Satchel vs. Josh. Charlie Hustle. The Nationals as the Grays. Big Klu. Jackie & Pee Wee.
An excerpt from Ken Burns’s Baseball documentary in which Buck O’Neil tells the story of the legendary match up between Satchel Paige and Josh Gibson during the 1942 Negro League World Series. “Ya know what Nancy? Nobody hits Satchel,” simply incredible.
Now I’m sure everyone has seen countless images of Pete Rose flying head first on the bath paths, whether it be to 2nd, 3rd or home plate but this photo is so cool and caught my eye more so than others. The dude has got to be a foot and half off the ground. Say what you want about ole’ Charlie Hustle but if I were to put together an all-time dream team you better sure as shit believe that Rose would be on it…as long as he didn’t bet against the team.
May 3rd, 2008. The Washington Nationals donned Homestead Grays uniforms in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. During the game, the Washington PA announcer referred to the Nationals as the Grays during the entire game which is incredibly awesome. The Nationals, or umm I MEAN Grays beat the Pirates 9-8 that day. It must have been the uniforms. Just look at those things, how can anytime lose a game wearing such cool uniforms??
Ted Kluszewski in his trademark sleeve-less uniform. I found this cool story about Kluszewski on his wiki page, in which it is explained why he began to wear his jersey with no sleeves as young player with the Reds:
Soon after the 6′-2, 240-pound Ted Kluszewski joined the Reds, he cut off the sleeves of his uniform, much to the chagrin of the Reds front office. He did it because the tight sleeves constricted his large biceps and shoulders and interfered with his swing. “They got pretty upset, but it was either that or change my swing — and I wasn’t about to change my swing”, said Kluszewski.
This guy was a monster but was also a smart and patient hitter. Modern power hitters could and should take note from Kluszewski, particularly players like Mark Reynolds. During his 15 year Major League career he had more walks (492) then strikeouts (365) and finished with a .298 batting average. Impressive and unheard of for the most part in this day and age.
Jackie Robinson and Pee Wee Reese of the Brooklyn Dodgers at a game in Wrigley Field. When I found this photo it kind of took me off guard because I, like everyone else knew that Jackie was primarily a Second Basemen for the Dodgers. I knew he played some First Base for them also but I was not aware of him taking the hot corner. Well, I guess they’re right, looks like you do learn a new thing every day.
ninety feet of perfection. 
Robinson play 1 game at shortstop for his career – played 748 games at 2nd base 248 at 3rd…so it would be more rare of picture if was a short
Jim,
Thanks for the heads up, I corrected that. It was simply a brain-fart probably due to some late night typing. Obviously I know Pee Wee Reese was the primary SS for the Dodgers during those years!