1971 05-17 Mets at Braves
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The Thomas Paine Podcast presents a dramatized retrospective of the May 17, 1971, MLB matchup between the New York Mets and Atlanta Braves, a 12-inning thriller that ended in a 4-3 victory for the Braves. The game opened with the Mets taking an early 2-0 lead on a two-run homer by Don Clendenin, while Tom Seaver dominated early, pitching into the 11th inning and striking out 76 batters through the season. The Braves responded with resilience, highlighted by rookie sensation Ralph Garr, who tied the game with a 10th-inning home run and delivered the walk-off blow with another homer in the 12th off Ron Taylor. Despite multiple golden opportunities for the Mets—most notably a near-run-scoring chance in the 11th—their offense faltered under pressure, and defensive lapses sealed their fate. The broadcast captures the electric atmosphere, with play-by-play legends Bob Murphy, Lindsey Nelson, and Ralph Kiner setting the tone. The episode transitions into a detailed analysis of the 1971 All-Star Game, spotlighting Ferguson Jenkins’ dominant pitching, the emergence of young stars like Tony Oliva and Harmon Killebrew, and Carl Yastrzemski’s shift to pulling the ball, which fueled his 19-home run season. The narrative culminates in a tense at-bat featuring Mickey Mantle with the tying run on base, building suspense before a vintage-style cigarette commercial for Winston Super King closes the episode with humor and flair.
Ralph Garr’s two home runs, including a walk-off in the 12th inning, were instrumental in the Braves’ 4-3 victory over the Mets.
Tom Seaver delivered a dominant performance, pitching into the 11th inning and showcasing his elite command despite the loss.
The Mets’ failure to capitalize on multiple scoring opportunities, especially in the 11th and 12th innings, proved costly.
The 1971 All-Star Game highlighted strong pitching and emerging talent, with Ferguson Jenkins, Tony Oliva, and Harmon Killebrew standing out.
Carl Yastrzemski’s strategic shift to pulling the ball contributed to his 19 home runs and a key double in the All-Star Game.
…and 2 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Opening Lineups and Early Momentum
“Tom Seaver, who was originally signed by the Atlanta Braves, then the commissioner of baseball voided the signature and the New York Mets drew him out of a hat. A lucky, lucky day for the New York Mets.”
Rising Tensions and Rookie Sensation
“Ralph Garr, 5'10", 185 pounds. Left-hand hitter straddles the play. The pitcher will do that to a hitter just to confuse him and get him to thinking.”
Pitching Duel and Defensive Drama
The game becomes a masterclass in pitching, with Seaver and the Braves’ relievers trading blows. The Mets’ offense struggles to capitalize on scoring opportunities, while the Braves’ defense makes key plays, including a dropped ball that leads to a double play. The tension builds as the game reaches the 11th inning with the score still tied.
Extra Innings and Final Standoff
The game extends into the 12th inning, with both teams unable to break the deadlock. The Mets’ offense fails to capitalize on a leadoff single, and the Braves’ defense holds firm. The episode ends with the game still tied, setting up a dramatic conclusion in the next segment.
Ralph Garr's Heroics: Braves Win in 12 Innings
“It's going, going. Mets have just lost the inning game. He ends up left. Egy is still way out on the field, and Dave Marshall is just now starting as of his post in right field.”
“It's going, going. Mets have just lost the inning game. He ends up left. Egy is still way out on the field, and Dave Marshall is just now starting as of his post in right field.”
“It's not how long you make it. It's how you make it long. And how does Winston make it long? With an extra measure of that famous good taste.”
“Tom Seaver, who was originally signed by the Atlanta Braves, then the commissioner of baseball voided the signature and the New York Mets drew him out of a hat. A lucky, lucky day for the New York Mets.”
Hosts
atlanta braves
other
new york mets
other
tom seaver
person
ralph garr
person
george stone
person
don clendenin
person
gil hodges
person
Ferguson Jenkins
person
Ron Taylor
person
Winston
brand
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