Gene Autry's costly cripples climb into the playoffs
The New York Mets had Marvelous Marv Throneberry, who once hit a triple and was called out for failing to touch both first base and second base. The Los Angeles (now California) Angels had to make do with Marv's brother Faye, whose sturdy incompetence lacked flair. Such distinctions make history. The expansionist Mets went on to develop a kind of loser's chic and a national reputation for lovably clubfooted play. The expansionist Angels, alas, were merely terrible.
Created in 1961, the Angels were quickly eclipsed by the...
To continue reading:
or
Log-In
