The Field Of Dreams Project

[Nick Soulis]

Series #213



2013 Baltimore Orioles
Record: 85-77
Finish: 3rd in AL East
Manager: Buck Showalter
Ball Park: Camden Yards
WAR Leader: Chris Davis (7.1)
Franchise Record: 6-6
2013 Season Record: 5-1
Hall of Famers: (0)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BAL/2013.shtml

1996 Detroit Tigers
Record: 53-109
Finish: 5th in AL East
Manager: Buddy Bell
Ball Park: Tiger Stadium
WAR Leader: Omar Olivares (3.6)
Franchise Record: 14-11
1996 Season Record: 3-2
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/1996.shtml

Red Barber Preview
“Well, how do you do, everybody — this is Red Barber speaking to you from the Field of Dreams diamond, where the corn’s tall and the ghosts of the game gather round for another best-of-seven showdown. Series number two-hundred and thirteen brings us an intriguing clash between two ballclubs from vastly different eras of the American League — the 2013 Baltimore Orioles, who will enjoy home field advantage, and the 1996 Detroit Tigers, who arrive hungry to prove they can stand tall among the legends.

Now these Orioles, managed by Buck Showalter back in their day, were known for their power bats and sturdy bullpen. Chris Davis was the big man on campus that year — a bona fide slugger who put fear into pitchers with that uppercut swing. Adam Jones in centerfield? Smooth as silk — he’ll patrol the alleys like a hawk. And don’t sleep on Manny Machado, young in 2013 but already flashing the leather at third like he was born at the hot corner. If the O’s can get early runs and turn it over to the bullpen — with Jim Johnson closing things down — they’ll like their chances in tight ballgames.

The ’96 Tigers, on the other hand, come from one of the tougher stretches in Detroit’s long baseball history. But don’t write ‘em off too quick — they’ve got some pop in that lineup, too. Bobby Higginson and Travis Fryman will be counted on to drive the offense, and if they can get anything steady from the mound, the Tigers could just scratch and claw their way into this series. Remember, funny things happen in these cornfield classics — it ain’t always the stars you expect that shine the brightest.

Keys to the series? For Baltimore, it’s that big ballpark — Camden Yards feels a world away, but the power alleys here in the Field of Dreams can gobble up deep flies if the wind turns. For Detroit, they’ll need to keep those Baltimore bats quiet and avoid the big inning. Any slip — any crack in the dam — and the Orioles’ bats can make you pay in a hurry.

So gather ‘round, folks — bring your scorecards and your transistor radios. This is Red Barber sayin’ we’re all set for a crisp autumn battle under these Iowa skies. The 2013 Orioles and the 1996 Tigers — two proud franchises, two different paths, but both looking for a ticket to dreamland. Pull up a seat, settle in, and let’s play ball!”
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Tigers Roar In As Cinderella
Club With 109 Losses Stun Orioles And Field



Game 1
At Camden Yards
1996 Detroit Tigers 3
2013 Baltimore Orioles 5
WP: W. Chen (1-0) LP: A. Sager (0-1) S: J. Johnson (1)
HR: M. Nieves (1), C. Davis (1)
POG: Chris Davis (3-4, HR, 2B, 4 RBI, R)
2013 Orioles Lead Series 1-0

Well, how do you do, everybody? This is Red Barber, sittin’ high atop the press box at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on a rainy Tuesday night, where the 2013 Baltimore Orioles have opened up Series #213 in our Field of Dreams saga with a tidy 5-3 victory over the 1996 Detroit Tigers.
It was a brisk evening, 50 degrees with a steady rain falling and the wind blowin’ in from right at 9 miles per hour — but that didn’t stop Chris Davis from blowin’ one out the yard. He was the big man tonight, no question about it. Chris went 3-for-4, knocked in four runs, and put the Orioles on his broad shoulders when they needed him most.
The Tigers and their starter, A.J. Sager, held the line for three innings until the bottom of the third when Davis stepped to the plate. There were two out, the bases had two men aboard, and Davis got a changeup that just hung up there like a piñata — and he swung at it with all the gusto he could muster. That ball sailed over the fence for a three-run homer, and the Baltimore bench erupted. That made it 4-0, and the Birds never really looked back.Wei-Yin Chen took the mound for Baltimore and turned in a workmanlike seven innings — six hits, three runs, six strikeouts. He bent a little in the fourth when Melvin Nieves cranked a two-run homer for Detroit, but Chen never broke. Tommy Hunter and Jim Johnson came in to slam the door, with Johnson gettin’ the save despite a bit of traffic in the ninth.Detroit tried to claw back late — a pair of doubles and some hustle gave them a chance — but the Birds’ gloves were crisp and the pitching did enough. Let me tip my cap to Nieves for Detroit; he went 2-for-4 with all three Tiger RBI, but they just couldn’t get the big hit when they needed it. So the Orioles take Game 1, and in a best-of-seven, that first win always feels sweet. Buck Showalter, the Baltimore skipper, summed it up just right — “Winning is hard sometimes. This one was nice to get."

Game 2
At Camden Yards
1996 Detroit Tigers 4
2013 Baltimore Orioles 2
WP: O. Olivares (1-0) LP: M. Gonzalez (0-1) S: M. Myers (1)
HR: C. Pride (1), C. Fielder 2 (2)
POG: Curtis Pride (2-2. HR, 2 RBI, R, 2 BB)
Series Tied 1-1

Well, friends, pull up a chair and let ol’ Red tell ya how this one played out under cloudy October skies in Baltimore. The Detroit Tigers of 1996 have evened up this best-of-seven Field of Dreams affair, toppling the 2013 Orioles by a score of 4 to 2 here at Camden Yards. Curtis Pride, the pride indeed of Detroit tonight, was the straw that stirred the drink. In the top of the third inning, with one on and one out, Pride stepped in and got every bit of a Miguel Gonzalez fastball — sent that horsehide sailing over the right field wall for a two-run shot that put the Tigers ahead 3-nothing. He finished his evening a perfect 2-for-2 with two walks, reaching base every time he stepped up. Not bad for a man whose bat did all the talking tonight. And don’t overlook big Cecil Fielder either — the big fella went yard twice himself, once in the first and again in the fourth, showing that the Tigers could match Baltimore’s big bats swing for swing. Detroit put up eight hits and made ‘em count. Meanwhile, the Orioles made things interesting late, putting together a pair in the sixth to draw within two, but that was all she wrote. Omar Olivares got the win for Detroit, working into the seventh before handing it off to the pen. Mike Myers shut the door in the ninth to pick up the save. Plenty of base runners for Baltimore — they scattered twelve hits — but they just couldn’t string ‘em together when it mattered. You gotta tip your hat to the Tigers’ defense too — they turned two crisp double plays that shut the door on any Oriole uprising. So, this old series shifts now to Tiger Stadium in Detroit with the series tied at one apiece. Game 3’s on Friday, and folks, if tonight is any clue, we got ourselves a real humdinger of a battle brewing.

Game 3
At Tiger Stadium
2013 Baltimore Orioles 5
1996 Detroit Tigers 6 (11 inn)
WP: G. keagle (1-0) LP: T. Hunter (0-1)
HR: M. Wieters (1), C. Davis (2), M. Nieves (2), B. Higginson (1), T. Fryman (1)
POG: Chris Tillman (7.2 IP, 6 H, 5 ER, 1 BB, 6 K, 102 P)
1996 Tigers Lead Series 2-1

Well now, pull up a chair and get cozy, ‘cause we’ve had ourselves a real barnburner tonight in Detroit, yes sir! Under the lights at old Tiger Stadium, the 1996 Tigers gave their hometown faithful something to remember, pulling out a 6-to-5 thriller over the 2013 Orioles in eleven innings. Detroit’s bats were silent early — the O’s built themselves a lead behind Chris Tillman, who looked every bit the part of a stopper. He spun seven and two-thirds innings and left with his club up, but these Tigers, they’re the come-from-behind sort.Down 4-to-nothing at one point, the Tigers clawed back — Bobby Higginson launched a two-run homer in the sixth, Melvin Nieves added a solo blast in the seventh, and then in the eighth, they tied it up with Curtis Pride driving in another pair. Just grit and grind, inning by inning. Baltimore didn’t roll over — Matt Wieters banged out a solo shot in the eighth, and Brian Roberts was all over the yard with three hits and two RBIs. But the Tigers just kept answering the bell. Both bullpens traded zeros deep into extras — and when we got to the bottom of the eleventh, that’s when Travis Fryman stepped up and sent the folks home happy. A solo shot down the left field line — the ol’ girl Tiger Stadium shook from the roof down, and the boys in the dugout poured out like schoolkids at recess. So with this win, the Detroit Tigers of 1996 now hold a 2-games-to-1 advantage in this best-of-seven Field of Dreams set. Game 4 is set for tomorrow right back here at the corner of Michigan and Trumbull, and these Tigers will be looking to push the Orioles to the brink. So long from Tiger Stadium — and remember, baseball’s a game where the unexpected’s just waiting to jump out at ya. This is Red Barber sayin’, good night everybody.

Game 4
At Tiger Stadium
2013 Baltimore Orioles 6
1996 Detroit Tigers 5
WP: Z. Britton (1-0) LP: F. Lira (0-1) S: P. Strop (1)
HR: M. Wieters (2), B. Roberts (1), A. Jones (1), T. Clark (1), M. Nieves (3)
POG: Zack Britton (6 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 5 BB, 3 K, 102 P)
Series Tied 2-2

From atop the grandstand here at Tiger Stadium, this is Red Barber. Well, folks, we’ve got ourselves a tight one in this Field of Dreams series, and now it’s all even once again — the Baltimore 2013 Orioles have clipped the Detroit 1996 Tigers, 6 to 5, tying this best-of-seven at two games apiece on a brisk October night in Detroit.The Orioles came out swinging like a house afire, and they wasted no time. Adam Jones, that strong center fielder, gave the Birds a lift with a mighty three-run home run in the very first inning off Felipe Lira, putting Baltimore in control early. It was Jones again setting the tone — he added a single later to cap off his night, a fine bit of work under pressure. Matt Wieters and Brian Roberts chipped in with long balls of their own — Wieters with a two-run shot in the sixth, Roberts solo in the eighth — all of it adding up to just enough cushion for skipper Buck Showalter’s bullpen to hang on by their fingernails. And they needed every run, because this Detroit club didn’t go down without raising the roof. Down 6-1 heading into the bottom of the eighth, the Tigers roared to life with a pinch-hit two-run homer by Tony Clark, and Marcus Nieves followed with a blast of his own to make it a one-run ballgame. But when it mattered most, Pedro Strop came in to slam the door, coaxing a harmless grounder to seal the deal and preserve the win for Zack Britton, who turned in six gritty innings of three-hit ball, walking five but stranding Tiger after Tiger. The series now swings on a knife’s edge. The Baltimore bats have found their rhythm, but this Detroit lineup can thunder back in the blink of an eye — just ask Darren O’Day, who watched two baseballs sail into the seats in that wild eighth inning.
So, as these two clubs ready themselves for a pivotal Game 5 tomorrow night right here at Tiger Stadium, all tied up two games apiece, you can bet the chatter in the dugouts will be about tightening up that bullpen and cashing in those runners in scoring position.
That’s how it went — a back-and-forth affair under chilly October skies, with the wind blowing out and the nerves blowing in. From Tiger Stadium, this is Red Barber, signing off — we’ll see you tomorrow for what’s sure to be a hot one with this Field of Dreams series now all square!

Game 5
At Tiger Stadium
2013 Baltimore Orioles 1
1996 Detroit Tigers 8
WP: A. Sager (1-1) LP: W. Chen (1-1)
HR: C. Pride (2), T. Fryman (2)
POG: AJ Sager (8 IP, 5 H, 0 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 114 P)
1996 Tigers Lead Series 3-2

Well now, this old barnstorming Field of Dreams series takes another turn, folks. From the Motor City under clear skies and a brisk 46 degrees at Tiger Stadium, the 1996 Detroit Tigers rose up and roared in Game 5.
Behind the steady hand of A.J. Sager, the Tigers seized the moment and maybe the momentum. Sager, cool as the breeze blowing out to left, spun eight scoreless frames, scattering five Baltimore knocks while striking out six. He gave that old crowd something to cheer about, you can bet your bottom dollar on that.
Big Cecil Fielder knocked in three runs, showing the power that made him a terror in the ‘90s. Travis Fryman chipped in with a big fly of his own, and the Tigers made Wei-Yin Chen’s night a rough one, pounding him for six runs before the fourth was out. Detroit banged out thirteen hits, spread the damage around, and never let the Orioles breathe easy.
When the dust settled, Detroit 8, Baltimore 1. That puts the Tigers up three games to two, folks, as this tussle now packs up and rolls back east to Camden Yards. The Orioles faithful will be waiting, their boys with their backs against the barn wall. Chris Davis, Adam Jones and the rest of that Baltimore bunch better find their lumber in a hurry if they want this dream to last. Game 6 — Tuesday night under the lights in Baltimore — promises to be a barn burner. The Tigers can smell a series win. The Orioles, well, they’re lookin’ to make sure there’s still baseball come Game 7. From Tiger Stadium to Oriole Park we go. That’s the tale tonight. This is Red Barber, sayin’ so long for now, and we’ll see you back on the grass and under the lights for the next chapter in this Field of Dreams.

Game 6
At Camden Yards
1996 Detroit Tigers 8
2013 Baltimore Orioles 5
WP: O. Olivares (2-0) LP: M. Gonzalez (0-2) S: M. Myers (2)
HR: M. Nieves (4), C. Fielder (3), T. Fryman (3)
POG: Omar Olivares (6.1 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 6 K, 108 P)

Well, how do you like that, folks? Under the bright lights of Camden Yards on a crisp October evening, the Detroit Tigers of 1996 took matters into their own hands and wrapped up Series #213 with an 8 to 5 triumph over the Baltimore Orioles of 2013. That’s the old story in baseball — hit ‘em early, pitch ‘em late, and hold your breath in between.
The Tigers wasted no time tonight, jumping all over Baltimore starter Miguel Gonzalez for five runs in less than three innings. Cecil Fielder — oh, big Cecil, what a man he’s been all series long — belted a towering solo shot in the ninth, his third home run of the series, just to remind everyone who was boss. Travis Fryman wasn’t to be forgotten either, launching a two-run blast in the fifth, while Melvin Nieves got the fireworks going with a two-run homer of his own back in the third.
Omar Olivares, the veteran right-hander, got the ball for Detroit and turned in a gutty effort. He scattered five hits over six and a third innings, striking out six Orioles along the way. The Baltimore boys tried to make it interesting late — they pushed across three runs in the eighth with Matt Wieters doubling in two — but Mike Myers came in to shut the door in the ninth, earning his second save of the series.
For the Orioles, there was simply too much left undone. Eleven men stranded, three twin killings turned by the Tigers, and an outfield assist by Kimera Bartee to cut down Wieters at the plate — well, that’s how you end a season in heartbreak, I reckon.
And so it’s the Detroit 1996 Tigers who stand tall tonight, hoisting their first Field of Dreams crown, taking the series four games to two. Cecil Fielder, fittingly, walks away with the MVP honors, slugging three homers and driving in six over the six-game tilt.
There’ll be a parade down Michigan Avenue soon enough, but tonight these Tigers can roar in Baltimore all they please. They earned it fair and square — better bats, sharper gloves, and just enough pitching to make the difference. That’s baseball, folks. From Oriole Park at Camden Yards, this is Red Barber signing off — pull up a chair next time, and we’ll see who walks out of the cornfield next.

1996 Detroit Tigers Win Series 4 Games To 2

Series MVP:

(.440, 3 HR, 5 RBI, 4 R, .517 OBP, 1.357 OPS)

[Nick Soulis]

Series #214



1946 Chicago Cubs
Record: 82-71
Finish: 3rd in NL
Manager: Charlie Grimm
Ball Park: Wrigley Field
WAR Leader: Johnny Schmitz (5.2)
Franchise Record: 10-7
1946 Season Record: 2-1
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHC/1946.shtml

1949 Pittsburgh Pirates
Record: 71-83
Finish: 6th in NL
Manager: Billy Meyer
Ball Park: Forbes Field
WAR Leader: Ralph Kiner (8.1)
Franchise Record: 12-11
1949 Season Record: 3-2
Hall of Famers: (1)
https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/1949.shtml
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Harry Caray will be doing this series:

“Holy Cow! Welcome to beautiful Wrigley Field, everybody — it’s a perfect day for baseball, and we’re ready to kick off Series number 214 in the Field of Dreams with two old National League rivals, the 1946 Chicago Cubs and the 1949 Pittsburgh Pirates. You can feel the ghosts of Tinker, Evers, and Chance whisperin’ through the ivy today!

Now, these 1946 Cubs, they’re a scrappy bunch. They’re led by Phil Cavarretta, who’s just comin’ off an MVP season not long ago, and boy can he swing the bat and pick it over at first base. You’ve got Andy Pafko patrollin’ center field like a hawk — don’t even think about tagging up on ‘Handy Andy’! And don’t forget about Stan Hack — he’s as steady at third as they come.

On the bump, the Cubs have some arms that can fool ya — look out for Claude Passeau or Hank Wyse, whichever one gets the nod to start this opener. They’ll need to keep these Pirates honest, because this Pittsburgh club’s got some pop!

The 1949 Pirates bring in Ralph Kiner, the home run king of the National League. He’s got that big swing that could put one up onto Waveland Avenue if the wind’s blowin’ out. Wally Westlake’s got a good stick too, and Danny Murtaugh knows how to get on base and stir up some trouble on the paths.

Both these teams play gritty baseball, they’ll bunt, hit-and-run, steal a bag when you’re not lookin’. It’s gonna come down to who can keep the ball in the park and who can take advantage of these Wrigley winds.

So pull up a chair, grab a cold one, and settle in, folks. Cubs and Pirates, best-of-seven, the ghosts of the Friendly Confines are restless and ready. I’ll be right here with ya every step of the way.

Holy Cow! Let’s play ball!”
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Game 1
At Wrigley Field
1949 Pittsburgh Pirates.............1
1946 Chicago Cubs...................7
WP: J. Schmitz (1-0) LP: C. Chambers (0-1)
HR: None
POG: Johnny Schmitz (7.2 IP, 4 H, 0 ER, 5 BB, 4 K, 133 P)
1946 Cubs Lead Series 1-0

Holy Cow! What a beautiful day for baseball here at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, folks! I’m Harry Caray, and if you’re just tuning in — you missed a good ol’ fashioned Cubs win!
The Chicago Cubs of 1946 came out swingin’ today, toppling the 1949 Pittsburgh Pirates by a score of 7 to 1. Johnny Schmitz — oh, baby! — what a performance! Seven and two-thirds innings of crafty left-handed work, scattering just four hits and wriggling outta trouble like a magician. He’s our Player of the Game and boy, he earned every bit of that ovation from these North Side faithful. The Pirates actually struck first, puttin’ up a lone run in the opening frame, but after that? Zip! Nada! The Cubbies came right back in the bottom of the second with two runs, then added one more in the third, and tacked on insurance in the fifth and the seventh. Phil Cavarretta had himself a day, folks — two hits, two RBIs — and a big double that got this place rockin’. And how about Stan Hack? Two runs, two hits — the top of this Cubs lineup just kept pushin’ the pressure. On the other side, it was a rough go for Cliff Chambers and that Pirates defense — four errors today, you just can’t do that at Wrigley Field and expect to win.
This crowd of 38,832 braved that crisp October breeze and they were treated to an old-fashioned Wrigley Field victory, complete with that wind blowin’ out to right! So the Cubs take Game 1, leadin’ the series one game to none, and they’ll be right back at it tomorrow afternoon. If today’s any hint, the Pirates better tighten it up if they wanna head home with a split. This is Harry Caray sayin’ — Holy Cow! Cubs win, Cubs win! See you tomorrow at the ol’ ballpark!

Game 2
At Wrigley Field
1949 Pittsburgh Pirates 2
1946 Chicago Cubs 4
WP: P. Erickson (1-0) LP: B. Werle (0-1)
HR: W. Westlake (1)
POG: Paul Erickson (9 IP, 5 H, 2 ER, 2 BB, 7 K, 121 P)
1946 Cubs Lead Series 2-0

Holy cow! Hello everybody — Harry Caray here from beautiful Wrigley Field, where the Chicago Cubs of 1946 have just taken Game 2 of this Field of Dreams showdown, knocking off the Pittsburgh Pirates of 1949 by a score of 4 to 2.You know, folks, it was a bit of a rocky start — Paul Erickson gave up that two-run homer to Wally Westlake in the top of the first, and you could hear a pin drop in the bleachers. But did he let it rattle him? No sir! That ol’ right-hander buckled down, settled in, and threw a complete game gem — nine innings, seven strikeouts, and not a single Pirate crossed the plate after that first inning. That’s the kind of grit that makes you a hero on the North Side! And how about the Cubbies’ bats? Twelve hits on the day! Andy Pafko was flying around the bases — three hits for the kid, scoring two of the Cubs’ four runs. Stan Hack kept the line moving with a couple of knocks himself, and the big blows came late: Phil Cavarretta with a two-out RBI double in the fourth to get ‘em on the board, and then more two-out thunder in the fifth and sixth to push the Cubs ahead for good.
I gotta tip my hat to Bill Werle for the Pirates — the kid threw 138 pitches and battled all afternoon, but this Cubs lineup just kept finding holes. And now, with a 2-0 series lead, these North Siders are packing their bags for Pittsburgh, looking to slam the door at old Forbes Field.
So grab your peanuts, your Cracker Jack, and maybe a nice cold one — because this Field of Dreams series is heating up like a summer day on Addison Street. We’ll see you in Pittsburgh for Game 3! Holy cow!