Show Notes: When Kentucky Had a Major League Baseball Team

About the Guest(s):

Harry Rothgerber is a renowned baseball historian with deep ties to Kentucky sports history. His extensive knowledge of the sport's evolution, particularly in Kentucky, showcases his passion for baseball's past intricacies, including teams like the Louisville Colonels. Rothgerber is frequently sought after for his expertise and engaging storytelling on historical sports topics.

Episode Summary:

Dive into Kentucky's Major League Baseball past with Gary Fogle on this captivating episode of Kentucky Sports Memories. This week, Fogle takes listeners back to the late 19th century when the Louisville Colonels proudly represented Kentucky in professional baseball. Learn about the team's journey, astonishing records, and the unforgettable 1890 World Series.

The discussion kicks off with insights into the Louisville Colonels, who played from 1882 to 1899. Although plagued by several challenging seasons, their memorable run to the 1890 World Series against the Brooklyn Bridegrooms is still a highlight in MLB history. The episode revisits how this series was the only World Series ever to end in a tie due to unique rules and unforeseen weather conditions. Through a conversation with baseball historian Harry Rothgerber, the episode highlights intriguing moments like the Colonels setting a record with five losses in two days, thanks to a triple-header, a concept almost unheard of today.

The episode further delves into the significant changes in baseball since the 1800s, including the establishment of the commissioner's office after the infamous 1919 Chicago Black Sox scandal. Gary Fogle and Harry Rothgerber explore how MLB's rules adapted over time, ensuring modern fans enjoy a different, more regulated experience.

Key Takeaways:

• Kentucky housed a Major League Baseball team, the Louisville Colonels, from 1882 to 1899.

• The 1890 World Series, featuring the Louisville Colonels, ended in a tie, an unprecedented event in MLB history due to the lack of a formalized structure at the time.

• Louisville Colonels endured the dubious distinction of having some of the worst records but also achieved a significant turnaround by reaching the World Series in 1890.

• The transition in rules and structure of MLB over decades, notably the absence of a commissioner's office until post-1919 due to the Black Sox scandal.

• Harry Rothgerber provides an enriched historical perspective on how baseball's early days contrast sharply with today's game.

Notable Quotes:

• "First of all, why did one of the games end at a tie? I don't get that darkness." — Harry Rothgerber

• "Back then, the doubleheader is almost extinct. But back then they, you know, triple header was not uncommon." — Harry Rothgerber

• "The normal time for a game back then was about 90 minutes." — Gary Fogle

• "In 1890 when Louisville and Brooklyn made it to the World Series, it was left up to them to determine how many games they wanted to play." — Gary Fogle

• "That double header loss in one day and a triple header loss the second day for five losses in two days is a major league record." — Gary Fogle

Resources:

• Harry Rothgerber: A resource for those seeking deeper insights into the history of baseball, especially Louisville's role in it.

Delve into this fascinating episode to explore Kentucky's unique contributions to baseball history and stay tuned for more compelling content from Kentucky Sports Memories. Discover more stories that blend sports with rich historical narratives on upcoming episodes!