From the time I may bear in mind going to ballgames I used to be infatuated with the packages and scorecards. Strolling by way of the turnstiles at Yankee Stadium as a child, pleading to my Mother to get me a program. She would go in her purse and hand me the cash so I may pay myself. I’d take a bit pencil they’d in a field and be on my merry method.
Strolling by way of the tunnels and into the outdated stadium felt like heaven again then. It really would at all times really feel that method, even into my twenties and early thirties. The odor of the freshly reduce grass, the big higher deck and grandstand. My eyes had been affixed to the white facade surrounding the higher portion of the stadium. Gamers had been taking batting apply, some stretching and sprinting, whereas others had been having a catch. I used to be on the look out for Donnie and Rickey, and in a while Jeter, Bernie, and Tino. However my favourite factor of all was listening to Bob Sheppard’s fantastic voice echoing by way of the stadium as I walked to my seat. As he was studying off the lineups I’d jot them down onto the scorecard. That was baseball, and at all times will probably be baseball. Maintaining rating manually, none of this new age app crap!
So, in saying all this, I need to welcome you to my new mission, gathering packages and scorecards from among the all-time greats rookie seasons. Being that I’m solely enthusiastic about them un-scored, they’re not straightforward finds, not low-cost both! Thus far I’ve acquired 4 GOAT(s), (for people who don’t know, it means Best Of All Time!)
So right here’s The Mick, Say-Hey, Hammerin’ Hank, and Joltin’ Joe.
MICKEY MANTLE
First up, quantity seven, Mickey Mantle, quantity seven. (In my Bob Sheppard voice) 1951 Yankees Program and Scorecard vs. Cleveland Indians ( September 16-17)
As a 19 year-old rookie in 1951, Mickey had a tough June and early July prompting the Yankees to ship him all the way down to their Triple-A affiliate in Kansas Metropolis. Mickey was crushed, and after virtually quitting, he pulled himself collectively and commenced his method again to the Bronx. After 40 video games in KC, he was hitting .361 with 11 dingers and 60 ribbies. On August twenty fourth he was recalled, and handed his now well-known quantity 7 (he wore quantity 6 earlier within the ’51 season). Mantle completed his rookie marketing campaign with 13 dwelling runs, 65 runs batted in, and a .267 common over 96 video games.
This excellent program from his rookie season is full of wonderful colour, the colourful purple and blue cowl with the seven American League group logos circling the basic Yankees bat and hat. 1951 was the fiftieth anniversary of the AL. Oh, and it was yours for less than ten cents!
As you open this system, you possibly can see it’s in wonderful situation. It will need to have been saved safely in a smoke-free surroundings, there’s no smells or stains apart from some on the again web page. The primary few pages present a colourful full-page Camel cigarette advert, together with a Three Feathers Whiskey, and a blended cigar and pipe on the underside half. Within the center is “A Proud Historical past” concerning the Stadium and the Yankees pennants and championships.
Subsequent web page is a Gottfried’s merchandise advert, together with Knickerbocker Beer selling “New York’s latest and biggest beer.” Sandwiched in between Superior Ticket Sale info. Stating you should buy tickets over-the-counter at A.G. Spalding & Bros Retailer, at 518 Fifth Avenue, and at Yankee Stadium. In addition to mail orders! Fairly cool to see the Spalding advert since he was a legend within the sports activities world, as co-founder of A.G. Spalding. Going method again, a pitcher, supervisor, and government within the sport of baseball. Albert was a dominant pitcher within the late 1800’s, compiling a 252-65 file and a 2.14 ERA. He was additionally a rattling good hitter, batting .313 over seven seasons. Additionally, you possibly can’t overlook the “spaldeen” ball that was utilized in video games of stickball, that was produced by the Spalding sporting items firm. As we transfer on there’s a prolonged breakdown of the primary fifty years of the American League. Adopted by a cool wanting graphic for DuMont Tv.
Subsequent up is Casey Stengel and Employees, pictured together with his foursome of Yankees stars of the previous. Invoice Dickey (catching coach), Tommy Henrich (outfield coach), Jim Turner (pitching coach), and good ole Frank Crosetti (infield coach). The following three advertisements are Beech-Nut Gum, Emerson Tv and Radio, and Park & Tilford Whiskey. In between these beauties are the Yankee ticket costs for 1951. I’ll take a field seat for $3.00 please. You must love all these day video games and doubleheaders!
As we get nearer to the scorecard we see a Schenley Whiskey advert to the left of Yankees pennant winners and World Champions stats. A full-page advert for DeSoto vehicle vendor is adopted by a Seagrams and the Trade Financial institution Belief Firm. Actually cool graphic of the Seagrams “7” in vivid purple towering over Yankee Stadium with a ball hovering up and out of the park. Just a little cheat-sheet explaining the gamers quantity system for scoring. A pleasant pair of loafers from London Character Sneakers adorns the following web page, with the favored Chesterfield cigarettes on the underside. As soon as once more, for the beginner scorers, the symbols of performs is proven to make life simpler.
Now, we get to the scorecard, which is clear as a whistle. (My grandfather would say that method again when, so I figured it was becoming). We are going to get again to the scorecard in a minute!
After the scorecard we’ve got extra advertisements from cigarettes “Be completely happy, Go fortunate”, Corby’s Whiskey, Schrafft’s sweet, and the timeless Gulden’s Mustard. The illustrations had been so cool again then! The following web page breaks down the “Stadium Service”, which is de facto cool and tells you behind the scenes information concerning the Stadium. Don’t overlook one other Seagrams advert, and certainly one of my favourite snacks as a child, Drake’s Cake (they’d some cool playing cards within the 80’s too). A fast take a look at the Yankees farm system in ’51, and a Trommer’s Beer illustration that’s easy however certainly one of my favs in this system.
Colgate shaving covers the following half of the web page and an opportunity to accumulate an autographed baseball for $2.25 every. Plan a go to to the Baseball Corridor of Fame, watch a Yankees Movement Image, so many cool issues to do! White Rock Ginger Ale takes up one web page, and affords ten scrumptious flavors. I’ll take the “Saz-Rock” Sarsaparilla please! The following few are Hygrade’s Franks, a bizarre Ballantine advert. The Yankees made positive you knew that their well-known electronically-operated scoreboard prices $100,000. I actually just like the Ehlers grade “A” espresso fowl emblem. Appears to be like a bit Oriole-ish. The following 4 are Stahl-Meyer frankfurters, Horton’s ice cream, Canada Dry, and Garcia y Vega cigars. The again of this system is tremendous colourful with nice daring font. Sinclair “World’s Most interesting” anti-rust gasoline. Tremendous-power, no further value.
Now again to the precise scorecard. In my analysis, I figured this program is from September sixteenth or seventeenth. It was the one time Cleveland made their solution to the Bronx, put up August twenty fourth Mantle call-up. It was almost unimaginable to determine which sport that is from. The Yankees used the identical lineup on Sunday the sixteenth and Monday the seventeenth. The Indians had Mitchell main off in Monday’s sport, however Easter was batting cleanup, not Rosen. Additionally, McCosky was within the sixth gap, and Boone batted seventh. A couple of switches that left me with no conclusion to determine which sport this was precisely.
Sunday’s sport between the 90-55 Indians and the 88-53 Yankees featured a wonderful pitching matchup. 32 year-old Bob Feller would take the loss (22-8), and Allie Reynolds would decide up the win (15-8). Feller gave up 5 earned runs in 4.2 innings. Reynolds threw a 5 hit full sport. Mantle led off and performed RF, going 1-4 with an RBI and run scored. Joe D batting fifth, had two hits, a double and a pair of ribbies. The Indians featured three former Negro League gamers, Larry Doby, Luke Easter, and Harry “Suitcase” Simpson. The Yankees took dwelling this one, 5-1. Attendance for the sport was 68,760, accomplished in two hours and 31 minutes.
Monday was a pitchers duel in entrance of 42,072 attendees. Bob Lemon (17-13) pitched eight plus innings, giving up 2 earned runs however taking the loss to Eddie Lopat who picked up his twentieth victory of the 12 months. One other full sport gem for the Yanks, 9 IP, 3 Hits, 1R (no ER, Rizzuto error), and 6 Okay’s. Mickey led off once more again in RF, whereas Joe D patrolled heart. Mick went 0-3 with an IBB, and a whiff. Rizzuto made up for his error by knocking all of the groups runs, having a wonderful day on the plate, 3-4 with 2 RBI’s.
One other factor that’s fairly cool about this program is that Joe DiMaggio is nearing the top of his taking part in profession right here in late September. One legend going out, and a future legend breaking in. The Yankees had been behind Cleveland going into this sequence and so they shut down the Indians offense on this fast two sport set. The Indians completed the remainder of the season 3-6, whereas the Yankees would go on to win 12 out of their final 15 ballgames to shut it out and take dwelling 1st within the AL. The Yanks would go on the win the World Sequence, 4 video games to 2 over one other rookie phenom, Willie Mays and the New York Giants. What a time to be alive!
WILLIE MAYS
Subsequent up the one and solely Willie Mays, 1951 New York Giants Program and Scorecard vs. Chicago Cubs, (July 16-17)
As a twenty year-old rookie Mays hit .274/20/68 over 121 video games. Simply think about two phenoms beneath the age of 21, a stones throw away, in the identical metropolis, dealing with one another within the World Sequence!
So to get a precise date I figured the timeframe needed to be put up Mays call-up. Since Willie was referred to as up on Could twenty fifth, and the following time the Giants hosted the Cubs was June 8-10. Checking the boxscores on June ninth and tenth (doubleheader), the Cubs lineup was completely totally different than this system. Some not even taking part in in any of the video games on the homestand. The following time the Cubs got here into city was July 16-17. As I regarded on the boxscore I seen the lineups and gamers had been virtually an identical to the scorebook. The Cubs got here again to NY in August to face the Giants however I don’t suppose in August they might have the June dates in this system. In order that’s principally how I acquired to my July 16-17 date.
That is just about the identical design because the Mantle rookie program. Because it’s the identical 12 months, it follows the identical format, with lots of the identical firm advertisements. The entrance cowl is an identical besides it has the NL logos in a circle surrounding the Polo Grounds. 1951 was the seventy fifth Anniversary of the Nationwide League, as you possibly can see written on the underside of the quilt web page. Not pretty much as good situation because the Mantle, however nonetheless in wonderful form all through.
As you speak in confidence to the brilliant purple advert for Camel cigarettes, you see a lot of the identical firms because the earlier program. Parking Lot For Polo Grounds Patrons, solely 50 cents to park. Playing Prohibited! Offenders will probably be ejected and barred from the park. I like the way in which they worded issues again within the day, proper to the purpose and harsh.
On the following web page is a pleasant picture of Supervisor, Leo Durocher. Adopted by a bit little bit of Giants historical past. We see a Schenley Whiskey advert, subsequent to a This ’N” That part. Discovered some good tidbits about Willie. He hit a HR in his first Polo Grounds AB, I didn’t know Willard Marshall and Whitey Lockman who had been called-up beforehand did the identical.
A couple of pages later we’ve got Mrs. Wagner’s Pies, after which we get to the fantastic scorecard (again to that in a minute).
The following few pages have some acquainted advertisements because the Mantle, together with the scheduled video games. Good little article on Giants catcher, Wes Westrum. In 1950 he performed in a league main 140 video games behind the plate, and solely dedicated one error. 680 possibilities! His solely error was a nasty throw in opposition to the Dodgers, and the runner was the legend himself, Jackie Robinson.
Observe The Different Video games is a cool little solution to verify into the out of city video games by way of the stadium scoreboard. Giants’ Telecast tells us about Women Day, the yearbook (50 cents), a particular ticket sales space, and a brand new Night time Recreation, August tenth. A pleasant tribute to the previous nice Giants pitcher Carl Hubbell, who headed the Giants farm system in ’51. A couple of new firms on the following web page together with, Cabin Grill Restaurant, situated in Manhattan on thirty third st. Esquire shoe polish, and Philip Morris. The previous couple of pages and again cowl are precisely the identical because the Mantle.
Again to the scorecard, we see Willie taking part in CF and batting seventh. On July seventeenth the Chicago Cubs (34-43) confronted the New York Giants (47-40) in entrance of a packed home of 8,672 followers. Cal McLish went the gap for the W, Sheldon Jones took the L. Cubs defeated the Giants 7-4. Mays hit his twelfth dinger, completed the day 1-4 with 2 RBI’s. On the 18th, the Cubs received once more 6-3, sweeping the 2 sport set. Mays hit one other HR, his thirteenth. Time of sport was 2:23, attendance 3,538.
JOE DiMAGGIO
Up third is Joe DiMaggio, 1936 New York Yankees Scorecard vs. Detroit Tigers, (July 15-17)
We go from Mantle’s rookie 12 months in ’51 which was Joe D’s final 12 months, to DiMaggio’s 1936 rookie marketing campaign. 21 year-old Joltin’ Joe hit .323 in 138 video games. 29 HR and 125 RBI, together with 132 runs, 44 doubles, and 206 hits. What a rattling 12 months! To not point out the Yanks successful 102 video games and a World Sequence victory over the New York Giants (4-2). Joe D hit .346 within the Sequence.
This program is a little more weathered than the earlier two. Being that it’s virtually 90 years outdated, it’s nonetheless fairly cool, unmarked, and nonetheless in studying form. Making an attempt to determine the date on this was harder than the others. As I checked the boxscore the primary sport the Tigers visited the Bronx was Could sixth. The Yankees had been 14-6. Joe D was hitting .533, and Gehrig .450. Dickey was raking .350, with Crosetti hitting .387 within the leadoff spot.
The following time the Tigers got here to city was June 11-12. The Yankees lineup regarded extra like this system, however not the place I may make a particular conclusion. On July fifteenth Detroit got here in for a 4 sport set. On the fifteenth, which was a doubleheader, was the primary time the Tigers lineup began and completed in the identical order because it exhibits in this system. In this system Crosetti is in his traditional leadoff spot and Powell hitting seventh. As I checked the unique boxscore, Crosetti flip-flopped with Powell. Powell main off, and Crosetti within the 7 gap. Perhaps it was a game-time change.
The final go to to Yankee Stadium by Detroit was August twenty eighth. Going by way of these three video games, the lineups had been method off. Particularly Invoice Dickey didn’t play within the sequence. My educated guess is that this program is from the July 15-17 sequence, and may very well be from the July fifteenth doubleheader.
The entrance cowl of this scorecard exhibits the American League Baseball Membership — The Yankees of New York — Season 1936. This system was 5 cents, and options purple and blue gloves with ball in hand on all 4 corners. Regal Sneakers paid some huge bread to get the entrance cowl of a Yankees program. Murial Cigars takes the underside half.
The following web page has nice colour for one more Camel cigarette advert. Jacob Ruppert’s Beer and Ward’s Bun Bread and Pound Cake take the next web page. The following two pages have some advertisements blended in with a chart to assist hold scoring the sport simpler. We’ve got the Yankees roster for 1936, and a few out of city advertising and marketing. Subsequent up is the scorecard, however we are going to get again to that in a minute.
The following web page options an advert that’s easy however to the purpose concerning uniforms. The legendary A.G. Spalding & Bros who designed the Yankees uniforms, tells us how the match and design of Spalding permits perfection on the diamond. Gear that’s right, management that’s unquestionable. I’ll say this, I want we had any such firm now in 2024. Fanatics/Nike has turned our as soon as stylish and respectable MLB uniforms right into a 9U journey group. It’s past a joke, and they should get individuals who actually perceive the significance of what a baseball uniform was meant to be. Sufficient of my uniform rant, I may go on for days. As we shut this system out, the final web page is fairly bizarre. The again cowl options unknown creatures on prime of a dinosaur selling Sinclair motor oil. Sufficient of that, let’s get again to the scorecard.
The scorecard brings you proper again into the 30’s. Simply take a look at these random advertisements surrounding the groups. Straw hats, sharp footwear, cigarettes, gem razors, and Barney’s clothes retailer advert. There’s DiMaggio quantity 9, taking part in LF, batting third. Sure, Joe DiMaggio wore quantity 9 his rookie 12 months. The good Lou Gehrig hitting cleanup with Dickey, and the 2 paisanos, Crosetti and Lazzeri. The Yankees as a group hit .300 in ’36, (.309 non-pitchers). Dickey hit .362, and Gehrig was a beast slashing, .354/49/152. The Tigers had some nice hitters in that lineup too. Charlie Gehringer who got here into the sequence hitting .370. He completed ’36 raking .354 with a league main 60 doubles. Completed his profession with a .320 batting common. Goose Goslin had an all-time identify, and a .316 profession common. Goose hit .315 in ’36, and made the All-Star group for the primary time as a 35 year-old. Final however not least, Detroit had among the finest hitters round, Al Simmons. A profession .334 hitter throughout his 20 12 months MLB profession. In ’36 he hit .327 with 13 HR and 112 RBI. Three HOF’ers, some lineup!
HENRY AARON
Within the cleanup spot, Henry Aaron, 1954 St. Louis Cardinals Scorecard vs. Milwaukee Braves (August twelfth)
Although there’s some put on and discoloration, the quilt of this scorecard is my favourite. The Cardinal on the bat, the old-fashioned catchers mitt, the colourful colours, and basic font. What a magnificence! That is totally different than the others for 2 causes, it’s not a house program, Hank was on the highway in St. Louie. Additionally, it is just the scorecard, not a full program. The cool factor, the date of the sport is proven on the scorecard. No have to destroy my mind making an attempt to determine the precise date. Who am I kidding, I like that stuff lol.
Like I mentioned, the quilt is unbelievable, and the again has a lovely Budweiser beer advert that appears like an outdated portray. Anheuser-Busch, St. Louis, effectively you get the connection. Take a look at that outdated time ballgame being performed within the background. The stunning girl with the fan, and two gents who appear to be they’re into the woman a bit greater than the beer.
20 year-old Hank Aaron made his MLB debut on April thirteenth, going 0-5 in a 9-8 loss to Cincinnati. Aaron wore quantity 5 throughout his rookie marketing campaign as you possibly can see on this scorecard. Penciled in to the cleanup spot, taking part in LF. On the mound had been the good Warren Spahn, taking over Gordon Jones. Jones didn’t pitch dangerous in any respect on at the present time, throwing 7 innings, giving up 3 runs (solely 1ER, error on 3B Jablonski). Spahn was marvelous, CG six-hitter to select up his thirteenth win of the 12 months.
Hank went 0-5 on the day with two Okay’s. This sport featured 5 future Corridor of Famers, Hank, teammates Eddie Mathews, and Warren Spahn, Cardinals legend Stan Musial, and baseball lifer, Pink Schoendienst. Stan had two hits on the day, whereas Pink knocked in a run. The Playing cards had some lineup, Wally Moon within the 2nd gap hitting .328, Musial .340, Jablonski .315, and Schoendienst .328. The time of the sport was 2:13, attendance 11,234.
Hank completed the ’54 season hitting .280 with 13 HR and 69 RBI in 122 video games. 28 BB, however solely struck out 39 instances. He completed 4th within the NL ROY voting, behind Wally Moon, Ernie Banks, and Gene Conley.
Effectively, that’s all for now of us, see ya subsequent time on GOAT Applications & Scorecards!
I hope you loved my GOAT Applications & Scorecards learn. I’m at all times wanting so as to add extra, if you happen to see any within the wild be happy to achieve out. Give me a comply with @GoatJerseys on Twitter/X. Peace out! – Joe G.
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