And now back to something to sleep or relax to - the 1959 MLB All-Star Game — Game 1
1959 MLB All-Star Game — Game 1
Date: July 7, 1959
Venue: Forbes Field, Pittsburgh, PA
Attendance: 35,277
Final Score: National League 5, American League 4
Context
1959 was the first year MLB held two All-Star Games, part of a short-lived plan to boost the players’ pension fund.
This first game in Pittsburgh was defined by its soft summer atmosphere — a hazy afternoon at Forbes Field with distant organ music, the hum of a full crowd, and that unmistakable old-radio timbre. The National League snapped a four-year losing streak to the AL with a comeback win.
Game Summary1st–3rd Innings
The game opened calmly, the crowd buzzing softly under the Forbes Field trees.
Both Don Drysdale (NL) and Early Wynn (AL) traded scoreless frames early. You can almost hear the faint streetcar bells outside the park in the old broadcast recordings — a serene start.
The American League took a 3–1 lead thanks to key hits from Nellie Fox and Al Kaline.
Ted Williams drew a walk, Killebrew followed with a deep RBI fly, and Fox singled home another. The AL appeared in control.
The National League began its comeback:
In the 5th, Eddie Mathews doubled in a run.
In the 6th, Willie Mays singled, stole second, and scored on Hank Aaron’s base hit.
The crowd began chanting “Willie, Willie” — one of the most atmospheric audio moments from the surviving radio copy.
The decisive frame: Ernie Banks lined a double off Jim Bunning, and Wally Moon (PH) delivered the go-ahead RBI single.
The NL now led 5–4, and the park erupted with a low, rolling cheer that echoed under the broadcast canopy.
National League reliever Elroy Face, pitching in his home park (Forbes Field), closed it out with two scoreless innings.
His slider dipped under bats, and the gentle crowd noise rises and falls beautifully in the old recording — quintessential 1950s baseball ambience.
Wally Moon (NL): Pinch-hit RBI single for the win.
Willie Mays (NL): 2-for-3, two runs, a stolen base, and constant energy.
Elroy Face (PIT, NL): Saved the game before his home fans.
Luis Aparicio (AL): Sparked early rallies with sharp defense and a single.