Game One - Tuesday October 11th, 1977 @ Yankee Stadium, New York, NY
The Big Apple versus Hollywood. The City that Never Sleeps against the City of Angels. What used to be coined the ’Subway Series’ in the 40’s and 50’s is now a battle of the coasts. The New York Yankees (100 - 62) take on the Los Angeles Dodgers (98 - 64), formerly of Brooklyn, in their ninth World Series against one another. The Bronx Bombers have had the Dodgers number, winning six of the previous eight matchups. But that is old history, and these teams bring a whole new cast of characters to this storied rivalry. And they are sure to bring some really entertaining baseball.
The Yankees, managed by former scrappy infielder Billy Martin, are looking for the 21st World Series title. After getting swept by the Reds in last year’s series, Martin and the Yanks certainly want to start off with a win. What better option to turn to than the guy who beat you last year, lefty Don Gullet (14 - 4 3.58 ERA 158 IP). The former Cincinnatti ace, who has been dealing with an ailing shoulder all year, lacked command and was rocked by the Royals in the ALCS. With rest and treatment, he says he is ready to go. The Yankees will need length out of him, as the bullpen (really just Sparky Lyle) has been taxed so far in these playoffs.
For the Dodgers, who are also led by a former 50’s player in Tommy Lasorda, they will turn to their most reliable arm, Don Sutton (14 - 8 3.18 ERA 240 IP). The future Hall-of-Famer has yet to lose in 5 previous playoff starts, sporting a 1.38 ERA across 39 innings pitched. The curly-haired righty was outstanding against the Phillies in the NLCS, allowing just one run in a complete game win. For both of these teams, a lot is expected of their stars (Reggie Jackson, Thurman Munson, Steve Garvey, and Reggie Smith). But as it often happens in the Fall Classic, it will be the role players, the unsung heroes that come through in key moments. And these teams have a bevy of guys that star in their roles.
Audio clips from joeydbball on Youtube - ABC Sports with Keith Jackson, Howard Cosell, and Tom Seaver
As always shout out to Baseball Reference and SABR for statistics, box scores, background information, and much, much more.
Catch you next time,
P.C.O.
