Lore Episode 267: Curveball – A Detailed Summary
Host: Aaron Mahnke
Co-Host: Jenna Rose Nethercott
Release Date: November 18, 2024
Introduction
In Episode 267 of the award-winning podcast Lore, hosts Aaron Mahnke and Jenna Rose Nethercott delve into the intriguing world of baseball superstition and dark sports legends. Titled "Curveball," this episode unravels the mysterious tales behind America's favorite pastime, exploring how belief, luck, and curses have shaped the history of baseball.
The Origins of Superstition and the Curse of the Billy Goat
Robert Ruckheim and the Making of Sailor Jack
The episode begins with the poignant story of young Robert Ruckheim, whose tragic death at the age of seven in 1920 inadvertently immortalized him as Sailor Jack, the emblematic figure on Cracker Jack boxes. Aaron Mahnke narrates:
"Little Robert was destined for a strange sort of immortality. ... The only thing left of him would be that picture emblazoned like a memorial on thousands upon thousands of Cracker Jack boxes." [02:21]
Baseball Superstitions: A Deep-Rooted Tradition
Jenna Rose Nethercott and Aaron Mahnke explore various baseball superstitions that players adopt to edge out luck in a game governed largely by chance. They discuss how even minor rituals, like leaving a buttonhole undone or carrying lucky charms, can significantly impact a player's performance by fostering confidence.
"Players carry things like coins, poker chips, crucifixes, rabbit's feet, lucky socks, a special glove and more for good luck and protection." [07:00]
Dr. Amber Griffin, a philosopher and baseball writer featured in the episode, elaborates on the randomness of the game:
"A poorly thrown fastball can result in a strikeout. A perfectly executed slider can be blooped into the outfield for a base hit." [04:14]
The Curse of the Billy Goat: A Legendary Hex
The centerpiece of the episode is the infamous Curse of the Billy Goat, which supposedly doomed the Chicago Cubs for over a century. The story recounts how William Sianis, owner of the Billy Goat Tavern, brought his pet goat, Murphy, to a Cubs game on October 6, 1945. Due to Murphy's disruptive presence, Sianis was ejected, leading him to curse the team:
"The Cubs will never win a World Series so long as the goat is not allowed in Wrigley Field." [13:00]
This curse is credited with the Cubs' prolonged championship drought, their affectionate moniker "lovable losers," and a series of unfortunate seasons. Despite numerous attempts by fans and team management to lift the curse—such as inviting Sianis and Murphy back to games—the Cubs remained beleaguered until their historic World Series win in 2016, ending a 108-year hiatus.
"I can't help but wonder if the team's success had something to do with their religious beliefs. ... Golden Thong really was magic." [25:44]
The Power of Belief and the Placebo Effect
The hosts discuss how superstitions and rituals can create a placebo effect, enhancing player performance through increased confidence and reduced anxiety. This psychological boost often translates into better on-field results, suggesting that belief itself can be a powerful tool in the competitive landscape of sports.
"The placebo effect is a powerful drug. The Cubs came to expect a loss, and if you believe you're going to lose, well, you probably will." [16:00]
The House of David: Baseball's Original Harlem Globetrotters
Transitioning from the supernatural to theatrical exhibitions, Mahnke and Nethercott explore the House of David, a religious commune that formed one of the first integrated baseball teams. Founded by Benjamin and Mary Purnell in Benton Harbor, Michigan, the House of David team was known for their remarkable skills and unique appearance, adorned with immaculate beards.
Integration and Inclusivity Ahead of Their Time
Notably, the House of David team was among the first to integrate by hiring stars from the Negro leagues and even including female players, such as Beatrice Mitchell, who famously struck out legends Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig.
"They were actually practicing progressive inclusivity far ahead of their time." [24:58]
Exhibition Games and Theatrical Performance
Their barnstorming tours across the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Cuba were not just competitive but also highly entertaining, featuring tricks akin to those of the Harlem Globetrotters. These performances captivated audiences for over four decades, blending athletic prowess with showmanship.
"House of David players as, and I quote, Whiskerinos. Their image became so iconic that famous Major League players would don fake beards to impersonate them." [23:07]
Despite internal scandals, including accusations against their leader Benjamin Purnell and the eventual decline of the group, the House of David left an indelible mark on baseball, promoting early forms of equity and integration within the sport.
Tiger Jack Fox and the Hypnotic Hex: Black Magic in Boxing
In the second major segment of the episode, Mahnke and Nethercott shift focus to the world of boxing, telling the tale of Tiger Jack Fox and his enigmatic manager, Jimmy Grippo.
Jimmy Grippo: The Magician Manager
Jimmy Grippo was not your typical boxing manager. Renowned for his expertise in hypnosis and various forms of magic, Grippo believed in harnessing supernatural powers to enhance his fighters' performance. His unconventional methods included:
- Clairvoyance and Hypnosis: Using hypnosis to instill confidence and suggest unshakable skills in his boxers.
- Hexing Opponents: Allegations that he could cast spells to undermine his fighters' abilities.
"Grippo would put people under a hypnotic spell." [35:14]
The Championship Bout: A Dark Turn
The pivotal moment in this story occurred on February 3, 1939, at Madison Square Gardens. Tiger Jack Fox, a seasoned boxer with nearly 100 career wins, faced Melio Bettina, a seemingly naive farm boy under Grippo's mystical guidance. Despite Fox being the favorite, Bettina emerged victorious in a shocking upset.
"Years later, ... Grippo the Great." [35:18]
The outcome left many speculating whether Grippo's supposed magical interventions were responsible for Fox's unexpected defeat or if it was merely a psychological edge.
Legacy of the Match
While both fighters continued their careers, it was Jimmy Grippo who etched his name into sports lore through the rumors of his magical prowess. The true extent of his influence remains a topic of fascination and mystery among historians and sports enthusiasts alike.
"Even now, we are still left wondering on that day back in 1939, did Jimmy Grippo really put a hypnotic hex on Tiger Jack or did he just really, really psych him out?" [35:59]
Conclusion: The Enduring Power of Superstition in Sports
Episode 267 of Lore masterfully intertwines stories of superstition and dark rituals within the realms of baseball and boxing. From the legendary Curse of the Billy Goat that plagued the Chicago Cubs to the enigmatic tales of Jimmy Grippo's magical influence in boxing, the episode underscores how belief and ritual can significantly impact athletic performance and team fortunes.
"If you're a regular listener of this show, you'll remember our recent episode on the self proclaimed prophet Joanna Southcott." [18:18]
Ultimately, Lore highlights that whether through the placebo effect, psychological confidence, or the allure of the supernatural, the human propensity to seek control and meaning in sports continues to shape narratives and destinies within the athletic world.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
- "Little Robert was destined for a strange sort of immortality..." — Aaron Mahnke [02:21]
- "Players carry things like coins, poker chips, crucifixes, rabbit's feet, lucky socks..." — Jenna Rose Nethercott [07:00]
- "A poorly thrown fastball can result in a strikeout..." — Dr. Amber Griffin [04:14]
- "The Cubs will never win a World Series so long as the goat is not allowed in Wrigley Field." — William Sianis [13:00]
- "The placebo effect is a powerful drug..." — Jenna Rose Nethercott [16:00]
- "They were actually practicing progressive inclusivity far ahead of their time." — Jenna Rose Nethercott [24:58]
- "Grippo would put people under a hypnotic spell." — Aaron Mahnke [35:14]
- "Even now, we are still left wondering on that day back in 1939..." — Aaron Mahnke [35:59]
This comprehensive summary captures the essence of "Lore" Episode 267: Curveball, providing listeners—and those who missed the episode—with an engaging overview of the fascinating interplay between superstition, belief, and sports history.