We are discussing utility infielders on today's podcast. When you think of utility infielders in the 1970s era, Jack Brohamer comes to mind. Utility infielders are a special breed. They do not play every day. They are asked to pinch hit, pinch run and also enter a game in the latter innings for defensive purposes. These players come into a game cold and are asked to perform at the highest of levels. Jack played in the Majors from 1972-1980 with the Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox. He factored into the Red Sox 1978 season, where they tied for first place in the AL East with the NY Yankees. He was also the only player to hit a home run in shorts. Listen as Jack describes what it was like being a utility infielder Back When There Was Baseball.

Mac Scarce joins us on the podcast this week. Mac came out of Florida State University and is the only pitcher we interviewed that was a reliever his entire career. He was drafted in the 8th round of the 1971 MLB June Draft by the Philadelphia Philles. Mac got called up to the Majors in 1972 and had a real good few years with the Phillies from 1972-1974, even though his won-loss record would not indicate it. The Phillies were one of the worst teams in the Majors in 1972-1973, but Mac had a respectable ERA. He ended up playing with the New York Mets in 1975 and Minnesota Twins in 1978 before arm injuries curtailed his career. Enjoy this look Back When There Was Baseball with our guest Mac Scarce.

Mike Garman is our guest this week. Mike pitched in the Majors from 1969-1978 and was the 3rd overall pick out of the 1967 MLB Draft by the Boston Red Sox. He pitched for the Red Sox, Cardinals, Cubs, Dodgers and Expos in his career. Mike shares a story about how he and Bill Buckner were traded for each other and they were notified while they were both hunting together. He also saved the wild Dodgers comeback in Game 3 of the 1977 NLCS in Philadelphia. Mike was a very good relief pitcher in the Majors and shares some interesting stories about his journey through the Big Leagues.

We are fortunate to have Tad Myre as our guest this week. Tad wrote the SABR article on Ron Hunt. Ron passed away on July 15, 2026, at the age of 85. He played from 1963-1974 in the Majors with the New York Mets, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, Montreal Expos and St. Louis Cardinals. Ron was noted for leading the league in hit by pitches. He was quite a character and could play most infield positions. It was unfortunate that he never played in the post-season. Tad wrote a fantastic SABR article on Ron and did a great job of depicting the "real" Ron Hunt. Enjoy this trip Back When There Was Baseball with our guest Tad Myre as he talks about the career of Ron Hunt.

We are privileged to speak with pitcher Joe Sambito this week. Joe took part in two of the best League Championship series in history (1980 NLCS Phillies/Astros and 1986 ALCS Angels/Red Sox). He became a left-handed short relief specialist for the Astros and overcame arm trouble to work his way back and help the Boston Red Sox get to the World Series in 1986. Sit back and listen to Joe talk about working his way to the big leagues and how he adapted into the short relief specialist role he succeeded in during the late 1970s through the early 1980s.

Ernie Camacho joins us on the podcast this week. Ernie signed with the Oakland A's after being drafted in the 1st round of the 1976 June Draft out of Hartwell College. Ernie was a hard thrower and pitched in the Minor/Major Leagues from 1976-1990. His best season was with the Cleveland Indians in 1984 as he appeared in 69 games and finished with 23 saves. He also pitched very well for the San Francisco Giants in 1989 but did not appear in the post-season. After baseball, Ernie founded the Ernie Camacho Educational Foundation which helps young kids get their education so they can fall back on their education after baseball.

Rick Bladt joins us on the show this week. Rick played in the Major/Minor Leagues from 1966-1977. He was a non-drafted free agent in 1966 signed by the Chicago Cubs. He played parts of 2 seasons in the Majors with the Chicago Cubs in 1969 and the New York Yankees in 1975. Rick had solid stats in the Minor Leagues, and you have to wonder what his career could have been had he been given an opportunity to play every day. He played a long time with Syracuse in the International League at the AAA level and had a lot of success. Join us as we go Back When There Was Baseball to the late 1960s through the 1970s with Rick Bladt.

This week on Back When There Was Baseball, Rex and Steve take a look back at a "control/finesse" pitcher, which you don't see very often in today's game. His name is Charlie Leibrandt and he pitched in the majors from 1979 through 1993 with the Cincinnati Reds, Kansas City Royals, Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers. He appeared in 5 games (starting 4) of the 1985 ALCS and World Series, throwing 31 2/3 innings. He also pitched in the 1991 and 1992 postseason. Listen and relive those great baseball years from the late 1970s through the early 1990s.