This week on Only A Game, we endeavor to answer a most vexing question regarding the sexes: Why aren’t there more sports that pit women against men? Also, the New Jersey Devils rise from hockey purgatory, plus SI’s Peter King on the NFL, and a story of a sports hero who disappeared.

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.

Only A Game Senior Producer Gary Waleik offers his weekly thoughts on the music we use for the show.

Major League Soccer gets its season underway on March 25. If all goes according to plan, the opener will pit the league’s new club, the Philadelphia Union, against last year’s expansion team, Seattle Sounders FC. But according to Bill Littlefield, there is some suspense regarding whether these clubs and the 14 other teams that comprise MLS will begin playing on time this spring.

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.

Bill has been trolling the Interwebs again. And that means more odd sports stories for you to enjoy. This week, the story (and video) of a 5 year old with super strength. Plus, a winter sport that didn’t quite make it to Vancouver: topless sledding.