Three players in big league history have more than one career home run but no other hits. Two were players that got only a cup of coffee or two in the big leagues; the third, believe it or not, was a pitcher. We have their stories. Plus - the Rafael Devers trade, reflecting on Sly Stone and Brian Wilson, and some 1989 baseball cards.

Errata: Nolan Fontana was claimed off waivers by the Angels, not the Dodgers. Andy van Slyke won 5 Gold Glove Awards, not 3. Houston replaced Bill Virdon with Bob Lillis in 1982, not Hal Lanier. On June 28, 1997, David Wells wore Babe Ruth's cap, valued then at $35,000, for one inning during a pitching performance - the Yankees fined Wells $2,500. In September 1988, Dave Dravecky was diagnosed with a desmoid tumor in his left arm. He attempted a return in 1989. In his second appearance during a pitch in the fifth inning his humerus bone snapped. Doctors amputated his left arm in 1991 after discovering the tumor had returned.

Episodes mentioned:
Ep. 72 - Seeing the World Through Baseball w/ Cousin Wolf (Matt Halvorson). Wolf's album, "Nine Innings," is available here (https://cousinwolf.bandcamp.com/album/nine-innings).

You can support Hooks & Runs by purchasing books, including books featured in this episode (if any were), through our store at Bookshop.org. Here's the link.
https://bookshop.org/shop/hooksandruns

Hooks & Runs - https://hooksandruns.buzzsprout.com/
Email: hooksandruns@protonmail.com
Craig on Bluesky (@craigest.bsky.social)
Rex (Krazy Karl's Music Emporium) on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/people/Krazy-Karlz-Music-Emporium/100063801500293/
Hosts Emeriti:
Andrew Eckhoff on Tik Tok
Eric on Facebook
Music: "Warrior of Light" by ikolics (via Premium Beat)
This podcast and this episode are copyright Craig Estlinbaum, 2025.

In April 1950, Jim Martin, a catcher for the West Texas New Mexico League’s Pampa Oilers, was violently struck by lightning during a game in Abilene, Texas. He not only survived the strike but he played the next game, going two for five. This week, Martin's daughter, Beverly Winter-Donaho, joins us to discuss Martin and his time in the minors during the 40s and 50s. In part two, Craig visits PNC Park and what's left of Forbes Field in Pittsburgh.

You can support Hooks & Runs by purchasing books, including books featured in this episode (if any were), through our store at Bookshop.org. Here's the link.
https://bookshop.org/shop/hooksandruns

Hooks & Runs - https://hooksandruns.buzzsprout.com/
Email: hooksandruns@protonmail.com
Craig on Bluesky (@craigest.bsky.social)
Rex (Krazy Karl's Music Emporium) on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/people/Krazy-Karlz-Music-Emporium/100063801500293/
Hosts Emeriti:
Andrew Eckhoff on Tik Tok
Eric on Facebook
Music: "Warrior of Light" by ikolics (via Premium Beat)
This podcast and this episode are copyright Craig Estlinbaum, 2025.

In this episode, we talk with Doug Wilson, author of Let's Play Two: The Legend of Mr. Cub, the Life of Ernie Banks (Rowman & Littlefield, 2019), to explore the life and legacy of one of baseball’s most beloved figures. Doug shares insights into his research process, the hidden layers of Ernie Banks’ personality, and what makes this Hall of Famer’s story still resonate today.

From growing up in segregated Dallas, Texas, to becoming a two-time MVP and a beacon of positivity on and off the field, Ernie Banks’ journey is not only a baseball story—it's a human story. Doug discusses the complexities behind the cheerful "Let’s play two!" slogan and the cultural and personal weight Banks carried with grace.

In Part Two of this episode, we dive into two very different but equally fascinating conversations. First, in a decision that warms Rex's heart, the league has finally removed several long-deceased (and one not so long deceased) players from its permanently ineligible list. Second, Craig shares his experience seeing Deafheaven, one of his favorite artists, at a recent Austin concert.

You can support Hooks & Runs by purchasing books, including books featured in this episode (if any were), through our store at Bookshop.org. Here's the link.
https://bookshop.org/shop/hooksandruns

Hooks & Runs - https://hooksandruns.buzzsprout.com/
Email: hooksandruns@protonmail.com
Craig on Bluesky (@craigest.bsky.social)
Rex (Krazy Karl's Music Emporium) on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/people/Krazy-Karlz-Music-Emporium/100063801500293/
Hosts Emeriti:
Andrew Eckhoff on Tik Tok
Eric on Facebook
Music: "Warrior of Light" by ikolics (via Premium Beat)
This podcast and this episode are copyright Craig Estlinbaum, 2025.