National League Standings, August 24, 1962
METS FANS SHARE THEIR MEMORIES OF THE AUGUST 24, 1962 GAME:
digittydog
January 9, 2002
If I've got this right this was Gil Hodges night at the Polo Grounds. I was overwhelmed with the park but more impressed with how much everyone loved this man. Although I was twelve, I was still a Brooklyn Dodger in my soul. Hodges changed that for me. I remember him not only as a great player, but as a man of integrity. Where are these qualities today? I remember the game as such: Jay Hook beat Don Drysdale 6-3. Homers by Kanehl,Coleman,Throneberry.
Mighty Quinn
May 26, 2004
Just read digittydog's recap on Gil Hodges Night at Polo Grounds on August 24, 1962, which differs from mine, but while The Dig was 12, I was only 11, so don't hold me to this. My recap has Don Drysdale starting for L.A., and the Dodgers holding a 3-1 lead heading into the bottom of the ninth. The Mets loaded the bases, and up steps Hot Rod Kanehl, who rips a double up the right- center field gap and clears the bases for a 4-3 Mets victory. That's the story I've been telling people for 42 years. Hope someone can clear things up.
Bob P
July 5, 2005
OK, further to some earlier posts...retrosheet to the rescue!!
I have bad news for Mighty Quinn...Diggitydog's account of the game is correct.
The game was tied 3-3 going to the bottom of the eighth, Jay Hook and Don Drysdale on the mound. The Met runs had come on solo homers by Choo Choo Coleman, Marv Throneberry, and Rod Kanehl.
In the eighth the Mets loaded the bases with nobody out on a single and two walks, then Kanehl singled to left scoring one run but Frank Howard threw out Throneberry at the plate. Gene Woodling came in to pinch-hit, and Walter Alston countered by bringing in Ron Perranoski. Woodling singled to drive in another run, and then Jay Hook drove in the sixth run with an infield hit (it may have been a bunt). Richie Ashburn grounded into a DP, but the damage was done.
Hook retired the Dodgers 1-2-3 in the ninth for his eighth win of the season. It was the only loss for the Dodgers at the Polo Grounds in 1962.
Stephen Appell
July 7, 2005
I attended Gil Hodges Night. The Mets had a 3-run 8th inning to break a 3-3 tie. The 8th inning rally included a drag bunt single by pitcher Jay Hook to drive in a run. The first 3 runs were scored on solo HR's by Kanehl, Coleman and Throneberry. The 9th inning featured fantastic fielding by Throneberry (who was regarded as a poor fielder), had 2 infield assists, and then made a diving catch on a Willie Davis line drive to end the game. It was the first home Met victory over the Dodgers.
The night had more drama - in the stands I heard the loudspeaker announcement requesting that if a doctor was in the stadium, he should report immediately to the Dodger clubhouse. I later learned that Leo Durocher, then a Dodger coach, had been stricken with an allergy attack, and required an adrenaline shot in his vein. The trainer was only authorized by law to give such an injection into the muscle. According to the papers, Durocher told Manager Walt Alston "if this it Walt, go get 'em." Fortunately it was not, Durocher received treatment and he lived until 1991.
I regard this game as one of the greatest in the history of the Mets.
Artie
August 26, 2022
My dad and I were there in the lower left field stands (near where Bobby Thompson hit his “shot.”). We had obstructed view as I recall. Great game!
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