The fans speak out

Baseball Digest, March-April, 2005 by Eric Husby-Gerry, Patrick Kielty, Sam Aviles, Keith Castelluccio, Al Valentine, Tom Putnam, David Lynch, John Rowehl, Stephen Tarbell, Shawn Casey, Norman L. Macht, Jim Schier, Drew Masterman, Bill Frangis, John Hogan, Steve Luftig, Lewis J. Snyder, Bob Reigh, Fred Jimenez, Robert Bouret, Donald S. Buss, Robert A. Wolfe, Bob Diehl, Jerry Sills, Michael P. Pippin, Eric Sever

That game took place sometime around August 1967 against the Washington Senators. I recall several other home runs were hit that day. One, I believe, was hit by Mike Epstein. Can you identify the day that game took place and also print the box score?

The other thing that made this game memorable, because I still have it, was that it was Record Day-at Yankee Stadium. They gave those in attendance who were 12 years old and under, a small LP record. It had famous events in Yankee history on one side and baseball tips from some Yankee players and coaches on the other.

John Rowehl

York Haven, Pa.

The game you recall was played on a Sunday afternoon, September 3, 1967, at Yankee Stadium. In this contest, the Yankees lost, 6-3, to Washington with home runs being hit by Frank Howard and Dick Nen of the Senators, and Tom Tresh and Mickey Mantle of the Yankees.

Tresh's home run was an inside-the-park, solo shot in the ,first inning and Mantle's blast, hit in the eighth inning, was the 518th of his career. See accompanying box score.

I must agree with author Larry Stone in his article on "The Home Run" in the December issue that Ernie Banks must be wrong when he says, "I've forgotten what it feels like" to hit a home run. I only hit two home runs in my life. Both were during my senior year in high school. The second one was a walk-off and I have not forgotten that feeling.

I still relive it every time I see Tim Salmon, Vladimir Guerrero, Darin Erstad, Troy Glaus or my son get just the right angle of lift on a solidly hit ball. I find myself jumping up and yelling, "Go, go, go!"

The feeling you get when the bat hits the bali perfectly--there's just nothing like it!

Stephen Tarbell

La Habra, Calif.

In John Kuenster's column in the December issue, he included six ways fans have suggested to improve the game. I take issue with the fan who writes that the National League is at a disadvantage in the World Series because they are without an experienced designated hitter.

Cut me a break! If any side is at a disadvantage, it is the American League team whose pitchers haven't batted a ball all year--except for a handful of interleague games--must now bat in the National League ball park.

Furthermore, what does the fan mean by experienced hitter? Doesn't the N.L. have anybody experienced in hitting to put in that spot? Apparently not with the showing the Cardinals put on in the 2004 Series.

If baseball wants to do away with the DH, that's fine. But pitchers then should be made to work on their hitting. Yes, there are some good hitting pitchers, but most look foolish at the plate.

National League fans claim the DH takes away from the managing of the game. I am one fan who comes to the park to see good hitting and pitching, not managerial changes.

Shawn Casey

Dallas, Pa.

The discussion about the lack of fairness in the rules awarding wins and losses to pitchers in the December issue has been going on for many years.

On July 13, 1920, Philadelphia Athletics starting pitcher Dave Keefe gave up three runs in the first inning against Cleveland. With one out, he was relieved by Eddie Rommel. The A's tied the game while Rommel pitched eight and two-thirds innings and gave UP just one hit. Unfortunately, it was a home run by Ray Chapman that won the game, 4-3.