Baseball History Podcast

Norman Dalton Cash was born November 10, 1934, in Justiceburg, Texas. Following graduation from high school, Cash was drafted in the 13th round as a halfback by the NFL’s Chicago Bears. Instead, he chose baseball, signing with the Chicago White Sox as an outfielder on May 21, 1955.

Anthony Francis Cuccinello, nicknamed “Tony” or “Cootch” was born November 8, 1907, in Long Island City, New York. While playing in the minor leagues, Cuccinello caught the attention of Branch Rickey who purchased his contract for the Reds after the 1929 season. Tony made his debut on Opening Day, April 15, 1930, playing third base in a losing effort against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

John Phalen McInnis, nicknamed “Stuffy”, was born September 19, 1890 in Gloucester, Massachusetts. McInnis was a spry right-handed line-drive pull hitter with a boyish face. He is best known as one of baseball’s best defensive first basemen, due to his amazing consistency covering first base.

Henry John Sauer was born on March 17, 1917 in Bellevue, PA. Along with his lanky appearance and a soft-spoken manner, Sauer possessed excellent vision, good quickness, powerful wrists, and the muscular arms of a blacksmith, but he never had much speed. He didn’t reach the majors to stay until he was 31 years old.

Robert William Meusel was born on July 19, 1896 in San Jose, California. Meusel was a solid, all-around player, capable of hitting with power and for high average, and of stealing a base. He had one of the best outfield arms ever.

Wilfred Charles Siebert, nicknamed “Sonny”, was born January 14, 1937 in St. Mary, Missouri. Drafted by both the Cleveland Indians and the National Basketball Association St. Louis Hawks, Siebert was an outfielder his first two pro seasons before taking the mound in 1960. A late bloomer, he developed control and a devastating curveball.

Delmer Ennis was born on June 8, 1925 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. There was nothing unusual about his stance. He was square to the plate, the bat was still; as the pitcher delivered the ball he would step toward the pitcher and if he liked the pitch, he swung, using shoulders, arms, and wrists which could belong to a blacksmith.

Clinton Dawson Courtney was born on March 16, 1927, in Hall Summit, Louisiana. As a player, Courtney wasn’t elegant, but he got the job done, especially as a field general. At his best, he was a good line-drive hitter, though he never had a great deal of power.

Wayne Kirby Simpson was born on December 2, 1948 in Los Angeles, California. In his first season, Simpson started the year by winning 13 of his first 14 decisions, including a one-hitter, a two-hitter, and a three-hitter. But shoulder problems limited him to just two appearances after July.