Reimagining Baseball History: Howard Camerik & The Curse of Carl Mays

Baseball history is filled with moments that changed the game forever, but few are as tragic or enduring as the event of August 16, 1920. On that day, Cleveland’s Ray Chapman was struck in the head by a pitch thrown by Yankees pitcher Carl Mays. Chapman later died from his injuries, becoming the only player in Major League Baseball history to lose his life as the result of an on-field incident.

More than a century later, that moment continues to fascinate baseball fans, historians, and writers alike. In this story, author Howard Camerik alters reality and takes you on a mind - and time - bending journey in his fiction novel, The Curse of Carl Mays.

Drawing upon one of the game’s most haunting stories, Camerik crafts a narrative that moves beyond the ballpark and into the realm of “what if?” What if history had unfolded differently? What if the past could be revisited—or even changed? And what hidden consequences might emerge when fate is disrupted?

On this episode of The Baseball Book Club, Howard Camerik joins us to discuss the inspiration behind The Curse of Carl Mays, the research that brought authenticity to the story, and the creative process of weaving real baseball history into a compelling work of fiction.

Whether you’re a fan of baseball history, historical fiction, or stories that blur the line between reality and imagination, The Curse of Carl Mays offers a fresh perspective on one of the sport’s most unforgettable moments.

Join us as we discuss this fascinating novel and discover how one of baseball’s darkest days became the foundation for a remarkable journey through history, destiny, and the enduring power of the game.