SEPTEMBER 29, 1954 Willie Mays makes ‘The Catch’, an amazing over-the-shoulder grab, robbing Vic Wertz of an extra hit. Almost forgotten by fans, other than Giants fans, is later Dusty Rhodes becomes the second player in World Series player to end a game with a homer. The Giants pinch-hitter’s walk-off three-run home run off Bob Lemon beats the Indians 5-2 in Game 1 of the Fall Classic. (Nationalpastime.com)
SEPTEMBER 29, 1957 The Giants play their last ever home game as the NY Giants in the Polo Grounds. They lose to the Pirates before 11,000 hearty fans. Truly the End of an Era in NY Baseball lore.
SEPTEMBER 28, 1919 In the first game of a twin bill on the last day of the season, the Giants need only 51 minutes to defeat the Phillies, 6-1. The Polo Grounds contest is the shortest nine-inning game ever played in the major leagues. (Nationalpastime.com)
SEPTEMBER 27, 1928 At the Polo Grounds, the Giants unveil bronze tablets in memory of two former players Christy Mathewson and Ross Youngs. The future Hall of Famers were much beloved and respected by their manager John McGraw, a tyrant in the dugout who was known to berate his ballplayers.(Nationalpastime.com)
SEPTEMBER 23, 1908 Fred Merkle’s failure to touch second after an apparent game-winning hit by Bridwell scoring McCormick from third costs the Giants a 2-1 win over the Cubs as the ump calls him out and rules the game a tie. Merkle’s ‘boner’ will eventually cost the Giants the flag. (Nationalpastime.com)
SEPTEMBER 23, 1956 Ozzie Virgil becomes the first Dominican to reach the majors. The 23-year old Monte Cristi native, who will also see his son catch in the big leagues, plays third base for the Giants.(Nationalpastime.com)
SEPTEMBER 20, 1954 The Giants clinch the pennant when they beat the Dodgers at Ebbets Field, 7-1. The National League champs, finishing the season five games ahead of second-place Brooklyn, will go on to sweep Cleveland in the Fall Classic. (Nationalpastime.com)
SEPTEMBER 20, 1955 Willie Mays becomes the seventh player to hit fifty home runs in a season when he connects off Pittsburgh’s Vern Law for the second time in the Giants’ 14-8 victory at the Polo Grounds. The round-tripper is the 24-year old center fielder’s seventh in six consecutive games. (Nationalpastime.com)
A newly restored plaque memorializing Polo Grounds’ unique place in baseball history will soon return to its home.
Unveiled during a ceremony on September 6, the refurbished bronze plaque marks the approximate location of home plate on the old Major League Baseball field in Upper Manhattan. The plaque was originally installed at NYCHA’s Polo Grounds Towers, which sits on the site of the former stadium that hosted the New York Giants, Yankees, and Mets throughout its history. Among the notable events that took place at the field is Willie Mays’ legendary “The Catch” for the Giants in the 1954 World Series.
Following a restoration effort, led by Willie’s son Michael Mays – with support from NYCHA, the New York Giants Preservation Society, and the Office of the NYC Deputy Mayor for Public Safety – the memorial plaque will soon be returned to its rightful place at Polo Grounds Towers.
Mr. Mays displayed the finished piece while attending a local block party event with the NYPD and the Police Athletic League. He highlighted the plaque’s representation of New York baseball history, saying “we were happy” to complete the restoration.
“Keeping our city safe is about more than enforcement, it’s about honoring the history and building pride,” Assistant Deputy Mayor of Public Safety Mona Suazo said. “We worked with our partners to ensure that this plaque and the history it represents will continue to inspire generations to come.”
SEPTEMBER 15, 1904 Beating the Braves, 3-2, Giant hurler George Wiltse runs his career record to 12-0. ‘Hooks’ dozen consecutive victories establish the record for the most wins at the start of a career for a starter. (Nationalpastime.com)
