Step back in time with Past Ball Podcast host Matt to September 1, 1971, a monumental day in baseball history. In Episode 135, we delve into the story of the Pittsburgh Pirates, the first Major League Baseball team to field a starting lineup comprised entirely of Black and Latino players. Discover the significance of Rennie Stennett, Gene Clines, the legendary Roberto Clemente, Willie Stargell, Manny Sanguillén, Dave Cash, Al Oliver, Jackie Hernández, and the formidable Dock Ellis taking the field together.

Explore the social context of a nation grappling with racial division and how this seemingly unplanned act by manager Danny Murtaugh resonated far beyond the baseball diamond. We'll recount the Pirates' victory that night against the Phillies and their subsequent World Series triumph just a month later, underscoring the powerful message this diverse and talented team sent to the world: that talent knows no color. Join us as we honor this historic lineup and the enduring legacy of a team that demonstrated the potent combination of diversity and dominance in America's pastime. Tune in for a powerful and unforgettable chapter from baseball's rich history.

Relive the moment a single, catastrophic blown call in the 1985 World Series between the Royals and Cardinals didn't just cost St. Louis a game, but arguably the championship. Join Matt as we delve into the chaos of Game 6, the uproar over umpire Don Denkinger's safe call on Jorge Orta, and the devastating ripple effect that altered the series, impacted a franchise, and ultimately shifted how Major League Baseball viewed the integrity of the game. This is more than just a bad call; it's a story of heartbreak, controversy, and the slow march towards instant replay.

What happens when the baseball season splits in half—and your team has the best record but still misses the playoffs? Welcome to 1981. In this episode of the Pastball Podcast, host Matt unpacks the chaos of the MLB players' strike, the bizarre “split season” format, and how the Cincinnati Reds and St. Louis Cardinals got robbed. It's a wild ride through labor disputes, playoff confusion, and one of the weirdest years in baseball history.

🎧 Hit play to explore the season that nearly tore America’s pastime apart.