The G-Man Show

Cleveland hurler Mel Harder pitched for 20 seasons and still holds the club record for career games pitched at 582. He later became an outstanding pitching coach.

Billy broke in with the Milwaukee Braves and led the NL in stolen bases his rookie year and the next two seasons. In the 1958 World Series vs the Yankees he was 7 for 17 at the plate for the Braves.

Earl Battey put on a clinic catching throughout his career in the Big leagues. The four time All Star compiled a .990 career fielding percentage behind the plater throwing out 43.44 percent of base runners attempting to steal.

A low profile netted high offensive numbers for the 1949 AL Rookie of the Year. The 5 time All-Star led the league in Home runs and RBI in 1957.

Jack Buck was an American original. The voice of the St. Louis Cardinals for close to a half century. He displayed his versatility calling games for the NFL, NHL, and NBA. Mr. Buck served in the Army during WWII earning a Purple Heart.

Wilbur Wood is known for his knuckleball and durability. The three time All-Star led the American League twice in wins in 1972 and 1973. Many believe he was the best ever left handed knuckle ball pitcher in Major League history.

With the game on the line relief pitcher Dick Radatz is not someone you would want to see staring down at you from the pitchers mound. In 1964 Dick established a MLB record for strikeouts in a season by a relief pitcher with 181.

Gene Woodling knew what it took to win ballgames and the bigger they were the more he excelled. He was a strong contributor during the New York Yankees dynasty that won five consecutive Fall Classics.

Lew Burdette always appeared as if he was nervous in the service of his team. However, the right hander was a superb pitcher who anchored the Milwaukee Braves pitching staff when they won it all.

Bob Purkey was a right hander with a big heart. He was the mainstay of Cincinnati’s pitching staff in the early 1960’s.

The smooth fielding and American League batting champion Mickey Vernon played in four decades in the Big Leagues.

Pitcher Ron Necciai had a high moment while throwing in the low minors.

Listed are some excellent books on baseball that have a special place in my library.

Doctor Bobby Brown is a man for all seasons. Professional athlete, Cardiologist, and president in MLB.

Coming off the bench and delivering a key hit isn’t easy. Manny Mota is among the best to ever to fill that role. When he retired he was the All Time leader with 150 pinch hits in his career

Vada Pinson was a consistent player in the Big Leagues for 18 seasons. He had a big heart and outstanding numbers.

Tony Oliva was a natural born hitter who won three AL batting crowns and excelled through injuries.

Maury Wills brought the stolen base back to prominence after breaking in with the Dodgers in 1959.

Hall of Fame Phillies pitcher Robin Roberts was honored with the Bob Feller Act of Valor Award in 2013 for his service during WWII.

Willie Stargell led the Pittsburgh Pirates with prodigious power and the respect of his peers.

Ernie Harwell painted pictures with words using the diamond as his canvas. He was the Picasso of the press box.

Bert Randolph Sugar is generally associated with boxing, however, baseball also runs prominently in his DNA.

New York Yankees shortstop Bucky Dent hit one of the biggest and most dramatic home runs for the fabled pinstrippers.

It took Pitcher Leon Day a long time to gain entrance into the National Baseball Hall of Fame but he is clearly where he belongs.

Pioneer Buck O’Neil made it his mission to keep the magic of the Negro Leagues alive for future generations.