Rounders: A History of Baseball in America

Imagine America in the spring of 1963. The United States was in the thick of experiencing significant social unrest due to its growing Civil Rights Movement.

Brutal police actions against protesters in Birmingham, AL led to a historic march on Washington. This is where Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his iconic "I Have a Dream" speech.

Baseball’s teams reflected more diverse rosters than ever - so how did the sport reflect and react to the simmering tensions about to boil over?

Let’s explore - today on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America.

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I sat down with the director of product development comms and brand strategy at Sony Interactive’s San Diego Studio to talk about MLB The Show 25 - but don’t worry, we’re not just talking button-mashing and graphics.

We’re digging into how baseball’s rich history shows up in the game: from recreating classic stadiums to rating Hall of Famers and telling the stories of baseball legends.

Learn more about how baseball’s past gets preserved—and played with - on today’s episode!

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Today I’m breaking down seven moments when the IRS stepped off the sidelines and went head-to-head with some of pro baseball’s biggest names. From Hall of Famers to World Series champs to obscure role players, nobody was too big (or too forgotten) to get a visit from Uncle Sam.

Let’s take a look at what happened when the tax man came calling for pro baseball players.

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This week, we're diving into a forgotten chapter of baseball history— the heartbreaking story of the 1946 Spokane Indians bus crash.

Baseball in Ireland? Yeah, it’s a thing—and it’s got a history that might surprise you. This week, we’re heading across the Atlantic to explore how America’s pastime found its way onto the Emerald Isle.

We’ll talk about the pioneers, the setbacks, the unlikely heroes, and how baseball carved out a niche in a country better known for hurling and Gaelic football.

So grab a pint, settle in, and let’s learn about the story of baseball in Ireland.

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Baseball isn’t just a game—it’s a reflection of America itself. And nowhere is that more true than in small towns and cities, where the sport isn’t just played—it’s part of the community’s identity.

This week, I sit down with author Will Bardenwerper to talk about his new book, Homestand: Small Town Baseball and the Fight for the Soul of America. We dive into what baseball means to small-town life, the challenges these communities face, and why their fight to keep the game alive matters now more than ever.

Before the modern Orioles, there was a National League dynasty that changed baseball forever—then disappeared.

This week, I sit down with authors and historians Tom Delise and Jay Seaborg to talk about the 1890s Orioles, the wild tactics of “Foxy” Ned Hanlon, and why this team left a permanent mark on the game—despite being erased from the league.

Author and historian Paul D. White joins the show to expose the barriers that kept Negro League legends out of Cooperstown for so long —and why work isn't done yet.

Check Out Paul's Work:

• Buy his book "Cooperstown's Back Door: A History of Negro Leaguers in the Baseball Hall of Fame”

A century before Pete Rose and the Black Sox, one man made history for all the wrong reasons.

Dick Higham—a former player turned respected umpire—was banned from baseball in 1882 over a supposed gambling scheme. But was the evidence legit? Or was he a scapegoat in baseball’s early war on corruption?

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Ichiro Suzuki. Billy Wagner. CC Sabathia. These baseball greats are headed to Cooperstown as the 2025 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees.

Join us as we rate if the writers made the right picks, who missed selection this year, and our personal choices for players that deserve enshrinement in the Hall.

Don’t forget to grab your order of Magic Mind by heading to magicmind.com/JANrounders, with discount code ROUNDERS20 for up to 56% off our subscription. I’d get the 30 pack if I was you, it’s the best value!

A rising star in Major League Baseball, an All-Star career ahead of him, and a senseless act of violence that shocked the sports world .

In this episode of Foul Play Files, we look at the tragic murder of Lyman Bostock—a player who was just hitting his prime when his life was taken far too soon.

Note: This episode is part of an ongoing series entitled “Foul Play Files." Each episode re-examines a criminal case involving a professional baseball player/team. Check out other episodes in this stack, including:

Imagine a world where the MLB had teams like the Orlando Sun Rays or the Indianapolis Arrows. What about a franchise in Mexico City or a Toronto team that isn’t the Blue Jays?

Today, we’re diving into the stories of nine MLB expansion teams that almost happened but didn’t.

Note: There's even more 'listicle' episodes where you can hear my top rankings for baseball history-related topics. Check out other options in this topic stack, including:

What if I told you there’s a pitch so unpredictable, it defies physics and leaves even the best hitters guessing?

This week, we’re diving into the wild, weird, and wonderful world of the knuckleball—an innovation that changed pitching forever.

Stick around, because this is one ride you don’t want to miss.

Note: This episode is part of an ongoing series entitled “Baseball Innovations." Each episode explores a groundbreaking advancement that has advanced the game of baseball. Check out other episodes in this stack, including:

Every month I share a preview of our bonus show to the general public. Learn about this week's top events in baseball history!

In the latest installment of our "Top 9 Facts" series, we’re examining the lesser-known highlights and stories surrounding the career of the one and only Rickey Henderson.

What events, challenges and decisions did he make to become the legend we celebrate today? Let’s learn more about the life of the “Man of Steal” on this episode.

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In the mid-1980s, a drug scandal rocked Major League Baseball. The case centered around several players from multiple teams, including some future Hall of Famers, who were found to be using cocaine and even helping distribute drugs to other clubs. 

The investigation had wild testimonies and verdicts that impacted the league’s reputation. Let’s explore all the details on today’s episode.

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Last week, we looked at how the sport started and grew in Australia. In this episode, we follow the league’s growth in popularity, where the sport is today in Australia, and profile some of the most famous players from the country to play in Major League Baseball.

Today on Rounders: Baseball History.

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In a new series I’m calling “Baseball Abroad” we’re looking at how the sport arrived in countries around the globe, how it grew in popularity, famous players representing national pride, and where the game we love stands today in terms of national interest and dominance.

To start, we’re traveling to Australia to examine baseball’s origins Down Under. Today on Rounders: Baseball History.

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On June 18, 2024, baseball lost one of its greatest players, Willie Mays. Mountains of articles and profiles have honored and recapped his amazing career.

We will take a different route and explore some of the lesser-known corners of his journey.

So, settle in as we explore nine facts you probably didn’t know about the "Say Hey Kid."

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The New York Giants, established in 1883, are a cornerstone of baseball history, boasting legendary players like Christy Mathewson, Willie Mays, and Mel Ott.

While the Yankees and Dodgers often get most of the nostalgia coverage, the Giants deserve that same interest level. Let’s look at the club’s fascinating history today on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America.

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Learn about the evolution of baseball's batting headgear and its significant changes over the past 100+ years.

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Kevin Baker joins me in our latest episode to discuss his upcoming book, 'The New York Game: Baseball in the Rise of a New City,' which explores the origins and impact of baseball in New York City over the past 200 years. The book delves into the exclusion of black players, baseball's cultural and societal influence, and the notable players who shaped the game.

We’re rating the most recent inductions into the Baseball Hall of Fame. I've invited back an old friend of the show, John Vampatella.

We’ve going to cover the 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame inductees and if we agree with the selections. Then we’ll discuss who they may have missed and round out our show with the biggest snubs in HoF history and we think should be enshrined.

The St. Louis Browns were a Major League Baseball team based in St. Louis, Missouri, from 1902 to 1953. As a member of the American League, they had their moments of prominence but never clinched a World Series title. 

Discover the cross-town rival to the Cardinals and the stomping grounds of George Sisler - today on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America.

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Historically, the United States has called baseball “America’s Pastime.” To say the sport is a purely native invention, though, is only half the story. Baseball, like America, is the result of many cultural infusions. It’s the result of a melting pot of activities. So, let’s explore baseball’s origins together on today's episode.

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Picture this: it’s a sunny day at Yankee Stadium in the 1970s, excitement filling the air. You take your seat, and there he is—Thurman Munson, the heartbeat of the New York Yankees.

In those moments, you witness Munson's incredible talent on the field. Little do you know, fate has a different plan for him. His career would be cut short, but Thurman Munson's legacy has endured.

Let’s re-discover his life, career, and what occurred that made him gone too soon.

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Hi Everyone! I'm excited to announce the kick-off of the latest show in the Rounders universe. It's called "Top of the 1st."

How is it different than the main show? I'll share one short lesson (less than 5 min) each day to help you get inspired and motivated for the most important game - your life.

I create these entries based on baseball history, sharing the events, triumphs, and practical advice from athletes and fans of America’s game.

I'm putting out the first episode for you to try. If you want future daily entries, head on over to rounders.substack.com to subscribe for free.

Thanks in advance for listening - here’s your daily message.

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