Baseball History Podcast

Baldomero Almada, nicknamed “Melo”, was born February 7, 1913 in Huatabampo, Sonora, Mexico. He moved to southern California with his family at the age of one in 1914, amid the political and business turmoil of the Revolution in Mexico. He made history by becoming the first Mexican baseball player to play in the Major Leagues.

John Joseph Murphy was born July 14, 1908 in New York City. A righthanded, curveballing control pitcher, Murphy began his career as a starter with the Yankees, starting 20 games as a rookie in 1934. After being switched to the bullpen the following season, he started only 20 more games in his 13-year career.

Wilson Lloyd Fewster, nicknamed “Chick”, was born November 10, 1895 in Baltimore, MD. Fewster broke into organized baseball in 1915 playing second base, and then in 1917 was brought up to the Yankees in time to debut on September 19. In 11 late-season games, he hit .222, driving in just one run and scoring twice.

Robert George Weiland was born December 14, 1905 in Chicago, Illinois. Left-handed pitcher Weiland’s record is a reminder that the team you play for can have as much as anything to do with your won-loss totals. It was his misfortune to play for the worst two teams in the American League for the first six and a half years in the majors putting up a combined record of 20-50.

Fred Girard Haney was born April 25, 1896 in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Haney touched all the bases in a 65-year baseball career. Along the way, he was a player, coach, scout, World Series winning manager, broadcaster and general manager.

Joseph Oden Rudi was born September 7, 1946 in Modesto, California. It took Rudi several years and hard work to mature as a major-leaguer. His quiet, low-key nature on a team with many flashy characters gave him a reputation as “underrated.” He was an excellent defensive player, a smart hitter, and a good baserunner. His arm was strong and accurate, and he was outstanding in the clutch.

George Clyde Kell was born August 23, 1922, in Swifton, Arkansas. Easily the best player to emerge during the WWII player shortage, Kell remained the American League’s premier third baseman long after the war had ended, and eventually earned a spot in the Hall of Fame.

John Lester Moss, nicknamed “Les”, was born May 14, 1925 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Moss played as a catcher for the St. Louis Browns for the most significant portion of his career, and was a backup catcher almost all his career. He also scouted, coached, and managed in the White Sox and Tiger organizations for nearly 30 years.

William Chester Jacobson, nicknamed “Baby Doll”, was born August 16, 1890 in Cable, Illinois. After three seasons playing for minor league teams, Jacobson’s contract was purchased by the New York Giants in September 1911 for $3,500. Manager John McGraw ranked Jacobson high. He called Jacobson “one of the most determined players I ever saw.”

Lewis Everett Scott, nicknamed “Deacon”, was born November 19, 1892 in Bluffton, Indiana. He was the steady infield leader of championship Red Sox and Yankee teams of the 1910s and 1920s and was considered to be the finest shortstop of his time. He set a Major League record for that time by appearing in 1,307 consecutive games.