The Day Murcer, Munson and Michael Hit Back-to-Back-to-Back Home Runs

Today, Aug. 10, is the 42nd anniversary of a feat that was the highlight of the 1969 season for Yankees fans.

On Aug. 10, 1969, Bobby Murcer, Thurman Munson and Gene Michael hit consecutive home runs. It was the highlight of the New York Yankees season.

While New York's other team would not have its greatest moment until October, the day that Bobby Murcer, Thurman Munson and Gene Michael hit consecutive home runs in the sixth inning against the Oakland A’s at Yankee Stadium will never be forgotten.

The Yankees finished fifth that year, a whopping 28.5 games behind the Eastern Division champion Baltimore Orioles, but the Yankees had their moments.

Gene Michael's Home Run Was a Surprise

Bobby Murcer led off the Yankees' sixth with a shot into the right field bleachers.

Thurman Munson, playing only his second major league game, hit Lew Krausse's pitch into the left field seats to give the Yankees back-to-back home runs.

Gene Michael, an outstanding defensive shortstop who was offensively challenged, was the batter. No one gave Michael much of a chance of making it three consecutive home runs for good reason. He had hit only one home during the season and had hit only one other home run in his career.

Of course, Michael, on a 2-0 delivery, hit a drive into the right field seats.

The Yankees Had Hit Three Successive Home Runs Before

This was not the first time the Yankees hit three successive home runs.

Bobby Richardson, Mickey Mantle and Joe Pepitone did it in 1966 and in 1947, Charlie Keller, Joe DiMaggio and Johnny Lindell had accomplished the feat.

Only Richardson’s and Michael’s home runs were real surprises, although the 1960 Pirates discovered that Richardson had some power.

The "M & M & M" Boys

Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris were dubbed the "M & M" boys when they pursued Babe Ruth's single season home record in 1961.

Mickey dropped out due to an infected hip but Maris set a new single season record that still stands (don’t tell me I made an error).

When Murcer, Munson and Michael hit three consecutive home runs, the Yankees' announcers and fans had great fun in referring to the "M & M & M" boys. The fact that the only legitimate home run hitter was Murcer made it even better.

Joe DiMaggio, Charlie Keller, Reggie Jackson, Hank Bauer and Tony LaRussa

Aug. 10, 1969, was a Sunday. The day before had been the Yankees' annual Old Timer's Day.

Joe DiMaggio and Charlie Keller were on hand when the "M & M & M" boys hit their home runs. Another Yankee great, who was not yet a Yankee was in the Oakland outfield. Yes, it was Reggie Jackson.

In the seventh inning, with the A's trailing 5-1, Oakland manager Hank Bauer sent up a pinch hitter. Tony LaRussa flied out to right field.

The Greatest Game in the World

The twists and turns of baseball are a template for the twists and turns of life. Baseball fans realize that, which is why no matter how much those who play the game and those who run the game do things that are anathema to decency, the game will remain the greatest game in the world.

Football can't come close.

References:

Eskinazi, Gerald. "Munson, Murcer, and Michael Hit Successive Homers as Yankees Rout A's, 5-1." The New York Times. 11 August 1969. p.40.

Retrosheet