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.
Larry Biittner's journey through Major League Baseball is a tale of steady performance and adaptability. Born on July 27, 1946, in Pocahontas, Iowa, Biittner grew up honing his skills on the baseball diamond, eventually catching the attention of professional scouts. His left-handed batting and throwing abilities made him a valuable asset, and he was drafted by the Washington
The Montreal Expos faced off against the Chicago Cubs on September 15, 1977, at Stade Olympique. The Cubs sent Bill Bonham to the mound, while the Expos countered with Wayne Twitchell. At this point in the season, the Cubs were trying to keep pace in the National League East, while the Expos were looking to play spoiler. The 1977 season was marked by the New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers' dominance in their respective leagues, setting up an exciting potential World Series matchup.
The game started off with an unearned run by the Cubs in the first inning due to an error by the Expos' third baseman Papi. The Expos quickly responded with two runs in the bottom of the first, with Cash and Papi scoring on a double by Valentine. The Cubs managed to tie the game in the fourth inning, but the Expos reclaimed the lead in the bottom half of the same inning with a home run from Carter. Despite a solo home run from Morales in the sixth inning, the Cubs couldn't maintain a lead, with the Expos tying the game in the eighth inning.
The ninth inning saw the Expos pull off a come-from-behind victory with a run in the bottom of the ninth, leading to a 5-4 win over the Cubs. This game was a microcosm of the Cubs' season, as they struggled to maintain leads and finished the season in fourth place in the National League East. The Expos, on the other hand, finished the season in last place, but showed promise for the future with young talent like Gary Carter and Andre Dawson. The 1977 season eventually culminated in a World Series victory for the New York Yankees over the Los Angeles Dodgers.
On September 30, 1979, the Chicago Cubs met the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium...
1979-Sep-30 • CHC/PIT • Chicago Cubs vs Pittsburgh Pirates - Clinch - Radio Broadcast / On September 30, 1979, the Chicago Cubs met the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium in a game that would determine the fate of the Pirates' season. Coming into the game, the Pirates had a magic number of one to clinify the National League East title, meaning a win against the Cubs would secure their place in the postseason. The Pirates were having a stellar season, with players like Willie Stargell and Dave Parker leading the charge. The Cubs, on the other hand, were struggling to find their footing, but still posed a significant threat with their roster that included the likes of Bruce Sutter and Bill Buckner. This game wasn't just about securing a playoff spot, but also about the Pirates proving their dominance in the league.
The 1979 season was historic for the Pirates as they would go on to win the World Series, with Stargell picking up the NL MVP and World Series MVP awards. This game, therefore, holds a pivotal place in that narrative. The Cubs, despite their struggles, were no easy opponent, and the tension of the game was palpable on the radio broadcast. The stakes were high, the air was thick with anticipation, and the game was set to be a memorable one.
As the calendar flipped to September 29, 1971, the New York Yankees were set to...
1971-Sep-29 • NYY/WAS • New York Yankees vs Washington Senators - Radio Broadcast / 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.
