1962 Major League Baseball season

February 2024 1962 1962 MLB season American League (AL)National League (NL) Baseball Regular season: April 9 – September 30, 1962 (AL) April 9 – October 3, 1962 (NL)World Series: October 4–16, 1962 162 20 (10 per league) NBC, CBS Regular season AL: Mickey Mantle (NYY)NL: Maury Wills (LAD) Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award AL American League New York Yankees Minnesota Twins NL National League (baseball) San Francisco Giants Los Angeles Dodgers World Series 1962 World Series New York Yankees San Francisco Giants Ralph Terry (NYY) World Series Most Valuable Player Award List of N seasons MLB 1961 Major League Baseball season 1961 1963 Major League Baseball season 1963 The 1962 major league baseball season began on April 9, 1962. The regular season ended on October 3, with the San Francisco Giants and New York Yankees as the regular season champions of the National League and American League, respectively. The Giants defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in a regular season best-of-three tiebreaker, for the National League title in three games, after both teams finished their 162-game schedules with identical 101–61 records. This was the fifth regular season tie-breaker. The postseason began with Game 1 of the 59th World Series on October 4 and ended with Game 7 on October 16. In the seventh iteration of this World Series matchup, and their first since the Giants relocated to San Francisco from New York, the Yankees defeated the Giants, four games to three, capturing their 20th championship in franchise history, winning back-to-back World Series. For the fourth and final year, there were two separate All-Star Games played. The first, the 32nd All-Star Game, was held on July 11 at District of Columbia Stadium in Washington, D.C., home of the Washington Senators. The National League won, 3–1. The second, the 33rd All-Star Game, was held on July 31 at Wrigley Field in Chicago, Illinois, home of the Chicago Cubs. The American League won, 9–4. In response to the proposed Continental League, the National League announced expansion during the 1960 World Series, with a new team in Houston, Texas and a new team in New York City. The 1962 season would see the Houston Colt .45s and New York Mets enfranchised, the latter being the National League's return to New York City after a four-year absence. Schedule Major League Baseball schedule The 1962 schedule consisted of 162 games for all teams in the American League and National League, each of which had 10 teams. Each team was scheduled to play 18 games against the other nine teams of their respective league. The 162-game, 18 games per team format had previously been used by the American League since the previous season due to expansion and was the first season that the National League used it due to their own expansion. The format would be used until 1969. Opening Day took place on April 9, featuring four teams. The final day of the scheduled regular season was on October 1, which saw all 20 teams play, the first time all existing teams played on the final day since 1960. Due to the Los Angeles Dodgers and San Francisco Giants finishing with the same record of 101–61, a best-of-three tie-breaker was scheduled, to be considered an extension of the regular season, and took place between October 1 and October 3. The World Series took place between October 4 and October 16. Rule change The 1962 season saw the following rule change: The bonus rule, previously implemented from 1947–1950 and 1953–1957, was implemented for the third and final time (to be permanently rescinded in June 1965). This version of the rule was slightly different, allowing teams to only option to the minor leagues one first-year player. Additional players would be required to stay in the major leagues or pass through waivers. To claim a bonus player on waivers, a team must spend $8,000 (US 8000 1962 eq -2).Matthews Christopher 1961 Winter Meetings: The Mets, the Colt .45s, and Debating the Return of the Spitball https://sabr.org/journal/article/1961-winter-meetings-the-mets-the-colt-45s-and-debating-the-return-of-the-spitball/ 2025-07-16 Society for American Baseball Research Teams LeagueTeamCityBallparkCapacityManager1962 Major League Managers https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/1962-managers.shtml 2025-02-05 Baseball ReferenceAmerican League American LeagueBaltimore OriolesBaltimore, MarylandBaltimore Memorial Stadium49,373Billy HitchcockBoston Red SoxBoston, MassachusettsFenway Park33,357Pinky HigginsChicago White SoxChicago, IllinoisWhite Sox Park46,550Al LópezCleveland IndiansCleveland, OhioCleveland Stadium73,811Mel McGahaDetroit TigersDetroit, MichiganTiger Stadium52,850Bob ScheffingKansas City AthleticsKansas City, MissouriMunicipal Stadium34,165Hank BauerLos Angeles AngelsLos Angeles, CaliforniaDodger Stadiumfn1 Dodger Stadium was referred to as "Chavez Ravine Stadium" by the Angels during their tenure.56,000Bill RigneyMinnesota TwinsBloomington, MinnesotaMetropolitan Stadium39,525Sam MeleNew York YankeesNew York, New YorkYankee Stadium67,337Ralph HoukWashington SenatorsWashington, D.C.District of Columbia Stadium43,500Mickey VernonNational League National League (baseball) National LeagueChicago CubsChicago, IllinoisWrigley Field36,755College of CoachesCincinnati RedsCincinnati, OhioCrosley Field30,322Fred HutchinsonHouston Colt .45sHouston, TexasColt Stadium32,601Harry CraftLos Angeles DodgersLos Angeles, CaliforniaDodger Stadium56,000Walter AlstonMilwaukee BravesMilwaukee, WisconsinMilwaukee County Stadium43,768Birdie TebbettsNew York MetsNew York, New YorkPolo Grounds56,000Casey StengelPhiladelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia, PennsylvaniaConnie Mack Stadium33,608Gene MauchPittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh, PennsylvaniaForbes Field35,500Danny MurtaughSan Francisco GiantsSan Francisco, CaliforniaCandlestick Park42,553Alvin DarkSt. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis, MissouriBusch Stadium30,500Johnny Keane Standings start American League New York Yankees break National League San Francisco Giants end The San Francisco Giants defeated the Los Angeles Dodgers in a best-of-three tie-breaker series to earn the National League pennant. Tie games 3 tie games (1 in AL, 2 in NL), which are not factored into winning percentage or games behind (and were often replayed again) occurred throughout the season. start American League The Minnesota Twins and Washington Senators had one each. August 22, Minnesota Twins vs. Washington Senators, tied at 8 after 10 innings on account of curfew.Boxscore: Minnesota Twins 8, Washington Senators 8 https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1962/B08220MIN1962.htm 2026-04-30 Retrosheet break National League The Houston Colt .45s had two tie games. The New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals had one each. April 25, Houston Colt .45s vs. St. Louis Cardinals, tied at 5 after 17 innings on account of curfew.Boxscore: Houston Colt .45s 5, St. Louis Cardinals 5 https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1962/B04250HOU1962.htm 2026-04-30 Retrosheet September 9, Houston Colt .45s vs. New York Mets, tied at 7 after a shortened eight innings on account of 7:00 p.m. curfew.Boxscore: Philadelphia Phillies 7, San Francisco Giants 7 https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1961/B06280PHI1961.htm 2026-04-30 Retrosheet end Postseason 1962 Major League Baseball postseason The postseason began on October 1 and ended on October 16 with the New York Yankees defeating the San Francisco Giants in the 1962 World Series in seven games. Bracket National League playoff World Series AL NY Yankees 4 NL LA Dodgers 1 NL San Francisco 3 NL San Francisco 2 Managerial changes Off-season Team Former Manager New ManagerBaltimore Orioles Lum HarrisBilly HitchcockCleveland IndiansMel HarderMel McGahaHouston Colt .45sTeam enfranchisedHarry CraftNew York MetsTeam enfranchisedCasey Stengel In-season Team Former Manager New ManagerCleveland IndiansMel McGahaMel Harder League leaders American League start + Hitting leaders1962 American League Batting Leaders https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1962-batting-leaders.shtml 2025-02-05 Baseball-Reference.com en Stat Player Total AVG Pete Runnels (BOS) .326 OPS Mickey Mantle (NYY) 1.091 HR Harmon Killebrew (MIN) 48 RBI Harmon Killebrew (MIN) 126 R Albie Pearson (LAA) 115 H Bobby Richardson (NYY) 209 SB Luis Aparicio (CWS) 31 break + Pitching leaders1962 American League Pitching Leaders https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1962-pitching-leaders.shtml 2025-02-05 Baseball-Reference.com en Stat Player Total W Ralph Terry (NYY) 23 L Chuck Estrada (BAL)Ed Rakow (KCA) 17 ERA Hank Aguirre (DET) 2.21 K Camilo Pascual (MIN) 206 IP Ralph Terry (NYY) 298.2 SV Dick Radatz (BOS) 24 WHIP Hank Aguirre (DET) 1.051 end National League start + Hitting leaders1962 National League Batting Leaders https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1962-batting-leaders.shtml 2025-02-05 Baseball-Reference.com en Stat Player Total AVG Tommy Davis (LAD) .346 OPS Frank Robinson (CIN) 1.045 HR Willie Mays (SF) 49 RBI Tommy Davis (LAD) 153 R Frank Robinson (CIN) 134 H Tommy Davis (LAD) 230 SB Maury Wills (LAD) 104 break + Pitching leaders1962 National League Pitching Leaders https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1962-pitching-leaders.shtml 2025-02-05 Baseball-Reference.com en Stat Player Total W Don Drysdale (LAD) 25 L Roger Craig (NYM) 24 ERA Sandy Koufax (LAD) 2.54 K Don Drysdale (LAD) 232 IP Don Drysdale (LAD) 314.1 SV Roy Face (PIT) 28 WHIP Sandy Koufax (LAD) 1.036 end Milestones Batters Cycles List of Major League Baseball players to hit for the cycle Lou Clinton (BOS): Clinton hit for his first cycle and 13th in franchise history, on July 13 against the Kansas City Athletics.July 13, 1962 Boston Red Sox 11, Kansas City Athletics 10 http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1962/B07130KC11962.htm live https://web.archive.org/web/20150924132752/http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1962/B07130KC11962.htm September 24, 2015 September 11, 2011 Retrosheet.org Other batting accomplishments Earl Averill Jr. (LAA): Tied a Major League record by reaching base in 17 consecutive plate appearances between June 3 and 10, previously set by Piggy Ward in 1893.Effgen Max Earl Averill https://sabr.org/bioproj/person/earl-averill-2/ 2026-04-30 Society for American Baseball Research Bob Allison / Harmon Killebrew (MIN): Became the first duo to hit two grand slams in the same inning, in the midst of an 11-run first inning against the Cleveland Indians on July 18. Warren Spahn (MIL): Set a National League record for most career home runs by a pitcher by hitting his 35th home run on July 26 against the New York Mets.Warren Spahn career home runs https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/event_hr.cgi?id=spahnwa01&t=b May 29, 2012 Baseball-Reference.com Mickey Mantle (NYY): Became the seventh player in Major League history to hit 400 home runs in the fifth inning against the Detroit Tigers on September 10.Mickey Mantle Career Home Runs https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/event_hr.fcgi?id=mantlmi01&t=b 2026-05-04 Baseball-Reference.com enThosar Deesha Every member of the 400-HR club https://www.mlb.com/news/400-home-run-club-c279297150 2026-05-04 MLB.com en Pitchers No-hitters List of Major League Baseball no-hitters Bo Belinsky (LAA): Belinsky threw his first career no-hitter and first no-hitter in franchise history, by defeating the Baltimore Orioles 2–0 on May 5. Belinsky walked four, hitting two by pitch, and struck out nine.Baltimore Orioles vs Los Angeles Angels Box Score: May 5, 1962 https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAA/LAA196205050.shtml 2026-04-30 Baseball-Reference.com en Earl Wilson (BOS): Wilson threw his first career no-hitter and 12th no-hitter in franchise history, by defeating the Los Angeles Angels 2–0 on June 26. Wilson walked four and struck out five.Los Angeles Angels vs Boston Red Sox Box Score: June 26, 1962 https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BOS/BOS196206260.shtml 2026-04-30 Baseball-Reference.com en Sandy Koufax (LAD): Koufax threw his first career no-hitter and 14th no-hitter in franchise history, by defeating the New York Mets 5–0 on June 30. Koufax walked five and struck out 13, throwing 80 strikes on 138 pitches.New York Mets vs Los Angeles Dodgers Box Score: June 30, 1962 https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/LAN/LAN196206300.shtml 2026-04-30 Baseball-Reference.com en Bill Monbouquette (BOS): Monbouquette threw his first career no-hitter and 13th no-hitter in franchise history, by defeating the Chicago White Sox 1–0 on August 1. Monbouquette walked one and struck out seven.Boston Red Sox vs Chicago White Sox Box Score: August 1, 1962 https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHA/CHA196208010.shtml 2026-04-30 Baseball-Reference.com Jack Kralick (MIN): Kralick threw his first career no-hitter and third no-hitter in franchise history, by defeating the Kansas City Athletics 1–0 on August 26. Kralick walked one and struck out three.Kansas City Athletics vs Minnesota Twins Box Score: August 26, 1962 https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/MIN/MIN196208260.shtml 2026-04-30 Baseball-Reference.com en Other pitching accomplishments Sandy Koufax (LAD): Became the third player to strike out 18 batters in a modern Major League game (including his previous record in 1959) for most strikeouts in a single game in a 10–2 win against the Chicago Cubs on April 24.Los Angeles Dodgers vs Chicago Cubs Box Score: April 24, 1962 https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/CHN/CHN196204240.shtml 2026-05-14 Baseball-Reference.com en Tom Cheney (WAS): Set a Major League record (when including extra innings) for most strikeouts in a single game, throwing 21 strikeouts in a 16-inning 2–1 win against the Baltimore Orioles on September 12.Washington Senators vs Baltimore Orioles Box Score: September 12, 1962 https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/BAL/BAL196209120.shtml 2026-05-14 Baseball-Reference.com en Miscellaneous New York Yankees: Set a Major League record for most runs scored in the 22nd inning, by scoring two runs against the Detroit Tigers on September 1.DeRosa Theo The most runs scored in each inning, from the 1st to the 26th(!) https://www.mlb.com/news/mlb-most-runs-scored-in-each-inning 2026-04-20 MLB.com en New York Mets: Set the modern Major League record for most losses in a season on September 30 with 120. The previous record of 117 was set by the Philadelphia Athletics in 1916. Awards and honors thumb|right|250px|National League MVP Maury Wills Regular season Baseball Writers' Association of America Awards BBWAA Award National League American League Rookie of the Year Ken Hubbs (CHC) Tom Tresh (NYY) Cy Young Award Don Drysdale (LAD) — Most Valuable Player Maury Wills (LAD) Mickey Mantle (NYY)Babe Ruth Award(World Series MVP) — Ralph Terry (NYY)Gold Glove Awards Position National League American League Pitcher Bobby Shantz (STL/HOU) Jim Kaat (MIN) Catcher Del Crandall (MIL) Earl Battey (MIN) 1st Base Bill White (STL) Vic Power (MIN) 2nd Base Ken Hubbs (CHC) Bobby Richardson (NYY) 3rd Base Jim Davenport (SF) Brooks Robinson (BAL) Shortstop Maury Wills (LAD) Luis Aparicio (CWS)Outfield Bill Virdon (PIT) Jim Landis (CWS) Roberto Clemente (PIT) Al Kaline (DET) Willie Mays (SF) Mickey Mantle (NYY) Other awards Sport Magazine's World Series Most Valuable Player Award: Ralph Terry (NYY) The Sporting News Awards Award National League American League Player of the YearMajor League Player of the Year Award by The Sporting News https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snml.shtml 2025-01-14 Baseball Almanac Don Drysdale (LAD)Maury Wills (LAD) — Pitcher of the YearPitcher of the Year Award by The Sporting News https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snpy2.shtml 2025-01-14 Baseball Almanac Don Drysdale (LAD) Dick Donovan (CLE) Fireman of the Year(Relief pitcher)Fireman of the Year Award / Reliever of the Year Award by The Sporting News https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snfi.shtml 2025-01-14 Baseball Almanac Roy Face (PIT) Dick Radatz (BOS) Rookie of the YearRookie of the Year Award by The Sporting News https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snrp3.shtml 2025-01-14 Baseball Almanac Ken Hubbs (CHC) Tom Tresh (NYY) Manager of the YearManager of the Year Award by The Sporting News https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snmy.shtml 2025-01-14 Baseball Almanac — Bill Rigney (LAA) Executive of the YearMLB Executive of the Year Award https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_sney.shtml 2025-01-14 Baseball Almanac — Fred Haney (LAA) Monthly awards Player of the Month Major League Baseball Player of the Month Award Month National League May Bob Purkey (CIN) June Sandy Koufax (LAD) July Frank Howard (LAD) August Jack Sanford (SF) Baseball Hall of Fame National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Bob Feller Jackie Robinson Edd Roush Bill McKechnie (manager) 1962 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting Home field attendance Team nameWins%± Percent changeHome attendance%± Percent changePer game Average home attendance per gameLos Angeles DodgersLos Angeles Dodgers Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/LAD/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com10214.6%2,755,18452.7%33,195San Francisco GiantsSan Francisco Giants Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com10321.2%1,592,59414.5%19,422New York YankeesNew York Yankees Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com96 −11.9%1,493,574 −14.5%18,670Minnesota TwinsMinnesota Twins Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com9130.0%1,433,11614.0%17,477Detroit TigersDetroit Tigers Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com85 −15.8%1,207,881 −24.5%14,730Los Angeles AngelsLos Angeles Angels Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/ANA/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com8622.9%1,144,06389.6%14,124Chicago White SoxChicago White Sox Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHW/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com85 −1.2%1,131,562 −1.3%13,970Pittsburgh PiratesPittsburgh Pirates Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com9324.0%1,090,648 −9.0%13,465Cincinnati RedsCincinnati Reds Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CIN/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com985.4%982,095 −12.1%12,125St. Louis CardinalsSt. Louis Cardinals Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com845.0%953,89511.5%11,776Houston Colt .45sHouston Astros Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com64924,45611,274New York MetsNew York Mets Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYM/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com40922,53011,532Baltimore OriolesBaltimore Orioles Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BAL/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com77 −18.9%790,254 −16.9%9,637Milwaukee BravesAtlanta Braves Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/ATL/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com863.6%766,921 −30.4%9,468Philadelphia PhilliesPhiladelphia Phillies Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PHI/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com8172.3%762,03429.1%9,525Boston Red SoxBoston Red Sox Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com760.0%733,080 −13.8%9,279Washington SenatorsTexas Rangers Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TEX/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com60 −1.6%729,77522.2%9,122Cleveland IndiansCleveland Indians Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CLE/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com802.6%716,076 −1.3%8,840Kansas City AthleticsOakland Athletics Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/OAK/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com7218.0%635,675 −7.0%7,848Chicago CubsChicago Cubs Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors https://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHC/attend.shtml September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com59 −7.8%609,802 −9.4%7,528 Venues The 1962 season saw two new teams in the National League, and with it, one new venue and one returning venue: The Houston Colt .45s played at Colt Stadium, where they would play for three seasons through 1964. The New York Mets played at the Polo Grounds, where they would play for two seasons through 1963. The Polo Grounds (in all its iterations) were previously occupied by the New York Giants from 1891 through 1957 before their relocation to San Francisco, California as the San Francisco Giants. The 1962 season also saw three teams move into new venues: The Los Angeles Angels and Los Angeles Dodgers each moved into Dodger Stadium.fn1 The Angels, who previously played at Wrigley Field during their inaugural season the previous year, would play at Dodger Stadium for four seasons through 1965. The Dodgers, who previously played at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for four seasons, continue to play at Dodger Stadium to the present day. The Washington Senators open District of Columbia Stadium after playing at Griffith Stadium for their inaugural season the previous year. The team would play at District of Columbia Stadium for 10 seasons through 1971. Comiskey Park, home of the Chicago White Sox, renamed to White Sox Park. Media Television CBS and NBC continued to air weekend Game of the Week broadcasts. CBS dropped its Sunday broadcasts once the NFL season started in mid-September, dropping the option clause for affiliates to carry baseball or football in place since 1957.Brulia Tim A CHRONOLOGY OF PRO FOOTBALL ON TELEVISION: Part 1 http://profootballresearchers.com/archives/Website_Files/Coffin_Corner/26-03-1032.pdf Pro Football Researchers The All-Star Game, the National League tie-breaker series, and the World Series aired on NBC. Retired numbers Robin Roberts had his No. 36 retired by the Philadelphia Phillies on March 21. This was the first number retired by the team. See also 1962 in baseball (Events, Movies, Births, Deaths) 1962 Nippon Professional Baseball season Notes References External links 1962 Major League Schedule at Baseball Reference Category:Major League Baseball seasons Category:1962 in baseball