The HOVG Podcast: 2023 Top Ten Episodes (Part One)

After eight years and more than 400 episodes, it would be really easy to coast and put out a “didja hear about this?” podcast, but we strive to do something different from week to week.

From a late night cue card king to a cheese-rolling champ. From our annual visit from everyone’s favorite “Cooperstown correspondent” to a guy who is educating Scotland about America’s pastime. We’ve covered it all and then some.

Oh, and did we mention Jon Freakin’ Hamm? We even celebrated our 400th episode AND introduced the world to Princemas!

Now, without further ado… what were the top ten listened to episodes of The Hall of Very Good Podcast?

Here you go!

5 (tie). TOM RINALDI (Episode 361)

The award-winning reporter joins the boys to talk about documenting the life (and death) of Lyman Bostock via his podcast “Wesley”, telling the crazy life story of wrestling legend Ric Flair and that insane ten-day stretch back in November when he covered the World Cup, NFL and college football’s biggest rivalry for FOX Sports.

5 (tie). VINCENT FUQUA (Episode 374)

Just in time to celebrate the fiftieth anniversary of the San Francisco Gay Softball League, its commissioner joins the boys to talk about his SFGSL debut in 1989, playing against gay icon Glenn Burke, participating in the San Francisco Giants Pride Night and what Major League Baseball can do to be more inclusive.

You can donate to the San Francisco Gay Softball League, by clicking HERE.

4. HEAVY J (Episode 369)

The Manny Mota of the podcast world, joins the boys to talk about his recent trip to Cooperstown, that grail item he found at a random card store (shout out Dave and Adam’s), shares some travel tips and tricks and proposes a new exhibit for the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

3. JAY JAFFE (Episiode 362)

The author of The Cooperstown Casebook and senior writer at FanGraphs joins the boys (for the fifth time!) to break down the 2023 Hall of Fame ballot, explains why Scott Rolen WASN’T a no-brainer to be elected, discusses the (notso) curious case of Omar Vizquel, reveals his next “cause” and looks ahead to the Class of 2024 and beyond!

2. CHRIS FELIX and PATRICK HEALEY (Episode 398)

The toy sculptor and artist/illustrator join the boys to talk about how two kids from Elder High School in Cincinnati ended up working for Kenner on one of the biggest toylines ever, their favorite Starting Lineup figures they’ve ever designed, the best (and worst) likenesses, the importance to get everything just right and who may or may not have been partially responsible for those super jacked Star Wars figures from the mid-90s.

1. MATT FLESCH (Episode 370)

The “Last Comiskey” director joins the boys to talk about growing up a Chicago White Sox fan, spending his summers at 35th Street and Shields, what inspired him and his brother Mike to document the final season at the iconic ballpark, the interview they were most excited to nail down and, of course, the one that got away!

Who else made the list? Click HERE for 6-10!