Effectively Wild Episode 2120: Corbin Competencies

Ben Lindbergh and Meg Rowley break down the Corbin Burnes trade between the Orioles and Brewers, then (23:19) talk to 81-year-old Don Kessinger, former six-time All-Star shortstop for the Cubs, about being an amateur multi-sport star, learning to switch-hit after making the majors, playing in Sandy Koufax’s perfect game, hitting in the low-offense 1960s, facing Nolan Ryan and Bob Gibson, doing Derek Jeter’s jump throw before Jeter did, being the American League’s last player-manager, the 1969 Cubs, his memories of Leo Durocher and Bill Veeck, Disco Demolition Night, being the father and grandfather, respectively, of big leaguers Keith Kessinger and Grae Kessinger, how pitching today compares to pitching during his era, and much more, plus (1:11:59) a few follow-ups.

Audio intro: Ian Phillips, “Effectively Wild Theme”
Audio outro: Beatwriter, “Effectively Wild Theme”

Link to Ben Clemens on Burnes
Link to Logenhagen on Milwaukee
Link to FG SP depth charts
Link to Kessinger SABR bio
Link to more from SABR
Link to Prospect League page
Link to CICL wiki
Link to 1963 article
Link to Episode 1963
Link to perfect game call
Link to perfect game log
Link to perfect game wiki
Link to Kessinger vs. pitchers
Link to Cardboard Gods on Don
Link to retirement TV clip
Link to 1969 Cubs clip
Link to lowest K rates vs. Ryan
Link to Disco Demolition clip
Link to Mike Veeck on EW
Link to article on Don and Grae
Link to Grae highlights
Link to lowest-WAR 6-time AS
Link to MLBTR on Diekman
Link to Episode 2005
Link to MLBTR on Paxton