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 1971 season saw contrasting fortunes for the Los Angeles Angels and the Minnesota Twins in Major League Baseball. The Angels, led by manager Lefty Phillips, finished with a disappointing 76-86 record, landing them fourth in the American League West division. Despite the efforts of slugger Tony Conigliaro and pitcher Clyde Wright, the team struggled to find consistency and fell short of playoff contention.
In contrast, the Twins, under manager Bill Rigney, enjoyed a successful campaign, finishing with an 85-77 record, placing them second in the American League West. The team showcased a strong offense, spearheaded by the likes of Harmon Killebrew, Tony Oliva, and Rod Carew. However, their efforts were overshadowed by the dominant Oakland Athletics, who claimed the division title. While the Twins missed out on the postseason, their solid performance laid the foundation for future success.
On May 6, 1971, at Memorial Stadium, the Baltimore Orioles hosted the California Angels in...
1971 California Angels vs Baltimore Orioles - Radio Broadcast / On May 6, 1971, at Memorial Stadium, the Baltimore Orioles hosted the California Angels in what was poised to be a competitive matchup, highlighting the pitching prowess of Dave McNally for the Orioles against the Angels' Andy Messersmith. Both teams were looking to assert themselves early in the season, with the Orioles riding the momentum of their powerful lineup and the Angels focusing on refining their strategy under the guidance of their solid starting rotation. Noteworthy for the season, the Orioles were the defending World Series champions, adding an extra layer of anticipation for their performance throughout the 1971 campaign.
As the game unfolded, the Orioles seized an early lead with a tactical first inning that set the tone for their strategic play. Dave McNally and Andy Messersmith both delivered strong starts, effectively managing the opposing lineups with precision. The Orioles were able to leverage key moments, notably in the fifth inning when they expanded their lead. This was underscored by a hit by pitch to Don Buford, followed by intelligent base running that positioned him to score on a single by Brooks Robinson. The Orioles showcased their capability to capitalize on opportunities, maintaining control of the game's tempo and demonstrating solid defensive plays to support McNally’s pitching. The Orioles emerged victorious with a 3-1 win, a reflection of their robust start to the season and McNally's commanding performance, yielding only one run across the complete game.
