Rounders: A History of Baseball in America

Over the years, a number of significant changes have been introduced in professional baseball, each one altering the game in its own unique way. Let’s explore five of the biggest rule changes in the sport’s history and examine their impact on the game and their place in baseball lore.  Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the FREE bonus show at ⁠⁠⁠⁠rounders.substack....

In this episode, we explore the history of the Philadelphia Athletics. This iconic team has a long and storied history, featuring some of the game's most legendary players and groundbreaking innovations. We’ll cover their story, from founding to relocation to the present day. 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 will explore the life of James Creighton, a star pitcher in the mid-1800s known for his unique delivery style. We'll discuss the events that led to his untimely death, including his fatal injury during a baseball game. We’ll also look at how he changed baseball and the pitcher position. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND access to the bonus show at ⁠⁠roun...

One of the most exciting aspects of baseball is base stealing. It takes skill, speed, and strategy to be successful at swiping bags, and some players have mastered this art form.  Let’s look at some of baseball's top base stealers over the years and examine their techniques for success. Today on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest A...

Today we're continuing our series, "Roots of Greatness," where we explore the key foundational pieces in a star's life that contributed to their greatness. Today we will learn about Mookie Betts, the star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers. We've already done episodes about Mike Trout and Scott Rolen if you'd like to go back and check those out. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly d...

The Homestead Grays were one of the most successful and influential teams in the history of baseball. Let's uncover the team's origins, uniforms, top players, legacy, and more! Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND get access to the bonus show at rounders.substack.com Sign up as a premium subscriber and get this show ad-free! Liked the Show? Leave Me a One-Time "Good Game" Tip!...

In this episode, we honor the life and career of Josh Gibson and explore what he means to baseball, both then and now. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND get access to the bonus show at rounders.substack.com Sign up as a premium subscriber and get this show ad-free! Liked the Show? Leave Me a One-Time "Good Game" Tip! Tip on Cash App Tip on PayPal Tip on Venmo Connect on Soc...

In 2023, Scott Rolen was inducted into the Hall of Fame. His distinguished baseball career is a testament to his determination and passion for the game. But what were his foundational keys to success? In this episode, we look at Scott Rolen’s roots of greatness. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND get access to the bonus show at rounders.substack.com Liked the Show? Leave Me...

Don Mattingly played for the New York Yankees from 1982 to 1995 and was a beloved player and fan favorite. However, during one fateful season, "The Don's" signature hairstyle got him into a conflict you have to hear to believe. Let’s take a look at the haircut that rocked the baseball world! Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND get access to the bonus show at rounders.substack...

Baseball in the 21st century has seen no shortage of long-term deals for the game's best players. But fifty years ago, there were no such contracts. That all changed when one team decided to go all-in on a standout pitcher that could take them all the way. Who was he? Why offer such a big contract? How did he perform? Today, let's learn about baseball's first long-term contract on Rounders: A Hist...

In this video, I'm counting down the five greatest pinch hitters in baseball history. Now, if you're like me, you love a good pinch hit. These guys were some of the most clutch players to ever step up to the plate, and they all made their mark on the game. So without further ado, let's get started. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest AND get access to the bonus show at rounders.s...

Baseball is a sport that brings out the best in people, but sometimes fans can behave very badly. In this episode, we reveal even more stories of some of the worst-behaved baseball fans and the memorable actions they took. Today on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America. Show Notes See the fan who threw the ball at Alex Verdugo   See Adam Jones recount his experience at Fenway in this vid...

What makes a great athlete? Is it natural talent, hard work, or a combination of both? In this episode, we'll take a look at some of the greatest baseball players of all time and follow the unique journeys that made them so successful. Today we're exploring the roots of the greatness of the Millville Meteor, Prince Fish, MT Hammer - the one and only Mike Trout. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter&nbsp...

Ever heard of Turk Wendell? This lovable, bizarre relief pitcher had a unique collection of on-field antics combined with solid relief pitching. His time in major league baseball is funny, uplifting, and a perfect story for baseball fans. Today on Rounders a History of Baseball in America. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter and Bonus Mini Show Get the weekly digest at rounders.substack.com Liked the...

Before the Guardians, before the Indians, and even before the Nat's, Blues, and Bronchos, Cleveland was home to a professional baseball team you may have missed. We break down the rich history of the Cleveland Spiders in this week's episode! Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter and Bonus Mini Show Get the weekly digest at rounders.substack.com Liked the Show? Leave Me a One-Time "Good Game" Tip! Tip on...

Some pitchers can hit. Some can't. But when they do, it's a thing of beauty. Check out some of the top moments of pitchers on offense and see for yourself! Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter and Bonus Mini Show Get the weekly digest at rounders.substack.com Liked the Show? Leave Me a One-Time "Good Game" Tip! Tip on Cash App Tip on PayPal Tip on Venmo Connect on Social Media: Follow on YouTube Follow...

The year is 1925. The KKK is alive and thriving in American culture and politics. A group of Klansmen in Kansas set up a game against a local all-black professional baseball squad.  Would racism and divisiveness win the day? Or would a game of baseball show the local community, and the country at large, unveil racial superiority as the hoax it really is? Find out what happened - today on Roun...

Satchel Paige is one of the most iconic and celebrated players in baseball history. In this episode, learn about his five decades of baseball excellence and see why he remains a role model for players and fans to this day. Other Episodes to Check Out: My episode on Martin Dihigo (another amazing player robbed of a big-league spotlight due to discrimination) My episode on Bill Veeck (baseball's mos...

They were called “dummies.” But the deaf community’s contribution to baseball is certainly anything but. Learn about the players who helped move baseball forward towards a better game and a more inclusive sport, today on Rounders a History of Baseball in America. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest at rounders.substack.com Liked the Show? Leave Me a One-Time "Good Game" Tip! Tip...

Were the Toronto Blue Jays the first MLB team in Canada? Nope. That accolade goes to a franchise that developed one of the best player development systems of all time. That’s right.  We’re conducting an autopsy on the Montreal Expos. Today, on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America… Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest at rounders.substack.com Liked the Show? Leave Me a O...

One Saturday in 1903 changed baseball park construction. In fact, it changed sports venue planning forever. The event was a national tragedy. The aftermath led to safer experiences for fans, a fact we often take for granted today. Let’s re-discover the events of Black Saturday: Baseball’s Deadliest Ballpark Disaster. Today on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America. Sign Up for the FREE Newslet...

Christmas brings people together. We put aside differences and celebrate the gifts of family and friends. During the Civil War, there was little cause for happiness and unity on that day. But one Christmas, baseball brought Union and Confederate soldiers together. Learn about this amazing story. Today on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America. Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly dig...

This month’s questions keep the fire roaring on the cold months of winter and a lock-out. Today we’re talking about the worst superteam in baseball history, which podcasts I listen and subscribe to, and what the craziest stat in baseball is.  Today on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America. Episode Notes: Podcasts I subscribe to  - check out Comedy Bang Bang Podcasts I subscribe to -...

What if I told you the MLB had a team in the Emerald City before the Seattle Mariners? A franchise that only lasted one season? What went wrong? We’re conducting an autopsy on the Seattle Pilots. Today, on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America! Sign Up for the FREE Newsletter Get the weekly digest at rounders.substack.com Liked the Show? Leave Me a One-Time "Good Game" Tip! Tip on Cash App Ti...

We've sat down and ranked the best player-managers in MLB history. So who were the best to have one foot on the diamond and one foot in the dugout? Stay tuned to find out. Only on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America. Episode Notes: Follow Cas Silber (our new research assistant) on Instagram! A History of Player-Managers - 4:23 Pick #5 - 8:34 Pick #4 - 12:55 Pick #3 - 17:54 Pick #2 -  O...