Womack: Don Larsen reflects on World Series perfect game, 60 years later
From SABR member Graham Womack at Dugout Legends on October 8, 2016:
Don Larsen knew during Game 5 of the 1956 World Series that something was different, that he had something special going.
The New York Yankees hurler had been rocked in Game 2 against the Brooklyn Dodgers, surrendering four unearned runs in just 1.2 innings before manager Casey Stengel pulled him.
Now, he knew he had a no-hitter going. Pitchers often know this. But Larsen wouldn’t find out until someone told him afterward in the locker room that he’d pitched a perfect game.
Sixty years to the day of his accomplishment, the now 87-year-old Larsen spoke by phone with Dugout Legends.
“Secret of my game that day was my control. I never had such good control in my whole life,” Larsen said. “Everything that Yogi put down, I came pretty close to it.”
Future Hall of Fame catcher Berra called mostly sliders and fastballs, framing the game masterfully.
“I never shook him off, we never talked much,” Larsen said. “Why mess up a good thing?”
Read the full article here: http://www.dugoutlegends.com/don-larsen-reflects-on-1956-ws-perfect-game/
Originally published: October 8, 2016. Last Updated: October 8, 2016.