1965 07-05 Cubs at Mets Game 1

The Thomas Paine Podcast presents a vivid, immersive play-by-play of Game 1 of a holiday doubleheader between the Chicago Cubs and New York Mets at Shea Stadium on July 5, 1965. The broadcast captures the atmosphere of a warm, overcast afternoon with a light breeze, a packed crowd, and a mix of sports commentary, sponsor messages, and cultural interludes celebrating beer traditions among various ethnic groups in New York City. The Mets jump to a 3-0 lead in the first inning on a three-run home run by rookie Ron Swoboda, who sets a new rookie record. The Cubs respond with two runs in the fourth inning, sparked by a home run from Chris Krug and a rally that loaded the bases, but fail to score more. The Mets' bullpen, led by Larry Bernard, shuts down the Cubs over the final five innings, retiring 15 straight batters after Dick Ellsworth’s strong start. Bernard earns the win, while Ellsworth takes the loss, ending his six-game winning streak. The game concludes with a 3-2 Mets victory, marking their 28th win of the season and extending their Monday winning streak to eight in nine games. The episode blends baseball storytelling with nostalgic cultural commentary and vintage advertising, reflecting the era’s blend of sports, community, and commercialism.