1962 06-17 Cubs at Mets Game 1

The Thomas Paine Podcast delivers a vivid and nostalgic recap of Game 1 of a doubleheader between the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets at the Polo Grounds on Father's Day, June 17, 1962. The game began with a shaky start for Mets pitcher Al Jackson, who walked three batters in the first inning, allowing four unearned runs for the Cubs, including home runs from Ernie Banks and Lou Brock—Brock’s being the first ever hit into the right-center field bleachers. The Mets responded with four runs in the bottom of the first, tying the game at 4-4, and momentum swung back and forth through five innings. A pivotal moment came in the top of the eighth when Banks doubled, Brock scored on a headfirst double, and Andre Rogers walked, giving the Cubs a 6-5 lead. The game remained tense, with the Cubs extending their lead to 8-7 in the top of the ninth thanks to a two-run triple by Billy Williams. In the bottom of the ninth, the Mets mounted a dramatic rally, scoring two runs on two hits and loading the bases with two outs, but Don Elston struck out Marv Tronbury swinging on a curveball to seal the 8-7 victory for the Cubs. The broadcast captures the electric atmosphere, culminating in a reflective moment on Ken Griffey Jr.’s pursuit of Don Mattingly’s record of eight consecutive home runs, evoking deep sentiment for baseball’s storied legacy.