In his new book, The Empire Strikes Out: How Baseball Sold U.S. Foreign Policy And Promoted The American Way Abroad, Robert Elias explains how America’s pastime has proven to be more than just a game. With spring training underway, Bill shares his thoughts on the book.

The Olympics are over and that means we’ve got more time to think about baseball. The sport loves its lingo, from the hot corner to hot stove to Texas leaguers. And if you’ve ever wondered where the term “bullpen” came from, Bill Littlefield has an answer.

Pitchers and catchers reported to Spring Training this week, and it’s got the baseball world buzzing. However, one of our listeners isn’t all smiles, as she’s realized that the Red Sox “Opening Day” will be played…at night. Should one of baseball’s cherished traditions be cast aside for better ratings? Only A Game wants to know what you think!

On Monday, Mark McGwire acknowledged his steroid use while he was hitting all those home runs in the ‘90’s. Like the Mark McGwire who told a congressional committee almost five years ago that he wasn’t there to talk about the past, Bill Littlefield is focusing on the present and the future.

Will the Bearcats become college football’s Buffalo Bills equivalent? This week on Only A Game, Northwest Missouri State looks to end its four game losing streak in the Division II title game. Also, the 17th Annual Only A Game Sports Holiday Gift Guide!

The Cleveland Browns have been beaten and befuddled. This week on Only A Game, how have their fans handled the humbling? Also, I’ll be speaking with the author of Onward Christian Athletes, who suggests that stars who point to the sky…should reconsider. Also, is President Obama leaving the hardwood in favor of the green?

This week on Only A Game, will the Duke Blue Devils finally earn respectability? Hint: we’re not talking about their basketball teams. Also, remembering Sheboygan’s one and only NBA season 50 years ago, and ESPN columnist Bill Simmons joins me to geek out on basketball stats. And oh yeah, New York celebrates the Yankees’ 27th World Series title.

This week on Only A Game, World Series trophy making with the fiery silversmiths of Tiffany and Company, which also produces championship trophies for the NFL and the NBA. Also, knives and mollusks fly at a Cape Cod oyster shucking competition.

Though many fans remember baseball in the early 20th-century as a different age in which players played “for the love of the game,” baseball players were no different then than they are now. In his book, The First Fall Classic, author Mike Vaccaro explores the making (or re-making) of baseball.

The 2009 World Series cannot end before early November…a circumstance which has many complaining that the baseball season is too long. Bill thinks Major League Baseball can quiet that criticism and win new fans as well by taking advantage of the fact that there will be a game on Halloween night.