Post your Merkle - Anniversary of the "Merkle Boner"
 

On Wednesday, September 23, 1908, while playing for the New York Giants in a game against the Chicago Cubs, while he was 19 years old (the youngest player in the NL), Merkle committed a base running error that later became known as "Merkle's Boner" and earned Merkle the nickname of "Bonehead."

In the bottom of the 9th inning, Merkle came to bat with two outs, and the score tied 1-1. At the time, Moose McCormick was on first base. Merkle singled and McCormick advanced to third. Al Bridwell, the next batter, followed with a single of his own. McCormick advanced to home plate, apparently scoring the winning run. The fans in attendance, under the impression that the game was over, ran onto the field to celebrate.

Meanwhile, Merkle, thinking the game was over, ran to the Giants' clubhouse without touching second base. Cubs second baseman Johnny Evers noticed this, and after retrieving a ball and touching second base he appealed to umpire Hank O'Day, who would later manage the Cubs, to call Merkle out. Since Merkle had not touched the base, the umpire called him out on a force play, meaning that McCormick's run did not count.

I live about 30 minutes away from where Merkle was born is Watertown, Wisconsin. While I have never been to see it, apparently there is a small museum that someone has put together about Merkle in that town. The town has also put a little marker to commemorate Merkle as well.

Some day I really have to get over there to see it!

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/calvindog/2910116124/" title="Merkle Portrait by calvindog65, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3286/2910116124_6181b9ebe9_o.jpg" width="450" height="771" alt="Merkle Portrait" /></a>

<a href="http://s8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/zouraspm/?action=view&current=merklet206f.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a47/zouraspm/merklet206f.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

Rookie Card. :rolleyes:

Center back row.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g5...rds/Merkle.jpg

The finest looking "bonehead" IMO...

Bill

The color on CalvinDog's Merkle are ASTOUNDING. That has to be one of the most beautiful color backgrounds extant.

As an aside, Ive always been fascinated by that play, and the fact that the Giants still couldnt win any of the other games that last week that would have won them the pennant. Its sad in a way that a play like that has such an infamous place in baseball history, when it and of itself did not cost the Giants the pennant.

anyone see the MERKLE SIGNED BALL ON EBAY LAST MONTH WITH A BUY IT NOW OF $299? It actually didnt look bad but my PSA quick op came back negative.

Neat postcard, Steve.

M101-2 TSN Supplement Feb. 17, 1910
http://photos.imageevent.com/kawika_...1_2_Merkle.JPG

What's a tribute thread without an autograph?

I'll pass on posting an image of Merkle. He was much more of a person than just a guy remembered for one event. The poor gentleman is buried in an unmarked grave as a result.

I realize it's not pre-war, but this card needs to be posted:

http://www.ffcosearch.com/c809_1_sbl.JPG

Looks like the site is marked to me.

Beat me to the pun(ch)

Re: Anniversary of "Merkle Boner"
 

Back in July I had the chance to go to Chicago.
About a block away from Wrigley Field is a bar and
grill in Fred Merkle's "honor." Here's a couple of photos.
(Who knows, maybe there's a Bartman bar and grill
somewhere in Florida!!??)

Additionally, in my book about the Philadelphia Caramel
Company, I make reference to the baseball season of
1908 and the "Merkle Boner" play. The E95 set also
commerates two other players involved in that play.

Scott,

Jeff just love it when any board member uses the word "extant." Any chance you could throw in a "penultimate", too?

My only Merkle

Deepest condolences to you and Mr. Merkle's family.