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PODCAST

This Week In Baseball History

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.

history

All Episodes

01:18:57

Episode 90 - Marvin Miller Joins the Fight (with...

This Week In Baseball History ·

2019/03/06

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 53 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 Cut4's Michael Clair (@michaelsclair) stops by to help wish Kent

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01:11:00

Episode 89 - The Life and Death of Don Newcombe

This Week In Baseball History ·

2019/02/28

Last week, the baseball world suffered an incalculable loss, as pioneering African-American pitcher Don Newcombe passed away at the age of 92. Mike and Bill look at the iconic Dodger's admittedly rocky life, as his incredible talent and good nature were drained by alcoholism before he recovered to devote the rest of his life to helping others suffering from the same disease. Plus, happy birthday to Andy Pafko and Preacher Roe.

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59:19

Episode 88 - Emmett Ashford Gets His Shot

This Week In Baseball History ·

2019/02/21

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!

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53:48

Episode 87 - Rube Foster Founds the Negro Leagues

This Week In Baseball History ·

2019/02/13

There were African-Americans playing baseball long before Rube Foster was born and long after he died, but none of them had as big an impact on the structure of the game in the black community. Mike and Bill trace the early history of the sport among black Americans before digging into Foster's life, and how he was uniquely positioned and driven to create the first successful professional league for black ballplayers. Plus, happy birthday to Ben Oglivie and an acknowledging head nod to Ugueth

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01:06:18

Episode 86 - Rod Carew Escapes the Twins

This Week In Baseball History ·

2019/02/07

There's no denying Rod Carew was one of the best players of the 1970s and hitters of the 20th century. So why would the Twins trade him 40 years ago this week? The answer begins in a small Minnesota town and ends with Carew being sent to the Angels in one of the saddest trades in Minnesota history. Mike and Bill dig into Rod's career, the dinner and racist comments that started Carew down the road out of Minnesota, and how the deal got done. Plus, happy birthday to Vic Wertz and Carney Lansford.

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55:12

Episode 85 - Roy Campanella Misses A Turn

This Week In Baseball History ·

2019/01/30

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.

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48:02

Episode 84 - The Life and Death of Josh Gibson

This Week In Baseball History ·

2019/01/23

Perhaps the greatest catcher in baseball history launched a home run in every major league stadium. But he never got the chance to play in a game in the Major Leagues because, 72 years ago this week, Josh Gibson's tragic life came to an end at the age of 36, two days after suffering a massive stroke and three months before Jackie Robinson broke into Major League Baseball. Mike and Bill sift through the tall tales about Gibson's feats to try and get the measure of both the man and ballplayer who

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01:00:47

Episode 83 - The Black Sox Lose Their Appeal (with...

This Week In Baseball History ·

2019/01/16

The story of the Black Sox didn't end in 1919, as returning guest Jacob Pomrenke (@buckweaver) reminds us this week, 97 years and 87 years, respectively, after Buck Weaver and Shoeless Joe Jackson applied for reinstatement to Major League Baseball. Mike and Bill find out what happened with those appeals, how the Sox kept trying to get back into the game, and what SABR has in store for the 100th anniversary of the most infamous team in history. Also, we bid farewell to Yankees great Mel

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57:34

Episode 82 - The American League Designates Some Hitters

This Week In Baseball History ·

2019/01/09

It's been controversial ever since it was proposed...way back in the 19th century. But 45 years ago this week, the American League won the right to replace the pitcher with a designated pinch hitter who would take his place. Mike and Bill trace the various proposals that failed, as well as the one that finally succeeded, and how the DH has evolved since 1973. Plus, happy birthday to Don Gullett and Randy Jones!

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56:02

Episode 81 - The Astros and Padres Make a Big Trade

This Week In Baseball History ·

2019/01/02

In their efforts to manage payroll and jumpstart their franchises, 24 years ago, the Astros and Padres made one of the biggest trades in baseball history, both in terms of the quality of the players being exchanged and the number of players exchanged. The deal would revitalize San Diego, but actually helped the Astros achieve their goals as well, even as they wound up on the losing end of it. Mike and Bill break down the trade and the players involved, and look at how, after a month of negotiations,

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58:55

Episode 80 - The Red Sox Let Fred Lynn and Carlton...

This Week In Baseball History ·

2018/12/19

Free agency doesn't seem that complicated, but 38 years ago this week, the Boston Red Sox made a colossal error, accidentally non-tendering two of their biggest stars, Fred Lynn and Carlton Fisk. Mike and Bill trace the careers of two of the 1970s and 1980s biggest stars, find out what went so wrong at the end of 1980, and sort through the fallout of one of baseball's biggest blunders. Plus, happy birthday to Andy Van Slyke and Moose Skowron.

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55:38

Episode 79 - Who is the Bill Buckner of the Bible...

This Week In Baseball History ·

2018/12/13

In a slight departure from normal protocol, Mike and Bill welcome back friend of the show Mark Simon (MarkAASimonSays) of Sports Info Solutions to discuss one of his obsessions, Bill Buckner, on the former first baseman's 69th birthday. Along the way we learn there's much more to Buckner than the error for which he's remembered today and begin to ponder just who the Bill Buckner is of everything, but most especially the Bible. Plus, happy birthday to Cy Seymour and Lindy McDaniel.

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01:06:54

Episode 78 - Bobby Bonilla Returns Home

This Week In Baseball History ·

2018/12/05

In 1991, 27 years ago this week, Pirates slugger Bobby Bonilla capped what had been an excellent year by signing the then richest ever contract in baseball history to return to his hometown and play for the Mets. To say it went poorly would be both inadequate and inaccurate. Mike and Bill look back at Bonilla's strange and productive career, including his time on Hawk Harrelson's White Sox, a juggernaut Pirates squad, and with The Worst Team Money Could Buy. Also, happy birthday to Shane Mack and

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56:12

Episode 77 - George Steinbrenner Takes the Fall

This Week In Baseball History ·

2018/11/28

George Steinbrenner, for as much as he is revered today, found himself disgraced in 1974, caught up in the Watergate scandal and, 44 years ago this week, was suspended by Commissioner Bowie Kuhn for two years. Mike and Bill look at Steinbrenner's early life and first years at the helm of the Yankees, the scandal that almost got him kicked out of baseball, and how his absence helped shape the Yankees of the late '70s. Also, happy birthday to Bobs Elliott and Johnson.

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01:02:36

Episode 76 - Nolan Ryan Ushers In Big Money Free Agency

This Week In Baseball History ·

2018/11/21

Few players ever achieved the level of reverence that Nolan Ryan had in his late career with the Astros. But before that, 39 years ago this week, Ryan signed the first free agent contract for more than $1 mlllion per season, if not changing the reality of the free agent market, then at least the perception of it. Mike and Bill look back at Ryan's amazing career and how he helped set the tone for the current game. Plus, happy birthday to Jimmy Sheckard and Jack Coombs.

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41:19

Episode 75 - Uncle Robbie Takes Over In Brooklyn

This Week In Baseball History ·

2018/11/15

One of the most beloved characters in the early history of baseball, Wilbert Robinson became intrinsically linked to the game in both Baltimore and Brooklyn. And 105 years ago this week, he was named the manager of the Superbas, who would soon come to bear his name. Mike and Bill look at Robinson's life and career and how his friendship turned rivalry with John McGraw came to dominate his career. Plus, happy birthday to Hal Trosky and Willie Hernandez.

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55:28

Episode 74 - Bidding Farewell to Willie McCovey

This Week In Baseball History ·

2018/11/07

The loss of Willie McCovey, who passed away on October 31, 2018, is immeasurable, as is his impact on the city of San Francisco and on the Giants. Mike and Bill dedicate the bulk of this episode to discussing his life and career, and his legacy as one of the greatest first basemen of all time. Plus, happy birthday to Jerry Priddy and Eric Karros.

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39:46

Episode 73 - Derek Jeter Becomes Mr. November

This Week In Baseball History ·

2018/10/31

For almost all of the 20th century, the Fall Classic had been resigned to October. But after the attacks of September 11th delayed the regular season by a week, the Yankees and Diamondbacks were forced to play the first World Series games in November. Mike and Bill investigate how the teams were put together, and how Derek Jeter earned the nickname Mr. November while ultimately losing one of the most exciting Series in baseball history. Plus, happy birthday to Lenny Harris and Jesse Barfield!

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35:55

Episode 72 - The Royals (and Don Denkinger) Upset the...

This Week In Baseball History ·

2018/10/24

The 1985 World Series was a classic, and pitted two of the best franchises of the past 10 years against one another in a battle that was said to turn on a blown call at first base by Don Denkinger 33 years ago this week. Mike and Bill examine what happened in that fateful Game Six, and how the Royals and Cardinals got to the point where one play could have possibly made that much of a difference. Plus happy birthday to Jamie Quirk and Mike Hargrove!

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01:14:52

Episode 71 - Rob Neyer Remembers the 1985 Royals

This Week In Baseball History ·

2018/10/17

In the 33 years since the 1985 World Series, baseball has changed radically. Rob Neyer (@robneyer)'s new book, Power Ball, uses a relatively meaningless September contest between the Astros and Athletics to explore how the game has evolved, the ways that its thriving, and how it is struggling. Mike and Bill interview Rob about his book, and about these changes in relation to that '85 Series in the first of a two-part look at the '85 Series. Plus, happy birthday to Al Oliver and Roy Cullenbine.

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371 results

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