Major League Baseball (MLB)

1959 MLB Audio & Video Clips

Pete Rose Opens Up About His Prison Time

Oct 11, 1991

10 minutes

1991 MLB·1991 Reds·Pete Rose·

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.

1959 MLB All-Star Game - Radio Broadcast

2½ hours Jul 7, 1959Jul 7, 1959

The 1959 All-Star game was the first year the MLB held an All Star Game...

1959 MLB All-Star Game - Radio Broadcast / The 1959 All-Star game was the first year the MLB held an All Star Game Double Header. The first game of 1959 was held at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. The second game would be played a month later in Los Angeles. The experiment of two All-Star Games continued for four seasons; the league returned to just one annual game in 1963. In this first game of 1959, the American League started the 39 year old veteran Early Wynn while the National League went with 22 year old Don Drysdale.

Ernie Harwell - 1950s Giants and Orioles - Radio Interview Part 4 of 8

29 minutes 1951–1959

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.

Ted Williams Interviewed by Leo Cloutier in 1952

6 minutes Feb 1, 1952

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.

Interview with Hall of Fame Outfielder Enos Slaughter

1½ hours Dec 21, 1976

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.