On August 24, 1960 Cal Ripken Jr. was born. After a 21-year career, justly rewarded with a plaque in Cooperstown, Ripken continues to be involved in the game at both the youth and professional levels. Few in baseball can compare with Ripken’s fame; Richard looks at them this week.

On June 28, 1962, Mickey Cochrane died. In honor of his passing, Richard looks back on the man known as “Black Mike.”

On May 8, 1893, Edd Roush was born. Before his major league career ended in 1931 he would win two batting titles, top forty doubles and thirty steals, and win a World Series. Richard looks back at his career.

On April 27, 1983, Nolan Ryan broke the all-time strikeout record previously held by Walter Johnson. Richard looks back on the Ryan Express and his career.

The Baseball Crank posts his fifth annual position review; this one is all about third base.

On March 25, 1951, Eddie Collins died. Richard looks back at the career of this all-time great player.

On March 18, 2010, the NCAA men’s basketball tournament will begin. In honor of this event, Richard looks back on the handful of players who saw time in the big leagues of both baseball and basketball.

A closer look at an overlooked great player.

On March 10, 2009, the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic squad lost its second game to the unheralded Netherlands, knocking the Dominicans out of the tournament. But all is not lost for the DR, as this week Richard looks back at the best pitchers to come from the country.

Steve considers a new book that examines an historic figure we tend to take for granted.