Step up to the plate and test your knowledge of the powerhouse hitters who dominated Major League Baseball during the 1970s in this trivia-packed episode! From legendary MVPs to record-breaking sluggers, we dive into the stories, stats, and unforgettable moments that defined a golden age of baseball offense.

Can you name the National League MVP from 1970? How about the player who crushed the most home runs of the decade? And do you know who led the league in RBIs throughout those iconic years? With questions covering everything from Hank Aaron’s historic record-breaking homer to who was known for their "tape-measure" shots, this quiz is sure to challenge even the most die-hard fans.

We’ll also reveal the answers and share interesting tidbits about each player, giving you a deeper appreciation for these feared sluggers who left pitchers trembling throughout the decade. Tune in for a nostalgic trip through baseball history and see if you can knock it out of the park with your knowledge of 1970s MLB legends!

Every MLB fan should visit baseballclassics.com/diamondview to experience real-time insights, exclusive stats, and interactive tools that bring the excitement of the game to life like never before!

Every MLB fan should visit baseballclassics.com/diamondview to experience real-time insights, exclusive stats, and interactive tools that bring the excitement of the game to life like never before!

In this compelling episode, we delve deep into the case for Dick Allen’s long-overdue induction into the Baseball Hall of Fame. A seven-time All-Star, 1964 Rookie of the Year, and 1972 American League MVP, Allen wasn’t just a great player; he was one of the most dominant hitters of his era. His .292 career batting average, 351 home runs, and an eye-popping 156 OPS+—placing him ahead of legendary Hall of Famers like Willie Stargell and Harmon Killebrew—underscore his offensive brilliance during one of baseball’s most challenging periods for hitters.

We’ll explore how Allen thrived in the pitcher-dominated era of the 1960s and 70s, often referred to as the “Second Deadball Era,” where raised mounds, expansive strike zones, and pitcher-friendly ballparks stifled offense. Yet, Allen stood out as a powerhouse, twice leading the league in home runs, four times in OPS, and dominating during his MVP season in 1972, where his .420 OBP and 1.023 OPS were unrivaled.

But Allen’s story goes beyond the numbers. This episode examines his journey through the racial tensions of his time, enduring hostility from fans and even teammates while maintaining his composure and performing at an elite level. His story is one of resilience and trailblazing, setting the stage for greater inclusivity in baseball.

We’ll compare Allen’s performance to Hall of Famers like Ron Santo and Orlando Cepeda, demonstrating how his offensive contributions surpassed many who have already been enshrined in Cooperstown. We’ll also highlight the biases of his era, from racial discrimination to the challenges he faced playing in pitcher-friendly parks like Connie Mack Stadium. Despite these obstacles, Allen’s impact on the game was profound.

Listeners will come away with a deeper appreciation for Dick Allen’s contributions to baseball and a clearer understanding of why he belongs in the Hall of Fame. It’s not just about his stats—it’s about his influence, his perseverance, and the lasting legacy he left on the game. Tune in to hear why Dick Allen deserves to stand among the immortals of baseball history.

Greatest Pitchers by Decade – Baseball Classics DiamondCast

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Join us as we take a fascinating journey through Major League Baseball history, spotlighting the most dominant pitchers of each decade from 1901 through 2019. This Baseball Classics podcast dives into the legends who redefined pitching, including iconic names like Christy Mathewson, Walter Johnson, Sandy Koufax, Greg Maddux, and Clayton Kershaw.

In this episode, we uncover:

• The evolution of pitching dominance and criteria for "Best Pitcher of the Decade."
• Key stats that defined these players' excellence, including wins, ERA, strikeouts, and shutouts.
• Legendary moments, from Walter Johnson’s overpowering fastball to Sandy Koufax’s masterful curveball.
• Discover which pitchers were the most dominant across all of these MLB eras.
• Honorable mentions for each decade, showcasing the depth of talent across MLB history.
• Find out what was the one thing they all had in common to master each decade!

If you're a baseball history enthusiast or curious about the art of pitching, this episode is packed with insights and stories that celebrate the greatness of the mound masters who shaped the game. Get ready to relive the golden eras of baseball through the eyes of its greatest pitchers!

Get the article in this episode inside Baseball Classics Magazine November 2024 Issue Free at www.BaseballClassics.com/Magazine

In this episode, we dive into the fascinating evolution of Major League Baseball’s starting pitchers. Once celebrated as the iron men of the game, pitchers like Christy Mathewson and Nolan Ryan routinely pitched complete games, showing endurance and grit. Today, however, starting pitchers are often pulled after just four or five innings. What caused this dramatic shift?

Key Topics Covered:

• Historical Role of Starting Pitchers:

  • Early legends like Christy Mathewson and Nolan Ryan set records with incredible inning counts, often pitching complete games.
  • MLB managers once considered it a badge of honor for starters to pitch deep into games.

• Top 10 Reasons for the Decline:

  • From the rise of analytics and pitch limits to injury prevention and specialized bullpen roles, we break down the primary factors contributing to the shift.

• When Did It Begin?

  • The 1990s and early 2000s saw analytics-driven strategies emerge, highlighted by Billy Beane’s “Moneyball” revolution, emphasizing the bullpen's role and limiting pitchers’ third-time-through-lineup exposure.

• Injury Concerns:

  • Why do modern pitchers face more arm injuries despite throwing fewer innings? Is the emphasis on velocity and year-round training to blame?

• Data Trends:

  • The average innings per start has dropped significantly over the decades, with complete games becoming nearly extinct in today’s MLB.

• Impact on Strategy:

  • Modern managers like Kevin Cash prioritize matchups and bullpen usage, as seen in Blake Snell’s controversial early exit during the 2020 World Series.

• Economic and Cultural Shifts:

  • The decline of starting pitchers may affect salaries, with bullpen aces gaining more prominence.

• Future of Workhorse Pitchers:

  • Are we witnessing the permanent decline of baseball’s starting pitching icons, or could the pendulum swing back in the future?

Takeaway Message:
The game of baseball is always evolving, and the decline of the starting pitcher reflects changes driven by data, health concerns, and strategic thinking. While it’s bittersweet to see fewer workhorse performances, this shift highlights the sport’s ongoing balance between tradition and innovation.

Call to Action:
Tune in to explore the full history, data, and strategy behind this seismic shift in baseball, and let us know your thoughts on whether the decline of starting pitchers is a loss or a necessary evolution.

The Detroit Tigers joined the American League when it began in 1901 and ever since have been one of the most storied franchises in MLB history. Ty Cobb was the initial face of the Tigers when he joined in 1905 and many other greats since such as Greenberg, Kaline, Newhouse, and their last 30-game winner Denny McLain. Find out who else made the list and why as well as other who just missed.

What really happened? Up 9 1/2 games over the Mets on August 19th, but collapsed finishing 8 games out. Tune in to find out! www.BaseballClassicsBaseballGame.com

In 1962 Major League Baseball welcomed a new team to the National League named the New York Mets. They were greeted with much fan fare, then went on to set a record for the worst record in the 162 regular season format with a mere 40 wins, an underwhelming .250 winning percentage. However this great franchise took the baseball world by storm only several years later becoming World Series Champions as the “Miracle Mets”! The Mets went on to collect their second title in 1986. Let's review the 24 greatest players in their 50+ year Major League Baseball history.

These epic, classic Game 1 World Series openers by underdog teams set the stage in dramatic fashion to go on to become MLB Champions! www.BaseballClassicsBaseballGame.com