Rounders: A History of Baseball in America

Rounders: A History of Baseball in America

Jeffrey A. Lambert

Rounders: A History of Baseball in America looks at 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. Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/rounders/support

25 minutes 8 seconds

9 MLB Teams That ALMOST Existed (And What Stopped Them)
Imagine a world where the MLB had teams like the Orlando Sun Rays or the Indianapolis Arrows. What about a franchise in Mexico City or a Toronto team that isn’t the Blue Jays?

Today, we’re diving into the stories of nine MLB expansion teams that almost happened but didn’t.

Note: There's even more 'listicle' episodes where you can hear my top rankings for baseball history-related topics. Check out other options in this topic stack, including:
- History's Worst MLB Winter Trade Meetings
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11 January 2025, 7:09 pm
27 minutes 44 seconds

Baseball Innovations: The Knuckleball
What if I told you there’s a pitch so unpredictable, it defies physics and leaves even the best hitters guessing?

This week, we’re diving into the wild, weird, and wonderful world of the knuckleball—an innovation that changed pitching forever.

Stick around, because this is one ride you don’t want to miss.

Note: This episode is part of an ongoing series entitled “Baseball Innovations." Each episode explores a groundbreaking advancement that has advanced the game of baseball. Check out other episodes in this stack, including:
- Baseball Innovations: The Batting Helmet
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4 January 2025, 9:27 pm
13 minutes 49 seconds

(Free Preview) This Week in Baseball History: Dec 30-Jan 5

Every month I share a preview of our bonus show to the general public. Learn about this week's top events in baseball history!

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Note: Interested in the episode about the Astrodome and Houston Colt 45's? Here's the link.

2 January 2025, 2:40 am
23 minutes 23 seconds

Nine Facts You (Probably) Didn't Know About Rickey Henderson
In the latest installment of our "Top 9 Facts" series, we’re examining the lesser-known highlights and stories surrounding the career of the one and only Rickey Henderson.

What events, challenges and decisions did he make to become the legend we celebrate today? Let’s learn more about the life of the “Man of Steal” on this episode.

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22 December 2024, 9:22 pm
25 minutes 42 seconds

Foul Play Files: The 1985 MLB Cocaine Scandal
In the mid-1980s, a drug scandal rocked Major League Baseball. The case centered around several players from multiple teams, including some future Hall of Famers, who were found to be using cocaine and even helping distribute drugs to other clubs.

The investigation had wild testimonies and verdicts that impacted the league’s reputation. Let’s explore all the details on today’s episode.

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17 November 2024, 11:00 pm
9 minutes 14 seconds

(Bonus Show Freebie) This Week in Baseball: November 11-17

Hi Folks! Periodically I make our bonus show openly accessible so you can try out one of the perks of becoming a subscriber.

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13 November 2024, 2:07 am
14 minutes 39 seconds

How Baseball Came to Australia (Pt.2)
Last week, we looked at how the sport started and grew in Australia. In this episode, we follow the league’s growth in popularity, where the sport is today in Australia, and profile some of the most famous players from the country to play in Major League Baseball.

Today on Rounders: Baseball History.

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10 November 2024, 8:00 pm
18 minutes 53 seconds

How Baseball Came to Australia (Pt.1)
In a new series I’m calling “Baseball Abroad” we’re looking at how the sport arrived in countries around the globe, how it grew in popularity, famous players representing national pride, and where the game we love stands today in terms of national interest and dominance.

To start, we’re traveling to Australia to examine baseball’s origins Down Under. Today on Rounders: Baseball History.

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20 October 2024, 7:55 pm
30 minutes 14 seconds

Nine Facts You (Probably) Didn’t Know About Willie Mays
On June 18, 2024, baseball lost one of its greatest players, Willie Mays. Mountains of articles and profiles have honored and recapped his amazing career.

We will take a different route and explore some of the lesser-known corners of his journey.

So, settle in as we explore nine facts you probably didn’t know about the "Say Hey Kid."

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2 July 2024, 9:07 pm
47 minutes 24 seconds

Team Autopsies: The New York Giants
The New York Giants, established in 1883, are a cornerstone of baseball history, boasting legendary players like Christy Mathewson, Willie Mays, and Mel Ott.

While the Yankees and Dodgers often get most of the nostalgia coverage, the Giants deserve that same interest level. Let’s look at the club’s fascinating history today on Rounders: A History of Baseball in America.

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20 May 2024, 12:03 pm
31 minutes 5 seconds

Baseball Innovations: The Batting Helmet
Learn about the evolution of baseball's batting headgear and its significant changes over the past 100+ years.

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11 May 2024, 9:47 pm
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