Nolan Ryan, Backup Catchers & The Books That Stole My Baseball Heart | Tim Brown | Ep 247

In episode 247 of Your Dark Companion, host Mike Rhyner sits down with acclaimed sports author Tim Brown to explore the books and stories that reveal baseball from the inside out. Brown discusses his latest book Nolan, an in-depth look at the legendary Nolan Ryan and the surprising ways his time with the Texas Rangers shaped the franchise for decades to come. The conversation also dives deep into Brown’s beloved cult classic The Tao of the Back Up Catcher, a meditation on baseball’s most overlooked position and what it means to find purpose when your biggest dreams go unrealized. Rounding out the discussion are Brown’s other celebrated works including Imperfect with Jim Abbott and The Phenomenon with Rick Ankiel, making this a must-listen episode for any serious baseball fan.
00:00:00 – Introduction & Show Open
Mike Rhyner and Michael Gruber kick off episode 247 of Your Dark Companion and introduce guest Tim Brown.
00:01:09 – Tim Brown’s Book “Nolan” — Origins & Research
Tim Brown explains how his lifelong fascination with Nolan Ryan and the changing modern game inspired him to write the book.
00:06:37 – Nolan Ryan’s Legacy with the Texas Rangers
Discussion of how Ryan’s tenure transformed the Rangers franchise and why he remains its defining symbol decades later.
00:16:13 – “The Tao of the Backup Catcher” — Concept & Creation
Tim Brown recounts how a podcast interview with Eric Kratz sparked the idea for a book about the unsung role of backup catchers.
00:22:53 – The Backup Catcher’s Role on a Roster
Deep dive into what makes the backup catcher uniquely valuable — as confidant, observer, and future manager in waiting.
00:31:00 – Mid-Show Break & Sponsor Reads
Dudley’s Sports Grill fantasy football draft party promotion and the Stolen Water Fantasy Football League announcement.
00:34:18 – Tim Brown’s Writing Process & Career
Brown discusses how curiosity drives his book choices, his relationship with editors and agents, and the mechanics of writing a proposal.
00:47:31 – “The Phenomenon” — Rick Ankiel’s Story
Tim Brown describes how he came to write the book about Rick Ankiel’s battle with the yips and his remarkable comeback as a hitter.
00:52:25 – “Imperfect” — The Jim Abbott Book
Brown reflects on writing his first book with Jim Abbott and the profound human impact Abbott had on families of differently-abled children.
00:54:27 – Wrap-Up & Farewell
Mike Rhyner thanks Tim Brown, recaps his books, and closes out the episode.