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.
Willie Davis, known for his speed and defensive prowess, was an American professional baseball player who spent the majority of his career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Born on April 15, 1940, in Mineral Springs, Arkansas, Davis grew up in Los Angeles, California, where he attended Theodore Roosevelt High School. His athletic talents were evident early on, and
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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.
During the 1971 season, the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers had notable performances...
Chicago Cubs vs Los Angeles Dodgers - Scully - Radio Broadcast / During the 1971 season, the Chicago Cubs and the Los Angeles Dodgers had notable performances and competed fiercely for a spot in the playoffs. The Cubs showcased their offensive power and solid pitching, led by players like Ron Santo, Billy Williams, and Ernie Banks. They had a strong start to the season and remained in the playoff race throughout July. However, their pitching staff faced challenges at times, impacting their consistency and requiring improvement to maintain their competitive edge.
On the other hand, the Dodgers were renowned for their pitching dominance, with Sandy Koufax leading the way. Their strong bullpen and pitching rotation allowed them to shut down opponents effectively. Throughout July, the Dodgers continued to perform consistently, relying on their pitching staff to secure crucial victories and maintain their position as a formidable force in the National League.
In July, both teams were determined to secure a strong position in their divisions. The Dodgers' pitching staff stood out as their main strength, ensuring they remained a top contender. Conversely, the Cubs relied on their offensive prowess, but they encountered difficulties due to inconsistencies in their pitching performances. Despite the challenges faced by both teams, they remained in contention for a playoff berth, making the 1971 season an exciting and competitive one for fans and players alike.
On April 10, 1971, the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the San Diego Padres at Dodger...
1971 San Diego Padres vs Los Angeles Dodgers - Radio Broadcast / On April 10, 1971, the Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the San Diego Padres at Dodger Stadium in a game that showcased the early season form of both teams. The Dodgers, led by starting pitcher Claude Osteen, entered the game with a solid lineup and a strong start to their campaign. The Padres, still trying to find their rhythm early in the season, looked to challenge the Dodgers with starter Dave Roberts. The matchup was set against the backdrop of a new baseball season where both teams aimed to establish a winning momentum, with the Dodgers particularly keen to capitalize on their home advantage and deep roster.
The game saw the Dodgers taking control from the early innings, maintaining a steady offensive pressure that resulted in multiple scoring innings. Key performances came from Bill Sudakis, who hit two home runs, and Willie Davis, who contributed with pivotal hits and runs batted in that helped extend the Dodgers' lead. The Padres struggled to respond, managing only a few hits off Osteen, who pitched a complete game. The Dodgers' offense was consistent, combining for a total of 13 hits, which, along with strategic baserunning and several Padres errors, led to a substantial lead by the end of the eighth inning.
The final score was 9-2 in favor of the Dodgers, reflecting their dominant performance throughout the game. This victory was part of a positive start to the Dodgers' season, helping to set the tone for their aspirations in the pennant race. Meanwhile, the Padres faced the ongoing challenge of building team chemistry and finding effective strategies against stronger opponents. Overall, the game underscored the potential of the Dodgers' lineup and the effectiveness of their pitching, which would be crucial in their quest for a successful season.
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.
On November 3, 1968, the Chicago Bears visited the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field...
1968 NFL Week 8 • Chicago Bears vs Green Bay Packers - Radio Broadcast / On November 3, 1968, the Chicago Bears visited the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in a classic NFL rivalry clash. Coached by Jim Dooley, the Bears were aiming to even their season record, facing the Packers led by coach Phil Bengtson, who were struggling slightly below .500. This game was not just a regular matchup; it was steeped in the intense rivalry and history between these two storied franchises. At this point in the season, both teams were dealing with varying challenges but still held onto playoff aspirations, setting the stage for a tightly contested game. The Packers' quarterback Bart Starr and the Bears' Virgil Carter were pivotal figures, with their performances underpinning their teams' strategies and hopes for the season.
During the game, the Bears and Packers showed strong defenses and strategic play that kept scoring low and tensions high. The Bears' kicker Mac Percival was crucial, scoring two field goals, including a critical 43-yarder. Virgil Carter, despite modest passing statistics, added a touchdown on the ground that proved decisive. On the Packers' side, Bart Starr connected with Carroll Dale for a 50-yard touchdown pass, showcasing the aerial threat they posed. The game's flow was marked by strategic punting and field position battles, with both teams exchanging the lead in the final quarter, reflecting the close competition typical of their historic rivalry.
The Bears emerged victorious with a narrow 13-10 win, which shifted their season record to an even 4-4, while the Packers moved to 3-5-1. The 1968 season, remembered for its pivotal moments and the intense playoff races in the NFL, saw both teams fighting hard but ultimately not making a significant impact in the postseason.
The game in question was a late-season contest between the Houston Colt .45s and the...
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Houston Colt .45s Radio Broadcast / The game in question was a late-season contest between the Houston Colt .45s and the Los Angeles Dodgers, played on September 27, 1964 at Colt Stadium. The starting pitchers were Don Drysdale for the Dodgers and Bob Bruce for the Colt .45s. Drysdale, a future Hall of Famer, was renowned for his intimidating presence on the mound and his exceptional control. Bruce, on the other hand, was a solid starter for the Colt .45s, known for his competitive nature. At this point in the season, the Dodgers were in the thick of a tight pennant race in the National League, while the Colt .45s were trying to finish their season on a high note. The 1964 season was marked by several significant stories, including the Philadelphia Phillies' infamous late-season collapse, and the exceptional performance of the St. Louis Cardinals, who would eventually win the World Series.
The game was a classic pitcher's duel, with both Drysdale and Bruce throwing scoreless innings well into extra innings. Neither team could muster much offense, with the Dodgers and the Colt .45s managing just five hits apiece. For the Dodgers, Tommy Davis managed a double, while Dick Tracewski and Nate Oliver each contributed a single. For the Colt .45s, Joe Morgan, known for his time with the Cincinnati Reds, had two hits, while Jimmy Wynn drove in the game's only run. Both pitchers were in control throughout, with Drysdale striking out six and Bruce matching him with six strikeouts of his own.
The game remained scoreless until the 12th inning, when Rusty Staub, the future All-Star, led off the inning for the Colt .45s. Despite not registering a hit in the game, Staub managed to reach base and eventually scored the game's only run on a hit by Wynn. The Dodgers, despite a solid performance from Drysdale, were unable to respond in their half of the inning, leading to a 1-0 victory for the Colt .45s.
The game was indicative of the larger trends of the 1964 season. The Dodgers, despite a strong roster and excellent performances from players like Drysdale, were unable to secure a playoff spot, finishing the season in sixth place in the National League. The Colt .45s, meanwhile, ended their season in ninth place, but the game was a bright spot in an otherwise difficult season. The game also highlighted the talent of players like Drysdale and Morgan, who would go on to have exceptional careers in Major League Baseball. The 1964 season was ultimately won by the St. Louis Cardinals, who defeated the New York Yankees in a thrilling seven-game World Series.
On October 3, 1962, the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers faced off at...
1962 NL Tie-breaker G3 - San Francisco Giants vs Los Angeles Dodgers Radio / On October 3, 1962, the San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers faced off at Dodger Stadium in a critical matchup, closing the National League's regular season. The Giants, led by right-hander Juan Marichal, entered this game needing a win to continue their pursuit of a postseason berth, while the Dodgers, starting left-hander Johnny Podres, were looking to halt the Giants' momentum and secure their spot. The game was emblematic of the fierce rivalry and high stakes that defined the season, as both teams were battling for the National League pennant in one of the most tightly contested races of the decade.
The game itself was a back-and-forth battle, with the Giants taking an early lead in the third inning, capitalizing on a series of defensive miscues by the Dodgers. San Francisco held that slim margin until the sixth inning, when Dodgers third baseman Tommy Davis launched a two-run homer to give Los Angeles a brief lead. Maury Wills, always a threat on the bases, added to the Dodgers' edge by stealing multiple bases, including his 104th of the season. However, the Giants orchestrated a dramatic ninth-inning rally, led by Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda, to reclaim control and secure the victory with a four-run burst.
With this win, the Giants forced a tie with the Dodgers, necessitating a tiebreaker playoff to determine the National League champion. The intense pennant race, marked by remarkable performances from players like Wills and Mays, would ultimately see the Giants advance, although they would fall short in the World Series against the New York Yankees. The game remains a key moment in a storied rivalry and a pivotal chapter in the Giants' and Dodgers' long-standing competition.
#giants #dodgers #williemays #maurywills #juanmarichal #johnnypodres #nationalleague #nlpennant #1962
The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium in a pivotal...
1962 NL Tie-breaker G2 - San Francisco Giants vs Los Angeles Dodgers Radio / The Los Angeles Dodgers hosted the San Francisco Giants at Dodger Stadium in a pivotal late-season matchup. The Dodgers were in a tight pennant race with the Giants and the NL-leading Pittsburgh Pirates, while the Giants were also jockeying for position in the playoff hunt. Veteran right-handers Don Drysdale of the Dodgers and Billy O'Dell of the Giants took the mound, with both teams looking to gain an advantage in the standings.
The game started as a pitcher's duel, with the Giants scratching across a run in the 2nd inning on an RBI double by Felipe Alou. However, the Dodgers erupted for 7 runs in the 6th inning, highlighted by a bases-clearing double by Jim Gilliam and a key error by Giants catcher Ed Bailey. The Giants fought back, plating 4 runs in the 6th to cut the deficit to 7-5. They tied the game at 7-7 in the 8th on an unearned run, setting up a dramatic 9th inning.
In the bottom of the 9th, the Dodgers loaded the bases and Maury Wills scored the winning run on a sacrifice fly by Tommy Davis, giving Los Angeles an 8-7 victory. The win kept the Dodgers in the thick of the pennant race, while the Giants fell further back. The 1962 season would go down to the wire, with the Dodgers ultimately edging the Giants by 4 games to claim the National League title.
#MauryWills #DonDrysdale #TommyDavis #FelipeAlou #SanFranciscoGiants #LosAngelesDodgers #DodgerStadium #PennantRace
The San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers faced off in Game 1 of a...
1962 NL Tie-breaker G1 - Los Angeles Dodgers vs San Francisco Giants Radio / The San Francisco Giants and Los Angeles Dodgers faced off in Game 1 of a best-of-three tiebreaker series on October 1, 1962, at Candlestick Park to determine the National League pennant winner. Both teams had finished the regular season with identical 101-61 records, forcing this playoff. The Giants sent Billy Pierce to the mound against the Dodgers' ace Sandy Koufax. This matchup was particularly significant as the Dodgers had just endured a late-season collapse, losing six of their last seven games and failing to score in their final 21 innings. Meanwhile, the Giants had surged, winning five of their last seven to force this tiebreaker.
The Giants wasted no time in breaking the Dodgers' scoreless streak, as Willie Mays hit a two-run homer in the first inning off Koufax. Jim Davenport added a solo shot in the second, chasing Koufax from the game after just one-plus innings. The Giants continued to pour it on, with Mays hitting his second home run of the game in the sixth inning, followed immediately by an Orlando Cepeda homer. Meanwhile, Pierce was dominant on the mound for San Francisco, keeping the Dodgers' bats quiet throughout the game. The Giants added three more runs in the eighth to put the game out of reach.
The final score was 8-0 in favor of the Giants, giving them a 1-0 lead in the tiebreaker series. Pierce pitched a complete game shutout, allowing just three hits while striking out six. Mays finished the game 3-for-3 with two home runs, three RBIs, and three runs scored. This victory put the Giants one win away from the National League pennant. They would go on to win the series in three games, advancing to face the New York Yankees in the World Series, which the Yankees would win in seven games.
#WillieMays #BillyPierce #SandyKoufax #OrlandoCepeda #JimDavenport #1962NLPennantRace #GiantsDodgersRivalry #CandlestickPark #NLTiebreaker #MLBPlayoffs