Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts
1. What a run the New York Yankees had from 1947-1964. In those 18 seasons, they went to the World Series an amazing 15 times. In that run, they won five consecutive Series from 1949-1953. During that five year run, they couldn't lose with the bats of Berra, Collins, Gehrig, Rizzuto, and DiMaggio. Casey Stengel took them to 10 of those Series. Where is the error in this?
2. The 1927 Yankees were one of the greatest teams in baseball history. They went 110-44 for the season. It was easy with Ruth's 60 home runs, the fourth time he had hit over 50. The pinstripes also had the bat of Lou Gehrig, who hit 47 home runs of his own. From the speed of Bob Meusel and the arm of 22 game winner Waite Hoyt, the Yankees were a heavy favorite to win the World Series. They did indeed, by skunking the Pirates in four games. Can you find the error?
3. There have been some young players join the Majors throughout time. Did they join too early? Alex Rodriguez was 18 when he made his debut with the Mariners, and hit no home runs in his first season. Robin Yount was also 18 when he began with the Brewers. How about the Mets' Ed Kranepool, who began his career at the young age of 17. What about Joe Nuxhall, the first little leaguer to play in the Majors at age 15? Bob Feller was 17 when he began his career with the Indians. Were they too young? Where is the error?
4. The greatest pitcher of all-time is always debated. Sandy Koufax of the Dodgers, Walter Johnson of the Senators and Pirates, or the great Cy Young who had an award named after him. How about the first left-hander to reach 4000 career strikeouts, Steve Carlton? Jack Chesbro won 41 games in the 20th century. Harvey Haddix pitching 12 perfect innings in a game? How about the great Satchel Paige, who pitched in a game at the age of 58? Without debate, those were all pitching greats. Can you find the error?
5. Without umpires, baseball would be chaos. There have been some umpiring greats in baseball. In the American League, from Cy Rigler, Billy Evans, Bill McGowan, to Tom Connolly who served for 31 years. In the National League it was Bill Klem, who umpired 17 World Series over his 37 year career. How about Silk O'Loughlin, who was the first 'third umpire' in a World Series? What about Hank O'Day, in the famous 1908 'Merkle Game'? They have been many throughout the years, and have upheld the rules. Which statement is incorrect?
6. The American League began in 1901 with eight teams. The Boston Pilgrims represented the AL in the first World Series in 1901, and defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates. The first AL teams were; Chicago, Boston, Detroit, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, Cleveland, and Milwaukee. The Philadelphia Athletics were the first AL team to appear in five World Series. Where is the error?
7. Sandy Koufax had a stellar but short career of only 12 seasons. Born Sanford Brawn in Brooklyn, he fit right into the Dodger organization in 1955. He won three Triple Crowns, three Cy Young Awards, and an MVP. He threw a perfect game on Sept 9, 1965 against the Cubs. He retired in 1966, after throwing a 27-9 season, with only 165 career wins. Which is incorrect?
8. There were some historical 'firsts' in the big leagues. In 1934, the Reds were the first team to fly together by air. In 1924, WMAQ of Chicago, was the first radio station to broadcast both teams in an area, the Cubs and White Sox, and Hal Totten was their voice. Lou Gehrig was the first player ever to have his number retired in 1939. The Dodgers were a first with their game in 1941, the first game ever to be televised against the Reds. There were many historical firsts in the Majors. Which statement is incorrect?
9. Tidbits of frivolous history are abundant. Whether it be Scott Stratton of the Chicago Colts, who was the last pitcher to throw from a rectangular box, 50 feet away from the plate; to the 3'7" pinch-hitter Eddie Gaedel; to Tommy Agee being the first player in history to win a Gold Glove in both leagues in 1970; or Curt Flood's attempted trade to the Phillies which started arbitration. No matter how frivolous the information, a quiz editor must check everything out. Can you find the error?
10. There were iron horse pitchers in the big leagues, who played in a bevy of games in a season. From Pud Galvin and Hoss Radbourn in 1883, to Jim Konstanty with 74 appearances for the Phillies in 1950, to Mike Marshall who set appearance records in both leagues. In the early days of baseball, it was common for a pitcher to appear in 50 games in a season. Since the 1960s, and with the advent of relief pitchers and closers, 50 appearances is nothing. Mike Marshall was the first to appear in over 100 games with 105. Can you find the error?
Source: Author
Nightmare
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