The “Long” and “Short” of It

BY MARK A. LARSON
Editor & Publisher

Long Ball Barrage Made Dale’s Career

During the 10-day period from May 19-28, 1956, Dale Long made national headlines and baseball history.

• May 19: Pirates game #27 – HEADLINE: “DALE LONG HITS HOME RUN”
• May 20: Pirates game #28 – HEADLINE: “DALE LONG SLAMS HOME RUN”
• May 20: Pirates game #29 – HEADLINE: “DALE LONG BASHES HOME RUN”
• May 22: Pirates game #30 – HEADLINE: “DALE LONG SMACKS HOME RUN”
• May 23: Pirates game #31 – HEADLINE: “DALE LONG BELTS HOME RUN”
• May 25: Pirates game #32 – HEADLINE: “DALE LONG SLUGS HOME RUN”
• May 26: Pirates game #33 – HEADLINE: “DALE LONG BANGS HOME RUN”
• May 28: Pirates game #34 – HEADLINE: “DALE LONG SOCKS HOME RUN”

• 1960 Topps •

When the Pittsburgh first baseman walloped home runs in seven straight games, he established a major league record. But he didn’t stop there. Long sent another one over the fence in the next game, giving him eight straight. That record has never been broken (although it was tied by Don Mattingly in 1987 and Ken Griffey, Jr. in 1993).

Long’s 1956 season was by far his best. He had career highs in games (148), at bats (517), runs (64), hits (136), doubles (20), home runs (27) and RBIs (91). Plus, he made his only All-Star game appearance.

The first sacker appeared in just over 1,000 games during his 10-year major league career, homering 132 times, with 467 RBIs and a .267 average.

DID U KNOW? — TRAVELIN’ MAN: Between 1944-64, Long played for 19 different minor and major league teams.

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For Short Time, Chris Was a Genuine Star

Some say the Phillies’ Chris Short was the best left-handed hurler (after Sandy Koufax) in the National League in the mid-1960s.

From 1964-68, Short won 17 or more games and posted a sub-3.00 ERA four times. Overall, during those five years, he had a 83-54 record, with a nifty 2.82 ERA.

Unfortunately, his first great season – 1964 – was marred by the Phillies colossal collapse. They blew an almost-sure World Series appearance during the final two weeks of the season when they lost 10 games in a row and surrendered a comfortable first-place lead.

• 1970 Topps •

Short would go on to have four more years of success. However, he was never the same after suffering a back injury in 1969. It ultimately shortened his career.

The southpaw played in the majors from 1959-73 … all with the Phillies, except for his last year with the Brewers. He was a two-time All-Star (1964 and 1967) and won 20 games in 1966. He went 135-132 in his career, with a 3.43 ERA and 25 shutouts.

DID U KNOW? — STICKY SITUATION: Short was an avid stamp collector.

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