Wood vs. Wood #305

Last time we had a close one, with 1987 eking out a 4-3 win. Will 1962 come out on top here?

Jerry Lumpe is framed by a bright blue sky. The A's wearing something other than green always throws me off. Infielder Lumpe (pronounced Lumpy) came up with the Yankees in 1956, and played in the '57 and '58 World Series. Unable to fully break into the mighty Yankees lineup, he was shipped to the A's in '59 as part of the trade that brought Ralph Terry and Hector Lopez to the Bronx. He had some solid seasons with the A's, and was dealt to Detroit in the Rocky Colavito trade after the '63 season. He was an All Star in '64, but age caught up to the 32-year-old infielder and he retired after three more mediocre season with Detroit. Overall in 1,371 games he hit .268 with 47 HR and 454 RBI. After his playing career he worked in banking and insurance. He died in 2014. Famous Yankee announcer Bob Sheppard once said in an interview that Lumpe was his least favorite name to announce. (His favorite, Jose Valdivielso, is a little farther into the '62 set.)

Brooklyn native John Franco is seen here pitching at Shea Stadium, the place he would call home for most of his career. Buddy Bell can be seen looking into his glove as Franco delivers, so this must be a warm-up pitch. This must be May 11, 1986. Pete Rose hit a three-run, bases-loaded single in the second inning, and starter Bill Gullickson and two relievers kept the mighty Mets in check, with the Reds bringing closer Franco into the game to start the eighth. Franco pitched two innings of no-hit ball, striking out three, to hand the Mets just their fifth loss against 20 wins. Franco was one of the premier closers in the National League in the 1980s and 1990s. Starting with the Reds in 1984, and signing with the hometown Mets in 1990, Franco lead the NL in saves three times, was a four-time All Star, and had 15 straight seasons of 10-or-more saves. Overall in 1,119 games (all in relief), Franco went 90-87 with 424 saves and a 2.89 ERA. Since his retirement Franco has stayed active making appearances for the Mets organization.