By Phil Hecken, with Ronnie Bolton
Follow @PhilHecken
Well, even though the World Series has only three games in the books, this is the only weekend in which it’s being played (does anyone else miss the Sat/Sun – Tu/Wed/Thur — Sat/Sun format from a few years back?). So that means it’s time to drag back welcome Ronnie Bolton, who is the master of the Old Time Baseball Photo. In fact, it’s even his Twitter handle (you should definitely follow him, if you don’t already). Ron’s been posting a ton of World Series photos this past week, but I asked him if he’d pick nine of his favorite World Series photos that are not among the classics to share with us today.
We’ve got a nice mix — they’re all old, but some of them are really old — like the first few World Series’ old — and some are much more modern, relatively speaking. Two of them have been beautifully colorized. So it’s a great mix.
The 2019 World Series may soon be in the books, but the World Series’ of days of yore will live on forever, captured on film (yes, that’s what people used before digital cameras) for us to enjoy. So…enjoy! Here’s Ron…
Exposition Park, Pittsburg, PA, October 6, 1903
In Game Four of the first ever modern World Series, Pirates beat Boston Americans (aka Red Sox) by a 5-4 score to take a three games to one lead in the series, Bucs hurler Deacon Phillippe got the win pitching his third game in six days (he was 3-0 at this point), however in the end the Americans rallied to win the first Fall Classic in eight games ( best-of-nine series format). Colorization by Mark Truelove (@BaseballInColor)
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY, October 2, 1957
The unmistakable silhouette of Yankees great Joe DiMaggio looms large as he watches Yankees ace Whitey Ford take his warm ups before the first game of 1957 World Series against the Milwaukee Braves. Ford and Yankees won Game One 3-1 but the Braves in stunning fashion took the series in seven games.
Comiskey Park, Chicago, IL, October 1959
Here is a wonderful aerial view of Comiskey Park before it was foolishly painted white the next year, this image was shot during the 1959 World Series between the Los Angeles Dodgers and White Sox. It would be the only World Series in a 16-year-span (1949-1964) that a team from New York was not involved. Dodgers won the series in six games.
[Editor’s Note: That World Series saw the White Sox don special stirrups — which looked like this (that photo from the Uni Watch “Deep Freeze” gathering in 2010) — but they must have been unlucky because not only did the Sox lose that series to the Dodgers, they stopped wearing the special rups before the series ended! — PH]
Cleveland Municipal Stadium, October 10, 1948
Cleveland Municipal Stadium, October 10, 1948 – Satchel Paige only appearance in a World Series game. The Cleveland Indian hurler came in out of the bullpen in Game Five and only pitched just 0.2 innings of scoreless relief against the Boston Braves.
At first, I thought maybe Satchel was slighted by only making one appearance and not till the fifth game to boot – until I did some basic research and found out that NO Indians reliever made an appearance in the series until that fifth game.
[For those of you scoring at home, this would be the last World Series the Cleveland squad would win — accounting for the longest current drought of any MLB team — PH]
West Side Grounds, Chicago, IL, October 11, 1906
In a battle of the Windy City teams, George Rohe bases clearing ground-rule-triple in sixth inning gives his White Sox 3-0 lead vs Cubs in Game Three of 1906 World Series. White Sox’s emerging ace Ed Walsh gave up just a pair of hits in getting 3-0 win and helping his club take a 2-1 lead in games
The Cubs were heavy favorites coming and for good reason as they finished the regular season with 23 more wins than the underdog White Sox. However, the Cubs, who led the National League in hitting during the season with a .262 average, could only muster hitting .196 in a six-game defeat.
Polo Grounds, Manhattan, NY, October 1905
With Coogan’s Bluff looming in the distance, horse buggies and Studebakers circle the outfield as rooters take strong interest in the 1905 World Series between Philadelphia Athletics and NY Giants. In the end John McGraw’s boys would get the better of Connie Mack’s lads winning the series in five games.
This was the first World Series since 1903 since there wasn’t one in 1904 due to bad blood between McGraw and AL president Ban Johnson.
[Following that WS victory, the Giants would wear these WORLD’S CHAMPIONS uniforms for the entire 1906 season. Yes, “Look At Me” (Us) moves existed even way back then. They were one of 3 teams to pull that stunt, and none of them repeated — PH]
Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, PA, October 13, 1960
In Game Seven of 1960 World Series against the New York Yankees, the Pirates now immortal hero Bill Mazeroski can be seen rounding third base after his 9th-inning walk-off home run has delivered Pittsburgh its first title since 1925 and sent its city into a state of euphoria.
Take note of home plate umpire Bill Jackowski futile attempt to keep a clear path for Mazeroski to touch home where you can see Roberto Clemente (#21) waiting.. Also, apparently the Yankees entrance to their clubhouse was not through the visitors dugout.
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY, October 2, 1963
In the opening game of 1963 World Series, Dodgers super ace Sandy Koufax facing Yankees pinch-hitter Harry Bright in the ninth inning. Koufax fanned Bright for his 15th strikeout and final out in 5-2 Dodgers win, his only blemish was a Tom Tresh two-run home run in eighth inning.
Yankee Stadium, Bronx, NY, October 6, 1950
With Game Three deadlocked at 2-2 in the ninth, Phillies shortstop Granny Hamner is out at home as Yogi Berra looks for more. Phillies failure to cash in would cost them in the bottom of the frame when Yankees shortstop would hit a walk-off single scoring Gene Woodling for the victory and commanding three games to none lead. Wonderful colorization by Don Stokes (@Dto716).
Awesome — thanks, Ronnie!
Kreindler’s Korner
I had the distinct pleasure of featuring the wonderful artwork of artist Graig Kriendler on two occasions over the summer and fall of 2017, and more recently, in August of 2018.
For those who don’t wish to click the links, Graig paints baseball heroes (and regular guys) from the past, and is an immense talent.
Occasionally, I will be featuring his work on Uni Watch.
Here’s today’s offering (click to enlarge):
Title: “Jackie Robinson, 1945” (color study)
Subject: Jackie Robinson, 1945
Medium: Oil on linen mounted to board
Size: 5” x 7”
Jackie Robinson spent only five months with the Kansas City Monarchs in 1945. He had joined a squad that had come off of a sub-par year in ‘44, going only 35 and 51 for fifth place in the league.Robinson was signed at the recommendation of pitcher Hilton Smith, who had seen Jackie play at Fort Hood. Monarchs owner J.L. Wilkinson supposedly sent him a contract sight unseen, what with his team being decimated by WWII – Buck O’Neil, Hank Thompson, Ted Strong and Willard Brown were all still in the service.
The ‘45 edition sported Jackie at shortstop primarily, and at a salary of $400 a month, he made his debut with the club on May 6, 1945, going 1-4 with an RBI double in a 6-2 victory over the Chicago American Giants.
By the end of the season, Jackie was leading the team with a .345 average, complete with ten doubles, four triples and five home runs. He was even selected for the East-West All-Star Game. During that season, he had also began trying out for various Major League clubs, including that infamous workout with the Boston Red Sox. It was in August at Comiskey Park in Chicago that Jackie was approached by scout Clyde Sukeforth on behalf of Branch Rickey and the Brooklyn Dodgers. By the time Robinson had met Rickey in his office on Montague Street in Brooklyn on August 28, baseball would finally become the national game.
Here Jackie is pictured in his ‘45 Monarchs home jersey. This is one of 200+ such paintings of mine that will be on display at the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum in the spring of 2020.
Thanks, Graig! You can (and should!) follow Graig on Twitter.
Uni Concepts & Tweaks
After being dormant for a while, the Uni Tweaks/Concepts have returned!
I hope you guys like this feature and will want to continue to submit your concepts and tweaks to me. If you do, Shoot me an E-mail (Phil (dot) Hecken (at) gmail (dot) com).
I received the following e-mail from reader Dan Bodurtha, who has a couple concepts for the undefeated(!) Minnesota Gophers and the Battle for Paul Bunyon’s Axe game. If you’re not familiar with that Minnesota/Wisconsin Rivalry Game, give that link a read:
Hello,
Mocked up some “Paul Bunyan” themed uni’s for the Gophers game against Wisconsin (Battle for Paul Bunyan’s Axe). Gotta have that lumberjack plaid pattern and the wood grain helmet. It’s a little out there, but might be cool to see the Gophers and Badgers rockin’ the plaid in the battle for the axe.
Enjoy! (or don’t, your call…) ;)
Dan Bodurtha
Thanks Dan. OK readers (and concepters). If you have some tweaks or concepts, shoot ’em my way with a brief description of your creation and I’ll run ’em here.
MLB Playoff Uni Tracking
A few years back, reader Alex Rocklein tracked the MLB Playoffs by uniform — you guys may recall this. Here’s what his 2010 Uni Tracking looked like. Alex also tracked the playoffs for Uni Watch last season as well. Here’s how the 2016 World Series looked, here’s how the 2017 Playoffs shook out, and here’s the 2018 Playoffs.
Alex is back once again for the 2019 MLB Playoffs. Last night’s Astros/Nationals game ended too late for Alex to add in the final score. The uniforms weren’t a surprise at all, since the Nats announced they’d be wearing their “lucky” blue jerseys for the remainder of the series and the Astros have worn gray on the road for the entire playoff run. Wonder if the Nats will stick with that again tonight, after having their winning streak (8 games) snapped. They said they would.
Wild Card & LDS Games
LCS Games
World Series
Full Tracking
Thanks, Alex.
Guess The Game…
from the scoreboard
The game has returned! At least for a trial basis, but I got a lot of positive response to its return, so we’ll see how long we keep this one going.
Today’s scoreboard comes from reader Will Shoken.
The premise of the game (GTGFTS) is simple: I’ll post a scoreboard and you guys simply identify the game depicted. In the past, I don’t know if I’ve ever completely stumped you (some are easier than others).
Great photo today — F Robbie shaking Brooksie’s hand after what appears to be a round tripper for Mr. Robinson. And there’s also that clue about the win streak on the board. You guys should nail this one no problem
Here’s the Scoreboard. In the comments below, try to identify the game (date & location, as well as final score). If anything noteworthy occurred during the game, please add that in (and if you were AT the game, well bonus points for you!):
If you guys like this, please continue sending these in! You’re welcome to send me any scoreboard photos (with answers please), and I’ll keep running them.
The Ticker
By Anthony Matthew Emerson
Baseball News: A Houston-area Walgreens covered up their curly-W logo with an Astros flag for the World Series (from William F. Yurasko). The New York Daily News photoshopped a Phillies jersey from two seasons ago onto Joe Girardi. Submitter Frank McGuigan immediately noticed it’s not the newly tweaked one from 2019.
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NFL/CFL News: A Providence man stole Tom Brady’s jersey from a Patriots Hall of Fame exhibit, and was caught while wearing it (thanks, Brinke). … Speaking of Brady and the Pats, new WR Mohamed Sanu, who’s worn No. 12 throughout his professional career, says Tom Brady offered him the No. 12 jersey after he arrived. Sanu’s reaction was priceless (from Daniel Axtell). … One more Pats item: The Newburyport Daily News has a good article on the enduring popularity of the Patriots’ 1995-1999 uniform set (the article erroneously says that those unis were worn from 1993 to 1999, but the Patriots wore these bargain-bin monstrosities in 1993 and 1994), almost 20 years after it was last worn. I said it a few weeks ago and I’ll say it again: give the people what they want (from Christopher Price). … Inspired by yesterday’s lede, Mike Monaghan pointed out that, before the 2002 season, the Bills introduced first-round pick OL Mike Williams and new QB Drew Bledsoe with the team’s old jerseys, which Williams and Bledsoe never wore in a game (also from @jeffreybigmoney). … The Saints are going with black jerseys and pants tomorrow (thanks, Phil). … The Bills are wearing blue jerseys and pants tomorrow (from Wil Mecum). … The Montreal Alouettes are holding an alternate jersey design contest for the 2021 season. The contest is open to residents of Canada only (from Johnny Garfield).
College/High School Football News: Kentucky QB Lynn Bowden wore pink eyeblack against Georgia (from Josh Hinton). …Utah will debut these gorgeous new helmets today (thanks, Phil). … Mizzou is going black-white-gold today (from Jacob Bogage). … New Mexico is going grey-red-red for homecoming today. … ESPN has severed ties with the title advertiser of the New Mexico Bowl, because apparently it wasn’t a real company and was run by a prolific scam artist. Does ESPN do any research, or could I just call them up and say ‘Yeah, I’m from AnthonyCorp, can I sponsor the New Mexico Bowl?’ (from Nate Rathjen and James Gilbert). … Coahoma (Tx.) High is wearing special “Gold Out” unis to support children’s cancer research (from Kary Klismet). … A high school game in Las Vegas was played between two schools with almost identical helmet logos but different mascots. More images here (from Kaine Messer).
Hockey News: Michael Driscoll is asking about this crest seen on Flyers C Kevin Hayes’ undershirt. “Other Flyers were wearing similar base layers, each with their own number in the upper right quadrant. I presume the ‘PFHC’ means “Philadelphia Flyers Hockey Club,” he says. “Is this a new thing leaguewide or just the Flyers?” He asks. Anyone have more info? … Golden Knights G Marc-Andre Fleury’s wife got him a pretty awesome cake to celebrate his 800th game and 446th win (from @OlegKvasha). … The AHL’s Belleville Senators have unveiled their new red alternate jersey, which is absolutely gorgeous (from Matthew Tidcombe and David Foot). … The Mississauga North Stars, AA level hockey in Ontario, have a logo that combines both of the Minnesota North Stars’ logos — the N of the first generation Stars logo, and the star from the second-generation, right before the team relocated to Dallas (from Greg Winson).
NBA/College Hoops News: Late, great Cavs play-by-play announcer Fred McLeod’s wife Beth has been giving Fred’s ties to friends, families and Cavs players (from Jim Vilk). … Hawai’i has revealed their 100th season logo (from Charles George). … Louisiana Tech will be wearing Karl Malone-era throwbacks for select games this season to celebrate the school’s 125th anniversary (from JJ Sledge).
Soccer News: Benfica chief executive, Domingo Soares de Oliveira, wants the club to get a new crest, in part because he thinks the club’s current crest is too colorful for the Chinese market. … Joe Kendrigan thinks that the Honda CR-V’s brake light looks like Juventus’ logo, and honestly, I won’t be able to unsee that. … Aston Villa will debut a new, “90s-inspired,” alternate kit at Manchester City this weekend (from Scott Moomaw). … The following are all from Josh Hinton: Sweden’s Euro 2020 kit has been leaked. … Liverpool and Norwich will both wear charity logos during their matches this weekend. … Portuguese side Braga have replaced their advertiser’s logo with a pink ribbon and the logo for Liga Portuguesa’s cancer awareness initiative. … USF men are debuting some pretty nice new kits today (from @_danonymous).
Grab Bag: You ever hear of ‘Tar Heel Tim‘? This was UNC’s attempt to have a costumed mascot back in the 70s (from James Gilbert). … Ireland’s University of Limerick has a new logo (from Kary Klismet).
Orioles / Yankees 5/13/67
Catcher #32 hitting cleanup was the tell.
Interestingly enough, according to wiki nobody from the Greensboro club that year made it to The Show.
link
The Mick hit his 500th home run the next day.
Ronnie has a video of Bob Gibson on his site. GIbson started 3 World Series games two years in a row (1967 and 68). The teams this year don’t even have enough starting pitching for each game and have to use openers.
Another uniform note on the 1905 World Series:
The Giants had all-black unis made especially for the Series (they would do it again in 1911). That was the first break in the white vs gray norm, decades before the 1972 A’s debuted the modern “softball top” look.
Because it hasn’t been said yet today and needs to be said – Graig Kriendler’s paintings are literally and figuratively works of art.
At Forbes Field, I believe the visiting team had to go through the Pirates dugout to get to their own clubhouse.
I absolutely love the Paul Bunyan Gophers uniforms!!!
(except for the high school “row the boat” part)
Minnesotans love their Paul Bunyan – these would be a huge hit!
I am a Gopher’s fan. I would love to see a Paul Bunyan themed uniform. Like you, I could live without the “row the boat.” I would love to see Goldy dressed up as Babe the Big Blue Ox at the game also. Ski-U-Ma
Coaches’ proprietary slogans (for lack of a better term) shouldn’t appear on a school’s uniform, anywhere, ever. And WTF is PJ Fleck to push for that? What has he ever accomplished?
I grew up going to Comiskey as a kid in the 80’s… all of my memories are of it being painted white (with green lettering, I want to say?)
So I am totally biased, but I don’t think it was foolish.
Of course taking a step back and thinking about it, yes, real brick looks better.
Worst-looking college game of the day: Maryland at Minnesota.
I may be in the minority on this but I liked the Patriots 1993 and 1994 uniforms before the giant Flying Elvis shoulder logos. Especially the 1993 – the red numbers on the front/back and the white TV numbers. I like when teams go with a non-white color for the numbers on dark jerseys (Raiders, Rams throwbacks, Saints).