History of the Mayor’s Trophy Game
By Mike Silva ~ March 25th, 2010. Filed under: Mike Silva, NY Baseball Memories.
I received an interesting email yesterday asking me about the history of the Mayor’s Trophy Game. I did some research and came across some information over at the Baseball Reference Bullpen.
As I am sure the long time fans remember, the Mayor’s Trophy Game a label given to an annual in-season exhibition game in New York City, was originally played between the New York Yankees and New York Giants. The Brooklyn Dodgers also participated.
When the Mets came around the games were revived in 1963 and the proceeds went to charity. The teams would alternate playing at Shea and Yankee Stadium. The first ever matchup was scheduled for June 5th, but had to be delayed two weeks because of a rainout. Eventually the Mets would win this game 6-2 with Jay Hook getting the victory. Attendance was outstanding as over 50,000 showed up. Yankees paranoia apparently started very early as Mets fans had their banners confiscated.
The attendance in the early years was tremendous (50,000 plus), but gradually declined and hitting a low of less than 10,000 in 1978. There were some interesting events such as Joe Pepitone’s homer (1966) which Ralph Kiner claims was the longest in the history of Shea, Graig Nettles alleged intentional error (1978), and complimentary “Perfect Man Permanent” hair treatments for Dave Kingman and Ed Kranepool.
The games would last until 1983 (there was a two year hiatus in 80-81). Overall the Yankees would win the series 10-8, with one tie (1979). Of course, the teams would meet in the regular season 14 years later in June of 1997.
I do remember exhibition games in 1989 and 1990. I found a newspaper clipping about the series, but not a record of the games. It was a home and home where they played at Yankee Stadium and Shea Stadium right before Opening Day 1989, which I remember the Yanks winning both games. I am also positive a young Yankees pitcher named Al Leiter pitched against the Mets at Shea and Darryl Strawberry hit a bomb into the right field porch at the Stadium.
Are there any fans out there that remember these games? If so, share some stories and moments.
March 25th, 2010 at 9:05 am
I attended the 1977 MT game at Shea, and all I remember is that the crowd was so small that the mezzanine and upper levels were closed – everybody sat in the field and loge levels. Lefty Bob Myrick pitched (I think he started) for the Mets and Jim “The Toy Cannon” Wynn, normally an OF/DH, played some 3B for the Yankees…
I also attended the exhibition games at Yankee Stadium in 1988 and ’89, but don’t remember much about them…
March 25th, 2010 at 10:18 am
I actually have a newspaper picture from the 1990 Mets Yankees game at Yankee Stadium. These games did happen.
April 1st, 2010 at 4:11 am
I remember going to the 1964 game at Shea Stadium. It was a pretty big crowd. Yankees won, 6-4 I think. I remember Yankee manager Yogi Berra put himself in the game as a pinch hitter and hit into a double play. The crowd chanted “We Want Casey” but the 75 year Ol’ Perfesser didn’t put himself in the game.
April 1st, 2010 at 9:10 am
The Mets and Yankees played a few spring training games in the New Orleans Superdome in 1980-81. Orders from Steinbrenner were to play for the kill. I remember Gossage coming in the 9th inning to protect the lead and blew Mookie Wilson away on three fastballs that Mookie didn’t even see.
April 24th, 2010 at 7:03 am
I sang in a choir at that game it was called “The Herald Tribune Fresh Air Fund Choir” that by itself sound ancient! I was in awe to be so close to Legends, and that funny looking other team…
April 24th, 2010 at 9:03 am
Now that you mention it, joe c, the Yankees were rather funny-looking…
August 28th, 2010 at 9:02 pm
I remember it was either in 1971 or 1972… the Mets’ pitchers that night combined for a no-hitter after 8 innings, and the Mets led 1-0. My friend and I, who were listening to the game on the radio, were celebrating after the Yanks went down in the 8th… wow, a no hitter going!
But the Yanks came back to score 2 runs in the 9th and won the game 2-1. Both the 71 and 72 games ended with that score, according to wiki, but I’m thinking the 1971 game was the near no-hitter.