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Tim McCarver and 1964 World Series Photo Gallery
Click on any image below to see photos in full size and to start Photo Gallery:
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- Ken and Clete Boyer during the 1964 World Series
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- With Mickey Mantle in the 1964 World Series.
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- Tim McCarver, Cardinals’ catcher, embraces hurler Bob Gibson after final out in the 1964 World Series.
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- Cardinals in clubhouse, 1968. L-R: Roger Maris, Tim McCarver, Bob Gibson, Mike Shannon, Lou Brock, Orlando Cepeda, Curt Flood, Julian Javier, Del Maxvill, and manager Red Schoendiest.
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- As a scout, Buck signed Lou Brock to his first contract.
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- 1964 World Series champion St. Louis Cardinals
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- Tim McCarver crosses the plate after hitting home run in 1964 World Series
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- Bob Gibson and battery mate Tim McCarver
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- Cardinals Hal-of-Famers: Red Schoendienst , Bob Gibson, Lou Brock, Ozzie Smith
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- Mickey Mantle homers in the 1964 World Series
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- Tim McCarver during spring training in Florida.
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- Tim McCarver in the 1964 World Series
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- Bob Gibson is congratulated by catcher Tim McCarver in World Series .Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons/USA TODAY Sports
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- Lou Brock
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- Cardinals celebrate after winning World Series
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- Johnny Keane and Yogi Berra (Getty Images)
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- Bob Gibson congratulated by Lou Brock after hitting a home run
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- Dick Groat and Bob Gibson, 1964
Yesterday, the baseball world was saddened to learn of the passing of Tim McCarver. We’re grateful to contributor Steve Falco for his remembrance of this fine ballplayer who, after his playing days, enjoyed a long career as a popular broadcaster and was eventually selected for the broadcasting wing of the Hall of Fame. -GL
Remembering Tim McCarver
Legendary broadcaster and former All-Star catcher Tim McCarver passed away yesterday at the age of 81. McCarver had a long and distinguished 21-year career as a catcher for both the St. Louis Cardinals and the Philadelphia Phillies.
Although he was considered a light hitter throughout his career my most searing memory of McCarver occurred in the 1964 World Series when his Cardinals faced off against my Yankees. McCarver was in only his second season as a starter, and among the talented batting order of the NL Champion Cardinals, which included Lou Brock, Ken Boyer, Bill White and of course Hall-of-Famer Bob Gibson, outside of the St. Louis area McCarver was a virtual unknown.
Bob Gibson hugs catcher Tim McCarver at 50th anniversary of 1964 World Series
With the Series tied at two games apiece, game five was a real nail-biter. After listening to the game on my trusty transistor radio in school, at the bell I like most of my friends, raced home on our bikes to watch the rest of the game. Tied 2-2 after nine innings, the game entered the tenth with Pete Mikkelsen on the mound for New York. Mikkelsen was the Yanks’ top reliever that year and manager Yogi Berra’s favorite. But to me and my brothers, who joined me watching the game, the erratic righty was nothing but agita.
Sure enough, it took Mikkelsen no time to pitch himself into a jam. With Bill White and Dick Groat on base McCarver came to the plate. A left-handed hitter, he had a unique and somewhat weird batting stance, holding his bat close to his body and just behind his left ear. With virtually no power (he hit only 99 home runs in his two-decade career) McCarver was not considered a threat. But it didn’t take him long to blast a fat Mikkelsen pitch deep into the lower rightfield stands giving the Cards a 5-2 victory. My brothers and I looked at each other in disbelief—thinking who is this guy?
St. Louis would go on to win the Series in seven games with McCarver hitting at scintillating .478. He appeared in two more World Series with the Cards, winning against the Red Sox in 1967 and losing the next year to the Tigers.
McCarver is probably best known for his career as a broadcaster. He and Joe Buck were the voice of the World Series for 24 years and he was elected to the Broadcasting Hall of Fame. But I will never forget that October afternoon so many years ago when that plucky, little known Cardinal catcher ruined my day.
Steve Falco
Many thanks to Baseball-Reference.com.
Photos from Google search
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If you hold a catcher’s mitt to your ear, you can hear McCarver still talking . . .
He caught 2 of the greats – Gibson and Carlton. No fiercer competitor ever than Gibson. RIP Tim!
Thanks Mike!
He was the greatest baseball analyst ever!
I grew up near Rochester, NY home of the AAA Red Wings top farm club of the Cards. In 1959 a 17 yr old catcher was promoted at the end of the season from a lower minor team. His name was Tim McCarver & he hit .358 in 70 at bats!
Thank you, Steve Falco. I was hoping someone would write a tribute for Tim. He imparted his knowledge, wisdom, and baseball smarts during every game he commented on and never failed to entertain while doing it.
Sincerely,
Joan
Thanks Joan, nice memory of Time McCarver
When I heard of Tim McCarver’s passing I was heartbroken. Tim was a San Francisco Giants broadcaster for one year in 2002, when he wasn’t on Fox.
My wife and I have had Giants season tickets behind the Giants dugout for thirty years. During that 2002 season I met McCarver at a Giants season ticket holder meet ‘n greet. Once Tim found out I was an old catcher that played semi-pro ball, we had a special connection.
A few times during my Giants pennant winning 2002 season I saw Tim around the ballpark. We had wonderful discussions on catching strategy and how the Giants pitching staff looked. Everybody knows how brilliant Tim was as a baseball analyst. These insightful discussions with the brilliant Tim are some of my fondest baseball memories, ranking just below giving my first book to my idol Willie Mays!
In the 2002 NLCS the Giants beat Tim’s Cardinals. I went to Anaheim for game 6 and 7 of the World Series and got to see Tim before game 6. Of course, he admitted being sad about the Giants beating his Cardinals, but we both thought the Giants were looking good to win their first World Series in San Francisco. Little was I to know I was about to experience my worst baseball nightmare later that night.
It was years later that Tim and I reconnected. A few years ago I was able to locate Tim … in Napa of all places. He was saddened to learn of my ALS diagnosis, but agreed to be interviewed for my biography of Willie McCovey by my interviewer. He gave me great insight into how Bob Gibson, Steve Carlton and he pitched to Stretch. We hoped to get together at a Giants game, but sadly that never happened.
Baseball lost one of the most decent, brilliant lights when Tim’s light was extinguished. Rest in Peace Tim! 🙏🙏🙏
Your catcher brother,
Chris “Mavo” Mavraedis
Thanks Chris so much for your personal reflections about Tim McCarver. Greatly appreciated. And, yes, he will be missed.
By the way, Chris, I added your book, “Falling in Love with Baseball” to the right hand side bar with a link to your website.
Great tribute by Mr. Falco. I remember listening to the ’64 WS {when a teacher would let us} during school. A classic 7- gamer 4 sure. He didn’t have the longevity of a Mike Shannon, or the “good ole boy” flare & humor of a Dizzy Dean, but McCarver was probably equally as beloved in St. Louis for his broadcasting as Jack Buck, imho. I especially enjoyed reading Mr. Mavraedis’ story about his personal connection to McCarver. Nicely told, sir. R.I.P. Tim McCarver. A big loss to Cardinal Nation and a big loss to baseball everywhere.
Thanks Tom…very nicely said.
Thanks Thomas. Tim will be missed!
Very funny from George C !
And thanks Steve and Chris for great stuff about Bob Gibson’s favorite catcher and baseball’s prototype analyst.
I remember Tim primarily as a Mets broadcaster from ’83-’98. On any given day he would be raconteur, history professor, movie buff…and analyst. You got the full package with his considerable charm.
McCarver was the first catcher to lead the league in triples (13) and finished second to Orlando Cepeda as NL MVP in 1967.
Also, in the booth with Joe Buck during the classic 2001 World Series, Tim questioned the Yankees drawn in infield strategy, bags full one out, in the ninth inning of game seven. Sure enough, Luis Gonzales hit one off the handle facing the legendary Mariano Rivera-and Jeter had no chance. Derek might have caught the ball playing halfway. Awful tough call, though, under the circumstances.
A shining light in major league baseball history, Tiny Tim will be missed.
Thanks Bill!
Gary,
Thanks very much for including my humble book on your excellent website! I deeply appreciate it!
I thank you, Gary, for publishing a fine article by Mr. Falco. I have a little data to add, though:
Mikkelsen was the Yankees No. 1 reliever in ’64 — until September 5, when they traded for veteran fireballer Pedro Ramos. From then on Ramos appeared in 13 games, finishing 11. He won 1, lost 0, and had 8 saves. In 21 innings he allowed just 3 runs, for an ERA of 1.25. He also struck 21 while walking … NONE. But he came to New York after Sept. 1st and was ineligible for the Series. So Mikkelsen was the best of those they had available.
BTW, McCarver was an excellent analyst, but my favorite has long been Jim Palmer. IMO, one could toss a coin to choose between them and win either way. 😉