Lets face it…the old pinch hitters (from the pre-DH era) are the Rodney Dangerfields of baseball: they get no respect! Today, Mark Kolier sets the record straight with an interesting essay about one of the best pinch hitters of all time: Smoky Burgess. I think you’ll enjoy what Mark has for us today…
“Pete” Alexander Sets the Record Straight About 1926 World Series!
A couple days ago, I posted an essay about whether or not Old Pete Alexander was nursing a hangover in the bull pen during the 1926 World Series when Rajah Hornsby called him into the game to face Lazzeri in the seventh inning. One of the readers took me to task for “speculating” about Pete’s condition, which he thought may have had the effect of damaging the reputation of a great pitcher. Today, Pete sets the record straight in his own words…
The Classic 1926 World Series: Was “Old Pete” Alexander Nursing A Hangover In The Bullpen??
“Less than a foot made the difference between a hero and a bum.” -Grover “Old Pete” Alexander, speaking of the long and barely foul ball hit off him by Tony Lazzeri during the 1926 World Series before striking him out…
OMG! Photographer Catches Man Leaping to His Death From Wrigley Field Upper Deck!
…At least that’s the first thing I thought of when I saw the featured photo. Then I looked a little closer and realized that the man was wearing skis and had a number on his back So what exactly was going on here?…
Harvey Haddix and the “Imperfect” Perfect Game
Ron Christensen returns today recalling one of the greatest games ever pitched: Harvey Haddix’s gem from May 29, 1959, in which he pitched 12 perfect innings, something never done before or since. What makes it even more historic is that Harvey didn’t get credit for a perfect game or a no-hitter…he had to settle for a loss!
Cubs Blow 8-Run Lead in 1929 World Series!
With the 2025 World Series due to start shortly, I always like to recall some of the more memorable Fall Classics from the past. Today, we’ll take a look at the 1929 World Series between the Cubs and the Philadelphia Athletics. However, if you’re a Cub fan, the memories are not good…
Another Edition of “Baseball’s Forgotten Stars”: Guy Harris ‘Doc’ White
Mike Janacek returns today with an interesting essay on the long-forgotten Deadball Era star, Doc White. I was familiar with him as a standout pitcher for the 1906 World Series champion White Sox, but, as I discovered, he possessed many other talents not normally associated with ball players. I always find it enlightening to learn more about the game’s forgotten stars, so I think you’ll enjoy what Mike has for us today.
Lets Recall “The Greatest Game Ever Pitched”: Don Larsen’s Perfect Game!
“This most assuredly was the greatest game ever pitched in the history of baseball!” -Vin Scully
I can’t let the month go by without recalling Don Larsen’s World Series perfect day. It happened 69 years ago last week, on October 8, 1956…
There are Errors…And Then There Are Errors!
The unfortunate throwing error by Orion Kerkering in Game Five of the playoff series between the Phillies and Dodgers brought the Phils season to an abrupt end. As Kerkering is sure to learn the hard way, post-season errors in crucial spots can be magnified and can often tarnish the careers of fine ball players…
Let’s Recall The Last Legal Spitballer, Frank Shellenback!
Today Vince Jankoski returns with an interesting essay on Frank Shellenback, one that we can add to our on-going tribute to baseball’s many overlooked coaches. Shellenback was an outstanding PCL pitcher who never really made it in the majors. His lasting contribution is as pitching coach for the New York Giants, where, among other things, he converted Sal Maaglie from a journeyman reliever into one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. Shellenback also has the distinction of being the last pitcher to throw a legal spitball…
Ty Cobb Pitches in a Game…Against George Sisler!
I think we can safely file this one into the category of “Useless Baseball Trivia!” But we’re baseball fans…so useless trivia is right up our alley!…
“The Giants Win the Pennant! The Giants Win the Pennant!”
I can’t let the day go by without recalling one of the mot memorable home runs in baseball history: Seventy-four years ago today, Bobby Thomson hit his “Shot Heard ‘Round the World”…
Babe Ruth’s “Called Shot”: Did He or Didn’t He?
Babe Ruth’s famous “Called Shot” came in the fifth inning of Game Three of the 1932 World Series – played ninety-three years ago this week – on October 1, 1932, at Wrigley Field. During the at-bat, Ruth made a pointing gesture, which existing film confirms, but the exact nature of his gesture has never been settled…
Harry “The Cat” Brecheen: Pitching Coach Par Excellence!
Boy…If there’s one category of major leaguers overlooked for a spot in the Hall of Fame, it’s coaches. There’s a wing for executives, umpires, and sportswriters…but for coaches, a big fat zero. Mike Janacek returns today with an interesting essay about Harry “the Cat” Brecheen, showing why this blatant oversight should be rectified. I hope you’ll take a few minutes to read Mike’s interesting essay…
