Baseball History Podcast

Zachariah Davis Wheat, nicknamed “Buck”, was born May 23, 1888 in Hamilton, Missouri. From 1909, when he reported to Washington Park after almost three days on a train from Louisiana, until 1926, when his legs gave out at Ebbets Field, Zach Wheat was a fixture in left field for Brooklyn.

James Thomas Bell, Nicknamed Cool Papa was born May 17, 1903 in Starkville, MS. The fastest man ever to play baseball, Cool Papa Bell rode the crest of the publicity from his incredible speed and colorful nickname into the Hall of Fame. The lean racehorse once was clocked circling the bases in an amazing 12 seconds. Cool Papa used his speed and daring to become the foremost base stealer in baseball and to “leg out” extra-base hits, thus off­setting his lack of real power at the plate.

Daniel Joseph Staub, nicknamed “Rusty,” was born April 1, 1944 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Staub began with modest natural skills and honed them to precision through perpetual practice. Baseball was equal parts discipline and sport to Staub, whose broad, curious world view attracted him to the study of history and gourmet cookery.

Joseph Williams, nicknamed Smokey Joe, Cyclone, and Yank was born April 6, 1885, Seguin, TX. During the first half of its existence, Smokey Joe Williams was to black baseball what Sachel Paige was to the latter half. Indeed, Williams made the footprints in which Satchel later walked. Oldtimers who saw him play remember him as Satchel’s equal, if not his superior.

Monty Franklin Pierce Stratton, nicknamed “Gander”, was born May 21, 1912 in Celeste. Stratton played five years with the Chicago White Sox, from 1934 through 1938, compiling a career 36-23 won/loss record with 196 strikeouts and a 3.71 Earned Run Average.

Harold Homer Harris Chase, nicknamed “Prince Hal”, was born February 13, 1883 in Los Gatos, California. Among the most unsavory characters in the history of the game, Chase was an oddly charismatic star. He was considered by contemporary observers to be the best-fielding first baseman ever, but he repeatedly threw games for the quick money he could make betting against his own team, and he was eventually banned for life.

Kevin Joseph Aloysius Connors, nicknamed Chuck, was born April 10, 1921 in Placentia Bay, Newfoundland, Canada. The 6’7″ Connors played pro basketball with the Boston Celtics after WWII before concentrating on baseball.

Elston Gene Howard was born February 23, 1929 in St. Louis, Missouri. Howard was a strong hitter, three times topping .300, with a high of .348 in 1961. He hit from an exaggerated spread stance when he came up, which he modified later in his career.

Randall Leo Jones, nicknamed “Junkman,” was born January 12, 1950 in Fullerton, California. A poised, fast-working control pitcher and a master of the slider and sinker, this left-handed pitcher was known for the large number of ground-ball outs he induced. He became the first home-grown star for the San Diego Padres after being selected by the club, which began play in 1969, in the 1972 entry draft. By June of the following year, Jones was playing for the major league team.

Walter Lanier “Red” Barber was born February 17, 1908 in Columbus, Mississippi. From his beloved perch in the “Catbird Seat,” Barber established hallmarks of excellence in baseball broadcasting. His 33 consecutive years as a major league announcer included numerous World Series as well as other major sports broadcasts. Colorful and innovative, Barber was highly respected and admired by his peers as an outstanding professional in his field.