On September 26, 1959 the Cubs were leading the Dodgers in Wrigley field in the seventh inning by a 12 to 2 score. Johnny Padres was the pitcher of record at the time when Ernie Banks came to the plate. Keep in mind that the Dodgers were in a battle for first place with the Milwaukee Braves at the time. Banks had gotten one hit off Johnny earlier in the game but this time at bat he was hit by a pitched ball. The ball hurt Ernie as it struck him in his right calf with force. Ernie came out of the game as the carnage was already under was as the Cubs would win the game by the 12 to 2 score. The next day Ernie showed up at the ball park on crutches. We would need a replacement at shortstop. I was asked to play second base as Tony Taylor moved into Ernies position at shortstop. I believe this was the only time in my major league career that I attempted to try my luck at second base. This was a game I definitely remember. In the second inning in a scoreless ball game Norm Larker started the inning by getting a walk off Bob Anderson. Gil Hodges hit a pop fly that I caught for the first out. John Roseboro then flew out to third base. Maury Wills followed with a single to left as Larker took second. Now here is what really happened and why the record shows Roger Craig singled to right field scoring both Larker and Wills. Roger actually hit sort of a hump back line drive that I could have caught bare handed. Instead I reached for the ball too soon and it glanced off the end of my glove for what should have been scored an error. I was checking the records and couldnt believe the official scorer credited Roger with a base hit. We ended up losing the game 7 to 1 and the only run came on the home run I hit off Roger Craig in the fifth inning. Roger kidded me a long time about handing the Dodgers the pennant as a result of my play at second base. Thanks Roger.
Posted on: Wed, 26 Mar 2014 21:31:46 +0000
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