For a record 12th time in World Series history, the Dodgers and Yankees will battle it out for MLB supremacy. From Jackie Robinson’s daring steal of home in 1955 to Reggie Jackson’s 3-homer game in 1977, these matchups have given the sport a lifetime of October memories.
With superstars Aaron Judge,Mookie Betts, Giancarlo and Jazz Chisholm preparing to add their resumes to this legacy, we take a look back at the last time these teams met in the Fall Classic. To say the circumstances were different back in 1981 would be a huge understatement.
Player’s Strike Affected 1981 MLB Season
The players’ strike, which ran from June 12 to August 8, caused the season to be split into two halves. The first-place teams from each half in each division (or a wild card team if the same club won both halves, although this did not occur in any division), met in the best-of-five Division Series.
This division series was a one-time occasion. They did not implement the Division Series permanently until 1994. The four survivors would then move on to the two best-of-five League Championship Series.
The expanded playoffs led to Game 1 of the World Series being pushed back to October 20, the latest starting date for a Fall Classic up to that time. In the National League, the Dodgers led the NL West prior to the strike.
The Houston Astros, however, won the second-half division title. The Dodgers then defeated the Astros, three games to two, in the NLDS before beating the Montreal Expos, three games to two, in the NLCS.
In the AL, the Yankees, who led the East in the season’s first half, took on the Milwaukee Brewers, winners of the second half division title, in the ALDS. New York was victorious three games to two, then swept the Oakland A’s (with ex-New York skipper Billy Martin) in the ALCS.
Yankees vs. Dodgers Was A Regular Thing In 70s and Early 80s
When New York and Los Angeles got ready to battle, it was the third time in five seasons that the blue blood franchise were meeting in the Fall Classic. The Bronx Bombers had prevailed in the previous two meetings (1977 and 1978), both in six games.
The 1978 clash was the capper to one of New York’s most tumultuous seasons in Yankee history. The team overcame a 14-game deficit to their rivals in Boston and forced a one-game playoff for the division crown.
Behind homers by Reggie Jackson and Bucky “Bleeping” Dent, New York won 5-4 to advance to their third straight ALCS with the Kansas City Royals. The Yankees prevailed in four games setting up the rematch with the Dodgers.
Keeping with the comeback theme, New York would lose Games 1 and 2 in L.A. However, the Yankees would win four straight to take the series and win their 22nd World Series Championship completing “the greatest comeback ever” so said owner George Steinbrenner.
Blackest Yankees Team Ever?
By the time these two teams got together again in 1981, there were still a few players left over from the previous matchup. However, the makeup of each roster had gone through some tweaking. Especially the Yankees.
Dave Winfield holds jersey during press conference with Willie Randolph (L) and Reggie Jackson (R) when he joined the Yankees in 1981. (Photo by Sports Illustrated via Getty Images)
While Jackson and All-Star second baseman Willie Randolph were still major contributors, several other MLBbros helped lead the Bronx Bombers to another playoff run. Veterans like 1B/DH Bob Watson, infielder Larry Milbourne, and outfielder Jerry Mumphrey were stalwarts during the regular season and postseason.
Two other contributors – pitcher Rudy May and outfielder Oscar Gamble – were back in pinstripes for the second time as well. However, the biggest change had come during the off-season when they signed former Padres All-Star outfielder Dave Winfield.
The team added Winfield’s huge contract ($21 million over 10 years) to an already strong lineup. The future Hall of Famer led the team with 68 RBIs during the strike-shortened season, but he would have his struggles in the Fall Classic.
Despite having Jackson out of the lineup (hamstring), New York would win Games 1 and 2 in the Bronx. After the Dodgers took Game 3 behind Fernando Valenzuela (RIP), Jackson returned in Game 4.
He went 3-for-3 including his 10th and final homer in World Series play, but it wasn’t enough as L.A. tied the series at 2-2 with an 8-7 win. The Dodgers also prevailed in Game 5 (2-1) to send the series back to New York up 3-2.
Randolph opened the scoring in Game 6 with a solo homer in the third inning. However, after the Dodgers tied it an inning later, they added three runs in the fifth and four more in the sixth to put the game out of reach.
A throwing error by Winfield in the sixth led to the L.A. uprising. His throw typified his struggles in this, his first World Series. At the plate, he went 1-for-22 with one RBI. The Dodgers exacted revenge from 1978 by winning their first crown since 1965 and their first against New York since 1963.
LA Dodgers’ MLBbros On 1981 World Series Team
L.A. had their share of MLBbros on the 1981 roster as well. Longtime stalwarts like second baseman Davey Lopes as well as outfielders Dusty Baker and Reggie Smith. The roster also included utility players Ken Landreaux and Derrel Thomas as well as a young fireballer in the bullpen by the name of Dave Stewart.
After combining for ten division titles and eight World Series appearances between 1974 and 1981, the 1981 World Series marked the end of an era for both teams as they soon were without key contributors.
Reggie Jackson would leave the Bronx and sign with the then California Angels and help lead them to a Western Division crown. Smith and Lopes left L.A. through trades and free agency as well.
It’s been 44 long years since these two flagship MLB franchises met for all the marbles. They’ll meet again in the Fall Classic starting Friday night in Los Angeles.
The word almost gets overused when speaking of the accomplishments and contributions of those in a chosen field. However, when reflecting on the impressive career of actor James Earl Jones, it’s clear that words like “iconic” don’t fully capture his extraordinary acting abilities.
The native of Mississippi passed away on Monday morning at the age of 93 at his home in Dutchess County, New York, surrounded by his family, according to longtime agent Barry McPherson.
Born in 1931, Jones overcame a childhood stuttering problem to become one of the greatest actors of his generation. Jones, whose powerful, deep voice brought to life the iconic villain of Darth Vader in “Star Wars” and Mufasa in “The Lion King,” acted for more than six decades.
He also won three Tony Awards, including a lifetime honor in 2017, two Emmys and a Grammy.
The Academy Awards also recognized him for a lifetime achievement award in 2011. Whether he was portraying Paul Robeson on the stage or King Jaffe Joffer in “Coming To America”, Jones had a range that’s almost unequaled.
The Great White Hope
However, if there’s one constant throughout Jones’ career, it’s how sports related stories – mainly baseball – have been a major part of it. He won his first Tony Award in 1969 playing a boxer in “The Great White Hope”.
Based on the career of Jack Johnson, the former heavyweight champion, Jones portrayed the fictionalized character “Jack Jefferson”. The original play covered the controversies over his “Fight of the Century” with white challenger and ex-champ Jim Jeffries.
It also chronicled his marriage to first wife, Etta Terry Duryea, a white woman who would eventually commit suicide shortly after Jackson/Jefferson broke the sport’s color barrier by becoming the first black heavyweight champion.
In 1970, Jones would reprise the role in a screen adaptation of the play that gained him Oscar and Golden Globes nominations for best actor. A few years later, Jones would star in the first of his many baseball-related flicks.
The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings
In “The Bingo Long Traveling All-Stars & Motor Kings”, Jones co-stars with Billy Dee Williams in a movie based on the life and times of a team of enterprising Negro Leaguers. Loosely based on William Brashler’s 1973 novel, the film explores the barnstorming aspect of the teams and other on and off the field challenges the players faced.
Williams’ and Jones’ roles were based on two of the Negro Leagues’ greatest stars. Jones played catcher Leon Carter, which was loosely based on Hall of Famer Josh Gibson. Williams, who played in the title role, is based on another Hall of Famer, Satchell Paige.
The movie, released in 1976, was loosely based on the Indianapolis Clowns and other barnstorming Negro baseball teams, who likewise engaged in Harlem Globetrotters-like clowning routines.
In fact, some former Negro League ballplayers, including former members of the Clowns would perform various stunts shown in the film. In 1987, Jones would win his second Tony Award in a play with more baseball overtones.
Fences
In August Wilson’s play “Fences”, Jones plays Troy, a former Negro baseball league player whose served as a garbageman. The play explores his bitterness towards his life and how it affects his loved ones, especially his son, Cory and wife, Rose.
Cory tells his family about an opportunity for a college football scholarship. Troy tells Cory he will not let his son play football for fear of racial discrimination, as Troy believes he experienced when he wanted a career in the major leagues.
However, later on, it is suggested that Troy informed Cory’s coach that his son was no longer able to play football. When Cory discovers this, he and Troy get into a fight, resulting in Troy sending Cory to his room.
In one of the climatic scenes of the play, father and son argue about Troy’s actions, but Troy stubbornly does not back down from his argument and kicks Cory out of the house. The characters in the play build a fence over many years, and it’s only revealed to be finished in the final act.
Field of Dreams
Two years later, another baseball related project would cast Jones again. In “Field Of Dreams”, Jones co-stars with Kevin Costner in a sports fantasy/drama based onCanadian novelist W.P. Kinsella’s 1982 novel entitled “Shoeless Joe”.
The novel is based on the career of ex-Major Leaguer Joe Jackson focusing on his role in the fixing of the 1919 World Series. In the novel, Kinsella’s character hears a voice telling him to build a baseball field in the midst of his corn crop in order to give his hero, Jackson a chance at redemption.
He blindly follows instructions, and the field becomes a conduit to the spirits of baseball legends.
In the movie, Kostner plays Iowa farmer Ray, who builds a baseball field in his cornfield that attracts the ghosts of baseball’s past legends, including Jackson and his teammates from the scandal-ridden 1919 team.
The iconic line “If you build it, he will come” is the driving force of Ray’s actions.
Jones plays Terrence Mann, a controversial author and activist from the 1960s who is pursued by Costner regarding the phenomenon at his home. Initially, Mann is skeptical regarding Ray’s story.
However, after attending a game with Ray at Boston’s Fenway Park, Mann also admits to hearing the voice. Mann then decides to assist the farmer in spreading the word surrounding this incredible happening.
During the film, Jones delivered possibly the most famous baseball movie speech ever. The movie and speech have become so intertwined with the game that there have been two “Field of Dreams” games and MLB has even had players recite parts of Jones’ speech.
Jones’ last baseball-related role would come in 1993 in “The Sandlot”. It tells the story of a group of young baseball players during the summer of 1962. Jones plays Mr. Mertle, a neighbor who resides near the Sandlot, and owner of a large dog in the neighborhood nicknamed “The Beast”.
After one of the kids hits a Babe Ruth autographed ball into Mr. Mertle’s backyard, they try to retrieve it. This leads to a hilarious scene in which “The Beast” breaks its chain and chases him through town.
Eventually, they would be introduced to Mr. Mertle, who turns out to have been a baseball player and friendly rival of Ruth, having lost his sight after being hit by a pitch. He kindly trades them the chewed-up ball for one autographed by all the members of the 1927 New York Yankees’ “Murderer’s Row” lineup and asks them to visit every week to talk baseball.
The Legendary Works Of James Earl Jones Are Undeniable
When reflecting on Jones’ career, it is undeniable that his body of work is legendary. His work has gained recognition as a groundbreaker and pioneer for black actors who have followed in his footsteps.
For fans of the game of baseball, his iconic speeches and portrayals will live forever. One of Jones’ many co-stars, Kevin Costner, spoke for many of his friends and fans upon hearing the news of death.
“That booming voice. That quiet strength. The kindness that he radiated. So much can be said about his legacy, so I’ll just say how thankful I am that part of it includes Field of Dreams,” Costner said on X (formerly Twitter).
“If you’ve seen it, you know that this movie wouldn’t be the same with anyone else in his role. Only he could bring that kind of magic to a movie about baseball and a cornfield in Iowa. I’m grateful to have been a witness to him making that magic happen,” Costner continued.
Through his first week in the majors, San Francisco outfielder Grant McCray has given the Giants a spark. The 23-year-old rookie was recalled from the minors on August 14th and has literally hit the ground running for the Giants.
The son of ex-big leaguer Rodney McCray, Grant has used his speed and defensive skills to contribute to the Giants’ recent stretch. After going hitless In his MLB debut, the Billings, Montana native showed his stuff the next day.
MLBbro Rookie Grant McCray Impacting San Francisco Playoff Push
Playing in front of family and friends against the Atlanta Braves, McCray collected his first career hit in the second inning and launched a home run over the center field wall in the sixth in a 6-0 San Francisco victory.
McCray’s first hit was a bunt single against Braves’ starter Max Fried, scoring Jerar Encarnacion from third base. In the sixth, McCray swatted the first pitch he saw from reliever Jesse Chavez for his first career home run, a solo shot.
“I blacked out, honestly,” McCray told Montanasports.com. “I rounded second and was like, ‘This is for real.’ I was just overwhelmed with excitement.” McCray was listed as the No. 11-ranked prospect in the Giants’ organization, according to MLB.com prior to his call up.
Second Generation MLBbro Grant McCray Is Better Than Father Rodney
The younger McCray was also able to gain some “bragging rights” over his father with his two-hit performance. Rodney debuted as a 26-year-old with the Chicago White Sox in 1990, appearing in 32 games exclusively as a pinch runner and defensive replacement,
The senior McCray received only seven plate appearances that season and didn’t get his first major league hit until the next season (his 44th career game). He would collect two more hits before his major-league career ended with the New York Mets in 1992.
Unfortunately, Rodney is remembered more for his days in the minors which included an infamous incident while playing in the outfield. The play has been repeated many times over several baseball highlight videos. He was the AAA outfielder who crashed into and through the wall at Portland’s Civic Stadium on May 27, 1991, taking out a panel of the yellow plywood Flav-R-Pac sign while chasing a fly ball that kept carrying in the breeze.
The elder McCray has been able to bask in the glow of his son’s early success.
“I was known for bunting, so for my son to get his first big-league hit that way is great,” Rodney told the Athletic. “But then he got the legit hit! He went from a bunt to a home run. When he walked in the fourth inning, I said to myself, ‘He’s locked in.”
“He’s not chasing.’ I could tell by his body language. And Chavez came in, OK, he can relax a little bit, maybe see a pitch or two. And he jumps on the first pitch. I’m like, ‘Wow!’
Grant McCray Is Taking Advantage Of Opportunity
The Giants’ third-round pick in the 2019 MLB amateur draft, Grant was splitting time with AA Richmond of the Eastern League and AAA Sacramento of the Pacific Coast League before being called up to the big-league club.
In Frisco’s next series against their crosstown rivals from Oakland, McCray’s blend of speed and defense was on full display. In the Bay Bridge Series opener at the Coliseum, McCray beat out an infield single to break up Osvaldo Bido’s no-hit bid in the sixth inning.
McCray needed only 4.19 seconds to get from home to first and recorded an elite 30.8 ft/sec sprint speed on the play, well above the Major League average of 27 ft/sec. He had two of the Giants’ four hits in the 2-0 loss.
McCray also used his speed to rob a hit in the fourth when he charged in and made a sliding grab on Miguel Andujar’s blooper to center field. He stretched a single into a double in the eighth, securing his second consecutive multi-hit effort.
He added another extra base in the series finale won by San Francisco 4-2 in 10 innings. While McCray cooled off a bit during the three-game series against the Chicago White Sox (1-of-11 with five strikeouts), the rookie has impressed Giants’ skipper Bob Melvin
“He’s off to a great start,” Melvin told NBC Sports Bay Area following Sunday’s win. “He’s playing with a lot of confidence. His speed and his defensive ability helped him make some really nice plays in center field. [He] surely looks the part.”
“He’s fast and having good at-bats right now against guys he’s never faced before.”
McCray added another Friday night in the Giants’ 6-5 loss to the Mariners in 10 innings. It raised his average to a modest .241 overall clip. San Francisco (65-65) has gone 4-4 since Grant was called up, five games behind the Atlanta Braves for the final NL wildcard spot.
Now that we’re well into the “unofficial” second half of the season and are flying past the 100-game mark, it’s time to give props to the MLBbros who’ve set the pace over the last four months plus.
So far, we’ve seen some dominant performances from established veterans as well as emerging superstars.
AMERICAN LEAGUE
Best Player: Aaron Judge, New York Yankees
After battling with injuries most of 2023, “The Judge” has been relatively healthy and the rest of the American League is paying the price. Two years removed from breaking Roger Maris’ AL single-season home run record and winning an MVP award, No. 99 is on a pace where he could shatter his own record and then some. He’s not only leading the league in homers, total bases, and RBI, he’s also in the top 10 in several offensive categories including hits, runs scored, and WAR. All of this while his slugging partner in crime (Giancarlo Stanton) remains on the disabled list. All rise indeed.
Best Pitcher: Jack Flaherty, Detroit Tigers
Along with teammate Tarik Skubal, the former Cardinal and Oriole has given Detroit one of the league’s best 1-2 punches on the mound. Currently, “Black Jack” has kept his ERA just under 3.00 (2.95) and is enjoying his best season since 2021, when he went 9-2 in St. Louis. In his last 7 starts, Flaherty is 5-1 with a 2.08 ERA including 43 K’s in 39 IP. Ironically, Flaherty’s name has come up in trade talks as the deadline approaches. The Cali native is set to be a free agent at season’s end.
Best Breakout Player: Josh Naylor, Cleveland Guardians
The native Canadian has taken his overall game to another level and was rewarded by being named to his first All-Star Game. At the break, he was hitting .246 with a career-high 22 home runs and 70 RBI, just behind fellow All-Star Jose Ramírez. Both marks currently lead all AL first baseman. Naylor is the first Cleveland first baseman to be named an All-Star since Carlos Santana in 2019 and is the 2nd Canadian to make the All-Star team for Cleveland, joining Jeff Heath (1941, 1943).
Best Rookie: David Hamilton, Boston Red Sox
After being thrust into the lineup following Trevor Story’s season-ending injury, the Texas native struggled at the plate. The early season woes also affected his fielding as the normally sure-handed Hamilton had several physical and mental miscues in April. However, manager Alex Cora stuck with him, and he has slowly turned his season around. After flirting with the Mendoza Line early on, Hamilton has hit .273 in his last 7 games raising his average to a season-high .265. Hamilton has only 2 errors since April.
NATIONAL LEAGUE
Best Player: Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers
MLBbro.com’s reigning Player of the Year began 2024 just how he ended 2023, establishing himself as one of the game’s best. The versatile shortstop/outfielder was on a torrid pace during the first two months of the season. He hit a sizzling .368 (46-of 125) with 6 homers, 23 RBI, and a combined .532 OPS.
However, everything changed on June 16th when he suffered a left-hand fracture after being hit by a pitch. While Betts has been out ever since, his overall numbers (304 with 10 homers and 40 RBI) were good enough for him to be named to his eighth straight trip to the All-Star Game.
Best Pitcher: Hunter Greene, Cincinnati Reds
The Reds’ Opening Day starter continues to make strides while Cincy tries to remain relevant during the wild NL Wild Card race. Named to the NL All-Star team, Greene has already set a career-high in wins (7) with a 3.34 ERA with 126 strikeouts through 110.1 innings of work at the break. This included a season-high in strikeouts with 10 against the Colorado Rockies in his last start before the break on July 11th. Following his win at Atlanta from Monday, Green dropped his ERA to 0.54 for the month.
Best Breakout Player: C.J. Abrams, Washington Nationals
It was just a matter of time before the 23-year-old shortstop would make an impact not only in D.C., but in MLB overall. In a season, where he was tabbed for his first All-Star Game, Abrams batted .295 in his first 26 games this season, totaling seven home runs and seven stolen bases. He also hit a sizzling .373 in June including 4 homers and 16 RBI during that stretch. With 15 homers and 15 steals at the break, he’s on pace for a possible 30-30 season, the first in Washington since Alfonso Soriano turned the trick in 2006.
Best Rookie: Masyn Winn, St. Louis Cardinals
After getting a brief taste of the Majors last year, the Texas native has taken a full bite this season and established himself as one of the best young players in the league. Winn made the Opening Day roster and has been one of the most consistent players in the Cards’ lineup. He was hitting .284 at the break, with 5 homers, 33 RBI, and 9 steals.
He also hit .309 during the month of June while also establishing his presence in the St. Louis infield. One of the highlights during the month was his performance against the San Francisco Giants on June 20th in the Negro Leagues Classic played at Rickwood Field. Winn was the only Black player in the game and went 1-for-3 at the plate with a double and two runs scored as the Cardinals won 6-5.
To get an essence of what Willie Howard Mays Jr. contributed to the sport of baseball, it would truly take a lifetime to do it justice. That being said, I’m up for the task of giving you and all of our readers a respectable snapshot.
When you see a Ken Griffey Jr. or a Byron Buxton glide effortlessly in center field to snare down a line drive in the gap, you’re seeing Willie Mays. When you see a Kenny Lofton or a Mookie Betts go from first to third in warp speed, you’re seeing Willie Mays.
When you see a Nate Colbert, or a Mike Cameron, or a Mark Whiten put on an awesome display of power in a doubleheader, you see Willie Mays. When you hear the term “a five-tool player”, you’re talking about Willie Mays.
Moses Fleetwood Walker and Jackie Robinson paved the way for guys like Aaron, Robinson, Gibson, and others. They all had their own unique styles and approaches to the game. However, No. 24 brought a whole different style, swagger, and flavor to the game.
Many of us who are baseball fans of a certain age are also lovers of jazz music. I particularly love the improvisational nature of the genre whether it’s a Charlie Parker, a Quincy Jones, or a Wynton Marsalis.
When I hear the genius riffs of these great musicians, I think of baseball and most importantly, I think of Mr. Mays. The basket catch. The waggling of the bat before a pitch. The commanding swagger in centerfield.
All of those things set Willie Mays apart from his contemporaries.This is way beyond the 24 All-Star Game selections, the 12 Gold Gloves, the 2 MVP awards, the 3,293 hits, and 660 homers.
The Alabama native passed away Tuesday afternoon at the age of 93. It comes days before the San Francisco Giants are set to face off against the St. Louis Cardinals at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, in a game honoring Mays and the Negro Leagues.
It was announced on Monday that Mays would not be able to attend. Mays, who was born on May 6, 1931, began his professional career at the age of 17 in 1948 with the Birmingham Black Barons, helping the team to the Negro League World Series that season.
“My father has passed away peacefully and among loved ones,” Michael Mays said in a statement released by the Giants. “I want to thank you all from the bottom of my broken heart for the unwavering love you have shown him over the years. You have been his life’s blood.”
As a young writer in the late 80’s, I was blessed to be able to interview Mr. Mays for my hometown newspaper. He and fellow Hall of Famer Mickey Mantle were only a few years removed from being reinstated by then commissioner Peter Ueberroth because of their “association” with a casino in Atlantic City.
Yes, there was a time that baseball and casinos were not mentioned in the same breath. But that’s another story for another day. Mays stated one of the first entities that reached out to him was his former team, the San Francisco Giants.
Willie’s relationship with the franchise had become estranged over the years due to the fallout of his 1972 trade to the New York Mets. “Mr. Stoneham told me he would never trade me and I felt very betrayed”, Mays said.
The riff between Mays and the Giants was so deep that Mays’ displayed jersey at the Hall of Fame was originally a New York Mets No. 24 instead of a San Francisco Giants No. 24. When team owner Bob Lurie privately reached out to Mays following his reinstatement, the Giants named him a special assistant to the president and general manager.
By 1993, Mays, along with former teammates Willie McCovey and Orlando Cepeda signed a lifetime contract with the team and helped to muster public enthusiasm for building the Giants’ new stadium, Pac Bell Park (now Oracle Park).
Over the years, he’s served as an ambassador for the Giants and baseball in general. All told, in a career that spanned 20-plus years (1951-73) — most of them with his beloved Giants – ranks sixth all time in home runs (660), seventh in runs scored (2,068), 12th in RBIs (1,909) and 13th in hits (3,293).
In a statement from the MLBPA, executive director Tony Clark said Mays “played the game with an earnestness, a joy and a perpetual smile that resonated with fans everywhere. He will be remembered for his integrity, his commitment to excellence and a level of greatness that spanned generations,” Clark said.
FLUSHING, NY – JULY 8: Center fielder Willie Mays #24 of the New York Mets leaps high at the wall to rob Darrell Evans of the Atlanta Braves of a home run in the eight inning during a game at Shea Stadium on July 8, 1973 in Flushing, Queens, New York. The Braves won 4-2. (Photo by Louis Requena/MLB via Getty Images)
The legacy of Willie Mays will live forever within the current crop of MLBbros and the ones in waiting.
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