1965 Lawrence S Ritter - The Glory of Their Times Interviews
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This episode of the Thomas Paine Podcast offers a deeply moving and comprehensive exploration of Lawrence S. Ritter’s seminal work, 'The Glory of Their Times,' through a series of interviews with early 20th-century baseball players. The narrative unfolds as a rich tapestry of personal stories, vivid anecdotes, and cultural reflections, capturing the raw, unglamorous reality of baseball before modernization. From Smoky Joe Wood’s journey from a struggling young man to a Hall of Fame pitcher and eventual coach, to the hardships endured by players like Fred Snodgrass and Goose Goslin—sleeping on coal-burning trains, playing through injuries, and facing public scrutiny over legendary mistakes—the episode reveals a game defined by grit, loyalty, and emotional intensity. The stories of Ty Cobb, Walter Johnson, and John McGraw are portrayed not as mythic figures but as complex, flawed individuals shaped by their era’s pressures and superstitions. Ritter’s personal mission—to preserve the memories of his father and the childhood wonder of baseball—infuses the entire episode with a poignant sense of legacy and connection across generations.
Early 20th-century baseball was a physically grueling, dangerous profession with no medical care, pensions, or modern protections, yet players remained deeply devoted to the game out of passion.
Players like Smoky Joe Wood and Goose Goslin exemplified resilience, transitioning careers after injury and achieving greatness through instinct, toughness, and emotional commitment.
The game was shaped by intense rivalries, superstitions, gambling scandals, and cultural icons like Babe Ruth and Ty Cobb, who transformed baseball into a national spectacle.
Personal integrity and loyalty—exemplified by figures like Clark Griffith and players like Tris Speaker—stood in contrast to the era’s darker undercurrents of cheating and scandal.
Poetry such as 'Casey at the Bat' and 'The Way of the Game' captured the emotional and philosophical soul of baseball, elevating it beyond sport into a cultural and literary tradition.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
The Personal Quest Behind 'The Glory of Their Times'
“I was trying to recapture that unforgettable ritual of childhood and draw closer to a father I would never see again.”
The Legend of Charles Victory Faust
“Well, that night we left for Chicago and when we got down to the train and got into our car who was in the Pullman car, our private car except Charles Victory Faust.”
Sam Crawford: The Hall of Famer Who Avoided the Spotlight
Ritter shares his journey to find Sam Crawford, a Hall of Fame outfielder known for his power and humility. Crawford lived in seclusion, leaving Hall of Fame cards as calling cards. Their meeting in a laundromat is both humorous and touching, symbolizing the quiet dignity of the old players. Crawford’s reflections on life, reading, and his disdain for city life reveal a man shaped by the game but not defined by it.
Smoky Joe Wood’s Rise from Bum to Star Pitcher
“I went out and I pitched and I beat him six to one and that night I thought sure by winning a ball game I could get ten dollars advance on my salary so I asked mr frisbee”
The First World Series and the 1912 Championship Season
“I won one to nothing that day. But Walter Johnson, to me, was the greatest pitcher that ever lived.”
“I was trying to recapture that unforgettable ritual of childhood and draw closer to a father I would never see again.”
“But there's no joy in Mudville. Mighty Casey has struck out.”
“I shut the doors of the restaurant early in the morning. No one was allowed in except street people, people who lived from hand to mouth, people who were broke, addicted to this or that, people who were homeless people.”
Hosts
Guests
Lawrence S. Ritter
person
Ty Cobb
person
Walter Johnson
person
Babe Ruth
person
Goose Goslin
person
Smoky Joe Wood
person
Jimmy Austin
person
John J. McGraw
person
Fred Snodgrass
person
Clark Griffith
person
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