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We welcome back Bill Schaeffer today with a detailed account of one of baseball’s ugliest incidents: the brawl between Johnny Rosoboro and Juan Marichal. As Bill relates, Willie Mays’s peacekeeping heroics kept the incident from becoming much worse. Even better news is that the two antagonists later buried the hatchet and became friends. I think you’ll enjoy Bill’s essay. -GL
Baseball’s Ugliest Incident
GIANTS, DODGERS AND A BRAWL FOR THE AGES
“Baseball fights can be more dangerous than hockey fights, where two players square off, because you’ve got guys running all over the place and people throwing punches at you that you don’t see half the time.”—Tom Glavine
The Giants/Dodgers Storied Rivalry
The rivalry officially started in 1890 when Brooklyn joined the National League. The Giants occupied the Polo grounds in the so-called “classier” borough of Manhattan, while the Dodgers held forth in the blue-collar borough of Brooklyn. As the calendar continued its assent into the final decade of the 19th century, the rivalry began heating up as if jabbed by a red-hot poker.
The long-standing personal feud between Brooklyn owner, Charles Ebbets, and Giants manager, John “Muggsy” McGraw, intensified and a palpable hatred began to develop between the two teams. In 1940, Bill Terry knew the Dodgers were “still in the league” and their followers could be ferocious. Umpire George Magerkurth was brutally beaten by an enraged Dodger fan ostensibly for making a pro-Giants call. Around the same time, my dad was seated in the upper deck in left field, at Ebbets Field. He was standing, cheering the Giants. As he settled back into his seat, he felt a harsh tap on his shoulder. My father turned and looked into the angry eyes of a guy with arms like tree trunks. The Brooklyn fan forcefully asked, “Was you rootin’ for the Giants, Buddy?” From that point on my dad made a concerted effort to curb his enthusiasm for the visiting team.
Starting in 1951, many of the pennant races between the two clubs were legendary. We all know about The Shot Heard ‘Round the World, made possible by the Giants winning 37 of 44 games to catch the Dodgers and force a three-game playoff.
Nineteen-fifty-nine was also a doozy. The San Fran Giants led the Los Angeles Dodgers by three games as late as September 6—only to be swept two weeks later by the same Dodgers and eliminated. This enabled the Dodgers to catch the Milwaukee Braves and beat them in the first two games of a three-game playoff, then vanquish the Go-Go White Sox in six games. This was mainly due to the “cannon for an arm” possessed by Dodger catcher John Roseboro, curtailing the White Sox’s great base-stealing speed. John also contributed the winning hit in game three. (We’ll spare Dodgers fans 1962)
At the 1965 Academy Awards, My Fair Lady won eight Oscars and on March 25, Martin Luther King, Jr. concluded a four-day march from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama, along with 25,000 civil rights proponents. Also, the Giants and Dodgers put on another remarkable pennant race.
The Giants won 14 straight and 17 of 18 games approaching the last two weeks of September, poised on the top step of victory – when they exhaled. The Dodgers then concluded a 13-in-a-row streak and 15 of 16 to advance to the WS! They beat the Minnesota Twins in a seven-game thriller. But along the way, a shocking event occurred on August 22, at Candlestick Park, San Francisco.
Two Great Pitchers Square Off
The Dodgers were a game and a half ahead of the Giants, as two HOF pitchers opposed each other: Sandy Koufax and Juan Marichal. Maury Wills led off with a bunt single and scored the first run on a Ron Fairly double. Marichal thought bunting was a cheap way to get on and when Wills faced him again Juan knocked him down. This called for retaliation when Willie Mays stepped into the batter’s box. Now, Koo foo was a complete, soft-spoken gentleman who just couldn’t throw at a batter. But he sounded more like Leo Durocher when the pitching maestro once said, “Show me a guy who can’t pitch inside and I’ll show you a loser.” So, did he dust Willie? Not on your life. He aimed the next pitch a mile over Mays’ head!
The next inning Marichal sent Ron Fairly sprawling with nasty chin music. Tempers flared. Roseboro told teammates, “I’ll take care of it.” When Marichal came to bat, Roseboro, on the third pitch, deliberately whistled the return throw to Koufax, possibly clipping the tip of Marichal’s ear. As John rose from his crouch, Juan swung his bat and hit the side of Roseboro’s head at least twice. Blood poured out. The infuriated backstop immediately tried to attack the rival pitcher. (Marichal claimed the next day, “I thought he was going to hit me with his mask so I hit him with my bat.”)
Willie Mays Prevents Further Damage
At the sight of their bleeding catcher, enraged Dodgers charged toward the plate. Left fielder Lou Johnson, wild with anger, was suddenly hoisted up in a bear hug by behemoth Willie McCovey, who gently placed him out of harm’s way. Meanwhile, Giants’ captain Willie Mays, tears in his eyes, pulled his close friend back and guided him into the Giants’ dugout with a towel pressed to his bloody skull. That seemed to end the brawl. Johnson proclaimed, “Willie Mays was the hero, his action stopped what could have been much worse. Marichal was suspended for eight days (10 games) and fined a mere $1750. Both pitchers struggled a bit in their next few starts.
Dodgers GM Buzzy Bavasi said Roseboro “was the best .240 hitter in baseball history.” John was also an intelligent field general and was considered the premier defensive catcher in the 1960s. Loved by his pitchers, Roseboro caught two of the four Sandy Koufax no-hitters. Very quiet and spoke in a whisper, thus his nickname, “Gabby.”
The Two Antagonists Later Become Friends
Roseboro eventually “buried the hatchet” with Marichal, and when Juan was ironically signed by
the Dodgers in 1975, they became good friends. John campaigned for Marichal’s induction into the Hall in 1983, realizing the delay was because of the “incident.” No one could argue with the Dominican Dandy’s glittering stats, which included 243 victories, three years with 25 plus wins, and a 16-year career 2.89 ERA. He’s still robust at 84, living in Santo Domingo, and currently serving as the Minister of Sports for the Dominican government.
Roseboro had some difficult times in baseball toward the end of his 14-year career but did appear in TV commercials, as well as a few films afterward. He succumbed to heart disease in 2002. Marichal served as an honorary pallbearer at the funeral.
He said poignantly, “Johnny’s forgiving me was one of the best things that happened in my life. I wish I could have had John Roseboro as my catcher.”
Bill Schaefer
Sources: Wikipedia; SABR article by Warren Corbett; schedule almanac Dodgers/Giants, ’65; Baseball America on line; Baseball ref: Roseboro, Marichal
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Still a great story Bill S. and you told it very well. Thanks.
Another well written article by Bill, thanks for the memory. Having been a fanatic Dodger fan since 1953, I am aware of that event and remember all too well. When the conversations turn to great sports rivalries, none is bigger than Giants vs Dodgers. In the 60’s era of that rivalry, come September when you were at any crowded venue you could hear the game broadcast on a thousand transistor radios. To this day I will fight any idiot who dares to besmirch the Dodgers. With the mention of Maury Wills, I would note his recent passing and snub by the Hall of Fame. He was a key player for the Dodgers in that era and it would be nice to see a story about him here. This site once again proves it is the very best about baseball history. Dennis Friedenbloom
I clearly recall the great photographs in Life magazine of the Roseboro-Marichal incident. I was a young Baltimore Orioles and American League fan, and their brawl shocked me about the goings-on in the senior circuit. Bill’s story helps us learn the conclusion of the incident — if there had not been such a confrontation, Marichal and Roseboro may never had become good friends.
Great job, Wilhelm! I’m sure most fans of either team recall this troubling incident pretty vividly. It’s gratifying to know that these guys later became friends, and that Roseboro actually endorsed Marichal’s bid for induction. That is “burying the hatchet” in the most gentlemanly and forgiving way imaginable, and both men are entitled to a lot of credit for their genuine reconciliation. It could have been so much worse. Maybe, without Willie Mays’ intervention, it would have been.
In your subtle and straightforward style, you bring to mind the ambivalence that students of the game must feel about sports heroes who occasionally go out of the way to behave like thugs, often tainting their careers as they do. At times, they even jeopardize their standing in the community of all-time greats — and rightly so, in many cases.
Examples abound, I am sure. Carl Mays was very likely excluded from more-serious Hall of Fame consideration on account of his head-hunting reputation, and in particular for killing Ray Chapman. The other night I heard the following quote from Bob Gibson: “I didn’t always throw at hitters, but when I did, I hit them.” What should the consequences for Roger Clemens be for beaning (and debilitating) an opponent who “owned him” at the plate, and for throwing a shattered bat in his direction?
At the risk of moralizing here, unless there are clearly extenuating circumstances, I think a ballplayer who deliberately inflicts serious injury on another should be excluded from the sport. Period. Baseball is a tough enough game as it is. No player should have to fear for his health and livelihood whenever he puts on the uniform.
Thanks again for your very accurate and descriptive account!
Best regards,
Michael
Thanks, Mark, Dennis and Ted for your nice comments, always appreciated!
How could Marichal not respect a bunt to get on base? Nice end to the story but he should have been suspended for the season with a much heavier fine.
Dennis, as a “hang on every pitch” Giants fan I respected and feared Brooklyn–but never besmirched! The Dodgers were particularly awesome in 1953, when Campy won his second of three MVP’s. One of the great years ever for a catcher: 41 HR, a whopping, league leading 142 RBI (franchise record), 3.12 BA and an OPS of 1.006.
Campanella had a patent on the second row in left center at Ebbets Field for game winning home runs. Just deadly in the clutch late in games. Great all around catcher and such a sweet man.
Yes, Wills was a force in the 60’s and led the league in stolen bases six straight years. But he also led in “caught stealing” seven years! Maury was a good .280 hitter but had a career OPS+ of 88–12% below the league average.
But he did bring a dynamic to the Dodgers that can’t be measured by stats alone. And he would be an outstanding candidate for my proposed: Hall of Fame Honorable Mention category. What do you think?
Best, Bill
As a Marichal fan I’d like to point out that Roseboro had played pro baseball since 1952. By August 22, 1965, how many thousands of times do you think he had thrown the ball back to the pitcher? (We won’t even count Spring Trainings.) I believe his throw was deliberate, hoping to rattle Marichal and distract him, even if only a little, when he returned to the mound. Distract him it certainly did — he was thrown out of the game and suspended for nine days, comprising at least two starts, giving the Dodgers an edge. But Roseboro hadn’t anticipated the price he would pay for his shrewd tactic. He had to “take one for the team,” I’d say.
Michael, thanks so much but you’ve got to wait until I finish commenting before you chime in!
All silliness aside, your cogent remarks are always most welcome. The Roger Clemens, mike Piazza near tragedy was a sickening sight. As I watched it unfold
on TV, two thoughts went through my mind: (1) Piazza might not get up (2) Mike will be paralyzed and never play again. When I saw him move and then stand, it was a huge relief. Apparently, the ball hit the bill of his cap and the unthinkable was avoided.
Clemens could be just plain mean on the mound, and he was not going to have this guy take him deep again. Roger meant business. At least aim between the belt and the shoulders if you must send a message.
“Excluded from the sport” may well be appropriate in some cases, MK.
Right, David, Roseboro admitted his close return throw was intentional. It was intended to create a breeze as it rocketed past Marichal’s ear (the ball may have missed completely). And, sure, the unwritten rule screamed retaliation. But Juan’s reaction was a little harsh don’t you think?
As ever I have the ultimate respect for your opinion and writing. Sometimes I have difficulty controlling my emotions where the Dodgers are concerned. Even at my advanced age my wife does not want to go with me to the games when LA comes to Arizona. I sport my Dodgers gear, sometimes Brooklyn and will not back down ever. So I understand my extreme bias. However Maury Wills brought an excitement to the game that was real. He brought the stolen base back and broke Ty Cobbs record! How many games did Koufax and Drysdale win 1-0 or 2-1? That is another issue, why is it a big deal if a pitcher goes 6-7 innings. It used to be the stars pitched 9 innings on a regular basis. I don’t like honorary HOF, but I think Wills deserves the real thing. He is in my HOF, and as I have previously stated I have no respect for the current HOF or the weak kneed commissioner or the political writers. Thanks again Bill for the wonderful writing and ideas.
For Bill Schaefer: Yes, Mr. Schaefer, Marichal’s reaction was very harsh.
His response was frightened and reflexive, a “fight or flight” example of that primordial human reaction to danger. Roseboro’s throw scared him. Roseboro knew exactly what he was doing, while Marichal reacted instinctively, unthinkingly.
Ever suddenly discover that a really big, nasty bug was crawling on you (think scorpion)? Your reaction is instant and extreme, and you’re not thinking about your response: You just want to “get it away from me” and either kill it or run away.
Ever stand next to a catcher in practice who’s warming up a pitcher with a major league-caliber fastball? I can practically guarantee that you have never been so close to an object so hard going so fast. It’s scary — truly. That’s the reaction Roseboro was trying to elicit. Trouble was, he succeeded too well.
Dennis and David:
Yo, Dennis, I’m crushed you don’t like my HOF Hon. Mention idea! Thought we’d march up to Cooperstown and demand they build another wing.
All poppycock aside, you’re so right, six innings is now “deep into a game.” Ridiculous. Robin Roberts averaged 309 innings per year for six straight years. Nolan Ryan said, “If a pitcher is breezing after 75 pitches, there’s no reason he can’t throw another 50.” Well, let’s expand to seven innings and 115 pitches for most games, at least.
Speaking of Koufax and Drysdale. Sandy threw harder at the beginning, before realizing less is more. During his great years he was throwing 95-97 with a curve that fell off the table almost a foot. He threw a light ball with back spin, which hopped as it entered the strike zone. Al Dark said he never hit a line drive off Koufax because he couldn’t time the rising fastball. Drysdale threw a heavy ball that hit Roseboro’s mitt like a ton of bricks. D imparted wicked top spin to his pitches.
Good insights, David, spoken like a true psychology major. Yes, I know what you mean. I warmed up in the Lehigh U gym next to Craig Anderson back in the day. Craig pitched a few years with the Mets shortly after he graduated. As you say, it’s amazing. I thought I was throwing hard. But Anderson’s fastball was like a great big freight train rolling full blast down hill. Scary is the word. His ERA in the NL was over 5.00. That’s how good they are.
Best, Bill
If I recall didn’t Willie Mays hit a home run right after that incident?
Right you are, Kenneth! Mays hit a three-run game winning homer in the bottom of the third. The Giants won the game 4-3.
Plate umpire Shag Crawford was also a hero. He got into the fray immediately, grabbing a berserk Marichal and hauling him to the ground.
Thanks for your input!
I put a pic of Shag Drawford in the gallery as I thought he deserved some recognition. We older guys remember him very well. He’s the father of umpire Jerry Crawford and long-time NBA ref Joey Crawford.
Though I never took even a single psychology course, I appreciate your kind words, Bill. Sincerely,
Always a pleasure to hear from knowledgeable and articulate fans like you who read these essays, David!
Hey, Gary, you may be old but I’m perennially young–my recent psychological evaluation has my mental age at 10, down from 11 years one month. So there!
Thanks for the info…I’ll take that into future considerations!
Gentlemen:
Thank you all so much for your insights into this happening. I have to admit in 1953 I was 16. My passion for baseball had waned that year in lieu of a busy social life. I knew about what happened and the finishing score, but didn’t have any real understanding about the significance of the event until reading this piece and your thoughtful comments. Another reason to love this space.
Thank you, Gary, Bill, Michael and all the knowledgable guys who responded.
Sincerely,
Joan
Thanks Joan for the kind words!