The first-year expansion Mets of 1962 are, famously, one of the worst teams of all time, and may well be the worst team to suit up since the turn of the last century. In this shorter, solo episode, Bill tells the story of the Mets’ dismal season through their final game, 57 years ago this…
Lyman Bostock was one of the most dynamic young stars in the American League, compared favorably with Rod Carew and predicted to win multiple batting titles. He was one of the early benefactors of free agency, was quickly becoming one of the most popular players in the game, and may have been on a Hall…
John Updike is often celebrated for having written The Great American Novel, but he also may have written The Great American Essay, which was published 59 years ago this week. Printed in The New Yorker, “Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu,” is a tribute to The Great American Hitter, Ted Williams, beautifully describing The Splendid Splinter’s…
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…
We’ve talked about the conspiracy and we’ve talked about the trial, but this week, on the anniversary of the last out of the 1919 World Series, Mike and Bill talk to SABR Director of Editorial Content and Black Sox expert Jacob Pomrenke (@buckweaver) about the Series itself, what plays were suspect, and how little we…
Normally, of course, when a club wins the World Series, it inspires so much good will that it forges a generation of new permanent fans for a club. But, Wayne Huizenga’s fire sale in the wake of the 1997 win, which began with the trade of Moises Alou 22 years ago this week, poisoned Miami…
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…
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!
Monty Stratton was on the way to a distinguished career when a hunting trip abruptly turned into a battle for his career, and for his life. Mike and Bill recount the accident that altered his path forever, and the amazing comeback that was literally something out of Hollywood. Plus, happy birthday to Howard Johnson and…
This episode is dedicated to the memory of Dorothy Seymour Mills. It’s probably not fair to say that Albert Belle was misunderstood. But it is fair to say he made anyone who wanted to understand him regret trying. But he was as much a dynamic force at the plate as he was a disruptive one…
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