Baseball History Podcast

Edward Marvin Reulbach, nicknamed “Big Ed”, was born December 1, 1882 in Detroit, MI. Reulback employed the technique of “shadowing” hiding the ball in his windup and had what was generally regarded as the finest curve ball in either league to become one baseball’s most difficult pitchers to hit.

Edward Leslie Grant was born May 21, 1883 in Franklin, Massachusetts. Eddie Grant was a typical Deadball Era third baseman: mediocre offensively but defensively reliable, particularly against the bunt. He was fast on the bases and dependable in the clutch. Today, however, he is best remembered as the most prominent major leaguer killed in combat during World War I.

Clifford Carlton Cravath, nicknamed both “Gavvy” and “Cactus”, was born March 23, 1881 in Escondido, California. Cravath was the home run king of the deadball era. Employing a powerful swing and taking advantage of Baker Bowl’s forgiving dimensions, the Philadelphia clean-up hitter led the National League in home runs six times, establishing new twentieth-century records for most home runs in a season and career. He set marks Babe Ruth would break soon after with the introduction of the lively ball.

Hazen Shirley Cuyler, nicknamed “Kiki”, was born August 30, 1898 in Harrisville, Michigan. He played with competitive zeal, yet was admired amidst rough and tumble teammates for his gentlemanly qualities.  He hit .300 ten times in his major league career and regularly batted .350 or higher.  He finished with a .321 lifetime batting average. Welcome [...]

William Walker Cooper was born January 8, 1915 in Atherton, Missouri. Cooper was a solid defensive catcher as well as a strong hitter, making the National League All-Star team every year from 1942 to 1950.

Frank Robinson was born in Beaumont, Texas, on August 31, 1935. His aggressive hitting style won the support of fans, with a plate-crowding stance that earned him frequent knockdowns and a hefty number of hit-by-pitcher passes to first.

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.

Frederick Carlisle Snodgrass, nicknamed “Snow,” was born October 19, 1887 in Ventura, California. The feisty, quick-tempered Snodgrass was a regular on three consecutive Giant pennant winners, from 1911 through 1913. Despite his solid contributions to the three pennant-winning clubs, the tenacious center fielder will forever be remembered for his infamous “muff” in the final game of the 1912 World Series.

William Henry Davis, nicknamed “Three Dog,” was born April 15, 1940 in Mineral Springs, Arkansas. Widely considered to be one of the fastest players of the 1960s, Davis had 20 or more stolen bases in eleven consecutive seasons. Along with Maury Wills, he provided speed at the top of Los Angeles lineup, being part of three pennant-winning Dodgers teams.

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.