Category Archive: Articles.2013-TNP

The Atlantics of Brooklyn and the Athletics of Philadelphia formed one of the most intense rivalries during baseball’s pioneer era. This graphic depicts a match between the clubs at Philadelphia from 1865.

Prelude to the Formation of the American Association

Six of the eight most populous cities in the United States were…
The Jefferson Street Neighborhood in 1860. From 24th Street to where Turner’s Lane ends is the ballpark site.

The Jefferson Street Ball Parks (1864–91)

The Jefferson Street Neighborhood in 1860. From 24th Street…
Civil rights activist Octavius Catto founded the Philadelphia Pythians in 1866.

Philadelphia, October 1866: The Center of the Baseball Universe

In the late nineteenth century, Philadelphia was a hotbed of…
The London-born Reach played for the Eckford club of Brooklyn in the early 1860s before joining the Athletics of Philadelphia in 1865.

Did New York Steal the Championship of 1867 from Philadelphia?

Baseball was booming in the years immediately following the Civil…
“John Mundell & Co’s solar tip shoes Lead All in bright Dongola solar tip, pebble goat solar tip, pebble grain solar tip,” proclaims this 1889 advertisement.

Mundell’s Solar Tips: The Intersection of Amateur, Trade, Professional and Major League Baseball in Philadelphia

In Philadelphia, Mundell's Solar Tips moved back and forth among…
Set the record for collective team batting average for a season at .350. Tuck Turner (back row, far right) hit .418, better than all three mem- bers of the “Hall of Fame” outfield, Ed Delahanty (.404), “Sliding Billy” Hamilton

Tuck Turner’s Magical 1894 Phillies Season

George A. “Tuck” Turner was a member of the National League…

Columbia Park II: Philadelphia American League, 1901–08

Columbia Park was the second ballpark in Philadelphia to carry…
Philadelphia A's star pitcher missed the 1905 World Series, prompting questions about whether he suffered an injury in a fight or he was bribed not to play.

The Strangest Month in the Strange Career of Rube Waddell

"Hugh Fullerton has a theory regarding left-handed pitchers that…

Tim Hurst’s Last Call

It was an unlikely time for a post-game riot, even in a baseball-crazy…
His major league career was essentially over when he pitched for the Hog Island team in 1918.

The Delaware River Shipbuilding League, 1918

Baseball leagues flourished in American shipyards during World…
Jewish owner of a sporting goods store played a strategic role in promoting both black and white semi-pro baseball in Philadelphia.

Harry Passon: Philadelphia Baseball Entrepreneur

Harry Passon, the Jewish owner of a sporting goods store,…
Hall of Fame slugger started out as a catcher, but moved to first base after the A's acquired Mickey Cochrane.

The Real Jimmie Foxx

The story of Jimmie Foxx is bittersweet. In his prime, he was…
“The Kid” always said that if he had it all to do over again, he’d have taken more batting practice —and this from a guy who would routinely take batting practice after everyone else had gone home.

The Day Ted Williams Became the Last .400 Hitter in Baseball

September 28, 1941. Shibe Park, Philadelphia. The Red Sox split…
Became owner of the Phillies at age 33 and immediately demanded changes in player conditioning, stating, “I want the team to run morning and afternoon.”

The Philadelphia Phillies’ 1943 Spring Training

By 1942 World War II was already impacting the Philadelphia…
Eddie Waitkus (National Baseball Hall of Fame Library)

Eddie Waitkus and “The Natural”: What is Assumption? What is Fact?

Eddie Waitkus, the Fightin’ Phillies first-sacker, is best…
Signed with the Phillies on June 16, 1953 but made only a single appearance in September and rode the bench the entire 1954 season.

Phillies Bonus Babies, 1953-57

Beginning in 1947 and ending in 1965, Major League Baseball…
Signed with the Phillies on June 16, 1953 but made only a single appearance in September and rode the bench the entire 1954 season.

Tom Qualters’s Amazing 1954 Season for the Philadelphia Phillies

Thomas Francis Qualters was a bonus baby whom the Philadelphia…
“Probably the only Philly fan in Philadelphia who doesn’t show signs of pennant fever is manager Gene Mauch,” reported the Philadelphia Bulletin.

1964 Phillies, Fans, and Media

The 1964 Phillies enjoyed a six-and-a-half game lead in the…
Dick Allen, 1976 (TRADING CARD DB)

Dick Allen’s Second Act

It is hard to imagine a more polarizing figure in Philadelphia…
One of the most prominent Latino figures in big league front offices.

Fan Perspectives on Race and Baseball in the City of Brotherly Love

The history of baseball in America has always been closely…