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.
In 1948, the landscape of baseball was rich with legendary figures whose names are still revered today, and among those was Dizzy Dean, a former Major League Baseball pitcher turned broadcaster. By this time, Dean had transitioned from his dynamic pitching career, which included a memorable stint with the St. Louis Cardinals during the 1930s, into a successful broadcasting career that began shortly after his retirement in 1941. Known for his flamboyant personality and unique style of commentary, Dean's insights were not only valued but also brought a colorful perspective to the game of baseball, especially on radio broadcasts where his voice reached millions.
This particular radio interview from 1948 features Dizzy Dean discussing players with high batting averages, providing a glimpse into his deep understanding and appreciation of the sport's nuances. His analysis during the early post-war era, a time when baseball was undergoing significant changes and slowly integrating, offers a valuable historical perspective. Dean's commentary not only highlights his expertise but also showcases his ability to connect with listeners by breaking down complex aspects of baseball into more understandable chunks. His approach helped demystify player statistics and performance metrics, making baseball more accessible to the average fan at a time when the sport was America's undisputed favorite pastime.
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.
The third annual Major League Baseball All-Star Game was played in July 1935 at Cleveland...
1935 MLB All-Star Game - Radio Broadcast / The third annual Major League Baseball All-Star Game was played in July 1935 at Cleveland Stadium. Nearly 70,000 fans filled the enormous ballpark, which had just opened a few years earlier. The game was a showcase for the new stadium, which was nearly 4 times the capacity of Cleveland's previous League Park. Babe Ruth didn't play in this game, having retired mid season just a month earlier. But, hall of famer Lefty Gomez made his third consecutive all-star game start as pitcher for the American League. He was joined by other stars such as Lou Gehrig, Jimmie Foxx, Charlie Genhringer, Al Simmons, and Mel Ott.