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 Philadelphia Phillies and Los Angeles Dodgers met for Game 1 of the 1977 National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium. Philadelphia, led by ace Steve Carlton, came into the game looking to build on a strong season that saw them win 101 games. Carlton, who was a key figure in the Phillies’ rotation, was tasked with facing veteran left-hander Tommy John of the Dodgers. Los Angeles, fresh off a 98-win season, boasted a powerful lineup, including Ron Cey, Steve Garvey, and Reggie Smith, who had played crucial roles in their success that year. Both teams were aiming to take an early lead in the best-of-five series with a trip to the World Series at stake.
The Phillies struck early in the first inning when Greg Luzinski launched a two-run homer off John, giving them a quick 2-0 lead. Philadelphia added to their advantage in the fifth with a pair of unearned runs, thanks to a couple of errors by Bill Russell. Carlton was effective through six innings, but the Dodgers rallied in the seventh. Ron Cey delivered the biggest blow of the inning with a grand slam, tying the game at 5-5. Despite the momentum shift, the Phillies regained control in the ninth, scoring two runs on singles by McBride and Schmidt, helped by a balk from Elias Sosa.
The Phillies closed out the game with a 7-5 victory, handing Tug McGraw a save. Carlton earned a win, despite the rough seventh inning, and Gene Garber held the Dodgers at bay. The Phillies took a crucial 1-0 lead in the series as they pushed closer to their first World Series appearance since 1950, while the Dodgers, who were favorites to win the NL pennant, found themselves with an uphill battle to reclaim control.
Game 4 of the 1977 National League Championship Series saw the Los Angeles Dodgers face...
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.
#LosAngelesDodgers #PhiladelphiaPhillies #TommyJohn #SteveCarlton #DustyBaker #RonCey #GarryMaddox #SteveGarvey #NLCS1977 #VeteransStadium
On October 7, 1977, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3...
1977 NLCS G3 - Los Angeles Dodgers vs Philadelphia Phillies - Radio / On October 7, 1977, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the Philadelphia Phillies in Game 3 of the National League Championship Series at Veterans Stadium. The Dodgers, managed by Tommy Lasorda, were fighting for a return to the World Series after a strong regular season where players like Steve Garvey and Ron Cey made significant contributions. Starting pitcher Burt Hooton took the mound for Los Angeles, looking to rebound after a rough Game 1 outing. The Phillies, led by manager Danny Ozark, had a strong year of their own, winning the NL East behind stars such as Mike Schmidt and Greg Luzinski. Pitcher Larry Christenson got the start for Philadelphia as they aimed to take a series lead.
The game saw early scoring from both teams, with the Dodgers jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the second inning, aided by a double from Dusty Baker and a single by Steve Yeager. The Phillies quickly responded in their half of the inning, putting up three runs on a combination of walks and key hits, including a sacrifice fly by Larry Christenson. As the game progressed, both teams were kept in check by strong middle relief pitching, with the Dodgers managing to tie the game at 3-3 in the fourth inning. In the bottom of the eighth, the Phillies appeared to take control, scoring two runs, including an RBI single from Garry Maddox, but the Dodgers weren’t done yet.
In the top of the ninth, Los Angeles rallied with three runs, capitalizing on errors and timely hitting, including a critical double from Manny Mota that tied the game. Davey Lopes then drove in the go-ahead run with a single, and the Dodgers bullpen held off the Phillies in the bottom of the inning to secure a 6-5 victory.
#Dodgers #Phillies #BurtHooton #DustyBaker #MannyMota #LarryChristenson #SteveGarvey #RonCey #MikeSchmidt #GarryMaddox
The Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies met for Game 2 of the 1977 National...
1977 NLCS G2 - Philadelphia Phillies vs Los Angeles Dodgers - Radio Broadcast / The Los Angeles Dodgers and Philadelphia Phillies met for Game 2 of the 1977 National League Championship Series at Dodger Stadium on October 5. The Dodgers, led by manager Tommy Lasorda in his first season at the helm, had won 98 games to capture the NL West title. The Phillies, under Danny Ozark, claimed their second straight NL East crown with 101 victories. Don Sutton took the mound for Los Angeles, while Jim Lonborg started for Philadelphia. Both teams boasted potent lineups, with the Dodgers featuring Steve Garvey, Ron Cey, and Reggie Smith, while the Phillies countered with Mike Schmidt, Greg Luzinski, and Garry Maddox.
The game remained tight early on, with Bake McBride's solo home run in the third inning giving Philadelphia a brief 1-0 lead. Los Angeles quickly responded, tying the score in the bottom of the third. The pivotal moment came in the fourth inning when Dusty Baker launched a grand slam off Lonborg, breaking the game open and putting the Dodgers ahead 5-1. Los Angeles added single runs in the sixth and seventh innings to extend their lead. Sutton pitched a complete game, scattering nine hits and allowing just one run while striking out four.
The Dodgers' victory gave them a 2-0 lead in the best-of-five NLCS. They would go on to win the series in four games, advancing to face the New York Yankees in the World Series. Though Los Angeles fell short in the Fall Classic, losing in six games, the 1977 season marked the beginning of a successful run for the Dodgers. They would return to the World Series in both 1978 and 1981, with the latter resulting in a championship.
#DustyBaker #DonSutton #SteveGarvey #MikeSchmidt #BakeMcBride #RonCey #JimLonborg #ReggieSmiith #GregLuzinski #1977NLCS
On September 2, 1972, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals...
Los Angeles Dodgers vs St. Louis Cardinals - Radio Broadcast / On September 2, 1972, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Busch Stadium II. Starting for the Dodgers was Doug Rau, a left-handed pitcher making his Major League debut, while the Cardinals sent out Durham to the mound. The 1972 season was an interesting one for both teams. The Dodgers were in the midst of a rebuilding phase, having traded away some of their established stars in the previous year. Meanwhile, the Cardinals were coming off a successful 1971 campaign and were looking to repeat their success. The league was also experiencing a significant story in 1972, as it was the year of the first players' strike in Major League Baseball history, which had led to the cancellation of some games earlier in the season.
The game started off quietly, with both teams failing to score in the first inning. However, the Dodgers broke the deadlock in the second inning, scoring four runs. This scoring spree was initiated by a walk to Crawford and a single by Valentine. A wild pitch by Durham moved the runners to second and third, followed by an intentional walk to Russell. This set the stage for Yeager, who tripled to left, clearing the bases. Rau, in his debut game, followed suit with a triple of his own, scoring Yeager and putting the Dodgers up 4-0. The Cardinals' pitching struggled to contain the Dodgers' offense, with Durham being replaced by Palmer partway through the second inning.
The Cardinals' offense, on the other hand, was held in check by Rau. The Cardinals managed only three hits and one run, which came in the seventh inning when Jutze doubled and was driven in by Carbo. The Dodgers scored one more run in the sixth inning, with Yeager scoring on a single by Lacy. The Dodgers' pitching was the star of the game, with Rau going the distance, giving up only one run on three hits in his Major League debut.
The Dodgers' 5-1 victory over the Cardinals was a bright spot in an otherwise challenging season for the team. Despite their struggles, the Dodgers would go on to finish the season in second place in the National League West, while the Cardinals would finish fourth in the National League East. The 1972 season was also notable for the performance of Steve Carlton of the Philadelphia Phillies, who won the Cy Young Award after an outstanding season in which he won 27 games for a team that won only 59 games in total. Meanwhile, the Oakland Athletics would go on to win the World Series, defeating the Cincinnati Reds in seven games.
On August 14, 1971, the St. Louis Cardinals took on the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three...
1971 Pittsburgh Pirates vs St. Louis Cardinals - Bob Gibson - Radio Broadcast / On August 14, 1971, the St. Louis Cardinals took on the Pittsburgh Pirates at Three Rivers Stadium. The Cardinals, managed by Red Schoendienst, were looking to improve their standing in the National League East, while the Pirates, managed by Danny Murtaugh, were leading the division and having a strong season. Bob Gibson, a seasoned and dominant pitcher, started for the Cardinals, and Bob Johnson took the mound for the Pirates. This game was crucial for the Cardinals as they aimed to close the gap in the standings, whereas the Pirates were focused on solidifying their lead.
The Cardinals came out strong right from the start, scoring five runs in the first inning, highlighted by a three-run home run from Joe Hague. Gibson delivered a masterful performance on the mound, keeping the Pirates' hitters off balance and preventing any runs. The Cardinals continued to pile on the runs, with additional contributions from Ted Simmons, who had four hits, and Joe Torre, who also had a four-hit game. By the fifth inning, the Cardinals had extended their lead to 8-0, and they never looked back, adding three more runs in the eighth inning to seal a commanding lead.
The game ended with a resounding 11-0 victory for the Cardinals, with Gibson throwing a no-hitter, walking three, and striking out ten. This victory was a significant boost for the Cardinals in their bid to climb the standings, while the Pirates remained on top of the National League East. The Pirates went on to win the division and eventually the World Series, showcasing their resilience and talent throughout the season.
#BobGibson #JoeHague #TedSimmons #JoeTorre #Cardinals #Pirates #ThreeRiversStadium #1971Baseball #MLB #NoHitter
On a regular September evening in 1969, the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the San Diego...
San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers - Radio Broadcast / On a regular September evening in 1969, the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium. The Dodgers, with a solid season under their belt, sent Bill Singer to the mound. Singer, a right-hander, was enjoying a strong season, entering the game with an 18-9 win-loss record. The Padres, meanwhile, were in their inaugural season and still finding their footing in the league. They started Al Santorini, a young pitcher with a less impressive record. The 1969 season was notable for the "Miracle Mets" winning the World Series, the introduction of four expansion teams including the Padres, and MLB's decision to split both the American and National Leagues into two divisions.
The game started with the Padres taking an early lead in the second inning. A double from Jose Arcadio Morales and a sacrifice bunt from Chris Cannizzaro led to two runs, one earned and one unearned due to an error by Dodgers' second baseman Ted Sizemore. The Dodgers, however, were not deterred. They slowly chipped away at the lead with single runs in the fourth, fifth, and sixth innings. Willie Davis, Wes Parker, and Willie Crawford each contributed with key hits to keep the Dodgers in the game. Bill Singer, after allowing the second-inning runs, settled down and kept the Padres' offense in check.
In the sixth inning, Nate Colbert, the Padres' power-hitting first baseman, hit a solo home run off Singer, adding to the Padres' score. But the Dodgers responded in the bottom of the seventh, capitalizing on a shaky San Diego bullpen. Ross, who had relieved Santorini, gave up two runs, allowing the Dodgers to take the lead. Key hits from Maury Wills and Manny Mota helped the Dodgers secure their advantage.
In the end, the Dodgers emerged victorious with a 5-3 win. Bill Singer earned his 19th win of the season, and Jim Brewer sealed the game with his 20th save. The game was a microcosm of the 1969 season for both teams. The Dodgers, while unable to catch the Miracle Mets, were a strong team with a solid core of players. The Padres, on the other hand, were a young team still finding their place in the league. The 1969 season was also notable for the dominance of pitching in Major League Baseball, culminating in the decision to lower the pitcher's mound from 15 inches to 10 inches for the 1969 season. This game, with its strong pitching performances and key hitting moments, was a fitting representation of that season.