Podcasts about vic wertz

September 29, 1954 - Willie Mays makes his famous running catch off the bat of Vic Wertz in game one of the World Series. In the eighth inning with a 2-2 tie and men on 1st and 2nd, Wertz slammed a 420 foot shot to the cavernous center field of the Polo Grounds. Mays was playing shallow, since Giants pitcher Don Liddle was a groundball pitcher, and had to turn his back to the infield sprinting for the outfield wall. Mays made an over the shoulder catch and a quick turn firing the ball to the infield holding Larry Doby at 3rd base and preserving the tie. As much as has been made of the catch, Mays himself did not consider it the best defensive play he ever made.September 29, 1974 - Lou Brock steals his 118th and last base on the final day of the season setting the record for steals in a single season. Ricky Henderson would break that record in 1982 with 130 thefts.September 29, 1978 - Jim Rice doubles and singles against the Toronto Blue Jays in Fenway Park. Rice is the first American Leaguer to amass 400 total bases since Joe DiMaggio in 1937.September 29, 2004 - MLB officially announces that the Montreal Expos franchise will move to Washington, DC in 2005. Hours after this, the Expos play their final game in Montreal, a 9 - 1 loss to the Florida Marlins before a crowd of 31,395 at Olympic Stadium.September 29, 1957 Ted Williams becomes the oldest batting champ when the 39-year old finishes the season with a .388 average.

September 29, 1954 - Willie Mays makes his famous running catch off the bat of Vic Wertz in game one of the World Series. In the eighth inning with a 2-2 tie and men on 1st and 2nd, Wertz slammed a 420 foot shot to the cavernous center field of the Polo Grounds. Mays was playing shallow, since Giants pitcher Don Liddle was a groundball pitcher, and had to turn his back to the infield sprinting for the outfield wall. Mays made an over the shoulder catch and a quick turn firing the ball to the infield holding Larry Doby at 3rd base and preserving the tie. As much as has been made of the catch, Mays himself did not consider it the best defensive play he ever made.September 29, 1974 - Lou Brock steals his 118th and last base on the final day of the season setting the record for steals in a single season. Ricky Henderson would break that record in 1982 with 130 thefts.September 29, 1978 - Jim Rice doubles and singles against the Toronto Blue Jays in Fenway Park. Rice is the first American Leaguer to amass 400 total bases since Joe DiMaggio in 1937.September 29, 2004 - MLB officially announces that the Montreal Expos franchise will move to Washington, DC in 2005. Hours after this, the Expos play their final game in Montreal, a 9 - 1 loss to the Florida Marlins before a crowd of 31,395 at Olympic Stadium.September 29, 1957 Ted Williams becomes the oldest batting champ when the 39-year old finishes the season with a .388 average.

September 29, 1954 - Willie Mays makes his famous running catch off the bat of Vic Wertz in game one of the World Series. In the eighth inning with a 2-2 tie and men on 1st and 2nd, Wertz slammed a 420 foot shot to the cavernous center field of the Polo Grounds. Mays was playing shallow, since Giants pitcher Don Liddle was a groundball pitcher, and had to turn his back to the infield sprinting for the outfield wall. Mays made an over the shoulder catch and a quick turn firing the ball to the infield holding Larry Doby at 3rd base and preserving the tie. As much as has been made of the catch, Mays himself did not consider it the best defensive play he ever made.September 29, 1974 - Lou Brock steals his 118th and last base on the final day of the season setting the record for steals in a single season. Ricky Henderson would break that record in 1982 with 130 thefts.September 29, 1978 - Jim Rice doubles and singles against the Toronto Blue Jays in Fenway Park. Rice is the first American Leaguer to amass 400 total bases since Joe DiMaggio in 1937.September 29, 2004 - MLB officially announces that the Montreal Expos franchise will move to Washington, DC in 2005. Hours after this, the Expos play their final game in Montreal, a 9 - 1 loss to the Florida Marlins before a crowd of 31,395 at Olympic Stadium.September 29, 1957 Ted Williams becomes the oldest batting champ when the 39-year old finishes the season with a .388 average.

Timothy Zarley has written a wonderful new book, "1901: The War of the Baseball Magnates." (Yelraz Publishing 2024) about the chaotic birth of what we now call baseball's modern era. We talked about some of the franchise movements, contract battles (and lawsuits) with players and the backroom dealings that brought competition to the National League, opened new markets for American's pasttime, and triggered a series of events that led to the first AL/NL World Series in 1903.The episode opens with a tribute to the great Willie Mays and Craig accepts blame for the Aggies' disappointing loss in the College World Series final round. Zarley's interview begins around the 10 minute mark.Timothy Zarley website: https://www.timothyzarley.comErrata: When Mays caught Vic Wertz long fly in the 1954 World Series, Larry Doby was on second base, not third. Doby likely could have scored had he tagged -- but he didn't. Doby only got as far as third base.-->Join our Discord: https://discord.gg/tT8d3pVUsN-->You can support Hooks & Runs by purchasing books, including the books featured in this episode, through our store at Bookshop.org. Here's the link. https://bookshop.org/shop/hooksandruns Hooks & Runs - www.hooksandruns.comHooks & Runs on TikTok -  https://www.tiktok.com/@hooksandrunsHooks & Runs on Twitter - https://twitter.com/thehooksandrunsAndrew Eckhoff on Tik TokLink: https://www.tiktok.com/@hofffestRex von Pohl (Krazy Karl's Music Emporium) on Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/people/Krazy-Karlz-Music-Emporium/100063801500293/ Music: "Warrior of Light" by ikolics (Premium Beat)     This podcast and this episode are copyright Craig Estlinbaum, 2024, all rights reserved.     

What is there to say about Willie Mays, who passed away peacefully last night? Legend. There's only one game we could choose. There's only one moment we could highlight. It's Game 1 of the 1954 World Series, Mays is in centre field, and in the top of the 8th, Vic Wertz is going to send an impossible-to-catch ball deep to the outfield of the Polo Grounds. You can find the boxscore here: https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NY1/NY1195409290.shtml This game was played on September 29, 1954. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/classicbaseballradio/message

July 10, 1951 in the 2nd All-Star Game played in Detroit (the 18th overall), the NL beat their AL rivals at Briggs Stadium, 8-3. Although their team's circuit loses, the 52,075 Detroit fans witness home runs hit by hometown favorites George Kell and Vic Wertz. The 1951 game was originally awarded to Philadelphia. Detroit was celebrating the 250th anniversary of its founding in 1701 and requested to host the year's All-Star Game. Although the NL was scheduled to host the game in '51, the game was moved to Detroit. Philadelphia hosted the 1952 Game. Long-time Tigers player and broadcaster Harry Heilmann passed away at age 56 in Detroit the day prior to the gameClassic Broadcasts are old-time broadcasts that have been put together from various sources. Many are found on the Internet Archives in a raw form. If you wish to take a deeper dive, that includes:Scorecards, Rosters, Newspaper Clippings. All members can jump over to : www.vintagebaseballreflections.com and join the membership platformThis Day In Baseball - Learn more about the players, teams and seasons

We love Mark Canha around here for Mark Canha Summer and for wearing our Pride Month shirt, but now it's Wrath Month, and Canha went deep last night to help give the Mets consecutive wins for the first time since June 14 and 16, and on consecutive days for the first time since May 30, 31, and June 1. We haven't gotten to check out his home run chain yet, so here we go!* Mark Canha hit his first home run off Taijuan Walker, 4/10/05* Taijuan Walker gave up his first home run to George Springer, 6/30/14* George Springer hit his first home run off Drew Smyly, 5/8/14* Drew Smyly gave up his first home run to Carlos Peña, 4/12/12* Carlos Peña hit his first home run off Gil Heredia, 9/19/01* Gil Heredia gave up his first home run to Ray Lankford, 9/1/91* Ray Lankford hit his first home run off Mark Gardner, 9/6/90* Mark Gardner gave up his first home run to Pedro Guerrero, 9/19/89* Pedro Guerrero hit his first home run off Bob Owchinko, 9/22/79* Bob Owchinko gave up his first home run to Ellis Valentine, 5/21/77* Ellis Valentine hit his first home run off Jim Rooker, 9/5/75* Jim Rooker gave up his first home run to Carlos May, 5/1/69* Carlos May hit his first home run off Jim Nash, 4/9/69* Jim Nash gave up his first home run to Al Kaline, 7/3/66* Al Kaline hit his first home run off Dave Hoskins, 9/26/53* Dave Hoskins gave up his first home run to Vic Wertz, 5/28/53* Vic Wertz hit his first home run off Bob Muncrief, 8/13/47* Bob Muncrief gave up his first home run to Ray Hayworth, 9/30/37* Ray Hayworth hit his first home run off Bob Cooney, 5/30/32* Bob Cooney gave up his first home run to Bruce Campbell, 9/26/31That was the first home run for Bruce Campbell, who is not that Bruce Campbell, obviously. This Bruce Campbell may or may not have been evil, but he's been dead since 1995, having lived to the age of 85. In 1932, Campbell started the season with the White Sox, but was traded to the St. Louis Browns at the end of April, along with Bump Hadley, for Red Kress.Campbell went on to lead the American League that year in both strikeouts and getting hit by pitches. After hitting a career-high 16 homers in 1933, Campbell remained a regular in American League outfields for the next decade, with Cleveland from 1935-39, Detroit in 1940-41, and Washington in 1942. He was 9-for-25 with a homer in the 1940 World Series for the Tigers, but it wasn't enough to beat the Reds that year, with Paul Derringer tossing a complete game in Game 7 and Campbell going 0-for-3 with a walk. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit willetspen.substack.com/subscribe

In 1954, it took a historic season to dethrone the Yankees who were five-time defending world champions. Although they won one-hundred three games, the Cleveland Indians won a then-American League record one-hundred eleven. The Indians were led by Center Fielder Larry Doby, the first African-American player in the AL, Third Basemen Al Rosen, and slugger Vic Wertz. Their pitching staff was anchored by Early Wynn, Bob Lemon and Bob Feller. In the National League, the pennant winners were the underdog New York Giants, who won ninety-seven games, once again beating out the Brooklyn Dodgers. The Giants drew 1.15 million fans to the Polo Grounds, second in the National League. Built in a hollow overlooking Coogan's Bluff near the western shore of the Harlem River in the Washington Heights section of Manhattan, a Polo Grounds ballpark had been on this site since 1890. The quirky park was shaped like a bathtub. It was only two-hundred-eighty feet from home plate down the left field line, and only two-hundred-sixty feet down the right. Center field however was over four-hundred-eighty feet away. But, the surrounding neighborhood was changing and Giants owner Horace Stonham began to wonder if he could draw more fans elsewhere. In the eighth inning of game one, the score was tied at two. Cleveland's Al Rosen and Larry Doby had both reached base on Giants pitcher Sal Maglie. Vic Wertz came up to bat. Wertz hit a ball to deep center field, where Giants superstar Willy Mays was playing. Mays ran straight backwards and caught the ball over his shoulder with his back to the field. Later nicknamed “the catch,” it changed the entire complexion of the series. The Giants would go on to sweep the Indians to claim the 1954 World Series title. It would be their last World Championship in New York. Baseball's economic model was changing. As great as the Yankees were, their dominance over the game created a league problem. The G.I. Bill was bringing families to the suburbs in the 1950s — and most of these families were white — radio and TV were embedding deeper into local markets. Major League cities were struggling to support two teams. After the 1952 season, the National League's Boston Braves, unable to compete with the Red Sox, moved to Milwaukee and won the World Series in five years. The AL St. Louis Browns moved to Baltimore after the 1953 season and became the Orioles, where they won 6 American League pennants in their first thirty years. The next year the Philadelphia Athletics moved to Kansas City, where they would remain until moving again, to Oakland, in 1968. Oakland won three consecutive championships in the 1970s. Although fans of every other team loved to hate the Yankees, the franchise was a lightning rod for celebrities and other heroes. Throughout the years Mel Allen had many interesting guests in the booth, like noted Pirates fan Bing Crosby. The team the Yankees often defeated in the World Series? The Brooklyn Dodgers, who lost to the Yankees in 1941, 1947, 1949, 1952, and 1953. In 1955 the tide finally turned and the Bums from Brooklyn became World Champions. Later, retired Hall of Fame player and then broadcaster Frankie Frisch was inside the Brooklyn Dodgers clubhouse speaking to the victorious team. Two years later, owner Walter O'Malley was in a dispute with New York City Park's Commissioner Robert Moses. Ebbets Field, open since 1913 was falling apart. The success of the Dodgers, and the population explosion in Brooklyn had made Ebbets Field too small. The 1957 seating capacity was a tiny thirty-two thousand. Yankee Stadium could seat nearly double. O'Malley wanted to build a stadium at the intersection of Flatbush and Atlantic Avenues in Brooklyn. Robert Moses wanted the team moved to Flushing Meadows–Corona Park in Queens.

It's September 29th. And on September 29th, 1954, a young baseball player made a name for himself with a defensive play that to this day remains one of the greatest ever. It was the first game of the 1954 world series, between the New York Giants and the Cleveland Indians. Playing center field for the Giants that day at the Polo Grounds was the young Willie Mays. In the eighth inning of a tie game, Vic Wertz of the Indians came to the plate. He lofted a Fly ball to deep center field, and maze made a heroic run for it. With his back to home plate, Mays reached up and caught the ball over his shoulder. The play was so amazing that to this day, it is usually simply referred to as The Catch.

Welcome to the Instant Trivia podcast episode 215, where we ask the best trivia on the Internet. Round 1. Category: In Memoriam 2006 1: A host of "Hee Haw" for 17 years, he pioneered the Bakersfield sound of country music. Buck Owens. 2: Grandpa on "The Munsters", he once ran for governor of New York as a Green Party candidate. Al Lewis. 3: "The Midnight Hour" came calling for this R and B legend in January 2006. Wilson Pickett. 4: Long before "The X-Files", he stalked the night as Carl Kolchak, a savvy reporter of the weird and the horrific. Darren McGavin. 5: The winner of 13 Emmy Awards, this low-key TV sportscaster was a true "American Sportsman". Curt Gowdy. Round 2. Category: Boston "T" Party 1: The state dog of Massachusetts is the "Boston" this. terrier. 2: In a Boston-set sitcom, they were paired with "a Girl and a Pizza Place". Two Guys. 3: Boston's Freedom one begins near the frog pond in Boston Common. Freedom Trail. 4: In the Boston area, U.S. Interstate 90 is also known as this type of road. turnpike. 5: In a kids' book, this young Boston Johnny-on-the-spot becomes a messenger for the Sons of Liberty. Johnny Tremain. Round 3. Category: The World Series 1: In 1955 the series between the Yankees and dese Bums became the first televised in color. Brooklyn Dodgers. 2: In 1992 this Canadian team won 3 of its 4 World Series games in its last-at-bat. Toronto Blue Jays. 3: "Say Hey"! This Giants outfielder's catch of a Vic Wertz drive was a highlight of the 1954 World Series. Willie Mays. 4: In game 1 in 1954 this Giants outfielder made a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch of Vic Wertz' fly ball. Willie Mays. 5: In 1916 and 1918 Babe Ruth, then with this team, pitched 29 2/3 straight scoreless innings, a record that lasted 43 years. the Boston Red Sox. Round 4. Category: Si's Signs Of The Apocalypse 1: This tire co. paid Rip Hamilton "to braid his hair in the tread pattern of one of its tires", not blimps. Goodyear. 2: A Little League team in Kentucky is sponsored by this "delightfully tacky yet unrefined" restaurant. Hooters. 3: This Miami Heat superstar center's "wife, Shaunie, said their family has outgrown its 18-bedroom home". Shaquille O'Neal. 4: "A ski jumping competition in" this country, Land of the Midnight Sun, "rewarded competitors for landing in trees". Norway. 5: "Golfer John Daly has... endorsement deals with" Dunkin' Donuts and this Anna Nicole Smith-endorsed diet aid. TrimSpa. Round 5. Category: Sports Bios 1: Originally drafted by Atlanta, he quarterbacked Green Bay to a Super Bowl victory in 1997. Brett Favre. 2: This American's career grand slam began with his victory at Wimbledon in 1992. Agassi. 3: A Detroit Red Wing from 1946 to 1971, it was his records that Gretzky broke. Gordie Howe. 4: In 1984 this gymnast won 2 bronzes, 2 silvers and the Olympic gold medal for women's all-around. Mary Lou Retton. 5: Later a Knick, this basketball center led Georgetown to 3 NCAA finals and the 1984 title. Patrick Ewing. Thanks for listening! Come back tomorrow for more exciting trivia!

Welcome to the Instant Trivia podcast episode 114, where we ask the best trivia on the Internet. Round 1. Category: 'Tis Time To Testify 1: In 1947 playwright Bertolt Brecht returned to Europe after testifying before this House committee. the House Un-American Activities Committee. 2: In 1966 this consumer advocate gained national attention testifying before Congress on auto safety. Ralph Nader. 3: In 1991 the Senate testimony of law professor Anita Hill nearly derailed this man's Supreme Court nomination. Clarence Thomas. 4: In 1987 Fawn Hall testified that she had altered and shredded documents for this man, her boss. Oliver North. 5: On June 25, 1973 he testified before the Senate and revealed the existence of a White House "enemies list". (John) Dean. Round 2. Category: The World Series 1: In 2005, making only their fifth World Series appearance ever, this Windy City team swept the Houston Astros. the Chicago White Sox. 2: In game 1 in 1954 this Giants outfielder made a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch of Vic Wertz' fly ball. Willie Mays. 3: In game 1 in 1954 this Giants outfielder made a spectacular over-the-shoulder catch of Vic Wertz' fly ball. Willie Mays. 4: In 1916 and 1918 Babe Ruth, then with this team, pitched 29 2/3 straight scoreless innings, a record that lasted 43 years. the Boston Red Sox. 5: This Yankee catcher hit the 1st pinch-hit home run in Series history in '47; he hit 11 more homers in his Series career. Yogi Berra. Round 3. Category: On The "Out"S 1: It may be emotional consequences or radioactive ash. fallout. 2: Lose consciousness or turn out all the lights as an air raid precaution. blackout. 3: The American Cancer Society organized the first "Great American" one of these in 1977. Smokeout. 4: One of these occurs when prisoners illegally leave the prison or when some people eat strawberries. a breakout. 5: It carries the rainwater from the gutter on the roof to the ground. a downspout. Round 4. Category: Colors Of The Rainbow 1: The ink businesses try to avoid. red. 2: IBM is known informally as Big this. Blue. 3: Naive or inexperienced. green. 4: Citrus sinensis. an orange. 5: Liz Taylor's eyes, in a "Doonesbury" book title. violet. Round 5. Category: Puerto Rico 1: His 1493 stop at Puerto Rico is the foundation for the claim he "discovered America", meaning the U.S.. Christopher Columbus. 2: Puerto Rico is the smallest and easternmost of the islands of this "greater" group. Antilles. 3: In 1917 the Second Organic Act, also called the Jones Act, gave this to Puerto Ricans. citizenship. 4: In 1509 he became Puerto Rico's first governor; 4 years later he sailed for Florida. Ponce de Leon. 5: In June musicians take part in a festival honoring this cellist who lived there the last 17 years of his life. (Pablo) Casals. Thanks for listening! Come back tomorrow for more exciting trivia!

It seems hard to believe, but the 1961 New York Yankees did have a slump, at home no less, against a first place team and an expansion club. In fact, in this episode, we learn that the Yankees actually sputtered for some time out of the gates, that Mickey Mantle was playing hurt and Roger Maris had yet to find his power stroke.Meanwhile, Willie Mays turned in a catch that his manager claimed was greater than the grab he made off of Vic Wertz in Game 1 of the 1954 World Series.All that and much more will be covered in this episode, including how a league executive scolded an umpire for getting into an on-air beef with a manager, during a radio talk show. Yes, they had those in 1961 too.

More information about todays events, players, ball park, date and season -  (www.thisdayinbaseball.com)   Join our Baseball Community – Join a community of baseball fans just like you - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/join-the community   Hosted by This Day In Baseball – Learn more about the hosts of t More information about todays events, players, ball park, date and season -  (www.thisdayinbaseball.com)   Join our Baseball Community – Join a community of baseball fans just like you - https://thisdayinbaseball.com/join-the community   Hosted by This Day In Baseball – Learn more about the hosts of todays show https://thisdayinbaseball.com/about-us/   Support this Show  –  Post or Personal donations https://thisdayinbaseball.com/sponsor-donation-program/   Advertise Inquiries – If you are interested in advertising -  https://thisdayinbaseball.com/advertise-with-this-day-in-baseball/ odays show https://thisdayinbaseball.com/about-us/   Support this Show  –  Post or Personal donations https://thisdayinbaseball.com/sponsor-donation-program/   Advertise Inquiries – If you are interested in advertising -  https://thisdayinbaseball.com/advertise-with-this-day-in-baseball/   On September 29, 1954 -- In a game which will be best remembered for Willie Mays making a spectacular over-the-shoulder grab of a ball hit to deep to center field, robbing Vic Wertz of an extra-base hit, Dusty Rhodes becomes the second player in World Series history to end a game with a homer. The Giants pinch-hitter's walk-off three-run home run off Bob Lemon beats the Indians 5-2 in Game 1 of the World Series

The 1950 Cleveland Buckeyes were the last Negro League baseball team in Cleveland. MLB had integrated and the Negro Leagues were going out of business. The Indians were strong contenders throughout the decade. In 1954 they were American League champions. Star players for the Tribe during the Fifties included Sam Zoldak, Bob Kennedy, Mickey Vernon, Sam Jones, Hal Naragon, Harry "Suitcase" Simpson, Snuffy Stirnweiss, Birdie Tebbetts, Hank Majeski, Dave Pope, Pete Reiser, Quincy Trouppe (member of the 1945 Negro League champions Cleveland Buckeyes), Wally Westlake, Don Mossi, Ran Narleski, Sam Dente, Rudy Regalado, Vic Wertz, Herb Score, Rocky Colavito, Ralph Kiner, Cal McLish, Chico Carrasquel, Hank Aguirre, Hoyt Wilhelm, Roger Maris, Dick Williams, Gary Bell, Woodie Held, Randy Jackson, Vic Power, Al Cicotte, Jim "Mudcat" Grant, Jim Perry, Tito Francona, Billy Martin, Jimmy Piersall and many more!

Hal Naragon is a baseball treasure. At age 90, the former major league catcher spun baseball yarns of catching Bob Feller, playing in the 1954 World Series, and later coaching the Detroit Tigers to 1968 World Series victory on the Baseball Happenings Podcast.Click here to listen on SpotifySigning with the legendary Bill VeeckNaragon signed with the Cleveland Indians after attending an open tryout during the summer of 1946; however, there was just one problem — he was still in high school. This led to his first meeting with the legendary Bill Veeck.“I found that when I filled out the application it said you had to be out of high school,” Naragon said during his 2019 interview. “They wanted to sign me and I got nervous then because I knew that I shouldn't have been there, but my dad said that we would go back up and talk to Mr. Veeck. “Mr. Veeck said to my dad, ‘We'd like to sign your son.’ My dad said, ‘I have to tell you he has not graduated from high school yet ... and he thought that this would be a good time to see if he had an ability to play professional baseball.’”Hal Naragon 1956 Topps / ToppsVeeck’s keen eye would not allow Naragon to walk away that quickly. He extended an olive branch to the elder Naragon, and the two came to a gentleman’s agreement for the Indians to have the first crack at his son when he graduated.“Well after you graduate will you give us a chance to talk to him?" Veeck asked. "My dad said, ‘Will a handshake do?’ They shook hands and they got me out of the ballpark.”Naragon's major league debutNaragon kept his word and signed with the Indians in 1947. He moved quickly through their minor league system, and by the time he was 22 he was in the major leagues. He eagerly recalled the September day in 1951 when he singled off Virgil Trucks in his first major league at-bat.“I know it was a chilly day and they called me in from the bullpen,” he said. “Naturally I was a little nervous, but usually by the time you get to the plate you get yourself together and do what you can do.” He played a few more games during his September call-up, and then the Marines quickly grabbed him to serve in the Korean War. While many players suffered from losing their peak years to military service, Naragon returned right in time to take part in Cleveland’s record-breaking 1954 World Series run.Catching Bob FellerNow that he had an entire big league season in front of him, Naragon was able to learn from the best in the game. His pitching staff included Hall of Famers Bob Feller, Bob Lemon, Early Wynn, and Hal Newhouser. With that staff, it was easy to understand why the Indians won a then-record 111 games in 1954. For a rookie, catching Feller was one of the highlights of his career. “When I saw Feller he wasn't really in his prime, but still he had he had a good movement on his ball, a good curveball, and his fastball still was moving,” he said. Playing in the 1954 World SeriesNaragon hit .238 as Jim Hegan’s backup en route to the Indians facing the New York Giants in the 1954 World Series. He did not figure he would get much action, but with the Indians behind in Game Three, manager Al Lopez summoned Naragon as a late inning defensive replacement. “You know, I was hoping that I would get in one,” he said. “When I was called up out of the bullpen to come in, I, of course, felt a little on edge at first but then I kinda settled down. I liked to be able to play in a World Series.” Witnessing Willie Mays' CatchWhile the Giants swept the Indians courtesy of Dusty Rhodes peppering the short right field porch in the Polo Grounds, I couldn’t bring up the 1954 World Series without asking Naragon about perhaps the most famous catch of all-time. We revisited Willie Mays’ devastating over the shoulder grab of Vic Wertz smash during Game One.“You didn't think that much about it at first of the catch,” he said. “He did turn around and throw a nice ball into the infield. I don't know whether we even talked about it, but you knew Vic Wertz hit the ball and you thought, ‘Oh my goodness this is going to go out the ballpark.’ Well, then Mays catches it and you just say, 'Well, he's a good outfielder.'"While Naragon said that he felt Larry Doby made tougher catches than Mays' World Series spectacle, years later he was able to recognize its historical greatness.“I guess when looking back on it eventually you decide, ‘Hey that was one heck of a good catch.’”Throughout his time with the Indians, Naragon built deep connections with many of his teammates, bonded by their train rides traversing the American League. He shared a lesser-known World Series story that involved one of his early Indians mentors, Dale Mitchell. A career .312 hitter, Mitchell unfortunately, is best recognized for making the last out of Don Larsen’s 1956 World Series perfect game. Well after the game, the first person Mitchell reached out to was his friend, Hal Naragon. “He called me that evening,” he said. “I asked him about it and I told him I thought the ball looked a little outside. He said he thought so too.”Larry Doby's lighter side The nonagenarian reached deep into his bag of stories to share a lighthearted tale of an unintentional slip of the tongue he had with Larry Doby. Fortunately, his pioneering teammate found humor during the awkward moment.“I remember that we were playing one game, the sky was kind of high, and the ball was kind of tough to pick up right away,” he said. “He sat down beside of me and said to me, 'Gee it is really tough to pick up that ball.’ … I said, ‘Larry, why don't you go ahead and put on some of that black stuff underneath your eye?’ Once I realized what I said, I looked at Larry and he is busting out laughing you know, because he was a dark man, but he knew what I getting to.”Herb Score's InjuryPlaying with the Indians in the second half of the 1950s decade as they started to rebuild after their Hall of Fame stars retired, Naragon was able to witness their young stars blossom. Cleveland’s prized pitching prospect was Herb Score, a flame-throwing lefty that many expected to carry on Bob Feller’s legacy. In his first two seasons, Score led the American League in strikeouts with a 36-19 won-loss record. As 1957 started, Score looked like he was en route to another spectacular season; however, that all changed when New York Yankees infielder Gil McDougald stepped to the plate during a May 7th game. McDougald sent a line drive back through the box that smashed Score directly in the face. He watched with his teammates in horror as a bloody Score tried to hold his face together. The gruesome injury kept Score out for the rest of the season and derailed a once promising career. Naragon insisted that it was arm troubles and not the line drive that kept him from regaining his mound dominance. “You know what, that didn't hurt his career,” he said. “Basically, he threw just as hard after it as he did before he got hit. He would tell you that [too]. I think what happened, he hurt his arm a little bit and that hurt him. As far as when he got back, he had the same velocity and a good breaking curveball. He didn't blame anyone that he couldn't pitch later just as well afterward.”Score was not the only talent that Naragon watched bloom during his Cleveland tenure. Both Roger Maris and Rocky Colavito were rookies that Dale Mitchell told him to keep his eyes on, both impressing with their power hitting and defense. Ted Williams' thoughtful gestureWhile he had a multitude of fond memories of the superstars he played with in Cleveland, he was also excited to share a favorite Ted Williams story. It was one that had nothing to do with his on-field exploits.“I asked Ted Williams that I would like to have a picture of him and he said to me, ‘When you get to Boston, you ask Vince the clubhouse guy and I will remember, and he will remember to get you a picture.’“When I got to Boston, I kind of forgot that I asked Ted Williams [for the picture]. I was there leaning against the wall watching him hit and when he got through hitting, he came over and said, ‘I sent that picture over to you.’ Sure enough, when I went into the clubhouse, that picture was there. I thought, 'My goodness a big-time star like that remembers something like that!'”In 1959, the Indians traded Naragon to the Washington Senators where he stayed with the franchise as they moved to Minnesota in 1961. After finishing his playing career in 1962, he stayed with the Twins as a coach, helping to guide them to the 1965 World Series where they lost in seven games to the Los Angeles Dodgers. 1968 Detroit Tigers World Series VictoryAfter his success with the Twins, he followed his good friend and pitching coach Johnny Sain to the Detroit Tigers. After two unsuccessful trips as a player and a coach, he was finally able to get a World Series ring when the Tigers won the 1968 World Series. “That was a good team,” he said. “They would hit in the clutch … they got hits when it really counts, they were good defensive players, and they always had a lot of fun.”Hal Naragon Tigers card courtesy of Mr. Naragon In 2018, as the oldest living alumni of the 1968 championship team, the Tigers invited Naragon and his wife to Detroit to celebrate the 50th anniversary of their World Series victory. He basked in the opportunity to rejoice once more with his former players.“We had a great time,” he said. “They invited us over to that and they really did a nice job for us.”Naragon left coaching after the 1969 season to take over a local sporting goods store in his hometown of Barberton, Ohio. He ran the store from 1974 until his 1990 retirement. The town paid a massive tribute to their native son when they named Barberton High School’s baseball field Naragon Field in his honor in 2006.

There's no denying Rod Carew was one of the best players of the 1970s and hitters of the 20th century. So why would the Twins trade him 40 years ago this week? The answer begins in a small Minnesota town and ends with Carew being sent to the Angels in one of the saddest trades in Minnesota history. Mike and Bill dig into Rod's career, the dinner and racist comments that started Carew down the road out of Minnesota, and how the deal got done. Plus, happy birthday to Vic Wertz and Carney Lansford.

Another renovation project is planned for Sanford Stadium in Athens, Georgia, the home of the Bulldogs. Dawg Nation writer Bill King breaks it all down and says some fans want to see the project lead to shorter lines at concessions and restrooms. Also- we take a tour of the iconic arenas, past and present, in the Big Ten Conference. Former University of Illinois Sports Information Director Mike Pearson spins tales of Jud Heathcote, Steve Alford and Scott Skiles, among others. And, a trip back to the iconic Polo Grounds with author Stew Thornley. We examine how the unique ballpark configuration contributed to Willie Mays' amazing catch off the bat of Vic Wertz in the 1954 World Series.  

The sports of politics opens the show as the San Diego Mayor has a pants party, a party in his pants. Great homerun robbing catches, ARod faces life and lefacy and Johnny Football fumbles without the ball. Hitler watches Jesse Owens take gold from Berlin on this day and The Willie Mays catch of Vic Wertz in the '54 Series has been a Curse ever since. The LawheadLife goes on a Juice Cleanse cuz it doesn't have insurance.

1954 World Series Game 3,The 1954 World Series matched the National League champion New York Giants against the American League champion Cleveland Indians. The Giants swept the Series in four games to win their first championship since 1933, defeating the heavily favored Indians, who had won an AL-record 111 games in the regular season. The Series is perhaps best-remembered for "The Catch", a sensational running catch made by Giants center fielder Willie Mays in Game 1, snaring a long drive by Vic Wertz near the outfield wall with his back to the infield. It is also remembered for utility player Dusty Rhodes' clutch hitting in three of the four games. Giants manager Leo Durocher won his only title among the three pennants he captured in his career. oldtimeradiodvd.com