May 26, 1959. Harvey Haddix stood motionless as Joe Adcock rounded second after breaking up Haddix’s no-hitter in the 13th inning.

Harvey Haddix had become the first pitcher in major league history to take a perfect game beyond nine innings and he did so for twelve stunning innings. Lou Burdette of the Braves had held the Pirates scoreless and the game headed to the bottom of the 13th with both teams knotted at 0. Imagine that, two starting pitchers going strong into 13 innings.

In the 13th. Braves lead-off batter Felix Mantilla reached on a throwing error by Pirates 3B Don Hoak, There went the perfect game, but the no-hitter was still intact. Eddie Mathews sacrificed Mantilla to 2nd, Hank Aaron was walked intentionally to set up a potential inning ending double play with Joe Adcock coming up.

Adcock unloaded on a pitch, driving it to deep let center. Pirates center fielder Bill Virdon tracked the ball, but there was nothing he could do. That ball was headed for the stands as an end to both the Haddix no-hitter and all Pirates hope for victory.

The game should have ended as a 3-0 13th inning walk off home run victory for the Milwaukee Braves, but a little base-running brain freeze by the great Hank Aaron ultimately reduced the final score to Milwaukee 1 – Pittsburgh 0. Thinking the game was over once Mantilla crossed the plate, Aaron left the field after touching second base on the Adcock thumper. Failing to notice, Adcock passed Aaron on the base paths, causing Aaron to be out and ultimately, reducing his home run in status to a double.

Mantilla’s run still counted. And that’s all the Braves needed for a phenomenal 1-0 Braves victory.

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Thursday 6 November 2014

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