Forty years ago today, the Mets were hosting St. Louis, sitting in first place, a half-game ahead of the second-place Pirates in the N.L. East with a record of 77-77…and they were about to post one of the 500 most Amazin’ wins of their first 50 years.
From The Happiest Recap (First Base: 1962-1973)…
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Wayne Garrett proved himself worthy of regular’s status as September intensified. He was practically a star by the time the Cardinals came to Shea this Saturday, doing his best Brooks Robinson impression on both sides of the ball. While taking care of the defense just fine, the redhead’s bat caught fire. He would hit .422 over the season’s final dozen games and produced the biggest blow of his biggest month in the third inning when he homered with Bud Harrelson on second to give Jon Matlack a 2-0 lead.
Matlack was so appreciative, that he never let it go, tossing a four-hit, nine-strikeout complete game gem to solidify the Mets’ grasp of first place. The 1972 National League Rookie of the Year experienced some sophomore rough patches but hadn’t lost a decision since August 13. He won this one, 2-0, extending the Mets’ winning streak to five and their lead in the East to a full game over the rained-out Pirates.
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What happened next?
You’ll find out when you read The Happiest Recap (First Base: 1962-1973).
Print edition available here [1].
Kindle version available here [2].
Personally inscribed copy available here [3].
Pick up The Happiest Recap and get the whole Amazin’ story of the Mets’ most unbelievable stretch drive ever…and everything else.