|
 |
|
GEORGE BURNS |
THE LAST ONE FOR 86 YEARS
George Burns' home run beats the Red Sox
April 24, 1918 ...
The Athletics defeated the Red Sox to open up their season at Shibe Park in Philadelphia, by a 3 to 0 score. Both teams battled along for seven innings with chances to score in most every round. They had men on base, but getting a run was stopped
by the next batter failing to come through of by great fielding and double plays.
In the eight inning, however, it was George Burns, with two men on, who hit the first ball pitched to him by Babe Ruth, far up into the left field bleachers for a three-run homer. That was the blow that settled the game, as the Red Sox were not able to
penetrate the A's defense not the pitching of former Soxer Vean Gregg. It was Merlin Kopp and old friend Larry Gardner who had gotten on base ahead of Burns.
About 6000 turned out for the game that was preceded by the usual band concert and the raising of Old Glory. Colonel R.H. Rolfe of the Quartermaster Corps threw out the first ball. There was also a presentation of gifts to Joe Bush, Amos Strunk,
and Wally Schang by the Athletics' management for their years of service. |
