’67 A.L. : “The Glory Of”

Sunday past marked the exact 56 year anniversary of the last day of the 1967 season which produced an epic 3 teams alive and essentially in control of their destiny true one half entity pennant race.

You can keep yesterday, though John “Dusty” Baker somehow guided the Astros to another one eighth “div” crown and as the A.L. “2” –the ‘Stros are a viable “repeat” threat.

In ’67 Boston led by Carl Yastrzemski and Jim Lonborg (5-2’d) Minne and when the Tigers split a double header vs the Angels for a second straight day, it was a first Boston Red Sox pennant since ’46, denying Detroit which had not won one since ’45.

The Red Sox, Tigers, and Angels all are out while Minne seeking to end an incredible 18 game ‘offs loss skein, faces Toronto in a 12 to 8 series, best of 3, with all games, whether 2 or 3 to be in Minne.

I say Minne, this time , the winner of that series to face the Astros, who will be bidding for a 7th straight ALCS appearance.

Dick McAuliffe , an excellent player, pictured above, had not grounded into a double play all season.

When he did on that fateful “Oct” 1, exactly 56 years ago yesterday, the Red Sox had the ’67 A.L. Pennant.

They lost in 7 to St. Loo and went 86 years sans a title (‘1918-2004).

Detroit got in and 7’d the Cards for a first title in “23/Willie Horton” years in ’68.