As a pinch-hitter in 1985, Hal McRae helped the Royals emerge from the brink of elimination against the Cardinals and advance to their first World Series championship. As a hitting coach two decades later, McRae helped the Cardinals become World Series champions for the first time in 24 years. McRae spent more than 40 years in the big leagues _ 19 as a player, 15 as a coach, … [Read more...] about How Hal McRae showed the way to improved hitting
Goose Goslin almost chickened out in bid for batting title
As Goose Goslin of the Washington Senators readied for his last plate appearance in the final game of the 1928 season at St. Louis, he thought about how the outcome would determine the American League batting champion. Entering the ninth inning, Goslin was tied with Heinie Manush of the St. Louis Browns for the league’s top batting average. If Goslin got a hit, he’d win the … [Read more...] about Goose Goslin almost chickened out in bid for batting title
Lou Brock facing Bob Veale was some sight to see
A big man with poor eyesight, left-hander Bob Veale threw as hard as any pitcher in baseball. He had one of the best sliders in the game and a fastball, as Sports Illustrated put it, “that leaves a vapor trail.” Standing 6-foot-6 and weighing 220 to 280 pounds, Veale made some of the National League’s best hitters look inept. Lou Brock (.194 in 93 at-bats), Willie McCovey … [Read more...] about Lou Brock facing Bob Veale was some sight to see
Why Yadier Molina thought he was headed to Reds
If the Reds had heeded the advice of Johnny Bench, Yadier Molina would have been their catcher. A few days before the June 2000 baseball draft, the Reds brought Molina, 17, from his home in Puerto Rico to work out with other potential picks at Cincinnati’s Riverfront Stadium. Among those observing the workouts for the club were two of the game’s most accomplished former … [Read more...] about Why Yadier Molina thought he was headed to Reds
Cardinals hoped for hefty homer total from Steve Bilko
Emerging from the coal country of northeastern Pennsylvania, Steve Bilko was something of a mythical baseball figure, a teen slugger as strong and dense as the anthracite mined in the region. From the moment the Cardinals signed him, in 1945, Bilko intrigued with his power. He was big _ 6-foot-1 and, as the St. Louis Star-Times noted, “230 pounds of man” _ with thick legs and … [Read more...] about Cardinals hoped for hefty homer total from Steve Bilko