Beyond Marichal and Roseboro:

The Los Angeles Dodgers, the San Francisco Giants and Summer of 1965

Steve TrederSteve TrederAnthony Anthony

Giacalone Giacalone

““I put too much faith in some of I put too much faith in some of our players.”our players.”

In 1964, the World Champion Los Angeles In 1964, the World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers “broke from the starting gate with Dodgers “broke from the starting gate with all the explosiveness of an arthritic all the explosiveness of an arthritic aardvark,” losing seven of eight to start the aardvark,” losing seven of eight to start the season. season.

Worse, several key Worse, several key players, including players, including

Johnny Podres, Johnny Podres, Tommy Davis, Ron Tommy Davis, Ron

Perranoski and Perranoski and Sandy Koufax Sandy Koufax

suffered significant suffered significant injuries.injuries.

The had to win their last two games of The had to win their last two games of the year just to finish 80-82 – their first the year just to finish 80-82 – their first losing season since 1958 – ahead of losing season since 1958 – ahead of only the woeful Cubs, Astros and Metsonly the woeful Cubs, Astros and Mets

in the National in the National League.League.

Off-Season ChangesOff-Season ChangesDodgers general manager, Buzzie Dodgers general manager, Buzzie Bavasi started the 1964-1965 off-Bavasi started the 1964-1965 off-season by firing all of manager Walt season by firing all of manager Walt Alston’s coaching staff, including the Alston’s coaching staff, including the popular Leo Durocher. None of their popular Leo Durocher. None of their replacements – Lefty Phillips, Danny replacements – Lefty Phillips, Danny Ozark, Preston Gomez and Jim Gilliam Ozark, Preston Gomez and Jim Gilliam – had any major league coaching – had any major league coaching experience. experience.

Then Bavasi went shopping Then Bavasi went shopping for another starting pitcher for another starting pitcher in case Koufax and Podres in case Koufax and Podres experienced setbacks; a experienced setbacks; a third baseman to replace third baseman to replace the retiring Gilliam; and the retiring Gilliam; and outfield depth. outfield depth.

““I know I could I know I could never be a super-never be a super-

player.”player.”

So, rumors swirled around Howard during the off-So, rumors swirled around Howard during the off-season:season:to Houston for Bob Aspromonte and Ken Johnsonto Houston for Bob Aspromonte and Ken Johnsonto Milwaukee for Eddie Mathewsto Milwaukee for Eddie Mathewsto Kansas City for Rocky Colavitoto Kansas City for Rocky Colavitoto Mets for Ron Hunt and Al Jacksonto Mets for Ron Hunt and Al Jackson

In exchange for a pitcher and a third baseman, In exchange for a pitcher and a third baseman, the Dodgers had decided to offer Frank Howard, the Dodgers had decided to offer Frank Howard, their only slugger. their only slugger.

Howard had many perceived flaws: He was a Howard had many perceived flaws: He was a “wild swinger;” he had injured his arm and “wild swinger;” he had injured his arm and couldn’t throw well; he had threated to quit couldn’t throw well; he had threated to quit baseball in 1964; and he allegedly wasn’t baseball in 1964; and he allegedly wasn’t receptive to advice. receptive to advice.

““Claude Osteen? What, may I Claude Osteen? What, may I ask, is that? A toothpaste?”ask, is that? A toothpaste?”

To get the 25-year old southpaw Claude Osteen, To get the 25-year old southpaw Claude Osteen, slick-fielding third baseman John Kennedy and slick-fielding third baseman John Kennedy and cash, the Dodgers had to part with three very cash, the Dodgers had to part with three very good players – Frank Howard, Pete Richert and good players – Frank Howard, Pete Richert and Ken McMullen.Ken McMullen.

Ridiculed by the press, the acquisition of Osteen Ridiculed by the press, the acquisition of Osteen proved crucial to the Dodgers 1965 success.proved crucial to the Dodgers 1965 success.

YouthYouthAccording to one According to one

observer, the Dodgers observer, the Dodgers had so many “youthful had so many “youthful non-entities” in spring non-entities” in spring

training that they “looked training that they “looked like a group kids from like a group kids from

Van Nuys High on their Van Nuys High on their way to decorate the gym way to decorate the gym

for senior prom.”for senior prom.”

Unproven PlayersUnproven PlayersTo win in 1965, the Dodgers would need strong To win in 1965, the Dodgers would need strong contributions from a number of unproven players, like contributions from a number of unproven players, like Al Ferrara, Jim Brewer, Howie Reed and Wes Parker.Al Ferrara, Jim Brewer, Howie Reed and Wes Parker.

Jim LefebvreJim Lefebvre

And then he opened spring training with a 400-And then he opened spring training with a 400-foot homer into the orange grove behind the right foot homer into the orange grove behind the right field wall in Vero Beach. field wall in Vero Beach.

In the field, he lacked range in the field, but the In the field, he lacked range in the field, but the young second baseman turned the double play young second baseman turned the double play very well.very well.

Lefebvre, 23, a local kid and former Dodger Lefebvre, 23, a local kid and former Dodger batboy, was the most prominent rookie at Vero batboy, was the most prominent rookie at Vero Beach. Beach. After hitting .327 with 39 After hitting .327 with 39 homers in Reno in 1961 and homers in Reno in 1961 and 17 more homers in Salem in 17 more homers in Salem in 1962, he missed most of the 1962, he missed most of the 1964 season while serving in 1964 season while serving in the army but impressed the the army but impressed the Dodgers with his play in the Dodgers with his play in the Arizona instructional League.Arizona instructional League.

Willie Davis and John RoseboroWillie Davis and John Roseboro

The fastest man in baseball, Davis The fastest man in baseball, Davis was coming off a his best season. was coming off a his best season. At his peak, “3-Dog” played At his peak, “3-Dog” played magnificently in center field and hit magnificently in center field and hit the equivalent of .315/.338/.441.the equivalent of .315/.338/.441.

The soft-spoken Roseboro’s approach The soft-spoken Roseboro’s approach to hitting was the template for the to hitting was the template for the Dodgers 1965 philosophy, but Dodgers 1965 philosophy, but “Gabby’s” most important “Gabby’s” most important contributions came behind the plate.contributions came behind the plate.

Veterans on the LineVeterans on the LineThe Dodgers looked for veterans Maury Wills, Ron The Dodgers looked for veterans Maury Wills, Ron Fairly and Tommy Davis to recover from weak 1964 Fairly and Tommy Davis to recover from weak 1964 campaigns. campaigns.

Named team captain for 1965, Wills had “peace of Named team captain for 1965, Wills had “peace of mind again” going into the season. mind again” going into the season.

Trying to recover his form of 1962-63, Davis drove in Trying to recover his form of 1962-63, Davis drove in 24 runs in spring training and even worked on his 24 runs in spring training and even worked on his fielding.fielding. Considered a Considered a

disappointmendisappointment by many, t by many, Fairly was a Fairly was a smart smart ballplayer, ballplayer, good outfielder good outfielder and possessed and possessed “one of the “one of the finest swings finest swings in baseball.”in baseball.”

Pitching StaffPitching StaffNo team in the league depended on excellent pitching No team in the league depended on excellent pitching more than the Dodgers. In 1965, they counted on more than the Dodgers. In 1965, they counted on continued strong performances from Don Drysdale and continued strong performances from Don Drysdale and Bob Miller.Bob Miller.

But to succeed, they would need Johnny Podres, Ron But to succeed, they would need Johnny Podres, Ron Perranoski and Sandy Koufax to recover from their 1964 Perranoski and Sandy Koufax to recover from their 1964 injuries.injuries.

“I am resetting the club right now with the idea Sandy won’t be with us.”

After not throwing all winter, Koufax pitched well in spring After not throwing all winter, Koufax pitched well in spring training. But late in March, he discovered that his arm had training. But late in March, he discovered that his arm had become grotesquely bruised, an indication that the become grotesquely bruised, an indication that the traumatic arthritis he struggled with in 1964 had returned. traumatic arthritis he struggled with in 1964 had returned.

On April 3, L.A. On April 3, L.A. team doctor, team doctor, Robert Kerlan Robert Kerlan

gave the Dodgers gave the Dodgers the bad news: “I the bad news: “I don’t see how he don’t see how he can be available can be available

for the opening of for the opening of the season . . . the season . . . but maybe a but maybe a miracle will miracle will happen.”happen.”

Koufax’s New RoutineKoufax’s New Routine

Before every game, Koufax coated his arm Before every game, Koufax coated his arm with a famously toxic liniment, Capsolin or with a famously toxic liniment, Capsolin or “Atomic Balm,” and then packed it in ice “Atomic Balm,” and then packed it in ice after every game. He had not iced his after every game. He had not iced his

arm regularly before this time.arm regularly before this time.

On the mound, he stopped On the mound, he stopped throwing his forkball, slider and throwing his forkball, slider and side-armed curves, which, as he side-armed curves, which, as he suggested, “might have been the suggested, “might have been the cause of the trouble in the first cause of the trouble in the first

place.”place.”

Outlook for 1965Outlook for 1965The Dodgers played very The Dodgers played very well in spring training, but well in spring training, but Koufax’s injury and concerns Koufax’s injury and concerns about the team’s offense about the team’s offense tempered expectations. tempered expectations.

A A Sporting News’ Sporting News’ poll of poll of more than 3500 readers more than 3500 readers forecast that the Dodgers forecast that the Dodgers would finish the 1965 would finish the 1965 season in fourth or fifth season in fourth or fifth place. place.

Jack Mann of Jack Mann of Sports Sports IllustratedIllustrated suggested that suggested that L.A.’s season would come L.A.’s season would come down to whether they could down to whether they could “win a 1965 pennant with a “win a 1965 pennant with a 1915 team.”1915 team.”

““It was a brave thing to It was a brave thing to do,” Mann conceded do,” Mann conceded before adding, “and pitiful, before adding, “and pitiful, like people throwing rocks like people throwing rocks at armored tanks.”at armored tanks.”

Dodger SpiritDodger Spirit

However, with Koufax on the mend, the However, with Koufax on the mend, the Dodgers were confident going into the season. Dodgers were confident going into the season. “The other clubs showed us no mercy when we “The other clubs showed us no mercy when we were going bad,” vowed Wills, “I intend to pay were going bad,” vowed Wills, “I intend to pay ‘em back for the way they worked us over.”‘em back for the way they worked us over.”

After pointing out that they opened with a After pointing out that they opened with a favorable schedule, Drysdale presciently favorable schedule, Drysdale presciently predicted, “our last three series are with the predicted, “our last three series are with the Cardinals, Reds and Braves, but we finish at Cardinals, Reds and Braves, but we finish at home and if we’re in the race we’ll have a home and if we’re in the race we’ll have a chance to improve our standing by beating chance to improve our standing by beating those clubs.”those clubs.”

Dodger StadiumDodger StadiumGiven the changes Given the changes

that the team that the team made in the off-made in the off-season, the most season, the most

important factor in important factor in the team’s success the team’s success

in 1965 was in 1965 was probably their probably their

ballpark. ballpark.

The team had The team had made several made several

cosmetic changes cosmetic changes to Dodger Stadium to Dodger Stadium before the season, before the season, but the park’s key but the park’s key

attribute – it’s attribute – it’s debilitating effect debilitating effect

on offense –on offense –remained. remained.

The area’s cool, damp night air and The area’s cool, damp night air and the park’s 20-inch high pitching the park’s 20-inch high pitching

mounds made it almost impossible mounds made it almost impossible to hit a homer at night in Chavez to hit a homer at night in Chavez

Ravine.Ravine.

To further To further increase their increase their

home field home field advantage, the advantage, the

Dodgers cut their Dodgers cut their infield grass so infield grass so

close and close and allowed the allowed the ground to ground to

become so hard become so hard that “a chopped that “a chopped

grounder grounder sometimes sometimes

bounces thirty bounces thirty feet in the air, feet in the air, like a golf ball like a golf ball landing on a landing on a highway. highway.

““A hesitant slide . . A hesitant slide . . .”.”

Dodger Stadium had nothing to do with Dodger Stadium had nothing to do with the worst injury that the Dodgers the worst injury that the Dodgers suffered in 1965 – the loss Tommy suffered in 1965 – the loss Tommy Davis. In front of a Ladies Night crowd Davis. In front of a Ladies Night crowd of more than 55,000 in a game against of more than 55,000 in a game against the Giants, Davis slid into second the Giants, Davis slid into second awkwardly, breaking his ankle and awkwardly, breaking his ankle and tearing ligaments. tearing ligaments.

““It seemed like the end of the It seemed like the end of the world for me in baseball,” said world for me in baseball,” said Davis.Davis.

Like most at the time, including a Like most at the time, including a few Dodger players, few Dodger players, S.I.S.I.’s Mann ’s Mann didn’t believe that L.A. could didn’t believe that L.A. could recover from the loss of Davis’ bat. recover from the loss of Davis’ bat. “It would be a year for building “It would be a year for building character,” predicted Mann. character,” predicted Mann.

Injuries, Part IInjuries, Part I

While Davis’ horrible injury was the most notable of the season, the injury While Davis’ horrible injury was the most notable of the season, the injury bug bit the Dodgers early and often in 1965. Even early in the season:bug bit the Dodgers early and often in 1965. Even early in the season:

Koufax aggravated a thigh injury;Koufax aggravated a thigh injury;Wills was sidelined with a badly bruised finger; Wills was sidelined with a badly bruised finger; Roseboro missed time with a “twinge” in his knee Roseboro missed time with a “twinge” in his knee and sore back;and sore back;Podres struggled with a relapse of his back Podres struggled with a relapse of his back problems; problems; Ferrara fought through a fracture in his left pinky; Ferrara fought through a fracture in his left pinky; Kennedy injured and the re-injured his left Kennedy injured and the re-injured his left hamstring;hamstring;and newly called-up Lou Johnson was beaned on and newly called-up Lou Johnson was beaned on the helmet.the helmet.

““All the way with All the way with LBJ”LBJ”

Almost as an afterthought, the Dodgers Almost as an afterthought, the Dodgers called up minor league veteran Lou Johnson called up minor league veteran Lou Johnson after Davis’ injury.after Davis’ injury.

Playing for his 19Playing for his 19thth pro pro team, the “somewhat team, the “somewhat shopworn” Johnson shopworn” Johnson had demonstrated a had demonstrated a penchant only for bad penchant only for bad luck and getting hit by luck and getting hit by pitches. pitches.

However, Johnson However, Johnson hit .346/.398/.548 hit .346/.398/.548 with 5 homers during with 5 homers during his first month of the his first month of the season.season.

Pitching Carries the Pitching Carries the LoadLoad

Through May, Dodger pitchers had Through May, Dodger pitchers had allowed only 126 runs in 46 games allowed only 126 runs in 46 games (2.73 per game), 41 runs less than the (2.73 per game), 41 runs less than the next best National League pitching next best National League pitching staff. staff. Along the way, they Along the way, they had thrown three had thrown three one-hitters and one-hitters and completed 27 games. completed 27 games. Plus, the bullpen had Plus, the bullpen had an ERA of 2.18.an ERA of 2.18.

Dodgers best start since 1955Dodgers best start since 1955Through May, the Dodgers were 29-17 and held a Through May, the Dodgers were 29-17 and held a three-game lead over the rest of the National three-game lead over the rest of the National League. The y were living a charmed life.League. The y were living a charmed life.

Early May – Dodgers sweep Reds to take first placeEarly May – Dodgers sweep Reds to take first placeMay 15 – Ferrara beats Ellsworth despite one-hitterMay 15 – Ferrara beats Ellsworth despite one-hitterMay 16 – Drysdale doubles and scores with two outs May 16 – Drysdale doubles and scores with two outs in the 9in the 9thth

May 17 – Two miscues in the 11May 17 – Two miscues in the 11thth by Houston’s by Houston’s rookie Joe Morganrookie Joe MorganMay 20 – Fairly homers in 14May 20 – Fairly homers in 14thth at Astrodome at AstrodomeMay 25 – Drysdale one-hits CardinalsMay 25 – Drysdale one-hits CardinalsMay 25 – Ferrara draws bases-loaded walkMay 25 – Ferrara draws bases-loaded walkMay 31 – Wills gets four hits, steals two bases and May 31 – Wills gets four hits, steals two bases and wins game with bases-loaded single in 9th wins game with bases-loaded single in 9th

ForeshadowsForeshadows

After Drysdale repeatedly brushed back After Drysdale repeatedly brushed back Willie Mays during the team’s first series, Willie Mays during the team’s first series, Marichal threatened to retaliate against Marichal threatened to retaliate against the Dodgers right-hander. the Dodgers right-hander.

In return, Drysdale warned that he’d hit In return, Drysdale warned that he’d hit four Giants batters every time that four Giants batters every time that Marichal hit him with a pitch. Marichal hit him with a pitch.

N.L. President, Warren Giles felt N.L. President, Warren Giles felt compelled to warn both teams against compelled to warn both teams against beanball wars.beanball wars.

--

Dodgers A-Go-GoDodgers A-Go-Go

In Los Angeles a In Los Angeles a growing youth growing youth culture was culture was beginning to make beginning to make itself heard down itself heard down Sunset Strip, in Sunset Strip, in Laurel Canyon and Laurel Canyon and even the Hollywood even the Hollywood Bowl.Bowl.

Expectedly leading Expectedly leading the league with a the league with a young, fast team, young, fast team, the Dodgers seemed the Dodgers seemed the personification the personification of this youth culture.of this youth culture.

Junior ReturnsJunior ReturnsActivated as a player on May 28 because Activated as a player on May 28 because of injuries, the team envisioned a limited of injuries, the team envisioned a limited role for Gilliam. Alston: “Gilliam is an role for Gilliam. Alston: “Gilliam is an ideal pinch-hitter . . . I don’t intend to ideal pinch-hitter . . . I don’t intend to play Jim at third base very much.”play Jim at third base very much.”

Yet, Gilliam proved to be a Yet, Gilliam proved to be a necessary component for the necessary component for the Dodgers winning team. After Dodgers winning team. After being activated, he played in being activated, he played in 111 of the team’s final 120 111 of the team’s final 120 games and posted one of the games and posted one of the finer seasons of his career.finer seasons of his career.

Injuries, Part IIInjuries, Part II

John Kennedy was out with a bad legJohn Kennedy was out with a bad leg Bob Miller went down with an attack of pleurisyBob Miller went down with an attack of pleurisy Jim Brewer hurt his elbow and missed two monthsJim Brewer hurt his elbow and missed two months Jeff Torborg badly bruised his throwing handJeff Torborg badly bruised his throwing hand All Ferrara suffered a concussion in an on-field collisionAll Ferrara suffered a concussion in an on-field collision Wes Parker separated his shoulder and missed two weeksWes Parker separated his shoulder and missed two weeks Lou Johnson broke his thumb when hit by an Al Jackson Lou Johnson broke his thumb when hit by an Al Jackson

pitchpitch Willie Davis pulled a leg muscle, then re-aggravated it Willie Davis pulled a leg muscle, then re-aggravated it

and then tore rib cartilage forcing increasingly bizarre and then tore rib cartilage forcing increasingly bizarre outfield combinations, ending with Gilliam-Fairly-Moonoutfield combinations, ending with Gilliam-Fairly-Moon

Then Wally Moon pulled a thigh muscleThen Wally Moon pulled a thigh muscle Even emergency call-up, Don LeJohn, a 31-year old minor Even emergency call-up, Don LeJohn, a 31-year old minor

league player/coach got hurt league player/coach got hurt

In the first half, L.A. had 31 injuries that kept In the first half, L.A. had 31 injuries that kept players out of games.players out of games.

Alston: “If it gets Alston: “If it gets much worse, I may much worse, I may have activate our have activate our clubhouse man, clubhouse man, Nobe Kawano.”Nobe Kawano.”

Mike KekichMike KekichEven bonus-baby Kekich, 20, Even bonus-baby Kekich, 20, who had only pitched three who had only pitched three innings all season was hurt. innings all season was hurt. After he married girlfriend After he married girlfriend

Susan, 18, on a Dodgers off-Susan, 18, on a Dodgers off-day in June, he almost day in June, he almost

immediately hurt himself in a immediately hurt himself in a traffic accident. traffic accident.

The Kekiches were not the only The Kekiches were not the only ones marrying young that ones marrying young that summer. After Lyndon Johnson summer. After Lyndon Johnson announced a coming end to announced a coming end to military deferments for married military deferments for married men in August, couples around men in August, couples around the country queued up tie the the country queued up tie the knot and beat the draft.knot and beat the draft.

All-star BreakAll-star Break

O’Malley brought back Alston for 1966O’Malley brought back Alston for 1966 Odds-makers favored L.A. 6-to-5 at the break Odds-makers favored L.A. 6-to-5 at the break

and 3-to-2 by late July. Reds were 13-to-5, and 3-to-2 by late July. Reds were 13-to-5, while the Giants and Braves were 4-to-1while the Giants and Braves were 4-to-1

In Shea Stadium, a team of Dodgers old-In Shea Stadium, a team of Dodgers old-timers beat the Giants old-timers, despite a timers beat the Giants old-timers, despite a Bobby Thomson homer.Bobby Thomson homer.

Despite their injury woes, the Despite their injury woes, the Dodgers remained in first place Dodgers remained in first place

at the All-star break. at the All-star break.

Have the Dodgers shot their bolt?Have the Dodgers shot their bolt?Overall though, the Dodgers struggled through the middle of the summer. Overall though, the Dodgers struggled through the middle of the summer. They didn’t win a series between June 17 and July 8 and from June 18 They didn’t win a series between June 17 and July 8 and from June 18 though September 1, their record was only 35-36though September 1, their record was only 35-36

Part of the team’s struggles can be attributed to a Part of the team’s struggles can be attributed to a second-half injury to Ron Fairly. The teams first-half second-half injury to Ron Fairly. The teams first-half hero when he hit .311/.384/.446, Fairly was hit on hero when he hit .311/.384/.446, Fairly was hit on the hand by Bob Veale and batted just .222/.330/.278 the hand by Bob Veale and batted just .222/.330/.278 after the break.after the break.

Then Alston was forced to bench Lefebvre after he hit Then Alston was forced to bench Lefebvre after he hit just .185/.226/.231 in June. just .185/.226/.231 in June.

And there were off-field problems for the team as And there were off-field problems for the team as well. Both Kay O’Malley and Asst. GM Red well. Both Kay O’Malley and Asst. GM Red Patterson’s son were in car accidents, leaving the Patterson’s son were in car accidents, leaving the latter dead.latter dead.As Maury Povich said, “The Dodgers are about as As Maury Povich said, “The Dodgers are about as comfortable with the skimpy lead as a man looking comfortable with the skimpy lead as a man looking down a gun barrel.”down a gun barrel.”

Changes in Baseball in 1965Changes in Baseball in 1965

First Amateur DraftFirst Amateur Draft First national T.V. packageFirst national T.V. package

The Astrodome opensThe Astrodome opens

Braves Braves Milwaukee/Atlanta Milwaukee/Atlanta

debacledebacle

Commissioner search Commissioner search drags ondrags on

Angels new Angels new home and new home and new namename

The Watts RiotThe Watts Riot

In the wake of the riot, a culture of fear settled over white In the wake of the riot, a culture of fear settled over white residents, which affected the Dodgers’ bottom line. Crowds residents, which affected the Dodgers’ bottom line. Crowds for Saturday and Sunday games at Chavez Ravine were for Saturday and Sunday games at Chavez Ravine were about half the expected size. about half the expected size.

Both Crawford and Roseboro, a community activist who had Both Crawford and Roseboro, a community activist who had broken up with long-time roommate Wills in July, lived in broken up with long-time roommate Wills in July, lived in the curfew area and were but two of the Dodgers’ players the curfew area and were but two of the Dodgers’ players concerned about the situation. “We had to calm them concerned about the situation. “We had to calm them down,” said Patterson after players rushed to TVs following down,” said Patterson after players rushed to TVs following Sunday’s game. Sunday’s game.

Beginning on August 11, the riots took flame Beginning on August 11, the riots took flame due to a combination of frustration, poverty due to a combination of frustration, poverty

and rumor. When the L.A. Police proved unable and rumor. When the L.A. Police proved unable to quell the violence and destruction, California to quell the violence and destruction, California

sent in National Guardsmen. By the time the sent in National Guardsmen. By the time the riots finally burned themselves out, 34 people riots finally burned themselves out, 34 people were dead, nearly 1100 injured, almost 1000 were dead, nearly 1100 injured, almost 1000

buildings destroyed and 4,000 persons buildings destroyed and 4,000 persons arrested. arrested.

The Stretch RunThe Stretch Run The Pittsburgh Pirates started 9-24 but The Pittsburgh Pirates started 9-24 but

then won 12 straight games in May. After then won 12 straight games in May. After going 19-9 in May the Bucs were just 2.5 going 19-9 in May the Bucs were just 2.5 back on September 2, but they didn’t play back on September 2, but they didn’t play the Giants, Dodgers or Reds after the Giants, Dodgers or Reds after September 9.September 9.

The Braves won 10 straight games after The Braves won 10 straight games after the All-star break and then won 10-of-11 the All-star break and then won 10-of-11 in August to take a half game lead on the in August to take a half game lead on the league. They were still just 2 ½ games league. They were still just 2 ½ games out of first as late as September 11 after out of first as late as September 11 after winning 7-of-9.winning 7-of-9.

The Cincinnati Reds had no long winning The Cincinnati Reds had no long winning streaks in 1965, however, they were in streaks in 1965, however, they were in first place for a week early in the season first place for a week early in the season and for two weeks in July. After sweeping and for two weeks in July. After sweeping a double-header on September 1, the a double-header on September 1, the Reds were in first again and remained just Reds were in first again and remained just a game and half out of first as late as a game and half out of first as late as September 12.September 12.

Dodgers stagger into SeptemberDodgers stagger into September

The season’s crucial game The season’s crucial game seemed to come on Labor Day seemed to come on Labor Day when L.A. blew three leads in when L.A. blew three leads in a 7-6 loss to the Giants.a 7-6 loss to the Giants.

However, the Dodgers won just 6 of 17 However, the Dodgers won just 6 of 17 games from August 15 through games from August 15 through September 1. During that stretch, they September 1. During that stretch, they lost 3 of 4 to the Mets and dropped out lost 3 of 4 to the Mets and dropped out of first place after Drysdale and Koufax of first place after Drysdale and Koufax lost a September 1 double-header to lost a September 1 double-header to the Pirates.the Pirates.

The Dodgers famously lost 18-0 to the The Dodgers famously lost 18-0 to the Reds on August 8, but that game Reds on August 8, but that game really didn’t hurt them. really didn’t hurt them.

Alston pulls out the Alston pulls out the stopsstops

With no scheduled double-With no scheduled double-headers, Alston decided to start headers, Alston decided to start his big three in 28 of the his big three in 28 of the remaining 33 games. After remaining 33 games. After September 5, Koufax, Drysdale September 5, Koufax, Drysdale and Osteen started 23 of the and Osteen started 23 of the team’s final 25 games. The team’s final 25 games. The other two were given to Podres.other two were given to Podres.

Koufax‘s Perfect GameKoufax‘s Perfect GameHaving surrendered first place to the Having surrendered first place to the Giants, Koufax helped the Dodgers Giants, Koufax helped the Dodgers staunch the bleeding with his fourth staunch the bleeding with his fourth

no-hitter and first perfect game. no-hitter and first perfect game.

His opponent, the Cubs Bob Hendley His opponent, the Cubs Bob Hendley took a no-hitter of his own into the 7took a no-hitter of his own into the 7thth before Lou Johnson blooped a double before Lou Johnson blooped a double over first base. Earlier, Johnson had over first base. Earlier, Johnson had

scored the games only run on a walk, scored the games only run on a walk, sacrifice, stolen base and error.sacrifice, stolen base and error.

After the Koufax’s masterpiece, LA After the Koufax’s masterpiece, LA lost three straight to Houston and lost three straight to Houston and Chicago by a total of four runs and Chicago by a total of four runs and had committed nine errors in their had committed nine errors in their previous five games. Among those previous five games. Among those

losses was a rematch between losses was a rematch between Koufax and Hendley in Chicago that Koufax and Hendley in Chicago that

the Cubs won 2-1.the Cubs won 2-1.

The Streak The Streak BeginsBegins

That same day in Chicago, the Dodgers lost 8-6 to the Cubs and Drysdale That same day in Chicago, the Dodgers lost 8-6 to the Cubs and Drysdale was forced from the game after being hit on the foot by a Ernie Banks’ line was forced from the game after being hit on the foot by a Ernie Banks’ line drive. And the drive. And the Los Angeles TimesLos Angeles Times admitted that “when we say Maury Wills admitted that “when we say Maury Wills is running at half-speed these days we are being charitable.” is running at half-speed these days we are being charitable.”

Summing up what it would take for the Dodgers to win the pennant, Summing up what it would take for the Dodgers to win the pennant, Perranoski quipped, “A fife, a drum and a flag.”Perranoski quipped, “A fife, a drum and a flag.”

Leading the Dodgers by 4 ½ games Leading the Dodgers by 4 ½ games with 17 to play, the Giants started with 17 to play, the Giants started

printing World Series tickets on printing World Series tickets on September 15. Bookmakers put September 15. Bookmakers put

the Giants as a 3-to-1 favorites to the Giants as a 3-to-1 favorites to win the pennant and prepared to win the pennant and prepared to accept no new bets on the race. accept no new bets on the race.

September 20: Still September 20: Still Four Games Back Four Games Back

Alston: “We feel bad, but nobody’s giving up. This team isn’t about to crack.”Alston: “We feel bad, but nobody’s giving up. This team isn’t about to crack.”

But after the Giants win on But after the Giants win on September 20, the Dodgers still September 20, the Dodgers still trailed by four games with just trailed by four games with just 12 to play. The Giants magic 12 to play. The Giants magic number was 9.number was 9.

A A Chicago TribuneChicago Tribune poll of 16 poll of 16 former baseball greats predicted former baseball greats predicted that the Dodgers would finish that the Dodgers would finish third.third.

Simulating 12,000 games (in Simulating 12,000 games (in less than 10 minutes) a less than 10 minutes) a Honeywell 1400 computer Honeywell 1400 computer predicted that the Giants would predicted that the Giants would win 97 games, five more than win 97 games, five more than the Dodgers.the Dodgers.

Sept. 16 – LA 2, CHI 0; Osteen allows Sept. 16 – LA 2, CHI 0; Osteen allows 5 hits; Koufax comes in for the save.5 hits; Koufax comes in for the save.

Sept 17 – LA 3, STL 2; Pitching on one Sept 17 – LA 3, STL 2; Pitching on one day of rest, Drysdale gets 20day of rest, Drysdale gets 20thth win win and drives in two runs; Perranoski and drives in two runs; Perranoski pitches 4 hitless innings for the save. pitches 4 hitless innings for the save.

Sept 18 – LA 1, STL 0; Koufax tosses Sept 18 – LA 1, STL 0; Koufax tosses 4-hit shutout4-hit shutout

Sept 19 – LA 5, STL 0; Pitching on Sept 19 – LA 5, STL 0; Pitching on two-days rest, Osteen allows just one two-days rest, Osteen allows just one fly ball over 8 shutout innings; fly ball over 8 shutout innings; Lefebvre hits the first LA HR in a Lefebvre hits the first LA HR in a week. week.

““Is it ‘62 again – in reverse?”Is it ‘62 again – in reverse?” Sept 21 – LA 3, MIL 1; Drysdale throws Sept 21 – LA 3, MIL 1; Drysdale throws

complete game 6-hitter and goes 2-for-4 complete game 6-hitter and goes 2-for-4 with an RBI; Lefebvre homers.with an RBI; Lefebvre homers.

Sept 22 – LA 7, MIL 6 (11); Wills steals 3 Sept 22 – LA 7, MIL 6 (11); Wills steals 3 bases and scores 3 runs, Lefebvre’s goes bases and scores 3 runs, Lefebvre’s goes 3-for-5 with a homer and 3 RBI, and 3-for-5 with a homer and 3 RBI, and Perranoski pitches 6 innings of shutout Perranoski pitches 6 innings of shutout relief as LA overcomes 6-1 3relief as LA overcomes 6-1 3rdrd-inning -inning deficit. deficit.

Sept 23 – Still trailing the Giants by two Sept 23 – Still trailing the Giants by two games, Jim Brewer tells his teammates, games, Jim Brewer tells his teammates, “We’re gonna win it all. I kin jus’ smell it.” “We’re gonna win it all. I kin jus’ smell it.”

Sept 24 – STL 3, LA 4; After trailing Bob Sept 24 – STL 3, LA 4; After trailing Bob Gibson 3-1 thru 6, Lefebvre caps the Gibson 3-1 thru 6, Lefebvre caps the comeback with a 2-run 8comeback with a 2-run 8thth-innings single; -innings single; Perranoski pitches 2 shutout innings for Perranoski pitches 2 shutout innings for winwin

Sept 25 – STL 0, LA 2; On two-Sept 25 – STL 0, LA 2; On two-days rest, Koufax pitches 5-hit days rest, Koufax pitches 5-hit shutout, strikes out 12 and shutout, strikes out 12 and breaks Feller’s record; breaks Feller’s record; Lefebvre goes 2-for-3 with tie-Lefebvre goes 2-for-3 with tie-breaking RBI breaking RBI

Sept 26 – STL 0, LA 1; Sept 26 – STL 0, LA 1; Drysdale wins 22Drysdale wins 22ndnd with 5-hit with 5-hit shutout; only runs scored on shutout; only runs scored on Wills’ bunt single, throwing Wills’ bunt single, throwing error and Gilliam’s singleerror and Gilliam’s single

““Only a week ago, I thought we Only a week ago, I thought we had this thing wrapped up.”had this thing wrapped up.”

Sept 27 – CIN, LA 6; Podres starts first Sept 27 – CIN, LA 6; Podres starts first game since September 12 and allows game since September 12 and allows one run over 5 innings; Perranoski one run over 5 innings; Perranoski pitches 4 shutout innings for he save.pitches 4 shutout innings for he save.

Sept 28 – CIN 1, LA 2 (12); After Osteen Sept 28 – CIN 1, LA 2 (12); After Osteen allows an 8allows an 8thth-inning run to tie the game, -inning run to tie the game, Johnson wins it with a walk-off homer in Johnson wins it with a walk-off homer in the 12the 12thth inning; Perranoski pitches 3 2/3 inning; Perranoski pitches 3 2/3 innings of shutout reliefinnings of shutout relief

DODGERS TAKE OVER FIRST PLACE!DODGERS TAKE OVER FIRST PLACE!On October 1, LA lost for the first On October 1, LA lost for the first

time in two weeks. With a chance to time in two weeks. With a chance to cut the Dodgers lead to one game cut the Dodgers lead to one game

with two to play, the Giants get with two to play, the Giants get destroyed by the Reds, 17-2. In their destroyed by the Reds, 17-2. In their ten games from September 21 thru ten games from September 21 thru October 1, Giants pitchers allowed October 1, Giants pitchers allowed

71 runs and the team won just three 71 runs and the team won just three times.times.

Sept 29 – CIN 0, LA 5; Koufax fans 13 Sept 29 – CIN 0, LA 5; Koufax fans 13 in 2-hit shutout; clubhouse exploded in 2-hit shutout; clubhouse exploded when Giants 6-run 9when Giants 6-run 9thth-inning rally -inning rally comes up shortcomes up short

DODGERS LEAD BY TWO GAMES!DODGERS LEAD BY TWO GAMES! Sept 30 – MIL 0, LA 4; Drysdale Sept 30 – MIL 0, LA 4; Drysdale

throws 4-hit shutoutthrows 4-hit shutout

Pennant!Pennant!Working again on two-days rest, Koufax Working again on two-days rest, Koufax allowed 4 hits and struck out 13 batters allowed 4 hits and struck out 13 batters in a complete game as the Dodgers beat in a complete game as the Dodgers beat the Braves, 3-1, to clinch the National the Braves, 3-1, to clinch the National League pennant. “I’m tired, very tired. I League pennant. “I’m tired, very tired. I don’t remember ever being so tired in don’t remember ever being so tired in my life,” Koufax said after the game.my life,” Koufax said after the game.

Fittingly, the final out was a high fly ball Fittingly, the final out was a high fly ball hit to Lou Johnson. “The onliest way I hit to Lou Johnson. “The onliest way I wasn’t going to catch it was if the good wasn’t going to catch it was if the good man up above got in my way,” said man up above got in my way,” said Johnson in his own distinctive way. Johnson in his own distinctive way.

The Dodgers streak was a microcosm of their season. Offensively, Wills stole bases The Dodgers streak was a microcosm of their season. Offensively, Wills stole bases and scored key runs and the team took advantage of their opponents mistakes. Jim and scored key runs and the team took advantage of their opponents mistakes. Jim Lefebvre hit better than anyone expected him to and Lou Johnson came through with Lefebvre hit better than anyone expected him to and Lou Johnson came through with a clutch hit when it was needed. And the pitching was magnificent. They allowed 0 a clutch hit when it was needed. And the pitching was magnificent. They allowed 0 or 1 run in 12 of 16 games and posted a cumulative ERA of 0.85! Koufax, Drysdale, or 1 run in 12 of 16 games and posted a cumulative ERA of 0.85! Koufax, Drysdale, Osteen and Perranoski pitched 119 of the teams 130 innings during that stretch. Osteen and Perranoski pitched 119 of the teams 130 innings during that stretch.

World Series, 1965World Series, 1965

The Twins powerful lineup beat up Drysdale, Koufax The Twins powerful lineup beat up Drysdale, Koufax and Perranoski in the first two games of the series.and Perranoski in the first two games of the series.

But, after listening to Koufax analyze his loss in the But, after listening to Koufax analyze his loss in the second game , Roger Angell “came away with the second game , Roger Angell “came away with the curious impression that the Twins, after two straight curious impression that the Twins, after two straight victories, were only slightly behind in the series.”victories, were only slightly behind in the series.”

World Champs World Champs 1965!1965!

Just as his victory started the streak, Just as his victory started the streak, Osteen keyed the Dodgers Series comeback Osteen keyed the Dodgers Series comeback with a dominant game three win. And then with a dominant game three win. And then the Twins gave away game four with a the Twins gave away game four with a series of blunders, errors and miscues. series of blunders, errors and miscues.

Mudcat Grant almost single-handedly won Mudcat Grant almost single-handedly won game six, pitching a complete game and game six, pitching a complete game and hitting a homer.hitting a homer.

Pitching without his Pitching without his curveball, Koufax dominated curveball, Koufax dominated the Twins in the seventh the Twins in the seventh game with just his fastball. game with just his fastball. And Lou Johnson, of course, And Lou Johnson, of course, won the game with a homer. won the game with a homer.

EpilogueEpilogue

Jim Lefebvre had 13 game Jim Lefebvre had 13 game winning hits and winning hits and batted .294/.388/.452 in batted .294/.388/.452 in Dodger victories. Dodger victories.

Angell: “The Dodgers Angell: “The Dodgers possessed a possessed a combination of speed, combination of speed, pride and managerial pride and managerial intelligence that intelligence that enabled them to enabled them to overturn the entire overturn the entire structure of modern structure of modern offensive baseball.” offensive baseball.”

Lou Johnson batted .293/.361/.483 in Lou Johnson batted .293/.361/.483 in high leverage situations high leverage situations and .320/.361/.470 in the late innings and .320/.361/.470 in the late innings of close games. of close games.

Sandy Koufax won the Cy Young Sandy Koufax won the Cy Young Award unanimously and finished Award unanimously and finished second in National League MVP second in National League MVP voting. “I feel like I’m 100 years voting. “I feel like I’m 100 years old,” said Koufax after the season. old,” said Koufax after the season.