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Rounders: A History of Baseball in America

Rounders: A History of Baseball in America

By Jeffrey A. Lambert

Become a Paid Subscriber: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/rounders/subscribe Rounders: A History of Baseball in America examines baseball's journey from a diversion played on the outskirts of small towns to a pastime continually shaping this country's cultural identity. This sport isn't just about a ball-and-stick. It's a snapshot of ourselves, our nation, and our world.
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Roots of Greatness: Mike Trout

Rounders: A History of Baseball in AmericaSep 23, 2022

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23:52
Book Spotlight - The New York Game: Baseball and the Rise of a New City

Book Spotlight - The New York Game: Baseball and the Rise of a New City

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.


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Check out the new companion show "Top of the First" for daily baseball-inspired motivational thoughts.

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Feb 25, 202450:27
Rating the 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame Inductions (w/ John Vampatella)

Rating the 2024 Baseball Hall of Fame Inductions (w/ John Vampatella)

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.


John is the author of The Forgotten Game, book that covers game five of the 2004 ALCS between the Yankees and the Red Sox. We him back on in October 2021 to discuss the book’s release. Check out the episode here. He also discusses his most recent release entitled the 53rd Man.


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Feb 11, 202457:19
Team Autopsies: The St. Louis Browns

Team Autopsies: The St. Louis Browns

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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Only this January, order your batch of Magic Mind!

Crush your 2024 new year resolutions, fully focused. You get one month for free when you subscribe for three months at:

⁠⁠https://www.magicmind.com/JANrounders ⁠⁠

Use my code:ROUNDERS20

*It’s an extra 20% off, which gets you to a 75% off. This only lasts ONE MORE WEEK, so hurry up before it goes away.

Feb 03, 202445:06
How Was Baseball Invented?

How Was Baseball Invented?

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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Only this January, order your batch of Magic Mind!

Crush your 2024 new year resolutions, fully focused. You get one month for free when you subscribe for three months at:

⁠https://www.magicmind.com/JANrounders ⁠

Use my code:ROUNDERS20

*It’s an extra 20% off, which gets you to a 75% off. This only lasts until the end of January, so hurry up before it goes away.

Feb 02, 202433:46
Gone too Soon: Thurman Munson

Gone too Soon: Thurman Munson

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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Check out the new companion show "Top of the First" for daily baseball-inspired motivational thoughts.

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Connect on Social Media:


Send Me a Question for a Future Show!

  • Send a Message on Social Media (see above)
  • Send an email (rounderspodcast@gmail.com)


Only this January, order your batch of Magic Mind!

Crush your 2024 new year resolutions, fully focused. You get one month for free when you subscribe for three months at:

https://www.magicmind.com/JANrounders

Use my code:ROUNDERS20

*It’s an extra 20% off, which gets you to a 75% off. This only lasts until the end of January, so hurry up before it goes away.

Jan 20, 202421:58
SNEAK PEEK: A New Daily Motivational Podcast for Baseball Fans
Jan 02, 202401:59
History's Worst MLB Winter Meeting Trades

History's Worst MLB Winter Meeting Trades

As a baseball fan, you've undoubtedly seen teams make season-changing deals during the MLB Winter Meetings. These high-stakes sessions have been the birthplace of some truly impressive trades in baseball history. 

However, not all negotiations that have taken place during these winter meetings have proved fruitful. In fact, some have gone down in history as the worst trades ever.

Ready to delve into the world of MLB trade blunders from the Winter Meetings? Let's start!


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Dec 24, 202331:02
(Ad-Free) History's Worst MLB Winter Meeting Trades

(Ad-Free) History's Worst MLB Winter Meeting Trades

As a baseball fan, you've undoubtedly seen teams make season-changing deals during the MLB Winter Meetings. These high-stakes sessions have been the birthplace of some truly impressive trades in baseball history. 

However, not all negotiations that have taken place during these winter meetings have proved fruitful. In fact, some have gone down in history as the worst trades ever.

Ready to delve into the world of MLB trade blunders from the Winter Meetings? Let's start! 

Dec 24, 202337:51
Warren Spahn: From the Battlefield to the Ballfield
Nov 12, 202328:39
(Ad-Free) Warren Spahn: From the Battlefield to the Ballfield

(Ad-Free) Warren Spahn: From the Battlefield to the Ballfield

Explore the remarkable journey of Warren Spahn, one of baseball's greatest left-handed pitchers, who bravely served in World War II before dominating the major leagues. 

We'll uncover Spahn's early days, his heroic military service, and his legendary baseball career, highlighting his character, leadership, and enduring legacy. 



Nov 12, 202327:30
Team Autopsies: The Washington Senators
Nov 03, 202341:05
(Ad-Free) Team Autopsies: The Washington Senators

(Ad-Free) Team Autopsies: The Washington Senators

Today, we journey back to the nation's capital to unravel the tale of a team that once graced the diamond fields of Washington, D.C. A team that witnessed the highs of championship glory and the lows of relocation.

Grab your mitt, put on your vintage cap, and join us as we dive deep into the history of...The Washington Senators.

Nov 03, 202336:50
This Week in Baseball History: Sept 25-Oct 1

This Week in Baseball History: Sept 25-Oct 1

Nolan Ryan reaches 7 no-no's, Babe Ruth calls his shot, and Willie Mays makes "the catch"

Sep 30, 202311:01
Herb Washington: Professional Baserunner
Sep 24, 202329:12
(Ad-Free) Herb Washington: Professional Baserunner

(Ad-Free) Herb Washington: Professional Baserunner

Dive into the fascinating career of Herb Washington, a former world-class sprinter turned professional baserunner.

Sep 23, 202328:02
This Week in Baseball History: Sept 18-24

This Week in Baseball History: Sept 18-24

A fan helps the Yankees win a game, Glavine wins 20 games for 6 seasons straight, a rising star is murdered, and much more!

Sep 20, 202309:51
Baseball's 8 Most Unbreakable Records
Sep 17, 202327:53
(Ad-Free) Baseball's 8 Most Unbreakable Records

(Ad-Free) Baseball's 8 Most Unbreakable Records

In this episode, we’re paying homage to the most unbreakable records in MLB history and the athletes who dared to chase them. We'll examine why these records remain unbroken and who’s come close without getting over the bar.


Sep 16, 202327:43
Fact vs. Fiction: Ty Cobb
Aug 20, 202328:58
This Week in Baseball History 7/24-7/30

This Week in Baseball History 7/24-7/30

The "Pine Tar Game" game changes baseball, Honus Wagner hits a grand slam at 41, Babe Ruth makes his last public appearance, and more!


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Jul 27, 202309:26
The Jacksonville Lunatics and Why Team Names Change (w/ Dr. Joe Squillace)

The Jacksonville Lunatics and Why Team Names Change (w/ Dr. Joe Squillace)

What causes baseball team names to change over time? What makes a club's name acceptable during one period of history but then becomes unacceptable as time progresses?

We're exploring that topic with Dr. Joe Squillace through the Lens of the Jacksonville Lunatics and mental asylums in the 19th Century.

You're not going to want to miss this interview - today on Rounders: a History of Baseball in America.
Jul 22, 202350:14
(Ad-Free) The Jacksonville Lunatics & Why Team Names Change (w/ Dr. Joe Squillace)

(Ad-Free) The Jacksonville Lunatics & Why Team Names Change (w/ Dr. Joe Squillace)

(this is the ad-free version for paid subscribers - released 24 hours before the main show)

What causes baseball team names to change over time? What makes a club's name acceptable during one period of history but then becomes unacceptable as time progresses?

We're exploring that topic with Dr. Joe Squillace through the Lens of the Jacksonville Lunatics and mental asylums in the 19th Century.

You're not going to want to miss this interview - today on Rounders: a History of Baseball in America.

Jul 21, 202350:14
TWIBH: July 17-26

TWIBH: July 17-26

The first unassisted triple play occurs, Joe DiMaggio's hitting streak ends, and meet baseball's first ambidextrous pitcher.

Jul 18, 202310:08
Team Autopsies: The Brooklyn Dodgers
Jul 11, 202338:51
The Most Amazing Baseball Parks That Were Never Built
Jun 25, 202328:57
Baseball’s Greatest Father-Son Duos
Jun 17, 202338:37
Bob Slaybaugh: The One-Eyed Pitching Wonder
Jun 12, 202328:38
Bobby Balcena: The First Asian American in Major League Baseball
Jun 05, 202315:26
5 Biggest Rules Changes in Baseball History
May 21, 202328:26
Team Autopsies: The Philadelphia Athletics
Apr 24, 202332:29
James Creighton: Death by Pitch Style

James Creighton: Death by Pitch Style

In this episode, we will explore the life of James Creighton, a star pitcher in the mid-1800s known for his unique delivery style. We'll discuss the events that led to his untimely death, including his fatal injury during a baseball game. We’ll also look at how he changed baseball and the pitcher position.
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Apr 16, 202327:41
Chief Thiefs: Baseball’s 5 Greatest Base Stealers
Mar 23, 202320:41
Roots of Greatness: Mookie Betts

Roots of Greatness: Mookie Betts

Today we're continuing our series, "Roots of Greatness," where we explore the key foundational pieces in a star's life that contributed to their greatness. Today we will learn about Mookie Betts, the star outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers.


We've already done episodes about Mike Trout and Scott Rolen if you'd like to go back and check those out.


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Mar 04, 202315:29
Baseball Team Autopsies: The Homestead Grays
Feb 21, 202322:38
A Hero for All Generations: Honoring the Legacy of Josh Gibson
Feb 10, 202320:29
Roots of Greatness: Scott Rolen
Jan 30, 202318:57
Don Mattingly & The Haircut That Rocked the Baseball World
Jan 21, 202320:28
Baseball's First Long-Term Contract
Dec 16, 202211:50
The Greatest Pinch Hitters in Baseball History
Oct 28, 202217:22
Fans Behaving Badly: Banned for Life Edition
Oct 17, 202223:55
Roots of Greatness: Mike Trout
Sep 23, 202223:52
The Wacky Antics of Turk Wendell
Aug 30, 202229:45
Baseball Team Autopsies: The Cleveland Spiders
Aug 09, 202232:18
Pitchers on Offense: The Top 5 Moments in Baseball History
Aug 01, 202239:26
That Time the KKK Played an All-Black Baseball Team
Aug 01, 202219:25
Satchel Paige: 5 Decades of Baseball Greatness

Satchel Paige: 5 Decades of Baseball Greatness

Satchel Paige is one of the most iconic and celebrated players in baseball history. In this episode, learn about his five decades of baseball excellence and see why he remains a role model for players and fans to this day.


Other Episodes to Check Out:


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Feb 28, 202239:26
How the Deaf Community Changed Baseball

How the Deaf Community Changed Baseball

They were called “dummies.” But the deaf community’s contribution to baseball is certainly anything but. Learn about the players who helped move baseball forward towards a better game and a more inclusive sport, today on Rounders a History of Baseball in America.


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This Episode's Sponsor:

  • Pair offers the best in web hosting services, fully managed dedicated servers, VPS, and domain name registration services. Sign up now and get a FREE month of web hosting! Just visit www.pair.com/free and use promo code QUICKSTART.
Jan 26, 202243:32
Baseball Team Autopsies: The Montreal Expos

Baseball Team Autopsies: The Montreal Expos

Were the Toronto Blue Jays the first MLB team in Canada? Nope. That accolade goes to a franchise that developed one of the best player development systems of all time. That’s right.  We’re conducting an autopsy on the Montreal Expos. Today, on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America…

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Fan Corrections

1) The Olympic Stadium was built for the 1976 Summer Olympics, not Winter Olympics, which were actually held in Innsbruck, Austria that year. (Submitted by Joe B.)


Jan 19, 202201:05:05
Black Saturday: Baseball’s Deadliest Ballpark Disaster
Jan 10, 202244:41
Baseball at Christmas: A Civil War Story of Hope
Dec 27, 202125:26