2025 MLB SPRING TRAINING OPENS FEB. 29
Ralph “Red” Kress & the Legendary 1927 Home Run
The snapshot shows Red Kress of the St. Louis Browns blasting a crack‑swift ball into the outfield, the ball ricocheting into the backstop of Cleveland’s 1927 Giants. In the center of the frame, a little boy named Jimmy Palermo – only seven at the time – proudly strides across the plate, clutching a bat and ready to set himself up for the Browns’ next opportunity.
What Makes This Moment Special?
- The Golden Era isn’t just a nickname; it’s a vibe—candy slopes, powdered wigs, and baseball cards that still flip when you turn your back.
- Jimmy’s role as a batboy was a rite of passage, ensuring the ball never bounces off the plate‑edge and the star players never missed a chance to hit.
- ‘The St. Louis Globe‑Democrat’ captured this slice of history, which we’re delighted to share with you just before the new MLB season kicks off.
Marching Into 2025: Spring Training’s Return
The 2025 Major League Baseball Spring Training season rolls out on February 20. With the fans’ excitement already simmering, we thought it timely to republish a classic story that reminds us how the sport has evolved—yet still keeps the same thrill.
From Ty Cobb to Hank Greenberg: Legends of the Past
Modern baseball enthusiasts might think of visiting a museum for glimpses of the likes of Ty Cobb, Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Ted Williams, Goose Goslin, and Hank Greenberg. But, if you’re willing to go back in time, the Golden Era stays alive—how fast the ball flies, where the stadium lights hang, and what the buzz had felt like.
Revisiting the Golden Era from a Digital Angle
Today, fans reach for Instagram, podcasts, and streaming clips to catch a closer look at the legends. However, the lived experience of the 1920s, as you can feel from photos like the one of Jimmy and Red, fascinates us all.
Enjoy the spark of the old game as the gridlines of the modern MLB field light up for the fresh season ahead!
Remembering the Golden Days of Baseball – A Family Story
Get ready for a trip back to the era when baseball was a raw, gritty spectacle.
Why Jimmy Palermo Doesn’t Remember the Same Baseball Strange as Us
“Back in the Good Old Days,” Dad once chuckled, “Major League games were like a sweaty Saturday night show. Players wore flannel costumes while the sun hammered us with 100‑degree heat, and spitballs were a legit trick—pure chaos!” He added that those spitsworn days had no night baseball; the gates were still stuck shut, making the schedule feel like a seasonal diary. “And Don’t forget those gloves—massive, 100‑year‑old gloves!” he laughed. Today’s batting gloves are as big as those worn by players like Jim Bottomley 80 years ago.
The Tale of an Actor-turned‑Baseball Fan
What’s more remarkable? Dad didn’t simply photograph these glorious moments; through any family gathering and all the family beer-like gatherings, he’d spawn golden anecdotes that painted the picture of baseball’s greatest moments. He kept playing baseball from the age of 6 up to just before World War II. Hey Did he play for St. Louis Browns, the Olympic favourite for All Stars until they moved, and that once bright play was also the starting point for the first smell of the summer ball?
Follow the Stirlings Olympics from 1927 to the present
- Born: 1927, age 6 –, He first plays the head of the Green Team for the St. Louis Browns
- Played: 1927 – 1945, scored Lake swimmers all across the country with the right ball
- Moves: The St. Louis Browns later become the Baltimore Orioles in 1953
- ie. a family would enjoy the old-time baseball stories)
It’s a disturbing story where they became lifelong devotees of baseball. That is why we love it, we can go out an under-cool Green Team. Their stories will bring us back to an exciting sporty for the future.
Jimmy Palermo’s Biography
He was a proud man who took the job that has this give to us. He was, after all, a family man who was an authority inside, education of the great game, and he brought us up with a vision for the future by the family home. He has become a living legend for his – loyalty to the trading of a bright minute of the game we will never see again. His 90-year-old fans love many ball fastener. This is the very fitting honor of remembers him all the time.
Remembering Vincent F. “Jim” Palermo
On December 1, 2010, at the age of 90, the world lost a man whose laughter echoed through every room he entered.
Who was Jim?
- Age: 90 (clocked that big number with a grin)
- Nickname: “Jim” – the name he answered to, on par with any college crush or late‑night poker buddy
- Legacy: Friend, mentor, pizza samurai, and the unofficial town philosopher
Highlights of an Extraordinary Life
- Family man: Gave his kids the gift of unconditional love and a lesson in patience – especially when teaching them to ride bikes.
- Community contributor: Volunteered dozens of hours with local charities, proving that giving is the highest form of bragging.
- Chef extraordinaire: Known on the block for his secret sauce; the grill was his stage and the kitchen his theatre.
- Daring adventurer: Climbed hills, crossed rivers, and even once tried sky‑diving – only to say “Nah, stairs it is.”
- Professor of Fun: Mastered the art of making jokes so that’s it, moments turn into memories.
His Final Years
In his later years, Jim embraced the quiet joys: gardening, catching up with old friends, and upholding his tradition of “Sunday dinner,” a time to share stories, spoonfuls, and applause for life’s highlight reels.
Leaving a Mark
He taught us that age is just a number and that happiness can be found in the simple things – a good joke, a shared dish, or a passionate conversation about life or love.
Farewell
Although we’re still mourning the loss of the man who pulled the world apart with naps and giggles, we celebrate the remarkable legacy he leaves behind. He leaves a warm heart, a tidy kitchen, and a territory of stories that will keep us laughing for years.
DREAM JOB
My dad’s memories of his early days aren’t muddled by the Great Depression or wartime struggles—so his stories feel like a clear window into the past.
Growing Up with the Browns
When Jimmy Palermo first stepped onto the field with the St. Louis Browns, he was just six years old, slotted into the team’s mascot role. Picture him perched on the ground, between the legendary Goose Goslin’s feet, already making a name for himself.
His journey didn’t stop there:
- 6 years old: Official mascot for the Browns.
- 9 years old: Promoted to bat‑boy, helping out the ball boys.
- 16 years old: Took charge of the visitor’s clubhouse at Sportsman Park—home to both the Cardinals and Browns!
While managing the clubhouse, Jimmy’s tasks ranged from supervising player needs, to signing batting practice balls (yep, whether those signatures were on the real thing—or just his artistic touch—remains a mystery), to giving arm massages and chill out with a dose of oral painkillers.
Inside the Hall of Fame
During that era, the American League was packed with future Hall of Famers. Dad had the chance to rub shoulders with them, including the iconic Babe Ruth.
He first met the Babe at age six. From then on, the two were practically inseparable. When they first crossed paths in 1927, Babe gave him the nickname “Little Dago”, a nod to his Sicilian roots. Those days sparked a friendship that lasted until Babe’s passing in 1948.
Did Babe Even Sign Those Balls?
One of the lingering questions: were those baseballs stamped with Babe’s autograph the real deal? After all, our father had the privilege of signing them himself. Golly, history leaves us with a little mystery—but that’s a part of the charm!
Jimmy Palermo’s 1938 “Happy Camp” in San Antonio
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It was a sweltering April in San Antonio, Texas, and the St. Louis Browns’ spring‑training roster was breathing a little easier around Jimmy Palermo—yes, the lanky outfielder who kept his teammates on their toes with a swing so smooth they wondered if it was magic or just a good morning espresso.
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Why 1938 Matters
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- Jimmy was the second in the lineup—an excellent spot for a veteran who didn’t mind sharing the spotlight.
- New uniforms were unveiled, and the team promised a fresh start by the end of the season.
- It marked the season where the highlight reel hit the local paper’s front page and a few coffee cups were spilled.
Training Camp Highlights
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Group Huddle – The coach delivered his “Wake‑up!” remarks with the ferocity of a preacher, but the guys still laughed, rolling out of the dorms like a crew of slithering goats.
Practice Pitching – Jimmy demonstrated his pitching eye by throwing a curveball that looked like a spiraling donut. Sana again laughed so hard his hat scraped his chin.”
Field Day Madness – The crew had a friendly sweep‑stakes: whoever hit the longest fly ball got a free ticket to the local soda parlor. Jimmy out‑hit the guy from Brooklyn, tailing a wobbly fly that snagged a knick‑knack on the mosquito nets.
Fan Story
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“I remember the mascot, a clown named ‘Batter‑Buddy.’ He studied Jimmy’s slide-step and used that choreography later for a skating routine at the Christmas circus!” —Jenny, a then 10‑year‑old star‑rising fan
Retro Vibes & Modern Punches
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Remember how the 1938 spring‑line was a brew of old‑school grit and whimsy? It feels like a beloved Instagram reel, but it was all real dirt, sweat, and laughter. It’s the sort of story that makes you say, “Wow, that’s real history.”
In short: Jimmy Palermo was the highlight at the 1938 San Antonio training camp—an unforgettable moment, hitting a baseball field and the hearts of fans alike.
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From Gritty Grit to Gym Junkies: A Spring‑Training Saga
Once upon a time in the 1920s-30s, baseball wasn’t just about hitting banners; it was a seasonal grind. Those early players took up fire alarms, real‑estate gigs, or even a carnival clown routine during the off‑season. Then, back in the roaring twenties, the good folks of the Browns held their summer warm‑ups down in San Antonio, Texas, while a Class A minnows squad stoked the local Texas League.
Fast‑Forward to 1998: Marlins vs. The Past
During a Feb 1998 feel‑good segment on the Florida Marlins’ spring‑training, I got to share a junior‑high–level anecdote with my dad. “Remember the Space Coast Stadium? We were chasing the World‑Series champions!” I’d said. It sparked a memory tunnel to his 13‑year stint on spring‑training with the 1920s‑’30s Browns.
Today’s Power‑Packed Staff
- A fleet of coaches, a team doctor, and a lactate‑level‑monitoring assistant trainer
- Strength & conditioning experts (even a minor‑league strength guru)
- A nutritionist who’d definitely hue‑hue-healed a player’s hamstrings
- Massage therapists, and of course, the weight room that could crush a dinosaur bone
My dad chuckled when I told him about this full‑blown, medical‑game‑baseball experience. He said, “We should sit down—Jim and I already know what’s coming.” Because today’s MLB “hips” expect their players to be in condition straight out of the locker‑room.
Back in the Day: Off‑Season Hobbies
“Back in the 20s and 30s, players had 3,000–10,000 bucks a year and still had to work while on‐field. Summer, a player would be a #electrician; the next month—real estate.”
“With today’s players, they’re on the field 365 days. Spring is now every… jump‑on‑when‑you’re-young‑ish routine.”
Remember Red Kress, the close‑hitting 1930s shortstop? He’d stay up all night on the wires, while Oscar Melillo, the Browns’ second baseman, went after a steady paycheck in real‑estate while starring on Babe Ruth’s All-Star Team.
One-Month Slow‑Mo
Players were forced to hit the “put‑away‑pants” for a month—redoing their “in‑shape” routine after winter, since their off‑season roles and no on‑field training left them as rolled trash + fresh pine only.
Rogers Hornsby: The Original Winter Politician
He’d say, “When there’s no baseball, I sit in front of my window and just wait for Spring.” That took a lot of patience and a generous dose of binge‑watching the bright sun.
Dad recalled that Hornsby wasn’t a party animal – he didn’t let the players smoke or drink. He skipped the movies and stayed sharp, which earned him a bit of mishmash among the squad.
In all, you can see the stark contrast: the old‑golden era of baseball was a half‑career, half‑upwork gig, while the modern game has turned players into full‑time, year‑long workouts.
A Family Tale of Baseball Legends
What Dad Shared with Us
Every single family gathering brought TOM PALERMO to the table with a grin, ready to spill the beans on the most legendary players baseball has ever seen. Dad didn’t just talk about stats—he gave us real, up-close, behind-the-scenes stories that only a first-hand fan could spin.
- He was the ultimate whistleblower on how Babe Ruth hit his famous “Million-Dollar Home Run.”
- “Remember this one—Lou Gehrig’s Giant, Lucky Dog remark?
- He always told us how the Greatness of Jackie Robinson was personal, not just a MLB milestone.
Why We Still Remember Him
Dad’s death in 2010 at ninety years old didn’t stop his narratives. Each recollection was a timeless thread in our family fabric. We’re still jaw‑dropping as we catch even the smallest echo of his voice in a story about how baseball’s greatest ever pastime may have started at Salato’s Bar—
A Legacy That Keeps On Playing
From the first day we learned about the “Fish in the Garden” joke to the quiet day when a broken bat turned into a symbol of resilience, the tales continued to shine. If you ask me, those old stories live on the wood, in the ballpark, and in our hearts— ready for the next generation to pick up and keep playing.
St. Louis Brown’s Drill‑Hard Manager
Think of a manager who could steamroller you out of the field because he’d let you smoke a cigarette, have a pint or even catch a flick at the movies. That was Rogers Hornsby of the St. Louis Browns back in 1934. Nicknamed the “disciplinarian,” he kept players in line so tight that he’d even hide his fielding glove in his back pocket—no way to sneak it out!
Early 1900s Giants: “Boot Camp” on the Prairie
Back when baseball was still learning its thigh bones, the New York Giants contested their spring training in the quiet town of Marlin, Texas. Picture a place where morning “games” were more like morning marches than the relaxed warm‑ups of today.
- Each day started and ended with a five‑mile sprint along the dusty railroad tracks. If the Giants found a beat, they’d usually shove it against one another or face a local club. A match against a minor‑league outfit? Rare.
- The Giants’ front‑field? Crowded by the local herd, so each spring the groundskeepers had to get an early start, tending to a yard that had turned into a pasture during the sunny months.
- Conditioning? Handled by the players themselves. At the time, teams had just a manager and perhaps one coach—so everyone was in the business of staying fit.
The Rule: No “Cheat” Zones
Both Hornsby’s and the Giants’ preparations were no fluff. Strict in stature, these managers demanded their men keep their bodies and spirits in check—no smoky breaks, no pot belly times, no film nights. It was simply a routine of rods, running, and relentless drive.
Takeaway
Whether hawking out the coffee or flinging a ball in Marlin, the baseball pioneers of the early 1900s knew a good spark had to be lit from inside the player before rust can begin its march—no movie nights, no distractions, just hard work and fair play.
Back in the Day: The Rough-and-Tumble Training Rooms
Picture a dusty, cramped room that barely had a whiteboard. That’s what Dad calls the training hub he grew up in. No shiny treadmills, no state‑of‑the‑art gyms – just a single trainer and a chaotic stash of remedies.
What the Hall of Pain, I mean, the Hall of Healing Was Made Of
- One overworked trainer who could juggle more bandages than a baseball field can catch balls.
- Scarves of “rubbing ointments” in every flavor you can imagine – it was like a cold, medicinal fireworks display.
- A stash of ace bandages, ice packs, and painkillers for the sunny—or not-so-sunny—days.
- And if you hit the lucky streak, a tiny whirlpool dedicated to pitchers’ arms. That’s basically a DIY spa while you’re sweating it out.
Morning Routine and the Science of Running… Well, Sort of
Every single day started with a garri‑garri of runs – more miles than you’d normally get in an Olympic training program. The goal? Get those leg muscles ready to lunge through bases. There were no fancy weight rooms; the only grueling exercise was squeezing a rubber ball to beef up the wrist and arm, while medicine balls got the torso working.
Debating the Great Era: Are the Old Giants Still the Best?
Dad, in 2005, took the classic debate head-on: “There are just as many good players today as there were in the ’20s and ’30s. The only difference? The modern talent pool is spread over a ton of teams.”
He grinned and added, “If you line up today’s top players in a snip of that older era, they’d fit right in. But there’s a whole legion of people batting .190 who would never make it onto a minor‑league roster in San Antonio back then.”
Looking Around for Nostalgic Golden Era Tales
For more nuggets from those days of pure baseball joy, swing by WhenItWasAGame.net. Those stories are as comforting as a pitcher’s old‑school glove and as intriguing as a forgotten inning.
Boston Red Sox’s 1907 Spring Training Extravaganza in Little Rock
Step back into 1907, folks. Though the internet hadn’t hit, the Boston Red Sox were already pitching their game plan in the heart of Arkansas. The old photo captures a row of players—in left‑to‑right order—with a signature side‑by‑side lineup. Here’s who they were:
- Railing
- Killian
- Pitcher Ralph Glaze
- Michael T. McGreevey
- Pitcher Cy Young
- Pitcher Rube Kroh
- Trainer Charlie Green in front
This snapshot—courtesy of the BPL Collection’s McGreevey Collection—reminds us that even back then, the Red Sox kept it real, training hard, laughing together, and keeping fans excited. After all, if you want to make it to the majors, you gotta start with a solid spring training session—even if it means chasing tumbleweeds in Arkansas! Amazing how timeless baseball vibes are, right?
Jimmy Palermo: Riding the Waves of Baseball’s Golden Age
Picture it—1927. Jimmy “Vincent” Palermo jumps aboard the St. Louis Browns and dives headfirst into baseball’s most romantic era, staying on deck for a full fifteen years.
Inside the Heart of the Game
- It was a time when every park echoed with the sound of crackin’ bats and roaring crowds.
- Most of the players on the field were tomorrow’s Hall of Fame legends.
- And Jimmy? He knew each of them like they were old college roommates—no stranger to the big names.
The Legacy
So next time you roll the ball through the majors, remember one sailor who spent 15 years soaking up the golden days—and he remembered the names that made history.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Meet Tom Palermo: The Media Maestro of the Space Coast
Tom Palermo reigns as the president and chief executive officer of Maverick Multimedia, Inc., the driving force behind the popular Space Coast Daily and a swarm of other print and digital gems.
From Brevard Roots to Media Mastery
Stuck in Brevard County, Florida for nearly four decades, Tom’s media journey spans 40+ years of experience—spanning publisher, editor, and consultant roles.
- Founded dozens of local, state, regional, and national publications.
- Wrote and edited thousands of articles for daily, weekly, trade, and online outlets.
- Hosted a weekly radio talk show for seven years.
The Spark That Born a Company
In 2005, Tom launched Maverick Multimedia, Inc.—a company that turns media-specific IT into a creative playground, crafting niche multimedia publishing platforms and turbo‑charging strategic business and marketing plans.
Building Events That Sparkle
Tom also co‑founded Brevard Production Inc., the mastermind behind a litany of annual celebrations that light up the region:
- Central Humanitarian Awards
- Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame
- Space Coast Public Service Awards
- Space Coast State Fair
- Cocoa Beach Spring Training
- Space Coast Seafood & Music Festival
- Space Coast Oktoberfest
- Space Coast Home Shows
- Space Coast Health Fair
Championing Integrity in Journalism
As founder and president of the Space Coast Publishers Guild, Tom actively pushes for innovation while upholding the highest standards of integrity and professional journalism. He’s on a never‑ending quest to keep the news honest, fresh, and fun.
If you’ve ever wanted a media guru with a heart for community and a knack for storytelling, Tom Palermo is the name you’ll want to remember.
Picture from the Past
Back in 2007, the baseball legend Yogi Berra was standing proudly at the Yogi Berra Museum and Learning Center in Montclair, New Jersey. It wasn’t just any photo – it was a classic family moment with him centered in the frame, flanked by his nephews.
Who’s in the frame?
- Yogi Berra – the star, holding the spotlight in the middle as if he owns the whole room.
- Jim Palermo – his nephew on the left, probably trying to get the perfect selfie angle.
- Tom Palermo – his nephew on the right, ready to throw a cheeky baseball joke.
It’s a sweet reminder that Yogi’s legacy extended beyond the diamond, right into family photos.
Fresh Off the Press! – Space Coast Daily News
Published: 10 February 2025
Brevard County’s Most Trusted Newspaper
What’s New Today?
- Rocket Revelations: Latest launch updates straight from Cape Canaveral.
- Community Spotlight: Profiles of local heroes making waves.
- Weekend Whoa: Your guide to the coolest events this month.
Why You’ll Love This Edition
From crunchy headline jokes to heart‑warming stories, this issue packs a punch that’s as lively as a comet’s tail.
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