May 3, 1941: Gornicki Debuts With A Gem

     On May 3, 1941, 30-year-old rookie Hank Gornicki led the Cardinals to a 6-0 victory over the Phillies with a one hit effort at Shibe Park in Philadelphia. While the hurler turned in a performance to remember, it would be his only start as a member of the Cardinals and, less than a month later, he would be back in the minor leagues. 

    Gornicki had no run support until the fourth, when Don Padgett hit a solo shot to put the Birds up 1-0. The Cardinals rookie carried a no-hitter into the sixth before Stan Benjamin broke it up with a two out single for the Phillies, but Gornicki sat the next man down with a fly ball that landed in Terry Moore's glove.  

     Still 1-0, Gornicki had to hold his opponents in check and he was up to the task, allowing only one man to reach second base and striking out five batters.  While he did walk five men, his defense was working nicely behind him at the same time he was getting the job done in front of them. 

    The Cardinals gave their pitcher some breathing room with a four run seventh inning, capped off with an RBI-scoring double from Terry Moore that brought Creepy Crespi home for the fifth Redbird run of the day.  Crespi later scored the sixth run with a homer in the ninth. 

    While Hank Gornicki never did start another game for the Cardinals, his days in Major League Baseball were not over. In the fall of 1941, he was sent to the Cubs in a deal that brought cash back to St. Louis.  However, after appearing in just four games for the Cubbies, the deal was voided by the commissioner of baseball forcing  Gornicki back to the Cardinals organization where  hereturned to the minor league affiliate. The Cardinals had a wealth of pitching at the time and there was no place for him on the big league roster. 

    In December of 1941, the Pirates selected Gornicki off of waivers, when he went on to pitch a total of 259 innings in 1942 and 1943. In 1943 he had the distinction of being the winning pitcher on both ends of a doubleheader. He served his country in 1944 and 1945 before returning to the Pirates in 1946. He pitched a little more than a dozen innings for the Pirates that season before being optioned to the minors. His days on a big league diamond may have been over, but there were many memories made on that diamond that he would carry with him throughout the rest of his life. Those memories included the day he stepped on the mound and spun a one hit gem as a member of the St. Louis Cardinals against the Phillies at Shibe Park in Philadelphia. 

Check out the box score here: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI194105030.shtml

    

April 16, 1978: Forsch No-Hits The Phillies

     On April 16, 1978,  Cardinals hurler Bob Forsch recorded the seventh no-hitter in franchise history, beating the Philadelphia Phillies 5-0 in St. Louis. The masterful performance by Forsch included just two walks and three strikeouts. Bob's brother Ken accomplished the feat less than a year later as a member of the Astros, making the two the only brothers to toss no-hitters in the history of Major League Baseball.  In 1983, Bob pitched the second no-hitter of his career, making him the only pitcher to do it twice in a Cardinals uniform. 

    Phillies starter Randy Lerch held the Cardinals scoreless until the fourth, when Kenny Reitz knocked in Ted Simmons with a two out single to make it 1-0. The Cardinals extended their lead to 4-0 in the sixth when Roger Freed came through with a three run pinch hit double. Reliever Gene Garber gave up the fifth run of the day in the eighth on a bases loaded walk to Dane Iorg. Forsch had more than enough run support as he finished on the mound in historic fashion for the Redbirds.

    In the top of the eighth, there was some controversy when Reitz committed an error at third base. The Philadelphia Inquirer's headline  read "NO HITTER: Error disputed as the Phillies fall to Forsch".  The play in question came when Phillies centerfielder Gary Maddox hit one down the line just to the left of  Reitz. The ball went under his glove and Maddox was standing at first. While those on the Cardinals side of the ball saw it as a definite error, the visitors disagreed. It took longer than usual for the official scorer to make the decision, but when it was announced, Forsch's no-hitter was still intact. Reitz himself said that it was a play that he would make 99 out of 100 times. That just happened to be the one in a hundred and it was an error. 

    After the call was made, Forsch induced a double play and retired the next man he faced with a lineout to short to end the eighth. In the top of the ninth the final three batters of the game all grounded out. Forsch and his catcher, Ted Simmons, embraced on the mound, and Cardinals came flying in from all directions celebrating the historic outing. With the fans on their feet and an ovation coming down up him and his teammates Bob Forsch had etched his name into the history books.  

Check out the box score here: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN197804160.shtml

April 15, 1942: Gumbert and The Boys Get Win #1

     On April 15, 1942, behind a four-hit complete game effort by Harry Gumbert, the Cardinals won their first game of the season, beating the Cubs 4-2 at Sportsman's Park in St. Louis. Win number one of 1942 would mark the first of a 106 win season, which stands as the most wins by a Cardinals team in franchise history. 

    Gumbert found himself trailing early after an error led to a run in the second, then he gave up another run in the fourth when Cubs starting pitcher Jake Mooty knocked a runner home with a single. While it may have been a bumpy start for the Cardinals righty, it smoothed out nicely. Not one more batter reached base after Mooty, with Gumbert retiring the next 16 batters to help lead the Cardinals to victory.

    Down 2-0, Gumbert needed run support and it was on the way as the Cardinals tied the ballgame 2-2 in the fourth. The game-tying rally began with a Terry Moore triple, followed by a walk to Enos Slaughter. Mooty picked up two outs before Gus Mancuso and Marty Marion picked up back-to-back RBI singles to knot it up. 

    The Cardinals then took the lead in the sixth with Mooty still on the bump for the Baby Bears. The hurler gave up a one out single to Ray Sanders who scored on a double by Jimmy Brown. The Cards were up 3-2. Moments later, Marion got his second RBI of the day with a single to score Brown to make it 4-2. With Gumbert locked in, the Cubs came to the plate and went back to the bench 1-2-3 time and time again as the Cardinals coasted to victory. 

    The team that was destined to win 106 games total was also destined to win a World Championship during that season. There were players on that roster whose names are known by each and every Cardinals fan; there were others many may not know. While they may not have their number on the stadium wall or their name in Cooperstown, they were still pieces to a puzzle

    Harry Gumbert was a piece to the 1942 Championship winning Cardinals puzzle.  He went 9-5 for the team that season and recorded 5 saves. He made just two appearance in the World Series. However, once the final out was recorded I'm sure he stormed the field alongside his teammates who had brought yet another title to St. Louis.  

Check out the box score here: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN194204150.shtml

April 11, 1954: The Trade That Made Slaughter Weep

    

    On April 11, 1954, Enos Slaughter openly wept when being informed that he had been traded to the New York Yankees. The Cardinals were set to receive outfielder Bill Virdon, pitcher Mel Wright, and minor league outfielder Emil Tellinger. The trade marked the end of an era for the team and the player who had been wearing a Cardinals uniform since April 19, 1938. He played 13 seasons for the Redbirds, winning two World Championships, and forever weaving himself into the fabric of the history of the team as one of the greatest players to wear the Birds on the Bat. 

    As the Cardinals prepared for another season in St. Louis, the team had visons of rookie Wally Moon becoming a regular in center. That meant that good ol' Country Slaughter would have to embrace a part-time role, which he didn't seem completely on board with, so General Manager Dick Meyer began shopping the veteran around. After being passed over by the National League clubs, the GM of the Yankees took the call that led to the deal bringing Slaughter to The Bronx.

    Tears flowed as the news was delivered to Slaughter. His manager Eddie Stanky tried his best to console him, but Slaughter seemed inconsolable, saying to The Globe Democrat "This is a helluva way to treat a fellow...This is the biggest shock of my life." He would also go onto say that Casey Stengel and the Yankees would be getting 100% from him as he moved forward. 

    Slaughter proved he had a few good years left in the tank, playing for the Yankees, A's, and Braves before retiring in 1959. He was able to add two more championship rings as a member of the Yankees with World Series wins in 1956 and 1958. After retiring he was a coach in the minor leagues and then with Duke University for a number of years.

    To this day, Enos Slaughter ranks in the Cardinals Top 10 in too many categories to list.  He ranks sixth on the team leaderboard in all time hits with 2,064, he ranks fifth in all time runs scored with 1,071, and he ranks third in all time RBIs with 1,148.

    Forever a celebrated member of the Cardinals, Slaughter was inducted into The Baseball Hall of Fame in 1985, had his number 9 retired by the club in 1996, and was inducted into The Cardinals Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in 2014. Perhaps the most memorable moment of Slaughter's career is the Mad Dash that brought him into score the winning run in Game 7 of the 1946 World Series. Slaughter and The Mad Dash are memorialized in bronze outside of Busch Stadium today. 

    When we look back at a player's career with our favorite teams, we rarely reflect on the day they were traded or had to retire from the great game of baseball. When you think about it that's how it should be. We reflect on the great moments that took place. What they brought to the game and the joy that we as fans have been able to take from that. Ultimately, baseball is a business and players come and go, but a great deal of them stay with us for the rest of time. Enos Slaughter is one of those players.  

If you would like to read more about the baseball life of Enos Slaughter check out his SABR bio here: https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/enos-slaughter/

Check out stats leaders in Cardinals history: https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/leaders_bat.shtml

April 10, 1978: Tyson's Round Tripper Caps Off A Big First Inning

    On April 10, 1978, a Mike Tyson three run home run capped off a six run first inning for the Cardinals who went onto beat the Pirates 11-2 in their home opener at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. John Denny took care of business from the mound, pitching a complete game, while striking out four. Along with Tyson and Denny's efforts, Keith Hernandez went 4 for 5 that included 2 RBI, a double and a stolen base.

    Not known for his thump, Tyson hit just 27 home runs in career. 22 of those home runs came wearing the Birds on the Bat. A solid defensive player, Tyson played second base and shortstop for the Cardinals from 1972 to 1979. He was traded to the Cubs after the season ended in 1979 and played two more seasons before hanging up his cleats. 

Check out the box score with details of all of the scoring here: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN197804100.shtml

Another highlight of that day in 1978 was the birth of my friend Doug Harmon who was a Cardinals fan from day one and is still a huge fan today. Happy Birthday, Doug! Compete!!!

April 9, 1953: Busch Buys The Ballpark

     

    On April 9, 1953, it was announced that St. Louis Browns owner Bill Veeck was selling Sportsman's Park to Cardinals owner August A. Busch Jr. for a cost of $800,000. By today's standards that would equate to $8.5 million. The park was long overdue for repair and Busch had a plan in place for an extensive renovation that included a planned name change to Budweiser Stadium, wider seats, and an Anheuser Busch eagle over the left field wall that would flap its wings when a player hit a home run. 

    The sale came on the heels of the American League rejecting a proposed move to Baltimore for Veeck's club, which turned Veeck from landlord into tenant, as he signed a 5 year lease for the Browns to occupy the ballpark. However, as we all know the Browns move to Baltimore would ultimately be approved and 1953 was the last season the Browns called St. Louis home.

    Busch had big plans for the stadium. Over the next couple of years more than $1.5 million was invested into the ballpark. Before the sale took place the park had fallen into such disrepair the cash strapped Browns could not seem to so much as replace the tarp that was used during a rain delay. It was said that the tarp was so bad that when they pulled it off the field there were puddles everywhere. Along with the wider seats and the Anheuser Busch eagle, Gussie invested into a state-of-the-art drainage system, new restrooms, concessions stands, drinking fountains, turnstiles, and improved dugouts. The ballpark was also painted green, red, and metallic blue to enhance the fan's experience while taking in a game. 

    One thing that Busch did not get his way with was changing the name to Budweiser Stadium. MLB Commissioner Ford Frick and others did not want to commercialize the game by letting an owner name his stadium after an alcoholic beverage. Therefore, Busch went with his family name and Busch Stadium was born. Less than a year later Busch Bavarian Beer was born and the Cardinals owner was able to get the last laugh with that one. 

    The site of the ballpark that sat at Grand and Dodier was the home of baseball as early as 1867. The team that became the Cardinals had played on the grounds from 1882 to 1892 before moving into Robison Field in 1893. The Browns opened the new version of Sportsman's Park on the site in 1902 as a member of the American League. The Cardinals returned as tenants in 1920 and celebrated nine pennant winning seasons there as well as six World Championships. It was known as home of the St. Louis Cardinals until Busch Stadium II opened in May of 1966.  

    Sportsman's Park was the original Baseball Heaven. Just to think of the memories that were made within those walls is something that one can hardly wrap the mind around. All these years and two ballparks later when we join our friends, family and other fans within the walls of the stadium that we call Busch be sure to remember how special it truly is. 

Check out this video about Sportsman's Park

    

    

April 8, 1997: Walk It Off Willie!!!

     On April 8, 1997, 38 year old Willie McGee hit a walk off home run that lifted the Cardinals to
a 2-1 victory over the Montreal Expos in their home opener at Busch. The walk off shot could not have come at a better time, as the Redbirds had lost six in a row to start the season. It was Willie's first walk off home run of his career. Tony LaRussa called it something right out of The Natural. The always humble McGee scoffed at the idea, saying, "That's fantasy. This is hard work for me." Hard work pays off. It certainly paid off for Willie that day. 

    Alan Benes got the nod to start in front of more than 47,000 fans that packed Busch Stadium. He received run support in the second when Gary Gaetti scored on a Roberto Mejia sac fly, only to watch the Expos tie it up 1-1 in the third when Mike Lansing knocked in a run with a single. Benes was able to work his way through the fifth before being lifted for a pinch hitter. 

    Mark Petkovsek took over on the bump in the sixth and got the job done by keeping Montreal off the board as he pitched into the ninth inning. Expos closer Ugueth Urbina had worked his way out of a bases loaded mess late in the eighth after he walked two before striking out Gaetti.  Urbina came out in the bottom of the ninth, sat Tom Lampkin down on a pop fly and struck Mejia out to end the inning. With the pitcher due up in the lineup, it was the end of the day for Petkovsek when Tony called on number 51 to pinch hit.  All it took was one pitch as Willie's bat came around and got a hold of the ball that sailed over the wall in right. His teammates mobbed him at that plate as the cheers rained down upon him. Willie and the Birds were walk off winners.

  Watch the historic blast

Check out the box score here: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN199704080.shtml

April 7, 2010: Wainwright Notches His First W In Cincy

    On April 7, 2010, Adam Wainwright locked down his first win of the season with a 6-3 Cardinals victory over the Reds at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati. Wainwright provided the club seven strong innings of work, striking out six, walking just two, and allowing only three hits.  He would go onto win 20 games that season and finish 2nd in the Cy Young vote.

    The Redbirds were able to get on the board first with an RBI single by David Freese in the second inning that plated Colby Rasmus to make it 1-0. One inning later, Ryan Ludwick picked up an RBI single that brought Matt Holliday in to make it 2-0. The Reds had visions of striking back quickly in the bottom of the inning when Brandon Phillips led off with a single. However, Yadier Molina had other thoughts when he gunned down Phillips trying to steal second. Three batters later, Wainwright was headed back to the bench with no damage done.

    It looked like Uncle Charlie was in cruise control. He had thrown just 54 pitches through five innings and looked well on the way to a dominant victory.  However, just as quick as that thought may have crossed the mind the Reds tied things up with a two-run blast in the sixth off the bat of Orlando Cabrera.  All tied up at two, there was still work to do and the Birds went right back to work. 

    When Johnny Cueto's day came to an end in the sixth, Dusty Baker called on bullpen lefty Danny Herrera to face lefty Skip Schumaker, who promptly singled to center to lead off the seventh. Dusty went right back to the pen. Logan Ondrusek took over mound duties and walked the first man he faced. One batter later, Albert Pujols broke the 2-2 deadlock with a single into center scoring Schumaker to make it 3-2. Matt Holliday followed Albert with a two-run double that broke the lead open to 5-2 Cardinals. Before the end of the frame, David Freese knocked in another off of Arthur Rhodes who was the third reliever of the inning that ended with nine Cardinals total stepping up to the dish.

    Up 6-2 and at 95 pitches on the day, Waino handed the ball to Tony LaRussa who then handed it to Kyle McClellan in the eighth. McClellan did surrender a run after giving up a leadoff double, but he struck out two in the inning before handing it over to Dennys Reyes who struck out Joey Votto to send the game to the ninth. Ryan Franklin shut them down in the bottom of the inning and Wainwright had 1 in the W column. A very special season was on tap for the player who wears the number 50 on his back. 

    As we get ready to celebrate Opening Day here in St. Louis, it was important for me to come up with a game that featured three of the men that we have been so lucky to watch and in my humble opinion we are blessed to be able to watch again today: Adam Wainwright, Yadier Molina, and Albert Pujols. It's sort of a cool bonus to see bench coach Skip Schumaker have his moment in this one as well. 

    Soak all of it in today. This may very well be the last time we see this group on the diamond as players. There will be red jackets, retired numbers, statues, and so many countless stories that we tell our kids and grandkids about this group, just like your parent and grandparents have told you the stories of the Cardinals greats that took the diamond during their heyday. It is something special, and we should never forget it. 

Play Ball!

Check out the box score here: STLvsCin 4-7-2010

June 5, 1956, Atkinson Stops Topeka On No-Hitter

     On June 5, 1956,  Cardinals minor leaguer and Sioux City hurler Dick Atkinson no-hit the Topeka Hawks at Soos Park in Sioux City Iowa. Only three men reached base as Atkinson struck out nine men en route to the achievement that every pitcher dreams of, as his Soos beat the Hawks 2-0 in front of the gem tossed by the big righty.

     Dick Atkinson may not be a name that is known among all of Cardinals Nation. He played for four seasons as a minor leaguer in the Cardinals organization and two more with the White Sox organization. He did not crack a major league roster, but at times he stood by the sides of men like Stan Musial and Ken Boyer. Through social media, Dick has become a friend. When he posted about this game, I dug up headlines and got to thinking how great it would be for him to relive it one more time. This is a first for me, but I am going to tell the tale just as it was told Sioux City Journal writer by John C. Kelly in the newspaper the following day:     
                                                  

     Dick Atkinson, the big righthander from Scammon, Kansas, pitched himself in the record books Tuesday night as he hurled a nearly perfect no-hitter in Soos Park, as the Soos won, 2-0.

     The same two teams square off again tonight with Ted Thiem (4-5) scheduled for the Soos and Herbert Skankman (2-2) getting the nod for the Hawks. 

     Facing only 29 batters in all, Atkinson gave up a walk in the second, Bill Bohlender was safe in the third on Gene Davis' glaring error, and a walk in the seventh, with the runner quickly erased in the game's only double play, 

     Dick had to go all out to win, in spite of his complete mastery of Hawks batters, as Marshall Bridges, the former Soos first baseman, gave up only three hits. But the Soos made their hits count.

                                                                   Score in Sixth
     
     The first run came in the sixth on a walk to Atkinson, a sacrifice and Ken Landenberger's double to right field. The final run came in the ninth on Don Catchot's single, a sacrifice bunt by Atkinson that found Catchot beating the attempted force at second, a walk to load the bases and Art Burnett's long fly to deep left center.

     Dick found the Soos going all out to preserve the no-hitter, too. , as there were any number of fine plays, with the three falling in the superlative class. In the sixth Don Catchot made a beautiful, over the shoulder catch of Bridges drive, just inches short of the centerfield fence.

     In the same inning , Burnett beat Mike Jezierski out of a hit with a gloved-hand pickup and quick throw of a finely placed bunt, and in the ninth Wally Fassler went deep to left short and came up fast to throw out Bohlender for the last serious threat. 

                                                                                                               Fans 9 Batters

     The righthander struck out nine Hawks and most of the time had the visitors popping up or grounding out, as only five balls were knocked out of the infield. After the error in the third inning he retired 11 men in a order, have up one more walk and that was the story. 

     Atkinson makes his home in Scammon, Kansas, but in the offseason he is a graduate student at Kansas State Teachers College at Pitssburg, Kansas. He is 24 years old, stands 6 feet 2 inches and is a graduate of Missouri University. He started pro ball with Omaha in 1952, and pitched a one hitter against Colorado Springs that year. 

     Today, Dick resides in Arizona. He has lived and continues to live a great life full of memories of days on the diamond and the days that have followed. I can tell in our brief interactions that those days on the diamond are days that are cherished. He told me that baseball has been a guide throughout his life and everything he has he owes to the game. That is quite the statement from a man who did what every pitcher dreams of on that day in 1956. He pitched a no-no.

Thank you, Dick for sharing the memory of that day with me, so it can be shared with others. It is a day that will be remembered. Proud to call you a friend.

Source: The Sioux City Journal published June 6, 1956

     

April 20, 1946: Brecheen and The Birds Spoil The Cubs Opener at Wrigley

     On April 20, 1946, the Cardinals spoiled the Cubs' home opener at Wrigley Field with a 2-0 win.  That same day, the Cubs raised their 1945 National League pennant before the contest and televised their first regular season game in club history.  Harry "The Cat" Brecheen was on the bump for the birds from start to finish, allowing just six hits along the way.

     Lou Klein led the game off with a single, and was driven in on a sac fly by Enos Slaughter. Cubs starter Hank Borowy pitched into the eighth, down just 1-0, but he gave up another run that inning when Dick Sisler knocked in Stan Musial, giving the Cards and Brecheen a 2-0 lead and a little room to breathe.

     While Brecheen kept the Baby Bears off the board, he had help from his defense, particularly from Marty Marion, who had five putouts and five assists, including an inning-ending out with the bases loaded in the fifth. The Cubs may have come into the day celebrating a pennant winning club being televised for the first time, but at the end of the day, the Cardinals celebrated a win. There is no way to have known it then, but on that day the Cards were on the way to a pennant of their own. 1946 was quite a year.

Check out the box score here: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN194604200.shtml

Celebrate '68: Thank you, Bob Gibson... 1.12

                On September 27, 1968, Bob Gibson capped off his historical season by shutting out the Houston Astros 1-0 in front of 18,658 fans at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The six-hit shutout was his 13^th shutout of the season, as well as his 28^th complete game of the campaign. Gibson’s ERA coming into his final start of the season was 1.16. After shutting the Astros down, Gibson’s ERA dropped to 1.12, which stands as the lowest earned run average during a single season in the live ball era.

            The game played at Busch that September evening was looked at by many as a tune up for Gibson as the Cardinals were set to take on the Detroit Tigers in the World Series. Gibson looked at it like he looked at every other game he started… he came to win. He was a fierce competitor in start number one, and he was the same fierce competitor in start 34.

            Houston skipper Harry “The Hat” Walker called on Larry Dierker to face Gibson. Dierker did a formidable job keeping the Birds off the board until the fifth when he opened the inning with a walk to Julian Javier. Dierker struck the next man out before Gibson sacrificed Javier to second with a bunt. Javier took third on a single by Lou Brock, then scored when Curt Flood singled him in. Brock was thrown out at home trying to score on the same play to end the inning, but the damage was done, Gibson had the run he would need, and he was on the way to victory.

            Houston scattered a few hits along the way, however, they could not figure out a way to get a runner home. Gibson was doing what Gibson did that season, which was set men down. He sailed into the ninth with nine strikeouts under his belt. He struck out ten and eleven to begin the inning, then finished the game off with getting Rusty Staub to hit a pop fly to Javier at second base. Gibson walked off the mound a 22-game winner and the owner of an ERA of 1.12 that has not been matched since.

            In the history of Major League Baseball only three pitchers have posted a season ERA that was below Gibson’s mark of 1.12.  Tim O’Keefe posted a 0.86 ERA as a member of the National League’s Troy Trojans in 1880, Mordecai Brown posted a 1.04 ERA as a member of the Chicago Cubs in 1904, and Dutch Leonard posted a 0.96 ERA as a member of the Boston Red Sox in 1914. All three of those pitchers accomplished their feats during the dead ball era, making Gibson’s 1.12 an accomplishment like no other.

            That year, “The Year of The Pitcher”, had a plethora of pitching stars. Denny McLain, who Gibson would face off against during the World Series won 31 games, making him the last hurler to win 30 or more. Cleveland’s Luis Tiant posted a 1.60 ERA to earn the American League’s earned run pitching title. Juan Marichal of the Giants led the National League with 26 wins. There were so many accomplishments by pitchers during that season that it looks absolutely ridiculous. 49 starting pitchers had an earned run average below 3.00 on the season and seven starters had an ERA under 2.00.

The dominance in pitching in 1968 caused Major League Baseball to bring changes to the game. The league lowered the mound from 15 to 10 inches in an effort to generate offense. Many in Cardinals Nation credit Bob Gibson for the mound being lowered, however, the fact of the matter is Gibson was one of many men who were responsible for the league choosing to make the change. Gibson simply led the pack.

            Both Gibson and McLain took home MVP and Cy Young honors in their respective leagues. As mentioned before they would face off in the World Series. Gibson opened the series up by breaking a Fall Classic record striking out 17 men, and Gibby then went out and won game four, in a series that would go seven. Gibson started the seventh game and was beaten by Mickey Lolich. The World Series loss was a hard pill to swallow for that pennant winning club. Especially for Bob Gibson who carried that team so far.   

            As we take one more look back at this Celebrate ’68 series I am going to recap the numbers that Gibson posted during that 1968 season: In 34 starts Gibson won 22 games and lost 9. He completed 28 of his 34 starts and recorded 13 shutouts. In 304.2 innings he faced 1,161 men innings and struck out 268 of them. He was an All Star, a Gold Glove winner, the Cy Young winner, and the Most Valuable Player in the National League.  With a wicked fastball and a slider that would send men packing, Gibson put together a year that is celebrated 50 years later and will likely be talked about 50 years from now. For the magic number of 1.12 will live forever and as it lives on Bob Gibson’s name will be right next to it.

Check out the box score here: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN196809270.shtml

Sources included: baseball-reference.com, The Southeast Missourian, The Schenectady Gazette, The Victoria Advocate, The Free Lance-Star, The Dispatch, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Pittsburgh Press, Newsday, as well as a wide variety of that I have utilized throughout this season.

I would like to thank each and every one of you that have taken the time to read these blogs. You doing so has made every minute that I have spent doing this well worth it. I would also like to thank Dan McLaughlin for showing support throughout the season. It has been fun to say the least.

I have always known the number 1.12. I have always appreciated and admired what Gibson accomplished that season and throughout his career as a Cardinal. With that said, by looking back at the ’68 season like we have done together here this year has made me appreciate it in a way that I could have never done without it. Therefore, I want to thank one more person in closing.

Thank you, Bob Gibson.

1.12

Celebrate '68: The Dodgers Beat Gibby Thanks To An Error

                On September 22, 1968, Bob Gibson tossed his 27^th complete game of the year, but ended up on the losing end of a 3-2 Dodgers victory over the Cardinals in Los Angeles. The loss by the Cards put Gibson’s record at 21-9, while his ERA rose from 1.13 to 1.16. Gibby had one more start in front of him, and in that start, he would reach what many of us consider a magic number: 1.12.

            The Dodgers called on future Hall of Famer Don Sutton to face Gibson. 23-year-old Sutton was in control that day. He surrendered a hit to Dal Maxvill in the third, then held the Cardinals hitless until the eighth. Meanwhile, Gibson kept the Dodgers off the board until the sixth when Paul Popovich knocked in Tom Haller to make it 1-0. Willie Crawford made it 2-0 Dodgers with a solo shot in the seventh and Gibson found himself in a hole.

            Gibson and company were not in the hole long. Sutton’s run of dominance over the Redbird lineup wore off in the top of the eighth. Although, he did retire the first two men he faced in the frame. Dal Maxvill and Gibson began the rally with a pair of singles. Lou Brock followed suit with a single to right that brought Maxvill into score and moved Gibson over to third. Sutton then balked, Gibson scored, Lou moved to second and the game was knotted up 2-2.

            The tied ballgame did not last long. Gibson began the bottom of the eighth by issuing a walk to Bill Sudakis. Wes Parker moved Sudakis over to second with a sac bunt before disaster struck… Popovich came to the plate having already knocked in the run in the sixth. He was just a .218 hitter, who likely had one job, which was to move Sudakis over to third. Popovich hit a flyball to Joe Hague in right that looked like it would do exactly that. However, Hague threw a wild one into third trying to get Sudakis out and once the runner saw the ball get away, he made the dash to home. The score was 3-2. Gibson struck the last man he faced in the inning out and headed to the dugout back in a hole.

            Sutton gave up a single to Orlando Cepeda in the top of the ninth, which ended his day. Jim Brewer came on in relief and set the next three men down in a row. After looking at this entire season, it would be easy to say that this loss was perhaps the most heartbreaking loss that Gibson had to endure that season. With that said, the Cardinals had clenched the pennant, he and his teammates would be going onto represent the National League in the World Series, and Gibson would go out one more time during the regular season and drop that number down to 1.12.

Check out the box score here: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN196809220.shtml

Sources included: The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The St. Joseph Gazette, The Schenectady Gazette, and Baseballreference.com

Celebrate '68: Gibson Tosses His 26 Complete Game; Perry No-Hits The Cards

                On September 17, 1968, Giants hurler Gaylord Perry spoiled Bob Gibson’s 26^th complete game of the season by no-hitting the Cardinals at Candlestick Park in San Francisco. Gibson allowed just four hits in the contest. Perry’s effort was one for the record books, though, and it led to the historical 1-0 no-hit win.

The first of Gibson’s four hits allowed came just three pitches into the game. Gibby threw a fastball inside to Ron Hunt sending who sent it over the wall in left. Little did Gibson know that, along with Perry’s tremendous display, that one pitch moved his record to 21-8.

            After walking Mike Shannon in the second inning, Perry was masterful. The future Hall of Famer said that he first started thinking about a potential no-no in the fifth inning.  Ironically,  he had a scare in the fifth when, according to him, Perry served up a “fat pitch” to Orlando Cepeda. That fat one ended up being a pop up to Willie McCovey. The closest the Cardinals came to getting a hit was in the sixth. Dal Maxvill started that inning by ripping one up the middle. Perry fell off the mound, snagged the ball, then threw Maxie out at first. Two batters later, Bobby Tolan scorched one in between first and second only to watch Willie McCovey get to it just in time to throw it to Perry who covered first.

            The day was Perry’s. He went into the eighth having only given up the one walk. He retired the first two he faced in that inning and gave up his second walk of the game to Phil Gagliano. Moments later, Perry recorded his eighth strikeout of the game.

            Perry went into the ninth having to face Lou Brock, Bobby Tolan, and Curt Flood. He sat Brock and Tolan down on groundouts, then caught Curt Flood looking for his ninth strikeout of the game. Gaylord Perry had joined a coveted list of men with the words no-hitter on their resumes. It was the only no-no of Perry’s Hall of Fame career.

            Gibson, who would not add his name to that coveted list until 1973, still pitched one helluva ballgame that day in San Fran. He was simply outdone by his counterpart. Gibson gave up 11 hits in his previous start and managed to walk away with a 5-4 victory. That’s just how baseball goes. At the end of this day, Gibson’s ERA sat at 1.13, which is where it sat before the contest began. He had struck out 10 men and walked just two. The disappointment of this one would not last long, because Gibson knew his number would be called on again, and five days later that was the case… See ya then, folks. 

Check out the box score here: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SFN/SFN196809170.shtml

Sources included:  The Pittsburgh Press, The Schenectady Gazette, The Southeast Missourian, and Baseballreference.com

Celebrate '68: 21 Wins For Gibson

                On September 11, 1968, Bob Gibson locked down his 21^st win of the season with a 5-4 victory over the Dodgers at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. The victory was not an easy one for Gibson, as all four runs were charged to the hurler, raising his ERA from 1.03 to 1.13. Despite that fact, Gibson went the distance in the contest, which earned him his 25^th complete game of the season.

            The Cardinals were facing an uphill battle just minutes after Gibson took the mound, when Los Angeles’ leadoff hitter Willie Crawford belted a home run. Gibby surrendered a two out double to Ron Fairly in the first as well, but he was able to get out of that frame down just 1-0.

            His counterpart Mike Kekich took the mound for the Dodgers and he was not sharp. The Redbirds were able to get the lead back right after Kekich gave a one out single to Julian Javier which was followed by a walk to Curt Flood. Javier scored when the next man up, Orlando Cepeda, singled to make it 1-1.

            Kekich was able to get out of that first inning with the game tied, but the same could not be said for the second inning. He gave up a one out double to Ron Davis and walked Dal Maxvill before getting Gibby out on a flyball that moved Davis over to third. Lou Brock ripped a double into left that brought both runners in. The score was 3-1 and Kekich was headed to the showers, after skipper Walter Alston called on Mudcat Grant to take over the mound.

            Grant was able to get out of the second when Javier grounded out. However, the pitcher had a rough go in the third when Flood opened with a single, Cepeda doubled him to third, and Mike Shannon hit a sac fly to bring Flood home to score. Tim McCarver doubled to bring Cepeda in, which brought the game to 5-1.

            Most days, you give Bob Gibson a lead like that and the game would be over. Not on this day in Cardinal history. He still had his work cut out for him. The Dodgers began to mount a comeback in the fifth. Gibson began the inning by plunking Willie Crawford, the same man who hit the leadoff home run in the first. Willie Davis followed him with a single. Just like that, the Dodgers had runners on first and third with no outs, and they were back in business. Tom Haller singled in Crawford to make it 5-2. Gibson’s pitch escaped McCarver which brought Davis in to score. The score was 5-3 with no outs and a man on second. Gibson regrouped and sat the next three men down in order.

            Mudcat Grant had gotten things figured out since allowing the runs in the third. He was able to hold the Cardinals in check thereafter. Gibson did the same against his foes until the ninth. He began that frame by getting back-to-back outs. He needed just one more out for the win. As they say, that last out of a ballgame can prove to be the hardest one to get, and it certainly was a tough one that day. The club from L.A. found life as Willie Davis, Tom Haller, and Ron Fairly each singled, respectively, ultimately bringing Davis in to score. Gibson stared at the next batter, Len Gabrielson, coming up to home plate. With men on first and second and two outs, he knew it was time to put this one down in the books. The story wrote itself when, moments later, Gabrielson hit a fly ball to Curt Flood in center field. 21 wins for Gibson.

            The countdown was on. The Cardinals’ magic number was down to four. There was talk of champagne, of another pennant, and of an upcoming World Series that could feature the likes of Denny McLain and Bob Gibson. That “Year of the Pitcher” is an astounding thing to look at, but I do believe that you can look at this game, along with many others, and realize that these games were not easy. In this instance, Gibson gave up 11 hits on the day, struck out six, and gave up one home run. Some of the wins Gibson earned that season almost seemed easy when we look back on them. This win is almost more impressive because he fought so hard for it. He reached down with the game on the line after a rough day at the office and found a way to win. After all, Bob Gibson was a warrior on the mound.

Check out the box score here: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN196809110.shtml

Sources included: The St. Joseph Gazette, The Schenectady Gazette, The Victoria Advocate, and Baseballreference.com

Celebrate '68: Gibson Takes The Loss Against San Fran

            On September 6, 1968, Bob Gibson lost just his second game in his last 20 starts, falling 3-2 to the San Francisco Giants during the first game of a doubleheader at Busch. Gibson went just eight innings in the contest, which ended a string of six complete games. The loss moved Gibson’s record to 20-7 and raised his ERA from 0.99 to 1.03.

            Many of the Cardinal faithful expected Gibson to go head-to-head with Juan Marichal. However, the Giants manager Herman Franks shuffled his starters at the beginning of the game and called on Bobby Bolin to pitch in the first game. Bolin was no Juan Marichal, but he got the job done for his club.

            The Cardinals did get to him in the third after Dal Maxvill led the inning off with a single. He scored later in the inning when Curt Flood came up with a two out single to make it 1-0 Redbirds. Gibby ran into trouble immediately thereafter. He surrendered a leadoff single to Ty Cline in the top of the fourth. Willie McCovey reached on an error by Maxvill before Gibson was able to record one out. The next two batters, Jesus Alou and Jack Hiatt came up with back-to-back singles that plated two, and, just like that, the score was 2-1 Giants.

            The Giants added a run in the sixth. Gibson gave up a single to Hart who stole second, then moved to third on a wild pitch. Gibson then retired two men in a row. He may have had visions of getting out of the inning unscathed, but Hal Lanier had other thoughts in mind. Lanier singled, Hart scored to make it 3-1, which proved to be the winning run.

            Bolin seemingly had the Cardinals on the ropes after his third inning hiccup. He had only allowed two hits heading into the eighth when they finally got to him. It was in that eighth inning that Red Schoendienst lifted Gibson for pinch hitter Johnny Edwards, who came up with a one out single. Shoendienst was not done pushing buttons. He sent Ron Davis to pinch run for Edwards, then watched Lou Brock hit a grounder to retire the lead man. Brock stole second, then scored when Flood knocked him in with a single. It was 3-2 and the Cardinals were knocking on the door.

            The Giants skipper then called on Fred Linzy to answer the door, or shut it I should say, as he was able to get Roger Maris to ground out. Shoendienst called on Ron Willis to take over pitching duties in the ninth. He worked his way out of a bases loaded jam to keep the Birds in it, but Linzy shut them down with a 1-2-3 ninth. As they say “You can’t win them all.” However, Lord knows that with Bob Gibson on the mound, there was always a chance. He would give it his all as he helped lead the way to the National League Pennant.

Check out the box score here: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/SLN/SLN196809061.shtml

            As it turned out, Marichal would go onto claim his 25^th win of the season in what proved to be a shootout 8-7 victory for the Giants in the second game. Linzy was able to get the save in that game as well. Not a good day for the Redbirds. With that said, they were counting down the wins until they won the pennant and had their sights set on October baseball. In the end it was just one of those days. Move on to the next one and get right back to work. In a lot of ways that’s what baseball is all about.  Win or lose, you gotta put it behind you and focus on the task at hand.

Sources included: The Southeast Missourian, The Pittsburgh Press, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Kentucky New Era, and Baseballreference.com

Celebrate '68: 20 Wins For Gibson

            On September 2, 1968, it took Bob Gibson 10 innings to record his 20^th win of the season. The victory was a 1-0 shutout over the Reds at Crosley Field in Cincinnati. Julian Javier played the offensive hero by belting a homer to lead off the Cardinals' half of the 10^th. The monumental win was Gibson’s 12^th shutout as well as his 24^th complete game of the campaign. Once the game was in the books, Gibson’s ERA sat at an astounding 0.99.

            Gibson and the Cardinals had their hands full facing Gary Nolan. The Reds hurler held the Redbirds in check through nine. He had struck out eight and allowed just five hits along the way. Gibson had struck out seven through nine and allowed just two hits up to that point.

The momentum changer in the game happened after the ninth inning ended and Nolan had to be replaced by Ted Abernathy. Nolan had been bothered by a strain in his ankle and it began to bother him late in the game. Abernathy was a proven reliever that had led the National League in saves one season earlier. The first batter he faced in Javier was not known as a home run threat, but Julian got just enough of an Abernathy pitch to get it to fly over the wall in left just inside the foul pole. The big blast was his third home run of the season and his second game in a row with a longball.

Gibson had to walk to the mound in the bottom of the tenth happy to have the lead after the hard-fought battle. With that said, I am sure that Bob Gibson knew that battle was not over. He would have to retire three men to end it. He was able to get the first two in a row before the Reds looked to have a little life. Tommy Helms and Mack Jones picked up back-to-back singles, which brought Fred Whitfield to the plate to pinch hit for Abernathy. Whitfield had reached double digits in the home run department four seasons in a row from 1963 to 1966, so he was a legitimate power threat. His problem was that he had to face Bob Gibson, who was able to get him to hit a flyball to left to end it.

Gibson pitched into extra innings four times during that 1968 season. The club only lost one of those contests, which Gibson was pulled from after eleven innings. That contest went to the 13^th before it was decided. The September 2^nd contest was the only extra inning shutout of the season for the man who wore the 45 on his back, and it is safe to say it was a masterpiece.

Gibson’s final line was 10 innings pitched, four hits allowed, along with three walks. The fact that his ERA dipped below one in the month of September in what was his 29^th start of the season is perhaps the most jaw-dropping stat of them all. He was the most dominant man in all of baseball. The dominance that led to the magic number 1.12 will never be forgotten.

Check out the box score here: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CIN/CIN196809020.shtml

Sources included:  The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Toledo Blade, The St. Joseph Gazette, and Baseballreference.com

Celebrate '68: Gibson Shuts'em Down In Pittsburgh

                On August 28, 1968, Bob Gibson went to Forbes Field in Pittsburgh and led the way to victory over the Pirates who had just beaten him four days earlier. The victory was a blowout for the Cardinals, as they took down the Pirates 8-0 in front of 11,000 plus. The win was Gibson’s 11^th shutout of the season, surpassing a franchise record of 10 shutouts, set by Mort Cooper in 1942. It was also Gibson's 19th win of the campaign, Gibson had lowered his ERA to 1.03 while striking out 14 men.

                Gibson had taken to the mound one day early because his book, Ghetto To Glory, was set to be released in New York City the following day. The short rest had no effect on Gibby. He went straight to work. Bob Veale got the start for the Bucs that day and was able to work through the first three innings unscathed. He was not so lucky in the fourth.

                Julian Javier and Curt Flood opened that inning with back-to-back singles. Moments later, Orlando Cepeda hit his 14^th home run of the season and the Birds were up 3-0. The inning was far from over. Veale retired one man before allowing a single to Tim McCarver, unleashing a wild pitch that moved McCarver over, then walked Dal Maxvill. Bob Gibson stepped to the plate and helped his own cause by knocking a single into left that brought both McCarver and Maxvill around to score. Veale found himself in a 5-0 hole before striking out Lou Brock and retiring Javier on a ground out. The Cardinals had batted around.

                Cepeda walked in the fifth, moved to third on a single by Mike Shannon, then scored when McCarver hit into a fielder’s choice. That ended Veale’s day, and with the 5-0 cushion, one would imagine Gibson was feeling pretty damn good. Cepeda added to his RBI totals with a single that plated Javier in the fifth. Later, Javier added to his RBI totals with a home run in the eighth. It was 8-zip. The offense had come alive, and Bob Gibson did what Bob Gibson did; He shut his opponent down.

                Not one Pirates player reached second base that day. They could hardly get a ball in play. Gibson allowed just four hits, and half of those four were credited to Manny Mota. Matty Alou and Gary Kolb were lucky enough to scratch hits off of the nearly untouchable Bob Gibson. As mentioned before, he had struck out 14, future hall-of-famer Willie Stargell falling victim to Gibby twice.  Two hours and twenty minutes after the first pitch was thrown, Gibson was right where he belonged… back in the win column.

Check out the box score here: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PIT/PIT196808280.shtml

Sources included: Baseballreference.com, The Pittsburgh Press, The Southeast Missourian, The St. Joseph Gazette, and the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette