Books and articles about Ron Swoboda

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As a 20-year-old Met rookie in 1965, Swoboda hit a career-high 19 home runs. Though his subsequent career performance was a relative disappointment, he was a key member of the 1969 "Miracle Mets." He collected half of his 52 RBI in the last five weeks of the season, and hit two home runs to beat Steve Carlton 4-3 the night Carlton struck out 19 (September 15). In Game Four of the World Series, Swoboda's daring ninth-inning diving catch of Brooks Robinson's line drive in right-center field saved the day for New York. A vivacious character with an engaging sense of humor, Swoboda became a sportscaster after his career ended. (CR)

FROM THE BASEBALL CHRONOLOGY » August 4, 1966: Pinch-hit home runs by Mets John Stephenson and Ron Swoboda make the difference in New York's 8–6 defeat of the Giants at Shea Stadium. » September 15, 1969: Steve Carlton of the Cardinals fans a ML-record 19 batters and still loses. Ron Swoboda hits a pair of 2-run home runs, and New York beats St. Louis 4–3. » October 15, 1969: A memorable World Series game pits Tom Seaver against Mike Cuellar. RF Ron Swoboda's questionable dive at Brooks Robinson's sinking liner with runners at 1B and 3B in the 9th inning results in a brilliant catch, even though Frank Robinson tags and scores the tying run. In the 10th, Mets pinch-hitter J.C. Martin, running illegally inside the 1B line after a bunt, is hit on the wrist by P Pete Richert's errant throw, enabling pinch runner Rod Gaspar to score from second as the Mets win 2–1. The game is enlivened by Earl Weaver getting thrown out after protesting ball and strike calls by Shag Crawford. Earl is the 3rd manager to leave early in a World Series, but the first since 1935. » October 16, 1969: In game five Cleon Jones, awarded 1B when shoe polish on the ball proves he was hit by a pitch, scores on Donn Clendenon's home run. Al Weis's home run an inning later ties the game. Ron Swoboda's double and two Baltimore errors in the 8th give New York a 5–3 win and the Series. Jerry Koosman completes the Mets amazin' achievement with a 5-hitter. » March 31, 1971: The Mets trade 1969 hero OF Ron Swoboda and infielder Rich Hacker to Montreal for OF Don Hahn. Swoboda will go to the Yankees in June for OF Ron Woods. » June 25, 1971: The Expos trade Ron Swoboda back to New York—the Yankees, that is. The Expos receive OF Ron Woods.