- Home
- Our Stories
- 1959 Hall of Fame Game
1959 Hall of Fame Game
Bill Mazeroski hit two of Pittsburgh’s three home runs as the Pirates tied the Kansas City Athletics 5-5 in a game that was called early because of rain in the sixth inning on July 20, 1959.
The first five innings of the game saw Pittsburgh build a 5-2 lead on the backs of Mazeroski and Bill Virdon, who combined for three home runs in the course of the first five frames.
Kansas City added runs in the bottom of the second and the bottom of the fourth.
In the bottom of the sixth, Kansas City left fielder Preston Ward walked, then scored when catcher Harry Chiti hit a two-run home run over the right field fence.
Pirates’ starter Ron Blackburn responded by walking the next three Athletics to load the bases for Jim Snyder, who also drew a walk, forcing in the tying run.
The game was then called on account of heavy rain.
Blackburn went the distance for the Pirates, allowing five runs on five hits and walking seven. He also had four strikeouts.
Mazeroski and Bob Skinner had three hits apiece as the Pirates outhit the Athletics 9-5.
A meeting at home plate before the start of the 1959 Hall of Fame Game. BL-525.2012.25 (National Baseball Hall of Fame Library)
Share this image:
More Hall of Fame Games

1958 Hall of Fame Game

1960 Hall of Fame Game

1958 Hall of Fame Game

1960 Hall of Fame Game
Mentioned Hall of Famers
Related Stories

#CardCorner: 1972 Topps Reggie Jackson
1960 Hall of Fame Game

#CardCorner: 1984 Topps Toby Harrah

Unforgettable: Four Newest Hall of Famers Inducted

#CardCorner: 1969 Topps Manny Mota

Lou Gehrig appears in his 2,000th consecutive game for the Yankees

Tigers trade John Smoltz to Braves

Gionfriddo robs DiMaggio of an extra-base hit in Game 6 of 1947 World Series

Making of a Legend
Museum Celebrates ‘Homer at the Bat’ Episode of THE SIMPSONS, May 27 in Cooperstown at Hall of Fame Classic
01.01.2023
Hall of Fame Celebrates Baseball’s Love of Bubble Gum by Teaming Up with Big League Chew
01.01.2023
BASE Race Returns to Cooperstown May 28
01.01.2023
Baseball Writers’ Association of America 2016 Hall of Fame Ballot Announced
01.01.2023
Hall of Famers PLAY Ball in Cooperstown in Support of Museum’s Education Programs
01.01.2023