1964 April 15

The Phillies made it two wins in a row to begin the new season with a 4-1 victory over the Mets.

Jim Bunning made his much-anticipated first start in a Phillies uniform – and it was a memorable 7-hit, 11-strike-out, complete game. His mound opponent was Tracy Stallard – who will forever remain the answer to the trivia question:

Who served up the 61st home run to Roger Maris that broke Babe Ruth’s record?

The date of that historic home run was October 1, 1961.

Stallard didn’t pitch poorly – giving up just six hits and one earned run while striking out six Phillies. In fact, Stallard and Bunning were locked in a 1-1 pitchers’ duel until the bottom of the eighth.

“The score remained tied going into the bottom of the eighth:

Bobby Wine led off with a double.

Jim Bunning tried to sacrifice, but failed for the first out.

Tony Taylor flew out for the second out.

Richie Allen hit a ground ball to first that should’ve ended the inning – but Ed Kranepool booted it for an error and Wine advanced to third.

With two on and two out, Tony Gonzalez hit a three-run homer (#1) to put the Phillies ahead 4-1.”

Bunning struck out the side in the top of the ninth to finish the game in style.

1964 – The Year the Phillies Blew the Pennant was originally published two years ago – but please don’t purchase it right now. I’m in the final stages of streamlining the original to make it a better reading experience.

I’ll let you know when it’s ready.

In addition to being the official Eagles Outsider for BlameMyFather.com, Barry Bowe is also the author of: