Is This A Great Game, Or What?

Latest Episodes:

Ken Rosenthal, The Quintessential Baseball Writer and Reporter Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

Ken Rosenthal is a household name in baseball. You’ve seen him on the field during some of the game’s biggest moments, but he’s also one of the finest writers the sport has ever known. One day, we’re certain he’ll take his rightful place in the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Ken and Tim go way back to their days competing at rival newspapers in Baltimore during the 1980s. As Ken tells it, though, there wasn’t much of a competition—which happens to be Tim’s least favorite part of this interview (but we think you’ll love it).

Ken shares the highs and lows of postgame interviews, some of his favorite stories he’s written, and a treasure trove of Ripken anecdotes that are sure to make any baseball fan smile.

We also recap this incredible World Series, talk podcasts, and cover so much more in an interview you won’t want to miss.

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

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Greatest World Series Tim Kurkjian Has Ever Covered Nov 04, 2025

Show notes

Well folks, that’s a wrap on the 2025 baseball season! The Los Angeles Dodgers have repeated as champions — but of course, you already knew that. Now, we bring you Tim Kurkjian’s in-depth breakdown of the 2025 World Series between the Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays — and what made it the best World Series Tim has ever covered.

We’ll also take a look at some key On This Date moments in baseball history, including a memorable World Series finish that happened on this very day. Plus, we highlight the father of a former guest who gets a special mention, and we recognize one of you for inspiring today’s “Team Tim” segment — something Tim plans to do a lot more of now that we’re in the offseason.

Don’t go anywhere — tomorrow, you’ll hear from Ken Rosenthal! Be sure to subscribe or follow wherever you get your podcasts. And even though the season’s over, we’ve got plenty of great content planned throughout the postseason. Don’t forget about The Kurkjians just because it’s November!

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

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trick (McSorley) Or Treat Oct 31, 2025

Show notes

Thank you for what has been an absolutely incredible season of baseball and an amazing run for this podcast (can't wait for next year). We’re celebrating Halloween with unforgettable memories and a Team Tim episode that’s sure to blow your spooky socks off (with a little help from a special family guest).

We recap the games in Los Angeles — packed with unbelievable baseball moments, including another first from Shohei, a surprising country star connection, and one wild coincidence. Plus, we dive into a pitching recap highlighting some unsung heroes who deserve their moment.

What a postseason it’s been! But just wait until you hear how good the Blue Jays’ offense has been — it’s almost unbelievable. Even with the Dodgers’ strong pitching, this team continues to thrive.

Oh, and Tim’s back in Canada! This time, though, he’s not recording from a hotel… but from a basement? Don’t worry, he explains.

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

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dan and Ben Shulman, Father-Son World Series Broadcasters Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

Dan Shulman has done far more than just dabble in baseball — calling the game has been his life’s work (alongside being a great father). His son, Ben Shulman, has followed in his footsteps, making play-by-play broadcasting his own career. In fact, Dan and Ben have made history as the first father-son duo to ever call the same World Series. Dan serves as the television play-by-play voice of the Blue Jays on Sportsnet, while Ben handles radio duties.

As a father-son podcast, we couldn’t have asked for better guests. From Princess Bride references to shared Syracuse University memories between Ben and Jeff, this conversation will make you smile and think of your own dad. Aaron Boone naturally takes center stage in several stories — including one memorable playoff press conference where Ben found himself in the spotlight.

We also learn the origin of Dan’s nickname from his ESPN colleagues, and hear how this father-son duo keeps crossing paths at sporting events around the country.

Thank you so much for listening — and happy World Series!

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

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Oo You Shiny Toy Mamba Oct 28, 2025

Show notes

Our last interview with Harold Reynolds brought out quite a few great Bo Jackson stories—and Tim has an update on what Bo himself thought about them. After that, of course, we dive straight into the World Series. We hope you’re enjoying the action as much as we are—it’s the perfect mix of dominant pitching and incredible hitting.

Naturally, Tim got a little bored on the cross-country flight and started coming up with a few anagrams that had us scratching our heads. But hey, that’s one way to pass the time at 35,000 feet!

On This Date in Baseball History, we’ve got more great October moments for you to stash away and use to impress your friends and family later. Plus, the Quirkjians—though a bit slim this week—dig a little deeper into the mysterious eBay glove saga that we know everyone’s still curious about.

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

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What In The World (Series)? Oct 24, 2025

Show notes

Tonight is Game One of the 2025 World Series! And boy, are we ready for it. Nobody in the world has more World Series stories than our very own Tim Kurkjian, so Jeff decided to share his favorite games he’s attended. Surprisingly, even though Jeff has only been to five World Series games, he’s witnessed some incredible moments — you can be the judge of that.

We wrap up our From Ozzie to Orel segment — teardrop — with our number 55, which shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone (it’s in the name, after all). Shohei Ohtani, of course, is doing something no other player has ever done as he heads into another World Series. Jeff also breaks down why, despite their NLCS sweep, the Dodgers might have history working against them. In fact, there are two key reasons why the Blue Jays could have the upper hand — and we’ve got both for you.

It’s been an incredibly busy season for us, but we couldn’t be more grateful for your support. Don’t forget — you can always visit our website below to get in touch, and follow us on social media @GreatGameOrWhat for exclusive behind-the-scenes videos and bonus content you won’t find anywhere else.

Happy World Series, everybody!

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

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Harold Reynolds, Former Big Leaguer Turned Storied Analyst Oct 22, 2025

Show notes

Harold Reynolds’ name is synonymous with baseball — from his years on the field to his incredible work covering the game we all love. He and Tim go way back, having spent years together at ESPN and on Baseball Tonight, and trust us, the behind-the-scenes stories will have you in stitches.

But Harold didn’t stop there — he even dropped a few stories Tim had never heard before! We’re talking Bo Jackson tales, unbelievable Shohei Ohtani moments, and if you don’t know manager Dick Williams, you’re about to.

This interview is easily one of our favorites of the season. Huge thanks to Harold for his time, the laughs, and the unforgettable stories. We’re still cracking up over some of them — hope you enjoyed it as much as we did!

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

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

O Canada! Oct 21, 2025

Show notes

We’ve got our 2025 World Series match-up! But before we dive in, we have to honor what might be the greatest performance by a baseball player in the history of the game—Shohei Ohtani’s unforgettable Game Four.

A series of classic Quirkjians takes us through the ALCS and NLCS, and Tim shares a collection of great "On This Date" moments in baseball history.

Then comes a big surprise: Jeff presents his very own Team Tim, featuring players with October birthdays who won a World Series! It’s quite the combo, with Tim offering just a few small edits to help it along. He then wraps things up with a Team Tim of his own.

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

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Unlimited Soup and Salas Oct 16, 2025

Show notes

Playoff updates galore from the ALCS and NLCS! The Dodgers and Mariners each take two games on the road, and Tim's got some mind-blowing facts about starting a series that way. The Dodgers’ pitching has been lights-out, the Mariners’ energy is unmatched—and don’t sleep on the Brewers or Blue Jays. We’re not counting them out yet.

We’ve also got some classic Quirkjians, including a breakdown of what might be the strangest double play in playoff—maybe even baseball—history.

On This Date: Yankees fans, this one’s for you. You’ll be smiling.

Plus, a new Team Tim—and according to the Hall of Fame writer himself, this is the hardest he’s ever worked on one.

"Ozzie to Orel" is nearing the finish line, but today we hit No. 54. Tim dusts off a couple of old baseball cards and takes us down memory lane.

Thanks so much for subscribing, following, and listening—it really does go a long way. We appreciate you!

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

Joy Pop Productions LLC

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Eddie, Ravvy and Timmy Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

At Tim's request, he joins us as a guest on "Is This A Great Game, Or What?" — request approved!

Jeff sits down with Eduardo Pérez, Karl Ravech, and Tim Kurkjian to talk about their dynamic as a broadcast team for ESPN's radio and television coverage. Fresh off the ALDS between the Yankees and Blue Jays, the trio is now on assignment for the ALCS on ESPN Radio.

Spoiler alert: there wasn’t much baseball talk. Instead, the conversation dives into their hilarious travel mishaps — most of which involve Tim’s legendary inability to stay calm on travel days. Karl shares some wild stories from New York and Toronto, and Eduardo reveals the chaos of an unforgettable helicopter ride.

Also, mascots. Yes, really. Eduardo confesses he’s part of MLB’s inner mascot circle (shocking, we know). Even an unexpected hotel interruption couldn’t derail the laughter.

Thanks for listening — and don’t forget to subscribe wherever you’re tuning in!

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