At age 32 Jimmie Foxx was poised to catch Ruth in career homers, and was 82 homers ahead of Babe at the same age. Then something went seriously awry. This is #1 in a 3-part series.
Foxx Chases the Babe (#1 of 3) Read Post »
The pitchers had the spitball, and the batters had the liniment ball. This popular legend is actually a true story, though commonly mistold.
Hitting four consecutive homers with the dead ball of 1894 seemed an impossible feat, but a 150-pound leadoff batter did it, and all four homers cleared the fence!
Bobby Lowe’s Four-Homer Game Read Post »
Gehrig was the first player to hit four consecutive homers in a game under the modern rules. Yet more was written about his final at-bat than any of his homers that day.
Lou Gehrig’s Big Day Read Post »
What do you think the record is for most consecutive pitching appearances without needing relief help? Would you believe that it includes 187 complete games!? Meet Brakeman Jack Taylor.
Brakeman Jack Taylor Read Post »
The number of complete games began to decline rapidly in the move to the Live Ball Era, when higher offensive levels made it tougher for a pitcher to go all the way. The best at tossing complete games in the Live Ball Era was the little known Red Lucas.
Surprise Master of the Complete Game Read Post »
Hilton Smith played in only one major league game before he turned 30. This is the story of the slow journey that began his Hall of Fame career.
Hilton Smith’s Slow Rise to the Majors Read Post »
He arrived in the majors as the most heralded rookie pitcher of his generation. The check paying for his record-setting acquisition is in the Hall of Fame, but practically no one remembers him today.
Rise and Fall of Marty O’Toole Read Post »
Story of how the spitball developed into the devastating pitch that forced baseball to ban the pitch to prevent it spreading further in the game.
Evolution of the Spitball Read Post »
Story of the career of pitcher Charles “Chief” Bender, the first Native American and Minnesotan in the Hall of Fame.
Charles “Chief” Bender Read Post »
