Explore every episode of the podcast Past Ball Podcast

🎙️ Jackie Mitchell: The Teen Who Struck Out Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig

The Pastball Podcast – Where Baseball’s Forgotten Legends Come Back to Life.

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In 1931, a 17-year-old girl named Jackie Mitchell stepped onto the mound to face two of baseball’s most feared hitters—Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig—and what happened next became the stuff of legend.

In this jaw-dropping episode of The Pastball Podcast, we tell the almost-too-wild-to-be-true story of the teenage phenom who struck out two Hall of Famers back-to-back during an exhibition game with the New York Yankees.

⚾ Was it real or a publicity stunt?

🎟️ What role did circus promoter and team owner Joe Engel play?

💔 Why did MLB ban women from signing contracts shortly after her appearance?

📜 How has Jackie Mitchell’s legacy been remembered—or forgotten?

🎧 You’ll hear:

A deep dive into the facts behind the fable.

Real newspaper headlines and rare commentary from the era.

Why Mitchell’s story still matters nearly a century later.

How this moment challenged gender roles in sports—and still inspires athletes today.

💪 Perfect for:

Baseball fans, women in sports advocates, history buffs, feminist trailblazer stans, and anyone who loves a David vs. Goliath story—except this time, David wore a ponytail and threw heat.

🟢 Stream it now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever legends live.

Some say it was staged. Others say it was history. You’ll have to decide for yourself.

🎙️ The Wildest Trade in Baseball: Kekich and Peterson Swap Wives

The Pastball Podcast – Baseball’s Strangest Stories, One Episode at a Time.

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This is the baseball story so strange, it sounds made up—except it’s 100% real.

In this episode of The Pastball Podcast, we dive deep into one of the most bizarre and talked-about off-the-field trades in Major League Baseball history: the 1973 wife swap between New York Yankees pitchers Mike Kekich and Fritz Peterson. That's right—they literally traded families.

🎧 What went down behind the scenes?

💔 How did teammates, fans, and the media react?

👀 Did the swap stick, or was it a total train wreck?

⚾ What did this scandal mean for the Yankees and their careers?

We explore the chaos, consequences, and controversy of the Kekich-Peterson story—from spring training shockwaves to lifelong fallout—and break down how this unforgettable moment became a permanent footnote in baseball lore.

💥 Why You’ll Want to Listen:

True baseball weirdness that goes way beyond the game.

Unfiltered takes on how it changed MLB locker rooms forever.

Real quotes, rare interviews, and the lasting pop culture buzz.

The kind of story you won’t believe actually happened—until you hear it.

🧢 Ideal for:

Baseball fans, history junkies, Yankees loyalists, sports drama lovers, and anyone who thinks trades are just about stats and contracts.

Was it hustle or was it havoc? In this explosive episode of the Pastball Podcast, host Matt dives into the unforgettable 1970 MLB All-Star Game collision between Pete Rose and Ray Fosse. Discover how a single play in an exhibition game ignited decades of debate, changed one career forever, and redefined the meaning of “playing to win.” If you're a fan of baseball history, legendary moments, or heated sports controversy, this is the story you need to hear.

🎧 Tune in now to relive the play that shook the baseball world—and still has fans talking.

To this day, Mazeroski's blast remains the only walk-off home run in game seven to win a World Series championship. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here!

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Shot Heard 'Round the World - In 1951 One of the greatest home runs in MLB history occurred.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

He belted a home run to tie Ruth on Opening Day of the 1974 season, and when the Braves returned to Atlanta for their home opener against the Dodgers, Aaron was just one homer short of the record.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine a world in which Babe Ruth was the face of the Red Sox franchise instead of the Yankees.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The ceremonial first pitch is a longstanding ritual of baseball in which a guest of honor throws a ball to mark the end of pregame festivities and the start of the game. Originally, the guest threw a ball from their seat in the grandstand to the pitcher or catcher of the home team, but the ritual changed after United States President Ronald Reagan threw the first pitch on the field at an unscheduled appearance at a Baltimore Orioles game.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On May 2, 1917, the Cincinnati Reds and Chicago Cubs squared off at Chicago’s Weeghman Park for the first game of a four-game series.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chicks dig the long ball and Ross Barnes was the first person to hit a home run in National League history, on May 2, 1876.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

James Henry O'Rourke was nicknamed "Orator Jim" because of his verbosity on the field, his intellect, and his law degree—uncommon in a game regarded as a rough immigrant sport at the time. on April 22, 1876 opening day.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The catcher’s mask in baseball was invented by Frederick W. Thayer, a Harvard baseball player in 1875.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It began on a Brooklyn beach one day in 1863 when the 14-year-old Candy Cummings was throwing sea shells into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Pastball Podcast, where we relive baseball’s weirdest, wildest, and most head-scratching moments. Today, we’re talking about a man who could launch a baseball into orbit—but when it came to base-running, things got... complicated.

In this episode, we break down Jose Canseco’s legendary mishaps on the basepaths, including:

⚾ How a six-time All-Star and 40-40 club member led the league in getting caught stealing in 1986.

⚾ The infamous 1993 base-running blunder with the Rangers, where he got doubled off first base like a rookie.

⚾ His time in Oakland, where teammates and even Tony La Russa knew every trip around the bases was an adventure.

⚾ Why despite all the gaffes, Canseco’s power and larger-than-life personality kept him in the game (and in baseball lore).

When it came to home runs, Canseco was elite. When it came to base-running? Let’s just say he wasn’t exactly Rickey Henderson.

🎧 Listen now on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/Your Preferred Platform]

🔗 Follow & Subscribe for more baseball history deep dives!

A spitball is an illegal baseball pitch in which the ball has been altered by the application of a foreign substance such as saliva or petroleum jelly.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jimmy Sebring hit a grand total of six home runs over an entire five-year career. But none was more important than the first one to ever be hit in a World Series in 1903.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ray Chapman of the Naps (Indians) became the first player to die on a baseball field. Carl Mays, the Highlanders (Yankees) pitcher was known to throw high-and-tight, and because he threw from a side-armed position, right-handers were particularly vulnerable.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Al Leiter defeated the Arizona Diamondbacks 10-1 on April 30th, 2002 and became the first pitcher to record a win against all 30 teams.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

President Benjamin Harrison became the first U.S. President to attend a Major League baseball game.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Check out everything Past Ball Podcast at https://beacons.ai/pastball

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chick Fraser of the Philadelphia Phillies threw the first no-hitter in the modern era against the Chicago Cubs on September 18th, 1903.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 6th, 1973 Ron Blomberg stepped into the batter's box and became the first DH in baseball history.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baseball rules before 1903 were so different to modern-era rules that many stats are not factored in MLB history. An example of this is the first and only triple header. 1920 the Reds and the Pirates.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was 1904 and the World Series was canceled because of  John T. Brush, President of the National League champion New York Giants. The NL despised the dirty AL and their player raiding and cheating.The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1903 the first world series was played which featured the AL Champion Boston Red Sox and the NL Champion Pittsburgh Pirates.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

April 15, 1947. Jackie Robinson stepped onto the field for the Brooklyn Dodgers, forever changing baseball by breaking the color barrier. But while Robinson made history, Phillies manager Ben Chapman made headlines for all the wrong reasons.

In this episode of the Pastball Podcast, we examine one of the ugliest yet most pivotal moments in baseball history—when Chapman and the Phillies taunted Robinson with relentless racial slurs. But here’s the twist: Chapman’s cruelty didn’t break Robinson. It backfired.

We’ll cover:

⚾ How Jackie Robinson’s composure under fire united his Dodgers teammates.

⚾ Why the Phillies’ actions forced Major League Baseball to take notice.

⚾ The infamous PR stunt where Chapman was forced to pose with Robinson—and how history truly judged them both.

⚾ The lasting impact of this moment on baseball and society.

Jackie Robinson is a legend. Ben Chapman? A cautionary tale. Baseball has a long memory, and this is one chapter it won’t forget.

🎧 Tune in now to the Pastball Podcast on [Spotify/Apple Podcasts/Your Preferred Platform]

🔗 Follow & Subscribe for more deep dives into baseball history!

On December 23, a 6.3-magnitude earthquake struck Managua,[3] devastating the city and killing approximately 5,000 people. Roberto Clemente was one of them.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The foul ball that unraveled the Cubs’ chance for a World Series appearance and left fans steaming is now simmering in a red spaghetti sauce.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 1856 the job of the pitcher was not to deceive the striker but to put the ball where the batter wanted it. The striker would show the pitcher using his hand where he wanted it 45 feet away from the pitcher's box. Pitchers got faster and they had to adjust the game and in 1881 they moved it back to 50 feet. In 1888 overhand pitching was allowed for the first time and that gave the pitchers a big advantage since they were throwing it much harder at the old 50-foot distance. To balance the pitchers and batters, the National League which was modern-day MLB voted 9-2 on March 7, 1893, to move the pitcher back. In 1893 they decided to remove the pitching box and put down a rubber 60 feet away. A surveyor read the zero as a six lead to the modern-day odd distance of 60 feet 6 inches. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here!

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The symbol "K" in baseball was developed by baseball pioneer Henry Chadwick who was the New York Herald’s first baseball editor in the 1860s. Back in the early stages of baseball stat-keeping was done entirely with letters and no numbers. When the strikeout became an official statistic, "K" in the word “strikeout” was the first letter not already being used. As the single was S, the triple was T, the run was R, the inning was I and then the 17strikeout was K by default. Another reason the letter "K" is used is that it is made with 3 strokes of the pencil, symbolizing the 3 strikes for the strikeout. “K” is one of the only symbols used in today’s scorekeeping that originated in the 19th century. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here!

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Baseball Stitches - 108. That’s the number of stitches on a baseball. Count em if you don’t believe me. In 1934 MLB adopted a league-wide standard for the number of stitches on a ball. Before this many manufacturers used different numbers of stitches. So why 108? One factor was the practicality of hand-stitching the baseballs. 108 stitches allowed for a balanced distribution of stitches making it easier to sew the cover onto the ball. 108 has symbolic significance in various cultures and religions. For example, in Catholicism, there are 108 beads on a rosary. 108 stitches provide balance, and stability to the ball to make sure it stays round during play. 4 teams have won 108 games in a season all resulting in World Series Championships. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here!

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who Invented Baseball? Many people have heard and think that Abner Doubleday invented the game known as baseball in Cooperstown NY home of the baseball HOF during the summer of 1839. As it turns out, the real history of baseball is a little more complicated than the Doubleday legend. The game appears to be a mix between rounders and cricket. In 1845 the NY Knickerbocker Baseball Club formed and created rules called the laws of Baseball that would form the basis for modern baseball with the diamond-shaped infield, foul lines, and three-strike rule and got rid of the getting runners out by throwing balls at them. The Knickerbockers played the first official game of baseball against a team of cricket players starting the American tradition. Knickerbocker club president Doc Adams gets called the Father of Baseball and Doubleday gets his share of credit no one person invented it it was a communal effort largely in part to the Knickerbocker Baseball Club of NY. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here!

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May 13th, 1952 Ron Necciai (pronounced Net Shy) a 19 year old was slated to pitch for the Class D Bristol Twins an affiliation at the time of the Pirates, after he struck out 20 batters in his debut, then 19 in another game, then struck out 11 of 12 in a relief role three days later. As impressive as this was he did all this with terrible stomach issues. He battled stomach ulcers his entire life but it was getting worst. The night of his historic performance he would swallow some weird black pills and chug milk in between innings. He then went on to strike out a record 27 batters in a no-hit effort. The only pitcher to accomplish this feat in a nine-inning professional league game. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here!

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The most iconic moment in MLB history could have been when Jackie Robinson signs with the Brooklyn Dodgers in April 10th, 1947. Not only a great moment in MLB history but American history. Jackie Robinson broke through the race barrier in baseball becoming a catalyst for other MLB owners to recruit and sign players based on talent not race. The 1947 contract with the Dodgers stipulates that Robinson will receive $5,000 for the season while the Minor League contract offers him $600 per month during the season. The actual contract was appraised at 36 million. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here!

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October 14th, 1992 was a day Pirate fans like myself will never forget. Pirates are up 2-0 in the bottom of the 9th game 7 of the NLCS. The braves get a run so it is now 2-1 with Francisco Cabrera up, David Justice on Third, and ex-Pirates Sid Bream on second. Sid was not known for his speed. Cabera rips one into left field to Barry Bonds who makes a great play and fires the ball home after Justice scores tying the game. Any baseball fan thinks no way Sid makes it home on Bonds but the ball sails up the first base side and Sid scores winning the game and sending the Braves to the world series in which they lost to the Jays. Not only do the Pirates not make the World Series but the Pirates would only finish over .500 4 times after the Sid Slide and only three playoff appearances. The Joys of Being a Pirates Fan. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here!

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The Wave - is also referred to as the Mexican Wave is when a packed stadium and its group of fans successively stand, yell, and raise their arms and then immediately sit after reaching full height. The result is a wave of standing spectators that travels through the crowd, even though individual spectators never move away from their seats. The wave was created by "Krazy" George Henderson on October 15, 1981, at the televised A's/Yankees playoff game in Oakland. The Washington Huskies claim to have invented it some two weeks late but the video footage doesn’t lie. Henderson claims that it was originally created by an accident when he had one side of the arena jump and cheer then have the opposite side respond. There was a delayed response from one section of fans that lead to them jumping to their feet later than the section beside them. The next section followed and the wave was created. No matter the age or place if you see a wave you jump up and join. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here!

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Before the Mets. Before MLB expansion. There was The Continental League—a baseball league that never played a single game but reshaped the sport forever.

In this episode of the Pastball Podcast, we take a deep dive into the forgotten story of the Continental League, the brainchild of Branch Rickey in 1959. This ambitious attempt to create a third major league sent shockwaves through baseball, forcing MLB to confront the future of the game.

You’ll learn:

⚾ How Branch Rickey, the same man who broke baseball’s color barrier, led the charge for a new major league.

⚾ Why the Continental League posed a serious threat to the American and National Leagues.

⚾ How MLB responded—not by fighting it, but by expanding for the first time in decades.

⚾ The lasting impact of the league that never played, shaping the modern landscape of baseball.

Baseball could have looked very different without the Continental League. Want to know how it all went down? Tune in now to the Pastball Podcast!

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The Steve Bartman Incident - was a controversial play that occurred during a baseball game between the Cubs and the Florida Marlins on October 14, 2003, at Wrigley Field during the 2003 NLCS. It was game 6 in the 8th inning Cubs were up 3-0 and up 3-2 in the series. Luis Castillo hits a fly ball and Moises Alou chases it and jumps and tries to catch the ball near the wall.  A Cubs fan named Steve Barman headphones and all attempting to catch it deflect it causing Alou to not catch it leaving the Marlins with just one out in the inning. The umpires then say it was not fan interference. The Cubs then fall apart and give up 8 runs after that play and lose the series and blame Bartman for the 95-year championship drought. He has debris thrown at him, and death threats resulting in security at his house. He lived a nightmare until 2016 when the Cubs end the curse and win the world series. The Cubs even sent Barman a championship ring for his treatment for years. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here! 

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

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The Pine Tar Incident - also known as the pine tar game an incident that happened on July 24th, 1983 during a game between the Royal and the Yankees. Royals trailing 4-3 in the top half of the 9th inning with two outs George Brett hits a two-run homer off Goose Gossage to give the Royals the lead. Yankees Manager Billy Martin requested the umps check Brett's bat as there was a large amount of pine tar on the bat. The umpires lay the bat over the home plate to measure it as the plate is 17 inches and the rule says it cannot exceed 18 inches from the tip of the handle. They rule it exceeded the allowed amount and take back the hr and call him out ending the game. Which then led to Bretty exploding from the dugout and at the rookie umpire Tim McClelland. Brett was restrained and calmed down at some point in his life allegedly.  Rumor has it the Yankees and Martin noticed it pre-game but waited for the right moment to have the bat inspected. It was the right moment indeed. The Royals protested it and it was upheld. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here! 

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunnage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

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The Rally Cap - which is when you wear your hat in an odd way to bring your team good luck to rally back and win the game. Most often the rally cap is worn inside out and backward, or folded and worn bill up on half the head. The rally cap tradition started with the 1945 Detroit Tigers as some players wore their caps oddly as a way to urge their teammates on, and it worked as they won a World Series championship (over the Cubs). The rally cap went away until the Texas Rangers brought it back in 1977 and resulting in several come-from-behind victories. It then went away and came back in 1985 when Shea Stadium fans started turning their caps inside-out to cheer on the Mets. This time, the players caught on and it helped the Mets win the 1986 World Series (over the Red Sox). Success breeds usage, and now rally caps are seen everywhere. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here! 

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

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The ivy that adorns the outfield walls at Wrigley Field in Chicago is primarily common Boston ivy, a clinging woody vine of the grape family. Native to eastern Asia, this import is the ivy that covers the walls of many colleges. It is the ivy of the Ivy League. The story of how the ivy got planted began when Bill Veeck was hired to work for the Chicago Cubs. Veeck’s father, William Veeck, Sr. had been the President of the Cubs and young Bill grew up working for and with the Cubs during school vacations. When his father died unexpectedly in 1933, Bill dropped out of college and was hired by Phil Wrigley, who had taken over the club after his father, William Wrigley, died in 1932. His role with the Cubs was more and more directed at putting fans in their seats and making them happy. One of his early jobs was to roam the stands and talk with fans to determine their wishes and bring back suggestions that would make coming to the ballpark more enjoyable. New seats, new concessions, and new ivy. Veeck wanted to plant the ivy for the 1938 season but his assistants decided to plant the ivy against the red brick immediately. They strung five strands of copper wire, draped with Boston ivy, 1.5 feet apart across the wall. The outfield wall covered 1,003 feet so they used 5,015 feet of wire. They then planted more ivy at the base of the wall inter-mixed with faster-growing Japanese bittersweet vines.  This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here! 

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One of the more hilarious stories in MLB history was brought to us by none other than Bobby Valentine. During a game against the Toronto Blue Jays on June 9th, 1999 the Mets do a pitch out to try to catch the runner stealing in the 12th and Piazza is called for interference giving the batter a free pass to first. Valentine argues the call with one hand in his back pocket and was ejected and leaves the field hat off scratching his head as if he has lice. Rather than catch the remainder of the game from the clubhouse, Valentine put on a fake mustache made of eye black, some sunglasses, a different hat, and a different Mets tee and returned to the dugout in disguise Hiding behind some of his players and other coaches. The Commissioner's office didn't see the humor in his act, suspending him $5,000 for making a return after the ejection. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here! 

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

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It all started in Chicago, where a 24-year-old disgruntled bartender named Ron Grousl a loyal Chicago Cubs fan threw back a home run ball hit by Hank Aaron in 1970 in Wrigley Field.

It turns out he was still pissed at Aaron because the year before, when he caught another home run by the legendary hitter he tried to give Aaron the ball, Aaron walked away, apparently trying to get off the field quickly because Cubs fans had been throwing beer at him during the game. Ron was quoted saying Get this out of here I don’t want it. 

From this unlikely beginning, the tradition continued. Cubs fans routinely throw home runs back that was hit by the other team, usually under pressure to do so from the crowd. So if you are at a game and you see this happen. You can thank Ron. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here! 

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

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AJ Burnett often gets credit for creating the pie-to-the-face celebration. YOu know where when you walk it off or win the game you get a towel full of shaving cream to the face. Does it burn, yes. Is it worth it for doing something good? Apparently. The first shaving cream happened in 1967 and was featured on Topps NO 15 The Winners Celebrate. Orioles manager Hank Bauer had a face full of shaving cream and was hugging winning pitcher Dave Mcnally. After they won the World Series a shaving cream celebration followed in the Memorial Stadium clubhouse. Sorry AJ didn’t mean to ruin your legacy.The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

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Jorge Posada the great Yankee catcher was a bit of a tough guy and refused to wear batting gloves. Not wearing gloves and catching takes a toll on the hands and he wanted to toughen up the skin. He used an all-natural home remedy of urine. That’s right Jorge Posada would piss all over his hands during the winter and spring training to keep his hands hard. He was quoted saying you don’t want to shake my hand during spring training before practice. His wife found out about this and he was forced to stop and use whatever the trainer would give him. Another reason to not be a Yankees fan.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Playing a prank on the new guy is no new thing in baseball. This one was a good one. Jerry Hairston Jr. played one of the cruelest jokes on catcher Gerald Laird during the spring of 2007, even getting approval from Rangers manager Ron Washington before doing so.

Hairston arranged for two police officers to show up in the clubhouse and issue a warrant for Laird's arrest on charges of unpaid child support. Laird lost it as the officers cuffed him, removed him from the clubhouse, and even placed him in the back of the squad car before those in on the prank would finally come clean. So fellas remember always pay your child support and watch out for those MLB pranks. This is Past Ball Podcast and as the Great Bob Uecker said Get Up Get Outta Here!

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The first official game of baseball in the United States took place in June 1846 in Hoboken, New Jersey. In 1869, the Cincinnati Red Stockings became America’s first professional baseball club. In 1871, the National Association of Professional Base Ball Players was established as the sport’s first “major league.” Five years later, in 1876, Chicago businessman William Hulbert formed the National League of Professional Baseball Clubs to replace the National Association, which he believed was mismanaged and corrupt. The National League had eight original members: the Boston Red Stockings (now the Atlanta Braves), Chicago White Stockings (now the Chicago Cubs), Cincinnati Red Stockings, Hartford Dark Blues, Louisville Grays, Mutual of New York, Philadelphia Athletics, and the St. Louis Brown Stockings. In 1901, the National League’s rival, the American League of Professional Baseball Clubs, was founded. Starting in 1903, the best team from each league began competing against each other in the World Series. Various teams switched in and out of the National League over the years, but it remained an eight-team league for many decades until 1962

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Shoutout to Collin Wood at Artota Records for the tunes you hear in this episode. If you are looking for custom tunage email him at collin.wood0804@gmail.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to the Pastball Podcast, the podcast where baseball's bigots moments live forever. Today we're going to rewind to October 17th, 2004, when Dave Roberts turned a stolen base into Red Sox immortality. It's game four of the ALCS Yankees. They're up three nothing in the series. Bottom of the ninth, the Sox are three outs away from being swept again. But then Kevin Millar walks. Enter pinch runner Dave Roberts.

Everyone in Yankee Stadium knows he's running. Mario Rivera, the best closer potentially ever, throws over once, throws over twice, three times to keep him close. Then on the first pitch, Roberts takes off. Orhepasata fires the second, too late, safe. Fenway erupts. Bill Mueller singles home, tying the game. The Sox go on to win an extra innings, then rattle off three more to complete the greatest comeback in baseball history. The curse of the Bambino erased, but for the Yankees, a new curse began. Since that collapse, they've won just one World Series. Meanwhile, the Sox, four. One stolen base changes everything. That's baseball history for you. This has been the Passball Podcast, where even every play has a past, and every past has a story. We'll see you next time.

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Babe Ruth Hot Dog Eater. If you’re a Yankees fan, you’re more than likely quite familiar with George Herman Ruth Jr., better known to his friends and fans as “Babe” Ruth. Not only did he set several MLB records but the guy ate like we all want to but can't to stay athletic.

The Past Ball Podcast is a podcast that gives you a quick story on some of the craziest, wildest, funnies, or just plain informative on America's Past Time. Unlike a catcher in a passed ball, we will not drop the ball on give you the past.

Do you have a topic or story you want us to cover? Feel free to email us at pastballpod@gmail.com.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to the Passball Podcast, where old grunges come back to haunt the diamond. And today we're going to rewind it back to May 29th, 2017, when Hunter Strickland finally got his revenge on Bryce Harper. Over something that happened three years earlier? Yes, back in 2014, the NLDS Harper took Strickland yard, not once, but twice. Both no doubt bombs. Strickland, then the Giants reliever.

He didn't forget. let's fast forward to 2017. Harper's on the national. Strickland still fuming and boom! First pitch, a 98 mile an hour fastball straight to Harper's hip. Guess what? Harper wasn't having it. He chucked his helmet pretty badly. Charged the mound, landed a couple of wild swings, benches cleared, chaos erupted and Strickland got six games while Harper, he sat for four. The kicker of it all, they weren't even in the same division.

Strickland had to wait three years just to settle the score. Some call it payback, others, well, they call it petty. So let me know, what do you think? And ladies and gentlemen, that's the Passball Podcast of the day where baseball grudges, well, they never die.

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Beard Laws (00:14)

Welcome back everybody to the Passball Podcast, a podcast where history steps up to the plate. And today we're going to dive into a baseball legal battle that changed the game forever. The Federal League's fight against Major League Baseball. The Federal League, which was a short-lived third major league, as called by some people, that was from 1914 to 1915 and it actually dared to challenge the national and American leagues. They offered higher salaries, they poached players and operated as

arrival. But after just two seasons, financial struggles and legal battles forced most teams to fold. 1915, the Federal League filed an antitrust lawsuit against Major League Baseball, accusing it of a monopolizing professional baseball. The case, Federal Baseball Club of Baltimore v National League, made it all the way to Supreme Court. The 1922 court, led by Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes, ruled that baseball was not

interstate commerce and therefore wasn't subject to federal antitrust laws. This decision gave MLB a unique legal shield that still exists today. The federal league disappeared, but its challenge shaped baseball's business forever. A legal swing and a miss, or the biggest missed call in sports history. I'll let you make the call. But that's it for the Passball Podcast. Feel free to subscribe and stay tuned for more history from the diamond.

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