With 5 seconds left on the clock, Ray Allen hit a clutch three from the right corner, tying the game and forcing overtime in a moment that would change NBA championship history. Here to talk about the moment is the Head of Content and Communications at the National Basketball Retired Players Association Julio Manteiga, who talks about what he saw a…

All sports news may just be...gossip! Breaking down Marcus Jordan and Larsa Pippen's relationship is Impersonal Foul writer Madeline Hill, who also talks about the best reality tv shows, how Rich Paul is an athlete, America's Royal Family, and her substack (a newsletter that is the lovechild of Bravo and ESPN). Showtime Codes: (3:30) The four best …

There was no doubt that Caitlin Clark would make history by becoming the all time NCAA leading scorer. It was only a matter of how and when she would do it. Here to discuss the moment is Dunk Comp's Creative Director Mike Corbett, who joins the pod to talk about Caitlyn’s record breaking moment, the impact of Vince Carter, and the greatness of a ho…

Iconic sports moments can happen anywhere and to anyone. In this episode of the First Ballot Hall of Fame Podcast, friend of the show, comedian, and actor Michael Torpey breaks down one umpire's effort to leave it all on the field. Torpey also dissects the sweet relief of a barf and the most iconic vomits throughout his life. Timecodes: (10:11) Tor…

In 2016 Zach Lavine and Aaron Gordon went head to head in what is now regarded as potentially the greatest dunk contest in NBA history. Featuring a free throw line windmill dunk, a free throw line 'tween the legs dunk, and a miraculous "sitting in the air" dunk. Here to discuss is poet, essayist, and cultural critic Hanif Abdurraqib (@NifMuhammad).…

Our first true emergency podcast! Two monster plays in two weeks from one rising superstar, Anthony Edwards. And who better to help us navigate which of these two plays should be in the FBHOF than Zach Harper (@talkhoops) of The Athletic. On this episode we talk sp5der hoodies, horse noises, thrunks, and the perfectly balanced omegablade that Thano…

By First Ballot: The Hall of Fame Podcast

In this episode of the First Ballot Hall of Fame, we're on the search for the funniest sports moment of all time. TV writer and producer, George Anagnostakos rejoins the pod to break down the Isaiah Thomas Frosty Freeze Out Ejection and Gregg Popovich's Hack-A-Shaq special and help decide if either moment is worthy of the First Ballot Hall of Fame.…

March Madness is arguably the best part of college basketball and generates iconic moments year after year. SVP of Late Night West Coast at ViacomCBS and the Official College Basketball Fan of the First Ballot Hall of Fame Podcast, Nick Bernstein and Actor and Writer Michael Torpey join the pod to break down some of NCAA's most iconic moments and i…

Stephen Curry is one of the greatest shooters of all time. In 2016, with just 0.6 seconds on the clock, Curry hit a game-winning three against the Oklahoma City Thunder and got a Double Bang from Mike Breen. Is this shot the moment that changed the NBA? Producer and co-host of the Jenkins and Jonez podcast, John "LaJethro Jenkins" Nichols joins the…

In the 2021 Eastern Conference Semifinals, Philadelphia 76er Ben Simmons infamously passed up a wide-open dunk over Trae Young. Comedian, Philadelphia native, and host of the We Want Moore podcast, Anthony Moore joins the pod to break down this infamous play and decide if it is worthy of the First Ballot Hall of Fame. Anthony also breaks down Wemby…

One of the greatest sports journalists in the country and New York Times bestselling author of seven books, Joe Posnanski joins the podcast to talk about the longest jump never recorded and Mike Powell's long jump record. Plus, Joe's favorite baseball moments, how he and Michael Schur started their podcast, and things that kick ass. Timecodes: (7:5…

In this very special edition of the First Ballot Hall of Fame Podcast, legendary SLAM contributors Ben Osborne, Lang Whitaker, and Russ Bengtson join the pod to celebrate SLAM magazine's 30th anniversary. They go into all the gritty details of working at one of the most important publications in basketball history from Shawn Kemp's emails to fist b…

In 2006 the Dallas Mavericks lost in the NBA finals to the Wade and Shaq led Miami Heat. (Thanks in large part to an astounding 97 free throws by D-Wade…) Later in the 2011 NBA Finals, Nowitzki would find himself on the precipice of rewriting NBA history with one fateful lefty lay. Jason Gallagher, of The Old Man and The Three, joins the pod to dis…

Dan Devine, Paul from @Dunkcomp, and David Astramskas are back for Part 2 of determining the greatest shattered backboard dunk. This week they break down Shaq's 1992 dunk on NBA Inside Stuff and Darryl Dawkins' OG back-board shattering dunk against the Kansas City Kings and decide which of these dunks are worthy of induction into the First Ballot H…

Legends of the industry, Dan Devine, Paul from @Dunkcomp, and David Astramskas join the pod as the first-ever First Ballot Hall of Fame voting committee panel to determine and induct the greatest shattered backboard dunk into the First Ballot Hall of Fame. In part one of the first ever two-part episode, the panel breaks down Jerome Lane's thunderou…

The Flu Game. Game 5 of the tied 1997 NBA Finals and Michael Jordan, despite being ravaged by the flu… drops 38 points to secure a miraculous win. Joining the pod is ESPN sports journalist, author, and cultural critic Scoop Jackson, who breaks down the moment, talks about almost quitting SLAM, and discovering NSYNC. Timecodes: (5:56) Scoop almost q…

A First Ballot classic, we're throwing it back today. On Christmas Day 2014, a fight on twitter became a scheduled fight in Temecula, California, and signaled a change in modern sports fandom. @SnottieDrippen vs. @MyTweetsRealAF. You cannot make this up. Plus, who’s the most underrated player in all of basketball history? Learn more about your ad c…

In game one of the 1992 finals, Michael Jordan put together one of the greatest 3-point shooting performances of his career and hit the most iconic shrug of all time. NBA Twitter Legend and host of the Trill Withers Show, Trill Withers re-joins the pod to discuss if MJ's shrug is worthy of the First Ballot Hall of Fame, the conspiracy behind NBA fi…

We may never know what truly happened to Paul Pierce when he came crumbling down in Game 1 of the 2008 NBA Finals but we can speculate. Here to discuss Paul's exit in a wheelchair, his return 10 minutes later, and the mystery of whether he actually pooped his pants is producer, writer, and director Osman Noor and multiple time guest and co-host Mic…

The most anticipated NBA prospect since Lebron James, Victor Wembanyama was drafted to the San Antonio Spurs. And against the KD led Phoenix Suns just 5 games into his young career, the french phenom lived up to the hype. To discuss Wemby's 38-point breakout game is writer, producer, and Twitter Legend Robert McRae. Rob also breaks down his NBA fin…

In 2017, NC State stole away their first win on Duke’s home court in 22 years when Dennis Smith Jr. stole the final possession, dribbled down the court, and dunked it… after the buzzer went off. Here to talk about the dunk is Senior Visual Designer at Google and two time First Ballot Executive Producer Matthew Hollister and First Ballot's first gue…

The First Ballot Hall of Fame Podcast has a lot to be thankful for this year, and today we're incredibly thankful for Andrew Bernstein's return to the pod. The NBA's First Official photographer, LA Lakers photographer, and Legends of Sport podcast host, re-joins the pod to discuss the answers to Neil's burning questions, working with Kobe Bryant, a…

Precision beats power, and timing beats speed. In 2015 at UFC 194, Conor McGregor took on José Aldo and executed the fastest finish in UFC title fight history. CBS Sports Writer, Showtime Sports Analyst, and host of the Morning Combat Podcast, Brian Campbell joins the pod to determine if McGregor's 13 Second Knock Out is worthy of the First Ballot …

The Fab Five is arguably one of the greatest and most influential recruiting classes in college basketball history. Chris Webber, Jalen Rose, Juwan Howard, Jimmy King, and Ray Johnson led Michigan to consecutive NCAA Championship games in 1992 and 1993, with the 1993 title game against UNC being most remembered for Webber's infamous "timeout". Este…

In 1993, Yankees' pitcher Jim Abbott became a baseball legend throwing a no-hitter with ONE HAND. Legendary comedy writer Alison Agosti re-joins the pod to talk about Abott's one-handed no-hitter, what she would do if she was rich, and her favorite item at Trader Joe's. Showtime Codes: (04:38) Alison Agosti Returns! (05:40) Surviving the Writers St…

In the 1999 NBA Playoffs, Larry Johnson became a Knicks legend after completing a skillful 4-pt play against the Pacers. Here to discuss the moment is actor, writer, producer, and comedian Adam Pally, who talks about the vulnerability of trash talking, being a Knicks fan, and an underrated pizza combo. Showtime Codes: (6:55) Sitting courtside at th…

Many people might not remember Rolando Blackman hitting the game winner for the Knicks but Drew Dixon does. The writer, producer, and activist joins the pod to discuss this nostalgic moment, working on some of the greatest musical hits, and the importance of fighting for survivors. Showtime Codes: 7:34 - Drew's basketball career 12:25 - Making All …

"I just saved my right hand for the Lakers." In 1986, bored of dominating opponents with his right hand, Larry Bird decided to shoot with his off-hand against the Portland Trailblazers. Legendary comedian and former host of Sportscenter, The Daily Show, and The Late Late Show, Craig Kilborn, joins the pod to discuss his basketball and comedy career…

Inside the NBA isn't just a show, it's an institution. In an extra special episode, long-time Inside the NBA producer Tim Kiely joins the pod to talk about his career, working with Shaq and Charles Barkley, and if any iconic Inside the NBA moments are First Ballot Hall of Fame worthy. Timecodes: (03:54) There's no "I" in Team, but there's one in TI…

Normally retirements are celebrated with lots of fanfare, jerseys hanging in rafters, gold statues, and maybe even cake. But in August of 2023, NBA referee, Eric Lewis announced his abrupt retirement after NBA Twitter sleuths discovered the ref's burner account. @Mikeyyy_Wyllin, NBA Twitter Detective and newly appointed second-best Laker fan, joins…

On July 23rd, 2023 Shohei dominated in a double-header against the Detroit Tigers, throwing a one-hitter in the first game and hitting two home runs in the second. Hannah Keyser, National Baseball writer at Yahoo Sports and creator of the Bandwagon podcast, joins the pod to discuss if Shohei's double-header is worthy of the First Ballot Hall of Fam…

“I’m sorry son, but you must have me confused with someone else,” is a famous line from Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s 1980 appearance in the movie Airplane! Deciding whether Abdul-Jabbar’s piloting of the skies is First Ballot worthy is none other than First Ballot MVP and SVP of Late Night West Coast at ViacomCBS, Nick Bernstein. Nick and Neil talk the st…

In 1967, some of the greatest athletes of all-time from Jim Brown to Bill Russell joined in solidarity to support Muhammad Ali's refusal to fight in the Vietnam War. Michael Harriot, writer and podcaster, joins the pod to discuss this historic sports moment, why Bill Russell is the GOAT, and how Twitter is the perfect place for an argument. Showtim…

“Kobe, tell me how my ass taste" should have been the headline when TMZ broke Shaq's freestyle diss to his former teammate. Joining the pod, the legendary musical storytellers and hosts of of The Blog Era, Jeff and Eric Rosenthal from ItsTheReal break down the moment, talk about what makes a good roast, and if this was really a freestyle. Showtime …

After bumping into Kevin Durant's chest, Carmelo Anthony completely crumbled! His bizarre decision to continue laying down splayed on the court as the game continued became a hilarious moment in the NBA. Writer for The Athletic, Zach Harper joins the pod to discuss if the collapse is First Ballot worthy and the one player that extraterrestrials sho…

Kobe Bryant's 60-point farewell was one of the greatest salutes to a career. Here to discuss Kobe's finale and whether it's First Ballot worthy is none other than the incredible co-host of the Higher Learning podcast, Oscar-winner, Van Lathan Jr., who discusses Kobe's legacy, great sports nicknames, and the moment that changed everything in his car…

In June of 1998, Sammy Sosa hit 20 home runs, setting the record for the most home runs in a month. Emmy award winning director Oz Rodriguez joins the pod to talk about Sammy Sosa's historic month, the most intimidating actors to work with, and working on SNL. Showtime Codes: (2:15) The Best Bread (6:07) Growing up in the Dominican Republic (8:25) …

ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE! Will the BEST Lakers fan induct a Boston Celtics moment into the First Ballot: Hall of Fame? Comedian and writer, Josh Gondelman, joins the pod to discuss Kevin Garnett's impassioned speech after winning the 2008 NBA Finals, his Twitter Pep Talks, and his favorite cereal. Timecodes: (08:17) Neil Making Enemies (11:34) KG is a …

In 2018, Twitter nearly exploded when Chris Paul led the Houston Rockets through a "secret tunnel" into the Clippers locker room at Staples Center. NBA Twitter Legend and host of the Trill Withers Show, Trill Withers himself, joins the pod to discuss this iconic NBA moment, breaks down his favorite fast food joint, and Shaq's elite abilities. Showt…

SEASON PREMIERE! Dennis Rodman skipped practice before an NBA finals game to go hit a guy with a steel chair. Esteemed guests, writer and producer Andrew Goldstein and DJ/WWE expert Peter Rosenberg join First Ballot's season premiere to discuss if the '98 Bash at the Beach is worthy of the Hall of Fame, the genius behind pro wrestling, and Shaq's g…

It's the season 1 finale of First Ballot! We're celebrating with 4x guest, CBS Vice President of Late Night, Nick Bernstein, who joins the pod to discuss the unimpeachable moments of the First Ballot: Hall of Fame and which moments should be revoked. Showtime Codes: (16:44) Will Neil get a co-host? (20:51) Hardest part of the show (26:26) Nick's re…

Special guest University of North Florida's coach Matthew Driscoll joins the pod to talk about the surprising way that "Let's Go" got taken to the next level, the best "Let's Go", and a special live demo. Let's Gooooooo! Showtime Codes: (4:00) What would it take for Matthew Driscoll to be the winningest coach? (4:40) A live demo of Let's Goooooo! (…

In just 10 seconds iconic street fighter Kimbo Slice was knocked out by Seth Petruzelli and potentially caused the demise of an MMA organization. Breaking First Ballot history, special guest Michael, Neil's brother, joins for a record THIRD (maybe second and a half) time to break down this fight, the greatest fictional athletes, and if Neil will ev…

Every draft season, we are reminded of the 2003 NBA Draft for one iconic reason: gigantic shorts. First Ballot is joined by a very special guest, NBA icon, TJ Ford who talks about his rookie photoshoot, his dunk attempt on Kobe Bryant, and his favorite NBA teammates. Showtime Codes: (06:52) The Story Behind the Iconic Shorts (13:32) 2005 Swag (15:4…

Tim Derk appeared in over 1,110 games as the San Antonio Spurs Coyote! In this bonus episode, First Ballot meets the man behind the mascot and learns about his contributions to the t-shirt cannon, his pact with Charles Barkley, plus a story you don't want to miss about his dedication to being a mascot. Showtime Codes: (01:39) The mascots who helped…

Is there a greater feeling than catching a projectile from a mascot's T-shirt Cannon? Actor and Writer, Michael Torpey, joins the pod to explain why Tim Derk's contribution to the world of sports is First Ballot Hall of Fame worthy, his epic home run catches, and working with Michael Jordan. (00:48) 2023 Nuggets vs "The Bubble" Lakers (06:09) Intro…

In 1999, Jean van de Velde had one of the biggest uh-ohs in sports history. With a 3-stroke lead, "Jean Jean Jean" needed just a 6 on the 18th hole to clinch the British Open, but instead orchestrated one of the greatest meltdowns in sports history. Comedy writer Matt Goldich joins the pod to discuss why this collapse is crazy enough to enter the F…

Caitlin Clark put together perhaps the best March Madness Tournament run in college basketball history, but does she have one moment good enough for the First Ballot Hall of Fame? Host of BetMGM Tonight and The Heat Check podcast, Trysta Krick, asks and answers whether Clark is the best college player of all-time, discusses one of the most original…

When Freeway's What We Do played at a Sixers-Heat game in 2018, the fan cam displayed an incredible show of humanity from the audience. Here to discuss the impact of the moment is journalist, creative, DJ, and Philadelphia native Cory Townes, who also talks about meeting Jay-Z (42:00), songs that are potentially more Philadelphia than What We Do (4…