Press Box Chronicles

Tragedy in sports is not new. We deal with athletes who are gone too soon, far too often - Thurman Munson, Kobe Bryant, Len Bias - the list goes on and on. But today, we're going to talk about one of the forgotten tragedies in sports history, a guy that was Thurman Munson or Kobe Bryant for an earlier generation, and that's Chicago Cubs 2B Ken Hubbs. Have any guests you want to see on the show? Have any questions for me? Drop them below and I'll make sure to include them in future episodes.  Follow 'Press Box Chronicles' on Social Media:  -IG/@PressBoxChronicles   -TikTok/@PressBoxChronicles  Subscribe to 'Press Box Chronicles with Jeff Pearlman' on Youtube  Listen to 'Press Box Chronicles' on all streaming platforms wherever you get your podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The podcast dives deep into the impact of September 11th, 2001, revealing personal stories of grief and loss. A sports writer's life changes after discovering a missing persons flyer for Columbia basketball player Tyler Ugolyn. The host discusses reaching out to Ugolyn's family, leading to heartfelt conversations that highlight the power of connection through shared tragedy. The narrative beautifully intertwines personal reflections on love and remembrance, showcasing the unexpected bonds that form in the wake of sorrow.

in 2018 I was working on my book Three Ring Circus about the Shaq & Kobe Los Angeles Lakers of the 2000s. In 2001, the Lakers acquired an athletic, scoring shooting guard who was the former No. 5 overall pick in the 1993 NBA draft, but had bounced around the league with multiple teams. This episode is about the enigmatic Isaiah "J.R." Rider. Have any guests you want to see on the show? Have any questions for me? Drop them below and I'll make sure to include them in future episodes.  Follow 'Press Box Chronicles' on Social Media:  -IG/@PressBoxChronicles   -TikTok/@PressBoxChronicles  Subscribe to 'Press Box Chronicles with Jeff Pearlman' on Youtube  Listen to 'Press Box Chronicles' on all streaming platforms wherever you get your podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today, we're going to discuss one of the worst decisions of my life. It's 1979, I"m seven years old, I'm sitting at the dinner table with my family, and for some moronic, stupid, idiotic reason, I decided to dedicate my fandom to the good for nothing, sorry, pitiful, New York Jets. Have any guests you want to see on the show? Have any questions for me? Drop them below and I'll make sure to include them in future episodes. Follow 'Press Box Chronicles' on Social Media: -IG/@PressBoxChronicles  -TikTok/@PressBoxChronicles Subscribe to 'Press Box Chronicles with Jeff Pearlman' on Youtube Listen to 'Press Box Chronicles' on all streaming platforms wherever you get your podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Dive into the rollercoaster life of Josh Hamilton, the former No. 1 pick who faced addiction and emerged as an AL MVP. Hear about his early promise in high school and the family support that shaped him. Discover how he spiraled into addiction amid the nightlife of Tampa, leaving the game behind. Experience his remarkable comeback, filled with triumphs and challenges, as he battled personal demons and public scrutiny. This is a powerful story of resilience and the highs and lows of fame.

Delve into the wildly exaggerated story behind the iconic film about the Oakland Athletics. Discover how the movie simplifies the team’s success, glossing over key player contributions and influencing perceptions of baseball analytics. Explore the complexities of player position changes, illustrated by Scott Hatterberg's transition. Finally, uncover the real story of Billy Beane and the Athletics, where human talent often takes a backseat to numbers in a film that misses the intricate narrative of the sport.

Today, we're going to talk about one of my all-time favorite athletes. An athlete that was literally the most insane, batsh*t crazy athlete I've ever covered. An athlete so crazy, he once punched his coach, threatened his team owner, and watched team practice from the sidelines - AFTER being cut. This is the story of Greg Fields.  Have any guests you want to see on the show? Have any questions for me? Drop them below and I'll make sure to include them in future episodes. Follow 'Press Box Chronicles' on Social Media: -IG/@PressBoxChronicles  -TikTok/@PressBoxChronicles Subscribe to 'Press Box Chronicles with Jeff Pearlman' on Youtube Listen to 'Press Box Chronicles' on all streaming platforms wherever you get your podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In 1977, Rick Bell is drafted No. 1 overall out of the University of Southern California by the Tamp Bay Buccaneers. He's a 1,000 yard rusher, with speed, agility, size and strength. By 1984, he was dead. This is one of the most heartbreaking stories I've ever covered. Have any guests you want to see on the show? Have any questions for me? Drop them below and I'll make sure to include them in future episodes. Follow 'Press Box Chronicles' on Social Media: -IG/@PressBoxChronicles  -TikTok/@PressBoxChronicles Subscribe to 'Press Box Chronicles with Jeff Pearlman' on Youtube Listen to 'Press Box Chronicles' on all streaming platforms wherever you get your podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Delve into the life of Lyle Alzado, a once-feared NFL lineman whose career spiraled due to anabolic steroid abuse. Discover how his dedication on the field came at a grave cost. The discussion reveals the dark link between his steroid use and a devastating brain cancer diagnosis, ultimately leading to his untimely death. This story serves as a poignant reminder of the hidden dangers behind the pursuit of greatness.

It's July 29, 1998, and Hall of Fame Dallas Cowboys receiver Michael Irvin is at training camp in Wichita Falls, TX. All is good between Irvin, the Cowboys and the league. Then, he goes in for a haircut. What followed is one of the biggest cover ups not just in Dallas Cowboys history, but in NFL history. Have any guests you want to see on the show? Have any questions for me? Drop them below and I'll make sure to include them in future episodes. Follow 'Press Box Chronicles' on Social Media: -IG/@PressBoxChronicles  -TikTok/@PressBoxChronicles Subscribe to 'Press Box Chronicles with Jeff Pearlman' on Youtube Listen to 'Press Box Chronicles' on all streaming platforms wherever you get your podcasts Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.