Have You Ever Heard of Dodger All-Star Norm Larker? I Hadn’t Either!

Today we welcome back Mark Kolier with an interesting essay on overlooked Dodger first baseman, Norm Larker, a player I had never really heard of. As is always the case, whenever you look into the career of a former major leaguer, you’ll find some interesting information. Such is the case with Mark’s essay today.

The “Dick Allen For the Hall of Fame” Petition Has Been Submitted, Due to Arrive at the Hall of Fame on Tuesday, December 3, Ahead of the Vote on December 8.

The Classic Era Hall of Fame Committee is scheduled to meet on December 8, just two weeks from now. Having missed out on selection to the Hall by one vote the last two times he was on the ballet, this is a great chance for all of us to help correct one of the biggest injustices in all of sports by showing our support for Dick’s election to the Hall…

A Real Baseball Rarity: Twins on the Same Team…The O’Brien Brothers!

I love reading about baseball family rarities. You know, things like family members hitting for the cycle (only three times, see list below), or three brothers in the same outfield (only once, the Alous). Today Vince Jankoski tells us about another such family rarity: twin brothers playing on the same major league team! It’s so rare it’s only happened once in baseball history!…

Yaz’s Heroics in the 1967 Red Sox Pennant Drive!

I think we’re all aware of what a great player Carl Yastrzemski was, and we’re aware of his heroic role in the Red Sox’ 1967 pennant drive and subsequent World Series championship. But when you read about all the specifics – as recounted for us today by Vince Jankoski – you’ll undoubtedly be as surprised as I was at just how spectacular his role was…

The 116th Anniversary of the “Merkle Game”: The Day Fred Merkle’s Life Changed Forever

I think all fair-minded baseball fans would never want to see anyone’s life negatively altered by what happens in a baseball game (think: Steve Bartman). Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened to a young 19-year-old rookie named Fred Merkle 116 years ago today…

Let’s Remember the Dean Brothers On Their Great Day: Dizzy and Daffy!

Ninety years ago today, September 21, 1934, was a memorable day in baseball history. It was also a memorable day for the Dean family.  In the second game of a doubleheader at Ebbets Field, 22-year-old Cardinal rookie pitcher Paul “Daffy” Dean became the fifth rookie to throw a no-hitter, beating the Dodgers, 3-0…

“Claire Hodgson Ruth: The Best Thing That Ever Happened to Babe Ruth,” plus:  “Was Claire the Cause of the Babe Ruth-Lou Gehrig Feud?”

We all know a lot about the Babe, but I thought I’d share some interesting information about his second wife, Claire Hodgson. Also, I’ll shed some light on the purported role that Claire played in the storied feud between the Babe and the great Iron Horse, Lou Gehrig. 

Baseball’s Forgotten Stars: Luis Arroyo

On September 9, 1961, the New York Yankees celebrated Whitey Ford Day at Yankee Stadium.  Ford was in the midst of his greatest season, the only season in which he would win a Cy Young Award.  Ford was in the process of being showered with gifts when a car drove up with a giant Life Saver candy package in the rear seat.  As the car came to a halt, the lid on the Life Saver popped open and relief pitcher Luis Arroyo emerged…