Baseball in 1961

The defending World Champion Pittsburgh Pirates made their 1961 TV debut on 4-28-61 against the eventual NL champs for the year, Cincinnati. Before I decide whether to do at least a partial replay, here are some ads as they may have sounded that night on Pitt TV, keeping in mind that I'm not a Pitt TV expert, just one who happens to read Post-Gazette's from the Google archives. WIIC-TV: You've seen her on Jack Paar, now see her for yourself tonight and Saturday! Don't miss loveable comic star Phyllis Diller and special musical guests perform 2 shows nightly at 9 and 11:30 at the Horizon Room located at the airport in Pittsburgh. Don't miss the laughs! Tonight's "Movie Hall of Fame" presentation stars WC Fields in that madcap comedy hit, "The Bank Dick," tonight at 7 on Channel 11. It's a night of encores on the Telephone Hour as Rosemary Clooney and Robert Preston perform their acts from this past season, tonight at 9. Then stay tuned ...

As documented earlier, the 1961 Tigers pulled off a late win on a 9th inning home run by Chico Fernandez to beat the Red Sox. Late-inning heroics occurred in these other AL games: Orioles-Senators: Orioles carried a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the 9th against the Sens, only to have Bob Johnson hit a lead-off home run to force extra innings. A one-out Triple by Russ Snyder scored Hank Foiles with what proved to be the winning run in the 11th. Final score, Orioles 4, Senators 3. Twins-Angels: Halos carried a 2-0 lead into the 9th, when with 2 outs Bill Tuttle Tripled, then pinch-hitter Julio Becquer hit a dramatic home run off Ken McBride to tie the score. The game would have a "heavenly" finish in extra innings, when George Thomas's 2nd home run in as many games gave the Angels a 3-2 win in 10 innings, sending the hometown fans home happy. The other 2 AL games didn't need dramatics. The White Sox belted out 11 hits as they downed Kansas City, 5-3, while the Indians ...

Red Sox 2, Tigers 1, bottom of the 9th... Ernie Harwell: "Here we go, bottom of the 9th, Tigers trail 2-1, they'll send Maxwell, Brown and Fernandez against Fornieles. Ol' Paw Paw pinch-hitting for Gerry Staley, who pitched 2 perfect innings in relief of Frank Lary. The pitch to Maxwell, here it comes... Swing and a miss, strike 3! No Sunday punch on Friday Night as Maxwell goes down swinging to open the Tiger ninth. Now here's Brown, the catcher walked his last time up in the 7th, he also grounded into a double play in the 2nd and struck out in the 5th... 3-1 the count, the pitch to Brown... he walked him! Fornieles just missed with that last pitch to put the tying run on and bring Chico Fernandez up to try to move the runner around with 1 out. No indication of a bunt by Boston, they'll set up for a double play. Fernandez 0 for 3, but reached on a Fielder's Choice last time in the 7th. The pitch to Chico, he swings... Fly ball, right field, Jensen giving ch...

Thanks to the "Red Bank Register(NJ)," I was able to get a WPIX program listing and a ad for a soft drink that "refreshes in a Wink." Thus, here are highlights from a 4/27/61 Indians-Yankees thriller: WPIX: "It's the new grapefruit soft drink that refreshes in a "Wink." Pick up this great new thirst-quencher from Canada Dry today!" "It's bold, it's sensational and "You Asked For It!" Don't miss another fascinating edition, tonight at 7:30 on Channel 11" "The Daily News Station, WPIX-TV, Channel 11, New York."                                                           Game Summary Cleveland jumped off to a 3-0 lead on a first inning sac fly to right by Jimmy Piersall and a pair of RBI sing...

Drysdale fires 1-hitter at Giants Bailey breaks up no-hit bid in 8th Baseball in 1961 Staff LOS ANGELES-5 outs away. That's how Don Drysdale came close to baseball immortality at the Coliseum tonight, losing a no-hit bid on a double by Ed Bailey with one out in the 8th. Drysdale would finish with a one-hitter, striking out 8 as the Dodgers finished a two-game series sweep of the Giants, 2-0. The Dodgers supplemented Drysdale's gem with a Charlie Neal solo homer in the 3rd off Jack Sanford and a sacrifice fly by Norm Larker in the 6th off Jim Duffalo. This was the second 1-hit effort in the early season, the other came on opening day when Dick Donovan of the Senators carried a no-hitter into the 8th against the White Sox.

Bottom of the 9th, Braves leads Cards by a 3-2 score(4-26-61) Jack Buck: "Cardinals entertain Philly for a 3-game set starting Friday Night. Busch ticket office will be open tomorrow, plenty of good seats available for Friday Night, Saturday Night and Sunday Afternoon, all single games. Do plan to join us, won't you?" Harry Caray: "We go to the bottom of the 9th, Warren Spahn back on the mound to face the 2-3-4 hitters in a very tight 3-2 game. Ernie Broglio struck out 10 in his 9-inning stint, while Spahn has battled his control as Curt Flood steps up to the plate. Flood has a single and a walk in 3 trips." Joe Garagiola: "Spahn has walked a delicate tightrope and is about to fall off with Flood." Caray: "The 3-1 to Flood, he walked him! That's number 7 for Spahn and Don McMahon is throwing like crazy in that Milwaukee pen." Garagiola: "Having watched Milwaukee for NBC last weekend, this pitching staff has to be held together w...

Thinking of a Phillies-Pirates recreate, so here are some commercials as they would've aired on Pittsburgh TV-Radio the night of 4/26/61: "Louis Armstrong and his All-Stars play Syria Mosque tomorrow night at 8:30. Get your $2, $3 or $4 tickets at Gimbel's, Kaufman's or Horne's" "It's Thorofare Star-Time right now, this week's special is Armour Star Ham, just 47 cents a pound, 29 cents for the shank portion. Plus, get even more value with S&H Green Stamps, look for the coupon in tonight's paper. Shop your friendly neighborhood Throrofare today!"  "What car got 26.13 miles per gallon in the recent Mobil Economy Run, can go from Chicago to Detroit on one battery and is priced $100 less than last year? See your local Plymouth-Valiant dealer and find out tomorrow!" "Remember the fallout simulation test last year at Pitt? Relive what happened when total strangers of all ages spend 2 weeks in simulated shelter on the Circ...

Announcer: "Everyone's favorite nearsighted character stumbles his way to another laugh-filled half-hour on WGN. Watch Mr. Magoo in color tonight at 6:30. Your Cubs station, WGN, Channel 9, Chicago." Vince Lloyd: "Welcome to the 10th inning show everyone. In case you just got home from school, the first-place Cubs and Redlegs sped through a 1 hour, 40 minute game this afternoon, the Cubs prevailing by a final score of 2-0 behind a 5-hit effort by this guy I have on the field right now, Glen Hobbie. On Opening Day, this guy struck out 11 Redlegs, only to lose a heartbreaker in the late innings, 6-4. You had a mission of revenge today Glen, how did you go about it? Hobbie: "Nothing but fastballs, Vince. It was also Opening Day when we met that first time, so I was a little nervous out there, which would explain those strikeouts. But I wanted to make sure those pitches actually met the bats and our gloves. As you saw, I succeeded." Lloyd: "You had only...

Cards win last night's opener, 6-5 Living dangerously may come at a cost for Cards Hemus knows Cards must produce during current homestand Baseball in 1961 Staff ST LOUIS-One-run games are exciting and can tend to be a routine. For embattled Cardinal skipper Solly Hemus, the string of one-run games at San Francisco which dotted a 3-4 trip of the West underscored the roller coaster ride that has been the Cards season 2 weeks in. It's simple for Hemus, cut down on the one-run decisions or be cut down himself. "Starting with that game in LA where we lost on the late home run, we got pegged into the rut of one-run games. The key of winning games is good hitting and good pitching. The hitting's been there, but the pitching late in games has bit us on the behind. The management wants this homestand to succeed. I may not be the most popular man in that clubhouse right now, but it's on me to deliver 9 solid innings starting tonight," said Hemus. Last night thou...

4 home runs, 15 hits Yankees take series from Tigers Revived Mantle leads the charge Baseball in 1961 staff DETROIT-That Mantle sure can hit. The slugger went from a 0-for-17 slump to his old self in the span of 3 games in Detroit, as the Yankees claimed a series win from the Tigers, taking this afternoon's finale, 13-5. The triumph, which came about 18 hours after being raked by the Tigers 11-3, was sparked by the home run ball as 4 Yankees saw booming blasts over the Tiger Stadium fences, starting with starting(and winning) pitcher Rollie Sheldon in the 3rd, followed by a Roger Maris rocket in the 4th and 2 more bombs in the 8th, one by Moose Skowron, the other, which came early in the inning was scalded by a now-revived Mantle, who told reporters after the game, "Not bad for someone who was 0-for-17, huh?" The same someone who went 7-for-14 for the series and left his manager with this comment: "Told you he'd be back," said Ralph Houk. Skowron pac...

4-25-61-Matchup between the Cincinnati Reds(8-3) and the National League-leading Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. We'll pick up the action with the Redlegs leading the Cubbies, 4-0 in the bottom of the 7th. Here's what has happened thus far: 2nd-Reds take lead on home run by Gene Freese(1-0) 4th-Reds get lead-off double from Pinson, run scores on single by Frank Robinson(2-0) 6th-Reds get back-to-back lead off singles by Kasko and Pinson, Kasko scores on Robinson single, Pinson scores on error by Bob Will(4-0)                                                             Bottom of the 7th Vince Lloyd: "While you're stretching, stretch out with a springtime-fresh Salem. Each refreshing puff is air...

Schwall strikes out 8 Red Sox win 8th in 12 games, 4-2 Baseball in 1961 Staff BOSTON-Pete Runnels' 2-run triple in the bottom of 8th gave the surprising Boston Red Sox a 4-2 win over the Washington Senators this afternoon at Fenway Park. The Sawx were also spurred by the pitching of Don Schwall, who struck out 8 and survived an 8th inning jam in which the Nats scored twice, tying the score at 2 before Runnels' heroics in the bottom of the inning. The win was the 8th in 12 games for the Sox. BOS 4-9-1 WSH 2-6-1 WP-Schwall LP-McClain BOS 8-4 WSH 4-8

Foytack adds home run Tigers belt Bombers, 11-3 18-hit attack stuns New Yorkers Baseball in 1961 staff DETROIT-Mickey Mantle hit a mammoth home run. It was majestic. Then again, so were the Tigers. The suddenly roaring Tigers matched their season high in runs and set a new one in hits en route to a 11-3 thrashing of the New York Yankees in front of a crowd that wholeheartedly roared their approval in 2 big innings, the 4th(4 runs) and the 6th(6 runs). The 18-hit attack broke down like this: -Norm Cash, 4 hits(3 singles, double) -Al Kaline, 3 hits(3-run homer in the 6th, single, double)  -Dick Brown, 3 hits(3-run homer in the 4th, 2 singles) -Chico Fernandez, 3 hits(double, 2 singles) -Jake Wood, Bill Bruton each tripled. Every Tiger hitter contributed either an RBI or run scored, including Paul Foytack, who greeted fellow pitcher Bob Turley with a home run in the 8th. The same Foytack who also pitched 8-2/3 innings, setting down the first 10 Yankees...

Angels stun Pale Hose, 3-1 DP's help Twins feed the "Kitty" Baseball in 1961 staff KANSAS CITY-Feed the kitty, they say. Tonight in KC, the Twins did just that, turning 5 double plays en route to a 6-4 win over the A's, making a winner of Jim "Kitty" Kaat, who needed a few of his 9 lives to escape a walk-filled 2nd. The double plays certainly helped, coming in the 1st, 2nd, 4th, 8th and 9th, not to mention the home run ball, with Earl Battey(2) in the 2nd and Bill Tuttle(1) in the 4th fueling the 12-hit Twin attack. Jose Valdevielso made the most of his of his early entry, coming in for an injured Zolio Versalles in the 1st and going 3-4 with a double and 2 runs batted in. But it was the lefty Kaat and the Twin defense that purred on this night, enabling the relocated ex-Senators to go over the .500 mark at 7-6, while the A's dropped to 3-8. Angels 3, White Sox 1 It was a tale of two Kens at Comiskey Park on this night, Hunt hitting his leagu...

Fans thrown out for throwing behind Piersall Baseball in 1961 staff BALTIMORE-A couple of Oriole fans were tossed out of last night's Indians-Orioles game for throwing an empty bottle at the back of Indians center fielder Jimmy Piersall after making a catch in the 8th inning. The fans were arrested. Piersall, who has had a history of mental problems, was unharmed during the incident.

Romano's homer breaks tie in 8th Fish fry, not crab cakes in series opener Tribe takes over 1st place in AL Baseball in 1961 staff BALTIMORE-There was a menu change in Memorial Stadium tonight. Instead of crab cakes, the Indians served up their own specialty, Mudcat, en route to a 3-2 win, giving them sole possession of 1st place in the American League. Mudcat Grant struck out 9 Oriole batters and overcame a pinch-hit 2-run homer by Marv Throneberry in the 7th to go the distance in the pivotal series opener. After Throneberry's game-tying home run, Johnny Romano led off the Indian 8th with a mammoth home run for the final margin of victory. He also singled and doubled, drove in 2 runs and was one of 3 Indians with 3 hits each out of a total of 10; Johnny Temple and Woodie Held also collected 3 hits. Grant allowed 6 hits in going the distance and impressed opposing manager Paul Richards, who called Grant "very underrated, a solid pitcher, one who will def...

Now batting .146 Snapping Out of It? Mantle's lead-off triple, Kubek's 3 hits pace Yankees to streak-ending win in 15 Baseball in 1961 Staff DETROIT-How's that beer, Mick? "Beer always tastes best, even after a long game like this one today." It tastes even better, 1. when you snap an 0-18 slump, 2. when you get 2 hits to move your average from .115 to .146 and 3. when your lead-off triple in the 15th helps snap your 4-game losing streak. "It really wasn't that bad a slump to start with. You've got to find your groove and I think we might have done that today," Mantle said with a grin. What's more fascinating about this marathon Yankee 3-2 win, isn't how Mantle may have finally snapped out of it, but for the managerial strategy that accompanied it. "If you have a runner on 3rd with nobody out in a tie game, there's no easy strategy, there never is," said Yankee manager Ralph Houk. Tiger counterpart Bob Scheffing, m...

.119 in 42 at-bats WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH MANTLE? While Kubek sizzles, Mantle's season-opening slump has historic overtones Baseball in 1961 Staff DETROIT-The Mick has little stick. After being swept in 4 at Baltimore, the Yankees begin a crucial series with one huge question looming over the Bombers' broad shoulders: WHAT'S THE MATTER WITH MANTLE? "If I knew, I would tell you," replied manager Ralph Houk. "What it is I think, is all those ball 4's Mick's been taking(14 walks). But you tell me, what slugger hasn't started his season so badly to the point where he asks himself, am I still the best hitter I can be? Mickey is that hitter, even though the numbers say otherwise." And they speak volumes: 5 hits, 42 at-bats, .119 average, 1 home run, 5 runs batted in. And one more stat: Hitless in his last 17 at-bats. Mantle isn't speaking, but at BP prior to the series opener at Tiger Stadium, he is at least lofting moon shots i...

Chicago Cubs  9-3  -- Cincinnati         8-3 . 5 Milwaukee        7-4 1.5 San Francisco  7-5   2 LA Dodgers      6-7  3.5 Pittsburgh         4-8   5 St. Louis           4-8   5 Philadelphia     3-10 6.5 Even with their "College," Cubs rah-rah-rah start bears watching with lethal Redlegs paying a visit to the "Confines." Braves take 5-game winning streak to St. Louis, which is imploding early while Giants-Dodgers renew rivalry at the cavernous Coliseum. Pirates try to snap 8-game losing streak against lowly Phils.

Baltimore    9-3 -- Cleveland   7-3  1 Boston        7-4 1.5 New York    7-5  2 Minnesota   6-5 2.5 Chicago WS 6-6 3 Detroit          4-6  4 Washington  4-7 4.5 Kansas City  3-7  5 LA Angels     2-9 6.5 Orioles swept 4 from the Yankees, Cleveland took 3 of 4 from the Tigers, plus feasting on cellar-dwelling Washington and KC. Indians-Orioles, Yankees-Tigers pivotal early-season series.

" Harry Caray with Jack Buck, here we go to the bottom of the 9th. Bob Gibson has been walking a tightrope here, he comes on with a steep mountain to climb in a 3-2 game. The peaks are Mays, McCovey and Cepeda. Mays is 2-for-3 with a walk, single, double and run scored... 2 losses in the final at-bat out West, a 3rd one was bailed out with a 7-run 10th, Gibby's last start in LA... The hitting's been there, but the bullpen has been Swiss cheese, not ideal for Solly's(Hemus) job security... The payoff to Mays, ball four. That's the 8th walk this afternoon off Gibson: How do you think Hemus is reacting in that dugout, Jack? About to get his last cigarette, Harry. He's certainly sweating out there, even with McDermott in the pen. (Caray)All right, here's McCovey, single in 4 trips with an RBI, could be Gibby's last guy here... With a long home stand coming up, how many starts should Gibson deserve to get, Jack? (Buck)I would say his skip his next scheduled ...

WJW ID: What happens when a judge can't get away from his problems? Don't miss "My Darling Judge," the GE Theater presentation tonight at 9 on Channel 8. WJW, Cleveland. Ken Coleman: Joe Nuxhall back on the mound as we start the 10th, we're still a little shell-shocked after that Klimchock Klout tied the score at 5. Held to lead off, followed by Funk or a pinch-hitter, then Bubba. Held is 1-for-4 with a RBI... The 3-1 pitch is wide, Held takes 1st on the walk, waiting to see who pinch-hits for Funk(Harry Jones: Looks like Nieman, Ken) Bob Nieman will be the batter here for Funk, Held at 1st, nobody out in the 10th, tied at 5-all... The pitch is swung on and hit deep to right, back goes Stephens, he looks up, this one is GONE! Bob Nieman off a very cheap fastball from Nuxhall sent it clear to Kansas for the go-ahead home run making it 7-5 here in the 10th! Must be a pretty thrilling movie going with that flight right now! Here's Bubba Phillips, he has a home ru...

After Bubba Phillips led off with a lineout to 3rd, Johnny Romano walked. With the Indians trailing 4-3, Vic Power comes to the plate. Coleman: The pitch is swung on and hit deep to center. Del Greco plays on a hop, Romano rounds 2nd, then 3rd, he scores the tying run as Power stops at 3rd with an RBI triple! The Tribe comes through in the clutch and there's still only 1 out!(Temple grounds to pitcher, Power holds, A's walk Francona intentionally to pitch to Piersall with 2 outs) Piersall is 0-4... The pitch is hit to right, Stephens plays on a hop, Power scores, Tito will stop at 3rd with Piersall stopping at 2nd, giving the Tribe a 5-4 lead! Now the Tribe finds themselves 3 outs away from a early-season showdown with Baltimore tomorrow night!(Willie Kirkland grounded to pitcher to end the top of the 9th. The bottom of the 9th started with Sullivan popping out to Romano and Stephens striking out. Lou Klimchok batting with 2 outs) Coleman: The pitch is swung on and hit to rig...

SOHIO Commercial: New SOHIO science discovery! Carburetors get dirty when dirt particles form at the wall, leaving your car with sluggish starts and poor gas mileage! A new SOHIO discovery cleans your carburetor and keeps it clean each time you drive! This new discovery can be found in our BORON gasoline. Try some in you car soon and see if your carburetor runs cleaner and gives your car better mileage! Look for BORON's new discovery only at the SOHIO sign! "THE STANDARD OIL COMPANY OF OHIO" Ken Coleman: We move on to the top of the 8th here in Kansas City. 2 runs on 7 hits for the Tribe, 3 runs on 6 hits for the Athletics. Tito Francona leads off, he'll be followed by Piersall and Kirkland. Tito has singled, walked and doubled... The pitch is hit to right field, Stephens has room, he... drops it and that's gonna send Tito to 2nd on what should be an error...(Piersall strikes out, then Kirkland grounds to pitcher, Francona holding at 2nd) With 2 down, here's ...

This is probably what the ID's heading into the station break sounded like during a Yanks-Orioles CBS telecast... After 3rd inning, CBS: "That noted man of many words, Harpo Marx, is one of Ed Sullivan's guests tonight here on The CBS Television Network." After 6th inning: "See this woman?(Dorothy Collins) Watch what "Candid" mischief she'll get into tonight here on The CBS Television Network." After 9th inning: "Here's a judge with a rather unique problem. Find out what it is on "GE Theater" tonight here on The CBS Television Network." 

Phil Rizzuto: "Yankee trading cards are available now at your Atlantic retailer. Pick up a set of 10 wallet-size cards free with a 5 or 10-gallon fill-up of Atlantic Imperial gas. Pick up Mantle, Maris, Berra, even a team card with each fill. While at Atlantic, fill-up with Imperial, the gas that guarantees clean carburetors. Cards are available for a limited time, while supplies last, only from Atlantic." Red Barber: "Well, Scooter, it's like this, get a bunch of runs here in the 9th, or we fly to Detroit wearing rain barrels. Berra. Mantle, Maris and a bunch of rosary beads down 5. Here's Berra to face Chuck Estrada, Berra's 0-for-2 with a free pass... The 2-2... Never had a chance, 1 down. 8 strikeouts for Estrada, here's Mantle, whose weekend has been just like Ray Milland's: Lost. Mantle, 0-for-3, 2 strikeouts... The 1-2... That's number 9 for Estrada, Mantle leaves to a lusty chorus of "Better luck in Detroit, you'll need it."...

Dizzy Dean: "Bottom of the 7th, score is tied at 1-all, Stafford to face the shortstop Hansen. Hansen is 0-for-2... The pitch, lined to Skowron at 1st, 1 away. Here's the left-fielder Herzog, he doubled last time up... 3-1 to Herzog, ball four. That will bring up Adair, who is 0-for-2, flied to Mantle in shallow center last time up... the pitch to Adair, grounded to Richardson, Herzog running, Richardson throws to 1st, Herzog to 2nd, 2 down. Estrada will bat with runner at 2nd, 2 out, tie game... the pitch to Estrada, base hit! Herzog rounds 3rd, he scores! Estrada breaks the tie, Orioles lead it 2-1. Still 2 outs, here's the centerfielder Brandt, who has walked twice... the payoff to Brandt... Ball four! 1st and 2nd with 2 outs, pardner, the rightfielder Snyder to bat(Reese: Reniff in the Yankee bullpen, Diz)... The pitch to Snyder, base hit to right! They're gonna hold Estrada at 3rd, everyone else moves a base, still 2 outs, here's Robinson, he's 0-for-3... ...

Announcer: "WFBG, Channel 10, Altoona." CBS: "CBS Television presents "Baseball Warm-Up," a preview of today's game plus a interview with a top baseball personality. Now let's go to the ballpark!" Pee Wee Reese: "Welcome to Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, everybody. Pee Wee Reese here. On today's program we'll interview the star left-hander of the Baltimore Orioles, Steve Barber, who pitched a strong ballgame last night as the Orioles completed a day-night doubleheader sweep of the Yankees, 6-1. We'll talk to Steve after word of an upcoming CBS program." GE Theater promo: "This is Ronald Reagan, ever have one of those days when you're faced with so many obstacles, you just want to get away? That's the problem facing Judge Cyrus Dunn on this week's GE Theater presentation, "My Darling Judge." (scene from episode) How does he manage to push aside all those obstacles, yet make his fishing trip? Fred C...

WSH 2-7-2 MIN 3-8-0(13) Killebrew walk-off home run comes day after Twins lose home opener to Senators in 14th. Ray Scott: "The pitch to Killebrew. He swings, he hits a drive to right field. Hinton looks up at the wall, it's all over. Killebrew has hit one to right field with one out in the 13th! Final score, Twins 3, Senators 2 in 13 innings. They're mobbing Killebrew at home plate, quite a scene here at the Met!" WP-McDevitt LP-Sturdivant

Monbouquette-9 innings, 1 earned run, 6 hits, 3 strikeouts, 2 walks, he retired the last 12 CWS batters(he also struck out 4 times as a batter!) BOS 5-11-1 CWS 1-6-0

Bob Murphy: "After last night's 4-2 win over the Yankees, the Orioles will send Milt Pappas to the mound against Yankee ace Whitey Ford in the first of 2, a day-night affair here in beautiful Baltimore." 0-0, bottom of 1st, Jackie Brandt leading off. Murphy: "The pitch to Brandt. Swung on and hit deep to left, back goes Blanchard, he looks up, Goodbye! Brandt leads off with a blast to left and the Orioles strike 1st against the Bombers! 1-0, Birdies!" 1-0, bottom of 4th, Orioles load bases, one out, Ron Hansen batting. Herb Carneal: "Ford checks the runners, the pitch to Hansen. Ground ball to Skowron, not hard enough for a double play, Brooks will score, everyone else moves up a base on the RBI groundout by Hansen, it's 2-0, Birds." 2-0, top of 5th, Yankees have runners at 1st and 3rd, Johnny Blanchard batting. Carneal: "The 2-2 to Blanchard, he swings, lines up the middle for a base hit. Ford scores, Richardson moves from 1st to 3rd, R...

While trying to come up with a perfect "broadcast" to do here, I am gathering information through Wikipedia and a 1961 listing of who broadcast what games and who sponsored them. Baltimore Oriole games were sponsored by Hamm's beer and called by Bob Murphy and Herb Carneal, who both went their separate ways after 1961. Here are some "highlights" from a typical 1961 broadcast: Hamm's Beer Commercial "From the land of sky blue waters(waters)  From the land of pines, lofty balsams  Comes the beer refreshing,  Hamm's the beer refreshing,  Hamm's" Murphy: Anytime you want the perfect refreshment, reach for an ice-cold Hamm's beer. Brewed from the finest water in the world comes a refreshment like no other. So next time you're thirsting for refreshment, reach for an ice-cold Hamm's! "Hamm's the beer refreshing,  Hamm's the beer refreshing,  Hamm's." Bottom of 1st, no score, Brooks Robinson...

Potomac Party-Poopers WSH 8-15-1 MIN 6-12-2 WP-Gabler(1-0) LP-Schroll(0-1) HR-Zipfel(1) Killebrew(3) WSH-Went ahead with 2 in the top of the 14th. MIN-Home opener at Metropolitan Stadium. W-L:WSH(4-5) MIN(4-5)

First At Last! LAA 6-9-2 DET 2-6-0 WP-Fowler(1-0) LP-Foytack(0-2) HR-Averill(1) Cash(5) Hunt(6) LAA-First Franchise Win. LAA-Hunt hits 3-run homer in 9th to ensure first win. Injuries-LAA loses both Kluszewski(7 games) and Wagner(10 games) to injuries. DET also loses Boros(1 game) to injury. W-L: LAA(1-8) DET (3-5)

Over The Moon STL 7-18-0 LAD 9-10-3 WP-L. Sherry(1-0) LP-McDaniel(0-1) HR-Neal(2) Moon(1, game-winner in 9th) STL-4 Cards with 3 hits(Flood, White, Musial, Grammas) LAD-Moon, 4 hits(2 triples, single, home run), 4 RBI Inning-by-inning Top 1st-Cards score run on 2 hits and 2 errors. Bot 2nd-Moon triples, scores on Neal HR. Top 4th-Cards score 3 runs, take 4-2 lead(Javier 2-run double). Top 5th-Cards score after Musial double, scoring on Fielder's Choice by H.R. Smith. Top 6th-Don Drysdale leaves game after 5-2/3 ineffective innings with only 2 strikeouts(allowed 13 hits). Top 7th-Cards pinch-hit for Broglio(6 innings, 2 runs, 4 hits), score 2 additional runs for 7-2 lead. Bot 7th-Dodgers explode for 5 runs to tie it, the last 2 on Moon's 2nd triple. Top 9th-Cards leave potential go-ahead runs(Flood, White) on 2nd and 3rd. Bot 9th-W. Davis walks, T. Davis bunt attempt popped to 1st, Snider flied to right, Moon homered with 2 outs to end it. STL(3-6) LAD(5-5) Que...

Hammering MIL 8-12-2 PHI 3-9-0 WP-Willey(1-1) Buzhardt(0-2) HR-Mathews(1) Aaron(3) Willey(1) Aaron-4 hits in 5 at-bats W-L:MIL(4-4) PHI(2-7)

6-Shooter! CHC 9-13-1 PIT 2-7-1 WP-Cardwell(2-0) LP-Mizell(0-1) HR-Banks(3) Santo(1) CHC-6 wins in a row. PIT-5 losses in a row. Cubs outscored Pirates 28-11 in series. W-L:CHC(6-2) PIT(4-5)

Lordy, it's Gordy! CIN 5-10-1 SFG 3-8-0 WP-Jay(2-0) LP-Sanford(0-1) SV-Brosnan(2) HR-Coleman(4, 3rd in last 2 games) Freese(2) Edwards(2) SFG-Kuenn out 10 games with injury W-L:CIN(5-3) SFG(5-4, 5 game winning streak snapped)

14 K Gold WSH 0-3-0 CWS 4-9-0 WP-Pizarro(2-0) LP-Gabler(0-1, relieved McClain after he left with injury in 3rd) HR-Landis(1) Pizarro-14 strikeouts, complete-game shutout. W-L:WSH(3-5) CWS(4-4)

Casey Who? LAA 2-6-1 NYY 3-9-0 WP-Terry(2-0) LP-Moeller(0-2) SV-Coates(1) HR-Wagner(3) Skowron, Kubek, 2 hits apiece. W-L:LAA(0-8) NYY(7-1)

WGN PROMO COPY, 4-20-61 "The first-place Cubs are in action tonight as they take on the defending champion Pirates live from Pittsburgh, starting with the Lead-Off-Man show at 6:55, right here on Channel 9." "This is WGN Television, Channel 9 in Chicago. Stay tuned now for Quick Draw McGraw, it's 6 O'clock."(tone signal) Of course, not a single Cubs promo that aired that year had those words "first-place." But Quick Draw McGraw was on at 6(in color).

Stuck in the Mud-cat DET 1-4-0 CLE 4-12-1 WP-Grant(1-0) LP-Mossi(1-1) HR-Cash(4) Grant-10 strikeouts W-L:DET(3-4) CLE(5-2)

I'll resume my AL recreates with the games of 4/20 in a little bit. While it is somewhat of a surprise that the Cubs are leading in the NL portion, it is no surprise who is leading in the AL: one hint, they rhyme with "Spankees." There are a couple of surprises at the top of the home run list, though: Ken Hunt(LAA) 5, Leo Posada(KCA) 4. Some of the more established names like Maris, Mantle do have a ways to go yet, so it's a sure bet both Hunt and Posada will have decent power numbers as the season progresses. For right now, though, here are your American League standings through 4/19: NYY               6-1 BOS               5-2 CLE               4-2 BAL               5-3 DET  ...

Because of March Madness, I've had to slide back my recreates to the late, late parts of the night and will now offer capsules of the remainder of the 4-19-61 schedule and the standings(the NL ones this time) heading into the 4-20 games: I promise, there will be a surprise when we get there. Capsules first: Cubs 9, Pirates 4(11 innings) Cubbies built a 4-0 lead in this one, only to have the Pirates score 4 in the 7th to tie and have the game-winning run cut down at home by a Billy Williams throw as Don Hoak was cut down trying to score from 1st on a double by Dick Schofield in the 10th. A 2-run homer by Ed Bouchee, single by Billy Williams and another 2-run shot by Ernie Banks in the 11th propelled the streaking Cubs to their 5th win in a row and first place in the NL. Braves 8, Phillies 1 Al Spangler's 2 homers and solo shots by Henry Aaron(2nd) and Lee Maye(1st) sparked the Braves to the win, which snapped a 4-game losing streak and made a complete-game winner out...

I'll do a Cubs-Pirates box and story later today, all I can tell you there was another big Cub inning and that's all I'm gonna tell you-except for the fact that I pinch-hit Altman for Ashburn with a slightly disastrous result. And that Dick Bertell, he's quite good...

Drive For Five CIN 3-7-1 SFG 6-11-3 WP-McCormick(1-1) LP-Hook(0-2) SV-Miller(2) HR-McCormick(1) Pinson(2) Coleman(2.3) Haller(1) SFG-5th win in a row W-L:CIN(4-3) SFG (5-3)

Streak-snapper KCA 1-4-1 BAL 2-8-1(10 innings) WP-Wilhelm(1-0) LP-Fischer(0-2) HR-Posada(4) Ron Hansen:Game-Winning single in 10th snaps 3-game losing streak. W-L:BAL(5-3) KCA(2-5)

Streaking Twins MIN 4-12-0 BOS 2-8-1 WP-Kaat(1-1) LP-Conley(0-1) HR-Martin(1) Killebrew(2) Yastrzemski(1) Twins-4th win in a row W-L: MIN(4-4) BOS(5-2)

Johnny on the spot LAA 3-10-1 NYY 4-12-0(in 14 innings) WP-Arroyo(2-0) LP-Donohue(0-1) HR-Hunt(5) Rice(2) Stafford(1) Mantle(1) Johnny Blanchard's single scores Arroyo with winning run in 14th Injury Report-Rice(LAA) out 5 games W-L:LAA(0-7) NYY(6-1)

The Duke of Snider STL 4-12-1 LAD 9-13-0 WP-Craig(2-1) LP-Cicotte(0-1) HR-Snider(1, 2) Grammas(2) Duke Snider-2 homers, 4 RBI's, 3 runs scored W-L:STL(2-5) LAD(5-3)

The Loes-down CIN 0-4-1 SFG 6-11-2 WP-Loes(1-1) LP-Purkey(1-1) HR-Cepeda(1) McCovey(1) W-L:CIN(4-2) SFG(4-3)

Frank's Big Shew MIL 1-5-0 PHI 2-6-0 WP-Sullivan(2-0) LP-Burdette(1-1) HR-Aaron(1) Frank Sullivan, 11 strikeouts for Phils W-L:MIL(2-4) PHI(2-5)

Cubs spoil Pirates home-opening party with 7 in 6th, 10-4 Everyone gets a hit in 20-hit attack BY EDWARD PRELL, Chicago Tribune Press Service PITTSBURGH, Apr 18-They got their rings, their 1960 World Series flag, then they abandoned ship in the 6th. An Opening Day ring ceremony was crashed big time by the Cubbies as they treated the World Champion Pirates like scurvy with a 12-batter, 7-run 6th en route to a 10-4 win, the Cubbies 4th in a row after dropping their first 2. Pirates strike 1st in 2nd After 1-1/2 scoreless innings, the Pirates turned 2 triples into 3 runs in the home half of the 2nd, Bob Clemente's 3-bagger starting the festivities, then scoring on Don Hoak's sac fly. Dick Schofield thought he'd triple too, Smokey Burgess got him one better with his home run giving the champs a 3-0 lead and a cushion which the festive faithful was certain would be the winning one. The Cubbies strung together 3 straight singles from Don Zimmer, league-leading hitter Billy ...

SENATORS STAGE OWN FIREWORKS, SPOIL SOX HOME OPENER, 6-5 Home run by Cottier gives Senators lead, win BY RICHARD DOZER Chuck Cottier had his eyes on Jim Landis from the very first pitch. The Senators second baseman flied out to Landis each of the first 3 times he was at the plate, then when the game counted, staged his own fireworks display with a lead-off double off Billy Pierce in the 8th and for good measure made Turk Lown a victim for the 2nd time in the young season in the 9th with a 2-run homer to help spoil the Sox home opener, 6-5 in front of a crushed Comiskey crowd. It started with Minnie After Pierce put down an opening Senator threat in the first, fan favorite Minnie Minoso sent Bennie Daniels' fastball over the right field wall for the first Comiskey run of '61. After a lead-off double by Pierce in the 3rd, Minoso struck again with a 2-run shot, giving the Sox a seemingly commanding 3-0 lead after 3. By that time, Cottier had already flied twice to Landis an...