The 1966 World Champion Baltimore Orioles’ pitching staff, led by Moe Drabowsky, Wally Bunker, Jim Palmer, and Dave McNally, played a pivotal role in their historic sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series. This four-man rotation, along with the key contributions from the bullpen, helped the Orioles to secure their first-ever World Series title in franchise history. The dominance of the Orioles’ pitching staff was a key element in their success, with each pitcher playing a critical role in the team’s triumph.
The 1966 Baltimore Orioles
The Baltimore Orioles entered the 1966 season with a roster that combined strong offense and one of the most formidable pitching staffs in Major League Baseball. Managed by Hank Bauer, the team had posted an impressive 97-63 record in the regular season, finishing first in the American League. The team’s pitching depth was one of its greatest assets, and it was on full display during the World Series against the National League champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
Despite the Orioles’ offensive prowess, which included slugger Frank Robinson, the spotlight of the 1966 World Series would shine brightly on the team’s pitchers. The Orioles’ staff allowed just two runs in the entire four-game sweep, a remarkable feat that underscored the dominance of the starting rotation and bullpen.
Moe Drabowsky: The Reliever Who Changed the Game
Moe Drabowsky was a key figure in the Orioles’ 1966 World Series victory. Known for his unpredictable nature and fiery attitude, Drabowsky came out of the bullpen in relief during Game 1, turning the tide for the Orioles and setting the tone for the rest of the series. Drabowsky, who had a reputation for being one of the best relief pitchers of his time, was called upon by manager Hank Bauer after Dave McNally, the Orioles’ Game 1 starter, allowed two earned runs in just 2.2 innings of work.
With the Orioles trailing 2-0 and their starting pitcher struggling, Drabowsky entered the game in the third inning with runners on base. He proceeded to shut down the Dodgers for the remainder of the game, tossing 6.1 innings of scoreless baseball. Drabowsky’s dominance out of the bullpen was a turning point in the series, and his efforts helped the Orioles come back and win Game 1, 5-2. Drabowsky’s performance proved to be one of the most significant moments in the World Series, as it kept the momentum on the Orioles’ side throughout the series. His ability to control the game and stymie the potent Dodgers’ offense was crucial to Baltimore’s success.
Wally Bunker: The Young Star
Wally Bunker, a 19-year-old rookie, made his mark in Game 2 of the 1966 World Series. The youngest pitcher to start a World Series game at the time, Bunker proved that age was no obstacle when it came to performing under pressure. He was entrusted with the Game 2 start by manager Bauer, and he delivered an outstanding performance, throwing a complete game shutout to lead the Orioles to a 6-0 victory.
Bunker’s dominance in Game 2 was a display of poise and control. He scattered seven hits and struck out five while walking only one batter. His fastball was particularly effective against the Dodgers, and he was able to neutralize their offense throughout the game. Bunker’s ability to handle the pressure of pitching in the World Series at such a young age was remarkable. His performance was not only a significant victory for the Orioles, but it also marked him as a rising star in Major League Baseball.
Jim Palmer: The Future Ace
Jim Palmer, who would go on to become one of the greatest pitchers in Orioles’ history, made his World Series debut in Game 3 of the 1966 Fall Classic. At just 20 years old, Palmer was entrusted with the start in front of a home crowd in Baltimore. Palmer had already shown promise during the regular season, and Bauer believed in his ability to rise to the occasion in the biggest game of his career to date.
Palmer’s performance in Game 3 was nothing short of spectacular. He pitched 7.2 innings of one-hit baseball, allowing only a single hit, a solitary double to Dodgers’ slugger Lou Johnson. Palmer’s ability to command the strike zone and keep the Dodgers off balance was evident throughout the game. He struck out six batters and walked only two, maintaining control over the course of the game. The Orioles won Game 3, 1-0, with Palmer earning the victory and continuing the team’s momentum toward their eventual championship. Palmer’s performance was a harbinger of his future greatness, and his dominance in the World Series cemented his place as one of the key players in the Orioles’ success.
Dave McNally: The Workhorse
Dave McNally was the anchor of the Orioles’ pitching staff throughout the 1966 season. A reliable and durable pitcher, McNally had been a staple in the Orioles’ rotation for several years. In the World Series, McNally was called upon to start Game 4, the final game of the series, with the Orioles already holding a 3-0 series lead. McNally had already pitched in Game 1 but struggled and was relieved by Drabowsky. However, McNally was given the chance to redeem himself in Game 4, and he did so with authority.
McNally delivered a complete game performance in Game 4, allowing just one earned run and striking out six batters. He kept the Dodgers’ offense in check throughout the game, and his ability to pitch deep into the contest helped the Orioles secure a 1-0 victory and complete the series sweep. McNally’s performance in Game 4 was a fitting end to an outstanding pitching performance by the Orioles in the 1966 World Series. His ability to bounce back from a tough outing in Game 1 and deliver when it mattered most was a testament to his resilience and skill.
The Impact of the Orioles’ Pitching Staff
The 1966 World Series showcased the incredible depth and talent of the Baltimore Orioles’ pitching staff. Drabowsky, Bunker, Palmer, and McNally all contributed in significant ways, helping the team to dominate the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Orioles’ pitchers allowed only two runs in the entire four-game sweep, a remarkable achievement that underscored their ability to neutralize one of the most potent offenses in baseball.
The Orioles’ pitching success was not only due to individual brilliance but also to the way the pitchers complemented each other. Drabowsky’s relief work in Game 1 set the tone, while Bunker’s shutout in Game 2 solidified the team’s dominance. Palmer’s near-perfect Game 3 performance was a turning point, and McNally’s complete-game victory in Game 4 closed out the series in style.
These four pitchers would go down in history as the cornerstones of the Orioles’ first World Series championship. Their performances in 1966 helped define the franchise’s legacy, and they set the stage for the team’s continued success in the years to come. For each of these pitchers, the 1966 World Series represented the pinnacle of their careers, and their performances are remembered as some of the most impressive in postseason history.
