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.
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.
On Saturday, October 3, 1964, the New York Yankees hosted the Cleveland Indians at Yankee...
Cleveland Indians vs New York Yankees - Clinch - Radio Broadcast / On Saturday, October 3, 1964, the New York Yankees hosted the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium in a day game that was a part of the final stretch of the regular season. The Yankees started the game with Al Downing on the mound, a left-handed pitcher who had been a key part of their rotation throughout the season. The Indians countered with Lee Stange, a right-hander who was looking to improve on a challenging season, as reflected in his 7-14 record. At this point in the season, the Yankees were in a tight race for the American League pennant, while the Indians were playing for pride, well out of contention for the postseason. The baseball world was abuzz with the tight pennant races, especially in the National League where the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds were locked in a fierce battle.
The game started with the Yankees taking an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning thanks to a Mickey Mantle double that drove in Phil Linz and Bobby Richardson. The Indians managed to score a run in the top of the third on a single by Chico Salmon, but the Yankees responded in the bottom of the inning with a run of their own, extending their lead to 3-1. The Indians showed signs of a comeback in the sixth inning, scoring two runs to tighten the game at 3-3. However, the Yankees' offense proved too strong, exploding for five runs in the eighth inning to secure a commanding lead. Key contributions in this inning came from Mantle and Elston Howard, who both drew walks and later scored, while Joe Pepitone and Clete Boyer added crucial hits.
The final score was 8-3 in favor of the Yankees, a victory that played a significant role in their successful chase for the American League pennant. The 1964 season was a memorable one for the Yankees, as they won the AL pennant but eventually lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in a thrilling seven-game World Series. Mickey Mantle, despite battling injuries, had a solid season, and the Yankees' roster was dotted with All-Stars, including Howard, who won the American League's Most Valuable Player award.
