Longtime baseball manager Ralph Houk has passed away at the age of 90. His career spanned twenty years including one stint with our very own Tigers (1974-78).
His claim to fame was becoming the New York Yankees manager who replaced the legendary Casey Stengel, during the year that Mantle and Maris battled Babe Ruth’s record of 60 homers.
He broke into the major leagues as a catcher with the Yankees but caught less than 100 games in his career. He spent eight seasons as backup to Hall of Fame catcher Yogi Berra.
After becoming manager in 1961, Ralph Houk would go on to win two world series titles with the Yanks.
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A legend has passed in our baseball community. New York Yankee owner George Steinbrenner, dead at the age of 80.
He took over the Yankee dynasty around 1973 and brought them seven championships throughout the years. There was never a dull moment, especially with the escapades of manager Billy Martin who was always fired and rehired. “Once a yankee, always a yankee”, was the oft repeated saying.
I thought he was a straight shooter who ran his club the way he determined was best. Rest in peace, George.
In the local scene, ex Red Wing player, Bob Probert passed away recently at the age of 45. Many of us remember him fondly, especially all the fights he had as a player here. Thanks for the memories Bob.
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Well, it’s the talk of Tiger town and the country; even the President has chimed in on it. I am sure that our Friday show will revolve around, “the play heard round the world”.
On a warm June night at Comerica Park, history was set to unfold, for the 21st time in baseball history. It would’ve been a first for any Tiger pitcher … to pitch a perfect game. With twenty-seven batters up, twenty-seven batters down, and two outs in the ninth; after some great defensive help a lonely grounder between first base and second lead to the call that everyone dreaded… “Safe”.
How could that be? He was out by at least a step. Major league umpire James Joyce missed the call. Tiger pitcher Galarraga just smiled, first baseman Cabrera put his hands on his head, and Cleveland’s Jason Donald did the same in disbelief, wondering if he really beat out the play.
It was human error… a split decision on a bang bang play. The umpire had no luxury of instant replay, he made a call and thought he was right, until he saw the replay after the game and knew he had made a mistake.
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