Stories that center around a Hall of Fame player or the Hall of Fame itself.
Al Kaline was past his prime after the 1967 season, but even continuing to struggle with injuries, the most rewarding seasons of his life were still in front of him, including reaching the “Promised Land.” This is #6 in a 6-part series. Search under “Kaline” for the other stories.
Al Kaline and the Promised Land (#6 of 6) Read Post »
Al Kaline had some of his best stretches of games in the period from 1961 to 1967, but injuries kept them from centering in a single season, including the injury that resulted from what Al called the “dumbest” action of his career. This is #5 in a 6-part series. Search under “Kaline” for the other
Al Kaline: 1961-67 (#5 of 6) Read Post »
Al Kaline is the player who demonstrated the most promise at age 20 and then went on to a long career without having a truly elite superstar season. This examination of his career from 1956-1960 helps explain how that happened, including a freak injury in 1959 when struck by an infield throw. This is #4
Al Kaline: 1956-1960 (#4 of 6) Read Post »
Al Kaline went from high school to the major leagues, and this story covers that journey through his time as a teenage big leaguer. This is #2 in a 6-part series. Search under “Kaline” for the other stories.
Road to 1955 (#2 of 6) Read Post »
Al Kaline was too modest to appreciate being called “Mr. Tiger,” but rarely has a nickname ever fit so well. This is #1 in a 6-part series. Search under “Kaline” for the other stories.
Mr. Tiger (#1 of 6) Read Post »
“Cool Papa” Bell said: “Turkey Stearnes is the man who should be in the Hall of Fame. If he isn’t in, no one should be in.” It wasn’t until there was a significant compilation of Negro League statistics that most folks understood what Bell was talking about.
Turkey Stearnes: Hall of Famer Read Post »
Turkey Stearnes turned down an offer to become a major leaguer so he could earn his high school diploma. It didn’t stop him from becoming a huge star in the Negro Leagues.
Turkey Stearnes Becomes a Star Read Post »
From the standpoint of readiness and experience and the circumstances that thrust him into the majors, absolutely no one has had a more pressure-packed introduction into the majors than did Hall of Famer Joe Sewell.
Joe Sewell’s Big League Beginning Read Post »
“My favorite story in the series.” – Craig Wright
Farewell Jackie Robinson Read Post »
The case for the great mystery of the career of Jimmie Foxx being explained by the severe beaning he suffered shortly before his 27th birthday. This is #3 in a 3-part series.
Foxx: The Winnepeg Beaning (#3 of 3) Read Post »
