Editorials

Flashback Friday: Bats Swung During Dodgers-Giants Brawl In 1965

On August 22, 1965, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced the San Francisco Giants at Candlestick Park as the two teams were amidst an extremely competitive pennant race. The Dodgers had won the first two of the three-game series against the Giants and were 1.5 games in front of their division rivals in the NL West. Hall of Fame pitcher Juan Marichal took the mound for the Giants and faced off against the legendary Sandy Koufax.



The Dodgers had a 1-0 lead heading into the second inning, and Marichal was anything but pleased after giving up a base hit bunt to Maury Wills who eventually scored for the Dodgers later in the first inning. With just one out and tensions already high, the Giants starter gave up a double to first baseman Wes Parker that was followed by an RBI single from Johnny Roseboro which gave the Dodgers the early 2-0 edge. As Wills made his way back to the plate, Marichal threw a bullet of a fastball high and tight to the Dodgers leadoff hitter, and Koufax retaliated with a fastball over Willie Mays’ head in the bottom of the inning.

Marichal nearly nailed Wills with an inside pitch in the third inning, and both teams received a warning. As Koufax faced Marichal in the bottom of the third, Roseboro threw the ball inches away from the batter’s face, and in that moment, a brawl broke loose. The Giants starter begun to whale his bat above Roseboro’s head, and the benches and bullpens cleared as the two team’s ensued in one of the most intense brawls in baseball history.

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