This Day in Baseball - The Daily Rewind artwork

This Day in Baseball - The Daily Rewind

308 episodes - English - Latest episode: 5 days ago - ★★★★★ - 16 ratings

We bring you back through baseball history and as much as possible let the players tell the stories. You can hear Babe Ruth, Jackie Robinson, Walter Johnson and hundreds of others.

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Episodes

April 24, 1966 Willie Mays ties Mel Ott - Vintage Baseball Reflections

April 24, 2024 13:00 - 2 minutes - 2.42 MB

April 24, 1966 Willie Mays ties Mel Ott with his 511th homerun The Audio Was supplied by Astrodaily.com Classic Broadcasts are old-time broadcasts that have been put together from various sources. Many are found on the Internet Archives in a raw form. If you wish to take a deeper dive, that includes: Scorecards, Rosters, Newspaper Clippings. All members can jump over to : www.vintagebaseballreflections.com and join the membership platform Astros History - Astros History This Day I...

April 18, 1987 Mike Schmidt 500th Homerun - Vintage Baseball Reflections

April 18, 2024 11:00 - 3 minutes - 3.03 MB

On April 18, 1987, At Three Rivers Stadium Mike Schmidt hits his 500th career home run. Schmidt connects against Don Robinson of the Pittsburgh Pirates, becoming the 14th player in history to reach the milestone. Schmidt’s home run helps the Philadelphia Phillies to an 8-6 victory. Classic Broadcasts are old-time broadcasts that have been put together from various sources. Many are found on the Internet Archives in a raw form. If you wish to take a deeper dive, that includes: Scorecards...

April 10 - FISK changes his Sox

April 10, 2024 11:00 - 9 minutes - 13.5 MB

On March 18, 1981 Future Hall of Famer Carlton Fisk, signs a contract with the Chicago White Sox after then GM Hayward Sullivan made an apparent clerical error mailing the contract out late in December of 1980.  He makes the season debut in 1981 vs the Boston Red Sox in fenway and in a scene out of the movies he slugs a 3 run homer in the 8th to give the White Sox a lead they would not relinquish.  Here is the story.  Highlighted in this podcast -  Carlton Fisk  Ron Leflore  Our Youtub...

April 9 - FERNANDOMANIA

April 09, 2024 11:00 - 11 minutes - 16 MB

April 9, 1981 Fernando Valenzuela was forced to start opening day for the Dodgers as Jerry Reuss injured himself 24 hours before the game.  Fernando would unleash the second greatest pitching streak in baseball history and turn the Dodger fan base upside down with is incredible performance.  As Vin Scully would say it was like a religious experience to see what he did. 

April 8 - I Had A Hammer How Hank Aaron rose above it all

April 08, 2024 11:00 - 12 minutes - 16.5 MB

April 8 episode is about Hank Aaron and his heroic journey through a divided Nation to take one of baseballs most treasured records.  Aaron's story is one of perseverance and worth the listen. We take you through his childhood and bring you to the ball park on April 8, 1974 with a World Series like atmosphere.  Enjoy the show!  

April 7 - The Stat that created a position The Save

April 07, 2024 11:00 - 10 minutes - 13.9 MB

The role of a closer was not an officially role until the term Save came into play officially in 1969. Bill Singer of the Los Angeles Dodgers was the first to register a save when he pitched 3 nearly perfect games to open the 69 season at Crosley Field in Cincinnati.  The actually stat was created by Jerome Holtzman after he got frustrated watched Elroy Face receive so much credit after his 18-1 season. He felt Face was far better in 1958 and the existing stats had no true way to capture it...

Mickey Cochrane World Series Walk Off

April 06, 2024 11:00 - 41 minutes - 28.6 MB

Listen to the highlights of Game 6 of the 1935 World Series Featuring Mickey Cochrane on his Birthday!  The son of Northern Irish immigrant John Cochrane and Scottish immigrant Sadie Campbell, Gordon Stanley "Mickey" Cochrane was born on April 6, 1903 in Bridgewater, Massachusetts. Mickey Cochrane is considered by many historians of the game to be the finest receiver to play in the major leagues during the first half of the 20th century. An exceptional line-drive hitter, Cochrane posted th...

April 6 - The DH officially debuts after 86 years of debate

April 06, 2024 11:00 - 11 minutes - 15.6 MB

April 6 1973 - Ron Bloomberg comes to the plate for the New York Yankees as the first officially DH in Fenway Park. It may surprise you though to know the DH debate was started all the way back in 1887 by Al Spaulding and the vote to have a DH narrowly failed and again it nearly took hold in 1928. Here is the story behind the story!      

April 5 - Charlie Ebbets builds Ebbets Field

April 05, 2024 11:00 - 9 minutes - 12.9 MB

On April 5, 1913 Charlie Ebbets dream comes true as we opens Ebbets Field.  Our Podcast details how the land was bought Disney style, lost they keys to the front gate and how a future hall of famer hits a foul pop that lends to a Highlander bumping his head on a base drum.   

April 4 1994 - A New Era is born in Cleveland as The Jake opens

April 04, 2024 11:00 - 11 minutes - 16.3 MB

Over the past 93 seasons, the Cleveland Indians had finished first just 3 times. Going to 3 World Series and winning 2. On average they finished over 18 games out of first place.  On April 4, 1994 The Jake opened and despite the first 7 innings when they were no hit, a new era was born and the Indians will go on to be one of the most successful regular season teams the last 20+ seasons.  

Tom Seaver signs with the Mets and 3 years later pulls off a Miracle

April 03, 2024 16:00 - 24 minutes - 16.8 MB

On April 3, 1966, the New York Mets sign University of Southern California star Tom Seaver to his first contract, including a $50,000 bonus. Seaver had been selected by the Atlanta Braves in the January draft, but Commissioner Spike Eckert voided the deal when he signed a contract after USC’s season had already begun. The Mets beat out the Indians and the Phillies in a lottery for Seaver’s services. To celebrate listen to Seaver pitch the 10th inning of the 1969 World Series.  Read more ab...

April 3 - Dennis Eckersley traded and then he evolves into one of the greatest closer in Baseball history

April 03, 2024 11:00 - 9 minutes - 6.67 MB

April 3, 1987, the Chicago Cubs trade Dennis Eckersley for 3 minor league players to the Oakland A's. At one time trading "The Eck" would have been big news! However, at the time the Eck was a struggling pitcher heading towards the end of his effectiveness.  Unknown to Oakland or Chicago the Eck had already taken incredible steps to turn his life around.  Here is the story of the trade, what Oakland thought they were getting vs what they actually got.  You can read all about Dennis Eckers...

Luke Appling - Old Aches and Pains April 2

April 02, 2024 11:00 - 1 hour - 51 MB

Happy Birthday, Luke Appling!   Born in High Point, North Carolina on April 2, 1907, Lucius Benjamin Appling moved to Atlanta, Georgia with his family as a child. After graduating from Fulton High School, where he played baseball and football, Appling attended Oglethorpe College in Georgia for two years. Appling starred on the university's baseball team, while also playing fullback on the football team, before leaving school during his sophomore year to pursue a career in professiona...

April 2 1976 - Future Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson is traded to Baltimore in 6 player deal

April 02, 2024 11:00 - 11 minutes - 7.71 MB

On April 2, 1976 the Oakland A's trade future Hall of Famer Reggie Jackson and World Series hero and Al Start Pitcher Ken Holtzman to the Baltimore Orioles for Don Baylor, Mike Torrez and Paul Mitchell.  At the time Jackson had won an MVP, made 6 All-Star appearances, was a driving force in 3 Championships, and he was second all-time in home runs for the franchise and 4th in career RBI's.  Holtzman was a workhorse pitching between 255 - 297 innings and winning 58% of his games. He made 2 A...

April 1 - The eccentric Hall of Famer Rube Waddell

April 01, 2024 11:00 - 6 minutes - 4.19 MB

On today's rewind brings us too, April 1, 1914, that day future Hall of Famer George Edward Waddell, better known as “Rube” dies from tuberculosis in San Antonio, TX.  Sponsor Waddell's Page - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/rube-waddell-page/   We review his oddities and tremendous pitching career. Such as his love for fire engines, wrestling alligators and never collecting a regular salary.  Today's trivia question involves a quote Pedro Guerrero gave about a fellow Dodger teammate. You...

The Big E Opens - Enron Field

March 30, 2024 09:00 - 15 minutes - 10.5 MB

On March 30 , 2000 —  Enron Field officially opens with a 6-5 exhibition win over the A.L. Champion New York Yankees, paralleling the feat that occurred when the Astrodome opened in 1965. Daryle Ward’s two-run homer caps a four-run eighth-inning rally to open up the Astros’ new home in style. Enron Field - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/tag/enron-field/ Jeff Bagwell -  https://thisdayinbaseball.com/tag/jeff-bagwell/ Roger Clemens - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/tag/roger-clemens/ Strat O ...

Cy Young talks a perfect game March 29

March 29, 2024 11:00 - 11 minutes - 7.61 MB

On March 29, 1867 — Denton True “Cy” Young is born in Gilmore, a tiny village near Newcomerstown, Ohio. Young will earn his nickname for his cyclone-like pitching motion and he will win (and lose) more games than any pitcher in major league history with a 511-316 record and a 2.63 ERA over 22 seasons. Young will win 20 or more games 15 times, and top the 30-win mark five times. He will be elected to the Hall of Fame by the Baseball Writers Association of America in 1937, with 153 votes on 20...

Future Gas House Gang Coach Clyde “Buzzy” Wares gets traded for a Stadium and Dizzy Dean

March 28, 2024 11:00 - 24 minutes - 16.6 MB

On March 28, 1913, the St. Louis Browns make an unusual “trade,” sending infielder Clyde “Buzzy” Wares to the Montgomery Rebels a minor league team in exchange for the rental of a stadium. The Montgomery Rebels will allow the Browns to use their stadium during spring training-rent free. he Southern Association Class-A team will return the 26 year-old infielder to St. Louis later in the season. He will debut on September 15, 1913   vs. BOS  and he goes 0-1. Wares will play part of the 1913 an...

March 27 - Stan Musial & Miller Huggins

March 27, 2024 11:00 - 30 minutes - 21.1 MB

On March 27, 1879 —– Miller Huggins is born in Cincinnati, Ohio. A second baseman adept at getting on base, Huggins will lead the National League in walks four times, score 100 or more runs three times, and regularly collect 30 or more stolen bases and an on-base percentage near .400. He will start as a player-manager with the St. Louis Cardinals before heading to the New York Yankees in 1918. Huggins will lead the Yankees to six American League pennants and three World Series titles, and hi...

March 26 -Mantle Hits a 600 Foot Blast

March 26, 2024 11:00 - 12 minutes - 8.53 MB

On March 26, 1951 —– In an exhibition game at the University of Southern California, Mickey Mantle propels a home run estimated at 654 to 660 feet. The shot clears Bovard Field and then goes the width of a practice football field before landing. Mantle has two homers, a bases-loaded triple, and drives in seven runs as the Yankees flunk the Trojans, 15 – 1. Listen to Mickey talk New York, Hank Aaron, Willie Mays, DiMaggio and Maris.  Additionally, I will highlight today's Strat O Matic simu...

George Sisler talks Babe Ruth March 24

March 24, 2024 11:00 - 9 minutes - 6.62 MB

George Sisler never played on a pennant winner and he wasn't a slugger, but in spite of that he earned a reputation as the best first baseman in the first 30 years of the 20th century. The greatest player in St. Louis Browns' history, he twice batted over .400, and his 257 hits in 1920 remain a modern major league record. That same year, the lefty-swinging Sisler hit in 41 consecutive games, an American League record that stood until surpassed by Joe DiMaggio. Sisler, who attended the Univer...

Ducky Medwick Interview - March 21

March 21, 2024 11:00 - 17 minutes - 11.7 MB

On March 21, 1975, Hall of Fame outfielder Joe “Ducky” Medwick dies in Saint Petersburg, Florida at the age of 63. As one of the feared hitters on the famed “Gashouse Gang,” Medwick clubbed 205 home runs and batted .324 over a 17-year career. Medwick gained election to the Hall of Fame in 1968. Listen to the hall of fame interview conducted on February 2 1968 - https://collection.baseballhall.org/PASTIME/joe-medwick-oral-history-interview-1968-february-08 Check out Ducky Medwicks Page - h...

Roberto Clemente Elected Into the Hall of Fame

March 20, 2024 11:00 - 29 minutes - 20.2 MB

On March 20, 1973 — Roberto Clemente becomes the first Hispanic American to gain election to the Hall of Fame. The Baseball Writers Association of America announces the results of a special ballot, with Clemente receiving 393 of 424 votes. Clemente died in a plane crash on New Year’s Eve. In light of his tragic death, the Hall’s Board of Directors waived the five-year waiting period that is normally required before a player is eligible for election. A twelve-time All-Star, Clemente batted .3...

Richie Ashburn - On Tops Sports Radio March 19

March 19, 2024 15:52 - 10 minutes - 8.42 MB

On March 19, 1927 --- Don Richard (Richie) Ashburn is born in Tilden, Nebraska. A five-time All-Star, Ashburn will be a solid center fielder and a solid hitter for the Philadelphia Phillies. He will hit over .300 during 9 of his 15 major league seasons, twice capturing the National League batting title and conclude his career with a .308 lifetime average. Following his playing career, he will call Phillies games for more than three decades. Ashburn will be elected to the Hall of Fame by the ...

Babe Ruth 570 foot St Patrick's Day Blast

March 17, 2024 11:00 - 8 minutes - 7.35 MB

March 17, 1918: A young Babe Ruth, still primarily a pitcher, slugs a pair of home runs during a spring training game at Whittington Park in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The second long ball is thought to be the first 500-plus foot blast in baseball history. The Herculean shot—hit off Brooklyn Robins hurler Norman Plitt—soared far over the fence in deep right-center, coming to rest in the middle of an inhabited pond at the Arkansas Alligator Farm. The Boston Globe reported that "the intrusion" c...

Ty Cobb almost gets traded March 16

March 16, 2024 11:00 - 19 minutes - 17.8 MB

On March 16, 1907 -- After watching Ty Cobb quarrel with a black groundskeeper and with teammate Charlie Schmidt, Tiger manager Hugh Jennings was tired of dealing with Cobb's abrasive behavior and tries to deal him to the Cleveland Naps for outfielder Elmer Flick. The Naps turned down a trade with the Tigers which would have exchanged Flick for the 21-year-old Cobb. They countered with Bunk Congalton, but the Tigers declined. Flick had been holding out but he signed a few days after the pro...

Elixir of Brown-Sequard - Pud Galvin passes away 1902

March 07, 2024 11:00 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MB

On March 7, 1902 — Hall of Famer James (Pud) Galvin dies at the age of 45. Galvin won 361 games over a 14-year career, placing him in a tie for sixth on the all-time list for most wins. In 1883 and 1884, Galvin won a combined 92 games. In 1884 his WAR was over 17+ which ranks 3rd highest all-time. Galvin will be inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1965 and later it will be uncovered he was the first known player to use Performancing Enhancing Drugs.  On today's show, we have Brian Martin who...

HOFer Lefty Grove - March 6

March 06, 2024 11:00 - 53 minutes - 49.4 MB

Lefty Grove was Born on March 6 in Lonaconing, Maryland, Grove was a sandlot star in the Baltimore area during the 1910s. Grove didn't play organized baseball until he was 19 years old. In 1920, he made his professional debut with the Martinsburg Mountaineers of the class-D Blue Ridge League, where he appeared in six games. In 59 innings pitched, Grove gave up just 30 hits, and he had an earned run average (ERA) of 1.68. His performance attracted the attention of Jack Dunn, Sr. (1872–1928), ...

Mel Ott - World Series At Bats March 2

March 02, 2024 09:00 - 16 minutes - 15.2 MB

Today we celebrate Mel Ott's birthday. We have 5 World Series At Bats and 3 homeruns. Oddly Ott played in 3 Wold series and homered in the final game in each series, bur didnt hit any in the other games.  On March 2, 1909, future Hall of Famer, Mel Ott is born in Gretna, Louisiana. Known as “Master Melvin,” Ott will make his major league debut with the New York Giants as a 17-year-old boy wonder 1926. He will quickly become a fan favorite. Using an unorthodox batting style in which he lifte...

CYO Ends relationship with Dodgers because of Leo Durocher March 1

March 01, 2024 11:00 - 31 minutes - 28.6 MB

On today's Podcast - hear from Leo Durocher and his wife on Laraine Day, Gas House Gang and him talk about Nice Guys Finish last with Roy Leonard.    On March 1, 1947 — Father Vincent Powell announces the diocese’s Catholic Youth Organization will no longer participate in the Dodgers’ Knothole Club, stating the church cannot continue to have their youngsters associated with the team’s manager, Leo Durocher. The monsignor, who has been the director of the local CYO since 1940, believes the ...

Babe Ruth released February 26

February 28, 2024 11:00 - 14 minutes - 13.5 MB

On February 26, 1935, the New York Yankees release longtime star outfielder Babe Ruth, freeing him to sign a $20,000 contract with the National League’s Boston Braves. Ruth’s new contract with the Braves also gives him a share of the team’s profits. In 1934, Ruth had endured one of his worst seasons with the Yankees, at least by his lofty standards, with a .288 batting average, 22 home runs, and 84 RBIs. This season, he will play just only 28 games for the Braves before announcing his retir...

Koufax and Drysdale Holdout February 28 1966

February 28, 2024 11:00 - 32 minutes - 29.4 MB

On February 28, 1966 — Refusing to report to spring training, Los Angeles Dodger pitchers Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale begin their joint holdout, asking for a $1 million, three-year contract, to be divided equally between them. The deal, equivalent to an annual salary of $167,000 for each hurler, will make them the best-paid players in baseball, easily surpassing Willie Mays’ $125,000 yearly paycheck with the Giants. Although the deal didn’t happen, On March 30, Drysdale and Koufax will end...

Duke Snider Passes Away February 27

February 27, 2024 11:00 - 25 minutes - 23.6 MB

February 27, 2011 — The “Duke of Flatbush”, Hall of Famer Duke Snider dies in Escondido, CA at age 84. Snider was a power-hitting centerfielder for the great Brooklyn Dodgers teams of the 1950s and is immortalized in Terry Cashman’s song “Willie, Mickey and the Duke”.  Snider was Brooklyn’s entry into one of the most passionate debates in baseball history.  New York sportswriter Red Smith once wrote, “(Duke) Snider, (Mickey) Mantle, and (Willie) Mays.  You could get a fat lip in any saloon ...

Smoky Joe gets Sold to Cleveland February 24

February 24, 2024 11:00 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MB

On February 24, 1917 – – Smoky Joe Wood, his arm dead at 26, is sold by the Boston Red Sox to Cleveland for $15,000. He will become an outfielder after one last, losing start on the mound, and will play five more years. Wood had slipped on wet grass while fielding a bunt in a game against the Detroit Tigers. He fell and broke his thumb, and pitched in pain for the following three seasons. Although he maintained a winning record and a low ERA, his appearances were limited, as he could no lon...

Walter Johnson and The Silver Dollar - February 22

February 24, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 66.1 MB

On February 22, 1936, Walter Johnson fires a silver dollar over the Rappahannock River, estimated to be a 386-foot toss. The spectacle—it took place in the backyard of Washington’s childhood home in Fredericksburg, Virginia.  I will tell you the story through Bobby King II research and words. Afterward, I will bring you something that was hard to find, the voice of Walter Johnson doing a radio broadcast for the Senators.  Event page - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/as-thousands-cheer-on-bo...

The Ballard of Three Fingers Brown

February 14, 2024 09:00 - 9 minutes - 8.87 MB

On February 14, 1948, Hall of Fame pitcher Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown dies at the age of 71. Here is his unlikely journey to Cooperstown.  Three Fingers Brown Page - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/hall-of-fame-pitcher-mordecai-three-finger-brown-dies-at-the-age-of-71/ February 14 Events - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/this-day-in-baseball-february-14/ The Ballard of Three Fingers Brown on Youtube - https://www.amazon.com/Ballad-Three-Finger-Brown/dp/B01INYFH52

Cool Papa Bell goes to Cooperstown

February 13, 2024 09:00 - 11 minutes - 21.8 MB

February 13, 1974 Cool Papa Bell goes to Cooperstown joining Josh Gibson and Buck Leonard as just the third man to play exclusively in Negro Leagues to be inducted.  Listen to him talk about Jackie Robinson, Satchel Paige, Education and how he was able to turn a light off and get into bed before the light went out.  Cool Papa Bells Page - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/cool-papa-bell-page/ Negro Leagues on This Day In Baseball - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/category/negro-leagues/ Source...

Dazzy Vance Wins the MVP February 12

February 12, 2024 09:00 - 9 minutes - 18.2 MB

On February 12, 1924 — The National League announces it will join the AL in awarding a thousand dollars to the player selected by writers as the league’s Most Valuable Player. Dazzy Vance, who posts a 28-6 record along with an ERA of 2.16 for the Brooklyn Dodgers, easily outpoints Rogers Hornsby to become the National Leagues first MVP. Sponsor Dazzy's Page - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/dazzy-vance-page/ February 12 - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/this-day-in-baseball-february-12/ Don D...

Ozzie Smith Trade Finalized February 11

February 11, 2024 09:00 - 7 minutes - 13 MB

On February 11, 1982 — Ozzie Smith agrees to go to the St. Louis Cardinals to complete the December deal that finally sends Gary Templeton to the San Diego Padres. An outside arbitrator, Tom Roberts, will determine ‘the Wizard of Oz’s’ Cardinal salary before the season starts, awarding the light-hitting Gold Glove shortstop $450,000, rather than the $750,000 he requested. Smith batted only .222 for the Padres in 1981, but will blossom into stardom in St. Louis. Sponsor Ozzie Smiths Page - ...

Allie Reynolds talks about two No Hitters in 1951 February 10

February 10, 2024 09:00 - 5 minutes - 9.19 MB

February 10 - Happy Birthday to Allie Reynolds.  Sponsor his Page - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/allie-reynolds-page/ Sponsor other pages - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/product/player-page-sponsorship/ Check out events from February 10 - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/this-day-in-baseball-february-10/  Allie Reynolds, born in 1917 in Bethany, Oklahoma, faced religious restrictions on playing organized baseball due to his parents' Nazarene beliefs. Overcoming this, he excelled in various...

Edd Roush Gets Traded February 9

February 09, 2024 09:00 - 11 minutes - 10.3 MB

Sponsor Edd Roush's Page - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/edd-roush-page/ Sponsor a page - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/product/player-page-sponsorship/ Check out the Events on February 9 in Baseball History - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/this-day-in-baseball-february-9 Edd Roush, the fiery baseball player known for his Hall of Fame career, wielded a heavy bat and mastered the art of place hitting. Born in 1893 in Indiana, Roush's strong hands and arms, developed on his family's farm, p...

Connie Mack Passes Away February 8

February 08, 2024 09:00 - 12 minutes - 23.5 MB

Connie Macks Page - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/connie-mack-page/ Sponsor a Page - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/product/player-page-sponsorship/ February 8 Events - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/this-day-in-baseball-february-8/ OnFebruary 8, 1956, one of baseball’s most prominent figures, Connie Mack, dies at the age of 93 from old age and hip surgery.  He was known as “The Tall Tactician” and was baseball’s grand old gentleman for more than a generation. Statuesque, stately, and sli...

Frank Robinson Passes away - February 7

February 07, 2024 09:00 - 8 minutes - 15.8 MB

On February 7 2019 — Hall of Famer Frank Robinson, a member of the 500 Home Run Club, a Triple Crown winner, the first player to win the MVP Award in both leagues, and the first African-American manager in major league history, passes away in hospice care in Los Angeles, CA at the age of 83. He was also a senior executive for Major League Baseball and was still serving as the honorary President of the American League. Robinson was one of the greatest players in MLB history, he was an...

Lew Burdette - He was the original Mark Fidrych

February 06, 2024 09:00 - 21 minutes - 39.7 MB

When he posed for his 1959 Topps baseball card, Lew Burdette grabbed teammate Warren Spahn’s glove and pretended to be a lefty. Topps missed the joke and printed the card with the error. Burdette would sign his name “Lewis” on his contracts, and would alternate between “Lou” and “Lew” for autograph-seekers. He said he really didn’t care how his first name (which was actually his middle name) was spelled. Years before Mark Fidrych became famous for talking to the baseball, Lew Burdette used...

Don Hoak unsong hero - February 5

February 05, 2024 09:15 - 12 minutes - 22.1 MB

Born: Sunday, February 05, 1928 in Roulette, PA USA He was the kind of player who’s worth doesn’t always show up in the box score, but yet his determination and aggressiveness to win made him one of the most valuable players on the world championship of 1960. Don Hoak, nicknamed Tiger by Dodger pitcher Clem Labine because he was always starting fights, was a solid fielder who twice led the circuit in fielding percentage at third base who also would contribute at the plate, hitting over .28...

Joe McCarthy the winningest manager in history

February 04, 2024 09:00 - 9 minutes - 17.3 MB

February 4, 1957, manager Joe McCarthy and outfielder Sam Crawford are elected to the Hall of Fame. McCarthy, the winningest manager in history, won nine pennants and four consecutive World Championships with the New York Yankees. Crawford, one of the greatest hitters of the dead-ball era, finished his career with 309 triples, first on the all-time list. Some have challenged Sam Crawford's status as a Hall of Famer, but the truth is that Crawford was one of the best sluggers of his era, ha...

Fredric Michael Lynn was born on February 3, 1952

February 03, 2024 08:00 - 16 minutes - 30 MB

Fredric Michael Lynn was born on February 3, 1952 He arrived on the big league scene like a bolt of lightning through the evening sky. Fred Lynn played in his first game on September 5, 1974 and proceeded to smash major league pitching to the tune of a .419 batting average and a .698 slugging average over his first 15 games. He followed that up with one of the greatest rookie seasons of all time, leading the Red Sox to the World Series and earning the Rookie of the Year, Most Valuable Playe...

Stan Coveleski and Waite Hoyt are voted into the Hall of Fame

February 02, 2024 08:15 - 10 minutes - 19.9 MB

February 2, 1969 – Pitchers Stan Coveleski and Waite Hoyt are voted into the Hall of Fame by the Special Veterans Committee. Stan Coveleski learned control as a youngster by throwing rocks at tin cans that swung from a tree. Though he pitched a shutout in his first big league start with the Athletics in 1912, it was the spitball he later learned in the Minor Leagues. in 1913-1915, earning a permanent spot in the big leagues in 1916 when the Indians bought his contract. Using a fluttering...

Billy Sullivan Jr the first father son team to play in World Series

February 01, 2024 09:00 - 13 minutes - 24.2 MB

Feb 1 1875 Billy Sullivan born is born, he will debut in 1898. Despite being a notoriously poor hitter, Billy Sullivan is generally regarded as one of the best defensive catchers of the Deadball Era. In 1901, Sullivan jumped to the Chicago White Sox of the new American League and was the catcher in the circuit's first game, collecting a pair of hits in an 8-2 Chicago victory over the Cleveland Blues on April 24. He batted only .245 that season, but would never again top .229, hitting as low...

Rogers Hornsby amazing streak January 31

January 31, 2024 09:15 - 8 minutes - 15.9 MB

On January 31 1927 – National League President John Heydler rules that Rogers Hornsby cannot continue to both hold stock in the St. Louis Cardinals and play for the New York Giants. Seemingly oblivious, the Cards’ board of directors, meeting in St. Louis, votes stockholders a 10% dividend, earning Hornsby $2916 for his 1167 shares. Hornsby had a fabulous stretch from 1921-1925. For that five-year period, his average season included a .402 batting average, 120 RBI, 123 runs scored, 216 hits,...

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