1959 AL Standings and League Leaders

 April 16, 1959

   One full week of the 1959 AL season schedule has been played. The Kansas City Athletics and Cleveland Indians are off to the best starts in the league. The Actual 1959 AL Champion Chicago White Sox are off to the worst start in the league, but of course it's a very early look at this season. 

    As expected, my Detroit Tigers have shown great offense and weak pitching. They have played more games (5) than most of the other clubs and they've outscored the other teams by a bunch with their 42 runs. That's an average of 8.4 runs per game. But they've also allowed 36 runs, next to last in the league. That's 7.2 runs allowed per game. This all helps explain their 2-3 start so far this season. 

  Detroit's Al Kaline is off to a tremendous start this year. He's hit a league high 4 Homeruns and leads the AL league with 8 RBI. He's also 5th in BA (.435). Cleveland's Woody Held is also starting fast with 3 Homeruns and 6 RBI.

LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR 1959 American League
 
                                                      ACTUAL-TODATE  ACTUAL-TOTAL
                            WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC# WON LOS  PCT  WON LOS  PCT
1959 Kansas City KCA          3   1  .750 ----   151     1   3 .250   66  88 .429
1959 Cleveland CLA            3   1  .750 ----           4   01.000   89  65 .578
1959 Washington WAA           2   1  .667   .5           1   2 .333   63  91 .409
1959 Boston BOA               2   1  .667   .5           2   1 .667   75  79 .487
1959 Detroit DEA              2   3  .400  1.5           0   5 .000   76  78 .494
1959 New York NYA             1   2  .333  1.5           3   01.000   79  75 .513
1959 Baltimore BAA            1   2  .333  1.5           0   3 .000   74  80 .481
1959 Chicago CHA              1   4  .200  2.5           4   1 .800   94  60 .610
 
 
 
       OVERALL RECORD
Team   WON LOST   PCT  HOME  ROAD  LEFT RIGHT EXTRA 1-RUN   LAST 10   STREAK
BAA      1    2  .333  1- 1  0- 1  0- 1  1- 1  0- 0  1- 1     1-2     Lost 1
BOA      2    1  .667  1- 1  1- 0  0- 0  2- 1  0- 0  0- 0     2-1     Won 1
CHA      1    4  .200  0- 2  1- 2  0- 0  1- 4  0- 0  0- 0     1-4     Lost 3
CLA      3    1  .750  2- 0  1- 1  0- 0  3- 1  0- 0  2- 0     3-1     Won 2
DEA      2    3  .400  2- 1  0- 2  1- 1  1- 2  0- 0  0- 2     2-3     Lost 2
KCA      3    1  .750  1- 1  2- 0  2- 0  1- 1  0- 0  0- 0     3-1     Won 3
NYA      1    2  .333  0- 1  1- 1  0- 0  1- 2  0- 0  0- 1     1-2     Won 1
WAA      2    1  .667  1- 0  1- 1  1- 0  1- 1  0- 0  1- 0     2-1     Lost 1
TOTAL   15   15  .500
HOME     8    7  .533
ROAD     7    8  .467
LEFT     4    2  .667
RIGHT   11   13  .458
 
TEAM   -APRIL   MAY  JUNE  JULY   AUG SEPT+  RUNS AGNST DIFF
BAA      1- 2  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     12    16   -4
BOA      2- 1  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     11    10   +1
CHA      1- 4  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     23    37  -14
CLA      3- 1  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     27    26   +1
DEA      2- 3  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     42    36   +6
KCA      3- 1  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     21    14   +7
NYA      1- 2  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     13    13   +0
WAA      2- 1  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     13    10   +3

NEWSPAPER STYLE RECAP FOR 1959 American League                 Date: 4/16/1959
 
TEAM     WON LOST   BATTING AVERAGE     HOME RUNS           RUNS BATTED IN
1959 KCA   3   1    B.Gardner BAA .556  A.Kaline  DEA    4  A.Kaline  DEA    8
1959 CLA   3   1    B.Martin  CLA .500  A.Smith   CHA    3  W.Held    CLA    6
1959 WAA   2   1    B.Phillip CHA .474  W.Held    CLA    3  L.Doby    DEA    6
1959 BOA   2   1    V.Power   CLA .438  OTHERS TIED W    2  OTHERS TIED W    5
1959 DEA   2   3    A.Kaline  DEA .435
1959 NYA   1   2
1959 BAA   1   2    WINS                SAVES               ERA
1959 CHA   1   4    MANY TIED WIT    1  B.Loes    BAA    1  W.Ford    NYA 1.00
                                        M.Forniel BOA    1  N.Garver  KCA 1.00
                                        B.Shaw    CHA    1  T.Brewer  BOA 1.00
                                                            J.Harshma BAA 1.04
                                                            T.Lown    CHA 1.69
 
                    CUR HIT STREAK      STOLEN BASES        STRIKEOUTS
                    R.Bridges DEA    5  G.Geiger  BOA    1  J.Bunning DEA   10
                    F.Bolling DEA    5  G.Stephen BOA    1  B.Grim    KCA    8
                    N.Fox     CHA    4  J.Landis  CHA    1  G.Bell    CLA    7
                    S.Lollar  CHA    4  H.Bauer   NYA    1  P.Foytack DEA    7
                    OTHERS TIED W    3  R.Samford WAA    1  B.Turley  NYA    7

1959 NL Standings and League Leaders

 April 16, 1959

  We've played one full week of the 1959 NL season schedule. The San Francisco Giants and LA Dodgers are off to good starts. The St. Louis Cardinals are still looking for their first Win. Willie Mays, Hank Aaron, Frank Robinson, Charlie Neal and Bobby Thompson are off to good starts at the plate. Milwaukee's Warren Spahn (2-0, .50 ERA) has had 2 sterling starts. Here are the Standings and League Leaders:

LEAGUE STANDINGS FOR 1959 National League
 
                                                      ACTUAL-TODATE  ACTUAL-TOTAL
                            WON LOST  PCT   GB  MAGIC# WON LOS  PCT  WON LOS  PCT
1959 San Francisco SFN        4   1  .800 ----   150     4   1 .800   83  71 .539
1959 Los Angeles LAN          3   1  .750   .5           2   2 .500   88  68 .564
1959 Milwaukee MLN            2   1  .667  1.0           3   01.000   86  70 .551
1959 Pittsburgh PIN           3   2  .600  1.0           0   5 .000   78  76 .506
1959 Philadelphia PHN         1   1  .500  1.5           1   1 .500   64  90 .416
1959 Chicago CHN              2   2  .500  1.5           2   2 .500   74  80 .481
1959 Cincinnati CIN           1   3  .250  2.5           3   1 .750   74  80 .481
1959 St. Louis SLN            0   5  .000  4.0           1   4 .200   71  83 .461
 
 
 
       OVERALL RECORD
Team   WON LOST   PCT  HOME  ROAD  LEFT RIGHT EXTRA 1-RUN   LAST 10   STREAK
CHN      2    2  .500  1- 1  1- 1  0- 2  2- 0  1- 1  1- 2     2-2     Lost 1
CIN      1    3  .250  1- 2  0- 1  0- 0  1- 3  0- 1  0- 2     1-3     Lost 3
LAN      3    1  .750  2- 0  1- 1  1- 0  2- 1  0- 0  2- 0     3-1     Won 3
MLN      2    1  .667  1- 0  1- 1  0- 0  2- 1  0- 0  0- 1     2-1     Won 1
PHN      1    1  .500  1- 0  0- 1  0- 1  1- 0  1- 0  1- 0     1-1     Lost 1
PIN      3    2  .600  1- 1  2- 1  1- 1  2- 1  0- 0  2- 0     3-2     Won 3
SFN      4    1  .800  1- 1  3- 0  1- 0  3- 1  2- 1  1- 1     4-1     Won 1
SLN      0    5  .000  0- 3  0- 2  0- 3  0- 2  0- 1  0- 1     0-5     Lost 5
TOTAL   16   16  .500
HOME     8    8  .500
ROAD     8    8  .500
LEFT     3    7  .300
RIGHT   13    9  .591
 
TEAM   -APRIL   MAY  JUNE  JULY   AUG SEPT+  RUNS AGNST DIFF
CHN      2- 2  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     23    21   +2
CIN      1- 3  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     18    24   -6
LAN      3- 1  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     21    18   +3
MLN      2- 1  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     17     4  +13
PHN      1- 1  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0      6    16  -10
PIN      3- 2  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     22    19   +3
SFN      4- 1  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     34    21  +13
SLN      0- 5  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0  0- 0     16    34  -18

NEWSPAPER STYLE RECAP FOR 1959 National League                 Date: 4/16/1959
 
TEAM     WON LOST   BATTING AVERAGE     HOME RUNS           RUNS BATTED IN
1959 SFN   4   1    C.Neal    LAN .563  W.Mays    SFN    4  W.Mays    SFN   10
1959 LAN   3   1    H.Aaron   MLN .538  F.Robinso CIN    3  B.Thomson CHN    8
1959 MLN   2   1    B.Thomson CHN .533  H.Aaron   MLN    2  F.Robinso CIN    6
1959 PIN   3   2    F.Robinso CIN .533  K.Boyer   SLN    2  H.Aaron   MLN    6
1959 PHN   1   1    D.Hoak    PIN .526  D.Spencer SFN    2  OTHERS TIED W    5
1959 CHN   2   2
1959 CIN   1   3    WINS                SAVES               ERA
1959 SLN   0   5    W.Spahn   MLN    2  D.Elston  CHN    1  V.Law     PIN 0.00
                    G.Jones   SFN    2  E.Singlet CHN    1  R.Semproc PHN 0.00
                    OTHERS TIED W    1  R.Face    PIN    1  L.Burdett MLN 0.00
                                                            S.William LAN 0.00
                                                            W.Spahn   MLN 0.50
 
                    CUR HIT STREAK      STOLEN BASES        STRIKEOUTS
                    MANY TIED WIT    5  J.Brandt  SFN    2  D.Drysdal LAN   13
                                        OTHERS TIED W    1  L.Jackson SLN   13
                                                            B.Henry   CHN   12
                                                            W.Spahn   MLN    9
                                                            J.Antonel SFN    9

1959 AL Game: Det. @ Cle.

 April 15, 1959

   In another wild game for the Detroit Tigers, the Cleveland Indians were able to pull out a 12-11 victory over the Bengals. Detroit jumped out to a quick 2 run lead in the 1st inning before the Indians tied it up in the bottom of the inning. They almost ran out of baseballs in this game with the 33 total hits including 7 homeruns in the slugfest. The lead changed hands 6 times. Woody Held hit 2 bombs and had 5 RBI for Cleveland. Al Kaline went 4 for 5 and had 3 RBI for the Tigers. 

 BOXSCORE: 1959 Detroit Tigers At 1959 Cleveland Indians 4/15/1959

 
  Tigers             AB  R  H RBI AVG     Indians            AB  R  H RBI AVG
  E.Yost 3B           5  2  3  0 .348     J.Piersall CF       2  2  1  1 .133  
  F.Bolling 2B        6  1  3  0 .400     B.Martin 2B         5  1  3  3 .500  
  H.Kuenn RF          3  1  0  0 .350     M.Minoso LF         5  0  0  0 .222  
  A.Kaline CF         5  3  4  3 .435     R.Colavito RF       4  2  1  1 .286  
  L.Doby LF           4  1  2  4 .231     R.Nixon C           4  0  0  0 .176  
  G.Harris 1B         5  0  0  0 .130     V.Power 1B          5  3  4  1 .438  
  R.Bridges SS        5  1  2  0 .300     W.Held 3B           4  2  3  5 .357  
  L.Berberet C        5  1  2  3 .500     G.Strickland SS     4  1  2  0 .429  
  P.Foytack P         1  0  0  0 .000     C.McLish P          2  1  2  11.000  
  R.Narleski P        1  0  0  0 .000     M.Grant P           2  0  0  0 .000  
  H.Aguirre P         0  0  0  0 ----     J.Perry P           1  0  0  0 .000  
A-C.Maxwell PH        1  0  0  0 .400                                          
  T.Morgan P          0  0  0  0 ----                                          
B-N.Chrisley PH       1  1  1  11.000                                          
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      42 11 17 11                 Totals      38 12 16 12
 
A-Pinch Hit For Aguirre In 7th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Morgan In 9th Inning
 
Tigers.......... 2 0 1  0 5 0  1 1 1  - 11 17  0
Indians......... 2 0 0  4 1 0  3 2    - 12 16  0
 
Tigers (2-3)             IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
P.Foytack                 3 2/3   7   6   6   3   2   1  11.45
R.Narleski                2       3   1   1   2   2   1   3.00
H.Aguirre HOLD(2nd)       0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0  13.50
T.Morgan L(0-2) BS(2nd)   2       6   5   5   1   0   2  18.00
Totals                    8      16  12  12   6   4   4
 
Indians (3-1)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
C.McLish                  4 2/3  11   8   8   2   0   1  15.43
M.Grant                   2 2/3   3   2   2   1   2   1   4.91
J.Perry WIN(1-0) BS(1st)  1 2/3   3   1   1   0   2   1   5.40
Totals                    9      17  11  11   3   4   3
 
ATTENDANCE- 21,537 DATE- Wednesday, April 15th 1959 TIME- Day WEATHER- Average
T- 2:55
LEFT ON BASE- Tigers: 9  Indians: 9
DOUBLE PLAYS- Tigers: 0  Indians: 1
DOUBLES- E.Yost(2nd), A.Kaline(1st), R.Bridges-2(2nd), V.Power-2(2nd)
TRIPLES- L.Doby(1st), C.McLish
HOME RUNS- A.Kaline(4th), L.Berberet(1st), N.Chrisley(1st), B.Martin(2nd),
           R.Colavito(1st), W.Held-2(3rd)
RBIs- A.Kaline-3(8th), L.Doby-4(6th), L.Berberet-3(3rd), N.Chrisley(1st),
      J.Piersall(2nd), B.Martin-3(4th), R.Colavito(4th), V.Power(2nd),
      W.Held-5(6th), C.McLish
SACRIFICE FLIES- L.Doby
WALKS- H.Kuenn-2, P.Foytack, J.Piersall-3, R.Nixon, W.Held, G.Strickland
HIT BY PITCH- E.Yost, R.Colavito
STRIKE OUTS- G.Harris, R.Bridges, L.Berberet, R.Narleski, J.Piersall, M.Minoso,
             R.Colavito, R.Nixon
WILD PITCHES- M.Grant
2-out RBI- L.Doby-2, V.Power, W.Held, A.Kaline, C.McLish, B.Martin-3,
           L.Berberet-3, N.Chrisley
RLISP 2-out- G.Harris-2, P.Foytack, M.Grant, L.Doby, R.Nixon, R.Colavito
TEAM RISP- Tigers: 6 for 14  Indians: 7 for 14
WEB GEMS- Top 2nd: Vic Power robbed Eddie Yost of a base hit.
 
Third baseman Woodie Held slammed 2 homeruns and had 5 RBI as the Cleveland
Indians defeated the Detroit Tigers by the score of 12 to 11 at Cleveland
Stadium.
 
Held really 'lit it up' for Cleveland.  He banged out a single which scored a
run in the 1st inning, cleared the fences for a two-run home run in the 7th
inning and bombed a two-run dinger in the 8th inning.  A wild and woolly
affair, this game saw the lead change 6 times.  
 
The victory was credited to Jim Perry(1-0) who went 1 and 2/3 innings,
allowing 1 run. Tom Morgan(0-2) was charged with the loss in relief.  He was
knocked around, surrendering 5 runs in 2 innings.  
 

1959 AL Game: Chi. @ Det.

 April 11, 1959

  The 2nd game of the season in Detroit was one that the Tigers just couldn't put away. The game started with the Chicago White Sox jumping out to a quick 4-0 lead. But Detroit came storming back in the bottom of the 2nd by scoring 6 runs and chasing Chicago starter Early Wynn from the mound. The White Sox tied the game at 6 in the 5th inning before Al Kaline gave Detroit the lead again with a solo homerun in the 7th. With a 7-6 lead now, Tiger manager Bill Norman stuck with starter Paul Foytack too long and paid the price. The White Sox put a 3 spot on the board in the 8th and held on for a 9-7 victory. Detroit is now 1-1 on the season.   

BOXSCORE: 1959 Chicago White Sox At 1959 Detroit Tigers             4/11/1959
 
  White Sox          AB  R  H RBI AVG     Tigers             AB  R  H RBI AVG
  L.Aparicio SS       6  1  1  0 .100     E.Yost 3B           5  1  1  1 .300  
  N.Fox 2B            5  1  2  1 .250     F.Bolling 2B        5  1  1  1 .400  
  J.Landis CF         3  2  1  2 .333     H.Kuenn CF,RF       5  1  2  3 .444  
  S.Lollar C          5  0  1  2 .125     A.Kaline RF,CF      4  1  1  1 .375  
  N.Cash 1B           2  1  1  1 .333     G.Harris 1B         4  1  2  0 .222  
D-E.Torgeson 1B       0  0  0  0 ----     L.Doby LF           5  0  0  0 .111  
  A.Smith RF          3  0  0  1 .143     R.Bridges SS        4  0  1  0 .250  
  J.Callison LF       4  0  1  0 .125     L.Berberet C        4  1  2  0 .500  
C-J.Romano PH         1  0  0  0 .000     P.Foytack P         1  1  0  0 .000  
  B.Shaw P            0  0  0  0 ----     H.Aguirre P         0  0  0  0 ----  
  B.Phillips 3B,LF    5  3  4  1 .556     T.Morgan P          0  0  0  0 ----  
  E.Wynn P            0  0  0  0 ----     D.Mossi P           0  0  0  0 ----  
  T.Lown P            2  0  1  1 .500   E-C.Maxwell PH        1  0  0  0 .000  
A-B.Goodman PH        1  0  1  01.000     R.Narleski P        0  0  0  0 ----  
B-S.Esposito PR,3B    1  1  0  0 .000                                          
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      38  9 13  9                 Totals      38  7 10  6
 
A-Pinch Hit For Lown In 8th Inning
B-Pinch Ran For Goodman In 8th Inning
C-Pinch Hit For Callison In 8th Inning
D-Subbed Defensively (1B) For Cash In 8th Inning
E-Pinch Hit For Mossi In 8th Inning
 
White Sox....... 3 1 0  0 2 0  0 3 0  -  9 13  4
Tigers.......... 0 6 0  0 0 0  1 0 0  -  7 10  1
 
White Sox (1-1)          IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
E.Wynn                    1 2/3   5   6   5   1   1   0  27.00
T.Lown WIN(1-0)           5 1/3   4   1   1   1   1   1   1.69
B.Shaw SAVE(1st)          2       1   0   0   0   1   0   0.00
Totals                    9      10   7   6   2   3   1
 
Tigers (1-1)             IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
P.Foytack LOSS(0-1)       7 1/3  12   8   8   3   5   0   9.82
H.Aguirre HOLD(1st)       0 1/3   0   1   1   1   0   0  27.00
T.Morgan BS(1st)          0       1   0   0   2   0   0   ----
D.Mossi                   0 1/3   0   0   0   0   0   0   0.00
R.Narleski                1       0   0   0   0   2   0   0.00
Totals                    9      13   9   9   6   7   0
 
ATTENDANCE- 46,337 DATE- Saturday, April 11th 1959 TIME- Day WEATHER- Good
T- 3:05
LEFT ON BASE- White Sox:10  Tigers: 8
DOUBLE PLAYS- White Sox: 1  Tigers: 0
ERRORS- L.Aparicio, S.Lollar-2, N.Cash, R.Bridges
DOUBLES- N.Fox(1st), J.Landis(1st), B.Phillips(1st)
TRIPLES- H.Kuenn(1st)
HOME RUNS- A.Kaline(1st)
RBIs- N.Fox(1st), J.Landis-2(2nd), S.Lollar-2(2nd), N.Cash(3rd), A.Smith(2nd),
      B.Phillips(1st), T.Lown, E.Yost(3rd), F.Bolling(1st), H.Kuenn-3(4th),
      A.Kaline(1st)
SACRIFICE HITS- E.Wynn, P.Foytack
SACRIFICE FLIES- N.Cash
WALKS- J.Landis-2, N.Cash-2, A.Smith-2, A.Kaline, P.Foytack
HIT BY PITCH- G.Harris
STRIKE OUTS- L.Aparicio-2, J.Landis, A.Smith-2, J.Callison, S.Esposito, E.Yost,
             L.Doby-2
GIDP- L.Berberet
2-out RBI- N.Fox, E.Yost, F.Bolling, H.Kuenn-3, T.Lown, S.Lollar-2, A.Smith
RLISP 2-out- S.Lollar, L.Doby, L.Aparicio-2, F.Bolling-2, J.Romano-2
TEAM RISP- White Sox: 5 for 13  Tigers: 3 for 8
 
Bubba Phillips had 4 hits and scored 3 times at Briggs Stadium where the
Chicago White Sox beat the Detroit Tigers by the score of 9 to 7.
 
Turk Lown(1-0) pitched well in relief and was credited with the victory.  He
allowed just 4 hits and 1 walk in 5 and 1/3 innings.  Chicago out-hit Detroit
for the game, 13 hits to 10.  
 
Bob Shaw recorded the save, his 1st.  Paul Foytack(0-1) took the loss.  He got
hit pretty hard, allowing 12 hits and 3 walks in 7 and 1/3 innings.  
 

1959 Opening Day in Detroit

 April 10, 1959

   The Detroit Tigers opened the 1959 season today against the Chicago White Sox. It was a cold, rainy day in Detroit but that didn't affect the crowd turnout. 37,000 people got to watch the Tigers rap out 15 hits while defeating the White Sox 6-3. Detroit put 3 runs on the scoreboard in the 6th inning, 2 on a Eddie Yost homer. Jim Bunning went the distance for the Tigers allowing only 4 hits while striking out 6. Bunning helped his own cause by hitting a triple and a homerun. 

BOXSCORE: 1959 Chicago White Sox At 1959 Detroit Tigers             4/10/1959
 
  White Sox          AB  R  H RBI AVG     Tigers             AB  R  H RBI AVG
  L.Aparicio SS       4  0  0  0 .000     E.Yost 3B           5  2  2  2 .400  
  N.Fox 2B            3  1  0  0 .000     F.Bolling 2B        5  1  3  0 .600  
  J.Landis CF         3  1  1  0 .333     H.Kuenn CF,RF       4  1  2  1 .500  
  S.Lollar C          3  0  0  0 .000     A.Kaline RF,CF      4  0  2  0 .500  
A-S.Esposito PR       0  0  0  0 ----     G.Harris 1B         5  0  0  0 .000  
B-J.Romano C          0  0  0  0 ----     L.Doby LF           4  0  1  2 .250  
  N.Cash 1B           4  0  1  2 .250     R.Bridges SS        4  0  1  0 .250  
  A.Smith RF          4  1  1  1 .250     R.Wilson C          4  0  2  0 .500  
  J.Callison LF       4  0  0  0 .000     J.Bunning P         4  2  2  1 .500  
  B.Phillips 3B       4  0  1  0 .250                                          
  B.Pierce P          3  0  0  0 .000                                          
  R.Moore P           0  0  0  0 ----                                          
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      32  3  4  3                 Totals      39  6 15  6
 
A-Pinch Ran For Lollar In 8th Inning
B-Subbed Defensively (C ) For Esposito In 8th Inning
 
White Sox....... 0 1 0  0 0 2  0 0 0  -  3  4  0
Tigers.......... 2 0 0  0 0 3  0 1    -  6 15  1
 
White Sox (0-1)          IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
B.Pierce LOSS(0-1)        7 1/3  15   6   6   2   3   2   7.36
R.Moore                   0 2/3   0   0   0   0   1   0   0.00
Totals                    8      15   6   6   2   4   2
 
Tigers (1-0)             IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
J.Bunning WIN(1-0)        9       4   3   3   2   6   1   3.00
Totals                    9       4   3   3   2   6   1
 
ATTENDANCE- 36,732 DATE- Friday, April 10th 1959 TIME- Day WEATHER- Bad
UMPIRES- Nestor Chylak, Bill Summers, Bill McKinley, Hank Soar
T- 2:02
LEFT ON BASE- White Sox: 5  Tigers:11
DOUBLE PLAYS- White Sox: 0  Tigers: 0
ERRORS- E.Yost
DOUBLES- N.Cash(1st), E.Yost(1st), H.Kuenn(1st), R.Wilson(1st)
TRIPLES- J.Bunning
HOME RUNS- A.Smith(1st), E.Yost(1st), J.Bunning(1st)
RBIs- N.Cash-2(2nd), A.Smith(1st), E.Yost-2(2nd), H.Kuenn(1st), L.Doby-2(2nd),
      J.Bunning
WALKS- N.Fox, J.Landis, H.Kuenn, A.Kaline
HIT BY PITCH- S.Lollar
STRIKE OUTS- L.Aparicio, S.Lollar, J.Callison-3, B.Pierce, A.Kaline, G.Harris-2,
             L.Doby
2-out RBI- L.Doby-2, N.Cash-2, E.Yost-2, H.Kuenn
RLISP 2-out- R.Bridges, H.Kuenn, F.Bolling, A.Smith, G.Harris-2, N.Cash
TEAM RISP- White Sox: 1 for 4  Tigers: 4 for 16
 
Jim Bunning had an impressive outing and third baseman Eddie Yost left the
yard and had 2 RBI as the Detroit Tigers defeated the Chicago White Sox by
the score of 6 to 3 at Briggs Stadium.
 
Bunning(1-0) was very good in the win.  He didn't allow much, just 4 hits and
2 walks in 9 innings.  The Chicago batters didn't put up a fight in the 9th.
 
Billy Pierce(0-1) took the loss.  He was knocked around by Detroit, allowing
15 hits and 2 walks in 7 and 1/3 innings.

1959 NL Opening Day Game Stories

 April 10, 1956 

  Three more NL teams had their Opening day games played today. 2 of the 3 games took extra innings to decide. 

NEWSPAPER GAME STORIES FOR 1959 National League                Date: 4/11/1959
 
CINCINNATI AT PHILADELPHIA
Reds............ 0 0 0  0 1 2  0 1 0  0 0 0  0 0 -  4 15  0
Phillies........ 3 0 0  0 0 0  0 1 0  0 0 0  0 1 -  5 11  1
Win:Meyer(1-0) Loss:Pena(1-1)
Homeruns- F.Robinson(2nd), D.Newcombe(1st)
 
Second baseman Sparky Anderson had 3 base hits at Shibe Park where the
Philadelphia Phillies beat the Cincinnati Reds in 14 innings by the score of
5 to 4.
 
The score was tied at 4 after nine.  Finally, Philadelphia prevailed in the
14th inning.  After an out was recorded, Wally Post drew a walk.  Chico
Fernandez next to the plate and he doubled resulting in an exciting win for
Philadelphia and a raucous post-game celebration by the home town fans.
Despite losing, Cincinnati out-hit Philadelphia 15 to 11.  
 
The winning pitcher was Jack Meyer(1-0) who allowed no runs in 1/3 of an
inning. The losing pitcher was Orlando Pena(1-1) in relief.  He surrendered 1
run and 2 hits in 1 and 1/3 innings.
 
CONDENSED PLAY LOG
TOP 1- Temple-G, Pinson-F, Bell-Si, PB, Robinson-F
BOT 1- Anderson-Si, Ashburn-Si, Bouchee-W, Anderson-L, Bowman-Do, Jones-F
TOP 2- Thomas-P, Lynch-Si, Bailey-F, McMillan-F
BOT 2- Fernandez-G, Hegan-G, Roberts-K
TOP 3- Newcombe-L, Temple-P, Pinson-F
BOT 3- Anderson-Si, Ashburn-G-DP, Bouchee-G
TOP 4- Bell-G, Robinson-F, Thomas-Si, Lynch-G
BOT 4- Anderson-G, Bowman-G, Jones-G
TOP 5- Bailey-G, McMillan-L, Newcombe-HR, Temple-L
BOT 5- Fernandez-Si, Hegan-G-DP, Roberts-L
TOP 6- Pinson-G, Bell-Si, Robinson-Do, Thomas-Si, Lynch-L, Bailey-G
BOT 6- Anderson-G, Ashburn-Si, Bouchee-G, Anderson-IW, Bowman-G
TOP 7- McMillan-Si, Newcombe-F, Temple-P, Pinson-Si, Bell-F
BOT 7- Jones-G, Fernandez-W, Hegan-K, Roberts-L
TOP 8- Robinson-HR, Thomas-L, Lynch-F, Bailey-Si, PkOff
BOT 8- Anderson-Si, Ashburn-G, Bouchee-Si, Anderson-F, Bowman-L
TOP 9- McMillan-K, Newcombe-L, Temple-F
BOT 9- Jones-Si, Fernandez-Sac, Hegan-K, Hanebrink-L
TOP 10- Pinson-G, Bell-Si, Robinson-F, Thomas-Si, Lynch-K
BOT 10- Anderson-G, Ashburn-F, Bouchee-G
TOP 11- Bailey-G, McMillan-Si, Newcombe-W, Temple-L, Pinson-G
BOT 11- Anderson-G, Bowman-G, Semproch-K
TOP 12- Bell-Si, Robinson-L, Thomas-F, Lynch-F
BOT 12- Fernandez-L, Hegan-G, Hanebrink-P
TOP 13- Bailey-W, McMillan-G-DP, Newcombe-W, Temple-K
BOT 13- Anderson-G, Ashburn-G, Bouchee-Si, Anderson-P
TOP 14- Pinson-E-SS, Bell-G, Robinson-W, Thomas-K, Lynch-W, Dotterer-G
BOT 14- Bowman-L, Post-W, Fernandez-Do
 
MILWAUKEE AT PITTSBURGH
Braves.......... 0 1 1  0 0 0  1 1 0  -  4 10  1
Pirates......... 0 0 0  0 1 0  0 0 0  -  1  7  1
Win:Spahn(1-0) Loss:Friend(0-1)
Homeruns- J.Logan(1st)
 
Warren Spahn tossed a complete game and Johnny Logan blasted a homerun and had
2 RBI as the Milwaukee Braves defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates by a score of 4
to 1 at Forbes Field.
 
Milwaukee took the lead for keeps in the top of the 2nd inning scoring one
runner.  Milwaukee banged out 10 hits on the afternoon.  
 
Spahn(1-0) allowed 1 run on the game. Bob Friend(0-1) was charged with the
loss.  He allowed 4 runs and 10 hits in 8 innings.
 
CONDENSED PLAY LOG
TOP 1- Bruton-G, Mathews-W, Aaron-F, Covington-Si, Torre-K
BOT 1- Virdon-F, Clemente-F, Skinner-G
TOP 2- Crandall-Tr, Logan-E-2B, Mantilla-G, Spahn-F-DP
BOT 2- Stuart-K, Hoak-Do, Mazeroski-F, Groat-K
TOP 3- Bruton-L, Mathews-W, Aaron-Si, SB(Aaron), Covington-IW, Torre-Si
       Crandall-G-DP
BOT 3- Foiles-G, Friend-K, Virdon-L
TOP 4- Logan-Si, Mantilla-G-DP, Spahn-K
BOT 4- Clemente-Si, Skinner-G-DP, Stuart-Si, Hoak-G
TOP 5- Bruton-G, Mathews-Si, Aaron-Si, WP, Covington-K, Torre-IW, Crandall-L
BOT 5- Mazeroski-L, Groat-Si+E-2B, Foiles-Si, Friend-Sac, Virdon-P
TOP 6- Logan-G, Mantilla-L, Spahn-F
BOT 6- Clemente-K, Skinner-F, Stuart-F
TOP 7- Bruton-Si, Mathews-G, Aaron-Si, Covington-G-DP
BOT 7- Hoak-K, Mazeroski-F, Groat-G
TOP 8- Torre-P, Crandall-P, Logan-HR, Mantilla-F
BOT 8- Foiles-L, Bright-G, Virdon-Si, Clemente-G
TOP 9- Spahn-K, Bruton-F, Mathews-G
BOT 9- Skinner-P, Stuart-F, Hoak-Si, Mazeroski-L
 
SAN FRANCISCO AT ST. LOUIS
Giants.......... 0 1 0  2 0 0  0 1 0  4 -  8 15  1
Cardinals....... 0 0 0  1 1 0  2 0 0  0 -  4 12  1
Win:Jones(1-0) Loss:Brosnan(0-1)
Homeruns- O.Cepeda(1st), A.Rodgers(1st), B.Schmidt(1st)
 
Catcher Bob Schmidt went yard and had 4 RBI at Busch Stadium as the San
Francisco Giants beat the St. Louis Cardinals in 10 innings by the count of 8
to 4.
 
The score was knotted at 4 after nine innings.  San Francisco was victorious
in the 10th inning.  The key offensive moment was provided by Schmidt who
deflated the mood of the partisan fans when he laced a single which was good
for two runs.  San Francisco ended up with 15 hits for the game while St.
Louis had 12.  
 
Gordon Jones(1-0) allowed no runs in 1 and 2/3 innings, and picked up the
victory. Jim Brosnan(0-1) was the losing pitcher in relief.  He was unable to
retire a batter allowing 3 hits and no walks.
 
CONDENSED PLAY LOG
TOP 1- Davenport-G, Brandt-G, Mays-K
BOT 1- Blasingame-Si, Cimoli-Sac, White-P, Boyer-G
TOP 2- Cepeda-HR, Kirkland-Do, Spencer-Si, Rodgers-F, Schmidt-W, Antonelli-K
BOT 2- Musial-K, Cunningham-HBP, Smith-L, Grammas-Si, Jackson-Force
TOP 3- Davenport-K, Brandt-L, Mays-Si+E-SS, Cepeda-IW, Kirkland-G
BOT 3- Blasingame-L, Cimoli-K, White-P
TOP 4- Spencer-W, Rodgers-K, Schmidt-HR, Antonelli-G, Davenport-K
BOT 4- Boyer-K, Musial-G, Cunningham-Si, Smith-E-SS, Grammas-W, Jackson-W
       Blasingame-K
TOP 5- Brandt-F, Mays-W, Cepeda-K, Kirkland-Si, Spencer-G
BOT 5- Cimoli-W, White-P, Boyer-Tr, Musial-K, Cunningham-G
TOP 6- Rodgers-FO, Schmidt-L, Antonelli-W, Davenport-W, Brandt-K
BOT 6- Smith-G, Grammas-L, Jackson-F
TOP 7- Mays-G, Cepeda-Si, Kirkland-Force, SB(Kirkland), Spencer-L
BOT 7- Blasingame-Si, Cimoli-Si, White-F, Boyer-Si, Musial-Si, Cunningham-K
       Smith-L
TOP 8- Rodgers-HR, Schmidt-K, Antonelli-K, Davenport-K
BOT 8- Tate-G, Jackson-Si, Blasingame-Force, Flood-Si, White-K
TOP 9- Brandt-F, Mays-F, Cepeda-Si, Kirkland-G
BOT 9- Boyer-Si, Musial-F, Cunningham-Do, Smith-IW, Tate-P, Crowe-P
TOP 10- Spencer-Si, Rodgers-Do, Schmidt-Si, Jones-Si, Davenport-Sac
        Brandt-G, Mays-IW, Cepeda-Si, Kirkland-Si, Spencer-Force
BOT 10- Blasingame-K, Flood-G, White-G
 

1959 AL Opening Day Game

 April 9, 1959

   As is tradition, the Washington Senators opened the 1959 AL season by hosting the Baltimore Orioles. In a very close and interesting contest, the hometown Senators walked off with a 9th inning 4-3 victory. Reno Bertoia hit a sacrifice fly scoring Ron Samford with the winning run for the Senators. Pedro Ramos went the distance on the mound and got the Win. Jack Harshman took the Loss. 

BOXSCORE: 1959 Baltimore Orioles At 1959 Washington Senators         4/9/1959
 
  Orioles            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Senators           AB  R  H RBI AVG
  W.Tasby CF          4  1  0  0 .000     R.Bertoia 2B        3  0  0  1 .000  
  B.Boyd 1B           5  0  1  0 .200     A.Pearson CF        4  0  0  1 .000  
  B.Avila RF          5  1  1  2 .200     R.Sievers LF        4  0  0  0 .000  
  G.Woodling LF       2  1  1  1 .500     B.Allison RF        4  0  0  0 .000  
  G.Triandos C        4  0  0  0 .000     E.Fitz Gerald C     4  1  1  0 .250  
  B.Robinson 3B       4  0  0  0 .000     N.Zauchin 1B        4  1  2  0 .500  
  B.Gardner 2B        4  0  3  0 .750     H.Killebrew 3B      4  0  0  0 .000  
  R.Hansen SS         2  0  0  0 .000     R.Samford SS        4  2  3  2 .750  
  J.Harshman P        3  0  0  0 .000     P.Ramos P           3  0  0  0 .000  
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      33  3  6  3                 Totals      34  4  6  4
 
 
Orioles......... 2 0 1  0 0 0  0 0 0  -  3  6  3
Senators........ 0 0 1  1 0 1  0 0 1  -  4  6  0
 
Orioles (0-1)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
J.Harshman LOSS(0-1)      8 2/3   6   4   1   2   3   0   1.04
Totals                    8 2/3   6   4   1   2   3   0
 
Senators (1-0)           IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
P.Ramos WIN(1-0)          9       6   3   3   5   2   2   3.00
Totals                    9       6   3   3   5   2   2
 
ATTENDANCE- 35,233 DATE- Thursday, April 9th 1959 TIME- Day WEATHER- Average
UMPIRES- Jim Honochick, Red Flaherty, Frank Umont, Charlie Berry
T- 2:09
LEFT ON BASE- Orioles: 9  Senators: 7
DOUBLE PLAYS- Orioles: 0  Senators: 0
ERRORS- G.Woodling, R.Hansen-2
DOUBLES- B.Boyd(1st), B.Gardner(1st), N.Zauchin(1st), R.Samford(1st)
HOME RUNS- B.Avila(1st), G.Woodling(1st)
RBIs- B.Avila-2(2nd), G.Woodling(1st), R.Bertoia(1st), A.Pearson(1st),
      R.Samford-2(2nd)
STOLEN BASES- R.Samford(1st)
SACRIFICE FLIES- R.Bertoia
WALKS- G.Woodling-2, R.Hansen-2, J.Harshman, R.Bertoia, P.Ramos
HIT BY PITCH- W.Tasby
STRIKE OUTS- W.Tasby, B.Robinson, B.Allison, H.Killebrew, P.Ramos
2-out RBI- G.Woodling, R.Samford-2
RLISP 2-out- B.Robinson, W.Tasby-2, R.Sievers, P.Ramos-3, G.Triandos,
             J.Harshman
TEAM RISP- Orioles: 0 for 8  Senators: 2 for 9
 
Pedro Ramos tossed a complete game at Griffith Stadium as the Washington
Senators won in their last at-bat beating the Baltimore Orioles by the count
of 4 to 3.
 
The game was won by Washington with a run in the 9th inning. After an out was
recorded, Ron Samford doubled.  Ramos next to the plate and he reached on an
error.  Reno Bertoia then hit a deep fly giving Washington the victory and
sending the 5,233 home-town fans home happy.  Both teams totaled 6 hits on
the afternoon.  
 
Ramos(1-0) finished the game allowing 3 runs in the victory. Jack
Harshman(0-1) ended up with the loss.  He allowed 6 hits and 2 walks in 8 and
2/3 innings.  
 

1959 NL Opening Day!

 April 9, 1959

  It was Opening Day for the 1959 MLB season and the Cincinnati Reds had the honor of hosting the first game of the year. The visiting Pittsburgh Pirates struck first, scoring a run in the top of the 1st inning. With both teams battling for the win, the game stood tied 3-3 in the 8th inning when Cincinnati's Frank Robinson connected for a 3-run homer. 

 The final score was 7-3. Orlando Pena got the Win for Cincinnati with 1 2/3 of solid relief pitching. Fred Green took the loss for Pittsburgh allowing 4 runs in 2 innings pitched. 

BOXSCORE: 1959 Pittsburgh Pirates At 1959 Cincinnati Reds            4/9/1959
 
  Pirates            AB  R  H RBI AVG     Reds               AB  R  H RBI AVG
  B.Virdon CF         4  1  0  0 .000     J.Temple 2B         2  1  0  0 .000  
  R.Clemente RF       3  0  1  0 .333     V.Pinson CF         3  1  1  0 .333  
  B.Skinner LF        3  1  2  1 .667     G.Bell RF           4  1  1  1 .250  
  D.Stuart 1B         4  1  2  2 .500     F.Robinson 1B       4  2  3  3 .750  
  D.Hoak 3B           4  0  1  0 .250     F.Thomas 3B         4  0  0  0 .000  
  B.Mazeroski 2B      4  0  0  0 .000     J.Lynch LF          4  0  0  0 .000  
  D.Groat SS          4  0  1  0 .250     E.Bailey C          4  1  2  2 .500  
  H.Foiles C          4  0  1  0 .250     R.McMillan SS       3  1  1  0 .333  
  R.Kline P           2  0  0  0 .000     B.Purkey P          3  0  1  1 .333  
A-R.Nelson PH         1  0  1  01.000     O.Pena P            0  0  0  0 ----  
  F.Green P           0  0  0  0 ----                                          
B-S.Burgess PH        1  0  0  0 .000                                          
                     -- -- -- ---                            -- -- -- ---      
         Totals      34  3  9  3                 Totals      31  7  9  7
 
A-Pinch Hit For Kline In 7th Inning
B-Pinch Hit For Green In 9th Inning
 
Pirates......... 1 0 0  0 0 0  0 2 0  -  3  9  1
Reds............ 0 2 0  0 1 0  0 4    -  7  9  0
 
Pirates (0-1)            IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
R.Kline                   6       6   3   3   2   5   1   4.50
F.Green LOSS(0-1)         2       3   4   4   2   1   1  18.00
Totals                    8       9   7   7   4   6   2
 
Reds (1-0)               IP       H   R  ER  BB  SO  HR    ERA
B.Purkey                  7 1/3   8   3   3   2   4   1   3.68
O.Pena WIN(1-0)           1 2/3   1   0   0   0   1   0   0.00
Totals                    9       9   3   3   2   5   1
 
ATTENDANCE- 8,590 DATE- Thursday, April 9th 1959 TIME- Day WEATHER- Good
UMPIRES- Frank Secory, Hal Dixon, Vinnie Smith, Frank Dascoli
T- 2:24
LEFT ON BASE- Pirates: 7  Reds: 4
DOUBLE PLAYS- Pirates: 2  Reds: 1
ERRORS- B.Skinner
DOUBLES- E.Bailey(1st), B.Purkey
HOME RUNS- D.Stuart(1st), F.Robinson(1st), E.Bailey(1st)
RBIs- B.Skinner(1st), D.Stuart-2(2nd), G.Bell(1st), F.Robinson-3(3rd),
      E.Bailey-2(2nd), B.Purkey
SACRIFICE HITS- R.Clemente
WALKS- B.Virdon, B.Skinner, J.Temple-2, V.Pinson, R.McMillan
STRIKE OUTS- B.Virdon, D.Stuart, H.Foiles-2, R.Kline, V.Pinson, F.Thomas-2,
             E.Bailey, B.Purkey-2
GIDP- S.Burgess, G.Bell, F.Thomas
2-out RBI- E.Bailey-2
RLISP 2-out- D.Hoak-2, B.Virdon, R.McMillan
TEAM RISP- Pirates: 1 for 6  Reds: 5 for 7
 
Frank Robinson slammed a homerun and had 3 RBI at Crosley Field where the
Cincinnati Reds beat the Pittsburgh Pirates by the score of 7 to
3.
 
Cincinnati had the winning rally in the 8th inning scoring 4 runners on 3
hits.  The highlight belonged to Robinson who electrified Crosley Field when
he launched a three-run homer.  Both teams ended up with 9 hits on the
afternoon.  
 
Orlando Pena(1-0) was the winner allowing no runs in 1 and 2/3 innings. Fred
Green(0-1) was the loser in relief.  He was knocked around pretty good,
giving up 4 runs in 2 innings.  
 

1959 Preamble

 March 16, 2023 

   Here are the actual Final Standings of the 1959 MLB season. In the NL, the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Milwaukee Braves were tied at the end of the regular season. A best of 3-game playoff was instituted as the tie breaker and LA won the first 2 games, becoming the NL Champs. 

  The 1959 season began April 9th and ended October 8th with the LA Dodgers defeating the AL Pennant winning Chicago White Sox for the MLB Championship. My Detroit Tigers should at least be fun to manage. They had a good offense, but their pitching may be suspect. 

1959 Final Standings

NL

Team Name                        G    W    L    T   PCT    GB    RS   RA
Los Angeles Dodgers            156   88   68    0  .564     -   705  670
Milwaukee Braves               157   86   70    1  .551   2.0   724  623
San Francisco Giants           154   83   71    0  .539   4.0   705  613
Pittsburgh Pirates             155   78   76    1  .506   9.0   651  680
Chicago Cubs                   155   74   80    1  .481  13.0   673  688
Cincinnati Reds                154   74   80    0  .481  13.0   764  738
St. Louis Cardinals            154   71   83    0  .461  16.0   641  725
Philadelphia Phillies          155   64   90    1  .416  23.0   599  725

AL

Team Name                        G    W    L    T   PCT    GB    RS   RA
Chicago White Sox              156   94   60    2  .610     -   669  588
Cleveland Indians              154   89   65    0  .578   5.0   745  646
New York Yankees               155   79   75    1  .513  15.0   687  647
Detroit Tigers                 154   76   78    0  .494  18.0   713  732
Boston Red Sox                 154   75   79    0  .487  19.0   726  696
Baltimore Orioles              155   74   80    1  .481  20.0   551  621
Kansas City Athletics          154   66   88    0  .429  28.0   681  760
Washington Senators            154   63   91    0  .409  31.0   619  701