February 23, 1929 in St. Louis, MO The Yankees’ first black player, Elston Howard was forced to play the outfield through much of his first five seasons because Yogi Berra was behind the plate. By 1960, Howard was the starting catcher and Berra was more often in the field. Howard was an exceptional defensive catcher; his .993 career fielding average is one of the highest ever, and he pioneered the use of a hinged catcher’s mitt that led to the modern one-handed catching techniques. He was also highly regarded as a handler of pitchers. He was named to the AL All-Star team nine consecutive years.

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• Greatest Sports Thrill
• Elston Howard Tops on Sports
• Elston Howard over 100 Games

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Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Classic Baseball Broadcasts

On February 22, 1936, Walter Johnson fires a silver dollar over the Rappahannock River, estimated to be a 386-foot toss. The spectacle—it took place in the backyard of Washington’s childhood home in Fredericksburg, Virginia. 

I will tell you the story through Bobby King II research and words. Afterward, I will bring you something that was hard to find, the voice of Walter Johnson doing a radio broadcast for the Senators. 

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• Walter Johnson No Hitter
• walter Johnson audio vault
• Walter Johnson Broadcast

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Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Classic Baseball Broadcasts

February 21, 1986, Rollie Fingers passes up an opportunity to return to the majors. Fingers is invited to spring training by the Cincinnati Reds, who ask him to shave off his handlebar mustache to comply with team rules. Fingers refuse to do so and decides to retire.

The future Hall of Fame reliever, who leaves the game with 341 saves, had been offered a contract by Cincinnati’s skipper Pete Rose after being released by the Brewers at the end of last season

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Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Classic Baseball Broadcasts

February 20, 1980 — The Oakland Athletics sign Billy Martin to a two-year contract for $125,000 as manager. Martin, who was fired by the Yankees only four months earlier, will popularize the notion of “Billy Ball” with the A’s and lead the team to a split-season crown in 1981. He will compile a 215-218 record and destroy the young arms of several would be long term starting pitchers. His style also allowed Ricky Henderson to run free on the bases and set the all-time record for stolen bases in a season.

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Billy Martin Audio Vault

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Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Classic Baseball Broadcasts

February 19 1957 — The Kansas City Athletics ship pitchers Art Ditmar, Bobby Shantz, and Jack McMahan, and infielders Clete Boyer, Curt Roberts and Wayne Belardi to the Yankees. In return they receive pitchers Mickey McDermott, Tom Morgan, Rip Coleman and Jack Urban, OF Irv Noren, plus infielders Billy Hunter and Milt Graff.

There entire interview can be found at Passed Ball Podcast

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• Art Ditmar Audio Vault
• 1960 World Series
• 1958 World Series

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Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Classic Baseball Broadcasts

February 18 1998 — Chicago Cubs broadcaster Harry Caray dies four days after collapsing at a Valentine’s Day supper. Caray, age 84, after suffering a heart attack four days earlier while having Valentine’s Day dinner with his wife, Dutchie. – 1957 All Star Game called by Harry Caray.

From a compilation aired in 2016 from ESPN Classic, appearances from Harry Caray on Up Close with Roy Firestone.

• Harry Caray Game Broadcasts

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Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Originally aired February 17, 1970, this clip features coverage of Denny McLain, pitcher of the Detroit Tigers. This story covers the news of an impending article in Sports Illustrated regarding alleged activities of McLain consorting with gamblers.

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Audio Links & Credits

• Denny McLain Games & Interviews
• News Report
• 30th Win

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Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Classic Baseball Broadcasts

February 16 2012 – Hall of Fame catcher Gary Carter dies of brain cancer in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. After becoming a perennial All-Star with the Montreal Expos, Carter led the New York Mets to a World Series title in 1986.

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• Gary Carter
• Montreal Expos

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Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Classic Baseball Broadcasts

February 15, 2005 Lawrence Ritter passed away. He was the author of Glory of Their times.

The Glory of Their Times: A Timeless Baseball Classic

Few books in the vast library of baseball literature hold the revered status of The Glory of Their Times by Lawrence Ritter. Published in 1966, this groundbreaking work captures the essence of early 20th-century baseball through the voices of the men who played the game. Hailed as one of the greatest books ever written about baseball, it remains a cherished piece of sports history, offering readers an intimate look at the sport's formative years.

Larry talks about his Dad and I talk about mine.

Enjoy!

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Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Classic Baseball Broadcasts

On February 14, 1948, Hall of Fame pitcher Mordecai “Three Finger” Brown dies at the age of 71. Here is his unlikely journey to Cooperstown. 

The Ballard of Three Fingers Brown on Youtube - https://www.amazon.com/Ballad-Three-Finger-Brown/dp/B01INYFH52

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Classic Baseball Broadcasts

Classic Baseball Broadcasts