Ernest Lawrence Thayer’s 1888 poem Casey at the Bat is about unrealized hope, hubris, and the importance of jumping on first-pitch fastballs. It’s stood the test of time to emerge as one of the most indelible pieces of baseball writing. From Vaudeville stages to cartoonist easels, the tale has come to life, entertaining generations with its timeless simplicity and unsatisfying ending.

I’ve heard it recited scores of times. Despite this, last night — in a desperate attempt to find new bedtime material for my sleep-adverse son — a whole new element of the story presented itself upon reading.

Why did the opposing manager pitch to Casey? Given all available evidence, shouldn’t the strategy have been an intentional walk? Or, outside that, to pitch around him?

Plus, Ancelmi Arollo of the Cardinals joins the show to break down his team's huge victory against the Cubs on Sunday and what it means for the top of the International Baseball League of West Michigan.

Ernest Lawrence Thayer&rsquo;s 1888 poem&nbsp;Casey at the Bat&nbsp;is about unrealized hope, hubris, and the importance of jumping on first-pitch fastballs. It&rsquo;s stood the test of time to emerge as one of the most indelible pieces of baseball writing. From Vaudeville stages to cartoonist easels, the tale has come to life, entertaining generations with its timeless simplicity and unsatisfying ending.
I&rsquo;ve heard it recited scores of times. Despite this, last night &mdash; in a desperate attempt to find new bedtime material for my sleep-adverse son &mdash; a whole new element of the story presented itself upon reading.
Why did the opposing manager pitch to Casey? Given all available evidence, shouldn&rsquo;t the strategy have been an intentional walk? Or, outside that, to pitch around him?
Plus, Ancelmi Arollo of the Cardinals joins the show to break down his team's huge victory against the Cubs on Sunday and what it means for the top of the International Baseball League of West Michigan.

The Kyle Koster Show is a look at the biggest stories in sports and media featuring interviews with newsmakers and those who cover them. Come along for an unpredictable ride with The Big Lead's managing editor, who interviews people way more successful and creative than himself and tries to understand what makes them tick. 

The Kyle Koster Show is a look at the biggest stories in sports and media featuring interviews with newsmakers and those who cover them. Come along for an unpredictable ride with The Big Lead's managing editor, who interviews people way more successful and creative than himself and tries to understand what makes them tick.&nbsp;

The Kyle Koster Show

The only podcast to proudly originate from the basement of sports bloggers, The Big Weekend explores the stories other websites deem too silly to cover. And some serious ones as well. A rotating cast of writers from The Big Lead bring their aversion to needless hot takes and willingness to laugh every Monday and Thursday. A major name from the world of sports media may pop their head in every once in awhile to talk about the industry or to simply have their time wasted with arbitrary lists and general nonsense. 

The only podcast to proudly originate from the basement of sports bloggers, The Big Weekend explores the stories other websites deem too silly to cover. And some serious ones as well. A rotating cast of writers from The Big Lead bring their aversion to needless hot takes and willingness to laugh every Monday and Thursday. A major name from the world of sports media may pop their head in every once in awhile to talk about the industry or to simply have their time wasted with arbitrary lists and general nonsense.

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