Rounders: A History of Baseball in America

In the latest installment of our "Top 9 Facts" series, we’re examining the lesser-known highlights and stories surrounding the career of the one and only Rickey Henderson. What events, challenges and decisions did he make to become the legend we celebrate today? Let’s learn more about the life of the “Man of Steal” on this episode. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access t...

In the mid-1980s, a drug scandal rocked Major League Baseball. The case centered around several players from multiple teams, including some future Hall of Famers, who were found to be using cocaine and even helping distribute drugs to other clubs.  The investigation had wild testimonies and verdicts that impacted the league’s reputation. Let’s explore all the details on today’s episode. Sign Up fo...

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Last week, we looked at how the sport started and grew in Australia. In this episode, we follow the league’s growth in popularity, where the sport is today in Australia, and profile some of the most famous players from the country to play in Major League Baseball. Today on Rounders: Baseball History. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In a new series I’m calling “Baseball Abroad” we’re looking at how the sport arrived in countries around the globe, how it grew in popularity, famous players representing national pride, and where the game we love stands today in terms of national interest and dominance. To start, we’re traveling to Australia to examine baseball’s origins Down Under. Today on Rounders: Baseball History. Sign Up fo...

On June 18, 2024, baseball lost one of its greatest players, Willie Mays. Mountains of articles and profiles have honored and recapped his amazing career. We will take a different route and explore some of the lesser-known corners of his journey. So, settle in as we explore nine facts you probably didn’t know about the "Say Hey Kid." Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest...

The New York Giants, established in 1883, are a cornerstone of baseball history, boasting legendary players like Christy Mathewson, Willie Mays, and Mel Ott. While the Yankees and Dodgers often get most of the nostalgia coverage, the Giants deserve that same interest level. Let’s look at the club’s fascinating history today on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America. Sign Up for the FREE Newsle...

Learn about the evolution of baseball's batting headgear and its significant changes over the past 100+ years. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rounders.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up as a premium subscriber and get this show ad-free PLUS access to several other perks! Liked the Show? Leave Me a One-Time &q...

Enjoy this free preview of our bonus show, "This Week in Baseball History." If you like what you hear, you can get future episodes for free by signing up at rounders.substack.com.

Kevin Baker joins me in our latest episode to discuss his upcoming book, 'The New York Game: Baseball in the Rise of a New City,' which explores the origins and impact of baseball in New York City over the past 200 years. The book delves into the exclusion of black players, baseball's cultural and societal influence, and the notable players who shaped the game. Order the book on Amazon...

We’re rating the most recent inductions into the Baseball Hall of Fame. I've invited back an old friend of the show, John Vampatella. We’ve going to cover the 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees and if we agree with the selections. Then we’ll discuss who they may have missed and round out our show with the biggest snubs in HoF history and we think should be enshrined. John is the author of  T...

The St. Louis Browns were a Major League Baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri, from 1902 to 1953. As a member of the American League, they had their moments of prominence but never clinched a World Series title.  Discover the cross-town rival to the Cardinals and the stomping grounds of George Sisler - today on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get t...

Historically, the United States has called baseball “America’s Pastime.” To say the sport is a purely native invention, though, is only half the story. Baseball, like America, is the result of many cultural infusions. It’s the result of a melting pot of activities. So, let’s explore baseball’s origins together on today's episode. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access...

Picture this: it’s a sunny day at Yankee Stadium in the 1970s, excitement filling the air. You take your seat, and there he is—Thurman Munson, the heartbeat of the New York Yankees. In those moments, you witness Munson's incredible talent on the field. Little do you know, fate has a different plan for him. His career would be cut short, but Thurman Munson's legacy has endured. Let’s re-dis...

Hi Everyone! I'm excited to announce the kick-off of the latest show in the Rounders universe. It's called "Top of the 1st." How is it different than the main show? I'll share one short lesson (less than 5 min) each day to help you get inspired and motivated for the most important game - your life. I create these entries based on baseball history, sharing the events, triumphs...

As a baseball fan, you've undoubtedly seen teams make season-changing deals during the MLB Winter Meetings. These high-stakes sessions have been the birthplace of some truly impressive trades in baseball history.  However, not all negotiations that have taken place during these winter meetings have proved fruitful. In fact, some have gone down in history as the worst trades ever. Ready to delv...

Explore the remarkable journey of Warren Spahn, one of baseball's greatest left-handed pitchers, who bravely served in World War II before dominating the major leagues.  We'll uncover Spahn's early days, heroic military service, and legendary baseball career, highlighting his character, leadership, and enduring legacy - on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America. Sign Up for the FRE...

Today, we journey back to the nation's capital to unravel the tale of a team that once graced Washington, D.C baseball fields. A team that witnessed the highs of championship glory and the lows of relocation...twice. Grab your mitt and join us as we dive deep into the history of...The Washington Senators. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show a...

Dive into the fascinating career of Herb Washington, a former world-class sprinter turned professional baserunner for the Oakland Athletics. Today, on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rounders.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up as a premium subscriber and get this show ad-free! Liked the...

In this episode, we’re paying homage to the most unbreakable records in MLB history and the athletes who dared to chase them. We'll examine why these records remain unbroken and who’s come close without getting over the bar. Let's witness greatness, together. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rounders.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠...

In this episode, we'll delve into the captivating world of baseball folklore and explore the truth vs. legend surrounding one of the game's most iconic figures - Ty Cobb. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rounders.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up as a premium subscriber and get this show ad-free! Liked the Show? Leave Me a On...

What causes baseball team names to change over time? What makes a club's name acceptable during one period of history but then becomes unacceptable as time progresses? We're exploring that topic with Dr. Joe Squillace through the Lens of the Jacksonville Lunatics and mental asylums in the 19th Century. You're not going to want to miss this interview - today on Rounders: a History of Baseball in Am...

Every MLB ballpark has its own unique charm and character. Those small differences from city to city are part of what makes baseball games special. Some of those stadiums never became a reality and instead live on as “what-ifs” for us to consider. Let's journey through the most amazing baseball parks that were never built. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the...

This is the inspiring story of Robert "Bob" Slaybaugh, a professional baseball player who, despite losing an eye in a freak accident, continued pursuing his passion for the game, proving that even the most challenging obstacles can be overcome. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rounders.substack.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Sign up as a premium...

In the annals of baseball history, the name Bobby Balcena may not ring as loudly as some others, but his significance in the sport is undeniable. Balcena holds the distinction of being the first Asian American professional baseball player, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of diverse talent in the sport. Let's explore his story. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the...