When watching professional sports it’s easy to wonder, “How did these guys get so good?” Some chalk it up to natural talent, but author Matthew Syed has another theory. In his new book, Bounce: Mozart, Federer, Picasso, Beckham, and the Science of Success, he argues that with enough practice, we can all be excellent. Bill shares his thoughts on the book.

Despite two straight walk-off wins, the Boston Red Sox have the fifth-worst record in the majors, and sit five games behind the Yankees and Rays in the AL East. Sure, it’s only April, but Bill thinks it’s never too early for Sox fans to start eyeing the panic button.

The NHL Playoffs are underway and the NBA Playoffs begin on Saturday. Major League Baseball’s season is in full swing, and Major League Soccer’s season has begun as well. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by this profusion of sports, you’ll get no sympathy from Bill Littlefield.

I hear there’s a big golf tournament this week in Augusta, Georgia, and that there’s some sort of wild animal on hand. This week on Only A Game, a Masters update. Also, former NBA Kings remember royal life in Kansas City, and story telling through baseball cards.

Baseball will soon begin anew, but at least one active major league pitcher is very, very old. This week on Only A Game, a profile of 47-year-old Jamie Moyer, Philadelphia’s Methuselah of the mound. Also, pole dancers compete with vigor…and with all their clothes on!

This week on Only A Game, can Husker hoopsters of the female variety help Nebraskans forget about their relatively unsuccessful football team? Also, some good spring training talk with Tim Kurkjian, and Vermonters say goodbye to winter with wickets and mallets.

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.