Diamond Gems
Radio Archives

• Chicago's Mottlow one of last re-creators of baseball games via Western Union ticker
• 1994 -- Levy talks with his 1945 Cubs heroes Cavarretta, Pafko
• 1994 -- Broglio handles Brock trade disaster with good humor
• 2009: Brock recalls life as friendly door-to-door heating-oil salesman/furnace man
• 1972: Harry Caray interviews Dick Allen, Steve Carlton.
• 2005: Bob Hendley recalls duel with Koufax during perfecto as career apex
• 1972: Harry Caray interviews fellow big names in spring training
• 1994: Melton, Wood, Herrmann have reunion 2 decades after Sox days
• 2007: Sandberg trains as minor-league manager
• 1994: Last of the Comiskeys puts ownership in perspective
• 1995: Teen-age Wood peers into a future that now includes 'Winter Warm-up'
• 1994: On-air reunion of former KC Monarchs: Hall of Famer Buck O'Neil, ex-Cub Gene Baker
• 1994: Horlen relives "hard luck" Sox days, 1967 no-hitter
• 1998: No hole in his life if team doesn't win World Series, says Mr. Cub
• 1994: Lopez, Landis mark 35 years since they teamed for 1959 Sox pennant
• 1996: Bonds says he's not a 'golden child,' but Jordan is
• 1994: English relives 'Ruth's called shot' with Williams, Beckert

2007 -- 'Sweet Lou' paints a self-portrait as wannabe low-key fella

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

This edition, culled from a long-form interview with then-Cubs manager Lou Piniella aired in late July 2007, looks at Piniella's view of himself as a colorful baseball character. Piniella admitted he had a "red-ass" reputation, but preferred to stay out of the limelight -- which proved impossible during his tumultuous Cubs tenure.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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Chicago's Mottlow one of last re-creators of baseball games via Western Union ticker

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

This edition has the late 1990s recollection of longtime Chicago sportscaster Red Mottlow about the art of re-creating baseball games in the radio studio via the codes transmitted by Western Union ticker. Announcers would add sound effects and pauses for effect to their play-by-play from the ticker accounts of faraway games.

Mottlow, the first Chicago sportscaster to take a microphone into the city's locker rooms for interviews in the 1960s, re-created such games in Minneapolis in the 1950s. He also re-created a Braves-Reds game in Cincinnati for WGN-Radio on Sept. 6, 1959, the tape of which the Chicago Baseball Museum hopes to air on this site in the future. Mottlow passed away at age 77 in May 2003.

One of the corps of re-creators in radio's prime was future President Ronald Reagan with Cubs broadcasts on WHO-Radio in Des Moines in the mid-1930s.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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1994 -- Levy talks with his
1945 Cubs heroes Cavarretta, Pafko

Marv Levy (left) was re-united via radio with Andy Pakfo (center) and Phil Cavarretta (right), his Cubs heroes from the 1945 pennant-winning team.

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this edition, a July 16, 1994 interview with then-Buffalo Bills coach Marv Levy, fresh from four consecutive Super Bowl appearances, is featured. Levy was linked up on the air with 1945 Cubs stars Phil Cavarretta and Andy Pakfo. Levy recalled being a "young serviceman" attending the '45 World Series at Wrigley FIeld to watch Cavarretta and Pafko play against the Detroit Tigers.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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1994 -- Broglio handles Brock trade disaster with good humor

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this edition, a Dec. 17, 1994 interview with ex-pitcher Ernie Broglio is featured. Broglio came out on the short end of the infamous June 15, 1964 Cubs' trade of Lou Brock to the Cardinals. The former curveball specialist recalls his physical condition at the time of the trade. He had elbow surgery after the '64 season. Broglio also shares with good humor the fans' reception years later when he and Brock were introduced in Chicago.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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2009: Brock recalls life as friendly door-to-door heating-oil salesman/furnace man

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this edition, a 2009 interview with Hall of Famer Lou Brock is featured. Brock reveals an off-the-field side rarely recounted from his 1962-63 Cubs days -- his winter job as a combination heating-oil salesman and furnace repairman.Interestingly, a Feb. 3, 1963 Chicago Sun-Times Sunday feature on ballplayers' off-season jobs did not include Brock's unusual assignments. The article included Sox pitcher Joel Horlen working as a ticket salesman for the team and Cubs outfielder Bob Will working for the Wrigley gum company. Brock, of course, departed the Cubs in an infamous June 15, 1964 trade for sore-elbowed pitcher Ernie Broglio.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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1972: Harry Caray interviews
Dick Allen, Steve Carlton

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this edition, interviews all-time baseball announcer Harry Caray conducted in spring training 1972 in Florida and early in the season in Chicago are featured. Two superstars who'd go on to earn honors in '72 are queried: the White Sox's Dick Allen, the eventual American League MVP, and the Phillies' Steve Carlton, the National League's Cy Young Award winner.

Renowned as a play-by-play Pied Piper who helped revive the White Sox then, Caray was also known as a good interviewer. He taped the segments and syndicated them around the country to radio stations. Scott Nelson, the Cubs' longtime director of baseball operations until 2012, discovered several cassettes of Caray interviews at a sports collectors' show in the late 1990s. A number of the interviews were replayed on Diamond Gems.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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2005: Bob Hendley recalls duel with Koufax during perfecto as career apex

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this edition, ex-Cub Bob Hendley re-lives his Sept. 9, 1965 duel with Hall of Famer Sandy Koufax during the latter's perfect game at Dodger Stadium. Hendley was interviewed with five other big leaguers who had played in the perfecto for a special 40th anniversary "Diamond Gems" retrospective show. Hendley gave up just one hit, which had nothing to do with the unearned run scored against him. The one hit total allowed by both pitchers set a major-league record for fewest hits ever in a game. Both Hendley and Koufax took no-hitters into the seventh inning in what may be the greatest pitching duel in history.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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1972: Harry Caray interviews
fellow big names in spring training

Harry Caray in a familiar sight from the early 1970s, hobnobbing with the fans who loved his charismatic style with the White Sox (Photo courtesy of the Leo Bauby Collection).

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this edition, interviews all-time baseball announcer Harry Caray conducted in spring training 1972 in Florida are featured. Renowned as a play-by-play Pied Piper who helped revive the White Sox then, Caray was also known as a good interviewer. He taped the segments and syndicated them around the country to radio stations. Scott Nelson, the Cubs' longtime director of baseball operations until 2012, discovered several cassettes of Caray interviews at a sports collectors' show in the late 1990s. A number of the interviews were replayed on Diamond Gems.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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1994: Melton, Wood, Herrmann have reunion 2 decades after Sox days

Bill Melton (No. 14 at right) welcomes roommate Ed Herrmann to home plate after slugging a homer at Comiskey Park. (Photo courtesy of the Leo Bauby Collection).

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this edition, early 1970s White Sox teammates Bill Melton, Wilbur Wood and Ed Herrmann have an on-air reunion and a jolly good time recalling their South Side days. The segment originally aired March 12, 1994. Third baseman Melton and catcher Herrmann were roommates, while Wood's knuckleball that netted him four 20-win seasons with the Sox sometimes baffled Herrmann along with the hitters.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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2007: Sandberg trains
as minor-league manager

A decade-long Cubs double-play combo was re-united in Mesa, Ariz. as spring-training coaches in 2004: Shawon Dunston and Ryne Sandberg (right). Three years later Sandberg began his managerial career.

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this edition, an Aug. 2007 interview with Cubs Hall of Famer Ryne Sandberg is replayed. Sandberg candidly reviews his first year as a pro baseball manager at Class A Peoria in the Midwest League. He would go on to miss out on the Cubs' managerial job in 2011, after having risen through each level of the team's farm system through 2010. Now Sandberg could be the near-future manager of the Phillies as the NL East team's first-year third-base coach.

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1994: Last of the Comiskeys
puts ownership in perspective

Chuck Comiskey behind the mic of WCFL-Radio, the Sox's flagship station in the 1950s and 1960s (Photo courtesy of the Leo Bauby Collection).

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this edition, timed with the historical aspects of SoxFest, Chuck Comiskey discusses the issues that affected his family's ownership of the South Siders. The segment originally aired Sept. 24, 1994. Comiskey was the third and final generation of his family involved in management of the Sox.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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1995: Teen-age Wood peers into a future that now includes 'Winter Warm-up'

Kerry Wood and wife Sarah at the "Winter Warm-up"
to benefit the Wood Family Foundation.

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this edition, the first interview with Cubs icon Kerry Wood after he was drafted No. 4 in the country in 1995 is replayed. Not even 18, Wood could still peer into the future for what turned out to be an eventful career that lasted through 2012.

Now Wood is an honored Cubs alum who gives back his adopted community. He was staging his second annual Winter Warm-up to benefit the Wood Family Foundation from 8:30 to 11:30 p.m. Friday, Jan. 18 at Harry Caray's Navy Pier in Chicago. Cubs players, Bears lineman J'Marcus Webb and Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corgan were expected to be among the guests and celebrity bartenders.

Tickets are $150 per person. Fans can reserve a booth for four people for $1,000 (includes tableside cocktail service). Parking is available for $10 after 5pm at the Navy Pier Garage. For additional information or ticket sales please visit www.woodfamilyfoundation.org.

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1994: On-air reunion of former
KC Monarchs: Hall of Famer Buck O'Neil, ex-Cub Gene Baker

Buck O'Neil (left) as an honored baseball senior citizen (photo credit: kc congdon) and (center) as the first African-African American big-league coach, with the Cubs in 1962. At right is Gene Baker first breaking in with the Cubs in 1953. (Baker photo courtesy of the Leo Bauby Collection).

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this edition, two former Kansas City Monarchs who moved on to the Cubs in the mid-1950s were re-united via phone -- future Hall of Famer Buck O'Neil and ex-infielder Gene Baker. They talked about the challenges of breaking the color line in the majors, including O'Neil bumping into yet another another barrier -- becoming a big-league manager.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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1994: Horlen relives 'hard luck' Sox days, 1967 no-hitter

Joel Horlen and teammates celebrate moments after Horlen finished his no-hitter over the Detroit Tigers Sept. 10, 1967 at old Comiskey Park.
(Photos courtesy of the Leo Bauby Collection.)

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this segment from Aug. 6, 1994, Joel Horlen catches up on his life after baseball and relives his days as the White Sox's ace right-hander in the 1960s. Horlen tells how he handled status as "Hard Luck Horlen," offering some of the most stingy pitching of the era with little run support.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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1998: No hole in his life if team doesn't win World Series, says Mr. Cub

Ernie Banks always saw sunshine in all aspects of life. (Photos courtesy of the Leo Bauby Collection.)

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this segment from Aug. 6, 1998, Ernie "Mr. Cub" Banks talks about his life. Most interesting is his final response about how he puts the Cubs' World Series drought into perspective. The answer is enlightening with Banks' 82nd birthday approaching on Jan. 31, 2013.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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1994: Lopez, Landis mark 35 years since they teamed for 1959 Sox pennant

Al Lopez (center) celebrates a new Sox managerial contract with GM Ed Short (left) and owner Arthur Allyn (right). (Photos courtesy of the Leo Bauby Collection.)

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this segment from Oct. 9, 1994, the famed Senor, Al Lopez, and center fielder Jim Landis close the 3,000 miles distance from each other via phone to re-live the "Go-Go" White Sox's 1959 American League pennant. Manager Lopez won the only AL flag during the entire Go-Go era.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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1996: Bonds says he's not a 'golden child,' but Jordan is

A svelte, sleek Barry Bonds as a Pittsburgh Pirate in the early 1990s. He had virtually the same physique in the 1996 interview featured here. (Photo is courtesy of the Leo Bauby Collection.)

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this segment from Aug. 7, 1996, superstar Barry Bonds gives a revealing (and nearly bizarre) insight into his personality. The one-on-one interview with George Castle was taped at Wrigley Field eight days previously. Bond's stream of consciousness gives some good clues why he became enmeshed in the performance enhancement drugs issue starting three years later. He apparently was prompted by the Mark McGwire-Sammy Sosa home-run chase of 1998.

Bonds motivations back then are now more timely than ever. He is now on the Hall of Fame ballot, just released, for the first time. However, his connection with the PED era will likely cancel out a legitimate Cooperstown candidacy among BBWAA voters choosing the inductees.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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1994: English relives 'Ruth's called shot' with Williams, Beckert

(Clockwise from left), Woody English, Glenn Beckert, and Billy Williams (courtesy of the Leo Bauby Collection).

The Chicago Baseball Museum is presenting classic interviews from the archives of CBM historian George Castle's "Diamond Gems" syndicated weekly baseball radio show, which aired from 1994 to 2010.

In this segment from Feb. 13, 1994, former Cubs third baseman Woody English, then 87, recalled his close-up view of Babe Ruth's famous "called shot" in the 1932 World Series at Wrigley Field with Cubs Hall of Famer Billy Williams and former All-Star Cubs second baseman Glenn Beckert.

"The Diamond Gems Flashback" also features photos of the interviewees from the one-of-a-kind Leo Bauby Photo Collection, emphasizing Chicago baseball. Many photos are available to the general public directly on Ebay via seller name Soxphotos soxphotos | eBay.

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09.26.12 - A Campaign to get William Veeck Sr. into the Baseball Hall of Fame on WGN Radio 720
Dr. David Fletcher, president and founder of The Chicago Baseball Museum, joins Bill Leff to detail their campaign to get William Veeck Sr.(father of Bill) into the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Download and listen to the Audio file... (mp3 6mb)

01.11.11 - CBM Founder and President Announces Buck O’Neil 100th Birthday Ball Event on WCIA-3 News

9.22.09 - CBM's Paul Ladewski is interviewed about the Go-Go White Sox 1959 Season
Chicago Public Radio, Eight Forty-Eight, CBM's Paul Ladewski is interviewed about the Go-Go White Sox 1959 Season on its 50th anniversary of winning the pennant.
Listen to audio clips from the last game...
Read the story - '59 Pennant Clincher Remains Golden for Fans, Players

01.08.2009 - Close Calls for the Hall
The results of the annual Hall of Fame vote will be known at 1 p.m. (Chicago time) on Monday

02.02.2008 - WSCR-AM The Score (mp3 5mb)
Dr. David Fletcher talks baseball and discusses the plans for the Chicago Baseball Museum with host Brian Paruch.

01.24.2008 - Chicago Tribune
An exclusive interview with Dr. David Fletcher describes the Chicago Baseball Museum's acquisition of Jerome Holtzman's personal library and collection.

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01.19.2005 - WAND-TV (ABC) Decatur - the first official Chicago Baseball Museum advisory board meeting.

Promotional video from one of our fans - thanks!

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