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.
Roger Craig, a former Major League Baseball pitcher, is best remembered for his time with the St. Louis Cardinals, New York Mets, and San Diego Padres. Born in 1930 in the small town of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, he developed a love for baseball at an early age, showcasing his talent on local fields. After honing his skills through high
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1962 New York Mets vs St. Louis Cardinals - Radio Broadcast
On April 11, 1962, the St. Louis Cardinals hosted the New York Mets at Busch Stadium I, marking a notable early-season matchup. The game featured starting pitchers who faced the daunting task of navigating through lineups filled with potential. This encounter came at a time when the Mets, newly introduced to the league, were establishing their identity, while the Cardinals, with a storied history, aimed to continue their tradition of excellence. Significant for the Mets was their effort to carve out a foothold in the league against established teams like the Cardinals, whose lineup boasted seasoned players capable of explosive offense.
During the game, the Cardinals demonstrated their offensive strength early on, putting up a solid performance that included multiple multi-hit innings. Key players for the Cardinals, such as Roger Carr and Bert Jones, connected well, driving in crucial runs. The Mets, despite being outmatched, showed flashes of resilience, with players like Neal and Hodges contributing home runs. The game unfolded with the Cardinals consistently building on their lead, capitalizing on strategic hits and taking advantage of the Mets' fielding errors, which were indicative of their growing pains as a new team in the league.
The final score, Cardinals 11 and Mets 4, reflected the difference in experience and cohesion between the two teams at that point in the season. The Cardinals' ability to execute offensively and their efficient use of scoring opportunities highlighted their game strategy and depth. For the Mets, the game was a learning experience, underscoring the challenges of competing in the major leagues.
On September 8, 1962, the Houston Colt .45s faced off against the New York Mets...
New York Mets vs Houston Colt .45s - Game 2 of DH - Radio Broadcast / On September 8, 1962, the Houston Colt .45s faced off against the New York Mets at Colt Stadium. The starting pitchers were Roger Craig for the Mets and Turk Farrell for the Colt .45s. At this point in the season, both teams were struggling, with the Mets in their inaugural season and the Colt .45s in their first year as well. The 1962 season was marked by the expansion of the league, with both the Mets and the Colt .45s being new additions. However, the Mets were infamous for their poor performance, finishing the season with a record of 40-120, the worst in modern MLB history. The Colt .45s, on the other hand, were faring slightly better, but still below .500.
The game began with a scoreless first inning, but the Colt .45s managed to score a run in the second inning, thanks to Bob Aspromonte's single and Bob Lillis's double. The Mets, however, came back strong in the third inning, scoring four runs on a walk by Elio Chacon and singles by Charlie Neal and Marv Throneberry. The Colt .45s responded with a run in the bottom of the third, narrowing the Mets' lead. The game then entered a period of relative quiet, with the Mets unable to score until the eighth inning and the Colt .45s adding a run in the sixth and seventh innings.
The back and forth continued into the eighth inning, with the Mets adding a run to their tally, but the Colt .45s responded with a run of their own, tying the game at 5-5. After a scoreless ninth inning, the game moved into extra innings. In the bottom of the tenth, the Colt .45s managed to score the winning run, ending the game with a 6-5 victory.
The game was a microcosm of the 1962 season for both teams. The Mets, despite showing flashes of potential, were unable to maintain their early lead, a pattern that was seen throughout their season. The Colt .45s, meanwhile, demonstrated their ability to fight back and secure a win, a trait that helped them finish the season with a more respectable record than the Mets. Despite the struggles of both teams, the 1962 season was a significant one for Major League Baseball, marking the beginning of expansion that would continue over the next few decades.
This recording transports you to an era when the radio waves connected fans to the...
Joe Garagiola interviews Harvey Haddix - Radio Broadcast / This recording transports you to an era when the radio waves connected fans to the heart of the game. In this snippet, Joe Garagiola, having transitioned from his playing days, assumes the role of an interviewer, showcasing a different facet of his relationship with the sport.
Through the speakers, Joe Garagiola engages in a conversation with Harvey Haddix, bringing to light the camaraderie and insights that bridge the gap between players. Harvey Haddix, a notable figure with a history in the game, becomes a voice of experience in this dialogue. This interaction captures a moment in 1955 when the echoes of their playing careers meet the airwaves.
As you listen, consider the backdrop of 1955—a year that marked the continuation of Joe Garagiola's journey in the world of baseball, now as a voice behind the microphone. Harvey Haddix's presence adds depth to the exchange, offering listeners a glimpse into the experiences that shape baseball's enduring legacy.