On this episode of the Texas Sports Hall of Fame Podcast, We sit down with Rev. Ray Mackey III from the Biz Mackey Family Foundation to honor one of the greatest catchers and sharpest minds in baseball history. 2006 National Baseball Hall of Famer and 2025 TSHOF inductee, James Raleigh "Biz" Mackey!

While modern fans revere icons like Josh Gibson and Roy Campanella, their contemporaries held "Biz" in a class of his own. In this deep dive, we explore how a kid from Eagle Pass who grew up working a farm in Luling revolutionized the catcher position. From psychological masterclasses behind the plate, which earned him his legendary nickname, to his cannon of an arm throwing out baserunners from a dead crouch, Biz was the ultimate "master of defense"

We explore the fascinating origin of his switch-hitting, which began as a clever way to maximize daylight while playing with his brothers on the Texas prairie.The episode also uncovers Biz's massive global legacy as a founding father of professional baseball in Japan.Years before Babe Ruth's famous tour, Biz and the 1927 Philadelphia Royal Giants went over on a cargo ship to plant the seeds of the game, with Biz making history by hitting the first-ever home run out of Tokyo’s Meiji Jingu Stadium.

Beyond the diamond, Biz was heralded as the "Dean of Teachers". We look back at his profound impact mentoring Hall of Fame greats like Monte Irvin, Larry Doby (whom Biz strategically moved to center field), and Don Newcombe. Plus, we discuss the unforgettable 1959 Roy Campanella Night at the L.A. Coliseum, where an emotional Campanella paid ultimate homage to his mentor.

Finally, Rev. Ray Mackey III shares the incredible modern-day work of the Biz Mackey Family Foundation. Discover how they are honoring his number 40 with their "Before 42" campaign, helping underserved youth through literacy initiatives, partnering with Rawlings to provide sports equipment, and working with the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum to unveil a permanent statue in Kansas City.

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