In the mid-1980s, I held a gospel meeting in Aurora, Missouri. My song leader the last night of the meeting?
None other than the man in black himself. (Randy Harris, not Johnny Cash.)
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ACU students were buzzing with excitement because fall break is here. Guess what fall break is. Today. That’s right: it’s one day off. But you package it with the name “fall break,” and everyone is giddy with relief.
Great game last night for ACU, defeating the #4 team in the nation. They’re now 7-0.
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Wanted: Two tickets to Game Four! Here’s something I wrote on this blog three years ago:
My insular world of Neosho, Missouri protected me from much of what was happening in 1968. That fall, I entered 7th grade at Neosho Junior High School and started my downtown paper route after school.
So much was happening in the world that year. The Tet offensive was launched in January. Martin Luther King was assassinated in April, and Robert Kennedy in June. Only later did the impact of the My Lai Massacre begin to sink in as we heard news reports about Charlie Company and Lt. William Calley.
Occasionally I’d get to watch “Rowan and Martin’s Laugh-In.” Goldie Hawn and Lilly Tomlin made quite an impression — in their own ways. Tiny Tim was singing, “Tip Toe Through the Tulips,” Mike Wallace was launching “60 Minutes” (Don’t you know some exec said, “It’ll never last”?), Peggy Fleming was skating, and Joe Namath was wearing a mink coat!
But in my world, it was Bob Gibson. My beloved Cardinals were headed back to the World Series (after their wins in 1964 and 1967), led by the greatest pitcher of his era. You may disagree — but, hey, start your own blog!
In 1968 Gibby won the National League MVP and the Cy Young. His ERA for the year was 1.12, with 268 strikeouts and 13 shutouts. Maybe most remarkable is that he completed 28 of his 34 starts. Can you imagine a pitcher today having half that many completed games? I still remember having my little transistor radio nearby on any day Gibson was pitching.
That summer my maternal grandmother and my cool, young aunt (who was probably 20ish at the time) took me to Chicago. We were visiting lots of relatives along the way, but I think my Grandma wanted to be there for the start of the Democratic Convention when her candidate, Robert Kennedy, would be nominated. After his assassination, she changed allegiance to Eugene McCarthy, and in August we headed for the Windy City, with Grandma preaching Democratic politics to anyone who would listen.
I’m sure what my aunt remembers most about the trip is the beginning of that stormy convention. (Will there ever be another quite like the 1968 Democratic Convention? And yes — I was there!) But what I remember is that these two women I loved took me to Wrigley Field. And of all luck, they were playing the Cardinals! I had so much fun, they took me back the next day.
In October, we (yes WE — I considered myself part of the team) were facing the Detroit Tigers. With the newspaper connection, we again scored tickets, this time to game 6.
I was in a bit of a predicament as a Cardinal supporter. Because the Cards went into game 5 with a 3-1 lead. If we won that game, we’d repeat as WS champs. But I wouldn’t get to see them in game 6. So I rooted for St. Louis, but didn’t mind much when they lost.
The rest is sad history for a Cardinal fan. We lost both the sixth and seventh games. But that’s not the really sad part. The saddest was that we wouldn’t be returning to a World Series until the 1980s.
In October the Cards lost the World Series and in November Richard Nixon was elected president. My grandma and I were both sad.
The 68 Series was the greatest ever. I was in the fourth grade and we got to watch every weekday game at school. I didn’t care who won, but fell in love with Micky Lolich. I will never forget him winning three of the four Tiger games and hitting his first Major League homer in one of the games. I can’t believe that you were at game six. I also remember feeling like the whole world was coming apart. I was living in Memphis and can still remember watching what seemed like 100 police cars flying down the expressway headed to downtown right after Dr. King was shot. The men in my neighborhood all headed to stores to buy ammunition expecting riots.
I was talking with a friend at church recently about the one day “Fall” break. As parents with kids in school a long way from home, (hers at OC, mine at ACU) we both agreed we wished they’d just add the extra day to Thanksgiving break.
In 1968 I was a five year old, living in Champaign, Illinois and was blissfully unconcerned about sports and things like the World Series. Don’t live in Illinois anymore, but am still blissfully unconcerned about things like the World Series.
Dear Mike,
I was born in St. Louis, MO in 1951. I grew up with Stan Musial, Bob Gibson, Lou Brock and Orlando Cepeda as my heros. I was there the night Mark McGwire hit number 62. Yet, the final game last night in the Mets-Cardinals NCLS series had that magical feel to it that simply had to be experienced!
And now the shame of it all. My daughter and son-in-law (Klint and Rachel Pleasant - your former members at Highland) who now live in a far northern suburb of Detroit are raising our granddaughter to be a Tigers fan! What is a red-blooded Cardinals grandfather to do?
Go Cards! I went to St. Louis to see my first ever MLB game. Bob Gibson was my hero and I thought he was going to pitch that day. I got there and they had switched to a lefty that I didn’t know anything about but later learned to like, Steve Carlton. Playing second base for the Cardinals was one of the best experiences of my life…even if it was only in my dreams.
I was at game 7 in ‘68. So discouraging as “the play” where Flood let the ball go through his legs in a late inning to give Detroit the championship was…well I missed it except for the deafening moan of the crowd…..as I was…well….in the bathroom, of course.
I am invited to attend a game next week if my calendar cooperates. The Cardinals have invited me to watch the first pitch be thrown out. It may be that all fans are invited to watch such a toss, but I considering myself invited!
Do you think reJoyce is saved?
Go Belliard! He’s my prediction of series MVP.
Congrats on the win, Mike. It should be a great series.
Cards and Tigres, coming up…
In October of 1968 we were expecting our second child. On the morning of the 7th game, my wife - descendant of generations of Cardinal fans - began experiencing some twinges, so I stayed home in anticpation of the big event. We watched game 7 while twinges turned to pains, but it was not until after the last fly out that my wife would get up and go to the hospital. The Cards lost, but our daughter’s birth made it a much more memorable day.
What a trip down memory lane Mike. Our ACU freshman made the 6 hour journey home for this incredibly short, but sweet fall break. Crisp, fall weather for a home district game tonight with the entire family - perfect.
Congrats to the Wildcats and to the Cards - maybe this is their year again - both of them. My only memory as a 7 year old watching that ‘68 World Series was my mom being sad as the 9th inning of Game 7 wound down on our b&w TV. I think Mike Shannon hit a somewhat meaningless home run. I didn’t understand why he wasn’t happier - surely that was something to be happy about? Too little, too late I suppose.
I was not a baseball fan growing up. My parents were from Norman, Oklahoma, and for them all sports began and ended with the Sooners football team. In the fall 1968, I traveled from Arkansas to East Lansing, Michigan, to enter Michigan State University. I walked onto a Tiger-crazed campus. Since the thrill of that World Series, I have been a Tigers fan.
All due respect to all you Cardinal fans, but this is the Tigers’ year. The fairy tale can’t end properly if Cinderella just attends the ball. She has to end up with the handsome prince. Go Tigers!
Dear Mike,
Cry me a river!
Sincerely,
A Cubs Fan
Great story!
I, too, will be rooting on the Cards in the Series. However, I think Detroit is hungrier for it and I really won’t be that sad if they win it because they really have a great story this year. It’ll be a great Series either way. The best part? I’ll get to be in Searcy watching it with my Dad and my husband and probably my Grandpa. Life is good.
I’m just a baby I guess. My first game came at age 8 in 1979, sitting in left field behind Lou Brock while the aging Big Red Machine beat “us” 16-4. I’ve been a Cardinals fan ever since…
I had the chance to see the Redbirds in person twice this year - a loss to the Indians in new Busch (actually watched Belliard play, but for the wrong team), then I caught game 2 in Houston of the attempted team suicide (Biggio won it in the bottom of the 9th). All Cardinal fans will be glad to know I’m not planning to attend the World Series.
How could we have made it to the World Series with a baby bullpen, a CLEAN-UP hitter in Encarnacion, a slumping Rolen, and with Edmonds playing centerfield in a full body cast?!? Who knows, maybe we can throw around that “team of destiny” cliche before long…
Hey Mike, ya think Gibson could come back and start Game 1 for us? Weaver/Carp/Soup are all a little weary right now!
Go Tigers…I mean great blog! I’m a Detroiter - ok a suburban Detroiter who wasn’t alive in ‘68 and was 6 years old in ‘84. I really don’t remember much of that series. I’ve been a Tiger fan through the lean years. I even went to a bunch of games the year they lost 119 games.
This has been the most fun years as a fan that I can remember. Jim Leyland is the most likeable chain-smoking, gruppy old man I’ve even seen!
I do have ONE ticket to Game 6. Like you I want the Tigers to win but I wouldn’t mind if it took 6 games! I’m looking forward to a fun series.
We are rooting for the Cards too, my mom grew up in SE Missori, and we have photos of her at Card games back in the 40’s, how cool is that?
Fall Break, one day, my daughter chose the dermatologist in Dallas over a family reunion in Johnson City, how cool is that?
Be blessed!
GO CARDS!
I remember October 1968.
I was evicted from my house of 9 months.
I got beat by a stranger.
I drank a lot.
I cried a lot.
I had a lot of growing up to do.
Oh yeah, and I was born on October 23rd in Sequoia Hospital Redwood City, CA.
For more information about my birthday, including what to get me for my birthday and where to send it click: http://www.yeahrightJoelkeepdreaming.com
For more information on the 1968 series click: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1968_World_Series
Mike, I’m not a big St. Louis fan but I will root for them for one reason: I’m a huge Mike Cope fan! Love you Bro Co.
Gipson was awesome and for a guy who thought Koufax was it that’s saying a lot. People don’t seem to realize before the Dodger’s moved west everything west of the mississippi was Cardinal fans. They were on the radio’s up and down the pacific coast.
What I remember most was when we were in elementary school they would allow us to watch the day games on the tele in class. They would reel in a B&W and let us watch the games. That was so cool, I miss day games. I know that they did that for a bigger audience but it would be so cool to take the day off and sit around and watch the game played during the day on real grass.
I was a first grader in Mrs. Witcher’s class at Burnt Chimney Elementary School in Burnt Chimney, Virginia. At the time, I was a Reds fan, but I married into the Cardinal Nation and there I remain.
Did anyone else notice the Fifth Great Awakening breaking out at Shea last night? From about the fifth inning on, the camera showed numerous fans with their hands folded and eyes lifted toward the heavens in apparent divine supplication.
If I hadn’t know better, I would have swore it was a Billy Graham Revival.
I was flipping through my 100’s of channels on Directv and flipped over to 610 and sure enough it was ACU playing football. What an upset! They played a great game!
I also though ACU’s commercial was very professional. It was alot better done than West Texas A & M’s promo. The staff in the plublicity department at ACU should be celebrating right now. Great commerical!
Why is it that ACU has to get good at football the year after I leave Abilene? I waited 6 years for a season like this …
That Malone must have quite the cannon. Go Cats! (imagine me doing that enigmatic “WC” hand gesture that looks like a claw…)
I attended my first Cards game in 64 at old Sportsman Park. What a grand ole park! They were playing the Cubs. I felt like I had died and gone to Heaven. I did pray that God not choose to come back just then, as I was in the midst of several thousand Schlitz and Fallstaff beer drinkers, and I was more than convinced that I would go straight to HELL if He came back during those few hours. I still have my ticket stub from that game.
I am so proud of the way the Cards have persevered thru all the injuries this year. It’s amazing they have been able to make it THIS far. Maybe it’s just their year!
And here’s to Tricky Dick in 68!
GO CARDS!!!!!!
DU
P.S. Is Terry Rush crazy or what?
Sorry Mike. Be prepared to be sad once again. I see the Tigers sweeping the Cards or at least taking it in 5 games.
Go Tigers.
Rush: “Do you think reJoyce is saved?” LOL
Give her time. I was well past middle age when baseball invaded my psyche, turning me into an absolute baseball fanatic! There’s always hope for her.
btw-Mike, your namesake in San Diego, diehard Phillie’s fan, will be doing all he can to put a hex on the Cards. He still will not forgive them for what they did to the Phils in 1968. So, hate to disappoint you, but as Michael says, so goes baseball and he’s definitely rooting for a Card loss. I however, will try all I can to nullify his bad thoughts. NL is my bseball game. I don’t know what the AL plays, but imho, it tain’t baseball.
Brad Stevens, don’t worry, Abbey is a Texan and even though she does not have a dog in the hunt, she will always be a Texas fan. If you remember the day she was born Texas beat Michigan and she has a Texas flag fling in her room.
Wow, 1968. I was due to give birth to my second child, who now has five children of her own. In the Detroit area, everyone listened to the Tigers games. I had to do an errand after I read your blog this morning. The names started to drift back. Norm Cash, Bill Freehan, Mickey Lolich, Denny McLain, Oyler, Hiller, Horton, Al Kaline. Couldn’t quit smiling. Politics in Detroit was crazy then and crazy now, but the Tigers were a bright moment. Go Tigers!
Sorry to break it to you Mike but you are going to have a sad October again for several reasons, some of which include:
The Tigers have the best pitching in baseball and are a team of destiny right now (Did you see A Rod go 1 for 19, and Thomas go 0 for 15?)
Pujos will go 0 for 14
The Tigers have always played in COOL ball parks on REAL grass, not one of those LAME cookie cutter parks with ASTRO turf. Tiger Stadium was one of the GREATEST places to see a game. Busch Stadium is one of the worst.
In a battle between Leyland and LaRussa, I’d take Leyland every day.
Tigers are a more ferocious mascot than a little red bird. Who is scared of a bird?
Well my reasons are beginning to lose their teeth so I will just leave you with . . .
GO TIGERS!
Growing up a Chicago Cub’s fan, I had no experience with post regular season Baseball. I loved going to Wrigley field. My family went once a season. I am happy for everyone who enjoys baseball now, but sadly, it does not thrill me. I guess I can only handle one sport at a time, and it is High School Football time.
A two day break from classes for ACU students would be great. So many kids live to far to go home until Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Mike,
I have read the responses thus far. I feel the salvation of more people than reJoyce is in question.
Go Cards!
Walter, the Cards play on grass……….and have for several years. And if you think Pujols will go 0-14…….then you need to check the flavor of Kool-Aid you are drinking.
I would rather be able to fly than whatever ability a Tiger has.
GO CARDS!
DU
In 1968, my family supported Hubert Humphrey for president. When we lived in Chevy Chase, MD, back in the early 60s, he lived across the street and over a couple of houses. What impressed me about him was that he genuinely loved people and was a real neighbor. He is also the only presidential candidate that ever saw my dad in his bathrobe, my mom in curlers and my brother in his pajamas.
Secret for ACU’s football success - sound fundamentals, no turnovers, and recruit every Abilene High star like crazy. They’ve succeeded in all three areas.
Secret for Cards beating Tigers - Supon and Carpenter win two each, and Tigers play like they did in 2002. Both could happen.
Go ACU!! The game was so much fun to watch! Iagree, the commercial was excellent~~
Sorry Mike, not a baseball fan~~
Nixon’s election made you sad? You had geopolitical concepts at what age? Really? Hmmm.
We would loved to have been in Canyon last night, but instead had a “game party” in our living room. It was pretty neat to watch the way ACU was portrayed on national t.v. - recognition for athletic achievements; Danieal Manning in the broadcast booth (wow - someone we know personally now a football star!); Ove Johanssen being recognized for holding the record for kicking the longest field goal at any level in football, and he did it at Shotwell Stadium; and most impressive of all, the commentators comments about Coach Thomsen when they tried to interview him. The commentators said they asked him about the players football ability and he told them it wasn’t about football - it was about character and academics and getting an education. How impressive is that. On national t.v. ACU was truly a “star shining brightly” and winning the game just was icing on the cake.
I think everyone expected St Louis and Detroit to aprear in the Series in ‘68. The Cardinals could pull everything they had in post season and get homers out of Bob Gibson the pitcher and Lou Brock, their speedster base stealer. It was the second series that I had followed and I rememeber Denny McLaine, Norm Cash, Bill Freehan, Al Kaline, Ray Oyler Willie Horton for the Tigers. Lou Brock, Roger Maris, Tim McCarver, Nellie Briles, Bob Tolan, Ray Washburn, Curt Flood, and Mike Shannon for the Cards.
I remember reading an article in a baseball magazine before the season about Al Kaline having his last chance to go to a World Series.
When the Tigers clinched Al Kaline got a letter from Ernie Banks congratulating him. You would think that Banks would go the next year, but fate was not so kind.
I was able to be part of the 4 charter bus caravan that traveled to Canyon yesterday to watch the Wildcats dominate WTAMU!!! It was AWESOME-what a game!!
It was incredible to be there, and then fun to arrive back at home (at 4:30 in the morning!!) to see everything on TV (since I taped it) and watch myself-ha ha…and then sleep the day away! 
Undefeated…amazing-what a fun year to watch!! GO CATS!! 
So the man in black was perfecting his “Joy, joy, joy” song even back in the 80’s?
In ‘68 my parents were expecting their second baby - me. Loved Joel’s comment above, funny!
I’m pulling for the Cards even though I’m a Braves fan. Although I could easily pull for anyone who put away the Evil Empire, so it’s a toss up.
Great piece of writing about great experiences! Sorry, Mike, but I gotta say it: “Go Tigers!”
Bill Freehan was the reason I found this link. Since Johnny Bench was not in league yet, Freehan was considered the best catcher in baseball. Whatever happened to him?
Really happy for your Cards, but next year my Cubbies have Sweet Lou (the Yankee and not the Tiger!)
What’s got into the ACU football team?
And I hear that Lou P wants A Rod to come to the Cubs. Just talk now though.
Well, I do declare!
With Kings [Reyes] on the mound and Prince Albert on 1st and at the plate - the Cards take the first one. How about that!!!!
Congrats, Mike et al, Congrats!
I do believe that the ST. LOUIS CARDINALS are a team of destiny of this year! You gotta believe!!!!!! What a ride!
Do you remember Paul Arnold at Harding? He was Lt. Calley’s body guard during the trial.
Hey Mike,
That was some accurate prognostication from you on tonight’s game. May I consult with you about some lottery numbers? LOL
Tigers 3, Cardinals 1. Order has been restored to the universe.
My son reminded me tonight that Detroit’s ace Rogers is the same guy that lost his cool a few years ago and went after a camerman. This Cubs fan isn’t sure if that is enough to persuade me to not like the entire Detroit team.
I normally don’t stay up to watch baseball, but wasn’t that a great game last night! Detroit almost gave it up in the ninth, but a lot of hopes and wishes went into that last our.
Out, Out, Out. Arthritis.
Paul, I was thinking the same thing about Rogers watching the close-ups and his mouthing expletives after every play, good or bad. I don’t think he knows any words that can be repeated in polite company. I just have trouble liking him. He doesn’t seem like a very pleasant guy.
And compare Rogers to Pujols. I’ve been in St. Louis and seen the big billboards that his foundation has put up which say “God, family, baseball. In that order” or something very similar, and it gives you a good feeling about him. I’ve never seen him do anything that makes me doubt that. He’s just seems like a good guy.
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9 su 10! Ottenerlo! Siete buoni!