The Golden Age of Baseball with Eddie Robinson

It is with heavy hearts that we share that Eddie Robinson passed away on October 4, 2021.  Texas Rangers statement on the passing of Eddie Robinson: The Texas Rangers today issued the following statement on the passing of Eddie Robinson, who died Monday night at his ranch in Bastrop, Texas at the age of 100. “The Texas Rangers are incredibly saddened with the passing of the legendary Eddie Robinson, who spent nearly 70 years in professional baseball as an All-Star player and respected executive. He began a 13-year Major League career with the Cleveland Indians in 1942 and went on to serve as General Manager of both the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers during an incredible career. “In his later years, Mr. Robinson was a regular and welcome visitor at Rangers home games, and his unique ability to analyze and discuss the game, past and present, was truly amazing. The Rangers were honored to help Mr. Robinson celebrate his 100th birthday last December, and he made a final spring training visit to Arizona this past February. He was a great ambassador for baseball to the end. “The entire Rangers organization sends its thoughts and prayers to his wife, Bette, sons Robby, Marc, Drew, and Paul and the entire Robinson family. For Eddie Robinson, it was truly a life well lived.” Mr. Robinson, who turned 100 on December 15, 2020, was the oldest living former Major League Player at the time of his passing. He batted .268 with 172 homers and 723 RBI in 1315 games as a 1B with Cleveland (1942; 46-48; 57), Washington (1949-50), Chicago White Sox (1950-52), Philadelphia A’s (1953), New York Yankees (1954-56), Detroit (1957), and Baltimore (1957) as he played with 7 of the 8 A.L. clubs at the time, the exception being Boston. The four-time A.L. All-Star was a member of the Indians’ 1948 World Series champions. Mr. Robinson went on to enjoy a long career as a MLB Executive and scout, serving as General Manager of the Atlanta Braves (1972-76) and Texas Rangers (1976-82). Born in Paris, Texas, he was a longtime resident of Fort Worth. His autobiography, Lucky Me: My Sixty-Five Years in Baseball was published in 2011. Services for Mr. Robinson are pending at this time.

In this episode, Eddie shares all about the equipment (i.e., bats, gloves, batting helmets, etc.) used by players in his era.

In this episode, Eddie revisits his initial playing days in Valdosta, GA in 1939. He shares stories about the team's favorite hang out at "Vincent's Drug Store", his first autographed baseball, and a borrowed Buick.

In this episode, Eddie shares about some of the biggest disappointments he faced during his career, including being traded from the Chicago White Sox to the Philadelphia Athletics.

In this episode, Eddie talks about his friend Fred Claire, a terrific story about two of the most famous home runs in Baseball history, and also Eddie’s visit to the new home of the Texas Rangers.

In this episode, Eddie shares more about his honeymoon trip around the world after the 1954/1955 season.

In this episode, Eddie shares about an exhibition trip to Japan, which was followed by a honeymoon adventure with his wife, Bette. 

In this episode, Eddie answers fan questions, including: Did you get to know Connie Mack, the longest-serving manager in MLB history, very well when playing? How do you know if a manager is a good manager? Did you know Don Gutteridge, a MLB infielder, coach, manager, and scout? What stories can you share about "Bobo" Newsom? Can I buy an autographed copy of "Lucky Me" (Eddie's book)? How many professional baseball players also played professional football? In the 1955 World Series, was Jackie Robinson safe or out when he tried to steal home? What stories can you share about Satchel Paige? How was traveling by bus and train from game to game back when you played? What about the hotels you stayed in? What can you share about George Toma, a MLB groundskeeper? Correction: The mailing address for book autographs should be P.O. Box 185044, Fort Worth, TX 76181.

Correction: The mailing address for donations should be P.O. Box 185044, Fort Worth, TX 76181. In this special episode, Eddie is asking for your generous support of a dear friend who plays a big role in helping to produce this podcast.  His business has faced a lot of challenges caused by COVID, and his wife is also struggling with Alzheimer's. Eddie would love his podcast fans to help this family out, which will also ensure The Golden Age of Baseball Podcast is able to keep bringing you new episodes! For a $25 donation (or more if you feel so inclined), Eddie would be happy to autograph a photo of himself for you in whichever jersey you would prefer. The following is a list of the teams Eddie played for: New York Yankees Cleveland Indians Chicago White Sox Washington Senators Detroit Tigers Philadelphia Athletics Kansas City Athletics To make a donation, you can mail a check made out to "Greg Ricks" to the following address: P.O. Box 185044, Fort Worth, TX 76181. Or, you can send your donation via PayPal to greg@performingads.com. Please be sure to include a note along with your check or PayPal donation that includes: Which team would you like Eddie pictured playing for? What mailing address should Eddie mail the autograph to? Any notes on who you would like the autograph made out to?

In this episode, Eddie talks about the 1954 & 1955 seasons with the New York Yankees, losing the 1955 World Series to the Brooklyn Dodgers, and why his wedding to wife Bette had to take place on October 6th.

In this episode, Eddie shares some stories about Ken Griffey Jr., as well as some of his favorite sources for thoughtful baseball commentary.

In this episode, Eddie shares some great stories about his final year with the White Sox and his first year with the Philadelphia Athletics. This includes a home run derby with Mickey Mantle, playing with Nellie Fox, and some great pranks Eddie and his teammates cooked up.

In this Extra Innings episode, Eddie shares about his recent trip to Arizona for Spring Training. He talks about a surprise visit from Ray Davis (owner of the Texas Rangers), the importance of Spring Training for up-and-coming players who are striving to make the Big Leagues, and the evolution of Spring Training from Eddie's playing days to present day.

In this episode, Eddie discusses his time with the Go-Go White Sox and his friend & teammate, Minnie Minoso.

In this episode, Eddie shares memories from his time with the Chicago White Sox, including Paul Richards being brought on as Manager, the importance of a ball player believing in his Manager, becoming roommates with Chuck Stobbs, and a surprise marriage proposal.

In Episode 14, Eddie recounts his time working with George Toma. George recently made the news as being the 92-year-old groundskeeper for the most recent Super Bowl in Tampa. Eddie goes on to answer questions about the differences between the Golden Era of Baseball and the game played today. He dives into the athleticism of Joe Gordon and Brooks Robinson, the differences in equipment, and the famous Babe Ruth bat used as a cane in his last appearance in Yankee Stadium.

Eddie answers a handful of listener questions in this episode, including his most memorable game, memories of his first-ever and last-ever hits, his  favorite current player, his favorite cut of steak, and many more stories.

In this Extra Innings episode, Eddie shares his favorite memories of Hank Aaron during his time playing for the Atlanta Braves. He recounts the story of Hank breaking Babe Ruth's all-time home run record on Opening Day in Atlanta in 1974.

In this episode, Eddie discusses his time with the Washington Senators. While in Washington, Eddie meets Harry Truman, makes his first All-Star team, and befriends Joe DiMaggio. He also receives a piece of hitting advice that would turn him into one of the great hitters of that time.

In this episode, Eddie covers a wide range of topics. He reflects on his first encounter with a batting glove and its affects on the game. He briefly discusses his friend Don Black and the cerebral hemorrhage that ended his career. And finally, he dives into an interesting conversation he had with 21-year baseball vet and UFO enthusiast, Darrell Evans.