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.
The Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers met for Game 1 of the 1977 National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium. Philadelphia, led by ace Steve Carlton, came into the game looking to build on a strong season that saw them win 101 games. Carlton, who was a key figure in the Phillies’ rotation, was tasked with facing veteran left-hander Tommy John of the Dodgers. Los Angeles, fresh off a 98-win season, boasted a powerful lineup, including Ron Cey, Steve Garvey, and Reggie Smith, who had played crucial roles in their success that year. Both teams were aiming to take an early lead in the best-of-five series with a trip to the World Series at stake.
The Phillies struck early in the first inning when Greg Luzinski launched a two-run homer off John, giving them a quick 2-0 lead. Philadelphia added to their advantage in the fifth with a pair of unearned runs, thanks to a couple of errors by Bill Russell. Carlton was effective through six innings, but the Dodgers rallied in the seventh. Ron Cey delivered the biggest blow of the inning with a grand slam, tying the game at 5-5. Despite the momentum shift, the Phillies regained control in the ninth, scoring two runs on singles by McBride and Schmidt, helped by a balk from Elias Sosa.
The Phillies closed out the game with a 7-5 victory, handing Tug McGraw a save. Carlton earned a win, despite the rough seventh inning, and Gene Garber held the Dodgers at bay. The Phillies took a crucial 1-0 lead in the series as they pushed closer to their first World Series appearance since 1950, while the Dodgers, who were favorites to win the NL pennant, found themselves with an uphill battle to reclaim control.
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.