Jonathan Weeks - Mudville Madness: Fabulous Feats, Belligerent Behavior, and Erratic Episodes on the Diamond

The South End Grounds in Boston was the site of a devastating fire in 1894. The blaze spread to the adjacent neighborhood, damaging or destroying more than two hundred buildings. Library of Congress, LC-DIG-ppmsca-18836.

In 1908, an infamous baserunning error by Giants first baseman Fred Merkle led to a one-game playoff for the NL pennant. A standing-room-only crowd at the Polo Grounds saw the Cubs prevail, 42. The precipitating play would forever be labeled Merkles Boner. Library of Congress, LC-DIG-ggbain-02280.

Among the most entertaining characters of the deadball era, infielder Germany Schaefer became famous for calling his own shot and stealing first base. Library of Congress, LC-DIG-ggbain-13278.

Dont let the smile in this photo fool you. Ty Cobb was one of the nastiest players ever to step onto a diamond. He once climbed into the stands and beat up a disabled man who was heckling him. Library of Congress, LC-DIG-ggbain-08008.

Two of the most clever strategists the game has ever seen. The articulate Johnny Evers (left) had a knack for influencing the calls of umpires. Manager George Stallings (right) once set up a spy operation at Hilltop Park in New York and ended up getting caught stealing signs from opponents. Library of Congress, LC-DIG-ggbain-17512.

Babe Ruth and Ernie Shore (left and second from left) combined for a no-hitter in 1917. Ruth deserved very little credit as he faced just one batter, took a swing at the umpire, and was ejected. Shore came on in relief and retired every batter he faced that day. Library of Congress, LC-DIG-ppmsca-18459.

Cleveland shortstop Ray Chapman was killed after being hit in the head by a Carl Mays pitch in 1920. Mays, who played for the Yankees, would forever be stigmatized as a villain. Library of Congress, LC-DIG-ggbain-27249.

Sam Rices circus catch in the 1925 World Series remained shrouded in controversy throughout his lifetime. He drafted a letter revealing the truth about the incident and told Hall of Fame officials not to open it until after his death. Rices message from the grave was: At no time did I lose possession of the ball. Library of Congress, LC-DIG-ggbain-38192.

Closed in 1938, the Baker Bowl was one of the ugliest ballparks in the majors. The owners failed to properly maintain it, and sections of the bleachers collapsed at two different points in time, killing a dozen people and injuring hundreds. At least players were safe from B.O., or so the billboard in the background says. National Baseball Hall of Fame Library, Cooperstown, New York.

The oldest surviving structure in the American League, Fenway Parks unusual facets make it a hitters paradise. The famous Green Monster is situated just 310 feet from home plate and stands thirty-seven feet high. National Baseball Hall of Fame Library, Cooperstown, New York.

Rip Sewell of the Pirates lost part of his toe in a hunting accident and developed a blooper pitch to compensate for it. Nicknamed the eephus, Sewells novelty offering brought fans to the ballpark in droves during World War II. National Baseball Hall of Fame Library, Cooperstown, New York.

Among the greatest natural hitters in history, Red Sox outfielder Ted Williams had an ugly temper. In 1956, he was fined for spitting at fans and flipping them the bird. National Baseball Hall of Fame Library, Cooperstown, New York.

A superficial examination of George Bretts infamous pine-tar bat (which now resides at the Baseball Hall of Fame) reveals that the sticky substance was indeed used excessively. National Baseball Hall of Fame Library, Cooperstown, New York.

Outfielder Jimmy Piersall suffered from bipolar disorder, a serious and persistent mental illness that prompted numerous peculiar episodes on the field. In this photo, he is running the bases backward to celebrate his one hundredth career homer. AP Photo.

After the infamous spitting incident of 1996, Orioles second baseman Roberto Alomar shook hands with umpire John Hirschbeck and apologized. The memorable moment took place during a game in April of the following year. It was the first time the two had taken the field together since Alomar expectorated on the arbiter. AP Photo/Dave Hammond.

Umpire Charlie Reliford separates Mike Piazza and Roger Clemens during game 2 of the 2000 World Series. Piazzas bat had shattered on contact with a pitch, and Clemens had inexplicably thrown one of the broken pieces at Piazza as he ran toward first. The Mets backstop later referred to Clemenss behavior as bizarre. AP Photo/Bill Kostroun.