Jim is joined by baseball Twitter personality Not Gaetti to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB pitcher Orel Hershiser. First, NotGaetti and Jim cover Hershiser's ridiculous 1988 season with the Los Angeles Dodgers and whether it may just be the best first start to finish season in MLB history (8:09). Next, they discuss Hershiser's …

The 2024-2025 NBA season begins on Tuesday and it is never too early to begin thinking about which player's have the most on the line this season when it comes to legacy building and adding to their HOF resumes. Jim takes a closer look at five current players (Karl-Anthony Towns, Donovan Mitchell, Bradley Beal, Jrue Holiday, De'Aaron Fox) that stil…

Jim is joined by sportswriter Neil Paine to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA point guard Deron Williams. First, Jim and Neil cover the Deron Williams vs. Chris Paul debate that actually was a debate in the late 2000s. Next, they Deron's incredible performance in the 2007 Western Conference Finals, his play at the University of Il…

Jim welcomes senior staff writer at The Ringer and New York Times best-selling author Mirin Fader to discuss her new book, “Dream: The Life and Legacy of Hakeem Olajuwon." Mirin and Jim cover how Hakeem inspired generations of Muslim people around the world (13:02), Hakeem's quadruple-double in 1990 (23:06), who belongs on Center Mount Rushmore (28…

On Monday, Dikembe Mutombo and Pete Rose both passed away. The Basketball Hall of Famer and MLB Hit King could not have been more different in every way one can be different, but both were giants that both have left legacies that will stand the test of time. Jim first covers Mutombo's career on and off the court (3:37), before tackling Pete Rose's …

Jim is joined by Dalton Feely from Jomboy Media to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB left fielder Luis Gonzalez. First, Jim and Dalton cover Gonzalez’s World Series-winning single off Mariano Rivera (7:10). Next, they discuss Gonzalez’s 57 home run, 419 total base season in 2001, how he compares to HOFer Jim Rice, and where Gonzal…

On this edition of Pod of Fame Travel Log, Jim discusses his recent trip to England to attend his cousin's wedding. He saw a lot, ate a lot, and learned a lot. Jim covers a variety of topics, including the major differences between British and American weddings, attending his first Premier League match, delicious English beers with low ABV, the bes…

Jim is joined by author and sports historian, Clayton Trutor, to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA power forward Buck Williams. First, Clayton and Jim discuss Buck bending the rim in the 1990 NBA Finals and the most overshadowed NBA players of the 1980s (5:34). Next, they cover the best offensive rebounders in NBA history, how well B…

Our first NFL Sunday is now behind us and my god, did it feel good for football to be back. First, Jim provides some quick observations from Week 1 (4:05). Then, Jim takes a look at five current players HOF cases and covers what he needs to see from them this season in order to help them inch closer to the goal line we call Canton. Jim discusses De…

Jim welcomes New York Times bestselling author Ian O'Connor to discuss his new book, “Out of the Darkness: The Mystery of Aaron Rodgers." Jim and Ian cover a number of topics, including where Rodgers ranks among the best QBs in NFL history, the biggest misconception about Rodgers by the general public, who the greatest Green Bay Packer QB in franch…

Jim is joined by Pittsburgh-based sports journalist Mike Asti to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB catcher Jason Kendall. First, Jim and Mike cover how Kendall's first five years with the Pittsburgh Pirates is comparable to Buster Posey and Joe Mauer's first five years in the MLB (13:04). Next, they discuss Kendall's 112 run seaso…

Jim welcomes author Kyle Bandujo to discuss his new book, “Movies with Balls: The Greatest Sports Films of All Time, Analyzed And Illustrated." Jim and Kyle cover a number of topics, including which fictional sports movie moment we would most like to have attended in person, which sports movies belong on Sports Movie Mount Rushmore, how the hell Ry…

Jim is joined by baseball Twitter personality Mark Shirk to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB left fielder Charlie Keller. First, Mark and Jim discuss why Keller is one of the more unsung New York Yankees in franchise history (9:40). Next, they cover Keller's performance in the 1939 and 1941 World Series and how Keller compar…

Jim is joined by Adam Darowski, Director of Design and Product Management at Sports Reference, to break down down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB player Julio Franco. First, Jim and Adam discuss Franco's age 45 season with the Atlanta Braves in 2004 and his unforgettable batting stance (10:30). Next, they cover the 1990 All-Star Game, Minn…

Jim is joined by NFL Writer for CBS Sports, Bryan DeArdo, to discuss the hall of fame candidacy of former NFL running back Eddie George. First, Jim and Bryan discuss George's role as a workhorse running back and where he ranks among the best RBs in Oilers/Titans history (7:15). Next, they discuss George's all-time performance in the 1999 NFL Playof…

Jim is joined by Joe Mullinax from the daily Memphis Grizzlies podcast Locked On Grizzlies to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA center Marc Gasol. First, Jim and Joe cover Gasol's career in Memphis and how he had few, if any, weaknesses on the basketball court (10:03). Next, they discuss Gasol's top playoff performances of his car…

Jim is joined by baseball twitter personality Not Gaetti (NG) to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB outfielder Joe Carter. First, Jim and NG cover the significance of Carter's ten 100+ RBI seasons and why the RBI should not be completely written off as a statistic of note (6:58). Next, they discuss Carter's 1993 World Series clinch…

Jim is buying Cleveland Guardians Steven Kwan's HOF stock, as the AL batting leader (.361 BA) is set to start in left field for the American League in next week's all-star game. Meanwhile, Jim is selling off Blake Snell's HOF stock, as the 2X Cy Young award winner has only managed to pitch 28.2 innings through seven starts while maintaining a 7.85 …

Jim is joined by Justin Havens from the Baseball is Dead podcast break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB left fielder Albert Belle. First, Jim and Justin cover Cleveland baseball in the 1990s and Belle's role as the cleanup hitter for their juggernaut offense (7:05). Next, they break down Belle's historic 50 home run, 52 double 1995 sea…

Jim runs through his yearly exercise of trying to predict the five players from the NBA Draft who have the best odds of ending up in the Basketball HOF based on their NBA potential and team fit (3:02). Then, Jim welcomes POF's College Basketball Insider Shannon Miloch to talk through the new two-day draft format, top players from the draft, and dra…

Jim is buying New York Yankee Aaron Judge's HOF stock as he continues his June rampage at the plate (Four home runs, 1.550 OPS in his last six games). Meanwhile, Jim is selling off Cody Bellinger HOF stock, as the Chicago Cubs center fielder has lost his power at the plate (one extra base hit in his last 13 games).…

Willie Mays passed away last Tuesday at the age of 93. One of the undisputed greatest players to ever play baseball, Jim first dives deep into Willie's career and attempts to define his legacy (11:57). Then, Jim discusses how Willie and Roberto Clemente are the greatest artists to grace a baseball diamond and just how much Mays reminds Jim of late …

Willie Mays passed away on Tuesday at the age of 93. The full Mays tribute podcast will be released Monday, but Jim covers what it was like finding out about Mays passing at Wrigley Field as Cubs played the San Francisco Giants. Then, Jim covers the rising HOF stock of Finals MVP Jaylen Brown, as well as why he is selling off a few shares of Kyrie …

Jim is joined by friend of the pod Dave "Wando" Wandolowski to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB right fielder Magglio Ordóñez. First, Jim and Wando discuss Ordóñez's performance in Game 4 of the 2006 ALCS (13:51). Next, they discuss how Magglio compares favorable to HOFer Tony Oliva, just how rare having a .309 career batting ave…

Jim is joined by the creator of MLB Daily Dingers and writer for Heavy Sports, Matt Musico, to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB pitcher Dwight "Doc" Gooden. First, Jim and Matt discuss Doc's rookie season and where it ranks among the greatest rookie seasons in MLB history (6:45). Next, they cover Doc's 1996 no-hitter with the New…

Jim first pays tribute to HOF guard Larry Allen, who tragically passed away on Sunday at the age of 52. Then, Jim discusses why he is buying Jrue Holiday HOF stock following his dominant performance in the Eastern Conference Finals (19/7/6 in ECF). Meanwhile, he reluctantly explains why he is selling off just a tiny bit of Elly De La Cruz stock, de…

Basketball Hall of Famer Bill Walton sadly passed away last Monday at the age of 71. Walton was an all-time talent who was plagued by injuries, yet that didn't stop him from winning championships at every level. It also didn't prevent him from living life to the fullest off the court. On this week's tribute episode, Jim covers Bill Walton's basketb…

Jim is buying Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale's HOF stock following his resurrection from the dead (8-1, 2.12 ERA, 78 Strikeouts). Meanwhile, Jim is selling off Michael Conley HOF stock following the Minnesota Timberwolves being knocked out of the playoffs on Thursday. A championship ring was the Hail Mary Conley's HOF case needed and that door h…

Jim welcomes author Jerry Grillo to discuss his new book, “Big Cat: The Life of Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Mize" on another POF Book Club episode. First, Jim and Jerry discuss whether Johnny Mize is the greatest player to be voted into Cooperstown by the veterans committee, as he had to wait until 1981 to receive a Hall of Fame plaque (9:50). Th…

Between being named to the All-NBA 2nd Team AND starting in Game One of the Western Conference Finals on Wednesday, Edwards' HOF stock is officially a blue chip stock. Meanwhile, Jim is selling off just a bit of his Paul Goldschmidt HOF stock, as the 36-year old first baseman is struggling in a way we have never seen during his storied MLB career (…

Jim is joined by women's basketball writer Lyndsey D'Arcangelo to discuss the career and legacy of Candace Parker. First, we cover how we have never another player at Parker's height possess her elite court vision, as well as the fact Parker may be the most complete player in WNBA history (6:58). Next, we discuss Parker's dunking ability, her MVP r…

Jim is buying Pittsburgh Pirates rookie pitcher Paul Skenes HOF stock after his 6-inning, 11 strikeout performance against the Chicago Cubs (did I mention he let up 0 hits and only walked 1 batter?). Meanwhile, Jim is selling off Michael Porter Jr. stock, as the Denver Nuggets small forward has had a less than impressive series against Minnesota th…

In May of 2021, Jim was joined by Cody Stavenhagen, Detriot Tigers beat writer for The Athletic, to breakdown the hall of fame candidacy of former Detroit Tigers second baseman Lou Whitaker. As Lou celebrated his 67th birthday yesterday, a rerelease of that episode, along with some new commentary from Jim at the top, was warranted. For the Lou Whit…

Jim is buying Josh Hart HOF stock as he continues to impress in the 2024 playoffs (averaging 18/13/5 through 8 playoff games). Meanwhile, Jim is selling off what he deems to be slightly overvalued Franz Wagner HOF stock following Wagner's Game 7 performance on Sunday, where he went 1-15 from the floor and managed just 6 points.…

Jim welcomes award-winning journalist and New York Times best-selling author Keith O'Brien to discuss his new book, “Charlie Hustle: The Rise and Fall of Pete Rose, and the Last Glory Days of Baseball." First, Jim asks Pete if he believes Pete Rose deserves a plaque in Cooperstown and whether Rose will get inducted by the end of the 21st Century (6…

Jim is buying up all of the Jalen Brunson HOF stock he can get his hands on following Brunson's round one performance against the Philadelphia 76ers (35.5 PPG, 9.0 APG). Meanwhile, Jim is selling off his remaining Bryon Buxton HOF stock following Buxton's knee injury in Wednesday's game against the Chicago White Sox.…

Jim provides CliffNotes on this year's NFL Draft in case you did not spend your entire weekend watching every pick like he did (2:35). Then, Jim power ranks the six quarterbacks drafted in the 1st Round of the draft by HOF probability (19:24), before discussing three non-QBs he believes have the best shot of ending up in Canton one day (41:44).…

Jim is selling off just a tiny bit of his Aaron Judge HOF stock following his slow start to the 2024 season (.191 BA, 4 HR). Meanwhile, Jim is buying up Pascal Siakam HOF stock, as the Indiana Pacers forward followed a 36 point, 13 rebound performance in Game 1 of the playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks, with a 37 point, 11 rebound, 6 assist outin…

Jim is joined by Los Angeles Clippers beat writer for ClutchPoints Tomer Azarly to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former NBA power forward Blake Griffin, who just retired last Tuesday. First, Tomer and Jim cover Blake's elite athleticism and just how special his rookie season with the Clippers was (5:54). Next, they discuss Blake's 2014 s…

Jim is selling off Zion Williamson HOF stock despite his 40 point outing against the Los Angeles Lakers in the play-in game on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Jim is buying up Gunnar Henderson HOF stock, as the young Baltimore Orioles shortstop slugged a home run in three consecutive games this week.

Jim is joined by baseball Twitter personality Not Gaetti to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former MLB right fielder Paul O'Neil. First, NotGaetti and Jim cover O'Neil's fiery personality and the most famous kick in MLB history (8:10). Next, they talk about his performance in the 2000 World Series, how he compares to HOFer Harry Hooper, an…

Jim is buying up massive quantities of Bobby Witt Jr. HOF stock, as the young Kansas City Royals shortstop continues to showoff his elite combination of power and speed (4 runs, 4 hits, 2 home runs, 5 RBIs, and 1 stolen base in Thursday's win against the Houston Astros). Meanwhile, Jim is finally selling off the remaining Javy Báez HOF stock he has…

Jim provides his thoughts on the 2024 Basketball Hall of Fame Class, which was just announced over the weekend. This includes a breakdown of the careers and legacies of all 13 newly elected members.

Jim is continuing to buy Mookie Betts HOF stock, as Betts currently leads the National League in essentially every possible category after nine games. Meanwhile, Jim started selling off Eury Pérez HOF stock after news broke that the 20-year Miami Marlins phenom is having season-ending Tommy John surgery. His 2024 season is over before it could even…

Jim is joined by former Wrigley Field employee and friend of the pod Jim Licato, to break down the hall of fame candidacy of former Chicago Cubs first baseman Mark Grace. First, they discuss Grace's elite hitting ability and his consistency at the plate and in the field during the 1990s (5:08). Next, they cover the 1989 National League Championship…

Jim is buying even more Juan Soto HOF Stock following his big opening day with the New York Yankees (1 Hit, 1 RBI, 2 Walks, 9th inning outfield assist to preserve the win). Meanwhile, Jim started selling off Royce Lewis stock as the promising Twins third baseman is already injured following just two plate appearances.…

Jim is joined by former MLB center fielder Fred Lynn to discuss his illustrious baseball career. We cover his athletic career at USC, his ridiculous 1975 rookie season with the Boston Red Sox, and what playing in the same outfield with Jim Rice and Dwight Evans was like (6:09). We also found time to discuss his former HOF teammate Carl Yastrzemski,…

It's finally here. Sick days will be used. Office pools with be formed. Money will be lost. The greatest sports event of the year has arrived and if you think we would talk anything besides March Madness this week, you would be sadly mistaken. Pod of Fame's College Basketball Correspondent Shannon Miloch joins the pod to discuss all four tournament…

Jim is buying Domantas Sabonis HOF Stock following his triple-double against the Lakers on Wednesday (17/19/10) and overall hot start to March (averaging 21/17/8 through seven March games). Meanwhile, Jim started selling off Keenan Allen HOF stock following the Thursday night trade that sent Allen to Jim's hometown Chicago Bears for a 4th round pic…