Today was definitely one of those days when one of the moments sparked a personal memory. It is no secret that i am, and have always been a Cardinals guy. I can say with all honesty I remember listening to or watching some match ups in the 1960's between Don Drysdale and Bob Gibson. It was on this date back in 1968 that Drysdale fired his SIXTH straight shut out. Think about that guys. Amazing. 1968 was also the year Bob Gibson of the Cardinals threw a total of 13 shutouts. Gibson that year was amazing, his era for the season was a downright sick 1.12. Chew on that one for awhile. Gibson was never knocked out of a game once the entire season. He threw complete games in 28 of 34 starts. Who does anything resembling that these days. From June 2nd through July 30th of that season Gibson went on an epic run as a starting pitcher. In a stretch of 99 innings pitched the guy gave up just two runs, yes, just two runs over 99 frames. One run scored on a wild pitch which at the time was heavily debated that it should have actually been caught. The other run came as the result of a seeing eye double that bounced in fair territory by a matter of inches. Had it not been for those two items Gibson would have threw an insane ten straight shutouts. I started really watching or listening to every Cardinals game back in 1967. I was raised listening to Harry Carey and Jack Buck doing the calls and then Buck with Mike Shannon. I remember when Gibson was taking the ball you just always felt ultra confident. Gibson was one of the most competitive players to ever step between the lines. Gibson did something once in a game I think many of us wish we could do. He told Tim McCarver to shut up. They were playing a game and McCarver was catching and started to come out to the mound to talk. He made it half way. Gibson told him to get his ass back behind and catch and leave the pitching to him. My god, there have been so, so many times I have wanted to tell Tim McCarver to shut up. Anyway, good memories. Back then the mound was higher, many people don't realize the mound was lowered in 1969. Batters were facing an intimidating situations when squaring off against guys like Gibson and Drysdale staring them down from that high mound.
Okay, a free selection. Speaking of the Cardinals and Dodgers they face off tonight in Dodger stadium. I am jealous as my oldest daughter will be there as she resides in the area and make it out when the Cards come to town. Yes, I did raise Cardinals fans. It is a little known fact (for now) but these two clubs do not particularly care for one another. Didn't help when Don Mattingly grumbled that the Cardinals get favorable calls from blue when playing at Busch Stadium. Oh really Don? Come on, you're better than that. I will take the Cardinals tonight with Michael Wacha taking the hill. The fact is the Cards are a stellar 16-5 in his last 21 starts. I also lean heavily to the under here guys. I do like the Cardinals to get this road swing off to a flying start.
On the business side of things I do have a Triple Star going in the NBA finals. I have won three straight triples but in the spirit of candor they have all been in baseball. This years post season has been a challenge to me, as it has for most services. Just telling it like it is. I do like this side release tonight, a lot. My clients know I don't toss around big releases loosely. Anyway, it is up and loaded for those interested. Always amazes me that we are still playing NBA ball now. The playoffs go on and on. Seems like a long time ago the Jazz or Knicks were playing doesn't it. Best of luck tonight guys and enjoy the games.