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.
As the calendar flipped to September 29, 1971, the New York Yankees were set to square off against the Washington Senators in what was a routine late-season contest. The Yankees, having had a middling season, were trying to finish strong. The Senators, on the other hand, were in the midst of their final season before moving to Texas to become the Rangers, a fact that added a certain poignancy to every game they played. This particular match-up was notable for the fact that it was one of the last games the Senators would play in Washington D.C., a fact that was not lost on the fans or the players. The air was thick with nostalgia, and the typically straightforward game of baseball took on a different hue, as every pitch, every swing, and every cheer echoed with the weight of history.
On August 26, 1975, the New York Mets took on the San Diego Padres at...
1975 New York Mets vs San Diego Padres - Radio Broadcast / On August 26, 1975, the New York Mets took on the San Diego Padres at San Diego Stadium. The Mets, managed by Yogi Berra, were looking to stay competitive in the National League East while the Padres, under John McNamara, were trying to close the gap in the standings. The starting pitchers were rookie Craig Tate for the Mets and Bill Freisleben for the Padres. Tate, who had struggled during the season, was aiming to rebound and secure a much-needed victory for New York. The Padres were hoping to see offensive contributions from players like Dave Winfield and veteran slugger Willie McCovey to back up Freisleben.
The game opened with the Padres scoring an unearned run in the first inning, but the Mets quickly responded in the fourth inning, tying the game at 1-1 and then taking the lead with a key hit from Rusty Staub. New York built on their lead in the fifth inning, highlighted by clutch hitting from Dave Kingman and Wayne Garrett. Tate settled into a groove after the early run, scattering hits while limiting San Diego’s offense. The Mets added two more insurance runs in the seventh inning with a triple by Jerry Grote, effectively putting the game out of reach. The Padres threatened early but were held to just two runs, unable to break through against Tate, who pitched a complete game.
The Mets' 7-2 victory over the Padres kept them in the race in the National League East. Craig Tate secured his fifth win of the season, while Freisleben's struggles on the mound continued as he took his 14th loss. The Padres, despite some solid performances from their lineup, could not keep pace with the Mets’ consistent offense.
