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Back When There Was Baseball

Back When There Was Baseball

By: Rex Naylor
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 Step into the golden era of America's Pastime with "Back When There Was Baseball." Uncover the untold stories, thrilling triumphs, and heart-wrenching trials of the sport's most iconic figures, spanning from the mid-1960s to the mid-1980s - a transformative era when the baton was gracefully handed from titans like Hank Aaron, Orlando Cepeda, Mickey Mantle, and Willie Mays to the new generation of legends like Johnny Bench, George Brett, Mike Schmidt, and Nolan Ryan. Each episode of "Back When There Was Baseball" is more than a mere retrospective; it's a journey through time. We weave together the intricate narratives of these athletes' careers, personal lives, and the broader socio-political context of their times. This is where you'll find the real drama, the human stories behind the home runs and record-breaking performances. But our journey won't stop there. We'll occasionally veer off the beaten path, reaching back into the 1950s - a time many argue was the apex of Major League Baseball. Expect special episodes dedicated to this remarkable decade, spotlighting its most distinguished players and most memorable games. "Back When There Was Baseball" is more than a podcast; it's your ticket to the front row of history. Whether you're a baseball enthusiast, a history buff, or simply someone who loves a good story, this podcast is your gateway to an era of baseball that shaped the game we know and love today. So, grab your cap, dust off your mitt, and join us for a fascinating journey into the heart of baseball's most legendary moments.2023 Baseball & Softball World
Episodes
  • Back When There Was Baseball: Dyar Miller

    Back When There Was Baseball: Dyar Miller
    Dec 11 2025

    Dyar Miller joins us this week. Dyar graduated from Utah State and was signed by the Philadelphia Phillies in 1968 after he was not drafted. Dyar played from 1968-1984 with 7 of those years in the Majors (Baltimore, California, Toronto and the New York Mets). After switching to a relief pitcher in 1975, he posted a career record of 23-17 with a 3.23 ERA. After retiring as a player, Dyar stayed in the game as a coach from 1985-2012 with most of those years in the Cardinals organization. Enjoy this trip Back When There Was Baseball to the mid-1970s through the early 1980s with our guest Dyar Miller.
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    52 mins
  • Back When There Was Baseball: Duke Sims

    Back When There Was Baseball: Duke Sims
    Dec 4 2025

    Who was the last player to hit a home run in the original Yankee Stadium (1973) before the massive remodel? His name is Duke Sims and he is our guest this week. Duke also had the privilege of catching one of the greatest pitching staffs in the history of the game, the 1968 Cleveland Indians staff which included "Sudden" Sam McDowell, Luis Tiant, Sonny Siebert, Stan Williams and Steve Hargan. Duke was also the catcher in Game 2 of the 1972 ALCS when Bert Campaneris threw his bat at Detroit Tigers pitcher Larrin LaGrow after being hit by a pitch. Duke shares some great stories about his career Back When There Was Baseball.
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    47 mins
  • Back When There Was Baseball: Mike Paul

    Back When There Was Baseball: Mike Paul
    Nov 27 2025

    Mike Paul joins us on the podcast this week. He came out of the University of Arizona and was drafted in the 20th round in 1967 by the Cleveland Indians. He was a part of arguably the best pitching staff in Major League history in the 1968 Cleveland Indians. Mike made it to the Majors quickly and had success. He played for the Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs and then finished out his career in the Mexican League. Mike talks about the Indians pitching staff and playing for Ted Williams in Texas.
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    48 mins
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