Stange began his professional baseball career with the Minnesota Twins in 1961. He spent four seasons with the Twins, where he showcased his pitching prowess and contributed significantly to the team's performance. His time with the Twins was marked by a steady improvement in his pitching skills, which caught the attention of other teams in the league.
In 1964, Stange was traded to the Cleveland Indians. Despite his efforts, his stint with the Indians was short-lived, and he was traded to the Boston Red Sox in 1966. It was with the Red Sox that Stange had some of his most memorable moments in baseball. He played a crucial role in the team's successful 1967 season, which saw them win the American League pennant. Stange's performance in the World Series that year, although the Red Sox ultimately lost to the St. Louis Cardinals, was commendable.
Stange's time with the Red Sox was marked by consistent performances and a strong work ethic. He was known for his ability to deliver under pressure and his commitment to the team. His contributions to the Red Sox were significant, and he was a key player during his time with the team.
In 1970, Stange was traded to the Chicago White Sox, marking the final chapter of his MLB career. Despite his age and the physical demands of the sport, Stange continued to perform at a high level. He retired from professional baseball after the 1970 season.
Throughout his career, Stange was known for his curveball, which was considered one of the best in the league. He was a reliable and consistent pitcher, known for his ability to perform in high-pressure situations. His contributions to the teams he played for were significant, and he left a lasting impact on the sport.
After his playing career, Stange continued his involvement in baseball as a coach. He served as a pitching coach for several teams, including the Red Sox, sharing his knowledge and experience with younger players. His passion for the sport and his dedication to helping others improve their skills were evident in his coaching career.
In summary, Lee Stange had a distinguished career in Major League Baseball. He played for several teams, showcasing his pitching skills and contributing significantly to their performances. Known for his curveball and his ability to perform under pressure, Stange left a lasting impact on the sport. His contributions to baseball extended beyond his playing career, as he continued to be involved in the sport as a coach, sharing his knowledge and experience with the next generation of players.
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Oct 3, 1964Oct 3, 1964
On Saturday, October 3, 1964, the New York Yankees hosted the Cleveland Indians at Yankee...
Cleveland Indians vs New York Yankees - Clinch - Radio Broadcast / On Saturday, October 3, 1964, the New York Yankees hosted the Cleveland Indians at Yankee Stadium in a day game that was a part of the final stretch of the regular season. The Yankees started the game with Al Downing on the mound, a left-handed pitcher who had been a key part of their rotation throughout the season. The Indians countered with Lee Stange, a right-hander who was looking to improve on a challenging season, as reflected in his 7-14 record. At this point in the season, the Yankees were in a tight race for the American League pennant, while the Indians were playing for pride, well out of contention for the postseason. The baseball world was abuzz with the tight pennant races, especially in the National League where the Philadelphia Phillies, St. Louis Cardinals, and Cincinnati Reds were locked in a fierce battle.
The game started with the Yankees taking an early lead, scoring two runs in the first inning thanks to a Mickey Mantle double that drove in Phil Linz and Bobby Richardson. The Indians managed to score a run in the top of the third on a single by Chico Salmon, but the Yankees responded in the bottom of the inning with a run of their own, extending their lead to 3-1. The Indians showed signs of a comeback in the sixth inning, scoring two runs to tighten the game at 3-3. However, the Yankees' offense proved too strong, exploding for five runs in the eighth inning to secure a commanding lead. Key contributions in this inning came from Mantle and Elston Howard, who both drew walks and later scored, while Joe Pepitone and Clete Boyer added crucial hits.
The final score was 8-3 in favor of the Yankees, a victory that played a significant role in their successful chase for the American League pennant. The 1964 season was a memorable one for the Yankees, as they won the AL pennant but eventually lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in a thrilling seven-game World Series. Mickey Mantle, despite battling injuries, had a solid season, and the Yankees' roster was dotted with All-Stars, including Howard, who won the American League's Most Valuable Player award.