The 1952 World Series is usually remembered for Billy Martin’s great catch of Jackie Robinson’s pop fly with the bases loaded and two outs in the seventh inning of the seventh game. The catch saved the Series for the Yankees, but in many other ways the 1952 World Series was memorable.
Joe Black Start and End Game 1
Rookie right-hander Joe Black started Game 1 at Ebbets Field against the Yankees’ ace Allie Reynolds. Brooklyn beat Reynolds 4-2 on home runs led by PeeWee Reese, Jackie Robinson and Snider. Joe Pitch black full game.
Vic Raschi started and finished Game2
The Yankees tied the series the next day after Vic Rasch pitched three hits that went the distance. The Yankees kayoed Carl Erskine with a five-run sixth inning. Mickey Mantle, who finished with 536 career home runs, led off the inning with a bunt single.
No Travel Day
The teams moved to Yankee Stadium for the next three games. It was not a day of travel. Two of the most talented left-handers, Brooklyn preacher Roe and Yankees stalwart Eddie Lopat, took each other pitch for pitch, and despite home runs by Yogi Berra and Johnny Mize, Brooklyn prevailed to put Roe away.
In what would seem incredible to 21st century fans, Joe Black vs. Allie Reynolds in Game 4, both on two days’ rest. REYNOLDS had pitched 244 1/3 innings during the season, winning 20 games. Black was Brooklyn’s top relief pitcher and made only two starts, both near the end of the season. Shadows of Jim Konstanty. REYNOLDS shut out Brooklyn, 2-0, going the distance.
Brooklyn won the fifth game, 6-5 in 11 innings. Carl Erskine started in Brooklyn against Ewell “Whiplash” Blackwell. Johnny Sain took over for Blackwell in the sixth inning, and the pitcher lost when Chief Snider doubled home Billy Cox in the top of the eleventh. Erskine led the Yankees in order in the bottom of the eleventh to complete the victory.
Reynolds Game Saves 6
Back at Ebbets Field for Game 6, Raschi, on three days’ rest, which was normal, took a 3-1 lead into the eighth inning when Brooklyn rallied. Captain Snider hit a one-out home run to bring Brooklyn up with a run. It was Duke’s fourth home run of the series.
Raschi retired Jackie Robinson on a dangerous fly ball for the second out, but George “Shotgun” Shuba doubled. Raschi taken Who came in? Game 4 winner Allie Reynolds, that is. Super Chief struck out Roy Campanella to end the threat, and Brooklyn closed out the scoreless ninth inning.
No Game 7 Inside the Yankees Bowl?
Yankees manager Casey Stengel did not have a pitcher to decide for the seventh game.
“You all knew I planned to go back to the last game with Reynolds. That was the only plan if Raschi finished today. He could also finish. He didn’t lose his, and he didn’t get tired. But when Illa was close in the eighth inning with the tying run at second, you couldn’t take any chances What have I done?
“Now we have to give it better tomorrow. I don’t think I’ll use Reynolds. I just don’t know who it will be.”
Brooklyn Up Eats Leftovers
Stengel was hesitant to start Lopat because Brooklyn was lethal against left hands, but with Eddie having a steady three days’ rest, he was named. Asked how he felt, Eddie was immediate. “I’m not afraid to go all out.” I’m so jittery, shaking all over.
Reserve catcher Ralph Houk knew Eddie Lopat. “Their case against left-handers does not mean the case against Lopat. He is not an ordinary left-hander.”
Reynolds Wins in Comfort
Stengel used the best three pitchers – Lopat started, Reynolds entered in the fourth inning and was given the win, Raschi pitched briefly in the seventh, and Bob Kuzava pitched to keep the game scoreless for 2 3/3 innings.
Raschi and Reynolds had stood the day before, and appearing in the seventh game, Reynolds had already started the first game, to start the fourth game two days to rest, saved the sixth game and won the seventh game.
There is no doubt that the players are the best players in the history of the game.
Notes:
1952 World Series
By JAMES P. DAWSON. (1952, October 7). ‘Stengel,’ said Stengel, ‘Looking for the fourth series in the Row: ‘YANK PLANS TO TAKE THE MOB TO USE REYNOLDS IN THE REIPE.’ Manager Will Not Choose Until Today — Irv Noren to Open in Right . NewYork Times (1857-Current File),35 . Retrieved November 23, 2009, from the printing press of The New York Times (1851 – 2006). (Document ID: 84263117).
By JOANNE DREBINGER. (1952, Oct. 8). YANKS TAKE THESE SERIES, LEAD IN GAME 7TH, 4-2 : Stengel Ties Managerial Mark As Team Wins Fourth Title In Row, 4 Games To 3 HOMER RUNCH SCORES Brooklyn’s Kuzava and Reynolds’ 2d Victory — Black, Driving Lopat. The Yanks captured the deciding game and the YANKS WON THE CHAMPIONSHIP SERIES, DOWN DODGERS, 4-2. New York Times (1857-current case),1. Retrieved November 23, 2009, from the printing press of The New York Times (1851 – 2006). (Document ID: 84587776).
