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Left fielder on the 1960 World Series Champs.
Left fielder on the 1960 World Series Champs.
Another 1960 Pittsburgh Pirate has died.
- Thread starter OKLALionsFan
- Start date
Probably not a day went by that his mind didn’t go back to October, 1960. Good for the soul.
For those old enough to remember, Bob Prince had a nickname for almost every player. How many of these nicknames can you associate with the Player?
The Quail
The Dog
The Tiger
Shake Rattle and Roll
The Deacon
The Great one
No Hands
The Kitten
Did I miss any?
The Quail
The Dog
The Tiger
Shake Rattle and Roll
The Deacon
The Great one
No Hands
The Kitten
Did I miss any?
The Quail - Bill Virdon
The Dog - Nob Skinner
The Tiger - Don Hoak
Shake, Rattle & Roll - ?
The Deacon - Vernon Law
The Great One - Roberto Clemente
No Hands - Bill Mazeroski
The Kitten - Harvey Haddix
Actually one more. Pitcher Bennie Daniels is alive at 93. Vern is 96.
As an aside, Vern's wife Vanita died in 2023. They had been married 73 years!
Oddly, while a pitcher, on May 23, 1960, at Forbes Field, Daniels' single in the second inning against Sandy Koufax was the only hit the Pirates got against Koufax, who won 1–0, denying the future Hall of Famer what would have been the first of five no-hitters.
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True.
I remember my dad took me to a father son breakfast at the Lawrenceville Boys Club in the early 60s.
Vernon Law was the guest speaker.
One of the best memories as a boy.
A very special time with my dad. He was a great Pirates fan. Saw every home game in 1960 at the old Forbes Field. For free.
Great times. Great memories.
Bonus question:
Who on the 1960 Pirates was Dr Strangeglove.
Fair, good catch! Interesting that Daniels was a part of the Pirates team in 1960. He pitched a lot of innings that season. And there is a dispute as to whether he was on their roster for the WS. Despite being a prominent part of the pitching staff all season, he does not have any sort of stats for the series. Some cites say he was on the roster, some say he wasn't.
I love baseball and baseball history. A direct reflection of this society during each era.
I love baseball and baseball history. A direct reflection of this society during each era.
Worst first baseman ever, that’s the guy.
Shake Rattle and Roll was Smokey Burgess
I believe Bob Prince referred to Dick Groat as "The Captain".
While my memory is not what it used to be I thought Bob Prince "The Gunner" had a nickname for the whole roster. It is hard to believe it has been 41 years since he is gone.
I believe Bob Prince referred to Dick Groat as "The Captain".
While my memory is not what it used to be I thought Bob Prince "The Gunner" had a nickname for the whole roster. It is hard to believe it has been 41 years since he is gone.
One one more interesting fact about Vernon Law. He and his wife Vanita had six children. Their names were:
- Veldon
- Verl (or Veryl)
- Vance (who also played in the Major Leagues)
- Vaughn
- Varlin
- VaLynda
He led the league in errors from 1958 to 1963, but was a solid hitter. Traded to Boston in 1963, he led the American League in RBIs with 118. He played for 6 teams, including the Phillies and Dodgers.
As for his fielding, he was unapologetic. He said: "Home run hitters drive Cadillacs; good fielders drive Volkswagens".
And... "One night in Pittsburgh, thirty-thousand fans gave me a standing ovation when I caught a hot dog wrapper on the fly."
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Dick Stuart was more intelligent and quick-witted than people assumed. Pirates manager Danny Murtaugh summoned Stuart to his office to discuss a misplay of the day before. Stuart sauntered in, calling Murtaugh by his first name. Erupting at Stuart’s familiarity, Murtaugh explained that players were to call him “Manager” or “Skip” or “Mr. Murtaugh,” finishing his tirade with “You’re nothing! Remember that! I’m mister and you’re nothing!” Waiting for his point to sink in, Murtaugh said, “Who am I?” Stuart answered, “I guess that you’re the manager of nothing.”
I attended his funeral which was open to the public
Speaking of nick names, Prince had one for one of his better announcing partners, Jim Woods. The Possum. Best announcing team the Bucs ever had in my opinion.
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Stuart was the league leader in errors by a 1B for seven consecutive years, very impressive. Fifty-three errors over two years, ‘63-‘64, wow. This tells you he was a hell of a hitter.
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Saw him hit a homer off Koufax at Connie Mack in 1965. My first MLB game.
FYP.
And an "error" here is some how appropriate, isn't it?
It was an error (typo). Had I done it intentionally, that would have been appropriate.FYP.
Alex Johnson saved my life by catching a ball that otherwise would have bashed my face in, at the left field wall in Connie Mack Stadium, ‘64 or ‘65.
Perhaps April 18, 1965?
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Philadelphia Phillies Box Score: April 18, 1965 | Baseball-Reference.com
Los Angeles Dodgers beat Philadelphia Phillies (6-2). Apr 18, 1965, Attendance: 11107, Time of Game: 2:43. Visit Baseball-Reference.com for the complete box score, play-by-play, and win probability
www.baseball-reference.com
June 7. 14-3Perhaps April 18, 1965?
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Philadelphia Phillies Box Score: April 18, 1965 | Baseball-Reference.com
Los Angeles Dodgers beat Philadelphia Phillies (6-2). Apr 18, 1965, Attendance: 11107, Time of Game: 2:43. Visit Baseball-Reference.com for the complete box score, play-by-play, and win probability
Los Angeles Dodgers vs Philadelphia Phillies Box Score: June 7, 1965 | Baseball-Reference.com
Los Angeles Dodgers beat Philadelphia Phillies (14-3). Jun 7, 1965, Attendance: 23345, Time of Game: 3:02. Visit Baseball-Reference.com for the complete box score, play-by-play, and win probability
www.baseball-reference.com