[size=18:ca429118e9][b:ca429118e9]SEASON #6 RECAP[/b:ca429118e9][/size:ca429118e9]
The Yankees proved to be the most dominant team in league history in Season #6, capping an epic regular season with a comeback for the ages. Pitchers Jack Chesbro and Ron Guidry became the first teammates to ever win 30 games in a season. Chesbro won 33 games, topping the 30-win mark for the incredible second year in a row, and Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig were Co-MVPs. Ruth won the award for an unprecedented fourth time in a row. Ty Cobb of the Tigers set a record with his .397 batting average, while winning his 4th batting title. Mark McGwire of the Cardinals set records in power numbers, with 81 home runs and 181 runs batted in.
The Indians won the Eastern Division title despite winning only 83 games. The Tribe produced good starting pitching, with Addie Joss (20-15, 3.64 ERA), Satchel Paige (17-19, 3.82 ERA), and Stan Coveleski (16-18, 3.98 ERA), but were not incredibly proficient in scoring runs. Tris Speaker(.326, 106 runs, 202 hits, 51 2b) and Nap Lajoie(.370, 207 hits, 77 RBI) were the bright spots for the Indians offense, and Baby Doll Jacobson batted .330 as well in a platoon situation. Because of the Indians inconsistent play, the Giants were able to hang around for most of the season, despite a losing record. Pitcher Christy Mathewson had a stellar year for John McGraw, with a 23-14 record and a 3.52 ERA, and Scott Garrelts saved 40 games. Freddie Lindstrom(.291), Bill Terry(.268) and Frankie Frisch(.271) were the only Giants to bat above .250, but Willie Mays(52), Barry Bonds(46) and Willie McCovey(41) provided the power to keep the Giants in the race.
George Sisler(.348, 124 runs, 249 hits), Cecil Travis(.334), and Walter Johnson(15-20, 3.73 ERA, 292 K) had good seasons for the Beltway Boys. The Braves struggled in Season #6, though Hank Aaron continued to hammer the ball, batting .343 with 55 Home Runs and 155 RBI.
The Central was the domain of the most dominant team in baseball history. The pitching staff produced the two 30 game winners in Chesbro(33-7, 3.23 ERA) and Guidry(30-9, 3.28 ERA), and Whitey Ford won 25 games as well. Goose Gossage saved 20 games, while only blowing on save opportunity. The offense averaged 6.2 runs per contest, led by Co-MVPs Babe Ruth(63 HR, 142 RBI, 141 runs) and Lou Gehrig(55 HR, 120 RBI, league-leading 164 runs). Murderer’s Row continued with Mickey Mantle(54 HR, 146 RBI, 145 runs), Joe DiMaggio(.332, 32 HR, 117 RBI), and Roger Maris(64 HR, 160 RBI). The Bronx Bombers finished 25 games ahead of a very good Athletics squad who, though they accumulated the 4th best record in the league, did not make the playoffs. Rube Waddell(22-14) and Catfish Hunter(23-10) paced the pitching staff, and Dennis Eckersley saved 39 games for the A’s. Al Simmons led the way for Connie Mack’s boys, with 47 Home Runs, 163 RBI and a .356 batting average. Jimmie Foxx(42 HR, 123 RBI), Sal Bando(30 HR,100 RBI), Rickey Henderson(131 runs, 55 steals), and Jose Canseco(37 HR, 97 RBI) contributed to the A’s offense as well. The White Sox were led on the mound by Ed Walsh(19-18, league-leading 3.09 ERA) and Early Wynn(20-15), 3.43 ERA) and at the dish by Frank Thomas(38 HR, 122 RBI) and Dick Allen(34 HR, 108 RBI). The Reds had a difficult time finding a combination that worked, though Eric Davis provided a little excite for the Riverfront faithful, hitting 42 Home Runs and stealing 55 bases.
The West was a season-long battle between the Cardinals and the Tigers. The teams met in a 3 game series with 6 games to play, and the host Tigers won 2 of 3 to take a 1 game lead going into the season’s final series, and held on to win the division. Ed Summers won 21 games and Willie Hernandez won his second Fireman of the Year Award with 41 saves. Ty Cobb slapped out 248 hits on the way to a record .397 batting average and his 4th batting title. Hank Greenberg was once again the team’s MVP, hitting 49 longballs and driving in 142 runs. Shortstop Allen Trammel played terrific defense while batting .326. The Cardinals wound up winning the Wild Card behind Mark McGwire(81 HR, 181 RBI), Rogers Hornsby(.348, 43 HR, 143 RBI), and Stan Musial(.326, 25 HR, 120 RBI). McGwire’s HR and RBI totals were both records, coincidentally set by McGwire himself in previous seasons. Bob Gibson was the ace of the staff, compiling a 24-9 record and 246 strikeouts. Tom Henke tied for the league lead in saves with 41.
Though they finished with only 80 wins, the story of the Pirates’ season was hurler Babe Adams, who started and relieved for the Bucs, finishing the season with a 14-15 record, 25 saves, and a 2.86 ERA, which led the league. Ralph Kiner blasted 61 home runs for the Pirates as well, and Honus Wagner scored 130 runs and stole 56 bases while batting .312. The Expansion team got good numbers from their starting pitchers, but did not get the results they needed offensively. Steve Carlton(17-19, 3.59, 272 strikeouts), Mike Scott(20-18, 3.43 ERA, league-leading 349 Strikeouts), , and Jim Bunning(14-18, 3.35 ERA) lacked the offensive support to produce enough wins, but pitched well nevertheless.
The Yankees dispatched the Cardinals in a rather easy 3-0 Semi-Final sweep. Ron Guidry pitched well in Game 1, but the hero of the game was Red Rolfe, whose grand slam in the 6th inning gave the Yankees a lead that they would not relinquish. Game 2 provided much the same script, as the Bronx Bombers fell behind early, only to explode for 14 runs over their last 4 innings at bat. Rolfe and Babe Ruth homered, but Bill Dickey stole the show with an 8th inning grand slam, driving in a total of 6 runs. If Games 1 and 2 were bad, Game 3 was enough to drive the Redbird fans crazy. Once again, the Yankees fell behind before tying the game in the top of the 7th with a Lou Gehrig home run. However, the Cardinals took the lead in the bottom of the 8th on McGwire’s second home run of the game. With a 5-4 lead entering the 9th, the Cardinals turned to closer Tom Henke. Though they strove mightily against it, destiny would be a harsh taskmaster for the Cards. Henke promptly served up Babe Ruth’s second home run of the game to tie the score. Henke then retired the next two batters, but then walked Bill Dickey. Red Rolfe then singled to right to place men on the corners for the Yankees. Phil Rizzuto then laid down a beautiful bunt just past Henke which secondbaseman Rogers Hornsby had trouble getting to. Hornsby tried a sidearm toss to first base, but his throw went off line as Rizzuto crossed the bag, and the Dickey scored the go-ahead run from third. Henke then struck out Tony Lazzeri, but the damage was done. Chesbro went back to the mound for the 9th, this time with lead. He retired the first batter, Terry Moore, but then Ozzie Smith doubled to center. John McGraw singled to right, and Smith rounded third, headed home with the tying run, but a laser of a throw from Roger Maris cut Smith down at the plate. Chesbro then got Hornsby to ground out to end the series, and make the distraught Cardinals fans “go crazy, folks, go crazy.”
The other Semi-Final was just as exciting. Game 1 began at Tiger Stadium, with a matchup between Ed Summers and Satchel Paige. What was once a 2-2 pitcher’s duel was broken open by the Tigers in the bottom of the 8th, when the home team scored 3 runs on singles by Charlie Gehringer and Greenberg, a sacrifice fly by Rocky Colavito, walks to Bill Madlock and Al Kaline, and single by Alan Trammell. Willie Hernandez earned the save despite giving up a home run to Riggs Stephenson.
Game 2 was a showcase for the Indians’ Addie Joss. Joss went 11 innings, then watched as his teammates scored 3 runs in the top of the 12th on singles by Stephenson, Baby Doll Jacobson, Joe Sewell, Tris Speaker, and a double by Nap Lajoie. The Indians then brought in Ray Narleski for the bottom of the 12th to earn the save and give the Indians a 6-3 win.
Game 3 saw another strong Indians’ pitching performance, as Stan Coveleski went the distance in a 4-2 victory to stake the Indians to a 2-1 series lead. Game 4 saw the Tigers needing a win in League Park to keep the series alive. Gaylord Perry looked to send the Tigers home, and took a 2-0 lead into the top of the 8th, when the Tigers finally got things going, led by catalyst Ty Cobb. Cobb singled, Gehringer reached on an error by Lou Boudreau, Norm Cash doubled, and Al Rosen committed a 2-run error on Hank Greenberg’s grounder. Don Mossi then entered for the Indians, but walked Colavito, then gave up 3 straight singles to Madlock, Kaline, and Trammell, and suddenly the Tigers had a 6-2 lead, and when Willie Hernandez got Tris Speaker to pop out to center, the series was headed back to Detroit for Game 5.
Norm Cash owned Game 5, smashing 2 home runs and knocking in 5 runs, as the Tigers and Ed Summers never really gave the Indians much of a chance. Willie Hernandez saved his third Semi-Final game, and, for emphasis punched out the Indians’ best hitters, Speaker and Lajoie, to end the game and the series.
The World Series began with the Tigers as decided underdogs, especially with the first two games in Yankee Stadium, where the Yankees were built to dominate. However, in Game 1, the Tigers reminded everyone that this series would be a two-sided affair, as they struck for 4 runs in the top of the first off of 30-game winner Ron Guidry. Ty Cobb singled, Hank Greenberg walked, and then Willie Horton and Bill Madlock hit back-to-back home runs to give the Tigers all they and pitcher Hal Newhouser would need. Newhouser went 7 and Willie Hernandez recorded a 6-out save as the Tigers won 4-2.
Game 2 saw the Tigers further shock the Yankee faithful, as Schoolboy Rowe, Daryl Patterson and George Suggs combined to hold the Bronx Bombers to just two runs and Greenberg went 2-3 with a home run as the Tigers held off the Yankees 3-2.
Game 3 saw the series move to Bennett Park as the Tigers faced the man who had won 63 games over the past two seasons, Cy Young Award winner Jack Chesbro. Ed Summers was the pitching hero, however, as he overcame 2 first inning Yankee runs to post a complete game 7-3 victory. The Tigers touched Chesbro for 4 runs in the 2nd, assisted by 4 Tigers hits and a throwing error by Chesbro. The Bengals scored 3 more in the 4th, with the big blow a double by Al Kaline and an error on Babe Ruth’s left field replacement, Jake Powell. Ruth had twisted an ankle in the 2nd and had to be removed from the game. The pressure was definitely on Joe McCarthy’s Yankees, who appeared to be a regular season champ and a post-season flop for the second season in a row.
[color=white:ca429118e9]xxxxxx[/color:ca429118e9]Game 4 saw the Tigers come out behind Denny McLain looking like world champions. McLain and Hernandez held the Bombers to 2 runs through 8 innings, and Greenberg was once a force to be reckoned with for the Yanks. The Yankees actually only tried to "reckon" with Greenberg twice as he singled, homered, knocked in 4 runs, and was walked 3 times by McCarthy’s hurlers, two times intentionally. The fans in Bennett Park began to celebrate a second Tigers World Championship as the game moved into the 9th inning. Willie Hernandez got leadoff man Bill Dickey to fly to right, but Ty Cobb inexplicably dropped the ball, allowing Dickey to coast into second. Hernandez struck out the next 2 batters, which should have been enough to end the game had Cobb’s error not occurred. Phil Rizzuto then singled, moving Dickey to third. Ping Bodie then doubled in Dickey and Lou Gehrig singled in Rizzuto. With the score 6-4 and the tying runs in scoring position, Hughie Jennings sensed that Hernandez was tired and went to a fresh George Suggs. Mickey Mantle stroked a hard single to right, and Bodie scored, followed by Gehrig who was running hard with two outs and scored ahead of Cobb’s throw. The Yankees, who were one strike from being eliminated, had come back to tie the score, with all 4 runs scoring with 2 outs! The Tigers could not mount anything else offensively in the game, their fans grew silent, then watched as the Yankees scored 3 in the 12th on DiMaggio’s bases-clearing double. The Yankees won 9-6 and had new life.
[color=white:ca429118e9]xxxxxx[/color:ca429118e9]Now, Jennings and the Tigers were the ones who were feeling the pressure, as all the scribes could write about was the epic choke that the Tigers had experienced. Jennings tried to downplay it as just one loss, but it didn’t help, especially with league MVP Babe Ruth sufficiently healed and back in the starting lineup. The Bombers struck quickly in Game 5, scoring 4 in the 1st as 6 straight Yankees reached base, with the scoring blows provided by Maris’ single, Dickey’s single, and Red Rolfe who doubled. Ron Guidry righted his personal ship, throwing a complete game, despite giving up 4 runs and another Greenberg home run. With the Yankees 6-2 victory, the series was returning to the Bronx.
[color=white:ca429118e9]xxxxxx[/color:ca429118e9]Game 6 saw lefties Hal Newhouser and Lefty Gomez in a matchup which left the score tied 4-4 through 6 innings, on home runs by Chet Lemon and Charlie Gehringer for the Tigers and Gehrig and Maris for the Bombers. Once again, one inning proved to be the Tigers’ downfall. After singles by Lemon and Alan Trammell, the Tigers could not score off of Gomez. In the bottom of the 7th, Newhouser could no longer hold back the floodgates. The Yankees batted around, with Gehrig starting the inning with a single, then followed up 3 walks and 3 singles with another single, this time scoring two. Gehrig must have worn himself out at the plate, because he was thrown out at the plate this time by Lemon after Ruth’s double. The Yankees had scored 8, taking a 12-4 lead. Mantle would homer to provide the final margin, as the Tigers lost 13-4.
[color=white:ca429118e9]xxxxxx[/color:ca429118e9]While many Game 7’s in previous seasons have been classics, this particular Game 7 was a coronation. The regular season’s results came around full-circle, as Chesbro pitched and the lineup bashed its way to victory. Roger Maris ripped two home runs, Gehrig hit a 3-run home run, and Post-Season MVP Mickey Mantle knocked in 4 with a triple and a single, and Joe DiMaggio homered as well. When the dust had settled, Joe McCarthy’s boys had won a record 112 regular season games and topped that off with an unprecedented comeback from a 3-0 deficit to win the Yankees first championship. McCarthy warned the Yankee fans, “You better enjoy this, because they don’t come around very often.” (One can only hope.)
[img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/tiny%20logos/7205-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9][color=darkblue:ca429118e9][b:ca429118e9][size=18:ca429118e9]WORLD CHAMPION NEW YORK YANKEES[/size:ca429118e9][/b:ca429118e9][/color:ca429118e9][img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/tiny%20logos/7205-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
[size=18:ca429118e9]MVP—Babe Ruth(4), Yankees [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
[color=white:ca429118e9]here [/color:ca429118e9] Lou Gehrig, Yankees [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
Cy Young Award—Jack Chesbro(2), Yankees [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
Fireman Award—Willie Hernandez(2), Tigers [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/txtu234jlffk0q5l62uhnwm3q-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
[b:ca429118e9]League Leaders[/b:ca429118e9]
Batting Average—Ty Cobb(4), Tigers .397* [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/txtu234jlffk0q5l62uhnwm3q-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
Home Runs—Mark McGwire(3), Cardinals 81 HR* [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/3zhma0aeq17tktge1huh7yok5-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
RBI---Mark McGwire(2), Cardinals 181 RBI* [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/3zhma0aeq17tktge1huh7yok5-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
Runs—Lou Gehrig, Yankees 164 Runs [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
Hits---George Sisler, Beltway 249 Hits [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/brownslogo-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
Doubles—Nap Lajoie(2), Indians 52 2b [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wnyd2zhh84f50ux4uxyqbktbh-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
Triples—Ty Cobb, Tigers 24 3b [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/txtu234jlffk0q5l62uhnwm3q-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
Stolen Bases—Eddie Collins, A’s 61 SB [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/fbf8agpcrht8b1wlh5el22hba-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
Hit Streak—Red Rolfe, Yankees 29 games [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
[b:ca429118e9]Pitching Leaders[/b:ca429118e9]
Wins---Jack Chesbro(2), Yankees 33-7* [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
Saves—Willie Hernandez(2), Tigers 41 Saves [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/txtu234jlffk0q5l62uhnwm3q-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
[color=white:ca429118e9]tomhe[/color:ca429118e9]Tom Henke, Cardinals 41 Saves [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/3zhma0aeq17tktge1huh7yok5-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
Strikeouts—Mike Scott, Expansion 349 Strikeouts [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/d9gtenuraifch1ddwdgeurv2n-1-1-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
ERA—Babe Adams, Pirates 2.86 ERA [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7xkp9hnp9jq11e1zia4tdcqjh-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
Shutouts—Lefty Gomez, Yankees 5 ShO [img:ca429118e9]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:ca429118e9]
*indicates Single Season Record[/size:ca429118e9]
ANDY'S 15-SEASON Franchise League--SEASON RECAPS
by andycummings65 » Wed Jun 09, 2010 11:37 pm
Last edited by andycummings65 on Thu Jun 10, 2010 12:58 am, edited 1 time in total.
- andycummings65
- Posts: 55
- Joined: Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:34 pm
by andycummings65 » Mon Jun 28, 2010 12:24 am
RECAPS!
Last edited by andycummings65 on Mon Jun 28, 2010 12:26 am, edited 1 time in total.
- andycummings65
- Posts: 55
- Joined: Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:34 pm
by andycummings65 » Mon Jun 28, 2010 12:25 am
[size=18:9378163f65][b:9378163f65]SEASON #7 RECAP[/b:9378163f65][/size:9378163f65]
The defending champion Yankees showed their power as they marched to Season #7’s best record and swept the Regular Season Awards, while the Giants, Cardinals, and upstart Pirates challenged them for the next World Championship.
The Eastern Division was the most contested division, as the Red Sox and the Pirates contended for the title to the very end of the season. The Pirates looked to emphasize speed, defense, and pitching in Forbes Field, and Babe Adams and Howie Camnitz certainly lived up to Fred Clarke’s goals for his moundmen. Adams compiled a 21-10 record, 5 saves, and a league-leading 3.52 ERA, while his fellow ace Camnitz was 20-12 with a 3.97 ERA. Honus Wagner batted .367, scored 127 runs, and had 245 hits, and the Flying Dutchman was often joined on the basepaths by Big Poison, Paul Waner(.310 AVG, 99 runs) and Roberto Clemente(.302 AVG). Whenever the bases got clogged, Ralph Kiner provided the punch as he hit 55 home runs and drove in 135 runs.
The Red Sox were led by center fielder Tris Speaker, who put on quite a hitting clinic for Red Sox Nation. The Grey Eagle led the majors with a .391 batting average, 250 hits, and 59 doubles, while playing a marvelous center field. Ted Williams batted .350 with 33 homers and 109 RBI, while Rudy York(42 HR, 136 RBI), Carl Yastrzemski(36 HR, 117 RBI), and Jim Rice(35 HR, 112 RBI) also showed power for the Red Sox. Pitching was the ultimate downfall of the Sox, as the rest of the staff could not match the totals of Cy Young(24-10) and Dick Radatz(28 saves). The Pirates took 2 out of 3 from the Red Sox late in the season, then went 5-1, while the Red Sox could only muster a 3-3 record against the bottom of the division, the Reds and the Braves. The Reds were only a few games out all season, before they lost their last 3 to finish at .500. Harry Heilmann batted .347, George Foster smashed 45 home runs, and Frank Robinson hit 33 home runs and scored 102 runs to pace the Reds offense, while the pitching staff was steady but unspectacular, aside from Tom Seaver’s 5th strikeout title (320 K’s). It was not a good season in Milwaukee’s County Stadium, although Hammerin’ Hank Aaron did not let his teammates bring him down, as he batted .333, hit 46 home runs, and drove in a league-leading 170 runs for the Braves.
The Cardinals put the Central Division title out of reach by putting on a mid-season charge to pass the A’s. The Cardinals were led offensively by Mark McGwire(73 HR, 170 RBI), Rogers Hornsby(.317, 39 HR, 130 RBI), Johnny Mize(52 Hr, 116 RBI), and Stan Musial(.315, 33 HR, 133 RBI). Barney Schultz saved 31 games, Howie Pollett won 20 games, and Bob Gibson won a league leading 25 games for the Redbirds. The A’s disappointing season came to an end with fans and sportswriters alike wondering what happened to Connie Mack’s boys. Despite Rube Waddell(22-9) and Chief Bender(20-13) both winning 20 games and offensive numbers produced by the likes of Jimmie Foxx(57 HR, 152 RBI), Al Simmons(.338, 41 HR, 140 RBI), Rickey Henderson(132 Runs, 34 HR, 115 RBI), Eddie Collins(.311, 124 Runs, 64 Steals), and Reggie Jackson(46 HR, 113 RBI), the A’s could only manage 83 wins, and seemed to fall apart late in the season. Once again, the Beltway Boys finished in the second division, although Rod Carew(.350, 106 runs, 101 RBI), George Sisler(.322, 111 Runs), and Kirby Puckett(.313, 24 HR, 117 RBI) did all they could do to ensure that, at least in Season #7, the Boys weren’t first in war, first in peace, and last in the league. After a few seasons of great success, the Indians plummeted back to earth, leaving a crater that even Nap Lajoie(.304) and Baby Doll Jacobson(.301) could not extricate.
Once again, the Yankees were the class of their division, winning 97 games. This time with Ralph Houk at the helm, the story was still the same---great pitching and power to burn turned the Western Division into an afterthought. Cy Young winner Lefty Gomez(24-11, 3.97 ERA) and Ron Guidry(22-15, 3.67 ERA) provided the left-handed pitching the Yanks needed, and Fireman of the Year Goose Gossage saved a league-leading 41 games. Then, the big five beat the collective consciousness out of opposing pitchers. League MVP Babe Ruth(66 Hr, 148 RBI, 147 runs), Lou Gehrig(64 HR, 149 RBI, 122 runs), and Roger Maris(65 Hr, 143 RBI, 112 runs) all hit 60 dingers, and Mickey Mantle(57 HR, 125 RBI, league-leading 149 runs) and Joe DiMaggio(.323, 45 HR, 126 RBI, 125 runs) rounded out the Bronx Bombers’ gauntlet of terror.
Despite this season-long carnage, the Giants managed 90 wins, a second place finish, and the Wild Card. Kid Gleason’s pitchers had a difficult time keeping the ball in the yard, giving up 335 longballs, but the Giants hitters certainly more than made up for the ineptitude on the mound. Willie Mays(59 HR, 147 RBI), Willie McCovey(50 HR, 122 RBI), Barry Bonds(50 HR, 131 RBI), Mel Ott(40 HR, 101 RBI), and Matt Williams(38 HR, 113 RBI) provided Coogan’s Bluff with a Murderer’s Row of their own.
The Expansion squad hovered around the .500 mark all season, in large part to the exploits of George Brett(35 HR, 123 RBI), Gary Carter(35 HR, 106 RBI), Mike Scott(21-18, 311 strikeouts), J.R. Richard(21-14, 304 strikeouts), and Jeff Reardon(39 saves). The Tigers were unable to field a very successful team, though Ty Cobb(.373 AVG), Hank Greenberg(63 HR, 144 RBI), Willie Horton(37 HR, 104 RBI), Norm Cash(33 HR, 100 RBI), and Rocky Colavito(48 HR, 97 RBI) gave the fans at Michigan and Trumbull a few happy moments.
The Semi-Finals saw the Yankees power face off against the pitching of the Pirates. Game 1 saw Roger Maris blast two home runs and drive in 4, to the delight of the home-standing Yankees’ fans. Lefty Gomez went the distance, besting Pirates ace Howie Camnitz 9-3. The Pirates also lost catcher Tony Pena for the remainder of the series.
In Game 2, Maris continued his power output, staking the Yankees and Jack Chesbro to a 2-0 lead. However, the Pirates tied the score when Manny Sanguillen hit a 2-run double to tie the score in the 7th. The Yankees put the game away in the 8th with 3 two-out runs.
The Pirates moved back to Forbes Field and handed the ball to Babe Adams, who threw a complete game for the Bucs, who won 6-2. Willie Stargell hit two doubles and drove in 3 runs to lead the Pirates. In the end, Game 4 and the entire Semi-Final series belonged to Roger Maris. The Bronx Bombers waited until the 8th inning, then exploded for 4 runs behind back-to-back homers by Joe DiMaggio and Maris. The Pirates drew to within two runs in the bottom of the 9th on a 2-run home run by Max Carey, but Goose Gossage then entered the game and shut down the Pirates and sent the Yankees back to the World Series.
The Cardinals and Giants faced off in a great Semi-Final effort, as the series began in Busch Stadium. Christy Mathewson and Howie Pollet both went the distance, but Mathewson and the Giants came out on top, led by Frankie Frisch’s 3 hits and in spite of Rogers Hornsby’s 3-run home run. In Game 2, the Cards turned to their regular season leaders, Bob Gibson and Mark McGwire. Gibson struck out 11 while going the distance, while McGwire homered and drove in 3 runs in the Cardinals 10-3 victory.
New York’s Polo Grounds was the location of Game 3, and Johnny Mize had a grand time. Mize hit 2 home runs and was assisted by McGwire’s home run and 4 RBI in an 8-6 win against Billy Pierce and the Giants. The home run ball was cruel to Pierce, as he gave up 4 gopherballs, while Mort Cooper, Tom Henke, and Barney Schultz gave Whitey Herzog enough pitching to defeat the Giants.
Game 4 saw the Cardinals hand the ball to Kid Nichols, hoping for a berth in the World Series, but the Giants and chased him to the showers in the 4th inning. Haller had two home runs, and both he and Willie McCovey drove in 4 runs as the Giants bashed their way to Game 5.
After 4 games of power-hitting exploits, Game 5 was a pitcher’s duel, offering a rematch between Christy Mathewson and Howie Pollet. In the 4th, a Pollet fastball hit Willie Mays in the hand, knocking him from the game. Matty Alou entered the game as a pinch-runner, but was forced at second by Mel Ott’s grounder. Ott was then thrown out at the plate on Willie McCovey’s double on a rifle throw by Chick Hafey. The Giants would never get so close to scoring again. As if auditioning for Postseason MVP, Mark McGwire hit a 6th inning solo home run off Mathewson, staking the Cardinals to a 1-0 lead. In the 8th, Hornsby tripled and McGwire singled him in to make it 2-0, and then Barney Schultz slammed the door, leading the Cardinals to the World Series.
The World Series opened in Yankee Stadium, and the Bronx Bombers wasted no time in establishing themselves as poor hosts. Jack Chesbro shut out the Cardinals on 5 hits, Phil Rizzuto had 3 hits, and Yogi Berra homered as the Yankees won 6-0.
In Game 2, Mort Cooper tamed the Yankees bats and, led by Hornsby and Stan Musial, the Cardinals offense scored early and often, as the Redbirds won 7-2.
Babe Ruth homered twice in Game 3, but Johnny Mize’s 3-run shot to right gave the Cardinals the lead in the 6th. The Cards held a 5-4 lead going to the 9th, when Thurman Munson singled, then was balked to second by Schultz. Red Rolfe then singled Munson in to tie the game and send it to extra innings. The Cardinals fans would leave Busch rejoicing, however, because Chick Hafey singled, stole second, and took third on Yogi Berra’s throwing error. Catcher Tom Pagnozzi then singled to left past the drawn-in Yankee infield, and the Cards took a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4 saw few hits by either squad, but it was three errors by the Cardinals that proved costly to the Whitey Herzog’s team. The game remained tied 1-1 until the 7th, when Maris doubled in DiMaggio to give the Yankees a 1-run lead. The 9th inning would prove to be the Cardinals undoing, as DiMaggio homered, then Maris and Berra singled. Bobby Richardson executed a perfect squeeze bunt, scoring Maris, and then usually sure-handed shortstop Ozzie Smith let Rizzuto’s double play grounder scoot right under his glove, scoring Berra. Gossage earned his 3rd postseason save to give the Yankees a 5-1 win.
Game 5 would be the final game of the season at Busch Stadium, but Roger Maris made sure it would not be a happy memory for the Cardinals and their fans. Maris hit two home runs and drove in 5 runs to back Jack Chesbro’s pitching and Gossage’s 4th postseason save. The Yankees won 8-6 and prepared for the trip back to New York needing just one victory for back-to-back world championships.
The Cardinals struck first in Game 6, scoring one run on back to back doubles by Hornsby and McGwire in the 4th inning. In the 5th, Yogi Berra hit a 2-run homer off of Mort Cooper, but Johnny Mize’s 2-run homer in the 6th put the Cardinals back on top, 3-2. In the bottom of the 6th, the Yankees threatened, with back to back singles by Rolfe and Mantle. Cooper stepped up for the Cardinals, striking out regular season MVP Babe Ruth, then forcing Gehrig and DiMaggio to fly out to right to momentarily end the danger for the Redbirds. In the bottom of the 8th, with Barney Schultz on the mound for the Cards, Rizzuto grounded out, then Rolfe lofted a soft fly to right. Enos Slaughter, a fine fielder, somehow lost control of the ball and dropped it, allowing Rolfe to coast into 2nd. Mantle flew out to center, and Babe Ruth came to the plate with 2 outs, determined to make up for his failure in his previous at bat. The Babe drove Schultz’s offering into the centerfield bleachers of Yankee Stadium, handing the lead back to Ron Guidry and manager Ralph Houk. Goose Gossage took the ball for the 9th inning, but gave up a single to Ozzie Smith, who promptly stole second. Slaughter grounded out to second to move the tying run to third in the form of Smith. Now, Stan Musial and Rogers Hornsby stood between the Yankees and their second World Series victory. Gossage struck out Musial on a 3-2 fastball, but then, with Hornsby moving to the plate, Houk replaced Gossage with Wilcy Moore. Hornsby smacked Moore’s first pitch to deep left center field, Yankee Stadium’s Death Valley. Although the ball traveled well over 400 feet, Joe DiMaggio, the Yankee Clipper, glided under the blast, hauling in Hornsby’s drive just in front of the 415 foot marker. Hornsby could do nothing but shake his head and kick the dirt in frustration. “What idiot built this park?”, Hornsby bellowed later. “Anywhere else, that’s a home run and we take the lead back, facing the bottom of their order. Seems like the Yankees penalize you for batting right-handed. What a load of crap.” Postseason MVP Roger Maris, who cracked 6 home runs in the postseason, begged to differ. “I love this place. It may be the House that Ruth built, but I’ll just settle for paying rent on that short porch in right!”
[img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/tiny%20logos/7205-1.gif[/img:9378163f65][b:9378163f65][size=18:9378163f65][color=darkblue:9378163f65]WORLD CHAMPION NEW YORK YANKEES[/color:9378163f65][/size:9378163f65][/b:9378163f65][img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/tiny%20logos/7205-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
[size=18:9378163f65]MVP—Babe Ruth(5), Yankees [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Cy Young Award—Lefty Gomez, Yankees [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Fireman Award—Goose Gossage, Yankees [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
[b:9378163f65]League Leaders[/b:9378163f65]
Batting Average—Tris Speaker(2), Red Sox .391 [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/c0whfsa9j0vbs079opk2s05lx-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Home Runs—Mark McGwire(4), Cardinals 73 HR [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wsulgavxp8d0szhyh8oh-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
RBI---Mark McGwire(3), Cardinals 170 RBI [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wsulgavxp8d0szhyh8oh-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
[color=white:9378163f65]seehankrun![/color:9378163f65]Hank Aaron, Braves 170 RBI [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/3kgwjp6heowkeg3w8zoow9ggy-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Runs—Mickey Mantle(2), Yankees 149 Runs [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Hits---Tris Speaker(2), Red Sox 250 Hits [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/c0whfsa9j0vbs079opk2s05lx-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Doubles—Tris Speaker(3), Red Sox 59 2b [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/c0whfsa9j0vbs079opk2s05lx-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Triples—Enos Slaughter, Cardinals 23 3b [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wsulgavxp8d0szhyh8oh-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Stolen Bases—Eddie Collins(2), A’s 64 SB [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/fbf8agpcrht8b1wlh5el22hba-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Hit Streak—Ty Cobb, Tigers 25 games [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/txtu234jlffk0q5l62uhnwm3q-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
[b:9378163f65]Pitching Leaders[/b:9378163f65]
Wins---Bob Gibson, Cardinals 25-10 [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wsulgavxp8d0szhyh8oh-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Saves—Goose Gossage, Yankees 41 Saves [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Strikeouts—Tom Seaver(5), Reds 320 Strikeouts [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/2919-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
ERA—Babe Adams(2), Pirates 3.52 ERA [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7xkp9hnp9jq11e1zia4tdcqjh-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Shutouts—3 tied with 4 ShO
*indicates Single Season Record[/size:9378163f65]
The defending champion Yankees showed their power as they marched to Season #7’s best record and swept the Regular Season Awards, while the Giants, Cardinals, and upstart Pirates challenged them for the next World Championship.
The Eastern Division was the most contested division, as the Red Sox and the Pirates contended for the title to the very end of the season. The Pirates looked to emphasize speed, defense, and pitching in Forbes Field, and Babe Adams and Howie Camnitz certainly lived up to Fred Clarke’s goals for his moundmen. Adams compiled a 21-10 record, 5 saves, and a league-leading 3.52 ERA, while his fellow ace Camnitz was 20-12 with a 3.97 ERA. Honus Wagner batted .367, scored 127 runs, and had 245 hits, and the Flying Dutchman was often joined on the basepaths by Big Poison, Paul Waner(.310 AVG, 99 runs) and Roberto Clemente(.302 AVG). Whenever the bases got clogged, Ralph Kiner provided the punch as he hit 55 home runs and drove in 135 runs.
The Red Sox were led by center fielder Tris Speaker, who put on quite a hitting clinic for Red Sox Nation. The Grey Eagle led the majors with a .391 batting average, 250 hits, and 59 doubles, while playing a marvelous center field. Ted Williams batted .350 with 33 homers and 109 RBI, while Rudy York(42 HR, 136 RBI), Carl Yastrzemski(36 HR, 117 RBI), and Jim Rice(35 HR, 112 RBI) also showed power for the Red Sox. Pitching was the ultimate downfall of the Sox, as the rest of the staff could not match the totals of Cy Young(24-10) and Dick Radatz(28 saves). The Pirates took 2 out of 3 from the Red Sox late in the season, then went 5-1, while the Red Sox could only muster a 3-3 record against the bottom of the division, the Reds and the Braves. The Reds were only a few games out all season, before they lost their last 3 to finish at .500. Harry Heilmann batted .347, George Foster smashed 45 home runs, and Frank Robinson hit 33 home runs and scored 102 runs to pace the Reds offense, while the pitching staff was steady but unspectacular, aside from Tom Seaver’s 5th strikeout title (320 K’s). It was not a good season in Milwaukee’s County Stadium, although Hammerin’ Hank Aaron did not let his teammates bring him down, as he batted .333, hit 46 home runs, and drove in a league-leading 170 runs for the Braves.
The Cardinals put the Central Division title out of reach by putting on a mid-season charge to pass the A’s. The Cardinals were led offensively by Mark McGwire(73 HR, 170 RBI), Rogers Hornsby(.317, 39 HR, 130 RBI), Johnny Mize(52 Hr, 116 RBI), and Stan Musial(.315, 33 HR, 133 RBI). Barney Schultz saved 31 games, Howie Pollett won 20 games, and Bob Gibson won a league leading 25 games for the Redbirds. The A’s disappointing season came to an end with fans and sportswriters alike wondering what happened to Connie Mack’s boys. Despite Rube Waddell(22-9) and Chief Bender(20-13) both winning 20 games and offensive numbers produced by the likes of Jimmie Foxx(57 HR, 152 RBI), Al Simmons(.338, 41 HR, 140 RBI), Rickey Henderson(132 Runs, 34 HR, 115 RBI), Eddie Collins(.311, 124 Runs, 64 Steals), and Reggie Jackson(46 HR, 113 RBI), the A’s could only manage 83 wins, and seemed to fall apart late in the season. Once again, the Beltway Boys finished in the second division, although Rod Carew(.350, 106 runs, 101 RBI), George Sisler(.322, 111 Runs), and Kirby Puckett(.313, 24 HR, 117 RBI) did all they could do to ensure that, at least in Season #7, the Boys weren’t first in war, first in peace, and last in the league. After a few seasons of great success, the Indians plummeted back to earth, leaving a crater that even Nap Lajoie(.304) and Baby Doll Jacobson(.301) could not extricate.
Once again, the Yankees were the class of their division, winning 97 games. This time with Ralph Houk at the helm, the story was still the same---great pitching and power to burn turned the Western Division into an afterthought. Cy Young winner Lefty Gomez(24-11, 3.97 ERA) and Ron Guidry(22-15, 3.67 ERA) provided the left-handed pitching the Yanks needed, and Fireman of the Year Goose Gossage saved a league-leading 41 games. Then, the big five beat the collective consciousness out of opposing pitchers. League MVP Babe Ruth(66 Hr, 148 RBI, 147 runs), Lou Gehrig(64 HR, 149 RBI, 122 runs), and Roger Maris(65 Hr, 143 RBI, 112 runs) all hit 60 dingers, and Mickey Mantle(57 HR, 125 RBI, league-leading 149 runs) and Joe DiMaggio(.323, 45 HR, 126 RBI, 125 runs) rounded out the Bronx Bombers’ gauntlet of terror.
Despite this season-long carnage, the Giants managed 90 wins, a second place finish, and the Wild Card. Kid Gleason’s pitchers had a difficult time keeping the ball in the yard, giving up 335 longballs, but the Giants hitters certainly more than made up for the ineptitude on the mound. Willie Mays(59 HR, 147 RBI), Willie McCovey(50 HR, 122 RBI), Barry Bonds(50 HR, 131 RBI), Mel Ott(40 HR, 101 RBI), and Matt Williams(38 HR, 113 RBI) provided Coogan’s Bluff with a Murderer’s Row of their own.
The Expansion squad hovered around the .500 mark all season, in large part to the exploits of George Brett(35 HR, 123 RBI), Gary Carter(35 HR, 106 RBI), Mike Scott(21-18, 311 strikeouts), J.R. Richard(21-14, 304 strikeouts), and Jeff Reardon(39 saves). The Tigers were unable to field a very successful team, though Ty Cobb(.373 AVG), Hank Greenberg(63 HR, 144 RBI), Willie Horton(37 HR, 104 RBI), Norm Cash(33 HR, 100 RBI), and Rocky Colavito(48 HR, 97 RBI) gave the fans at Michigan and Trumbull a few happy moments.
The Semi-Finals saw the Yankees power face off against the pitching of the Pirates. Game 1 saw Roger Maris blast two home runs and drive in 4, to the delight of the home-standing Yankees’ fans. Lefty Gomez went the distance, besting Pirates ace Howie Camnitz 9-3. The Pirates also lost catcher Tony Pena for the remainder of the series.
In Game 2, Maris continued his power output, staking the Yankees and Jack Chesbro to a 2-0 lead. However, the Pirates tied the score when Manny Sanguillen hit a 2-run double to tie the score in the 7th. The Yankees put the game away in the 8th with 3 two-out runs.
The Pirates moved back to Forbes Field and handed the ball to Babe Adams, who threw a complete game for the Bucs, who won 6-2. Willie Stargell hit two doubles and drove in 3 runs to lead the Pirates. In the end, Game 4 and the entire Semi-Final series belonged to Roger Maris. The Bronx Bombers waited until the 8th inning, then exploded for 4 runs behind back-to-back homers by Joe DiMaggio and Maris. The Pirates drew to within two runs in the bottom of the 9th on a 2-run home run by Max Carey, but Goose Gossage then entered the game and shut down the Pirates and sent the Yankees back to the World Series.
The Cardinals and Giants faced off in a great Semi-Final effort, as the series began in Busch Stadium. Christy Mathewson and Howie Pollet both went the distance, but Mathewson and the Giants came out on top, led by Frankie Frisch’s 3 hits and in spite of Rogers Hornsby’s 3-run home run. In Game 2, the Cards turned to their regular season leaders, Bob Gibson and Mark McGwire. Gibson struck out 11 while going the distance, while McGwire homered and drove in 3 runs in the Cardinals 10-3 victory.
New York’s Polo Grounds was the location of Game 3, and Johnny Mize had a grand time. Mize hit 2 home runs and was assisted by McGwire’s home run and 4 RBI in an 8-6 win against Billy Pierce and the Giants. The home run ball was cruel to Pierce, as he gave up 4 gopherballs, while Mort Cooper, Tom Henke, and Barney Schultz gave Whitey Herzog enough pitching to defeat the Giants.
Game 4 saw the Cardinals hand the ball to Kid Nichols, hoping for a berth in the World Series, but the Giants and chased him to the showers in the 4th inning. Haller had two home runs, and both he and Willie McCovey drove in 4 runs as the Giants bashed their way to Game 5.
After 4 games of power-hitting exploits, Game 5 was a pitcher’s duel, offering a rematch between Christy Mathewson and Howie Pollet. In the 4th, a Pollet fastball hit Willie Mays in the hand, knocking him from the game. Matty Alou entered the game as a pinch-runner, but was forced at second by Mel Ott’s grounder. Ott was then thrown out at the plate on Willie McCovey’s double on a rifle throw by Chick Hafey. The Giants would never get so close to scoring again. As if auditioning for Postseason MVP, Mark McGwire hit a 6th inning solo home run off Mathewson, staking the Cardinals to a 1-0 lead. In the 8th, Hornsby tripled and McGwire singled him in to make it 2-0, and then Barney Schultz slammed the door, leading the Cardinals to the World Series.
The World Series opened in Yankee Stadium, and the Bronx Bombers wasted no time in establishing themselves as poor hosts. Jack Chesbro shut out the Cardinals on 5 hits, Phil Rizzuto had 3 hits, and Yogi Berra homered as the Yankees won 6-0.
In Game 2, Mort Cooper tamed the Yankees bats and, led by Hornsby and Stan Musial, the Cardinals offense scored early and often, as the Redbirds won 7-2.
Babe Ruth homered twice in Game 3, but Johnny Mize’s 3-run shot to right gave the Cardinals the lead in the 6th. The Cards held a 5-4 lead going to the 9th, when Thurman Munson singled, then was balked to second by Schultz. Red Rolfe then singled Munson in to tie the game and send it to extra innings. The Cardinals fans would leave Busch rejoicing, however, because Chick Hafey singled, stole second, and took third on Yogi Berra’s throwing error. Catcher Tom Pagnozzi then singled to left past the drawn-in Yankee infield, and the Cards took a 2-1 series lead.
Game 4 saw few hits by either squad, but it was three errors by the Cardinals that proved costly to the Whitey Herzog’s team. The game remained tied 1-1 until the 7th, when Maris doubled in DiMaggio to give the Yankees a 1-run lead. The 9th inning would prove to be the Cardinals undoing, as DiMaggio homered, then Maris and Berra singled. Bobby Richardson executed a perfect squeeze bunt, scoring Maris, and then usually sure-handed shortstop Ozzie Smith let Rizzuto’s double play grounder scoot right under his glove, scoring Berra. Gossage earned his 3rd postseason save to give the Yankees a 5-1 win.
Game 5 would be the final game of the season at Busch Stadium, but Roger Maris made sure it would not be a happy memory for the Cardinals and their fans. Maris hit two home runs and drove in 5 runs to back Jack Chesbro’s pitching and Gossage’s 4th postseason save. The Yankees won 8-6 and prepared for the trip back to New York needing just one victory for back-to-back world championships.
The Cardinals struck first in Game 6, scoring one run on back to back doubles by Hornsby and McGwire in the 4th inning. In the 5th, Yogi Berra hit a 2-run homer off of Mort Cooper, but Johnny Mize’s 2-run homer in the 6th put the Cardinals back on top, 3-2. In the bottom of the 6th, the Yankees threatened, with back to back singles by Rolfe and Mantle. Cooper stepped up for the Cardinals, striking out regular season MVP Babe Ruth, then forcing Gehrig and DiMaggio to fly out to right to momentarily end the danger for the Redbirds. In the bottom of the 8th, with Barney Schultz on the mound for the Cards, Rizzuto grounded out, then Rolfe lofted a soft fly to right. Enos Slaughter, a fine fielder, somehow lost control of the ball and dropped it, allowing Rolfe to coast into 2nd. Mantle flew out to center, and Babe Ruth came to the plate with 2 outs, determined to make up for his failure in his previous at bat. The Babe drove Schultz’s offering into the centerfield bleachers of Yankee Stadium, handing the lead back to Ron Guidry and manager Ralph Houk. Goose Gossage took the ball for the 9th inning, but gave up a single to Ozzie Smith, who promptly stole second. Slaughter grounded out to second to move the tying run to third in the form of Smith. Now, Stan Musial and Rogers Hornsby stood between the Yankees and their second World Series victory. Gossage struck out Musial on a 3-2 fastball, but then, with Hornsby moving to the plate, Houk replaced Gossage with Wilcy Moore. Hornsby smacked Moore’s first pitch to deep left center field, Yankee Stadium’s Death Valley. Although the ball traveled well over 400 feet, Joe DiMaggio, the Yankee Clipper, glided under the blast, hauling in Hornsby’s drive just in front of the 415 foot marker. Hornsby could do nothing but shake his head and kick the dirt in frustration. “What idiot built this park?”, Hornsby bellowed later. “Anywhere else, that’s a home run and we take the lead back, facing the bottom of their order. Seems like the Yankees penalize you for batting right-handed. What a load of crap.” Postseason MVP Roger Maris, who cracked 6 home runs in the postseason, begged to differ. “I love this place. It may be the House that Ruth built, but I’ll just settle for paying rent on that short porch in right!”
[img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/tiny%20logos/7205-1.gif[/img:9378163f65][b:9378163f65][size=18:9378163f65][color=darkblue:9378163f65]WORLD CHAMPION NEW YORK YANKEES[/color:9378163f65][/size:9378163f65][/b:9378163f65][img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/tiny%20logos/7205-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
[size=18:9378163f65]MVP—Babe Ruth(5), Yankees [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Cy Young Award—Lefty Gomez, Yankees [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Fireman Award—Goose Gossage, Yankees [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
[b:9378163f65]League Leaders[/b:9378163f65]
Batting Average—Tris Speaker(2), Red Sox .391 [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/c0whfsa9j0vbs079opk2s05lx-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Home Runs—Mark McGwire(4), Cardinals 73 HR [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wsulgavxp8d0szhyh8oh-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
RBI---Mark McGwire(3), Cardinals 170 RBI [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wsulgavxp8d0szhyh8oh-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
[color=white:9378163f65]seehankrun![/color:9378163f65]Hank Aaron, Braves 170 RBI [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/3kgwjp6heowkeg3w8zoow9ggy-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Runs—Mickey Mantle(2), Yankees 149 Runs [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Hits---Tris Speaker(2), Red Sox 250 Hits [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/c0whfsa9j0vbs079opk2s05lx-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Doubles—Tris Speaker(3), Red Sox 59 2b [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/c0whfsa9j0vbs079opk2s05lx-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Triples—Enos Slaughter, Cardinals 23 3b [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wsulgavxp8d0szhyh8oh-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Stolen Bases—Eddie Collins(2), A’s 64 SB [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/fbf8agpcrht8b1wlh5el22hba-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Hit Streak—Ty Cobb, Tigers 25 games [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/txtu234jlffk0q5l62uhnwm3q-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
[b:9378163f65]Pitching Leaders[/b:9378163f65]
Wins---Bob Gibson, Cardinals 25-10 [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wsulgavxp8d0szhyh8oh-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Saves—Goose Gossage, Yankees 41 Saves [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Strikeouts—Tom Seaver(5), Reds 320 Strikeouts [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/2919-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
ERA—Babe Adams(2), Pirates 3.52 ERA [img:9378163f65]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7xkp9hnp9jq11e1zia4tdcqjh-1-1.gif[/img:9378163f65]
Shutouts—3 tied with 4 ShO
*indicates Single Season Record[/size:9378163f65]
Last edited by andycummings65 on Sat Jul 17, 2010 11:32 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- andycummings65
- Posts: 55
- Joined: Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:34 pm
by errormagnate » Mon Jun 28, 2010 3:35 pm
I love this stuff but hate how lousy my Tigers were this season.
- errormagnate
- Posts: 55
- Joined: Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:34 pm
by andycummings65 » Thu Sep 02, 2010 4:05 pm
bump
Last edited by andycummings65 on Thu Sep 02, 2010 4:08 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- andycummings65
- Posts: 55
- Joined: Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:34 pm
by andycummings65 » Thu Sep 02, 2010 4:08 pm
[size=18:d25d9e4e51][b:d25d9e4e51]SEASON #8 RECAP[/b:d25d9e4e51][/size:d25d9e4e51]
The New York Yankees won the championship, giving them an unprecedented three straight titles, while Babe Ruth won his sixth straight MVP award. The postseason was a New York affair, as the Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants joined the upstart Expansion squad in the playoffs.
The Eastern Division was a season-long dogfight between the Giants and the Expansion club. The Expansion team was powered by third baseman Mike Schmidt, who hit 61 home runs and drove in 142 runs. He was assisted with strong seasons by shortstop Robin Yount(33 HR, 99 RBI) and outfielders Chuck Klein(30 Hr, 112 RBI) and Greg Luzinski(34 HR, 111 RBI). The pitching was also strong for Danny Ozark, as lefty Jerry Koosman won 24 games, Mike Scott won 21 and struck out 307, and Steve Carlton won 19 games. The Giants had six hitters who hit 40 or more home runs, led by Barry Bonds at 63. Bonds had 132 RBI, and was part of a lineup that included center fielder Willie Mays(55 HR, 130 RBI), first baseman Willie McCovey(48 HR, 115 RBI), catcher Tom Haller(45 HR, 102 RBI), and Mel Ott(43 HR). Christy Mathewson(17-17, 3.96 ERA) and Joe McGinnity(22-12, 3.78 ERA) led the pitching corps for fiery John McGraw. For the 82-80 Cardinals, Pete Alexander provided solid pitching, going 22-16 with a 3.63 ERA, while Rogers Hornsby(.328, 36 HR, 111 RBI) and Stan Musial(.336, 34 HR, 119 RBI) were the offensive standouts. The bright spots for the Braves were Greg Maddux(3.97 ERA), Orlando Cepeda(42 HR, 116 RBI), and Hank Aaron(35 HR, 135 RBI).
Going into the season’s final week, the Expansion squad had built a 6 game lead over the Giants with 7 games remaining. After losing 4 straight and seeing the Giants go 3-1, the two teams met in Veterans Stadium for the final 3 games of the season. The Giants blasted the Expansion team in all 3 games, creating a tie. However, due to head-to-head matchups, Expansion was rewarded the division crown, while the Giants had to settle for the Wild Card.
The Yankees devastated the landscape in the Central, leaving the Red Sox, Indians, and Tigers in their wake. MVP Babe Ruth(66 HR, 152 RBI, 136 runs) led the league in multiple categories, while Mickey Mantle(58 HR, 126 RBI), Roger Maris(68 HR, 149 RBI) and Lou Gehrig(36 HR, 122 RBI) provided more muscle for the Bronx Bombers. Jack Chesbro(25-11), Ron Guidry(23-14), and Lefty Gomez(21-12) were the pitching stars, while Luis Arroyo and Wilcy Moore combined for 45 saves. For the Red Sox, Dick Radatz saved 41 games, Ted Williams batted .318 with 37 home runs and 123 RBI, Rico Petrocelli hit 41 home runs, Carl Yastrzemski hit 43, and Tris Speaker batted .346, scored 134 runs and bashed a league-leading 54 doubles. The Indians’ Jeff Heath sported a 35 game hitting streak, and batted .344 in a losing campaign for the Tribe. The only bright spots for the moribund Tigers were Ty Cobb, who led the league in batting average(.377), hits(243), and stolen bases(67), and Hank Greenberg(52 HR, 123 RBI).
The West was a contest between the Dodgers and the A’s. Cy Young Award winner Sandy Koufax threw a 6-hit shutout against the A’s in Game 159, giving the Dodgers a one game lead, which they maintained through the last series of the season. The Dodgers were led by strong pitching from Koufax(26-13, 3.06 ERA, 309 strikeouts) and Dazzy Vance, who accumulated a league-leading 364 strikeouts. Pedro Guerrero hit 34 home runs, with 119 RBI. The A’s pinned their hopes on offense, with Jimmie Foxx(55 HR, 136 RBI), Rickey Henderson(30 HR, 106 RBI), Al Simmons(39 HR, 132 RBI), Reggie Jackson(51 HR, 130 RBI), and Jose Canseco(47 HR, 126 RBI) all making strong contributions. Rube Waddell(22-13) and Lefty Grove(24-14) each won 20 games for the second place A’s. Roy Face saved 43 games for the Pirates, and Ralph Kiner smacked 54 home runs and drove in 117 runs. The last place Beltway Boys were led by Goose Goslin(.324), Tony Oliva(.334) and Rod Carew(.325).
The Semi-Finals started the post-season with two great series. The Yankees and the Giants matched up for a struggle on either side of the Harlem River. Carl Hubbell threw a 2-1 masterpiece in Game 1, spoiled only by Babe Ruth’s solo home run. In Game 2, the Yankees rode the bat of Roger Maris as he smacked two home runs to give the Bombers a 9-5 victory. Jack Chesbro one-upped Hubbell’s performance with a 3-1 win in Game 3, but the Giants backed Amos Rusie with 3-hit games from Tom Haller and Barry Bonds, creating a Game 5 showdown. The Giants took a 4-0 lead on solo shots by Haller and Willie Mays and a two-run shot by Felipe Alou. Hubbell began the 8th inning with that same 4-0 lead, but quickly got into trouble, allowing Tony Lazzeri(double) and Phil Rizzuto(infield single) to reach base. Lazzeri scored on Red Rolfe’s sacrifice fly, then Gehrig doubled Rizzuto in, bringing the score to 4-2. Jean Dubuc entered the game in relief of Hubbell, and promptly grooved a fastball to Mickey Mantle, who deposited it into the second deck of Yankee Stadium, tying the score. The game went to extra innings, with Gary Lavelle striking out Lou Gehrig with the bases loaded in the 11th inning. The Giants could not capitalize in the top of the 12th. Rube Benton was brought into the fray in the bottom of the 12th. Mickey Mantle singled, and Roger Maris flew out to deep center. With a 2-2 count, Yogi Berra homered into the centerfield bleachers, giving the Yankees a 6-4 win and a World Series berth with his walk-off home run.
The Dodgers faced the Expansion squad in the other Semi-Final. Mike Scott bested Cy Young winner Koufax in Game 1, with Mike Schmidt contributing a three-run home run to give his team an 8-2 win. The Dodgers won a 9-8 slugfest in Game 2, with Dusty Baker’s two home runs and four RBI leading the way. Game 3 was a thriller, with Expansion team taking a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the 8th, when Game 2 hero Dusty Baker dusted off a Jerry Koosman change-up, tying the score with a blast to centerfield. Dazzy Vance held the Expansion batters down in the top of the 9th, and Jackie Robinson singled in the bottom of the 9th, then moved to second on a groundout by Carl Furillo. Zack Wheat then doubled Robinson home, giving the Dodgers an exciting 5-4 home victory. Game 4 began with the Dodgers scoring early, the Expansion team taking a 4-2 lead, and the Bums retaking the lead in the 5th inning, 5-4. Orel Hershiser and Warren Spahn shut down the offenses for the next 3 innings, giving the Dodgers’ fans anticipation of a World Series trip. However, in the 9th inning, the Expansion team gained a measure of revenge for Game 3, as Mike Schmidt blasted a 2-run home run to give his team the lead. Dave Smith earned the save, and both squads readied for Game 5. Mike Scott and Sandy Koufax squared off again in Game 5, but, unlike the regular season, Koufax was not up to the challenge. After three innings, the Expansion team had scored five runs against an uncharacteristically wild Koufax, who at one point in the 3rd allowed two singles and then 4 straight walks. The Dodgers brought the score to 6-4, but Dave Smith again shut the door, taking the Expansion squad to the World Series.
World Series Game 1 belonged to Roger Maris, who homered twice off Steve Carlton, driving in all 4 runs in a 4-2 Yankee win. Game 2 saw the Expansion team ride home runs by George Brett and Mike Schmidt to an 8-5 victory, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Center fielder Cesar Cedeno was injured in the game, leaving his participation in the rest of the series in doubt. Game 3 saw postseason pitching hero Mike Scott assisted by his bench players, as Danny Cater hit a pinch-hit home run in the 8th inning, then Dick Whitman, who entered the game earlier when Greg Luzinski tweaked his hamstring, hit a bases loaded single to give the Expansion team a 4-3 walk-off win. In Game 4, the Yankees manufactured some runs for a change, creating a 5-0 lead behind Jack Chesbro. Gary Carter hit what seemed to be a “so what” home run in the 8th inning, but Chesbro wasn’t as lucky in the 9th. After two walks, the Yankees turned to Luis Arroyo to face Chuck Klein. Klein pulled a fastball into the right field porch, and the Expansion team was within 1 run, 5-4. Arroyo settled down and retired the final two right-handed hitters, Robin Yount and Mike Schmidt, to tie the series 2-2. In what became a crucial Game 5, the Expansion team used its home field advantage to move within 1 win of the World Championship. Both teams scored two runs in the first inning, as Lou Gehrig and George Brett had big hits for their respective teams. Gary Carter and Babe Ruth matched home runs, and then the Yankees took a 5-3 lead in the 6th on singles by Lazzeri and Rizzuto. The Expansion team scored two runs on three straight singles and then a daring suicide squeeze by Roberto Alomar to tie the score. Mike Schmidt thrilled the home fans in the bottom of the 8th with a home run blast to left field, giving Expansion a 6-5 lead. In the top of the 9th, starter Steve Carlton walked Babe Ruth, so Danny Ozark turned to closer Dave Smith. Lou Gehrig homered off of Smith, giving the Yankees the 7-6 lead. Smith retired Maris to end the inning. Wilcy Moore entered the bottom of the 9th to close out the win for the Yankees. Milt Stock and Alomar singled, then after a Jeff Bagwell fly out, George Brett was intentionally walked. Chuck Klein laced Moore’s next pitch into right, singling Stock in before Alomar was held up by a strong throw from Roger Maris. With the score now tied and the winning run only 90 feet away, manager Kid Gleason visited the mound. Whatever was said, it did not give Moore much confidence. Moore’s first pitch to Mike Schmidt was a 55-foot curve ball that bounded away from catcher Yogi Berra, and Alomar raced home with the winning run. In Game 6, Babe Ruth doubled and homered, giving the Bronx Bombers a 5-0 lead. In the top of the 9th, the Expansion team plated two runs, and Gleason called on Wilcy Moore to redeem himself. Moore did just that, inducing Robin Yount into a game-ending double play, and taking the Yankees to a home Game 7. Game 7 did not match up to the rest of the series in excitement, thanks to Yankees’ starter Ron Guidry. Guidry allowed only 4 hits and 1 run, while striking out 9 and walking none. Lou Gehrig and Tony Lazzeri homered, and the Yankees won 5-1, giving them a World Series three-peat and baseball immortality.
[img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/tiny%20logos/7205-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51][color=darkblue:d25d9e4e51][b:d25d9e4e51][size=18:d25d9e4e51]WORLD CHAMPION NEW YORK YANKEES[/size:d25d9e4e51][/b:d25d9e4e51][/color:d25d9e4e51][img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/tiny%20logos/7205-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
[size=18:d25d9e4e51][b:d25d9e4e51]Award Winners[/b:d25d9e4e51]
MVP—Babe Ruth(6), Yankees [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Cy Young Award—Sandy Koufax, Dodgers [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/tayw0n3tsg72i7bwr6ef4u5y3-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Fireman Award—Dennis Eckersley(2), A’s [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/fbf8agpcrht8b1wlh5el22hba-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
[b:d25d9e4e51]League Leaders [/b:d25d9e4e51]
Batting Average—Ty Cobb(5), Tigers .377 [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/txtu234jlffk0q5l62uhnwm3q-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Home Runs—Roger Maris(2), Yankees 68 HR [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
RBI---Babe Ruth, Yankees 152 RBI [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Runs—Babe Ruth(4), Yankees 136 Runs [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Hits---Ty Cobb(4), Tigers 243 Hits [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/txtu234jlffk0q5l62uhnwm3q-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Doubles—Tris Speaker(4), Red Sox 54 2b [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/c0whfsa9j0vbs079opk2s05lx-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Triples—Ty Cobb(2), Tigers 24 3b [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/txtu234jlffk0q5l62uhnwm3q-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Stolen Bases—Ty Cobb(3), Tigers 67 SB [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/txtu234jlffk0q5l62uhnwm3q-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Hit Streak---Jeff Heath, Indians 35 games* [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wnyd2zhh84f50ux4uxyqbktbh-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
[b:d25d9e4e51]Pitching Leaders[/b:d25d9e4e51]
Wins---Sandy Koufax, Dodgers 26-13 [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/tayw0n3tsg72i7bwr6ef4u5y3-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Saves—Dennis Eckersley(2), A’s 44 Saves [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/fbf8agpcrht8b1wlh5el22hba-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Strikeouts—Dazzy Vance(2), Dodgers 364 Strikeouts [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/tayw0n3tsg72i7bwr6ef4u5y3-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
ERA—Sandy Koufax, Dodgers 3.06 ERA [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/tayw0n3tsg72i7bwr6ef4u5y3-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Shutouts—Pete Alexander, Cardinals 4 ShO [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wsulgavxp8d0szhyh8oh-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
[color=white:d25d9e4e51]heyaddiejo[/color:d25d9e4e51]Addie Joss(2), Indians 4 ShO [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wnyd2zhh84f50ux4uxyqbktbh-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
*indicates Single Season Record[/size:d25d9e4e51]
The New York Yankees won the championship, giving them an unprecedented three straight titles, while Babe Ruth won his sixth straight MVP award. The postseason was a New York affair, as the Yankees, Dodgers, and Giants joined the upstart Expansion squad in the playoffs.
The Eastern Division was a season-long dogfight between the Giants and the Expansion club. The Expansion team was powered by third baseman Mike Schmidt, who hit 61 home runs and drove in 142 runs. He was assisted with strong seasons by shortstop Robin Yount(33 HR, 99 RBI) and outfielders Chuck Klein(30 Hr, 112 RBI) and Greg Luzinski(34 HR, 111 RBI). The pitching was also strong for Danny Ozark, as lefty Jerry Koosman won 24 games, Mike Scott won 21 and struck out 307, and Steve Carlton won 19 games. The Giants had six hitters who hit 40 or more home runs, led by Barry Bonds at 63. Bonds had 132 RBI, and was part of a lineup that included center fielder Willie Mays(55 HR, 130 RBI), first baseman Willie McCovey(48 HR, 115 RBI), catcher Tom Haller(45 HR, 102 RBI), and Mel Ott(43 HR). Christy Mathewson(17-17, 3.96 ERA) and Joe McGinnity(22-12, 3.78 ERA) led the pitching corps for fiery John McGraw. For the 82-80 Cardinals, Pete Alexander provided solid pitching, going 22-16 with a 3.63 ERA, while Rogers Hornsby(.328, 36 HR, 111 RBI) and Stan Musial(.336, 34 HR, 119 RBI) were the offensive standouts. The bright spots for the Braves were Greg Maddux(3.97 ERA), Orlando Cepeda(42 HR, 116 RBI), and Hank Aaron(35 HR, 135 RBI).
Going into the season’s final week, the Expansion squad had built a 6 game lead over the Giants with 7 games remaining. After losing 4 straight and seeing the Giants go 3-1, the two teams met in Veterans Stadium for the final 3 games of the season. The Giants blasted the Expansion team in all 3 games, creating a tie. However, due to head-to-head matchups, Expansion was rewarded the division crown, while the Giants had to settle for the Wild Card.
The Yankees devastated the landscape in the Central, leaving the Red Sox, Indians, and Tigers in their wake. MVP Babe Ruth(66 HR, 152 RBI, 136 runs) led the league in multiple categories, while Mickey Mantle(58 HR, 126 RBI), Roger Maris(68 HR, 149 RBI) and Lou Gehrig(36 HR, 122 RBI) provided more muscle for the Bronx Bombers. Jack Chesbro(25-11), Ron Guidry(23-14), and Lefty Gomez(21-12) were the pitching stars, while Luis Arroyo and Wilcy Moore combined for 45 saves. For the Red Sox, Dick Radatz saved 41 games, Ted Williams batted .318 with 37 home runs and 123 RBI, Rico Petrocelli hit 41 home runs, Carl Yastrzemski hit 43, and Tris Speaker batted .346, scored 134 runs and bashed a league-leading 54 doubles. The Indians’ Jeff Heath sported a 35 game hitting streak, and batted .344 in a losing campaign for the Tribe. The only bright spots for the moribund Tigers were Ty Cobb, who led the league in batting average(.377), hits(243), and stolen bases(67), and Hank Greenberg(52 HR, 123 RBI).
The West was a contest between the Dodgers and the A’s. Cy Young Award winner Sandy Koufax threw a 6-hit shutout against the A’s in Game 159, giving the Dodgers a one game lead, which they maintained through the last series of the season. The Dodgers were led by strong pitching from Koufax(26-13, 3.06 ERA, 309 strikeouts) and Dazzy Vance, who accumulated a league-leading 364 strikeouts. Pedro Guerrero hit 34 home runs, with 119 RBI. The A’s pinned their hopes on offense, with Jimmie Foxx(55 HR, 136 RBI), Rickey Henderson(30 HR, 106 RBI), Al Simmons(39 HR, 132 RBI), Reggie Jackson(51 HR, 130 RBI), and Jose Canseco(47 HR, 126 RBI) all making strong contributions. Rube Waddell(22-13) and Lefty Grove(24-14) each won 20 games for the second place A’s. Roy Face saved 43 games for the Pirates, and Ralph Kiner smacked 54 home runs and drove in 117 runs. The last place Beltway Boys were led by Goose Goslin(.324), Tony Oliva(.334) and Rod Carew(.325).
The Semi-Finals started the post-season with two great series. The Yankees and the Giants matched up for a struggle on either side of the Harlem River. Carl Hubbell threw a 2-1 masterpiece in Game 1, spoiled only by Babe Ruth’s solo home run. In Game 2, the Yankees rode the bat of Roger Maris as he smacked two home runs to give the Bombers a 9-5 victory. Jack Chesbro one-upped Hubbell’s performance with a 3-1 win in Game 3, but the Giants backed Amos Rusie with 3-hit games from Tom Haller and Barry Bonds, creating a Game 5 showdown. The Giants took a 4-0 lead on solo shots by Haller and Willie Mays and a two-run shot by Felipe Alou. Hubbell began the 8th inning with that same 4-0 lead, but quickly got into trouble, allowing Tony Lazzeri(double) and Phil Rizzuto(infield single) to reach base. Lazzeri scored on Red Rolfe’s sacrifice fly, then Gehrig doubled Rizzuto in, bringing the score to 4-2. Jean Dubuc entered the game in relief of Hubbell, and promptly grooved a fastball to Mickey Mantle, who deposited it into the second deck of Yankee Stadium, tying the score. The game went to extra innings, with Gary Lavelle striking out Lou Gehrig with the bases loaded in the 11th inning. The Giants could not capitalize in the top of the 12th. Rube Benton was brought into the fray in the bottom of the 12th. Mickey Mantle singled, and Roger Maris flew out to deep center. With a 2-2 count, Yogi Berra homered into the centerfield bleachers, giving the Yankees a 6-4 win and a World Series berth with his walk-off home run.
The Dodgers faced the Expansion squad in the other Semi-Final. Mike Scott bested Cy Young winner Koufax in Game 1, with Mike Schmidt contributing a three-run home run to give his team an 8-2 win. The Dodgers won a 9-8 slugfest in Game 2, with Dusty Baker’s two home runs and four RBI leading the way. Game 3 was a thriller, with Expansion team taking a 4-3 lead into the bottom of the 8th, when Game 2 hero Dusty Baker dusted off a Jerry Koosman change-up, tying the score with a blast to centerfield. Dazzy Vance held the Expansion batters down in the top of the 9th, and Jackie Robinson singled in the bottom of the 9th, then moved to second on a groundout by Carl Furillo. Zack Wheat then doubled Robinson home, giving the Dodgers an exciting 5-4 home victory. Game 4 began with the Dodgers scoring early, the Expansion team taking a 4-2 lead, and the Bums retaking the lead in the 5th inning, 5-4. Orel Hershiser and Warren Spahn shut down the offenses for the next 3 innings, giving the Dodgers’ fans anticipation of a World Series trip. However, in the 9th inning, the Expansion team gained a measure of revenge for Game 3, as Mike Schmidt blasted a 2-run home run to give his team the lead. Dave Smith earned the save, and both squads readied for Game 5. Mike Scott and Sandy Koufax squared off again in Game 5, but, unlike the regular season, Koufax was not up to the challenge. After three innings, the Expansion team had scored five runs against an uncharacteristically wild Koufax, who at one point in the 3rd allowed two singles and then 4 straight walks. The Dodgers brought the score to 6-4, but Dave Smith again shut the door, taking the Expansion squad to the World Series.
World Series Game 1 belonged to Roger Maris, who homered twice off Steve Carlton, driving in all 4 runs in a 4-2 Yankee win. Game 2 saw the Expansion team ride home runs by George Brett and Mike Schmidt to an 8-5 victory, tying the series at 1 game apiece. Center fielder Cesar Cedeno was injured in the game, leaving his participation in the rest of the series in doubt. Game 3 saw postseason pitching hero Mike Scott assisted by his bench players, as Danny Cater hit a pinch-hit home run in the 8th inning, then Dick Whitman, who entered the game earlier when Greg Luzinski tweaked his hamstring, hit a bases loaded single to give the Expansion team a 4-3 walk-off win. In Game 4, the Yankees manufactured some runs for a change, creating a 5-0 lead behind Jack Chesbro. Gary Carter hit what seemed to be a “so what” home run in the 8th inning, but Chesbro wasn’t as lucky in the 9th. After two walks, the Yankees turned to Luis Arroyo to face Chuck Klein. Klein pulled a fastball into the right field porch, and the Expansion team was within 1 run, 5-4. Arroyo settled down and retired the final two right-handed hitters, Robin Yount and Mike Schmidt, to tie the series 2-2. In what became a crucial Game 5, the Expansion team used its home field advantage to move within 1 win of the World Championship. Both teams scored two runs in the first inning, as Lou Gehrig and George Brett had big hits for their respective teams. Gary Carter and Babe Ruth matched home runs, and then the Yankees took a 5-3 lead in the 6th on singles by Lazzeri and Rizzuto. The Expansion team scored two runs on three straight singles and then a daring suicide squeeze by Roberto Alomar to tie the score. Mike Schmidt thrilled the home fans in the bottom of the 8th with a home run blast to left field, giving Expansion a 6-5 lead. In the top of the 9th, starter Steve Carlton walked Babe Ruth, so Danny Ozark turned to closer Dave Smith. Lou Gehrig homered off of Smith, giving the Yankees the 7-6 lead. Smith retired Maris to end the inning. Wilcy Moore entered the bottom of the 9th to close out the win for the Yankees. Milt Stock and Alomar singled, then after a Jeff Bagwell fly out, George Brett was intentionally walked. Chuck Klein laced Moore’s next pitch into right, singling Stock in before Alomar was held up by a strong throw from Roger Maris. With the score now tied and the winning run only 90 feet away, manager Kid Gleason visited the mound. Whatever was said, it did not give Moore much confidence. Moore’s first pitch to Mike Schmidt was a 55-foot curve ball that bounded away from catcher Yogi Berra, and Alomar raced home with the winning run. In Game 6, Babe Ruth doubled and homered, giving the Bronx Bombers a 5-0 lead. In the top of the 9th, the Expansion team plated two runs, and Gleason called on Wilcy Moore to redeem himself. Moore did just that, inducing Robin Yount into a game-ending double play, and taking the Yankees to a home Game 7. Game 7 did not match up to the rest of the series in excitement, thanks to Yankees’ starter Ron Guidry. Guidry allowed only 4 hits and 1 run, while striking out 9 and walking none. Lou Gehrig and Tony Lazzeri homered, and the Yankees won 5-1, giving them a World Series three-peat and baseball immortality.
[img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/tiny%20logos/7205-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51][color=darkblue:d25d9e4e51][b:d25d9e4e51][size=18:d25d9e4e51]WORLD CHAMPION NEW YORK YANKEES[/size:d25d9e4e51][/b:d25d9e4e51][/color:d25d9e4e51][img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/tiny%20logos/7205-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
[size=18:d25d9e4e51][b:d25d9e4e51]Award Winners[/b:d25d9e4e51]
MVP—Babe Ruth(6), Yankees [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Cy Young Award—Sandy Koufax, Dodgers [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/tayw0n3tsg72i7bwr6ef4u5y3-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Fireman Award—Dennis Eckersley(2), A’s [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/fbf8agpcrht8b1wlh5el22hba-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
[b:d25d9e4e51]League Leaders [/b:d25d9e4e51]
Batting Average—Ty Cobb(5), Tigers .377 [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/txtu234jlffk0q5l62uhnwm3q-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Home Runs—Roger Maris(2), Yankees 68 HR [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
RBI---Babe Ruth, Yankees 152 RBI [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Runs—Babe Ruth(4), Yankees 136 Runs [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/7205-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Hits---Ty Cobb(4), Tigers 243 Hits [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/txtu234jlffk0q5l62uhnwm3q-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Doubles—Tris Speaker(4), Red Sox 54 2b [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/c0whfsa9j0vbs079opk2s05lx-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Triples—Ty Cobb(2), Tigers 24 3b [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/txtu234jlffk0q5l62uhnwm3q-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Stolen Bases—Ty Cobb(3), Tigers 67 SB [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/txtu234jlffk0q5l62uhnwm3q-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Hit Streak---Jeff Heath, Indians 35 games* [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wnyd2zhh84f50ux4uxyqbktbh-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
[b:d25d9e4e51]Pitching Leaders[/b:d25d9e4e51]
Wins---Sandy Koufax, Dodgers 26-13 [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/tayw0n3tsg72i7bwr6ef4u5y3-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Saves—Dennis Eckersley(2), A’s 44 Saves [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/fbf8agpcrht8b1wlh5el22hba-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Strikeouts—Dazzy Vance(2), Dodgers 364 Strikeouts [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/tayw0n3tsg72i7bwr6ef4u5y3-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
ERA—Sandy Koufax, Dodgers 3.06 ERA [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/tayw0n3tsg72i7bwr6ef4u5y3-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
Shutouts—Pete Alexander, Cardinals 4 ShO [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wsulgavxp8d0szhyh8oh-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
[color=white:d25d9e4e51]heyaddiejo[/color:d25d9e4e51]Addie Joss(2), Indians 4 ShO [img:d25d9e4e51]http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/andycummings/supersmall%20Logos/wnyd2zhh84f50ux4uxyqbktbh-1-1.gif[/img:d25d9e4e51]
*indicates Single Season Record[/size:d25d9e4e51]
- andycummings65
- Posts: 55
- Joined: Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:34 pm
by andycummings65 » Thu Sep 02, 2010 9:50 pm
bump
Last edited by andycummings65 on Fri Sep 03, 2010 8:29 am, edited 1 time in total.
- andycummings65
- Posts: 55
- Joined: Tue Jul 03, 2012 2:34 pm
Return to Individual League Chat
Who is online
Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 13 guests