1961 All-Star Game
Despite two years of mixed reactions from the fans, the League decided to maintain the doubleheader format splitting the games between two of the most popular ballparks; Candlestick and Fenway. Although it would turn out to be one of the most exciting and historical seasons in baseball, the fans had not yet fully accepted that baseball legend Babe Ruth's incredible sixty-homerun record was legitimately under attack by Yankee teammates, Roger Maris and Mickey Mantle. Both of the M&M boys headed up another roster full of Yankees including starting pitcher Whitey Ford. The National League maintained a 3-1 lead into the top of the ninth only to have the American League tie the score as Candlestick's trademark winds began to kick up. In the top of the tenth the American League took a 4-3 lead, but the National League came back against the knuckleball master Hoyt Wilhelm. Hank Aaron singled, went to second on a passed ball and tied it on Willie Mays' double. Then, Wilhelm hit Frank Robinson putting runners at first and second. Pirate legend Roberto Clemente singled to right, scoring Mays with the winning run.
Unlike the first game, the second one showcased some classic pitching as the National League only managed five hits and the American League four. The American League scored right off the bat on Rocky Colavito's first-inning homer and later in the sixth, the National League matched them after Eddie Mathews walked and was batted in by Bill White. Unfortunately, this game never reached a decision as it was called after nine innings because of a downpour. It was the first, and until 2002, the only Midsummer Classic that has ever ended in a tie. |
