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.
Johnny Mize, known as "The Big Cat" for his smooth fielding and powerful hitting, left an indelible mark on Major League Baseball during his career. Born in Demorest, Georgia, Mize began his professional journey with the St. Louis Cardinals. His debut season in the major leagues quickly showcased his exceptional talent as a first baseman and hitter.
The 1941 Baseball All-Star game was held at Briggs Stadium in Detroit where the American League sent 22 year old Bob Feller to the mound against Whit Wyatt, who had a 13-4 record for the Dodgers at the break. Two historic moments were taking place during the 1941 season. Ted Williams was batting .405 at the time of the all-star game and would end the season batting .406 . Additionally Joe Dimaggio was in the midst of his 56- game hitting streak. At the time of this game, his streak stood at 48 games.
In this 1956 audio clip, listeners are treated to a rare interview with Joe Adcock, a...
Joe Adcock Mini-Biography and Radio Interview / In this 1956 audio clip, listeners are treated to a rare interview with Joe Adcock, a prominent Major League Baseball player best known for his powerful hitting while playing with the Milwaukee Braves. At the time of the interview, Adcock was in the prime of his career, having recently completed one of his most memorable seasons. Known for his strength and batting prowess, Adcock had a significant impact on the game, and this clip provides insight into his perspectives, experiences, and contributions during this pivotal time in baseball history. The interview offers a window into the mid-1950s era of the sport, reflecting the culture and challenges of the time.
The segment captures an era of baseball when players like Adcock were setting records and thrilling fans with their on-field exploits. His reflections and comments provide listeners with a personal glimpse into his career and the state of baseball during the 1950s. This interview is not just a piece of sports history but also a piece of cultural history, offering insights into the attitudes, values, and dynamics of Major League Baseball in the post-war era. For fans of the sport or historians of the era, this clip serves as an important artifact, preserving the voice and thoughts of one of the game’s notable figures at a significant moment in his career.
On Tuesday, September 26, 1939, the Cincinnati Reds faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals...
St. Louis Cardinals vs Cincinnati Reds - Clincher - Radio Broadcast / On Tuesday, September 26, 1939, the Cincinnati Reds faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Crosley Field. The starting pitchers for the day were Davis for the Cardinals and Thompson for the Reds. The 1939 season was a significant one, with the Reds sitting atop the National League and the Cardinals not far behind. The Reds were looking to clinify their first pennant since 1919, while the Cardinals were hoping to repeat their World Series success from just a few years prior in 1934. The game was also set against the backdrop of an eventful season for Major League Baseball, with the first televised baseball game taking place earlier that year, and the onset of World War II casting uncertainty over future seasons.
The game started off with both teams holding their own, with the first inning ending scoreless. The second inning, however, saw a shift in momentum when the Reds' shortstop Myers hit a home run, sending Lombardi and Craft home and giving the Reds a 3-0 lead. This was a significant moment in the game, as Myers' home run was only his ninth of the season. Despite the Cardinals' best efforts, they were unable to score in the second inning, leaving the Reds with a comfortable lead.
In the following innings, the Cardinals made several attempts to close the gap. Their most significant scoring opportunity came in the third inning when Medwick hit a double, his second of the game, allowing the Cardinals to score their only run. Despite this, the Reds' defense, led by Thompson, managed to hold the Cardinals at bay. The Cardinals' pitching staff also worked hard to prevent the Reds from extending their lead, with Davis, Shoun, Bowman, Warneke, and Weiland all taking the mound throughout the game. However, the Reds' early lead proved insurmountable, and the game ended with a 3-1 victory for the Reds.
After this game, the Cincinnati Reds went on to win the National League pennant, their first in 20 years, and advanced to the World Series. However, they were defeated by the New York Yankees in a four-game sweep. Despite their loss in this particular game, the Cardinals had a strong season, finishing second in the National League. The 1939 season also saw several individual accomplishments, with Johnny Mize of the Cardinals leading the league in home runs and RBIs, and Lombardi of the Reds winning the National League MVP award.
The 1936 season between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs was marked by...
St. Louis Cardinals vs Chicago Cubs - Radio Broadcast / The 1936 season between the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs was marked by intense competition between the two National League rivals. Throughout the season, both teams demonstrated strong performances and sought to secure a spot in the playoffs.
August was a crucial month for both the Cardinals and the Cubs. The Cardinals, led by their star player Dizzy Dean, had a standout season with exceptional pitching performances. Dean was a dominant force on the mound and played a pivotal role in the Cardinals' success throughout the year. In August, Dean continued to excel, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's best pitchers.
On the other hand, the Chicago Cubs showcased their offensive firepower during the 1936 season. Players like Gabby Hartnett and Billy Herman led the team's hitting attack, providing consistent contributions to the lineup. In August, the Cubs' offense remained potent, putting up impressive numbers in key games.
The rivalry between the two teams intensified during their matchups in August. The Cardinals and the Cubs were neck-and-neck in the standings, making each head-to-head encounter critical for both sides. These games were fiercely contested and had a significant impact on their positioning in the standings.
Overall, the 1936 season saw the St. Louis Cardinals and the Chicago Cubs engaged in a fierce battle for supremacy in the National League. With Dizzy Dean's dominant pitching and the Cubs' powerful hitting, both teams made their case for a spot in the playoffs. The competition between the Cardinals and the Cubs, especially during the pivotal month of August, added excitement to the baseball season and further solidified the historic rivalry between these two storied franchises.