Podcast Summary: Stuff You Should Know
Episode: Short Stuff: Morganna the Kissing Bandit
Release Date: March 12, 2025
Hosts: Josh and Chuck (with Jerry substituting for Dave)
Introduction to Morganna the Kissing Bandit
In this engaging episode of Stuff You Should Know, hosts Josh and Chuck delve into the fascinating life of Morganna, famously known as "Morganna the Kissing Bandit." Morganna became a cultural icon in the 1970s and 1980s through her unconventional antics at Major League Baseball (MLB) games and other sporting events across the United States.
Josh introduces Morganna's notoriety:
"[...] Pete Rose said that he considered her bigger than any one baseball player in the whole game. Like she was really, really famous for this." (01:22)
Early Life and Background
Morganna was born Nancy Lee Rose in Louisville, Kentucky. Her early years were tumultuous, marked by deception about her age and a challenging adolescence. Chuck provides context on her upbringing:
"She was a runaway at age 13. She was unhoused for a while. Eventually, she became an exotic dancer as a teenager." (03:00)
Her grandfather played a pivotal role in introducing her to the world of baseball, fostering her deep connection to the sport despite her rocky childhood.
Rise to Fame: The Kissing Antics
Morganna's fame skyrocketed from a simple bet with friends. At the age of 17, during a Cincinnati Reds game in 1969, she ran onto the field and kissed Pete Rose on the cheek. This bold move earned her the moniker "The Kissing Bandit."
Chuck recounts the origin of her nickname:
"A sports writer in Cincinnati the next day dubbed her the Kissing Bandit." (04:40)
Her performances weren't limited to baseball; Morganna made appearances at NASCAR races, NBA, NFL, and NHL games, even extending her antics to horse racing events. Her unmistakable presence, combined with her 60-inch bust, made her a media darling, leading to appearances on shows like Letterman and Carson.
Impact on Sports and Popular Culture
Morganna's appearances had a dual effect on sporting events. While she often disrupted games, her presence simultaneously boosted attendance numbers.
Josh explains:
"Her presence often doubled the number of fans in the stands. People would show up because they wanted to see that kind of thing in addition to a game." (06:00)
This phenomenon highlighted a unique cultural moment where Morganna became synonymous with the sports events she attended, blending entertainment with athletics in a way previously unseen.
Encounters with Security and Legal Troubles
Morganna's antics inevitably led to numerous run-ins with security. One notable incident occurred during the 1970 All-Star Game in Cincinnati, where Reds management placed a bounty on her, leading to her being violently subdued and suffering injuries such as broken ribs.
Chuck expresses disbelief at the response:
"She was just a minor disruption... This is a different time." (08:51)
Despite these altercations, Morganna maintained a resilient attitude, often shrugging off her injuries and continuing her mission with humor and determination.
The Gravity Defense and Legal Challenges
Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of Morganna's story is her legal defense during an arrest after attempting to kiss Nolan Ryan at an Astros game. Morganna hired attorney Richard Haynes, known as "the Racehorse," who devised the unconventional "gravity defense."
Josh describes the defense strategy:
"He was gonna use the gravity defense, he called it, wherein he would argue that she would just lean over the railings as a sports fan and that the weight of her bust would drag her over the rail onto the field." (11:24)
This unconventional approach, leveraging her physical attributes humorously, persuaded the court to drop the charges, further cementing her legendary status.
Ingenious Tactics and Later Years
Morganna was known for her clever maneuvers to avoid capture. In 1986, she announced her intention to kiss Yankees player Dom Mattingly but cleverly diverted her efforts to steal a kiss from Mariners catcher Steve Yeager instead.
Chuck highlights her cunning:
"She would use a little deflection and sleight of hand. She wasn't above that, which also, I mean, this lady was pretty cool." (12:25)
Her career spanned over three decades, with her final on-field kiss delivered to NBA star Scottie Pippen in the early '90s. Morganna even made a cameo appearance in the 1996 film Kingpin, showcasing her continued influence in popular culture.
Legacy and Conclusion
Morganna officially retired in 2000, leaving behind a legacy as one of the most intriguing and beloved figures in sports history. Despite retiring, she remains an enigmatic figure, with little known about her life post-retirement. Her story is a testament to the enduring impact one person can have on sports culture, blending humor, rebellion, and entertainment in a unique way.
Josh offers a heartfelt conclusion:
"Here's to Morganna, the Kissing Bandit, one of the more interesting 20th century figures ever." (13:11)
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
- Josh (01:22): "Pete Rose said that he considered her bigger than any one baseball player in the whole game."
- Chuck (04:40): "She was a runaway at age 13. She was unhoused for a while."
- Josh (06:00): "Her presence often doubled the number of fans in the stands."
- Chuck (08:51): "She was just a minor disruption... This is a different time."
- Josh (11:24): "He was gonna use the gravity defense... the weight of her bust would drag her over the rail onto the field."
- Chuck (12:25): "She wasn't above that, which also, I mean, this lady was pretty cool."
- Josh (13:11): "Here's to Morganna, the Kissing Bandit, one of the more interesting 20th century figures ever."
Conclusion
This episode of Stuff You Should Know offers a comprehensive look into the life and legacy of Morganna the Kissing Bandit. Through engaging storytelling and insightful discussions, Josh and Chuck shed light on how Morganna became a beloved and controversial figure in American sports culture, leaving listeners with a deeper understanding of her unique place in history.