October 16, 1961

The Yankees On Top

The first three games of the World Series the Yankees had a fight on their hands. The last two were debacles. In winning 4-1, the Yankees demonstrated their superiority in every facet of play. Their regulars—notably Bobby Richardson and Bill Skowron—hit well; those the Reds counted on—Vada Pinson, Frank Robinson and Gene Freese—hit little or late.

A play at the plate in the 1961 Series photograph by Marvin E. Newman

Yankee fielding was excellent; Cincinnati's at first was better than expected but was worse toward the end. Yankee relief pitchers and pinch hitters saved and won games; Cincinnati's bench too often failed. Nearly everyone but the Yankees conceded the Reds an edge in pitching; only in the second game, however, was that edge apparent. In their decisive match-up, Whitey Ford twice out-pitched Jim O'Toole. As a drama in five acts, the Series was a failure; but like many theatrical flops, it had a number of great moments and a few stunning performances.

The most dramatic moment came when Cincinnati's Elio Chacon caught the Yankees by surprise and put the Reds ahead in the only game they won (the second). Chacon was on third, Eddie Kasko on first when Yankee Catcher Elston Howard let a pitch go by him for a short passed ball. Howard retrieved it quickly, whirled to throw to second—and spotted Elio brazenly barreling home. He dived headfirst at Chacon's flashing spikes but was too late. The rattled Yankees played badly thereafter, lost 6-2 and the Series odds temporarily fell.