Mr. Brashler converses with Studs about his research for the novel and the players he had spoken with to gather information for the book. The novel tells the story of a baseball team that revolts from a tyrannical Negro League owner and spends the 1939 season barnstorming around the Midwest. Includes two excerpts of a Cool Papa Bell interview talking about their travel as "barnstormers". Studs and Mr. Brashler read several exchanges of dialogue from the book.

The writer sits down with Studs to discuss his most recent book, The Fight - about the heavyweight championship boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, which took place in Kinshasa, Zaire (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo).*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

The sports essayist shares some of the observations that populate his book about baseball in the late 1970s and early 1980s - Late Innings: A Baseball Companion.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Studs Terkel comments on baseball, baseball player Sam Crawford, comedian Spike Milligan, and interviews jazz musician Sonny Rollins. Includes a voice clip of baseball player Sam Crawford.

Ring Lardner Jr. discusses the writings of his father Ring Lardner, and his new book "The Lardners: My Family Remembered", discussing his family life, Mother, Father, and siblings.

Discussing "The Sportswriter" (published by Random House Vintage) with the author Richard Ford.

Drugs, painkillers, football contracts, and survival are all covered in Pete Gent's book, "North Dallas Forty." Gent said the business of football meant players would take painkillers and abuse their bodies with drugs all in order to do whatever was necessary to win a game. An excerpt of an interview with George Allen is included.*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Terkel interviews author Jonathan Yardley on his latest book. This book titled "Ring" is a biography of the sports writer columnist Ring Lardner.

Sportswriter Jerome Holtzman discusses his book "No Cheering in the Press Box."

In Jane Leavy’s book, “Squeeze Play,” similar to her main character, Leavy recalled her 1st time in a men’s locker room, covering a New York Knicks game. Luckily for Leavy, a player by the name of Phil Jackson, helped her feel comfortable being with the other players. Leavy explained that at that encounter, it was Jackson, who fed her the story that she needed. The theme of the book throughout is fragility. Some players, Leavy explained, felt more comfortable talking about their infertility issues with Leavy, a woman sportswriter.

The Chicago Cubs and their first night game at Wrigley Field, Marvin Miller and the players' union and why Muhammad Ali didn't take his prescription medicines are all topics covered in Ira Berkow;s book, "Pitchers Do Get Lonely and other Sports Stories".

Robert Creamer talks about his new book Baseball in '41: A Celebration of the "Best Baseball Season Ever."*Please note: some sections have been edited out from the original recording due to copyright considerations 

Discussing the play "Bleacher Bums: A Nine-Inning Comedy" with Richard Fiere and creator and actor Joe Mantegna.

Interviewing sportswriter Ira Berkow.

Discussing the book "Beating the Bushes: Life in the Minor League," published by Icarus Press) with sports editor and author Frank Dolson.