‘Cooler Than You Think’
Talking about the Marion Mets on a new podcast
Marion Mets Newsletter – Issue 38
In late summer, I had an opportunity to talk about the Marion Mets on the new podcast series, “Cooler Than You Think: Stories from America’s Coolest Hometown.” (That’s Marion, Virginia, in case you didn’t know.) Many, many thanks to Amanda Livingston, Smyth County’s director of tourism and host of the show, for inviting me to be part of the series… and for asking great questions and keeping me on track. Otherwise, I’d still be talking. You can watch the podcast here. While you’re there, check out the other shows, too. They’re all fantastic!
Appearing on the podcast was a lot of fun. And, it’s given me an idea. What if I created a podcast in which I interviewed Marion Mets players, coaches and other people who were associated with the team?
On deck
I’m working on a list of 100 cool and interesting things people should know about Marion, Virginia’s rich baseball history, from the teams that played here in the 1800s, to the semi-pro Cuckoos, Maulers and Bucks, to Nolan Ryan and the Marion Mets, to our current team, the Hungry Mothers. If you have ideas to share, let me know in an email. The quirkier the better. I’m planning to publish the list in early 2026, perhaps around mid-February when major league pitchers and catchers report to spring training. That’s less than 100 days away, ya know!
Here’s an example of an item that most definitely will make the list:
In 1974, the Marion Mets had a first baseman/outfielder on their roster who spent about eight years in the minors before hanging up his cleats to become an actor. He landed a small role in “The Natural,” and another movie. However, when his acting career failed to take off, he answered his calling to become a priest in New York.
That has to make the list, right?
You want another one? OK, here goes…
When Jerry Morales arrived in Marion from his home in Puerto Rico, he spoke very little English. That was a minor inconvenience in restaurants and shops around town, but not at the ballpark. There, on the diamond, he let his bat do the talking. In fact, Jerry was one of the Appalachian League’s hottest hitters in the summer of 1966. His batting average reached .414 at one point that season, and in July, he was selected as one of Topps Chewing Gum Company’s standout minor league players. Morales was given a gold wristwatch for his efforts. He went on to a 15-year career in the major leagues, playing with the San Diego Padres, Chicago Cubs, St. Louis Cardinals, Detroit Tigers and New York Mets.
On my way to creating the list of 100, I have about 90 items so far, but I’m thinking only about 75-80 of those are sure to make it to the final cut. So, send me your ideas, and if your item(s) make the list, I’ll give you credit, of course.
Before you go, this is a reminder that I’m always looking for stories about the Marion Mets. If you were a player, fan, ball boy, concession stand worker… anything… and have a story to share, I’d love to hear from you. You can reach me at chadoz97@gmail.com. Also, if you see something I missed or got wrong, send me a note.
And don’t forget to Connect with Marion Mets on Facebook.