Gentlemen I would like to call your attention to a new documentary that will play today at 6:00 EST on the MLB Network. It is The First Boys of Spring.
It is the story of the birth of Spring Training as we know it today which began in 1886 when Cap Anson and Al Spalding brought the White Stockings to Hot Springs, Arkansas to "boil out" the winter-meaning alcohol.
It traces the teams that came to Hot Springs over the next 40-50 years and their successes. It was produced by four-time Emmy winner Larry Foley and is narrated by Billy Bob Thornton.
While Cobb has never been documented here, over 50 percent of all the members Hall of Fame spent time here during their careers which is amazing since this all ended decades ago.
Sandy Koufax credits his last season to spending three weeks here at the Levi Arthritic Hospital right before that final season.
Just fun stuff if you have time to watch.
By the way Hank their is a plaque in front of the old Hot Springs High School honoring Walter Johnson who assisted Honus Wagner in teaching the boys how to play basketball.
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