Ryne Duren terrified major league batters, pitching 100 mph while squinting through thick, dark sunglasses. For effect, a warm-up pitch would go sailing back to the screen. Meanwhile, it was Ryne who was in fear and his drinking that was out of control, turning the All-Star and World Series hero into a chronic alcoholic, who attempted suicide several times to stop the pain. In 1968, after suffering more than 25 years, Duren overcame his addiction, and turned his competitive spirit to helping others. Now as he completes his 35th year of sobriety, Duren shares his reflections on alcohol,...
Ryne Duren terrified major league batters, pitching 100 mph while squinting through thick, dark sunglasses. For effect, a warm-up pitch would go saili...
For most of the first half of the twentieth century, African-Americans were excluded from Organized Baseball. But their love of the game, and their desire to play could not be denied. Despite that ban, -blackball- was being played in just about every cow pasture and field available throughout the country. Black players criss-crossed the country in Negro League games and on barnstorming tours, bringing baseball to places where the Major Leagues never dreamed of going. Many gifted athletes never got the chance to compete in the Majors, until the door was finally opened in 1947 with the signing...
For most of the first half of the twentieth century, African-Americans were excluded from Organized Baseball. But their love of the game, and their de...
