Is This A Great Game, Or What?

Latest Episodes:

Jim Palmer vs. Bonds, Howard Cosell and Cy Youngs Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Hall of Famer Jim Palmer joins us this week for a riveting interview. The greatest Orioles pitcher ever turned broadcaster has stories you won’t believe—and a memory that is second to none.

What did his signing bonus look like 60 years ago? A lot different than today’s players, that’s for sure. He retells a conversation with Barry Bonds that had us stunned. And he was roommates with Robin Roberts? We didn’t know that!

There are plenty of fascinating stories about the late, great Howard Cosell, plus some love for Kevin Brown and Ben McDonald, too. We keep it long, lean, and loose with Palmer.

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Jo Adell's Insane Defense, All-Easter Team, Umpire Injury Apr 06, 2026

Show notes

Filming on Easter Sunday, Tim Kurkjian brings us the All-Easter Team that everyone has been asking for—including a favorite of our former guest, Dan Patrick. Dylan Cease (a pitcher, of course) is the last to do something at the plate—man, do we miss pitchers hitting, don’t you? Tim also dives deeper into the difficulty of an umpire’s job, sharing a story that might just knock you off your feet.

Jeff had a conversation with a 10-year-old that left him stunned—and after retelling it to Tim, let’s just say we’re feeling pretty good about the future of baseball fans. Jeff also breaks out the only impressions he knows how to do, and honestly… they’re not terrible, so we’ll take it.

We even get to the important questions—like what shoe size Tim Kurkjian wears—and somehow make our way to Star Wars. Safe to say, we had a lot of fun this week… but we’ll have even more tomorrow when Hall of Famer Jim Palmer joins us once again.

Don’t forget to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss that interview—and so much more!

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Andrew Painter, More Pitching Dominance, ABS Success Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Pitching across baseball is absolutely electric right now—and we’re loving every second of it. Tim and Jeff Kurkjian are back together in person and debut a brand-new segment, “The Wheel of Kurkjian,” inspired by your suggestions.

After one full week of baseball, the show is packed with highlights. Quirkjians and On This Date in Baseball History lead the way—but not before Jeff kicks things off with a classic April Fools’ Day prank on his dad.

“Three Cards in the Bathroom” and “Alphabest” spark plenty of debate between the two. And when it comes to the best “B” last name pitcher and hitter? That’s up to Tim—but we want to hear your picks. Remember: this is his list, not the list.

A big thank you to our friends at GameChanger for supporting another GameChanger of the Week. This time, we spotlight a player who wasn’t even sure he’d make the team out of Spring Training—but once he did, he made it count.

Coach Smarter, Connect Live, Replay the Action with GameChanger. Learn more at gc.com

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John Baker On Paul Skenes, Youth Sports & Dostoevsky Mar 31, 2026

Show notes

John Baker is a former Major Leaguer turned coach who is wiser than both of us—that’s for sure. He is well-studied in the minds of individuals, which he applies to the mindset of ballplayers. Visit www.baker-hq.com for more details and see how your ballplayer can benefit from his life’s work.

We talk all things big leagues, including something we never knew about John Lackey and the COVID year. Plus, we dive into that incredible Cubs team that won it all in 2016. He also got us into the minds of Paul Skenes and up-and-comer Konnor Griffin—trust me, these guys are next level.

For moms and dads of little leaguers, we spent a lot of time talking about growing up in the game—there’s plenty here for all of us to learn. And speaking of learning, we picked up new words and explored new books with Baker. What a great guest.

Stranger things have happened on this podcast—that’s for sure! Subscribe and follow for more!

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Judge's Ks, All-Profession Team & Opening Impressions Mar 30, 2026

Show notes

First full weekend of baseball and Tim and Jeff Kurkjian have you ready for a ton of Takeaways and Quirkjians. Don't forget to submit yours at GreatGameOrWhat.com, it's that easy!

The 2026 season is underway with a whole lot of strikeouts—are we surprised? But it’s the star power behind those strikeouts that’s really driving us crazy! Plus, we have ABS in full swing. Tim and Jeff weigh in on its effectiveness and break down the rules behind it (for those who might not know—like Jeff’s wife).

A hidden ambidextrous player got Tim all giddy, and we highlight some great birthdays in “On This Date” in baseball history. Finally, Tim celebrates the anniversary of a player’s retirement.

Now that we’re in the full swing of the regular season, remember—we’ve got three episodes a week: Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday. So make sure to hit that subscribe or follow button so you don’t miss a thing!

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HAPPY OPENING DAY 2026! Tim Kurkjian's Best Moments Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

We’re celebrating Opening Day this year with our friends at GameChanger. They’ve been an incredible partner for the past couple of years, and nothing captures the spirit of Opening Day quite like family—which is exactly what they’re all about.

We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Opening Day should honestly be a holiday. Maybe next season we make that happen. At the top of the show, Tim dives into some of his favorite Opening Day memories, and he wraps things up with a “Team Tim” featuring some all-time Opening Day heroes.

On This Date in Baseball History highlights some notable names, and we’ve got another edition of “Three Cards in the Bathroom” this week. Tim even made the trip up to Jeff’s house—just like old times—so we could put together a true celebration of an episode for everyone.

One thing to remember: this season could be your team’s season. It’s the best time of the year—so hold onto that kid-at-heart energy heading into 2026. It makes everything more fun.

Coach Smarter, Connect Live, Replay the Action with GameChanger. Learn more at gc.com

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Eduardo Perez: Opening Day, Bo Jackson and Tablet For Tim Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

As tradition continues, we welcome Eduardo Perez back for our first interview of the regular season—for the third straight year since the podcast began. And as always, he delivers.

We dive into Opening Day and the memories that come with it—not just from his time as a player, but from his childhood. As the son of a Hall of Famer, Eduardo brings a truly unique perspective on growing up around the game.

We also revisit an unforgettable World Baseball Classic, including the one moment that almost kept Eduardo from experiencing it fully—something he carefully shares with us.

From hitting behind Bo Jackson to his connection with Sean Casey, plus a little 6-4-3 talk, it all comes together in this fun Opening Week special of Is This A Great Game, Or What?

Be sure to share the show with a friend, and don’t forget to subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening!

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Pete Rose vs Nolan Ryan, Dwight Gooden Made Tim Kurkjian Cry Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

Tim Kurkjian had an absolute monster of a day, sitting down with Nolan Ryan and Dwight Gooden separately—on the same day. Even after all his years covering the game, he says there have been few days outside of Cooperstown inductions as story-filled as this one. He recaps both conversations for us.

Who made their ball club? We break down the end of Spring Training, an exciting time for players who’ve finally achieved their dream of making a big league roster—including one player who made his promotion even more special.

Plus, we dive into what happened On This Date in baseball history, Tim revisits some classic baseball cards, and as always, we wrap things up with a Team Tim.

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Kevin Pillar On WBC Finish, Nose Job and Kobe Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

We had an absolute blast chopping it up with Kevin Pillar—former MLB standout turned broadcaster and podcaster! Catch him on Foul Territory and Blue Bird Territory where he’s been absolutely crushing it.

Huge thanks to Kevin for taking the time to talk WBC with us. Sure, it wasn’t the finish Team USA fans were hoping for, but it doesn’t take away from how electric the game is right now. And who knows—maybe we’ll see Pillar involved in the next one… or even the Olympics.

We also got into some fun debates: the four best switch-hitters, the four best center fielders, and of course… can Pillar still dunk? (You know we had to ask.) From growing up listening to Vin Scully, to being inspired by Kobe’s work ethic, to now carrying that mindset into life as a girl dad—Kevin’s story is as real as it gets. A

math major turned Major Leaguer—Kevin Pillar, we appreciate you. And to everyone listening, thank you! Be sure to subscribe or follow wherever you get your podcasts. Full episodes are available everywhere you listen, and you can also watch on YouTube!

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Raleigh-Arozarena, St. Patricks Day Team, Wade Boggs Karaoke Mar 17, 2026

Show notes

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! It’s also the World Baseball Classic Championship tonight, and with the regular season starting in just eight days, this is an incredible week for baseball. Tim Kurkjian jumps right in to discuss the Cal Raleigh and Randy Arozarena drama surrounding the handshake that never happened. After the WBC, we’ll be joined by Foul Territory and Blue Bird Territory's Kevin Pillar to recap it all with us.

Jeff also makes his pick for a March Madness sleeper this year—maybe not to win it all, but a team he believes can make a run to the Sweet Sixteen. We also hear Tim’s incredible St. Patrick’s Day team and cycle through more baseball cards.

Plus, we reveal the results of the All-Robinson vs. All-Johnson matchup that had us debating last week… and let’s just say, we did NOT see this one coming.

Thanks for listening and watching. Be sure to follow and subscribe so you don’t miss anything. We’ll be back to three episodes next week, and as tradition goes, Eduardo Perez will join us to help kick off the season.

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