Rounding the Bases
Baseball is our national pastime and its stars, critics, and storytellers are no stranger to Fresh Air. Over the years, Terry Gross and frequent Fresh Air contributor Dave Davies have interviewed some of baseball biggest names, including Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, and Frank Robinson.
Remembering Mickey Mantle.
An excerpt from a 1985 interview with baseball legend Mickey Mantle. He died yesterday of liver cancer.
Oakland A's Manager Tony La Russa
La Russa joins Fresh Air to talk about how he leads his team through success and failure. His managerial style boils down to just a few rules: show up on time and do your best.
Keith Hernandez On Baseball, 'Seinfeld' And Being His Own 'Worst Enemy'
The former first baseman played on World Series-winning teams with the Cardinals and Mets, and made a memorable appearance on Seinfeld. His new memoir is I'm Keith Hernandez.
Baseball Pitcher Bob Feller Discusses his Career.
Baseball Hall-of-Fame pitcher Bob Feller. Some call him the fastest pitcher in history---taking the mound for the Cleveland Indians when just a teenager, Feller racked up 266 wins, struck out over 2500 batters, and pitched the only opening day no-hitter in major league history. In his new book, "Now Pitching, Bob Feller: A Baseball Memoir," he recounts his more 50 years in the game. (The book is co-authored with writer Bill Gilbert and published by Birch Lane Press).
Ted Williams: A Perfectionist Ballplayer With Many Demons
The hitter had a swing so pure and flawless that Mickey Mantle would watch him take batting practice. But he was also a tormented soul who hurt a lot of people, including himself. Ben Bradlee Jr. delivers a deeply personal account of Williams' life in The Kid.
Overcoming Racism in Baseball
Frank Robinson, Assistant General Manager of the Baltimore Orioles. In 1975, he became the first black manager in baseball, As a player, Robinson was legendary -- he is the only person to ever to win the Most Valuable Player award in both leagues. (Rebroadcast)
'Satchel': The Story Of An American Baseball Legend
Satchel Paige was a dazzling pitcher with a scorching fastball. A decade before Jackie Robinson became the first black player in Major League Baseball, Paige helped integrate the sport by touring the country and playing exhibition games with white players. Larry Tye, the author of the biography Satchel: The Life and Times of an American Legend, describes Paige's pre-game performance as the show before the show.
Baseball Great Willie Mays.
Baseball great Willie Mays, one of the most potent all-round players in the history of baseball. In his 22 seasons in the major leagues, Mays played in 21 All-Star Games, batted over .300 and hit 660 home runs. His autobiography, Say Hey, has just been published. (Interview by Marty Moss-Coane)
For Baseball's Rick Ankiel, Losing His Pitching Ability Led To An Unusual Comeback
Ankiel entered the major leagues in 1999 as a gifted pitcher, but one day suddenly lost that gift. He talks about his pitching demons, his troubled childhood and his way back to baseball.
Baseball Hall-of-Famer Joe Morgan
The athlete is proud of his career as a second baseman, as well as a well-rounded player. He has a new memoir called "Joe Morgan: A Life in Baseball."
R.A. Dickey On 'Winding Up' As A Knuckleballer
New York Mets pitcher R.A. Dickey is currently the only knuckleball pitcher in the major leagues. His memoir, Wherever I Wind Up, explains how his life -- and career -- have mimicked the unpredictable trajectory of the difficult pitch he throws game after game.
Baseball Great Tom Seaver
Seaver was recently voted into the Baseball Hall of Fame by the largest vote in baseball history. His most recent book is "Great Moments in Baseball."
Sweet Success: Boden And Fleck On 'Sugar'
Hailed as "the best baseball movie ever," Sugar follows one young man's journey from a village in the Dominican Republic to a minor league baseball team in Iowa. Filmmakers Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck talk about creating the film.
Jim Bouton Destroys Illusions about Baseball.
A 1986 interview with former Yankees pitcher Jim Bouton. In 1970, Bouton's memoir "Ball Four" was published. Those who wanted to maintain major league baseball's image as the home of heroes were scandalized by the book; others thought it was about time someone revealed that baseball is full of real people and real problems. "Ball Four" made an enemy for Bouton of baseball legend Mickey Mantle by reminiscing about Mantle's on and off-field drunkenness. (Rebroadcast of 12/8/1986)
Baseball Umpire Eric Gregg Works the Plate
Gregg grew up in a poor Philadelphia neighborhood, and eventually had a 13-year career as a National League umpire. He has a new memoir about what it takes to make good calls.