1968 World Series Game One
Detroit Loses Opener to St. Louis 4 to 0 As Gibson Hurls Shutout
Jul 30, 2008
Each was his league's Cy Young Award winner and its Most Valuable Player in 1968. They were expected to duel each other evenly throughout the 1968 World Series, but Gibson took an upper hand from the get-go, besting McLain's Game One effort.
Denny McLain was a go-to pitcher for Detroit throughout the season. His 31 victories were the most in a single season since the 30 wins recorded by Jay Hanna "Dizzy" Dean in 1934.
Gibson Sets New K Mark
In Game One of the 1968 World Series, the Tiger stalwart, McLain, was chased by the Cardinal bats after five innings. In the meantime, Gibson weaved a typical masterpiece, allowing Detroit few opportunities while striking out 17 Tigers. The Ks represented a new World Series single game record. The great Sandy Koufax had previously pitched to a record 15 Ks in one series game.
Few were surprised. The single player who could most likely deny the Tigers was Gibson. During the 1968 season, he had hurled 28 complete games, won 22 of them, 13 by shutout, and lost just nine times in a total of 34 starts.
Strangely enough, however, in the 1968 World Series, it was ultimately Tiger pitcher Mickey Lolich, a lefty, who starred on the mound and won three games.
Gibson Set Tone In First Inning
In Game One, Gibson owned the mound. He brought gigantic figures to the 1968 World Series. His spectacular season included a skinny 1.12 earned run average (ERA), 268 strikeouts in 304-2/3 innings, 62 walks, and a mere 49 runs scored on him.
Detroit brought to the plate the threat of their league-leading 185 home runs, but Gibson allowed no such fireworks. Willie Horton, the Tigers' best HR slugger, was no match this day for Gibson. Horton had belted 36 homers, second only to the American League's Frank Howard, who hit 44 for the Washington Senators.
Detroit Faithful Question Manager's Moves
To start the World Series in Game One, Detroit manager Mayo Smith took a bold stand. Al Kaline, his star rightfielder, had broken his arm in May and had been replaced by the young Jim Northrup, who did well as Kaline's replacement through the summer. Should Smith pull Northrup with Kaline available again?
Many fans questioned Smith's final decision. Controversy hung over fandom when Smith decided to play Kaline in right, move regular centerfielder Mickey Stanley to shortstop to replace light-hitting Ray Oyler, and station Northrup in center field.
After Game One, the possibilities of the famous move picked up steam.
