Melissa Villaseñor's Instagram account and an inadequate nod to the impact on me of Vin Scully.  

After two years, finally loading up a new podcast, in which I update you on all that's been going on. Hope you embrace the background noise, literally (including the click click click of Clyde's claws on the sidewalk) and figuratively. 

An interview with former Dodger and current artist Micah Johnson, who talks about his journey from baseball to art, and how that plays into his thoughts about the times we are living in. 

I decided somewhat on the spur of the moment to share some of the thoughts I had on an early morning walk (during the walk itself, so excuse the audio quality) – including why, while I love baseball, I don't particularly miss it right now. We are living in strange times, folks. 

In this special interview, I talk to my father, born in 1935 Chicago, about his experiences as a young sports fan in the 1940s, '50s and '60s. From Bronko Nagurski to Sandy Koufax, with a little bit of Citizen Kane thrown in for good measure, there's a trove of good stories to be heard. (Bonus: The debut of the Word to the Weisman theme song, from lamekids, composed and performed by a very special member of the family.)

Drafted by the Dodgers as an infielder/pitcher, Charlie Hough was headed for a quick demise until he discovered the knuckleball. Instead, he pitched in the majors until he was 46 and spent a lifetime in baseball. Enjoy his memories about his career and the Dodgers in this interview for Brothers in Arms: Koufax, Kershaw and the Dodgers' Extraordinary Pitching Tradition (available at https://tinyurl.com/dodgerpitchers). 

One of the most underrated pitchers in the history of the Dodgers, Burt Hooton talks about his career and that of his teammates in this interview for Brothers in Arms: Koufax, Kershaw and the Dodgers' Extraordinary Pitching Tradition (available at https://tinyurl.com/dodgerpitchers). 

In the first interview for Brothers in Arms: Koufax, Kershaw, and the Dodgers' Extraordinary Pitching Tradition, Carl Erskine spoke for an hour about his life in baseball and his time with the Dodgers.