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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

First Reference: Eddie Mathews

It is known by most that Eddie Mathews was the first person on the cover of SI. But, ironically, he wasn’t actually mentioned in any of the articles in that issue! Instead, he was first mentioned in September 6, 1954, during a section where they asked several members of the HOF whether present-day players were “sissies” compared to the old-timers.

Here’s what Pie Traynor had to say:

“No. Players today like Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Duke Snider, Eddie Mathews, Mickey Mantle, Bob Feller, Phil Rizzuto and Peewee Reese are as rugged as any of the old-timers. The trouble is that they are handicapped by having to play day and night baseball. This shortens their careers.”

Gamingboy Posted: May 17, 2011 at 02:30 PM | 4 comment(s) Login to Bookmark
Tags: history

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1. Cblau Posted: May 18, 2011 at 02:30 AM (#3830927)

Oh, that's why Stan Musial only played 23 years.

I do agree that playing night games shortened Mickey Mantle's career, but not baseball games.

2. Walt Davis Posted: May 18, 2011 at 04:47 AM (#3831000)

I wish Traynor had said:

"You kidding me? Half the AL were friends of Dorothy in my day."

3. Morty Causa Posted: May 19, 2011 at 02:22 AM (#3832112)

I had forgotten how generally it was held for a long time that night games shortened careers. Many people, players and reporters, were convinced of this.

4. SoSHially Unacceptable Posted: May 19, 2011 at 04:02 AM (#3832234)

“No. Players today like Ted Williams, Stan Musial, Duke Snider, Eddie Mathews, Mickey Mantle, Bob Feller, Phil Rizzuto and Peewee Reese are as rugged as any of the old-timers. The trouble is that they are handicapped by having to play day and night baseball. This shortens their careers.”

Not just an Eddie Mathews first reference, but both the first and last reference of an old ballplayer noting that the young players were on par with his generation.

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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

First Reference: Eddie Mathews

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