Act V - “double miracle” Standing at home plate October 3, 1951 at 3:59 PM trailing in the bottom of the ninth inning, the sizzling batter of the New York Giants, Bobby Thomson, faced Ralph Branca of the Brooklyn Dodgers. What happened at this bat was the most memorable event in United States sports history.
Jackie robinson and dodger manager, charlie dressen
Tune into this story about a baseball crazed family living in a New York bungalow when three major league baseball teams competed in New York City for supremacy. Live baseball day by day as the Giants came back in early August from 13 and a half games back to take the National League Pennant race into a final rubber game in a best of three series. Yes - this is the day the earth stood still, subways in NYC stopped, and transistor radios blurted sportscaster Ernie Harwell’s famous words throughout the United States. 1951 was a year amidst baseball’s romantic era - when the national past time had little sports competition. Enjoy heart warming 50s events, baseball history - including the Negro leagues, and learn how iron lungs battled a dreadful epidemic disease that affected every family - polio. Baseball back then held families and communities together as disease tried to rip them apart. Enjoy a bygone post WWII era where everyone was just glad to be alive and relished every moment out of life - trying to just move on from war time.. “ The Shot Heard Round the World “ is a classic family major league baseball loving story that captures a battled war veteran father and son’s true positive relationship through good and bad times. Enjoy the music as you read along in script format. Setting: INTERIOR. SINGLE PARENT FATHER WITH TWO CHILDREN IN SMALL HARLEM, NEW YORK BUNGALOW AUGUST 10, 1951 - NIGHTLY BASEBALL DISCUSSION
Gil hodges, Dodger first baseman
SEPTEMBER 22, 1951 JAKE
UNBELIEVABLE DAD. THE GIANTS BEAT SPAHN WITH JANSEN GETTING HIS 20TH WIN. 2
DAD
I HEARD ON THE SUBWAY HOME THAT THE BUMS HAD A DRESSEN DAY AND NEWCOMBE LOST. EVERYONE SAYS HE CAN NEVER WIN THE BIG ONE, BUT I DON’T BUY IT. HE’S FLAT OUT A GREAT PITCHER.
JAKE
YES, THE BUM STAFF MAY BE GOOD, BUT THEY ARE BEAT UP AND OVERWORKED. MAYBE WE DO HAVE A CHANCE SHORT OF A MIRACLE. AND KATIE GIRL ?
DAD
YUP, THE STAFF AT BELLEVUE HAS BEGUN EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT ON KATIE GIRL USING HUMAN SERUM THAT HAS BEEN RECENTLY INFECTED WITH POLIO VIRUS INJECTING ALL THE WHITE BLOOD CELLS, SERUM IMMUNE PROTEINS, AND INTERFERON, AND EVERYTHING ELSE ALL POOLED INTO BOTTLES AND INJECTED INTO VEINS. THAT’S WHAT THE NURSES, DOCTORS AND THE INFORMED CONSENTS AT BELLEVUE SAY FOR THESE EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENTS.
SOME OF THE GIANTS PLAYERS FROM THE GAME
JAKE
ALSO WITH TYPE SPECIFIC BLOOD ALL IN THE BLOOD POOL PER DR. EDNEY TO PREVENT BLOOD TYPE TRANSFUSION REACTIONS - WHICH CAN BE LIFE THREATENING.
DAD
DEFINITELY - I GOT A REFRESHER COURSE ON BLOOD PRODUCT DONATION OVER THE PHONE. MUCH OF THIS NEW BLOOD PRODUCT TREATMENT IS COMING FROM KOREA - WHERE LOTS OF BLOOD AND BLOOD PRODUCTS ARE BEING USED IN THE FIELD.
JAKE
WELL ANYWAY IF THERE IS ANY LEFT OVER THE GIANTS MAY NEED SOME OF THESE BLOOD PRODUCTS FOR RESUSCITATION THEMSELVES.
DAD
NO MAGIC NUMBERS. WE’VE GOT BROOKLYN RIGHT WHERE WE WANT THEM.
JAKE
I’VE GOT MASS IN THE MORNING AND THE TIMES ROUTE. I BETTER BE GETTING TO BED. NIGHT. HAIL HOLY QUEEN....
DAD
GOOD NIGHT. 2 AND A HALF OUT - AND KATIE GIRL IS GETTING THE BEST CARE POSSIBLE. WE MAY NEED A MIRACLE FOR HER. WE CAN ONLY KEEP PRAYING.
Bobby Thomson, author of the Shot
3
SEPTEMBER 23, 1951 JAKE
THE PREACHER WON TODAY AND IS NOW 20 - 2. THAT HAS TO BE SOME KIND OF RECORD.
DAD
clint Hartung, NY Giants pitcher
YES, THE DODGER’S ARKANSAS CORNSTALK, PREACHER ROE, WILL BREAK THE STATISTICAL WINNING % IF HE DOESN’T LOSE THE REST OF THE REGULAR SEASON. SUPERB PERSON AND PITCHER. BUT THE GIANTS ARE A BIT BETTER AS A TEAM. THE BARBER MOWED DOWN THE OPPOSITION TODAY, AND AGAIN BOBBY THOMSON HAD A BIG RUN AND A VITAL TRIPLE.
JAKE
DEFINITELY DOWN THE STRETCH THOMSON - THE FLYING SCOT - HAS EASILY THE HOTTEST BAT IN ALL OF MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL.
DAD
IN FACT THOMSON’S TEAMMATES SAY TOUCHING THOMSON’S BAT BRINGS GOOD LUCK, BUT YOU CAN GET BURNED BY BEING JUST NEXT TO IT. HE HITS EVERYTHING HARD AND A LONG WAY. WHAT A GREAT GIANT !
JAKE
AUNT MARTHA CALLED AND SHE SAID KATIE GIRL HAD A REACTION TO THE IMMUNE BLOOD PRODUCT TREATMENTS - AND THEY HAD TO STOP THE EXPERIMENTAL TREATMENT.
DAD
OH MY GOD ! I’M GOING TO LOSE MY BABY GIRL. WHAT NEXT !
JAKE
The polo grounds in the 50’s
DAD, WE WON’T LOSE KATIE GIRL. BELLEVUE HOSPITAL SPECIALISTS WERE ABLE TO ABORT THE BLOOD PRODUCT REACTION. LISTEN DAD.....YOU HAVE BEEN THE ROCK OF INSPIRATION AND KNOW A LOT MORE THAN I DO REGARDING LIFE STUFF. I’M NOW TELLING YOU THAT OUR PRAYERS WILL CARRY US THROUGH. WHAT SHE RECEIVED, THOUGH A REACTION OCCURRED, MAY INDEED HELP HER FIGHT THIS POLIO VIRUS. YOU JUST HAVE TO BELIEVE THIS AND STAY THE COURSE - LIKE IN IWO. I AM ALSO FEELING POSITIVE THOUGHTS I CAN’T EXPLAIN ABOUT MY SISTER SHE’S WEATHERED EVERYTHING.
DAD
WELL I MUST ADMIT EVERYONE AT BELLEVUE HAS DONE EVERYTHING POSSIBLE TO WEATHER THIS POLIO STORM 4
AND TREAT PEOPLE WITH THE VERY BEST CURRENT AND FUTURE THERAPY. I CAN’T ASK FOR MORE.
JAKE
THE NUNS AT CORPUS CHRISTI ARE ON A 24/7 VIGIL TO ASK GOD FOR THEIR STUDENT KATIE GIRL TO COME BACK. THEY FEEL CONSIDERABLY WORSE THAN WE DO. THIS IS THEIR VIGIL.
DAD
WELL WITH MODERN MEDICINE, PRAYER, FAMILY SUPPORT - MAYBE WE’LL ACTUALLY SEE A MIRACLE - A REAL MIRACLE - HER COMING BACK TO OUR HOUSE.
JAKE
NIGHT. ONLY THE MORNING TIMES ROUTE TOMORROW.
A game underway in the polo grounds
DAD
GOOD NIGHT. I’M NOT EVEN WORRIED ABOUT YOUR MAGIC # - AS THE PAPERS ARE. WE ARE JUST A BETTER TEAM. AND 2 AND A HALF OUT.
SEPTEMBER 23, 1951 JAKE
OK DAD, IS THE BALL FAIR OR FOUL IF IT IS BATTED INTO THE PITCHER’S MOUND RUBBER AND GOES FOUL BEFORE IT IS TOUCHED IN-BOUNDS ?
DAD
IT IS FOUL BALL. ANY MORE TRIP-ME-UP BASEBALL QUESTIONS ?
JAKE
I’LL THINK OF SOME LATER. JUST KEEPING YOU ON YOUR TOES - DOING WHAT DR. EDNEY SAID TO DO. TRY TO BE AS NORMAL AS POSSIBLE.
DAD
BOY, THAT IS TOUGH - BUT THE DOCTOR IS DEFINITELY RIGHT.
JAKE
WE’LL KEEP TALKING BASEBALL THEN - ALONG WITH PRAYING CONSTANTLY FOR KATIE GIRL.
the polo grounds as it was in 1904
DAD
SO THE PREACHER AND - MAGLIE ON HIS BIG HONORARY DAY - BOTH WON TODAY. 5
JAKE
AND THE PREACHER - ACCORDING TO RUSS HODGES AND ERNIE HARWELL IN ORDER TO PRESERVE THE STATISTICAL WIN RECORD - WILL BE RESTED THE REST OF THE SEASON. HE IS 20 - 2. QUITE A SEASON.
DAD
BUT THE BARBER KEEPS LATHERING THE BATTERS SHORT. AND I STILL FEEL WE WILL WIN OUT AND GOD WILL TAKE CARE OF THE REST.
JAKE
BUT YOU’VE HEARD ABOUT SAM MAXWELL CAMPING OUT IN FRONT OF EBBETTS ON FLATBUSH AVENUE UNTIL THE SERIES STARTS IN BROOKLYN.
DAD
SAM CAN CAMP ALL HE WANTS - BUT IT IS PREMATURE. HE WILL HAVE TO CAMP AT THE POLO GROUNDS AS FAR AS I’M CONCERNED.
JAKE
AND THOMSON HIT ANOTHER BIG TRIPLE TODAY. NOTHING WILL COOL OFF THAT BAT.
DAD
BOBBY SAYS THE BASEBALL LOOKS SLOW AND IS LIKE A BOWLING BALL - EASY TO HIT. BOBBIE SEES THE SEAMS COMING AT HIM.
JAKE
HE IS CERTAINLY ON A ROLL. I WOULDN’T EVEN PITCH TO BOBBY UNLESS THE SITUATION ABSOLUTELY DEMANDED IT. OFF TO BED. GOOD NIGHT.
DAD JAKE
YES, WE’RE ONLY A COUPLE OUT. I WON’T EVEN MENTION THE MAGIC #. NIGHT DAD.
SEPTEMBER 24, 1951 DAD
HIP HIP HOORAY. ANOTHER THOMSON TRIPLE. NO ONE CAN STOP BOBBIE DOWN THE STRETCH. I HOPE THEY KEEP PITCHING TO HIM.
6
JAKE
THE BUMS AND THEIR FANS ARE GLUED TO THE SCOREBOARD AND THEIR TRANSISTOR RADIOS. AND THE NEW COMMISSIONER, FORD FRICK, IS HAVING A GREAT INAUGURAL SEASON. BASEBALL HAS NEVER BEEN BETTER ACCORDING TO MY TIMES CUSTOMERS. THESE ARE THE REAL GLORY YEARS OF BASEBALL - ALL WITH 3 TEAMS IN NEW YORK CITY - COULDN’T BE BETTER.
DAD
YES, KOSLO GAVE GREAT RELIEF FOR THE GIANTS TODAY. HEARN GOT HIS 16TH WIN - AND WE PULLED IT OUT IN THE NINTH INNING WITH SOME BIG BATS ALSO FROM STANKY AND IRVIN. STANKY ATONED FOR HIS MAJOR BLUNDER FIELDING ERROR. AND THE GIANTS WIN WITH 2 OUTS IN THE NINTH ON THEIR LAST HOME GAME AT COOGAN’S BLUFF.
Alvin Dark, NY giants
JAKE
IT IS NOW DOWN TO A SMALL MARGIN. BROOKLYN MAY NOT HOLD ON. I SAW THE LAST 2 INNINGS WITH A BUNCH OF MAYS FANS ON THE BLUFF TODAY. I WALKED THE 110 - GREAT EXERCISE - AND I KNOW IT’S A HUNDRED AND THIRTEEN STEPS FROM RUCKER’S PARK - BUT THEY CALL IT THE 110 BECAUSE YOU ARE READY TO DROP AT THE 110TH STEP. SURPRISINGLY THERE AREN’T MORE PEOPLE ACTUALLY DYING OR GOING TO THE HOSPITAL AT THE BLUFF OR POLO GROUNDS WITH THOSE STEEP STEPS.
DAD
THE BUMS ARE HANGING BY A ROPE WITH THE GIANTS HOLDING THE OTHER END READY TO RELEASE IT ANY DAY.
JAKE
WE HAD 2 MASSES TO SERVE TODAY AND I SAID 2 ROSARIES FOR KATIE GIRL. I PRAYED SHE’D COME BACK AS THE TOMBOY SHE ONCE WAS. EVERYONE ON MY TIMES ROUTE ASKS HOW SHE IS DOING.
DAD
YES INDEED - THERE IS A PLETHORA OF PRAYERS BEING SAID. IT IS QUITE POWERFUL. THIS IS CLEARLY IN GOD’S HANDS.
JAKE
BUT SHE STILL IS ON THE IRON LUNG - AND DR. EDNEY MAY CONVERT HER TO THE NEW EXPERIMENTAL BREATHING MACHINE - CALLED A MECHANICAL VENTILATOR - WHICH IS SUPPOSED TO MAKE BREATHING QUICKER AND EASIER.
First pitch of fateful 3rd playoff game
7
DAD
GREAT - ANYTHING TO HELP HER BREATHING. SHE HASN’T BREATHED ON HER OWN IN QUITE SOME TIME. CAN YOU IMAGINE HOW THIS FEELS ! IF KATIE GIRL CAN JUST HANG IN THERE AND WEATHER THIS POLIO VIRUS, I KNOW SHE CAN RECOVER. AGAIN IT’S IN JESUS’S HANDS.
JAKE
WELL I’D SAY KATIE GIRL IS IN GOOD HANDS. THIS ORDEAL IS REALLY TESTING MY PATIENCE THOUGH - ESPECIALLY DR. EDNEY NOT LETTING US NEAR BELLEVUE HOSPITAL. I HAVEN’T SEEN MY SISTER SINCE SCHOOL LET OUT LAST SUMMER - A FOREVER TIME. approx location where willie mays made “the Catch”
DAD
TOGETHER WITH FAMILY AND VERY GOOD FRIENDS, WE ARE GETTING THROUGH THIS - AND WE’LL ALL BE STRONGER BECAUSE OF THIS. HECK I’M GAINING STRENGTH, GETTING OFF ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICATIONS, THINKING ABOUT DATING, AND I’M LOOKING AT A NEW JOB NEAR TIMES SQUARE.
JAKE
GOLLY GEE, HAIL HOLY QUEEN, HIP HIP HOORAY..... YOU ARE COMING OUT OF YOUR SHELL DAD. I KNOW THERE IS NO CURE FOR STRESS TRAUMA SYNDROME - AND I’VE BEEN READING UP ON THIS IN THE AMA AND NEW ENGLAND JOURNAL WHILE AT THE LIBRARY - BUT YOU CAN DRIVE YOURSELF THROUGH IT, AND MAKE A GOOD RECOVERY - WHICH YOU ARE DOING....GREAT. DO YOU THINK WE’LL HAVE MORE KIDS IN OUR FAMILY ?
DAD
WAIT A SECOND BUDDY. I JUST CAME OUT OF MY LOCKED WAR WORLD. AND I’M THINKING OF GIVING SUSIE REYNOLDS - WILLIE’S FORMER WIFE - A CALL TO CHECK AND SEE HOW HER AND THE TRIPLETS ARE DOING. I OWE MY LIFE TO THEM THROUGH WILLIE.
JAKE
CAN I COME ? I’D LIKE TO SEE WILLIE’S GIANTS MEMORABILIA COLLECTION. PLEASE. plaque unveiled noting location of home plate in the polo grounds after studium was razed.
8
DAD
WELL, SUSIE MAY NOT RESPOND. SHE WASN’T IN THE MOOD LAST TIME. SHE WAS AS BUMMED OUT ABOUT THE WAR AS I WAS - LOSING WILLIE AND RAISING TRIPLETS ON HER OWN.
JAKE
BUT EVERYONE ACCORDING TO GENERAL EISENHOWER WAS FLAT SICK OF WAR AFTER WORLD WAR II. NO ONE WANTED TO TALK ABOUT IT MUCH. 50 MILLION PEOPLE DIED. BUT IT’S A NEW SPIRITED TIME - EVEN WITH KOREA. REMEMBER WHAT THE ALLIED COMMANDER SAYS.
DAD
GOOD NIGHT. WE’RE NEARLY TIED WITH BROOKLYN.
JAKE
NIGHT. I’M PLEADING FOR MY SISTER IN THIS LIFE.
SEPTEMBER 25, 1951 DAD
dedication stone noting stairway to polo grounds
WE ARE RIGHT ON THE BUMS TAILS. THEY LOST 14 - 3 AND 14 - 2 TO BOSTON TODAY. THE BRAVES PLAYED AS HARD AS THEY POSSIBLY COULD - AS IF IT WERE DO OR DIE FOR THEM.
JAKE
BETTER YET, KATIE GIRL IS BEGINNING TO BREATHE ON HER OWN PER A PHONE CALL FROM DR. EDNEY’S’S NURSE - WHO WAS HIGHLY ENCOURAGED.
DAD
SHE IS BEGINNING TO RECOVER LIKE WE PRAYED FOR. THIS WILL BE A MIRACLE OF PRAYER AND MODERN MEDICINE.
JAKE
AND THE NURSE SAID WE MAY BE ABLE TO SEE HER NEXT WEEK BECAUSE SHE MAY NO LONGER BE INFECTIOUS. THE VIRUS WILL BE DORMANT IN HER - NOT ACTIVE PER MY HARLEM LIBRARY READING. GREAT NEWS.
DAD
I MAY EVEN HAVE A DRINK TONIGHT - NOW THAT I’M OFF MY ANTIDEPRESSANT DRUGS. ANYWAY A LITTLE ONE. I HAVEN’T HAD ONE SINCE I WAS AT PEARL HARBOR RECOVERING - AND SINCE THEN I’VE BEEN TRAPPED IN AN EMOTIONAL HELL.
JAKE
DAD, I’M ECSTATIC ABOUT YOUR MIND AND BODY RECOVERING. HECK, WITHOUT GIVING YOU THE MAGIC #, I KNOW THERE IS TIME. WE CAN ACTUALLY WIN THE PENNANT OUTRIGHT WITHOUT A PLAYOFF. THAT’LL CURE ANY GIANTS FAN’S DEPRESSION.
stairway as it appears today
9
DAD
GREAT SANDWICHES AGAIN JAKE. YOU ARE VERSATILE WITH THE SANDWICH. TIME FOR BED. GOOD NIGHT.
JAKE
NIGHT. 1 AND A HALF OUT. STILL WE MUST BE STRONG AND KEEP PRAYING FOR KATIE GIRL.
SEPTEMBER 26, 1951 DAD
Roy campAnella, dodger catcher
HEY JAKE, DID YOU HEAR THAT NEWCOMBE GOT 5 RBIS AND THE THOSE DARN BUMS BEAT BOSTON TODAY.
JAKE
AND JACKIE ROBINSON STOLE HOME - WHICH WILL SURELY UPSET BOSTON FANS, MANAGEMENT, AND PLAYERS.
DAD
BUT OUR GIANTS KEEP ON ROLLING ALONG WITH ANOTHER BIG WIN OVER PHILLY.
JAKE
DOGGONE IT DAD - IT IS SEPTEMBER 26TH AND WE NEED A BASEBALL MIRACLE - A REAL MIRACLE FOR THE COOGAN’S BLUFF BOYS TO WIN.
DAD
TRUST ME SON. THE GIANTS KEEP PLAYING WELL, THE BASEBALL GODS WILL TAKE CARE OF THIS TEAM. I STRONGLY FEEL WE ARE EXPERIENCING THE BIGGEST COMEBACK IN SPORTS OF ALL TIME.
JAKE
AND HOPEFULLY WE’LL BE ABLE TO SEE KATIE GIRL SOON. MAYBE NEXT WEEK.
DAD
polo grounds home plate location plaque as it appears today
10
THE ENTIRE BOROUGH IS KEEPING THEIR FINGERS CROSSED FOR KATIE GIRL. BUT REMEMBER PER DR. EDNEY AND THE NUNS AT CORPUS CHRISTIE, THERE IS NO PROMISE OF LIFE IN THIS WORLD. WE HAVE BEEN INSTRUCTED TO LIVE OUR LIVES AS NORMAL AS POSSIBLE - THE MOST DAMNED DIFFICULT THING I’VE EVER DONE. IN FACT MOST NIGHTS I FEEL LIKE GOING AGAINST MEDICAL ADVICE AND CHARGING INTO BELLEVUE AND RESCUING MY DAUGHTER.
JAKE
YOU AS AN ATTORNEY ! I KNOW YOU’D END UP IN JAIL OR DEAD DOING THAT.
DAD
YOU’RE RIGHT. I GUESS THIS BASEBALL TALK KEEPS ME GOING. I THINK OF YOUR MOM CONSTANTLY AND .... WELL IT’S LIKE MY IWO FLASHBACKS.
JAKE
REMEMBER DAD ...YOU NEED TO GO ON. IN FACT, LAST WEEK YOU WERE REALLY IMPROVING - MORE ENERGY, BRIGHTER OUTLOOK ON THINGS, LESS DEPRESSION. DON’T GET TOO DOWN. I WON’T LET YOU.
DAD
YES, THIS WAS MEANT TO BE - ME A SINGLE PARENT WITH A VERY ILL CHILD, MY HAVING NO ENERGY, HAVING NO MONEY - AND 6 YEARS FROM THE WAR STILL NOT RECOVERED.
sal maglie, giants pitcher
JAKE
AND A SMARTY SON TELLING YOU TO SELFISHLY MARRY A WAR WIDOW SO HE CAN HAVE A MOM.
DAD
YOU’VE BEEN GOOD JAKE. I COULDN’T ASK FOR MORE. HEY, WE ARE GOING TO GET OUR KATIE GIRL BACK. YOU’LL SEE. NIGHT.
JAKE DAD
GOOD-NIGHT. STILL ONLY 1 AND A HALF OUT.
SEPTEMBER 27, 1951 JAKE
OK, I’LL ACCEPT THAT HORACE STONEHAM LOST THE COIN FLIP WITH BROOKLYN BUT.......
DAD
HECK, WE’VE GOT THE ADVANTAGE BY FAR IF WE WIN ON FLATBUSH AVENUE IN THE FIRST GAME - BECAUSE IF WE TIE AND WE GO AUTOMATICALLY TO A 3 GAME RUBBER MATCH, WE HAVE A MARKED ADVANTAGE WITH THE LAST 2 GAMES AT COOGAN’S BLUFF.
scene at home plate following walk off home run by thomson
11
JAKE
I DON’T KNOW DAD. THE BUMS COULD CLEAN OUR CLOCK THE FIRST GAME, AND THEN WE’D BE IN BIG TROUBLE.
DAD
WON’T HAPPEN. HECK..LOOK AT TODAY. EVERY TRANSISTOR RADIO WAS LISTENING TO VIN SCULLY, RED BARBER, RUSS HODGES, AND ERNIE HARWELL CONSTANTLY.
JAKE
NO ONE IN BROOKLYN CAN GET OVER THAT UMP DASCOLI’S’S CALL AT THE PLAY ON ADDIS - WHICH CAUSED THE BUMS TO LOSE.
DAD
AND CAMPY WAS EJECTED. BOSTON WAS REALLY MAD ABOUT ROBBIE’S ANTICS AFTER HE STOLE HOME.
JAKE
YES, ROBBIE WAS ACCUSED OF POURING IT ON WITH THAT STEAL. HE BASICALLY IS THE VERY BEST BASE RUNNER EVER IN BASEBALL. HECK, HE ONLY LETTERED IN 4 SPORTS WHILE AT UCLA.
DAD
WELL EVERYONE IS TALKING ABOUT HOW THE BUMS ARE SUCH BAD SPORTS KICKING THE UMPS DOOR IN AFTER THE GAME.
JAKE
WELL YOU ALWAYS SAID THAT THE UMPS ARE JUST PART OF THE GAME - JUDGMENT CALLS. ANYWAY THE PHOTOS SEEM TO INDICATE THAT ADDIS WAS SAFE ANYWAY. COULD’VE GONE EITHER WAY. MAYBE THIS IS THE BREAK THE GIANTS NEED.
DAD
BROOKLYN HAS BEEN HEARING FOOTSTEPS, SMELLING, AND FEELING THE GIANTS COMING FROM BEHIND FOR WEEKS - AND NOW WE ARE WITHIN A GAME OF A TIE. WE’LL SEE WHAT TOMORROW BRINGS. YOU WON’T BE EMBARRASSED AT SCHOOL OR ON THE TIMES ROUTE BY YOUR DAD ANY LONGER. Example of an iron lung
JAKE
NO, IN FACT MOST OF THE KIDS AT SCHOOL, TEACHERS, AND MY TIMES CUSTOMERS NOW THINK YOU ARE A GENIUS.
DAD
I JUST KNOW THE COOGAN’S BLUFF BOYS.
12
JAKE
AND THANK GOD YOU SIGNED UP KATIE GIRL FOR THAT EARLY TREATMENT WITH POLIO VIRUS HUMAN ANTIBODIES. THE NEW STUDY IN LANCET - THE BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL - SAID THERE’S UP TO 80 % BETTER OUTCOME WITH THESE POLIO ANTISERUM TREATMENTS - EVEN IF ONLY ONE TREATMENT WAS RECEIVED. I ALSO FEEL KATIE GIRL WILL RECOVER COMPLETELY. LESS THAN A WEEK AND I CAN SEE MY SISTER. NIGHT !
DAD
GOOD-NIGHT ! ONE HALF GAME OUT AND READY TO TAKE THE PENNANT !
SEPTEMBER 28, 1951
don mueller baseball card, NY giants
JAKE
I FORGOT TO MENTION LAST NIGHT DAD, THAT EVEN THOUGH MOST PEOPLE DON’T GET THE PARALYZING FORM OF POLIO - WHICH KATIE GIRL HAS - SHE CAN STILL RECOVER HER NERVE FUNCTION AND ABILITY TO BREATHE IF TREATED EARLY WITH DR. EDNEY’S ANTI POLIO SERUM.
DAD
THANKS SO MUCH FOR READING AND INFORMING ME OF THIS VICIOUS POLIO VIRUS. I’M AT A POINT WHERE I FEEL PRAYER AND OUR CREATOR WILL INTERVENE. NONE OF US DESERVE ANYTHING IN THIS WORLD, BUT I’M CERTAINLY ASKING FOR MY DAUGHTER BACK. IF IT DOESN’T OCCUR, IT WAS MEANT TO BE AND ALL THE PRAYERS IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD WILL GO TO A HIGHER LEVEL - AND WON’T BE WASTED.
JAKE
WELL WITH BASEBALL, CORPUS CHRISTI SCHOOL, TIMES ROUTE, MASS SERVING, ATTORNEY WORK, AND EVERYTHING ELSE -WE’VE HUNG TOGETHER AS A FAMILY DAD. WE’VE TRIED AND SUCCEEDED AS BEING AS NORMAL AS POSSIBLE - FOLLOWING STRICT DR. EDNEY INSTRUCTIONS.
DAD
I JUST TURNED ON THE TV AND THE NEW YORK NEWS AS WE SPEAK IS DISCUSSING THE COIN TOSS BY THE COMMISSIONER - WHICH IF THERE IS A TIE GOES TO BROOKLYN. DRESSEN AND O’MALLEY HAVE ELECTED THE FIRST GAME AT EBBETS FIELD, AND THE FINAL TWO AT COOGAN’S BLUFF.
“The shot heard ‘round the world”
13
JAKE
GREAT, WE’VE GOT BROOKLYN RIGHT WHERE WE WANT THEM. WE WIN THE FIRST GAME AT FLATBUSH AND WE ONLY NEED TO WIN ONE OF TWO AT THE POLO GROUNDS. SUPER!
DAD
THIS REALLY LOOKS LIKE REALITY AS BOTH CLUBS ARE NOW LOCKED AT 94 AND 58 - AND IF BOTH WIN OUT.....THE 3 GAME RUBBER MATCH FOR THE PENNANT IS REALITY. LOOKS LIKE WE’RE IN A REAL DOGFIGHT.
JAKE
Andy pafko, Brooklyn Dodgers
YES, THE BROOKLYN ANNOUNCERS SAID THAT WILLIE JONES FOR BOSTON GOT A KEY 9TH INNING HIT WHICH DROPPED THE BROOKS A HALF GAME INTO A DEAD HEAT WITH THE COOGAN’S BLUFF BOYS AT THE POLO GROUNDS. UNBELIEVABLE! DAD, YOU’RE A GENIUS.
DAD
NO, JUST A PROUD NEW YORK GIANTS BASEBALL FAN. OFF TO BED, THANKS FOR THE SANDWICH TONIGHT. I WAS PROMOTED AT WORK.
JAKE
THEN WE’LL BE ABLE TO GET ME A NEW PAPER ROUTE BIKE, A NEW TRANSISTOR RADIO EAR PLUG FOR THE PLAYOFFS AND SERIES, A TV AND MONEY FOR YOUR DATE DOWN IN THE THEATER DISTRICT WITH A WAR WIDOW.
DAD
WELL I’M NOT QUITE READY FOR THE DATE BUT I DID SIGN THE PAPERS FOR THE STUDEBAKER.
JAKE
SUPER, THAT MEANS IN A COUPLE OF YEARS, I’LL HAVE A CAR TO DRIVE.
DAD
IF THE GRADES KEEP UP - MAYBE.
JAKE
Ralph Branca, Losing pitcher in game
DR. EDNEY JUST CALLED AND THEY HAVE DISCONTINUED THE IRON LUNG ON KATIE GIRL. TOMORROW SHE BEGINS TO EAT HERSELF. THE NURSE SAID SHE LOOKS GREAT. THEY WANT YOU TO CALL TOMORROW ABOUT DISCHARGE PLANNING. KATIE GIRL IS IN A BELLEVUE HOSPITAL MEDICAL STUDY - AND THEY NEED TO DRAW BLOOD PERIODICALLY.
DAD
TIME FOR BED. I’M EXHAUSTED. GOOD NIGHT.
14
JAKE
SOUNDS GOOD. NIGHT. DEAD EVEN AND WE’RE GETTING OUR KATIE GIRL BACK. THE NEIGHBORHOOD WILL ERUPT.
SEPTEMBER 29, 1951 DAD
BELLEVUE LET AUNT MARTHA IN TO SEE KATIE GIRL AND CALLED ME AT WORK. AUNT MARTHA SAYS SHE LOOKS, ACTS, AND APPEARS NORMAL. SHE’S LOST A FEW DAYS DUE TO THE IRON LUNG AND MEDICATIONS. SHE’LL BE READY FOR HOME IN A COUPLE DAYS.
JAKE
GOSH, I PLEADED WITH JESUS EVERY CHANCE I HAD DURING ALL THOSE EXTRA MASSES I SERVED TO JUST SAVE KATIE GIRL. IT LOOKS LIKE IT WORKED. WE ARE VERY FORTUNATE INDEED.
DAD
AND I’M THANKFUL. OBVIOUSLY THERE WILL BE AN ADJUSTMENT FOR A FEW WEEKS FOR KATIE GIRL. AUNT MARTHA OFFERED TO TAKE HER BACK TO THE CATSKILLS, BUT KATIE REALLY WANTED TO COME HOME. SHE’LL VISIT AUNT MARTHA NEXT SUMMER.
JAKE
WHAT ABOUT THE BOYFRIEND ?
DAD
YOU WOULD ASK THAT. HE’S STILL IN THE PICTURE AND SINCE HE WAS ALREADY EXPOSED, HE WAS ABLE TO SEE KATIE GIRL TODAY.
JAKE
BUT KATIE GIRL IS A TOMBOY - WHO ISN’T INTERESTED IN BOYS YET.
DAD
I THINK THAT HAS CHANGED - AND MAYBE FOR THE BETTER.
JAKE
I HOPE HE LIKES BASEBALL. ALL GUYS LIKE BASEBALL.
DAD
15
JAKE
AND I’M JUST HEARING THAT NEWCOMBE BEAT THE PHILS’S ROBIN ROBERTS 5 LOVE AT SHIBE, AND ....
DAD
THE GIANTS WITH THE 23RD BARBER WIN BEAT SPAHN. SUNDAY WILL BE QUITE A DAY I PROMISE.
JAKE
SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS - MY FAVORITE.
DAD
AFTER SUPPER I’M GOING TO BED AS WHILE YOU’RE SERVING TOMORROW AT CORPUS CHRISTI, I’LL BE IN THE FRONT PEW AT CORPUS CHRISTI PRAYING AGAIN FOR OUR FAMILY...
JAKE
AND FOR THE GIANTS TO GET THROUGH SEPTEMBER 30TH AND NOT BLOW IT.
DAD
LEO’S BOYS WON’T SURRENDER...AND NEITHER WILL DRESSEN’S. GOOD-NIGHT. NIGHT. STILL DEAD EVEN.
JAKE
SEPTEMBER 30, 1951 DAD
UNBELIEVABLE - THE MOST HISTORICAL DAY IN ALL OF NEW YORK BASEBALL.
JAKE
AND NONE OF IT OCCURRED HERE. HECK, IT WAS MIRACULOUS WITH THIS GIANTS WIN 3 - 2 OVER BOSTON - AS THE BRAVES THREW EVERYTHING THEY HAD AT DUROCHER. THE BRAVES HAD 2 MEN ON IN THE NINTH AND JANSEN HELD THEM - AND GOT CARRIED OFF THE FIELD - ENSURING A TIE FOR THE NATIONAL LEAGUE PENNANT. THOMSON GOT HIS 30TH YARD SHOT, AND MONTE IRVIN HAD A HUGE HIT. DUROCHER HASN’T CHANGED HIS CLOTHES SINCE AUGUST.
DAD
ON TOP OF THAT, MULTIPLE BROOKLYN MIRACLES ALLOWED THE BUMS TO COME FROM BEHIND 6 - 1 AT SHIBE. THE BLUE LAWS WERE EXTENDED - ALLOWING THE GAME TO GO ON AFTER 7 PM. PAFCO MADE AN AMAZING CATCH IN THE 11TH, 16
ROBBIE’S FIELDING STOLE A RUN IN THE 12, AND HE HIT A GAME WINNING HOMER IN THE 14TH.
JAKE
THE NEWS HAS A MINIMUM OF 5000 GIANTS FANS AT GRAND CENTRAL STATION AWAITING THE TRAIN FROM BOSTON.
DAD
AUNT MARTHA IS BRINGING HOME KATIE GIRL OCTOBER 3 IN THE MORNING. I’M NOT GOING TO WORK IF MY BOSS ALLOWS IT.
JAKE
I’LL TELL ALL HER FRIENDS AT CORPUS CHRISTI. WE’LL HAVE A STUFFED HOUSE OCTOBER 3.
DAD
KATIE GIRL SAYS SHE WANTS TO GO TO THE GIANTS COOGAN’S BLUFF GAME - IF THERE IS STILL A GAME TO PLAY.
Destruction of the polo grounds
JAKE
SO YOU’LL WORK ON TICKETS DAD. RIGHT ?
DAD
I THINK I CAN GET SOME AT WORK - MAYBE IN LEFT FIELD WHERE OUR BOSS HAS SOME RESERVED ALL SEASON. THEY HAVEN’T BEEN USED MUCH UNTIL LATE IN THE SEASON.
JAKE
BUT YOU’LL STILL ASK FOR 3 TICKETS. RIGHT ?
DAD
YOU BET. IN FACT MY NEW BOSS SAYS WHATEVER HE CAN HELP WITH, HE’LL BE THERE.
JAKE
GREAT. I’M OFF TO BED AS I HAVE SERVING AND THE TIMES ROUTE TOMORROW. BUT BEFORE I FORGET WE MUST THANK THE GIANTS BENCH THIS YEAR WITH SAL YVARS, DAVEY WILLIAMS, BILL RIGNEY, RAY NOST, HONDO HURRICANE, CLINT HARTUNG, HANK SCHENZ, JOEL LOHRKE, MONTIA KENNAL, AND CAL ABRAMS. NIGHT.
DAD
GOOD NIGHT. AND NEVER FORGET THE OPPOSITION BENCH BUM TEAM OF GEORGE BAMBERGER, ROGER BOWMAN, DEL GETTEL, JACK KRAMER, RED HARDY, ARTIE WILSON, JACK MCGUIRE, AND SPIDER JORGENSON. HERE WE GO. UPCOMING 3 GAME RUBBER PLAYOFF MATCH.
First pitch, Game 3
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OCTOBER 1, 1951 JAKE
HERE WE ARE AT EBBETTS FIELD LADIES AND GENTLEMEN. I’M HEAR TO REPORT TO YOU THAT MONTE IRVIN, ANDY PAFCO, AND BOBBIE THOMSON WITH THE SIZZLING BAT ALL HOMERED TODAY AT FLATBUSH. RALPH BRANCA WENT DOWN 3 -1 AS JUMBO JIM HEARN WON FOR THE COOGAN’S BLUFF BOYS FROM HARLEM, NEW YORK IN UPPER MANHATTAN. THERE WERE 4 TWIN KILLINGS DURING THE GAME. THE FLYING SCOT, BOBBIE THOMSON, MADE A GREAT RUNNING PLAY WITH A SLOW GROUNDER AT THIRD BASE IN THE 6TH INNING TO GIVE THE GIANTS THE GO AHEAD RUN. NOW IT IS ON TO THE POLO GROUNDS TOMORROW...........
DAD
Jackie robinson and dodger manager, charlie dressen
WHERE ANOTHER “WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR” MAY OCCUR FOR THE BROOKLYN DODGERS. THERE IS A TON GOING ON THIS YEAR FANS, BUT MAKE NO MISTAKE ABOUT IT LEO DUROCHER’S BOYS HAVE PLAYED WELL DOWN THE STRETCH - FIRST THE LONG 16 GAME WIN STREAK, AND NOW THEY’VE WON 8 STRAIGHT TO GO AHEAD 1 LOVE IN THE 3 GAME RUBBER MATCH FOR THE NATIONAL LEAGUE PLAYOFFS.
JAKE
YES FOLKS YOU CAN TALK ABOUT ALL THE DRAMA WITH LEO’S WIFE, LARAINE DAY BEING A FAMOUS ACTRESS AND ALL, LEO NEVER CHANGING CLOTHES, THE GREAT AND MIGHTY BROOKLYN DODGERS WITH ALL THE GREAT PLAYERS, THE MARRIAGE OF ANN MULVEY TO RALPH BRANCA UPCOMING, AND MANY MORE INTRICACIES OF THE TEAM - BUT YOU CANNOT TAKE ANYTHING AWAY FROM THIS NEVER QUIT NEW YORK GIANTS TEAM. IT IS FRANKLY AMAZING THAT THIS TEAM IS 38 AND 8 OVER THE LAST 46 BASEBALL GAMES - A TRULY AMAZING SPORTS FEAT.
DAD
Gil hodges, Dodger first baseman
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THE GIANTS SUCCESS HOWEVER HAS PARALLELED THE ULTIMATE SUCCESS AND RECOVERY OF A HARLEM GIRL SUFFERING FROM PARALYZING POLIO - THE PATIENT THEY CALL KATIE GIRL. SHE IS 14 AND A HALF YEARS OLD, CUTE BLOND LIKE HER MOM WAS, A TRUE TOMBOY, AND THE PRIDE OF CORPUS CHRISTI SCHOOL AND CHURCH, HER NEIGHBORHOOD, AND FAMILY. FOLKS, KATIE GIRL HAS BEEN SEVERELY ILL FOR THREE WEEKS AND IS ONE THE GIANT’S BIGGEST FANS OF ALL TIME. SHE WILL BE COMING HOME TOMORROW AFTER BEING ON AN IRON LUNG - NEARLY DEAD - SAVED BY PRAYERS AND MEDICAL TREATMENT BY THE VERY BEST DOCTORS AND NURSES OF NEW YORK CITY AT THE WORLD RENOWN BELLEVUE HOSPITAL.
JAKE
THIS IS WHAT WE GAVE HODGES AND HARWELL TO READ OVER THE RADIO TODAY -AS ALL OF THE NATION WILL BE TUNING IN WITH NEW TVS - OR AT LEAST TRANSISTOR RADIOS. HOPEFULLY THEY WILL READ IT. THE GIANTS ALSO HAVE A COPY.
DAD
TOMORROW SHE IS HOME - THE ULTIMATE ANSWER TO OUR PRAYERS - AND I HAVE 3 TICKETS FOR OCTOBER 3 IF THE GIANTS LOSE TOMORROW. THE MAIN THING IS THAT SHE HEARS THE MESSAGE ON THE RADIO. WE HAVEN’T HEARD IF THEY WILL SAY THIS - AS THIS IS NATIONAL TV AND RADIO - BUT WHO KNOWS WITH THE POLIO EPIDEMIC AS BAD AS IT HAS BEEN, THE ANNOUNCERS JUST MIGHT.
SOME OF THE GIANTS PLAYERS FROM THE GAME
JAKE
TIME FOR BED. I KNOW THEY WILL ANNOUNCE THIS AT THE GAME. I JUST KNOW. COME ON GIANTS.
DAD
WE’LL PICK YOU UP FROM SCHOOL ON OUR WAY BACK FROM BELLEVUE. GOOD-NIGHT. ONE UP AND ON OUR WAY TO THE SERIES.
OCTOBER 2, 1951 JAKE
OH MY GOLLY GEE DAD - THEY SAID IT. I TALKED TO KATIE GIRL....AND SHE ACTUALLY HEARD IT AT BELLEVUE. THEY ALSO ANNOUNCED AS THE GIANTS WERE GETTING TROUNCED, THAT THE REAL KATIE GIRL WOULD BE AT THE GAME AT COOGAN’S BLUFF TOMORROW. WE HAVE TO GO. GOT THE TICKETS DAD ?
DAD
I’M WEATHERING DEPRESSED FEELINGS AS BROOKLYN CREAMED US TODAY IN EVERY WAY - EVEN WITH CAMPY OUT. RUBE WALKER DID A GREAT JOB OF BUM CATCHING. LABINE WON 10 LOVE. ROBBIE, HODGES WITH HIS 40TH, AND PAFCO WITH HIS 30TH ALL HOMERED. THE TRANSISTOR RADIOS WERE TONED DOWN FOR THE GIANTS FANS. RUSS HODGES WAS UNHAPPY AFTER HE GOT INTO THE GAME HOWEVER HE DID ANNOUNCE FIRST THAT KATIE GIRL FROM UPPER MANHATTAN WAS COMING HOME TOMORROW. I ACTUALLY HEARD IT !
Bobby Thomson, author of the Shot
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JAKE
I CAN’T TAKE THIS DAD. MY SISTER COMING HOME, GOING TO THE FINAL GAME OF THE NL PLAYOFFS OF 1951...IT DOESN’T GET ANY BETTER. WIN OR LOSE....
DAD
JAKE, WE ARE NOT LOSING. WE’VE COME TOO FAR. THIS IS A REAL TEAM THAT HAS CAPTURED ALL OF AMERICA. I TRULY FEEL IT.
JAKE
WE WON’T HAVE ANYTHING LEFT FOR THE SERIES THEN.
DAD
clint Hartung, NY Giants pitcher
WE’LL WORRY ABOUT THE SERIES AFTER TOMORROW. I DON’T CARE ABOUT THE YANKEES NOW - THEY’RE JUST GETTING RUSTY AND GLOATING.
JAKE
I’LL NEVER FALL ASLEEP NOW - BUT I’VE GOT THE TIMES AND SERVING TOMORROW MORNING.
DAD
AND I’LL PICK YOU UP AT SCHOOL ABOUT NOON WITH THE NEW STUDEBAKER AND KATIE GIRL AT MY SIDE.
JAKE
THE REST OF THE CLASS IS JEALOUS AS THEY DON’T HAVE TICKETS. HECK, MANY OF OUR CLASS ARE SNEAKING UP TO COOGANS BLUFF AT EDGECOMBE TO WATCH THE GAME ANYWAY - CLIMBING THE 110. THE NUNS SAID THEY’LL HAVE THE GAME ON THE RADIO, AND MAY LET US OUT OF SCHOOL EARLY ANYWAY - AS THEY ARE ALSO HUGE GIANTS FANS.
DAD
GOOD NIGHT. TOMORROW WILL BE VERY SPECIAL.
JAKE
NIGHT - SAYING THE ROSARY AND NEVER QUITTING. THE DODGERS AND GIANTS ARE ALL DEADLOCKED AGAIN.
The polo grounds in the 50’s
OCTOBER 3, 1951 -- AFTERNOON - 3:35 PM POLO GROUNDS IN HARLEM (UPPER MANHATTAN)NYC DAD
JAKE, LET KATIE GIRL GET A WORD IN. IT’S THE 9TH INNING AND SHE HASN’T SAID A WORD. THE BARBER HAS PITCHED 20
A DECENT GAME - GOOD ENOUGH TO WIN MOST. JAKE YOU CAN’T TELL KATIE GIRL EVERYTHING ABOUT THE PAST FEW WEEKS AT ONCE. LET HER ACCLIMATE.
JAKE
WHERE DID YOU GET THAT TERM ? HER VOICE IS STILL REALLY WEAK DAD - SO I’M SAVING IT FOR HER TONIGHT. BY THE WAY DAD, WHO IS THAT LADY YOU ARE TALKING TO CONSTANTLY ? YOU AREN’T EVEN PAYING ATTENTION TO THE GAME. YOU KNOW WE’RE BEHIND 3 - 1 AND DARK IS ON FIRST - AND IT IS THE 9TH INNING. IT’S BEEN A LONG SEASON DAD, BUT SOMETHING TRULY HAS TO HAPPEN. IN FACT, I CAN’T BELIEVE ALL THE FANS THAT ARE LEAVING WITH THE SEASON NOT OVER. UNBELIEVABLE.
DAD
WELL THAT LEAVES A BIG GAP BETWEEN FIRST AND SECOND IF DRESSEN WANTS TO HOLD THE RUNNER ONTO FIRST. HE ONLY NEEDS TWO MORE OUTS. HE SHOULD BE GETTING THE BATTERS OUT AND NOT WORRYING ABOUT THE RUNNER AT FIRST.
A game underway in the polo grounds
JAKE
AGAIN DAD, WHO IS THAT LADY ? SHE IS KINDA CUTE FOR AN OLDER WOMAN. I ALSO REMEMBER LAST YEAR WHEN BURT SHOTTEN AND MILT STOCK SENT CAL ABRAMS HOME AGAINST PHILLY, AND HE GOT TAGGED IN THE LAST INNING LEAVING THE BUMS OUT OF THE SERIES. POOR STRATEGY. IS THIS A REPEAT OF “WAIT TIL NEXT YEAR” ?
DAD
I’LL TELL YOU LATER ABOUT THE LADY. WE CAN ONLY HOPE FOR A “WAIT UNTIL NEXT YEAR” FINISH - I REPEAT: THE SEASON ISN’T OVER !
JAKE
YOU’RE USUALLY RIGHT WITH BASEBALL DAD. WHO THE HECK IS THAT LADY YOU ARE TALKING TO AND MISSING MOST OF THE GAME ?
DAD
IF YOU THINK REAL HARD YOU WOULD KNOW WHO SHE IS. HOW MANY WOMEN DO I REALLY KNOW ?
JAKE
the polo grounds as it was in 1904
WHAT KIND OF QUESTION IS THAT ? HECK KATIE GIRL IS LAUGHING AT YOU. WHAT IS GOING ON - OTHER THAN WE MAY LOSE THE PENNANT ?
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DAD
FAITH IN A TEAM, GOD, FRIENDS, AND FAMILY SON. ALL THESE FOLKS LEAVING WILL MISS BASEBALL HISTORY.
JAKE
WOW ! MUELLER JUST SINGLED IN THE GAP BETWEEN 1ST AND SECOND. COME ON MONTE !
DAD
DOGGONE IT MONTE. AN EASY OUT. HE COULD’VE POUNDED THE BALL INTO THE OCEAN WITH HIS BAT - BUT WE’RE STILL IN IT - ONLY ONE OUT LEFT.
JAKE
DAD, KATIE GIRL THINKS THAT IS SUSIE REYNOLDS. TRUE ?
DAD
LOCKMAN JUST DOUBLED AND THEY ARE BRINGING IN RALPH BRANCA. YES THIS IS SUSIE REYNOLDS, AND THIS IS MY AVID GIANTS FAN AND SON, JAKE - AND DAUGHTER KATIE GIRL.
JAKE
HELLO MRS REYNOLDS. I KNOW ALL ABOUT YOU FROM DAD. KATIE GIRL SAYS RALPH IS IN BECAUSE HE’S MARRYING ONE OF THE BUMS OWNER’S DAUGHTERS - AND THIS WILL MAKE THE WEDDING ALL THAT MUCH SWEETER - IF HE CAN GET THESE NEXT COUPLE GIANTS OUT - WHO WE KNOW HAVE A TON OF HEART. I KNOW WE CAN’T HEAR EACH OTHER, BUT YOU AGREE WITH ME AS I’M SHOUTING OVER ALL THE FANS. GOOD ! I WANT TO SEE YOUR FORMER HUSBAND’S NEW YORK GIANTS MEMORABILIA COLLECTION. I’VE HEARD ALL ABOUT IT FROM DAD.
DAD
RALPH IS PRETTY TIRED. THE BUMS USED HIM CONSIDERABLY DOWN THE STRETCH.... AND LOOK WHO IS UP - THE FLYING SCOT - BOBBY THOMSON - THE VERY HOTTEST BAT IN NEW YORK CITY.
JAKE
THEY’LL WALK HIM DAD. WHAT DOES SUSIE THINK ?
DAD
AMIDST ALL THIS NOISE SHE IS TELLING ME THAT IT IS NOW OR NEVER FOR THE BUMS - THEY DON’T WANT TO PITCH TO WILLIE MAYS WITH ONE OUT AND THE BASES LOADED. THEY MAY STILL HAVE AN OPPORTUNITY TO GET INTO EXTRA INNINGS BY NOT GIVING THOMSON A FREE RIDE - EVEN IF HE GETS A HIT.
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JAKE
BUT BOBBIE IS SO HOT AND THE SAY HEY KID HAS BEEN SLUMPING A BIT.....AND HE’S A ROOKIE. I’D PITCH TO MAYS.
DAD
THE COUNT IS 0 AND 1. I BET BOBBIE TEES OFF ON THE NEXT PITCH WHEREVER IT GOES.
JAKE
DID YOU JUST HEAR THAT SHOT OFF BOBBIE’S BAT ? DAD, KATIE GIRL, AND SUSIE - DID YOU ACTUALLY HEAR THAT BLAST ? WOW - HEAR IT COMES........RIGHT AT US IN LEFT FIELD........JUST OVER THE FENCE BY A SLIVER - MAYBE THE WIDTH OF A BASEBALL. OH MY GOD! WE WON THE PENNANT. WE WON THE PENNANT. WE WON THE PENNANT. THE NEW YORK GIANTS WON THE 1951 NATIONAL LEAGUE PENNANT. YOU WERE RIGHT DAD - FAITH ALL THE WAY. THE GIANTS WERE JUST A LITTLE BIT BETTER TEAM. THE LONG SEASON IS NEVER OVER UNTIL IT’S OVER. LEO CAN NOW CHANGE CLOTHES ! BRING ON THE YANKEES!
Alvin Dark, NY giants
THE END EPILOGUE:
DESPITE THEIR LATE SEASON HEROICS AND PLAYOFF WIN OVER THE DODGERS, IN THE WORLD SERIES THE GIANTS FELL TO THEIR CROSS BOROUGH RIVALS, THE NEW YORK YANKEES IN SIX GAMES.
First pitch of fateful 3rd playoff game
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