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Originally Posted by mr2686
Scott, those are great companion pieces. I had never heard about that speed test, let alone seen a ticket from that game. Nice!
By the way...odd how Feller's and Ryan's speed test were on the same date (Aug 20th).
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Thanks Mike! I've thought the same about the coincidence on the 8/20 dates for both Ryan and Feller. I attended the Ryan 8/20/74 game in Anaheim. Ironically, I caught my first foul ball in this game. A Nolan Ryan pitch fouled off by Ron Leflore. Ryan's 108.1 MPH victim (measured by todays measurement standard) was Leflore. He fanned him 4 times in this game that he struck out 19 batters (Ron Leflore was K # 19 too!), but lost to Mickey Lolich and the Tigers 1-0 in extra innings (I think it went 10 innings). Tough loss- yikes!
Another irony: I believe 1946 was Feller's best year and I believe that statistics bear this out. 348 K's, a no-hitter against and unbelieveable Yankees lineup featuring Joe D., 26 wins, 10 shutouts and a miserly 2.18 ERA. He pitched on 8/20 after the speed test (held before the game started) and lost his game as well.
