RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
The 1951 Major League Baseball season opened on April 16 and finished on October 12, 1951. Teams from both leagues played a 154-game regular season schedule. At the end of the regular season, the National League pennant was still undecided resulting in a three game playoff between the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers. After splitting the first two games, the stage was set for a decisive third game, won in dramatic fashion on a walk-off homerun from the bat of Giant Bobby Thomson, one of the most famous moments in the history of baseball, commemorated as the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" and "The Miracle at Coogan's Bluff". The Giants lost the World Series to defending champion New York Yankees, who were in the midst of a 5-year World Series winning streak.
In this interview, the legendary baseball player Pete Rose, known for appearing in more winning games than anyone else in baseball history, is the featured guest. In 1985, he famously surpassed Ty Cobb to become the all-time hit king, a momentous achievement in his career.
The interview begins with a lighthearted tone, highlighting Rose's vibrant personality. He recalls a notable incident from the 1973 National League playoffs with Buddy Harrelson, where a disagreement escalated into a physical altercation. This anecdote illustrates the competitive nature of sports and Rose's intensity on the field.
Rose discusses his relationship with Harrelson, mentioning an amusing incident where their sons also ended up in a fight, indicating a humorous take on the idea of competitiveness being 'genetic.' The conversation then shifts to Rose's unique sliding technique, which he humorously relates to his hair style.
The interview takes a serious turn as Rose reflects on his time away from baseball, hinting at his legal issues and imprisonment. He candidly shares experiences from his incarceration, including interactions with other inmates and his involvement in prison sports as a coach.
Rose addresses public misconceptions about him, emphasizing the difference between his on-field persona and his off-field character. He admits to being aggressive and determined during games but describes himself as easygoing and friendly in everyday life.
The discussion also touches on Rose's perspective on baseball management, particularly regarding emotional outbursts from players like Rob Dibble. Rose acknowledges the importance of emotion in sports but stresses the need to control it to prevent harm.
Rose then expresses his desire to be reinstated in baseball, primarily to gain eligibility for the Hall of Fame. He speaks about his efforts to clean up his act and his hope for a future in baseball, albeit not necessarily in a managerial role.
Finally, the interview wraps up with Rose sharing his insights on the current state of baseball, including his views on teams like the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Minnesota Twins, and speculating on potential managerial opportunities with teams like the New York Yankees.
Throughout the interview, Rose's personality shines through, displaying both his passion for baseball and his ability to engage humorously and thoughtfully with his past and present experiences in the sport.
The batters couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat. The fielders must...
Angels in the Outfield / The batters couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat. The fielders must be using frying pans instead of baseball mitts. It looks like the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates haven't got a prayer...until the prayers of a young orphan girl get the Pirates some celestial support! Comedy and charm form the winning lineup of Angels in the Outfield, starring Paul Douglas as the team's short-fused manager. "Dogs have fleas, managers have sportswriters," he grouses to a columnist (Janet Leigh) covering the team. Adding to the fun are game footage from back in the day (buffs will love to spot the stars); support from Keenan Wynn, Spring Byington and more familiar talents; plus unbilled bits by baseball greats Joe DiMaggio and Ty Cobb. One more footnote about this nifty '50s diamond: President Eisenhower called it his favorite movie. Batter up!
In this 2006 audio segment, Ernie Harwell, the legendary voice of baseball, shares his experiences...
Ernie Harwell - 1950s Giants and Orioles - Radio Interview Part 4 of 8 / In this 2006 audio segment, Ernie Harwell, the legendary voice of baseball, shares his experiences from his early broadcasting career with the New York Giants and the Baltimore Orioles, prior to his iconic tenure with the Detroit Tigers. Known for his warm, eloquent delivery and deep connection with baseball fans, Harwell’s recounting of his time with these two teams offers a rare insight into the formative years of his illustrious career. The clip provides a glimpse into Major League Baseball during the mid-20th century, through the eyes of one of its most eloquent narrators. At this point, Harwell had been retired, yet his narratives and memories continued to resonate with a sense of timelessness and passion for the game.
Reflecting on the period before he became synonymous with Detroit baseball, Harwell discusses the distinct atmospheres, key players, and memorable games associated with the Giants and Orioles. His tenure with these teams laid the foundation for a broadcasting career that would endear him to millions of fans and leave an indelible mark on the sport. This segment is not just a trip down memory lane but a masterclass in the history and evolution of baseball broadcasting. It showcases the early stages of a career that would profoundly influence how the sport was experienced by fans around the world.
Hosted by retired NFL star Kyle Rote, these 5-minute programs feature interviews with some of the top figures in sports
Tops-in-Sports interview with Ralph Kiner / Hosted by retired NFL star Kyle Rote, these 5-minute programs feature interviews with some of the top figures in sports during 1962
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with First Baseman Mickey Vernon / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Ted Williams, aka The Splendid Splinter, The Greatest hitter of the Boston Red Sox, is...
Ted Williams Interviewed by Leo Cloutier in 1952 / Ted Williams, aka The Splendid Splinter, The Greatest hitter of the Boston Red Sox, is interviewed by Leo Cloutier in early 1952. Ted talks about Fly Fishing and Leo invites him to hunt deer in New Hampshire.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Hall of Fame Outfielder Enos Slaughter / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
1 Comment
I sincerely appreciate the research work, and the information being shared. It is important and interesting history.
I sincerely appreciate the research work, and the information being shared. It is important and interesting history.