Baseball History Podcast

Rocco Domenico Colavito, Jr., nicknamed Rocky, was born August 10, 1933 in New York City. Few players captured the imagination of a town the way Rocky Colavito did Cleveland. The 6’3″, boyishly handsome strongman from the Bronx had a charisma that made him the most memorable personality in Indians history; he was voted so in 1976. He reached 300 home runs faster than all but four players; he was 31 when he hit number 300.

José Canseco Capas, Jr. was born July 2, 1964 in Havana, Cuba. Canseco was a baseball giant in size, potential, and gossip, and became the first member of the 40-40 club when he was a mere 23 years old, winning the Most Valuable Player award that year in a landslide. But arrogance and injuries, some inadvertently caused by the bulging muscles that gave him such exceptional power, ended up wreaking havoc with his career.

William Nuschler Clark, Jr. was born March 13, 1964 in New Orleans, Louisiana. A 1990 poll of 65 major league players ranked Will Clark as the best clutch performer in baseball. Clark’s abundance of natural talent earned him the nickname “The Natural” and the tall first baseman never lacked for confidence.

Calvin Edwin Ripken, Jr. was born August 24, 1960 in Havre de Grace, Maryland (HAV-ur dee GRACE.) Commonly known as Cal or Cal Jr., he was one of the all-time great shortstops, but his other achievements are somewhat overshadowed by his consecutive games played record.

Vida Rochelle Blue Jr. was born July 28, 1949, in Mansfield, Louisiana. In his 17-year Major League career, this left-handed starting pitcher played for the Oakland Athletics, San Francisco Giants, and Kansas City Royals.

Robert James Monday, Jr., nicknamed Rick, was born November 20, 1945 in Batesville, Arkansas. In a 19-season career, Monday compiled a .264 batting average with 241 home runs and 775 Runs Batted In. He was selected an All-Star in 1968 and 1978.

Harvey Haddix, Jr. was born September 18, 1925 in Medway, Ohio, located just outside of Springfield, Ohio.

Bill Madlock, Jr. was born January 12, 1951 in Memphis, Tennessee. The 5’11″ 190-lb Madlock had a compact swing, one of the prettiest in baseball, and scattered line drives throughout the National League.

Joseph Paul DiMaggio , who’s birth name was actually Giuseppe Paolo DiMaggio, Jr. was born November 25, 1914 in Martinez, California. Know as the Yankee Clipper and Joltin’ Joe, DiMaggio could do everything well. He may have been the best all-around player ever.