Full Description
In June of 1938, southpaw Johnny Vander Meer of the Cincinnati Reds became the only pitcher in Major League history to hurl two consecutive no-hitters--an achievement that has stood unsurpassed for more than 80 years. Vander Meer was just 23 at the time and a glorious future was predicted. Despite injuries, he became a four-time All-Star yet ended up a .500 pitcher--not a surefire Hall of Famer as many expected. Both the Reds and Vander Meer persevered, but decades later the left-hander is best remembered for his stunning no-hit package. This volume follows Vander Meer and the Reds through the triumphs of two National League pennants and one World Series title, the hardship of World War II, and the trying suicide of a teammate.
Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
1. 1937: The New Look Reds
2. Bill McKechnie
3. Vander Meer Makes the Cut
4. Frank McCormick Long Time Coming
5. Ernie Lombardi
6. Vander Meer Pitches a No-Hitter
7. Vander Meer Pitches a No-Hitter—Another One
8. Aftermath
9. The Reds of 1938
10. Paul Derringer and Bucky Walters
11. Johnny and the Players of 1939
12. Johnny and the 1939 Pitching
13. The 1939 World Series
14. The 1940 Regular Season
15. The 1940 World Series
16. The Year 1941
17. War Changes Everything
18. The Reds During World War II
19. When Johnny—and the Reds—Came Marching Home
20. Double No-Hit for the Rest of His Life
Chapter Notes
Bibliography
Index
