Posts by: Gary Livacari

Stan Musial Named 1948 MVP!

Stan Musial Named 1948 MVP!

Seventy-five years ago,  December 2, 1948, Stan Musial was named the National League MVP. "Stan the Man" led the league in hitting with a .376 batting average and 131 RBIs, but just missed the Triple Crown by one home run.  So let's take a moment to pay tribute to the memory of one of the true greats in baseball history...
My Review of “Days of Reckoning,” by Author Ron Waldo

My Review of “Days of Reckoning,” by Author Ron Waldo

Those of us who have read Author Ron Waldo’s previous books know him to be a skilled writer and accomplished baseball historian. With the publication of his latest book, "Days of Reckoning: Players Punching Their Ticket Out of Pittsburgh During the Barney Dreyfus Era," he now emerges as a top-notch baseball researcher...
Frank Howard, RIP

Frank Howard, RIP

We'd be remiss in our duties here on Baseball History Comes Alive if we didn't take notice of the recent passing of the fine ball player Frank Howard in Aldie, Virginia at age 87...
Happy Thanksgiving From Baseball History Comes Alive!

Happy Thanksgiving From Baseball History Comes Alive!

The great American family tradition of “Turkey Day” falls in that “no man’s land” between the last pitch of the World Series and the first pitch of spring training. It’s not exactly our favorite time of the year. But somehow, we manage to make it through year after year...
The Confusing History of Baseball In Washington, D.C!

The Confusing History of Baseball In Washington, D.C!

There's understandably a lot of confusion about major league baseball in Washington, D.C. Which franchise version are we in now? The second? The third? Were they originally called the Senators or the Nationals? And ust how do the Twins, Rangers, and Expos fit in?...
A Genuine American War Hero: All-Star Pitcher Lou Brissie

A Genuine American War Hero: All-Star Pitcher Lou Brissie

With this being Veteran's Weekend, I'd like to repost an essay I wrote seven years ago about a ball player who was severely wounded in WWII. In spite of these debilitating injuries which left him in constant pain for the rest of his life, he overcame incredible odds to fulfill his dream of being a major league pitcher. Lou Brissie may not be a household name, but I hope you'll take a minute or two to read his remarkable story...
The Classic 1960 World Series

The Classic 1960 World Series

Now that we're in full "World Series mode," I'll continue featuring some of the more memorable Fall Classics. It's been a while since I talked about the 1960 World Series, today we'll revisit one of the most memorable of all — that is, if you're a Pirates fan! — which included probably the most dramatic walk-off home runs in baseball history...
Gee, Thanks Brooks!

Gee, Thanks Brooks!

Before we say our final goodbye to the great Brooks Robinson, who passed away last Tuesday at age 86, I thought it would be fitting to take a look at Norman Rockwell’s wonderful 1971 painting of Brooks signing an autograph for a young baseball fan...
The Call From Hell!

The Call From Hell!

Last week, Bill Schaefer described for us what was "Maybe the Best Play Ever." Today he follows up with the other end of the spectrum: "The Call From Hell." It's hard to argue with Bill's assessment in either case!...
“Maybe the Best Play Ever!”

“Maybe the Best Play Ever!”

We welcome back Bill Schaefer with the first of a two-part series. Today's essay describes possibly the "Greatest Play Ever." It involves a never-duplicated unassisted triple play by an outfielder!...
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