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Post by dyf7 on Sept 11, 2019 19:55:56 GMT -5
Hey, Rip, I believe my first game at Yankee Stadium was in September of 1957 - Yanks ended up losing to the hated Red Sox in extra innings. I have posted about this game a few times. First off, the worst thing was that both Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle were injured and did not play. Would have been the only time I saw Teddy in person. My oldest brother took me to the game, along with his fiancee and my twin brother. The fiancee's parents lived on The Grand Concourse in the Bronx, literally a five minute drive from the Stadium. The Yanks got off to an early lead behind Bobby Shantz, 3-0, I believe - but the Sox came back and tied the game, and it went to extries. But early in the game there was a rain delay - and for some bizarre reason, my brother chose to take us back to that apartment on the Grand Concourse to wait out the delay. When the tarp was coming off, we headed back to the Stadium and saw the rest of the game. Well, most of it. My twin brother and I were still seven years old, and we had to leave before the game was completed because it was late. My brother drove us back to Spring Valley, and it was not until the next morning that I learned the Red Sox had won on a HR by a back-up catcher named Pete Daley. I think the final score was 5-3. I'll get the box score and account from Retrosheet. I can tell you that Gene Stephens played LF instead of Teddy Ballgame. Shantz, a great fielding pitcher, made an error that helped the Sox get even. Can't remember too many more details. I think Frank Malzone had a big hit for Boston. Here it is: www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1957/B09040NYA1957.htmI see we made a great comeback to tie in the ninth, but blew a golden chance to win it. I had long since left. Awesome Left, I did recall it being in 57, but had forgotten both Mick and Ted missed it, what rotten luck, and forgot all those other details except Shantz's E, recall you mentioning that. Thanks for taking the time once again!
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Post by Skinnyhead on Sept 11, 2019 20:07:20 GMT -5
Lefterino. You forgot to remind me about my wedding anniversary 2 days ago.
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Post by dyf7 on Sept 11, 2019 22:00:33 GMT -5
Hey, Rip, I believe my first game at Yankee Stadium was in September of 1957 - Yanks ended up losing to the hated Red Sox in extra innings. I have posted about this game a few times. First off, the worst thing was that both Ted Williams and Mickey Mantle were injured and did not play. Would have been the only time I saw Teddy in person. My oldest brother took me to the game, along with his fiancee and my twin brother. The fiancee's parents lived on The Grand Concourse in the Bronx, literally a five minute drive from the Stadium. The Yanks got off to an early lead behind Bobby Shantz, 3-0, I believe - but the Sox came back and tied the game, and it went to extries. But early in the game there was a rain delay - and for some bizarre reason, my brother chose to take us back to that apartment on the Grand Concourse to wait out the delay. When the tarp was coming off, we headed back to the Stadium and saw the rest of the game. Well, most of it. My twin brother and I were still seven years old, and we had to leave before the game was completed because it was late. My brother drove us back to Spring Valley, and it was not until the next morning that I learned the Red Sox had won on a HR by a back-up catcher named Pete Daley. I think the final score was 5-3. I'll get the box score and account from Retrosheet. I can tell you that Gene Stephens played LF instead of Teddy Ballgame. Shantz, a great fielding pitcher, made an error that helped the Sox get even. Can't remember too many more details. I think Frank Malzone had a big hit for Boston. Here it is: www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1957/B09040NYA1957.htmI see we made a great comeback to tie in the ninth, but blew a golden chance to win it. I had long since left. Had no idea Gene Mauch was a Sox, and had forgotten about the other Aspromonte.
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Post by Lefteroo on Sept 12, 2019 9:30:09 GMT -5
Ken Aspromonte made a nice leaping catch of a line drive, and my oldest brother applauded for him. I asked, "Why are you clapping when he robbed a Yankee?" He explained to me that fans should always applaud a particularly good defensive play regardless of which team made it. I learned some baseball etiquette that night.
I just checked the Retrosheet account and saw that Kubek lined to second in the 7th inning. Must have been the play.
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Post by Lefteroo on Sept 12, 2019 9:35:49 GMT -5
Lefterino. You forgot to remind me about my wedding anniversary 2 days ago. Let me offer a belated Mazel Tov to you and Wifeyhead, Patrick. I am very glad I got to meet your lovely bride at Nats Park a few years ago.
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Post by jimbue2 on Sept 12, 2019 13:37:07 GMT -5
I remember fidrych besting us in Detroit ..... vida blues debut was memorable for sure .... part of dh .... yanks almost beat him .....Fernando was also major phenomenon
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Post by Lefteroo on Feb 29, 2020 0:38:28 GMT -5
Funny that you would ask that, Ripper. In 1997, I had been lurking on a message board at Yankees.com for a couple of months. Dave23 asked the same question, and I couldn't control myself, and posted from the office on my government computer. I went back a long ways with my selections, and people were impressed with my recall. They made the mistake of encouraging me, and I haven't stopped since.
1) The first play I always cite is Elston Howard's diving catch in Game 5 of the 1958 World Series off Red Schoendienst. He was playing LF and turned it into a double play by getting up and firing to first to nail Billy Bruton trying to get back. The play really saved our soap.
2. I'll go with the Jeter flip to get Jeremy Giambi and his dive into the stands vs. Trot Nixon.
3. O'Neill's catch in RF off Luis Polonia to end Game 5 of the 1996 WS.
4. In game 7 of the 1962 WS, Tom Tresh made a fabulous catch off Willie Mays in the bottom of the 7th running toward the left field line and backhanding the ball. Huge play. I believe right before that, Ralph Terry recorded the first out of the inning by snagging a popped up bunt by Matty Alou - a real nice play, too. In the 9th, Roger Maris made a big play to field Mays' double on the right field line and fire home to hold M. Alou at third, leading to McCovey's lineout to Richardson - not a great play by Bobby as the ball was right at him - but quite important.
5. John Wetteland actually made a great play against Warren Newsom of the Texas Rangers in Game 3 of the 1996 ALDS on a Baltimore chop comebacker - I was astounded he made the play - and it was really key. These are the first five I got for you, Rip.
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Post by dyf7 on Feb 29, 2020 9:57:35 GMT -5
Thanks much Left, I began thinking maybe the question was too much, even for you lok, but anyway, those are great.
And I think I recall hearing about the Tresh snag.
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Post by Lefteroo on Feb 29, 2020 16:44:21 GMT -5
I met Tresh's son Mickey when he played for the Prince William Yankees, and I asked him if he'd ever seen films of the catch. He said, "No, but my Dad put me to bed every night when I was little by recapping that catch."
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Post by Lefteroo on Feb 29, 2020 16:47:34 GMT -5
6. I would add Graig Nettles' two amazing backhand plays against the Dodgers in Game 3 of the 1978 World Series. I believe the victims were Reggie Smith and Steve Garvey.
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Post by dyf7 on Feb 29, 2020 16:54:07 GMT -5
6. I would add Graig Nettles' two amazing backhand plays against the Dodgers in Game 3 of the 1978 World Series. I believe the victims were Reggie Smith and Steve Garvey. Now THOSE I remember.....legendary, very deserving.
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Post by dyf7 on Feb 29, 2020 16:58:18 GMT -5
Left, hows about a list of all the ex Yanks you've ever met in person, and of them who you got autographs from.
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Post by Norkee on Mar 1, 2020 22:21:38 GMT -5
6. I would add Graig Nettles' two amazing backhand plays against the Dodgers in Game 3 of the 1978 World Series. I believe the victims were Reggie Smith and Steve Garvey. Now THOSE I remember.....legendary, very deserving. Lasorda's reaction was priceless. Lefty: Love your recollections, as *always*.
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Post by Lefteroo on Mar 3, 2020 17:12:52 GMT -5
Thank you, Norks.
Not sure how many ex-Yankees I've met in person. I tried to get Jesse Gonder's autograph when he was a member of the Mets; we talked briefly, but he would not sign.
I did of course have the famous meeting with Ron Blomberg, Fritz Peterson and Oscar Gamble at a table on the sidewalk outside Stan's the night of the 2009 BTB Reunion in the rain. I had a nice chat with Blomberg, who was really impressed when I told him that I teach Hebrew School. I told him I had read his book, "Designated Hebrew." I was so excited about meeting him that I didn't pay enough attention to Peterson and Gamble, two of my favorites. But that was indeed a baseball highlight for me.
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Post by dyf7 on Mar 4, 2021 10:40:52 GMT -5
Left, seeing it's been a year and a day since the last post here (i.e., overdue)....
Have you ever been a out and about and unexpectedly (or expectedly) came across any non baseball sports figures, past or present at the time, for one, and two, gotten autographs, if any?
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Post by Lefteroo on Mar 4, 2021 17:12:46 GMT -5
Once I was in the War Memorial Auditorium in Rochester, NY after Penn had beaten St. Bonnie's by one point in the final of the Kodak Classic. I was down on the floor under a basket watching my pals collect their hardware, and I suddenly got the feeling that the person standing next to me was very tall. I looked to my left, and yes, he was very tall. And then I saw his face and realized he was Dolph Schayes. I was quite surprised. Can't remember if I said hello or not. I definitely did not request an autograph. This occurred in December of 1971.
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Post by dyf7 on Mar 4, 2021 18:35:06 GMT -5
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Post by dyf7 on May 6, 2022 16:31:11 GMT -5
Left, an off the wall question I guess, but gonna take a shot.
Got to thinking about how little I know of Sandy Koufax the person, and with you and he both being Jewish, was wondering if you ever met him, or knew anyone that knew him at all, even casually, if not closely, or heard any good stories about his life.
Thee end.
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Post by Lefteroo on May 6, 2022 18:52:34 GMT -5
Glad you asked, Rip.
No, I never met or had any connection with Sandy Koufax. But my close friend Rabbi Bruce, whom I have referenced on BTB many times, did in fact correspond with Koufax and has an autographed ball signed by Sandy. Rabbi Bruce, as you might recall, is a huge Chisox fan originally from Chicago. He was rabbi at my synagogue for 39 years, but retired about two years ago. We are still in close touch, and I can ask him about the Koufax contact.
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Post by dyf7 on Apr 26, 2023 9:24:20 GMT -5
Glad you asked, Rip. No, I never met or had any connection with Sandy Koufax. But my close friend Rabbi Bruce, whom I have referenced on BTB many times, did in fact correspond with Koufax and has an autographed ball signed by Sandy. Rabbi Bruce, as you might recall, is a huge Chisox fan originally from Chicago. He was rabbi at my synagogue for 39 years, but retired about two years ago. We are still in close touch, and I can ask him about the Koufax contact. Hey Left, ever get a chance to ask Bruce about Sandy?
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