MY FAVORITE CARDS:

1977 TOPPS MARK FIDRYCH

 

 

            As had become customary over the previous few years, the 1977 Topps base set contained 660 cards. In this installment, the production team added a Turn Back the Clock subset showcasing pivotal moments in baseball history. There is also a Big League Brothers subset that includes four pairs of siblings, including George and Ken Brett. Hall of Famers Andre Dawson and Bruce Sutter made their Topps debuts along with Braves’ great Dale Murphy, but the card most kids in my age group were chasing that year was Mark Fidrych.

            Fidrych burst upon the scene in 1976 with the Tigers. He was seldom-used until May 15, when he tossed a complete game two-hitter against Cleveland. During this exceptional performance, he drew a great deal of attention to himself with his unusual behaviors. The 21-year-old hurler compulsively walked in a circle around the mound, groomed the dirt with his bare hands, and talked to the baseball as if commanding it to do what he wanted. It was an eccentric display few fans had seen the likes of before.

Fidrych finished the season with an AL-best 2.34 ERA and a 19-9 record—numbers good enough to claim Rookie of the Year honors. Asked about his conversations with baseballs, he told a reporter that he wasn’t actually talking to the ball, he was just trying to “keep his head in the game.” Tall and lanky with curly locks, Fidrych (a right-hander) had received the nickname “The Bird” from a minor league coach who believed that he bore a resemblance to a popular Sesame Street character. The name stuck with him throughout his brief career. Fidrych’s high energy level and quirky personality endeared him to teammates in Detroit. “There’s nothing contrived about him and that’s what makes him a beautiful person,” said slugger Rusty Staub. “There’s an electricity that he brings out in everyone, players and fans. He’s different.”

By 1977, Fidrych had become a national sensation, gracing the cover of Rolling Stone magazine (the first ballplayer to make such an appearance). A staff writer asserted that he was “the embodiment of Rock-and-Roll baseball.” But misfortune struck early in the year. While shagging flies in spring training, he injured his knee and underwent surgery. He returned in late-May and won six straight games. He was off to a 6-2 start when he felt his arm give out in a game against the Orioles. He was never the same. After logging two complete-game victories in 1978, he ended up being sidelined again. Comeback attempts in 1979 and 1980 were unsuccessful. He retired in June of 1983, having appeared in just 58 major league games. A post-career medical diagnosis revealed that he had suffered a torn rotator cuff.

In April of 2009, Fidrych died in a freak accident that occurred while he was working on a dump truck that he owned. He apparently suffocated beneath the vehicle after his clothing got caught in one of the engine’s moving parts. The Tigers honored him with a moment of silence at Comerica Park.

Fidrych’s 1977 Topps issue is unusual in that it features both the gold All-Star Rookie cup and the American League All-Star designation. It remains a popular card among collectors. There are currently less than 20 Gem Mint PSA-graded examples, which carry an estimated value of $1,350. One copy sold at auction for more than twice that much. Cards evaluated in mid-grade condition can fetch close to $100 while raw copies average $10-$20 on eBay depending on how roughly they have been handled.

      

              

 

 

MY FAVORITE CARDS:

1952 TOPPS GUS ZERNIAL

 

 

            The 1952 Topps set is one of the most popular among vintage collectors—not just for the astronomical value of high-numbered cards, but also because of its appealing design. The card fronts feature brilliantly-colorized black and white photos along with team logos and facsimile autographs. Player names (paired with their signatures) appear inside white rectangular boxes that resemble movie theater marquees with their gold-starred frames. The backs of the cards feature thumbnail bios along with batting/fielding statistics. There are more than two dozen Hall of Famers in the set, including Mickey Mantle, whose card is literally worth millions in high-grade condition. Far less valuable but more interesting in a visual sense, Gus Zernial’s card was released in the first series, which includes numbers 1-80.  

            No longer a household name, Zernial was one of the most prolific sluggers of the 1950s. During his six-year heyday—which lasted from 1950 through 1955—he tied with Al Rosen for most homers in the American League. Mantle and Yogi Berra were the only AL players to surpass Zernial’s collective total for the entire decade.

Solidly built at six-foot-two, 210-plus pounds, Zernial was nicknamed “Ozark Ike” after a popular comic strip character. He grew up in the oil town of Beaumont, Texas and had an especially rough childhood. Three of his siblings died young and his father passed away when he was just 15 years-old. A multi-sport star in high school, his exceptional performances earned him three different scholarship offers. He turned them all down, pursuing a professional baseball career instead. After a two-year stint in the US Navy during World War II, he returned to the minors. His 40 home runs in 1948 earned him a promotion to the Chicago White Sox. A frequent strikeout victim in his early years, he adjusted his approach over time, averaging just one whiff per every 5.5 at-bats during his career—far better than a majority of today’s sluggers. In all, he played for three different big league clubs and retired with 237 homers. 

Zernial became famous for helping Joe DiMaggio connect with Marilyn Monroe. During spring training in 1951, Monroe’s handlers brought her to White Sox training camp to pose for publicity photos. Dressed in heels and short shorts, the glamorous starlet clowned around with Zernial and some of his teammates. After DiMaggio saw the pictures in a magazine, he approached Zernial during an exhibition game with questions about the actress. Zernial passed on the contact information for Monroe’s agent and encouraged the Yankee centerfielder to reach out. The rest, as they say, is history.

Zernial’s 1952 Topps card (#31) features an unusual photo. The slugger is facing the camera directly and making the universal “O.K.” symbol with his left hand. In his right, he is holding a bat that has six baseballs attached to it. None of the other cards in the series feature that design. That’s because the balls were intended to represent Zernial’s record-tying streak of six home runs in three games, which he assembled in May of 1951. He added another blast in the following game, tying another record set by Hall of Famer Tony Lazzeri. According to Zernial, the six baseballs were stuck to the bat in the Topps photo with Scotch tape.

Since Zernial’s card is in the low-numbered series, it is far more common than the later issues. Even so, finding pristine copies is practically impossible. As of 2026, the population of PSA-graded Gem-Mint and Mint copies was zero according to the company. At the time of this writing, there were less than 50 examples in Grade 8 condition (Near-Mint/Mint). Though their estimated value was $600 apiece, one of them sold for more than twice as much. The card can be acquired by collectors in varying mid-grade conditions for around $50 to $140.   

                

                

 

 

MY FAVORITE CARDS:

1975 TOPPS HERB WASHINGTON

 

 

            Part owner, part mad genius, Charles Finley was once referred to as the “P.T. Barnum of Baseball.” After acquiring a controlling interest in the A’s before the 1961 campaign, he did everything in his power to draw fans to the ballpark. The team had posted 96 losses in 1960 while averaging just 5,000 paid admissions per home game. Looking to transform the club into a marketable commodity, Finley unleashed a series of zany promotional stunts. In one of his earliest schemes, he placed A’s tickets inside helium-filled balloons and released them into the community. He added a splash of color to everything, including bright yellow fences, pink foul poles, golden bases, and tacky green/yellow uniforms. He allowed sheep to graze beyond the outfield wall and opened a children’s petting zoo. A mechanical rabbit named “Harvey” was installed underground near home plate, supplying umpires with baskets of baseballs on demand. In keeping with the animal theme, a mule named “Charlie O.” was designated team mascot. Not only was the quadruped paraded onto the field before home games, but Finley even arranged for it to stay overnight with the team on road trips.

            Not all of Finley’s schemes were quite as bonkers. In 1964, he created the “K.C. Pennant Porch,” moving the right field fence at Municipal Stadium to a mere 296 feet from home plate. Unfortunately, this was in violation of a rule requiring all new stadiums to have outfield dimensions of at least 325 feet. League officials made Finley move the fences back after just two games. An ongoing series of roster upgrades made the A’s legitimate contenders. Upon moving from Kansas City to Oakland in 1968, the club enjoyed nine consecutive winning seasons. This included three straight World Series titles from 1972-1974. In an attempt to increase visibility for fans and players before the ’73 campaign, Finley introduced bright orange baseballs. The balls were used during a pair of spring training games and, while some observers reported that the experiment had the desired effect, the project was scrapped due to multiple player complaints.

            Finley’s quest to revolutionize the game continued undaunted. Hoping to generate more runs, he signed a world-class sprinter named Herb Washington to serve as a full-time pinch-runner. While attending Michigan State University, Washington either tied or broke world records in the 50 and 60 yard dashes on multiple occasions. Drafted in 1972 by the NFL’s Baltimore Colts, he turned down the offer so he could compete in the Summer Olympics. Unfortunately, he never qualified for the U.S. Team.

            In 1974, Washington accepted a $45,000 contract offer with a $20,000 signing bonus to join the A’s. According to multiple sources, Finley was promoting wild facial hair at the time and the requirement was included in Washington’s contract. Since the newly signed speedster was unable to grow a full moustache, he resorted to using an eyebrow pencil to create the illusion. Washington was coached by former Dodger stolen base king Maury Wills. He was not expected to learn any other skills beyond baserunning. During his brief tenure with the A’s, he never logged an official major league at-bat or received a defensive assignment.

            Long story short, the experiment was somewhat of a flop. Washington appeared in 92 regular season games in ’74. He scored 29 runs and stole 29 bases, but he was caught 16 times for a 64% success rate—not awful by any stretch of the imagination, but not quite as good as expected. Worse yet, he crumbled in the postseason. In the ALCS against the Orioles, he appeared twice and was caught stealing both times. Then, in Game 2 of the World Series, he was picked off of first base in the ninth inning by Dodger relief specialist Mike Marshall (the NL Cy Young Award-winner that year). Washington ended up being released by the A’s early in the ’75 campaign.

            Honoring Finley’s innovative strategy, the Topps company released a Herb Washington card in 1975. The groovy colors are a fitting tribute. Appearing at #407 in the set, it features the fleet-footed sprinter in an action pose leading off of first base in an empty stadium. It’s the only card in the entire Topps catalog that lists a player as a pinch-runner. The card still resonates with hobbyists even today. Raw copies in mid-grade condition can be purchased cheaply for $12-$20. But a PSA-graded Gem Mint copy sold for over $3,000 in May of 2023.   

                

             

 

 

UPCOMING BOOK RELEASE:

CARDBOARD TREASURES

 

            Greetings baseball fans! I know my blog has been quiet lately. But I’m excited to announce the upcoming arrival of my latest book, which is entitled Cardboard Treasures: The Stories Behind the Most Coveted Baseball Cards of All-Time. It’s being released through Bloomsbury Publishing and will be available in February of 2027.

            As the title implies, the book takes a deep dive into the world of sports card collecting, celebrating the rarest, the most expensive, and the most unusual cards ever produced. From the tobacco issues of the late-nineteenth century to the current era, readers will get the inside scoop on the cards that have captivated hobbyists for well over a century. I have been a collector for most of my life and, celebrating the book’s release, I’ll be posting a series of articles about some of my favorite cards. Keep an eye out for them over the next few months! 

 

                               

SHOCKTOBER PREVIEW: TOP TEN WORLD SERIES UPSETS OF ALL-TIME RANKED

 

 10. MARLINS OVER INDIANS 1997

Established in 1993, the Marlins had finished below .500 in each of their previous four seasons. The Indians were making their second World Series appearance in a three-year span and seemed destined to breeze to a victory over the inexperienced Marlins. Florida was the first Wild Card team to win it all.

 

9. DIAMONDBACKS OVER YANKEES 2001

 This was one of the greatest New York teams in modern history. They had won four of the previous five World Series. In the wake of the World Trade Center attack, they also had a legion of fans on their side. The Diamondbacks had a talented roster full of seasoned veterans. But few expected them to take down the Yankees. Mariano Rivera’s infamous stumble in the finale left fans utterly stunned and gave Arizona its first professional championship in any of the four major sports.

 

8. ROYALS OVER CARDINALS 1985

 The Cardinals won 101 games in 1985. They had a batting champ (Willie McGee), a stolen base leader (Vince Coleman), and one of the most gifted defensive shortstops in history (Ozzie Smith). Kansas City had one of the worst team batting averages in the American League. They weren’t even expected to win their division let alone the World Series. But fate intervened when Coleman was injured during the NLCS in a freak accident. The Cards never fully recovered without him.

 

7. CARDINALS OVER TIGERS 2006

At 83-78, St. Louis had the worst regular season record of any championship team in history. Proving how improbable their World Series victory was, the Cardinals missed the playoffs in three of the next four seasons.

 

6. TWINS OVER CARDINALS 1987

The Twins had averaged 89 losses per year in the previous seven campaigns. They opened the season with 500-to-1 betting odds stacked against them. Their 29-52 record on the road during the regular season made a Series victory even more incredible.

 

5. PIRATES OVER YANKEES 1960

 Pittsburgh had not been to a World Series since 1927—the year they were swept by the “Murderer’s Row” Yankees. The Yankees had won eight pennants and six World Series in a ten-year span. They had Mantle, Maris, Berra, and Whitey Ford. In spite of their record-setting 55 runs, 91 hits, and .338 team batting average in the Series, the Bombers fell to the Pirates in seven games.

 

4. BRAVES OVER A’S 1914

  The Braves (who were stationed in Boston back then) got off to a 10-22 start yet somehow managed to turn their season around. The outcome of the Series was so shocking that sportswriters referred to the victors as “The Miracle Braves.” A’s manager Connie Mack, who had guided his club to three World Series titles in a four-year span, was so disgruntled by the outcome that he traded off most of his best players. The result was seven consecutive last place finishes. 

 

3. DODGERS OVER YANKEES 1955

 The Dodgers had five Hall of Famers in their lineup (Jackie Robinson, Duke Snider, Roy Campanella, Pee Wee Reese, and Gil Hodges). But their opponents were the mighty Yankees—the winningest franchise in baseball history. The Dodgers had been to the World Series on seven occasions prior to 1955 and lost each time. This included five October defeats at the hands of their cross-town rivals.

 

2. METS OVER ORIOLES 1969

The Mets had never finished above-.500 prior to 1969. They had dropped at least 100 games five times, including an NL record 120 losses in their inaugural campaign (1962). The Orioles were a powerhouse club with four Hall of Famers in residence (including manager Earl Weaver). Their 109 wins in '69 are still a franchise record.

 

1. WHITE SOX OVER CUBS 1906

  There is no way the White Sox should have won this Series. Their .230 team batting average was the worst for any pennant-winning squad of the 20^th century, earning them the nickname: “Hitless Wonders.” The Cubs entered the Series with 116 regular season victories (a major league record that still stands). They carried a 23-game advantage over Chicago in the win column.

SHOCKTOBER PREVIEW: INTERESTING WORLD SERIES FACTS

 

1906:  (White Sox vs. Cubs)

This inter-league matchup generated such fervor in Chicago that Charles Martin—a city councilman and avid White Sox supporter—was arrested after brawling with an intoxicated Cubs fan.

 

1926: (Yankees vs. Cardinals)

Babe Ruth had a phenomenal Series for the Yankees, setting a new record with four homers. But he also blew it for New York in Game 7. With two away in the bottom of the ninth, he took it upon himself to attempt a steal of second base. He was thrown out by a wide margin, ending the series in favor of St. Louis.

 

1955: (Dodgers vs. Yankees)

The Dodgers’ win over the Yankees in ’55 was their first in six showdowns against New York. It was their last championship while stationed in Brooklyn. Since moving to Los Angeles, the Dodgers have faced the Yankees five times in World Series play and won on three occasions. 

 

1969: (Mets vs. Orioles)

Prior to this championship season, the Mets had averaged 105 losses per year. They were so bad in the early days that manager Casey Stengel once complained: “The Mets have shown me more ways to lose than I even knew existed.”  

 

1985: (Royals vs. Cardinals)

In Game 6 of this Series, umpire Don Denkinger missed a critical call at first base that allowed the Royals to stage a game-winning rally. Incredibly, a pair of St. Louis disc jockeys gave out Denkinger’s phone number and address over the air. Denkinger was still receiving hate mail and death threats two years later.

 

1987: (Twins vs. Cardinals)

Noise levels generated by fans at the Metrodome in Minnesota ranged from 80 to 125 decibels during Game 2 of this Series. Putting this in perspective, eight hours of exposure to 90 decibel noise can cause permanent damage to your ears. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health recommends that workers not be exposed to decibel levels over 85 for an extended period of time. Game 2 lasted close to three hours.

 

2001: (Diamondbacks vs. Yankees)

This Series took place less than two months after the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center. Though President George W. Bush was told by security officials that it would be safer to throw out the ceremonial first pitch before Game 1 in Arizona, he felt it would be more appropriate to do it in New York before Game 3. Prior to the opening ceremony, bomb-sniffing dogs combed Yankee Stadium, snipers were placed in various locations, and vendors were vetted by federal agents. Bush wore a New York City fire department fleece with a bulletproof vest underneath. He fired a strike to home plate and got a rousing ovation.

 

2006: (Cardinals vs. Tigers)

TV ratings for this Series were the lowest ever for a Fall Classic at the time. It was one of the sloppiest Series ever played with both teams combining for 16 errors in seven games. St. Louis also had the worst regular season record of any pennant-winning club. Since 2006, seven other World Series have had lower TV ratings.   

SHOCKTOBER PREVIEW: THE CUTTING ROOM FLOOR

 

A few people have asked me why I chose to exclude a handful of World Series "upsets" from my latest book. The answer is simple: because some of these so-called "upsets" were not terribly surprising. The following October matchups did not make the cut: 

1931

St. Louis Cardinals over Philadelphia Athletics (4-3)

With three consecutive pennants to their credit and a six-game differential in the “win” column, the A’s were favored to beat the Cardinals, who were making their third World Series appearance in a four-year span. Few if any baseball pundits were taken off guard when the Red Birds, who carried five future Hall of Famers on their roster, gave Connie Mack’s crew more than they could handle.

 

1945

Detroit Tigers over Chicago Cubs (4-3)

With close to 200 players serving in the armed forces, the major league talent pool was seriously diluted. The Cubs—winners of 96 regular season games—were expected to beat the Tigers, who had squeaked into the postseason with 88 victories. Quality pitching was in short supply during the war years, but the Tigers had two of the best arms of the era with Hal Newhouser and Dizzy Trout in their rotation. They also got a shot in the arm when slugger Hank Greenberg returned from wartime duty in July. The end result was hardly shocking as the Cubs dropped their seventh consecutive World Series, extending a luckless streak that had begun with a loss to the A’s in 1910. 

 

1953

New York Yankees over Brooklyn Dodgers (4-2)

The Dodgers had a distinct advantage in terms of regular season wins, having gathered 105 victories to New York’s 99. But the outcome of this Series was a no-brainer as the Yankees won it all for the fifth year in a row—a record that still stands. It was Brooklyn's fifth consecutive World Series loss to New York. 

 

1963

Los Angeles Dodgers over New York Yankees (4-0)

The Yankees may have looked like the better team on paper. But Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris were hobbled by injuries during the regular season. Likewise, Yogi Berra was nearing the end of his playing days. The Dodgers won fewer games that year, but they had Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale—both of whom were very much in their prime. They also had NL batting champ Tommy Davis along with baseball’s reigning stolen base king, Maury Wills. The only thing moderately shocking about this Series was the L.A. sweep. 

 

1966

Baltimore Orioles over Los Angeles Dodgers (4-0)

Prior to their 1954 move from St. Louis to Baltimore, the Orioles (formerly known as the Browns) had established a losing reputation. The addition of four Hall of Famers (Brooks Robinson, Luis Aparicio, Frank Robinson, and Jim Palmer) made them contenders at long last, but they still didn’t get the kind of respect they deserved. Although the defending world champion Dodgers were expected to win this Series, Don Drysdale was having an “off” year and the lineup was full of forgettable players. (How often do Wes Parker, Jim Lefebvre, and Lou Johnson surface in baseball discussion nowadays?) Though technically an upset, the writing was on the wall before the first pitch was thrown.  

 

1995

Atlanta Braves over Cleveland Indians (4-2)

The Indians had some heavy hitters in residence, leading the majors with 207 homers. But Atlanta’s so-called “Big Three” (Greg Maddux, Tom Glavine, and John Smoltz) were well-equipped to shut down the Cleveland offense. The Indians won 100 games during the strike-shortened regular season and were favored to eliminate the Braves, who had gathered 90 victories of their own. The win differential was just about the only advantage the Indians held against an Atlanta squad that included six eventual Cooperstown inductees. (Fred McGriff, Chipper Jones, and Bobby Cox were all enshrined in addition to the “Big Three”)

 

1996

 New York Yankees over Atlanta Braves (4-2)

 The Yankees had been absent from the Fall Classic for more than a decade—one of the longest droughts in franchise history. Atlanta still had a slew of Hall of Famers on board. But the Braves had a storied history of choking in the postseason. And the teams had similar won-loss records. With a lineup featuring the likes of Derek Jeter, Wade Boggs, and Tim Raines, the Yankees were underdogs in name only.

2004

Boston Red Sox over St. Louis Cardinals (4-0)

The Cardinals won 105 games in 2004 and were making their first World Series appearance since the Whitey Herzog era. The Red Sox entered the postseason as a Wild Card team. With superstars David Ortiz, Manny Ramirez, Pedro Martinez, and Curt Schilling in the lineup, the BoSox took down the dreaded Yankees in one of the most dramatic ALCS comebacks in history. Having already accomplished an improbable task, was anybody really surprised when they rolled over the Cardinals in four games? If I were doing a book on upsets in the American League Championship Series, Boston's win over New York would probably rank No. 1. But the Series win over St. Louis was a no-brainer. 

SHOCKTOBER PREVIEW: UNLIKELY WORLD SERIES HEROES (PART III)

 

TOMMY THEVENOW

(ST. LOUIS CARDINALS)

Thevenow spent 15 seasons in the majors, never hitting a single ball beyond the outfield fence. All three of his lifetime homers (accumulated during a three-week span in 1926) were of the inside-the-park variety. In spite of his weak hitting, Thevenow became a regular in the St. Louis lineup on account of his stellar defense. In the Cardinals championship season of ’26, he led American League shortstops in putouts and assists. His modest .256 regular season batting average was not a reliable predictor of what lay ahead as he posted the highest mark among both World Series clubs at .417. Only two players (Babe Ruth and Billy Southworth) scored more runs. Plagued by injuries throughout his career, Thevenow played for the Phillies, Pirates, Bees, and Reds before falling from the major league ranks for good in the late-1930s.

 

TIM LAUDNER

(MINNESOTA TWINS)

 Laudner struggled with a bat throughout his major league career. Although he had moderate power, he struck out fairly often while averaging just one walk per every 12 plate appearances. He launched a career-best 16 homers during the Twins’ championship year of 1987, but failed to crack the .200 mark during the regular season. Entering the World Series against the heavily-favored Cardinals, Laudner was among the least likely candidates for a breakout performance. Defying the odds, the free-swinging catcher showed uncharacteristic discipline at the plate, hitting .318 with 5 walks. His four runs scored and four RBIs helped Minnesota to an unlikely Series victory.  

 

DAVID ECKSTEIN

(ST. LOUIS CARDINALS)

At 5-foot-6, Eckstein was one of the smallest players in the majors. He carried the nickname of “Just Enough,” gaining acclaim for his energy and enthusiasm. Serving as the Cardinals’ leadoff man in 2006, he hit at a respectable .292 clip, earning his second (and final) All-Star selection. His performance in the World Series that year was next-level as he tied with teammate Scott Rolen in hits and doubles. Only Albert Pujols drove in more runs. Eckstein’s .364 batting average earned him Series MVP honors. It was the second championship of his career (the first one coming with the Angels in 2002). Eckstein retired after the 2010 campaign with a lifetime .333 batting mark in World Series play—more than 50 points above his lifetime regular season average.    

SHOCKTOBER PREVIEW: UNLIKELY WORLD SERIES HEROES (PART II)

 

HANK GOWDY

(BOSTON BRAVES)

Tall and lean at 6-foot-2, 180 pounds, Gowdy was once referred to as a “fair-haired skyscraper.” Originally property of the Giants, he came to Boston in a 1911 trade involving two other players. 1914 was Gowdy’s first season as a full-time catcher. The Braves got off to a rocky start, but Gowdy helped turn things around, leading major league backstops in extra-base hits. He faced three of the best pitchers of the era in the Fall Classic that year—Charles Bender, Eddie Plank, and Bullet Joe Bush. Rising to the challenge, Gowdy gathered a cumulative total of six hits and five walks, guiding the so-called “Miracle Braves” to a sweep of the powerful A’s, who had won three of the previous four World Series. Sportswriters began referring to Gowdy as “Hammerin’ Hank,” but as the Braves gradually sank in the standings, Gowdy faded into relative obscurity. His critical error for the Giants in the 1924 Fall Classic made him a Series “goat.”

 

DANNY BAUTISTA

(ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS)

Bautista was no stranger to postseason play. He came up through the Tigers farm system and wound up being traded to the Braves in 1996. Serving as a utility outfielder, he made sporadic appearances in the ’97 and ’98 playoffs. Acquired by the Marlines in 1999 and the Diamondbacks the following year, Bautista became a regular in the Arizona outfield during the 2001 slate. Prior to then, he had never appeared in 100 games for any team in a single season. The Diamondbacks clinched the pennant in spite of Bautista’s abysmal 1-for-10 showing at the plate in the Division Series and League Championship Series. Bautista caught fire against the Yankees in the Fall Classic, tying for the team lead in RBIs despite sitting out two of the seven games. He ended up with a .583 batting average as Arizona stunned New York. 

 

DAVID FREESE

(ST. LOUIS CARDINALS)

A late arrival to the majors, Freese was 27 years-old in his rookie season with the Cardinals. The St. Louis lineup was stocked with stars and Freese became part of a third base platoon that included veteran slugger Pedro Feliz. In 2011, Freese shared hot corner responsibilities with rookie Daniel Descalso. Freese was more adept with a bat and became St. Louis’s primary third-sacker in the 2011 playoffs. After capturing MVP honors in the NLCS against Milwaukee, he led the underdog Cardinals to a World Series victory over the Rangers, raking Texas pitching for 5 extra-base hits and 7 RBIs. He hit a walk-off homer in the sixth match and a game-tying double in the finale. His performance earned him another MVP award. He finished the 2011 postseason with 5 homers and 21 ribbies in 18 games. Freese returned to the World Series with the Dodgers in 2018, but was unable to recapture the magic that had put him on the map. He retired after the 2019 slate.

SHOCKTOBER PREVIEW: UNLIKELY WORLD SERIES HEROES (PART I)

 

MICKEY HATCHER

(L.A. DODGERS)

Hatcher was a versatile utility man who appeared at several defensive stations over the course of his 12-year career. He even took the mound once in a blowout loss against the Cardinals in 1989. Known more for his enthusiasm and hustle, Hatcher had little power at the plate and rarely walked. But his performance in the 1988 World Series helped carry the underdog Dodgers to a surprising victory over the A’s. Hatcher hit safely in all five games, leading both teams in homers and RBIs. Prior to the Series, he had knocked just one homer in his previous 118 appearances. Hatcher had another respectable season in ’89, but when his batting average dipped to .212 the following year, he disappeared from the majors. 

 

 HARVEY HADDIX

(PITTSBURGH PIRATES)

A product of the Cardinals’ farm system, Haddix won 20 games during his rookie year and never duplicated the feat. He is best known for tossing 12 perfect innings against the Braves in a game he ultimately lost during the 1959 campaign. A bit on the small side at 5-foot-9, 170 pounds, Haddix—by his own admission—lacked stamina in comparison to other pitchers of the era. “I’ve been a seven-inning pitcher at times because I’m a little man and have to work harder out there than some fellows,” he once said. The diminutive southpaw won 11 games for the pennant-winning Pirates in 1960 while posting a mediocre 3.97 ERA. He was much better in the World Series that year, winning his only start and picking up another victory out of the bullpen in Game 7. The Pirates' win over the Yankees came as a shock to many--especially slugger Mickey Mantle, who remarked sourly: "The better team lost...the only time I ever felt that way. It wasn't even close." 

 

DUSTY RHODES

(NEW YORK GIANTS)

Rhodes’s poor defense kept him on the bench for a majority of his seven-year major league career. But he was immensely popular with teammates. Describing his persona, Hall of Fame manager Leo Durocher once asserted: “He was a buffoon, and I say this affectionately. I loved him on my ball club because of his personality and the funny things he did that kept everybody loose. But I couldn’t have stood two of him.” After compiling a pedestrian .242 batting average in his first two seasons, Rhodes had a breakout year during New York’s pennant-winning effort of 1954. He was unstoppable in the World Series, delivering clutch hits in each of his three appearances. When the curtain closed on the Giants’ improbable sweep of the Indians (winners of 111 games during the regular season), Rhodes had slammed a pair of homers and driven in seven runs in six at-bats. 

SHOCKTOBER PREVIEW: PIVOTAL MOMENTS IN WORLD SERIES HISTORY (PART III)

 

1926 WORLD SERIES

YANKEES vs. CARDINALS

GAME 7

 

Prior to 1926, the Cardinals had been absent from championship play for more than three decades. Although they had four Hall of Famers in residence at the start of the season, their victory over the Yankees (who were stocked with franchise greats from top to bottom) would have been highly improbable without the services of fading superstar Grover “Pete” Alexander. Alexander had captured three consecutive Triple Crowns with the Phillies beginning in 1915. But chronic alcohol issues prompted Cubs’ manager Joe McCarthy to place the hurler on waivers in June of 1926. Believing he was worth the risk, the Cardinals added him to their roster. It proved to be a smart move as the 39 year-old veteran won nine games down the stretch and stymied the Yankees in the World Series. 

 

After beating New York in both of his starts, Alexander was called upon to extinguish a seventh inning Yankee rally in Game 7. The Bombers had loaded the bases against Hall of Famer Jesse Haines, who had developed a blister on his pitching hand and could not continue. Rumors abounded that Alexander was still intoxicated from an all-night bender, but the hurler vehemently denied those claims in later interviews. With two outs and the count at 1-1, Tony Lazzeri blasted a long drive down the left field line. Had it stayed fair, it would have given the Yankees a 6-3 lead. But it hooked just foul at the last second, saving Alexander from being labeled a Series “goat.” Lazzeri struck out and “Old Pete” followed with two innings of shutout ball, sealing a 3-2 Series-clinching victory for the Cardinals. There was no Series MVP Award in those days, but Alexander would have been a front-runner.   

SHOCKTOBER PREVIEW: PIVOTAL MOMENTS IN WORLD SERIES HISTORY (PART II)

 

1924 WORLD SERIES

NEW YORK GIANTS vs. WASHINGTON NATIONALS

GAME 7

 

The Giants were among the most powerful teams in baseball, having captured four consecutive pennants. The Nationals (often referred to as the “Senators”) had established a long tradition of losing, placing sixth or lower in the standings from 1901 through 1911. Their poor performances in the early years inspired a long-running joke: “Washington—first in war, first in peace, and last in the American League.” Trailing three games to two in the Series, the Nationals took the Giants completely off guard with a tense 2-1 victory over veteran pitcher Art Nehf, who was widely considered to be New York’s most reliable big-game pitcher. The Series finale was among the most unusual in history.

 

More than 31,000 fans flocked to Griffith Stadium in D.C. to see if the Nationals could finally shed their image as perennial losers. The Giants jumped out to a 3-1 lead before Washington’s player/manager, Bucky Harris, tied the game with an RBI single that took a bad hop at third base and bounced past Hall of Fame infielder, Freddie Lindstrom. The game was still knotted at three in the bottom of the 12th, when Muddy Ruel of the Nationals hit a one-out pop-up near home plate. It should have been an easy play, but Giants’ catcher Hank Gowdy tripped over his own discarded mask, dropping the ball. Given new life, Ruel ripped a double. Legendary hurler Walter Johnson, who had delivered four innings of scoreless relief for Washington on short rest, followed with a playable grounder to shortstop Travis Jackson. Jackson—a Hall of Famer who carried the nickname “Stonewall” for his sensational defense—booted the ball. Defying credibility, Nationals’ center fielder Earl McNeely followed with a sharp grounder that took another bad hop at third base and bounced into left field, bringing Ruel home with the Series-clinching run. Washington owner Clark Griffith believed it was divine intervention. Relief pitcher Jack Bentley (who was charged with the loss) later said it was one of the “weirdest” games he ever played in.

SHOCKTOBER PREVIEW: PIVOTAL MOMENTS IN WORLD SERIES HISTORY (Part I)

 

1906 WORLD SERIES

CHICAGO CUBS vs. CHICAGO WHITE SOX

GAME 5

 

The Chicago Cubs won 116 games in 1906 (a record that still stands) and carried four Hall of Famers on their roster. Their pitchers combined for 30 shutouts (an NL high) and a 1.75 ERA—tops in the majors. They were expected to make quick work of the White Sox, who had stunned the baseball world by capturing the AL pennant with an anemic .230 team batting average. Only one club fared worse at the plate that year—the Boston Nationals, who wound up with 102 losses.

 

With the Series tied at two games apiece, the White Sox defense completely fell apart, spotting the Cubs five unearned runs on an astounding total of six errors. But in a surprising turn of events, the ChiSox—dubbed “The Hitless Wonders” by sportswriters—outmuscled their intra-city rivals by a score of 8-6. Second baseman Frank Isbel led the charge for the Southside crew, clubbing four doubles—a World Series record. The resilient Sox followed their improbable Game 5 victory with another offensive explosion, knocking Hall of Fame pitcher Mordecai Brown out of the box by the second inning. The 8-3 victory completed a stunning upset. The 16 runs scored by the Sox in their last two outings exceeded the club’s collective total in their previous seven games.

MY LATEST BOOK RELEASE: SHOCKTOBER: The Biggest Upsets in World Series History

 

While the Dodgers' victory over the Yankees in the 2024 World Series was far from surprising, baseball's October Showcase has held many twists and turns over the years. The Boston Braves beat the Chicago Cubs in the 1906 Fall Classic after posting an anemic .230 team batting average during the regular season (the lowest mark by any championship team). The so-called "Miracle Mets" won the NL pennant and ousted the powerful Orioles in the 1969 World Series after finishing below .500 in each of the previous seven seasons. And in 2001, the Diamondbacks staged a late-inning, series-clinching rally off of the greatest relief pitcher in baseball history. These stories--along with many others--appear in my latest book: Shocktober: The Greatest Upsets in World Series History.  The book is set for release on January 7, 2025. In anticipation of its arrival, I'll be posting various articles and excerpts in the coming weeks. To order a copy, click the link on the right side of my blog page (may not appear on mobile devices).    

TALES OF THE YANKEE CLIPPER (PART VI) ENEMY ALIENS

 

 

            Prior to World War II, the United States government had adhered to a policy of isolationism. In the wake of the Pearl Harbor Attack, media-fueled hysteria built to a fever pitch. Feeling the need to neutralize a perceived threat from within, the Roosevelt administration unjustly labeled thousands of Italian, German, and Japanese immigrants “enemy aliens.”

            More than 120,000 people of Japanese ancestry were uprooted from their homes and placed in internment camps. Germans were not only subjected to relocation, but they were also forbidden to own specific items (such as flashlights, cameras, and radios) that might be used to communicate with Nazi sympathizers. More than 600,000 Italian-Americans were forced to deal with travel restrictions and curfews. Joe DiMaggio’s parents were among the many innocent Sicilians who were made to feel like criminals.

             By the time the United States officially entered the war, Giuseppe and Rosalie had been living in America for several decades. Since they couldn’t read or write enough English to pass the naturalization exam, neither of them had the proper documentation. Aware of their connection to the famous Yankee icon, General John DeWitt of the Western Defense Command considered arresting the couple to make an example of them. But in the end, he decided that other restrictive measures would suffice. Giuseppe and Rosalie were forbidden to visit DiMaggio’s Grotto on Fisherman’s Wharf. They were required to carry I.D. papers on them at all times and, if they wished to travel further than five miles from home, they had to request a permit. Giuseppe’s crab boat—a 16-footer named the Rosalie D.—was confiscated along with the vessels of more than a thousand Italians operating on the Pacific Coast.

            The mistreatment of “Enemy Aliens” continued until the end of the war and beyond. Even after hostilities ceased overseas, it took several years to dismantle the internment program. The punitive measures taken against Italian-Americans didn’t sit well with Joltin’ Joe. According to Army officials, he exhibited a “conscious attitude of hostility and resistance” toward his military duties. The Yankee slugger felt that the Army was exploiting his All-Star status for the purpose of public relations. He resented having to play in Army baseball games. And though he was repeatedly hospitalized for chronic abdominal pain, no evidence of an ulcer was detected by military doctors. Major William G. Barrett believed that DiMaggio was fabricating the illness to earn a medical discharge. His suspicions were included in an official report. Joe eventually got the release he had been seeking in September of 1945.

            Rosalie DiMaggio became an official US citizen in 1944. Giuseppe became naturalized the following year. In 2001, the US Department of Justice formally acknowledged the mistreatment of Italian-Americans during the war. The California state legislature waited nine more years to issue a formal apology (of sorts). A 2010 resolution sponsored by Democratic senator Joe Simitian officially expressed “deepest regrets” over actions taken by government officials during the enemy alien ordeal.  

EXCERPTS FROM TALES OF THE YANKEE CLIPPER (PART V) JOE IN HIS BIRTHDAY SUIT

 

 

            DiMaggio was photographed thousands of times during his career. Nearly all of those photos are tasteful. But in 2009, the one he would not have wanted anyone to see finally surfaced.

            The photo—a full frontal shot of Joe standing naked in the showers at Yankee Stadium—appeared in a San Francisco art gallery exhibit. It later passed into the possession of an auction house and went up for sale. The auctioneers provided the following description of the graphic picture: “Obviously aware of being photographed in such a state, [DiMaggio] is seen smiling for the camera—a young Joe, perhaps still in the 1930s, still in his purest youth. We are not sure how the photo made it to this point, but it is 100% authentic, first generation, and vintage.” An unidentified man—only partially in the frame—is standing shoulder to shoulder with Joe in the shot.      

            At least one source claimed that the photo was a sham. Morris Engelberg, attorney for the DiMaggio estate and one of Joe’s most trusted advisors, commented to reporters, “I could never imagine Joe DiMaggio, this private individual, ever letting anyone take a photo of him in the nude with someone next to him. When Joe DiMaggio went to the bathroom in a restaurant, I always had to escort him. And I made sure no one took a picture of him at the urinal.” Engelberg’s comments about Joe being intensely private are indisputable. The self-conscious Yankee idol strenuously avoided situations that might cause him embarrassment throughout his career. And it would indeed have been highly out of character for him to allow such a photo to be taken.

            The New York Post published Engelberg’s comments under a facetious headline reading, “Lawyer: That’s Not Joltin’ Joe’s Penis.” Speculating on the identity of the man standing next to DiMaggio, a writer from the San Francisco Chronicle comically reported, “A similar photo of Mantle recently surfaced. Collect the entire set. Bonus mystery: Next to DiMaggio in the photo is an unidentified guy. Is it a Yankee teammate? A coach? A stadium peanut vendor? Maybe it’s Engelberg letting down his guard.” Though the New York Daily News couldn’t verify the picture’s authenticity, a correspondent claimed that it had been taken in 1939.

            Genuine or fraudulent, the one of a kind photo was acquired for more than $17,000 by John Rogers—owner of the Rogers Photo Archive. Comprised of more than 40 million images, Rogers’ private collection is among the largest in the world.            

EXCERPTS FROM TALES OF THE YANKEE CLIPPER (PART IV) DIMAGGIO'S STALKER

 

    While recovering from an injury at the beginning of the 1949 campaign, DiMaggio began receiving love notes from a woman he was not acquainted with. At the same time, letters started turning up at the offices of various New York gossip columnists. They were signed by a woman calling herself “Junior Standish,” who claimed to be in a romantic relationship with the Yankee slugger. DiMaggio was familiar with a Broadway dancer of the same name, but had never actually dated her. When a handful of columnists reported that the two had become a couple, DiMaggio and Standish both made public statements to the contrary.

            The plot thickened when the mysterious letter-writer attempted to make contact with DiMaggio at his hotel. After being turned away, she sent a note threatening suicide if her efforts to meet him were thwarted in the future. Alarmed by this turn of events, Yankee PR-man Arthur Patterson contacted the police and enlisted the help of a bodyguard to protect Joe.  

            While police were investigating the matter, another note containing suicidal threats was delivered to DiMaggio’s hotel room. Hoping to produce some tangible leads regarding the author’s identity, details were leaked to the press. A 30-year-old woman was eventually taken into custody. While being interrogated by the assistant district attorney in Manhattan, she suffered a mental breakdown, screaming hysterically and threatening to kill herself. Police transported her to a Bronx hospital for psychiatric evaluation. Doctors agreed to release her into the custody of her father on the condition that she seek counseling and leave DiMaggio alone. She agreed to the arrangement and never bothered Joe again. Her identity was not disclosed to the press.

            Incidents of a darker nature had plagued major-league baseball on prior occasions. A few weeks before DiMaggio’s stalker was taken into custody, a 19-year-old office worker named Ruth Steinhagen shot Phillies’ first baseman Eddie Waitkus in a Chicago hotel room. The troubled teen, who had developed an unhealthy obsession with Waitkus, ended up in a state psychiatric hospital, where she remained for three years. Waitkus recovered and played six more seasons. A similar scene had unfolded in 1932, when Cubs shortstop Billy Jurges was shot at the Carlos Hotel in Chicago by a showgirl named Violet Popovich. Jurges had broken off a casual relationship with Popovich, prompting her to behave irrationally. The infielder was shot twice—once in the hand and again in the ribs—but returned to action that year. He played in the majors until 1948.             

EXCERPTS FROM TALES OF THE YANKEE CLIPPER (PART III) JOHNNY BABICH CALLS OUT DIMAGGIO

 

    In the summer of 1941, rarely a day went by when DiMaggio did not receive top billing in the sports pages.  But for a few days in late-June, a little-known pitcher from the Philadelphia A’s stole Joltin’ Joe’s thunder.

            His name was Johnny Babich and he had an axe to grind. A right-handed flamethrower from Albion, California, he had played with the Kansas City Blues (a New York affiliate) in 1939, compiling a handsome 17-6 record with a 2.55 ERA. After a tryout with the Yankees, he was left unsigned. It was something he never forgot.

            The journeyman hurler had an issue with DiMaggio as well. Both men had played in the Pacific Coast League during the 1933 slate. They had faced each other in the midst of Joe’s record-setting 61-game hitting streak. In the eighth inning of a scoreless tie, DiMaggio had drilled a fastball off the left field wall, driving in the only run of the game and making Babich a loser.

            Babich was confident and boastful—like Dizzy Dean without the talent to back it up. He carried a lifetime earned run average of 5.57 entering the 1940 campaign. Yet somehow he managed to dominate the Yankees that season, winning five of six decisions against them. The losses to Babich had a huge impact on the pennant race as the Bombers ultimately finished two games out of first place. With his reputation as a “Yankee Killer” secured, Babich got carried away with himself during DiMaggio’s 56-game hitting streak.

            Hall of Famer Phil Rizzuto remembered the incident well. “Babich was another Sal Maglie,” he told biographer Maury Allen. “He would knock his mother down. He really threw hard and could intimidate a hitter. He announced in the papers three or four days before we played the A’s that he would personally stop the streak. He was going to get Joe out the first time and then walk him the next three times.”

            The media really played up the story and, according to Rizzuto, DiMaggio was quite upset when he read what Babich had said. The anticipated showdown took place on June 28 at Shibe Park in Philadelphia with close to 14,000 fans in attendance—well above average for the A’s that season. In the first inning, Joe D. came to the plate with a pair of runners aboard. He worked the count to 3-1 before popping out to shortstop Al Brancato. Phase I of Babich’s plan was complete. Now all he had to do was keep the ball out of the strike zone in DiMaggio’s next few at-bats. 

            The Yankee icon returned to the plate as a lead-off hitter in the third inning. By then, the Bombers had built a 3-0 lead. Babich’s first two offerings were way outside, but DiMaggio lunged for the second one, driving it straight through the pitcher’s legs. One writer remarked, “If Joe had hit the ball a few inches higher, Babich would have been a hurling soprano.” Fueled by all the hype, DiMaggio was not content to settle for a mere single. He went tearing around first base without hesitation and slid safely into second. “The whole bench stood up and cheered Joe and laughed at Babich and called him some pretty good names,” Rizzuto recalled. DiMaggio later remarked that the hurler appeared mortified.   

            After absorbing a 7-4 loss on June 28, Babich logged another dreadful outing against the Yankees a week later, allowing six earned runs in one inning of work. DiMaggio tagged him for a single, extending the hitting streak even further. It would prove to be Babich’s last season in the big leagues as he posted a 2-7 record with a stratospheric 6.09 ERA. He continued pitching in the minors through the 1945 campaign and later spent two seasons as a manager, leading the Stockton Ports of the California League to a championship in 1947.