Today in Marion Mets history: Nolan Ryan strikes out 11 in Marion
Also: ‘It knocked the catcher’s glove off!’
Marion Mets Newsletter – Issue 17
Hey, there, it’s been a few weeks since I last sent out a story – life and work sometimes get in the way of fun stuff, ya know – but I have been updating the Marion Mets Facebook page, mostly with “This Day in Marion Mets History” posts. If you’re following the Facebook page, thanks! If you haven’t seen it, check it out here, and hit the Like button. And, feel free to ask questions. I love questions!
Today, July 27, I’ve posted a couple of those “this-day-in-history” items, including one about Nolan Ryan striking out almost a dozen batters in a game played in Marion. (Where you among the 721 people in attendance?)
I’ve included those items below for quick reading.
Poll question
A few months ago, I drafted a story – a long story – about my brief phone interview with Nolan Ryan and why it took me 21 years to get the interview. After I wrote the story, it seemed a little self-indulgent, so I never posted it. It’s just sitting here on my laptop feeling neglected.
I love reading those sorts of inside-the-research stories, but I may be in the minority. My question is: Do you want to read it? Should I post it? I’ll let you vote below. (I’ve been waiting for a reason to use Substack’s polling feature! I’m interested to see how it works.) Thanks a bunch! — Chad
This Day in Marion Mets History
July 27, 1965
On this date in 1965, Marion pitcher Nolan Ryan struck out 11 hitters to help the Mets take a 7-5 win over the Harlan Red Sox in front of 721 fans at Marion Stadium. (Only 721 fans? Blame it on the rain!)
The win propelled Marion into first place in the Appalachian League for the first time in the ’65 season. The Mets scored four runs in the bottom of the seventh inning, thanks in part to Frank Pickens’ three-run home run. Pickens led Marion with eight home runs in 1965. Steve Renko, who later played in the major leagues with the Montreal Expos and a few other teams, had seven home runs that season for Marion.
July 27, 1973
On this date (July 27, 1973) in Marion Mets history, Part II: Pitcher Dave Klenda struck out eight Johnson City Yankees and smacked a solo home run in the eighth inning to help the Mets to a 3-1 in Marion. Klenda, who was born in Hillsboro, Kansas, pitched righthanded and batted lefthanded. He won six games and lost only one for Marion in ’73, and sported a spectacular 1.64 ERA through 10 games.
Klenda advanced his baseball career as far as Triple A, pitching for Tidewater in 1976, but never made it to the major leagues. Those of you who followed Major League Baseball in the 80s may remember the names Mike Heath, who played for the Oakland A’s and few other teams, and Garth Iorg, an infielder for the Toronto Blue Jays. Both Heath and Iorg played for Johnson City in this game against Marion.
‘It knocked the catcher’s glove off!’
If you’ve walked up and down Main Street in Marion, you’ve likely seen the Nolan Ryan plague on the sidewalk. I’ve always been fascinated by team president Bob Garnett’s quote on the plaque that reads, “I’ll never forget that first [Nolan Ryan] pitch,” Garnett said. “It knocked the catcher’s glove off.” I’ve always wanted to find and talk to that catcher, to ask if he remembered that pitch. I’ll have a story about him soon.
