Podcast Summary: The Dollop with Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds – Episode 670: Pete Browning (Baseball Guy)
Introduction to Pete Browning
In Episode 670 of The Dollop, titled "Pete Browning (Baseball Guy)", hosts Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds delve into the intriguing and tumultuous life of Pete Browning, a forgotten baseball legend from the late 19th century. Browning's story is a compelling mix of athletic prowess, personal struggles, and quirky habits that have left an indelible mark on baseball history.
Early Life and Background
Pete Browning, born Lewis Rogers Browning on June 17, 1861, in Louisville, Kentucky, hailed from a well-off family. Despite his father's untimely death in a tornado when Pete was just 13, Browning and his siblings remained financially stable, thanks to his father's successful lumber and grocery business.
“He had two brothers and two sisters. His dad, Samuel, was a pretty well off lumber merchant and grocer, but then he got killed by a tornado when Louie was 13.” [05:05]
Rise in Baseball
An exceptional athlete from a young age, Pete's love for baseball was evident as he joined the Louisville Eclipse at 17. Known for his towering height of 6'10" and a hefty 180 pounds—a giant for his time—Browning quickly became a standout player with his formidable curveball and change-up pitches.
“He had a curveball and a change up. He threw a two hit shutout.” [14:19]
His batting average soared to an astonishing .414 in July, a feat unparalleled even in modern baseball statistics. Browning's emphasis on power hitting over technical play earned him the nickname "The Gladiator."
“He is by far the best hitter. He’s hitting the highest average on the team. He’s hitting .414 in July.” [20:50]
Personal Struggles and Quirky Habits
Browning's career was marred by personal demons, primarily alcoholism, which he used as a coping mechanism for chronic pain caused by mastoiditis—a severe ear infection. This addiction led to erratic behavior, including frequent public intoxication and confrontations with teammates and the press.
“Pete is drinking a lot. He's in pain all the time from his ears. So that's how he deals with it.” [12:02]
Beyond his drinking, Browning exhibited bizarre habits aimed at mitigating his ear pain and enhancing his performance. He famously applied chewing gum to his eyebrows and soaked his bats in water and buttermilk to improve their performance, practices that baffled his peers and fans alike.
“Pete named his bats after biblical figures… He put chewing gum on his eyebrows.” [33:54]
“He soaks them in water to make them heavier.” [33:08]
Innovations and Contributions to Baseball
Pete Browning's dedication to his craft led to significant contributions to the sport. After breaking his favorite bat during a crucial game, he collaborated with a local woodworker to create a replica, which eventually became the iconic Louisville Slugger bat. This innovation not only benefited Browning but also revolutionized baseball equipment.
“Pete demanded they duplicate it. And he has been satisfied the bat is made to his specifications. It would become the Louisville Slugger.” [32:23]
Decline and Professional Troubles
Despite his on-field successes, Browning's off-field issues led to his eventual downfall. Multiple suspensions for drunkenness, public altercations, and deteriorating relationships with team management and the press plagued his career. His batting prowess couldn't fully compensate for the negative attention and declining defensive skills, exacerbated by his worsening health.
“Pete’s getting more irritable, which is common with mastoiditis.” [20:07]
“He was arrested for being drunk on public.” [36:52]
Quotes from the episode highlight his erratic nature:
“I can't hit the ball until I hit the bottle.” [62:20]
“A player cannot drink beer and play ball.” [82:07]
Later Life and Legacy
After numerous team changes, mismanagement, and continued personal struggles, Pete Browning's career never fully recovered. He attempted to transition into roles outside baseball, such as running a billiard saloon and seeking political office, but these endeavors were unsuccessful. Browning's life ended tragically in 1907, after battling various health issues exacerbated by his long-term alcoholism and untreated mastoiditis.
“He died surrounded by his family on March 16, 1907.” [96:42]
Despite his remarkable on-field achievements, Browning remains a relatively obscure figure in baseball history, overshadowed by his personal flaws and the lack of enduring recognition from institutions like the Baseball Hall of Fame.
“He should be in the hall of Fame simply for hitting. So you lead the league in batting three years, you're a Hall of Famer.” [97:10]
Notable Quotes
Throughout the episode, Dave and Gareth sprinkle in humorous and insightful quotes that encapsulate Browning’s eccentric personality and the comedic underpinnings of his story:
- Dave Anthony: “They had 116 kills and died twice. So he's apparently pretty good at video games.” [06:26]
- Gareth Reynolds: “I'm an emotional shark.” [02:34]
- Dave Anthony: “Pete is blonde and you're brunette. Billy. A blonde mustache is good for the lamps, and black is not.” [16:22]
- Gareth Reynolds: “I just like a roommate wise. This is just. His mom was probably like, pete, have you seen my buttermilk?” [39:26]
- Dave Anthony: “Everything that is. It's a.” [43:31]
- Gareth Reynolds: “I don't think it does. He actually asked for that to be in the contract because he thought it would stop him from drinking.” [78:32]
Conclusion
Pete Browning's story, as unpacked by Dave Anthony and Gareth Reynolds, serves as a cautionary tale of how personal struggles can overshadow professional achievements. Browning's contributions to baseball, particularly the creation of the Louisville Slugger bat, remain his lasting legacy. However, his tumultuous life reminds us of the complex interplay between talent, personal demons, and institutional recognition.
“He really is a goofy looking dude.” [99:29]
For those interested in the forgotten legends of baseball and the often humorous yet tragic stories that accompany athletic greatness, Episode 670 of The Dollop provides a captivating exploration of Pete Browning's life.
Recommended Resources:
- The Original Louisville Slugger: The Life and Times of Forgotten Baseball Legend Pete Browning by Tim Newby
- Requiem for a Gladiator Pete Browning by Philip Von Borries in the Baseball Research Journal
Final Thoughts
Through engaging storytelling and sharp comedic insight, Dave and Gareth bring to light the lesser-known narratives that shape the rich tapestry of baseball history. Pete Browning's life, fraught with brilliance and folly, epitomizes the archetype of the tragic sports hero, earning its rightful place in the annals of The Dollop’s eclectic historical examinations.