As we head into spring, many thoughts are turned toward baseball, the great American sport! What better time to learn more about our “Famous Missourians” who were baseball players. Of course, those of us from this area usually think of the Boyer brothers of Alba. Cletus, Cloyd and Ken hold a special place in our hearts when we talk about the majors and Len and Ron made a name in the minors. That is a lot of talent in one family!

Other baseball talent from Missouri included such greats as Satchel Paige, Yogi Berra, Stan Musial and Casey Stengel.

Satchel Paige was born in 1906 (an estimated date as Satchel was never sure when he was born) in Mobile, Ala., but made his home in Kansas City, where he died in 1982. Satchel got his name by working at the railroad station carrying bags and “satchels.”

Even though Satchel was the greatest pitcher in the Negro Leagues, his main goal was to pitch in the Major Leagues, which he finally did in 1948 when Bill Veeck brought him in to pitch for the Cleveland Indians at the age of 42. He holds the record for being the oldest rookie in the Major Leagues. He retired in 1953, but in 1965 he made a special appearance pitching three innings for the Kansas City Athletics, which made him the oldest player in the Major Leagues.

When questioned about his age, Satchel commented, “Age is a question of mind over matter. If you don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” In 1971, Leroy “Satchel” Paige was elected to join the very best baseball players in the Hall of Fame.

One of our family favorites is Stan Musial (my husband was named after him). Stanley Frank Musial was born in 1920 in the state of Pennsylvania but moved to St. Louis and started with the Cardinals in 1941. He was selected as the Sporting News Major League Player of the Year in 1946 and 1951. He was Sportsman of the Year in 1957. Sportsman of the Decade for 1946 – 1956. A statue was dedicated to him at Busch Stadium in 1968. The 3000th baseball that he hit is in the Smithsonian Institution. He was inducted into the St. Louis Hall of Fame, The Missouri Sports Hall of Fame, the Polish National Hall of Fame, the Pennsylvania Hall of Fame, and the Major League Hall of Fame. Poland gave him the highest civilian honor of the Cavalier’s Cross of Merit.

Casey Stengel had a 54-year professional baseball career. Born July 30, 1890, in Kansas City, Stengel started his career in dentistry but soon followed his heart and played ball. Stengel seemed to enjoy entertaining the crowds with funny antics, not just showing off his outstanding baseball talent. He made his first big league debut on Sept. 17, 1912, with four singles, a walk and a pair of stolen bases for Brooklyn. No matter what he managed to do with his career he will always be known for his managing expertise as he guided the Yankees to 10 pennants and seven world titles in a 12-year span. He died in 1975 at the age of 86. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1966.

Yogi Berra held a special place in my heart in 1961. Of all of my baseball cards, he was my favorite, with Mickey Mantle holding a close second and Roger Maris not far behind! Wish I still had those cards today! Yogi was born May 12, 1925, in St. Louis. He is known for playing on 14 pennant-winners and 10 World Championship teams. But one of his silent heroisms was serving in WWII. During the Normandy invasion on D-Day, Yogi provided anti-aircraft cover as a gunner’s mate. He was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1972.

What a wonderful list of baseball greats that Missouri can call their own. Some born in Missouri, some just called Missouri their home, but any way you look at it, Missourians can definitely claim their baseball fame! Baseball, America’s Favorite Past time! Either you love Baseball or you don’t! The baseball fields at King Jack Park seem to have quite of few loyal baseball fans who turn out every evening to cheer on a favorite son, daughter, grandchild or maybe cheer on a favorite team. The joyous sounds coming from the ball fields seem to be a part of summer .

Well, years ago when Lakeside was in its heyday, baseball was in the limelight also. Many folks could hardly wait for ball season to begin.

Here is a memory shared by Walter Hilburn in 1945 as he recalls the first memories of baseball in Webb City. In the early days, they were not known as a baseball club but as a baseball nine. There were only nine members of the team. When the pitcher stepped into the box at the start of the game, everyone knew he would pitch until the end of the game, no relief. If by any chance a player was injured someone from the crowd would be called in to take the player’s place. The substitute would play in civilian clothes as there would be no extra uniform to wear. 

The first baseball club was called the Webb City Stars. They played all over southwest part of the state and defeated almost every “Nine” they played. The catcher was the only player to use a glove. It was a half mitt with the fingers cut off. Baseball was such a hit at Lakeside, the Trolley League (started in May of 1909) consisted of many teams who played visiting teams and each other with gusto.

 So much of the history of the Trolley League is no longer available, it is hard to get actual names of teams or players. Players that included men from Joplin, Webb City, Carterville, Carthage. The games were free unless you wanted to sit down in the new 60-foot grand stand of 1909, (later extended to 180 feet). A ticket would cost 25 cents. This added admission fee helped support the Trolley League in baseballs and transportation. 

One name that was mentioned was Elmer Meredith who played in the Trolley League in 1913 after he dropped out of professional baseball. Most players were just everyday miners who enjoyed the sport on their one day off. A past time that brought in many spectators and created lots of competition among the players. Play Ball!