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The New York Mets faced the Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field for opening day on Tuesday, April 7, 1970.
The Mets were world champions after shocking the league with a World Series win over the Orioles in 1969.
They were managed by Gil Hodges in his third season with New York.
The Pirates were led by veteran manager Danny Murtaugh in his tenth season as manager of the Pirates.
From 1961 to 1964 Murtaugh had only one season over 500, so he stepped down as manager and moved up to the Pirates' front office as a key assistant in charge of evaluating players.
Five years later, while aware of the abundance of talent in the Pittsburgh system, Murtaugh asked to reclaim the managing job after Larry Shepard was fired during the last week of the 1969 season.
This audio recording is from the New York Radio broadcast featuring announcers Bob Murphy, Ralph Keiner and Lindsay Nelson.
The playing field, slightly damp but in pretty good condition.
The starting pitchers of this opening day game for the New York Mets, the Cy Young Award winner, their ace right-hander, who last year won 25 and lost only 7, Tom Seaver.
And on the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates in today's opener, also their ace right-hander, a 16-game winner last season, right-hander Steve Blass.
And our national anthem sung by Brenda Lee.
The perilous fight, the wild fight we watched, were so gallantly streaming.
As the rocket's red glare, the bombs bursting in air, gave proof through the night that our flag was still there.
Oh, say does that star-spangled banner yet wave, o'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
The roar of the crowd at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh following our national anthem was sung by recording star Brenda Lee.
Overcast skies, 48 degree temperatures. It is about time to play ball.
And for the starting lineups and batting orders for today's opening game, our colleague, Mr. Ralph Keiner.
All right, Bob Murphy, and hi everyone. And as we get set for the lineup, Mrs. Hannes Wagner is going to throw out the first ball here at Forbes Field.
Of course, in memory of one of the greatest ball players of all time, Hannes Wagner.
For the New York Mets, the leadoff batter will be Tommy Agee in center field.
Batting second at shortstop, Bud Harrelson. Batting third and playing third base, Joe Foer.
Batting fourth in left field, Cleon Jones. Batting fifth at first base, Art Shamsky.
Batting sixth in right field, Ron Cebota. Batting seventh and playing second base, Wayne Garrett.
Batting eighth and catching Jerry Grote and the pitcher, Tom Siever.
Batting ninth for the Pittsburgh Pirates. The leadoff batter will be the center fielder, Mattie Allou.
Batting second and playing third base, Richie Hebner. Batting third in right field, Roberto Calenti.
Batting fourth in left field, Willie Sargeal. Batting fifth at first base, Al Oliver.
Batting sixth and playing shortstop, Gene Alley. Batting seventh to catcher, Jerry May.
Batting eighth and playing second base, Bill Mazurowski. And the pitcher, Steve Glass. Batting ninth.
Last year, the Mets won the World Series and in the regular season they won 100 ball games, lost 62.
Rocks with a record of 88 and 74. They were 12 games back in third place in the Eastern Division in the National League.
So here today, the final opening ever to be played here at Forbes Field, 61.
Opening days, this field built back in 1909. Pittsburgh Pirates are scheduled to move into the new ballpark later on this season.
So here today, before just about a capacity crowd, we'll be seeing the last opener here in this historic ballpark.
Now at home plate, World Championship manager, Gil Hodges, going over the grounds rules with Danny Murtaugh, third time manager of the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Out there, Bill Mazurowski, the captain of the Pirates. The home plate umpire today will be Augie Donatelli.
At first base, calling the plays there, Chris Palakoutis. The umpire at second base will be John Kibler.
And the umpire at third base will be Dave Davidson.
A field of mentions here at Forbes Field, 300 feet down the right field line, going out to 375 and just about straightaway right field.
It's 436, the shade to the right of center field. 457, a shade to the left of center field.
406, and left center field, and 360, down the left field line.
We're still waiting here at Forbes Field as they continue to go over the grounds rules.
Gil Hodges at this moment, pointing down toward the right field line.
In right field, going from the 300 foot mark on the foul line out to 375, there's an extension of the wall, a high screen.
And balls off that screen, of course, are in play over the top of the screen, a home run.
And now the Pittsburgh Pirates are taking the field.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have taken the field. Steve Glass going out to the mound.
The Pirates, after opening up here with the Mets today and their other scheduled game on Thursday night, will be moving on to Philadelphia.
They'll be playing the Phillies in Philadelphia over the weekend, the 10th, 11th, and 12th.
And then they come in to play the Mets on the 14th for the Mets home opener.
Pirates are rated very highly this year by most experts.
They have tremendous power, they have good speed, and they're hoping that Gene Alley and Bill Mazurowski,
their double play combination at short and second, will have a comeback year.
They feel that if they do, those two can have a comeback year, they'll be a very strong ball club.
They have a doubtful pitching set up, relying mainly on Steve Glass, Bob Moose, Doc Ellis, Bob Veal, as their big man.
Bob Moose currently is in doing two weeks of service duty, so he will not be available for this series,
and will not be available against the Mets in New York.
In the bullpen, they have acquired Twiggy Hardenstein, they figure on him, Bruce Dal Kenton,
and right now Danny Murtaugh, talking with his catcher, Jerry May.
Danny Sengin was scheduled to start, but he has a slight injury, so Jerry May was picked as the opening day catcher.
Mets are sitting back with their strong arm catcher, Jerry Grody.
Now the throw on down to second base, Bill Mazurowski with the throw, over to Gene Alley,
the shortstop, to Richie Hebner to the third baseman, and now the ball back to the mound to Jerry May,
and Tommy Agee steps in the batter's box, and we're all set to start the 1970 season, and here for the play-by-play.
Bob Murphy.
Okay, Ralph, Tommy Agee leading off against right-hander Steve Glass.
Tommy, as the leadoff batter for the New York Mets last year, led the team in runs batted in with 76.
He led on the power departments with 26 home runs.
Tommy hit 271 and was a tremendous contributor as the Mets won everything.
A foul ball hit back upstairs, and the new season is underway.
On the mound for the Pittsburgh Pirates, their eighth right-hander, Steve Glass.
Glass has a lifetime record against the New York Mets of six wins and three losses.
Last year, he won two and lost one. Now the right-hander's pitch low and outside, one ball, one strike.
In the defense for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Al Oliver is playing first.
Captain Bill Mazurowski is in second. Gene Alley is the shortstop, and Richie Hebner is playing third.
And a high fly ball sliced right down the right field line. Will it stay fair? It is foul.
Back into the crowd, a foul ball. And Tommy Agee did not miss a home run by very much.
Down the line is 300 feet to the screen. A ball over the screen is a home run. Against the screen, it is in play.
In the outfield for the Pirates, and they certainly have one of the best outfields put together in many years,
Willie Starjol, Matty Allou, the center fielder, and a round and right, Roberto Clemente.
Here's the pitch on the way to Tommy Agee foul. Back to the screen, no play.
For Gil Hedges, Yogi Berra on the coaching lines at first, Eddie Yost is on the lines at third.
Pitching coach Rube Walker, working in the dugout with Gil, and Joe Pignatano taking care of the bullpen.
Here's the pitch to Tommy, a little scubbler down the third baseline, picking it up as the catcher of May.
The throw, not in time, and Tommy Agee beats it out for an infield hit.
He took a big swing, and he topped a slow roller up the third baseline.
By the time Jerry May could pick it up and throw hard to Al Oliver, it was too late.
A swinging bunt for Tommy Agee.
Bud Harrelson, switch hitting shortstop, will bat left against right-hander Steve Blass.
Last year, Blass was 27 years old, won 16 and lost 10.
Now Hebner is in close at third, Bud Harrelson the batter. Here's the pitch on the way.
Low and outside, ball one.
Veteran Augie Donatelli umpiring behind the plate.
Chris Pelikoutis is at first, John Kibler at second, and Satch Davidson is the umpire at third.
Overcast guys, 48-degree temperatures.
And a throw to first by Steve Blass is not in time.
No game tomorrow. The Mets and Pirates play Thursday night here in Pittsburgh.
The Mets then will fly to St. Louis for a weekend series.
Up goes the leg, down comes the arm. Low and inside, and Harrelson lays off two balls and no strikes.
Buddy opening the season about 15 pounds heavier than he closed the season last year.
He wound up at about 145 pounds.
And he starts the new season closer to 160.
Oliver holds against the runner Tommy Agee. The 2-0 delivery is headed in the air to center field.
Manny Allou coming in one on, and now Joe Foy makes his debut in the National League and with the New York Mets.
Foy put together a solid spring training.
Gil Hodges and the coaches were satisfied with his play, and they feel he'll make a lot of contributions to the Mets this year.
Joe Foy. He had the speed to steal 36 bases with Kansas City last year.
And he led the Kansas City Royals in various hitting departments, including runs batted in.
Foy, a right-hand batter, hits out of an overly closed tent.
Now Blass up in pitching position.
He throws the runner, hit and run, ground ball hit toward the hole, up with the ball, it's Hebner.
He throws the first base in time for the out.
He wanted to make a play a second. He juggled the ball just for a flash.
Had to give that idea up and go on to first base in time for the out.
That's where playing hit and run on the 3-1 delivery, and now Cleon Jones is the batter.
Cleon coming off of a great year.
Tip 340, third highest batting average in the National League.
Art Shamsky, another 300 hitter, comes out on deck.
Cleon is hoping to be able to duplicate the kind of year he had last season, perhaps even be a better power hitter.
Cleon, a line-drive type hitter.
Now the Parrots have the infield.
A shade to left against Cleon, with Masurowski playing a very deep second and pulled over toward second base.
The pitch by Steve Blass lined in the air to right field.
Clemente racing at full speed.
It's over his head, bouncing off the wall, a base hit.
Around third and scoring, Tommy Agee, and Cleon goes into second with a run-scoring double.
Cleon Jones, his first time at bat in a new campaign, gathers an RBI with a double over the head of Roberto Clemente.
Well, Ralph, that's the way to start a new baseball season.
No doubt about that ball being hit well.
First pitch, line-drive to right, and the Mets in front won nothing.
Now Art Shamsky.
Art had a very courageous and outstanding season last year, bothered by an ailing back during the spring.
He returned to the minor leagues, he fought his way back, and wound up hitting 300.
Left-hand hitter, and a line-drive that is going to be over Masurowski's head, a base hit.
Cleon will try and score.
Clemoni's throw is into first base.
The run is in.
Now Shamsky sliding to second, and he's safe.
Clemoni threw in behind Art Shamsky, and it's backfire.
And Shamsky never broke stride.
Oliver's throw across the second base was wide, and so Shamsky winds up on second base.
A run-scoring hit for Art Shamsky.
The Mets now lead 2-0 here in the first inning, and we'll wait for the official score.
Clemoni, instead of throwing home, threw the ball in behind Art Shamsky.
I wouldn't be a bit surprised, Bob, that Gil Hodges alerted the Mets to that play,
because Clemoni likes to throw behind the runner at first base,
and the only way to beat it is to keep on going.
If you come back, you're going to be out.
And Shamsky did just that, and did not fall into the trap.
Ron Swabota takes a curve by Blass of the knees for a call strike.
Two runs are in on three hits here in the first inning off Steve Blass.
For the time being, we'll score the single for Shamsky and a run batted in and second on the throw.
No error has been flashed.
Now Blass, up in pitching position, delivers low and outside one ball, one strike to Ron Swabota.
Leon Jones and Art Shamsky have each driven a run in.
Mets would like to make Mets baseball history by winning their first opening game ever here this afternoon.
Pittsburgh has had an outstanding record in opening day games.
Ground ball hit toward the middle. To his left is Gene Alley, the shortstop.
He's up with it, and he throws to Oliver, the side is up.
Two runs, three hits, no errors, one left on.
And the score in the middle of the first inning, the New York Mets 2 and the Pittsburgh Pirates coming to bat.
Last of any number one, and the Pirates now will be hitting against Tom Siever.
Tom starts the new campaign riding a 10-game winning streak.
He won his last 10 decisions in the regular season last year.
Matty Alou had 231 base hits last year, more base hits than any player in the major leagues.
Matty's lifetime batting average now is up to 312 after four good years in a row at Pittsburgh.
And Siever's first delivery is low ball one.
Jerry Grote behind the plate. In the infield, Art Shamsky is swaying first.
Wayne Garrett at second. Bud Harrelson is short. Joe Foy is a third.
Inside at low ball two.
Ken Boswell would have been in the starting lineup, but he has been away doing military duty,
and Gill wants him to get a good workout in before going into the lineup.
Leon Jones on left. Tani Agee is the center fielder, and Ron Swaboda is around and right.
Now Siever out of his windup, the 2-0 delivery.
Inside ball three.
Last year against the Pirates, Tom Siever won three and lost none.
He has a lifetime record against Pittsburgh of five wins and three losses.
And a strike on the outside corner to Matty Alou. It's three and one.
Matty does not walk very much for a leadoff batter.
As a matter of fact, he had 698 official times at bat last year.
The 3-0 delivery calls strike on the outside corner three and two.
Their opener is underway in Philadelphia.
The Cubs did not score on the first inning off Chris Short.
Fouled, back of stairs, no play.
In the game of Philadelphia, Ferguson Jenkins against Chris Short.
The Astros are on the west coast playing the Giants at Candlestick Park.
The last report, Juan Marichal would not be able to start.
Atlanta at San Diego tonight, Cincinnati at Dodger Stadium tonight.
3-2 delivery. Ground ball, base hit. Down the right field line, going into the corner.
Ron Swaboda chasing the ball into the corner.
Matty Alou will go into second base with a double.
Last year, Matty Alou led the National League in two base hits with 41, and he has started off again.
Matty Alou hitting a 3-2 pitch, a hard grounder, between Chamsky and the line and down into the right field corner.
Now, Richie Hebner is the batter for the Pittsburgh Parrots.
Hebner coming off of a rookie season that's drawing at 300.
He nailed down a 300 batting average on the final day of the season.
Now, Siever, up in pitching position, delivers way inside, brushing Hebner back from the plate.
New York in front, 2-0, Parrots hitting last of the first inning.
Don Leppard on the coaching lines at first, Frank Osiak at third.
Roberto Clemente, the on-deck batter.
Now, Siever, pitching from the stretch, kicks the leg, delivers.
Outside and high, ball two is 2-0.
Foundfeld behind Matty Alou, 3-0, worked a count of 3-2, and then Matty Alou doubled on the right field line.
A near capacity crowd at Forbes Field on opening day 1970.
One week from today, the Mets open its shea against the Parrots.
Now, Jerry Grody sets the target, and a foul tip off the mid of Jerry Grody,
and the count is two balls and a strike on third baseman Richie Hebner.
The Pirates led the major leagues in team batting last season.
They had a team batting average of 2-76.
And with the return to form of Bill Mazurowski and Gene Alley, they figure to be even stronger.
They had three rookies all come through.
Richie Hebner, one of the three, is a left-hand batter.
And the pitch by Tom Siever, good pitch at the knees for a call strike.
It's 2-2.
First baseman Al Oliver and third baseman Richie Hebner, and catcher Manny Sanghien,
all putting in their first full season with the Pirates last year.
Oliver and Hebner were bona fide rookies.
Sanghien did not qualify for Rookie of the Year honors.
Hebner and Sanghien both hit over 300.
Oliver hit 285.
Siever delivers 2-2.
Swing and a miss, he's struck him out.
Tom Siever behind on the count comes back to strikeout Hebner.
Before Clemente steps in, we'll pause for station identification.
This is the New York Mets baseball network.
This is New York Mets baseball on WKAJ FM 102.3 in Sarasota Springs, New York.
Bob Murphy with Ralph Keiner and Lindsay Nelson.
The last of any number one in Pittsburgh, the Mets lead the Pirates 2-0.
And the four-time National League batting champion Roberto Clemente is the hitter.
Here's the pitch by Tom Siever, low at outside ball one.
Last year Clemente hit 345, second only to Pete Rose of Cincinnati,
who led the Major Leagues in batting.
Clemente had 19 home runs and 91 runs batted in.
Roberto Clemente, right-hand batter.
On second base, Mattie Allou, one man out.
Now the pitch by Tom Siever, hit in the air to right field.
Ron Swaboda got up again, he decoys it.
It's a phase six. Mattie Allou is coming home.
The throw coming in will not be in time.
A run scoring single to right by Roberto Clemente.
Ron Swaboda tried to decoy Mattie Allou, make him think that he could catch the ball,
knowing that he couldn't.
But Mattie Allou did not fall into the trap.
He rounded third and fed home.
And now Willie Starjul is coming up.
The Pirates have a run in on a double by Mattie Allou and a single by Roberto Clemente.
And heavy hitting Willie Starjul is the batter.
Starjul hit 307 last year with 29 home runs.
And the pitch by Siever, off outside ball one.
Siever led up on it.
Now the pitch on the way to Starjul, hit in the air to left field toward the line.
Jones running after it and it's foul ball, a foul ball by Engines.
Starjul just missed an extra base hit that would have tied up the ball game.
He's a left hand pull hitter. The outfield plays him way around to right.
He sliced that one right down the left field line and just foul.
Starjul running it out, comes back to the batter's box.
Baltimore, the defending American League champion opening in Cleveland,
and the Orioles will pitch Dave McNally, a 21-game winner last season,
against Sam McDowell, sudden Sam, an 18-game winner a year ago.
One ball, one strike to Willie Starjul.
Now Siever off the stretch, delivers swing and a miss at a fastball.
One ball and two strikes.
The skies are overcast, weathermen forecasting that the sun will break out around 230.
Game time temperature was 48 degrees.
Starjul the batter and the pitch by Siever.
Ground ball hit down to first base.
Shamsky steps on first, now they've got a run down play on Clementi.
Shamsky running him back, gives the ball to Harrelson,
and Harrelson tags out Clementi a double play to retire the side.
So Starjul grounded out to Shamsky.
Clementi elected to stand there and go into a run down situation,
and Shamsky ran him toward second,
flipped the ball to Harrelson to complete the twin killings.
Two runs, two hits, no errors, none left.
At the end of one inning, the score in Pittsburgh,
the New York Mets 2 and the Pittsburgh Pirates 1.
Music
Wayne, a left hand batter, takes the pitch on the outside corner for a call strike.
Wayne can play second, short or third.
He has good hands, a good infielder.
Wayne's starting in place of Ken Boswell.
Boswell has been away a few days doing his military reserve duty.
Now a breaking ball in the dirt, one ball and one strike.
Garrett had a good spring, and if you'll recall, late last year he was hitting improved.
He just improved all around as the year went along.
He's a good looking young ball player.
Jerry May behind the plate, in comes the pitch.
Ground ball, pull foul down toward Yogi on the coaching lines at first base.
In the game tomorrow, the Mets play the Pirates with Jerry Kuzman on the mound Thursday night.
His mound opponent, by the way, will be Doc Ellis.
Bob Moose is away for the first two weeks of the season doing reserve duty.
So the Mets will miss Bob Moose the first two series.
Wind up by Blass, the pitch is swung and the strike three.
He got him with a fastball.
For Blass, his first strikeout, and it brings up Jerry Grote.
Jerry Grote, right-hand hitter.
Top-notch receiver two years ago, the National League's all-star catcher.
And he takes ball one.
Jerry Grote is one of the young veterans on the New York Mets.
Now Blass into his wind-up, delivers, and a line drive toward second.
Masurowski takes it for the out.
Hard-hit line drive, but right to the second base.
Two outs and nobody on it will bring up Tom Seaver.
Jerry Grote opening his fifth season as the Mets' number one receiver.
Now here is Tom Seaver.
Play is being held up for a moment by John Kilgore, the second base umpire.
And they are calling a ball on the pitcher, Steve Blass, because he forgot
to get it to his mouth with his pitching fingers.
I think that's what it was, but I'm not sure.
It might have been something on the field, Ralph, that they had to get rid of.
Evidently, Bob, underneath this broadcasting booth, there's a light that's shining in someone's eyes.
And I guess that's what Augie was doing when he made that motion, as though he had gone to his mouth.
Now a swing and a miss by Tom Seaver.
Yes, that's what it was.
Something in the stands that was reflecting caught the attention of the second base umpire,
and John Kilgore has stopped the game.
Now Blass out of his windup.
Here's the pitch to Tom Seaver, and it's low.
One ball, one strike.
Seaver, last year in compiling a great season, had two long winning streaks,
an eight-game winning streak and a ten-game winning streak.
Foul ball, back of stairs, no play.
The ten-game winning streak is still alive.
He lost the game in the World Series, but in regular season play, Tom has won ten straight.
The Mets scored twice in the first inning on base hits by Tommy Agee, Cleon Jones, and Art Chamsky.
Now a swing and a miss strike three.
Seaver goes down swinging.
No runs, no hits, no errors, and none left on.
At the end of an inning and a half, the New York Mets two and the Pittsburgh Pirates one.
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Last of the second inning, New York two, Pittsburgh one,
for the Pirates first baseman Al Oliver leads off against Tom Seaver.
The Chicago Cubs and Philadelphia Phillies are scoreless at the end of one inning in Philadelphia.
The Ferguson Jenkins pitching against Chris Short.
This weekend, the Mets play in St. Louis.
They have a Friday night game against the Cardinals,
a Saturday afternoon game and a Sunday afternoon game.
And after the game on Sunday, the team will be flying back to New York.
Next Monday night, the welcome home dinner will be held in the grand ballroom of the New York Hilton Hotel.
Quite a springboard into the opening day at Shea.
This is the April 14th, the Mets playing the Pirates.
Al Oliver, left-hand batter facing Tom Seaver and the pitches outside, ball one.
As we mentioned, Oliver, last season as a rookie, hit 285.
He had 17 home runs and 70 runs batted in.
The 1-0 delivery, pulled foul down the right side, no play.
One ball, one strike.
Gene Alley is the on-deck batter and then Jerry May.
Now Tom Seaver has his sign from Groody.
And a drive toward the alley in right center field.
It'll be in for an extra base hit.
Running the ball all the way back to the wall at Browns-LaBotta.
Oliver, a round second, is on his way to third.
He'll pull in with a three-base hit.
Al Oliver hitting one perfectly between Browns-LaBotta and Tommy Agin.
That ball rolled out about 436 feet from home plate.
A three-base hit to right center by Oliver to lead off the last half of the second.
Now Gene Alley will be stepping in.
Alley missed a great deal last year because of a bad shoulder.
But it appears to be physically sound for this season.
The infield back ready to concede a run.
Here's the pitch.
Low and outside.
It almost got away from Jerry Groody.
The Mets have the infield back at second and short.
Playing Chamsky and Foy even with the bag at first and third.
The infield deep and rather straight away.
Alley a slender right-hand batter waiting.
And a fastball in for a strike.
One ball, one strike.
Each team now has collected three bases.
It appears as though it might be a day the hitters will take over.
Now Siever winds and the pitch to Alley golf foul back upstairs.
No play.
Bob, you know this has always been sort of a hitters ballpark.
There has never been a no hit no run game pitched in Forbes Field.
And if they don't get one pitch pretty soon, there never will be.
It's a tough game for a tough ballpark for home runs.
But as you say, a good ballpark to hit in for base hits.
The 1-2 delivery.
Swing on a middle finale.
He goes down swinging.
The first two pirates in recent years have won five batting titles.
Gives you an indication that this is a good ballpark to hit in for base hits.
Flamini has won four.
Mattie Alou picked up one.
Jerry May stepping in now.
And now the Mets will bring the infield in and try and cut this run off.
Al Oliver on third with one man out.
They played back at second and short with nobody out.
Here's the pitch on the way.
Get in the air to deep right field.
Way back goes Roberta.
And he dives and he makes the catch.
A great catch by Swabota.
The game is tied up.
In the score comes Aliver.
A remarkable play in the outfield by Ron Swabota to rob Jerry May of an extra base hit.
He went as far as he could go on the dead run and lunged through the air,
made a backhand grab, went sprawling on the ground, but held onto the ball.
Well, I wouldn't say that was as good a play as he made in the World Series on Brooks Robinson,
but it was a good one, Ralph, no doubt about it.
He went as far as he could go and he had to make that last minute extra effort,
and that took him off his feet.
Maserowski the batter, two outs and nobody on.
Mas hampered all last year by injuries.
And he pops this one up.
An infield pop-up out in front of the plate.
Joe Foy comes down the line and makes the catch.
Foy caught the ball right out in front of home plate.
Ron Swabota getting a hand as he comes in for that marvelous catch.
One run, one hit, no errors, none left.
At the end of two innings, the score, the New York Mets 2 and the Pittsburgh Pirates 2.
Well, Mets fans, we're into another season, and we hope a really great one for your ball club.
Friendly Freddy is also going into another season of car washing,
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At Friendly Freddy's, they have a facility for everyone.
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All this service for only $1.25. Wax is 50 cents extra.
Believe me, Mets fans, this is a bargain with today's inflated prices.
Come on in and give them a try.
Pick up the action in the third inning as they turn on the lights.
Ralph Kehner.
Okay, Bob Murphy, and hi, everyone.
The lights are on here at Forbes Field, and Tommy Agee batting for the second time.
Steve Glass with his first pitch at that side, ball one.
Tommy, after just missing a homer on the right field, top one out in front of the plate,
his first time up, and beat it out for a base hit, and scored the first run of the ball game.
There's a line drive to center field off the next pitch, a base hit for Tommy.
So he is two for two.
The ball fielded by Mattie Allou, and the throw on in, and Agee stays at first.
That'll bring up Bud Harrelson.
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Bud Harrelson batting left-handed flat out to center field, his first time up.
Now again against Blask, and the pitch is low as Harrelson moves out to bunt, and it's ball one.
Harrelson in bunting position for the sacrifice try on that first pitch.
It's a two-two ball game.
Agee at first base, not too big a lead.
Now the pitch to Harrelson, it is taken inside, Harrelson gets out of the way,
and on the pitch, Agee was running, it got away from the catcher, it'll be a stolen base.
Now Agee, who had 12 stolen bases last year, gets his first this year,
and the Mets have a runner in scoring position, it's ball two.
Pitch was way inside, Harrelson almost got hit by it, he tried to get out of the way, it did,
and it was off the glove of the catcher, Jerry Main rolled about 30 feet away.
The pitch to Harrelson, check swing, ground ball hit out towards third base,
picked up by Hebner, the throw to first base is just in time, and on the play Agee goes to third.
But Harrelson was trying to get out of the way of the ball, and as he was pulling away,
the ball hit the bat and went down towards third base, almost as though it were a perfect bunt.
Harrelson had trouble getting started, or he would have beat the play at first base.
And that brings up Joe Foy.
Joe on the hit and run play was out third to first his first time up,
it put Agee on at second base, he was running with the pitch and got the second,
or he would have been forced there, and set it up for the Mets to score the first run.
Now the pitch to Foy, it is hit hard to right, it might score a run,
here comes Comenny to make the catch coming in, it's Agee, here's the throw, it's off line,
and Agee scores standing up.
So Roberto Comenny, throwing about 30 feet up towards third base,
loses a chance to cut off a run at home, and the Mets take the lead by a score of 3-2
on a sacrifice line drive out by Joe Foy.
That'll bring up Cleon Jones.
Cleon doubled the right field his first time up and drove in the first run of the season for the New York Mets.
Mets leading by a score of 3-2, two men out,
we're in the third, and the pitch to Cleon Jones is lowest ball one.
Cleon's double on the first pitch that he saw this regular season was a line shot to right.
Now a check on the swing, the pitch to lowest ball two.
Two balls, no strikes.
The Mets lead by a score of 3-2.
Signs go on, Steve Blass working for the Pirates, and at 2-0, the pitch to Jones is taken in for a called strike.
At the end of one, Cleon won, Baltimore nothing.
At the end of two and a half, the Cubs nothing, Philadelphia nothing.
And the 2-1 delivery.
Jones takes over the inside corner by knee-high, 2-2.
Mets have another ball game in this series with Pittsburgh.
It'll be Thursday night.
Jerry Kuzman is going for the Mets,
and they move to St. Louis, and Gary Gentry will open up against the Mets.
Then they move to St. Louis, and Gary Gentry will open up against the Cardinals on Friday night.
Next pitch is way outside and high, a full count to Jones.
On deck batter for the Mets, Art Chamsky.
Overcast skies, temperature game time 48 degrees in Pittsburgh.
And the 3-2 pitch.
It's in the dirt, taken out by Jerry May, and on the pitch, Jones walks.
So the Mets have Jones at first with two men out.
Cleon with 16 stolen bases last year led the club in that department.
And the batter coming up is Art Chamsky.
A walk that's first given up by Steve Blask in the ball game.
He has struck out two, he has allowed four hits.
And the Mets lead by a score of 3-2 with the Mets batting with two men away in the top of the third.
Chamsky single to right to drive in Cleon Jones, who had doubled his first time up.
And the pitch is hit high in the air to right center field.
Mattie Allou is making the call, a center fielder.
And he makes the catch, and that retires aside.
In the inning, the Mets break the tie, they score a run on one hit.
No errors, and a walk, and one man left on.
And the score in the middle of the third, the Mets three, the Pittsburgh Pirates, two.
Memorial Day, 1969.
Mario Entretti wins the fastest Indianapolis 500 ever in his STP oil treatment special.
And this year the STP racing team will be back, trying for a record breaking two in a row.
Andy Granatelli will see to that.
STP is the racer's edge.
When it comes to automotive testing laboratories, Indianapolis tops them all.
500 miles there is like 50,000 in your family car.
So we'll be counting on STP oil treatment to give us the edge.
STP is the racer's edge.
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We're going to the bottom of the third inning.
Mets leading by a score of three to two here on opening day in Pittsburgh.
And the Pirates coming up against Tom Seaver for the third time.
First batter will be the pitcher Steve Blass.
He'll be followed by Mattie Lue and then Richie Hebner.
Seaver has been reached for two runs on three hits.
Tom, a 25 game winner last year, and the first pitch to Blass gets swung on strike one.
Augie Donatelli, the home plate umpire, the crew chief of this crew.
Chris Pellicula, the umpire at first base.
John Kivler, the umpire at second.
Dave Davidson, umpire at third.
One strike pitch, a called strike two.
For the ball game, Seaver was in the clubhouse.
And talking about things other than opening day.
Next pitch is low on the count, one ball and two strikes.
In fact, along with Joe Deer, the assistant trainer,
we got to talking about a fellow named Chico Rodriguez.
Now the pitch backs, swung on a miss, and Seaver has struck out Steve Blass.
Third strike out for Tom in the ball game.
That'll bring up Mattie Lue.
Lue doubled on a 3-2 pitch right down the right field line this first time up.
He led the National League in doubles last year with 41.
Had 231 base hits to lead the National League, batted 331.
Had one home run, 48 runs batted in, and he fouls the first pitch away at strike one.
Mattie Lue last year set a new National League mark for times at bat.
Official times at bat of 698, breaking an old record of 697 set by a Pittsburgh Pirate player, Woody Jensen.
The one strike pitch, it is again fouled away, strike two.
That's leading 3-2.
As we were saying about Tom, we got talking about different ball players.
Another ball player by the name of Chico Ruiz came up, and Don Hefner,
who at one time was a manager for the Cincinnati Reds and a coach for the New York Mets,
was his manager, and Hefner coasts in the third base coaching box.
Next pitch is low and it's one ball and two strikes.
And he always had a saying that if you didn't do well, you yell in and say,
you can do better than that.
And it was a pet expression of his, which he used all the time.
Pitch back is hit foul into the stands on the third base side, so the count stays at one and two.
Ruiz was at bat playing for Don Hefner at San Diego, and he swung and missed the two pitches.
And Don Hefner yelled in from the third base coaching box, you can do better than that.
Ruiz called time and walked down to Don Hefner and said, no I can't.
Now the one-two pitch, rounded toward the shortstop, Harrelson will have to hurry the long throw in time for the out.
Lou gets down that line in a hurry and Harrelson fielded that ball from a deep shortstop position.
That'll bring up Richie Hefner, but first we pause for a station identification.
This is the New York Mets baseball network.
This is New York Mets baseball on WKAJ FM 102.3 in Saratoga Springs, New York.
Bob Murphy and Lindsey Nelson from Forbes Field in Pittsburgh, the Mets leading 3-2.
Two men away, bottom of the third, and the first pitch to Richie Hefner is fouled off at strike one.
Hefner was struck out on the curve ball his first time up.
Left hand batter playing at third base, a pitch by Siever, a slop curve, hit the deep left center field, a long way for Cleon Jones.
He's going, going, he cannot get to it.
It is picked up by Tommy Agee and Hefner goes to second base and holds there as Agee makes a powerful throw perfectly to third.
So another extra base hit for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
They have had three now, and it brings up Roberto Cammini.
That is the second time that Tom Siever has thrown what ball players call a slop curveball to the plate, and both times he has thrown it, it has gone for extra bases.
Al Oliver tripled off of it, the right center, and now Hefner with a double to left center.
Cleon Jones went as far as he could go and tried to make a high dive for it, but he couldn't reach it as he fell to the ground.
And Agee had to pick it up out in deep left center field.
Now Roberto Cammini in the first pitch, hit in the air down the right field line, a long run for Jamsky, but the ball is serving foul into the stands, and it's strike one.
Now many blue to base hit the right field his first time up and drove in the first fired run of the year.
Hits are all even at four piece, the Metzger is in the lead, and he's got a good chance of getting the ball.
He's got a good chance of getting the ball, and he's got a good chance of getting the ball, and he's got a good chance of getting the ball.
Hits are all even at four piece, the Metzger leading by a score of three to two, the Pirates with the time run at second base, and a one strike counter, Roberto Cammini.
Speaking of extra base hits, Cammini led the National League in triples last year, he had twelve.
Now one strike, Siever checks at second, comes back, and the pitch is just outside, a hard splatter, it's one and one.
Cammini number twenty-one, lifetime batting average of three fourteen.
Now Siever again set, and the one one pitch is high for ball two.
Roberto Cammini played winter ball this year, and he said before the ball game that the reason why he did was to keep his shoulder, which he had injured, in constant action so it would not stiffen up and become a permanent injury.
Two one pitch, swung on and missed, and Cammini with a hard, hard swing, a count two balls, two strikes.
Roberto Cammini, last winter, turned down a chance to run for mayor.
He is a popular ball player.
Puerto Rico, here's a two-two delivery.
It is swung on and missed, strike three, and Siever gets Roberto Cammini with a hard high fast ball.
That is Sievers' fourth strike out, every tire is aside.
In the inning, no runs, one hit, no errors, a man left at second, and the score at the end of three, the New York Mets three, the Pittsburgh Pirates two.
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John Hancock introduces Rich Band Coverage for the Not Yet Rich, a life insurance package with an initial benefit of $100,000, very good for the ego, and you can afford it.
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John Hancock, huh?
Now Ron Cibota, the leadoff for the New York Mets. They lead 3-2 after 3, and the first pitch to Ron is low ball one.
Ron grunted to the shortstop, Gene Alley his first time up and was out, batting against Steve Blask for the second time.
Ron batting in the sixth batting position, last back, and the pitch again is low, it's ball two.
Behind Ron Cibota, Wayne Garrett and Jerry Groody for Steve Blask in this inning.
Minnesota got three runs in the top half of the first.
White Sox now coming up.
Two-oh pitch hit deep to right field, a long drive it'll be. For extra bases it might go all the way. It is off of the wall.
Cibota makes the turn at first, goes into second base with a standup double.
Well hit ball over the head of Roberto Cavetti about 390 feet.
So the extra base hits continue to resign off the bats of both teams.
And the Mets now have a runner at second base with no one out and Wayne Garrett coming up.
Wayne was struck out his first time up. He went down swinging at a fastball. Left hand batter, batted 2-18 last year.
He had one home run and 39 runs battered in.
Once again, action starting up on the bullpen for the Pirates. Dave Juste, a right-hander, along with Lou Maroney, a left-hander.
Now Steve Blask, who has been reached for five hits with his first pitch to Garrett, a curveball swung on a miss strike one.
Manager Gil Oshad that Ron Cibota was going to be his standard right fielder for both right and left hand pitching.
Ron here has responded with a long double. There's a drive that deep right field going back has commanded to the warning track.
He makes the catch. Going over it from second base is Ron Cibota the third.
So a long fly ball by Wayne Garrett about 375 feet.
And the Mets now have a runner at third base with one man away and the Mets have Jerry Grote coming up.
So far that experiment, or that decision mainly, by Gil Hodges has worked well.
Cibota has a double and two times up. Schansky has a single and a run battered in and two times up.
Jerry Grote the batter. Jerry hit a soft line drive to second for an out his first time up.
Pirates are playing their infield in, hoping to cut off a run.
And the first pitch is popped up.
The infield moving in on that's going to be Richie Ebner the third baseman to make the catch.
And he does right on the pitching mound for the out.
So the Mets lose a chance to score a run on a sacrifice fly.
And that leaves it up to Tom Seaver who's batting now with two men away.
The Mets leading 3-2, top of the fourth inning.
Seaver was struck out his first time up.
Now we got some sunshine breaking through the overcast here in Pittsburgh.
Seaver a right hand batter and Steve Blass with the first pitch.
Ground ball hit right back to Blass. He feels the ball throws the first base to start as he dies.
No runs, one hit a lead off double.
No errors, the man left it third in the score in the middle of the fourth inning.
The New York Mets three, the Pittsburgh Pirates two.
The finest in Italian cuisine and a wide array of steaks, chops and seafood await your dining pleasure at Mangino's restaurant located on the south end of Cerro Tevalic.
But there's a big difference between just ordinary Italian or American cuisine and Mangino's fine food.
At Mangino's your order is never prepared hours before.
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That's Mangino's restaurant the home of truly fine foods on Route 9P at the south end of Cerro Tevalic.
Fourth inning the Mets leading 3 to 2 in the first game of this 1970 regular season.
Tom Zever working for the Mets, Steve Black working for Pittsburgh.
The Mets have had three runs on five hits, the Pirates have had two runs on four hits.
And the first batter for the Pirates will be Willie Stargell.
Willie hit into a double play his first time up grounding to Art Chamsky who stepped on the bag and then Roberto Comenny who was on first was worked out on a run down play.
Now a high fly ball hits to right field.
Ron Cebota and Lee Lin gets under the ball and makes the catch.
So Stargell pops up a slow curve ball and it's one away.
Now Oliver will now come up.
Oliver tripled the right center field off a curve ball his first time up and scored the second powered run when he was driven in on a sacrifice fly by Jerry May.
Oliver a left hand batter a 285 hitter last year.
Zever now checking out his right fielder Ron Cebota.
Ron playing a very deep right field.
As Bob Murphy told you earlier this is a tremendously large ballpark.
Now the first pitch and it's ball one.
This probably is the largest ballpark in area for playing area in the Major League.
I don't believe anybody's ever thoroughly checked it out but it would just about have to be.
Next pitch is Lowell and it's ball two.
Two balls no strikes.
457 the center field at the deepest point.
360 down the left field line.
Now a hard swing and a miss and it's two balls and one strike.
300 down the right field line but it goes out sharply about a 45 degree angle the 375.
Now the two one delivery to Oliver and it's Lowell ball three.
Three and one.
That's leading by a score of three to two.
Baltimore got a run in the top of the second they have tied up Cleveland 1-1.
Now a hard swing and a fastball but the ball fouled off and it's a free two count.
As Sieber works against the left hand batter Al Oliver.
Beyond deck batter the shortstop Gene Alex.
Now Sieber with his three two pitch.
And it's popped up on the third base side.
Joe Foy has room and foul territory to get to it.
He is under it and he makes the catch.
Bob Murphy there's an airplane in fact two of them flying over with a streaming banner.
Behind one of them has something to do with Plymouth.
But you know one day I was playing ball here and they came by with the airplane pulling the banner and said hit one up here kinder.
Did you do it? I missed it by about two feet.
Well I think you should have had at least one practice swing.
Now the batter is Gene Alley and a curveball is high on inside.
Alley has to spin away to keep him getting hit. It's ball one.
We were playing the Giants that day.
And now San Francisco Giants we won the ball game.
Now the pitch hit high in the air and foul territory.
But the ball is going out of play.
One ball one strike down on Gene Alley.
Alley last year about a 2.46.
You notice the new brick out there in left center at the 4.06 mark.
You know why that is? Somebody run through that wall.
That's where Maserowski hit that historic World Series winning home run.
Now a swing and a foul off the glove of Jerry Grote.
The count stays at one ball and two strikes.
So they took the bricks out in the area where he hit that historic home run.
And there will be a part of the new Free River Stadium.
That's why you see new brick out there.
Glad to know that.
4.06 mark.
Now the pitch back.
And a time to curveball. It misses two balls and two strikes.
I thought you were going to tell me that's where Willie Stargo runs through the wall.
I believe he could.
He probably could as hard as he is.
Now the 2-2 delivery.
It is hit to the second baseman Wenger at a soft line drive.
And he makes the catch and every tire is inside.
A 1-2-3 inning for Tom Sieber.
The first time he's done that in a ball game.
And the score at the end of four.
The New York Mets three. The Pittsburgh Pirates two.
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Hitting number five here at Forbesfield.
The Mets three. Pirates two. Tommy Agee to lead off against Steve Blatt.
Tommy has two for two.
And has scored two of the three runs for the New York Mets.
Tommy beat out an infield hit in the first inning.
He singled to center and stole second to set up a run in the third inning.
So an impressive start for Tommy Agee.
Now the pitch by Blass. A ground ball hit right at Maseroski.
Mas is up with it. Throws on to Al Oliver at first base. One out.
Bud Harrelson has flied to center and bounced out to third. Nothing for two.
J.C. Martin is in the opening day lineup for the Chicago Cubs catching Ferguson Jenkins in Philadelphia.
Which would indicate that Randy Hundley is not yet physically ready to play.
Taken high by Bud Harrelson. Ball one.
Billy's lead at Chicago. One nothing at the end of four with Ferguson Jenkins pitching against Chris Short.
And a slow ground ball off the mound. Steve Blass. He underhands to throw to Oliver. Two down.
So two men quickly set aside by Steve Blass. And it will bring up Joe Foy.
Joe has bounced out to third and driven a run in with a sacrifice fly.
His sacrifice fly in the third inning put New York back into the lead three-two.
Leon Jones the clean up hitter comes out on deck.
That's three runs on five hits. They've had three left on.
The pirate outfield around to left.
And a swing and a miss and a breaking ball. Strike one.
Azurowski has been playing a very deep second base against the right hand batters.
And shading them for the most part toward the middle of the diamond.
Now Blass delivers and a half swing foul ball right straight back no play.
And Blass now has a two-strike advantage.
One other day opener in the Niagara League today but starting later it's on the west coast at Candlestick Park Houston at San Francisco.
At Candlestick Park this year they will be playing on a synthetic field.
The two-strike delivery high and inside.
One ball two strikes to Joe Foy.
No game tomorrow the Mets and Parrots Thursday night Jerry Kuzman pitching against Doc Ellis.
Pitching one and two. And a change up breaking ball that's inside almost a blooper curve.
And the count is two balls and two strikes.
The Mets scored twice in the first inning today.
Cleon Jones doubled home Tommy Agee and Art Shamsky singled home Cleon Jones.
Pittsburgh came back to tie the game.
And a curve in the dirt.
That ball got away from Steve Blass and struck the dirt far out in front of the plate.
And now we have a full count three and two.
Pittsburgh tied the game getting one run in the first inning as Roberto Clementi singled home Mattie Allou.
And Jerry May's sacrifice fly in the second brought home Al Oliver.
Swing and a miss he struck him up.
On three and two Blass fans Joe Foy for Steve Blass his third strikeout.
No runs no hits no errors and none left on.
So we've come halfway at the end of four and one half innings to score the New York Mets three and the Pittsburgh Pirates two.
Having a problem in deciding where to take your group on its next outing?
It's so let the Mets group sales department solve it for you.
This department is manned by experts in handling both men's and women's groups.
These same specialists encourage community and civic organizations, social and fraternal clubs, youth, family and athletic groups to take in a Mets ball game and enjoy a day at Shea.
In addition to providing group ticket sales for a ball game, our representatives will be happy to furnish you with all the details of the beautiful restaurants at Shea Stadium which are available for parties large or small up to 700 persons.
For groups of 100 or more recognition will be given to your organization on the changeable message scoreboard here at Shea.
You can easily obtain additional information simply by writing to group sales manager Shea Stadium, Flushing New York 11368 or if you like telephone 212-672-3000.
The representative handling your area will be more than happy to personally speak before your men's or women's group large or small and explain all the details.
Call it right today and enjoy a day at Shea.
Last of inning number five and Jerry May the catcher batting seventh in the order faces Tom Siever.
He drove in a run in the second with a long fly ball to right center and Swabota made a remarkable catch to rob him of an extra base hit.
The pitch by Siever is low inside ball one.
Tom Siever 25 and 7 last year winner of the Nice-Dalek-Sci Young Award and runner up in the most valuable player balloting.
Now the pitch by Tom a strike on the outside corner at the knees one ball one strike.
That's figuring Jerry May as a pull hitter Wayne Garrett shaded towards second base.
Now Grote provides the target in comes the pitch high fly ball hit deep to center roaming back is Tommy Agee now he's drawing a beat on it and he makes the catch for the eye.
And ball jumped off the bat of Jerry May but it was hit straight away in center field.
One out and nobody on now veteran Bill Masurowski. Mas 0 for 1 retired on an infield pop-up taken by Joe Foy on the second inning.
15-year veteran from Wheeling West Virginia Bill Masurowski. Tom Siever smoothing out the dirt in front of the pitching slab.
New York three runs on five hits Pittsburgh two runs on four hits were in the last half of the fifth inning.
We have a near capacity crowd at Forbes field pitch on the way fouled back upstairs to the skyboxes no play.
Veteran Augie Donatelli the crew chief of this umpiring team and naturally behind the plate on opening day.
Second in seniority on this umpiring team is Chris Pellicudas so he's a first base then John Kibler at second.
Satch Davidson at third. Pitch taken outside by Masurowski.
Both Masurowski and Alley missed a lot last year due to injuries and a half swing slow ground ball down the first base line.
Siever picks the ball up in fair territory tags out Masurowski.
Good play by Siever he had to get there in a hurry because the ball probably would have rolled foul before it reached the first base back.
Siever left the mound and got to it near the line.
Two outs nobody on Steve Blass the pirate hurler coming up.
You have to work on Steve Blass he's among the better hitting pitchers in the Nistel League.
He had one game against the Cubs last year he had four bases and one ball game.
Blass hits right handed.
Now Siever over the head down comes the arm line down the right field line it may go foul foul ball.
Ball was hit late by Steve Blass he's struck it but was a foul ball.
One of the grand standout killers must have made a good play.
Temperature about 50 degrees here on opening day.
It has been overcast the overcast just now starting to break up.
And he tries to bunny's way on the pitcher's strike two.
He offered at it says Augie Donatelli.
Blass ran up on that when he was going to try and push a bunch beyond the pitcher's reach on the right side of the infield.
Now Siever with a two strike count on Steve Blass.
Into his wind up Tom Siever and the pitch off the outside corner one ball and two strikes.
The Orioles and the Indians are tied 1-1 at the end of three.
Siever thought he had him struck out breaking ball just missing the outside corner and it's 2-2 to Blass.
Tom Siever has struck out three.
Walk none.
Now the pitch to Blass foul back toward the crowd no play.
This weekend the Mets have a three game series with the Cardinals and St. Louis.
Following the Sunday game they'll be flying to New York.
They have the welcome home dinner Monday night at the grand ballroom of the New York Hilton and they open the season at Shea a week from today.
Pitching two and two and a slow ground ball back to the mound.
An easy play for Siever. He throws on to first the side is up.
Tom Siever has settled now to retire seven in a row.
No runs, no hits, no errors, none left on.
At the end of five the New York Mets three and the Pittsburgh Pirates two.
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Now Cleon Jones, Cleon doubled a run in in the first inning and he reached on a walk in the third inning.
The lights are on.
And we go to the sixth inning as Glass picks up his sign from Jerry May.
Here's the pitch on the way and it's over strike one call.
Cleon's double was well hit the right field over the head of Roberto Clemente and it brought home Tommy Agee.
We have had some long shots in this ballgame.
And the pitch is taken by Cleon one ball one strike.
Ron Swabota made a truly remarkable catch on Jerry May early in the ballgame to Rob May of an extra base hit.
The 1-1 delivery breaking ball at the knees a call strike.
Both pitchers seem to be settling down.
Sieber has now retired seven in a row and Steve Blass has retired six in a row.
The first three innings both pitchers were being hit hard.
Glass with a count of one ball two strikes.
Here's the pitch and a curve in the dirt out in front of the plate.
That breaking ball is bothering Steve Blass.
I mean he's been changing up on his curve ball and it's been getting out of his hand in a wrong way and breaking into the dirt far out in front of the plate.
The 2-2 delivery and it's over strike free call.
Cleon is caught looking.
The fourth strike out now for Steve Blass and Blass is now set down seven straight and it brings up Art Shamsky.
You know the only thing that's going to impress you about a White Owl cigar is how it tastes compared to other cigars.
If you really appreciate a White Owl cigar you have to smoke their cigar.
Art Shamsky single to run home in the first inning and Skye to center in the third inning.
Art one for two and a run batted in.
That's lead three-two and a call strike on the outside corner at the knees.
Ron Swaboda will be hitting next.
Jerry May setting up the target.
Line down the left field line and may go foul.
Let's see.
Fair ball just inside the line.
Shamsky around first.
He's on his way to second and he goes in standing up with an opposite field double.
Well hit drive by Shamsky into the left field corner.
A two base hit.
That is base hit number six for the New York Mets and three of the six have been for extra bases.
Ron Swaboda stepping in.
Ron doubled at leading off the fourth inning but was left stranded on third.
He also has made a great play in the game in the field.
Now blast off the stretch.
A swing and a miss by Ron Swaboda.
Wayne Garrett is the on deck hitter.
These are the two teams.
Many of the baseball expert's figure will battle for the Eastern Division crown.
Shamsky leading off second.
Blast delivers at a half swing and he went through since Donatelli had a fastball in the count of strike two.
And then he goes coaching at third base comes down the line.
He does not like the call by Ogie Donatelli.
That gives blast a two strike advantage in facing Ron Swaboda.
Now blast checks the runner at second delivers.
Low and outside on a breaking ball.
Dave Juste warming up again in the Pittsburgh Pirate bullpen.
Along with left hander Lou Maroney.
Mets have some fans here today.
Some youngsters came all the way from New York to be here for the opening day game.
Pitching one and two.
Strike three calls.
Swaboda is start looking.
Right here we pause for station identification.
This is the New York Mets baseball network.
This is your New York Mets baseball station in Saratoga Springs, New York.
WKAJ FM 102.3 on your dial.
Bob Murphy with Lindsey Nelson and Ralph Koenner.
Mets lead the Pirates three to two.
We have a good one going.
We're in the top of the sixth inning.
They're going to intentionally walk Wayne Garrett and pitch instead to Jerry Grote.
Garrett a left hand hitter and so in this spot.
Danny Murtaugh will go with the percentages.
And the intentional pass is being issued to Wayne Garrett.
Jerry Grote has lined up to the second baseman and popped the third.
So Jerry is over two.
Here are the warm ups for the opener at Yankee Stadium.
For the Red Sox it will be Gary Peters.
Acquired last winter in a deal with the Chicago White Sox.
And for the Yankees their 20 game winner Mel Stoudelmeyer.
Yankee Stadium opener.
Scheduled for three in the afternoon.
Now runners on first and second.
Two men down and Jerry Grote is the hitter.
Jerry May the backstop goes out to confer with Steve Blass.
This is a critical point in the ball game.
Tom Siever is the on deck batter.
With one away Art Shamsky double deep to left field.
Ron Swaboda was called out for the second out of the inning.
And they have intentionally walked Wayne Garrett.
Now it's right hander against right hander.
Blass up in pitching position.
Here's the pitch on the way.
And he held up on the swing just in time.
It's ball one. Grote started to go and then checked it.
Art Shamsky leads off second.
Wayne Garrett leading off first.
Steve Blass delivers and a ground ball hits the shortstop.
Gene Alley comes up with it.
Graves to Maseroski.
Forced play to retire the side.
No runs. One hit. No errors. And two left on.
Now at the end of five and one half innings.
The New York Mets three and the Pittsburgh Pirates two.
For the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Mattie Allou leads off in the last of the sixth inning against Tom Siever.
Baltimore and Cleveland tied one one at the end of three and a half in Cleveland.
Dave McNally pitching against Sam McDowell.
Oakland at Kansas City and not underway.
California Angels and Milwaukee Brewers.
California one, Milwaukee nothing at the end of an inning and a half.
Andy Messersmith against Luke Krause.
And Detroit plays at Washington tonight.
We are being held up for a moment.
While the ground crew does a little work on the warning track out in right field.
In the National League, Philadelphia one, Chicago nothing.
They're going to the sixth inning at County Max Stadium with Ferguson Jenkins pitching against Chris Short.
Mattie Allou has doubled and scored a run and bounced out to Short.
One for two.
Siever into his windup to pitch to Mattie.
Inside and low it's ball one.
Top of the order for the parents in the last of the sixth inning.
Mattie Allou, Richie Hebner and Roberto Clemente.
Now Siever delivers and Allou takes a look and goes outside.
Two balls and no strikes.
Mattie Allou had 231 hits last year.
Most prolific hit maker in Major League Baseball.
Lion in the right center field.
He's going after it.
And the ball is rolling all the way back to the center field fence.
Mattie Allou is a round second.
The relay is run by Wayne Garrett the third to head first slide he's three.
So the tying run is on third base.
Nobody out. Mattie Allou hanging out a line drive into right center.
He tried to reach it but he could not get to it.
And then had to pursue the ball 436 feet back to the wall.
And Mattie Allou is on third with a triple.
Mattie Allou now has a double and triple and three times at bat.
The infield will concede a run.
They play back the batter is Richie Hebner.
And a high foul fly going out of play.
The Pirates have five hits.
And four of the five have been extra base hits.
The only single the Pirates have picked up today was by Roberto Clemente in the first inning to drive in a run.
All of their other hits have been extra base hits.
And a high fly ball at the short right field.
Garrett is going out. Mattie Allou is not tagging up.
Garrett makes the catch.
And holding a third Mattie Allou.
So one man away and now let's see if the Mets bring the infield in.
Roberto Clemente will be the batter.
Clemente is single to run in in the first inning.
And Tom Siever struck him out with a runner in the scoring position in the third inning.
Now the left side of the infield comes in.
Clemente hits to the opposite field a great deal.
And so Garrett is playing him back at normal fielding depth.
The other three infielders are in.
Tom Siever using the full windup and the pitch to Roberto.
It's over. Strike one's off.
Mets leading by a score of three to two.
The Pirates though have the tying run on third one out.
Now Siever as the runner Mattie Allou delivers a powering pop up down the right field line.
It might go to the crowd looking for a play as Shamsky is into the crowd.
So near and so far.
Art Shamsky pinned himself up against the field box railing.
Tried to reach over and grab it.
But it was just out of his reach.
Now Tom Siever has a two strike count on Roberto Clemente.
Siever has walked none.
Struck out four allowed two runs given up five bases.
The sun breaks through the overcast and Tom McKenna the center of the New York Mets brings the sunglasses out.
They also take the glasses to Cleon Jones and left field.
Sunglasses brought out to Joe Foy and the
Cleon Jones the angle of the sun has the sun right in the eyes of the third baseman and the left fielder.
Now the Mets dugout trying to get the attention of Ron Swabota and they move Swabota closer to the right field line.
Wind up by Siever here's the pitch ground ball hit hard.
Game is tied as Mattie Allou comes on.
Clemente with his second run batted in.
Roberto Clemente picking up where he left off.
Now has two for three and two runs batted in.
He hit a hard ground ball through the hole in the left field.
The game is tied 3-3 and the batter is Willie Stargell.
Stargell is the first to make the first run.
The right nothing for two.
Mets have the infield looking for two.
Now the pitch curve hit on the ground a second base Wayne Garrett charging in.
First to second force play on Clemente.
Ball hit slowly.
One was all they could hope for and they got the lead runner Roberto Clemente.
Wayne Garrett to Bud Harrelson.
So the Mets are in the lead.
Wayne Garrett to Bud Harrelson.
So with two men away the first baseman Al Oliver comes up.
He hit a long triple to right center in the second and later scored.
And he fouled out to Joe Foy in the fourth inning.
The Pirates have three runs on six hits.
And four of their six hits have been extra base hits.
The Mets have six base hits and three of their six have been extra base hits.
Now Siever checks the runner Willie Stargell.
And the pitch on the way.
Fast ball at the knees.
Strike one call.
No game tomorrow the concluding game of this two game series Thursday night.
Art Shansky holding against the runner.
And Siever's pitch lined hard at deep left field.
Back to those Cleon Jones and he makes the catch.
The side is out.
A long drive to the opposite field.
Taken by Cleon.
The Pirates tie the game scoring one run on two hits.
No errors and one left on.
At the end of sixth the score the New York Mets three and the Pittsburgh Pirates three.
All roads lead to Carmody Ford and Mercury at the junction of routes 29 and 40 in busy Greenwich.
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You'll find Jorinos, Mustangs, Thunderbirds, Falcons and the new Maverick in dozens of different body styles.
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A good bunch of guys to do business with at Carmody Ford.
Before you buy check the Carmody deal.
You'll like doing business at Carmody.
Their overhead is low and at Carmody Ford everybody works to serve their customers.
There are no padded payrolls.
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For the best deal on a car see the man at Carmody Ford and Mercury.
You can't say Carmody without saying car.
And the best deal on a car is at Carmody Ford and Mercury at the junction of routes 29 and 40 in busy Greenwich.
With the score tied 3-3 we go to the seventh inning now and Tom Siever is up to lead off for the Mets.
Siever has struck out and grounded out in his two previous appearances at the plate today.
Here's a right hand batter facing right hand pitcher Steve Blass.
Blass was a 16 game winner last year.
Oh the Pittsburgh Pirates the pitch is high for a ball.
Blass makes his home in Cannon Connecticut.
Siever makes his home in Greenwich Connecticut.
Pitch is in for a call strike and it's one and one.
Tommy Agee is waiting on deck now for the New York Mets.
The Mets had a two run lead.
The Pirates came back to tie it at 2-2.
The Mets had a one run lead.
The Pirates came back to tie it at 3-3.
Here's a delivery swung on and missed.
It's one and two.
Siever trying to chop that ball to the right side.
Maserowski is playing on the rim of the outfield grass at second base.
Lights have been on here since the third inning at Forbes Field.
Now the pitch swung on and Miss and Blass gets his sixth strikeout of the day.
One met out in the seventh and Tommy Agee is coming up.
Joe Gibbon and Twiggy Hardenstein are throwing in the bullpen now for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Left handed Joe Gibbon.
Slight right handed Twiggy Hardenstein.
Agee is two for three and here's a pitch foul back out of play.
Agee singled and later scored in the first inning.
Sengl stole the base and later scored in the third inning.
Granted out second to first in the fifth inning.
Blass has settled out after getting off to a shaky start here.
Now the pitch.
It's high for of all.
Jerry May is behind the plate this afternoon on opening day for the Pirates.
Manesong Gion would have been there but for the fact that swinging out a pitch at the Pirate camp in Bradenton he pulled a muscle underneath the rib cage and after watching him take batting practice yesterday Danny Murtaugh scratched him and inserted Jerry May.
That pitch is low and away.
May steps out in front of the plate now returning the ball to Steve Blass.
Two balls and one strike.
The met bullpen is down in the left field corner.
The powered bullpen down in the right field corner here at Forbes Field.
This will be a 2-1 delivery.
Steve Blass offers and it's hung on and fouled up off the ankle of Tommy Agee.
So the count goes to two balls and two strikes.
Bud Harrelson is on deck.
And that starting lineup today provided something of a surprise and that Art Shamsky was at first base.
Wayne Garrett at second.
Ken Boswell was away for four days on military reserve duty in Texas and manager Gil Hygge said yesterday he just didn't think that Boswell would be sharp enough to be in the opening day lineup.
Boswell did return late yesterday.
There's a curveball in for a called strike three.
Blass with a curveball strikes out of the net.
A curveball strikes out Agee for his seventh strikeout of the day.
So strikeouts back to back and now Bud Harrelson's coming up.
Slide to center, grounded out third to first, grounded out pitcher to first.
Harrelson is a switch hitter batting left.
Here's a pitch.
Swung on and looped out in the right field center for a base hit.
Clemente comes up, plays it back and Bud Harrelson turns and holds with a looping single to right field.
It comes with two men out here in the top of the seven that brings up Joe Poy.
Poy grounded out, had a sacrifice by the right to drive and a run and struck out swinging.
Officially Poy is 0 for 2 in his debut as a New York Mets here this afternoon.
The Mets go ahead in total base hits, not sevens with a power at six.
Poy has a close stance at the plate.
He can hit with some power.
He had 11 home runs last year at Kansas City.
Swung on, a high infield pop to the right side.
Mazurowski calls.
He's underneath up near the rim of the infield grass, makes the catch.
Side is out, it's no runs, a hit, no errors and one left.
In the middle of the seventh inning the score is the New York Mets 3 and the Pittsburgh Pirates 3.
For Mets fans, D-Day for the biggest, best and most colorful Mets yearbook ever is April 14th,
next Tuesday when the 1970 edition goes on sale at Shea Stadium.
64 pages and more than 250 photographs, including 28 pages of photos and four colors,
graphically recreating the amazing miracle of the Mets.
The centerfold is a two-page picture in rich color of the World Championship team suitable for framing.
In addition to the career records of every player, the 1970 Blockbuster edition
includes a four-page World Series section portraying the drama of the classic climax
by a full page of the tumultuous celebration scene in the triumphant clubhouse.
All this and more, much more than any yearbook ever had, makes its debut April 14th.
It can be purchased at Shea Stadium for 75 cents.
Fans who wish to order copies by mail can write to New York Mets yearbook department,
Shea Stadium, Flushing, New York, zip code 11368, and include one dollar for each copy,
which will also cover the cost of mailing and handling.
We'll be going to the bottom of the seventh inning here now.
The Pirates will have Gene Alley up there to lead off, facing Tom Seaver.
It was started and has been all the way before the New York Mets.
A 3-3 tie in the seventh inning. The Pirate fans are up and stretching.
Gene Alley struck out and lined out the second base.
Now the pitch is outside for a ball.
Very good. He sends out a sign, and here's Seaver's 1-0 offering.
It's in there for a called strike.
Gene Alley hit.246 last year over the course of a season,
much of which was spent on the bench by him because of injuries.
He is a former National League All-Star shortstop.
Here's a foul ball back and out of play, and it goes to 1-2 to Gene Alley.
Jerry May is waiting on deck.
Pittsburgh Pirates, one of the hardest hitting teams in baseball,
and the New York Mets, the defending world champions, are tied 3-3,
breaking pitch fouled off.
And they just got the bat on the ball.
It's just what he was trying to do with that one.
Thinking it just might catch the outside corner, knew he couldn't pull it.
It's fouled off, and the count is 1-2.
Again, Seaver offers up a pitch.
Picks a lot off of that one, and the change is hit in the air to center,
and AG can't get it.
The base hit.
One hop, and play back.
So Alley gets the base hit off the change.
It's a leadoff single for the Pirates here in the bottom of the 7th.
They have the tie-breaking run on board with nobody out,
and Jerry May coming up.
Let's see how manager Danny Murtaugh plays it.
Now May, his catcher, is a long ball hitter.
He hit 2-32 last year.
He's the number 7 man in the order.
He's followed by Mazurowski.
Arshansky comes over now to hold against the runner at first base for the Mets.
Seaver up and set.
Here's the pitch to May.
He squares, bunch foul.
It's out of play right down at his feet.
So the sacrifice was on.
Now, does Murtaugh leave it on on the second pitch?
Does he switch off and go to the hit and run?
Frank Osiak is relaying the sign now to Jerry May.
Joe Foy is guarding the line at third, ready to charge.
Shamsky is holding against the runner at first.
Jerry Grote, alert behind the plate, ready to get out there on the possible bunt.
The counters strike one to Jerry May.
Seaver is working off the stretch, checks the runner.
Here's the pitch.
May squares, bunt and miss.
He hits strike two.
Now, would he leave it on all the way?
Chances are he would not.
Chances are he would have all made a swing away.
That's what May's finding out now.
Meanwhile, manager Gil Hodge has action in the mid-bowl pin.
Left hand to Tug McGraw, right hand to Ron Taylor.
Up and throwing.
We're in the seventh inning.
This is a two-strike delivery to May.
The bunt's not on.
He fouls it back with a full swing out of play.
So the count holds at 0-2 to Jerry May.
He's reading the sign of Osiak again.
Chances are he'll be free to swing away from here on out
with an 0-2 count.
But the bunt was on for the first two pitches.
Score tied, 3-3 in the seventh.
Now the pitch swung on and popped up foul down the line
and left 15 toward the stands out of play.
Count continues at two strikes.
The Mets got two runs from the top of the first.
The Mets got one in the bottom of the first and one in the bottom of the second
to make it a 2-2 tie.
In the top of the third, the Mets went ahead again,
getting a singleton to make it 3-2.
The Mets got one in the sixth to make it 3-3,
and that's where we are just now.
We're in the bottom of the seventh.
Score tied.
Here's the swing and a drive deep to the left.
Way back, but safe there.
It's gone.
And it is a foul ball.
A foul ball.
Way down over a wall in the left field corner.
Jerry May, whom, as we say, is capable of hitting the long ball,
rode one out of here a foul ball.
Her boy, the count, doing two to Jerry May as he comes back to the plate.
Picked up the bat.
Handful of dirt.
He fouled off three straight 0-2 pitches.
Siever hasn't wasted any on him.
He's had him in the strike zone.
The runner at first is Gene Alley.
Chamsky holds against him.
And here's the pitch.
That's in for a called strike three.
Siever caught him licking.
Five strikeouts for Siever.
Last has struck out seven.
Bill Nazarovsky's coming up.
The field captain of the Pittsburgh Pirates has popped the third
and ground it out to the pitcher unassisted.
That was on little Squibbler down the first baseline in the fifth inning.
Now, this followed in the batting order by pitcher Steve Blass.
Now, Siever checks and deals.
Pitchers in for a called strike.
Nazarovsky looks down to Frank Josiak, the coach at third.
See if there's any possibility of a hit and run.
Twiggy Hardenstein continues to throw in the bullpen for the Pirates
in case they want to go to a pinch hitter for Blass.
Here's a swing and a high pop fly to the right side.
Garrett's back.
Swabota's coming in.
Who's going to call?
Swabota calls.
Loses the cap and makes the catch.
Holding it first now is Alley.
And Blass is going to bat for himself.
Blass is a pretty good hitting pitcher.
What that means is that he takes a good cut
and is not an automatic out as many pitchers are.
Blass has struck out and grounded out pitcher to first so far today.
Sun breaks through the overcast as it has done on several occasions this afternoon.
Two men out, runner at first, bottom half of the seventh score tied.
Deaver off the stretch, sidearm and felt it in the center.
It's a base hit.
A.G. over, up with it, holding it second is Alley.
The throw comes in, runners at first and second.
We far us for station identification.
This is the New York Mets baseball network.
This is your New York Mets baseball station in Saratoga Springs, New York.
WKAJFM 102.3 on your dial.
At Forbes Field in Pittsburgh where the Pirates have runners at first and second
with two men out and Matty Allou coming up.
Metcatcher Jerry Goody has gone out for a word with Tom Siever.
The score is tied 3-3.
The sun is shining brightly at this moment.
Matty Allou has doubled and tripled and grounded out in three times at the plate today.
Siever's work has cut out for him.
That is a tie breaking run at second base.
Now, Siever sets up.
The pitch to the left-hand batter is hung on and foul back.
It's strike one.
Matty Allou is one of the toughest men in the National League to strike out.
He gets the bat on the ball somehow, someway.
Howard Runners lead at first and second, Blath wearing the jacket on the base pass.
Siever off the stretch.
Pitch outside.
Fastball.
It's one and one.
Allou struck out only 35 times last year and 698 times at bat.
That's getting the bat on the ball.
Here's a curve ball.
Second by Siever, a line drive.
Siever went up and stared at the mound for the out.
It was a punchline drive.
Siever had him in the webbing of his glove with a lot of white showing.
The side is retired.
No runs.
Two hits.
No errors and two left.
The end of seven innings.
The score is the Mets 3 and the Pirates 3.
The New York Mets are coming up now in the eighth inning and manager Gil Hodges has sent Mike Jorgensen down to the bullpen to loosen up.
Jorgensen's loosening up now.
If the Mets get a run, Jorgensen will come in to play first base.
So anticipating the possibility of getting a run here in the eighth, Gil Hodges has sent Jorgensen down to warm up.
It'll be Cleon Jones, Art Shansky and Ron Swabota for the Mets in the eighth inning.
Jones has doubled the drive in a run, walked and struck out.
Here's a swing and a base hit.
No, it's cut off by Mazuratsky and he makes the play at first in time.
Listen to the allure of appreciation from the fans here at Forbes Field.
Cleon Jones lined that ball to right and Mazuratsky went back on the outfield grass,
loved it and threw on in time to retire the runner.
Mazuratsky's been doing that for all these many years here at Forbes Field.
And he just robbed Cleon Jones, the first man up for the Mets in the eighth inning.
That brings up Art Shansky.
Shansky's 2 for 3 today.
He's single to drive in a run, by the center and double.
One man out, nobody on base.
The score tied 3-3 in the eighth inning.
D-Blast has been in all the way.
He's gotten stronger as he's gone.
Here's a fly ball to center and Alou moves up.
He's there waiting for that one.
Mattie Alou takes the fly ball.
So, two pitches and two away here in the eighth and Ron Swabota's coming up.
Grounded out, doubled and was called out on strike.
In the National League at the end of seven innings of play at County Mac Stadium in Philadelphia.
It's the Phils two and the Chicago Cubs nothing.
Ferguson Jenkins against Chris Short.
That's the only other action going in the National League just now.
In the American League, the Boston Red Sox lead the Yankees 1-0 in the middle of the second.
Gary Peters against Mel Sadelmar.
Pitch is low and away to Swabota now for ball one.
Two men out, nobody on.
Here's a swing and a ground ball to Maseratky at second.
He has it. Plays the first.
The Mets are out in the eighth.
It's no runs, no hits, no errors and none left.
In the middle of the eighth inning, the score is the Mets three and the Parrots three.
Well Mets fans, we're into another season and we hope a really great one for your ball club.
Friendly Freddy is also going into another season of car washing, a really great one for his club.
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Wax is 50 cents extra.
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Come on in and give them a try.
For the New York Mets, Mike Jorgensen has come in to play first place now.
So Jorgensen is in, in place of Shamsky, so Bota stays in right field.
We go to the bottom of the eighth and it'll be Richie Hebner up to lead off the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Hebner has struck out double and popped out so far, facing Tom Seaver, who's been in all the way.
Parts have had eight hits in the Mets, they've had seven.
He was, he's hit deep to right field, so Bota is in the warning track and makes the catch.
In front of the wall, in right field.
So there's one away and Roberto Clemente is coming up.
He's had two base hits today, he's two for three, he's driven in two of the Pirates' three runs.
He's in the five innings to play in the American League, the Cleveland Indians two and the Baltimore Orioles one.
Sam McDowell against Dave McNally.
The open A's are at Kansas City against the Royals at Blue Moon Odom, 15 and six, against Wally Bunker, 12 and 11.
At the end of four innings to play, the Minnesota Twins three, the Chicago White Sox nothing.
Jim Perry, 20 and six against Tommy John, nine and 11.
The receiver's pitch to Clemente is low for a ball.
At the end of three innings, the Cal Angels four and the Milwaukee Brewers nothing.
Andy Messersmith, 16 and 11 against Lou Krause, seven and seven.
The Detroit Tigers are at Washington tonight.
Detroit defeated Washington in the presidential opener yesterday.
Swing and a ground ball up the middle and it's going through for a base hit.
Clemente has three.
Tommy Agee returns the ground ball.
So now Clemente's on his first with one man out and big Willie Starjow coming up.
No action at this moment in the Med Bullpen, but we're going to get some any second.
Starjow get into a double play, slide to right and drive it into a fourth play so far today.
The score is tied 3-3. That was the ninth hit for the Pirates today.
Ron Taylor gets up and begins to throw in the Med Bullpen.
Diva works off the stretch to the left hand by the Starjow curve ball.
It's in the air to deep left, but Jones has it lined up.
Leon Jones is there halfway. Clemente returns to first.
There are two men out.
That'll bring up Hal Oliver.
He tripled all the way to the iron gate in right, bowled out to third and lined out to left.
In the National League, Houston is at San Francisco playing at Candlestick later this afternoon.
The Man of Rays are at San Diego tonight against the Padres.
Cincinnati Reds are at Los Angeles tonight against the Dodgers.
Cincinnati and the preseason opener defeated Montreal yesterday.
The St. Louis Cardinals have not yet opened.
They will open tomorrow in Montreal against the Expos.
Right here the score is tied 3-3 and Hal Oliver is up.
He gets 2.85 with 17 home runs last year for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Debrie checks and deals.
Here's a swing and a foul ball. It's going to go out of play.
It's a stand behind third base.
Strike one to Oliver.
Only Ron Taylor, the right-hander, throwing in the med bow pen.
Jorgensen holding against the runner at first base.
That's outside for a ball.
Talking with baseball writers yesterday,
Manager Gil Hodge has volunteered the opinion that he considered Mike Jorgensen
one of the finest defensive first basemen he's ever seen.
Pitch to Oliver.
Throwing it on the ground to second base.
Taken by Garrett.
He goes to Jorgensen and the side is out.
No runs are hit. No errors and one left.
At the end of eight full innings of play, the score is the New York Mets 3
and the Pittsburgh Pirates 3.
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Walton's also carries a full line of famous named sleeping bags.
Of course, at Walton's, hunters can find everything in one convenient location.
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A complete line of equipment for all sports is what you will find at Walton Sports Shop,
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The New York Mets are up in the ninth inning,
and it's the number 7 man in the batting order, Wayne Garrett, to lead off.
He has struck out, flied to right, and was intentionally walked.
Officially 0 for 2, with the pitcher scheduled about third in the inning,
Ron Taylor continues to throw in the med bow pen.
Blast, with the pitcher sit on the ground to first place,
taken out the bag by Oliver for the outs.
A scribbling ground ball just to the bag in fair territory,
Oliver simply had to put his foot on the bag when he got it.
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The people at Rhine Goal ask you to keep America Beautiful.
Ed Krainpool has moved out on deck now with Grote at the plate.
Here's a swing and a miss for strike one.
Jerry Grote has gone 0 for 3 today.
Ron Taylor still throwing in the bow pen.
It's high and away for a ball.
So Krainpool is out there to bat for Siever,
for Siever to be credited with a victory.
The Mets would have to take the lead in this inning if Krainpool bats for them.
Here's a 1-1 pitch. It's low, 2-1.
Joe Gibbon is throwing now the left-hander down the bow pen for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Joe Gibbon.
Here's a 2-1 pitch. Swung on and fouled back.
Steve Blass said before yesterday's ball game that of the Mets,
he always thought Krainpool hit him better than anybody.
We're in the ninth and the score is tied, 3-3.
The counter Grote is 2-2.
Blass with the pitch, swung on and missed strikeout number 8 for the Parrot right-hander.
So there are two Mets out, nobody on.
The ball is up to bat for Tom Siever.
Pitch is low for a ball.
Tommy Agee is on deck.
Mets batting in the ninth.
Fouled back.
That's one way to get out of the way of it, Ralph.
Hey, Lindsey, they really broke that glass right over here and hit that glass just to your right.
It does that. I was aware of that.
1-1 to count to Krainpool.
Swung on and fouled off. So it's 1-2.
Two men out, nobody on base. May is going out now for a word with Steve Blass.
I got news for you. This game is not official.
Is that not a Chubb-Vinnie baseball?
This is not a Chubb-Vinnie baseball. It has Warren Giles name on it. This game can count.
Warren Giles is not the president of the National League.
Krainpool now measures his stance. Here's the 1-2 pitch.
Swung out and this strikes out number nine for Blass. Mets are out in the ninth inning.
Krainpool goes down swinging. It's no runs, no hits, no errors and none left.
In the middle of the ninth inning, the score is still tied. The Mets three and the Pirates three.
Globe Supply downtown Saratoga is the place to go for Raleigh and Rollfast bicycles.
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Open daily from 8.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday night until 9 p.m.
John Hancock introduces Rich Man coverage for the Not Yet Rich,
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John Hancock, huh?
We'll be going down to the bottom half of the ninth inning.
Ron Taylor has come in to do the pitching for the New York Mets.
Ron Taylor, Tom Seaver pitched the first eight innings, gave up three runs on nine, hit, struck out five, walked nine.
Seaver cannot be the winning or the losing pitcher in this fall game.
It'll be Gene Alley coming up to lead off for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Door tie, 3-3.
Ron Taylor was in 59 games for the New York Mets last year.
Here's a swing and a miss for strike one.
Taylor had an appearance in the championship series and was in the World Series as well in two games.
Two appearances in the championship series and two in the World Series.
Sidearm pitches it on the ground to short.
Harrelson up and over to Jorgensen in time and Alley is out.
Now Jerry May.
He had a sacrifice by the right in the second as Robota turned in a circus catch of the ball.
He fired the center in the fifth and was caught out on strikes in the seventh after having fouled the ball.
Down the left field corner, barely fouled out of the park.
Get on the ground, back to the mound.
Taken by Taylor, over to Jorgensen and Jerry May is out.
So there are two men out and Bill Mazurowski is coming up now.
Popped the third, grounded out to Seaver unassisted and fly to right.
The Pirate fans have never forgotten that it was Mazurowski who won a World Championship for them back in 1960.
With a ninth inning home run over the left field wall, it sailed over the head of Yankee left fielder Yogi Berra.
As it's going to drive to the left, Leon John's going back and makes the catch on the run in front of the scoreboard for the out.
We'll be going to extra innings in the ninth.
No runs, no hits, no errors and none left.
The score at the end of nine full innings is tied.
The Mets three and the Pirates three.
Having a problem in deciding where to take your group on its next outing?
If so, let the Mets group sales department solve it for you.
This department is manned by experts in handling both men's and women's groups.
These same specialists encourage community and civic organizations, social and fraternal clubs, youth, family and athletic groups
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In addition to providing group ticket sales for a ball game, our representatives will be happy to furnish you with all the details of the beautiful restaurants at Shea Stadium,
which are available for parties large or small up to 700 persons.
For groups of 100 or more, recognition will be given to your organization on the changeable message scoreboard here at Shea.
You can easily obtain additional information simply by writing to Group Sales Manager Shea Stadium, Flushing, New York 11368 or if you like, telephone 212-672-3000.
The representative handling your area will be more than happy to personally speak before your men's or women's group, large or small, and explain all the details.
Call away today and enjoy a day at Shea.
Coming in here now for the play-by-play, Ralph Keimer.
Thank you, Lindsay Nelson. Once again, hi everyone. Tommy Agee will lead off on the ball game now here in the extra innings.
The Mets have never gone to extra innings on opening day and they have never won an opening day game.
So another real minor milestone, I guess you'd have to say, Lindsay.
Well, it's all of that. It's been an exciting day of baseball, indicative, I think, of what we can expect all season long.
Here's a final score on that Philadelphia game and a big one for the Phillies as Chris Short making a comeback.
Was the winning pitcher over Chicago by a score of 2-0. He pitched a five-hitter. Ferguson Jenkins was the losing pitcher.
Chris Short had a back operation last year and missed all the season.
So the Phillies looking for pitching and finding it right there with their veteran left-hander, Chris Short.
Right here at 3-3, the Mets had nine hits, the Mets had seven, and Tommy Agee, the first batter and the first pitch by Triggy Hardenstein.
Pardon me, but Steve Blask has swung on a missed strike one.
Agee two for four in the game. He has scored two runs.
Now Blask back and the pitches hit hard by the third baseman in the left field and Tommy Agee now three for five.
Tommy makes the turn at first and the Mets have a runner at first base with no one out here in the 10th inning.
That'll bring up shortstop Bud Harrelson.
Bud has a base hit and four times up. He dropped a single in the right field his last time up.
Pirates are looking for the sacrifice attempt. Richie Hebner, the third baseman, about 60 feet away, moves up even closer and the pitches spunted and spunted foul back out of play.
Strike one.
Joe Given and now Triggy Hardenstein again throwing in the bullpen for the Pirates.
Steve Blask going here in the 10th inning. He has outlasted Tom Seaver.
Steve, one 16, lost 10 last year and the right end are now set. Again the third baseman in close expecting a bun.
Here comes the first baseman. The ball is a pitch out and it's ball one.
On the play evidently the first baseman, Al Oliver, missed the sign for the pitch out and was charging in.
He was nowhere near the bag and there was no attempt at all for play at first. No one there.
Tommy Agee the runner at first base. One ball, one strike count.
Now Blask with a throw to first base but Agee back easily. It was a calling card throw, nothing on it.
Blask sets up again and the pitch. It is way inside. Harrelson has to spin around and go to the ground to get out of the way.
Two balls and one strike. That ball couldn't have missed him very far and of course the Mets would have hoped that it had hit him.
Two balls, one strike.
Now Blask again sets up and the pitch. It is bunned out towards first base. It's a good bun.
Oliver makes the tag on Harrelson as he comes by. There was no chance for play for a force play at second.
Agee is now at second base in scoring position with one away in the batter coming up in the top of the 10th inning is Joe Foy.
Now the Sun is shining brightly in Pittsburgh. This has been, as Lindsey said, an extremely exciting ball game.
Here's the pitch and a curveball breaks over a called strike. Joe Foy punching on it. Strike one count.
Blask has a very strong ball game. He has struck out nine while giving up eight bases. He has walked two one intentionally.
Now the next pitch, it is swung on and missed and again the curve strikes two. Mets have Pleon Jones on deck and they have the go ahead run at second base.
Tommy Agee there with one out in the top of the 10th.
Now the signs are out and a play on at second base. Agee back easily.
Shortstop Gene Alley coming over to take the throw from Blask. It was not even a bit close.
Two strike count. Agee off the bag at second. And the pitch. It is low and away. One ball, two strikes.
Jogi Berra, the coach at first base, yelling encouragement to Joe Foy, Eddie Osten, guarding the runner at second base from his third base coaching spot.
One ball, two strikes. Blask all set to go and the pitch. It has popped up. The catcher, Jerry May, under the ball right by his catcher's position and he makes the catch.
So Joe Foy is out. That gives the firester second out in the 10th inning and it brings up Pleon Jones with the go ahead run at second base.
And we pause for station identification. This is the New York Mets baseball network.
You're listening to New York Mets baseball on WKAJFM 102.3 in Saratoga Springs, New York, the home of the New York Mets.
Lindsey Nelson and Bob Murphy from Forbes Field in Pittsburgh. A 3-3 ball game. The Mets were the runner at second. Two men out top of the 10th.
Matters, Pleon Jones. Pleon has a double and three official times up, a run vetted in, and he had a base hit taken away by Bill Mazurowski, the second baseman.
And the first pitch by Blask is high at ball one. Pleon also has walk.
Right here, Lindsey, a 340 batter off last year's performance. First base is open.
And Mike Jorgensen, the on-deck batter, a rookie. Danny Murtaugh is having his pitcher work to Pleon Jones.
Now the one-hole pitch. A check swing ground ball out toward the hole at second base. Mazurowski back in deep right field. He feels the ball, makes the play.
Now a play at the plate. He's coming in to score. He's tagged out.
And it's time to die. Bill Mazurowski going back in the shallow right field to pick that ball up on the ground.
He knew he had no play at first base. He turned and flipped the ball home. A little easy throw. The best he could do.
It was perfect right on line. And then he goes, hoping to surprise Bill Mazurowski and the Pirates at Tantami AGN.
And there was an easy out at the plate as a tag was made by Jerry May. In the inning, no runs. One hit, no errors. Pardon me. Two hits, no errors.
And one man left on. And the score. In the middle of the tenth inning, the New York Mets 3, the Pittsburgh Pirates 3.
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We're going down to the bottom of the 10th inning. The Pirates coming up, the score tied 3-3, and a pinch hitter for Steve Blass is going to be Bob Robertson.
Bob, last year, started the season with the Pirates, batted 2-0-8, was sent down to the minor leagues where he batted 2-61, but with 34-0 run.
Robertson, a power hitter, utility ball player, first baseman, third baseman outfielder, and a power hitter, batting for Steve Blass.
So both starting pitchers, Tom Seaver and Steve Blass, are out of the ballgame, and the game will be in the hands of Ron Taylor, and later on, if it goes into the 11th, a relief pitcher, the Pirates.
And the first pitch to Robertson, going on and missed like one.
Robertson had a tremendous spring training. He batted 4-41 in the spring with 3 home runs and 14 runs batted in.
And the pitch, breaking ball just outside, it's one ball and one strike.
Robertson has changed his batting position in the batter's box. He has moved up on the plate.
He used to be so far away that as a full hitter, he had no chance to reach the outside pitch, but now he is right on top of the plate.
One-one pitch, a fastball at the knees, and it's in for a called strike.
One and two.
Ron Taylor, batter and relief pitcher, on the mound for the Mets, and plays to Tom Seaver. Ron came in the ballgame in the ninth, retired the Pirates 1-2-3.
Now the 1-2 pitch, it has hit high in the air and fouled territory, out of play.
The Cal Angels have added four runs. They now lead Milwaukee 8-0, that game being played in Milwaukee after 3-1-2 innings.
Minnesota out in front of Chicago by a score of 6-0 after 6.
One ball, two strikes, Taylor again back, and the pitch is just low. It's 2-2.
Boston 2, the Yankees nothing after 3.
Cleveland 2, Baltimore 1 after 6.
The end of 1-1-1, Kansas City 1.
Two balls, two strikes, tie game 3-3, bottom of the 10th no one out.
And the pitch to Robertson, is it high in the air to center field, powering high fly ball.
Tommy Agee pounding the glove is under it and he makes the catch.
One away in the bottom half of the 10th and that brings up Matty Alou.
Alou has doubled and tripled in four times up, he has scored two runs.
And he's batting for the first time against Ron Taylor.
Alou being played just about straight away by the Mets.
Breon Jones near the line in left field, shaded over just a little bit.
And Taylor's first pitch, it is bounced foul by the third baseman Joe Foy.
And it's strike one.
Frank Osiak, the third base coach for the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Don Leppard at first base for the Pirates.
Now the pitch, grounded right back to Ron Taylor.
He takes the one hopper, throws the first base, two men away.
Now with two men out in the bottom of the 10th inning, the batter will be the third baseman Richie Hebner.
Richie has a double and four official times up in the game.
Hebner, a left hand batter, just returned from being best man at his brother's wedding up in Boston.
And the first pitch by Taylor, high fastball, up above the eyes it's one ball no strikes.
Fetal Delphiore defeated Chicago 2-0 today.
Chris Short pitching a five hitter, Ferguson Jenkins a losing pitcher.
Now the 1-0 pitch, again high and away, ball two.
Doug McGraw is loosening up in the bullpen for the Mets.
Triggy Hardenstein, a right hander, throwing in the bullpen for the Pirates.
Pirates will have a new pitcher if the game goes to the 11th.
Now a 2-0 pitch to Hebner.
It is outside and high, ball three.
The on deck batter is Roberto Comenny.
So it's 3-0 to Hebner with Comenny due up next.
Comenny's had a hot day today.
Taylor now on top of the pitching rubber checking out the sign.
Here's the windup and the 3-0 delivery.
It is swung on but grounded foul.
Strike one.
Hebner turned loose with two men away in the bottom of the 10th inning.
And he grounded the ball foul and the count now three balls and one strike.
Mets opening up their first game of the 70th season with an extra inning ball game.
Now swinging the foul back into the stands and the count fills out to three and two.
Starting pitcher is Houston at San Francisco.
Larry Dirkert a 20-game winner last year against Gaylord Perry a 19-game winner last year.
And the 3-2 pitch to Hebner.
Swung on and missed strike three and Ron Taylor has retired his first six batters.
That's his first strikeout.
And the score at the end of 10.
The New York Mets three.
The Pittsburgh Pirates three.
Three, two, clear the prop.
Saratoga Unicom, that's the 5-1-2-4-1-1-2-1-2-2.
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Struck Hardenstein in the ballgame now as the pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates
in relief of Steve Blass who pitched the first ten innings,
allowed three runs on nine hits, struck out nine and walked two, one of them intentionally.
Twiggy Hardenstein, a right-hander, had one time with the Chicago Cubs.
Last year with the Pirates he was in 56 games.
He had a record of five wins and four losses and an earned run average of 3.94.
He is a native Texan and he weighs 150 pounds.
Twiggy Hardenstein in relief of Steve Blass.
Mike Jorgensen will be leading off for the Mets.
The sun is shining brightly here in the late afternoon at Forbes Field in Pittsburgh.
Burned off the overcast entirely.
Blue sky overhead with a few fleety white clouds up there.
Jorgensen's up for his first time.
He's a left-hand batter and the pitch is in there for a called strike.
Hardenstein last year against the Mets, one none and lost one.
His lifetime record against the Mets is two wins and one loss.
His lifetime major league record, 16-13.
Swing and a base hit into left field for Jorgensen.
Fielded out there by Starjulin, played back.
Jorgensen turns and holds with a single to left.
So the Mets again have the tire-breaking run on that first base with nobody out and Ron Swaboda is coming up.
Swaboda today, grounded out, double, was caught out on strikes and grounded out.
Last year in a memorable appearance here he had a grand slam home run off Twiggy Hardenstein to win a ballgame for the New York Mets.
Tire-tatcher protect against the possible sacrifice.
He squares and takes the pitch in for a called strike.
Swaboda was around a bud. He's looking down to Seinman.
Eddie Yosef third to see if it's still on.
Wayne Garrett is on deck.
Here's the pitch and it's blended right out in front of the plate.
Played second base and he is safe.
As the throw was high, Alley had to go up and Jorgensen slid in underneath.
So Swaboda is on it first, Jorgensen is on it second.
It is an error charged against the catcher, Jerry May on the throw.
A sacrifice and an error and that brings up Garrett now with runners at first and second.
They still have to protect against the sacrifice.
Scores tied 3-3 and we're on the top of the 11th inning.
Garrett today struck out, fly it out, was intentionally walked and grounded out.
Garrett at the plate and Grote on deck.
Third baseman Richie Hebner playing in the cutout of the grass at third now
in anticipation of a bunnet tip by Wayne Garrett.
Hardenstein working off the stretch.
Garrett squares, bunch the ball to the first base side of the mound.
The play is at first. It is a sack moving the runners up.
It was second baseman Bill Mazurowski who took the throw at first.
So now Jorgensen is at third, Swaboda is at second, one man out and Grote coming up.
And coming out on deck now is Ken Boswell to bat for Ron Taylor.
Cal Coons is up and throwing in the bullpen along with Tug McGraw.
We're in the top half of the 11th inning.
Scores tied 3-3. The Mets with two runners in scoring position.
Managing Danny Murator of the Power Springs is in field in now.
And then field in for the Power Springs.
They're going to choke off the run.
They're going to walk Grote and pitch to Boswell.
Grote is being intentionally walked with first base open.
This is to set up the double play possibility on the course all around.
Outside for one. Here it is. Outside ball to Grote.
Outside ball three.
Now the official score says no sack on Swaboda.
Here's the pitch outside, ball four.
So the bases are loaded on the intentional walk.
Boswell will bat for Taylor.
Boswell was not in the starting lineup today because of the fact that
he had been away on military reserve duty in Texas.
Gene Garber is up and throwing in the bullpen now for the Pittsburgh Parks
along with Joe Gibbon, the left-hander.
It's Gene Garber and Joe Gibbon. And here comes Danny Murator.
He might want to make a switch to Joe Gibbon right here,
a left-hand pitcher to work to Boswell.
Boswell hangs in pretty well with left-hand pitching.
Now Gil Hadgius doesn't have to leave him up there.
Gil can switch off if he'd like to as far as rules of the game are concerned.
Murator looks at the mound. Murator looks at the bullpen.
That's all. And it's going to be the left-hander, Joe Gibbon.
Gibbon is coming in now to replace Hardenstein to pitch to Boswell.
This spring, Gibbon was in five games. He pitched only six innings.
He allowed eight hits, five runs. All of them earned.
He earned an average of 7.50.
He is a veteran Major Leaguer who went from the Pirate to the Giants
and came back, and now Clint Dunn will bat for Boswell.
Gil Hadgius makes a switch. Boswell, by the way, is out of the ballgame.
He cannot subsequently appear. And it is Clint Dunn batting for Boswell.
Boswell had been put up as a batter for Taylor.
You'll hear a reaction when Clint Dunn is announced.
He played for many years here with the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Oddly enough, in a newspaper story yesterday in Pittsburgh,
he picked a Pirate to win the tennis.
Joe Gibbon, with a lifetime record in the Majors of 56 wins and 58 losses,
has a lifetime record against the Mets of six wins and four losses.
Last year with Pittsburgh, he won five and lost one.
With the Giants, he won one and lost three.
That's enough for Clint Dunn.
Lindsey Dunn says he gets food in four cities. Montreal, where he played.
Pittsburgh, where he played. Atlanta, where he played.
Houston, where he did not play.
Do recall that was all a part of a deal when Dunn refused to report to Houston
and was going to retire, finally was okay to play at Montreal,
and then later on on the trading date came to the New York Mets.
Gibbon is taking a sign from Jerry May.
Left-hand pitcher working to a right-hand batter, and it's on the way.
Swung on line at the middle court base hit.
One run has scored as Garrett crosses the plate.
Swoboda comes across two runs has scored, a play at third on Gordy.
He slides in safely, holding it first is Clint Dunn.
A single to center, two runs batted in.
The New York Mets are out in front by a score of five to three.
One pitch, one swing of the Clint Dunn and bat,
and the New York Mets take a two-run lead in the top half of the 11th inning.
The A.G. is up.
A.G. is there.
Jorgensen scored on Swoboda's court.
Runners at first and third.
Here's a swing and a miss for strike one.
So Mike Jorgensen, the rookie, delivered a base hit leading off,
and it scored the tire-breaking run here.
Swoboda, who was on on an error, scored behind him.
Gordy is at third.
Given sets up.
Pitch is low and it's blocked.
Rolls up a third baseline, no advance.
It hit in front of the plate and bounded off the chest protector,
Jerry May, who kept it in front of him.
It rolled up the third baseline.
No advance from it. Runners to advance.
Those runs were charged statistically against Twiggy Hardenstein.
That's five, the Pirates three.
Given pitch is low.
Jerry Gordy is the runner at third.
Don Clendenin is the runner at first.
Bud Harrelson's on deck now for the New York Mets.
This is a clean base hit up the middle off the bat of Don Clendenin.
Swing and a ground ball to second base, taken there by Masurowski.
Kicks the bag, throws the first double play, and the side is retired.
A 4-3 double play on a ground ball near the bag at second.
As the New York Mets picked up two runs on two hits,
there was one error and there was one man left.
And so in the middle of the 11th inning, the score is the Mets five and the Pirates three.
Just two miles out of Lake Avenue on the old Skylovel Road,
you'll find a small but growing business with big plans, Srage Gardens.
The season is just about to begin at Srage, and while it's still a bit too early to do much planting,
Ted and Doris invite you to look over their selection of rose bushes.
They're available in many new varieties and all potted for you.
Prices on rose bushes at Srage Gardens start at just $1.50.
They have all the new AARS varieties with famous names like Jackson and Perkins, Star and Ball, and the American Rose, too.
Ted Srage also has pansies in the market pack and would be more than happy to save some for you.
Srage Gardens, just a little out of the way, but they offer big savings, and the trip is well worth the little time it takes.
Keep listening to New York Mets baseball as the season develops.
Ted and Doris Srage will have many specials for our Mets listeners.
That's Srage Gardens, just two miles from downtown Saratoga, out Lake Avenue on the old Skylovel Road.
A small business with big plans, Srage Gardens.
Tug McGraw has come on to do the Mets pitching now.
Tug McGraw will be pitching for the Mets, facing the Pirates in the bottom of the 11th.
Roberto Clemente, Willie Starjul, and Al Oliver scheduled up here on the bottom of the 11th for the Pirates.
Mike Jorgensen, who delivered a base hit leading off the top of the 11th and scored the tie-breaking run,
was making his first appearance at the plate this season as a New York Mets.
The Mets had him up at the tag end of the 1968 season when he batted 14 times and had two base hits.
He was not with the Mets at any time last season. He is the only rookie on the Mets squad.
And he was brought on as a late-hitting replacement for Ari Chamsky, who started at first base.
Ron Taylor is out of the ballgame, of course, having pitched two innings and retired six consecutive batters.
No runs, no hits. Struck out one and walked nine.
Huckie Donatelli is asking the public address announcer to make an announcement asking fans to refrain from throwing debris onto the field out in right field.
And here it is.
Ron Taylor is the pitcher of record on the long side of a 5-3 score just now.
Twiggy Hartenstein is the pitcher of record on the short side of that score.
Manager Gil Hadgier is up on the steps of the Mets. I've got just retreating now.
Most of the Mets are on the dugout steps.
Bottom half of the 11th inning, Roberto Clemente is up. What a day he's had for the Pirates.
He's three for four and he's not been through the three-powered run.
McGraw's pitch, low for a ball.
Nolan Ryan is up and throwing in the Mets both in now. Nolan Ryan and Cal Coontz.
Hadgier's yelling something out to McGraw on the mound.
Here's the 1-0 pitch and it's in there for a called strike. It's one and one.
Big Willie Sturgill on deck.
This will be a 1-1 pitch. It's low and McGraw goes behind two and one.
Jerry Goody sends out the sign. Here's a 2-1 delivery.
Little low now. McGraw's down behind three and one.
Su Clemente who looks down to Simon Frankosziak at third. See if he's taking up. He's turned loose.
Now it's trailed by two in the 11th. Swing and a foul ball. He was turned loose. Fouls it off. The count runs to three and two.
Brad Aylier has a two-hole run this afternoon for the Minnesota Twins.
He just came over to them from Ted Williams, Washington, and Sen. each with two men on.
Brad Aylier, A-L-Y-E-A.
Pitch is high and it's a walk. A leadoff. Walk to Clemente in the 11th inning.
So don't go away. It's not over yet. Willie Sturgill coming up is the tying run at the plate.
That is the first walk issued by MET Pitching today.
The first walk issued by MET Pitching today comes in the 11th inning.
Sturgill, who is 29 homeruns last year, is up. Today he is grounded into a double play,
slide to right, grounded into a fourth play, and slide to left.
The play is held up once again now. Debris continues to be thrown onto the playing field,
out and right, all around Ron Swabota.
And so members of the grounds crew are being sent out there to try to clean some of it up.
There are five members of the grounds crew going out and right now to try to clean up some of the debris
that has been thrown out of the right field stand.
Gumpire is talking over at home plate while Chris Pellicudis is out there in short right field.
Meanwhile, Doug McGraw continues to throw to try to keep his arm warm.
I see there's a fellow coming out with a box that must be, well, I don't know,
three feet deep, about two feet wide, and I hope they're not going to fill that box up.
We'll be here until the rest of the afternoon where it's out.
They could fill it up with what they have out there.
Another fellow has a broom and he is sweeping the warning track.
I suppose the most crushed fellow of all must be a youngster who jumped down out of the stands
and hit the outfield totally unnoticed and unmolested while they cleaned up the debris.
Nobody paid any attention to him whatsoever.
Starjil is leaning on his bat at the plate.
New York Mets and the Pittsburgh Pirates will be playing here again on Thursday night.
We'll be on the air at 8 p.m. New York time to bring you that one.
Then the Mets will move on to St. Louis.
They'll play Friday night, Saturday afternoon, Sunday afternoon.
Then the Mets will come home to New York.
They'll play at Shea Stadium one week from today.
That's Tuesday afternoon, April 14th, the Mets and the Pirates.
Pitching coach Rube Walker has been out for a word with Doug McGraw.
Walker's coming back to the dugout now.
McGraw continues to throw.
Now the grounds crew is leaving the field and we're just about ready to resume play.
The Mets are leading the Pirates by a score of five to three.
The Mets are batting in the bottom half of the 11th inning.
There is nobody out and Roberto Clemente is the runner at first base as Willie Starjil steps in.
There have been no pitchies yet to Starjil.
He was suspended before a pitch was made to him.
McGraw checks the runner.
Here's the pitch.
He's in there for a called strike to left-hand batter Willie Starjil.
Still has made the change to the left-handed Doug McGraw with the full knowledge that Starjil and Oliver would be coming up both left-hand batters.
There's a swing and a high pop back of third and Foy is there in foul territory at the moment.
Makes the play in foul territory.
Foul out the two.
The left one rounded out second to first.
This is just second here.
Mike Jorgensen first place and playing behind the runner.
It's not Clemente's run they're interested in.
It's the run at the place they're interested in.
That's the tying run.
They're going to foul to Oliver.
There's a play.
Oliver has fouled out of the alley coming up.
Lady's held up again.
A jump shoot come out onto the field.
Now it is tied one.
It's in alley at the plate.
McGraw started him off with a big curve ball.
Now we're going to continue play with Park Policeman in the warning track in the outfield.
McGrath takes his lead.
The Mets are leading 5-3.
And again now play is suspended.
At one Park Policeman who had been a little busy on the other side of the park started off and they tell him stay out there.
So he is.
McGraw sets up.
Alley is in and waiting.
This is a strike one delivery.
And it is put on the ground foul.
Up the third base line out of play.
Frank Osiak comes off the coaching lines at the third.
Retreat the ball.
Toss it back to McGraw.
It's a two strike count out of Gene Alley.
The Mets trying to get Alley out of there to end the ball game and get themselves an opening day victory here at Forbes Field.
The Mets are leading by a score of 5-3.
Roberto Clemente takes his lead at first.
McGraw with a two strike pitch.
Turn around and the ball game is over.
The New York Mets for the first time in their history in their ninth year
have won an opening day ball game.
Defeating the Pittsburgh Pirates in 11 innings.
In the ninth inning, 11 in the 11th inning, no runs, no hits, no errors.
The walk in one left.
And the New York Mets are the victors by a score of 5-3.
And to tell you something of how this game went, here's Ralph Kiner.
Well, it's only fitting I guess that the Mets win their first opening day game in a park where they won their very first game in 1962
after nine consecutive losses.
It was an exciting ball game. Well played.
The Mets got two runs in the first inning off starting pitcher Steve Blass.
Pirates tied it up with a run in the first and a run in the second.
And it was 2-2 until the Mets then took the lead by a score and a run in the sixth inning.
It was again tied up and it went that way until the 11th inning.
Going 15 by Steve Blass to start the ball game, he went in and he gave up three runs.
A lot of nine hits, struck out nine and walked two.
And the closing pitch in the ball game was Chuck Hartenstein who came in the ball game in the 11th inning.
In that 11th inning, Mike Jorgensen who was put in the ball game for defensive purposes came up the bat for the first time.
He singled in the left field off the first pitch made by Hartenstein.
On the play, Lawrence Loboto tried to sacrifice the runner down the second.
He burned the ball right in front of the plate.
And the big play of the ball game was when Jerry May threw the ball high at the second base for an error,
allowing runners to be safe at both first and second on that slowing error.
Wayne Garrett then laid down a perfect sacrifice, wanted to put runners at second and third.
And then Jerry Grote, due up, was locked below the bases.
Then manager Gil Hodges decided to put in Ken Boswell to pinch it for the pitcher.
Boswell went to the plate and then Joe Gibbon was brought in a left-hander to pitch to Boswell.
Boswell never got to the plate as he was taken out and Don Glenn-Denham was inserted in his place.
And with the first pitch by Joe Gibbon, Don Glenn-Denham singled sharply through the middle of the diamond
to drive in two runs and give the Mets a 5-3 victory.
So the Mets out here, winning their very first ball game and winning it in their ninth year opening day first ball game win.
Don Sievers started for the Mets. He won eight innings, allowed three runs, nine hits, struck out five, walked none.
Ron Jenner picked up the victory and the late he went two innings, did not allow a base hit.
Retiring all six batters he faced and Tug McGraw came in the ball game to pick up a save as he worked one inning,
giving up no hits and allowing no runs.
34,249 saw the ball game and the Mets now have won their first game of the 1970s season.
A line score of the ball game, the Mets five runs, 11 hits, no errors.
The Pittsburgh Barrett, three runs, a total of nine base hits, one error and they left six men on base.
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