Baseball History Podcast

Raymond Earl Fosse was born April 4, 1947 in Marion, Illinois. Fosse was involved in one of the most celebrated plays in All-Star Game history. In 1970, his first season as a Cleveland regular, he established himself as one of baseball’s best catchers, earning a spot on the All-Star team.

David Francis Dravecky was born February 14, 1956 in Youngstown, Ohio. He was a consistently effective starter and occasional reliever for the Padres for over five seasons and the Giants for two.

Vincent Edward Jackson, nicknamed “Bo”, was born November 30, 1962 in Bessemer, Alabama. He wasn’t the first multi-sport athlete, but he was one of the best. His feats in both Major League Baseball and the National Football League are well-known, and the outfielder/running back became the first athlete named to two sports’ All-Star games, a testament to his athletic prowess.

Tommie Lee Agee was born August 9, 1942 in Magnolia, Alabama. In 1966, his first full season, he hit 22 homers and led American League outfielders in putouts to earn Rookie of the Year honors. Traded to the Mets two years later, Agee helped them win the 1969 pennant with his leadoff hitting, including a career-high 26 homers.

Lee Louis Mazzilli was born March 25, 1955, in Brooklyn, New York. He is most remembered as a member of the Mets, who selected him in the first round of the June 1973 draft. He was heavily promoted by the star-hungry Mets and was quite popular in New York, thanks not only to his talent, but his Brooklyn roots and matinée idol looks.

Dale Bryan Murphy was born March 12, 1956, in Portland, Oregon. When Murphy was playing in Atlanta, he was as beloved as any player in Braves history. Along with being one of the National League’s finest players, Murphy further endeared himself to his fans with the genuine dedication that he showed to his community.

John Francis Buck, nicknamed “Jack,” was born August 21, 1924 in Holyoke, Massachusetts. Buck was recognizable by his deep, gravelly voice, penchant for sardonic irony, and his distinctive play-by-play calls.  He was best known for his work announcing Major League Baseball games of the St. Louis Cardinals.  He received the Ford C. Frick Award from [...]

Walter Charles Post was born July 9, 1929 in St. Wendelin, Ohio. Post was a powerful slugger in the mid-1950s who spent most of his career with Cincinnati teams; he also was respected for his strong and accurate throwing arm.

Orel Leonard Hershiser IV was born September 16, 1958 in Buffalo, New York. At his peak in the 1980s, Orel Hershiser was at the top of the National League, the ace of a stacked Los Angeles Dodger rotation. He was a marvel on the mound, one year stringing together 59 consecutive scoreless innings, breaking a 20-year-old record.

Steven Patrick Garvey was born December 22, 1948 in Tampa, FL. The most durable player of his era, Garvey played a National League-record 1,207 consecutive games. Originally a third baseman with a suspect arm, he became part of baseball’s longest-running infield when he moved to first base. Ron Cey took over at third, and they flanked Davey Lopes and Bill Russell from 1973 to 1981.