RetroSeasons recaps past sports seasons through stories, photos, videos, and stats from every team, league, and stadium in history. Coverage includes the NBA, NFL, MLB and NHL, as well as vintage media from defunct teams and leagues.
Jay Johnstone was a professional baseball player who played for several teams during his career. He was known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions, including outfield and first base. Johnstone began his career with the California Angels in 1966 and played for them until 1971. He then played for the Chicago White Sox, Oakland Athletics, Philadelphia Phillies,
Throughout his career, Johnstone was known for his sense of humor and practical jokes. He was a fan favorite and was often seen joking around with teammates and fans. Despite his lighthearted personality, Johnstone was a skilled player and was known for his clutch hitting in important games.
One of Johnstone's most memorable moments came during the 1981 World Series when he hit a game-winning home run for the Dodgers in Game 4. He also played a key role in the team's victory in Game 6, hitting a double that helped lead to a crucial run.
Johnstone retired from baseball in 1985 with a career batting average of .267 and 102 home runs. After his playing career, he worked as a broadcaster and appeared on several television shows, including "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson.
Overall, Jay Johnstone was a talented and versatile player who was beloved by fans and teammates alike. His sense of humor and clutch hitting made him a valuable asset to any team he played for, and his contributions to the Dodgers' 1981 World Series victory will always be remembered.
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The game took place on Monday, September 22, 1975, between the Pittsburgh Pirates...
Philadelphia Phillies vs Pittsburgh Pirates - Clincher - Radio Broadcast / The game took place on Monday, September 22, 1975, between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Philadelphia Phillies at Three Rivers Stadium. The Pirates, who were having a solid season, were looking to solidify their standing in the National League East, while the Phillies were trying to keep their playoff hopes alive. The starting pitchers for the game were Bruce Kison for the Pirates and Tom Underwood for the Phillies. Kison was in the midst of a solid season, looking to build on his 11-11 record, while Underwood, with a 14-12 record, was hoping to provide the Phillies with a much-needed boost. The 1975 season overall had been marked by the dominance of the Cincinnati Reds, also known as the "Big Red Machine", who were in the midst of one of the greatest seasons in baseball history.
The game started off with both teams unable to score in the first inning. The Pirates got on the scoreboard first in the second inning and added three more runs in the fourth inning. The Phillies, on the other hand, were held scoreless until the fifth inning when they managed to score a single run. The Pirates' offense was led by Willie Stargell and Dave Parker, who combined for five hits and six runs batted in. Stargell, in particular, had a big day at the plate, reaching base five times and scoring four runs. The Phillies' offense was largely stifled by Kison and reliever Kent Tekulve, who combined to allow just three runs.
The Phillies made an attempt to come back in the seventh inning, scoring two runs to cut the Pirates' lead to 5-3. However, the Pirates responded with a massive five-run eighth inning, highlighted by a two-run home run by Parker, his 25th of the season, to extend their lead to 11-3. The Phillies were unable to mount a comeback in the ninth inning, and the Pirates secured a comfortable victory.
The Pirates' victory on September 22, 1975, was a key moment in their successful season. They would go on to finish second in the National League East, just 6.5 games behind the division-winning Philadelphia Phillies. Despite their loss in this game, the Phillies would rally to win the division and make the playoffs, but they were defeated by the Cincinnati Reds in the National League Championship Series. The Reds would go on to win the World Series, cementing their status as one of the greatest teams in baseball history. The 1975 season also saw a number of individual accolades, with Joe Morgan of the Reds winning the National League Most Valuable Player award, and Tom Seaver of the New York Mets winning the Cy Young Award.
