Skip Nipper’s Nashville Baseball Podcast

In this episode, hear about two teams from the All American Girls Professional Baseball League playing a game at Sulphur Dell in 1946. Continue to listen as I explain the connection between an author of a book about the AAGPBL and the caricature in the Skip's Corner logo - and how valuable a membership in SABR (Society for American Baseball Research) is for me. It could be for you, too! Want...

The question I have been asked the most over the years of researching Nashville baseball history is "Did Babe Ruth ever play here?" You bet he did, several times! Listen to this episode as I tell about the Bambino's trips to Nashville's historic ballpark. Want to stay in touch? Find me here: X: mrsulphurdell Instagram: @ nashville_baseball Facebook: Skip Nipper Email me: 262dow...

The first professional baseball team in Nashville was formed in the fall of 1884 as a potential  member of the Union Association to save the league from failing. If the Union Association had not shut down in early 1885, Nashville might possibly have had Major League status as early as the 19th Century. Find out how by listening to this episode of Skip's Corner!  Want to stay in touch? Find me...

John Loar and Music City Baseball leadership are committed to bringing Major League Baseball to Nashville. Local baseball's strong foundation, including Negro Leagues history, makes an established connection to this initiative. A Nashville Stars cardboard advertising poster from my memorabilia collection shows four players; along with a photograph of the team bus provided by the Shannon Jones...

Larry Munson became Nashville Vols radio announcer for baseball games in 1947, and his duties included Vanderbilt football and basketball games. He endeared himself to fans with his distinctive voice and unwavering spirit for the home team. Although he passed away in 2011, he is still remembered by local fans for his gravely delivery, and often for an on-air faux pas in 1948. This episode gives Mu...

I have been fortunate to have met several baseball stars,  but there are three who allowed me to not only shake their hands, but have a special interaction. Listen in as I relate a few baseball blessings from a few years ago. Thanks to David Nipper for producing Skip's Corner  episodes! Want to stay in touch? Find me here: X: mrsulphurdell Instagram: @ nashville_baseball Facebook: Skip Nipper...

When Bill McCarthy was hired by owner Ted Murray to be general manager of the Nashville Vols, he knew his task was to make the club successful. McCarthy began by making major upgrades to Sulphur Dell in 1956  with Murray's blessing. In this episode you will learn about the renovation of Sulphur Dell! Want to stay in touch? Find me here: X: mrsulphurdell Instagram: @ nashville_baseball Faceboo...

Compiling a list of major league players from Nashville high schools was more difficult than I thought it would be. Utilizing baseball-reference.com as a main source, along with a list of major leaguers born in Nashville, I found the lack of historical date as a roadblock. At any rate, I have been able to confirm 38 players, although there are many more where no information that I can find. Listen...

Born in England and schooled in Massachusetts, John Dickins served in the Union army during the Civil War. After his release from Confedarate prison, he commanded a colored regiment in the Battle of Nashville. When the war ended he moved there, and in 1866, the Cumberland Base Ball Club was formed under his guidance and he served as president and captain. When his team played in Louisville after l...

When I began sulphurdell.com several years ago, many people wrote to me or told me what their favorite memories of the old ballpark were. In this episode I tell about some of the rememberances fans and families had. In the meantime, won't you write to me and tell me yours? Send a note to 262downright@gmail.com! Want to stay in touch? Find me here: X: mrsulphurdell Instagram: @ nashville_baseb...

Henry Kimbro had a sixteen-year career in the Negro Leagues with the Baltimore Elite Giants, Birmingham Black Barons, and in Harlem with the New York Black Yankees. Listen in as Dr. Harriet Kimbro-Hamilton tells his story through a perspective of love and respect that only a daughter can relate to others. Discovering her father's scrapbook after he passed away, she was moved to write Daddy&ap...

Nashville's baseball history includes amateur and semi-pro adult leagues, and the City League had a long line of baseball heroes in their own right. Listen to the events leading up to the 1961 All-Star game, and how the Falstaff and Nashville Sporting Goods teams made their way to the AABC state tournament in Knoxville. Want to stay in touch? Find me here: X: mrsulphurdell Instagram: @ nashvi...

Nashville's Old Timers Baseball Association has been around since 1938 when Harry "War Horse" Rogers came up with the idea to gather players and fans for "hot stove" baseball conversations. For 84 years, the organization has supported local baseball at all levels. Hear about Rogers and the illustrious history of the Old Timers. Want to stay in touch? Find me here: X: mrsul...

Joe Casey was born on Juy 31, 1926, and passed away on his 96th birthday. He was an iconic figure in Nashville as Metro Police Chief for 16 years, but few know he had a promising career in professional baseball before he hurt his arm. A man of stature in his build and reputation, his family's connection to my family has been long-lasting, and I will miss him. Listen in as I tell about that sp...

Recent Baseball Hall of Fame inductions gave me reason to check how  many in Cooperstown had some connection to Nashville. I knew of several, and I know I have missed some, but with 340 current inductees there were many more that I could have imagined. I hope you will listen in as I give some Nashville connection for many who are immortalized in this special way. Want to stay in touch? Find me her...

Nashville hosted the 1949 All-Star game, and hopes were high for large attendance as the hometown Vols touted sluggers Babe Barna, Tookie Gilbert, and Carl Sawatski. The final score did not match the enthusiasm of the fans who turned out. Listen to highlights of the game played on Tuesday, July 13 that night. Want to stay in touch? Find me here: X: mrsulphurdell Instagram: @ nashville_baseball Fac...

On July 11, 1916, Tom Rogers pitched a perfect game at Sulphur Dell against Chattanooga. The Lookouts' Jim "Lefty" Allen allowed only one hit in the Vols' win, 1-0. Hear about this great name in Nashville baseball history. Want to stay in touch? Find me here: X: mrsulphurdell Instagram: @ nashville_baseball Facebook: Skip Nipper Email me: 262downright@gmail.com All Skip’s Corne...

No ballpark in the United States had the configuration of Sulphur Dell. Its quirky hills, colorful advertisements on the outfield walls, and closeness to the action made it a fan favorite - and opposing players hated it. When they referred to the bandbox bordered by Jackson Avenue, Fourth Avenue, Fifth Avenue, and a railroad spur, it was "Suffer Hell." The odor of the nearby natural sulp...

Memphis held a 7-0 lead over Nashville going into the bottom of the ninth in a game at Sulphur Dell on May 8, 1959. When the Vols put on a rally to take the win over the Chicks, it was one for the books. Listen to this episode to hear how it happened! Want to stay in touch? Find me here: X: mrsulphurdell Instagram: @ nashville_baseball Facebook: Skip Nipper Email me: 262downright@gmail.com All Ski...

Bobby Durnbaugh spent four seasons with Nashville in the Southern Association, but his professional career lasted eight years in the minors, and two games for the Cincinnati Reds. At 89 years old, he is a passionate storyteller. He remembers his teammates from the good old days, truthfully and with great detail. In this episode, he looks through photographs and proudly describes the Vols' bal...

Gene Smith was a member of the Nashville Old Timers Baseball Association. He was a star athlete at Antioch High School and in local amateur leagues; he passed away a few days ago. Listen in as Larry Schmittou talks about Gene's involvement as part-owner of the Nashville Sounds. Want to stay in touch? Find me here: X: mrsulphurdell Instagram: @ nashville_baseball Facebook: Skip Nipper Email me...

This past weekend I attended SABR's Jerry Malloy Negro Leagues Conference in Birmingham, Alabama. It was one of the most enjoyable events I have attended as I learned more about Black baseball history. I caught up with four important historians, Louis Manley, Dr. Layton Revel, Phil Dixon, and Gary Gillette, and asked them to talk about various subjects regarding Nashville's rich Negro Le...

Without Tom Wilson, there may not have been Negro League baseball in Nashville. I hope you will listen as I talk about him and a few other Black baseball players from Nashville who are important figures in the history of the sport. Want to stay in touch? Find me here: X: mrsulphurdell Instagram: @ nashville_baseball Facebook: Skip Nipper Email me: 262downright@gmail.com All Skip’s Corner episodes...

Collecting baseball cards as a hobby is a great way to learn about player's stats. The backs of cards I collected gave tidbits about streaks and superstitions, too. Nashville players had their share of both! Want to stay in touch? Find me here: X: mrsulphurdell Instagram: @ nashville_baseball Facebook: Skip Nipper Email me: 262downright@gmail.com All Skip’s Corner episodes ©2022-2025 by Skip...

Dutch McCall, George Jeffcoat, and Boots Poffenberger had amazing accomplishments while  pitching for Nashville. Hear about them and other Vols pitching greats. Want to stay in touch? Find me here: X: mrsulphurdell Instagram: @ nashville_baseball Facebook: Skip Nipper Email me: 262downright@gmail.com All Skip’s Corner episodes ©2022-2025 by Skip Nipper. All Rights Reserved. Thanks to my podcast pr...