More Notes on the Decisive N.L. Game of 1951

A chilling note is that during the radio broadcast, Gordon McClendon referred to the injured status of Dodgers’ catcher Roy Campanella in the following way.

Stating that it was Walker, not Campanella ,as the Brooklyn catcher “Campanella is crippled” is how the status was stated.

Tragically, Campanella was paralyzed in an auto accident before the end of the decade of the 1950’s.

Also eery, not tragic and also a way to perspective was the fact just as announcer Gordon McClendon told the audience Ralph Branca was warming up in the bullpen, Bobby Thomson lashed a 1 out 5th inning double.

Later Thomson’s home run vs Branca would decide the 1951 National League Pennant winner.

Of course nearly 65 years later, the game and season are a highpoint as to what a pennant race could be.

Alas other elements of life far more important come into play as well.