1963 06-26 Cubs at Mets
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “1963 06-26 Cubs at Mets” inside PodZeus.
The Thomas Paine Podcast presents a riveting, multi-part retrospective of a legendary 14-inning baseball game between the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets at the Polo Grounds on June 26, 1963. The broadcast, anchored by legendary voices Ralph Kiner, Lindsey Nelson, and Bob Murphy, captures the full arc of a game defined by momentum shifts, heroic performances, and relentless endurance. The Cubs started strong, building a 4-0 lead by the fifth inning thanks to home runs from Ellis Burton and solid pitching from Bob Buell. However, the Mets staged a dramatic comeback in the sixth, with Frank Thomas hitting a game-tying home run over the roof in left field. The game remained tightly contested, with both teams trading leads and using nearly their entire rosters—39 players in total—highlighting the physical and strategic toll of extra innings. The Cubs briefly regained the lead in the 14th on an inside-the-park home run by Billy Williams, but the Mets responded with a bases-loaded rally, culminating in Tim Harkness delivering a walk-off grand slam on a 3-2 pitch to win 8-6. The emotional climax followed a heated argument from catcher Dick Bertell over a strike zone call, which allowed the decisive at-bat. The victory marked the Mets’ 22nd home win of the season—matching their total from the entire previous year—and stands as one of the most memorable games of the era, celebrated for its intensity, resilience, and unforgettable heroics.
The New York Mets won a 14-inning thriller against the Chicago Cubs with a walk-off grand slam by Tim Harkness in the bottom of the 14th inning.
The game featured extreme roster usage—39 players across both teams—highlighting the physical toll and strategic depth required in marathon contests.
The Mets' 22nd home win of the season matched their total from the entire previous year, underscoring their dominant performance at the Polo Grounds.
Billy Williams hit an inside-the-park home run to give the Cubs a brief 6-4 lead in the 14th, but the Mets rallied with key walks and hits to load the bases.
Frank Thomas hit a crucial game-tying home run in the sixth inning, and Tim Harkness delivered his first career grand slam to seal the victory.
…and 3 more takeaways available in PodZeus
Game Introduction and First Inning Action
The broadcast begins with sponsor introductions for Rheingold Extra Dry Beer and Cool Cigarettes. Ralph Kiner, Lindsey Nelson, and Bob Murphy welcome listeners to the game between the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets at the Polo Grounds. The starting lineups are announced, and the game opens with Bob Buell pitching for the Cubs and Al Jackson for the Mets. The Cubs score their first run in the top of the first inning on an error and a ground ball, leading 1-0. The Mets fail to score despite two hits and two errors. The inning ends with the Cubs leading 1-0.
Cubs Extend Lead with Home Run and Double Plays
The Cubs add a second run in the top of the second inning on a home run by Ellis Burton, who hits the ball over the upper deck. Andre Rogers follows with a ground rules double. The Mets respond with two hits in the bottom of the second but fail to score, ending the inning with the Cubs leading 2-0. The broadcast includes sponsor messages for Rheingold and Cool Cigarettes, with a focus on the beer’s refreshing taste and the cigarette’s coolness. The game remains tense as both teams trade momentum.
Mets’ Comeback Begins in the Bottom of the Sixth
“Frank Thomas with a long home run that went over the roof right down the left field line. And the Mets are back in the ballgame. The score 4-3 in favor of the Cubs.”
Tightening Game and Ejection of Leo Burke
“Leo Burke has been ejected. I wonder what side the umpire is on. That's the worst sort of break you can get, believe me.”
The Mets Rally in the Bottom of the Eighth
“The Mets got one run on one hit. No errors and two left. And at the end of eighth, it is the Cubs four or the Mets four.”
“That grand slammer coming with two men out, the bases loaded, they count 3-2 and the Mets win it. Hawkins with his first grand slam home run in his career to give the Mets the win by a score of 8-6.”
“The ball hit in front of him. He had no chance to block it and then bounced against the wall and rolled out the left center field. Jimmy Pearsaw, the center fielder, did not get over to pick it up. And Williams has an inside-the-park home run.”
“Frank Thomas with a long home run that went over the roof right down the left field line. And the Mets are back in the ballgame. The score 4-3 in favor of the Cubs.”
Hosts
New York Mets
other
Chicago Cubs
other
Lindsey Nelson
person
Bob Buell
person
Rheingold Extra Dry Beer
product
Ralph Kiner
person
Bob Murphy
person
Tim Harkness
person
Billy Williams
person
Cool Cigarettes
product
Part 3 -- The Idiot Tax: How to Stop Paying for Other People’s Stupidity
Thomas Paine Podcast • 31m • 3/31/2026
Part 2 -- The Idiot Tax: How to Stop Paying for Other People’s Stupidity
Thomas Paine Podcast • 29m • 3/31/2026
Part 1 -- The Idiot Tax: How to Stop Paying for Other People’s Stupidity
Thomas Paine Podcast • 31m • 3/31/2026
1965 06-14 Mets at Reds
Thomas Paine Podcast • 2h 26m • 4/1/2026
1974 04-09 Phillies at Cubs TV Audio
Thomas Paine Podcast • 2h 27m • 4/1/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “1963 06-26 Cubs at Mets” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime