1962 NLCS Game 7: Maury Wills' Stolen Base
The 1962 pennant race ended in a tie, and the Dodgers were defeated by the archrival Giants in the tie-breaking playoff.
The 1962 National League pennant race ended in a tie, and the Dodgers were defeated by the archrival Giants in the tie-breaking playoff.
- Series Result
- San Francisco Giants win 2 games to 1
- Location
- Candlestick Park, San Francisco
- Date
- October 3, 1962
- Key Player
- Willie McCovey (First Baseman)
- Series MVP
- Not Awarded
Lore & Background
The 1962 pennant race ended in a tie, and the Dodgers were defeated by the archrival Giants in the tie-breaking playoff.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Polo Grounds hung heavy with humidity and the weight of history as the ninth innings dragged on. Maury Wills crouched at first base, his eyes locked on pitcher Jack Sanford's motion, carrying the entire season on his shoulders. The crowd roared—a deafening wall of hope and dread from both sides. As Sanford delivered the pitch, Wills exploded toward home plate, a blue-and-white blur defying logic. But Willie McCovey was waiting. The ball arrived with a sharp crack against the mitt, and the tag found its mark before Wills could slide into safety. A collective gasp sucked the air from the stadium as the umpire's arm shot up: 'Out.' In an instant, the dream of Los Angeles' first pennant evaporated on the dirt.
Did You Know?
- The 1962 pennant race ended in a tie, and the Dodgers were defeated by the archrival Giants in the tie-breaking playoff.
- Maury Wills led the league in stolen bases every year from 1960 to 1965, and set a modern record with 104 thefts in 1962.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is involved in the iconic 1962 NLCS Game 7 moment featuring Maury Wills?
This pivotal moment centers on Dodgers shortstop Maury Wills during a desperate attempt to steal home plate against his crosstown rivals, the San Francisco Giants. The game took place at the Polo Grounds in New York City and served as the series-deciding contest between these two historic franchises.
What was the specific action that defined this Game 7 encounter?
The defining play was a controversial stolen base attempt by Maury Wills that ultimately failed to secure a win for Los Angeles. This single, high-stakes move sealed a heartbreaking loss for the Dodgers in the final moments of the series.
How did the story of the 1962 NLCS conclude?
The San Francisco Giants defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers three games to two to claim the National League pennant. The series ended on October 10, 1962, with Willie McCovey earning MVP honors after his team overcame a valiant effort from the Dodgers.
Why is this specific match considered so important in Dodgers history?
It stands as one of the most dramatic and painful chapters for the franchise because it occurred on the brink of glory against their fiercest local rival. The memory of that failed play cemented the game as an iconic, yet tragic, reminder of a championship slipping away.
Where and when did this legendary Game 7 take place?
The decisive seventh game was played on October 10, 1962, at the historic Polo Grounds in New York City. This neutral site hosted the final clash that determined which team would advance to the World Series.
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