Press Box Chronicles

This episode explores the unique journey of former college football star Marcus Lattimore, who transitioned from sports to become a professional poet while gaining deep insights into the sports world.

This episode explores the story of Yinka Dare, an NBA lottery pick remembered more for his unique name than his basketball career, examining the power of names in sports.

This episode explores the alleged role of football in Kenny Easley's death while sharing a personal story about kidney donation to highlight health and ethical issues in sports.

The host recounts a life-changing assignment from Golf Digest to write about a deadly bus crash involving the University of the Southwest golf team, exploring the personal impact of covering this tragedy.

A sports writer reflects on his past harsh criticism of MLB player Will Clark, questioning whether the player or himself was the problem, and explores the story behind their interactions.

This episode explores the humorous 1998 People Magazine mix-up where NFL quarterback Elvis Grbac was mistakenly named the sexiest athlete alive, as recounted by sports writer Jeff Broman.

This episode tells the heroic and tragic story of Kansas City Chiefs halfback Joe Delaney, focusing on his selfless act of bravery that defines him as a true sports hero.

This episode explores the early rise of Tupac Shakur from tour dancer to rap icon, focusing on a pivotal 1989 moment that shaped his career and legacy.

This episode explores the enigmatic life of former NBA player Isaiah 'J.R.' Ryder, focusing on his basketball career, controversial reputation, and the host's personal attempt to interview him in 2018.

The host reflects on his personal experiences as a New Yorker during 9/11 and connects it to the story of Tyler Ugolyn, a former Columbia basketball player.

This episode explores the bizarre 1973 scandal where two New York Yankees pitchers, Fritz Peterson and Mike Kekich, swapped their entire families including wives, children, and pets.

This episode explores the life and legacy of Lester Hayes, a dominant NFL cornerback known for his aggressive play and use of stickum in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

This episode explores the groundbreaking story of Ann Meyers, who in 1979 became the first woman to sign an NBA contract with the Indiana Pacers, highlighting her impact on sports and gender barriers.

The host opens a Topps Museum Collection 2024 box featuring George Brett, discusses his card-ripping technique, and shares a personal story about Ken Griffey Jr.

This episode explores the role of the 'white goon' in the 1980s NBA, using a fictional narrative about a scout's interest in a white center after a game against Ralph Sampson to discuss racial perceptions in the league.

This episode explores the 1991 attempted comeback of 45-year-old Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer, who returned to the Baltimore Orioles after seven years away from baseball.

This episode tells the incredible story of Ron LeFlore, who went from serving time in maximum security prison for armed robbery to becoming a Major League Baseball all-star for the Detroit Tigers.

This episode explores Sean Casey's reputation as the nicest player in baseball during the steroid era, contrasting his positive demeanor with the generally hostile clubhouse culture of the late 1990s and early 2000s.

This episode explores the tragic story of former NFL lineman Lyle Alzado, focusing on how his anabolic steroid usage may have contributed to his brain cancer and death.

This episode explores the notorious reputation of baseball player Dave Kingman, examining why stories about difficult athletes captivate audiences while acknowledging most athletes are positive.

The host recounts a personal story from his early days at Sports Illustrated about competing with a colleague to write a 'Catching Up With' feature on former Los Angeles Rams quarterback Vince Ferragamo, highlighting Ferragamo's popularity and appearance in the late 1970s.

This episode explores the 1988-1989 Miami Heat expansion team, one of the worst in NBA history with only 15 wins, through the perspective of a sports writer fascinated by expansion teams.

This episode explores the wild airplane flight of the 1986 New York Mets, a legendary baseball team known for their rowdy behavior and World Series victory.

This episode explores the life and tragic death of former Chicago Cubs second baseman Ken Hubbs, comparing his story to that of Thurman Munson as a symbol of lost youth in sports.

This episode explores the tragic life and career of Houston Astros pitcher J.R.

This episode explores the rise, struggles with addiction, and redemption story of former MLB star Josh Hamilton, as told by a sports writer who personally covered him early in his career.

A sports writer critiques the accuracy of the movie Moneyball and other sports films, focusing on historical inaccuracies and Hollywood dramatization.

Host Jeff Perlman discusses the tragic story of Ricky Bell, a star USC running back and number one NFL draft pick whose life and career took a heartbreaking turn.

This episode explores the story of Michael Irvin and a scissor-related incident involving the Dallas Cowboys, as recounted by sports journalist Jeff Perlman while researching his book about the team in the 1990s.

This episode explores the controversial 1987 boxing match between Marvin Hagler and Sugar Ray Leonard for the WBC Middleweight Championship, framed through the host's personal nostalgia and sports memories.

Host Jeff Perlman shares his personal childhood obsession with baseball player Ken Griffey Sr., exploring how Griffey Sr.

This episode explores the career and iconic style of former NFL wide receiver John Jefferson, focusing on his cool persona and impact on football culture in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

This episode explores how the New Jersey Nets, led by John Calipari, made a critical error by drafting Kerry Kittles instead of Kobe Bryant in the legendary 1996 NBA draft.

In this bonus episode, sports writer Jeff Pearlman answers fan questions, including one about how Lakers players reacted to the TV show 'Winning Time' based on his book 'Showtime'.

The host shares his passion for quirky baseball cards, starting with a personal story about a 1980 Dennis Gargano card and his childhood collection.

Sports writer Jeff Pearlman shares a personal story about becoming a lifelong New York Jets fan as a child in 1979, contrasting his enduring loyalty with his brother's fleeting interest in the Giants.

This episode explores the complicated, horrific, and tragic life story of Quintin Dailey, a once-promising basketball star from the 1980s whose career and personal journey ended in profound sadness.

Sports journalist Jeff Perlman shares his favorite story about Greg Fields, a bizarre and fascinating defensive end from the short-lived USFL football league.

The host opens a box of 2012 Panini Contender NFL cards, discussing the set's key players and his nostalgic card-opening technique while anticipating a potential autograph.

This episode explores the emotional aftermath of Super Bowl XX for NFL legend Walter Payton, contrasting his public triumph with personal struggles.

The host discusses receiving a death threat on Instagram related to his upcoming Tupac Shakur book and hints at a major investigative story about finding the real baby from Tupac's song 'Brenda's Got A Baby'.

The host opens 1989-90 NBA Hoops trading cards while sharing nostalgic stories about basketball legends and his personal experiences from that era.

A veteran sports journalist reflects on the ethical challenges of covering celebrity tragedies like Henry Ruggs III's case while questioning how media prioritizes famous names over other affected individuals.

This episode explores how injury and neglect derailed the career of Detroit Tigers phenomenon Mark 'The Bird' Fidrych, framed through the host's personal childhood memory of discovering his poster.

This episode explores the near-hiring of legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian by the Los Angeles Lakers and how it could have altered the team's famous Showtime Dynasty.

Sports journalist Jeff Pearlman opens Press Box Chronicles by finding the micro-story inside the macro: the founding of the Dallas Cowboys dynasty begins not with Super Bowl wins but with the chaotic, widely ridiculed 1989 season when Arkansas oil man Jerry Jones paid $140 million for a fading franchise and immediately fired beloved 29-year coach Tom Landry on a golf course.

Sportswriter Jeff Perlman makes the case that the 1984 San Diego Padres, who lost the World Series to the Detroit Tigers, were the most memorably chaotic, drug-fueled, and improbably entertaining cast of characters in baseball history.

Sports writer Jeff Perlman delivers an unflinching oral history of the Brett Favre unsolicited sexting scandal, tracing how NFL legend Favre sent explicit photos to Jets sideline reporter Jen Sterger during the 2008 training camp, and how the story leaked via Deadspin two years later after editor A.J.

Sportswriter Jeff Pearlman tells the story of the 1986 New York Mets' rap song Get Metsmerized, which he describes as possibly the worst song ever recorded by any performer in any genre.

Host Jeff Pearlman critiques Mark McGwire's legacy, arguing he is a fraud despite saving baseball in 1998.

Host Jeff Pearlman discusses the mid-1990s New York Jets wide receiver duo of Wayne Corbett and Keyshawn Johnson, blending sports analysis with behind-the-scenes storytelling.

Jeff Pearlman discusses Bo Jackson's football career, including his Heisman win, NFL draft, and record-breaking 40-yard dash with the Raiders.

Jeff Pearlman begins a two-part series on Bo Jackson, discussing his greatest baseball exploits starting with a play from June 5, 1989.

Jeff Pearlman discusses the USFL and reads a critical letter from John Bassett to Donald Trump.

Jeff Pearlman tells the story of Taj Red McDavid, a talented high school basketball player who made a controversial decision related to the 1996 NBA draft.

Jeff Pearlman shares his personal nostalgia for March Madness as a University of Delaware alum, contrasting the experience of underdog schools with powerhouse programs.

Jeff Pearlman shares his 'money story' about writing the John Rocker article for Sports Illustrated in 1999.

Sports journalist Jeff Pearlman shares the story behind the TV adaptation of his Lakers book, Winning Time.