Post your Merkle - Anniversary of the "Merkle Boner"

[deadballera]

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.

[whitehse]

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!

[calvindog]

[pete zouras]

[Jacklitsch]

Rookie Card.

Center back row.

[fkm_bky]

The finest looking "bonehead" IMO...

Bill

[ErikV]

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.