My evening with Sandy Koufax

World Net Daily ^ | December 21, 2006 | Larry Elder

[rhema]

[TravisBickle]

What a great story.

Koufax retired before I became a baseball fan, but his numbers speak for themselves.

As for the Al Gore quip at the end, I'd bet hardly ANYONE ever remembers anything he says. Ever.

[longhorn too]

I was in high school when Sandy pitched for the Dodgers and he too was my favorite player at the time and the Dodgers were my favorite team. He teamed up with Don Drysdale to make up the best one-two punch for starting pitchers. The only other pitcher who came close to him at the time was Bob Gibson.

[stop_fascism]

When he was at the top of his game, I never saw a better pitcher. As a Giants' fan, it pains me to say that.

[beyond the sea]

Sandy Koufax is a GREAT MAN!

[Rummyfan]

Great story.

[flushed with pride]

He made every pitch as if it were the last ball he would ever throw.

[Vigilanteman]

Oh, by the way, former Vice President Al Gore gave the keynote speech. I barely remember a word he said.

Meeting Sandy Koufax is like dining on a gourmet meal by one of the world's greatest chefs. Listing to Al Gore is like the bowel movement that takes place a few hours later.

[Donald Rumsfeld Fan]

I'll never forget the time when I was driving home lstening to a game on the radio. Koufax struck out the side with nine pitches. Amazing.

Greatest pitcher of all time. Too bad his career was cut short.

[Michael.SF.]

The only other pitcher who came close to him at the time was Bob Gibson.

Being an LA boy I hate to bring this name into it, but to not do so would to not be honest. Maracial was also in the same league as Koufax, Gibson and Big D. However, the Roseboro incident was an indication of the man's lack of character and class.

[nvskibum]

Several years ago Koufax' biographer author discovered the only known recording of Vin Scully's great radio call of the 1965 Koufax perfect game. When I heard it in 1965 it was the single most electrifying sporting event I had ever experienced (the losing pitcher pitched a one-hitter!).

Does anybody know if this recording ever has been made available to the public? The author used it to write her biography, but the recording seems to have vanished...

[Young Werther]

Agreed.

I grew up in Joisey and was a rabid Yankee fan but in High School and College I followed Koufax's career.

I was/am a numers freak and ate up the box scores whenever he pitched. In that era TV commentators didn't have the computer lookups to analyze his pitching performance with up to date stats against a particular batter but it was more fun to keep his book by hand!

[fatnotlazy]

"Oh, by the way, former Vice President Al Gore gave the keynote speech. I barely remember a word he said."

***

I myself would DELIBERATELY try to forget whatever Al Bore had to say. :)

Thank you for posting this. Koufax was a great pitcher and he had (has) class.

[Michael.SF.]

My favorite Koufax story:

The night Koufax pitched a no hitter against Philadelphia, Drysdale had left the game early to take the train to NYC, as he was pitching the next night against the Mets. The Dodgers of that era were known for two primary things: Great pitching and a weak offense.

Drysdale upon arriving in NYC was mobbed by reporters:

"Did you hear the news? Koufax pitched a no hitter against the Phillies." he was asked.

Without pause, Drysdale deadpanned: "Did he win?"

[longhorn too]

Marichal was a good pitcher also and I can remember that high leg kick of his, but even before the Roseboro incident I didn't like him. You know baseball used to be fun to watch, now I can't go more than a couple on innings.

[TChris]

The writer failed to mention that Koufax and Drysdale both pitched in the day when pitchers also batted. There were seasons when both of them were pitching magnificently and batting respectably as well!

[stockstrader]

No question about it. He was SIMPLY THE BEST ever!!

[longhorn too]

I was a Yankee fan also back in the 50's and 60's with Mantle, Berra, Richardson, Kubek, Skowron, Mcdougal, Maris etc.

[kailbo]

Do you know why his career was cut short? Was it an injury?