Is This A Great Game, Or What?

Latest Episodes:

Scott Van Pelt On The Baltimore Accent, The Masters and Classic Sportscenter Commercials Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

Back in 2024, we had the pleasure of welcoming our friend Scott Van Pelt to the podcast. For years, he and Tim Kurkjian have been staples on ESPN, but it’s their segments together that have truly made the internet smile. This episode originally ran on July 9th, 2024.

Their shared home state of Maryland gave rise to one of the great recurring bits — Scott cracking Tim up with his take on the Baltimore accent. If you’re a sports fan, you’ve probably seen one of these moments somewhere, whether on ESPN or circulating around the internet.

During our conversation, we talked about The Masters and Scott’s love of all things golf, as well as his upbringing as an Orioles fan and how that helped spark his passion for baseball — and plenty more along the way. We’re bringing this episode back as a thank-you to our new followers and subscribers.

We’ve got a lot of fun and exciting interviews coming your way in the 2026 season, and we’re thrilled to have you along for the journey.

Get 10 free meals and a FREE Zwilling Knife (a $144.99 value) on your third box at HelloFresh.com/FT10FM. Offer valid while supplies last. Free meals applied as a discount on first box, new subscribers only, varies by plan.

Use our code TERRITORY10 for 10% off your next SeatGeek order* seatgeek.onelink.me/RrnK/TERRITORY10 Sponsored by SeatGeek. *Restrictions apply. Max $20 discount

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

World Baseball Classic Career Highlight, Pete Rose Loves Winning, Could Robinsons Beat Johnsons? Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

Tim Kurkjian and his son Jeff are back at it again—and this time the hype is all about the incredible World Baseball Classic and one player who says the experience ranks as a career highlight.

With the clocks set back, it means we’re one step closer to the start of the regular season. Tim also shares a few standout young players he had the chance to see during his time in Florida and Arizona.

Then there’s the matter of a Ron Howard appearance. After a recent text exchange with Buck Showalter, it suddenly doesn’t seem so impossible.

Pete Rose also comes up—specifically the stat he might be most proud of. In fact, he was so proud of it that he offered it to Tim without even being asked.

Plus, we rip open some baseball cards and uncover a minor-league moment from Larry Anderson that will absolutely make you smile.

Let’s load the cannon on another great episode. Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you’re listening or watching right now!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Fate Of The 2027 Season According To Tim Kurkjian, Golf Cart Drive Thru, Our New Partnership Mar 03, 2026

Show notes

Big partnership news to start the show! A huge thank you to @foulterritoryshow Network for bringing us on board for the 2026 season. We’re incredibly grateful to their team for embracing our little show. The best part? Nothing changes for you as a listener!

Tim is at Spring Training and fired up to talk about everything he’s seen so far. The impact of the World Baseball Classic is already being felt across clubs, and looming negotiations for the 2027 season are hanging over just about everyone. Tim Kurkjian has exclusive insight on both.

“On This Date” in baseball history inspires a brand-new Team Tim — and it wasn’t an easy roster to build. If we missed someone, drop a comment or head to GreatGameOrWhat.com to message us directly.

Jeff took the lead on baseball cards this week, and it didn’t disappoint. He even pulled from his personal collection, so we’ve got some heavy hitters (and pitchers) featured in this episode.

One quick note: beginning in the 2026 season, we’ll be adjusting our episode schedule to better serve our audience. We’ll still be dropping three episodes a week — just on different days — so stay tuned for the updated lineup. Thanks for listening, and don’t forget to share the show with a friend!

Subscribe to the show on YouTube!

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A Mazterclass Feb 24, 2026

Show notes

We said goodbye to an absolute legend, Bill Mazeroski. He also earned a spot on Tim’s All-Defense Team—alongside several other incredibly skilled defenders. We also recapped Jeff’s weekend adventure involving a pool of ice water (a bold but smart move, Jeff).

Eddie Murray was a major topic this week as we celebrated his birthday, along with so many other great baseball birthdays. We also remembered Tony C., lost on this day—perhaps the bravest of them all.

Dave Kingman’s baseball card made an appearance during the show, and honestly, he could probably still play in 2026—though maybe not for the best reasons. Tim shared some special memories from his very first Spring Training, especially fitting as he heads to much warmer weather this week (which we’re all looking forward to).

And next week, we’ve got absolutely MASSIVE news we can’t wait to share. If you’ve been following along, nothing will change for you—and the same goes for anyone new. But be sure to tune in next week for all the details!

Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Let The Games Begin Feb 17, 2026

Show notes

We’re running the full gambit on the show this week with Tim Kurkjian and his son, Jeff. If you’re interested in attending Jeff’s live event, visit GreatGameOrWhat.com for details — we’d love to see you there.

With Spring Training underway, no one is more excited than this father-son duo. We also couldn’t let the day pass without celebrating Michael Jordan’s birthday and debating the best No. 62 of all time — a conversation that certainly delivered.

Plus, we’re taking the “Ober” on Three Cards in the Bathroom.

Tim closes out the show with a beautiful All-Presidents Team for Team Tim. If you’ve created one of your own and want to hear it on the air, head to GreatGameOrWhat.com and submit it today!

Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Season Starts In 6-7 Weeks Feb 10, 2026

Show notes

The Super Bowl is DONE, which means for some teams, pitchers and catchers report TODAY! This is what we’ve been waiting for all offseason. Spring Training is here, and this is when our show hits primetime. We can’t thank you enough for being along for the ride — and don’t forget to hit subscribe!

Today, we dive into Tim Kurkjian’s all-time favorite Spring Training stories, featuring warthogs, bicycles, and softball gloves. We also celebrate a few birthdays, including one from Australia (not something you see every day).

We rip some cards and see what we can uncover — always a good time with “Three Cards in the Bathroom.” Tim may be a historian of the game, but there’s one never-achieved matchup he’ll defend forever.

Soak it all in, folks. Spring Training has arrived, and Tim and Jeff Kurkjian are celebrating right along with you. Thanks for listening, and as always, thanks for being part of our family.

Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

He Pulled A Grammy Feb 03, 2026

Show notes

Tim and Jeff Kurkjian can’t help but be fascinated (once again) by the lingering snow from the storm—though their dogs are clearly over it. Big shoutout to our SABR friends in Las Vegas: thanks for having us, and welcome to the family to those who are new!

Jeff quizzes Tim on Grammy nominees and winners, and surprisingly, Tim holds his own. How would you have done? If you love this country, you’ll love Team Tim, as we take a tour through America’s cities. We also dive into two major free-agent signings, with Tim breaking down the impact of Eugenio Suárez and Luis Arraez.

And don’t even mention Pinewood Derby to Tim—or karate to Jeff—trust us, both are sore subjects. We also reminisce about some great players, including the “tenth man,” Will Clark (you’ll have to tune in to find out what that means).

We’re hoping to grow our YouTube following, and it’s easy to help: search “Is This A Great Game, Or What?” on YouTube and hit subscribe. You can watch the full show in video form—how neat is that? Sure, we’re easy on the eyes, but the reactions and laughs are even better on video. Thanks so much for supporting the show!

Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oh, Snow Way! Jan 27, 2026

Show notes

SNOWED IN! We had a blast recording this episode from home—both of us snowed in (outside, of course). Tim was rescued by the plows just in time to hit record. Jeff, meanwhile, somehow still made it to his full-time job.

On This Date in Baseball History, we tip our caps to “my man” and Harold Reynolds. And whenever Tim breaks out the cards, you know it’s going to be a good time. We also settle the debate on the greatest player to wear No. 59—and yes, it’s a current player!

Plus, a puzzling story from Tim involving his grandson proves that even a guy with a massive baseball brain can struggle when it comes to actual puzzles.

All this and more on this week’s edition of Is This a Great Game, or What?

Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Front and Center(Field) Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

Carlos Beltrán and Andruw Jones will join Jeff Kent as the National Baseball Hall of Fame Class of 2026. Longtime Hall of Fame voter Tim Kurkjian weighs in with his thoughts, including the one other player he voted for who fell short this year.

We break down Beltrán’s playoff performances, along with the lingering controversy surrounding sign-stealing. For Jones, we marvel once again at his elite center-field defense and his remarkable youth—highlighted by hitting two home runs in Game 1 of the World Series at just 19 years old. Incredible.

The conversation continues with stories surrounding a notable retirement and the unfortunate passing of a pitching great. Tim also presses on toward No. 99 in his countdown of the best players to wear each uniform number. And this week, Team Tim takes advantage of a current weakness in Jeff’s life.

Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Don Mattingly A.K.A. Donnie Baseball (And Sons) Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

Don Mattingly just took a job that lets him work alongside his son, so we couldn’t think of a better guest to have on. Oh—and he also happens to be one of Tim’s favorite players to cover back in the day.

We cover everything from fishing for 200-pound fish to talking hitting with Ted Williams, plus a shared love of country music and Don’s questionable knowledge of Lou Gehrig. Widely known as one of the best guys in the game, Mattingly has done it all. From managing the Marlins and Dodgers to serving as bench coach for the Blue Jays—and now the Phillies—whether he’s playing, coaching, or managing, he’s always got stories to tell.

We loved bringing you this exclusive offseason interview. If there’s anyone else you’d like to hear on the show, let us know—GreatGameOrWhat.com is the best way to reach us.

Visit GreatGameOrWhat.com to contact the show with your questions, quips and insights.

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our TOPPODCAST Picks

Follow Us

Stay Connected

Is This A Great Game, Or What?

Related Podcasts

Links

Stay Connected