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Midnight Library of Baseball

by Ben Orlando | Baseball Historian and Storyteller

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Latest episodes

In Search of the White Whale: A Talk With Brian Gaffney

October 9, 2026 · 1 hr 3 min

The knuckleball is not only the most mysterious, most fascinating pitch in baseball, it might also be the most interesting phenomenon in all of sports. In this episode, I talk with journalist and documentarian Brian Gaffney about the story…
E4: An Instruction Manual On How To Destroy Hitters

October 1, 2026 · 42 min

We've been talking about how Jim Creighton broke the game of baseball. In this episode, we pull back the curtain and see exactly how he did something no other player could do.
E3: The Lightning-Fast Game Called Baseball

September 24, 2026 · 29 min

If you lived in New York in the 1850s, you would have heard of a game catching on that was extremely fast-paced. Blink and you'll miss it. What was this lightning-quick game? Baseball. Hard to believe, but this was the reality at the time…
E2: The Day The Pitcher Defied The Game

September 17, 2026 · 36 min

In this episode, I begin to explore the strange and still familiar game of baseball during Jim Creighton's day, and how the restrictions paved the way for his rebellion. Also, beyond the historical story is often the incredible work of the…
E1: The Conspiracy

September 10, 2026 · 25 min

There are stories that come along once in a while that send sparks flying inside your brain. That's what happened to me when Tom Gilbert first told me about Jim Creighton, this young ballplayer alluded to in The Simpsons' episode, Homer at…

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The World Baseball League Comes To Iowa

September 7, 2026 · 55 min

In this episode, I talk with Gaines Johnson, founder of The World Baseball League, about the progress of the league, what else Gaines has in mind, and the upcoming event at the Field of Dreams. After you listen, if you have questions or…
Best of Midnight Library of Baseball, Part 3

June 1, 2026 · 49 min

In this episode, I debate with Matt Collins the merits of comparing players from different eras, and we discuss our own experiences with broadcasting and deeper takeaways from Season 4.
Best of Midnight Library of Baseball, Part 2

May 25, 2026 · 39 min

In this episode, Matt Collins and I explore the three-part 1919 Black Sox Scandal series from Season 3, to see what fresh questions and insights we can bring to this endlessly fascinating story. And there are many!
Best of Midnight Library of Baseball, Part 1

May 18, 2026 · 45 min

In this special “Best Of” edition of Midnight Library of Baseball, host Ben Orlando sits down with producer and collaborator Matt Collins to revisit the episodes listeners chose as their favorites. Together, they explore the hidden stories…
What the Heck is the World Baseball League?

April 5, 2026 · 26 min

A chance encounter involving the Hall of Fame plaque of Willie Mays leads to an audacious idea: reinvent baseball. In this episode, with the help of Gaines Johnson, I explore the strange and fascinating story behind the World Baseball…
E17: The Last Broadcast

March 18, 2026 · 26 min

In this season finale, I reflect on the surprising origin stories surrounding the advances in technology that made broadcasting in baseball possible. I also discuss the future path of broadcasting. As technology promises so much more…
More Than Just a Game

March 8, 2026 · 36 min

In the spirit of the World Baseball Classic, I put together an episode about this event, its origins, and the journey of one national team that has evolved along with the tournament. And what it means for people of different countries with…

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About the show

Midnight Library of Baseball is a documentary-style baseball history podcast for listeners who want something deeper, quieter, and more reflective than the typical sports show. Hosted by Ben Orlando, the series blends immersive storytelling with deep research to explore the game’s most iconic figures, like Babe Ruth, Roger Maris, and Honus Wagner, alongside forgotten players and unlikely stories that shaped baseball in surprising ways. Told without loud music or jarring production, each episode unfolds with a calm, narrative style that lets the history breathe. Season 1 explores foundational questions about the game, from how players were paid across eras to the evolution of equipment, and even the stories of famous figures who nearly chose baseball, including Kurt Russell, Billy Crystal, and John Dillinger. Season 2 is a deep, narrative journey into the making of Field of Dreams, from its origins as a short story to the creation of one of the most beloved films in baseball history. Season 3 features long-form series on the Black Sox Scandal and the enduring fascination with baseball’s consecutive games played streak, examining legends like Lou Gehrig and Cal Ripken Jr. Season 4 explores the intertwined evolution of baseball, radio, and television, and how each helped shape the way fans experience the game. If you love baseball history, storytelling, and the quiet details that bring the past to life, this is a show designed to be listened to, not just heard.