This Week In Baseball History: Recent Episodes
Mike Bates and Bill Parker
This Week In Baseball History is a weekly podcast devoted to the history of baseball, hosted by Mike Bates and Bill Parker, the co-founders of The Platoon Advantage and writers on many fine websites.
Prior to Babe Ruth and Judge Landis, perhaps no person was as synonymous with baseball as Ban Johnson, the visionary who founded the American League, outfought the National League, and ran the National Baseball Commission until the Black Sox scandal. But his tenure was not always a smooth one, and he was not well liked. So much so that 104 years ago this week, the Yankees, Red Sox, and White Sox all tried to abandon the AL and form a super Senior Circuit with the NL teams. While that plan was thwarted, it signalled the beginning of the end for Johnson's reign, which Mike and Bill look back at this week.
Plus, happy birthday to Tommy Leach and Jim McCormick!
And farewell to Bob Blaylock and Wayne Graham.
Few men in baseball have been as universally beloved as Buzzie Bavasi, who took over the Dodgers front office 69 years ago this week. Joining Mike and Bill to discuss Buzzie's life and 45 year career is his son, Bob Bavasi of Japanball.com. Plus, happy birthday to Brad Radke and Mickey Rivers!
The Red Sox's World Series road always seems, one way or another to run through New York. And most of the time, the Yankees have proven an effective road block. It certainly seemed that way 20 years ago this week, until the Sox complete the most improbable comeback in baseball history, toppling the Yankees in the 2004 ALCS and their way to their first championship in 86 years. Mike and Bill look back at a historic team and its historic run for glory that is stiil so vivid in their memories.
Plus, happy birthday to Juan González and Vern Stephens!
Just 20 years old, Fernando Valenzuela took the world by storm in 1981, becoming an international superstar and spawning a phenomenon with his screwball. And 40 years ago this week, Fernandomania culminated in both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards, the only time a player has won both in the same season. Mike and Bill look back at that amazing season and Fernando's long subsequent career. Plus, happy birthday to Dick Stuart and Adam Dunn!
It was only seven years before the Mets won their first championship, but it must have seemed like 70, as they struggled to not to lose 100 games every year. But 50 years ago this week, they finally did, finishing off a miracle season by felling the mighty Orioles in five games. Mike and Bill go through the early history of the Mets and their amazin' championship season. Plus, happy birthday to Eddie Yost and Al Brazle!
The Washington Senators' history has been virtually abandoned by major league teams, so you'd be forgiven if you didn't know that 100 years ago this week, thanks to a heroic effort by the great Walter Johnson, the Senators won their only World Series. Mike and Bill look back at this surprising championship club, the opposing and heavily favored New York Giants, and the Series that pitted them against one another.
Plus, happy birthday to Alfredo Griffin and Ping Bodie!
And farewell to Don Wert and Pete Daley.
The proverbial "they" say that any hero who lives long enough sees himself become a villain. While that may or may not be true, no baseball player fully inhabited both roles as thoroughly as Pete Rose, whose death this week at the age of 83 marks the end of a turbulent life. Rose found himself at the top of the sporting world over and over, but his personal demons and abhorent conduct off the field left hiim permanently banned from the game and reviled by many. In recognition of his accoomplishments and his place in baseball history, Mike and Bill look back at Charlie Hustle's life and career, warts and all.
Plus, happy birthday to Harry Steinfeldt and Earl Wilson!
And farewell to Jim Brady and Mike Cubbage.
Despite his career ending in ignomy 104 years ago this week, Joe Jackson remains a larger than life figure iin baseball and in American culture. But so much of how we picture Jackson is wrong, says former executive director of the Shoeless Joe Museum Dan Wallach (@shoelesspodcast). We talk with Dan about the man behind the myth and why it persists.
Plus, happy birthday to Bernard Gilkey and Urban Shocker!
And farewell to Jim Umbarger and Doug Creek.
The best hiitter of the 1980s is, beyond a doubt, either Tony Gwynn or Wade Boggs, two remarkably diifferent people and players who, nonetheless, both slashed singles and doubles all over every park they played in. Boggs, though, added tremendous patience to his game, making it remarkable that he was able collect his 200th hit for the sixth year in a row 36 years ago this week when he was also walking 100 times a year. On the anniversary of this impressive accomplishment, and in the wake of the news that Boggs is battling prostate cancer, Mike and Bill look back at the singular career of one of baseball's best third basemen.
Plus, happy birthday to Mickey Tettleton and George Uhle!
And farewell to Mike Ferraro, Gary Dotter, Reyes Moronta, and Denny Lemaster.
There are no reporters more integral to the actual history of how baseball is covered today than Melissa Ludtke (@MelissaLudtke on social media). Ludtke's brave fight against Bowie Kuhn and major league baseball opened clubhoouses to all reporters, regardless of gender, and made it possible for women to cover the game every day. Her new book, Locker Room Talk: A Woman's Struggle To Get Inside, chronicles how this crucial fight was won and its repercussions across sports, popular culture, and Ludtke's personal life. It's a great conversation with a true pioneer, whose heroism and sacrifice made today's media landscape possible.
Plus, happy birthday to Ken Forsch and Roger Maris!
And farewell to Nelson Chittum, Mel Held, Bob Chlupsa, and Jerry Walker.
When is a no-hitter not a no-hitter? When Fay Vincent decided, 36 years ago this week, that it shouldn't be. Specifically, he decreed that any no-hitters shorter than nine full innings or that was broken up after the ninth no longer counted, consigning 50 no-hitters to the dustbin of history. That's where Mike and Bill found them in this re-run from 2020, polished them up, and presented them for your enjoyment. Plus, happy birthday to Tug McGraw and Ed Konetchy!
While they were away, baseball lost one of its most important and irreplaceable figures, Billy Bean, the second former MLB player to come out as gay. Mike and Bill look back at the Bean's short career, his struggle to accept his sexuality and keep it private, his decision to come out and what has (and hasn't) happened since.
Plus, happy birthday to Oddibe McDowell and Tony González!
And farewell to Danny Fife, Jimmy Hurst, Mike Brumley, and Hank Allen.
There are a number of unanswerable questions in baseball history, but none truly tantalizes like the question of which pitcher was the fastest of all time. So this week, on the 78th anniversary of Bob Feller setting a new record for recorded pitch speed AND the 50th anniversary of Nolan Ryan doing the same, Mike and Bill break a record of their own, turning in their longest episode yet, looking back at the various attempts to figure out exactly who was the fastest before we had radar guns to spoil all the fun. And they even rope in Sports Reference guru Adam Darowski (@baseballtwit) to help them.
Plus, happy birthday to Wild Bill Hallahan and Max Lanier!
Major League Baseball, like America, is at its best when it's diverse and reflective of the countries that play the game. So this week, 59 years after the anniversary of Masahiro Murakami Day at Candlestick Park, Mike and Bill, along with special guest and Murakami biographer Rob Fitts (robfitts.com), remember the first player of Japanese descent to play in the Big Leagues. Mashi's career took him from Japan to Phoenix to Fresno and San Francisco before finally returning to Japan in 1966. Along the way they discuss how the 20 year old came to be a Giant, why he was exactly what the club and San Francisco needed in 1964 and 1965, why he went back to his homeland, and why it took 30 years for another Japanese player to play in the Majors.
Why is Mel Ott such an enigma? For all of his accomplishments, we really know very little about the stocky little right fielder who made hittiing at the Polo Grounds an art. So, on the 79th anniversary of his 500th homer, Mike and Bill go looking for the best hitter no one talks about today.
Plus, happy birthday to Freddie Fitzsimmons and Larry Doyle!
And farewell to Hank Foiles and John Upham.
In honor of Joe Mauer going into the Hall of Fame, Mike and Bill look back at another Minnesotan who was inducted 20 years ago this week, the great Paul Molitor. The fellas look back at his career's rough start, the injury problems and personal demons that almost sunk him, and the late career, DH-fueled revival that ultimatel paved his path to the Hall.
Plus, happy birthday to patron request Dave Stieb and Moe Drabowsky!
With Mike out on vacation and the annual SABR convention just on the horizon, it's a great time to revisit one of our earliest episodes with our favorite person from SABR, Jacob Pomrenke (@buckweaver), on the 103rd anniversary of the start of the Black Sox trial.
After a couple of bummer weeks, Mike and Bill decided to dust off a favorite old gimmick and pick a random game to write about from this week in baseball history. The random number generator hit on the Royals vs. the Blue Jays from July 12th, 1987. Learn about weirdos like Garth Iorg, Jeff Musselman, Lloyd Moseby, Bud Black and more.
Plus, happy birthday to Willie Wilson! It is also Chuck Knoblauch's birthday.
And farewell to Bill Murphy and Cuno Barragan.
With sadness, Mike and Bill reflect on the career and impact of the second Giant legend to leave us in the last two weeks. Orlando Cepeda was a tremendous slugger and a Puerto Rican pioneer in Major League Baseball, who built on his legendary father's career, destroyed his reputation after his career ended, then rebuilt it.
Plus, happy birthday to Greg Vaughn and Ed Rile!
And farewell to Buzz Stephen, Joe Shipley, Sean Burroughs, and Tom Tischinski.
How do you calculate everything we lost with the passing of Willie Mays? How do you calculate all that he gave us in 93 years of life? It is impossible.
After covering his early years in New York in Episode 203 and his middle years in San Francisco in Episode 148, Mike and Bill return to finish out the story of Willie Mays's life and career. His return to New York with the Mets, the ridiculous ruling that forced him out of baseball, his triumphant return, and the legacy he leaves behind.
Plus, happy birthday to Dave Goltz and Ken Williams!
And farewell to Jerry Grote, Gordy Lund, Dave McCarty and Larry Brown.
Willie Mays is, undisputedly, one of the top two or three players in baseball history, a breathtaking blend of power, average, and defense that often defied description. One such day was 59 years ago this week, when Willie hit four home runs in one game against the Braves. But Willie was just getting started, and would spend the rest of the decade proving that he was unlike anyone else who had ever played in the Majors before. Mike and Bill go through Willie's time in San Francisco, the triumphs and the struggles that made the journey not nearly as fun as it should have been. Plus, happy birthday to Rick Burleson and Virgil Trucks!
There may have never been, and may never be, a baseball player better than Willie May. But it didn't seem like that at first, as Mays struggled upon his initial exposure to the Bigs 70 years ago this week and would suffer a crisis of confidence that could have ended his career before it began. How did he get through it to become Willie Freaking Mays? Mike and Bill look back at Willie's rise to find out. Plus, happy birthday to Dave Hollins and Deacon Phillippe!
There may have never been an athlete as singular as Bo Jackson, a two sport star whose potential and flashes of brilliance tantalized the world until it all came crashing down. On the 38th anniversary of him signing with the Kansas City Royals, Mike and Bill look back on Bo's careers, his downfall, his comeback, and his legacy.
Plus, happy birthday to Wally Joyner and Doug Mientkiewicz!
We only have ten fingers and ten toes, so it's somewhat forgivable that, somewhere north of 20 you might forget how many hits you have. It's more strange for an entire baseball loving nation to do that, but that's what happened 110 years ago this week when the great Honus Wagner was celebrated for becoming the second player to reach 3,000 hits...weeks before he actually did so.
What accounted for this accounting error? And why do we not really care? And what makes this oddly shaped German man so damn lovable a century later? Mike and Bill look back at his life and career to find out.
Plus happy birthday to Dave Brown and patron request Fred Mitchell!
And farewell to Kevin Batiste and Pat Zachry.
While the MLB draft has been moved to July, it's the 58th anniversary of Steve Chilcott being taken first overall by the Mets in 1966, over Reggie Jackson. This was, of course, one of the great draft blunders in history, as Chilcott wouuld never make the majors and Reggie...did. In honor of this very Metsian mistake, Mike and Bill look back at other first overall picks who were complete busts for their clubs.
Plus, happy birthday to Bryan Harvey and Merv Rettenmund!
After a long weekend, Mike and Bill are back with an only slightly shortened episode. Don't worry though, there's still over an hour of birthdays, memorials, and emails from listeners with stories and lots of additional geological baseball names. We'll be back next week with a full episode.
So happy birthday to George McQuinn and Gary Nolan!
And farewell to Wayne Schurr, La Schelle Tarver, Odell Jones, and Chuck Seelbach.
On the 81st anniversary of the shortest nine-inning game in American League history, an 89 minute affair between the White Sox and Senators, Mike and Bill try to finish their episode about it before the game itself would have ended. Along the way, they talk about Luke Appling, knuckleballers, exactly what the Washington baseball team's nickname was at any given time, and whether Mickey Vernon is the gateway to getting Al Oliver into the Hall of Fame.
Plus, happy birthday to Gil McDougald and Newt Allen!
And farewell to Bill Plummer and Jim McAndrew.
There is no arguing that Stan Musial is one of the finest players, and people, in baseball history, and this week marks the 66th anniversary of Baseball's Perect Knight collecting his 3,000th hit. Mike and Bill look back at one off the least controversial inner-circle hall of famers of all time, and document his Horatio Alger-esque journey to achieving the American Dream.
Plus, happy birthday to Lave Cross and Hank Borowy!
And farewell to U.L. Washington and Ed Ott
With our heroes sidelined this week for one last time, why don't we all kick back, relax, and take in a show. Baseball has inspired dozens of films, but thusfar only one major Broadway musical, the classic Damn Yankees, which debuted 65 years ago this week. Mike and Bill, both theater fans, dig into its history, and the legendary artists who brought it life on stage and screen. Plus, happy birthday to Mike Cuellar and Patron request Lennie Merullo!
While his name is familiar to baseball history fans, the life of Moses Fleetwood Walker, the first acknowledged African-American man to play Major League Baseball, is not. On the 137th anniversary of his debut, Mike and Bill look back on that life, at the efforts of Cap Anson and other bigots to stop his career and ban other black players from the pro ranks, and the effect that treatment had on Fleet in his later years.
Plus, happy birthday to Granny Hamner and Russ Ford!
Last week, we learned of the deaths of Whitey Herzog and Carl Erskine, both icons within the game of baseball and beyond, but for vastly different reasons. This week, Mike and Bill look back at their incredible lives and the impact those lives had on the sport and the world at large.
How many rakes do you have to step on before the spectacle of it goes from funny to unfunny to hilarious again? Unfortunately for Baltimore fans, the Orioles put this to the test 28 years ago this week when the allowed 16 runs in the 8th inning to the Texas Rangers. As they sometimes do, Mike and Bill dig into this extraordinary inning on a granular level, talking about the players and events that made it so bonkers.
Plus, happy birthday to Jim Lonborg and Dan Cotter!
Was Nellie Fox overrated by old school types who voted him into the Hall of Fame? Or is he undervalued by today's modern metrics that rank him as one off the weakest members of that exclusive club of players? The answer, most likely, is yes to both questions. But he was never more valuable than he was 65 years ago this week, when he collected five hits, including an uncharacteristic homer on Opening Day, kicking off the White Sox drive for the AL pennant in style. Mike and Bill look back at one of the more perplexing players in baseball history.
Plus, happy birthday to Pythias Russ and Hippo Vaughn!
And farewell to José DeLeón and Héctor Ortiz.
Overshadowed by the greatness of Willie Mays and Mickey Mantle, the third of the holy trio of Golden Age, New York-based center fielders, Duke Snider, was a marvel in his own right. A five tool player whose short peak rivaled Willie's for the title of the best player in the National League and pushed the Dodgers to their first championship. But all good things come to an end and, 61 years ago this week, the Dodgers sold him to the Mets. Mike and Bill look back at the incredible career of the Duke of Flatbush and his indelible imprint on baseball history.
Plus, happy birthday to Jeff Heath and Jack Stivetts!
And farewell to John Oldham and Larry Demery
The Cubs might not be willing to acknowledge it today, but it was 32 years ago this week that they acquired one of the greatest players in franchise history, trading away aging slugger George Bell for a dynamic, young Sammy Sosa. Sosa would go on to challenge for the single season home run record, club more than 600 career bombs, and win an MVP. Mike and Bill look back at Sosa's incredible rise, somewhat inexplicable fall, and try to figure out why the Cubs still pretend that he never existed.
Plus, happy birthday to Kip Selbach and Travis Fryman!
And farewell to Tom Qualters and Jim Hannan
It was the most expensive trade in Negro League history. It was also specificallly designed to be the killing strike that finished off the Pittsburgh Crawfords. Finally, it ended the career of Hall of Fame third baseman Judy Johnson, who refused to report to the Homestead Grays when he and Josh Gibson were traded there 87 years ago this week. Mike and Bill look back at the Hall of Fame lives of Judy Johnson and Cumberland Posey, and the history of the Grays that brought about this historic deal.
Plus, happy birthday to Vern Law and Hank Sauer!
And farewell to Brant Alyea and Al McBean.
From the very beginning of the National League, baseball's overlords have attempted to grow the sport beyond America's borders. These efforts have met with varying levels of success over the years, but it's clear that baseball has never been more popular abroad than it is in 2024. Our guest this week, MLB.com's manager of storytelling Michael Clair, has a new newsletter that highlights the international game wherever it's being played and is making sure we'll know where the next generation of great major league players is going to come from.
Plus, happy birthday to Paul Schaal and Jeff Pfeffer!
And farewell to Jimy Williams and John Pregenzer.
For as long as it has existed, baseball has been intertwined with New York City, with the two developing alongside one another into American institutions. With special guest Kevin Baker, author of The New York Game: Baseball and the Rise of a New City, Mike and Bill trace the history of the sport in the greatest city in the world, how New York politics shaped it, and how some of the greatest players and managers in history found their way to New York and made it their own.
Plus, happy birthday to Danny Cater and Shannon Stewart!
And farewell to Don Lassetter and Steve Skaggs.
Major League Baseball rarely faces a realistic challenge to its hegemony, but, 72 years ago this week, Danny Gardella became the first American-born player to sign with Jorge Pasquel's Mexican League, touching off a short war that challenged the reserve clause, increased salaries at home and abroad, and wound up ending both Gardella's career and the Mexican League's independence. Mike and Bill examine Gardella's life, Pasquel's insurgency, MLB's response, and the court battle that followed.
Compared to some of the other Japanese pitchers who have transitioned to the United States, Hideo Nomo's American career seems relatively short and underwhelming. But the impact it had on two nations, how players move between leagues, and what fans can expect is immeasurable. After signing with the Dodgers 29 years ago this week, Hideo Nomo went on to prove that Japanese players could indeed thrive in the US, and paved the way for everyone who came affter. Mike and Bill look back at the Tornados life and career.
Plus, happy birthday to Jimmy Ryan and Chet Lemon!
And farewell to Red Swanson and Billy Gardner.
With Mike's attention divided this week, Bill suggested a scaled down episode where the boys focus on birthdays and memorials for the recently departed. And so, happy birthday to Smoky Burgess and Germany Schaefer!
And farewell to Chuck Harrison, Dick Thoenen, Ryan Minor, and Carlos Pulido.
Despite being acknowledged as one of the all time greats and a very deserving Hall of Famer, Roy Campanella's career doesn't get the appreciation it deserves because of its late start due to segregation and early finish due to an auto accident 61 years ago this week that left him paralyzed. Mike and Bill dig into his career and life at all its stages and come to love the man as much as it seems everyone else did. Also, happy birthday to George Burns and Tony Mullane.
With Bill on vacation, Mike welcomes walking baseball encyclopedia Steven Goldman (@gostevengoldman) in for a chat. They talk about Steve's podcast, The Infinite Inning, returning to a weekly format, what makes a great baseball story, the worst teams in history and, of course, Casey Stengel. Steve also plays Yankees roullette with some fun names from the past.
Plus, happy birthday to Blix Donnelly!
And farewell to Bob Allen and Ken MacKenzie.
When Cecil Fielder returned from a year in Japan, 34 years agoo this week, it was without fanfare. But by the end of 1990, after slamming 51 homers, Fielder had become one of the most iconic faces in baseball. His time at the top of the spoort would be short, however, and Mike and Bill look back at why.
Plus, happy birthday to Delino DeShields and Smead Jolley.
And farewell to Larry Miggins, Dave Wehrmeister, Joe Hicks and Vic Davalillo
It's still Hall of Fame season for, like, one more week, so Mike and Bill sit down with Fangraphs Senior Writer Jay Jaffe, inventor of JAWS, the preeminent tool to evaluate potential Hall of Famers, to talk about the current ballot, the chances of the first time candidate, and how the process has changed as its become more transparent and contentious. They also discuss Jay's own choices, as he has long been deemed a responsible adult worth of a vote.
Plus, happy birthday to Topper Rigney and Stan Javier!
And farewell to Preston Hanna, Don Dobbek, Mike Corkins, and Ron Hodges.
One of the greatest and one of the ornriest players in baseball history, Rogers Hornsby presents a conundrum. Too good not to want on your team, but so disruptive that he was traded in three straight offseasons and wore out his welcome quickly, even for teams that desperately needed him. What was his deal? Mike and Bill look back at his controversial life and career to try to figure that out.
With their scheduled guest ailing, Mike and Bill take a thorough look at all the candidates on this year's Hall of Fame ballot and decide they're probably going to need more votes.
Plus, happy birthday to Cy Williams and Leo Cardenas!
When life hands you lemons, make lemonade. And when life mangles your hand, learn a curveball. That was the path to greatness for legendary Cubs right hander Mordecai Brown, whose handicap wound up baffling National Leauge hitters for the better part of a decade. 120 years ago this week, Brown was acquired by Cubbies, who rode him to two championships before age and injury wore him down. Mike and Bill look back at one of the great superstars of the early 20th century and the accidents that made him possible.
Plus, happy birthday to Stormin' Gorman Thomas and Jimmy Johnston.
Sweet Lou was never an apt nickname for Lou Piniella, whose fiery temper and aggressive play earned him respect and fear around the game after he joined the Yankees 50 years ago this week, and became an essential cog in their dynasty in the late '70s and early '80s. But Lou's career would stretch far beyond his time in pinstripes and lead him tantalizingly close to the Hall of Fame as one of the most highly regarded managers of the 1990s and 2000s. Mike and Bill look back at Lou's 50 years in pro ball after he fell just one vote short of the Hall of Fame this week.
Plus, happy birthday to Bob Shawkey and Joe Collins!
Because his peak was so short, Al Lopez is often overlooked when we think about the great sluggers of the 1950s. But no one could ignore his incredible season in 1953 when, 70 years ago this week, he became just the second player to be unanimously voted AL MVP. Mike and Bill look back at Rosen's short on-field career, surprising impact on the game in the '70s and '80s, and the antisemitism he beat back to make all of it happen.
Plus, happy birthday to Fred Tenney and Bob Tewksbury!
Mike and Bill briefly have some podcast related announcments and Thanksgiving well-wishes up top and then say farewell to the great Willie Hernandez.
With a dearth of interesting topics this week, Mike and Bill fire up the random number generator and provide the annotated story of the Montreal Expos visit to Cincinnati on May 1, 1976 against the Big Red Machine. Would the machine break down? Or would the Expos get steamrolled? And, most importantly, can anyone think of a first baseman whose name is also a body part?
Plus, happy birthday to Greg Gagne and Kent Bottenfield.
He was one of the best players of the 1980s and, 40 years ago this week, became one of only 13 players in baseball history to win back-to-back MVP Awards. But Dale Murphy is still on the outside looking in at the Baseball Hall of Fame. What happened to knock him off the road to immortality? Mike and Bill look back at his career to find out.
Plus, happy birthday to Greasy Neale and Bill Bruton!
Mike got an unexpected opportunity to attend a World Series game this week, so we're going back to this time of year in 2020 for this week's episode. When relations between the United States and Japan broke down in the prelude to WWII, no one was more despondent than Lefty O'Doul, who had fallen in love with and become an unlikely icon in the island nation. As the two nations tried to repair their relationship, Lefty was called on 71 years ago this week to begin a goodwill tour with his San Francisco Seals. Mike and Bill recount the life of O'Doul and then special guest Yuriko Gamo Romer, of Diamond Diplomacy (http://www.diamonddiplomacy.com/), discusses how the tour did, indeed, begin to heal old wounds. Plus, happy birthday to Smoky Joe Wood and Roy Smalley III!
The most important hit in Blue Jays history came 30 years ago this week when Joe Carter launched a walk-off three run home run down the left field line off of embattled Phillies reliever Mitch Williams in Game 6 of the World Series. It remains one of just two home runs that have ever ended a Fall Classic, and an indelible moment that came to define '90s baseball almost as much as Kirk Gibson's defined the '80s. Mike and Bill go through the long roads two very likable clubs (at the time, at least) took to get to this historic moment.
He was supposed to be too injured to run. But you don't need to run when you hit a baseball as far as Kirk Gibson did 35 years ago this week, when he hit a flat-footed pinch-hit, walk off home run against the most dominant pitcher and team in baseball, setting the stage for a tremendous World Series upset. Mike and Bill talk all about that moment, the series that surrounded it, and how the two clubs got there as they revisit one of the most vivid memories of their childhoods.
Plus, happy birthday to Moose Haas and Mel Harder!
If the foul pop off Luis Castillo's bat in Game 6 of the NLCS had landed a foot either way, the life of one ordinary Cubs fan would have remained anonymous and thoroughly normal. Instead, 20 years ago this week, that fan was thrust into a maelstrom of controversy he didn't deserve when the Marlins took advantage and staged a massive comeback at Wrigley Field with the help of several culprits on the Cubs, all far more culpable than Steve Bartman ever could have been. Mike and Bill look back at the Marlins' surprising run to the National League pennant and decide exactly who should have gotten the scorn that was unfairly heaped on a guy who only ever wanted to watch his favorite team get to the World Series.
Plus, happy birthday to Brian Downing and Doc Crandall!
120 years ago this week, Barney Dreyfuss's big idea came to fruition, as his Pirates took on the Boston Americans from the upstart American League to try to prove the NL's dominance. But a funny thing happened, as the Junior Circuit champs would turn the tables and legitimize the new enterprise with an underdog victory. How would they do it? Listen to this episode, and to Mike and Bill hilariously try to pronounce Deacon Phillippe's last name to find out.
Plus, happy birthday to Jeff Reardon and Eddie Guardado!
In honor of two great ballplayers who have fallen in the past week, Mike and Bill re-release portions of episodes 253 and 162, which catalogue the lives of the great Brooks Robinson and TIm Wakefield
He looked, according to so many, like a choir boy. But on a pitcher's mound, with a ball in his hand, Orel Hershiser became Tommy Lasorda's bulldog. And his bite was never stronger than it was 35 years ago this week, as he finished off his record-setting 59 consecutive scoreless innings streak to set a new standard for dominance that has yet to be matched. Mike and Bill look back at one of the finest pitching performances of all time and see how Hershiser combined exceptional pitching with exceptional luck to reach this seemingly impossible height.
Plus, happy birthday to Kevin Millar and Larry Dierker!
Has there ever been a player as inextricably linked to his team as Ernie Banks was to the Chicago Cubs? Perhaps not. That beautiful, tragic relationship began 70 years ago this week when Banks suited up for the first time for the team he'd come to represent as Mr. Cub, the first black player to play for the Northsiders. Mike and Bill go back through the bifurcated career of one of baseball's best shortstops and, due to injury, one of its most average first basemen.
Plus, happy birthday to Ezra Sutton and Harvey Haddix!
It remains hard, at times to be brothers. We covered that back in January with a set of siblings who fell well short of their illustrious kin. But there are still so many bad (or just mediocre) brothers out there! So Mike and Bill go back to the well to find more stories of those who just never could measure up. On this anniversary of Larry Yount not actually throwing a pitch in his one and only game, get ready for Cansecos, Boyers, Torres, O'Connors, Delahantys and, yes, Younts.
Plus, happy birthday to Stan Lopata and Ted Kluszewski!
When is a no-hitter not a no-hitter? When Fay Vincent decided, 32 years ago this week, that it shouldn't be. Specifically, he decreed that any no-hitters shorter than nine full innings or that was broken up after the ninth no longer counted, consigning 50 no-hitters to the dustbin of history. That's where Mike and Bill found them in this re-run from 2020, polished them up, and presented them for your enjoyment. Plus, happy birthday to Tug McGraw and Ed Konetchy!
50 years ago this week, the Mets lost and fell back into the cellar in the National League East. Five short weeks later, they would finish the season at the top. And then, shortly thereafter, facing the A's in the World Series. Mike and Bill look back at one of the most remarkable and unlikely comebacks of all time, and just how the Mets turned a joke of a slogan into the rallying cry of all rallying cries.
Plus, happy birthday to Bing Miller and Ernie Broglio!
The Joker thinks all it takes to turn a good man bad is one bad day. And, in the eyes of many baseball fans, that's what happened to Juan Marichal 58 years ago this week when he attacked Dodgers catcher Johnny Roseboro with his bat. But this incident was so much more complicated than a hotheaded ballplayer losing control, and Marichal's exceptional career cannot fairly be boiled down to his worst day. Mike and Bill detail the life of The Dominican Dandy to explain why.
Plus, happy birthday to Julio Franco and Kal Daniels!
Ray Chapman was the toast of Cleveland, until 103 years ago this week, when his life was tragically cut short by a Carl Mays fastball that crushed in his skull. Mike and Bill go through the lives of the star-crossed pair who would become forever linked in the history of the game, and the ramifications of Chapman's death on his city, his team, his family, and his killer. Plus, happy birthday to Baby Doll Jacobson and Tiny Bonham.
It's hard enough to lose when you straight up get beat on the field. But when circumstances conspire to prevent you from even being able too compete? That's especially frustrating. That's what happened to the Dodgers 28 years ago this week, when a misguided promotion, questionable umpiring, and a mob mentality led to the last forfeit in baseball history to date. Mike and Bill take that as the impetus to look back at the only five games that have been forfeited since 1954, and the wild and disparate circumstances that led to their early conclusions.
Plus, happy birthday to Bob Horner and Andy Messersmith!
As hard as it might be to believe in 2023 (he says with the sarcasm dripping in his voice) there once was a time when New York City was not particularly pleased with its two representatives in the American and National Leagues. In the early '90s, as Chris Donnelly (@cdonnelly81) chronicles in his book Road to Nowhere, both the Mets and the Yankees had hit the skids. But their paths from there diverged over the next few years, and Chris tells Mike and Bill all about how one team managed to recover while the other languished.
Plus, happy birthday to Rod Beck and Doug Rader!
Unlikely as it seemed seven years ago, here we are at episode 300. And to celebrate, Mike and Bill and Mike Duncan present a special interview from the recently completed SABR convention with the great Mike Veeck, the son of Bill Veeck, owner of the St. Paul Saints and Charleston River Dogs, business doer, book writer, fun haver, and family man. Look for him later this year playing his father in the Netflix documentary The Saint of Second Chances but, before that, listen to him here as he talks about his amazing life and career in baseball.
In their second installment from this year's SABR Convention in Chicago, Mike and Bill talked to a couple people you're familiar with if you've listened to the podcast. Dan Levitt (@dlevs1), co-author of Intentional Balk: Baseball's Thin Line Between Innovation and Cheating returns to talk about how owners and GMs consistently circumvented the rules to keep promising players from winding up on the rosters of other big league clubs in the early part of the 20th century. Then, Sports Reference's Director of Product and unofficial (and unpaid) TWIBHistory Research Assistant Adam Darowski (@baseballtwit) talks about the Negro Leagues Are Major Leagues initiative 2 years after it was announced and his own incredible research into the 25th Infantry Wreckers, the best team you've never heard of and the players from it that went on to make the Kansas City Monarchs legendary.
Once again, Mike and Bill join forces with Mike Duncan to talk to some of the most exciting people at the SABR convention. This year, we kick off with Kat Williams, professor, historian, author, President of the International Women’s Baseball Center, and consultant for the Amazon Prime series A League of Their Own. After talking with her about her journey, her connection to Maybelle Blair, and the future of women's baseball, they speak to someone who is part of that future. Katie Krall, Senior Product Manager for Baseball Strategy at Hawk-Eye Innovations, former member of the Reds and Red Sox front offices, and the first woman to coach on the field at the AA level talks about her training, love of the game, how stories are imperative to communicating with players, and how we get more women into the game on the field and in the executive suite.
The All American Girls Professional Baseball League gave women an unprecedented chance to organize and play professional baseball. But, as special guest Frankie de la Cretaz (@thefrankiedlc) points out, it also worked to obscure its queer players with rigid "femininity standards" and rules against fraternization. Using obituaries and an amazingly timed interview, Frankie was able to recover some of that lost history before it's gone forever, and discusses it with Mike and Bill. Also, happy birthday to George Cuppy and Lance Johnson.
With the White Sox threatening to leave the Windy City and abscond to Tampa if they didn't get a new stadium 35 years ago this week, and with the Illinois legislative session winding down to the end of its session and the funding bill a few votes short, he weirdest thing happened. Time, on (and only on) the floor of the state legislature, stopped for three whole minutes, giving the Governor and House Majority Leader time to rally the support necessary to pass the bill. In honor of this miracle, of sorts, Mike and Bill look back at the history of the original Comiskey Park, and the hijinks that ultimately led to its replacement.
Plus, happy birthday to Alejandro Peña and Howie Pollett!
What are the odds of a coin flip coming up heads 12 times in a row. Seriously, we're asking. Because we're not good at math. But it's pretty darn unlikely. So what are the chances of a team essentially doing that, getting 12 straight hits? Probably even less likely. But this week, 93 years ago, the Brooklyn Robins did just that too blow a game wide open against the Pirates. Mike and Bill go through the twelve hits and the players involved, marveling at the improbability of this group in particular setting this weird mark.
Plus, happy birthday to Jerry Reuss and Dickie Thon!
Like a binary star system, Goose Goslin and Heine Manush kept circling each other throughout their careers, but probably never moreso than when the Browns sent Manush and General Crowder to the Senators 93 years ago this week for Goslin. Mike and Bill look back at the surprisingly intertwined lives of two Hall of Fame outfielders.
Plus, happy birthday to Charlie Hollocher and Ernie Whitt!
With Bill sidelined this week, Mike talks to comedian, improvisor and actor Greg Proops about growing up as a Giants fan in San Francisco in the 1960s and 70s. Mays! Marichal! McCovey! And Alous galore! And, of course, the mystery that was Candlestick Park.
Plus, happy birthday to Billy Hunter!
We've talked about Babe Ruth before, but not about the end. This episode covers the Babe from 1933--right after his last championship and maybe most famous moment--through the end of his career and way-too-short life. Also, happy birthday to Carlos Zambrano and Bill Doran!
By any objective measure, Mickey Cochrane is one of the greatest players in the history of baseball, despite his career ending prematurely 81 years ago this week, when his skull was fractured by an errant Bump Hadley fastball. In this classic episode from 2018, Mike and Bill look at Cochrane's life and career, and the tragic incident that cut short both his playing and managerial career, and threatened his life. Also, happy birthday to Augie Galan and Kent Hrbek!
Since almost the beginning of baseball, they have been there, perched atop the domes of American athletes. The hat. The cap. The lid. But it wasn't always thus, and it wasn't always the caps we see on the field today. Special guest Michael Clair (@michaelsclair), of MLB.com, joins Mike and Bill to talk about his recent article, The Long Strange History of the Baseball Cap, and about how ballplayers' oldest accessory (other than the bat itself) was introduced and changed over time.
Plus, happy birthday to Jim Sundberg and Barry Zito!
Vida Blue was, for a moment, the best pitcher in the world, and then carved out an excellent career beyond that. With his recent passing, Mike and Bill explore the surprisingly contentious career of one of 1970s greatest pitchers, and how his battles with Charlie Finley directed much of his career.
Plus, happy birthday to Steve Braun and Claude Raymond!
With the podcast coming up on Episode 300 and Mike in an existential pit of terribleness this week, we're re-running our joyous and celebratory 200th episode, in which we tell the story of the great Harmon Killebrew, and are joined by actual baseball legends Carlos Baerga, Jerry Reuss, Willie Wilson, Gary Matthews Sr, and Fred Lynn.
Losing streaks are no fun. So are slow starts. And when you combine them, and the go on for nearly a month? Well, that's about the worst thing ever, as the Baltimore Orioles discovered 35 years ago this week, when they completed their record-settingly pathetic 21 game losing streak to open the 1988 season. Just how can a team go so wrong? Mike and Bill volunteer to sift through the ashes and find out.
Plus, happy birthday to Dolph Camilli and Sal Maglie!
When picking what milestone to celebrate this week, Mike and Bill were torn between Mike Schmidt's 4 homer game 47 years ago and Mike Schmidt's 500th homer 36 years ago this week. So they just decided to do both, and look back at the life and career of the man who is indisputedly the greatest third baseman in baseball history.
Plus, happy birthday to Heavy Johnson and Aaron Pointer!
Yogi Berra had many fine qualities, but acting was not really one of them, as fans of General Hospital found out 60 years ago this week, when the Yankee great cameoed as Dr. Lawrence Berra, brain surgeon. Still, it made Mike and Bill wonder about the unexpected pop culture drop ins by ballplayers. Among their other favorites, Joe DiMaggio, Reggie Jackson, Johnny Bench, Wally Moon, and Ken Griffey Jr.
Plus, happy birthday to Doc White and Johnny Antonelli!
This year is the 100th anniversary of the opening of Yankee Stadium, which Babe Ruth did not build, but absolutely helped fund with his mammoth home runs. While it's been gone since 2008, CBS Sports's Dayn Perry (@daynperry) took the opportunity to remember, with impressive detail in his article "Old Yankee Stadium's Rise and Fall," the history that was made there, both on and off the diamond, and took a grateful Mike and Bill along for the ride.
Plus, happy birthday to Guy Hecker and Bobby Avila!
One of the best pitchers of the 1990s, David Cone barely gets mentioned today unless he's in a broadcast booth. But for a while, he looked to be on a Hall of Fame track. On the 36th anniversary of his trade to the Mets, Mike and Bill look back at what happened and try to figure out why a his career has been essentially forgotten after only a couple decades.
Plus, happy birthday to Bill Zuber and Kevin Seitzer!
It's one of the most famous pitches ever, even though it officially never happened, and didn't even appear in a game that would have counted. A Randy Johnson fastball that, at just the wrong time and just the wrong place, collided with a mourning dove in Tuscon, Arizona, that exploded in a puff of feathers 22 years ago this week. Zach Buchanan (@ZHBuchanan)'s oral history of this moment is the most definitive and entertaining account of the game and pitch that we could ask for, and Zach joins Mike this week to talk about the pitch, the context behind it, and his article.
Plus, happy birthday to Bill Wambsganns!
Perhaps the greatest father/son pitching duo in baseball history, Luis E. and Luis C. Tiant pitched at least a total of 29 years at the big league level, and an unknown number of other seasons in the Caribbean and for high quality barnstormers. While they could not be more different on the mound, they were both exceptional, as the St. Louis Cardinals found out 87 years ago last week (we're a week late with this episode), when Luis Sr. beat them in Cuba in an exhibition contest. Mike and Bill look back at the long and exceptional career of two pitching geniuses, neither of whom are given nearly enough credit today.
Plus, happy birthday to Johnny Callison and Elmer Valo!
Few, if any, non-players have had a bigger impact on the game of baseball than Marvin Miller, the legendary head of the MLB Players Association, who was elected to his position at the head of the union 57 years ago this week. With the help of Fangraphs senior writer Jay Jaffe (@Jay_Jaffe), Mike and Bill look back at his life and accomplishments, as well as players' unsuccessful efforts to organize before Miller taught them how. Then MLB.com's Michael Clair (@michaelsclair) stops by to help wish Kent Tekulve and Joe Carter happy birthdays.
Pie Traynor was widely regarded in his time, and for long after it, as the best third baseman in baseball history and earned the honor, 75 years ago this week, of being the first third baseman elected to Cooperstown by the BBWAA. Yet, today he is largely forgotten and mocked as one of the least deserving members of the Hall of Fame. Why? What are we missing? Mike and Bill look back at a remarkably consistent career to try and figure it out.
Plus, happy birthday to Kelly Gruber and Johnny Blanchard!
The '60s were such a great time for the counterculture. For people rebelling against injustice, prejudice, and war. But Denny McLain didn't care about any of that. He was just kind of a jerk. And 53 years ago this week, he was suspended by Bowie Kuhn for helping fund an illegal sports book operation. How did he get involved in such a shady operation, how did that lead to the downfall of baseball's last 30 game winner, and what exactly was his problem anyway? Mike and Bill look back on a life and talent that seems largely wasted.
Plus, happy birthday to far more productive members of society Dick Siebert and Tommy Henrich!
In 1946, 77 years ago this week, Edith Houghton walked into the Phillies office with a binder of press clippings and asked for a job. Team owner Bob Montgomery reportedly hired her on the spot, making her the first professional scout in Major League history who also was a woman. Mike and Bill welcome special guest Meg Rowley (@megrowler) of Fangraphs to discuss Houghton's life and career, how women's history in baseball is still a neglected area of study, and how the role of women in the game today is slowly, but steadily, expanding.
Plus, happy birthday to Roger Craig and Bill Pecota!
When the American League declared war on the National, it caused all kinds of chaos. Dissatisfied and underpaid players like Napoleon Lajoie abruptly switched leagues, as Nap did 122 years ago this week. But, while the most prominent, Lajoie was far from the only jumper. Mike and Bill dig through those who took a leap of faith to see what teams landed big fish and which shouldn't have even bothered making the effort.
Plus, happy birthday to Don Hoak and Max Flack!
Perhaps no one shaped the public perception of baseball as America's pastime more than Albert Goodwill Spalding. Pitcher, team executive, owner, tycoon, politician and pseudo-historian, there wasn't anything on which Spalding tried to leave his mark. That mark is still visible in many ways today, including on the balls themselves used by Major League Baseball, manufactured by his namesake company, which was founded 147 years ago this week. Mike and Bill look back in awe at everything Spalding managed to accomplish, for better or for worse, in his globe-spanning life.
Plus, happy birthday to Wilson Redus and Bob Ferguson!
After two straight weeks mentioning Sal Bando and his brother Chris, Mike and Bill were alarmed to find out that Bando passed away. They're pretty sure it's a coincidence. Nevertheless, one of the most underrated players of all time deserves an episode discussing his life and his place as one of the central players of the 1970s. And also, it might soothe any vengeful spirits to say nice things about him.
Plus, happy birthday to Chico Carrasquel and Mike Caldwell!
Sometimes it's hard being brothers. It's even harder being brothers when you're the black sheep of the family. The guy who has to watch his sibling, who shares so much of your DNA, exceeds all your wildest hopes and dreams while you're left behind. Not that we're speaking from experience or anything. But, after he signed with the Giants 116 years ago this week, Henry Mathewson could probably tell us all what it felt like. Taking inspiration from Christy's kid brother, Mike and Bill look back at six siblings who failed to live up to their family name.
Plus, happy birthday to Steve Balboni and Mike Lieberthal!
Who cares who the best team of all time is? We want to know who the most dominant is. What team didn't just defeat their competition, but routed and embarrased them? Mike and Bill turn to special guests Steven Goldman (@gostevengoldman) and Rob Mains (@cran_boy) to answer this question, since their fantastic series of articles for Baseball Prospectus this offseason is trying too uncover just that.
Plus, happy birthday to Sonny Siebert and Walker Cooper!
The last of the legal spitballers, Burleigh Grimes moistily made his way toward the Hall of Fame 104 years ago this week when he was traded from the Pittsburgh Pirates to the Brooklyn Robins. He would immediately take to his new team and become one of the best pitchers in the National League. Mike and Bill look back at the long, conflict-filled career that ushered out baseball's wetter, grosser past.
Plus happy birthday to Webster McDonald and Luis Sojo!
Shrouded by time, the Union Association has gone almost ignored by baseball historians in recent years, dismissed as an inferior league that doesn't belong in the same ballpark as the American, National, or even the Federal Leagues. But, as special guest Justin McKinney shows in his new book, Baseballl's Union Association: The Short, Strange Life of a 19th Century Major League, that doesn't matter as much as what the league and the men who made it up can teach us about the game's early history and the lengths the National League and American Association would go to make sure they were the only games in town.
Plus, happy birthday to Cecil Cooper and Zoilo Versalles!
We have entire websites and a whole industry devoted to reselling tickets these days. But in 1920, Rube Marquard was arrested for trying to scalp his World Series tickets to an undercover cop. Marquard's arrest would lead to his trade from Brooklyn 102 years ago this week. Mike and Bill take the opportunity to look back on the surprisingly scandal-filled life of one oof the Hall of Fame's least effective players.
Plus, happy birthday to Bill Nicholson and Ken Hill!
With Gaylord Perry's passing last week, Mike and Bill are reposting their profile of the big righthander from 2019, on the 37th anniversary of the only day he was ejected for doctoring the baseball. RIP to one of the greatest pitchers and characters in baseball history!
Plus, happy birthday to Dick Donovan and Shano Collins!
Perhaps more than any other sport, baseball is a game that seems to have cultivated weirdos. It's a home for people who probably wouldn't fit in anywhere else. Maybe the weirdest of those is Turk Wendell, who signed a three year, $9,999,999.99 contract with the Mets 22 years ago this week. Mike and Bill use this as an excuse to talk about him and several of their other favorite weirdos from the annals of baseball history.
Plus, happy birthday to Mike Scioscia and Wayne Garrett!
When they moved to Atlanta, the Braves decided to leave some things behind in Milwaukee. Their stadium. Their loyal fans. And the greatest pitcher in team history to that point, Warren Spahn. Like an old sofa, he was left on the sidewalk and picked up by the Mets 58 years ago this week, ending an incredible era of Braves baseball. Would the old lefty have anything left in the tank and make his old club rue the day? Mike and Bill look back on Spahn's life and career to find out.
Plus, happy birthday to Dick Bartell and Leon Cadore!
As the most electrifying pitcher in baseball at the time, the trade of Pedro Martinez from the Expos to the Red Sox overshadowed everything else 25 years ago this week, including an expansion draft. Pedro was simply too exquisite to be adequately captured in words, but Mike and Bill have decided to try.
Plus, happy birthday to Johnny Kling and Jimmie Piersall
With Mike sidelined this week, please enjoy this classic episode of TWIB History. From its founding in 1939 through 1973, Little League Baseball refused to let girls play, and was deeply and intransigently committed to that position until a New Jersey court decision forced them to relent only 46 years ago this week. Mike and Bill look back on the history of women and girls playing baseball prior to that decision and the suit that forced Little League Baseball to welcome girls. They are also joined by Dr. Justine Siegal (@justinebaseball) of Baseball For All to discuss her journey as a player, coach, and advocate for girls to have access to the game. Plus, happy birthday to Dwight Evans and Edgardo Alfonzo.
Everything ends, but some things end better than others. The way the Oakland A's dynasty of the 1970s ended was one of those others. At the request of a patron, Mike and Bill look back at how everything finally fell apart for good 46 years ago this week, and fight over who was responsible for that.
Plus, happy birthday to Joe Adcock and Mark Portugal!
Despite its name, the World Series was purely an American affair 89 times in a row, until the Toronto Blue Jays won the AL pennant and beat the Braves 30 years ago this week to take the trophy back home to Canada. How did they doo it? Mike and Bill talk about how the team was built, their exceptional regular season performance, and the team effort that won them the championship.
Plus, happy birthday to Patsy Dougherty and Rafael Belliard!
One of the greatest relievers of his day, Bruce Sutter also was a pioneer who helped turn the split-fingered fastball into the pitch of the '80s. As we mourn his passing, Mike and Bill look back on one of the most unlikely Hall of Fame careers there is.
Plus, happy birthday to Tim McCarver and Boom Boom Beck
It's not often you get straight up one-for-one trades. It's even less often that you get one that works out as designed for both teams, but that's what happened 75 years ago this week when the Yankees traded future Hall of Famer Joe Gordon for future ace Allie Reynolds. Both would be huge factors in the championship ambitions of their new teams, as Mike and Bill find out, and important to the burgeoning efforts of the American League to welcome players of color.
Plus, happy birthday to Freddie Patek and José Valentín!
Mike is traveling this week and Bill was too busy to scrounge up a Bud, so instead we're taking you all the way back to 2017, to an episode that in turn takes you allllllll the way back to 1967, covering the exciting four-way pennant race among the Sox of both colors, the Tigers and the Twins. Enjoy, and talk to you again next week!
The list of players who transformed the way the game was played is a short one, but one of those few left us last week when Maury Wills passed away. Mike and Bill look back at a player whose impact on baseball lasted for decades after he finished playing.
Plus, happy birthday to Whitey Witt and Glenn Hubbard!
On the 59th anniversary of the final game played there, Mike and Bill look back at the long and exciting history of the Polo Grounds (or Polo Groundeses, given all the different sites and constructions that ultimately were hung with the name).
Plus, happy birthday to Sam Bankhead and Dick Dietz!
Before getting back into more traditional episodes next week, Mike and Bill talk to @gostevengoldman about his new book, Baseball's Brief Lives, an enthusiastic recounting of the lives and careers of 100 of baseball's best, worst and most meh players. Mike, Bill and Steve all believe that every ballplayer's story is worth telling, because they often tell us something about our own lives, even if it's just that we're not eating enough spinach.
Plus, happy birthday to Dave Roberts (the pitcher) and Spud Chandler!
If you ain't cheating, then you ain't tryin', as they say. Or at least that's what special guests Mark Armour (@MarkArmour04) and Dan Levitt (@dlevs1) say that they say in their new comprehensive book of extra-legal baseball behavior, Intentional Balk. It's a great conversation about what constitutes cheating, how far teams and players will go to get an edge, and how often they get away with it.
Plus, happy birthday to Ken Harrelson and Al Orth!
In the final dispatch from SABR in Baltimore, Mikes Bates and Duncan (@mikeduncan) and Bill talk to a plethora of old and new friends about how baseball can help those living with dementia, pitch tracking systems, The World Baseball Classic, Home Run Derby X, conventions past, and how SABR is keeping our world safe from zombie Hall of Famers.
Our guests include @HubbardJeff, @JohnnyAsel, @lizroscher, @nj_baseball, @michaelsclair and @buckweaver.
This episode powered by Stathead.com. Use code HISTORY to get 25% off.
In their third dispatch from SABR, Mike and Bill and Mike Duncan (@mikeduncan) talk with two guests who have shaped the way untold numbers of fans have viewed the history of baseball. First, they talk with the great Rob Neyer (@robneyer), co-author of the Dale Scott autobiography "The Umpire Is Out," whose work popularizing sabermetrics continues to influence baseball and baseball writing today. Then Senior Curator of the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum (@baseballhall) talks about having the coolest job in the world and presenting the game's history to the public.
This episode is powered by Stathead.com. Use code HISTORY to get 25 percent off.
Some people podcast about history. Some people witness it. Melissa Ludtke (@MelissaLudtke) made it happen, successfully fighting back against Bowie Kuhn and Major League Baseball to ensure women in journalism could be on equal footing with male sportswriters. Mike, Bill and Mike Duncan (@MikeDuncan) talk with her about that experience, about the importance of representation for women in baseball, and about the book she is working on.
This episode is powered by Stathead. Go to Stathead.com and use code HISTORY to get 25% off.
For the first time, and with the help of podcasting superstar Mike Duncan of The History of Rome and Revolutions, TWIBHistory is presenting interviews with some of the most interesting and insightful people in Baltimore for SABR50. In the first of four episodes we're calling SABR Pirate Radio, Mike and Bill are joined by SABR's Director of Editorial Content Jacob Pomrenke (@buckweaver), Senior Data Engineer for the Minnesota Twins Hans Van Slooten (@cantpitch), and the creator and owner of Baseball Reference, Sean Forman (@sean_forman). Stay tuned this week and next for more great interviews from the halls of the SABR convention!
This episode powered by Stathead.com. Use code HISTORY for 25 percent off.
There have been several attempts to break into the monopoly that has traditionally been considered major league baseball, but no one has had much success for more than a season. But that's not to say the attempts were futile. In fact, 63 years aago this week, as the Continental League named Branch Rickey its first and only president, it started a chain of events that led to the first expansion of ther American or National League since the 19th century. Mike and Bill dig through the league's origins and accomplishments, even as it failed to play a single game.
Plus, happy birthday to Gene Woodling and Mark Gubicza!
For 67 years, Vin Scully was interwoven with the fabric of baseball, serving as one of its most prominent, if soothing, voices and perhaps as its soul. As they mourn the loss of probably the greatest broadcaster in baseball history, Mike and Bill look back at the great man's long and, often, sad life, finding inspiration in his commitment to his family and his faith in the face of tragedy.
Plus, happy birthday to Steve Kemp and Buddy Lewis!
In a trade that's become a punchline almost since it was completed, 25 years ago this week the Mariners sent Jason Varitek and Derek Lowe to the Red Sox for Heathcliff Slocumb. But was the trade actually so lopsided? Or did the M's get exactly what they bargained for? Mike and Bill look back at what led to one of the best trades in Boston history and its aftermath.
Plus, happy birthday to Tom Burgmeier and Art Nehf.
This episode is powered by Stathead.com.
The first official All Star Game took place in 1933, but 22 years before that, and 111 years ago this week, the Cleveland Naps played a collection of the American League's best in an exhibition to benefit the family of Addie Joss. Joss, one of the best pitchers in the very short history of the American League, had just passed away suddenly and tragically at the age of 31. Mike and Bill look bat at his too short life and career to find why everybody seemed to love the Cleveland ace.
Plus, happy birthday to Jack Clements and Don Wert!
While Mike is on vacation, Bill digs into the 1979 All Star Game and Dave Parker's game saving throws.
Plus, happy birthday to Bobby Thigpen and Sparky Lyle.
This episode sponsored by Stathead.
As Mike and Bill get ready for SABR 50 in Baltimore, they look back at one of the greatest players in the city's storied history, Brooks Robinson. 62 years ago this week, the greatest fielding third baseman in history became the first Oriole to hit for the cycle.
Plus, happy birthday to Bob Allison and Hal McRae!
Bill's on vacation, so Mike takes the opportunity to celebrate the 47th anniversary of the 5th SABR conference to talk to our old friend Jacob Pomrenke (@buckweaver) about his work with SABR, and the upcoming 50th "annual" convention in Baltimore in August.
Plus, happy birthday to George Cuppy (again) and Frank Tanana!
Billy Williams is too often forgot about today as one of the great stars of the Sixties and early Seventies, but he set the National League mark for consecutive games played 53 years ago this week in the midst of a brilliant doubleheader. Why is he overlooked and what made him such a beloved star in Chicago? Mike and Bill look back on a storied career no one talks enough about.
Plus, happy birthday to Jeff Conine and Debs Garms!
It's not often that the record book gets updated when nobody does anything on the field, but 23 years ago this week, Hack Wilson gained an RBI on his record breaking 1930 total, going from 190 to 191 RBI. Mike and Bill look back on oone of the great short peak players of all time, and recount the sad story of his downfall, and the weird one of him getting an extra ribbie 50 years after his death.
Plus, happy birthday to Duane Kuiper and Jim Deshaies!
Mike and Bill's plan for the week fell through, but they had a bunch of stuff ready to go anyway. So.....short episode! Happy birthday to Andres Galarraga and Russ Ortiz!
Bernard Malamud's iconic novel The Natural has many inspirations, but its most iconic may be the shooting of Roy Hobbs. The inspiration for it occurred 70 years ago this week, when Eddie Waitkus was gunned down in his hotel by an obsessive fan. We go through the life of Waitkus, the tragic shooting that changed everything, its aftermath for both victim and perpetrator, and the seminal work it inspired. Plus, happy birthday to Dusty Baker and Dave Cash!
Called by many the greatest baseball writer of all time, Roger Angell wrote enough about the game in just the second half of his life to fill four lifetimes, and virtually all of it gold. Mike and Bill look back at a life well lived and written.
Plus, happy birthday to Charlie Hayes and Ken McMullen!
He was our nation's most unpleasant president until recently, but it turned out that Richard M Nixon was far worse than anyone ever suspected. He was a Mets fan. With special guest Richard Staff (@RichardStaff), Mike and Bill talk about just what kind of poor, sick bastard chooses to root for the Mets as an adult, and why. Plus, happy birthday to Ed Morgan and Chester Williams.
It's another week where we have to make a go of it without Mike--or at least, without the Mike you're used to. Bill welcomes in friend of the podcast and the podcasters, Michael Baumann, to talk about one of his passions, and one thing we really haven't talked much about at all here--NCAA basesball! Give it a listen.
Due to personal conflicts, it's a rerun this week on the 70th anniversary of the Dodgers reaching base 19 straight times against the Reds.
In the long history of baseball, it's only happened twice that pitchers on opposing teams no-hit one another's clubs in back-to-back games, but the second one happened 53 years ago this week when Jim Maloney and Don Wilson authored brilliant no-nos against the Astros and Reds, respectively. Mike and Bill look back at two of the forgotten star hurlers of the 1960s, and on their very weird dual accomplishment.
Plus, happy birthday to Larry Andersen and Heine Meine!
It was 91 years ago when Wes Ferrell no-hit the Browns while providing almost all of his team's offense. In honor of that, Mike and Bill look back at one of the most underrated players of the early 20th century.
Plus, happy birthday to Red Lucas and Harry Harper!
It was an iconic trade that occured two days before the start of the regular season, 62 years ago this week as Cleveland sent beloved star and home run champ Rocky Colavito to Detroit for batting champ Harvey Kuenn. Did it work out? Well, for one of them, maybe.
Plus, happy birthday to Charlie Ferguson and Harry Coveleski!
Perhaps there is no more important anniversary in baseball history than Jackie Robinson signing and debuting with the Dodgers, reintegrating the National League 75 years ago this week. Mike and Bill go through the first two seasons of Jackie's career in the Dodgers organization and the often harrowing life he was forced into. Plus, happy birthday to Lee Lacy and Frank Lary.
We've talked about how the DH came about before, but not about what happened after it. So, this week, as the National League prepares to debut the DH, and on the 49th anniversary of Ron Blomberg becoming the first DH, Mike and Bill look back at his career and how the "position" has evolved.
Plus, happy birthday to Henry McHenry and Turk Farrell.
Twenty-six years ago this week, the A's opened at "home" in Las Vegas in front of just 7300 fans. It was an underwhelming experience to say the least. But sports fandom has become complicated by many such disappointments, as Mike and Bill discuss with special guest Craig Calcaterra, author of Rethinking Fandom, who talks about how fans can still fight back against the contemptuous sports industrial complex.
Plus, happy birthday to Vic Harris and George Van Haltren.
Mike returns to talk with Bill about his absence, his son Charlie, and the future of TWIBHistory.
Plus, happy birthday to Stan Spence and Ramon J. Martinez.
Bill is joined by Jay Jaffe (Fangraphs, The Cooperstown Casebook) to chat about two all-time greats who made notable Spring Training debuts this week, and Jay's team of choice, the 1981 Dodgers. Plus, happy birthday to Charlie Root!
Our so-well-named "Bill and a Bud" series continues with now a very familiar voice on this podcast, the great Steve Goldman (Baseball Prospectus, The Infinite Inning podcast). We talk about two Hall of Fame selectees from this week in history, Hack Wilson and Casey Stengel, and one weird game they have in common, plus the Players' League of 1890 and what the players and owners might learn from a thing that happened over 130 years ago. Also, happy birthday to (me and) Darryl Strawberry!
Now with the right file! For the next few weeks (or that's currently the plan), we'll be bringing you episodes that are a bit different, as Bill and one of our favorite past guests have more-casual-than-usual chats that may or may not focus on events from this week in history. This week, Bill and author and podcaster Mike Duncan talk a bit about Larry Doby (who was selected for the Hall of Fame this week in 1998), then a lot about the 2021 Mariners and Mike's article on the same for Baseball Prospectus. Also, happy birthday to Terry Steinbach!
In another rerun, as we near the end of Black History Month, Bill takes us back to three years ago this week, when we discussed Major League Baseball's first Black umpire. New stuff next week, almost guaranteed! Original description: We know that, even after Jackie Robinson's debut, Major League Baseball didn't integrate all at once. In fact, one of the last groups to integrate were the umpires, when Emmett Ashford took the field for the first time, 53 years ago this week(ish). Mike and Bill look back at his life and career, describe his distinctive style, talk about the barriers and prejudice he face, and ponder whether MLB has done enough to secure his legacy. Also, happy birthday to Tim Burke and Elston Howard!
Bill's back again with a classic from the archives. Original description: On February 7, 1898, St. Louis Browns owner Chris von der Ahe left to dine at a local hotel. He never arrived, instead spirited away to Pittsburgh. Mike looks at von der Ahe's strange and inspiring life from his early days as a German immigrant to his kidnapping/arrest to his ultimate downfall. It's a story of inspiration and hubris that wound up shaping the early history of the professional game. Also, happy birthday to Mookie Wilson and Dan Quisenberry!
If you haven't heard the sad news, please check out the first few minutes, when Bill explains why we had to go back to our episode from three years ago this week, on the life and career (and the Twins' mistreatment) of Rod Carew. Bill, at least, will be back next week, with...something! All the best, everyone.
Criminally underappreciated in their lifetimes, Martín Dihigo and Pop Lloyd both have solid claims to the title of best player in the first half of the 20th century. But they remain a mystery to most baseball fans in the 21st. Mike and Bill look back at two of the greatest to ever take the field and how universally regarded they were by black and white peers who played with and against them. Plus, happy birthday to Willie Kamm and Lee Thomas!
Deion Sanders was one of the greatest, and most controversial athletes of the 1990s, one that would frustrate fans of both baseball and football who just wanted him to pick a sport. This week, 28 years ago, Deion won an NFL championship with the 49ers, becoming the first player to appear in a World Series and a Super Bowl. Mike and Bill dissect Neon Deion's bisected career and come away with an appreication for a singular talent. Plus, happy birthday to Sam Jethroe and Bob Nieman!
Mays. Mantle. Snider. The 1950s were so awash in great center fielders, it's become fashionable to overlook Richie Ashburn, who was stuck on a bunch of bad teams despite being a truly deserving Hall of Famer. Sixty-two years ago this week, he was shipped from one cellar dweller to another when the Phils sent him to the Cubs. Mike and Bill talk about what made Ashburn so invisible and why he's still being underappreciated today. Plus, happy birthday to Carl Morton and Darrell Porter!
Rogers Hornsby revolutionized what a middle infielder could be as he became the preeminent slugger of his era in the National League. And, 80 years ago this week, that resulted in him becoming the first player elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame since the museum opened in 1939. Mike and Bill look back at Rajah's illustrious career and why in the world so many clubs were so eager to get rid of him. Plus, happy birthday to Pinky Whitney and Charlie Hough.
With Mike and Bill both on the health and safety protocol list with COVID diagnoses, and Bill having spent much of the last week stuck on I-95 somewhere in Virginia, the boys are forced to rerun an episode from the vault celebrating the amazing life of Roberto Clemente. We'll be back next week with our regular programming. Thanks for your patience!
Called the heart and soul of The Big Red Machine, it was a shock when, 45 years ago this week, Cincinnati traded Tony Pérez to the Montreal Expos, breaking up their dynastic club. Why? Mike and Bill look back at Pérez's career and the changing economic structure that made the Reds think their hand was being forced. Plus, happy birthday to Charlie Blackwell and Art Howe! Later, Jacob Pomrenke (@buckweaver) rejoins the show to talk about the late, great Roland Hemond and his relationship with SABR.
One of the first true greats of the American League, Eddie Collins rivals only Joe Morgan and Rogers Hornsby for the title of best second baseman ever. But, with attendance waning and salaries rising, Connie Mack found he was too valuable to keep 107 years ago this week, when he sold him to the White Sox for $50,000. Mike and Bill look back at the impressively consistent career of Collins, and ponder why, exactly, nobody seemed to like him much. Plus, happy birthday to Pink Hawley and Dick Donovan!
We all know the story of how Jackie Robinson reintegrated the National League. Too often, however, when we tell his story, that's where it stops. Jackie was determined to advocate for people of color in the game and outside of it, and did so 69 years ago this week when he correctly identified the crosstown Yankees as a racist organization. Mike and Bill talk to two guests about this important moment. First, Steven Goldman (@gostevengoldman) talks about the Yankees of this era and their refusal to integrate. Then, Andrea Williams (@andreawillwrite) talks about Jackie's efforts as a political and civil rights icon, and where the game is still failing him. Plus, happy birthday to Reggie Sanders and Dave Righetti!
It was a crazy idea that actually worked. But 80 years ago this week, when Cleveland hired 24 year old Lou Boudreau to serve as a player-manager, the world thought they were nuts. Mike and Bill look back at the career of the unlikely skipper and World Series hero, and at what made him so good in a challenging dual role. Plus, happy birthday to Bobby Mathews and Ben McDonald!
That the Mets have won anything, given their leadership over the last 60 seasons, is amazing. The worst of that leadership rose to prominence 35 years ago this week, as minority owner Fred Wilpon purchased half of the club from The Doubleday Publishing Company. To go through all the nepotism and corruption requires a guide, so Mike and Bill turn to Howard Megdal, author of Wilpon’s Folly: The Story of a Man, his Fortune, and the New York Mets. Plus, happy birthday to Randy Poffo and Mike Garcia!
Just 20 years old, Fernando Valenzuela took the world by storm in 1981, becoming an international superstar and spawning a phenomenon with his screwball. And 40 years ago this week, Fernandomania culminated in both the National League Rookie of the Year and Cy Young Awards, the only time a player has won both in the same season. Mike and Bill look back at that amazing season and Fernando's long subsequent career. Plus, happy birthday to Dick Stuart and Adam Dunn!
It was 20 years ago this week that, with good reason, the World Series made its first foray into November. It was truly a classic series between the Yankees and Diamondbacks that Mike and Bill recount in detail. Plus, happy birthday to Steve Trachsel and Lloyd Moseby!
We are so sorry for the triple posting this week. The extra long episode caused a bunch of havok. This is the definitive version (or what will stand as the definitive version, no matter what) complete with an interview with Sam Gazdziak and a birthday by Andrew Fefer. New audio starts about 1 hour and 10 minutes in.
1968 was a traumatic year for most of the country. It was in Detroit as well, even as the Tigers did their best to bring a broken city back together, on their way to a world championship that they won 53 years ago this week. In response to a patron's request, we look back on how the Tigers flourished in The Year of the Pitcher, and how they managed to prevail against the single best pitcher alive, Bob Gibson. Plus, happy birthday to Sid Fernandez and Dmitri Young!
Bobby Thomson and Ralph Branca became inextricably linked 70 years ago this week when the former turned around a fastball from the latter and hit a three run walkoff homer that completed a Cinderella comeback to the game and season, and gave the Giants the 1951 National League pennant. Mike and Bill look back at both men, their lives, and the moment that they shared, including whether Thomson came by his homer fairly. Plus, happy birthday to Bob Skinner and Wally Moses!
The Orioles of the late '60s and early '70s were one of the best teams in baseball, with a strong and stable rotation that peaked 50 years ago this week when Jim Palmer became the 4th Baltimore starter to win 20 games on the year. Mike and Bill discuss this staff and the epic run that fell just short of winning it all. Plus, happy birthday to Jelly Gardner and Hunky Shaw!
The list of individual players who changed the game of baseball is a very short one. But 102 years ago this week, one of them did something previously thought impossible. When Babe Ruth hit his 28th home run, he ushered in a whole new era of power hitting and changed the course of both the rest of his life and of baseball history. Mike and Bill look back at the early part of the Babe's life, from the streets of Baltimore to the ballpark in Boston, and his first step toward immortality. Plus, happy birthday to Greg Hibbard and Ira Flagstaff!
He is simply Stan the Man. One of the greatest players in the history of the game, and one of the most beloved. And he debuted 80 years ago this week. Mike and Bill give this episode over to his life and legacy, and try to figure out exactly why he was so dang lovable. Also, happy birthday to Luis Castillo (the first one) and Joe Rudi
One of the most underappreciated superstars in baseball history, Minnie Miñoso straddled the pre and post-integration eras. But despite this, and a pro career that spanned seven decades in which he was brought back to get his final big league hit 45 years ago this week at the age of 50, Miñoso has been repeatedly snubbed for the Hall of Fame. Mike and Bill dig into why, and how Miñoso went from being one of the best players in the world to largely overlooked by fans today. Plus, happy birthday to Gene Bearden and Max Bishop!
August trades used to be a big part of how teams would finalize their roster for the postseason. That option no longer exists, but 70 years ago this week, the Yankees made one of the most famous August deals in history when they sent $50,000 and Lew Burdette to the Braves for Johnny Sain, a deal that would ultimately come back to bite them. Mike and Bill look back on the careers of these incredibly similar pitchers and discuss which one of them should probably be in the Hall of Fame.
We shake things up a bit for our 17th Zoom Hangout, switching day and time and length of recording to attract more of you weirdos. And it was a successful experiment. We'll do more of it in the future. In honor of the change, we talk about ballplayers who switched positions and award some prizes.
For years, Johnny Mize was one of the most underrated sluggers in the game, in part because he missed three prime years to the war effort. But his trade to the Yankees 72 years ago this week helped push one of the greatest dynasties of all time to the first of five straight championships. Mike and Bill look back on the slugger's impressive career and how his service almost turned him into a forgotten man.
With Bill unavailable this week, Mike tries an experiment, choosing one game from this week at random from the 20th century to write about. What surprises are in store from August 21st, 1922 as the Browns took on the Athletics? Plus, happy birthday Don "Duffy" Dyer!
Poised to potentially win their first championship, 27 years ago this week, the Montreal Expos were forced to stop playing when all of baseball ground to a halt. Mike and Bill look back at how the team was built, how it almost won, and how it was all torn apart. And they wonder how the story of baseball in Montreal may have been different if they'd been able to complete their season. Plus, happy birthday to Ken Raffensberger and Frank Howard!
Every game Steve Carlton philosophically pitched boiled down, to him, to a game a catch between him and his catcher. It sounds so simple, but Carlton used that recipe to win 329 games and, 35 years ago this week, strike out his 4,000th hitter. Mike and Bill look back on the long and storied career of Carlton, as well as how his devotion to philosophy seemed to turn against him once he lost the magic in his left arm. Plus, happy birthday to Cleon Jones and Gregg Jefferies!
Few players were traded as often, especially at the trade deadline as newly minted Hall of Famer Harold Baines, who was sent from the White Sox to the Rangers for Sammy Sosa and others 23 years ago this week in what future President George W Bush called the biggest mistake of his life. That's a lot to lay on a guy who was pretty dang good for a really long time, Mike and Bill discovered, as they looked back at his illustrious career.
For our latest Zoom Hangout, we are joined by the great Mike Duncan (@mikeduncan) of The History of Rome, The Storm Before the Storm, Revolutions, and the forthcoming biography of the Marquis de Lafayette, Hero of Two Worlds. Mike is an incredibly thoughtful historian and baseball fan who talks to us about the Negro Leagues, producing a history podcast, following baseball from France for the last two years, and living through historic times. Plus, it turns out he's pretty good at trivia.
We don't talk nearly enough about Fred McGriff, one of the most underrated and underappreciated sluggers of the late '80s and early '90s. Mike and Bill rectify that this week on the 28th anniversary of his trade to the Braves for the 1993 stretch drive, and talk about whether he belongs in the Hall of Fame. Plus, happy birthday to Tommy McCarthy and Mike Greenwell!
Proving he was perhaps the best player ever to don the tools of ignorance, Johnny Bench surpassed Yogi Berra 41 years ago this week to hit the most homers ever by a catcher. He's since been surpassed, but there's no denying that The Little General was a peerless leader on the field and a fearsome slugger at the plate. And, this week, Mike and Bill look back at what made him tick. Plus, happy birthday to Lee Meadows and Larry Jansen!
Today, few Hall of Famers are as forgotten in the public imagination as Bill Dickey. One man who probably would've liked to forget him far sooner was Carl Reynolds, the Senators outfielder who the usually subdued Dickey flattened with one sucker punch 89 years ago this week. Mike and Bill look back on both their lives and careers and where they went once the dust cleared. Plus, happy birthday to Bump Hadley and Wally Post!
One of the most successful and controversial managers of all time, Tony La Russa was first hired to manage by the Chicago White Sox 42 years ago this week. Now that he's back where it all started for the 2021 season, Mike and Bill look back on his long and storied career at the helm. Plus, happy birthday to Gus Zernial and Corey Koskie!
Despite winning 373 games, tied for most in NL history, Pete Alexander is often overlooked and underappreciated when people talk about the best pitchers of the early 20th century. 95 years ago this week, the Cubs sent him to St. Louis, setting Pete up to become one of the biggest clutch heroes in World Series history. Mike and Bill look back at what made Pete so great, and the personal demons that brought him down. Plus, happy birthday to Aaron Robinson and Billy Werber!
At an extremely opportune moment, we welcome Sports Reference creator, owner, and president Sean Forman on to discuss Baseball Reference's decision to recognize that the Negro Leagues were the equivalent of their American and National League contemporaries, and the steps they took to make that clear across the site. It's an important step toward correcting the historical record, even if the injustice done to those players can never be rectified. Plus, we give away a bunch of stuff related to the 1965 World Series that wasn't.
The details surrounding the origins of baseball will always be somewhat obscured by the fog of the 180 or so years that have passed since games like town ball and rounders evolved into baseball. But there is one thing we do know. 175 years ago this week, a game was played by the Knickerbockers, a group of New York white collar workers who have as good a claim as anyone to the sport's originator. Mike and Bill talk about what is known about this game and team, and the man who has gotten the credit as the father of baseball, Alexander Cartwright. Plus, happy birthday to Lance Parrish and Bill Bergen!
At first glance, it's a fun story: pitcher throws a no-hitter on LSD 51 years ago this week. It sounds like an underdog, counterculture story from the tail-end of the '60s. And it was, sort of. But it was also, as Mike and Bill recount, just one of many stories in the life of Dock Ellis that eventually led to abuse and tragedy for him and for his family as he descended further into addiction. Meanwhile, Mike also wishes a happy birthday to Bud Harrelson.
For some reason, the first week of June turned out to be a momentous one in the life of Henry Louis Gehrig. It marked the day he replaced Wally Pipp, the day he hit four home runs in a game, and the day he died, 80 years ago this week, in 1941. Mike and Bill sort through the short but impactful life of Laruppin' Lou this week in honor of the first MLB-wide Lou Gehrig Day. Plus, happy birthday to Rube Oldring and Ray Lankford!
There may have never been, and may never be, a baseball player better than Willie May. But it didn't seem like that at first, as Mays struggled upon his initial exposure to the Bigs 70 years ago this week and would suffer a crisis of confidence that could have ended his career before it began. How did he get through it to become Willie Freaking Mays? Mike and Bill look back at Willie's rise to find out. Plus, happy birthday to Dave Hollins and Deacon Phillippe!
For our 14th Zoom Hangout show since the start of the pandemic, our old buddy Steven Goldman (@GoStevenGoldman) talks baseball and Bob Dylan with us while we watch Corey Kluber throw a no-hitter. Plus, we give away some autographed memorabilia to a couple of lucky patrons. Thanks to everyone who joined us this month and stay tuned to @TWIBHistory on Twitter for a big announcement about our next Zoom Hangout guest in the coming weeks.
In one of the strangest games ever played, 109 years ago this week the "Tigers," a ragtag group of replacement players gathered at the last minute when the regular nine all struck in support of a suspended Ty Cobb, lost a laugher to the Philadelphia A's. It'd be pretty funny if the whole situation didn't wind up so sad, as Mike and Bill find out. Plus, happy birthday to Eric Show and Rick Rhoden!
It's one of the most iconic records in sports, Joe DiMaggio's unbelievably improbable 56 game hitting streak, that began 80 years ago this week. Breaking off a new hundo, Mike and Bill go step by step through this incredible accomplishment and marvel at the talent and luck it took to ultimately pull it off. Plus, happy birthday to Chicken Wolf and Gentleman Jim Hickman!
For their 200th episode, Mike and Bill feel they've earned the right to be a little self-indulgent, so they're celebrating the greatest Twins slugger of them all, Harmon Killebrew, on the 57th anniversary of he and three other Twins hitting four consecutive home runs in extra innings to beat the A's. Plus, some new friends stop by to talk about the importance of 200 milestones. And happy birthday to Clay Carroll and Charlie "Piano Legs" Hickman!
While his name is familiar to baseball history fans, the life of Moses Fleetwood Walker, the first acknowledged African-American man to play Major League Baseball, is not. On the 137th anniversary of his debut, Mike and Bill look back on that life, at the efforts of Cap Anson and other bigots to stop his career and ban other black players from the pro ranks, and the effect that treatment had on Fleet in his later years. Plus, happy birthday to Granny Hamner and Russ Ford!
We're temporarily bypassing Zoom Hangout #12 to talk with MLB.com's Mike Petriello, who will be on ESPN2 on Sunday, April 25th to broadcast the Sunday Night Baseball game between the Padres and Dodgers. It's going to be a fantastic show, so tune in to that as soon as you finish listening to his conversation with us!
It only took two years for Bill Veeck to take Cleveland from the bottom of the AL standings too the top thanks, in large part to the contributions of Larry Doby, Bob Feller, and Satchel Paige. On the 73rd anniversary of the start of that historic season, we talk to special guest Luke Epplin (@LukeEpplin), whose new book "Our Team" weaves together the stories of these four baseball legends and the magical championship season they shared. Plus, happy birthday to Jesse Orosco and Duffy Lewis!
Puerto Rico has a vibrant and extensive history with the game of baseball. But their connection to the big leagues started with one pitcher, Hiram Bithorn, who debuted 79 years ago this week to become the first person from Puerto Rico to play in the majors. Mike and Bill look at his truncated life and career, and how both ended far too soon. Plus, happy birthday to Ted Sizemore and Barney McCosky!
Finishing the story they began last week, Mike and Bill follow the Seattle Pilots east to Milwaukee and profile the man who, in addition to stealing them away, became one of the most powerful men in the history of the game. Plus, happy birthday to Red Smith and Mike Epstein!
51 years ago this week, if the story is to be believed, a truck waited at a rest area in the middle of Utah, waiting to find out if it should travel west or east. In the balance hung the hopes of two cities that each wanted a big league baseball team. In Part 1 of a two part episode, Mike and Bill look at the troubled first year of the Seattle Pilots and the messy process that left them on the verge of moving to Milwaukee. Plus, happy birthday to Gary Pettis and Tommy Holmes!
We've encountered production delays this week, so in lieu of a regular episode, please enjoy our Zoom hangout from February with a pair guests, Christina DiNicola, Marlins beat reporter for MLB.com, and Dan Hayes, Twins beat reporter for The Athletic. The pair recount their starts in journalism and how they fell into beat reporting, what it takes to be successful at this challenging gig, and how the job has changed especially in the face of a global pandemic. Mike and Bill will be back with a regular episode next week.
This week marks the 48th anniversary of Roberto Clemente's untimely election into the Baseball Hall of Fame, the second of two inductees to skip the five year waiting period. To mark the occasion, Mike and Bill talk to Duane Rieder of the Roberto Clemente Museum (@ClementeMuseum) in Pittsburgh to discuss his life and legacy, and the treasures he's collected from The Great One's life with the help of the Clemente family. Plus, happy birthday to Albie Fletcher and Butch Wynegar!
It seemingly came out of nowhere 27 years ago this week when the most famous athlete in the world, Michael Jordan, after having quit basketball the previous fall, announced his intention to try to become a big league ballplayer. It would prove a difficult road for Jordan, who still did far better than anyone could have predicted. Mike and Bill go through both his careers, why he made the switch when he did, and how it ended just as abruptly. Plus, happy birthday to Raul Mondesi and Jimmie Hall!
After a decade in Montreal, Andre Dawson tried to get away from the artificial turf that was turning his knees to glass. But the Expos, and Major League Baseball, tried to keep him from doing that, colluding to force him to return. So, 34 years ago this week, Dawson handed the Cubs a signed blank contract and put his fate in their hands. Mike and Bill look back at how The Hawk got to that point, and how he was able to resurrect his career in Chicago. Plus, happy birthday to Lil Stoner and Ted Abernathy!
In light of this weeks' adventurous comments by former Seattle Mariners President and CEO John Mather, and on the 53rd anniversary of its signing, the first collective bargaining agreement takes center stage this week, as Mike and Bill talk about how it came about, what was in it, how much the owners hated it, and how that hatred led to decades of labor strife that we're still feeling the effects of this week and that could threaten the 2022 season. Plus, happy birthday to J.T. Snow and John Titus!
We all dream of getting the chance to win the big game in the bottom of the ninth and coming up with the big hit. Darryl Strawberry had that chance in 1992, only to see that chance stolen from him when he was removed for a pinch hitter. Mike and Bill cover the controversial decision, everything that led up to it, and how it ultimately turned out. Plus, happy birthday to Pretzels Getzien and John Mayberry Sr!
Napoleon Lajoie was among the best players in baseball when, 120 years ago this week, he jumped to the American League, almost singlehandedly validating it as a major league enterprise. His decision would be fought in the courts until the leagues made peace, but afterwards he served as the first star in the upstart organization. Mike and Bill look back on Lajoie's career and why, more than a century later, one of the best hitters in baseball history has largely been forgotten. Plus, happy birthday to Earl Whitehill and Hoot Evers!
Henry Louis Aaron was known as the Home Run King. But he was so much more, including perhaps the most perfect ballplayer ever to take the field and a powerful figure whose example and excellence has influenced generations of players who came after him. In the wake of his passing, Mike and Bill look back on his incredible life beyond his pursuit of Babe Ruth.
Also, happy birthday to Paul Blair and Don Buford.
Due to a production delay, we're presenting our Zoom Hangout episode from January, featuring a fantastic conversation with special guest Cory Provus, the radio voice of the Minnesota Twins for the last nine seasons, about broadcasting and working with legends like Bob Uecker and Ron Santo. Mike and Bill will be back later in the week with their memorial of Henry Aaron, a man too great to be rushed.
It's safe to say that Don Sutton got less attention than any other member of the 300 win club. But that's how he liked it, preferring to play the working hero to the superstar. As yet another Hall of Famer falls, Mike and Bill look back on the Sutton's life and legacy of 50 years in the game, and how it was possible for a member of the 300 win club to have been so underappreciated in his time. Plus, happy birthday to Steve Sax and Dave Brain.
Benny Kauff was the best hitter in the Federal League and, 115 years ago this week, got the chance to prove he was the best in baseball, when he signed with the Giants. His baseball career came to an abrupt end, however, 99 years ago this week, when an appellate court upheld Commissioner Landis's right to ban him for life. Mike and Bill take on Kauff's meteoric rise and fall, and come away with more questions than they started with. Plus, happy birthday to Camilo Pascual! And Mike talks about Chili Davis.
Just a quick promo to let all of our subscribers know about the cool guest we're having on the Zoom Hangout on Wed, January 20th at 9:00 EST, 6:00 PST: radio voice of the Minnesota Twins Cory Provus. If you're interested in joining us to talk with Cory about his time working with Bob Uecker, how one trains to become a broadcaster, and his philosophy behind the mic, you can sign up at patreon.com/TWIBH.
They don't make 'em like Tommy Lasorda anymore. And we mean that in the both the best and worst way possible. One of the biggest characters in baseball history, the legendary Dodgers manager left this Earth at the age of 93, leaving behind a complicated legacy. Mike and Bill tease out his unlikely path to becoming possibly the most famous manager in the history of baseball, and the specter that hangs over a life that is, mostly, fondly remembered. Plus, happy birthday to Terry Forster and Richard Dotson!
Despite being nearly 40, with a family, and missing four toes on one foot, 83 years ago this week Red Ruffing was inducted into the US Army for World War II. It was unexpected to say the least. Mike and Bill kick off Season 5 by looking back on the life and career of a mostly forgotten great Yankee to find out how he went from disappointment to the Hall of Fame, and why the Army wanted him to begin with. Plus, happy birthday to Earl Battey and Gus Suhr!
To close out 2020, the strangest year in many of our lifetimes, Bill recounts the life and career of perhaps the strangest ballplayer in history, birthday boy Bill "Spaceman" Lee. Plus, happy birthday to Jim Tobin.
See you all in 2021!
It's the most wonderful time of the offseason, when we all scream at each other over who belongs, and especially who doesn't belong, in the Hall of Fame. To help us sort it out, we have on Jay Jaffe, of Fangraphs and The Cooperstown Casebook, and actual Hall of Fame voter! Plus, we give away some stuff and brainstorm topics for 2021!
It's often described as one of the most lopsided trades in baseball history, as the Reds sent a young Christy Mathewson to the Giants for former superstar Amos Rusie 120 years ago this week. Or did they? As Mike and Bill go through the lives of two of the greatest pitchers in early baseball history, they discover a lot more to the story than usually gets reported. Plus, happy birthday to Wild Bill Hutchison and Carl Erskine!
The trade for Gary Carter, 36 years ago this week, turned out to be the final piece that turned the mid '80s Mets into a juggernaut. Mike and Bill recount the career of one of the best catchers in history, and what he brought to the Mets that made them so great, and simultaneously led to Carter's rapid decline. Plus, happy birthday to Doc Medich and Stan Hack!
Jim Bunning was famously the first pitcher to win 100 games and pitch a no-hitter in each league. But the story of why he got traded to the Phillies 57 years ago this week is a classic tale of Detroit Tigers cutting off their nose to spite their face. Mike and Bill look back at Bunning's life and career and on the trade that, because of the statistical oddity it produced, probably led to his being added to the Hall of Fame. Plus, happy birthday to Firpo Marberry and Dick McAuliffe!
Bad teams will often bring home a prodigal son in an effort to gin up unearned fan enthusiasm. It usually ends badly. But for the Mets, the decision to bring Gil Hodges home to manage 53 years ago this week wound up working on both levels far beyond anyone's wildest dreams. Mike and Bill look back at how Hodges became an icon in New York long before leading the Mets, and how he cemented his legacy before his terrible and sudden death. Plus, happy birthday to Sixto Lezcano and Socks Seybold!
After skipping the last couple months, we're back with another Zoom hangout with our patrons and with our special guest, Michael Baumann of The Ringer (@MichaelBaumann) to talk about what promises to be a weird and possibly slow offseason, and what that might mean for whether we get baseball in 2022. We also talk a lot about college baseball and how that's changed in recent years.
Many people who saw him at his peak consider Sandy Koufax the finest pitcher who ever lived. But that incredible peak came to an abrupt end 54 years ago this week when, wracked with constant pain, Sandy decided he couldn't continue to pitch. Mike and Bill look back at the long road that Sandy took before he finally became the transcendent ace who inspired a generation of fans and marvel at his incredible five year stretch at the pinnacle of baseball excellence. Plus, happy birthday to Pat Ragan and Dick Schofield the Younger.
With the Black Sox scandal threatening to ruin Major League Baseball, team owners knew they needed to clean up their sport. And 100 years ago this week, they found the man to do it: Judge Kenesaw Mountain Landis. But the last century has not been kind to the man once credited with saving baseball. Mike and Bill look back on one of the most important figures in the game's history and are surprised by what they find. Plus, happy birthday to John Denny and Tony Cuccinello.
Ken Caminiti was one of the most tragic and most controversial players of the last 30 years. His rise from perfectly good third baseman to true superstar was fueled by PEDs, and his life was cut short by substance abuse. Mike and Bill welcome special guest Joe Vasile (@joevasilePBP), whose new podcast, Secondary Lead, chronicles Caminiti's career to discuss the former NL MVP and his legacy. Plus, happy birthday to Vic Power and Dick Groat!
When relations between the United States and Japan broke down in the prelude to WWII, no one was more despondent than Lefty O'Doul, who had fallen in love with and become an unlikely icon in the island nation. As the two nations tried to repair their relationship, Lefty was called on 71 years ago this week to begin a goodwill tour with his San Francisco Seals. Mike and Bill recount the life of O'Doul and then special guest Yuriko Gamo Romer, of Diamond Diplomacy (http://www.diamonddiplomacy.com/), discusses how the tour did, indeed, begin to heal old wounds. Plus, happy birthday to Smoky Joe Wood and Roy Smalley III!
Joe Morgan faced down critics who thought a little man couldn't excel in big league ball, and racists who didn't want to let him to become the best second baseman in baseball history. After his passing, Mike and Bill recount the unlikely rise of The Little General to become a back-to-back MVP winner and the best player on the best team in the game. Plus, happy birthday to Willie Horton and Wilbur Wood!
The unquestioned ace of the most successful franchise in baseball history, Whitey Ford was an icon who battled almost constant injuries to become a World Series legend and an inner circle Hall of Famer. He is the latest casualty of what has been a brutal October for MLB Hall of Famers. Mike and Bill give Whitey his due in this episode, going through his remarkable and record-breaking career that elevated him from the scrawny high schooler nobody wanted to The Chairman of the Board. Plus, happy birthday to Junior Gilliam and Orlando Hernandez.
Major League hitters must feel a little safer this week, as perhaps the most intimidating pitcher of all time, Bob Gibson, left us at the age of 84. Mike and Bill pay tribute to the fallen Cardinal and inner circle Hall of Famer as a pitcher and civil rights icon who was so good he forced baseball to change its rules. Plus, happy birthday to Frankie Crosetti and Paul Splitorff!
As darkness fell on Wrigley Field 82 years ago this week, Gabby Hartnett came through with one of the most famous homers in baseball history, which propelled the Cubs into the lead in the National League. Mike and Bill look back on the life and career of the vastly underrated Hartnett, the game and homer themselves, and how that one hit came to decide the pennant in 1938. Plus, happy birthday to Whit Wyatt and Roberto Kelly!
"If I'da known he was gonna throw one, I'da thrown one, too," Dizzy Dean told reporters after his brother Paul tossed a no-hitter in the nightcap of a double header 86 years ago this week, allowing three fewer hits than Diz had in the opener. Mike and Bill look back at the larger than life Diz and the exactly as large as life Paul, their nomadic upbringing, their domination of the National League, and their rapid declines. Plus, happy birthday to Hubie Brooks and Tom Tresh!
Baseball is a game that is most often passed down from one generation to the next. But some of those handoffs are more effective than others, like with the the Griffeys, Kens Sr. and Jr., who hit back-to-back homers 30 years ago this week, the first and only time a father and son have done that in baseball history. Mike and Bill look back at the life and career of Ken Sr, the excitement of Griffey-mania in Seattle, and a unique accomplishment in the history of baseball. Plus, happy birthday to Heinie Groh and Rick Wise!
Within a few days of one another this week, the baseball world discovered it had lost both Tom Seaver and Lou Brock. So, this week, Mike and Bill look back at the incredible life and career of one of baseball's great speedsters, and his connections to possibly the greatest pitcher of all time. Plus, happy birthday to Vince DiMaggio and Todd Zeile.
When is a no-hitter not a no-hitter? When Fay Vincent decided, 29 years ago this week, that it shouldn't be. Specifically, he decreed that any no-hitters shorter than nine full innings or that was broken up after the ninth no longer counted, consigning 50 no-hitters to the dustbin of history. That's where Mike and Bill find them this week, polish them up, and present them for your enjoyment. Plus, happy birthday to Tug McGraw and Ed Konetchy!
Ray Caldwell may have finally done enough to call down God's judgment 101 years ago this week when, while making his first start for Cleveland, he was struck by lightning while on the mound, then got up and finished the game. At the request of Patron Francis Fay, Mike and Bill look back at Caldwell's colorful career, what he might have done to earn Heaven's wrath, and how he just refused to stop playing baseball after dodging death. Plus, happy birthday to Dale Mitchell and Bobby Richardson!
Another month, another engaging discussion with folks who, by now, almost seem like old friends, including Craig Calcaterra, formerly of NBC Sports. But there are some new friends too, and always room for more! If you're interested in joining us next month, visit patreon.com/twibh.
In this ep: Our favorite thing about baseball so far in 2020; what's Craig up to now?; Fernando Tatis Jr; What did SABR do on its summer vacation?, and more!
Ray Chapman was the toast of Cleveland, until 100 years ago this week, when his life was tragically cut short by a Carl Mays fastball that crushed in his skull. Mike and Bill go through the lives of the star-crossed pair who would become forever linked in the history of the game, and the ramifications of Chapman's death on his city, his team, his family, and his killer. Plus, happy birthday to Baby Doll Jacobson and Tiny Bonham.
This is, of course, not the first time baseball has come back in August. The first time it happened was 39 years ago this week, when the owners and the players finally agreed to resume the 1981 season after missing almost 40 percent of the regular season. Mike and Bill look at the reasons behind the strike, who was at fault, how it got resolved, what effect it had on a deeply weird season, and the uncanny parallels to 2020. Plus, happy birthday to Tommie Agee and Bill Monbouquette!
One of the best ballplayers and most incredible athletes in modern history, Dave Winfield's baseball career should speak for itself. Unfortunately, two figures get in the way of that: George Steinbrenner and a stupid seagull, which was accidentally killed by a Winfield warmup toss 37 years ago this week. Mike and Bill examine all Winfield's life, including the conflicts that came to overshadow so much of what he accomplished, but reserve time to marvel at what a singular talent Winfield was. Plus, happy birthday to Frank Howard and Tim Wakefield!
In perhaps the weirdest, least likely game ever, the Mets, thirty-five years ago this week, beat the Astros 16-4. All 16 of their runs, however, were unearned. Quite simply, the odds of that were astronomical, so Mike and Bill needed to ask Sports Info Solutions's senior analyst Mark Simon (@MarkSimonSays) all about it, especially since he was there! Plus, happy birthday to Sad Sam Jones and Hank Bauer!
Luke Appling was one of the best old players in baseball history. But nobody truly knew how good an old player could be until 38 years ago this week, when Appling hit his final home run, at the age of 75. Mike and Bill look at the career of the underrated all time great, and special guest Michael Clair (@michaelsclair) of MLB.com talks about the amazing home run he hit long after his last big league game. Plus happy birthday to Dave Henderson and Mike Witt!
Once again, we had a great time on our monthly Zoom hangout with our Patreon subscribers and had a couple special guests in Baseball Prospectus and The Infinite Inning's Steven Goldman (@goStevenGoldman) and MLB.com's Michael Clair (@michaelsclair).
To join our next Zoom hangout, visit patreon.com/twibh.
Any time a pair of 300 game winners faces one another in a game, it's a big deal. Anytime, that is, except the first time, which took place 130 years ago this week when Pud Galvin and Tim Keefe took the mound in anger. Mike and Bill look back at the colorful history of the pair, including the recent PED allegations against Galvin, and marvel at how different pitching was in the 19th century. Plus, happy birthday to Mario Soto and Bubbles Hargrave!
Arky Vaughan was one of the most underappreciated superstars in history until his reputation was restored by Bill James. Vaughan's disappearance has always been linked with an attempted players' strike with the Dodgers in 1943 that occurred 77 years ago this week. But that's not the whole story, as Mike and Bill discovered in talking to Steven Goldman, of Baseball Prospectus and The Infinite Inning. Plus, happy birthday to Tim Teufel and Willie Wilson!
It's probably fair to say that no more important player in baseball history has been talked about less than Larry Doby, the second African-American to break the color line as a player and a manager, which happened 73 and 42 years ago this week, respectively. Mike and Bill try to rectify that just a little, looking back at Doby's life before getting the chance to integrate the American League and the incredible contributions he made after it. Plus, happy birthday to Al Downing and Tony Armas Sr!
One of the oldest and most tenured ballplayers of all time, Jack Quinn was also one of the most mysterious. No one, not even he, knew his real name, birthplace, or age. But they did know he was the oldest player to hit a home run, which he did 90 years ago this week. Mike and Bill look back on his extensive body of work and the mystery of who he was that took nearly a century to figure out. Plus, happy birthday to Pedro Guerrero and Tom Haller!
It is unfathomable to Mike and Bill, especially on the 21st anniversary of his final appearance as a professional ballplayer at the age of 97, that Negro League great Double Duty Radcliffe has not yet been inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. Radcliffe's professional career on the diamond spanned 35 incredible years, playing for some of the greatest teams in history, and did as much to popularize Negro League baseball as anyone shy of Buck O'Neal and Satchel Paige. The boys go through his incredible career and marvel at one of the greatest characters in baseball history. Plus, happy birthday to Dave Concepcion and Billy Werber!
In a significant departure from the norm, Mike and Bill talk with renowned podcaster and NY Times best-selling author Mike Duncan (@MikeDuncan) about the computer game Outside of the Park Baseball, and its potential as a way into the sport for young baseball fans. Then (at 1:09:20 in the podcast for anyone not interested in that discussion), it's back to normal, and happy birthday to Mark Belanger and Mel Parnell.
The history of how the land was acquired to build Dodger Stadium is a long and sad one, involving the seizure of family homes and the eviction of thousands of families from Chavez Ravine. The home of the Dodgers was made possible 62 years ago this week, when Los Angeles residents voted to give the land to their new ballclub. Mike and Bill go through the Dodgers' move from Brooklyn and of the community that was uprooted. Plus, happy birthday to Ted Breitenstein and Dean Chance!
After so many years, it's easy to forget just how amazing Carl Hubbell was. But he left us with a fantastic reminder, a 24 game winning streak between 1936 and 1937 that ended 83 years ago this week. Hubbell was at his best during the stretch, dragging the Giants to the NL pennant, and cementing himself as the greatest screwballer of all time. Mike and Bill talk about his life, his pitch, and break down the amazing stretch that would help define his career. Plus, happy birthday to Darrell Evans and Turkey Mike Donlin!
The second Zoom Hangout with TWIBHistory podcast patrons was really reenergizing for Bill and Mike, and the atmosphere is only improved by one attendee joining from England and two friends of the show, Jacob Pomrenke and Mark Simon. If this sounds like fun to you, head over to Patreon.com/TWIBH and become a patron. There will be another hangout next month.
In one of the weirder innings in baseball history, 68 years ago this week, the Cincinnati Reds allowed a record 19 consecutive Dodgers to reach base in the bottom of the 1st. By the time the dust settled, 15 runs were allowed by four pitchers on 10 hits, seven walks, and two hit batsmen. Mike and Bill annotate each of those 19 plate appearances and the players who were part of it in this unconventional episode and then pay tribute to the memory of the great Bob Watson.
His dad tried to mold him into the greatest player in baseball history, and almost succeeded, turning Mickey Mantle into a 5 tool, switch hitting idol to millions who homered from both sides of the plate for the first time 65 years ago this week. Mike and Bill look back on the early life of The Mick, what drove him to succeed, and the demons and injuries that almost derailed him on the way to becoming one of the greatest players in the game's history. Plus, happy birthday to Dennis Martinez and Jose Rijo.