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A Bevy of Tearful Departures
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Breaking In the Rules
What can efforts to control the spitball in the 1960s tell us about the state of the ABS challenge system today?
Apr 27
•
Paul Jackson
22
15
5
The Night They Caught Gaylord - Part 2 of 2
There was a rule in place to stop Gaylord Perry, but nobody had ever dared to use it. In 1982, somebody dared.
Jan 19
•
Paul Jackson
24
18
2
The Night They Caught Gaylord - Part 1 of 2
In 1982 baseball’s most accomplished spitball pitcher was finally brought to justice.
Jan 12
•
Paul Jackson
22
15
1
Jackie Robinson’s Bad Bounce
On a stormy night in 1954, a baseball hero let his temper (and his bat) get away from him.
Nov 24, 2025
•
Paul Jackson
25
9
4
The Niekro File
In 1987, Minnesota Twins pitcher Joe Niekro was suspected of "defacing" the baseball, but the cover-up was worse than the crime.
Sep 1, 2025
•
Paul Jackson
29
14
3
“A Cowardly and Premeditated Assault” - Part 2 of 2
A beanball in 1940 leads to a legal inquiry and a Wild-West-themed night at Brooklyn’s old ballpark.
Aug 25, 2025
•
Paul Jackson
19
13
2
“A Cowardly and Premeditated Assault”
In 1940, a Brooklyn Dodger star was hit in the head by a pitch. The team's president shocked baseball by making an unprecedented accusation in response.
Aug 18, 2025
•
Paul Jackson
29
13
4
On Ejections: You Have to Tip Your Cap
How have three different players gotten thrown out for giving respect?
May 5, 2025
•
Paul Jackson
17
6
2
(After) The Battle of Atlanta
Near the end of a landmark year for brushback brawls, the Braves and Padres renewed their rivalry in San Diego.
Jan 27, 2025
•
Paul Jackson
18
2
2
The Battle of Atlanta - Part 2
A 1984 contest between rivals deteriorated into a “fiasco” that punctuated a season of brushbacks, drillings, and brawls.
Jan 20, 2025
•
Paul Jackson
20
6
1
The Battle of Atlanta - Part 1
During the most infamous brawl in modern baseball history, the games’ unwritten rules were pushed far past their breaking point.
Jan 13, 2025
•
Paul Jackson
25
6
6
Sensible Send-offs
Ejection stories for each of the five senses.
Sep 23, 2024
•
Paul Jackson
17
4
2
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