We welcome back Vince Jankoski as we feature a chapter from his upcoming book on pitching coaches. Today Vince tells us about the remarkable career of Joe Becker, one of the most successful pitching coaches in baseball history…but who is even aware of all his achievements? I think you’ll agree with me that it’s about time Joe Becker receives some overdue recognition…
We Can Thank The St. Louis Browns For The Modern Pitching Coach!
We welcome back Vince Jankoski today with another interesting essay on coaches. This time he highlights the evolution of the modern pitching coach. As I’ve said before, there’s no group in baseball more neglected than coaches. Fortunately for us, Vince is attempting to right this obvious wrong…
Wilbur Wood, RIP
The baseball world was saddened this week to learn of the passing of Wilbur Wood, age 84 (October 22, 1941-January 17, 2026).
A few years ago, I wrote a detailed essay about Wilbur’s career in which I termed him “Baseball’s Rodney Dangerfield.” Although I meant that in jest, I was not far off the mark. Wilbur, like most knuckleballers, gets little respect from the baseball world…
The Sad Passing of Lee Elia: Always Be Careful About What You Say – Your Words May Come Back to Haunt You!
A very poignant lesson can be learned from the life of Lee Elia: One bad moment – usually involving a loss of self-control – can stay with us forever and sully our reputation. How many of us would like to have the worst moment of our lives serve as our epitaph? Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happened to Lee Elia…
Baseball’s Most Overlooked Group: Coaches – Let’s Remember George Bamberger
f there’s one group in baseball that’s severely overlooked, it’s the many coaches who have had a major impact on the game. In the past, some of our readers have suggested that there should be a coaches wing in the Hall of Fame. I agree…
The Cubs’ “College Of Coaches” Mercifully Ends 62 Years Ago Today!
As a longtime Cub fan, I painfully remember P.K. Wrigley’s hare-brained scheme that had only one lasting result: It made the Cubs the laughingstock of the baseball world. It was an idea so far-fetched, it’s never been tried before or since in the entire 149-year history of baseball…
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Coach Johnny Sain for the Hall of Fame!
“I don’t know of a greater pitching coach in my career. . .he should be in Baseball’s Hall of Fame.” -White Sox GM Roland Hemond, speaking of Johnny Sain