The1974 World Serieswas thechampionship seriesofMajor League Baseball's (MLB)1974 season.The 71st edition of the World Series, it was abest-of-seven playoffplayed between theAmerican League(AL) champion (and two-time defending World Series champion)Oakland Athleticsand theNational League(NL) championLos Angeles Dodgers.The Athletics won the series, four games to one; after splitting the first two in Los Angeles, Oakland swept their three home games to close it out.
| 1974 World Series | ||||||||||
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| Dates | October 12–17 | |||||||||
| Venue(s) | Dodger Stadium(Los Angeles) Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum(Oakland) | |||||||||
| MVP | Rollie Fingers(Oakland) | |||||||||
| Umpires | Tom Gorman(NL),Don Denkinger(AL),Doug Harvey(NL),Bill Kunkel(AL),Andy Olsen(NL),Ron Luciano(AL) | |||||||||
| Hall of Famers | Umpire: Doug Harvey Athletics: Rollie Fingers Catfish Hunter Reggie Jackson Dodgers: Walter Alston(manager) Don Sutton Tommy Lasorda(3rd base coach) | |||||||||
| Broadcast | ||||||||||
| Television | NBC | |||||||||
| TV announcers | Curt Gowdy Vin Scully(in Los Angeles) Monte Moore(in Oakland) Tony Kubek | |||||||||
| Radio | NBC | |||||||||
| Radio announcers | Jim Simpson Monte Moore(in Los Angeles) Vin Scully(in Oakland) | |||||||||
| Streaming | ||||||||||
| ALCS | Oakland AthleticsoverBaltimore Orioles(3–1) | |||||||||
| NLCS | Los Angeles DodgersoverPittsburgh Pirates(3–1) | |||||||||
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Rollie Fingersfigured in three of the four Oakland victories, posting awinand twosaves,and was honored with theWorld Series Most Valuable Player Award.Oakland became the first team to win three consecutive Series since theNew York Yankeeswon five straight (1949–1953); the win secured the Athletics' status as one of the truly dominant teams of the 1970s. (The other "team of the decade," theCincinnati Reds,won consecutive World Series in1975and1976,after falling short in1970and1972.)
This was the first all-CaliforniaWorld Series; these two teams met againfourteen years later,with a different result.
Background
editThe1974 Los Angeles Dodgerswere the second (after the runner-up1962squad) Dodgers team to win at least 100 games since moving west from Brooklyn; they won theNational League Westdivision after a season long battle by four games over theCincinnati Reds,then defeated thePittsburgh Piratesthree games to one in theNational League Championship Series.TheOakland Athleticswon theAmerican League Westdivision by five games over theTexas Rangers,then defeated theBaltimore Oriolesthree games to one in theAmerican League Championship Series.
Oakland Athletics
editTheOakland Athletics,at the height of their dynasty as the "Swingin' A's",had consistently matching their on-field heroics with locker-room meltdowns and intra-squad theatrics for theAmerican League.After yet another banner year (Catfish Hunterwon 25 games,Reggie Jacksonknocked in 105 runs, andBilly Northstole 54 bases), the team seemed to be winning more attention for its dysfunctional communication patterns than for its superior lineup. Hunter was threatening to file for free agency in 1975 if ownerCharles O. Finleydidn't come through with back pay Hunter claimed he had coming. Traumatized former second basemanMike Andrewswas considering legal action for the shabby treatment he received in the previous year'sWorld Series.TeammatesRollie FingersandBlue Moon Odomhad gotten into a fistfight. And the Series-winning manager of the previous year,Dick Williamswas long gone, having had one personality clash too many with the Athletics front office. Despite all the melodrama, the Athletics won the pennant for the third straight year, the first time a team had done so since the 1960-64New York Yankees.They had dispatched theBaltimore Oriolesin afour-game ALCS.Notwithstanding the off-field troubles, between the lines they were fundamentally sound, had strong pitching, and combined speed and power.
Los Angeles Dodgers
editLos Angeles won 102 games, boasted the best team ERA (2.97) in theNational League,and led their league in runs scored (798).Steve Garveyhit.312,Jimmy Wynnknocked in 108 runs,Bill Bucknerhit.314 in one of the best years of his career,Davey Lopesstole 59 bases,Andy Messersmithwon twenty games, andDon Suttonwon nineteen games.Walter Alstonwas in his 21st year as manager of the club.
Summary
editALOakland Athletics(4) vs. NLLos Angeles Dodgers(1)
| Game | Date | Score | Location | Time | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | October 12 | Oakland Athletics– 3, Los Angeles Dodgers – 2 | Dodger Stadium | 2:43 | 55,974[1] |
| 2 | October 13 | Oakland Athletics – 2,Los Angeles Dodgers– 3 | Dodger Stadium | 2:40 | 55,989[2] |
| 3 | October 15 | Los Angeles Dodgers – 2,Oakland Athletics– 3 | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum | 2:35 | 49,347[3] |
| 4 | October 16 | Los Angeles Dodgers – 2,Oakland Athletics– 5 | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum | 2:17 | 49,347[4] |
| 5 | October 17 | Los Angeles Dodgers – 2,Oakland Athletics– 3 | Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum | 2:23 | 49,347[5] |
Matchups
editGame 1
edit| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
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| Oakland | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Los Angeles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Rollie Fingers(1–0)LP:Andy Messersmith(0–1)Sv:Catfish Hunter(1) Home runs: OAK:Reggie Jackson(1) LAD:Jimmy Wynn(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Reggie Jacksonput the A's on the board first with a homer in the top of the second off 20-game winnerAndy Messersmith.The A's added another run in the fifth when starting pitcherKen Holtzman,batting for the first time all season because of thedesignated hitterrule, doubled to left, went to third on a Messersmith wild pitch, and scored on aBert Campanerissuicide squeeze bunt.
The Dodgerscrept backwith a run in their half of the fifth whenDavey Lopesreached first on an error by Campaneris.Bill Bucknerthen bounced a single to right that Jackson misplayed, allowing Lopes to score.
The A's scored their final run in the eighth when Campaneris singled to shallow center, was sacrificed to second byBill North,and scored when Dodger third basemanRon Ceythrew wildly to first on a grounder hit bySal Bando.Bando reached third on the error, and attempted to score on a flyout to right by Jackson, but right fielderJoe Fergusongunned him down at the plate.
In the bottom of the ninth, withRollie Fingerson the mound,Jimmy Wynnhit a homer that just escaped the reach ofJoe Rudiand North in left center. Following a single bySteve Garvey,Catfish Hunterrelieved Fingers and made the final out by striking out Ferguson. Fingers got the win with4+1⁄3innings of relief, having relieved Holtzman in the fifth inning .
Game 2
edit| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Los Angeles | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | X | 3 | 6 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Don Sutton(1–0)LP:Vida Blue(0–1)Sv:Mike Marshall(1) Home runs: OAK: None LAD:Joe Ferguson(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Don Suttonpitched superbly, shutting out the A's on four hits through eight innings. The Dodgers scored first in the second offVida BluewhenRon Ceywalked,Bill Russellsingled, andSteve Yeagersingled home Cey.Joe Fergusonslammed a two-run homer off Blue in the sixth inning to make it 3–0.
The A's threatened in the eighth whenpinch hittersJim HoltandClaudell Washingtonhit back-to-back singles with one out.Bert Campanerisreached on an infield error to load the bases. The rally was squelched whenBill Northhit into a double play in which first basemanSteve Garveymade an exceptional pickup of a low throw by Russell.
In the ninth inning the A's finally got on the board whenSal Bandoled off with being hit by a pitch,Reggie Jacksonfollowed with a double, andJoe Rudisingled both runners home.Mike Marshallthen relieved Sutton and struck outGene Tenace.Herb Washingtonwas sent in to pinch-run for Rudi, and Marshall picked him off. Herb Washington was the only "designated runner" to appear in a World Series. Washington was a track star with no baseball experience whom the A'sCharles Finleysigned solely to appear as a pinch runner in late game situations. His stats for 1974 were 92 games, zero at bats, 29 runs scored, 29 stolen bases, but he was caught stealing 16 times. Sure enough, with the A's trailing 3–2 in the ninth inning of Game 2, Washington pinch ran. Just after announcer Vin Scully said that Washington better be careful because pitcher Mike Marshall has a good pickoff move, he was promptly picked off first base. Marshall then retiredÁngel Mangualfor the final out.
Game 3
edit| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 7 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Oakland | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | X | 3 | 5 | 2 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Catfish Hunter(1–0)LP:Al Downing(0–1) Home runs: LAD:Bill Buckner(1),Willie Crawford(1) OAK: None | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
With the Series shifting back to Oakland, it was A's aceCatfish Hunter's turn to be brilliant. Hunter shut out the Dodgers on four hits through seven innings, and his teammates provided him with two runs in the third whenBill Northscored on an error by catcherJoe Fergusonand an RBI single byJoe Rudi.The A's added another run in the fourth onBert Campaneris' RBI single.
The Dodgers got their only runs on homers byBill Bucknerin the eighth andWillie Crawfordin the ninth.
Rollie Fingerswas not awarded the save because in 1974, tougher criteria were adopted for saves where the tying run had to be on base or at the plate when the reliever entered to qualify for a save.[6]
Game 4
edit| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 7 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Oakland | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | 0 | X | 5 | 7 | 0 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Ken Holtzman(1–0)LP:Andy Messersmith(0–2)Sv:Rollie Fingers(1) Home runs: LAD: None OAK:Ken Holtzman(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The A's struck first on a solo homer by the surprisingKen Holtzmanin the third. The Dodgers came right back in their half of the fourth on a two-run triple byBill Russell.Holtzman settled into a groove after that, surrendering no runs before yielding toRollie Fingersin the eighth.
The A's took control of the game with four runs in the sixth offAndy Messersmith.Bill Northled off with a walk and went to second on a wild pickoff throw by Messersmith.Sal Bandosingled home North to tie it. After aReggie Jacksonwalk, aJoe Rudisacrifice bunt, and an intentional walk toClaudell Washington,Jim Holtpinch-hit forRay Fosseand singled in two runs. An RBI groundout byDick Greencapped off the rally. Fingers pitched the final1+2⁄3innings for his first save of the series.
Game 5
edit| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 5 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Oakland | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | X | 3 | 6 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| WP:Blue Moon Odom(1–0)LP:Mike Marshall(0–1)Sv:Rollie Fingers(2) Home runs: LAD: None OAK:Ray Fosse(1),Joe Rudi(1) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
The A's stakedVida Blueto a 2–0 lead with single runs in the first and second innings on a sacrifice fly bySal Bandoand a homer byRay Fosse.The Dodgers tied it in the sixth with two runs on a sacrifice fly byJimmy Wynnand an RBI single bySteve Garvey.
Joe Rudigot what would turn out to be the game-winning RBI when he tagged Dodger ace relieverMike Marshallwith a homer in the bottom of the seventh. The half-inning was delayed whenBill Bucknercomplained of A's fans throwing debris onto the field. Marshall, who always pitched in short sleeves, disdained his allowance of eight warm up pitches after coming in from the bullpen even after the delay. Rudi then proceeded to deposit Marshall's first pitch over the left field wall.
In the Dodgers half of the eighth, Buckner led off with a base hit to center that got past center fielderBill North.Buckner had an easy double, but tried to stretch it to a triple andReggie Jackson,backing up North, fired a perfect throw toDick Green,who relayed toSal Bandoat third to nail Buckner and squelch the last Dodger threat.Rollie Fingersgot his second save and was namedSeries MVP.
Aftermath
editFour of the five games had the score of 3–2.Mike Marshallof theLos Angeles Dodgerswas the only pitcher to appear in all five games of a five-game World Series, as of 2014[update].
The Dodgers got six more hits than the A's but scored five fewer runs, showing their lack of timely hitting. They also made six errors in five games, in addition to a number of mental errors.
The champion A's batted only.211 in the Series, the lowest in a five-game Series since theBaltimore Orioleshit.146 and lost in1969.
As of 2021[update],the A's are the only team besides the Yankees to win three consecutive World Series.
This was the first World Series to end at night. While it opened with traditional day games (1 pmPDT) on the weekend in Los Angeles, the three weeknight games in Oakland (5:30 pm PDT) were all in prime-time (for theEasternandCentraltime zones).
As World Series champions, the A's earned a postseason bonus of$22,219 each; the Dodger shares were $15,704 each, while theOriolesandPiratestook about $7,400 each.[7]
This was the last major league championship for a Bay Area team won in its home stadium or arena until theGolden State Warriorswon the2017 NBA Finalsin Oakland, ending a streak of 13 Bay Area championships won in an opponent or neutral stadium or arena.[8]Also, with theWarriorswinning the1975 NBA Finals,Oakland (and the Bay Area in particular) won both the World Series and NBA championship in a span of a season or calendar year, a distinction previously earned by New York when theMetsandKnickswon their league championships within a year's span. This was followed by the Los Angeles metropolitan area in 1981–82 (DodgersandLakers), 1988 (DodgersandLakers), 2002 (AngelsandLakers) and 2020 (LakersandDodgers), Boston in 2007–08 (Red SoxandCeltics), and the San Francisco Bay Area in 2014–15 (GiantsandWarriors).
Composite box
edit1974 World Series(4–1):Oakland Athletics(A.L.)overLos Angeles Dodgers(N.L.)
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oakland Athletics | 1 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 2 | 16 | 30 | 5 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Los Angeles Dodgers | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 36 | 6 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total attendance:260,004Average attendance:52,001 Winning player's share:$22,219Losing player's share:$15,704[7][9] | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
At the time, the winning margin of five runs tied for second-lowest for a five-game series (with1933and1942); the1915margin was two runs, and three runs in2000.
Notes
edit- ^"1974 World Series Game 1 – Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Dodgers".Retrosheet.RetrievedSeptember 13,2009.
- ^"1974 World Series Game 2 – Oakland A's vs. Los Angeles Dodgers".Retrosheet.RetrievedSeptember 13,2009.
- ^"1974 World Series Game 3 – Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Oakland A's".Retrosheet.RetrievedSeptember 13,2009.
- ^"1974 World Series Game 4 – Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Oakland A's".Retrosheet.RetrievedSeptember 13,2009.
- ^"1974 World Series Game 5 – Los Angeles Dodgers vs. Oakland A's".Retrosheet.RetrievedSeptember 13,2009.
- ^Schechter, Gabriel (March 21, 2006)."Top Relievers in Trouble".National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum.Archived fromthe originalon June 8, 2007.
- ^ab"A's bankroll $22,219".Lawrence Journal-World.(Kansas). Associated Press. November 12, 1974. p. 10.
- ^"For Warriors, Bay Area, a rare chance to win championship at home".sfchronicle.June 12, 2017.
See also
editReferences
edit- Cohen, Richard M.; Neft, David S. (1990).The World Series: Complete Play-By-Play of Every Game, 1903–1989.New York: St. Martin's Press. pp. 351–354.ISBN0-312-03960-3.
- Reichler, Joseph (1982).The Baseball Encyclopedia(5th ed.). Macmillan Publishing. p. 2194.ISBN0-02-579010-2.
- Forman, Sean L."1974 World Series".Baseball-Reference – Major League Statistics and Information.Archivedfrom the original on November 30, 2007.RetrievedDecember 9,2007.
External links
edit- 1974 World SeriesatWorldSeriesviaMLB
- 1974 World SeriesatBaseball Almanac
- 1974 World SeriesatBaseball-Reference
- The 1974 Post-Season Games(box scores and play-by-play) atRetrosheet
- History of the World Series - 1974atThe Sporting News.Archived fromthe originalin May 2006.
- Triple Crown to the Clowns at SI
- Baseball's 25 Greatest Moments: Reggie Jackson's Three HomersArchivedApril 11, 2005, at theWayback Machine
- The 1974 Oakland Athletics at baseballlibrary
- The 1974 Los Angeles Dodgers at baseballlibrary