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Chris is joined by prolific sportswriter Joe Posnanski to discuss his 2009 book, The Machine: A Hot Team, a Legendary Season, and a Heart-Stopping World Series: The Story of the 1975 Cincinnati Reds. Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Reds’ legendary victory, they discuss the personalities, politics, and drama that culminated in what is considered by some to be the greatest World Series of all time. Joe also gives a sneak preview of his next book, tells the story of his career in sports journalism, and shares some thoughts about the current state of sports writing.
Show notes:
· Joe’s 2009 book, The Machine: A Hot Team, a Legendary Season, and a Heart-stopping World Series: The Story of the 1975 Cincinnati Reds
· Joe’s website
· Joe and Michael Schur’s forthcoming book, Big Fan: Two Friends, 81,589 Miles, and the Wild, Wonderful Sports We Love
Time stamps:
2:05 – Origins of the “Big Red Machine”
16:57 – The Reds’ 1975 season
29:41 – The 1975 World Series
42:10 – The Machine’s impact and legacy
52:08 – Joe’s career and the future of sports writing
Opening and closing music: Brendan Benson, “Spit It Out,” used with permission from the artist.
Produced by Sean Doolan.
Discussion (4)
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Now we’re talking…
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As a Pittsburgh Pirates fan during the 70s, I was not a fan of the Reds. But I had to admit, they had a great team in the 70s.
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Yogi Berra's 3 MVP's and 10 WS rings, along with his ability to get the best out of pitchers and to hit in the clutch, make a strong case for him as the greatest catcher ever. As Casey Stengel said, "I have to have my guy out there. When's he's out there, we win." Which is why Yogi often played in left field when he needed a day off from catching.
He played on a team filled with superstars and became known to later generations for his colorful Yogisms, which is why it is often forgotten or overlooked just how good he was.