The focus of this podcast episode centers around the illustrious yet often overlooked career of Bill Virdon, a distinguished figure in the annals of baseball history. We delve into the remarkable trajectory of Virdon, who transitioned from a talented player, securing the National League Rookie of the Year title in 1955, to a successful manager for teams such as the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Houston Astros, and Montreal Expos. His adeptness in elevating struggling teams to playoff contention is particularly noteworthy, as is his legacy as a player who not only excelled on the field but also contributed significantly to the development of the sport through his managerial roles. Throughout our discussion, we are joined by David Jerome, author of the biography "Bill: A Life in Baseball," who provides an intimate glimpse into Virdon's life, reflecting on his dedication, work ethic, and the profound impact he had on his teammates and the game itself. This episode serves as a tribute to Virdon's enduring influence and an exploration of the qualities that define a true sports hero.

In this episode of Sports’ Forgotten Heroes, we take a deep dive into the life and career of Bill Virdon, one of MLB's most respected managers of the 1970s and 1980s. He was a steady, respected figure in baseball whose impact spanned decades both on the field and in the dugout. On the field, he is best remembered as the 1955 National League Rookie of the Year for the St. Louis Cardinals, and later as a terrific outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates. Originally signed by the New York Yankees, his road to the Majors was not typical. In fact, he didn't play baseball in high school; he played it recreationally. A terrific athlete, he had natural ability, and the Yankees recognized that ability very quickly. But his baseball story didn’t end with his playing days. Virdon went on to manage multiple major league clubs, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, Houston Astros, and Montreal Expos, bringing leadership, baseball intelligence, and a steady hand to every stop along the way. Joining the show is author David Jerome, who shares insight from his book “Bill Virdon, A Life in Baseball.” Together, we explore Virdon’s journey from Rookie of the Year, to his evolution into a respected manager, and why his contributions to the game deserve greater recognition today. It’s a story of consistency, resilience, and quiet excellence, exactly the kind of legacy that defines a true “forgotten hero.”

Not all Olympic heroes win the gold. In fact, there are so many heroes who never stepped onto the medal podium. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, we're going to look back at some very unique heroes from several past Olympics, summer and winter. We shine a spotlight on a different kind of greatness—the kind that doesn’t always come with gold medals or headline recognition. Joining me on this episode is Doug Levy, whose new book, "Hero Redefined – Profiles of Olympic Athletes Under the Radar," uncovers the powerful, often overlooked stories of Olympians who defined heroism in ways that go far beyond the podium. From unimaginable perseverance to acts of selflessness and quiet courage, these are the stories that deserve to be told—and remembered. Doug also hosts the podcast, "Under the Radar, Olympic Athletes You Gotta Meet," where he continues his mission of bringing these incredible athletes and their journeys to light. In this episode, we dive into: • What truly defines a “hero” in sports • The stories that stayed with Doug long after the research ended • Why some of the most impactful Olympic moments are the ones we’ve forgotten • And how these athletes changed the way he—and now we—see competition, sacrifice, and legacy We concentrate heavily on Peter Norman from Australia, who stood on the medal podium in 1968 in Mexico City with Tommie Smith and John Carlos. We discuss Manteo Mitchell from the U.S., who competed with a broken fibula at the 2012 Olympic Games in London. Alexander Cushing, who didn't compete but was instrumental in bringing the 1960 Winter Olympics to Squaw Valley, California. And we also talk about the incredible heroism of Lawrence Lemieux of Canada, who was disqualified from his race in the 1988 Seoul, South Korea, Games, when he veered off course to rescue a fellow sailor. Plus, we touch upon a few others as well. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, Doug Levy the author of the book, "Hero Redefined: Profiles of Olympic Athletes Under the Radar," joins the podcast for a wonderful discussion about olympic athletes time has forgotten.

This episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes dives into the intriguing saga of Ossie Vitt, manager for the Cleveland Indians from 1938 to 1940, exploring his tumultuous tenure which ultimately led to the team's notorious nickname, the 'Cleveland Crybabies.' Vitt, who had a terrific record in the minor leagues, was brought in to elevate the Indians amidst a competitive landscape dominated by teams like the New York Yankees and the Detroit Tigers. Despite initial improvements in the team's performance under his leadership, tensions brewed as Vitt's management style clashed with the players' expectations. Key incidents, such as verbal altercations with star players Bob Feller and Mel Harder, culminated in a revolt that saw the players demand his dismissal from management. Cleveland Sports' Historian/author Gary Webster, who recently authored a book on this period of Cleveland's history called, "CRYBABY REBELLION," joins the podcast as we discuss the dynamics between Vitt and his players, shedding light on how his abrasive approach, while effective in some respects, ultimately alienated the very individuals he was tasked with leading. We explore his management style, how Ty Cobb influenced Vitt, and how the intersection of management philosophy and player morale can lead to significant ramifications for a team's success.

Ernie Lombardi retired from Major League Baseball in 1947 and was not enshrined in the Baseball Hall of Fame until 1986. Many theories abound as to why it took Lombardi so long to get in. But, facts are facts, and his enshrinement was way over due, after all, Lombardi did things as a catcher that few before, or since, have accomplished. Despite his lack of speed, he might have been one of the slowest to ever play the game, and that could have been one of the reasons it took him so long to make it to Cooperstown, he retired from the game with a .306 career batting average. Twice he led the National League in batting average. In 1938 he hit .342 and won the MVP award. In 1942, at the age of 34 with the Boston Braves, he again led the National League in batting with a .330 batting average. A 7-time All-Star, during the 5-year stretch of 1934 through 1938, Lombardi hit .305, .343, .333, .334, .342. He had a career OPS of .818. On this episode of SFH, guest Robert Baker and I look back at the 17-year career of Ernie Lombardi, the highlights, and the depressing low lights as well.

Charlie Berry is one of the most unique individuals in the history of sports. Not only did he play Major League Baseball for 11 seasons with the Philadelphia Athletics, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago White Sox, he also played in the NFL with the Pottsville Maroons in 1925 and 1926. Pottsville, which owned the best record in the 1925 season to claim the NFL Championship, was stripped of its title (check out SFH episode 158 for more), due to a series of administrative controversies, none of which stemmed from playing the game. After his playing days were over, Berry became an American League umpire and was on the field for Don Larsen's perfect game in the 1956 World Series. In fact, Berry was an umpire for over two decades. At the same time, Berry was also a head linesman in the NFL and was a part of the crew that officiated the 1958 NFL Championship Game between the New York Giants and Baltimore Colts, the game commonly referred to as the "Greatest Game Ever Played." On this episode of SFH, we look back at the career of Berry with guest Jeffrey Payne.

Companies mentioned in this episode:

• Sports History Network
• Sports Forgotten Heroes
• Charlie Berry
• Cal Hubbard
• Pro Football Hall of Fame
• Baseball Hall of Fame
• Pottsville Maroons
• Don Larson
• New York Giants
• Baltimore Colts
• Philadelphia Athletics
• Boston Red Sox
• Chicago White Sox
• Eager Sculpture
• Ingersoll Rand

As NFL training camps get underway and the 2025 NFL Football Season commences, what better time than now to take a look back at the incredible story of the 1925 Pottsville Maroons, This team is listed as the No. 1 team atop the NFL standings in 1925 by NFL.com. Yet, even though they were originally noted as the NFL Champions of 1925, the Chicago Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) are considered to be the champions. So much happened to cause this injustice. NFL President Joe Carr was ill and in the hospital, the Maroons played an exhibition game against the Notre Dame "Four Horsemen," the Frankford Yellow Jackets voiced their displeasure that the Maroons were going to play this exhibition game in Frankford's home stadium, Shibe Park in Philadelphia, and there was an issue with the Chicago Bears and Red Grange too. When all was said and done, the Maroons had their title stripped and it was given to the Cardinals. But, yes there's more, the Cardinals owner, Charles O'Brien, refused to accept the championship, and for many years, there was no team known as the 1925 NFL Champions. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, Darin Hayes and Jeffrey Payne, who co-wrote the book "Marooned," join the podcst to talk about the Maroons, their history and the incredible season of 1925.

Throughout the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s, some of golf's most legendary names strolled and dominated the fairways. Superstars like Gene Sarazen, Walter Hagen, Byron Nelson, Ben Hogan, and Sam Snead. These were the stars golf fans came out to see play. They were the golfers who grabbed the headlines. But there were others, less known stars, who also won their share of tournaments. Stars like Henry Picard, Horton Smith, and Tommy Armour. And then there was Paul Runyan. Certainly not an imposing figure standing at 5-foot-7, 130 pounds. But he was also one of the game's most dominant figures, especially during the 1930s. Known as Little Poison for his "deadly" short game, Runyan is one of only six golfers to ever win nine tournaments in one year, and the first to ever win more than eight in one season. In 1933, Runyan won nine times. Overall, he posted 29 wins, 28 during the 1930s. His two biggest wins came in the PGA Championship. In 1934, Runyan, when the PGA was still a match-play event, Runyan captured his first Major by downing Craig Wood on the 38th hole of play, 1-up. But it was his 1938 win at the PGA Championship that stunned the world of golf when he crushed Snead 8 and 7 in the most lopsided final round in the history of the PGA. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, I take a look back at the wonderful, Hal of Fame career of one of golf's forgotten heroes, Paul Runyan.

Johnny Mize is the answer to one of baseball's great trivia questions. You have to listen to find out what it is, but trust me, it's one of Major League Baseball's great statistics, something not even legends such as Babe Ruth, Henry Aaron, or Willie Mays can lay claim to. Mize had a terrific eye at the plate, especially for a power hitter. For his career, he hit 359 homeruns, had a career batting average of .312, and a career OPS of .959. Yet, one could argue, his career was overlooked. This could be because when he played for the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Giants, neither team made it to the post-season. Plus, Mize missed three of his prime years when he served during World War II in 1943, 1944, and 1945. The "Big Cat's" most notable years, however, just might have been the final five when he moved into a part-time role with the New York Yankees and he contributed to one of the game's greatest dynasties when the Bronx Bombers won five straight World Series, 1949, 1950, 1951, 1952, and 1953. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, I take a look back at the career of Johnny Mize with special guest Jerry Grillo who wrote the book, "Big Cat, The Life of Baseball Hall of Famer Jonny Mize."

A name so few know ... Danny Gardella. Gardella played for the New York (baseball) Giants (now the #SFGiants) in 1944 and 1945. Then he battled management about his salary. Instead of accepting what the Giants offered, he challenged the reserve clause and lost. Rather than accept the terms, he opted to play elsewhere, in the Mexican League. It cost Danny his career. Banned from the Majors, Gardella did get one more opportunity to play in the Majors, with the St. Louis #Cardinals in 1950. But he only appeared in one game, and that was it. The Cardinals didn't see a future for Danny on their roster, demoted him to AA, and Danny never saw the light of day in Major League Baseball game again. Of course, those that followed and who challenged the reserve met with much more success, such as Curt Flood and Andy Messersmith. The free agents of today do not have to work within the confines of the reserve clause. But Danny did, and while he won a small sum of money in a lawsuit against #MLB, he lost his entire career. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, we take a look back at the brief career of Danny Gardella and his fight with MLB and the New York Giants about the reserve clause with my guest Robert Elias who authored the book, "Dangerous Danny Gardella."

n the early 1900s Roger Bresnahan was one of MLB's best catchers. He played for the New York Giants (now San Francisco Giants) and later was player-manager for the St. Louis Cardinals. While with the Giants, Bresnahan was beaned. It was a very scary instance in which Bresnahan's last rites were read. However, he survived and came back. He ultimately developed a batting helmet, but never wore it in a game. Another piece of equipment Bresnahan introduced was shin guards. Yes, Roger Bresnahan was not only one of baseball's great catchers, he was an innovator too! Perhaps, though, one of his finest moments occurred off the field. During a trip from Philadelphia to Boston, while he was with St. Louis, the train the Cardinals were on derailed and fell down an embankment. Miraculously, none of the Cardinals' players were hurt. However, several on the train died as a result of the crash. Bresnahan and the Cardinals did all they could to help rescue people from the catastrophic incident. On this episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, author John R. Husman, "Roger Bresnahan: A Baseball Life," joins the show for a terrific discussion about this Hall of Fame catcher and the baseball life he led.

Maybelle (May) Blair is a baseball pioneer. In the movie, "A League of Their Own," Madonna's character was named after Maybelle, Mae Morabito. However, the character Madonna played was nothing like the real May. May did not join the AAGPBL (All-America Girls Professional Baseball League) until it was firmly established. But along the way, May certainly made her mark in baseball and softball. She played highly-competitive softball on the west coast, was discovered by a scout looking for great talent for a women's professional softball team, the Chicago Cardinals who were owned by the same Charles Bidwell who owned the NFL's Chicago Cardinals, and she made such an impression on everyone, that she ultimately wound up in the AAGPBL with the Peoria Redwings. While her career on the diamond is truly something to marvel at, today at the age of 95, she's still going strong making appearances and signing autographs, and remains a proponent of omen's professional baseball. In fact, there is a women's professional baseball league set to launch in May 2026. May's off the field life is also quite remarkable. And on today's episode of Sports' Forgotten Heroes, Kat Williams, author of the book, "All the Way," a biography on May, joins the show to discuss the life of this baseball pioneer.