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 1959 Major League Baseball season was played from April 9 to October 9, 1959. It saw the Los Angeles Dodgers, free of the strife produced by their move from Brooklyn the previous season, rebound to win the National League pennant after a two-game playoff against the Milwaukee Braves, who themselves had moved from Boston in 1953. The Dodgers won the World Series against a Chicago White Sox team that had not played in the "Fall Classic" since 1919 and was interrupting a Yankees' dynasty that dominated the American League between 1949 and 1964.
The season is notable as the only one between 1950 and 1981 where no pitcher pitched a no-hitter.
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1977 NLCS G4 - Los Angeles Dodgers vs Philadelphia Phillies - Radio Broadcast
Game 4 of the 1977 National League Championship Series saw the Los Angeles Dodgers face the Philadelphia Phillies at Veterans Stadium. The Phillies were trailing in the series, making this a crucial game to stay alive. Los Angeles sent veteran left-hander Tommy John to the mound, while Philadelphia countered with their ace, Steve Carlton. The Dodgers were in fine form, led by players like Ron Cey and Steve Garvey, and were coming off a strong regular season in which they finished atop the NL West. The Phillies, anchored by Mike Schmidt and Greg Luzinski, had won the NL East, but were under pressure after falling behind in the series. Both teams were loaded with talent, but the Dodgers had momentum on their side.
The game began with a two-run homer from Dusty Baker in the second inning, which gave the Dodgers an early lead. Philadelphia responded in the fourth when Garry Maddox drove in Greg Luzinski to cut the deficit to one. However, Los Angeles extended their lead in the fifth inning, thanks to a combination of a wild pitch and a single by Bill Russell that brought in two more runs. Tommy John kept the Phillies in check throughout the game, scattering seven hits and allowing only one run, while Steve Carlton struggled and was pulled after the fifth inning. The Dodgers' bullpen, featuring Mike Garman and others, helped close out the game as the Phillies failed to mount a comeback.
The 1959 All-Star game was the first year the MLB held an All Star Game...
1959 MLB All-Star Game - Radio Broadcast / The 1959 All-Star game was the first year the MLB held an All Star Game Double Header. The first game of 1959 was held at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. The second game would be played a month later in Los Angeles. The experiment of two All-Star Games continued for four seasons; the league returned to just one annual game in 1963. In this first game of 1959, the American League started the 39 year old veteran Early Wynn while the National League went with 22 year old Don Drysdale.
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.
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.
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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.