From: Jim Smiley <cooperstownexpert@gmail.com>
Sent: Sunday, October 13, 2024 6:56 PM
To: Joe Moeller <moe25joe@gmail.com>
Subject: that ’66 World Series
Just put those tickets you signed for me on your page on the website. Click hereto see it.
Was fun to research and write about who you replaced and who you faced.
Here’s the writing under the ticket…
Joe Moeller was just 23 years old when Hall of Fame manager Walter Alston summoned him from the bullpen to relieve Cooperstown’s Don Drysdale in Game 1 of the 1966 World Series. The American League champion Baltimore Orioles already torched Big D for four runs in his two innings of work.
The first two men to step in against Moeller were future MVPs, Brooks Robinson and Book Powell. In his previous at bat Brooks took Drysdale deep. This time was different.
The Hall of Fame third baseman Robinson fell behind 1-and-2 before grounding out to third. Powell fared no better, hitting a roller to shortstop Maury Wills for the second out of the inning.
When Moeller got Curt Blefary to pop out meekly to shortstop Maury Wills, he gave Los Angeles its first scoreless frame of the Series.
In the next inning 10-time All Star and Hall of Fame shortstop Louis Aparicio nicked Moeller with an RBI infield groundout. Joe responded by getting centerfielder Russ Synder to roll over to second to end the inning. His night was done. The 55,941 in attendance applauded as Moeller left the field.
In two innings of work, Joe gave up one run. He surrendered one hit and one walk.
Shown here is a pair of tickets to Game 1 of the ’66 Fall Classic. Joe adds his signature to them both and writes, “Baseball Thrill” on the loge level pass.
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