1972 Season Coming in JAN. 2017

The 1972 Major League Baseball season was the first to have games cancelled by a player strike. It was also the last season in which American League pitchers would hit for themselves on a regular basis; the designated hitter rule would go into effect the following season.

Labor strife and more moving

1972 was tainted by a players' strike over pension and salary arbitration. The strike erased the first week and a half of the season, and the Leagues decided to just excise the lost portion of the season with no makeups. As a result, an uneven number of games were lost by each team; some as few as six, some as many as nine. The lack of makeups, even when they affected the playoffs, led to the Boston Red Sox losing the American League East by half a game to the Detroit Tigers.

1972 marked the first year for the Texas Rangers, who had moved to Arlington from Washington, D.C. (where they played as the Washington Senators) after the 1971 season. The team was one of the worst ever fielded by the franchise, losing 100 games for the first time since 1964. Manager Ted Williams hated it in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, and resigned at the end of the season. To make room for the Rangers in the American League West Division, one of the teams already in that division would have to switch to the East Division. Technically, both the Chicago White Sox and the Milwaukee Brewers were the easternmost teams in the West Division, but only one of them could move. It was decided that Milwaukee, as the newer franchise, would make the move. The Brewers and White Sox would again become divisional rivals in 1994 with the formation of the American League Central, but this would last only through 1997, when Milwaukee transferred to the National League.

1972 would mark the Kansas City Royals' final year at Kansas City Municipal Stadium, as the next year they would move to Royals Stadium at the Truman Sports Complex in suburban Kansas City.

Most teams (18 of 26) switched from wool flannel uniforms to double knit uniforms made of nylon and rayon at the outset of 1972. The Pirates were first to adopt double knits when they moved from Forbes Field to Three Rivers Stadium in July 1970. The Cardinals switched at the start of the 1971 season, and the Orioles gradually phased out their flannels throughout 1971, becoming all-double knit in time for the postseason.

The Giants wore flannels until midseason, going to double knits at home only; the flannels would not be phased out for the road uniforms for 1973. The Red Sox switched to double knits midway through 1972. Only the Royals, Expos and Yankees wore flannels full-time during the 1972 season, and all three converted to double knits for 1973.

The World Series was won by the Oakland Athletics, the first of three straight behind the bats of Reggie Jackson and Bert Campaneris, and the pitching cadre of Catfish Hunter, Rollie Fingers, and Vida Blue. The year ended on a sad note when  Roberto Clemente died in an airplane crash off the coast of San Juan, Puerto Rico, on New Year's Eve, while participating in aid efforts after the 1972 Nicaragua earthquake.

Oakland A's Sweep St. Louis Cards in 1971 World Series

Perhaps the comparison is not exactly kosher, but the 1971 ARAIG World Series resembled the 1989 real-life Series. After a long delay, the Oakland Athletics swept the series in a dominating and anti-climactic way. Congrats to Bill Schneider for brilliantly managing his squad.

GAME ONE – Dick Green launched a 3-run home run in the B6 to lift Oakland to a 4-1 opening game Vida Bluewent the distance. Mike Epstein, hitting in the lead-off spot, went 3-3.

victory.

GAME TWO – The Athletics sent Bob Gibson to the showers after just 3 innings and went on to an 8-3 victory. Rick Monday led the way offensively with 3 hits, including a triple and round-tripper. He scored twice and drove in 4. Catfish Hunter was the winning pitcher.

GAME THREE – Diego Segui surrendered just 4 hits in 7.2 IP as Oakland won 3-1 in St. Louis. Darold Knowles andRollie Fingers finished up. Joe Rudi banged out 3 hits. Epstein homered in one of his 2 hits.

GAME FOUR – Vida Blue (2-0) just missed his second CG with another brilliant performance in a 6-3 win as Oakland earned the sweep. Fingers (2) got the 27^th out and was piled upon. Epstein smashed 2 more hits. Green collected 2 more RBI.

Other facts and highlights:

** Mike Epstein was named co-MVP with his .533 (8-15) batting average, 12 TB, 5 R, and 2 RBI.

** Vida Blue, the other co-MVP, was 2-0 in 17.2 IP. He fanned 14 and had an ERA of 2.04.

** The A’s pitching staff had a 1.75 ERA for the series. The A’s hitters his .273.

** Tommy Davis (.500), Dave Duncan (.333), Gene Tenace (.333), Joe Rudi (.333), and Dick Green (.308) also hit over .300.

** The Cardinals hit just .189 as a team

** Joe Torre, who hit .363 in real-life season, hit just .063 (1-16) in this series.

** Lou Brock (.333) was the only Redbird regular over .300.

** The Cardinals pitching staff had a 5.29 ERA

World Series Begins!

Week 27 Part 2

Due ASAP LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Date	1971 Schedule	Home Manager

World Series
9-Oct	St. Louis @ Oakland	Bill Schneider
11-Oct	St. Louis @ Oakland	Bill Schneider
12-Oct	Oakland @ St. Louis	Bruce Thomas
13-Oct	Oakland @ St. Louis	Bruce Thomas
14-Oct	Oakland @ St. Louis	Bruce Thomas
16-Oct	St. Louis @ Oakland	Bill Schneider
17-Oct	St. Louis @ Oakland	Bill Schneider

Oakland Upsets Baltimore to Take the 1971 ARAIG LCS

It looked the like Orioles had this one in the bag, winning the first two games with shutouts from Dave McNally and Mike Cuellar. But the overconfident Birds' bunch wasn't ready for Oakland's offense to wake up.

Tommy Davis was a difference maker in the series, homering for the go-ahead run in game three off an ineffective Jim Palmer for a 5-4 win, as Mudcat Grant nailed it down. Baltimore, still up 2-1, started Pat Dobson in game four against Vida Blue, who left early in game one. Blue returned the Baltimore favor by shutting out the O's on two hits, 1-0.

McNally went again in game five against Catfish Hunter, who was his dominant self, unlike his performance in game two. Oakland scored a second straight shutout - just like Baltimore had in games one and two - en route to a 5-0 win, underscored by another Davis homer, a three run shot off McNally. 

A great series and superb managing by Bill Schneider.  Here's to another victory for the AL in the World Series. Bill might be playing himself, as he's also the manager of Cincinnati.

Joe P.

Redbirds Disarm Redlegs in NLCS

October 2, 1971 (Game 1)

ST. LOUIS – Bob Gibson (1-0), one of the greatest big-game pitchers of all time went to the bump for the Redbirds and did not disappoint. He fired a complete-game, 6-hit shut- out as St. Louis took the opener 2-0. Luis Melendez gunned down Bernie Carbo at the plate in the 1^st when the Reds tallied 3 singles. They didn’t threaten seriously the rest of the game. Gibson fanned 8, walked 2 and didn’t allow an extra base hit. Gibby even helped himself offensively with an RBI single in the 6^th. Melendez knocked in the Cards other run with a hit in the 2^nd. Don Gullet (0-1) started and lost for Cincy.

October 3, 1971 (Game 2)

ST. LOUIS– Jose Cruz (1) smacked a game-winning home run down the RF line in the 8^th lifting the Redbirds to a 5-4 win and a 2-0 series lead heading to the Queen City. This made a winner of Don Shaw (1-0) and a loser of Clay Carroll (0-1). Starters Gary Nolan and Steve Carlton were around for the finish. Joe Torre singled in Lou Brock in the 1^st for an early St. Loo lead. Reds took the lead in the 4^th, plating 3 runs. Hal McRae tripled in Johnny Bench and Tony Perez, then scored on a Pete Rose ground out. The Cardinals answered with a 3-spot in their half of the 4^th when Ted Sizemore andCruz hit back-to-back two-baggers. Carlton smacked his own to score Cruz and he eventually scored on a ground out. Cincy evened the score in the T8 when Perez and Bench went back to back with doubles.  

October 5, 1971 (Game 3)

CINCINNATI – Pete Rose (1) blasted a mammoth 3-run homer to highlight a 4-run 5^th for the Reds and they never looked back. They feasted on the home-cooking for a 7-2 win to get them back in the series. Dave Concepcion went 3 for 4 to further help the offense. SP Jim McGlothlin, (1-0) who pitched 5 innings for the W, scored a run and knocked in another. Reggie Cleveland (0-1) started and lost for St. Louis.

October 6, 1971 (Game 4)

CINCINNATI – Joe Torre doubled in a pair of runs as the Cardinals plated all 3 of their runs in the 1^st inning. It was enough for a 3-1 win and the NLCS title. Jerry Reuss (1-0) yielded just the 1 run in 5 IP. Stan Williams, Moe Drabowsky andFrank Linzy (1) shut out the Reds the rest of the way. Ross Grimsley (0-1) took the L.

The Cardinals advance to play the Oakland Athletics in the World Series.

League Championship Series Begins

Week 27 Part 1

Due ASAP LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES
Date	1971 Schedule	Home Manager

ALCS
28-Sep	Oakland @ Baltimore	Joe Pryweller
28-Sep	Oakland @ Baltimore	Joe Pryweller
29-Sep	Baltimore @ Oakland	Bill Schneider
28-Sep	Baltimore @ Oakland	Bill Schneider
29-Sep	Baltimore @ Oakland	Bill Schneider
NLCS
28-Sep	St. Louis @ Cincinnati	Bill Schneider
29-Sep	St. Louis @ Cincinnati	Bill Schneider
30-Sep	Cincinnati @ St. Louis	Bruce Thomas
28-Sep	Cincinnati @ St. Louis	Bruce Thomas
30-Sep	Cincinnati @ St. Louis	Bruce Thomas

ChiSox Filibuster Senators in Double, Double-Header

July 24, 1971 (Game #1)
CHICAGO -- It was Polish Heritage Night at Comiskey Park for this DH between Washington at Chicago. Who else would the Senators send to the mound, but Bill Gogolewski. It was wiadomo wykończenie. Except, neither Gogolewski or Sox  starter Tommy John were pitchers of record. This one went 14 innings (not what a manager wants to see when two clubs face each other in back-to-back twin bills) and Don Mincher (10) provided the heroics with a solo shot in the top of the 14th. Terry Forster (1-4) was the victimized pitcher. Paul Lindblad (6-1) got the win.

July 24, 1971 (Game #2)
CHICAGO -- The White Sox come back and take the night cap with Tom Bradley (8-7) going the full 9, scattering 9 hits, but allowing just 1 run in a 3-1 victory. Rich McKinney pretended he was Polish for the day and led the offense with 2 hits and 2 RBI.

July 25, 1971 (Game #1)
CHICAGO -- Wilbur Wood (14-8) tossed a complete game as the ChiSox won the opener of this double dipper, 3-2. Jay Johnstone (12) doubled and homered for 2 RBI to lead the hitting. Dick Bosman (6-10) went the distance in a losing effort for the Sens.

July 25, 1971 (Game #2)
CHICAGO -- "Beltin' Bill" Melton (22, 23) belted a pair of homers and drove in 5 to lead the Sox to a 12-0 win and sweep of the DH. McKinney went 4 for 5 and Rich Morales drove in 4, including a bases clearing two bagger. Joel Horlen (4-3) hurled 7 strong for the W.

Redbirds Sweep Phils off Steamy St. Louis Carpet

July 20, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Matty Alou went 4 for 4 to lead the Cardinals to a 5-4 win. Jerry Reuss (9-8) pitched 7.2 innings for the W. Frank Linzy (5) got the save.

July 21, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Joe Torre put up a 5-4-4-3 boxscore line to lead St. Louis on a 21-hit attack and an 11-4 victory. Alou, Ted Simmons and Jose Cruz all chipped in 3 hits. Reggie Cleveland (14-6) worked 7  for the win.

July 22, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- "Gibby" (7-8) dominated through the full 9, scattering 9 hits, fanning 8 and yielding just 1 run in a 3-1 Redbirds victory. Simmons, Lou Brock and Gibson himself collected two hits apiece to the home club.

Mets-Redbirds Split at Top of NL East

Cardinals come into this quick 2-game set trailing the Metropolitans by 5 1/2 games. They won't catch them, but maybe can draw a pair of games closer.

July 18, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- New York out-hits St. Louis 10-3, but on the big board, where it counts, it was 2-1 in favor of the Redbirds. The Mets scored in the 4th on a double-play. The Cards tallied their runs in the 5th with RBI hits from the mighty duo of Dal Maxvill and Ted Sizemore. Al Santorini (4-0) and Jon Matlack (0-1) were the pitchers of record. Chuck Taylor (5) got the save.

July 19, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- This one turned ugly in the 2nd for the Cardinals and continued the trend to the end as the Mets bats were relentless in a 14-2 bashing. Cleon Jones led the way with 4 hits and 2 RBI. Duffy Dyer had 3 hits and 2 RBI. Donn Clendenon (6) had 2 hits and 3 RBI, including a solo HR. All told, every player in the NYM staring lineup had a hit, except Tim Foli and SP Ray Sadecki (4-2). The former Cardinals WS ring-winner in 1964 pitched 8 wonderful innings for the win.

Beer and Brats aplenty as ChiSox Blank Brewers

July 9, 1971
CHICAGO -- Andy Kosco (9) blasted a 3-run home run off Terry Forster (1-2) in the 8th to power Milwaukee to a 7-5 victory before a raucous crowd at Comiskey Park for $1 brats and beer weekend. Jim Slaton (3-3) started and won for the Brew Crew.

July 10, 1971
CHICAGO -- Tom Bradley (7-7) hurled 8,1 innings of shut out ball and the White Sox evened this Border War with a 7-0 whitewashing. Walt "No-neck" Williams drove in 3 runs with 2 hits, including an opposite field triple.

July 11, 1971 (Game #1)
CHICAGO -- The 3 B's of beer, brats and bats had the 45,000 plus Sox Park faithful in a frenzy after a 14-0 lid-lifter. Tom Egan (4 hits) and Mike Andrews (5 RBI) did the most damage at the plate. Tommy John (7-8) fired a 5-hit shut out almost under the radar.

July 11, 1971 (Game #2)
CHICAGO -- White Sox pitching completed the series by blanking the Brew Crew for the last 28 innings, including a 3-0 whitewashing in the nightcap, courtesy of Wilbur Wood (13-6). Carlos May provided the big blow with a 2-run triple in the B8th.

For your All-Star Break entertainment, we present The Lovin' Spoonful with Babe Ruth

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m648v4s5sFc

Redbirds Take 3 of 4 from 'Stros in Pre-ASG Action

July 9, 1971 (Game #1)
ST. LOUIS -- Julian Javier singled home Jose Cruz in the b01th, allowing St. Louis to earn a 6-5 comeback win. The Cardinals took a 3-0 lead in the 1st when Joe Torre knocked in a pair and eventually scored on a Cruz ground out. Houston chipped away with single runs in the 4th and 6th, then took a 5-3 lead with a crooked number in the 7th. Marty Martinez, Roger Metzger and Doug Radar all had RBI singles. Cruz doubled in Torre in the 8th and then scored on a Ted Sizemore knock. Frank Linzy (2-2) and George Culver (3-3) were the pitchers of record.

July 9, 1971 (Game #2)
ST. LOUIS -- Jerry Reuss (7-8) recorded 26 outs as the Cardinals topped the Astros 3-1 in the nightcap and swept the DH. It was 1-0 in favor of the Redbirds through most of the contest with Wade Blasingame (6-8) at the top of his game for the 'Stros. However a Torre (13) blast and a Dal Maxvill RBI chip shot in the B8th provided the insurance needed. Reuss tired in the 9th as Joe Morgan walked and Cesar Cedeno tripled. Darryl Patterson (1) faced 1 batter and notched the save.

July 10, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Joe Torre's (14) 3-run bomb in the 5th was the big blow in a 6-2 Cardinals victory. Reggie Cleveland (12-6) tossed 8 strong inning for the W. Jack Billingham (5-4) started and lost for the visitors.

July 11, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Jim Ray (2-0) was the story in this one. In his first start of the season, he bested Bob Gibson (6-7), going 8.1 shutout innings as Houston salvaged the final series game, 6-0. Buddy Harris finished the game on the bump. Morgan and Jesus Alou batted in two runs apeice.

Redbirds pick Bucs Clean

June 28, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- PH Bob Burda singled in Bob Stinson in the 7th to lift St. Louis to a 2-1 victory. Moe Drabowsky (6-0) won again in relief. Bob Moose (4-3) took the loss. Bill Mazeroski (1) homered in the 6th for the Pirates lone run.

June 29, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Joe Torre (12) blasted a 3-run homer off Dave Guisti (4-5) in the B10th to power the Redbirds to a 7-5 victory. Chuck Taylor (3-0) earned the win, despite yielding a solo shot to Willie Stargell (3 hits) in the top of the frame. Stargell (27,28) cracked two long ones and drove in 4 of the Bucs 5 tallies. Torre finished with a 5-2-4-3 line.

Sox Sweep Sunday Double Dip and Earn Split with Halos

June 25, 1971
CHICAGO -- Jim Spencer (17) cracked a 2-run home run in the 3rd and Billy Cowan (4) added a solo shot in the 5th to power the Angels to a 4-2 win. Tom Murphy (6-5) pitched 7 strong innings Lloyd Allen (7) finished it up.

June 26, 1971
CHICAGO -- Jim Spencer went 5-5 with a pair of RBI as the Halos knocked down the ChiSox 8-1. Rudy May (5-3) surrendered the only Chicago hit on the day, a 7th inning HR to Rick Reichardt (9). Angels' backstop John Stephenson (2) contributed 3 hits and 2RBI, including a 9th inning solo shot.

June 27, 1971 (Game #1)
CHICAGO -- Two 20-game winners on the hill and the game went as you would expect. Mike Andrews lifted a sacrifice fly in the B9th to plate Carlos May with the game's lone run. Sox win 1-0. Wilbur Wood (11-4) topped Andy Messersmith, though Dave LaRoche (1-2) wass tagged with the loss.

June 27, 1971 (Game #2)
CHICAGO -- Joe Horlen (2-1) comes up with his best game of the year as the White Sox sweep the DH 3-2 and split the series. Horlen tossed 7 IP, giving up 2 runs on 10 hits. Bart Johnson (2) notched the save. Rickey Clark was a loser in his first start of the campaign.

May Shines in June in St. Louis

June 14, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Lee May (13) bombed a grand slam in the 1st inning off Jerry Reuss (4-6) and the Reds never looked back in a 13-6 beat down. May finished with 5 RBI. Ross Grimsley (3-1) pitched 8.1 innings for the win.

June 15, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Lee May (14) expanded his hitting streak to 11 games -- and how! May doubled and homered among his 4 hits and drove in a pair to lead Cincy to a 9-6 win, which brought their season mark to .500 (32-32). Jim Merritt (3-6) was the winning pitcher with Clay Carroll (8) getting the save.  

June 16, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- The Redlegs lost the final game of this series 5-4, but not for lack of May (15, 16, 17) trying his best. The burly slugger hit 3 out of Busch and drove in all 4 runs for the visitors. Bernie Carbo was the only other Reds player to record a base hit. Al Santorini (1-0) tossed 8 innings for the W. Moe Drabowsky (2) got the save. Ted Sizemore had 3 hits to lead the Cardinals.

Redbirds Kick Parrot off Bucs shoulder

June 10, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Matty Alou put up a 5-4-5-4 boxscore line and was a homer shy of the cycle.  It was one of those games where it all went wrong for the Bucs staff, and the Cardinals blew away the Pirates 14-0. Steve Blass (5-6) started and was gone after 4 IP, giving up 9 ER on 10 hits with 5 walks. Joe Torre smacked 3 more hits for the Redbirds. Jerry Reuss (4-5) was the beneficiary of the largesse as he went the distance for the shut out.

June 11, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Dock Ellis (10-0) remained clean on the year (reference to his record not what he puts in his body) defeating St. Louis 4-1, Manny Sanguillen and Willie Stargell backed him offensively with 3 hits apiece. Dave Giusti (12) put out a bases loaded fire in the 8th and recorded the save.

June 12, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Roberto Clemente (3 hits) tripled to drive in 2 runs in the the T8th and give the Pirates a 6-5 lead only to have Jerry McNertney answer with a triple in the B8th to score Alou and Torre as the Cardinals won 7-6. Starting pitcher Nelson Briles collected 3 hits for the Bucs. Alou, Torre and Joe Hague had 3 each in a winning cause for the Redbirds. Chuck Taylor (2-0) got the win in relief.

June 13, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Steve Carlton (6-4) fires a 3-hit shutout and the Cardinals wind up taking 3 of 4 from Pittsburgh with a 1-0 blanking. Ted Simmons sacrifice fly in the B8 plated Lou Brock with the games only tally.

ChiSox Take 2 of 3 from Tigers; D-Day Veterans honored

June 4, 1971
CHICAGO -- "Beltin' Bill" Melton (12) banged out 3 hits, including his 12 homer of the year, driving in 5 runs for a 7-3 White Sox winner. The Sox piled up 6 runs in the first 3 innings off Mickey Lolich (9-6). Wilbur Wood (8-2) went the the full 9 for the victory in this battle of ace southpaws.

June 5, 1971
CHICAGO -- Not exactly your model Major League Baseball game. The White Sox won 12-7. A total of 5 errors were committed. Each pitching staff gave out 8 free passes each. Both teams left 10 on base. Hitting? Ok, there was some of that. Mike Andrews led the Sox with 3 base knocks, Tom Egan (2) smacked a 3-run HR.

June 6, 1971
CHICAGO -- D-Day anniversary! Numerous veterans were on hand who took part in the Normandy, France invasion 27 years ago today. Their mention gets the bold letters in this write-up. Tigers salvage 1 game in the series with a 7-3 win. They plated 4 in the T9th. Aurelio Rodriguez, who went 3-for-5 with 3 runs scored and 2 RBI plated the game-winner with an RBI IF ground-out.
Al Kaline and Bill Freehan also collected RBI singles. Mickey Stanley added a SF.

O's Now 39-8 After Sweeping ChiSox

May 31, 1971 (Game #1)
CHICAGO -- Jim Palmer (10-1) hit double figures in wins with a CG, 4-hitter and a 6-1 win. Don Buford had the biggest day offensively with 2 hits and 2 RBI.

May 31, 1971 (Game #2)
CHICAGO -- The Orioles move to 30 games over .500 (38-8) with a 7-3 win and DH sweep. Dave McNally (9-1) was the CG winner. Frank Robinson (3 hits) and Andy Etchebarren (3 RBI) led the offense.

June 2, 1971
CHICAGO -- Don Buford went 4-4 with 2 RBI as the O's complete the series sweep on the road with a 6-5 win. Eddie Watt (7), the only reliever used in the series by Baltimore, closed out the B9th, leaving potential tying and winning runs on first and second. Pat Dobson (8-1) pitched 8.2 innings for the W.

League leading Houston comes in for a 3 game set and takes 2 of 3

June 1st, 1971

Atlanta -- Houston take game 1 13-7 in 10 innings as the Braves bullpen implodes and gives up 6 runs in the 10th. Joe Morgan goes 3-6 with 5 RBI's. Lemaster the win in relief (2-2), Herbel gives up 5 runs for the loss (1-3)


June 2nd, 1971
Atlanta -- Houston takes game 2, 5-2 as Wilson throws a CG 5-hitter for his 8th win on the year. Reed the loss now 2-5


June 3rd, 1971
Atlanta -- Atlanta takes the getaway game 7-5, Williams 2-4 with 3 RBI's, Priddy the win in relief 1-1 and Barber his first save of the year, Harris the loss now 0-1

Braves -Cards Split Memorial Day Weekend Wrap-Around

Two hot teams meet as the temperatures heat up on the first official weekend of summer!

May 28, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Bob Didier blasted a PH, 2-run double in the T14th scoring Ralph Garr and Felix Millan for a 6-4 Braves win. Garr and Millan led the Atlanta offense with 3 hits apiece. Ron Herbel (1-2) notched the win in relief with Mike Torrez (0-4) tagged with the L.

May 29, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Darrell Evans went from hero to goat in 1 inning. His 3-run double in the T7 highlighted a 4-run Atlanta outburst that put the Braves up 6-5. However, in the B8, Evans mishandled a grounder allowing Lou Brock to score what proved to be the winning run in a 7-6 Cardinals win. Brock and Matty Alou had 3 hits each to lead the Redbirds. Garr and Mike Lum banged out 3 hits apiece for the Bravos.

May 30, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Phil Niekro (7-4) pitched the full 9 as Atlanta beat St. Louis 2-1. Hank Aaron (10) tied the game at 1-1 in the 4th with a solo shot. Felix Millan doubled in the game-winner in the 5th.

May 31, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Joe Torre (3 hits) singled in Brock with the walk-off winner in the B11th for a 5-4 St. Louis win. Marty Perez collected 3 hits in a losing effort for Atlanta. Aaron (11) also homered again. Don't look now, this guy may have a legitimate shot at Ruth's 714. Moe Drabowsky (5-0) kept his mark perfect with a relief W.

Tribe Surprise Attack Takes Two from ChiSox

May 28, 1971
CHICAGO -- Craig Nettles (4-2-4-5) led off and hit the ball all over Comiskey Park leading the Indians to just their 10th victory of the year, 8-0. Sudden Sam McDowell (5-6) went the distance for the shut out, throwing 167 pitches. Nettles (10) collected a 2B and HR. Ray Fosse (3) and Hawk Harrelson (4) also went deep for the Tribe.

May 29, 1971
CHICAGO -- Ray Lamb (2-4) fired 8 innings of 1-hit shut out ball as the Wahoos whomped the ChiSox again, 5-2. Ted Uhlaender banged out 3 hits. Fosse (4) cracked a 2-run homer.

May 30, 1971
CHICAGO -- Wilbur Wood (7-2) tossed a 1-hit shutout as Chicago took the series finale, 3-0. Netttles 4th inning double was the only blemish, Carlos May and Rick Reichardt banged out 3 hits each for the ChiSox. May also stole 3 bases.

KC Sweeps ChiSox as Hedlund fires blanks . . . Again

May 25, 1971
CHICAGO -- Fred Patek and the rest of the Royals had both their hitting AND running shoes laced and ready to go. Patek went 5-5 with 3 SB and 3 runs scored to lead KC to a 7-4 win. All told, the Royals clubbed 20 hits with Amos Otis and Gail Hopkins contributing 4 and 3 hits, respectively. Otis (4) drove in 3 runs with a double and HR, and added another SB. Dick Drago (3-6) went the distance on the hill.

May 26, 1971
CHICAGO -- For the 2nd time in 7 days Mike Hedlund (5-4) has fired a complete-game shut out against the White Sox. On May May 19, Hedlund blanked the Chisox on just 3 hits. Tonight, he turned the trick, allowing just 2 base knocks. KC sweeps the short series with a 2-0 win. Paul Schaal and Bob Oliver had the RBI for the visitors.

Redbird Pitching Frustrates Friars in Final 3 Games

May 21, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- The visiting Padres did what they needed to do, and that was get to an exhausted Cardinals bullpen. The Friars bust out with 7 runs in the T7 and cruise by the Redbirds 9-7. Catcher Bob Barton led the way with 3 hts and 3 RBI. The top 6 hitters in the SD lineup at 2 hits each for a total of 16. Al Santorini (1-1) was the WP in relief.

May 22, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Chris Zachary (1-1) gave St' Louis exactly what it needed this time, tossing 8 innings and yielding just 1 run on 5 hits. Frank Linzy (2) finished up the 9th in a 4-1 Cardinals victory. Ted Sizemore (2) led the offense for St. Loo with 3 hits, including his 2nd consecutive home run in as many days.

May 23, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Reggie Cleveland (6-3) goes the distance this time for the home club as St. Louis wins easily 8-1. backstop Jerry McNertney powered the hitting with 3 RBI.

May 24, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- The Stars were shining tonight in the Gateway City. Bob Gibson (5-3) fired a CG, 6-hit shut out as the Redbirds blanked the Friars 5-0. Lou Brock went 4-for-5 with a run and RBI. Joe Torre drove in the rest with 3 hits, including HR #7 on the season.

13 Game Win Streak has O's Flyin High

A 4 game sweep of the Boston Red Sox has accumulated the Baltimore Oriole win streak to 13
straight games.  A dominate pitching staff has the Oriole arms on top of the league with a 2.37 ERA, of which, 25 of the 39 games played have been complete games by the starters.  Jim Palmer (8-1), Dave McNally (8-1), Mike Cuellar (8-1) and Pat Dobson (6-1) have been stellar in the first part of the season helping Baltimore to a 33-6 record.

Coach Earl Weaver has downplayed the Orioles early success stating, "Don't worry, the fans don't start booing until July." but it sure looks like the squad may have a shot a 4 20-game winners and a potential trip back to the Series.

Cardinals Best Dodgers in Entertaining Series along the Mississippi

May 18, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- A wild one in the Gateway City for the start of this 3-game set. The Dodgers hit for the cycle as a team in the 1st inning, plating 4 runs in the process. Maury Wills hit a 1-out single. Dick Allen followed with a double and Willie Crawford tripled them both in. Wes Parker fanned, but Tom Haller (1) crushed a solo shot. The Cardinals nearly duplicated the feat in B1 as they also plated 4 runs with a 2-out triple by Ted Simmons. Joe Torre singled him in. Jose Cardenal walked and Joe Hague (4) belted a 3-run homer. "Anything you can do,  I can do better" seemed to be the theme as Crawford tripled in his 2nd AB, as did Simmons. The Redbirds added 2 more runs in the 2nd and the Dodgers knocked in 3 in the 3rd. But then the music got out of sync. Don Sutton (5-2) got stingy with runs, and Reggie Cleveland (5-3) missed the key change. LA would score 2 in the 5th and 2 more in the 7th for an eventual 11-7 victory.

May 19, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Jim Beauchamp singled in Cardenal in the B9 to lift St. Louis to a 4-3 comeback win. Trailing 3-1, the Redbirds plated 2 in the 8th and the game-winner in the 9th. Frank Linzy (1-1) was the WP in relief. Jim Brewer (0-3) took the L for Dodger Blue.

May 20, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Jerry McNertney's PH single in the B10 sent the partisans home deliriously happy after Ted Sizemore crossed the plate with the game-winner in a 9-8 contest. Brewer (0-4) was again the late-inning victim, while Polish-born Moe Drabowsky (3-0) took the W. Matty Alou (1) was the big RBI man for the Cardinals with 4 on HR and single. Crawford, Allen and Manny Mota had 3 hits apiece in a losing effort for LA.

Spos' Swept in Short Series in St. Loo

April 30, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Lou Brock and Jose Cardenal banged out 4 hits each as St. Louis crushed Montreal 14-4. Gary Sutherland (1) doubled and homered and drove in all four Expos runs. Reggie Cleveland (3-2) went the distance on the hill for the Redbirds.

May 2, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Ted Simmons (5-2-4-3) led a Redbirds attack that again featured 18 hits as St. Louis swept the short series with a 9-7 win. The Spos got 3 in the 1st on Sutherland's (2) 3-run jack off Steve Carlton (3-2). They rallied with 4 more in the 9th, but came up short.

Atlanta and Los Angeles Slugfest. Braves lead the league in hitting .287 and Hank Aaron leads the NL in batting .365

April 30, 1971
Atlanta -- Atlanta takes game 1 of the series 16-2, Williams 4-5 / 5 RBI's, Millian 4-6 / 4 RBI's, Braves hit 4 homers in the victory as Phil Niekro goes to 4-2 on the year


May 1, 1971
Atlanta -- Los Angeles scores 6 runs in the 9th to win game 2, 14-10. Los Angeles pounds out 19 hits, W. Davis 4-6, 4 RBI's. Atlanta's Orlando Cepeda with homers 8 & 9 in the loss.


May 2, 1971
Atlanta -- Atlanta takes the rubber game of the series 4-3 with a walk off single by Lum in the bottom of the 9th scoring 2. Aaron 2-3, 2 RBI's and Lum with 3 hits. 

After a dismal start the Braves are now back at .500 (10-10) after the series with the first place Giants

April 27, 1971
Atlanta -- Atlanta takes game 1 of the series 5-3 behind Hank Aaron's 3 for 4 day and Cepeda's 6 homer of the year. 


April 28, 1971
Atlanta -- Atlanta takes game 2 of the series by pounding the first place Giants 10-3. Ralph Garr goes 3/5, McCovey for the Giants blasts homer #7 in the loss. 


April 29, 1971
Atlanta -- Giants come back to take game 3 of the series 6-3. McCovey again the star going 2 for 4 and blasting homer #8 on the season.

Cards Arch Two Wins around Two Mets Wins

April 26, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Bob Gibson (3-2) did battle with Tom Seaver (2-2) today in the Gateway City. Neither were at their best with Gibson yielding 11 hits over 9 IP and Seaver giving up 9 in 7 IP. The difference was the clutch-hitting by the home club. The Mets left 13 men on base. The Redbirds just 6 as St. Louis took a 7-5 win. Gibson helped himself with 2 RBI and 2 hits.

April 27, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Bud Harrelson drove in 3 with a pair of hits to help Jerry Koosman (2-1) defeat Steve Carlton (2-2), 5-4, in another marquee pitching match-up. Cleon Jones also contributed to the NY offense, going 3 for 3 with 2 walks.

April 28, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- The New York Jets, I mean Mets, defeated the St. Louis Cardinals (this was 1971) by a touchdown, 14-7. This was as ugly as a bad football game. Tim Foli led the Mets with 5 RBI on two hits. Jones knocked in 4 with 3 hits. Jerry Grote had a 4-3-3-3 line. Gary Gentry (3-1) started and got the win. Mike Torrez (0-3) and George Brunet sucked for the Redbirds.

April 29, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Jerry Reuss (2-3) gave St. Louis what it desperately needed, a start that lasted into the late innings. Reuss hurled 8 IP, scattering 7 hits for just 1 run in a 4-1 Cardinals victory to split the series. Chuck Taylor (3) finished up in the 9th. Joe Torre (4) blasted a 2-run HR off Nolan Ryan (0-1) to lead the offense.

Redbirds Perch on Bats for 3 games; Bats are in the Belfry in Game 2

April 22, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Steve Carlton (2-1) surrendered a 3-run home run to Deron Johnson (1) in the 3rd inning, but was extremely efficient otherwise, The Cardinals took the contest 8-3. Ted Sizemore and Joe Torre had 3 knocks apiece for the Redbirds.

April 23, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Title this one, "Nightmare Under the Arch." It;s one Cardinals SP Mike Torrez (0-2) will be re-living in his sleep for years to come. Before he hit the showers (cue Psycho music) in the 1st inning after just 2 were out, he had been slashed for 8 earned runs on 4 hits with 6 walks. All told, 12 Phils came to bat before George Brunet was summed to fan Willie Montanez and end it. That was just end the 1st. Philadelphia evened the series with a 13-1 final pounding. So desperate were the Cardinals to find someone who could record outs, they had Matty Alou and Bob Burda volunteer to take the mound in the final 2 innings. Surprisingly, the pair surrendered just 1 run on 3 hits with 1 BB. Barry Lersch (1-2) was the beneficiary, going the full route for the visitors. Bobby Pfeil provided the biggest bat, going 4 for 6.

April 24, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- A pair of 5-run explosions in the 5th and 8th innings, propelled Redbirds to a 12-5 victory. Jose Cardenal had 2-run doubles in both the 5th and 8th as highlights. Sizemore also finished with 3 hits and 3 RBI. Jerry Reuss (1-3) earned his first W.

April 25, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Jim Beauchamp doubled and tripled and drove in 3 runs as the Cardinals take the series with a tight 6-5 win. Reggie Cleveland (2-2) tossed 7 for the win with Frank Linzy (1) notching the save. Chris Short (2-2) came up on the losing side inthe record book. Tim McCarver (1) had 3 hits, including a long bomb against his old mates.

White Shoes Split with White Sox

April 16, 1971
CHICAGO -- Wilbur Wood (2-0) walked 4 and surrendered 7 hits, but still kept the Athletics off-balance enough to ring up a 4-0 shut out. Mike Andrews (1) helped the offensive cause with a 2-run long shot.

April 17, 1971
CHICAGO -- Reggie Jackson's (1) 3-run bomb in the 1st off Tom Bradley (0-1) was the difference maker in a 4-2 Oakland win. Rollie Fingers (2-0) started and pitched 7 2/3 for the win.

April 18, 1971 (Game #1)
CHICAGO -- The white shoes played the pants off the White Sox (Oh wait, that disaster comes 5 years later) in a 15-5 yawner. Vida Blue (2-0) went the distance, yielding 4 runs in the 9th when he was tiring. Joe Rudi missed a cycle by a 2B, but did post a 7-4-4-3 line. Bert Campaneris score 3 times with 3 base knocks.

April 18, 1971 (Game #2)
CHICAGO -- Sox win! Sox win! 5-4 on a two-out Carlos May 2-run single in the B9. But the Sox bullpen actually blew a great story line and nearly the game. Sox starting pitcher Terry Forster (aka, "Big Tub of Goo") left after 6 inning with a 3-0 lead. Despite not getting the W, I will still include the link to his famous David Letterman performance. Enjoy!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uL20VgJ7JM8

Dodgers take 2 of 3 from the ‘Stros

GAME 1 – Astros 10, Dodgers 0

Houston batted around for a 9 run inning in the top of the 6th to break a scoreless tie.  Pitchers Don Wilson and Sandy Vance locked up in a neat duel, until the latter lost it in the 6th.  Catcher Jack Hiatt (3-5) had 4 RBI and a homer.

GAME 2 – Dodgers 2, Astros 0

Bill Singer twirled a complete game 6 hit shutout.  LA scored solo runs in the 1st and the 6th off two Dick Allen RBI singles.  Singer fanned 6 and walked just 1.

GAME 3 – Dodgers 36, Astros 0

With one out in the 6th Wes Parker doubled off of Astros starter Jack Billingham.  Dick Allen lined a single to break up the scoreless tie.  Houston answered right back with a run of their own in the top of the 7th.  Allen’s one out two run shot in the 8th put LA up for good.  Claude Osteen went the distance allowing just 1 run off of 4 hits.  He ups his record to 3-1 (2.73) on the season.

Baltimore Drops First, Wins Two

4-16-71  New York 5 Baltimore 4 10 innings
WP  Aker (3-0, 0.00 ERA)
LP Watt (0-1, BS 1, 1.93 ERA)

Orioles pitcher Pat Dobson clung to  a 4-3 lead going into the 9th inning, before handing the reigns to
lock down pitcher Eddie Watt, to try and keep the Orioles unbeaten on the season.  But a wild pitch from Watt, with bases loaded, ignited the Yankee machine on a mission to be the first team to take down the O's this season.  New York would push the game to extra frames and then add on one more earned run to Watt's stats before games end.  The loss saw the Bronx Bombers tag Oriole pitching for 12 hits (by far the worst of the season for Baltimore) which included 9 hits out the Yanks top 3 guys in the order (Horace Clarke, Jake Gibbs and Felipe Alou).  The loss was the first of the season for Baltimore (7-1) and brought New York to just 1/2 game behind the Orioles in the AL East (7-2).

4-17-71  Baltimore 5 New York 2
WP Jackson (1-0, 0.00 ERA)
LP Keckich (0-1, 5 Ks, 2.77 ERA)

The Yankees carried the momentum from the game 1 victory right into game 2, jumping on the Orioles 2-0, going into the bottom of the 7th inning.  But that is when the Baltimore bats would awaken.  A two run bottom of the 7th and a 3 run bottom of the eighth barrage would send the Yanks whimpering home with thoughts of the previous day fading like the sun over Memorial Stdm.  The 3 run barrage was highlighted by a 3 run homer by star Brooks Robinson (2).  Starting pitcher Dave Mcnally pitched a nice game before giving way to Grant Jackson who would eventually get the win.

4-18-71  Baltimore 13  New York 0
WP Cuellar (3-0, 6 Ks, 2.52 ERA)
LP Bahnsen (1-2, 3.32 ERA)

A 4-run first, lead to a Baltimore beat down of the Yankees, as the Orioles would send the visiting AL East bullies home with their tails between their legs with a 13-0 loss.  Baltimore would amass 16 total hits on the game including homers by Elrod Hendricks (2) and Don Buford (2) as the Orioles flexed their AL East muscle in the victory.  Mike Cuellar was on point for the 3rd straight time, in as many outings, pitching a complete game shutout and allowing only 3 Yankee hits.  Cueller improves his record to 3-0 on the season and boasts a stellar 2.52 ERA.

The win keeps the Orioles on top of the AL East with a 9-1 record.  The Yankees fall to 7-4.

The Sauerkraut Tasted Better in Chitown After this Border Battle

April 14, 1971
CHICAGO -- Carlos May went 4-4 after scored the game-winning run after doubling in the B8 and trotted home on Ed Herrmann's (1) long blast. Sox won 4-2.

April 15, 1971
CHICAGO -- Ed Herrmann's (2,3) second HR of the game was a 3-run, walk-off bomb in the B9 sending the ChiSox fans home happy on a dreary, rainy, tax-day. Sox win 6-5.

Pale Hose and Halos Split on South Side

April 12, 1971
CHICAGO -- Wilbur Wood (1-0) was the story in this one as a 27-mph wind in his face caused his knuckler to be nearly un-hittable. The Angels managed just 5 safeties in a 6-1 loss.

April 13, 1971
CHICAGO -- California pushed across the game-winner in the T9 when Lou Johnson doubled and Jim Spencer singled him home. Haloss split series with 3-2 winner.

Atlanta Braves off to a dismal start at 0-5

Game 2: Braves finally get in the win column as Niekro shuts out Cincinnati 6-0

April 12, 1971

Atlanta -- McGlothlin a CG 2 hitter, has 2 hits also, the Reds easily take game 1 of the series 8-0, 19 hits, 3 players with 3 hits also.

 April 13, 1971

Atlanta -- Gullett a CG as Cincinnati tops Atlanta 7-3, Helms 3 hits

April 14, 1971
Atlanta -- Niekro a CG shutout as the Braves finally get in the win column with a 6-0 vctory

Redbirds-Stros Split at Busch

April 12, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Wade Blasingame (1-1) single-handedly defeated the Cardinals with a 4-hit shutout and a 3rd-inning solo HR. The Redbirds nearly tied it in the 9th when Lou Brock singled and stole second. Joe Torre singled, but the "Toy Cannon" in RF gunned down the Birds' speedster at the plate.

April 13, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Matty Alou singled home Julian Javier in the bottom of the 13th giving the Cardinals a 4-3 win in a bullpen busting contest. Houston's Cesar Cedeno ("this kid looks like he could be the next Willie Mays") led all hitters with 4 hits, including 2 doubles.

ChiSox Double Up Twins

April 9, 1971
CHICAGO -- Terry Forster (1-0) and Don Eddy (1) backed up starter Tom Bradley (6 IP) in a 4-2 White Sox in the series opener. Bee Bee Richard, Walt Williams and Rick Reichardt banged out 2 hits each.

April 10, 1971
CHICAGO -- "No-Neck" Williams tripled in the 5th and scored on a 2-out bunt single by Richard. Those were the only two ChiSox hits, but it was all Tommy John (1-1), Jim Magnuson, and Vicente Romo (1) would need in a 1-0 blanking of the Twins. Jim Perry (0-2) was the hard-luck loser for Minnesota.

April 11, 1971
CHICAGO -- Harmon Killebrew (1) homered and walked twice, scoring 3 runs and driving in 3 more as the Twins capture the finale, 10-4. Steve Braun (1) blasted a 2-run, PH tater, and Jim Holt collected 3 safeties. Jim Kaat (1-0) earned the W on the hill.

Giants Sweep Cards under the Carpet

April 10, 1971
ST. LOUIS -- Dick Dietz (1), Willie Mays (1) and Willie McCovey (4) all homered in the first 3 innings as the Jints ran out to a 6-0 lead on their way to a 10-3 victory. Frank Reberger (1-0) tossed 7 strong IP for the win.

April 11, 1971 (Game #1)
ST. LOUIS -- Rich Robertson (1-0) out-dueled Bob Gibson (1-1) for a 2-1 win in the opener of a Sunday double-header. Robertson hurled 7 shutout innings. Jerry Johnson (1) surrendered a run, but hung on for the save. Jim Gallagher (1) blasted a solo HR in the 5th. Mays tripled in Ken Henderson in the 6th.

April 11, 1971 (Game #2)
ST. LOUIS -- The Jints wasted 13 runs in the nightcap. Juan Marichal (2-0) tossed a CG, 7-hit shutout as San Francisco completed the DH and series sweep with a 14-0 whitewashing. Henderson went wild with a 6-3-5-2 line to lead the offense.

Orioles Keep Record Unblemished - Sweep Tigers

Game 1 - Baltimore 9  Detroit 5
WP - Mike Cuellar (1-0, 5.14 ERA 5ks)
LP - Joe Niekro (0-1, 17.18 ERA)

This one was all Baltimore from start to finish.  The Orioles rolled out 16 hits including 4 home runs
and a total of 7 extra base hits.  Boog Powell went 3 for 5, 3 RBI and 2 homers.  Davey Johnson chipped in 3 hits with 2 RBI's as well.

Game 2 - Baltimore 5  Detroit 2
WP - Jim Palmer (1-0, 2.25 ERA)
LP - Mickey Lolich (1-1, 4.20 ERA 7 K's)
SV - Pete Reichart (1)

Baltimore scored 4 runs in the first 3 innings and then hung on to grab their 3rd victory of the season.  Both teams hit well as Orioles fans saw 21 hits amass (Baltimore 11, Detroit 10) between the two squads.  Jim Palmer pitched well in his first outing going 8 innings and allowing only 2 runs.  Pete Reichart came in to close the deal earning his first save.

Game 3 - Baltimore 3  Detroit 2
WP - Pat Dobson (1-0, 2.25 ERA, 6 K's)
LP - Tom Timmerman (0-1, 10.80 ERA)
SV - Eddie Watt (1)

An Al Kaline (2) 6th inning homer gave Detroit a 1 run lead, but it was short lived as the Orioles retaliated with a 3 run bottom of the inning run spree.  Led by a couple Tom Timmerman walks, followed by Baltimore precise batting, the Orioles would take a lead they would not relinquish going into the 7th.  The Tigers made a valiant effort to try and tie the game in the top half of the 9th by putting up a solo run, but Eddie Watt would thwart Detroit's chance at a win by earning his first save of the season.

Game 4 - Baltimore 4  Detroit 1
WP - Dave McNally (2-0, 1.00 ERA, CG)
LP - Kilkenny (0-1, 6.90 ERA)

The story of this one was another complete game victory by Baltimore's Dave McNally.  His second complete game of the season (in as many attempts) helped the Orioles cruse to a sweep of the visiting Tigers.  McNally's performance included only one blemish when Willie Horton doubled off the wall, with two outs, followed by a Jim Northrup single for Detroit's only run. Baltimore's Davey Johnson hit his first homer of the season which helped garner the Orioles a 4 run 3rd inning. This would be all the runs the O's would need to capture the win and a 4 game sweep of the Tigers.

Orioles win their 5th straight game of the young season and travel to Cleveland next week for their first road trip.   Detroit drops to 1-4 and will play the Yankees at Yankee Stadium next.

Orioles Open 1971 with Victory over Senators

Game 1: Baltimore: 7  Washington 1
W McNally (1-0, 1.00 ERA)
L Cox (0-1, 8.53 ERA)

After dropping back to back World Series attempts (1969, 1970), to capture a title in the American League, the Baltimore Orioles set there sites high for the 1971 season.  Opening day came to Memorial Stadium as the nations capital team, the Washington Senators, invaded Baltimore.  Washington was riding an opening day high of their own slipping past Oakland 4-3 just 2 days previous.  But today was a new day as Earl Weaver's Orioles came to play.  Dave McNally was stellar in his complete game, 4 hit, 1 run opening day performance.  His lone blemish was a grooved pitch, down the center of the plate, teeing up Frank Howard for a 406 ft solo shot bomb in the 1st inning.  But McNally cruised the rest of the way to earn his first victory of the season.  McNally, Frank Robinson and Elrod Hendricks contributed 6 of the Orioles 9 hits; including a two run home run by Hendricks (his 1st) in the 6th inning.

The Orioles (1-0) will host Detroit in a 4 game series coming up later this week.  Washington (1-1) will host the Yankees.