on this day...... the catch

on this day in 1954, Willie Mays makes "the catch" in game one of the world series against the Cleveland Indians. he tracked down a fly ball hit by Vic Wertz. Mays had the presence of mind to turn and throw the ball back into the infield after catching it, preventing Larry Doby from scoring. Monte Irvin said years later, had Doby tagged up, he would of scored from second. game one was in the Polo Grounds and the ball was hit over 460 feet away in deep centerfield (in today's ball parks that would be a home run. Sal Maglie had been the New York Giants starter, and he went into the 8th inning and was pulled after giving up singles to Doby and Al Rosen. in came Don Liddle, who was to pitch to one batter - being Vic Wertz. Mays makes "the catch." in comes Marv Grissom to take over pitching for the Giants. Liddle hands Grissom and says with great humor (and with a straight face) says "well, I got my guy." Grissom shut down the Indians the rest of the way and in the 10th, the Giants hit a three run homer to win game one 5-2 and the series in four straight.