Phils/Mets May 4, 1962 Notes Part 1

It is May 4, 1962 and on this (Friday) night, the New York Mets are playing the home team Phillies, in the former’s first game ever, at venerable Connie Mack Stadium in Philadelphia.

“If you don’t know me by now,” I do have a tendency to “link” things.

In this case, the Mets’ starting infield and pitching battery (save catcher Sammy Taylor) with the 1959 season, specifically, the eventual champion, L.A. Dodgers.

The lone non Dodger in the quintet, is shortstop Felix Mantilla. However ’59 elicits “Mantilla memories,” after Felix was on Milwaukee Braves’ pennant winners in ’57 and ’58 (the title going to Milwaukee in ’57).

In a post this week, I will provide the notes linking the Mets’ quintet (pitcher, first, second, third baseman and Mantilla) with the ’59 Dodgers and that season.

A view of Connie Mack Stadium, once Shibe Park, pictured above.