The Life of Pete Browning

Join us for an engaging conversation with special guest Tim Newby, as he dives into his new book about Louis "Pete" Rogers Browning, one of the most extraordinary baseball players of the nineteenth century. Known for his remarkable batting skills, Browning's career was marked by three batting titles and nine top-three finishes, making him one of the premodern era's greatest hitters. Beyond his athletic prowess, Browning is also credited with inspiring the creation of the famed Louisville Slugger bat.

But Browning's story is not just about his success on the field. His life was a whirlwind of eccentric behavior, personal struggles, and legendary tales. Dubbed "The Gladiator," Browning was notorious for his refusal to slide during games, his love for tabasco sauce, and his habit of naming his bats after biblical characters. Behind the scenes, however, he battled mastoiditis, a painful condition that affected his hearing, education, and ultimately drove him to a life of heavy drinking.

Tim Newby meticulously separates fact from fiction, exploring the myths surrounding this larger-than-life figure. Discover the true story of Pete Browning—the man, the myth, and the legendary ballplayer who left an indelible mark on the world of baseball.

Book: https://www.kentuckypress.com/9781985900851/the-original-louisville-slugger/