Charlie Neal

Career Overview

Chicago Cubs vs New York Mets - 14 inning thriller - Radio Broadcast / In the 1963 MLB season, both the New York Mets and the Chicago Cubs struggled. The Cubs, managed by Bob Kennedy and Charlie Metro, finished seventh in the National League with a 82-80 record, continuing their multi-decade championship drought. Meanwhile, the fledgling Mets, in only their second season, had a rougher time. Managed by Casey Stengel, they finished last in the National League with a record of 51-111, one of the worst in MLB history.

New York Mets vs Houston Colt .45s - Game 2 of DH - Radio Broadcast / On September 8, 1962, the Houston Colt .45s faced off against the New York Mets at Colt Stadium. The starting pitchers were Roger Craig for the Mets and Turk Farrell for the Colt .45s. At this point in the season, both teams were struggling, with the Mets in their inaugural season and the Colt .45s in their first year as well. The 1962 season was marked by the expansion of the league, with both the Mets and the Colt .45s being new additions. However, the Mets were infamous for their poor performance, finishing the season with a record of 40-120, the worst in modern MLB history. The Colt .45s, on the other hand, were faring slightly better, but still below .500. The game began with a scoreless first inning, but the Colt .45s managed to score a run in the second inning, thanks to Bob Aspromonte's single and Bob Lillis's double. The Mets, however, came back strong in the third inning, scoring four runs on a walk by Elio Chacon and singles by Charlie Neal and Marv Throneberry. The Colt .45s responded with a run in the bottom of the third, narrowing the Mets' lead. The game then entered a period of relative quiet, with the Mets unable to score until the eighth inning and the Colt .45s adding a run in the sixth and seventh innings. The back and forth continued into the eighth inning, with the Mets adding a run to their tally, but the Colt .45s responded with a run of their own, tying the game at 5-5. After a scoreless ninth inning, the game moved into extra innings. In the bottom of the tenth, the Colt .45s managed to score the winning run, ending the game with a 6-5 victory. The game was a microcosm of the 1962 season for both teams. The Mets, despite showing flashes of potential, were unable to maintain their early lead, a pattern that was seen throughout their season. The Colt .45s, meanwhile, demonstrated their ability to fight back and secure a win, a trait that helped them finish the season with a more respectable record than the Mets. Despite the struggles of both teams, the 1962 season was a significant one for Major League Baseball, marking the beginning of expansion that would continue over the next few decades.

San Francisco Giants vs New York Mets - Radio Broadcast / In the 1962 season, both the New York Giants and the New York Mets experienced contrasting fortunes in Major League Baseball. The Giants, led by manager Alvin Dark, showcased a strong performance, finishing the regular season with a commendable record of 103 wins and 62 losses. They featured standout players such as Willie Mays and Orlando Cepeda, who contributed significantly to their success. However, despite their remarkable regular season, the Giants fell short in the World Series, losing to the American League champions, the New York Yankees, in a tightly contested seven-game series. On the other hand, the newly formed New York Mets had a difficult inaugural season. Managed by Casey Stengel, the Mets struggled to find their footing, concluding the season with a disappointing record of 40 wins and 120 losses. Plagued by inconsistent performances and a lack of experienced players, the Mets faced significant challenges throughout the year. Despite the team's struggles, the 1962 season laid the groundwork for the Mets' future development and eventual rise to success in the years to come.

Pittsburgh Pirates vs Los Angeles Dodgers - Radio Broadcast / During the month of August 1957, the Pirates found themselves in a tight pennant race with the Milwaukee Braves. They were battling for the top spot in the league, and every game mattered. Led by legendary outfielder Roberto Clemente and slugger Hank Aaron, the Pirates and Braves engaged in an intense race that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The Dodgers, on the other hand, were also performing well in August. Led by their star player, Duke Snider, and bolstered by the strong pitching of Don Drysdale, the Dodgers were staying within striking distance of the leading teams. Throughout the month, both the Pirates and Dodgers played numerous crucial games against each other and other top teams in the league. These matchups were closely contested, often decided by the narrowest of margins. By the end of August 1957, the Pirates had managed to maintain their position in the race for the National League pennant. Their star players, like Clemente, delivered key performances to keep them in contention. However, the Dodgers were hot on their heels, determined to seize any opportunity to overtake the Pirates and secure the top spot. As the season progressed, the Pirates and Dodgers continued to battle it out until the final games of the regular season. The race for the pennant remained incredibly tight, making the 1957 season one of the most memorable and exciting in baseball history. Ultimately, the team that prevailed would have the honor of competing in the World Series and contend for the championship title.

Brooklyn Dodgers vs Cincinnati Redlegs - Scully - Radio Broadcast / The 1957 baseball season witnessed an intense rivalry between the Brooklyn Dodgers and the Cincinnati Reds. Both teams were formidable contenders in the National League, with August serving as a crucial month that showcased their strengths and weaknesses. The Brooklyn Dodgers, led by stars such as Duke Snider and Gil Hodges, were known for their powerful hitting and solid pitching staff. In August, the Dodgers showcased their offensive prowess, consistently producing runs and maintaining a strong position in the league. Their pitching rotation, anchored by future Hall of Famer Don Drysdale, also delivered stellar performances, ensuring the team remained competitive throughout the month. On the other side, the Cincinnati Reds posed a formidable challenge to the Dodgers' dominance. Led by the legendary Frank Robinson and supported by strong pitching from players like Joe Nuxhall, the Reds proved to be fierce competitors. In August, the Reds displayed resilience, with both their offense and pitching excelling at crucial moments. This intense rivalry between the Dodgers and the Reds heightened the excitement for fans and set the stage for a captivating battle for the National League pennant.

Chicago Cubs vs Brooklyn Dodgers - Radio Broadcast / This 1957 regular season game at Ebbets field sees the Brooklyn Dodgers hosting the Chicago Cubs. On the mound are two young pitchers, the Cubs rookie Dick Drott and the Dodger's Sandy Koufax. At this point, Koufax is in his 3rd season and this game is his his 21st career start. The legendary Vin Scully calls the game In his 8th year in the broadcast booth and the Dodgers final season in Brooklyn.

Joe Garagiola interviews Harvey Haddix - Radio Broadcast / This recording transports you to an era when the radio waves connected fans to the heart of the game. In this snippet, Joe Garagiola, having transitioned from his playing days, assumes the role of an interviewer, showcasing a different facet of his relationship with the sport. Through the speakers, Joe Garagiola engages in a conversation with Harvey Haddix, bringing to light the camaraderie and insights that bridge the gap between players. Harvey Haddix, a notable figure with a history in the game, becomes a voice of experience in this dialogue. This interaction captures a moment in 1955 when the echoes of their playing careers meet the airwaves. As you listen, consider the backdrop of 1955—a year that marked the continuation of Joe Garagiola's journey in the world of baseball, now as a voice behind the microphone. Harvey Haddix's presence adds depth to the exchange, offering listeners a glimpse into the experiences that shape baseball's enduring legacy.