RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
The 1951 Major League Baseball season opened on April 16 and finished on October 12, 1951. Teams from both leagues played a 154-game regular season schedule. At the end of the regular season, the National League pennant was still undecided resulting in a three game playoff between the New York Giants and the Brooklyn Dodgers. After splitting the first two games, the stage was set for a decisive third game, won in dramatic fashion on a walk-off homerun from the bat of Giant Bobby Thomson, one of the most famous moments in the history of baseball, commemorated as the "Shot Heard 'Round the World" and "The Miracle at Coogan's Bluff". The Giants lost the World Series to defending champion New York Yankees, who were in the midst of a 5-year World Series winning streak.
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1977 NLCS G2 - Philadelphia Phillies vs Los Angeles Dodgers - Radio Broadcast
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies met for Game 2 of the 1977 National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 5. The Dodgers, led by manager Tommy Lasorda in his first season at the helm, had won 98 games to capture the NL West title. The Phillies, under Danny Ozark, claimed their second straight NL East crown with 101 victories. Don Sutton took the mound for Los Angeles, while Jim Lonborg started for Philadelphia. Both teams boasted potent lineups, with the Dodgers featuring Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, and Reggie Smith, while the Phillies countered with Mike Schmidt, Greg Luzinski, and Garry Maddox.
The game remained tight early on, with Bake McBride's solo home run in the third inning giving Philadelphia a brief 1-0 lead. Los Angeles quickly responded, tying the score in the bottom of the third. The pivotal moment came in the fourth inning when Dusty Baker launched a grand slam off Lonborg, breaking the game open and putting the Dodgers ahead 5-1. Los Angeles added single runs in the sixth and seventh innings to extend their lead. Sutton pitched a complete game, scattering nine hits and allowing just one run while striking out four.
The Dodgers' victory gave them a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five NLCS. They would go on to win the series in four games, advancing to face the New York Yankees in the World Series. Though Los Angeles fell short in the Fall Classic, losing in six games, the 1977 season marked the beginning of a successful run for the Dodgers. They would return to the World Series in both 1978 and 1981, with the latter resulting in a championship.
The batters couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat. The fielders must...
Angels in the Outfield / The batters couldn't hit water if they fell out of a boat. The fielders must be using frying pans instead of baseball mitts. It looks like the lowly Pittsburgh Pirates haven't got a prayer...until the prayers of a young orphan girl get the Pirates some celestial support! Comedy and charm form the winning lineup of Angels in the Outfield, starring Paul Douglas as the team's short-fused manager. "Dogs have fleas, managers have sportswriters," he grouses to a columnist (Janet Leigh) covering the team. Adding to the fun are game footage from back in the day (buffs will love to spot the stars); support from Keenan Wynn, Spring Byington and more familiar talents; plus unbilled bits by baseball greats Joe DiMaggio and Ty Cobb. One more footnote about this nifty '50s diamond: President Eisenhower called it his favorite movie. Batter up!
In this 2006 audio segment, Ernie Harwell, the legendary voice of baseball, shares his experiences...
Ernie Harwell - 1950s Giants and Orioles - Radio Interview Part 4 of 8 / In this 2006 audio segment, Ernie Harwell, the legendary voice of baseball, shares his experiences from his early broadcasting career with the New York Giants and the Baltimore Orioles, prior to his iconic tenure with the Detroit Tigers. Known for his warm, eloquent delivery and deep connection with baseball fans, Harwell’s recounting of his time with these two teams offers a rare insight into the formative years of his illustrious career. The clip provides a glimpse into Major League Baseball during the mid-20th century, through the eyes of one of its most eloquent narrators. At this point, Harwell had been retired, yet his narratives and memories continued to resonate with a sense of timelessness and passion for the game.
Reflecting on the period before he became synonymous with Detroit baseball, Harwell discusses the distinct atmospheres, key players, and memorable games associated with the Giants and Orioles. His tenure with these teams laid the foundation for a broadcasting career that would endear him to millions of fans and leave an indelible mark on the sport. This segment is not just a trip down memory lane but a masterclass in the history and evolution of baseball broadcasting. It showcases the early stages of a career that would profoundly influence how the sport was experienced by fans around the world.
Hosted by retired NFL star Kyle Rote, these 5-minute programs feature interviews with some of the top figures in sports
Tops-in-Sports interview with Ralph Kiner / Hosted by retired NFL star Kyle Rote, these 5-minute programs feature interviews with some of the top figures in sports during 1962
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with First Baseman Mickey Vernon / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
Ted Williams, aka The Splendid Splinter, The Greatest hitter of the Boston Red Sox, is...
Ted Williams Interviewed by Leo Cloutier in 1952 / Ted Williams, aka The Splendid Splinter, The Greatest hitter of the Boston Red Sox, is interviewed by Leo Cloutier in early 1952. Ted talks about Fly Fishing and Leo invites him to hunt deer in New Hampshire.
Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s.
Interview with Hall of Fame Outfielder Enos Slaughter / Historian Eugene C. Murdock interviewed several former baseball players that had been active in baseball in the 1920s and 1930s. Murdock was chairman of the history department at Marietta College. The interviews were not professionally recorded, and the audio quality is variable.
1 Comment
I sincerely appreciate the research work, and the information being shared. It is important and interesting history.
I sincerely appreciate the research work, and the information being shared. It is important and interesting history.