Dale Long---1959
On This Date in Major League
Baseball History...
August 20, 1958
Nowadays, players move up-and-
down between Triple-A and the Big
Leagues like a yo-yo just handed to
a 10-year-old who hasn’t taken his
Ridlen. It seems like every game is
paramount and the manager needs
all 25 guys every day.
But back in the 1950s and ‘60s,
rosters would often house injured
players, as time spent on the
disabled list could mean a loss of a
job for a player. Given that,
sometimes players had to play out of
position in pinch.
On August 20, 1958, Chicago Cubs
manager Bob Scheffing found himself
in one such quandary, but was baled
out by first baseman Dale Long. With
a double-header versus the Pirates
slated, Scheffing was working with a
short roster as catcher Moe Thacker
was out, but not placed on the
disabled list, with a torn ligament in
his right knee.
Long would have a solid career
bouncing between seven different
organizations. Twice he was a hired
gun to provide pop to the Yankee
bench, as the Bronx Bombers
purchased or traded for Long prior to
playing in the World Series (1960 &
1962).
The slugger would also be
remembered in later years when Don
Mattingly (1987) and Ken Griffey, Jr.
(1993) equaled his 1956 mark of
hitting home runs in eight
consecutive games (May 19-28).
And wasn't this a great card with the
bat reaching out towards you.
(8/20/08)
Baseball History...
August 20, 1958
Nowadays, players move up-and-
down between Triple-A and the Big
Leagues like a yo-yo just handed to
a 10-year-old who hasn’t taken his
Ridlen. It seems like every game is
paramount and the manager needs
all 25 guys every day.
But back in the 1950s and ‘60s,
rosters would often house injured
players, as time spent on the
disabled list could mean a loss of a
job for a player. Given that,
sometimes players had to play out of
position in pinch.
On August 20, 1958, Chicago Cubs
manager Bob Scheffing found himself
in one such quandary, but was baled
out by first baseman Dale Long. With
a double-header versus the Pirates
slated, Scheffing was working with a
short roster as catcher Moe Thacker
was out, but not placed on the
disabled list, with a torn ligament in
his right knee.
Long would have a solid career
bouncing between seven different
organizations. Twice he was a hired
gun to provide pop to the Yankee
bench, as the Bronx Bombers
purchased or traded for Long prior to
playing in the World Series (1960 &
1962).
The slugger would also be
remembered in later years when Don
Mattingly (1987) and Ken Griffey, Jr.
(1993) equaled his 1956 mark of
hitting home runs in eight
consecutive games (May 19-28).
And wasn't this a great card with the
bat reaching out towards you.
(8/20/08)
After having used utility player/ emergency catcher Jim Bolger to pinch hit for his
starting catcher Sammy Taylor; Scheffing inserted backup hind snatcher Cal
Neeman to finish out the game. The move would allow Taylor time to catch his
breath, as he was scheduled to also catch the second game of the double dipper.
Long was pressed into duty with one out in the ninth inning of the first game after
Neeman got into a rumpus with umpire Frank Dascoli. While we are not sure of
the exact circumstances, it appears that Neeman was thrown out of the game
after arguing a safe call at the plate when Frank Thomas scored on a single to
right by Dick Groat.
In taking his place behind the plate, Long became the first left-handed catcher to
appear in a Major League game in 56 years. According to The Sporting News,
(Aug. 27, 1958) Long became the seventh southpaw to wear the tools of
ignorance, as John A. Donahue and Joseph F. Wall each took a turn behind the
plate in 1902.
As one can tell from the back of his 1959 card, Long would find himself behind the
plate a second time in 1958. He caught the ninth inning of the September 21st
game versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. Though the Dodgers won the game, 2-1,
the novelty of the appearance was lost since both clubs were fighting just to stay
out of the National League cellar.
starting catcher Sammy Taylor; Scheffing inserted backup hind snatcher Cal
Neeman to finish out the game. The move would allow Taylor time to catch his
breath, as he was scheduled to also catch the second game of the double dipper.
Long was pressed into duty with one out in the ninth inning of the first game after
Neeman got into a rumpus with umpire Frank Dascoli. While we are not sure of
the exact circumstances, it appears that Neeman was thrown out of the game
after arguing a safe call at the plate when Frank Thomas scored on a single to
right by Dick Groat.
In taking his place behind the plate, Long became the first left-handed catcher to
appear in a Major League game in 56 years. According to The Sporting News,
(Aug. 27, 1958) Long became the seventh southpaw to wear the tools of
ignorance, as John A. Donahue and Joseph F. Wall each took a turn behind the
plate in 1902.
As one can tell from the back of his 1959 card, Long would find himself behind the
plate a second time in 1958. He caught the ninth inning of the September 21st
game versus the Los Angeles Dodgers. Though the Dodgers won the game, 2-1,
the novelty of the appearance was lost since both clubs were fighting just to stay
out of the National League cellar.
