Ridiculous History Podcast Summary
Episode: The Most Ridiculous Weather of Baseball
Release Date: November 14, 2024

Hosted by Ben Bolin and Noel Brown, with contributions from Max Williams, "The Most Ridiculous Weather of Baseball" delves into some of the most extraordinary and weather-related events in baseball history. This episode explores how unpredictable weather phenomena have not only disrupted games but also created unforgettable moments in the sport.

Introduction to Baseball and Weather

Ben Bolin opens the discussion by highlighting the inherent unpredictability of outdoor sports, particularly baseball. He remarks, “If you've ever had the opportunity to go to a live baseball game, you will feel that electric energy” (02:52). Noel Brown echoes this sentiment, emphasizing the unique American charm of baseball compared to other cultural staples like apple pie.

The Astrodome Rainout (1976)

One of the episode's focal points is the unprecedented rainout at the Astrodome in Houston. Noel Brown introduces the story:

“The Ken Griffey Jr. Rookie card of podcasting, Mr. Max Williams…at the Lakers game…like senior Craig seniors in left field” (01:27)
Max Williams expands on this by recounting the 1976 incident where a powerful thunderstorm led to massive flooding around the Astrodome, which is situated 45 feet below ground level. The severe weather made it impossible for fans and stadium staff to access the venue: “Fans couldn't get to the stadium. The staff working the Astrodome…couldn't get there either” (16:10)
Despite being a domed stadium designed to mitigate weather issues, the Astrodome fell victim to the extreme conditions. Team historian Mike Acosta explains that players arrived just in time, but stadium management, led by Tal Smith, made the critical decision to postpone the game for safety reasons: “…the management…decided that it would be probably the smart move to postpone the game because of concern for fans and employees safety” (17:41)
In an act of solidarity, the Astros provided dinner for the handful of fans who braved the weather, fostering a unique sense of community despite the chaos: “The Astros felt so bad that they said, all right, you know, we're not going anywhere, you guys. Let's... grab some nosh” (19:09)

The 1979 World Series Snow Delay

Transitioning to the World Series, Ben and Noel discuss the 1979 Fall Classic between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Baltimore Orioles, which faced a rare snow postponement. Noel Brown highlights:

“Game one was supposed to take place on a Tuesday, October 9, but was postponed an entire day due to snow and freezing rain conditions” (28:03)
The rescheduled game saw historically cold temperatures, leading to gameplay complications: “Rain, however, fell throughout Game 1. It definitely wreaked some havoc on the precision of the players” (28:35)
Despite the adverse conditions, the Pirates triumphed in a seven-game series, though not without significant disruptions such as a 67-minute rain delay in Game 3.

The 1925 Foggy Finale

The episode also revisits the 1925 World Series finale between the Washington Senators and the Pittsburgh Pirates, which became one of the weirdest endings in baseball history due to thick fog and heavy rain:

“The honorable senator from the outfield, Goose Goslin...said the umpires couldn't see it… it was too dark and foggy” (35:08)
An extraordinary moment occurred when Red Murray, a New York Giant right fielder, made a breathtaking catch amidst a lightning storm and dense fog: “Stretching his bare right hand as far as he could, and snared the sailing liner just as another lightning bolt cracked behind him” (51:29)
The game concluded in a rare two-to-two tie, leaving fans and players stunned by the surreal conditions.

Modern-Day Weather Challenges

Max Williams shares a contemporary anecdote from the recent season where a bee colony disrupted a game at Arizona:

“They have to get somebody in, take care of the bee thing… the Diamondbacks go around… the guy… still in his beekeeping outfit… throws out the first pitch” (53:20)
This story underscores how even with advanced infrastructure like retractable roofs, unforeseen weather and environmental factors continue to challenge MLB teams.

Conclusions: Weather as a Game-Changer

Ben Bolin summarizes the episode by reflecting on the unpredictable nature of baseball:

“That’s why we play baseball outside” (29:44)
The hosts agree that while weather can create logistical nightmares and disrupt gameplay, it also forges unforgettable memories and unites fans in shared experiences. The episode celebrates these "ridiculous" weather moments as integral parts of baseball's rich history.

Key Takeaways

• Astrodome Rainout (1976): Demonstrated that even domed stadiums are not immune to extreme weather, leading to a rare postponement and a display of community spirit.

• 1979 World Series Snow Delay: Highlighted the challenges of playing in extreme cold and snow, resulting in game delays and increased errors, yet culminating in a Pirates victory.

• 1925 Foggy Finale: Showcased an almost cinematic weather event with dense fog and lightning that led to a tied World Series game, featuring a legendary catch by Red Murray.

• Modern-Day Challenges: Illustrated that weather-related disruptions remain relevant, with unique incidents like bee colonies affecting games.

Notable Quotes

• Ben Bolin (02:52): “If you've ever had the opportunity to go to a live baseball game, you will feel that electric energy.”

• Noel Brown (17:41): “…the management…decided that it would be probably the smart move to postpone the game because of concern for fans and employees safety.”

• Max Williams (35:13): "There was a game in Arizona earlier this year...the show's postponed for like an hour and a half."

Closing Thoughts

"The Most Ridiculous Weather of Baseball" episode of Ridiculous History masterfully intertwines historical anecdotes with engaging storytelling, illustrating how weather has indelibly marked the landscape of baseball. Through vivid recounting and expert commentary, Ben Bolin and Noel Brown celebrate the sport's resilience and the unique moments that make baseball an enduring American pastime.