Born March 8, 1922, in Dysart, Pennsylvania, was Albert Francis Gionfriddo was an American professional baseball player who played in Major League Baseball as an outfielder. He played for the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Brooklyn Dodgers during his brief career in the majors.
Sports History
Al Gionfriddo
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Al Gionfriddo biography and baseball career story
As a young man his talent at playing baseball inspired the Pittsburgh Pirates to sign him in 1944. Al was traded from the Pirates to the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947 and is most famous for his spectacular catch of a drive off the bat of the New York Yankees' Joe DiMaggio in Game 6 of the 1947 World Series.
1947 WS Game 6 - Al Gionfriddo robs Joe DiMaggio of homer video
10/5/47: Dodgers left fielder Al Gionfriddo makes an incredible catch to rob Joe DiMaggio of a game-tying home run in Game 6Check out http://MLB.com/video fo... — www.youtube.com
In the bottom of the sixth inning of Game 6 of the 1947 World Series, the score was tied 8-8 with two outs and runners on first and second for the New York Yankees. The tension was palpable as Joe DiMaggio, Yankee legend and "Joltin' Joe," stepped up to bat against Dodgers pitcher Joe Hatten.
DiMaggio launched a powerful line drive deep into left-center field. It seemed destined to be a game-changing extra-base hit, potentially putting the Yankees ahead and potentially changing the course of the Series.
However, Dodgers manager Burt Shotton had made a risky decision earlier in the inning, replacing regular left fielder Eddie Miksis with defensive specialist Al Gionfriddo. This gamble paid off in spectacular fashion.
Gionfriddo, known for his speed and acrobatic catches, sprinted back towards the outfield wall, tracking the ball's trajectory. With a leaping, one-handed grab, he snagged the ball just before it hit the ground, robbing DiMaggio of a potential homerun and securing the final out of the inning.
This iconic catch, often referred to as "The Catch," not only preserved the score and momentum for the Dodgers but also became a turning point in the Series. The Dodgers went on to win Game 6 and eventually the entire World Series, etching Gionfriddo's name in baseball history.
Breakdown of the famous World Series Catch by Al Gionfriddo
If ever any American alive in the first half of the twentieth century were surprised to discover a team from New York in the World Series, he couldn’t have been much of a baseball fan... — www.baseballhistorycomesalive.com
Greatest World Series Catches, “Back-Back-Back In Time!” Al Gionfriddo and the 1947 World Series robbing of Joe DiMaggio.
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In this edition of the Sports Break, we cover the top events in sports history along with the players and athletes that were a part of them on November 22. As a bonus, we place the jersey number worn at the time with the athlete as well.
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In this edition of the Sports Break, we cover the top events in sports history along with the players and athletes that were a part of them on November 21. As a bonus, we place the jersey number worn at the time with the athlete as well.
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Vernon Earl "Earl 'The Pearl' Monroe" was an American professional basketball player who played 13 seasons in the National Basketball Association (NBA) for the Baltimore Bullets and the New York Knicks. He was a six-time NBA All-Star and a two-time All-NBA selection. Monroe wa...
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Born: November 20, 1944 Indianapolis, Indiana, United States Height: 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) Weight: 175 lb (80 kg) Position: Guard Teams: Kentucky Colonels (ABA) (1967–1976) San Antonio Spurs (NBA) (1976–1979) Career highlights: ABA All-Star (1968–1976...
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In this edition of the Sports Break, we cover the top events in sports history along with the players and athletes that were a part of them on November 20. As a bonus, we place the jersey number worn at the time with the athlete as well.
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