Bleacher Bum Radio

07/30/2025

07/30/2025

07/30/2025

07/30/2025

Spring Training, 1912 Style in Marlin, Texas!

“If we do win the flag this year, much of the credit will go to Marlin, Texas - John McGraw

Well...the Giants did win the pennant in 1912, and so we can assume McGraw gave credit to his favorite spring training location, Marlin Texas.

And with spring training finally starting to heat up this year, here’s a repost of a neat photo, originally found by my Old-Time Baseball Photos partner, Ron Bolton, from the 1912 Giants spring training camp.

After a little sleuthing, we were able to determine it was from Emerson Park in Marlin, Texas where the Giants held spring training from 1908-1918. Besides McGraw, we identified Heine Groh (to the right of McGraw), probably minor leaguer Gus Gardella holding the bat, coach Arlie Latham in the middle, and Jeff Tesseau without the cap. Not sure who the player on the far right is. Check out the dilapidated conditions of the field. Not exactly up to 2020 standards! See below)

Marlin hosted five different teams over the period of 1904-1923. The Giants' operation at Emerson Park is generally credited with being the first “permanent” major league spring training facility.

Marlin is located 100 miles northeast of Austin and 100 miles south of Dallas (with a 2019 population of 5.967). Over their eleven spring camps in Marlin, the Giants became a big part of the community. They played numerous benefit games for local groups and charities and even played against the Marlin High School team. While holding team practice in Marlin during the week, the Giants took trains to other cities for weekend “split squad” games.

The city of Marlin fell in love with the Giants in a big way, grateful that the Giants had put their tiny city on the map. As a token of their appreciation, the citizens had deeded the Emerson practice field to the team. In addition, they held a special Fish Fry in the Giants' honor at the Marlin Falls before the team headed north; and they also held a yearly “Thank You Ball” at the Arlington Hotel (where the team resided) each spring before the Giants left town.

07/29/2025

Let the debate start…. AND GO!!

07/28/2025

No one under 29 years and 6 months old has been alive for a Cowboys’ Super Bowl, stand by for next year when those numbers are 30 and 6.
Thanks Jerry!!

07/28/2025

07/27/2025

07/26/2025

Maybe this is why the Cowboys can’t do much.

07/26/2025

Just about time for this guy (mascot) to come back to the airwaves with a rebirth of Bleacher Bum Radio!!!!

07/25/2025

The Annual Steak, Stein, and Wine Festival for 2025

Get Ready for the Ultimate Festival Experience in Cameron!
The Cameron Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to invite you to the 44 Farms Steak, Stein, and Wine Festival on Saturday, September 20, 2025. It’s going to be a day of fun, flavor, and fantastic memories—so mark your calendars and join us for this one-of-a-kind event!

Explore Cameron’s Best:
Our charming downtown will be alive with local shops, museums, and eateries, all open for you to discover. We've also closed off the streets to create a vibrant outdoor vendor market where you can shop for unique handmade goods, delicious food, and more! Plus, we’ve got a KidZone for the little ones to enjoy while you browse.

Savor the Flavor:
At The Venue at Railfan, the spotlight will be on 44 Farms' world-class steaks, cooked to perfection by their own grilling team. Choose from two seating times: 4:45pm or 6:00pm. Each dinner is $50 per person, and comes complete with all the mouthwatering sides and fixings—prepared with care by Hecho En Texas.

For the Kids:
We haven't forgotten about the younger guests! This year, we’re introducing a Kids Beef Hot Dog Pack for just $15, made fresh by 1846 Grill (formerly Yoe Dawg). It's the perfect family meal to fuel up before all the fun!

Dance the Night Away:
After dinner, get ready to hit the dance floor! Joey Greer and The Teague Brothers Band will bring the party with live music starting at 7:00pm. Whether you're a two-stepper or just want to enjoy the tunes, we can’t wait to see everyone kicking up their boots!

A Day of Delightful Surprises:
From local craft vendors to mouthwatering food stalls and wine pairings, there will be no shortage of delights to discover throughout the day. Bring your friends, family, and dancing shoes for a festival you won’t forget!

To reserve vendor space, sponsor, or buy dinner tickets, click the buttons at the top of this page:

(Vendors: Register and PAY before 07/31/2025 to receive an early bird discount of $10)

If you have any questions, please contact us.

Cameron Chamber of Commerce
102 E. 1st St Cameron, TX 76520
254-697-4979
[email protected]
www.cameron-tx.com