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.
Following the demise of the original Negro National League in 1931, economic conditions during the Great Depression prevented the ANL, EWL, and NSL from restoring professional negro league baseball.
Finally, in 1933, owners of 7 negro league teams, led by Gus Greenlee, ratified a constitution and organized the second Negro National League.
On October 8, 1977, the New York Yankees and Kansas City Royals faced off in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series at Royals Stadium. The Yankees, under manager Billy Martin, were aiming for another World Series appearance and sent Ed Figueroa to the mound. The Royals, managed by Whitey Herzog, were looking to keep their season alive, with Larry Gura starting for Kansas City. New York had been powered all season by key players like Thurman Munson and Reggie Jackson, while Kansas City relied heavily on George Brett and Hal McRae to drive their offense.
The game opened with a fast pace, as Mickey Rivers led off the game with a double, eventually scoring to give the Yankees an early lead. New York built a 4-0 advantage by the third inning, but the Royals quickly answered back in the bottom of the third and fourth innings, with Freddie Patek and Frank White delivering key hits to narrow the deficit to 5-4. Both teams’ offenses quieted down after the early scoring bursts, as the game turned into a battle of the bullpens. Sparky Lyle came in for the Yankees and shut down the Royals' bats, while Kansas City's bullpen, led by Marty Pattin, kept the Yankees from extending their lead.
In the top of the ninth inning, New York added an insurance run on a sacrifice fly from Thurman Munson, and Lyle closed out the game in the bottom half, securing a 6-4 victory.
In this 1960 audio clip, the legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson interviews fellow icon Satchel...
Jackie Robinson & Satchel Paige - Radio Interview / In this 1960 audio clip, the legendary baseball player Jackie Robinson interviews fellow icon Satchel Paige, offering a rare glimpse into the life and thoughts of two of baseball's most significant figures. At this point in their careers, both Robinson and Paige had transitioned from their playing days: Robinson had broken Major League Baseball's color barrier in 1947 and retired in 1956, while Paige, despite debuting in the MLB at an older age due to segregation, had become a celebrated pitcher. Their conversation sheds light on the challenges they faced in the Negro Leagues and MLB, focusing on the grueling travel schedules, dietary habits, and the pressures of being top athletes during a time of segregation. Robinson, known for his groundbreaking role with the Brooklyn Dodgers, and Paige, renowned for his pitching skills and charismatic personality, delve into the intricacies of baseball, personal challenges, and their remarkable careers against the backdrop of racial segregation in America.
Their discussion transcends mere baseball talk, touching on broader themes of resilience, adaptability, and the impact of race on their professional and personal lives. The interview highlights Paige's unique approach to the game, his legendary confrontations with hitters like Josh Gibson, and his dietary habits that helped him maintain his longevity in the sport. This clip offers an invaluable historical perspective from two athletes who not only excelled in their sport but also played pivotal roles in the civil rights movement through their achievements on and off the field.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Discussion with Hall of Fame Negro Leaguer Jim "Cool Papa" Bell / 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.