The 1972 ALCS Was A Classic

While I still opt for the 1980 NLCS as the best such entity, by a decent margin, the 1972 ALCS between the A’s and Detroit Tigers was not only not “chopped liver,” (I do not know why chopped liver is demeaned, as prepared right, is delicious), but an all-time great one.

Twice in the best of 5 series, eventually won by the Oakland Athletics, en route to the first of three straight titles, a home team, the A’s in inning 11 of #1 (Gonzalo Marquez’ hit and the great Al Kaline’s throwing error, after Al had hit a solo homer in the top half of the frame, ended the tilt) and the “Tigs” in #4, to set up a great #5, (2-1) Oakland win, overcame last at bat deficits to win.

Detroit down (2-0) in the series and by 2 runs in game 4, scored 3 runs in their last at bat, game 4 win.

In a future post, more on game 5, in which “Blues,” John “Blue Moon” Odom and Vida Blue combined for great 1 run allowed pitching, to (2-1) Detroit, and advance to an eventual 7 game W.S. triumph vs the Cincinnati Reds.

Vida Blue, pictured above, is a Rivkah favorite and friend.

He pitched brilliantly, in a 4 inning relief stint, in game 5 of the A’s pennant clinching win in 1972.

It was their pennant in 41years, a span of time that included years in Philadelphia, Kansas City and Oakland.

They went on to capture their first World Series wins in 42 years.