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Dave SI think there are so many various accounts of what really happened that no one has ever documented who was coaching 1st. Did Evers actually use a 2nd ball? Did McGinnity actually pick up the ball and throw it into the stands? Did the fan that caught McGinnity's throw actually get mugged by 2 Cubs, Harry Steinfeldt and Floyd Kroh? Was Matty being hoisted on the shoulders of Giant fans or dashing into the clubhouse to retrieve Merkle? SO MANY stories of the fabled "Boner"...so many variations as well...all most as many noted "truisms" as the Babe calling His shot..
A couple things often overlooked. 19 yr old rookie Merkle was actually making the 1st start of his career, for Fred Tenney who had a bum ankle (also the 1st game Tenney had missed that season!). Merkle went on to play 14 years...and in 5 World Series..and LOST all 5. Supposedly became somewhat of a recluse and retired "to go fishing" in Fla.
Another "neat" fact of that game...while all the commotion was taking place, the Cub clubhouse was ransacked...the team valuable bag (cash and jewelry) was lifted to the tune of about $6k...pretty big money in '08!!