Wood vs. Wood #122

Last time 1987 triumphed, 7-2. Who will come out on top this time?

Norm Bass with the KC A's hat, in front of the dugout at the old Yankee Stadium. It's always odd to me to see the A's not in green-and-gold. Bass has lived a life full of drama that might seem like it came straight out of a movie. In fact, a movie about Bass starring Terrence Howard was being planned before COVID hit. At the age of ten Bass nearly died from meningitis, even receiving the last rites at one point. He recovered, despite being blind and deaf for three months, eventually becoming a two-sport star at the University of the Pacific. Bass played baseball in the major leagues from 1961-1963, going 13-17 with a 5.32 ERA in 65 games. He played pro football in 1964, appearing in two games as a safety for the Denver Broncos. Unfortunately, his career in both sports was cut short by arthritis in 1965. Once again, Bass overcame a physical setback, taking up table tennis in the 1970s, eventually becoming a nationally ranked player and winning a Bronze Medal at the 2000 Paralympic Games. Bass is now retired and living in Inglewood, CA.

Jim Clancy is seen here firing off a pitch at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore. Clancy pitched twice in Baltimore in 1986, dominating the Orioles with a shutout each time. This is a day game so it must be April 27, an 8-0 Blue Jays romp. Clancy scattered nine hits and one walk and struck out four. An original Toronto Blue Jay, Clancy came up during the team's inaugural season in 1977 and stuck around for 12 years. His 127 wins and 1,237 strikeouts with the Blue Jays are both third all-time. He ended his career with Houston and Atlanta, going 140-167 with a 4.23 ERA. Clancy is now retired and living in Dunedin, FL.