Live Session With 17-Time Emmy Award Winner Tom Rinaldi

In this Live Session with 17-time Emmy Award Winner Tom Rinaldi, we discuss his deep dive eight-part audio documentary surrounding the late baseball great Lyman “Wesley” Bostock Jr., entitled Wesley. Debuting on July 18, FOX Sports’ new original podcast Wesley became the No. 1 baseball podcast in America (source: Apple Podcast Charts).

Bostock, affectionately known to his friends and loved ones as simply Wesley, was gunned down during his ascension as one of baseball’s most celebrated hitters and human beings by a man who would ultimately be found not guilty in one of the most perverse miscarriages of justice in modern times. He carries the unfortunate distinction of being the only active major league baseball player to be murdered during a season.

This FOX Sports original is their first-ever episodic podcast, and Wesley reached No. 1 on the Apple Sports Podcast charts and was trending Top 20 among all categories.

Rinaldi’s statement on what he hopes people get from “Wesley”:

“I hope people learn to appreciate Lyman Bostock, not only the greatness of his career and what was lost, but the enormous potential for generosity and social change that he very well could have been at the forefront of if it hadn’t been for one single shotgun blast,” Rinaldi said to FOXSports.com.

“I hope people want to explore his legacy in greater depth, and I hope that he’s given his due as a great player on the field and a great person off it.”

Episodes one through 6 are available now on Apple Podcasts, with the series finale dropping on Monday, Aug. 8.

If I were to encapsulate my conversation with Tom, it would be to say that not only was it an opportunity to meet a journalistic hero but, for me, an unprecedented look into the heart of a human being who really cares that someone as special as Wesley is not forgotten. We discussed his courageous foray into telling this poingent story as a proxy for the family and with full support of Wesley’s widow and why he felt he needed to dive in a second time to ensure he got it right. For some reason, Tom felt he needed redemption because in his eyes, the first time out, he didn’t pursue answers or ask follow up questions aggressively enough when he by chance, came face to face with the man who killed Wesley. We shared a moment on that subject and I was compelled to give a comparison from a time during my military service which addressed being confronted with a situation where rapid decisions are made which may leave you with questions about your actions…or lack thereof. It was impactful for me.

One of the greatest compliments for a journalist is when an interview turns into a conversation and this happened for me with Tom and it’s greatly appreciated. I enjoyed hearing his experiences in investigating and compiling “Wesley” for presentation and was inspired by his level of commitment to journalistic integrity…on top of that, the podcast is amazingly well done and one of the more important stories on an impactful individual taken from their family, friends and community way too soon…Tune In!

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Tags: #LiveSession, Fox Sports, Lyman “Wesley” Bostock Jr., Tom Rinaldi, WESLEY

About the Author

Dr. Jerry Doby Editor-in-Chief of The Hype Magazine, Media and SEO Consultant, Journalist, Ph.D. and retired combat vet. 2023 recipient of The President's Lifetime Achievement Award. Partner at THM Media Group. Member of the U.S. Department of Arts and Culture, the United States Press Agency and ForbesBLK.