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 September 20, 1934, the New York Yankees faced off against the Detroit Tigers at Navin Field in Detroit. With the season nearing its end, both teams had different trajectories. The Yankees, who were out of pennant contention, still had star power with players like Lou Gehrig, while the Tigers were fighting for the American League pennant, led by Hank Greenberg and Charlie Gehringer. Starting on the mound for the Yankees was Johnny Broaca, while Detroit's Fred Marberry took the ball for the Tigers. As Detroit aimed to maintain their lead in the standings, this game carried significant weight for their postseason ambitions.
The game saw an explosive start, with the Yankees jumping ahead early, scoring two runs in the first and adding a six-run third inning, capitalizing on a mix of hits and Tigers errors. Detroit struggled to keep pace despite a late surge, including Goose Goslin’s two-run homer in the seventh inning. Key Yankees hitters like George Selkirk and Red Rolfe kept the pressure on Detroit’s pitching staff, who couldn’t contain New York's offense. While Broaca wasn't flawless on the mound, he managed to limit the damage from a Tigers lineup that had multiple scoring chances throughout the game.
New York emerged victorious with an 11-7 win, thanks to consistent hitting and capitalizing on Detroit’s defensive mistakes. While the Tigers would go on to win the American League pennant, this loss was a stumble in their otherwise successful campaign. The Yankees, meanwhile, ended their season on a high note with individual performances from players like Selkirk and Rolfe, although they would finish far from the top of the standings. Hank Greenberg and Goose Goslin, both critical to Detroit’s pennant run, would continue to be key players in the Tigers' push to the World Series.
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.