Once one of the best starters in baseball, 32 years ago this week Dennis Eckersley began a new chapter in what would become a Hall of Fame career when he was traded to the Oakland A’s and became the first modern closer. Mike and Bill cover both halves of Eckersley’s long and impressive career, and…
You already know about Hank Aaron, but Mike and Bill zoom in on the Hammer’s 1973 and 1974 chase of Babe Ruth’s career home run record, which culminated 45 years ago this week, to examine how the new Home Run King pulled away from Willie Mays, dealt with a steady stream of death threats, and…
In the spring of 1925, Babe Ruth suddenly collapsed in the arms of a teammate, sparking ridicule in the New York press for what became known as “The Bellyache Heard Round the World.” Stomach surgery 94 years ago this week would keep the Babe out for two months and tank the Yankees’ hopes that year….
Kevin Mitchell was not exactly known for his defense, but 30 years ago this week, he made one of the more amazing catches in baseball history at the beginning of his MVP year. Mike and Bill look back at Mitchell’s performance on and off the field, as well as other unlikely MVP seasons. Plus, happy…
One of the most dynamic players of all time, Rickey Henderson still has many fans polarized. But everyone seems to agree that he was the best leadoff man and base stealer in baseball history. And, it was 28 years ago this week that he cemented those titles with his 939th career steal, breaking Lou Brock’s…
There have been few pitching prospects as exciting as Herb Score, and few downfalls that have been disappointing. This week, 62 years ago, Score was struck by a line drive off the bat of Gil McDougald, knocking him out of the rest of the season and, supposedly, ruining his career. But the truth is more…
For the 100th fabulous episode of TWIBH, Mike and Bill look at the short but fabulous career of Mark Fidrych, who won his first game 43 years ago this week. Birdmania swept America in 1976, reminding the country that baseball could be and should be fun. Plus, happy birthday to Stubby Overmire and Ed Wright!
Few trades in the modern era have altered the course of two franchises like the deal 30 years ago this week that sent Mark Langston from the Seattle Mariners to the Montreal Expos for three pitchers, one of whom was a wild, 6’10” left-hander named Randy Johnson. Obviously, Johnson would go on to become one…
Phil and Joe Niekro went head-to-head several times over the course of their long and illustrious careers. But in an utterly bizarre coincidence, 43 years ago this week, Joe hit the only home run in his big league career in more than 1200 plate appearances off of his big brother. In an episode abbreviated by…
There’s a lot we don’t know about Old Hoss Radbourn, including, as it turns out, exactly how many victories he had for Providence and Boston in the 19th century. But, 128 years ago approximately this week, he won his 300th game. Mike and Bill explore Radbourn’s life, his historic 1884, and his downfall. Then they’re…
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