For god's sake who is it!?!?!?
Printable View
For god's sake who is it!?!?!?
My Guess is Nick
RedsoxRockies: I guess I have been a little too "death-reliant" in this dynasty. It's just...once the blood starts flowing, you just can't stop it! :D
GoSensGo: Let me stall just a little bit longer...
...Okay, I think we're ready.
SEPTEMBER 30
*Quote:
Originally Posted by The Philadelphia Enquirer
Talk about bad timing.
Did your manager push him too hard?
GoSens: I don't want to give too much away, but it is really bad timing on his part.
1944 WORLD SERIES
GAME 3
With the team without a starter, Bucky Harris turned to the wily veteran, Red Ruffing, on only 2 days rest. Ruffing (18-10, 3.17 ERA, 154 K) started and lost Game 1, but willingly stepped forward to start today in place of the late Jack Kraus.
The Yankees would counter with Spud Chandler. The 20-game winner (22-6, 2.95 ERA) is making his first World Series start in 3 years. He has quite an arsenal of pitches, bringing a fastball, curve, slider, forkball, and a knuckler to the mound.
The rust on Ruffing was evident immediately, as he reached 3-ball counts on every batter in the first inning. With one out, Tommy Henrich doubled, then scored on a Harlond Clift single. Yankees 1, Phillies 0. Joe DiMaggio followed with a double of his own, scoring Clift. Yankees 2, Phillies 0. Fortunately, Ruffing was able to bear down and retire the Yankees without surrendering another run.
Chandler, however, was a bundle of nerves. With one out, Johnny Blatnik and Ron Northey both singled in front of Gil Hodges, who slashed a run-scoring double to left field. Yankees 2, Phillies 1. Vern Stephens followed with a double of his own, knocking in two. Phillies 3, Yankees 2.
Both teams recorded 2-out hits in the second, but could not score.
The Yankees ran themselves out of the third inning, when Joe DiMaggio tried to go from first to third on a single to left. Johnny Blatnik wasn’t having any of that, though, and threw Joe D. out at third.
With one out in the bottom of the third, Hodges walked, and Stephens singled, setting up Andy Seminick, who poked a single through the middle. Phillies 4, Yankees 2.
The Yankees were sent down in order in the 4th. The Phillies managed a two-out walk, but no runs.
Spud Chandler was lifted for a pinch-hitter in the top of the 5th, and Russ Derry slapped a double to left field. 3 batters later, he was still on second, but Joe DiMaggio singled him home. Phillies 4, Yankees 3.
Ron Northey greeted reliever Hank Bowory with a base hit. After a strikeout and 2 walks, the Phillies had the bases loaded for pinch-hitter Ed Murphy, who took a 3-1 fastball up the middle for 2 RBI. Phillies 6, Yankees 3.
A leadoff double sets up a Yankees run, but Red Ruffing bore down, and retired the side without surrendering more. Phillies 6, Yankees 4.
With 2 out in the bottom of the 6th, Ron Northey (yes, him again) stepped up to the plate. He smashed a hanging curveball into the left field bleachers for his 3rd home run in as many games! Phillies 7, Yankees 4. Northey is now 1 homer away from tying Babe Ruth and Lou Gehrig for the all-time record in a single Series.
But the story of the day was Red Ruffing. On only 2 days rest, the 39-year-old went 8 innings, allowing 4 runs on 12 hits and striking out 4. While it wasn’t his best performance of the season, it was certainly the most important. Ike Pearson came on in the ninth inning to nail down the victory, and the Phillies were all of a sudden in the drivers seat!
Phillies 7, Yankees 4
Phillies lead series, 2-1
W: Red Ruffing L: Spud Chandler SV: Ike Pearson
Code:New York Yankees at Philadelphia Phillies
September 30, 1944
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 + R H E
Yankees (NYY) 2 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0 4 12 0
Phillies (PHI) 3 0 1 0 2 1 0 0 x 7 13 0
NEW YORK ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
P. Reese (SS) 5 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 .293
T. Henrich (RF) 5 1 0 1 0 0 1 0 .307
H. Clift (3B) 3 1 1 1 0 1 0 0 .281
J. DiMaggio (CF) 4 3 0 0 0 2 0 0 .333
J. Gordon (2B) 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .267
C. Ross (LF) 4 2 0 1 0 0 1 0 .302
F. Hayes (C) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .259
B. Hassett (1B) 4 2 0 0 0 1 0 0 .307
S. Chandler (P) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .149
R. Derry (PH) 1 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .241
H. Borowy (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .067
H. Sauer (PH) 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .220
A. Carrasquel (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .167
A. Robinson (PH) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .429
TOTALS 37 12 1 4 0 4 4 0
2B: C. Ross, J. DiMaggio, T. Henrich, R. Derry, H. Sauer
CS: B. Hassett
NEW YORK ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
S. Chandler 4.0 7 2 0 4 4 1 70 2.95
H. Borowy 1.0 3 2 0 2 2 1 25 2.28
A. Carrasquel 3.0 3 0 1 1 1 2 43 3.46
TOTALS 8.0 13 4 1 7 7 4 138
PHILADELPHIA ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
P. Rizzuto (SS) 4 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 .283
J. Blatnik (LF) 5 1 0 1 0 0 2 0 .296
R. Northey (RF) 5 3 0 3 1 1 0 0 .291
G. Hodges (1B) 2 1 2 3 0 1 0 0 .277
H. Marnie (1B) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .226
V. Stephens (3B) 4 2 0 0 0 2 1 0 .273
A. Seminick (C) 3 1 1 0 0 1 0 0 .261
D. Murtaugh (2B) 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .277
E. Murphy (PH) 1 1 0 0 0 2 0 0 .226
R. Hamrick (2B) 1 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .230
L. Doby (CF) 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .235
R. Ruffing (P) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .160
I. Pearson (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
TOTALS 35 13 4 7 1 7 4 0
2B: P. Rizzuto, V. Stephens, G. Hodges
HR: R. Northey
GIDP: D. Murtaugh
PHILADELPHIA ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
R. Ruffing 8.0 12 1 0 4 4 4 139 3.17
I. Pearson 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 2.51
TOTALS 9.0 12 1 0 4 4 4 146
WP: R. Ruffing
LP: S. Chandler
SV: I. Pearson
Temperature: 61F
Wind: 4 MPH (out to left)
Attendance: 33,000
Time: 3:05
You should just start Red the rest of the season. :D
GoSensGo: I wish I could :D ! The problem, though, is that I don't know how much his 39-year-old arm can take.
GAME 4 is coming later TONIGHT!
Literally fell asleep at my computer. Sorry for the delay. Hope you weren't holding your breath!
1944 WORLD SERIES
GAME 4
As Red Ruffing had done the day before, Charlie Ripple would get the start today on only 2 days rest. The Yankees would send Game 1 winner Bill Bevens to the mound, hoping to even the series.
Charlie got 2 quick outs, surrendered 2 walks, then retired the fifth batter. His velocity isn’t as sharp as it normally is. Granted, he’s still throwing about 95, but he’s usually around 99.
“Scooter” Rizzuto led off with a walk, and came in to score the game’s first run on a double by Johnny Blatnik. Phillies 1, Yankees 0. Johnny would later score on a Gil Hodges’ sacrifice fly. Phillies 2, Yankees 0.
Larry Doby’s had a tough series. In the 2nd inning, he drops a fly ball that leads to a Yankees run, and he grounds into an inning-ending double play in the bottom half. Phillies 2, Yankees 1.
A leadoff walk in the top of the third inning sparks a two-run frame for the Bronx Bombers, giving them the lead. Yankees 3, Phillies 2.
The Phillies struck back big time in the bottom of the 4th. Ron Northey and Gil Hodges walked, setting up Vern Stephens, who blasted a 3-1 fastball over the left-field fence for a go-ahead 3-run home run! Phillies 5, Yankees 3.
The euphoria of the fans, however, was to be short lived, as Chet Ross promptly tied the game with a 2-run shot of his own in the top of the 5th. Phillies 5, Yankees 5. The Yanks would regain the lead with a sacrifice fly later in the inning. Yankees 6, Phillies 5.
The game had become a battle of the bullpens. The Yankees’ Butch Wensloff had come in after Stephens’ home run and had retired 8 straight entering the 7th inning. Meanwhile, Ed Hanyzewski had taken over for the Phillies, and he tossed a perfect 2 innings. Which brings us to the bottom of the 7th, with the score still 6-5 in favor of the visiting Yankees.
Danny Murtaugh led off with a sinking line drive down the right field line that the umpire ruled fair. As Danny flew around the bases, he decided to get greedy and try for third. However, a perfect relay throw by Joe Gordon nailed him at the bag! The Phillies Phaithful groaned, and were even louder when the next batter, Larry Doby, lined a single into right-centerfield. Surely, Murtaugh would’ve scored and tied the game on that play. Instead, the Phillies still trailed by a run. Needless to say, the Phils were kept off the board.
Ed Hanyzewski was still dealing, surrendering his first baserunner on a walk, but retiring the side easily.
And so we came to the bottom of the 8th inning: an inning which will forever be remembered as one of the most exciting innings in the history of baseball. Wensloff was still on the bump, and doing a great job. Until he plunked Johnny Blatnik with a wild knuckleball. Ron Northey followed with a Texas League double to the gap, sending Blatnik to third. Wensloff’s first pitch to Gil Hodges was another knuckler, but catcher Frankie Hayes let it get away! Blatnik scampered home to tie the game! Phillies 6, Yankees 6!
But the inning wasn’t over.
Gil Hodges got the green light on 3-0, and poked a single into right field to score Northey. The Phillies had taken the lead! Phillies 7, Yankees 6!
But the inning wasn’t over.
Vern Stephens chopped a 3-1 fastball deep toward the hole at short. Pee Wee Reese (one of the best fielding shortstops in the A.L.) reached down to get the ball…and came up without it. When the dust had settled, everyone was safe!
To make matters worse, Wensloff walked the next batter, Andy Seminick, to load the bases! Even worse, pinch-hitter Ed Murphy followed Andy’s walk with a walk of his own, walking in a run! Phillies 8, Yankees 6!
But the inning wasn’t over.
Well, it was for Wensloff. Howie Krist came into the game to try and stop the bleeding, as Phillies closer Ike Pearson hurriedly warmed up for the save situation.
Larry Doby was up next, and while he didn’t get a hit, he did hit the ball deep enough for Stephens to tag and score another run! Phillies 9, Yankees 6!
Ed Hanyzewski was unable to get the bunt down, and ended up flying out to shallow centerfield.
But the inning wasn't over.
Phil Rizzuto, however, walked, loading the bases for Johnny Blatnik.
Johnny took Krist’s first pitch low and away for ball one. The second pitch, a 90-mph fastball right over the heart of the plate, was not taken. It was driven deep into the twilight sky at Shibe Park, eventually coming to rest amid a sea of Phillie Phanatics in the right-field bleachers for a GRAND SLAM! Phillies 13, Yankees 6!
And while Krist got Northey to strike out to end the frame, the damage had been done. 8 runs. In the span of a half-hour, the Yankees had gone from leading by 1 run, to trailing by 7.
From there, it was really elementary. Hanyzewski stayed out for the ninth, and pitched a perfect inning, slamming the door on the face of the disheartened Yankees.
Phillies 13, Yankees 7
Phillies lead series, 3-1
W: Ed Hanyzewski L: Butch Wensloff
HR: Vern Stephens, Chet Ross, Johnny Blatnik
The Yankees are in dire straights right now, but the following should be noted: the very same Yankees were in the same position the Phillies are in right now, up 3-1 with Game 5 at home. We all remember what happened last season: the Cardinals rallied to win the World Series in Game 7. Keep this nugget in the back of your mind, just for proof that no team, no matter how long the odds, should never be counted out until that last out is recorded.Code:New York Yankees at Philadelphia Phillies
October 1, 1944
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 + R H E
Yankees (NYY) 0 1 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 6 9 1
Phillies (PHI) 2 0 0 3 0 0 0 8 x 13 9 1
NEW YORK ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
P. Reese (SS) 4 2 1 0 0 1 1 0 .293
T. Henrich (RF) 5 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .307
H. Clift (3B) 3 1 2 1 0 0 0 0 .281
J. DiMaggio (CF) 4 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 .333
J. Gordon (2B) 5 2 0 2 0 0 1 0 .267
C. Ross (LF) 3 1 0 1 1 3 2 0 .302
R. Derry (PH-LF) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241
F. Hayes (C) 3 2 1 2 0 0 0 1 .259
O. Grimes (1B) 3 1 1 0 0 1 1 0 .255
B. Bevens (P) 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .141
B. Wensloff (P) 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 .333
H. Krist (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .167
TOTALS 34 9 6 6 1 6 7 1
2B: J. Gordon
HR: C. Ross
GIDP: J. DiMaggio
NEW YORK ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
B. Bevens 3.1 3 4 1 5 5 1 60 3.14
B. Wensloff 3.2 5 2 0 6 2 1 65 3.48
H. Krist 1.0 1 1 1 2 0 1 19 1.79
TOTALS 8.0 9 7 2 13 7 3 144
PHILADELPHIA ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
P. Rizzuto (SS) 3 0 2 2 0 0 0 0 .283
J. Blatnik (LF) 4 2 0 3 1 5 0 0 .296
R. Northey (RF) 4 1 1 2 0 0 1 0 .291
G. Hodges (1B) 2 1 1 2 0 2 0 0 .277
V. Stephens (3B) 4 2 0 2 1 3 1 0 .273
A. Seminick (C) 3 0 1 1 0 0 0 0 .261
D. Murtaugh (2B) 2 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 .277
E. Murphy (PH) 0 0 1 1 0 1 0 0 .226
R. Hamrick (2B) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .230
L. Doby (CF) 3 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 .235
C. Ripple (P) 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .202
E. Hanyzewski (P) 2 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .000
TOTALS 29 9 7 13 2 12 3 0
2B: R. Northey, D. Murtaugh, J. Blatnik
HR: V. Stephens, J. Blatnik
HBP: J. Blatnik
GIDP: L. Doby, A. Seminick
PHILADELPHIA ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
C. Ripple 5.0 9 5 1 6 5 5 123 2.89
E. Hanyzewski 4.0 0 1 0 0 0 2 46 3.27
TOTALS 9.0 9 6 1 6 5 7 169
WP: E. Hanyzewski
LP: B. Wensloff
Temperature: 48F
Wind: 8 MPH (right to left)
Attendance: 33,000
Time: 3:07
1944 WORLD SERIES
GAME 5
The Yankees were backed into a corner. Trailing 3-1 in the World Series, they needed to win today to head back home to the Stadium, where the Phillies’ 2-headed monster of Ruffing and Ripple would be waiting for them. However, if they don’t win today, there is no Game 6, so why not go out with guns a-blazin’! The Bombers gave the ball to their #1 pitcher, Tiny Bonham. Bonham pitched 7 innings in Game 2, getting a no decision when his team rallied to take him off the hook.
The Phillies, meanwhile, were going to go with 23-year-old Gene Lambert. With the untimely death of Jack Kraus and the injury to Tommy Hughes, it just makes sense for manager Bucky Harris to fall back on his spot starter. Lambert started 13 games for Philadelphia this season, compiling a 7-3 record with a 2.93 ERA in 104 IP, while recording 80 K.
Lambert retired the first 2 Yankees on fly outs, but ran into trouble, walking Harlond Clift, then allowing a single to Joe DiMaggio. Joe Gordon followed with a two-run double, and the Yankees grabbed the early lead. Yankees 2, Phillies 0. Chet Ross followed with a single, and Gordon came around to score. Yankees 3, Phillies 0.
The Phillies would strike back in the bottom half, as Gil Hodges singled home Phil Rizzuto to put the home team on the board. Yankees 3, Phillies 1.
The Yankees loaded the bases with 1 out in the 3rd inning, but an incredible leaping catch by Vern Stephens prevented a run from scoring.
Hodges drove in another run in the bottom of the 3rd, thanks to a sacrifice fly. Yankees 3, Phillies 2.
Both pitchers seemed to hit stride right about this time. Lambert and Bonham were both pitching great games, and the score remained 3-2 after 6 innings.
The Yankees managed to get two runners on against Lambert, but were unable to increase their lead.
With one out in the bottom of the 7th, Larry Doby stepped up to bat. He lashed a single to left, and advanced to second base when Ross misplayed the ball in the outfield. The Phillies had a golden opportunity to tie the game, but let it slip out of their grasp with 2 straight groundouts.
The Phillies had another chance in the 8th, when Bonham walked the leadoff batter. However, Ron Northey grounded into a double play, killing the rally.
Jim Hickey came on for the save, and mercifully retired Stephens, Seminick, and Murtaugh, to send the series back to the Bronx.
Yankees 3, Phillies 2
Phillies lead series, 3-2
W: Tiny Bonham L: Gene Lambert SV: Jim Hickey
Uh oh. :eek:Code:New York Yankees at Philadelphia Phillies
October 2, 1944
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 + R H E
Yankees (NYY) 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 3 7 1
Phillies (PHI) 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 7 0
NEW YORK ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
P. Reese (SS) 5 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .293
T. Henrich (RF) 4 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 .307
H. Clift (3B) 1 0 3 1 0 0 0 0 .281
J. DiMaggio (CF) 4 1 0 1 0 0 0 0 .333
J. Gordon (2B) 4 2 0 1 0 2 0 0 .267
C. Ross (LF) 4 1 0 0 0 1 0 0 .302
R. Derry (LF) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .241
F. Hayes (C) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .259
O. Grimes (1B) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .255
T. Bonham (P) 3 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .157
A. Robinson (PH) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .429
J. Hickey (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .500
TOTALS 34 7 3 3 0 3 2 0
2B: J. Gordon
NEW YORK ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
T. Bonham 8.0 7 2 0 2 2 3 110 3.34
J. Hickey 1.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 12 3.72
TOTALS 9.0 7 2 0 2 2 3 122
PHILADELPHIA ab h bb r hr bi k sb avg
P. Rizzuto (SS) 3 1 1 2 0 0 0 0 .283
J. Blatnik (LF) 3 2 1 0 0 0 0 0 .296
R. Northey (RF) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .291
G. Hodges (1B) 3 1 0 0 0 2 1 0 .277
V. Stephens (3B) 4 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 .273
A. Seminick (C) 4 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .261
D. Murtaugh (2B) 4 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 .277
L. Doby (CF) 3 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 .235
G. Lambert (P) 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .139
E. Murphy (PH) 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .226
H. Casey (P) 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 .000
TOTALS 31 7 2 2 0 2 3 0
2B: V. Stephens
GIDP: R. Northey, G. Lambert
PHILADELPHIA ip h bb hr r er k pit ERA
G. Lambert 7.0 7 3 0 3 3 2 118 2.93
H. Casey 2.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 21 1.85
TOTALS 9.0 7 3 0 3 3 2 139
WP: T. Bonham
LP: G. Lambert
SV: J. Hickey
Temperature: 50F
Wind: 2 MPH (right to left)
Attendance: 33,000
Time: 2:34
Come on! Just one more win! One more!
--Pet
This is a great dynasty you have created, your style is great. GO PHILLIES
petrel: I would've liked to have done it at home, but Game 6 is just as nice, I suppose...
gogosox: Welcome and thanks! Always nice to get new readers.
1944 WORLD SERIES
GAME 6
While he may not be fully recovered from his Herculean efforts in Game 3, Red Ruffing will be our starter today. Red lost Game 1, but won Game 3, and now has a chance to clinch the World Series against the team that chose to let him go at the end of last season.
Spud Chandler will take the ball for the Yankees, completing the Game 3 rematch. Chandler lost Game 3, but is ready to redeem himself by forcing a deciding 7th game tomorrow!
Phil Rizzuto led off the game with a shot back through the box for a base hit. Scooter promptly stole second base, putting the Phillies in a great situation. Johnny Blatnik tapped a comebacker to the pitcher Chandler, who fired to third in time to get Rizzuto. A Ron Northey single afterwards only added to the Phillies’ misery, and the opportunity would be lost, as Chandler bore down to retire the side.
Meanwhile, Red was dealing. He set the Yanks down in order the first two innings. Both pitchers were tossing shutouts through 4.
Danny Murtaugh led of the top of the 5th with a ground out. Larry Doby bounced a ball back to the pitcher, but Chandler threw it into the grandstand, sending Larry to second base. After a Ruffing walk, Phil Rizzuto smacked a double to right-center, scoring Doby with the game’s first run. Phillies 1, Yankees 0. Johnny Blatnik followed with a 2-run single, and the Phillies were in command. Phillies 3, Yankees 0.
But not for long. Chet Ross led off with a double, and Frankie Hayes followed with a triple, plating the first run of the day for the home team. Phillies 3, Yankees 1. Oscar Grimes followed with a base hit of his own, cutting the deficit. Phillies 3, Yankees 2. 2 walks and 2 outs later, the bases were loaded for Joe DiMaggio. However, Joltin’ Joe grounded out to end the threat.
And it would stay 3-2 in favor of the Phillies until the 9th inning, when Ray Hamrick (a defensive replacement at 2B for Murtaugh) scampered home on a Howie Krist wild pitch. Phillies 4, Yankees 2. Ruffing’s day was done after another gutsy performance: 8 IP, 2 ER, 3 K on 119 pitches.
It was up to the closer, Ike Pearson, to finish the job.
Pearson had recorded 18 saves during the course of the season. Suffice to say, this was the most important.
One thing that I must mention now is the defensive replacement brought in by manager Bucky Harris. With a 2-run lead, he deemed it necessary to put Harry Marnie in at first base in place of Gil Hodges. I mention this now, because it will factor into the outcome of the game.
Ike was clearly a little nervous, going to a 3-0 count with the leadoff batter, Chet Ross. Ross would take the next pitch to right for a base hit.
‘Oh no’, I thought to myself, ‘this can’t be good.’
Aaron Robinson had grabbed a bat to pinch-hit for fellow catcher Frankie Hayes. He would put the bat back down two pitches later, after flying out to Doby in centerfield. 1 OUT.
Oscar Grimes stepped up to the plate, and Chet Ross took second on defensive indifference. With a 3-1 count, Grimes bounced a ball toward right field. Ray Hamrick dove at it, and knocked the ball down, but there wasn’t a play anywhere. The Yankees now had the winning run at the plate. It was going to be Hank Sauer.
If you remember, Sauer was in a similar situation in Game 2 of the Series. Trailing by 3 in the bottom of the 7th, Sauer smashed a game-tying pinch-hit 3-run home run. Now, representing the winning run, he had a chance to force a Game 7 with one swing of the bat.
The hoodlums in the bleachers were going crazy. The noise was deafening, I could barely hear myself think. Bucky had a worried look on his face in the dugout. Nick was gnawing at his fingertips. Elizabeth (of course I brought her) clutched at my arm, digging her Phillies’ red nails into my suit jacket.
Ike wiped the sweat from his brow. Andy Seminick went out to the mound to talk to him, then returned to his crouch behind home plate. Pearson reached back, and fired…
…low and away with a curveball. BALL ONE.
The outfielders nervously fidgeted, playing deep in the outfield. Preventing doubles was the name of the game, as the runner on first represented the tying run.
Pearson tossed the resin bag around for a few seconds, trying to regain composure. He toed the rubber, wheeled and fired a fastball…
…high. BALL TWO.
The fans were going bonkers. If it was loud before, it was ungodly now. Perhaps the baseball gods were biased towards the Yankees. Perhaps they are unbeatable.
Pearson stepped off again to collect his thoughts. He stepped back on, reared, and fired…
…waaaaaaay outside with a fastball. BALL THREE.
At that very moment, time seemed to stand still. I saw pitching coach Boom-Boom Beck relay the sign into Andy behind the plate. I could see the beads of sweat on Ike’s forehead. I could hear the screams of 70,000 Yankees fans. I could feel Elizabeth’s grip getting tighter and tighter around my arm. I could smell the delicious aroma of hot dogs and beer. I could taste victory, but it was slipping away…
Ike finally got a sign he liked. He nodded, and moved into the set position. He looked at Ross dancing up and down the third-base line. He flashed a glance over at Grimes at first base. Harry Marnie was playing behind the runner. This ball was going to the plate.
He wound and delivered. His wrist snapped off a curveball, just like he had done thousands of times. The sphere hurtled toward the plate. It was easily the best pitch of the at bat, low and away, but definitely in the zone. Sauer took a mighty cut at the ball…
…CRACK…
The ball shot off his bat down the first base line. Marnie took two steps and dove…
…SKIP…THUD…
The ball stuck in his glove, but time was running out. Ross was streaking towards home, Grimes was on his way to second, and Sauer was racing Pearson to the bag at first. Marnie, a former Gold Glover winner at shortstop, had to make a decision purely on instinct.
Harry scrambled to his feet, turned and fired the ball to second base.
Phil Rizzuto caught the ball, tapped the second base bag with his right foot, and fired back to first in one fluid motion.
Pearson set himself for the throw. Sauer stretched for the bag…
…BANGBANG…
The umpire paused a minute, as if trying to add to the suspense.
“OUT!”
Harry Marnie leapt into the waiting arms of Ike Pearson. The Phillies raced out of their dugout to join the pig pile at first base. Fans and players alike were crying, because the impossible had happened.
THE PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES ARE THE CHAMPIONS OF BASEBALL!!!
Phillies 4, Yankees 2
Phillies win series, 4-2
W: Red Ruffing L: Spud Chandler SV: Ike Pearson
MVP: Phillies RF Ron Northey - .400 (10/25), 3 HR, 5 RBI, 3 2B, 7 R, 1.000 F%
Despite going AWOL in the last 3 games, Ron deserves the award simply because he carried the offense with one of the more impressive performances you will ever see (HR in 3 consecutive World Series games). A strong case could’ve been made for Red Ruffing.
***
It was about 6:30 in the afternoon when the trophy was finally presented to us. I immediately gave it to Ron Northey, and let the players have their fun. I spoke with Bucky before I left, and made sure to tell him that he was in charge of getting that trophy back to Philadelphia for the parade on Friday. Meanwhile, I was going to have some fun of my own. Nick got us into a fancy restaurant, so I’m taking Elizabeth out tonight in celebration. And boy, is there a lot to celebrate! After 61 fruitless seasons, the Phillies were finally champions of the world!
Wooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!
Congrats!
Bah!