by David Krell | Feb 12, 2017 | David Krell
During the waning days of World War II, ownership of the New York Yankees transitioned—Dan Topping, Del Webb, and Larry MacPhail grouped to purchase the Yankees on January 26, 1945 from the heirs of Colonel Jacob Ruppert. $2.75 million changed hands for 86.88 per...
by David Krell | Feb 11, 2017 | David Krell
In the ninth month of 1965, baseball fans reveled in the aura of excellence displayed at major league ballparks. Ernie Banks, the jovial Cubs shortstop, whose trademark suggestion “Let’s play two!” indicates pure delight in playing baseball, knocked...
by David Krell | Feb 10, 2017 | David Krell
William Alfred Shea never played in the major leagues nor did he manage, own, or work in the front office of a team. Nevertheless, Shea made an invaluable contribution to Major League Baseball. Without him, arguably, the National League would have had a more...
by David Krell | Feb 9, 2017 | David Krell
Pitchers can become overwhelming forces during a season. Denny McLain went 31-6 in 1968. Nolan Ryan struck out more than 300 batters in a season five times. Ron Guidry’s 25 wins in 1978 comprised exactly 25% of the Yankees’ 100 victories. In 1985, Dwight...
by David Krell | Feb 8, 2017 | David Krell
Famed for its portrayal in Jim Bouton’s tell-all book Ball Four, the Seattle Pilots lasted one season—1969. While the Mets inched toward an improbable World Series victory against the Baltimore Orioles, the Pilots went 64-98. After the ’69 season,...
