Why Don't the San Francisco Giants Wear That Number Anymore?

Every team in the league has its own legends.  Some legends tower over the history of the game.  Some tower over a certain portion of the history.  Some define an organization and are the first thought anyone has when the team is mentioned.

Each team finds a way to honor their legends, usually with the retirement of the player's number.  For the fans of that team it is easy to sit in the stadium seats, look out on the display of retired numbers and feel pride in the part that number represents to their history.  Unfortunately, fans of the visiting team stopping  by to see a game may not know the meaning of those numbers.

So during this series we will explore what the retired numbers for each team mean and why they were retired.

Last week we looked at the San Diego Padres.  Continuing this series is the San Francisco Giants.  More accurately the New York Gothams/New York Giants/San Francisco Giants.

They are one of the most storied franchises in the history of the sport dating back to 1883. It should be no surprise that the team has honored quite a few of their former players, and will likely honor quite a few of their current heroes in the coming years.  So why don't the Giants wear certain numbers anymore?  Let's take a look:

CM

Photo of Christy Mathewson Courtesy of SABR

Known as the "Christian Gentleman" or "Big Six" Christy Mathewson was one of the first stars of the game.  In fact, Matty changed the public perception of what a baseball player could be.  Before Mathewson, baseball players were viewed as borish, uncouth and uneducated drunks.  Mothers warned their sons not to become a ball player.  Mathewson was a college educated, well spoken gentleman who preached clean living and had once considered priesthood.  Mathewson created the "fadeaway" pitch which was essentially the early version of the slider.  He won 372 games for the Giants in 17 years and was the identifying field leader of the Giants.  In the 1905 World Series Mathewson pitched three complete games (27 innings) and allowed 0 runs. Hard as it is for a pitcher to win three games in any World Series, three shut outs in a World Series has never been approached.  Mathewson played long before players used numbers on their uniforms so the Giants "retired" his initials.  Despite not having played for nearly 100 years, Mathewson still ranks high in the Giants' record books: WAR for Pitchers (1st), Wins (1st), ERA (1st), W-L % (5th), WHIP (1st), BB/9 IP (3rd), Games Pitched (2nd), Innings Pitched (1st), Strikeouts (1st), Games Started (1st), Complete Games (1st), Shut Outs (1st), Hits (1st), Walks (4th), BB/K (3rd), HR/9 IP (7th), Losses (1st), Earned Runs (3rd), Wild Pitches (4th), Hit By Pitch (7th), Batters Faced (1st)

JM

The Giants history stretches back to the very beginning of the game, long before numbers on the back of the uniforms identified players.  Yet the history of the Giants would be nothing without John McGraw.  From 1902 through 1932 McGraw led the Giants as their manager.  He led the team to the World Series in 1905, 1911, 1912, 1913, 1917, 1921, 1922, 1923 and 1924.  They won the World Series in three of those appearances.  In several other seasons (1904, 1908 and 1919) he could have guided the Giants to more World Series appearances but came up just short.  He ended his Giants managerial career with 2583 wins and is generally considered the greatest manager of all time.

LS

Lon Simmons never played a game in the Major Leagues but he is closely associated with the San Francisco area for good reason.  Born in Washnigton state, he played baseball at Burbank High School and Glendale College in Califorrnia before entering World War II.  He never made it past the Phillies' minor league system.  Simmons started broadcasting professional sports in 1957 and was the voice of the 49'ers from 1957 through 1980.  One of his iconic calls being the Jim Marshall wrong way play. From 1958 when the Giants came to town until 1973 he joined with Russ Hodges as the voice of the Giants.  He rejoined the Giants doing part time work from 1996 to 2002.  Simmons passed away on 4/5/2015.

RH

Russ Hodges started announcing games in New York in the 1940s and was the Giants' equivalent of Vin Scully.  Hodges called the Giants World Series appearances in New York in 1951 and 1954 and made the famous call on Bobby Thomson's pennant winning Home Run.  Hodges moved to San Franciso and broadcast the team's games through 1970.

3

Photo of Bill Terry Courtesy of SABR

Bill Terry is often forgotten  as one of the greats of the game but the big First Baseman was just as important as McGraw or Mays.  He did not manage as long as McGraw (10 years) or get as many hits as Mays (2193) but the history of the Giants would have been dramatically different without him.  Let's start with the obvious:  he is still the last National League batter to hit over .400 in a season (.401 in 1930).  He was the NL First Baseman in the first three All Star Games and seven times received votes for MVP. As a manager, Terry took over for McGraw when the older man retired in 1932 and immediately turned the team around.  In 1933 he led the team to a World Series win and kept the team competitive in the years that followed.  He led them back to the World Series in 1936 and 1937 but they lost to the Gehrig-DiMaggio Yankees both years.  There is one specific reason that Giants fans should remember Terry every time they see the Giants play:  he designed the orange and black uniforms, switching from the red and blue color scheme of the McGraw years.  After all these years Terry still ranks in the top 10 Giants all time in many offensive categories: Batting Average (1st), Games Played (5th), Runs (5th), Hits (3rd), Doubles (4th), Triples (5th). RBI (5th), Singles (3rd) as well as several other categories.  Following Bill Terry's retirement in 1936 the number 3 was issued to 17  other players: Mel Ott (1937), Hank Leiber (1937), Wally Berger (1937) ,Jimmy Ripple (1938),  Jo-Jo Moore (1939), Harry Danning (1940), Johnny Rucker (1941), Joe Medwick (1943), Jim Mallory (1944-1945), Charlie Read (194), Johnny Mize (1942-1946), Herman Franks (1949), Ozzie Virgil (1969), Mike Sadek (1973-1981), Jeff Ransom(1982) and John Rabb (1982).  Bill Terry was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1954.

4

Photo of Mel Ott Courtesy of ESPN

Mel Ott was the third baseman on the teams led by Bill Terry and he was considered the power in the lineup.  Ott played 22 years in the Major Leagues, all with the Giants, made 11 All Star Games and 13 times received MVP votes.  He led the league in Home Runs 6 times and walks 5 times.  Like Terry, Ott still appears in the top 10 in many categories of the Giants all time leaders: Games Played (2nd), Runs (2nd), Hits (2nd), Total Bases (2nd), Doubles (2nd), Home Runs (3rd), RBI (1st), Walks (2nd), Strikeouts (6th) and singles (2nd).  Ott was also one of the most well liked players, league wide, in the history of the game.  The first player issued the number 4 for the Giants was Bill Terry in 1932.  Only one other player (Hank Leiber in 1937) ever wore the number for the Giants.Mel Ott was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1951

11

Photo of Carl Hubbell Courtesy of SABR

Carl Hubbell was known as "King Carl" for a reason. Carl pitched 16 years for the Giants in New York. He was a 9 time All Star, including the starting pitcher in the first two games, and won two MVP.  He dominated the 1930s and had the Cy Young Award existed at the time, he likely would have been the winner in most years of his career.  He won 253 games and finished with a 2.98 ERA.  Hubbell also is credited with developing the Screwball and his most famous accomplishment was striking out Babe Ruth, Lou Gehrig, Al Simmons, Jimmie Foxx and Joe Cronin consecutively in the 1934 All Star Game.  As far as his place among all time Giants pitchers:  Wins (2nd), Walks per 9 IP (5th), Innings Pitched (2d), Strikeouts (4th), Games Started (3rd), Complete Games (4th), Shutouts (3rd), Only Freddie Fitzsimmons (1932) was issued the number 11 prior to Hubbell.  It was never issued again.  Carl Hubbell was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1947.

20

Photo of Monte Irvin Courtesy of PBS.org

Visiting fans who see the tributes paid to Monte Irvin may look at his numbers and ask why so much attention is given to this man.  Simple.  He was great.  Irvin signed with the Giants before the 1949 season at the age of 30 and was the first African American player on the Giants.   He was much more than that though.  Irvin was a great defensive outfielder, an All Star, an MVP candidate and a key piece of the 1951 and 1954 Giants World Series teams.  Unlike Ott, Hubbell, Terry and Mays he does not appear on every category of the Giants all time list (he is 9th in On Base Percentage) but the 1950s  New York Giants would have been much less successful without him.  Had he started his career in the Major Leagues at a younger age he may have been much higher on a lot of lists.  21 players were issued the number 20 after Monte Irvin: Darryl Spencer (1956-1959) , Bob Nieman (1960), Dale Long (1962). Bily Hoeft (1963), Frank Johnson (1968-1969), Dick Groat (1967), Bernie Williams (1970-1972), Glenn Redmond (1974) , Bobby Murcer (1975-1976) ,Vic Harris (1977-1978), Joe Strain (1979-1980), Jeffrey Leonard (1985-1986), Eddie Milner (1987), Phil Garner (1988), Tony Torcato (2003), Michael Tucker (2004-2005) , Todd Greene (2006), Fred Lewis (2007), Pat Misch (2008), Steve Holm (2008-2009) and John Bowker (2009-2010).  Monte Irvin was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1973 for his career in the Negro Leagues.

24

Photo of Willie Mays Courtesy of ESPN

Willie Mays is the Giant.  He is the identity of the team on both coasts.  No man is more associated with the team than Mays.  Rookie of the Year (1951), 20 All Star Games.  15 times received MVP votes (12 of those in the top 10 and twice a winner). 12 time Gold Glove winner.  He is often in the conversation of greatest player of all time.  Mays absolutely dominates the Giants record books: WAR (1st), Offensive WAR (1St), Defensive WAR (3rd), Slugging % (2nd), Games Played, (1St), At Bats (1st), Plate Appearances (1St), Runs (1st), Hits (1st), Total Bases (1st), Doubles (1st), Triples (2d), Home Runs (1st), RBI (2nd), Walks (3rd), Strikeouts (1st) Stolen Bases (3rd), Singles (1st), Extra Base Hits (1st), Times on Base (2nd), Sac Flies (1st), and Intentional Walks (3rd).  22 players wore the number 24 for the Giants before Mays:  Doc Marshall (1932), Francis Healy (1932), Bernie James (1933), Fresco Thompson (1934), Al Cuccinello (1395), Kiddo Davis (1936-1937), Bill Lohrman (1937), Jumbo Brown (1938), Jimmy Ripple (1939), Buster Maynard (1940), Sid Gordon (1941), Frank Demaree (1941), Gus Mancuso (1942), Bobby Coombs (1943), Charlie Mead (1944), Andy Hansen (1944), Slim Emmerich (1945), Bob Joyce (1946), Woody Abernathy (1946-1947), Joe Lafta (1947-1949) and Mario Picone (1952).  No player was issued the number 24 after Mays left the Giants.  Mays was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1979.

27

Photo of Juan Marichal Courtesy of MLB.com

Juan Marichal was a 9 time All Star, 7 time MVP candidate and one time Cy Young candidate.  Six times the man known as the Dominican Dandy led the team in wins and was the ace pitcher on the 1962 World Series team. He ranks high among all time Giant pitchers:  Wins (3rd), WHIP (4th), Walks/9IP (4th), Games Pitched (6th) , Innings Pitched (5th), Strikeouts (2nd), Games Started (2nd), Complete Games (6th), Shutouts (2nd), Strikeouts/BB (2nd), 16 players wore the number before Marichal: Joe Malay (1933), Hank Leiber (1933-1934), Phil Weintraub (1935), Mickey Haslin (1938), Hy Vandenberg (1937-1939), Tony Cuccinello (1940), Al Glossop (1940), Ace Adams (1941-1946), Goody Rosen (1946), Willard Marshall (1947-1949), Earl Rapp (1951), Spider Jorgensen (1951), Al Corwin (1953), Bill Taylor (1954-1956), Bob Schmidt (1958) and Jim Hegan (1959).   No player was issued Marichal's number after he left the Giants. Juan Marichal was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1983.

30

Photo of Orlando Cepeda Courtesy of SABR

Orlando Cepeda, known as the Baby Bull, was a key piece of the Giants identity in the transition from New York to San Francisco.  In the Giants' first west coast season Cepeda won Rookie of the Year.  He went on to All Star appearances in 6 of his 9 years in the Bay and four times received MVP votes.  He was a big part of the Giants 1962 World Series team.  Cepeda spent only 9 years in SF so his numbers are not quite as high as Terry, Ott and Mays but he still ranks among the top 10 in several categories: Slugging % (5th). Total Bases (9th), Home Runs (6th), RBI (10th).  Nine players wore the number 30 before Cepeda: Tip Tobin (1932), Hooks Iott (1947), Bill Voiselle (1947) Ray Poat (1947-1949) Kirby Higbe (1949-1950), Daryl Spencer (1952), Sid Gordon (1955), Dick Littlefield (1956) and Bob Lennon (1956).  Twenty players were issued #30 following Cepeda: Billy Hoeft (1966), Jim Johnson (1970), John Carrithers (1970-1973), John Boccabella (1974), Darrel Thomas (1975-1977) , John Camargo (1978-1979), Bob Kearney (197), Chilli Davis (1981-1987) , Rusty Tillman (1988), Donnell Nixon (1988-1989), Mark Thurmond (1990), Chris James (1992), Jim McNamara (1992-1993), Jim DeShaies (1993), Jamie Brewington (1995), Dan Peltier( 1996), Marcus Jensen (1996-1997), Jacob Cruz (1997-1998) and Dante Powell (1998). Orlando Cepeda was selected for the Hall of Fame by the Veteran's Committee in 1999.

36

Photo of Gaylord Perry Courtesy of SI Kids

Gaylord Perry won 314 games over 22 years.  10 of those years were in San Francisco and 134 of those wins were in a Giants uniform.  Perry won 15 or more games in 6 straight seasons, was twice an All Star and  finished second in the Cy Young voting in 1970, finishing behind Bob Gibson.  The following year, his last in San Francisco, he helped lead the Giants to a division title.  Perry may not be the biggest name in Giants history but he does appear on  the Giants top 10 in several categories including:  WAR for Pitchers (7th), Innings Pitched (8th), Strikeouts (6th) ,Games Started (8th), K's/BB (4th). 17 Giants wore the number before Perry: Hugh East (1941), Frank Rosso (1944), Bennie Warren (1946), Monty Kennedy (1946) Mickey McGowan (1948), Alex Konikowski (1948), Clint Hartung (1949-1950), Sam Calderone (1953), Joe Garagiola (1954), Mario Picone (1954), Bob Lennon (1954-1956), Max Surkont (1956-1957), Joe Margoneri (1956-1957), Billy Muffett (1959), Bud Byerly (1959-1960), Sherman Jones (1960) and Frank Linzy (1963).  24 players wore the number following Perry: Sam McDowell (1972), Garry Mathews (1972-1976), Tim Foli (1977) , Skip James (1977-1978), Jim Dwyer (1978), Bill North (1979-1981), Dan Schatzeder (1982), Bill Wellman (1982-1986), Keith Comstock (1987), Dennis Cook (1988),  Randy McCament (1989-1990), Rafael Novoa (1990), Gil Heredia (1991-1992), Steve Reed (1992), Erik Johnson (1993), Gino Minutelli (1993), Tim Layana (1993), Tony Mendez (1994), Kenny Greer (1995), Shawn Estes (1995-1996), Jay Canizaro (1996), Wilson Delgado (1997), Joe Nathan (1999-2003) and A.J. Pierzynski (2004).  Gaylord Perry was elected into the Hall of Fame in 1991.

44

Photo of Willie McCovey Courtesy of SABR

Willlie McCovey is probably one of the most under rated players in the history of the game.  McCovey debuted in 1959, the Giants' second year in San Francisco, and after only 52 games he won the Rookie of the Year award unanimously and received an MVP vote.  He was a 6 time All Star and ten times received MVP votes.  He was the MVP of the 1969 season, finishing ahead of Tom Seaver, Hank Aaron and Pete Rose.  Of course he ranks high on a number of the team's all time categories:  WAR (4th), Offensive WAR (4th), Slugging % (8th), OPS (6th), Games (3rd), At Bats (3rd), Plate Appearances (3rd), Runs (6th), Hits (4th) Total Bases (4th), Doubles (5th) , Home Runs (4th), RBI (4th), Walks (4th), Extra Base Hits (4th), Times on Base (4th), Hit By Pitch (7th), Sac Flies (2nd), Intentional Walks (2d),  Only six players wore the number prior to McCovey:  Johnny Vergez (1933), Andy Hansen (1947-1950), Al Gettel (1951), Steve Ridzik (1956-1957), Ray Crone (1957-1958) and Don Johnson (1958).  No Giant player was issued the number following McCovey's departure.  McCovey was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1986.

42
Jackie Robinson's number hanging in the Giants' stadium may seem a bit like taunting to the Giants'  faithful, especially since it is in Dodger blue.  But Jackie Robinson very nearly did wear the black and orange.  Jackie was ready to retire following the 1956 season but kept it quiet.  He had signed a deal with LOOK magazine to break the news and give the publication a big exclusive.  What he did not know was that the Dodgers were in the process of trading him to the Giants.  When the news broke that he was a Giant and that he was retiring instead of going to the Giants all hell broke loose.  It strained his relations with the Dodgers front office for years as well as giving voice to  claims by the Giants of shady dealings, adding to the legendary rivalry with stories of Jackie retiring to avoid the horrors of a Giants uniform.  In total, 16 players wore the number 42 for the Giants:  Gene Thompson (1946), Max Lanier (1952), Frank Hiller (1953), Marv Grissom (1953-1958), Joe Shipley (1959-1960), Bobby Bolin (1961-1969), John Morris (1972) Jim Willoughby (1972-1974), Gary Alexander (1977), Milt May (1980), Mike LaCoss (1986), Michael Jackson (1992-1994), John Roper (1995), Shawn Barton (1996), Keith Williams (1996) and Kirk Rueter (1996-1997).


TRIVIA QUESTION:
Surprisingly, despite their tremendous success in the early decades of the New York Giants, only Mathewson and McGraw have been honored by having their initials "retired".  There is a Giants pitcher who twirled for the team from 1890-1898.  He still ranks highly in the top 10 of many Giants categories: WAR for Pitchers (2nd), Wins (5th), Games Played (7th), Innings Pitched (4th) Strikeouts (3rd), Games Started (5th) Complete Games (3rd), Shutouts (4th), Walks (1st), Hits (4th), Home Runs/9 IP (5th), Losses (2nd), Earned Runs (2nd), Wild Pitches (3d), Hit By Pitch (1st ), Batters Faced (2nd).  This Pitcher was elected into the Hall of Fame by the Veterans Committe in 1977.  Who is this pitcher?

Answer to Last Week's Question:
 Although he was known mostly for his time with The A's and Brewers, Rollie Fingers spent 4 years with the Padres (1977-1980).  During that time Fingers had a 34-40 record and saved 108 games.

Similarly, Rich "Goose" Gossage is best remembered as a member of the great Yankee teams of the 1970s.  Gossage pitched 4 seasons with the Padres (1984-1987).  He went 25-20 with 83 saves.

Forgotten Great All Star Moments: 7/7/1964

The Major League All Star Game, for me, has always been special.  I realize that when I was growing up the win or loss technically meant nothing.  It didn't count in the standings.  I don't remember what the first year I was aware of the All Star Game was.  It was probably 1987 or 1988.  I remember catching bits of the game on TV as I flipped through my baseball cards.  I remember being astonished by the idea of having a team where Yankees played with Red Sox.  Dodgers played with Giants and they didn't punch each other on sight.

The first All Star Game I actually watched was 1989.  The pregame show had the "Bo Knows" commercials every five minutes, they were brand new at the time, and then Bo proved that he was worth all the hype.  He crushed a pitch off Rick Reuschel to dead center field.  That was followed by a Wade Boggs Home Run and the AL went on to win.

There was something special about the whole thing.  The NHL All Star game alters the game.  There is no defense, no checking and it usually turns into a scoring bonanza.  the NBA All Star game turns into a slam dunk contest.  The NFL Pro Bowl turns into flag football.  The MLB All Star Game is the only one that continues to keep the competitive edge despite the exhibition status.  The baseball mid summer classic has given us many classic moments, many of which get lost throughout the years.

Fifty years ago this week one of the best All Star Games took place but it is one that few still talk about.

The National League had not hosted an All Star Game in New York since 1949.  Things in the league had changed drastically since then.  The Braves, of Boston, were the defending National League champions that year.  The Giants still played at the Polo Grounds.  The Dodgers hosted the game at Ebbets Field and there was no team farther west than St.Louis.  Speaking of St. Louis, they still had the Cardinals and Browns at the time.

Now, in 1964, the two leagues got ready for a game in the brand new Shea Stadium.  As the teams entered the All Star break the National League was being led by the Phillies.  It was attributed more to the failure of the rest of the league, rather than to their success.  Koufax and Drysdale suffered early injuries.  The Cardinals were struggling to find their identity without Stan Musial, although they had picked up a young outfielder named Lou Brock who jump started their offense far beyond expectations.  The Reds were hanging around led by Frank Robinson.  The hosting team, the Mets, were sitting in the basement where everyone expected.

The American League was as big a mess as the National.  Everything was upside down.  The Yankees, the four time reigning AL Champs, were sitting in second, tied with the White Sox three games behind the Orioles.  How the hell were the Orioles in first?  No one could figure it out.  In 4th place was the Twins, seven games out.  The Yankees were struggling along, frustrated by injuries and lazy play.  They almost seemed to assume the team would win in the end.  Of course, with the Orioles on top it could be forgiven.  The Orioles had no real chance.

The National League All Star Squad had a great collection of talent starting: Roberto Clemente (RF, Pirates). Dick Groat (SS, Cardinals), Billy Williams (LF, Cubs). Willie Mays (CF, Giants), Orlando Cepeda (1B Giants), Ken Boyer (3B Cardinals), Joe Torre (C, Braves), Ron Hunt (2B Mets), Don Drysdale (P, Dodgers).  Ron Hunt represented the home team with pride in the starting lineup.  Although the Mets were in last it was not much of a surprise that they were represented in the starting lineup.  The bigger surprise is the lack of Phillies and Reds given their lead at the top of the standings.

The American League All Star squad had nothing to be ashamed of itself:  Jim Fregosi (SS, Angels), Tony Oliva (RF, Twins), Mickey Mantle (CF, Yankees), Harmon Killebrew (LF, Twins), Bob Allison (1B, Twins), Brooks Robinson (3B, Orioles) Bobby Richardson (2B, Yankees), Elston Howard (C, Yankees) Dean Chance (P, Angels).  Similar to the National League the surprise in looking at the starters is not the Yankees but more the lack of any White Sox representatives and the abundance of Twins and Angels.

The starting pitchers could not be more different. Drysdale was intense, focused, almost sinister on the mound.  He had playboy good looks but when he crossed those lines that smile turned to a scowl.  He had suffered some soreness in his shoulder and his partner in crime, Koufax, had missed significant time but Drysdale managed to compile an 11-7 record and had won five of his last seven decisions heading into the break.  Chance was the exact opposite.  A goofy, playful kid, he was the last person chosen in the Angels expansion draft with the resigned statement "We'll take a chance on Chance."  Chance entered the game with a 5-5 record and 4 saves.  The best part of his year was yet to come as he won15 of his 19 decisons after the break to finish the season at 20-9 and win the AL Cy Young.

Photo of Dean Chance Courtesy of Sports Illustrated

After the introductions and the Star Spangled Banner were complete, Drysdale took his warm up pitches and prepared for the first special event game of Shea Stadium's history.  Drysdale seemed a bit off to start the game.  Fregosi singled to left and when Torre allowed a passed ball Fregosi advanced to Second.  When Oliva grounded back to Drysdale and Mantle struck out it looked like Drysdale might get out of the trouble he had made for himself.  If he relaxed a bit he did so a bit too soon.  Killebrew drove a pitch to left field for a single in front of Billy Williams and Fregosi came around to give the AL a 1-0 lead.  A wild pitch moved Killer to second but Allison struck out leaving his team mate standing.

For Dean Chance, staring down the top of the NL lineup must have been intimidating.  To start off with, Roberto Clemente was, well, he was Roberto Clemente.  Apparently for Chase it was no problem.  Strikeout number 1.  Clemente was a tough strike out with only 36 k's in 296 at bats to this point in the season.  Dick Groat was an even tougher strikeout.  He had struck out only 17 times in 321 at bats. Still no problem for Chance.  Groat was struck out victim number 2.  Chance then got Billy Williams to pop out to Fregosi and the AL took their lead to the second.

The two pitchers kept the bases mostly quiet through the next few innings.  The home town fans got some excitement when Ron Hunt singled in his first at bat to lead off the bottom of the third.  Drysdale was due up next but Willie Stargell pinch hit and grounded out, moving Hunt to second although he was stranded there.

Photo of Ron Hunt Courtesy of ESPN

The Phillies Jim Bunning replaced Drysdale on the mound.  Bunning, at 9-2, was a big reason the Phillies were at the top of the league.  He had even pitched a no hitter on father's day of 1964.  He got Mickey Mantle to start the 4th but Killebrew got his second single of the game.  After an Allison strikeout, Brooks Robinson singled Killebrew to second but Bunning worked his way out of trouble and the lead stayed at 1-0.

Dean Chance's night was done.  He was replaced by the Kansas City Athletics's John Wyatt.  Wyatt entered the game with a 5-4 record and 15 saves, but he had also blown four saves, including one in his final appearance before the All Star Break.  Casey Stengel may have wanted to look at that stat before he sent him in.  Billy Williams of the Cubs tied up the game with one swing.  Wyatt got Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda but Ken Boyer got Wyatt.  One of two Cardinals in the starting lineup, Boyer drove a ball to left field giving the NL the lead.

Photo of Billy Williams Courtesy of ESPN

The All Star Game before the mid 2000's technically meant nothing but you couldn't convince the managers of that.  They gave their pre game speeches about trying to get everyone in the game but they wanted to win this thing.  There was still that hatred of "us vs them".  The rivalry left over from the start of the leagues.  Walter Alston started the chess match by replacing Joe Torre with Johnny Edwards of the Reds.  Bunning was still pitching and he got Elston Howard swinging.  Norm Siebern pinch hit for Wyatt and flew out to Mays and Fregosi struck out to end the inning.

When the AL took the field for the bottom of the 5th, Camilo Pascual took the mound.  He had started the year at 9-2 for the Twins but he lost his last four heading into the break.  Pascual started the inning easily getting Ron Hunt to ground out and pinch hitter Johnny Callison of the Phillies (pinch hitting for his team mate Bunning) popped to short.  Two quick outs.  Then Roberto Clemente singled to second.  Dick Groat followed with a double sending Clemente home and giving the NL a 3-1 lead.  Groat exited for Pinch Runner Leo Cardenas of the Reds.  Cardenas went no farther when Billy Williams grounded out.

Anyone keeping a scorecard at the game may have thrown up their hands and given up at this point.  Chris Short of the Phillies came in to pitch.  Cardenas stayed in the game at short and Callison replaced Clemente in right field.  Short was another big reason for the Phillies success.  He had allowed only three earned runs by the end of May and he had a 7-4 record.  With a three run lead a pitcher who rarely gave up runs should have an easy inning.  It started out easy enough.  Oliva struck out.  Mantle singled.  Killebrew followed with his third single of the night.  After Allison flew out to Mays the Orioles' Brooks Robinson stepped to the plate.  He was known for his defensive prowess.  He would win the World Series MVP in 1970 but his glove would pose for more pictures than he did.  Brooks drove a ball between Mays and Callison in right-center.  Alston may have wondered if Clemente could have gotten to it had he been in there.  No one got to this one.  The ball shot the gap and Robinson tore around the bases.  Mantle limped home followed by a lumbering Killebrew and Robinson had tied the game with a triple.  He was stranded but more than half way through the game everyone was starting over.

Photo of Brooks Robinson Courtesy of Sporting News

Pascual impressed the NL by getting Mays, Cepeda and Boyer in order in the 7th.  Turk Farrell was a veteran pitcher in his ninth major league season.  He was representing the Colt .45's and likely would have gotten consideration for a starting assignment.  He started the year at 10-1 and was now at 10-3 entering the game.  He faced Elston Howard to start the top of the 8th and hit Howard with the pitch.  With Pascual due up the AL sent up Rocky Colavito to pinch hit.  A veteran, Colavito had been a fan favorite wherever he went.  Fans in Cleveland were devastated when he was traded to the Tigers.  He was now representing the Athletics and he represented them well with a double to left-center.  With nearly anyone else running the AL may have taken the lead there.  Instead, the slower Howard was held at third.  Fregosi's sacrifice fly to Mays scored Howard and put the AL back on top.  Farrell was able to avoid further damage by getting Oliva to pop up and striking out Mickey Mantle.

The stadium took their little stretch time, sang "Take Me Out to the Ball Game" and Tony Oliva was taken out of the ball game.  Colavito jogged out to right and Dick Radatz took the mound.  Pitching well for a poor Red Sox team Radatz was 8-4 and had saved 14 games.  This was a save situation so it was a good choice for the AL.  Radatz breezed through the bottom of the 7th easily.  Farrell remained on the mound for the 8th and retired Killebrew for the first time of the night.  Bob Allison walked to reach base for the first time that night and Joe Pepitone entered the game as a pinch runner.  The suddenly feared Brooks Robinson flew out to Mays.  Bobby Richardson singled Pepitone to second but the Yankee rally died when Elston Howard flew out to Mays.

The NL got ready for the 8th inning with the pitcher's spot due up.  First, the AL made some more switches.  Chuck Hinton, representing the new Senators, replaced Harmon Killebrew in right field representing the Twins (the old Senators).  Joe Pepitone stayed in the game at first.  Now the NL had to decide what to do about that pitcher's spot.  Bill White of the Cardinals pinch hit for Farrell and struck out.  So did Cardenas.  Billy Williams grounded out and the AL was just one inning from a victory.

Juan Marichal, the Dominican Dandy, of the Giants took the mound.  He used that high leg kick to get Colavito,  Fregosi (still in the game) and Dick Radatz allowed to hit for himself.  Manager Al Lopez allowed Radatz to hit despite having Bill Freehan and Al Kaline on the bench and Whitey Ford in the bullpen.  Radatz had already thrown two perfect innings but he was facing some of the best hitters in history with more great hitters on the bench.

Leading 4-3 Radatz needed just three outs to win the game.  He started poorly by walking Mays, who quickly stole second.  Cepeda popped a ball just over first base into right field.  Mays broke for third.  Pepitone sprinted back and fielded the ball as he, Richardson and Colavito converged.  Pepitone turned, assumed Mays was running and unleashed a wild throw home. Mays had stopped at third but Pepitone's throw bounced away from Howard.  Mays scored, sliding home in a cloud of dust,  and Cepeda advanced to second.  The save for Radatz was gone but the AL could still hang on and go to extras.  Curt Flood, the great talented Cardinals Centerfielder, came in to run for Cepeda. In just a few years the two would be teammates in St.Louis, now they were rivals in the middle of a temporary cease fire.  While Flood loosened up at second, his team mate Ken Boyer stepped in at the plate.  With the game now tied, Boyer could win it with a single swing.  Radatz got Boyer to pop out to third.  There was now one out.  Radatz walked Johnny Edwards intentionally  to set up a force while Ron Hunt, the home town hero, stood on deck.

How great would this be?  The Mets had so few chances to prove they belonged in this league.  This was their chance to prove they were part of this game.  The fans waited for Hunt to approach the plate.  The stadium was loud.  Instead, walking to the plate was Hank Aaron.  Aaron was having another great season.  Batting over .300, he had hit 12 Home Runs and 14 doubles.  He had driven in 45 runs.  His current teammates asked him to just drive in one more.  The fans wanted Hunt to get the glory but they would settle for an NL win.  Instead Aaron struck out for the second out.

The crowd deflated.  Radatz had blown four saves this season, and had blown another tonight, but he didn't lose games.  The hopes were not great.  Striding to the plate was Johnny Callison.  A Phillie?  Seriously?  We could have seen the home town team finally make their mark on the league but instead we have to rely on a damn Phillie?  Mets fans may not have had a lot to cheer about but the Phillies were the Mets before there was a Mets.  Radatz delivered the first pitch and Callison turned on the pitch.  The crowd turned and watched the ball.  It looked like it might go but Colavito was heading towards the wall.  The crowd was silent, leaning forward.  It was that short few moments that seem like hours.  Will it get over the fence?  Will it carry?  Will the fielder get there and jump to catch it?

The ball disappeared over the fence.  Flood and Edwards scored ahead of Callison and the entire National League was represented at the plate greeting the Phillies' star.  It gave the Philadelphia fans, the ones who were shocked to have the team at the top of the standings,  a good feeling about the rest of the year. Finally, the Phillies were the heroes.

Photo of Johnny Calison after All Star Game Home Run Courtesy of ESPN

TRIVIA QUESTION:

Which league has won the most All Star Games?

Answer to Last Week's Trivia Question:

Carl Furillo was known for his strong, accurate throwing arm, earning him the nickname the "Reading Rifle".  He ended his career with 151 outfield assists.