October 1964 (53 page)

It was the summer of his discontent: Ralph Terry had been a mainstay of the Yankee pitching staff in the past and a World Series hero in 1962, but an injury to his shoulder and back in the spring ruined his 1964 season. He watched, frustrated that he could not contribute more and aware that the Yankees would trade him after the season.
(National Baseball Library, Cooperstown, N. Y.)

Pete Mikkelsen hurt his arm in the minor leagues just as he was sure he was on his way out of baseball. That turned him involuntarily into a sinker-ball pitcher and helped him make the big-league club that spring.

(AP/Wide World Photos)

Bobby Richardson was probably the most underrated player on that team. A fine fielder and an exceptional clutch hitter, he got thirteen hits in the 1964 World Series.
(National Baseball Library, Cooperstown, N. Y.)

The key to much of the Yankees’ success, their opponents thought, was their exceptional middle infield, with Tony Kubek (left) at short and Bobby Richardson at second. When injuries wore Kubek down in 1964, opponents thought the Yankees lost a critical part of their strength.
(National Baseball Library, Cooperstown, N.Y.)

Phil Linz and Tom Tresh, as rookies in 1962, take some instruction from Frank Crosetti, the third-base coach.
(AP/Wide World Photos)

The trade for Lou Brock in mid-June was the turning point of the season for the Cardinals. He gave them not only far more speed, but a new degree of aggressiveness. No player worked harder at the game, and none studied his job more closely than Brock.
(Sam Onyon)

Curt Flood was, by 1964, probably the premier center fielder in baseball and a key player on the Cardinal team. His decision to fight a trade to Philadelphia started a legal-political process that changed the face and salary structure of baseball.
(National Baseball Library, Cooperstown, N. Y.)

Dick Groat was a classic old pro who came over from the Pirates to anchor the Cardinal infield. He was slow afoot, but he had quick hands and a quick bat and was an exceptional hitter and a very smart player.
(National Baseball Library, Cooperstown, N.Y.)

Curt Simmons, a shrewd veteran lefthander, was cut loose earlier on by the Phillies, even though it turned out he had several years of good pitching left. Had the Phillies stayed with him, they might have won the pennant. Instead, he was a crucial factor for the Cards down the stretch and took particular delight in tormenting his former teammates.
(AP/Wide World Photos)

Bill White, the Cardinal first baseman. Thoughtful and judicious, he somewhat reluctantly left Hiram College and a possible career as a doctor for baseball because it offered immediate financial advantages. Eventually he became a broadcaster and a baseball executive. (The Sporting News)

This is The Look. Bob Gibson, on his piece of territory, brought intimidation to an ever higher level. He could throw tight to hitters, and he never talked to opposing hitters, lest his ability to dominate them be weakened by even the smallest show of humanity. (The Sporting News)

Elston Howard, who had played in the Negro leagues for the Kansas City Monarchs, was the first black player to make the Yankees. A thoughtful, careful man, Howard handled with great skill the pressure of being a pioneer in a reluctant organization. He had a good bat and was an excellent receiver, and his pitching staff greatly admired him. In 1963 he became the first black MVP in the American League. Nine out of the previous ten National League MVPs were black.
(National Baseball Library, Cooperstown, N.Y.)