Category: 1970s Baseball History

S-O-M Game of the Day: 71 Pirates at 81 Astros

Strat-o-Matic is a baseball simulation that began as a cards and dice game in the early 1960s before entering the computer age. These featured games on Shoestring Catches are part of season replays or tournaments played with cards and dice. Today’s game matches the 1971 Pittsburgh Pirates and the 1981 Houston Astros. I’m always amazed […]

Baseball History: Roberto Clemente

I was only nine years old. I didn’t know where Nicaragua was located. After reading a small article in the newspaper on my living room floor, I was upset. It was shocking. Where was Nicaragua? I had to look it up in an encyclopedia. It was a country in Central America. I really didn’t know […]

S-O-M Game of the Day: 68 Tigers at 68 Cardinals

Strat-o-Matic is a baseball simulation that began as a cards and dice game in the early 1960s before entering the computer age. These featured games on Shoestring Catches are part of season replays or tournaments played with cards and dice with a few exhibitions thrown in for fun. Today’s game is a rematch of game […]

Baseball History: Alexander and Smoltz

The recent induction of John Smoltz into the National Baseball Hall of Fame always brings the discussion of the trade that brought him to the Atlanta Braves. Many view it a lopsided deal, but was it? Smoltz was sent to the Braves from the Detroit Tigers for Doyle Alexander on Aug. 12, 1987. Yes, Smoltz […]

Baseball History: Hall of Fame Inductions

This time of year my focus always turns to the National Baseball Hall of Fame. A visit to the induction ceremony should be on any baseball fan’s bucket list. My list was checked in 2000. Tony Perez, Sparky Anderson, Carlton Fisk and Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Marty Brennaman were the highlights of the weekend. But from […]

Baseball History: One Swing Links Three Players

Cincinnati Reds righthander Brooks Lawrence was poised to earn his 14th straight win without a loss 59 years ago this week. With one out in the ninth inning, the Reds led the Pittsburgh Pirates 3-1 on July 21, 1956. Lawrence faced future National Baseball Hall of Fame legend Roberto Clemente. With one swing, Clemente would […]