World Series ’64

In 1964, the New York Yankees were the undisputed champions of Major League Baseball. This book presents, in all its context, the story of the upstart St. Louis Cardinals, improbable champions of the National League, taking the Bronx Bombers to game seven in a harrowing World Series that ended with the toppling of an MLB dynasty and the ascension of an exciting new St. Louis Cardinals. Herein is the story of Bob Gibson, Tim McCarver, Mickey Mantle, Bobby Richardson, and numerous others who made baseball history and captivated the public during that exciting Fall Classic.

John G. Robertson is a private tutor and sports historian who lives in Cambridge, Ontario. He is the author of numerous books on baseball, hockey and boxing history. Carl T. Madden has collaborated on many sports history books. He lives in Welland, Ontario and operates an Escape Room in Brantford.

Acknowledgments vi

Introduction 1

 1. The Philly Phlop 7

 2. The NL Pennant Chase: The Cardinals Prevail 15

 3. Another AL Pennant: The Yankees Take the Fifth 28

 4. A World Series Without Mel Allen 40

 5. Before the First Pitch: Anticipating the Series 48

 6. Game One: October 7 56

 7. Game Two: October 8 71

 8. Game Three: October 10 84

 9. Game Four: October 11 96

10. “Let’s All Play What’s My Line?” 109

11. Game Five: October 12 111

12. Game Six: October 14 125

13. Game Seven: October 15 137

14. The Yankees Get Old … Then They Get Sold 153

15. Managerial Musical Chairs 156

16. The Short Life of Johnny Keane 160

17. The Rapid Descent of the New York Yankees 163

18. The Cardinal Juggernaut 168

19. Fiftieth Anniversary Championship Reunion 173

20. Where Have You Gone, Chet Trail? 175

21. Whatever Happened To… 177

1964 World Series Statistics 197

Chapter Notes 201

Bibliography 209

Index 211