1963 04-26 Mets at Pirates

The April 26, 1963, matchup between the New York Mets and Pittsburgh Pirates at Forbes Field unfolds as a tightly contested, electric game captured in a three-part radio broadcast. Hosted by Lindsey Nelson, Bob Murphy, and Iron Hand in the first segment, the game opens with both starting pitchers—Al Jackson and Al McBean—struggling with control, leading to a chaotic first inning that lasted 50 minutes and featured 15 batters. The Pirates struck first with a two-run homer by Ted Savage, setting the tone early, and extended their lead through timely hitting and defensive lapses by the Mets, particularly in the seventh inning when a dropped relay throw allowed Savage to score. Harvey Haddix delivered a standout relief performance, retiring six straight batters and pitching a perfect eighth. Despite a late rally by the Mets in the ninth inning with bases loaded, Tommy Sisk closed the game with a perfect ninth to secure a 5-2 victory for Pittsburgh. The broadcast, rich with nostalgic commentary, promotional segments for Rheingold Extra Dry beer and the Chuggamug container, and relaxed enforcement of the balk rule, captures the charm and atmosphere of early 1960s baseball. The final segment, hosted by the Thomas Paine Podcast, previews the Mets’ upcoming homestand, including their first night game of the season against the Los Angeles Dodgers, marking a pivotal moment for the struggling Mets franchise.