Marichal Declares War on Drysdale

May 1, 1965 - Juan Marichal declared war on Don Drysdale today, and Don said he’d be happy to oblige the Giants’ star right-hander.

What’s more, Drysdale promised to plug four Giants for every time Marichal hits him.

Marichal, beaten by Drysdale in Thursday’s series opener, took exception to Drysdale’s knockdown tactics which sent Willie Mays spinning into the dirt in the eighth inning.

“For the five years I’ve been in the league, I’ve seen too much of this,” said Marichal. “Drysdale has hit Felipe Alou, Willie Mays, and Orlando Cepeda. I’m not saying he tried deliberately to hit them, but he has too good control to be so far off the plate.

“Next time, if he’s pitching against me and he comes close — we’ll see what happens. He’ll get it. And real good, too.

“This stuff has to stop. We don’t throw at their hitters. Always they’re throwing at us. I don’t understand it. But I’ll do something about it if it continues.”

Drysdale, who was hit in the small of the back by Bob Bolin after “undressing” Mays, said he’s ready for anything Marichal has in mind.

“I haven’t backed away yet,” Don said. “If Marichal throws at me or hits me, he better get me early. If he gets me, I’m going to get four Giants — and they won’t be .220 hitters, either. Marichal can take his chances. I’ve been hit before, so it won’t be any novelty if he gets me.”

Don said Marichal was stupid if he thought Don was trying to hit Mays.

“I’m leading by one run in the eighth, and Willie McCovey is coming up next,” said Drysdale. “Over the years, McCovey’s hit me like he owns me, so am I going to put Mays on base and then let him steal? It would be very difficult to hit Mays, even if you tried. He’s too agile.”

Drysdale’s battery mate, John Roseboro, calls Mays “the greatest acrobat in baseball.”

Support this project at patreon.com/realtime1960s