1964 Major League Baseball season

February 2024 1964 1964 MLB season American League (AL)National League (NL) Baseball Regular season: April 13 – October 4, 1964World Series: October 7–15, 1964 162 20 (10 per league) NBC, CBS Regular season AL: Brooks Robinson (BAL)NL: Ken Boyer (STL) Major League Baseball Most Valuable Player Award AL New York Yankees Chicago White Sox NL St. Louis Cardinals Philadelphia Phillies and Cincinnati Reds World Series 1964 World Series St. Louis Cardinals New York Yankees Bob Gibson (STL) World Series Most Valuable Player Award List of MLB seasons MLB 1963 Major League Baseball season 1963 1965 Major League Baseball season 1965 The 1964 major league baseball season began on April 13, 1964. The regular season ended on October 4, with the St. Louis Cardinals and New York Yankees as the regular season champions of the National League and American League, respectively. The postseason began with Game 1 of the 61st World Series on October 7 and ended with Game 7 on October 15. In the fifth iteration of this World Series matchup, the Cardinals defeated the Yankees, four games to three, capturing their seventh championship in franchise history, since their previous in 1946. As of 2024, the Cardinals are the only National League team to have an edge over the Yankees in series played (3–2), despite holding a losing record in World Series games against them (13–15). Going into the season, the defending World Series champions were the Los Angeles Dodgers from the 1963 season. The 35th All-Star Game was held on July 7 at Shea Stadium in New York, New York, home of the New York Mets. The National League won, 7–4. This season is often remembered for the end of the New York Yankees' third dynasty, as they won their 29th American League Championship in 44 seasons. Schedule Major League Baseball schedule The 1964 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. This continued the format put in place by the American League since the 1961 season and by the National League since the 1962 season, and would be used until 1969. Opening Day took place on April 13, featuring four teams. The final day of the regular season was on October 4, which saw 18 teams play. The World Series took place between October 7 and October 15. Rule changes The 1964 season saw the following rule changes: In an attempt to help bolster the four expansion teams, (Houston Colt .45s, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, and Washington Senators), they were permitted to farm out four first-year players in addition to what all other sixteen teams could do. These four additional players did not count in each team's player roster, nor would the teams risk losing said players on waivers. The rules for the other sixteen teams limited the number of players to one.Jones Chris 1963 Winter Meetings: No Little League Bats Allowed – Society for American Baseball Research https://sabr.org/journal/article/1963-winter-meetings-no-little-league-bats-allowed/ 2025-07-16 en-US Colored bats, unless approved by the Rules Committee, were banned.Rules History https://www.retrosheet.org/rules/rules.htm 2025-07-17 www.retrosheet.org Teams LeagueTeamCityBallparkCapacityManager1964 Major League Managers https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/majors/1964-managers.shtml 2025-02-05 Baseball-Reference.com enAmerican League American LeagueBaltimore OriolesBaltimore, MarylandBaltimore Memorial Stadium51,991Hank BauerBoston Red SoxBoston, MassachusettsFenway Park33,357Johnny PeskyBilly HermanChicago White SoxChicago, IllinoisWhite Sox Park46,550Al LópezCleveland IndiansCleveland, OhioCleveland Stadium73,811George Strickland baseballBirdie TebbettsDetroit TigersDetroit, MichiganTiger Stadium53,089Chuck DressenKansas City AthleticsKansas City, MissouriMunicipal Stadium34,165Ed LopatMel McGahaLos Angeles AngelsLos Angeles, CaliforniaDodger StadiumDodger Stadium was referred to as "Chavez Ravine Stadium" by the Angels during their tenure.56,000Bill RigneyMinnesota TwinsBloomington, MinnesotaMetropolitan Stadium40,073Sam MeleNew York YankeesNew York, New YorkYankee Stadium67,337Yogi BerraWashington SenatorsWashington, D.C.District of Columbia Stadium43,500Gil HodgesNational League National League (baseball) National LeagueChicago CubsChicago, IllinoisWrigley Field36,755Bob KennedyCincinnati RedsCincinnati, OhioCrosley Field29,603Fred HutchinsonDick SislerHouston Colt .45sHouston, TexasColt Stadium33,010Harry CraftLum HarrisLos Angeles DodgersLos Angeles, CaliforniaDodger Stadium56,000Walter AlstonMilwaukee BravesMilwaukee, WisconsinMilwaukee County Stadium43,768Bobby BraganNew York MetsNew York, New YorkShea Stadium55,300Casey 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 St. Louis Cardinals end Tie games 6 tie games (4 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 Cleveland Indians and New York Yankees had two tie games each. The Baltimore Orioles, Detroit Tigers, Kansas City Athletics, and Minnesota Twins had one each. May 13, Detroit Tigers vs. New York Yankees, tied at 1 after a shortened six innings due to rain. 36 minute rain delay began during first at bat of the top of the seventh, which was negated.Retrosheet Boxscore: Detroit Tigers 1, New York Yankees 1 https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1964/B05130DET1964.htm 2026-05-01 www.retrosheet.org June 22, Minnesota Twins vs. Cleveland Indians, tied at 8 during the top of the 11th inning due to rain.Retrosheet Boxscore: Minnesota Twins 8, Cleveland Indians 8 https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1964/B06220MIN1964.htm 2026-05-01 www.retrosheet.org July 4, Baltimore Orioles vs. Kansas City Athletics, tied at 6 after nine innings on account of curfew.Retrosheet Boxscore: Baltimore Orioles 6, Kansas City Athletics 6 https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1964/B07040BAL1964.htm 2026-05-01 www.retrosheet.org July 12, Cleveland Indians vs. New York Yankees, tied at 2 after a shortened game in the middle of the seventh inning due to rain.Retrosheet Boxscore: Cleveland Indians 2, New York Yankees 2 https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1964/B07120CLE1964.htm 2026-05-01 www.retrosheet.org break National League The Los Angeles Dodgers had two tie games. The Cincinnati Reds and New York Mets had one each. May 28, Cincinnati Reds vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, tied at 2 after 17 innings on account of curfew.Retrosheet Boxscore: Cincinnati Reds 2, Los Angeles Dodgers 2 https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1964/B05280CIN1964.htm 2026-05-01 www.retrosheet.org June 7, New York Mets vs. Los Angeles Dodgers, tied at 1 after a shortened five innings due to rain. Game called after 64 minute rain delay.Retrosheet Boxscore: New York Mets 1, Los Angeles Dodgers 1 (2) https://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1964/B06072NYN1964.htm 2026-05-01 www.retrosheet.org end Postseason The postseason began on October 7 and ended on October 15 with the St. Louis Cardinals defeating the New York Yankees in the 1964 World Series in seven games. Bracket World Series AL New York Yankees 3 NL St. Louis Cardinals 4 Managerial changes Off-season Team Former Manager New ManagerBaltimore Orioles Billy HitchcockHank BauerCleveland IndiansBirdie TebbettsGeorge StricklandNew York YankeesRalph HoukYogi Berra In-season Team Former Manager New ManagerBoston Red SoxJohnny PeskyBilly HermanCincinnati RedsFred HutchinsonDick SislerCleveland IndiansGeorge StricklandBirdie TebbettsHouston Colt .45sHarry CraftLum HarrisKansas City AthleticsEd LopatMel McGaha League leaders American League start + Hitting leaders1964 American League Batting Leaders https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1964-batting-leaders.shtml 2025-02-05 Baseball-Reference.com en Stat Player Total AVG Tony Oliva (MIN) .323 OPS Mickey Mantle (NYY) 1.015 HR Harmon Killebrew (MIN) 49 RBI Brooks Robinson (BAL) 118 R Tony Oliva (MIN) 109 H Tony Oliva (MIN) 217 SB Luis Aparicio (BAL) 57 break + Pitching leaders1964 American League Pitching Leaders https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/AL/1964-pitching-leaders.shtml 2025-02-05 Baseball-Reference.com en Stat Player Total W Dean Chance (LAA)Gary Peters (CWS) 20 L Diego Seguí (KCA) 17 ERA Dean Chance (LAA) 1.65 K Al Downing (NYY) 217 IP Dean Chance (LAA) 278.1 SV Dick Radatz (BOS) 29 WHIP Joe Horlen (CWS) 0.935 end National League start + Hitting leaders1964 National League Batting Leaders https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1964-batting-leaders.shtml 2025-02-05 Baseball-Reference.com en Stat Player Total AVG Roberto Clemente (PIT) .339 OPS Willie Mays (SF) .990 HR Willie Mays (SF) 47 RBI Ken Boyer (STL) 119 R Dick Allen (PHI) 125 H Roberto Clemente (PIT)Curt Flood (STL) 211 SB Maury Wills (LAD) 53 break + Pitching leaders1964 National League Pitching Leaders https://www.baseball-reference.com/leagues/NL/1964-pitching-leaders.shtml 2025-02-05 Baseball-Reference.com en Stat Player Total W Larry Jackson (CHC) 24 L Tracy Stallard (NYM) 20 ERA Sandy Koufax (LAD) 1.74 K Bob Veale (PIT) 250 IP Don Drysdale (LAD) 321.1 SV Hal Woodeshick (HOU) 23 WHIP Sandy Koufax (LAD) 0.928 end Milestones Batters Cycles List of Major League Baseball players to hit for the cycle Jim King (WAS): King hit for his first cycle and first in franchise history, on May 26 against the Boston Red Sox.http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1964/B05260BOS1964.htm Boston Red Sox 3, Washington Senators 2 May 26, 1964 Retrosheet.org September 11, 2011 September 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133548/http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1964/B05260BOS1964.htm live Ken Boyer (STL): Boyer hit for his second cycle, 13th in franchise history, and eighth natural cycle in major league history, on June 16 against the Houston Colt .45s.http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1964/B06160HOU1964.htm St. Louis Cardinals 7, Houston Colt .45s 1 June 16, 1964 Retrosheet.org September 11, 2011 September 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133554/http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1964/B06160HOU1964.htm live Willie Stargell (PIT): Stargell hit for his first cycle and 18th in franchise history, on July 22 against the St. Louis Cardinals.http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1964/B07220SLN1964.htm Pittsburgh Pirates 13, St. Louis Cardinals 2 July 22, 1964 Retrosheet.org September 11, 2011 September 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133600/http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1964/B07220SLN1964.htm live Jim Fregosi (LAA): Fregosi hit for his first cycle and first in franchise history, on July 28 against the New York Yankees.http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1964/B07280LAA1964.htm Los Angeles Angels 3, New York Yankees 1 July 28, 1964 Retrosheet.org September 11, 2011 September 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150924133604/http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/1964/B07280LAA1964.htm live Other batting accomplishments Tony Oliva / Bob Allison / Jimmie Hall / Harmon Killebrew (MIN): Became the third group of players to hit four consecutive home runs in the 11th inning on May 2 against the Kansas City Athletics.Eagle Ed Teams that have hit four straight home runs https://www.mlb.com/news/four-straight-home-runs-in-a-game-c268169128 2026-04-30 MLB.com en Bert Campaneris (KCA): Became the third player to hit two home runs in his Major League debut on July 23 against the Minnesota Twins, hitting a home runs in the first and seventh innings."Kansas City Athletics 4, Minnesota Twins 3." Retrosheet box score (July 23, 1964).Players to homer twice in their regular-season debuts https://www.mlb.com/news/players-to-hit-two-home-runs-in-mlb-debuts 2026-04-22 MLB.com en Pitchers Perfect games List of Major League Baseball perfect games Jim Bunning (PHI) Pitched the seventh perfect game in major league history and the first in franchise history in game one of a doubleheader on June 21 against the New York Mets. Bunning threw 89 pitches, 68 for strikes, and struck out 10 in the 6–0 victory.Philadelphia Phillies vs New York Mets Box Score: June 21, 1964 https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/NYN/NYN196406211.shtml 2026-05-06 Baseball-Reference.com en No-hitters List of Major League Baseball no-hitters Ken Johnson (HOU): Johnson threw his first career no-hitter and the second no-hitter in franchise history, in a 1–0 loss to the Cincinnati Reds on April 23. He walked two and struck out nine. This was the first instance of a team throwing a no-hitter but still losing the game.Cincinnati Reds vs Houston Colt .45s Box Score: April 23, 1964 https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/HOU/HOU196404230.shtml 2026-05-06 Baseball-Reference.com en Sandy Koufax (LAD): Koufax threw his third career no-hitter and the 16th no-hitter in franchise history, by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies 3–0 on June 4. He walked one and struck out 12, throwing 68 strikes on 97 pitches.Los Angeles Dodgers vs Philadelphia Phillies Box Score: June 4, 1964 https://www.baseball-reference.com/boxes/PHI/PHI196406040.shtml 2026-05-06 Baseball-Reference.com en Miscellaneous San Francisco Giants: Set a major league record for most runs scored in the 23th inning, by scoring two runs against the New York Mets in game two of a doubleheader 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 Awards and honors Regular season Baseball Writers' Association of America Awards BBWAA Award National League American League Rookie of the Year Dick Allen (PHI) Tony Oliva (MIN) Cy Young Award — Dean Chance (LAA) Most Valuable Player Ken Boyer (STL) Brooks Robinson (BAL) Babe Ruth Award(World Series MVP) Bob Gibson (STL) —Gold Glove Awards Position National League American League Pitcher Bobby Shantz (PHI/CHC/STL) Jim Kaat (MIN) Catcher Johnny Edwards (CIN) Elston Howard (NYY) 1st Base Bill White (STL) Vic Power (PHIPower was traded from the Angels to NL team Philadelphia Phillies on September 9, 1964.Vic Power Stats, Height, Weight, Position, Rookie Status & More https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/p/powervi01.shtml 2025-01-21 Baseball-Reference.com en/LAA/MIN) 2nd Base Bill Mazeroski (PIT) Bobby Richardson (NYY) 3rd Base Ron Santo (CHC) Brooks Robinson (BAL) Shortstop Rubén Amaro (PHI) Luis Aparicio (BAL)Outfield Roberto Clemente (PIT) Vic Davalillo (CLE) Curt Flood (STL) Al Kaline (DET) Willie Mays (SF) Jim Landis (CWS) Other awards Sport Magazine's World Series Most Valuable Player Award: Bob Gibson (STL) The Sporting News Awards Award National League American League Player of the YearMajor League Player of the Year Award by The Sporting News Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snml.shtml 2025-01-14 www.baseball-almanac.com Ken Boyer (STL) — Pitcher of the YearPitcher of the Year Award by The Sporting News Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snpy2.shtml 2025-01-14 www.baseball-almanac.com Sandy Koufax (LAD) Dean Chance (LAA) Fireman of the YearFireman of the Year Award / Reliever of the Year Award by The Sporting News Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snfi.shtml 2025-01-14 www.baseball-almanac.com(Relief pitcher) Al McBean (PIT) Dick Radatz (BOS) Rookie Player of the YearRookie Player of the Year Award by The Sporting News Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snrp2.shtml 2025-01-14 www.baseball-almanac.com Dick Allen (PHI) Tony Oliva (MIN) Rookie Pitcher of the YearRookie Pitcher of the Year Award by The Sporting News Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snrp.shtml 2025-01-14 www.baseball-almanac.com Billy McCool (CIN) Wally Bunker (BAL) Manager of the YearManager of the Year Award by The Sporting News Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_snmy.shtml 2025-01-14 www.baseball-almanac.com Johnny Keane (STL) — Executive of the YearMLB Executive of the Year Award Baseball Almanac https://www.baseball-almanac.com/awards/aw_sney.shtml 2025-01-14 www.baseball-almanac.com Bing Devine (STL) — Monthly awards Player of the Month Major League Baseball Player of the Month Award Month National League May Billy Williams (CHC) June Jim Bunning (PHI) July Ron Santo (CHC) August Frank Robinson (CIN) September Bob Gibson (STL) Baseball Hall of Fame National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum Luke Appling Red Faber Burleigh Grimes Tim Keefe Heinie Manush John Montgomery Ward Miller Huggins (manager) 1964 Baseball Hall of Fame balloting Home field attendance Team nameWins%± Percent changeHome attendance%± Percent changePer game Average home attendance per gameLos Angeles Dodgershttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/LAD/attend.shtml Los Angeles Dodgers Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com80 −19.2%2,228,751 −12.2%27,515New York Metshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYM/attend.shtml New York Mets Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com533.9%1,732,59760.4%21,129San Francisco Giantshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/SFG/attend.shtml San Francisco Giants Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com902.3%1,504,364 −4.3%18,572Philadelphia Phillieshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PHI/attend.shtml Philadelphia Phillies Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com925.7%1,425,89157.2%17,604New York Yankeeshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/NYY/attend.shtml New York Yankees Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com99 −4.8%1,305,638 −0.3%16,119Chicago White Soxhttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHW/attend.shtml Chicago White Sox Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com984.3%1,250,0537.9%15,433Minnesota Twinshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/MIN/attend.shtml Minnesota Twins Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com79 −13.2%1,207,514 −14.2%14,726St. Louis Cardinalshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/STL/attend.shtml St. Louis Cardinals Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com930.0%1,143,294 −2.3%14,115Baltimore Orioleshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BAL/attend.shtml Baltimore Orioles Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com9712.8%1,116,21544.1%13,612Milwaukee Braveshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/ATL/attend.shtml Atlanta Braves Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com884.8%910,91117.8%11,246Boston Red Soxhttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/BOS/attend.shtml Boston Red Sox Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com72 −5.3%883,276 −6.3%10,905Cincinnati Redshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CIN/attend.shtml Cincinnati Reds Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com927.0%862,4660.4%10,518Detroit Tigershttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/DET/attend.shtml Detroit Tigers Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com857.6%816,139 −0.7%9,953Los Angeles Angelshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/ANA/attend.shtml Los Angeles Angels Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com8217.1%760,439 −7.4%9,388Pittsburgh Pirateshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/PIT/attend.shtml Pittsburgh Pirates Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com808.1%759,496 −3.1%9,376Chicago Cubshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CHC/attend.shtml Chicago Cubs Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com76 −7.3%751,647 −23.3%9,280Houston Colt .45shttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/HOU/attend.shtml Houston Astros Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com660.0%725,7730.9%8,960Cleveland Indianshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/CLE/attend.shtml Cleveland Indians Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com790.0%653,29316.1%7,967Kansas City Athleticshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/OAK/attend.shtml Oakland Athletics Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com57 −21.9%642,478 −15.7%7,932Washington Senatorshttps://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/TEX/attend.shtml Texas Rangers Attendance, Stadiums and Park Factors September 8, 2020 Baseball-Reference.com6210.7%600,10612.0%7,409 Venues The New York Mets leave the Polo Grounds (where they played for two seasons) and open Shea Stadium (with the AFL's New York Jets) where they would go on to play 45 seasons through 2008. Excluding 1958–1961, the time in which there was no National League New York team (following the relocation of the New York Giants to San Francisco, California), this marked the first season to not see any iteration of the Polo Grounds not feature a major-league team since 1882, the season prior to founding of the Giants. The Houston Colt .45s would play their final game at Colt Stadium on September 27 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, moving into the Houston Astrodome (as the Houston Astros) for the start of the 1965 season. Media Television CBS and NBC aired weekend Game of the Week broadcasts. Although it had been three years since the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 was passed to authorize sports leagues to enter into television contracts that "pooled" the TV rights of all their teams, MLB still operated under the older system where the networks purchased the regular season rights to individual clubs. By 1964, CBS paid $895,000 total for the rights to six teams, with the New York Yankees getting a $550,000 share. The six clubs that exclusively played nationally televised games on NBC were paid $1.2 million total.Baseball Gets Slightly More for TV Rights Chicago Tribune Tribune Publishing B2 February 25, 1964 The All-Star Game and World Series aired on NBC. Retired numbers Fred Hutchinson had his No. 1 retired by the Cincinnati Reds on October 19. This was the first number retired by the team (aside from the temporary, two-season retired No. 5 of Willard Hershberger). See also 1964 in baseball (Events, Births, Deaths) 1964 Nippon Professional Baseball season Notes References External links 1964 Major League Schedule at Baseball Reference Category:Major League Baseball seasons Category:1964 in baseball