The Southpaw

The Greatest Upset in Baseball History? Maybe not, but the Mighty Cubs did "learn a lesson or two"

The 1907 Cubs, who played at the West Side Grounds, were a formidable club. In 1906, the Cubs had gone 116-36 before losing the World Series to their cross-town rivals, the White Sox. In 1907, they'd fare better, winning 107 games and sweeping the Tigers in the World Series.

But two weeks before they took on the Tigers, they decided to pick up some extra cash by playing the Quincy Buds, a mediocre (.500) team that played in the I-I (Illinois-Iowa) League. It wasn't like the Cubs called up a bunch of minor leaguers to preserve their starters, like they do these days in such games -- six of their regular eight took the field. And this was saying something, considering the '07 Cubs boasted four future Hall-of-Famers: player-manager Frank Chance, shortstop Joe Tinker, second baseman Johnny Evers, and pitcher Mordecai Brown.

But on one day, in mid-September 1907, the Buds were better than the Cubs. The Quincy Daily Herald headline read: "THE CHAMPIONS EATEN ALIVE BY THE BUDS." The news story that followed began:

The Chicago stars badly beaten on the Quincy diamond and but for errors would have been shut out.

It was a nice tame little bunch of Cubs that the Buds chased around the lot yesterday. They let Mr. Hofer's men lead 'em around by the nose. They climbed the pole, danced, ate out of the hand and rolled over and played dead. Slats Rause's foolers were beyond them and after the first inning it was like taking candy from the children. The Cubs can lead the Nationals, but when they hit the Buds, they can climb a tree for they are out.

Chicago came to the bat first and Shorty Slagle made a safe hit to right field. Hofman the shortstop grounded to Johnson who made a neat and tidy error and gave Plummer a chance to fumble which he immediately proceeded to do and Slagle advanced to third in a hurry. Schulte flew west to Rudd and Patsy Moran hit safe to the left field Fisher fumbled the ball and both runners scored.

You can read the rest of the story at the Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County site.

Following the jump are a photo of the game and a video recounting the events of the day.

The 1939 Cubs: Spring Training in Catalina Paradise

This terrific newsreel features the 1938 National League Champions during spring training in 1939. Between 1922 and 1951 -- except for a few years -- the Cubs trained on this idyllic island paradise 22 miles off the coast of L.A.

William Wrigley Jr. had purchased a huge chunk of the island in 1919, and then built a miniature replica of Wrigley Field (the field dimensions were the same, the stands much, much smaller) for his players to work out on. They were housed and had a clubhouse at the Catalina Country Club & Golf Course. The country club still exists, as does the clubhouse; a plaque has been placed where the field was.

It was a glamorous setting where many films, like "Mutiny on the Bounty," were made, and many movie stars relaxed. A visitor to Cubs spring training might see Cary Grant, Clark Gable, or Errol Flynn while taking in a ball game.

The Cubs hadn't been all that impressive in winning the 1938 pennant -- they finished with just an 89-63 record and were swept by the Yankees in the World Series. In 1939 the club would win 84 games and drop back to fourth place. But they always had a sweet time in the spring.

Among the players featured here are Dizzy Dean, Gabby Hartnett, Gus Mancuso, Bill Lee, Larry French, Charlie Root, Phil Cavarretta, and Dick Bartell.

Posted on July 25, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0)

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July 23, 2007

The 1986 Dodgers Grooving The Baseball Boogie

It's a mystery why the Dodgers, who in mid-August were in third place, eight games out of first, decided to record this tacky, cocky video. After 18 of the players joined L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley, Donna Mills, Joan Van Ark and the Commodores to tape "The Baseball Boogie," the season was all downhill, and the boys from Chavez Ravine finished fifth in the NL East, 23 games behind the Astros. On the other hand, the team did draw more fans than any other NL club in 1986 ... so maybe the show biz vibe paid off.

Posted on July 23, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0)

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July 19, 2007

1948 World Series: Highlight Reel and Mel Allen's Complete Call of Game 5

It was a classic matchup because of the greats (and the personalities) on the teams taking part: the Cleveland Indians, who won the AL flag in a one-game playoff against the Red Sox, and the Boston Braves, who featured the famous Spahn, Sain, and rain rotation.

Neither team had a great season, however, with the Indians going down to the wire and the Braves winning a mediocre NL with just 91 wins. But the Indians had maverick owner Bill Veeck and five future Hall-of-Famers: player-manager (and Major Leagle MVP) Lou Boudreau, Bob Feller, Bob Lemon, Satchel Paige, and Larry Doby. The Braves boasted Spahn, (AL Pitcher of the Year) Johnny Sain, Al Dark, and Eddie Stanky.

The Indians took the Series, 4 games to 2.

The highlight reel has an audio problem, but you can hear it if you turn your volume up to 11. The Game 5 call by Allen sounds terrific and is only a 23 MB download, if you want to keep it. Enjoy.

Mel Allen's call of Game 5.

Posted on July 19, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0)

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July 16, 2007

Mickey Mantle: The End and the Alcoholism

In this short documentary-style video, apparently produced before Mickey Mantle's death in 1995, there's some excellent archival footage, including his 500th home run. There are also shots of Mantle hitting in the 1950s, his retirement news conference on March 1, 1969, and Mickey Mantle Day at Yankee Stadium later in 1969.

Perhaps the saddest moment is when Mantle says that at age 35, he "could barely make it around the bases" and, "I was over the hill at age 33 ... It was my own fault." Mantle also talks a bit about his battle with alcoholism and going to the Betty Ford Clinic.

Posted on July 16, 2007 | Permalink | Comments (0)

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July 13, 2007

The Jackie Robinson Story

The Jackie Robinson Story, a 76-minute biopic, premiered in New York on May 16, 1950, with Robinson playing himself. As you know, Robinson was at the peak of his major league career at the time (he was the NL MVP in 1949), so the timing seems a little odd -- seems like they might have waited until the end of his playing days to give his life story the Hollywood treatment.

But "The Jackie Robinson Story" comes off well. Here's what New York Times reviewer Bosley Crowther wrote in the May 17 edition:

What is surprising ... is the sincerity of the dramatization and the integrity of Mr. Robinson playing himself. Too often, in films of this nature about sports figures, fanciful or real, the sentiments are inflated and the heroics glorified. Here the simple story of Mr. Robinson's trail-blazing career is reenacted with manifest fidelity and conspicuous dramatic restraint. And Mr. Robinson, doing that rare thing of playing himself in the picture's leading role, displays a calm assurance and composure that might be envied by many a Hollywood star."

Crowther also singles out Minor Watson for his excellent portrayal of Branch Rickey.

Enjoy the film.

It's a mystery why the Dodgers, who in mid-August were in third place, eight games out of first, decided to record this tacky, cocky video. After 18 of the players joined L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley, Donna Mills, Joan Van Ark and the Commodores to tape "The Baseball Boogie," the season was all downhill, and the boys from Chavez Ravine finished fifth in the NL East, 23 games behind the Astros. On the other hand, the team did draw more fans than any other NL club in 1986 ... so maybe the show biz vibe paid off.

It was a classic matchup because of the greats (and the personalities) on the teams taking part: the Cleveland Indians, who won the AL flag in a one-game playoff against the Red Sox, and the Boston Braves, who featured the famous Spahn, Sain, and rain rotation.

Neither team had a great season, however, with the Indians going down to the wire and the Braves winning a mediocre NL with just 91 wins. But the Indians had maverick owner Bill Veeck and five future Hall-of-Famers: player-manager (and Major Leagle MVP) Lou Boudreau, Bob Feller, Bob Lemon, Satchel Paige, and Larry Doby. The Braves boasted Spahn, (AL Pitcher of the Year) Johnny Sain, Al Dark, and Eddie Stanky.

The Indians took the Series, 4 games to 2.

The highlight reel has an audio problem, but you can hear it if you turn your volume up to 11. The Game 5 call by Allen sounds terrific and is only a 23 MB download, if you want to keep it. Enjoy.

Mel Allen's call of Game 5.

In this short documentary-style video, apparently produced before Mickey Mantle's death in 1995, there's some excellent archival footage, including his 500th home run. There are also shots of Mantle hitting in the 1950s, his retirement news conference on March 1, 1969, and Mickey Mantle Day at Yankee Stadium later in 1969.

Perhaps the saddest moment is when Mantle says that at age 35, he "could barely make it around the bases" and, "I was over the hill at age 33 ... It was my own fault." Mantle also talks a bit about his battle with alcoholism and going to the Betty Ford Clinic.

The Jackie Robinson Story, a 76-minute biopic, premiered in New York on May 16, 1950, with Robinson playing himself. As you know, Robinson was at the peak of his major league career at the time (he was the NL MVP in 1949), so the timing seems a little odd -- seems like they might have waited until the end of his playing days to give his life story the Hollywood treatment.

But "The Jackie Robinson Story" comes off well. Here's what New York Times reviewer Bosley Crowther wrote in the May 17 edition:

What is surprising ... is the sincerity of the dramatization and the integrity of Mr. Robinson playing himself. Too often, in films of this nature about sports figures, fanciful or real, the sentiments are inflated and the heroics glorified. Here the simple story of Mr. Robinson's trail-blazing career is reenacted with manifest fidelity and conspicuous dramatic restraint. And Mr. Robinson, doing that rare thing of playing himself in the picture's leading role, displays a calm assurance and composure that might be envied by many a Hollywood star."

Crowther also singles out Minor Watson for his excellent portrayal of Branch Rickey.

Enjoy the film.

The 1986 Dodgers Grooving The Baseball Boogie

It's a mystery why the Dodgers, who in mid-August were in third place, eight games out of first, decided to record this tacky, cocky video. After 18 of the players joined L.A. Mayor Tom Bradley, Donna Mills, Joan Van Ark and the Commodores to tape "The Baseball Boogie," the season was all downhill, and the boys from Chavez Ravine finished fifth in the NL East, 23 games behind the Astros. On the other hand, the team did draw more fans than any other NL club in 1986 ... so maybe the show biz vibe paid off.

1948 World Series: Highlight Reel and Mel Allen's Complete Call of Game 5

It was a classic matchup because of the greats (and the personalities) on the teams taking part: the Cleveland Indians, who won the AL flag in a one-game playoff against the Red Sox, and the Boston Braves, who featured the famous Spahn, Sain, and rain rotation.

Neither team had a great season, however, with the Indians going down to the wire and the Braves winning a mediocre NL with just 91 wins. But the Indians had maverick owner Bill Veeck and five future Hall-of-Famers: player-manager (and Major Leagle MVP) Lou Boudreau, Bob Feller, Bob Lemon, Satchel Paige, and Larry Doby. The Braves boasted Spahn, (AL Pitcher of the Year) Johnny Sain, Al Dark, and Eddie Stanky.

The Indians took the Series, 4 games to 2.

The highlight reel has an audio problem, but you can hear it if you turn your volume up to 11. The Game 5 call by Allen sounds terrific and is only a 23 MB download, if you want to keep it. Enjoy.

Mel Allen's call of Game 5.

Mickey Mantle: The End and the Alcoholism

In this short documentary-style video, apparently produced before Mickey Mantle's death in 1995, there's some excellent archival footage, including his 500th home run. There are also shots of Mantle hitting in the 1950s, his retirement news conference on March 1, 1969, and Mickey Mantle Day at Yankee Stadium later in 1969.

Perhaps the saddest moment is when Mantle says that at age 35, he "could barely make it around the bases" and, "I was over the hill at age 33 ... It was my own fault." Mantle also talks a bit about his battle with alcoholism and going to the Betty Ford Clinic.

The Jackie Robinson Story

The Jackie Robinson Story, a 76-minute biopic, premiered in New York on May 16, 1950, with Robinson playing himself. As you know, Robinson was at the peak of his major league career at the time (he was the NL MVP in 1949), so the timing seems a little odd -- seems like they might have waited until the end of his playing days to give his life story the Hollywood treatment.

But "The Jackie Robinson Story" comes off well. Here's what New York Times reviewer Bosley Crowther wrote in the May 17 edition:

What is surprising ... is the sincerity of the dramatization and the integrity of Mr. Robinson playing himself. Too often, in films of this nature about sports figures, fanciful or real, the sentiments are inflated and the heroics glorified. Here the simple story of Mr. Robinson's trail-blazing career is reenacted with manifest fidelity and conspicuous dramatic restraint. And Mr. Robinson, doing that rare thing of playing himself in the picture's leading role, displays a calm assurance and composure that might be envied by many a Hollywood star."

Crowther also singles out Minor Watson for his excellent portrayal of Branch Rickey.

Enjoy the film.

The Untold Saga of Jimmy Piersall

While researching my latest story for 108 Magazine, which appears in the Summer 2007 issue (available on many Borders and Barnes & Noble newsstands and also via subscription), I was surprised by what I learned by talking to his rookie year roommate (and best friend at the time), Ted Lepcio, and others who knew him during that fateful season, when he was institutionalized.

Piersall is most remembered for his mental illness, but less remembered for his subsequent recovery and long, productive major league career. His years in the majors were stormy, for sure, but what emerges is something less "sensational" than the character depicted by Tony Perkins in the 1957 biopic, Fear Strikes Out. The subtler version -- the one I think I managed to pull off, is, I think, more interesting.

Fortunately, my good friends at 108 posted the entire article online in PDF format; it's the first item in the online Table of Contents.

There you'll also find excerpts from many other fine articles and short stories in the issue.

Leo Durocher's Sitcom Career: The Beverly Hillbillies and The Munsters

In the first half of the 1960s, Leo Durocher must have been very bored. Returning to baseball after five years as an announcer, he was no longer a manager -- instead, The Lip was a coach who had to answer to Dodgers' manager Walter Alston.

So Durocher, who always dug show biz, put in some guest appearances. In April 1963, he played himself on "The Beverly Hillbillies," then the top-rated show on TV. He thinks he's found a pitching prospect in Jethroe (Max Baer Jr., son of the former heavyweight champ). Los Angeles Times columnist Sid Ziff was impressed with Durocher's abilities.

"During the shooting, which I watched for over an hour, Durocher didn't blow a line," wrote Ziff in the Feb. 15, 1963 edition, almost two months before the episode ("The Clampetts and the Dodgers") aired. "He was perfectly at home. And he has a big part. It's not one of those walk-in things to take advantage of a sports name. There are lots of typical Hillbilly lines."

You can watch the complete episode below.

Durocher enjoyed acting so much that he later agreed to make an appearance in "The Munsters." Check it out after the jump.

Tom Seaver Doubleheader: Then and Now

As the old saw goes, I was born a Mets fan. The Mets were less than a month old when I entered this world, and on some level when the team started play in 1962 I was already rooting for Chris Cannizzaro, Choo Choo Coleman, Jay Hook, Gil Hodges, and Al Jackson. Then there was poor Roger Craig, who lost 24 in 1962 and, thanks to an 18-game losing streak, 22 in 1963.

I could go on about the characters on those early Mets teams, but the point here is to talk about one particular triumph that came four years later, when the Flushing front office was wise (and lucky) enough to draft a young fastballer named Tom Seaver. The Braves had actually taken him first, but lost him due to a technicality.

I remember also when the Mets traded Seaver to the Reds in 1977, in what was called "Grant's Massacre," in honor of Mets GM M. Donald Grant, who made the boneheaded move. Seaver enjoyed 4 1/2 fine seasons in Cincinnati (and one lousy one); one year he was an All-Star; in two other seasons he finished fourth and second in the Cy Young voting.

This first video, after the jump, has some nice footage of Tom Terrific during his time at Shea.

Video: Mantle and Maris, Spring Training 1962

Well, sort of. This is a scene from the 1962 film "Safe At Home." The plot, according to Ed Stephan over at IMDB.com: "Young Hutch Lawton brags to his Little League buddies that his dad knows Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris. Forced to "put up or shut up" Hutch goes to spring training camp where he is lectured about honesty being the best policy. He returns to face his buddies with the truth to find the entire Little League team invited to camp."

The Columbia Pictures film had a budget of $1 million, with Maris and Mantle paid $25,000 each for their starring roles. Twenty rookies who appeared in the background each received $100. The amount paid to Yankees manager Ralph Houk, who was so good that his single line role was expanded to two or three lines, was undisclosed.

"Mantle and Maris are doing well, so far," reported John Drebinger of the New York Times during filming in Fort Lauderdale. "Mantle, in particular, seems to be enjoying himself. He laughs easily and takes everything in stride. Asked whether he preferred being an actor to a ballplayer he replied: 'Why this life is a breeze. Shucks, in this business when you make a mistake you do it over and over and over until you do it right."

Let's whet our appetites with the movie poster:

A clip follows after the jump.