“When he fielded grounders, his huge hands also collected large scoops of infield dirt, which accompanied his throws to first like the tail of a comet.”…
Baseball’s Gettysburg Address:The Lou Gehrig “Luckiest Man” Speech, July 4, 1939
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BASEBALL AND THE PANDEMIC of 1918
As we sit at home waiting to see if baseball will be played in these unsettling times, our attention turns from hitting percentages to virus fatality percentages and hope that it stays way, way below the Mendoza line…
Tribute to Casey Stengel!
“He could fool you. When Casey wanted to make sense he could. But he usually preferred to make you laugh.” — Yogi Berra, speaking of Casey Stengel…
My Viewing of “The Pride of the Yankees”!
Since I’m homebound like just about everybody else, I thought this would be a good time to catch up on a few things on my “to do” list. One item high on the list was my intention to finally watch The Pride of the Yankees…
Who Was The Greatest Hitter Of All Time? Cast Your Vote!
As we ponder our existence in a world without baseball, I thought it might be fun to pass some time debating something real basic: Who was the greatest hitter of all-time?…
Baseball History Comes Alive! Celebrates Its Fourth Anniversary…Thank You!
This week marks the fourth anniversary of Baseball History Comes Alive! I’d like to thank all our loyal followers, especially those who have been with me from the beginning…
Babe Ruth’s “Improbable” Combined No-hitter!
There are 11 combined on-hitters in major league history, and I’m willing to bet you this weird one, involving George Herman “Babe” Ruth in 1917, is unique. Read on to see the details…
Shoeless Joe Jackson’s Incredible Three-Year Span, 1911-13!
“You know, he was such a remarkable hitter, it was almost impossible for him to swing without meeting the solidly.” -1919 White Sox pitcher, Dickie Kerr, speaking of teammate, Joe Jackson.
Let’s Remember Hank Greenberg!
Thanks to our resident baseball artist, Don Stokes, for reminding us that January 1 is the birthday anniversary of Hank Greenberg…
Baseball’s Darkest Day: The Tragic Death of Ray Chapman
It happened ninety-nine years ago. August 16, 1920 was a dark, overcast day. The Yankees were playing the Indians at the Polo Grounds. It was an important game as both teams were in the pennant race…
My Book on the 1919 Black Sox Scandal Now Available on Amazon!
I’m happy to announce that my book Reflections on the 1919 Black Sox: Time for Another Look is now available on Amazon in e-book form. The paperback should also be available shortly…
We’re Contacted by Nephew of 1930s Indians Star, Joe Vosmik!
“We offered no fewer than five players for Joe Vosmik, who is my idea of the type of left fielder we could use at Yankee Stadium.” –Yankee GM Ed Barrow
The Classic 1926 World Series: “Ol’ Pete” Alexander to the Rescue!
With the start of the 2019 World Series just around the corner, my tour through memorable World Series stops today in the exciting 1926 World Series…
Was Buck Weaver Treated Fairly by Judge Landis?
With the 2019 World Series just around the corner, here’s one more look at the 1919 Black Sox scandal, this time turning the spotlight on Buck Weaver and asking the question whether he received just punishment…
September 28, 1941 and 1960: Dramatic Days For the Great Ted Williams
“A man has to have goals – for a day, for a lifetime – and that was mine, to have people say, ‘There goes Ted Williams, the greatest hitter who ever lived'” –Ted Williams…
Let’s Remember the Dean Brothers: Dizzy and Daffy!
“Gee, Paul”, if I’d a-known you was gonna throw a no-hitter, I’d a-throw’ed one too!” -Dizzy Dean, after his brother threw a no-hitter in the nightcap of a double-header…
Stan Musial Strikes Out Three Times!
Here’s something to really think about. It should wake up anyone who doesn’t think the game has changed drastically over the years…
Another Look At The 1919 World Series, Shoeless Joe Jackson, Part Two: Joe’s Play in the Field And At-Bat
“You know, he was such a remarkable hitter it was almost impossible for him to swing without meeting the ball solidly.” Teammate Dickie Kerr, speaking of Joe Jackson
Another Look At The 1919 Black Sox Scandal: Shoeless Joe Jackson, Part One – Did Joe Confess?
“The Supreme Being – not Judge Landis – will be my judge. The Good Lord knows I’m innocent of any wrongdoing.” – Joe Jackson
The Sad Saga of Babe Ruth and the “Baby Ruth” Candy Bar
“Well, I ain’t eatin’ your damned candy bar anymore!” —Babe Ruth, 1927
…And after you read the story, who could blame him?
Spotlight on the “Eight Men Out,” Part Three: Eddie “Knuckles” Cicotte
“I admit I did wrong, but I’ve paid for it the past 45 years.” -Eddie Cicotte, commenting in a 1965 interview on his role in the 1919 Black Sox scandal.
Spotlight On The “Eight Men Out,” Part Two: Buck Weaver!
With the 100th anniversary of the 1919 Black Sox scandal fast approaching, I’ll continue with a look at the “Eight Men Out,” turning the spotlight today on George “Buck” Weaver.
Let’s Turn the Spotlight on the “Eight Men Out”: Ringleader “Chick” Gandil
“We could never pull it off,” Chick Gandil said to gambler Sport Sullivan when asked about a conspiracy to throw the 1919 World Series. “Don’t be silly,” Sullivan replied, “It’s been pulled before and it can be again.”
Rogers Hornsby Traded Again!
“Nobody liked our manager Rogers Hornsby. There was a real pr**k. Except for his racing forms, there was no newspapers, no movies, no beer, nothing. Women and horses, that was his downfall.” – St. Louis Browns pitcher Les Tietje
We made it!! Happy Opening Day!!
For old-time baseball fans like us, if there’s a better day of the year than Opening Day, I’m not sure what it is!
Here’s One for Our Many Dead Ball Era Fans: Let’s Turn the Spotlight on Baseball “Lifer,” Pat Moran!
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The Leslie Jones Boston Public Library Baseball Collection, Part One
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Birthday Anniversary for the Great Honus Wagner; Born February 24, 1874
Thanks to our resident baseball artist, Don Stokes, for calling to our attention that today is the birthday anniversary of Honus Wagner. He was born 145 years ago today. Don has also come through with a beautiful colorization of the great Dutchman.
Another Edition of: From the Lighter Side! How Did “Shoeless” Joe Jackson Get His Famous Nickname?
“You shoeless sonofagun you!” –A fan yelling at 20-year old Greenville Spinner outfielder, Joseph Jackson, who was playing that day in his stocking feet.
And the rest, as they say, is history…
Frank Chance Takes the Yankees’ Managerial Helm, January 8, 1913
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The Brooklyn Dodgers Trade Casey Stengel, January 2, 1918!
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Another Edition of Lopsided Trades! The Phillies Trade Ace “Old Pete” Alexander For… Who??
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Stan Musial Named 1948 MVP!
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Black Sox Ringleader Arnold “Chick” Gandil Tells His Story!
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It’s Time For a Quiz! Let’s Have Some Fun With Baseball Trivia: MVP Awards!
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An Amazing Stat from the Hall-of-Fame Career of the Great Stan Musial!
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Back Into the Dead Ball Era We Go! The 1918 Season and the Pennant-Winning Cubs!
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Joe DiMaggio’s 56-Game Hitting Streak Begins, May 15, 1941!
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Who Won the 1910 Batting Title, Ty Cobb or Nap Lajoie?
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