Thursday, October 15, 1964 - World Series - Game 7 vs New York Yankees - At Busch Stadium I - Starting Pitchers: Bob Gibson vs Mel Stottlemeyer - Attendance: 30,346
The Cardinals' Impossible Dream became a reality - winning the seventh game of the World Series over the New York Yankees, by a score of 7-5. An exhausted Bob Gibson went the distance, despite giving up nine hits - including three home runs - while walking three. But he also struck out nine batters - including two in the ninth-inning, which were sandwiched between two solo home runs.
Afterwards, manager Johnny Keane explained his decision to keep his starter in the game until the end: "I had a commitment to his heart."
Of course, fifty years later, managers are criticized for not yanking the starter at the first sign of late-inning trouble - even if it's a guy like Clayton Kershaw on the mound. If the decision backfires, it could cost a manager his job. Johnny wasn't worried about that, since he was going to resign no matter what happened today. He'd gotten wind of a plot to replace him - possibly with Leo Durocher - when the Redbirds looked like dead birds a few months earlier. Somehow, nothing ever transpired - then lo and behold, the miracle finish to the season created the perfect storm for the Cardinals' first NL pennant since 1946.
Sure enough, after guiding the Cardinals to the world championship, Keane accepted the managerial position of the New York Yankees - replacing the deposed Yogi Berra. Berra was unfairly ousted in New York - and Keane never had a chance of winning with the aging team he inherited. His tenure with the Bronx Bombers would be short-lived, as well.
Ironically, exactly four months prior to the clubhouse champagne celebration the newly crowned Cardinals were enjoying - on June 15 - St Louis had fallen a season-worst three games under .500. Even the trade that brought Lou Brock to the Cardinals on June 16, didn't seem to pan out for the first couple of months. By August 23, St Louis had fallen a season-worst eleven games out of first. Strangely enough, forty-seven seasons later, in Tony LaRussa's final year as manager, the Cardinals were in a similar dilemma - trying to track down the Braves for the wild card slot in the National League - and just like '64, their mission was accomplished on the final day of the season.
And just like '64, the 2011 St Louis Cardinals won the World Series in seven games - clinching it at home.
Initially, it seemed the Redbirds were going to win this one with relative ease. For the first three innings, neither team could score - however, the pitchers' duel ended abruptly when St Louis took their turn at bat against Mel Stottlemeyer in the bottom of the fourth.
Ken Boyer started the rally with a lead-off single to center. After Dick Groat walked, Tim McCarver hit a potential double-play grounder to second baseman Bobby Richardson, who got the force out at second, but shortstop Phil Linz - in his haste to double up McCarver - threw wildly to first - allowing Boyer to score an unearned run. Next up - Mike Shannon singled to center, advancing the speedy McCarver to third.
With the light-hitting Dal Maxvill batting, manager Keane decided to have a little fun - calling for the old double steal. It worked perfectly, as Shannon got a great jump off first base - sliding safely into second, as McCarver's well-timed dash to the plate beat the relay throw - giving the Cardinals a 2-0 lead. Rattled by the suddenly brash maneuvering of these running Redbirds, Stottlemeyer served up a meatball to Maxvill, who stroked it into right field - scoring the galloping Shannon from second, for a 3-0 lead, after four innings of play.
The Yankees threatened in the fifth when Tom Tresh led-off with a base on balls - then one out later, pinch hitter Mike Hegan (for Stottlemeyer) also walked. However, that rally came to an abrupt halt when Phil Linz hit a looping liner to right field which Shannon tracked down, much to the dismay of Tresh, who thought the ball would drop. His base-running blunder got him doubled off second, and got a tiring Gibson off the hook - at least for now.
Al Downing was Stottlemeyer's replacement, as the Cardinals took their turn at bat in the bottom of the fifth. Lou Brock greeted him with a home run deep to right center to give the Cardinals a comfortable 4-0 lead. After Bill White singled to center, Boyer advanced him to third with a double into the gap in right center. Manager Yogi Berra had seen enough - bringing in Rollie Sheldon to face Groat - who scored White on a ground out to second, as Boyer took third. McCarver then scored Kenny on a sacrifice fly to right field - and just like that, the Cardinals had a 6-0 lead.
However, that lead was cut in half on a Mickey Mantle three-run sixth-inning home run. This would be Mantle's eighteenth and final World Series home run in what would be the Yankees' final World Series appearance during the Mantle Era. He'd suffer through four more injury-plagued seasons - diminishing his career numbers a bit, but his overall greatness - when he was in his prime - could not be overstated.
Meanwhile, with the Cardinals still leading, 6-3 - Ken Boyer capped off a terrific three-hit game with a two-out solo home run in the seventh - giving Gibson an extra insurance run to work with. This would be Boyer's last hurrah in his last great season with St Louis. His grand slam home run in Game Four turned a 3-0 deficit into what would become a 4-3 win - and of course, paved the way for St Louis to still be alive for a Game Seven.
As New York took their final turn at bat in the ninth-inning, trailing 7-3, Gibson struck out the first batter - Tom Tresh. But then Clete Boyer - an offensive liability all season long and in the World Series - up to this point - hit a Gibson fastball into the left field bleachers. Rounding third, he and brother Ken silently enjoyed the moment, while Gibson silently tried to muster up enough energy to get the final two outs.
He got the second out by striking out Johnny Blanchard on a high fastball. But then Phil Linz - who only hit five home runs in the regular season - timed a fastball perfectly, and deposited that one in the left field bleachers, as well. One more base runner, and the Yankees would have the tying run coming to the plate. But this was Gibson's game to finish - and he did - by inducing Bobby Richardson to pop out to Maxvill at second.
It was finally over - the most improbable comeback in major league history. However, the Cards' on-field celebration was brief - and by today's "in your face-over-the-top" standards - looks subdued. But thousands of fans had immediately rushed the field to join in on the celebration - so the team had a change of venue - into the clubhouse where champagne and an ample supply of Anheuser Busch products were joyously sprayed everywhere.
After an eighteen year wait, St Louis finally got its seventh World Championship. Fifty years later, that total has risen to eleven, as the 2014 edition tries for number twelve. They're considered an underdog - currently down two games to one to the San Francisco Giants in the NLCS.
But of course, whenever the Cardinals actually win a World Series - they're usually playing the role of underdog. If they can salvage at least one win in San Francisco, they'll have a fighting chance - and that's all we could hope for.
Showing posts with label new york yankees. Show all posts
Showing posts with label new york yankees. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Sunday, October 12, 2014
Cardinals' Top 5 October 12 Postseason Games
October 12 has been a good day for Cardinal baseball over the years. For most other major league teams, whose postseason hopes usually disappear shortly after the All Star break, October 12 has been a good day to get in a round of golf. So there's always a bright side to every situation.
Of course, reaching the postseason isn't easy. The recent success of the Cardinals may have spoiled some fans, who now consider anything less than a World Series championship a disappointing season. Maybe they've forgotten (or too young to remember) the '70's - or most of the '90's. Even '96 - the only time the Cardinals qualified for postseason play in that decade - ended as nightmarish as could be imagined. Let's forget that even happened.
Whether or not 2014 will result in another trip to the Fall Classic for the Cardinals remains to be seen. Luckily, they're playing the Giants in Game Two of the NLCS on one of their favorite days for postseason success - October 12. How can they go wrong?
Top Five Cardinals' Postseason Games Played on October 12 (Since 1964):
5 - 2011 - Game 3 - NLCS vs Milwaukee Brewers
The Cardinals score four runs in the first-inning, then hang on for a 4-3 win over the Brewers.
Chris Carpenter gets the win and the bullpen provides some stellar relief, as St Louis takes a two games to one lead over their division rivals.
4 - 2013 - Game 2 - NLCS vs Los Angeles Dodgers
Michael Wacha strikes out eight in 6.2 shutout innings. Four relievers retire the final seven batters in order to preserve a 1-0 St Louis win.
The losing pitcher - Clayton Kershaw - only allowed one run - in the fifth-inning - when David Freese doubled, advanced to third on a passed ball, then scored on Jon Jay's sacrifice fly to left field.
As a side note, Carl Crawford made possibly the worst throw in major league history on the play - one day after Carlos Beltran made one of the greatest throws ever - nailing a runner at the plate (Mark Ellis) trying to tag up from third - in another game won by the Cardinals.
3 - 1964 - Game 5 - World Series vs New York Yankees
At Yankee Stadium - after the Yankees score two unearned runs in the bottom of the ninth, Tim McCarver's three-run tenth-inning home run gives Bob Gibson a complete game 5-2 win.
Taking a shutout into the ninth-inning, the first batter Gibson faces - Mickey Mantle - reaches base when Cards shortstop Dick Groat boots his ground ball. One out later, Gibson made perhaps the greatest fielding play by a pitcher in World Series history - when he pounces on the ball that struck him off the bat of Joe Pepitone - making an off-balance throw to first to barely nab the runner.
Had Pepitone reached base, Tom Tresh's home run would have won the game. Instead it only tied the game - setting up McCarver's tenth-inning heroics.
Gibson got the final three outs in the bottom of the tenth - and became a legend in the process.
2 - 1967 - Game 7 - World Series vs Boston Red Sox
At Fenway Park, the Cardinals become World Champions for the second time in four seasons - with a 7-2 win over the Red Sox.
Bob Gibson goes the distance - allowing two runs on three hits and three walks. He also struck out ten batters.
Boston ace Jim Lonborg - working on just two days rest - is tagged for all seven runs - including a solo home run from Bob Gibson and a three-run bomb by Julian Javier.
Prior to the game, Boston manager Dick Williams was asked by a local beat writer what he expected in this Lonborg vs Gibson showdown. His response would be chanted by a relentless Gibson & company as the Cardinals celebrated in the visitors' clubhouse: "Lonborg and champagne!"
1 - 2012 - Game 5 - NLDS vs Washington Nationals
After the Nats had taken a 6-0 lead over Adam Wainwright and the Cards in the first three-innings of play, a newly retired and bitter Chipper Jones - formerly of the freshly eliminated (by the Cardinals) Atlanta Braves - felt compelled to announce to his Twitter followers what was going on in this game: "It's over!"
Not quite, Chipper. While the Cardinal bullpen kept the Nats at bay, the Redbirds pecked away at that deficit. Matt Holliday's fourth-inning RBI double scored Beltran: 6-1.
In the fifth-inning, the Cards scored two more runs on two hits, three walks and a wild pitch - as Washington starter Gio Gonzalez began to unravel: 6-3.
In the seventh, Matt Holliday's infield ground out scored Jon Jay from third, as the partisan crowd slowly went from raucous party mode to subdued paranoia: 6-4.
Daniel Descalso's eighth-inning lead-off home run drew the Cardinals within one run: 6-5.
The Nationals answered back with a run of their own in the bottom of the eighth, as the mood of the crowd shifted to 95% high octane party mode again. As the ninth-inning began, nobody wanted to sit down. They had to savor the final three outs which would send their team to the NLCS: 7-5.
With closer Drew Storen on the mound, Carlos Beltran bounced a lead-off double off the wall in right center field. But then Matt Holliday grounded out to third - and the next batter - Allen Craig struck out on a pitch about a foot off the plate, for out number two.
As the crowd began singing and dancing and hugging one another, Yadier Molina and David Freese both walked to load the bases. The celebratory mood of the crowd once again shifted into stunned silence - although a few brave souls scorned the presence of Daniel Descalso now batting for St Louis. But Daniel was hot - lining a shot up the middle that was hit so hard, it nearly took shortstop Ian Desmond's glove off. Beltran and pinch runner (for Molina) Adron Chambers both scored: 7-7.
Descalso could also run - swiping second, uncontested. Two runners now in scoring position.
Next up - Pete Kozma - smacked a belt-high fastball on the outside corner down the right field line - scoring Freese and Chambers to give the Cardinals a shocking 9-7 lead. No one was more thrilled about this than the on-deck hitter - Jason Motte - who had allowed that insurance run the Nats had scored in the eighth-inning. But it wasn't enough insurance.
A reprieved Motte retired the Nats in order in the ninth to seal this improbable come-from-behind division series clincher. Bryce Harper, who fanned for the second out in the inning, was so thrilled about blowing this game, he defiantly grabbed his crotch while staring down a bemused Motte.
Undaunted, Jason then induced Ryan Zimmerman to pop out to the biggest hero of the night - second baseman Daniel Descalso - to seal the deal.
The Wild Cards had beaten the number-one team in the National League in the division series for the second consecutive year (the Phillies and now the Nats) - in a deciding fifth game on enemy turf.
It's no wonder so many opposing fans hate the Cardinals.
Let's hope the Giants fans will hate the Cardinals just a little bit more after this particular October 12 game.
Of course, reaching the postseason isn't easy. The recent success of the Cardinals may have spoiled some fans, who now consider anything less than a World Series championship a disappointing season. Maybe they've forgotten (or too young to remember) the '70's - or most of the '90's. Even '96 - the only time the Cardinals qualified for postseason play in that decade - ended as nightmarish as could be imagined. Let's forget that even happened.
Whether or not 2014 will result in another trip to the Fall Classic for the Cardinals remains to be seen. Luckily, they're playing the Giants in Game Two of the NLCS on one of their favorite days for postseason success - October 12. How can they go wrong?
Top Five Cardinals' Postseason Games Played on October 12 (Since 1964):
5 - 2011 - Game 3 - NLCS vs Milwaukee Brewers
The Cardinals score four runs in the first-inning, then hang on for a 4-3 win over the Brewers.
Chris Carpenter gets the win and the bullpen provides some stellar relief, as St Louis takes a two games to one lead over their division rivals.
4 - 2013 - Game 2 - NLCS vs Los Angeles Dodgers
Michael Wacha strikes out eight in 6.2 shutout innings. Four relievers retire the final seven batters in order to preserve a 1-0 St Louis win.
The losing pitcher - Clayton Kershaw - only allowed one run - in the fifth-inning - when David Freese doubled, advanced to third on a passed ball, then scored on Jon Jay's sacrifice fly to left field.
As a side note, Carl Crawford made possibly the worst throw in major league history on the play - one day after Carlos Beltran made one of the greatest throws ever - nailing a runner at the plate (Mark Ellis) trying to tag up from third - in another game won by the Cardinals.
3 - 1964 - Game 5 - World Series vs New York Yankees
At Yankee Stadium - after the Yankees score two unearned runs in the bottom of the ninth, Tim McCarver's three-run tenth-inning home run gives Bob Gibson a complete game 5-2 win.
Taking a shutout into the ninth-inning, the first batter Gibson faces - Mickey Mantle - reaches base when Cards shortstop Dick Groat boots his ground ball. One out later, Gibson made perhaps the greatest fielding play by a pitcher in World Series history - when he pounces on the ball that struck him off the bat of Joe Pepitone - making an off-balance throw to first to barely nab the runner.
Had Pepitone reached base, Tom Tresh's home run would have won the game. Instead it only tied the game - setting up McCarver's tenth-inning heroics.
Gibson got the final three outs in the bottom of the tenth - and became a legend in the process.
2 - 1967 - Game 7 - World Series vs Boston Red Sox
At Fenway Park, the Cardinals become World Champions for the second time in four seasons - with a 7-2 win over the Red Sox.
Bob Gibson goes the distance - allowing two runs on three hits and three walks. He also struck out ten batters.
Boston ace Jim Lonborg - working on just two days rest - is tagged for all seven runs - including a solo home run from Bob Gibson and a three-run bomb by Julian Javier.
Prior to the game, Boston manager Dick Williams was asked by a local beat writer what he expected in this Lonborg vs Gibson showdown. His response would be chanted by a relentless Gibson & company as the Cardinals celebrated in the visitors' clubhouse: "Lonborg and champagne!"
1 - 2012 - Game 5 - NLDS vs Washington Nationals
After the Nats had taken a 6-0 lead over Adam Wainwright and the Cards in the first three-innings of play, a newly retired and bitter Chipper Jones - formerly of the freshly eliminated (by the Cardinals) Atlanta Braves - felt compelled to announce to his Twitter followers what was going on in this game: "It's over!"
Not quite, Chipper. While the Cardinal bullpen kept the Nats at bay, the Redbirds pecked away at that deficit. Matt Holliday's fourth-inning RBI double scored Beltran: 6-1.
In the fifth-inning, the Cards scored two more runs on two hits, three walks and a wild pitch - as Washington starter Gio Gonzalez began to unravel: 6-3.
In the seventh, Matt Holliday's infield ground out scored Jon Jay from third, as the partisan crowd slowly went from raucous party mode to subdued paranoia: 6-4.
Daniel Descalso's eighth-inning lead-off home run drew the Cardinals within one run: 6-5.
The Nationals answered back with a run of their own in the bottom of the eighth, as the mood of the crowd shifted to 95% high octane party mode again. As the ninth-inning began, nobody wanted to sit down. They had to savor the final three outs which would send their team to the NLCS: 7-5.
With closer Drew Storen on the mound, Carlos Beltran bounced a lead-off double off the wall in right center field. But then Matt Holliday grounded out to third - and the next batter - Allen Craig struck out on a pitch about a foot off the plate, for out number two.
As the crowd began singing and dancing and hugging one another, Yadier Molina and David Freese both walked to load the bases. The celebratory mood of the crowd once again shifted into stunned silence - although a few brave souls scorned the presence of Daniel Descalso now batting for St Louis. But Daniel was hot - lining a shot up the middle that was hit so hard, it nearly took shortstop Ian Desmond's glove off. Beltran and pinch runner (for Molina) Adron Chambers both scored: 7-7.
Descalso could also run - swiping second, uncontested. Two runners now in scoring position.
Next up - Pete Kozma - smacked a belt-high fastball on the outside corner down the right field line - scoring Freese and Chambers to give the Cardinals a shocking 9-7 lead. No one was more thrilled about this than the on-deck hitter - Jason Motte - who had allowed that insurance run the Nats had scored in the eighth-inning. But it wasn't enough insurance.
A reprieved Motte retired the Nats in order in the ninth to seal this improbable come-from-behind division series clincher. Bryce Harper, who fanned for the second out in the inning, was so thrilled about blowing this game, he defiantly grabbed his crotch while staring down a bemused Motte.
Undaunted, Jason then induced Ryan Zimmerman to pop out to the biggest hero of the night - second baseman Daniel Descalso - to seal the deal.
The Wild Cards had beaten the number-one team in the National League in the division series for the second consecutive year (the Phillies and now the Nats) - in a deciding fifth game on enemy turf.
It's no wonder so many opposing fans hate the Cardinals.
Let's hope the Giants fans will hate the Cardinals just a little bit more after this particular October 12 game.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
October 11, 1964 - World Series - Game 4: Boyer Slams Door on Yankees, 4-3
Sunday, October 11, 1964 - World Series - Game 4 - St Louis Cardinals vs New York Yankees - At Yankee Stadium - Ray Sadecki vs Al Downing - Attendance: 66,312
The Cardinals were in desperate need for a win today, after losing a 2-1 heart-breaker to the Yankees in Saturday's Game 3 - although fifty years later, that doesn't seem like such a bad way to lose - on a Mickey Mantle walk-off home run off a Barney Schultz knuckle ball. It doesn't get much more iconic than that.
Iconic or not, the Bronx Bombers held a two games to one advantage over the upstart Cardinals in this best-of-seven Fall Classic, heading into Sunday's crucial Game 4. It had been eighteen years since the Cardinals had won a World Series championship. It had been eighteen years since they had even appeared in a World Series, for that matter.
The Yankees, on the other hand, had won ten world championships over that same time span. That seemed like enough, although New York apparently had a different point of view, as this game began like a Twilight Zone episode for the beleaguered Redbirds.
Ray Sadecki, the winning pitcher in Game One, didn't fare so well this time around. After the Cardinals went quietly in their first turn at bat against southpaw Al Downing, the Yankees began their half of the first with a bang. Phil Linz opened with a double. Then, with Bobby Richardson batting, Linz tried to steal third. Catcher Tim McCarver's throw was in time to nail Linz, but the normally sure-handed Ken Boyer - a nine-time Gold Glove winner - simply dropped the ball. With that, the floodgates opened.
Richardson followed with a double of his own - scoring Linz. Roger Maris then lined a single to right - temporarily advancing Richardson to third - who then scored when Mickey Mantle lined another single to right field. While Maris advanced to third on the hit, Mantle tried to stretch it into a double - unsuccessfully. A strong throw from Mike Shannon to second baseman Dal Maxvill recorded the first out of the inning - but if the Cardinals hoped to get two more outs to end this mess, an immediate pitching change was in order.
Manager Johnny Keane summoned Roger Craig in from the bullpen to face Elston Howard, who promptly singled to center - scoring Maris with the third run of the inning. Unbeknownst to anyone watching this game, that would prove to be the last run the Yankees would score in this one.
Craig then struck out Tom Tresh before retiring Joe Pepitone on a fly ball to right field, to finally end this madness.
In the meantime, the Cardinals could do nothing with Downing, who had blanked St Louis on just one hit through the first five innings. That all changed in the sixth-inning, however. Carl Warwick - pinch hitting for Roger Craig - singled to left. Curt Flood followed suit - putting runners on first and second for Lou Brock. But Lou was an easy out, on a fly ball to Mantle in center field. When Dick Groat hit a ground ball towards second baseman Bobby Richardson - a five-time Gold Glove winner -it seemed likely an inning-ending double play would ensue.
Instead, Richardson booted it.
With the bases now loaded, Ken Boyer - trying to atone for his error that facilitated a three-run first-inning rally for the Yankees - did some serious atoning with one swing of the bat.
Boyer's drive down the left field line refused to hook into foul territory - instead landing in the bleachers among the stunned partisan crowd, as a smiling Boyer circled the bases on what may have been the most significant postseason home run in St Louis Cardinals history. Suddenly, the Cardinals had a 4-3 lead - a lead they would not relinquish.
Journeyman reliever Ron Taylor kept the Yankees in check over the final four innings - allowing only a two-out eighth-inning walk to Mickey Mantle. There was no need for a setup guy to pitch the eighth-inning, because he was his own closer today - saving it for Roger Craig, who of course, saved the day for the Cardinals when they absolutely had to win this game.
The pitching lines tell the story:
IP H R ER BB SO
Sadecki 0.1 4 3 2 0 0
Craig (1-0) 4.2 2 0 0 3 8
Taylor S (1) 4.0 0 0 0 1 2
Boyer's clutch grand salami - along with the nearly flawless relief work from two unflappable veterans - evened the World Series at two games apiece. Otherwise, they would have been forced into an untenable three games to one deficit.
And that would have been no fun at all.
The Cardinals were in desperate need for a win today, after losing a 2-1 heart-breaker to the Yankees in Saturday's Game 3 - although fifty years later, that doesn't seem like such a bad way to lose - on a Mickey Mantle walk-off home run off a Barney Schultz knuckle ball. It doesn't get much more iconic than that.
Iconic or not, the Bronx Bombers held a two games to one advantage over the upstart Cardinals in this best-of-seven Fall Classic, heading into Sunday's crucial Game 4. It had been eighteen years since the Cardinals had won a World Series championship. It had been eighteen years since they had even appeared in a World Series, for that matter.
The Yankees, on the other hand, had won ten world championships over that same time span. That seemed like enough, although New York apparently had a different point of view, as this game began like a Twilight Zone episode for the beleaguered Redbirds.
Ray Sadecki, the winning pitcher in Game One, didn't fare so well this time around. After the Cardinals went quietly in their first turn at bat against southpaw Al Downing, the Yankees began their half of the first with a bang. Phil Linz opened with a double. Then, with Bobby Richardson batting, Linz tried to steal third. Catcher Tim McCarver's throw was in time to nail Linz, but the normally sure-handed Ken Boyer - a nine-time Gold Glove winner - simply dropped the ball. With that, the floodgates opened.
Richardson followed with a double of his own - scoring Linz. Roger Maris then lined a single to right - temporarily advancing Richardson to third - who then scored when Mickey Mantle lined another single to right field. While Maris advanced to third on the hit, Mantle tried to stretch it into a double - unsuccessfully. A strong throw from Mike Shannon to second baseman Dal Maxvill recorded the first out of the inning - but if the Cardinals hoped to get two more outs to end this mess, an immediate pitching change was in order.
Manager Johnny Keane summoned Roger Craig in from the bullpen to face Elston Howard, who promptly singled to center - scoring Maris with the third run of the inning. Unbeknownst to anyone watching this game, that would prove to be the last run the Yankees would score in this one.
Craig then struck out Tom Tresh before retiring Joe Pepitone on a fly ball to right field, to finally end this madness.
In the meantime, the Cardinals could do nothing with Downing, who had blanked St Louis on just one hit through the first five innings. That all changed in the sixth-inning, however. Carl Warwick - pinch hitting for Roger Craig - singled to left. Curt Flood followed suit - putting runners on first and second for Lou Brock. But Lou was an easy out, on a fly ball to Mantle in center field. When Dick Groat hit a ground ball towards second baseman Bobby Richardson - a five-time Gold Glove winner -it seemed likely an inning-ending double play would ensue.
Instead, Richardson booted it.
With the bases now loaded, Ken Boyer - trying to atone for his error that facilitated a three-run first-inning rally for the Yankees - did some serious atoning with one swing of the bat.
Boyer's drive down the left field line refused to hook into foul territory - instead landing in the bleachers among the stunned partisan crowd, as a smiling Boyer circled the bases on what may have been the most significant postseason home run in St Louis Cardinals history. Suddenly, the Cardinals had a 4-3 lead - a lead they would not relinquish.
Journeyman reliever Ron Taylor kept the Yankees in check over the final four innings - allowing only a two-out eighth-inning walk to Mickey Mantle. There was no need for a setup guy to pitch the eighth-inning, because he was his own closer today - saving it for Roger Craig, who of course, saved the day for the Cardinals when they absolutely had to win this game.
The pitching lines tell the story:
IP H R ER BB SO
Sadecki 0.1 4 3 2 0 0
Craig (1-0) 4.2 2 0 0 3 8
Taylor S (1) 4.0 0 0 0 1 2
Boyer's clutch grand salami - along with the nearly flawless relief work from two unflappable veterans - evened the World Series at two games apiece. Otherwise, they would have been forced into an untenable three games to one deficit.
And that would have been no fun at all.
Saturday, October 4, 2014
October 4, 1964 - The Cardinals Win The Pennant!
Sunday, October 4, 1964 - At Busch Stadium I (Curt Simmons - Starting Pitcher) - Opponent: New York Mets (Galen Cisco - Starting Pitcher) - Attendance: 30,146
On the last day of probably the most miraculous season in major league histroy, the Cardinals salvaged the final game of a season-ending three-game series with the lowly New York Mets - to claim their first National League pennant since 1946. Bob Gibson, who lost a heart-breaking eight-inning start on Friday night, worked four innings of gutsy relief to get the win in the clincher - as the Cardinals eventually cruised to a memorable 11-5 win.
Ironically, the team the Redbirds spent most of the summer chasing down - the Philadelphia Phillies - gave the Cardinals the help they needed with a 10-0 drubbing of the Cincinnati Reds - co-leaders with St Louis at the start of play today. The win moved Philadelphia into a second-place tie with Cincinnati - both with 92-70 records - one game behind the Cardinals, who somehow finished at 93-69.
Thankfully, the Cardinals avoided the three game-sweep to the worst team in baseball. Otherwise, the top spot in the National League would have resulted in an unprecedented three-way tie - with all sorts of convoluted playoff possibilities, which more than likely would have resulted in the survivor of the pandemonium heading into the Fall Classic confrontation with the New York Yankees with a less than favorable starting rotation. More than likely, the Bronx Bombers would have emerged victorious in Mickey Mantle's final World Series appearance, instead of falling to the Cardinals in seven games.
Despite the seemingly lopsided victory, this game was a nail-biter until the Redbirds finally took command about halfway through.
The Cardinals grabbed a second-inning 1-0 lead off Mets starter Galen Cisco - on Mike Shannon's two-out RBI single - scoring Tim McCarver - who opened the inning with a double.
In the fourth-inning, the Mets tied the game on Charlie Smith's two-out solo home run off Cards starter Curt Simmons.
In the bottom half of the fourth, Dick Groat's lead-off double nearly went to waste, but Dal Maxvill of all people, lined a two-out single to center to bring the go-ahead run home: 2-1 - St Louis.
The lead quickly evaporated as the Mets batted in the fifth-inning. George Altman started the trouble with a single, then advanced to second on Cisco's sacrifice bunt. Bobby Klaus then lifted a fly ball deep to right field which Altman thought would be caught - but it landed safely, as Klaus made it all the way to second, while Altman only advanced to third. However, the next batter - Ken McMillan - scored both runners with a double of his own to left field. Suddenly, the Mets had a 3-2 lead.
Manager Johnny Keane had seen enough. In from the bullpen to replace a tiring Simmons came the Cardinals' ace - Bob Gibson - to restore order. He was working on just one day's rest - after pitching masterfully in a painful 1-0 loss to Al Jackson on Friday night. But with the entire season on the line, he made himself available for duty in this game, if needed. And he was needed, as Simmons was out of gas.
Gibson retired the next two Mets batters to keep the deficit at a single run - before an inspired Cardinals' lineup seized control of the game in the bottom half of the inning. Lou Brock led-off with a base on balls, then advanced to second on Bill White's base hit to right field. Ken Boyer's double to left field scored Brock with the tying run - as manager Casey Stengel brought in reliever Bill Wakefield to take over for Cisco - attempting to get out of this second and third no-out predicament.
The first batter Wakefield faced - Dick Groat - gave the Cardinals a lead they would not relinquish - on a ground-out to the second baseman - scoring White from third as Boyer advanced to third.
After McCarver was intentionally walked, Shannon struck out - but Maxvill did it again - a two-out RBI single to right field - scoring Boyer to give the Cardinals a 5-3 lead. With Cincinnati getting clobbered at home to the Phillies, everyone in the ballpark knew a pennant was very likely going to be won today by the home town team. Electricity filled the air.
Gibson - clearly arm-weary on such short rest - faltered in the sixth-inning, but avoided serious trouble. A two-out bases loaded walk to Klaus made it a 5-4 game - but a collective sigh of relief could be heard throughout old Busch Stadium when McMillan grounded out to end the threat.
The festive mood at the ballpark intensified when the Cards scored three more runs in the bottom half of the sixth off reliever Willard Hunter. Brock's one-out double preceded White's two-run home run - then later in the frame, after Boyer walked, McCarver brought him in with a ringing double to right: 8-4 - St Louis.
Curt Flood put the crowd into a frenzy with a lead-off eighth-inning home run - then with two out, Boyer drew another base on balls, advanced to third on Groat's double, and both runners scored on McCarver's single to center: 11-4 - St Louis.
By this time, the irascible Cardinals owner, Gussie Busch had joined the wildly exuberant broadcaster - Harry Caray, who had moved down to the field-level box seats to capture the excitement of this inevitable pennant-clinching moment. The party was delayed momentarily when an exhausted Gibson could no longer maintain control of his pitches - walking two batters as the Mets took their final turn at bat in the ninth. With two on and one out, Barney Schultz and his dancing knuckle ball took over for Gibby, who departed the mound to a standing ovation from the appreciative fans. Eventually, one run came scored but Schultz got the final out of the season - inducing Ed Kranepool into popping a foul ball behind home plate - which McCarver grabbed - to send the Cardinals to their first World Series in eighteen years.
Old Gussie's gravely voice could be heard on the radio at that moment, proclaiming this day to be the happiest of his "live-long life" as Harry couldn't stop repeating his excited summation of what had just transpired: "The Cardinals win the pennant!"
Of course, the Cardinals also went on to win the World Series, as well. Even though Bob Gibson - still arm-weary from his recent late season activity - lost Game 2 - he would pitch heroically in Games 5 and 7 to earn his first World Series MVP honor.
Even better performances in baseball's grandest stage would lie ahead for the great Gibson - who was just beginning to write his own World Series legacy.
On the last day of probably the most miraculous season in major league histroy, the Cardinals salvaged the final game of a season-ending three-game series with the lowly New York Mets - to claim their first National League pennant since 1946. Bob Gibson, who lost a heart-breaking eight-inning start on Friday night, worked four innings of gutsy relief to get the win in the clincher - as the Cardinals eventually cruised to a memorable 11-5 win.
Ironically, the team the Redbirds spent most of the summer chasing down - the Philadelphia Phillies - gave the Cardinals the help they needed with a 10-0 drubbing of the Cincinnati Reds - co-leaders with St Louis at the start of play today. The win moved Philadelphia into a second-place tie with Cincinnati - both with 92-70 records - one game behind the Cardinals, who somehow finished at 93-69.
Thankfully, the Cardinals avoided the three game-sweep to the worst team in baseball. Otherwise, the top spot in the National League would have resulted in an unprecedented three-way tie - with all sorts of convoluted playoff possibilities, which more than likely would have resulted in the survivor of the pandemonium heading into the Fall Classic confrontation with the New York Yankees with a less than favorable starting rotation. More than likely, the Bronx Bombers would have emerged victorious in Mickey Mantle's final World Series appearance, instead of falling to the Cardinals in seven games.
Despite the seemingly lopsided victory, this game was a nail-biter until the Redbirds finally took command about halfway through.
The Cardinals grabbed a second-inning 1-0 lead off Mets starter Galen Cisco - on Mike Shannon's two-out RBI single - scoring Tim McCarver - who opened the inning with a double.
In the fourth-inning, the Mets tied the game on Charlie Smith's two-out solo home run off Cards starter Curt Simmons.
In the bottom half of the fourth, Dick Groat's lead-off double nearly went to waste, but Dal Maxvill of all people, lined a two-out single to center to bring the go-ahead run home: 2-1 - St Louis.
The lead quickly evaporated as the Mets batted in the fifth-inning. George Altman started the trouble with a single, then advanced to second on Cisco's sacrifice bunt. Bobby Klaus then lifted a fly ball deep to right field which Altman thought would be caught - but it landed safely, as Klaus made it all the way to second, while Altman only advanced to third. However, the next batter - Ken McMillan - scored both runners with a double of his own to left field. Suddenly, the Mets had a 3-2 lead.
Manager Johnny Keane had seen enough. In from the bullpen to replace a tiring Simmons came the Cardinals' ace - Bob Gibson - to restore order. He was working on just one day's rest - after pitching masterfully in a painful 1-0 loss to Al Jackson on Friday night. But with the entire season on the line, he made himself available for duty in this game, if needed. And he was needed, as Simmons was out of gas.
Gibson retired the next two Mets batters to keep the deficit at a single run - before an inspired Cardinals' lineup seized control of the game in the bottom half of the inning. Lou Brock led-off with a base on balls, then advanced to second on Bill White's base hit to right field. Ken Boyer's double to left field scored Brock with the tying run - as manager Casey Stengel brought in reliever Bill Wakefield to take over for Cisco - attempting to get out of this second and third no-out predicament.
The first batter Wakefield faced - Dick Groat - gave the Cardinals a lead they would not relinquish - on a ground-out to the second baseman - scoring White from third as Boyer advanced to third.
After McCarver was intentionally walked, Shannon struck out - but Maxvill did it again - a two-out RBI single to right field - scoring Boyer to give the Cardinals a 5-3 lead. With Cincinnati getting clobbered at home to the Phillies, everyone in the ballpark knew a pennant was very likely going to be won today by the home town team. Electricity filled the air.
Gibson - clearly arm-weary on such short rest - faltered in the sixth-inning, but avoided serious trouble. A two-out bases loaded walk to Klaus made it a 5-4 game - but a collective sigh of relief could be heard throughout old Busch Stadium when McMillan grounded out to end the threat.
The festive mood at the ballpark intensified when the Cards scored three more runs in the bottom half of the sixth off reliever Willard Hunter. Brock's one-out double preceded White's two-run home run - then later in the frame, after Boyer walked, McCarver brought him in with a ringing double to right: 8-4 - St Louis.
Curt Flood put the crowd into a frenzy with a lead-off eighth-inning home run - then with two out, Boyer drew another base on balls, advanced to third on Groat's double, and both runners scored on McCarver's single to center: 11-4 - St Louis.
By this time, the irascible Cardinals owner, Gussie Busch had joined the wildly exuberant broadcaster - Harry Caray, who had moved down to the field-level box seats to capture the excitement of this inevitable pennant-clinching moment. The party was delayed momentarily when an exhausted Gibson could no longer maintain control of his pitches - walking two batters as the Mets took their final turn at bat in the ninth. With two on and one out, Barney Schultz and his dancing knuckle ball took over for Gibby, who departed the mound to a standing ovation from the appreciative fans. Eventually, one run came scored but Schultz got the final out of the season - inducing Ed Kranepool into popping a foul ball behind home plate - which McCarver grabbed - to send the Cardinals to their first World Series in eighteen years.
Old Gussie's gravely voice could be heard on the radio at that moment, proclaiming this day to be the happiest of his "live-long life" as Harry couldn't stop repeating his excited summation of what had just transpired: "The Cardinals win the pennant!"
Of course, the Cardinals also went on to win the World Series, as well. Even though Bob Gibson - still arm-weary from his recent late season activity - lost Game 2 - he would pitch heroically in Games 5 and 7 to earn his first World Series MVP honor.
Even better performances in baseball's grandest stage would lie ahead for the great Gibson - who was just beginning to write his own World Series legacy.
Thursday, June 12, 2014
June 12, 2005 - Seabol's Only Career HR a Game Winner Over Yankees
The life of a big league ballplayer is rarely as glamorous as most people envision. For Scott Seabol - a 21-year old infielder who signed with the New York Yankees in the 1996 amateur draft - his life was anything but glamorous. After toiling in the Yankees system for five years, his shot with the big club finally arrived on April 8, 2001.
The Yankees were hammering the Toronto Blue Jays, 13-5, in the sixth-inning of a game played at Yankee Stadium, when manager Joe Torre decided to give veteran outfielder David Justice the rest of the night off. With that, Seabol entered the game as a pinch hitter to face the zany Dan Plesac, who retired the kid on a pop fly to the second baseman.
That was the extent of his major league career with New York.
After signing a free agent contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002 - he never made the big club, was released in 2003 - then immediately signed with the Cardinals. After spending another couple of years kicking around the minors, Seabol got another chance to live the glamorous life of a big league ballplayer in 2005 - at the age of 30.
Seabol appeared in 59 games for Tony LaRussa in 2005 - mostly as a backup infielder - in what would prove to be his final season as a major league player. The highlight of his very brief career came in a game against his original team - the New York Yankees - on:
Sunday, June 12, 2005 - At Busch Stadium III: This was the rubber game of a three-game series between the New York Yankees and St Louis Cardinals - two iconic rivals who had faced each other five times between 1926 and 1964 in World Series competition. Every regular season inter-league game since has been infused with a definite postseason atmosphere - and today was no exception, as 50,372 red-clad fans packed the house, hoping Cards starter Matt Morris could contain the mighty Yankees' lineup.
The Cardinals struck first off Yankees stater Carl Pavano in the third-inning - when Yadier Molina doubled, advanced to third on Morris' sacrifice bunt, and scored on David Eckstein's single. That would be the only run Pavano would allow in his six innings of work.
New York tied the game in the fifth-inning, on a two-out Alex Rodriguez RBI double - scoring former Cardinal Tony Womak from first. For Morris, that too, would be the only run he'd allow in six innings of work.
With Alberto Reyes now pitching for St Louis, Derek Jeter began the Yankees' seventh with a double, but remained at second as Reyes retired the next two batters. LaRussa then summoned lefty Ray King out of the bullpen to face the dangerous Hideki Matsui - who promptly drove in the run with a single to right.
With Tanyon Sturtze now pitching for the Yankees - trying to preserve a one-run lead in the bottom of the seventh- the Cardinals got something started, with a one-out single by Molina - his second hit of the game.
LaRussa then sent Scott Seabol in to pinch hit for Ray King - who was currently on the hook for a possible loss. Instead, the former-Yankee draftee hit the first - and only - home run of his major league career - putting King (1-1) - who completed one-third of an inning of work - suddenly in a position to win the game.
In Seabol's childhood fantasies, maybe this home run took place in the Seventh Game of the World Series, to win it for his team. Yet, as he circled the bases with more than 50,000 fans going crazy on this Sunday afternoon in St Louis, this had to be the next best thing.
Later in the inning, Jim Edmonds added a two-out two-run double off reliever Mike Stanton to pad the Redbirds' lead to 5-2 - which shrunk to 5-3 in the New York eighth-inning, after Jorge Posada's solo home run off Julian Tavarez.
But that was the old ball game. Jason Isringhausen retired the Yankees in order in the ninth, to earn his 18th save, and make Scott Seabol a bit of a hero in Cardinal Nation, for at least a day.
The Yankees were hammering the Toronto Blue Jays, 13-5, in the sixth-inning of a game played at Yankee Stadium, when manager Joe Torre decided to give veteran outfielder David Justice the rest of the night off. With that, Seabol entered the game as a pinch hitter to face the zany Dan Plesac, who retired the kid on a pop fly to the second baseman.
That was the extent of his major league career with New York.
After signing a free agent contract with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2002 - he never made the big club, was released in 2003 - then immediately signed with the Cardinals. After spending another couple of years kicking around the minors, Seabol got another chance to live the glamorous life of a big league ballplayer in 2005 - at the age of 30.
Seabol appeared in 59 games for Tony LaRussa in 2005 - mostly as a backup infielder - in what would prove to be his final season as a major league player. The highlight of his very brief career came in a game against his original team - the New York Yankees - on:
Sunday, June 12, 2005 - At Busch Stadium III: This was the rubber game of a three-game series between the New York Yankees and St Louis Cardinals - two iconic rivals who had faced each other five times between 1926 and 1964 in World Series competition. Every regular season inter-league game since has been infused with a definite postseason atmosphere - and today was no exception, as 50,372 red-clad fans packed the house, hoping Cards starter Matt Morris could contain the mighty Yankees' lineup.
The Cardinals struck first off Yankees stater Carl Pavano in the third-inning - when Yadier Molina doubled, advanced to third on Morris' sacrifice bunt, and scored on David Eckstein's single. That would be the only run Pavano would allow in his six innings of work.
New York tied the game in the fifth-inning, on a two-out Alex Rodriguez RBI double - scoring former Cardinal Tony Womak from first. For Morris, that too, would be the only run he'd allow in six innings of work.
With Alberto Reyes now pitching for St Louis, Derek Jeter began the Yankees' seventh with a double, but remained at second as Reyes retired the next two batters. LaRussa then summoned lefty Ray King out of the bullpen to face the dangerous Hideki Matsui - who promptly drove in the run with a single to right.
With Tanyon Sturtze now pitching for the Yankees - trying to preserve a one-run lead in the bottom of the seventh- the Cardinals got something started, with a one-out single by Molina - his second hit of the game.
LaRussa then sent Scott Seabol in to pinch hit for Ray King - who was currently on the hook for a possible loss. Instead, the former-Yankee draftee hit the first - and only - home run of his major league career - putting King (1-1) - who completed one-third of an inning of work - suddenly in a position to win the game.
In Seabol's childhood fantasies, maybe this home run took place in the Seventh Game of the World Series, to win it for his team. Yet, as he circled the bases with more than 50,000 fans going crazy on this Sunday afternoon in St Louis, this had to be the next best thing.
Later in the inning, Jim Edmonds added a two-out two-run double off reliever Mike Stanton to pad the Redbirds' lead to 5-2 - which shrunk to 5-3 in the New York eighth-inning, after Jorge Posada's solo home run off Julian Tavarez.
But that was the old ball game. Jason Isringhausen retired the Yankees in order in the ninth, to earn his 18th save, and make Scott Seabol a bit of a hero in Cardinal Nation, for at least a day.
Tuesday, June 10, 2014
JUNE 10: 2003 - Cards Out-Slug Red Sox - 2005 - And Crush Error-Prone Yankees
2003 - At Fenway Park: The Cardinals and Boston Red Sox played a wild, see-saw slug-fest before a partisan Tuesday night crowd of 34,937 - and in the end, a two-run ninth-inning rally finally gave the persistent Redbirds a 9-7 win over the equally persistent Red Sox.
After St Louis failed to score in the first-inning off Boston starter Byung-Hyun Kim - a World Series basket case for the Arizona Diamondbacks in '01 (back-to-back blown saves against the Yankees) - the Red Sox scored twice in the bottom half off Woody Williams, with back-to-back RBI doubles by Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz.
The Cardinals finally broke through in the fifth-inning against Kim. Renteria led-off with an opposite-field double down the line in right - then Tino Martinez - who greatly facilitated Kim's '01 Fall Classic meltdown - just missed hitting this one out to dead-center. Renteria advanced to third on the catch, and stayed there as Mike Matheny's lazy fly ball to right became out number two.
Part-time outfielder Orlando Palmeiro's base hit to right scored Renteria - then an infield single by Miguel Cairo, along with a throwing error by second baseman Todd Walker had runners on second and third for J.D. Drew, who got a pitch he could handle, and drove it way out to right field - for a three-run home run.
The Cards added three more runs in the seventh, on an Albert Pujols two-run home run and Edgar Renteria's two out RBI single, scoring Jim Edmonds - who reached on an error - with an unearned run.
The 7-2 St Louis lead quickly evaporated as Boston scored three in the seventh - including a Manny Ramirez two-run home run, which ended Williams' night - then a two-run eighth-inning blast by Jason Varitek off reliever Kiko Calero - which tied the game, 7-7.
St Louis answered back with a pair of runs of their own in the ninth, off reliever Brandon Lyon. Back-to-back one-out doubles by Edmonds and Rolen scored the tie-breaker, then with two out, Eduardo Perez punched an RBI single to left.
Cal Eldred preserved the 9-7 win for St Louis with one scoreless inning for his eighth save of the season.
Although the Cardinals hung on for the win, this game typified the team's biggest weakness in 2003 - an unreliable bullpen. That would change for the better in '04 - after one of the heroes in this St Louis win - J.D. Drew - would be part of a package to the Atlanta Braves that brought back some reliable arms for the bullpen - including a pitching prospect by the name of Adam Wainwright.
2005 - At Busch Stadium III: The Cardinals had no trouble in dispatching an error-prone New York Yankees team, as St Louis starter Jason Marquis (8-3) had one of his better outings: 8 IP - 6 H - 1 R - 2 BB - 3 SO. Final score: St Louis 8 - New York 1.
Yankees starter Chien-Ming Wang (3-2) lasted just four innings - allowing seven runs (only four were earned runs) on seven hits - featuring a pair of big name players who each made an error tonight - Cano and A-Rod - as well as one by pitcher Chien-Ming "the Merciless" Wang, himself.
The Cardinals immediately jumped on Wang in a two-run first-inning - on RBI singles by Albert Pujols and Larry Walker - then piled on five runs (only two were earned runs) on three hits and two costly errors - in the third-inning to take a 7-0 lead - much to the delight of the 50,250 that packed the house tonight.
Pujols capped a three-hit-two-RBI night with a sixth-inning home run to end the St Louis scoring.
Derek Jeter's fifth-inning RBI double was all the Yankees could muster off Marquis tonight - as Randy Flores pitched a scoreless ninth to put the Bronx Bombers out of their misery.
After St Louis failed to score in the first-inning off Boston starter Byung-Hyun Kim - a World Series basket case for the Arizona Diamondbacks in '01 (back-to-back blown saves against the Yankees) - the Red Sox scored twice in the bottom half off Woody Williams, with back-to-back RBI doubles by Manny Ramirez and David Ortiz.
The Cardinals finally broke through in the fifth-inning against Kim. Renteria led-off with an opposite-field double down the line in right - then Tino Martinez - who greatly facilitated Kim's '01 Fall Classic meltdown - just missed hitting this one out to dead-center. Renteria advanced to third on the catch, and stayed there as Mike Matheny's lazy fly ball to right became out number two.
Part-time outfielder Orlando Palmeiro's base hit to right scored Renteria - then an infield single by Miguel Cairo, along with a throwing error by second baseman Todd Walker had runners on second and third for J.D. Drew, who got a pitch he could handle, and drove it way out to right field - for a three-run home run.
The Cards added three more runs in the seventh, on an Albert Pujols two-run home run and Edgar Renteria's two out RBI single, scoring Jim Edmonds - who reached on an error - with an unearned run.
The 7-2 St Louis lead quickly evaporated as Boston scored three in the seventh - including a Manny Ramirez two-run home run, which ended Williams' night - then a two-run eighth-inning blast by Jason Varitek off reliever Kiko Calero - which tied the game, 7-7.
St Louis answered back with a pair of runs of their own in the ninth, off reliever Brandon Lyon. Back-to-back one-out doubles by Edmonds and Rolen scored the tie-breaker, then with two out, Eduardo Perez punched an RBI single to left.
Cal Eldred preserved the 9-7 win for St Louis with one scoreless inning for his eighth save of the season.
Although the Cardinals hung on for the win, this game typified the team's biggest weakness in 2003 - an unreliable bullpen. That would change for the better in '04 - after one of the heroes in this St Louis win - J.D. Drew - would be part of a package to the Atlanta Braves that brought back some reliable arms for the bullpen - including a pitching prospect by the name of Adam Wainwright.
2005 - At Busch Stadium III: The Cardinals had no trouble in dispatching an error-prone New York Yankees team, as St Louis starter Jason Marquis (8-3) had one of his better outings: 8 IP - 6 H - 1 R - 2 BB - 3 SO. Final score: St Louis 8 - New York 1.
Yankees starter Chien-Ming Wang (3-2) lasted just four innings - allowing seven runs (only four were earned runs) on seven hits - featuring a pair of big name players who each made an error tonight - Cano and A-Rod - as well as one by pitcher Chien-Ming "the Merciless" Wang, himself.
The Cardinals immediately jumped on Wang in a two-run first-inning - on RBI singles by Albert Pujols and Larry Walker - then piled on five runs (only two were earned runs) on three hits and two costly errors - in the third-inning to take a 7-0 lead - much to the delight of the 50,250 that packed the house tonight.
Pujols capped a three-hit-two-RBI night with a sixth-inning home run to end the St Louis scoring.
Derek Jeter's fifth-inning RBI double was all the Yankees could muster off Marquis tonight - as Randy Flores pitched a scoreless ninth to put the Bronx Bombers out of their misery.
Saturday, May 4, 2013
May 4, 1926: Cards Win "Must Win" Game vs Reds
May 4, 1926: With Branch Rickey as field manager, the St Louis Cardinals began the 1925 season with a miserable 13-25 record. When Rickey left the dugout for the front office, the Cardinals finished the season with a 64-51 record with player-manager Rogers Hornsby at the helm. Apparently, taking on the added responsibility as field manager didn't seem to distract the National League's greatest hitter, who responded by winning the Triple Crown (.403 BA/39 HR/143 RBI). Although the Redbirds ended the season in 4th-place with a 77-76 record - 18 games behind the 1st-place Pittsburgh Pirates - there was reason to be optimistic for the future, based on how the team had improved after the managerial change.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals stumbled out of the gate early in the '26 season. After dropping the first game of a three-game series at home versus the Cincinnati Reds (10-7), the Redbirds had lost five games in a row to fall three games under .500 (8-11) - and appeared well on their way to a sixth straight loss when Cards starter Walt Huntzinger was quickly tagged for five hits, putting the Cardinals in a 2-0 hole by the third-inning; threatening to break the game open.
Hornsby had seen enough, summoning reliever Hi Bell in to get out of the jam with no further damage. Bell did just that, keeping the score at 2-0, while stranding the bases full of Reds. However, the Redbirds still had their work cut out for them, as Cincinnati had their ace on the mound - Adolfo Domingo de Guzman Luque aka Dolf Luque - "The Pride of Havana". Luque was a terrific pitcher (career 3.24 ERA) who would probably be in the Hall of Fame if he had pitched for those great Yankees teams of the Roaring Twenties, when he was in his prime. Instead, he labored in relative obscurity in Cincinnati for most of his career.
Luque managed to keep the Redbirds scoreless until the fifth-inning, when catcher Bob O'Farrell led off with a triple and one out later, scored on a single by pitcher Hi Bell - who was becoming a hero by this time. Bell continued blanking the Reds while the Cardinals were able to get something started in the bottom of the eighth, on a tiring 35-year old Luque. A two-out single by Jim Bottomley was followed by Chick Hafey's double down the right field line. Third baseman Les Bell (no relation to Hi) followed that with a two-RBI single that proved to be the game winner, as the other Bell retired the side in the top of the ninth to preserve the win.
During the course of any season, games that are won or lost in May are often forgotten. However, this St Louis victory over Cincinnati came at a time when the team was struggling. In fact, they would lose the rubber game of the series the next day, and then lose three out of four at home to the Brooklyn Dodgers, while Cincinnati was at home winning three out of four against the Philadelphia Phillies. After 25 games, St Louis (10-15) trailed Cincinnati (16-9) by six games. That would prove to be the low point of the season for the Redbirds, who went 79-50 the rest of the way, to edge the Reds by a slim 2-game margin.
Without this May 4 game in the win column, St Louis would have finished the season at 88-66 - tied with the Cincinnati Reds for first place in the National League; forcing a three-game NL championship series, with the winner taking on the mighty - and well-rested - New York Yankees.
So yes, for all practical purposes, the May 4, 1926 game was a "must win" for the Cardinals; although they really didn't know it at the time since they probably didn't have a crystal ball at their disposal.
Unfortunately, the Cardinals stumbled out of the gate early in the '26 season. After dropping the first game of a three-game series at home versus the Cincinnati Reds (10-7), the Redbirds had lost five games in a row to fall three games under .500 (8-11) - and appeared well on their way to a sixth straight loss when Cards starter Walt Huntzinger was quickly tagged for five hits, putting the Cardinals in a 2-0 hole by the third-inning; threatening to break the game open.
Hornsby had seen enough, summoning reliever Hi Bell in to get out of the jam with no further damage. Bell did just that, keeping the score at 2-0, while stranding the bases full of Reds. However, the Redbirds still had their work cut out for them, as Cincinnati had their ace on the mound - Adolfo Domingo de Guzman Luque aka Dolf Luque - "The Pride of Havana". Luque was a terrific pitcher (career 3.24 ERA) who would probably be in the Hall of Fame if he had pitched for those great Yankees teams of the Roaring Twenties, when he was in his prime. Instead, he labored in relative obscurity in Cincinnati for most of his career.
Luque managed to keep the Redbirds scoreless until the fifth-inning, when catcher Bob O'Farrell led off with a triple and one out later, scored on a single by pitcher Hi Bell - who was becoming a hero by this time. Bell continued blanking the Reds while the Cardinals were able to get something started in the bottom of the eighth, on a tiring 35-year old Luque. A two-out single by Jim Bottomley was followed by Chick Hafey's double down the right field line. Third baseman Les Bell (no relation to Hi) followed that with a two-RBI single that proved to be the game winner, as the other Bell retired the side in the top of the ninth to preserve the win.
During the course of any season, games that are won or lost in May are often forgotten. However, this St Louis victory over Cincinnati came at a time when the team was struggling. In fact, they would lose the rubber game of the series the next day, and then lose three out of four at home to the Brooklyn Dodgers, while Cincinnati was at home winning three out of four against the Philadelphia Phillies. After 25 games, St Louis (10-15) trailed Cincinnati (16-9) by six games. That would prove to be the low point of the season for the Redbirds, who went 79-50 the rest of the way, to edge the Reds by a slim 2-game margin.
Without this May 4 game in the win column, St Louis would have finished the season at 88-66 - tied with the Cincinnati Reds for first place in the National League; forcing a three-game NL championship series, with the winner taking on the mighty - and well-rested - New York Yankees.
So yes, for all practical purposes, the May 4, 1926 game was a "must win" for the Cardinals; although they really didn't know it at the time since they probably didn't have a crystal ball at their disposal.
Friday, May 3, 2013
May 3, 1942: 9 Unearned Runs Helps Redbirds Sweep Doubleheader Over Brooklyn Dodgers
May 3, 1942: When the Brooklyn Dodgers (14-5) arrived in St Louis prior to a three-game series with the Cardinals, they were scuffling a bit; having just lost two straight in Pittsburgh against a mediocre Pirates team. Still, they held a comfortable 4.5 game lead over the Redbirds (8-8), who were scuffling more than just a bit, themselves.
The first two games of this series were played on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Sportsman's Park - a doubleheader that would ultimately control the destiny for both teams. As it played out, the Redbirds were able to win both games over the Dodgers (14-10 and 4-2) en route to a franchise-best 106-48 (.688) record. The Dodgers would finish in second-place with their franchise-best 104-50 (.675) record - usually good enough to win a pennant; just not this year. From a historical perspective, from 1901 to 1941, there were only twelve MLB league champions (out of 82) that had won 104 or more games, and no National League team had done it since the 1910 Chicago Cubs; so, it's easy to understand the frustration the Dodgers must have felt when they came up just a couple games short that year; especially if they think about the first game of this doubleheader - the one that got away.
The doubleheader sweep by the Cardinals didn't seem like such a big deal at the time (the second game was rained-out after six-innings, as Max Lanier picked up the win). Sure, the Cards picked up a couple of games in the standings, but the season had a long way to go, and Brooklyn managed to salvage the series finale the next day by a 3-1 score. Still, when a pennant is decided by such a slim margin, it's very easy to pinpoint one or two plays in a single game that changed the destinies for the two teams fighting it out.
Such was the case in the first game of the doubleheader. The box score reveals the twists and turns this game took. St Louis scored 14 runs on 11 hits and no errors; Brooklyn scored 10 runs on 15 hits and committed two errors. Normally, a couple of errors doesn't change the entire outcome of a game. In this case, it most certainly did. As a result, it changed the entire outcome of the NL pennant race. Instead of winning 106 games, the Cardinals would have only won 105 games had the Dodgers played error-free ball on May 3. Coincidentally, the Dodgers would have won 105 games, as well, resulting in a first-place tie; resulting in a three-game playoff for the NL pennant.
Here's what happened: Brooklyn's starting pitcher, Whit Wyatt (a 19 game winner in '42) was only able to get two guys out in the bottom of the first-inning, after yielding five runs on two walks and three hits - one of those hits was a home run. He did manage to strike out one batter, so he probably had decent stuff that day. He was victimized by an infield fielding miscue by none other than future Hall of Fame shortstop Peewee Reese. Instead of getting the third out of the inning with no runs scoring, backup catcher Ken O'Dea was allowed to hit with the bases loaded - the result: Grand Salami (which capped off the scoring)!. Because of the error, all five runs were unearned. Still, Wyatt's day was over before he really had a chance to get going, as reliever Ed Head was brought in to restore order.
Instead, Head only put gasoline on the fire: 2 IP - 6 Hits - 5 Runs (All Earned) - 2 BB - 2 SO
The score after three innings: Cardinals 10 - Dodgers 2
After a five-run fourth and a three-run fifth, the Dodgers had come back to tie the score, 10-10! The culprits who blew the eight-run lead the Cardinals once held:
Harry Gumbert (3.2 IP - 6 Hits - 7 Runs [All Earned] - 2 BB - 2 SO)
Johnny Beazley (1 IP - 4 Hits - 3 Runs [All Earned] - 0 BB - 1 SO)
The game remained deadlocked until the Cardinals scored four unearned runs in the bottom of the seventh-inning on two hits five walks and an error by Dodgers' second baseman Billy Herman - another normally sure-handed infielder.
Cards' reliever Ernie White prevented any further Brooklyn scoring, with 4.1 innings of shutout pitching.
All told, of the 14 runs the Cardinals pushed across in this game - 9 were unearned. All 10 of the runs the Dodgers scored were earned. Of course, errors are a part of the game; in this particular instance a very big part of the game.
It not only impacted the result of the first game of this doubleheader; it may have completely altered the course of MLB history. Had there been a three-game playoff to decide the NL pennant winner, which team would have prevailed? Would there have been a dramatic come-from-behind ninth-inning pennant-winning home run which would pre-date the Shot Heard 'Round the World by nine years? With a possibly depleted pitching staff in the aftermath of a possible three-game playoff for the pennant, would either team have been able to handle the Yankees in the World Series?
Now that I think about it, Peewee Reese, Billy Herman, and Ken O'Dea were meant to do what they did 71 years ago today.
The first two games of this series were played on a beautiful Sunday afternoon at Sportsman's Park - a doubleheader that would ultimately control the destiny for both teams. As it played out, the Redbirds were able to win both games over the Dodgers (14-10 and 4-2) en route to a franchise-best 106-48 (.688) record. The Dodgers would finish in second-place with their franchise-best 104-50 (.675) record - usually good enough to win a pennant; just not this year. From a historical perspective, from 1901 to 1941, there were only twelve MLB league champions (out of 82) that had won 104 or more games, and no National League team had done it since the 1910 Chicago Cubs; so, it's easy to understand the frustration the Dodgers must have felt when they came up just a couple games short that year; especially if they think about the first game of this doubleheader - the one that got away.
The doubleheader sweep by the Cardinals didn't seem like such a big deal at the time (the second game was rained-out after six-innings, as Max Lanier picked up the win). Sure, the Cards picked up a couple of games in the standings, but the season had a long way to go, and Brooklyn managed to salvage the series finale the next day by a 3-1 score. Still, when a pennant is decided by such a slim margin, it's very easy to pinpoint one or two plays in a single game that changed the destinies for the two teams fighting it out.
Such was the case in the first game of the doubleheader. The box score reveals the twists and turns this game took. St Louis scored 14 runs on 11 hits and no errors; Brooklyn scored 10 runs on 15 hits and committed two errors. Normally, a couple of errors doesn't change the entire outcome of a game. In this case, it most certainly did. As a result, it changed the entire outcome of the NL pennant race. Instead of winning 106 games, the Cardinals would have only won 105 games had the Dodgers played error-free ball on May 3. Coincidentally, the Dodgers would have won 105 games, as well, resulting in a first-place tie; resulting in a three-game playoff for the NL pennant.
Here's what happened: Brooklyn's starting pitcher, Whit Wyatt (a 19 game winner in '42) was only able to get two guys out in the bottom of the first-inning, after yielding five runs on two walks and three hits - one of those hits was a home run. He did manage to strike out one batter, so he probably had decent stuff that day. He was victimized by an infield fielding miscue by none other than future Hall of Fame shortstop Peewee Reese. Instead of getting the third out of the inning with no runs scoring, backup catcher Ken O'Dea was allowed to hit with the bases loaded - the result: Grand Salami (which capped off the scoring)!. Because of the error, all five runs were unearned. Still, Wyatt's day was over before he really had a chance to get going, as reliever Ed Head was brought in to restore order.
Instead, Head only put gasoline on the fire: 2 IP - 6 Hits - 5 Runs (All Earned) - 2 BB - 2 SO
The score after three innings: Cardinals 10 - Dodgers 2
After a five-run fourth and a three-run fifth, the Dodgers had come back to tie the score, 10-10! The culprits who blew the eight-run lead the Cardinals once held:
Harry Gumbert (3.2 IP - 6 Hits - 7 Runs [All Earned] - 2 BB - 2 SO)
Johnny Beazley (1 IP - 4 Hits - 3 Runs [All Earned] - 0 BB - 1 SO)
The game remained deadlocked until the Cardinals scored four unearned runs in the bottom of the seventh-inning on two hits five walks and an error by Dodgers' second baseman Billy Herman - another normally sure-handed infielder.
Cards' reliever Ernie White prevented any further Brooklyn scoring, with 4.1 innings of shutout pitching.
All told, of the 14 runs the Cardinals pushed across in this game - 9 were unearned. All 10 of the runs the Dodgers scored were earned. Of course, errors are a part of the game; in this particular instance a very big part of the game.
It not only impacted the result of the first game of this doubleheader; it may have completely altered the course of MLB history. Had there been a three-game playoff to decide the NL pennant winner, which team would have prevailed? Would there have been a dramatic come-from-behind ninth-inning pennant-winning home run which would pre-date the Shot Heard 'Round the World by nine years? With a possibly depleted pitching staff in the aftermath of a possible three-game playoff for the pennant, would either team have been able to handle the Yankees in the World Series?
Now that I think about it, Peewee Reese, Billy Herman, and Ken O'Dea were meant to do what they did 71 years ago today.
Monday, June 11, 2012
No-Hit Oddities: Featuring Cards, Dodgers & A's
Did you know...Prior to Johan Santana's no-hitter against the Cardinals on June 1, the last time a defending World Series champion was victimized by a no-hitter: June 11, 1990 - Texas Rangers' Nolan Ryan no-hit the Oakland A's at the Coliseum; final score: 5-0. Ryan walked two and struck out 14, improving his record to 5-3. The A's went on to play in the World Series that year, but were somehow swept by the Cincinnati Reds in four games.
Strangely enough, the 1973 World Champion A's were no-hit in on July 19, 1974 by Cleveland's Dick Bosman in front of 24,302 screaming Cleveland fans, by a final score of 4-0. In a game that only took 1:56 to complete, Bosman struck out 4 and walked none, while improving his record to 2-0. Bosman's own 4th-inning throwing error allowed the only runner of the game to reach base for Oakland, depriving himself of a perfect game. The A's shrugged off the loss, and went on to play in the World Series that year, beating the LA Dodgers in six games.
The year prior, the defending World Series champion A's (who else?) were no-hit at home on July 30, 1973 by the Texas Rangers' Jim Bibby; final score: 6-0. Bibby walked six and struck out thirteen, as he improved his record to 5-6. And yes, Oakland went on to play in the World Series that year, beating the New York Mets in seven games.
Prior to that, the last time a defending World Series champion was no-hit: September 17, 1968 - At Candlestick Park, the San Francisco Giants' Gaylord Perry beat Bob Gibson and the St Louis Cardinals, by a score of 1-0. The Giants scored their lone run in the first inning, and Perry made it stand up as he improved his record to 15-14; walking two and fanning nine. Gibby was nearly as good, allowing just four hits in eight innings of work; walking two and fanning ten, as his record fell to 21-8. The Cards went on to lose the World Series that year, as Gibson lost Game Seven to Mickey Lolich and the Detroit Tigers, 4-1.
Prior to that, the last time a defending World Series champion failed to get a hit: October 8, 1956 - Game Five of the 1956 World Series - Don Larsen retired all 27 Brooklyn Dodgers at Yankee Stadium, as New York won the game by a 2-0 score. Larsen struck out seven, including pinch hitter Dale Mitchell on a called third strike to end the perfect game. The Yankees also won the Series, but it took seven games to dethrone the Dodgers.
Speaking of the Dodgers...The last two times they won the World Series, they also happened to be no-hit during the regular season each time. Believe it or not! On September 26, 1981, the Houston Astros' Nolan Ryan held LA hitless at the Astrodome; final score: 5-0. Ryan walked three and struck out eleven, improving his record to 10-5, while lowering his ERA to 1.74. LA advanced to the World Series in that strike-shortened season, and finally beat their primary nemesis - the New York Yankees - in six games.
Then on September 16, 1988, Cincinnati's Tom Browning was perfect - 27 up and 27 down - in beating LA at Riverfront Stadium; final score: 1-0. Browning threw exactly 100 pitches in the game, while recording seven strikeouts, as his record improved to 16-5. The "hitless wonder"-Dodgers advanced to the World Series; shocking the "Bash Brother"-Oakland A's in five games.
Proving that being victimized by a no-hitter is really no guarantee to winning the World Series for LA; Dennis Martinez of the Montreal Expos pitched a perfect game against the Dodgers - at Dodger Stadium - on July 28, 1991, striking out five in the process. El Presidente threw 96 pitches in the game, improving his record to 11-6. The Dodgers failed to make it to the postseason that time, finishing second in the National League West.
Whereas the Dodgers are hoping their most recent no-hit loss last Friday evening in Seattle will somehow lead them back to their first World Series title in twenty-four years, the Cardinals are hoping to keep the other streak alive, which currently stands at five (including the '56 World Series). That's how many consecutive times a defending World Series champion has managed to at least make it back to the Fall Classic after succumbing to a no-hitter. Counting the postseason, the defending champs are 2-3 in those unusual situations.
Of course, the Redbirds would like to improve that record to 3-3, as they hope to defy the postseason odds just one more time this year. Actually, I seriously doubt anybody in the world is even aware of this unique oddity; although now you know.
Do you love Cardinals trivia as much as I do? I'm the author of St Louis Cardinals IQ - The Ultimate Test of True Fandom - Volumes I & II (see below):
http://www.amazon.com/St-Louis-Cardinals-IQ-Ultimate/dp/0983792259/ref=cm_pdp_books_itm_title_5
http://www.amazon.com/St-Louis-Cardinals-IQ-Ultimate/dp/0982675933/ref=cm_pdp_books_itm_title_4
Strangely enough, the 1973 World Champion A's were no-hit in on July 19, 1974 by Cleveland's Dick Bosman in front of 24,302 screaming Cleveland fans, by a final score of 4-0. In a game that only took 1:56 to complete, Bosman struck out 4 and walked none, while improving his record to 2-0. Bosman's own 4th-inning throwing error allowed the only runner of the game to reach base for Oakland, depriving himself of a perfect game. The A's shrugged off the loss, and went on to play in the World Series that year, beating the LA Dodgers in six games.
The year prior, the defending World Series champion A's (who else?) were no-hit at home on July 30, 1973 by the Texas Rangers' Jim Bibby; final score: 6-0. Bibby walked six and struck out thirteen, as he improved his record to 5-6. And yes, Oakland went on to play in the World Series that year, beating the New York Mets in seven games.
Prior to that, the last time a defending World Series champion was no-hit: September 17, 1968 - At Candlestick Park, the San Francisco Giants' Gaylord Perry beat Bob Gibson and the St Louis Cardinals, by a score of 1-0. The Giants scored their lone run in the first inning, and Perry made it stand up as he improved his record to 15-14; walking two and fanning nine. Gibby was nearly as good, allowing just four hits in eight innings of work; walking two and fanning ten, as his record fell to 21-8. The Cards went on to lose the World Series that year, as Gibson lost Game Seven to Mickey Lolich and the Detroit Tigers, 4-1.
Prior to that, the last time a defending World Series champion failed to get a hit: October 8, 1956 - Game Five of the 1956 World Series - Don Larsen retired all 27 Brooklyn Dodgers at Yankee Stadium, as New York won the game by a 2-0 score. Larsen struck out seven, including pinch hitter Dale Mitchell on a called third strike to end the perfect game. The Yankees also won the Series, but it took seven games to dethrone the Dodgers.
Speaking of the Dodgers...The last two times they won the World Series, they also happened to be no-hit during the regular season each time. Believe it or not! On September 26, 1981, the Houston Astros' Nolan Ryan held LA hitless at the Astrodome; final score: 5-0. Ryan walked three and struck out eleven, improving his record to 10-5, while lowering his ERA to 1.74. LA advanced to the World Series in that strike-shortened season, and finally beat their primary nemesis - the New York Yankees - in six games.
Then on September 16, 1988, Cincinnati's Tom Browning was perfect - 27 up and 27 down - in beating LA at Riverfront Stadium; final score: 1-0. Browning threw exactly 100 pitches in the game, while recording seven strikeouts, as his record improved to 16-5. The "hitless wonder"-Dodgers advanced to the World Series; shocking the "Bash Brother"-Oakland A's in five games.
Proving that being victimized by a no-hitter is really no guarantee to winning the World Series for LA; Dennis Martinez of the Montreal Expos pitched a perfect game against the Dodgers - at Dodger Stadium - on July 28, 1991, striking out five in the process. El Presidente threw 96 pitches in the game, improving his record to 11-6. The Dodgers failed to make it to the postseason that time, finishing second in the National League West.
Whereas the Dodgers are hoping their most recent no-hit loss last Friday evening in Seattle will somehow lead them back to their first World Series title in twenty-four years, the Cardinals are hoping to keep the other streak alive, which currently stands at five (including the '56 World Series). That's how many consecutive times a defending World Series champion has managed to at least make it back to the Fall Classic after succumbing to a no-hitter. Counting the postseason, the defending champs are 2-3 in those unusual situations.
Of course, the Redbirds would like to improve that record to 3-3, as they hope to defy the postseason odds just one more time this year. Actually, I seriously doubt anybody in the world is even aware of this unique oddity; although now you know.
Do you love Cardinals trivia as much as I do? I'm the author of St Louis Cardinals IQ - The Ultimate Test of True Fandom - Volumes I & II (see below):
http://www.amazon.com/St-Louis-Cardinals-IQ-Ultimate/dp/0983792259/ref=cm_pdp_books_itm_title_5
http://www.amazon.com/St-Louis-Cardinals-IQ-Ultimate/dp/0982675933/ref=cm_pdp_books_itm_title_4
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Greene's Game Winner Silences Critics
When asked to explain his somewhat unorthodox approach to hitting, Yogi Berra supposedly once said, "Ninety percent of hitting is half mental." Behind all the zaniness of the irrepressible Berra was a ballplayer with terrific hand - eye coordination, who used that natural ability to become one of the greatest hitting catchers of all time. He rarely allowed his mind to be burdened with outside distractions or an over-analysis of his hitting technique. When asked what he was thinking whenever he was in the batters box, Yogi responded, "Think! How the hell are you gonna think and hit at the same time?"
Nowadays of course, many fine hitters watch hours upon hours of video, trying to figure out what they were either doing right or wrong in their approach to hitting at any given time, and armed with that information, take appropriate action. For some - "the thinkers" - this is a very helpful tool; for others, Yogi Berra's "non-thinking" approach produces the best results.
That "non-thinking" approach certainly worked for baseball's all-time hit king, Pete Rose, who shared his perspective in a recent interview with sportswriter Michael Dolan:
"I never watched myself hit on video and I never hit a ball off a tee, and I got 4200 fucking hits. I mean, a guy strikes out on a ball that bounces in front of home plate, and he runs into the dugout to watch it on video. Why the fuck would you put yourself through that?
I used to get texts from A-Rod a few years back. A-Rod would say things like 'I don't know what's going on, Pete. I'm hitting inside the ball.' I would say, 'Alex, I have no idea what the fuck you're talking about.' You can't think about hitting all the time. Calm down! I would tell him that you've got to just get a pitch and hit the fucking ball hard somewhere."
Let's face it; not all hitters are convinced that simple approach works best for them, especially when they're not hitting well; especially for extended periods of time. So they continue tinkering with their swing and continue trying new batting stances, until they find something that seems to work. Quite often they would have made so many adjustments, they come full-circle and return to an approach that worked well for them earlier in their careers, but abandoned at the first sign of a slump.
"Slump? I ain't in no slump. I just ain't hitting." That's how Yogi responded to a Yankees beat reporter who was pestering the three-time AL Most Valuable Player about his uncharacteristically slow start, early in the 1957 season. The previous year was one of Berra's finest, tying a career high with 30 home runs while driving in 105. Yogi also hit a solid .298, but most importantly, racked up a career high .534 slugging percentage.
It was bound to happen; after an impressive nine-year run (1948-1956) in which Berra averaged 106 RBI per season, the 32-year old Yankees catcher had his worst season in 1957, establishing career lows in three key offensive categories: RBI (82), BA (.251), and SLG (.438). That last number really stands out, since it's nearly 100 points less than the slugging percentage Yogi produced just one year earlier. It's also the best yardstick for measuring a hitter's true offensive productivity. Not only had Berra begun hitting for a lower average, his extra-base power was diminishing, as well; not uncommon for players on the wrong side of thirty.
When an aging player experiences a noticeable drop-off in production, the problem is often exasperated by drastic changes the player usually incorporates into his normal routine, designed to "fix" things. Typically, with all the changes happening, the player becomes confused and frustrated; especially if the fans and the media are constantly harping on what is perceived to be a prolonged "slump". Confused and frustrated players are usually unproductive hitters; that's why they're confused and frustrated to begin with! Unfortunately, by the time they start figuring things out again, their season is usually deemed a failure; especially, if they're an over-hyped superstar in the first year of a long-term multi-million dollar contract that seemed to come with a postseason guarantee as part of the deal.
Quite possibly, the pressure to succeed for some players is so intense, they self-destruct; especially when playing in front 40,000 now-hostile home fans, who boo them on every strikeout, pop-out, or error. That could explain why Cardinals second baseman Tyler Greene has had little success playing at Busch Stadium; while perhaps his finest hour came in a two-home run multiple-hit game in Houston earlier this year. ***UPDATE: Speak of the devil; Tyler's 2-out-2-run-8th-inning bomb was a game winner in St Louis! With the Cardinals already mired in a four-game losing streak, and only four outs away from losing their fifth straight game - at home - to the worst road team in the NL - the San Diego Padres - Greene's opposite field blast off a pitch clocked at 100 mph in front of 40,360 delirious fans, has now become the beleaguered second baseman's finest hour.
Or it could explain why a young and talented Kansas City Royals team endured that mysterious twelve-game losing streak earlier this year in front of their adoring fans at Kaufman Stadium; yet have played quite well on the road, away from the distractions they encounter at home.
Or it could explain why even a seasoned team like the Boston Red Sox have had so much difficulty playing in front of their rabid Fenway Park fans; but when they hit the road, they start winning with relative ease, away from all the noise of talk radio.
Quite possibly, the best solution for players going through any prolonged periods of poor performance is to stop thinking about it. That's easier said than done; especially when they constantly hear the outcry of public sentiment proclaiming them to be a bum. Of course, the larger the market, the louder the outcry. That may explain why some players simply don't feel comfortable playing under the intense scrutiny of New York or Boston, but thrive in more laid-back environments like Pittsburgh or Houston.
"Paralysis from analysis" can be a debilitating barrier to success in any endeavor; especially in a sport like baseball that requires split-second execution and timing. The slightest bit of indecision on any given play can be disastrous; that state of mind usually occurs when players spend so much time thinking about every little thing they need to do, they overload their brains with useless information, and don't seem to do anything right. If they were somehow unaware of their inability to perform their job description in a satisfactory manner, the fans would certainly remind them.
If more players would only heed the words of wisdom from both Yogi Berra and Pete Rose; to keep things simple; the quality of play would certainly improve, and the fans would really appreciate it. That's a real no-brainer. ***Finally; let's hope Tyler Greene will keep fans in St Louis cheering, rather than jeering his play. The Cardinals needed him to come through last night in order to escape another bitter defeat; he did it, in dramatic fashion. Lets hope this is the start of something big for Greene and the Redbirds!
Nowadays of course, many fine hitters watch hours upon hours of video, trying to figure out what they were either doing right or wrong in their approach to hitting at any given time, and armed with that information, take appropriate action. For some - "the thinkers" - this is a very helpful tool; for others, Yogi Berra's "non-thinking" approach produces the best results.
That "non-thinking" approach certainly worked for baseball's all-time hit king, Pete Rose, who shared his perspective in a recent interview with sportswriter Michael Dolan:
"I never watched myself hit on video and I never hit a ball off a tee, and I got 4200 fucking hits. I mean, a guy strikes out on a ball that bounces in front of home plate, and he runs into the dugout to watch it on video. Why the fuck would you put yourself through that?
I used to get texts from A-Rod a few years back. A-Rod would say things like 'I don't know what's going on, Pete. I'm hitting inside the ball.' I would say, 'Alex, I have no idea what the fuck you're talking about.' You can't think about hitting all the time. Calm down! I would tell him that you've got to just get a pitch and hit the fucking ball hard somewhere."
Let's face it; not all hitters are convinced that simple approach works best for them, especially when they're not hitting well; especially for extended periods of time. So they continue tinkering with their swing and continue trying new batting stances, until they find something that seems to work. Quite often they would have made so many adjustments, they come full-circle and return to an approach that worked well for them earlier in their careers, but abandoned at the first sign of a slump.
"Slump? I ain't in no slump. I just ain't hitting." That's how Yogi responded to a Yankees beat reporter who was pestering the three-time AL Most Valuable Player about his uncharacteristically slow start, early in the 1957 season. The previous year was one of Berra's finest, tying a career high with 30 home runs while driving in 105. Yogi also hit a solid .298, but most importantly, racked up a career high .534 slugging percentage.
It was bound to happen; after an impressive nine-year run (1948-1956) in which Berra averaged 106 RBI per season, the 32-year old Yankees catcher had his worst season in 1957, establishing career lows in three key offensive categories: RBI (82), BA (.251), and SLG (.438). That last number really stands out, since it's nearly 100 points less than the slugging percentage Yogi produced just one year earlier. It's also the best yardstick for measuring a hitter's true offensive productivity. Not only had Berra begun hitting for a lower average, his extra-base power was diminishing, as well; not uncommon for players on the wrong side of thirty.
When an aging player experiences a noticeable drop-off in production, the problem is often exasperated by drastic changes the player usually incorporates into his normal routine, designed to "fix" things. Typically, with all the changes happening, the player becomes confused and frustrated; especially if the fans and the media are constantly harping on what is perceived to be a prolonged "slump". Confused and frustrated players are usually unproductive hitters; that's why they're confused and frustrated to begin with! Unfortunately, by the time they start figuring things out again, their season is usually deemed a failure; especially, if they're an over-hyped superstar in the first year of a long-term multi-million dollar contract that seemed to come with a postseason guarantee as part of the deal.
Quite possibly, the pressure to succeed for some players is so intense, they self-destruct; especially when playing in front 40,000 now-hostile home fans, who boo them on every strikeout, pop-out, or error. That could explain why Cardinals second baseman Tyler Greene has had little success playing at Busch Stadium; while perhaps his finest hour came in a two-home run multiple-hit game in Houston earlier this year. ***UPDATE: Speak of the devil; Tyler's 2-out-2-run-8th-inning bomb was a game winner in St Louis! With the Cardinals already mired in a four-game losing streak, and only four outs away from losing their fifth straight game - at home - to the worst road team in the NL - the San Diego Padres - Greene's opposite field blast off a pitch clocked at 100 mph in front of 40,360 delirious fans, has now become the beleaguered second baseman's finest hour.
Or it could explain why a young and talented Kansas City Royals team endured that mysterious twelve-game losing streak earlier this year in front of their adoring fans at Kaufman Stadium; yet have played quite well on the road, away from the distractions they encounter at home.
Or it could explain why even a seasoned team like the Boston Red Sox have had so much difficulty playing in front of their rabid Fenway Park fans; but when they hit the road, they start winning with relative ease, away from all the noise of talk radio.
Quite possibly, the best solution for players going through any prolonged periods of poor performance is to stop thinking about it. That's easier said than done; especially when they constantly hear the outcry of public sentiment proclaiming them to be a bum. Of course, the larger the market, the louder the outcry. That may explain why some players simply don't feel comfortable playing under the intense scrutiny of New York or Boston, but thrive in more laid-back environments like Pittsburgh or Houston.
"Paralysis from analysis" can be a debilitating barrier to success in any endeavor; especially in a sport like baseball that requires split-second execution and timing. The slightest bit of indecision on any given play can be disastrous; that state of mind usually occurs when players spend so much time thinking about every little thing they need to do, they overload their brains with useless information, and don't seem to do anything right. If they were somehow unaware of their inability to perform their job description in a satisfactory manner, the fans would certainly remind them.
If more players would only heed the words of wisdom from both Yogi Berra and Pete Rose; to keep things simple; the quality of play would certainly improve, and the fans would really appreciate it. That's a real no-brainer. ***Finally; let's hope Tyler Greene will keep fans in St Louis cheering, rather than jeering his play. The Cardinals needed him to come through last night in order to escape another bitter defeat; he did it, in dramatic fashion. Lets hope this is the start of something big for Greene and the Redbirds!
Friday, May 11, 2012
2012 Cardinals Impersonating 1927 Yankees?
After the first thirty-one games of the 2012 season, the St Louis Cardinals are even hotter than they were over the final thirty-one games of the 2011 season, when they were by far, the hottest team on the planet. But are they merely "hot" or are they just incredibly good? At what point do we conclude this team is for real; that they are clearly the best team in the National League - quite possibly the best team in either league?
Taking it one step further, this particular Redbird edition is performing at such a ridiculously high level, it may well be regarded by Cardinal baseball historians as the best team in franchise history.
Far better than the fabled World Champion Gas House Gang of 1934 - featuring 30-game winner Dizzy Dean and fearsome slugger, Joe Medwick.
Far better than the '42 St Louis Swifties, who won 106 regular season games en route to an easy World Series title over the New York Yankees - featuring the greatness of rookie Stan Musial and the hard-nosed Enos "Country" Slaughter.
Far better than that great World Championship '67 team - featuring the electrifying Lou Brock and intimidating Bob Gibson at the peak of their careers.
Far better than any of them. Certainly, the 2012 St Louis Cardinals have the talent, but also have the usual caveat: They need to stay healthy to accomplish this historic potential. If they can avoid an over-abundance of those season-shortening injuries (they've already had their share), I like their chances. In fact, if this team is as good as they appear to be after thirty-one games - they may well be regarded as one of the most dominant teams in MLB history.
Believe it. The sample-size is still only about 19% of the 2012 season, but these Redbirds are putting up some staggering numbers in three key (saber-metric) measurements of performance that boggle the imagination:
*Run differential - +75 after 31 games. Aside from the Texas Rangers, no other MLB team is even within striking distance. What this means is the Cardinals are scoring - on average - nearly two and a half more runs per game than their opponents (actually, 2.42).
*OPS+ - Forget batting averages, slugging percentages, home runs, and all those other traditional measurements of offensive production. This number summarizes everything. Keep in mind that a score of 100 is "average". On a broader scale, even a few ticks higher than average can result in lots of extra wins. After 31 games, the Cardinals' composite total is a whopping 128.
*ERA+ - Forget the traditional earned run average, strikeouts, hits allowed, and all those other traditional measurements of pitching effectiveness. The same rules apply as above. After 31 games, the Cardinals' composite total is a very strong 119.
The Father of Saber-Metrics - Bill James - devised a very complicated formula (PYTHAGOREAN WINNING PERCENTAGE) for determining a team's winning percentage, if "luck" - good or bad - were removed from the equation. Here's the formula, which of course, makes absolutely no sense to me:
(RUNS SCORED) ^ 1.83
__________________________________________
(RUNS SCORED) ^ 1.83 + (RUNS ALLOWED) ^ 1.83
Let's suppose the Cardinals maintain their current pace for a full season; let's compare those projections to how the previous eleven World Championship Cardinal teams performed (as shown below). It's no contest; the 2012 Redbirds has all those other great Cardinal teams outdistanced by a fairly wide margin. They're on a pace to win 105 games in 2012; according to Bill James' Pythagorean winning percentage, the Redbirds should be winning more like 120 games this season.
It's interesting to note, the only team in MLB history that compares favorably to the early-season Cardinals of 2012 are the 1927 New York Yankees - considered by many baseball historians (including this one) to be the greatest team ever. They weren't called "Murderers Row" for nothing. Ruth and Gehrig were the featured attraction.
YEAR ACTUAL W-L (RUN DIFFERENTIAL) PYTHAGOREAN W-L OPS+ ERA+
1926 89-65 817 - 678 = 139 90-64 101 107
1931 101-53 815 - 614 = 201 97-57 98 116
1934 95-58 799 - 656 = 143 90-63 97 115
1942 106-48 755 - 480 = 275 107-47 103 135
1944 105-49 772 - 490 = 282 107-47 107 134
1946 98-58 712 - 545 = 167 97-59 99 115
1964 93-69 715 - 652 = 63 88-74 94 112
1967 101-60 695 - 557 = 138 97-64 101 108
1982 92-70 685 - 609 = 76 90-72 95 109
2006 83-78 781 - 762 = 19 82-79 97 98
2011 90-72 762 - 692 = 70 88-74 112 99
2012 STL 105-57 909 - 517 = 392 120-42 128 119
1927 NYY 110-44 975 - 599 = 376 109-45 127 122
Statistically speaking, the 2012 Cardinals of Freese, Molina, Beltran and company are almost identical to the '27 Yankees of Ruth, Gehrig, Lazzeri and company. There may have been previous seasons in St Louis Cardinals history that began as robustly as the current one; however, that seems unlikely. Whether or not this team can maintain this torrid pace for an entire 162-game schedule remains to be seen.
Regardless, the 2012 season to this point has been one of great satisfaction for Cardinals fans. Yes, it's still early; however, there's a very good chance this team is only getting better; that's almost a scary thought.
Taking it one step further, this particular Redbird edition is performing at such a ridiculously high level, it may well be regarded by Cardinal baseball historians as the best team in franchise history.
Far better than the fabled World Champion Gas House Gang of 1934 - featuring 30-game winner Dizzy Dean and fearsome slugger, Joe Medwick.
Far better than the '42 St Louis Swifties, who won 106 regular season games en route to an easy World Series title over the New York Yankees - featuring the greatness of rookie Stan Musial and the hard-nosed Enos "Country" Slaughter.
Far better than that great World Championship '67 team - featuring the electrifying Lou Brock and intimidating Bob Gibson at the peak of their careers.
Far better than any of them. Certainly, the 2012 St Louis Cardinals have the talent, but also have the usual caveat: They need to stay healthy to accomplish this historic potential. If they can avoid an over-abundance of those season-shortening injuries (they've already had their share), I like their chances. In fact, if this team is as good as they appear to be after thirty-one games - they may well be regarded as one of the most dominant teams in MLB history.
Believe it. The sample-size is still only about 19% of the 2012 season, but these Redbirds are putting up some staggering numbers in three key (saber-metric) measurements of performance that boggle the imagination:
*Run differential - +75 after 31 games. Aside from the Texas Rangers, no other MLB team is even within striking distance. What this means is the Cardinals are scoring - on average - nearly two and a half more runs per game than their opponents (actually, 2.42).
*OPS+ - Forget batting averages, slugging percentages, home runs, and all those other traditional measurements of offensive production. This number summarizes everything. Keep in mind that a score of 100 is "average". On a broader scale, even a few ticks higher than average can result in lots of extra wins. After 31 games, the Cardinals' composite total is a whopping 128.
*ERA+ - Forget the traditional earned run average, strikeouts, hits allowed, and all those other traditional measurements of pitching effectiveness. The same rules apply as above. After 31 games, the Cardinals' composite total is a very strong 119.
The Father of Saber-Metrics - Bill James - devised a very complicated formula (PYTHAGOREAN WINNING PERCENTAGE) for determining a team's winning percentage, if "luck" - good or bad - were removed from the equation. Here's the formula, which of course, makes absolutely no sense to me:
(RUNS SCORED) ^ 1.83
__________________________________________
(RUNS SCORED) ^ 1.83 + (RUNS ALLOWED) ^ 1.83
Let's suppose the Cardinals maintain their current pace for a full season; let's compare those projections to how the previous eleven World Championship Cardinal teams performed (as shown below). It's no contest; the 2012 Redbirds has all those other great Cardinal teams outdistanced by a fairly wide margin. They're on a pace to win 105 games in 2012; according to Bill James' Pythagorean winning percentage, the Redbirds should be winning more like 120 games this season.
It's interesting to note, the only team in MLB history that compares favorably to the early-season Cardinals of 2012 are the 1927 New York Yankees - considered by many baseball historians (including this one) to be the greatest team ever. They weren't called "Murderers Row" for nothing. Ruth and Gehrig were the featured attraction.
YEAR ACTUAL W-L (RUN DIFFERENTIAL) PYTHAGOREAN W-L OPS+ ERA+
1926 89-65 817 - 678 = 139 90-64 101 107
1931 101-53 815 - 614 = 201 97-57 98 116
1934 95-58 799 - 656 = 143 90-63 97 115
1942 106-48 755 - 480 = 275 107-47 103 135
1944 105-49 772 - 490 = 282 107-47 107 134
1946 98-58 712 - 545 = 167 97-59 99 115
1964 93-69 715 - 652 = 63 88-74 94 112
1967 101-60 695 - 557 = 138 97-64 101 108
1982 92-70 685 - 609 = 76 90-72 95 109
2006 83-78 781 - 762 = 19 82-79 97 98
2011 90-72 762 - 692 = 70 88-74 112 99
2012 STL 105-57 909 - 517 = 392 120-42 128 119
1927 NYY 110-44 975 - 599 = 376 109-45 127 122
Statistically speaking, the 2012 Cardinals of Freese, Molina, Beltran and company are almost identical to the '27 Yankees of Ruth, Gehrig, Lazzeri and company. There may have been previous seasons in St Louis Cardinals history that began as robustly as the current one; however, that seems unlikely. Whether or not this team can maintain this torrid pace for an entire 162-game schedule remains to be seen.
Regardless, the 2012 season to this point has been one of great satisfaction for Cardinals fans. Yes, it's still early; however, there's a very good chance this team is only getting better; that's almost a scary thought.
Monday, April 9, 2012
Cardinals Playing Like World Champions
The Cardinals have started the 2012 season looking like a team that just won the World Series; not at all like a team in disarray after losing its best player to free agency, its Hall of Fame-bound manager to retirement and its long-time pitching coach tending to family matters; and whose pitching ace is sidelined for an indefinite period of time with an ailing shoulder, just for good measure.
Indeed, even after the Redbirds captured their eleventh World Championship last fall in historic fashion, many skeptics attributed that to just being "hot" at the right time. So, when Albert Pujols, Tony LaRussa and Dave Duncan vacated the premises, it was widely assumed the defending champions would stumble out of the gate, ice-cold, dazed and confused; led by a rookie manager - Mike Matheny - who would surely be overwhelmed by his new role.
Well, that scenario hasn't been on the agenda, and it doesn't seem likely to happen any time soon. The Cardinals are a very good team; maybe even a great team. Certainly, the measure of just how good this team really is depends on how well they navigate through the long 162-game grind, and of course, whether or not they reach the postseason. For this bunch of confident Redbirds who are off to a nice 3-1 start to the new season, reaching the postseason seems to be a foregone conclusion; they won't be satisfied with anything less than another World Championship. Even the most impartial observer would have to say the Cardinals' chances are at least as good as anybody's, at this stage of the game.
Meanwhile, MLB's version of Sweeps Week featured some interesting results:
The Tampa Bay Rays swept a three-game series at home vs the New York Yankees. In the Season Opener, the Rays rallied for two runs in the ninth-inning, as Mariano Rivera blew the save and the game for New York. The aging Yankees have widespread issues, but starting pitching is their biggest concern. Will the formerly-retired Andy Pettitte help bolster the rotation? Don't count on it.
Baltimore's three game sweep of Minnesota was impressive; the O's seem to have some quality starting pitching in that rotation. This could be the year Baltimore escapes the AL East cellar, although I'm not sure if the Yankees or Red Sox are ready to take that spot quite yet; but those appear to be the only candidates for that position in 2012.
Poor Boston. They deserved a better fate than the three-game annihilation at the hands of the Detroit Tigers; however, blowing a three-run lead in the ninth inning is inexcusable; then, allowing the two-run walk-off bomb to Alex Avilla in the 11th-inning must have Bobby V wishing he was still managing in Japan. If the Red Sox don't solve their back-end bullpen woes very soon, this could be another epic nightmare for Boston; a season-long disaster this time.
Poor Atlanta. Apparently, they haven't recovered from their September swoon, either. The New York Mets, with a healthy Johan Santana back in the starting rotation, and a healthy and confident David Wright swinging a hot bat, may be the surprise team coming out of the NL East this season.
Meanwhile, at Chase Field, the Arizona Diamondbacks overcame a six-run deficit to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday to complete a stunning three-game sweep of the 2010 World Champions. The Giants managed to avoid starting the season at 0-4, when Barry Zito, of all people, pitched a four-hit shutout against the Colorado Rockies' - in their Home Opener, no less. This is the first time a Rockies team has ever been shutout in any Home Opener (this was their twentieth); and it was Barry Zito who did it; Barry Zito. It only took six years for that seven-year Zito contract to pay dividends for the Giants.
In other news, both the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs would be 3-0 if their bullpens didn't blow late leads in their first two games of the season; however, they both came away with a Sunday win, and they both appear to have promising arms in the starting rotation. Could this be the year both teams play each other in the World Series? Not with those bullpens!
In the Battle of LA, the upper hand goes to the Dodgers, who just won three out of four games against the Padres in San Diego, while the much-ballyhooed debut of King Albert Pujols of the Angels was a non-event. The KC Royals took two out of three from the Halos in Disneyland, as Albert's bat was a bit dormant. So far, his only RBI of the 2012 season came on an infield ground-out in Sunday's loss to the Royals.
At this stage of the 2012 season, David Freese has driven in eight times (updated) more runs than the $240 Million Man. With teammate Rafael Furcal off to a sizzling start, it's no wonder Freese and Company are getting a lot of RBI opportunities. Despite being shutout in their one loss, the Cards have averaged six runs per game, and hope to improve on that average as they begin a crucial three-game series in Cincinnati.
UPDATE: The Cardinals did improve that six runs per game average (to 6.2), by scoring seven times in their easy win over Cincinnati, 7-1. The Redbirds jumped on Reds pitcher Homer Bailey for four first-inning runs, featuring three "homers" by Matt Holliday, David Freese (two-run job), and Yadier Molina.
One final observation: Less than 17,000 fans were in attendance at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati for the big showdown between the hometown Reds and the World Champion Cardinals. That seems unusually low, in light of the fact that the Reds have won a few games in the early going, including an exciting comeback win over the Marlins on Sunday, and particularly, in light of the front office locking in their big-time slugger, Joey Votto, essentially forever. Apparently, the fans aren't buying the notion that the Reds are legitimate contenders; or, they had a bad feeling about that game with "Homer" pitching?
Game two of the three-game series with the listless Reds featured another outstanding pitching performance from Kyle Lohse (2-0) and more long-ball from the heart of the Cardinal lineup; Carlos Beltran's solo first-inning blast (3) gave St Louis a quick 1-0 lead; David Freese's opposite-field shot (3) in the sixth-inning with Lance Berkman on base, padded the lead to 3-1, and that's how it ended. The Road Warrior Redbirds are now 5-1 on the young season, and now have hit eleven home runs as a team; they're looking forward to their Friday Home Opener, although playing on the road doesn't seem to bother them at all. This is a confident team, and it shows; they know they're good, and seem intent on letting the baseball world know they're for real.
They're certainly convincing folks from Miami to Milwaukee, and over to Cincinnati of that fact; in convincing fashion. Hopefully, the Redbirds will complete the three-game sweep of the Reds on Wednesday, and continue their red-hot play when they finally get to play in front of the home crowd. I know there are thousands of fans who can hardly wait to welcome their heroes home; they'll get their chance on Friday.
Meanwhile, MLB's version of Sweeps Week featured some interesting results:
The Tampa Bay Rays swept a three-game series at home vs the New York Yankees. In the Season Opener, the Rays rallied for two runs in the ninth-inning, as Mariano Rivera blew the save and the game for New York. The aging Yankees have widespread issues, but starting pitching is their biggest concern. Will the formerly-retired Andy Pettitte help bolster the rotation? Don't count on it.
Baltimore's three game sweep of Minnesota was impressive; the O's seem to have some quality starting pitching in that rotation. This could be the year Baltimore escapes the AL East cellar, although I'm not sure if the Yankees or Red Sox are ready to take that spot quite yet; but those appear to be the only candidates for that position in 2012.
Poor Boston. They deserved a better fate than the three-game annihilation at the hands of the Detroit Tigers; however, blowing a three-run lead in the ninth inning is inexcusable; then, allowing the two-run walk-off bomb to Alex Avilla in the 11th-inning must have Bobby V wishing he was still managing in Japan. If the Red Sox don't solve their back-end bullpen woes very soon, this could be another epic nightmare for Boston; a season-long disaster this time.
Poor Atlanta. Apparently, they haven't recovered from their September swoon, either. The New York Mets, with a healthy Johan Santana back in the starting rotation, and a healthy and confident David Wright swinging a hot bat, may be the surprise team coming out of the NL East this season.
Meanwhile, at Chase Field, the Arizona Diamondbacks overcame a six-run deficit to the San Francisco Giants on Sunday to complete a stunning three-game sweep of the 2010 World Champions. The Giants managed to avoid starting the season at 0-4, when Barry Zito, of all people, pitched a four-hit shutout against the Colorado Rockies' - in their Home Opener, no less. This is the first time a Rockies team has ever been shutout in any Home Opener (this was their twentieth); and it was Barry Zito who did it; Barry Zito. It only took six years for that seven-year Zito contract to pay dividends for the Giants.
In other news, both the Cleveland Indians and Chicago Cubs would be 3-0 if their bullpens didn't blow late leads in their first two games of the season; however, they both came away with a Sunday win, and they both appear to have promising arms in the starting rotation. Could this be the year both teams play each other in the World Series? Not with those bullpens!
In the Battle of LA, the upper hand goes to the Dodgers, who just won three out of four games against the Padres in San Diego, while the much-ballyhooed debut of King Albert Pujols of the Angels was a non-event. The KC Royals took two out of three from the Halos in Disneyland, as Albert's bat was a bit dormant. So far, his only RBI of the 2012 season came on an infield ground-out in Sunday's loss to the Royals.
At this stage of the 2012 season, David Freese has driven in eight times (updated) more runs than the $240 Million Man. With teammate Rafael Furcal off to a sizzling start, it's no wonder Freese and Company are getting a lot of RBI opportunities. Despite being shutout in their one loss, the Cards have averaged six runs per game, and hope to improve on that average as they begin a crucial three-game series in Cincinnati.
UPDATE: The Cardinals did improve that six runs per game average (to 6.2), by scoring seven times in their easy win over Cincinnati, 7-1. The Redbirds jumped on Reds pitcher Homer Bailey for four first-inning runs, featuring three "homers" by Matt Holliday, David Freese (two-run job), and Yadier Molina.
One final observation: Less than 17,000 fans were in attendance at Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati for the big showdown between the hometown Reds and the World Champion Cardinals. That seems unusually low, in light of the fact that the Reds have won a few games in the early going, including an exciting comeback win over the Marlins on Sunday, and particularly, in light of the front office locking in their big-time slugger, Joey Votto, essentially forever. Apparently, the fans aren't buying the notion that the Reds are legitimate contenders; or, they had a bad feeling about that game with "Homer" pitching?
Game two of the three-game series with the listless Reds featured another outstanding pitching performance from Kyle Lohse (2-0) and more long-ball from the heart of the Cardinal lineup; Carlos Beltran's solo first-inning blast (3) gave St Louis a quick 1-0 lead; David Freese's opposite-field shot (3) in the sixth-inning with Lance Berkman on base, padded the lead to 3-1, and that's how it ended. The Road Warrior Redbirds are now 5-1 on the young season, and now have hit eleven home runs as a team; they're looking forward to their Friday Home Opener, although playing on the road doesn't seem to bother them at all. This is a confident team, and it shows; they know they're good, and seem intent on letting the baseball world know they're for real.
They're certainly convincing folks from Miami to Milwaukee, and over to Cincinnati of that fact; in convincing fashion. Hopefully, the Redbirds will complete the three-game sweep of the Reds on Wednesday, and continue their red-hot play when they finally get to play in front of the home crowd. I know there are thousands of fans who can hardly wait to welcome their heroes home; they'll get their chance on Friday.
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Mariano Rivera: Better Than Necessary for Yankees
Today (March 9, 2013) the New York Yankees great Mariano Rivera officially announced that the upcoming 2013 season - his 18th - would be his last. It's hard to imagine the Sandman will be gone after this year, but as he said in a press conference today, there's really nothing left for him to accomplish on a baseball field. As his old battery-mate Jorge Posada said, there will never be another reliever like him - essentially, a one-pitch closer who was nearly impossible to hit, even though the hitters always knew what was coming; they just never knew where it was going to be located by the time it reached home plate. He probably shattered more bats than any other reliever in MLB history, although there are no official records on that; at least to my knowledge.
I thought this would be a good time to dig into the archives; the following was written about a year ago:
Mariano Rivera is not only the greatest reliever in MLB history, he's the greatest pitcher of any kind, in MLB history. It's not even close. Aside from his record-breaking career saves total of 603, Rivera's 2.06 career ERA has been compiled over a period of time that has been a hitter's era. Perhaps the best measurement of his dominance is reflected in his ERA+ during his seventeen seasons: 206. Nobody else is even in that neighborhood. Pedro Martinez is a distant second with 154. Some guy named Jim Devlin is in third place, with 151. Then comes Lefty Grove's 148 and Walter Johnson's 147.
Cy Young? 138. How about some more contemporary names, like Sandy Koufax? 131. Bob Gibson, Tom Seaver and Curt Schilling? All three tied at 128.
That's how good Mariano Rivera has been; far above any other pitcher in MLB history. In fact, he has been so good, his skills have far exceeded what his team actually needed; at least for the most part.
Yogi Berra once addressed an audience that had assembled to pay tribute to the Yankee great, with these renowned words of wisdom: "Thank you for making this day necessary."
Strangely enough, when the Yankees were going through that incredible World Championship run from 1996 to 2000, winning four out of five times, they really didn't even need a closer. Of course, they happened to have the greatest one who ever lived coming out of their bullpen, so they went to him to close games out, more as a formality than anything else.
Essentially, Mariano Rivera was better than "necessary" since the Yankees were far superior to any other team in baseball, with or without him; especially when they were making mincemeat of their National League challengers in their most recent late-twentieth century World Championship heyday.
It all started when the Yankees rallied from a 2-0 deficit to the reigning World Champion Atlanta Braves in the '96 Fall Classic; winning four straight games to complete the remarkable comeback in relative ease; in just six games. Mariano hadn't taken over the closer's role for the Yankees yet, but they didn't need him anyway.
The '98 World Series was a joke. The over-matched Padres had no chance, getting swept in four straight. Of course, Rivera sealed the deal, but there wasn't a closer in baseball who couldn't have secured those easy wins. Mitch Williams could have come out of retirement to do the job and the Yankees still would have prevailed; it may have taken a couple of extra games, but there was no way they could lose.
The '99 rematch against the Atlanta Braves was once again, no contest.
Nor was the 2000 all-New York Fall Classic - the Subway Series - even remotely challenging for the Bronx Bombers.
Of course, Rivera came in; got some easy saves, and was on the mound for each clinching Kodak moment. He had a few dicey moments from time to time, but even if he had failed in some of those instances, it wouldn't have mattered in the long run. The Yankees were going to win, eventually. It just didn't matter what Mariano did.
Using the great Mariano Rivera in those lopsided World Series victories is pretty much equivalent to using an atomic bomb to kill a mosquito. Or like using the Pacific Ocean to douse a cigarette. Like using the sun to light a candle. Overkill, to the max.
Certainly, he's had many moments to shine in the postseason during his illustrious 17-year career; the Yankees have advanced to the ALDS sixteen times, winning nine times to advance to the ALCS; prevailing seven times to advance to the World Series; and coming out on top five different times; most recently, in 2009, when he wasn't really needed to dispose of the Philadelphia Phillies, either.
His career postseason record is almost unbelievable in its excellence: 8 wins - 1 loss, with 42 saves and an ERA of 0.70. Gaudy numbers, indeed.
Ironically, his only postseason loss came in the crucial Game Seven of the 2001 World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Entering the game in the bottom of the ninth-inning in Phoenix, trying to protect a 2-1 lead, Mariano gave up a couple of runs to give the D-Backs their first World Championship. Unbelievably, the greatest pitcher in MLB history - the greatest pitcher in postseason history - failed to record yet another save in what has proved to be the most crucial blown save of his career.
This was the only time his team really needed him, in order to win a World Series. The fact that he didn't get the job done on that one occasion is one of the most shocking things to ever occur in World Series history. The mosquito somehow escaped that nuclear blast; the ocean couldn't douse that cigarette; the sun couldn't light that measly candle.
Mariano Rivera lost the game and the Series for New York; the only time they really needed him in order to win another World Championship. The only time he was really necessary.
All those other times, the greatest pitcher in MLB history was far better than necessary; closing out games for a team that was so good, his services almost became a luxury. Of course, the Yankees were very happy to have him for all those years; especially since Rivera probably would've made a difference for a few other teams that were close to winning a World Series, but came up just a bit short. Maybe the Cleveland Indians ('97) might've been able to prevail over the Marlins with Mo closing out Game Seven. Maybe the Atlanta Braves may have kept the Yankees from rallying in '96 with a young Mariano Rivera working the back-end of their bullpen.
Who knows? He may have been better than necessary for the Yankees, but no need to take any chances with the greatest closer in the history of the game.
I thought this would be a good time to dig into the archives; the following was written about a year ago:
Mariano Rivera is not only the greatest reliever in MLB history, he's the greatest pitcher of any kind, in MLB history. It's not even close. Aside from his record-breaking career saves total of 603, Rivera's 2.06 career ERA has been compiled over a period of time that has been a hitter's era. Perhaps the best measurement of his dominance is reflected in his ERA+ during his seventeen seasons: 206. Nobody else is even in that neighborhood. Pedro Martinez is a distant second with 154. Some guy named Jim Devlin is in third place, with 151. Then comes Lefty Grove's 148 and Walter Johnson's 147.
Cy Young? 138. How about some more contemporary names, like Sandy Koufax? 131. Bob Gibson, Tom Seaver and Curt Schilling? All three tied at 128.
That's how good Mariano Rivera has been; far above any other pitcher in MLB history. In fact, he has been so good, his skills have far exceeded what his team actually needed; at least for the most part.
Yogi Berra once addressed an audience that had assembled to pay tribute to the Yankee great, with these renowned words of wisdom: "Thank you for making this day necessary."
Strangely enough, when the Yankees were going through that incredible World Championship run from 1996 to 2000, winning four out of five times, they really didn't even need a closer. Of course, they happened to have the greatest one who ever lived coming out of their bullpen, so they went to him to close games out, more as a formality than anything else.
Essentially, Mariano Rivera was better than "necessary" since the Yankees were far superior to any other team in baseball, with or without him; especially when they were making mincemeat of their National League challengers in their most recent late-twentieth century World Championship heyday.
It all started when the Yankees rallied from a 2-0 deficit to the reigning World Champion Atlanta Braves in the '96 Fall Classic; winning four straight games to complete the remarkable comeback in relative ease; in just six games. Mariano hadn't taken over the closer's role for the Yankees yet, but they didn't need him anyway.
The '98 World Series was a joke. The over-matched Padres had no chance, getting swept in four straight. Of course, Rivera sealed the deal, but there wasn't a closer in baseball who couldn't have secured those easy wins. Mitch Williams could have come out of retirement to do the job and the Yankees still would have prevailed; it may have taken a couple of extra games, but there was no way they could lose.
The '99 rematch against the Atlanta Braves was once again, no contest.
Nor was the 2000 all-New York Fall Classic - the Subway Series - even remotely challenging for the Bronx Bombers.
Of course, Rivera came in; got some easy saves, and was on the mound for each clinching Kodak moment. He had a few dicey moments from time to time, but even if he had failed in some of those instances, it wouldn't have mattered in the long run. The Yankees were going to win, eventually. It just didn't matter what Mariano did.
Using the great Mariano Rivera in those lopsided World Series victories is pretty much equivalent to using an atomic bomb to kill a mosquito. Or like using the Pacific Ocean to douse a cigarette. Like using the sun to light a candle. Overkill, to the max.
Certainly, he's had many moments to shine in the postseason during his illustrious 17-year career; the Yankees have advanced to the ALDS sixteen times, winning nine times to advance to the ALCS; prevailing seven times to advance to the World Series; and coming out on top five different times; most recently, in 2009, when he wasn't really needed to dispose of the Philadelphia Phillies, either.
His career postseason record is almost unbelievable in its excellence: 8 wins - 1 loss, with 42 saves and an ERA of 0.70. Gaudy numbers, indeed.
Ironically, his only postseason loss came in the crucial Game Seven of the 2001 World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Entering the game in the bottom of the ninth-inning in Phoenix, trying to protect a 2-1 lead, Mariano gave up a couple of runs to give the D-Backs their first World Championship. Unbelievably, the greatest pitcher in MLB history - the greatest pitcher in postseason history - failed to record yet another save in what has proved to be the most crucial blown save of his career.
This was the only time his team really needed him, in order to win a World Series. The fact that he didn't get the job done on that one occasion is one of the most shocking things to ever occur in World Series history. The mosquito somehow escaped that nuclear blast; the ocean couldn't douse that cigarette; the sun couldn't light that measly candle.
Mariano Rivera lost the game and the Series for New York; the only time they really needed him in order to win another World Championship. The only time he was really necessary.
All those other times, the greatest pitcher in MLB history was far better than necessary; closing out games for a team that was so good, his services almost became a luxury. Of course, the Yankees were very happy to have him for all those years; especially since Rivera probably would've made a difference for a few other teams that were close to winning a World Series, but came up just a bit short. Maybe the Cleveland Indians ('97) might've been able to prevail over the Marlins with Mo closing out Game Seven. Maybe the Atlanta Braves may have kept the Yankees from rallying in '96 with a young Mariano Rivera working the back-end of their bullpen.
Who knows? He may have been better than necessary for the Yankees, but no need to take any chances with the greatest closer in the history of the game.
Friday, January 20, 2012
Prediction: No Postseason Play for Aging Yankees
Contrary to what most baseball experts believe, the New York Yankees are no longer the best team in the American League. In fact, they're not even the best team in their division; maybe not even the second best team in the much-improved (except the Yankees) AL East.
On the surface, the Yankees appeared to have addressed their most glaring weakness - starting pitching - when they signed 37-year old free agent former-Dodger Hiroki Kuroda to a $10 million one-year deal and acquired (via trade) 22-year old rookie sensation Michael Pineda from the Mariners. With last year's shaky pitching trio of AJ Burnett, Freddy Garcia and Phil Hughes providing little stability to the rotation, adding these two arms should eat up some innings in 2012. That's the good news.
Here's the bad news:
Kuroda has spent his entire four-year major league career with the Dodgers, who play their home games in pitcher's haven Chavez Ravine. Consequently, his career ERA of 3.45 is artificially low, which accounts for a so-so won loss record of 41-46. He may give the Yanks some innings, but don't expect double digit wins as his ERA soars well over 4 runs per game in hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium.
Likewise, Pineda's 2011 ERA of 3.74 seems like a pretty good number for a rookie, but Safeco Field was his home field advantage. Pitching away from home resulted in a less than desirable 4.40 ERA for the youngster. Performing in the harsh spotlight of New York is never easy for even the most seasoned hurler; putting that kind of pressure on a kid with just one season of stress-free experience on his resume may be disastrous.
Last year, the Yankees relied heavily on the one-two pitching punch of CC Sabathia (19-8) and rookie Ivan Nova (16-4) to facilitate another trip to the post season, as AL East division champions. Their failure to get past the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS reveals what is perhaps the real challenge facing New York heading into the 2012 season: The offensive core of this team has grown old. Derek Jeter is heading into his age-37 season and Alex Rodriguez seems practically washed-up at the age of 36. Of course, neither key player did much of anything in that five-game flop against Detroit.
Ironically, only the now-deposed Jorge Posada rose to the occasion in that series, hitting .429 (6 for 14), drawing four walks (OBP of .579), and slugging an impressive (especially for a 40-year old) .571. By contrast, Jeter hit just .250 while striking out a team-high eight times, and A-Rod managed a paltry .111 BA with six whiffs, including the game and series-ending punch-out.
More bad news:
The Yankees dealt rising star Jesus Montero (.328 - .406 - .590 with four home runs in 18 games) to Seattle in exchange for Pineda. Montero displayed great opposite-field power in his brief stint with the Yankees last season, and would've fit in nicely in the middle of that lineup in '12. Certainly, there is some offensive fire-power returning in '12, led by the explosive Robinson Cano, who drove in 118 runs while scoring 104 in '11. Curtis Granderson had a career year with 139 runs scored, 119 RBIs, 41 home runs, and an OPS+ of 138, but can he keep up that type of production in '12? It's more likely he'll return to his normal career averages: 109 runs scored, 81 RBIs, 28 home runs, with an OPS+ of 117. Those are good numbers, but nowhere near his 2011 production.
When all is said and done, the failure of the Yankees to reach the 2012 post season will be largely attributed to the continued demise of Alex Rodriguez. Here's a look at A-Rod's steadily declining OPS+ since he led the American League in 2007:
'07 - 176
'08 - 150
'09 - 138
'10 - 123
'11 - 116
Look for that OPS+ to fall below the "average" level of 100 in 2012. That's not the kind of production the Yankees are going to need from its aging superstar third baseman, if they expect to reach the post season, and possibly win another World Series.
Unfortunately, if you're a Yankees fan; that's the harsh reality. Don't expect to see New York playing past the first 162 games in 2012. Their glory years are at least temporarily on hiatus.
Larry Underwood is a baseball historian, die-hard Cardinals fan and author. Here's his latest: St Louis Cardinals IQ - The Ultimate Test of True Fandom (Volume 2)
http://www.amazon.com/St-Louis-Cardinals-IQ-Ultimate/dp/0983792259/ref=cm_pdp_books_itm_title_5
On the surface, the Yankees appeared to have addressed their most glaring weakness - starting pitching - when they signed 37-year old free agent former-Dodger Hiroki Kuroda to a $10 million one-year deal and acquired (via trade) 22-year old rookie sensation Michael Pineda from the Mariners. With last year's shaky pitching trio of AJ Burnett, Freddy Garcia and Phil Hughes providing little stability to the rotation, adding these two arms should eat up some innings in 2012. That's the good news.
Here's the bad news:
Kuroda has spent his entire four-year major league career with the Dodgers, who play their home games in pitcher's haven Chavez Ravine. Consequently, his career ERA of 3.45 is artificially low, which accounts for a so-so won loss record of 41-46. He may give the Yanks some innings, but don't expect double digit wins as his ERA soars well over 4 runs per game in hitter-friendly Yankee Stadium.
Likewise, Pineda's 2011 ERA of 3.74 seems like a pretty good number for a rookie, but Safeco Field was his home field advantage. Pitching away from home resulted in a less than desirable 4.40 ERA for the youngster. Performing in the harsh spotlight of New York is never easy for even the most seasoned hurler; putting that kind of pressure on a kid with just one season of stress-free experience on his resume may be disastrous.
Last year, the Yankees relied heavily on the one-two pitching punch of CC Sabathia (19-8) and rookie Ivan Nova (16-4) to facilitate another trip to the post season, as AL East division champions. Their failure to get past the Detroit Tigers in the ALDS reveals what is perhaps the real challenge facing New York heading into the 2012 season: The offensive core of this team has grown old. Derek Jeter is heading into his age-37 season and Alex Rodriguez seems practically washed-up at the age of 36. Of course, neither key player did much of anything in that five-game flop against Detroit.
Ironically, only the now-deposed Jorge Posada rose to the occasion in that series, hitting .429 (6 for 14), drawing four walks (OBP of .579), and slugging an impressive (especially for a 40-year old) .571. By contrast, Jeter hit just .250 while striking out a team-high eight times, and A-Rod managed a paltry .111 BA with six whiffs, including the game and series-ending punch-out.
More bad news:
The Yankees dealt rising star Jesus Montero (.328 - .406 - .590 with four home runs in 18 games) to Seattle in exchange for Pineda. Montero displayed great opposite-field power in his brief stint with the Yankees last season, and would've fit in nicely in the middle of that lineup in '12. Certainly, there is some offensive fire-power returning in '12, led by the explosive Robinson Cano, who drove in 118 runs while scoring 104 in '11. Curtis Granderson had a career year with 139 runs scored, 119 RBIs, 41 home runs, and an OPS+ of 138, but can he keep up that type of production in '12? It's more likely he'll return to his normal career averages: 109 runs scored, 81 RBIs, 28 home runs, with an OPS+ of 117. Those are good numbers, but nowhere near his 2011 production.
When all is said and done, the failure of the Yankees to reach the 2012 post season will be largely attributed to the continued demise of Alex Rodriguez. Here's a look at A-Rod's steadily declining OPS+ since he led the American League in 2007:
'07 - 176
'08 - 150
'09 - 138
'10 - 123
'11 - 116
Look for that OPS+ to fall below the "average" level of 100 in 2012. That's not the kind of production the Yankees are going to need from its aging superstar third baseman, if they expect to reach the post season, and possibly win another World Series.
Unfortunately, if you're a Yankees fan; that's the harsh reality. Don't expect to see New York playing past the first 162 games in 2012. Their glory years are at least temporarily on hiatus.
Larry Underwood is a baseball historian, die-hard Cardinals fan and author. Here's his latest: St Louis Cardinals IQ - The Ultimate Test of True Fandom (Volume 2)
http://www.amazon.com/St-Louis-Cardinals-IQ-Ultimate/dp/0983792259/ref=cm_pdp_books_itm_title_5
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