Lost Ballparks is a nostalgic podcast about old baseball stadiums and the history of the sport in general. The host is Mike Koser who had a career in radio and television. In the episodes I listened to, Koser interviews Reggie Jackson, Chuck D, and Mike Piazza and they share some of their memories about baseball. With baseball season in full swing, fans of the sport will enjoy listening to stories about the glory days of baseball.
In the episode with Reggie Jackson, Jackson describes seeing Jackie Robinson at Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia. He hit a homerun that landed close to him in left field. Jackson tells another interesting story about seeing Hank Aaron. The episode is short but filled with great stories!
Chuck D talks about why Dave Parker is one of his favorite players. He liked his bravado and boldness. He copied his style and got an earring just like Parker. Chuck D describes the song he wrote about him called “The Cobra.” It is interesting to hear about the hip hop and baseball connection.
In Koser’s conversation with Mike Piazza, Piazza talks a lot about making it to the big leagues. His father was friends with Tommy Lasorda, which helped him get a job as bat boy for the Dodgers. Lasorda gave Piazza an opportunity to take batting practice even though he was just a teenager and he seized this opportunity by crushing home runs. Lasorda became his mentor and advocated for him in his career.
Piazza describes the differences between Shea Stadium and the original Yankee Stadium. In his experience, Shea Stadium had an unpleasant locker room and he states that it was not a hitter’s stadium. On the other hand, he loved Yankee stadium and he talks about how he also saw the ball well there. Baseball fans will be amused by the many stories that Piazza tells.
Lost Ballparks is a must listen podcast for baseball fans. Koser has interesting discussions with his guests and they share fascinating stories. Some episodes I look forward to listening to are with Tom Glavine, Bobby Richardson, and Cal Ripken Jr. Those who reminisce about classic baseball stadiums and hall of fame baseball players will love this podcast.
Michael Walsh is an Adult Services Librarian at the Will Library. He is currently reading My Friend Dahmer by Derk Backderk.