The incredible performances of Juan Marichal and Warren Spahn on July 2, 1963, would forever link their names together in baseball history, and this dual biography of these athletes weaves that 1963 contest throughout the narrative in a book that is sure to be a home run with baseball fans everywhere. Even before their epic pitching duel, Marichal and Spahn already had a lot in common. Future Hall of Famers with high-kicking deliveries, they were shaped into winners by character-building experiences in the military. Spahn had been baseball's most winning pitcher in the 1950s, and Marichal would be equally dominant in the 1960s. The Braves' Spahn and the Giants' Marichal began their duel in San Francisco's cold and windy Candlestick Park. Four hours later, the two pitching legends were deadlocked in a scoreless tie when Willie Mays hit a walk-off home run to end the greatest game ever pitched. In between, Marichal and Spahn each threw more than 200 pitches and went 16 innings without relief. Considering today's culture of pitch counts and coddled arms, it proved to be a legendary night that won't be repeated ever again.
- Author: Jim Kaplan
- Paperback: 256 pages
- Published: April, 2013
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
Stylish Warren Spahn is the winningest left-hander in history with 363 victories – all but seven coming with the Boston/Milwaukee Braves. Spahn turned 25 years old before winning his first game and was a 23-game winner 17 years later. Following his credo that “hitting is timing and pitching is upsetting timing,” he used a wide repertoire or pitches and a smooth overhand delivery to baffle hitters for 21 seasons, winning 20 games 13 times. The World War II veteran hurled two no-hitters and won the 1957 Cy Young Award.
The pride of the Dominican Republic, Juan Antonio Marichal Sanchez won 243 games and lost only 142 during 16 major league seasons. Hank Aaron once explained, “He can throw all day within a two-inch space, in, out, up or down. I’ve never seen anyone as good as that.” The high-kicking right-hander enjoyed six 20-win seasons, earning nine All-Star selections. The “Dominican Dandy” twice led the National League in complete games, shutouts and wins, completing 244 games during his career while fanning 2,303 and compiling a 2.89 ERA. After his playing days, Marichal became Minister of Sports in his homeland.
The incredible performances of Juan Marichal and Warren Spahn on July 2, 1963, would forever link their names together in baseball history, and this dual biography of these athletes weaves that 1963 contest throughout the narrative in a book that is sure to be a home run with baseball fans everywhere. Even before their epic pitching duel, Marichal and Spahn already had a lot in common. Future Hall of Famers with high-kicking deliveries, they were shaped into winners by character-building experiences in the military. Spahn had been baseball's most winning pitcher in the 1950s, and Marichal would be equally dominant in the 1960s. The Braves' Spahn and the Giants' Marichal began their duel in San Francisco's cold and windy Candlestick Park. Four hours later, the two pitching legends were deadlocked in a scoreless tie when Willie Mays hit a walk-off home run to end the greatest game ever pitched. In between, Marichal and Spahn each threw more than 200 pitches and went 16 innings without relief. Considering today's culture of pitch counts and coddled arms, it proved to be a legendary night that won't be repeated ever again.
- Author: Jim Kaplan
- Paperback: 256 pages
- Published: April, 2013
- Dimensions: 6 x 0.6 x 9 inches
Stylish Warren Spahn is the winningest left-hander in history with 363 victories – all but seven coming with the Boston/Milwaukee Braves. Spahn turned 25 years old before winning his first game and was a 23-game winner 17 years later. Following his credo that “hitting is timing and pitching is upsetting timing,” he used a wide repertoire or pitches and a smooth overhand delivery to baffle hitters for 21 seasons, winning 20 games 13 times. The World War II veteran hurled two no-hitters and won the 1957 Cy Young Award.
The pride of the Dominican Republic, Juan Antonio Marichal Sanchez won 243 games and lost only 142 during 16 major league seasons. Hank Aaron once explained, “He can throw all day within a two-inch space, in, out, up or down. I’ve never seen anyone as good as that.” The high-kicking right-hander enjoyed six 20-win seasons, earning nine All-Star selections. The “Dominican Dandy” twice led the National League in complete games, shutouts and wins, completing 244 games during his career while fanning 2,303 and compiling a 2.89 ERA. After his playing days, Marichal became Minister of Sports in his homeland.
