You can quote me: "California is a natural wonder and a man-made disaster."
IN THE baseball research journal
GAVY'S HALL-WORTHY 200
By Rick Reiff -- Fall 2024
What more is there to say about Clifford Carlton “Gavy” “Cactus” Cravath, the enigmatic Deadball Era slugger relegated to the dustbin of baseball history by George Herman Ruth? How about this: He was likely the first player to hit 200 home runs in affiliated baseball. Babe Ruth was, of course, the first to 200 homers in the majors (and first to 300, 400, 500, 600 and 700), but Cravath, whose 20-year career was split almost evenly between the majors and minors, was almost certainly the first to reach 200 counting all leagues. His numbers are there in the record book—119 homers in the majors, 107 in the minors, and seven in the 1903 “independent” Pacific Coast League.
ON THE AIR/ON THE WEB
TRANSFORMING THE IRVINE RANCH
Author Mike Stockstill joins Rick to discuss how a sprawling Mexican land-grant rancho became one of America's most vibrant communities. Anchored by the masterplanned city of Irvine, the ranch today is the centerpiece of the Irvine Company and its owner Donald Bren is a multi-billionaire.
MORE STUMPING FOR GAVY
Rick joins Craig Estlinbaum's Hooks & Runs podcast to discuss the forgotten deadball-era slugger, Gavy Cravath, and make the case for why he belongs in baseball's Hall of Fame.
A NATIVE AMERICAN AND A DARTMOUTH MAN
Native Americans weren't barred from early baseball but did face racial stereotyping. On Will Swaim's Radio Free California podcast, Rick discusses how "Chief" John Meyers of the Cahuilla Band of Mission Indians overcame prejudice while making his mark as the hardest-hitting catcher of the Dead Ball era and batterymate (as well as vaudville partner) of the immortal pitcher Christy Mathewson. The discussion begins at the 54:45 mark.
OPENING DAY: INTEGRATED BASEBALL, A SLUGGING JUDGE
Rick joins Will Swaim's Radio Free California podcast to recount the California Winter League, which featured integrated ballgames beginning in 1910, decades before Jackie Robinson broke the major league color line; and Gavvy Cravath, the deadball-era slugger who became a judge.
NEWSOM'S 'NON-PRESIDENTIAL' TOUR, SHOHEI'S TAX PLAY AND MORE
In this special year-in-review episode, Rick joins Will Swaim on his Radio Free California podcast to discuss some of the biggest stories of 2023.
A LIFE IN NEWS
Delphine Channels interviews Rick about his career in journalism, how the profession has lost its way and what it can do to get back on track.
INSIDE OC with Rick Reiff
IT'S A WRAP
In this October, 2018 show, "Inside OC" looks back at three seasons of highlights, including conversations with Gavin Newsom, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Todd Marinovich and other celebrities, businesspeople, officials, academics, pundits and athletes.
SOCAL INSIDER with Rick Reiff
SOCAL INSIDER SIGNS OFF
Rick and David Nazar look back on 10 years of highlights: Placido Domingo, Art Laffer, Tippi Hedren, Christie Heffner, Peter Ueberroth, Pete Wilson, Jim Abbott, George Deukmejian, gun control, energy, the environment, racial unrest, politics and more.
STUDIO SOCAL
Rick and Elizabeth Espinosa host officials, experts and other thought leaders to examine key issues impacting Southern California.