1963 05-19 Mets at Dodgers Game 1

The Thomas Paine Podcast presents a riveting, full-length radio broadcast of the May 19, 1963, doubleheader between the New York Mets and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium, capturing the intensity and drama of a pivotal National League matchup. Game 1 features a dominant performance by Dodgers ace Sandy Koufax, who pitches a two-hit shutout, retiring 13 batters in a row and allowing only one run in the bottom of the first on a sacrifice fly by Tommy Davis. The Mets’ offense struggles, managing just two hits through seven innings, with Roger Craig recording his first hit of the season. The broadcast, hosted by Lindsey Nelson with commentary from Ralph Kiner and Bob Murphy, immerses listeners in the era’s atmosphere, complete with sponsorships for Rheingold Extra Dry and Viceroy cigarettes, and cultural context from a news segment on astronaut Gordon Cooper’s space mission. Game 2 escalates into a marathon 13-inning thriller, with the score tied 2-2 entering the bottom of the 13th. After a series of clutch plays—including Jim Hickman’s double and intentional walks—the Dodgers’ Frank Howard delivers a game-winning 390-foot home run to left field, sealing a 4-2 victory. The game, played under overcast skies with lights on for nearly two hours, exemplifies the resilience and excitement of baseball in the early 1960s. The episode closes with a preview of upcoming Mets games, including a doubleheader against the Cubs on Memorial Day.