Is This A Great Game, Or What?

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Mike Schur Talks Pedro, Tom Hanks and Shohei Jun 16, 2026

Show notes

Mike Schur is a TV writer and producer best known for creating Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and The Good Place. He also worked on The Office and played Mose, Dwight's delightfully odd cousin. Impressive credentials, of course—but most importantly to us, he's a massive baseball fan. That may even be underselling it. Mike joins Tim Kurkjian and Jeff to talk baseball, including the fact that both he and Tim were at Pedro Martínez's legendary 17-strikeout game against the Yankees. Was that the greatest pitching season ever?

The three also dive into their shared love of storytelling and why the best baseball stories often stick with us as much as the games themselves. Is it any surprise that one of television's great writers appreciates a great story?

Schur also praises the Brewers for their knack for pulling off incredible trades and shares his deep admiration for Shohei Ohtani, encouraging everyone to appreciate just how remarkable a player he is. And, of course, there's Mike's new book, Big Fan: Two Friends, 82,490 Miles, and the Wild, Wonderful Sports We Love, co-authored with sportswriter Joe Posnanski. Released in May 2026, the book explores fandom across sports, music, and beyond, celebrating the passion that brings people together. Pick up a copy online or wherever books are sold.

One quick editorial note: this episode was recorded on June 10, just one day before Jeff and his wife, Emily, welcomed their son, Bodie, into the world. Thanks so much for watching and listening, and thanks for being part of our family.

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Yordan Álvarez's latest feat, Wade Boggs' karaoke partner and Johnny Bench joins the Kurkjians Jun 15, 2026

Show notes

Kelly Kurkjian makes her show debut! She joins her dad, Hall of Famer Tim Kurkjian, as a special guest host given Jeff's excused absence. Tim will never stop talking about Kelly's free throw shooting prowess.

Tim names his All-Childbirth team and names a new show commissioner. Plus, remembering awkward car rides with dad when Hall of Famers are on the phone! One glove wasn't enough to replace Tim's beloved A2000.

Houston Astros star Yordan Álvarez's incredible first inning leads Takeaways. Milwaukee Brewers stud Jacob Misiorowski tees how Tim took up Pokemon cards.

On This Date: Johnny Vander Meer's second no-hitter, and a couple important birthdays. Plus, hear how Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame catcher Johnny Bench warmly celebrated Tim and family in Cooperstown.

Kelly drops her team "Pop Pop's Home Team"

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Will The Tigers Deal Skubal? Plus Labor Negotiations Jun 11, 2026

Show notes

Tim Kurkjian tackles TWO big questions in this episode of Is This A Great Game, Or What? Jeff is, as usual, on baby watch as he awaits the arrival of his son, so we're glad he made it for this episode!

Tim's run-in with a worker at Camden Yards left him smiling. Plus, there's a Trey Mancini update that everyone will be happy to hear. We have plenty of Quirkjians this week, with both the Dodgers and Brewers piquing our interest.

GameChanger of the Week focuses on the state of baseball and the three outcomes that seem to define almost every at-bat these days. Tim once again dives deep into how the game is changing and why he believes it will eventually swing back in the other direction, or at least we hope so.

Three Cards in the Bathroom has us talking about catchers, specifically Rick Dempsey and the amazing claim he made at age 60. We think he was absolutely right. Some skills just don't go away. Alphabest brings us the best "L" batter and pitcher.

And finally, Team Tim is all about the incredible pitching we've been seeing. How do you build a team around pitching while still going around the diamond? Tim always finds a way.

Thanks for listening and watching. Follow and subscribe to the show so you can keep coming back. Most of all, thanks for being part of our family!

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Steve Sparks, Knuckleballer Turned Incredible Storyteller Jun 09, 2026

Show notes

There isn't a question that Steve Sparks is one of our favorite former guests, and now he's BACK for more laughs. The knuckleballer turned broadcaster remains one of Tim's favorite storytellers in the game today.

He kicks things off with an impression, and yes, it's fantastic. Plus, he shares a hilarious Richie Sexson story that you'll be talking about long after the episode ends. Ever wanted to win a car? So did one former player, who was VERY disappointed after an All Star Game.

We also show some love to our friends at GameChanger. We're grateful for their support of the show. And there's plenty of appreciation for the late, great Stan Musial, including a story about a couple of kids who had absolutely no idea who he was.

We wrap things up with Pete Rose and Bob Feller. That's a pretty strong finish, right?

A huge thank you to Steve for taking time out of his busy schedule to join our little show. Most importantly, thank you for being a part of our family!

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The Hardest Throw From A Starting Pitcher Jun 08, 2026

Show notes

Shohei just cannot be stopped and is doing things we haven't seen in quite some time. But first, Tim figured out QR codes. Watch out, world! We also button up what it means to "bat around." Well, at least we think we figured it out.

Plus, no baby yet for Jeff, so he'll keep hitting the podcast until the new arrival makes an appearance. We also share some father-son facts you may not know involving two current players and two former players. And yes, even Jeff manages to bring Dickie Noles into the conversation. It all makes sense, trust me.

The Dodgers love to score runs early, but is that all there is to it? Oneil Cruz is flirting with history, and it involves a whole lot of strikeouts. Plus, a save for Winn. Yeah, you read that right.

Jeff bought a sign at Hobby Lobby that is surprisingly accurate. And in Wheel of Kurkjian, he finally gets a chance to show off his umpiring skills. That doesn't happen very often.

Don't forget to subscribe wherever you watch, follow wherever you listen, and share the show with a friend. Thanks so much for being part of our family.

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Save, Start, Save, Start, Save, WHAT? Jun 04, 2026

Show notes

Tim and Jeff went to Lou Gehrig Day together and have some amazing people to shout out, including our friend Michael Brown. Plus, it was pretty awesome to see who was on the mound that day.

The Guardians are really good, and that's not going to change anytime soon. Is Jacob deGrom a Hall of Famer? We debate the numbers after his 100th win. Plus, an ambidextrous glove is flying off the shelves, which makes us seamheads extremely happy.

On This Date in Baseball History, we remember the great Don Zimmer and share some incredible stories, including a special moment Jeff had with the late baseball legend at Fenway Park. He is very much missed.

Alphabest tackles the best "K" batter and pitcher. We're not sure how much debate there really is, but weigh in and let us know in the comments. Three Cards delivers some hilarious stories, including one about a hitting pitcher who put George Brett to shame.

Team Tim might be a little too smart for us, but you be the judge. Thank you so much for listening and watching, and thank you for being part of our family!

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Lou Gehrig Day With Boog Sciambi Jun 02, 2026

Show notes

To know Boog is to love Boog.

The legendary play-by-play broadcaster does far more than call baseball and basketball games—he helps change lives in honor of a dear friend.

Project Main Street began in 2006 when Tim Sheehy, then 38 years old, was living with ALS. Friends from his hometown of Roosevelt Island, New York, wanted to help Tim and his young family by organizing a fundraiser. Though hesitant to accept charity, Tim agreed on one condition: that his friends work alongside him to create a true 501(c)(3) organization. Having experienced firsthand the financial burdens that come with an ALS diagnosis, Tim recognized the need for practical support. Project Main Street was born from that vision.

Today, Project Main Street remains one of the only ALS organizations providing unrestricted financial grants directly to people living with ALS.

Boog Sciambi, the play-by-play voice of the Chicago Cubs and an ESPN broadcaster, has been a close friend of Tim Kurkjian for many years. We talk with Boog about the Cubs' rollercoaster season, his favorite ballpark to call a game from (outside of Wrigley Field, of course), and his relationships with television partner Jim Deshaies and radio partner Doug Glanville.

Most importantly, we talk about ALS.

The episode concludes with an emotional tribute to Matt Kurkjian—the Pride of the Kurkjians. Matt, one of Tim's older brothers, passed away from ALS in 2023. Since his passing, the Kurkjian family has never been quite the same. His memory, however, continues to inspire those who knew and loved him.

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Christopher Sanchez and Chris Sale Stand Alone Jun 01, 2026

Show notes

Christopher Sanchez is on the brink of making some history—probably just two starts away from it!

Tim and Jeff are heading to the ballpark tomorrow to celebrate Lou Gehrig Day. ALS is a cause that has touched the Kurkjian family deeply, following the passing of Uncle Matt (Tim’s brother) from the disease in 2023. If you can, make it out to a ballpark on Tuesday, June 2, and help support a great cause.

Shohei Ohtani wants a Cy Young Award. Knowing him, he'll probably find a way to get one. But with pitching dominating in both leagues, it won't come easy. Plus, the Washington Nationals are scoring runs in bunches!

We also look back at one of our all-time favorite Bobby Valentine moments. Ronald Acuña Jr. is back and better than ever, and Fernando Tatis Jr. finally does it!

The Wheel of Kurkjian returns on a Monday, which is always a good thing—especially with Tim and Jeff back together in the basement studio. We talk dance recitals, baseball, and feminine baseball player names.

Don't forget to subscribe and follow wherever you listen or watch. Thank you for being a part of our family!

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Did Tim Kurkjian Jinx The Cubs On SVP? May 28, 2026

Show notes

Ten straight wins turning into ten straight losses? Uh oh. The Cubs may still be above .500, but they could be in some trouble. Was Tim Kurkjian the jinx? He stopped by SVP, and maybe that’s what did it.

Should every team be playing on Memorial Day? Jeff definitely thinks so. Plus, our GameChanger of the Week is a starting pitcher who throws absolute gas all the time.

Under the Quirkjians, we talk no-hitters, Zach Neto strikeouts, and Baz vs. Jax. Don’t forget about Colton Cowser — we’ve got a note on him too.

On This Date in baseball history, we discuss Dale Long, Jim Palmer, and Mariano Rivera. And of course, Walter Johnson is our J Alphabest — no surprise there.

We’ve also got a big announcement: one of our segments is moving from Thursdays to Mondays. We still want your suggestions though, so head to our website and send us a message or leave a comment.

And finally, you get TWO Team Tims today.

Make sure to follow or subscribe wherever you listen or watch the show, and thanks for being part of our family!

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Mike Toomey Shares His Favorite Scouting Stories May 26, 2026

Show notes

Mike Toomey has spent years in baseball — as a player, manager, coach, and scout — making it his life’s work. He’s been friends with Tim Kurkjian for so long that Jeff (now 32) can’t remember life without Mike Toomey in it.

Some of the best stories come from life on the back roads as a scout. Traveling to see players in their hometowns, as you might imagine, leads to some unforgettable moments. Then there are the stories from managing in Washington, D.C. — including the time a horse somehow ended up on the field, along with plenty of confused tourists. These are the kinds of stories you simply can’t make up.

Make sure to follow and subscribe wherever you listen or watch. We’ve always got new episodes coming your way three days a week. Thanks for being part of our family.

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

Get 20% off your first order of $125 or more at MackWeldon.com with promo code FOUL

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