[Archive]

Posted By: Ted Zanidakis

In the Fall of 1949, as an 11 year old kid, my hero for life was Johnny Lindell. In the final weekend of the season it was "do or die" for
the Yankees playing the Red Sox. The Red Sox came into Yankee Stadium on Oct 1st, one game ahead in the standings. In the 8th in-
ning it was tied 4-4 when Lindell came to bat. One powerful swing by Johnny sent the ball sailing into the left-field stands to win it for
New York. That dramatic HR is clear in my mind....as if Lindell hit it yesterday. The Yankees went on to win 5 consecutive World Cham-
pionships (1949-53).

Lindell finished his career as a knuckleball pitcher in 1954....he started as a pitcher with the Yankees in 1941. Mgr. McCarthy converted
him into an outfielder to take advantage of his hitting power.




1949........JOHNNY LINDELL..........................................J OE PAGE...................................JOE DiMAGGIO