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WORLD SERIES HISTORY
Q: When was the first World Series game televised?
-- Sip
A: The first ever televised World Series game was broadcast by NBC on September 29, 1947. The Brooklyn Dodgers faced off against the New York Yankees in a thrilling seven-game series that featured the first ever World Series pinch-hit home run, a no-hitter lost in the ninth, new attendance records, and five games decided by two runs or less. The Yankees ended up taking the series by winning Game Seven 5-2.
Back to top	-- Christos Plakas

RYAN EXPRESS
Q: How many times did Nolan Ryan lead the league in strikeouts?
-- Paul Taco
A: Nolan Ryan, arguably the best strikeout pitcher in the history of the game, led the league in strikeouts eleven times, one behind the all-time leader, Walter Johnson. Here are the years he led the league, and his strikeout totals: 1972 - 329 - American League (California Angels) 1973 - 383 - American League (California Angels) 1974 - 367 - American League (California Angels) 1976 - 327 - American League (California Angels) 1977 - 341 - American League (California Angels) 1978 - 260 - American League (California Angels) 1979 - 223 - American League (California Angels) 1987 - 270 - National League (Houston Astros) 1988 - 228 - National League (Houston Astros) 1989 - 301 - American League (Texas Rangers) 1990 - 232 - American League (Texas Rangers)
Back to top	-- Christos Plakas

THE TOY CANNON
Q: I recently came across a photograph of someone who was wearing a baseball cap with the number 45 on it. The autograph on top of the player says "Toy Cannon," and the first name appears to be Jim. Any ideas about who it could be?
-- Michael Williams
A: The player in the picture is probably Jimmy Wynn. The "Toy Cannon" was so nicknamed because he stood only 5'9", but had an explosive bat. After spending 11 seasons in Houston (they were named the Colt .45's until 1964), he led them in nearly all offensive categories, including hits, home runs, and RBIs.
Back to top	-- Christos Plakas

MILWAUKEE BRAVES
Q: I have an official National League baseball autographed by members of the Milwaukee Brewers. Some of the names are: Fred Haney, Johnny Logan, and Gene Conley. It looks like the name of the National League president is Gilez. Can you tell me what year it's from?
-- Dan Feltes
A: The ball is most likely signed by member of the 1957 Milwaukee Brewers, who beat the New York Yankees in the World Series in seven games. The National League president at the time was Warren Giles. Some other significant names to look for on the ball are: Hank Aaron of Wes Covington of Warren Spahn p Bob Buhl p Eddie Mathews 3b
Back to top	-- Christos Plakas

HISTORIC YANKEES
Q: Who was the Yankees' starting shortstop before Derek Jeter?
-- Peter Ferrera
A: Derek Jeter became the New York Yankees' starting shortstop in 1996, the year he took home the American League Rookie of the Year Award. The year before, Tony Fernandez was the shortstop, playing in 103 games. He helped the Yankees win the first AL Wild Card, but couldn't help them beat the Seattle Mariners in the Division Series.
Back to top	-- Christos Plakas

Gashouse Gang
Q: Can I see a World Series roster for the 1934 St. Louis Cardinals?
-- Seth Damm
A: The 1934 St. Louis Cardinals, nicknamed the "Gashouse Gang," won the World Series in seven games over the Detroit Tigers. Their World Series roster consisted of: Pepper Martin 3b Frankie Frisch 2b Ripper Collins 1b Jack Rothrock of Joe Medwick of Bill Delancey c Leo Durocher ss Ernie Orsatti of Chick Fullis of Spud Davis ph Pat Crawford ph Burgess Whitehead ph Dizzy Dean p Paul Dean p Bill Hallahan p Bill Walker p Tex Carleton p Dazzy Vance p Jim Mooney p Jesse Haines p
Back to top	-- Christos Plakas

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