Ron Hansen

Skill Percentiles

1971-Sep-29 • NYY/WAS • New York Yankees vs Washington Senators - Radio Broadcast / As the calendar flipped to September 29, 1971, the New York Yankees were set to square off against the Washington Senators in what was a routine late-season contest. The Yankees, having had a middling season, were trying to finish strong. The Senators, on the other hand, were in the midst of their final season before moving to Texas to become the Rangers, a fact that added a certain poignancy to every game they played. This particular match-up was notable for the fact that it was one of the last games the Senators would play in Washington D.C., a fact that was not lost on the fans or the players. The air was thick with nostalgia, and the typically straightforward game of baseball took on a different hue, as every pitch, every swing, and every cheer echoed with the weight of history.

Chicago White Sox vs Boston Red Sox - Radio Broadcast / On a crisp Saturday, September 2, 1967, the Chicago White Sox faced off against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. the White Sox were led by pitcher Joe Horlen, who was having a stellar season with a 14-6 record at the time. the Red Sox countered with their own star, Jim Lonborg, who was enjoying an 18-6 season. the 1967 season was a pivotal one for both teams, with the White Sox looking to improve their standing in the American League and the Red Sox in the midst of the "Impossible Dream" season, where they were making a strong push towards the World Series after finishing ninth the previous year. the league was buzzing with anticipation, as the Red Sox's Carl Yastrzemski was on track for a Triple Crown season, a feat not achieved since 1947. the game started with a bang for the White Sox, who scored three runs in the first inning, led by Rocky Colavito's double that drove in two runs. the Red Sox defense, usually reliable, faltered in the first inning, leading to an early deficit. the Red Sox managed to get on the board in the fourth inning with a run driven in by Ken Harrelson, but the White Sox's pitching held them in check for the rest of the game. Horlen, in particular, was masterful, scattering six hits over nine innings while striking out four. the White Sox added an insurance run in the sixth inning, increasing their lead to 4-1. As the game progressed, the White Sox maintained their lead, thanks to a strong performance from their bullpen. Boston's Lonborg was replaced by reliever Dan Osinski after seven innings, having given up four runs on nine hits. the White Sox's defense also stepped up, turning a key double play in the first inning to halt a potential Red Sox rally. the game ended with the White Sox victorious, 4-1, marking a significant win for the team in the late stages of the season. In the broader context of the 1967 season, this game was a key moment. Despite the loss, the Red Sox would go on to win the American League pennant in a dramatic finish, famously known as the "Impossible Dream" season. They would eventually lose to the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. Yastrzemski would indeed secure the Triple Crown, leading the league in batting average, home runs, and runs batted in, a bright spot in a season filled with highs and lows. Meanwhile, the White Sox would finish fourth in the American League, a respectable finish but short of their championship aspirations.

Chicago White Sox vs Detroit Tigers - Game 2 - Radio Broadcast / Throughout the 1965 regular season, the White Sox and Tigers battled it out for the top spot in the league. In August 1965, the competition intensified as both teams sought to gain an advantage heading into the final stretch of the season. Key players from both sides were instrumental in driving their respective teams' success. The Chicago White Sox had a strong lineup led by star players like Nellie Fox, Luis Aparicio, and Eddie Fisher. They showcased a well-balanced offense and solid defense that kept them in contention throughout the season. In August, their pitching staff, including Eddie Fisher, who excelled as a closer, played a crucial role in securing important victories. On the other hand, the Detroit Tigers, with their talented roster featuring players like Al Kaline, Willie Horton, and Mickey Lolich, were fierce competitors. Their offensive firepower and reliable pitching made them a formidable opponent. In August, the Tigers' pitching rotation, led by the impressive performances of Mickey Lolich, delivered several crucial wins that kept them in the race for the pennant. As the season approached its final weeks, the White Sox and Tigers were neck-and-neck in the standings, making every game in August essential for their playoff aspirations. The race for the American League pennant continued to be tightly contested and captivating, with fans eagerly following every matchup between these two competitive teams. Ultimately, the 1965 season came down to the wire, and the performances in August played a significant role in shaping the outcome. Both the Chicago White Sox and the Detroit Tigers displayed exceptional talent and determination, but only one team could claim the top spot in the American League. Fans of both teams witnessed an exciting and memorable season that would be remembered for years to come.

New York Yankees vs Baltimore Orioles - Radio Broadcast / On September 2, 1960, the Baltimore Orioles hosted the New York Yankees at Memorial Stadium for a day game. the Orioles opened the scoring in the first inning with a run from Brandt, driven in by a double from Robinson. the Yankees couldn't respond, despite a single from Kubek, as Maris grounded into a double play. the second inning saw both teams held scoreless, with the Yankees striking out twice and the Orioles leaving two on base. the game progressed with the Orioles gradually extending their lead. They added two runs in the fourth inning, another in the fifth off a solo home run from Dropo, and a final run in the seventh inning. Meanwhile, the Yankees' offense was held in check by Pappas, the Orioles' pitcher, who gave up only three hits and struck out nine Yankees over the course of the game. the Yankees had a particularly difficult time in the third inning, going down in order with two strikeouts and a groundout. the Orioles' 5-0 victory over the Yankees was largely due to Pappas's stellar pitching performance, which earned him the win. Ford, the Yankees' starting pitcher, took the loss. Following this game, Pappas's record improved to 13-8 while Ford's dropped to 9-8. As of my knowledge cutoff in September 2021, I don't have the specific historical data for the 1960 season. However, both the Yankees and Orioles were competitive teams during this period. the Yankees, in particular, were in the midst of a successful era, having won the World Series in 1958 and going on to win again in 1961 and 1962. This loss would have been a minor setback in their season, but not a decisive factor in their overall performance.