RIP -Bob Feller passes away

[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).

[Scott Garner]

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).

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.