Episode 314 - Ken Williams - The Deaball Slugger Nobody Noticed

Jeff and Mark open this week’s episode with some unique baseball history notes, including Andre Dawson’s Hall of Fame plaque, Ramon Laureano’s scratched spring start due to his new best boy, a forgotten Jay Johnstone’s prank, a “Very Reverend” arrested for stealing baseball card packs, and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp using “Honey Drippers” as an alternate identity. The main story spotlights Browns outfielder Ken Williams’ remarkable 1922 season during Babe Ruth’s early suspension, detailing his league-leading power, 30–30 milestone, record feats, lack of MVP votes, a corked-bat controversy, and head injuries that helped end his career. The episode closes with Wax Packs Heroes from a 2003 Topps pack featuring some Hall of Famers and some not even close Hall of Famers.   00:00 Podcast Intro and Banter 01:24 Hall of Fame Cap Debate 03:41 Weird Spring Training Injuries 05:14 Jay Johnstone Prank Story 06:26 Reverend Card Theft Bust 09:20 Honey Drippers Name Revival 10:57 Main Story Ken Williams Begins 34:29 Wax Pack Heroes Returns 47:36 Wrap Up Plugs Farewell Connect With Us YouTube: www.youtube.com/@twostrikenoise Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/twostrikenoise BlueSky: @twostrikenoise.bsky.social Email: [email protected]   Support a Great Cause: Don't let your common cards collect dust! Donate them to help spark a child's interest in the game at http://commons4kids.org/.   #baseballhistory #mlb #baseball #Yankees #RedSox #Cal #BaseballCards #TwoStrikeNoise