Author recounts Braves’ 1957 World Series victory
In the words of Casey Stengel, Milwaukee was a minor-league city. A bush-league town, if you will.
So when the Milwaukee Braves upset the mighty New York Yankees in the 1957 World Series, one fan seized on the opportunity to make Stengel remember his words. His sign read “Bushville Wins” and was a part of the celebration of the memorable seven-game series. The Braves became the first team to win the World Series after relocating, a move they made from Boston in 1953.
The story of that series in the subject of a book by author John Klima entitled ‘Bushville Wins: The wild sage of the 1957 Milwaukee Brewers and the Screwballs, Sluggers and Beer Swiggers Who Canned the New York Yankees and Changed Baseball.’
“I felt that it was one of the great untold stories of baseball history,” Klima said during a recent visit to Turner Field. “I also felt that it was story that needed to be told about a town, a team and a time. I also felt it should be told the true way. A lot of baseball history is done with a lot of pastoral regurgitation and reciting from old newspapers. My big goal with this was I wanted to make it alive.”
Klima says the book is full of colorful language, especially from Eddie Mathews, as players recounted the events of that season.
The historical significance of the Braves move to Milwaukee is also a key element of the book, according to Klima. The Braves move cleared the way for the Giants and Dodgers to move west.
“I always felt that baseball history is predominately skewed toward the east coast and the northeast corridor,” Klima said. “… They beat the Yankees and shaped what we have now. So if you are in Seattle and you are a Mariners fan, you owe the Braves.”
Klima believes Braves owner Lou Perini should be in the Baseball Hall of Fame for his endeavors. The Braves moved to Atlanta in 1965.
Lew Burdette, was buried in Yankees organization by Stengel, got his revenge with three complete-game victories in the World Series. Hank Aaron, who won the MVP that season, hit .393 with three home runs and seven RBIs. Aaron calls the 11th-inning home run he hit against the Cardinals that season that secured the pennant the most memorable of his career.
Klima also recounts the cultural significance that Aaron had on the city of Milwaukee.
“Henry deserves a lot of credit for those early years for helping to shape the landscape of Milwaukee, much the way he did Atlanta in the later years,” Klima said.
- Chris Vivlamore
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121 comments Add your comment
eskippy
July 23rd, 2012
11:48 am
1
Mister Frisky
July 23rd, 2012
11:51 am
Might as well reminisce about a championship 55 years ago.This current group of heartless losers will never win anything.
DoDoBird
July 23rd, 2012
11:51 am
2
DoDoBird
July 23rd, 2012
11:53 am
Shucks!-but still 2, same time. Why do I always have to be #2. Mama said I would always be #2.
Ed Boon
July 23rd, 2012
12:02 pm
I remember that series. The series win was no fluke. It was not a case of a team just getting hot at the right moment. Look down through the lineup, that was one good team. Burdette was great, and Spahn was good also.
jim
July 23rd, 2012
12:10 pm
The critical game in that series was game 4 with the Yankees up 2 games to 1 and heading back to Yankee Stadium for games 6 and 7. Spahn had a 4 – 1 lead with 2 outs in the 9th before singles by mantle and Berra in front of an Elston Howard home run tied the score, then in the 10th a Bauer triple lead to a 5-4 Yankee lead. In the bottom of the 10th Nippy Jones pinch hit for Spahn and was awarded first base after he showed the umpire the shoe polish on the ball. (Jones raced back to retrieve the ball before Howard could get it and throw it out.) Jones was sacrificed to second and scored on Logan’s double. The game ended moments later on a Matthews walk-off home run. Burdett won game 5 the next day 1 – 0 after Jerry Coleman didn’t charge a grounder by Matthews and Matthews beat the throw to first with 2 out. Singles by Aaron and Adcock scored Matthews with the only run of the game. Burdett had to pitch game 7 because Spahn was ill and could not make the start. Burdett pitched three complete games in ‘57 (games 2, 5, 7) and in ‘58 Spahn pitched a 10 inning complete game win in game 1, a 2 hit shutout in game 4, and went 9 and 2/3 innings in a game 6 loss after the Yankees had tied the game in the 7th on an unearned run. The 7th inning of game 6 in ‘58 ended the high point of the Braves run of that era.
bulldogbubba
July 23rd, 2012
12:10 pm
Do you mean they didn’t swing at bad pitches and knew how to out score the other team?Could FOX show their games instead of these bad ones we are watching now? GO BRAVES
Brave Hokie
July 23rd, 2012
12:11 pm
& only 21 more years ’til the Braves win another World Series ~ yeah
Oregon Brave
July 23rd, 2012
12:25 pm
I became a Braves fan with that World Series. I was 12 and didn’t even know there was a World Series before then. My Dad was born in Wisconsin and the win of course made him happy so I liked that. Been letting the Braves break my heart almost every year since with the exceptions of ‘91, ‘92, ‘95, and 2010. I’m still working on my recovery from ‘96. Looking forward to coming down to Atlanta in late September to see Chipper’s final scheduled games in the “Ted.” Go Braves.
Skeezix
July 23rd, 2012
12:46 pm
I was a young kid and watched/listened to that series with my late father. My Dad, having grown up in Massachusetts, maintained loyalty to the Braves after they moved from Boston. Of course he continued rooting for them after they moved to Atlanta. The 1957 series is really my first memories of baseball and after the ‘57 series I was a Braves fan for life. I knew every player’s name on the 1957 team and still recall most of them to this day. I became a big fan of Mathews, Burdette, Spahn and, of course, the great Hank Aaron. There was no one better to talk about the Braves with than my Dad as he could take you all the way back to the Boston days. By the way, when it came to the great Braves’ pitchers, he thought it was Maddux, Spahn, and Burdette–in that order.
Yogi Berra
July 23rd, 2012
12:49 pm
Has Wren done anything yet?
jim
July 23rd, 2012
12:56 pm
A little balance please –
The Nats are very good.
They were playing at home (in front of a packed house despite the bad weather)
The Braves pulled out a miracle win on Friday and played two very competitive games on Saturday.
They played a real bummer on Sunday after their starter put them way behind by the hird inning and they had to eat innings from the back of their bullpen.
They were not heartless losers — or there would not have been a Friday comeback. They have deficiencies, but they play hard, run out every grounder.If anything they are playing above their talent level to be only 3.5 games out despite the pitching shortcomings, the injury to Simmons, and the Uggla slump.
jim
July 23rd, 2012
1:09 pm
Those Braves teams featured another notable #10 — Bob Buhl. Buhl was a maximum effort pitcher who burnt out by mid August, but was great for the first four and 1/2 months of the season. He would have 16 wins by early August and end up with a total of 18. Spahn and Burdett are 2nd all-time in wins by two teammates. I believe Spahn and Buhl are third ahead of Maddux and Glavine. Did anybody else of any note wear # 10 between Buhl and Chipper?
jim
July 23rd, 2012
1:16 pm
Forgot to add that Buhl was the Dodger killer of that era.. He was to the Dodgers what Frank Lary was to the Yanks. I bet a school friend of mine who was a Dodger fan a quarter a game on every game played between the two teams one year (I think ‘56) and Buhl won me a lot of money. The teams faced each other 22 times per year meaning Buhl got 7 or 8 starts against the Dodgers and I think he won every one of them — or so it seemed. (Quarters were actually worth something back then — Cokes were a dime and candy bars a nickle)
a fan
July 23rd, 2012
1:18 pm
Cudo’s to Jim a knowledgeable fan.
When I read all the negative comments on these blogs I can’t help but think what a Cubs blog would be like. Or even the Pirates who have not sniffed a post season in 20 years, (maybe this year). The moaning about only one World Series from the 14 divisional titles, pales in comparison to
2 Padres
1Colorado RockiesNL01.—
1Houston AstrosNL01
1Milwaukee BrewersAL/NL[L2]01.
1Tampa Bay RaysAL01.000—
Who have never won one
or
0Seattle MarinersAL00——
0Washington NationalsNL
Who have never played in one.
Then there’s the Cubs last played in one 1945 last one won 1908
The Braves have a good team this year, not a great one, as has been pointed out the starting pitching is shaky they are too left handed and have a weak bench.But none of this deserves the vitriol I have seen expressed,here, just be glad we have a team that in most years is in contention to the end, despite having a modest budget. This bashing of Frank Wren is absurd, and while I like a lot of you, sometime question Fredi ‘s strategy Remember you could be in Chicago or Pittsburgh, Houston or Colorado.
eskippy
July 23rd, 2012
1:42 pm
Trade in the making!
Rabbit Maranville
July 23rd, 2012
1:52 pm
DOB,
Why not an article on the 1914 Miracle Braves of Boston?
The 2012 version of the needs a miracle with clowns like Uggla on the team.
Frank Wren
July 23rd, 2012
1:55 pm
Trade? What trade?
bostonbravo
July 23rd, 2012
2:02 pm
I was a Brooklyn fan, my brother a Giants fan & the neighbor kid a Yankee fan. Later we all followed the Mets (after Bums&Gints bailed)..
Still, I used a “Joe Adcock” model first baseman’s mitt..go figure.
Chief Knock-A-Homa
July 23rd, 2012
2:05 pm
Greinke or Dempster coming to ATL??
Braves get Dempster
July 23rd, 2012
2:13 pm
It’s done. He’s a Brave.
phil
July 23rd, 2012
2:20 pm
Dumpster?
Great.
Morris Code
July 23rd, 2012
2:22 pm
yep we are giving up Delgado for Demples.
Frank Wren
July 23rd, 2012
2:27 pm
I just gave away the future in Delgado for an old pitcher that won’t be here next season.
How do ya like that logic ???
Frank Wren
July 23rd, 2012
2:30 pm
Why are so many fans upset about Uggla? Why do the fans question my trades?
I will go somewhere and ponder this question.
jim
July 23rd, 2012
2:34 pm
Dempster is Lowe part II
jc
July 23rd, 2012
2:37 pm
I don’t question your trades–Lowe, Nate, KK, uggla ?????
Braves get Dempster
July 23rd, 2012
2:38 pm
“Dempster is Lowe part II”
No he’s not. Dempster has a MUCH lower ERA with a MUCH worse team.
Breaking News
July 23rd, 2012
2:39 pm
Wren stops pursuit of Dempster. Signs the Royals’ Jeremy Guthrie instead.
Backdoor Slider
July 23rd, 2012
2:41 pm
FOOLISH
I really hope Wren wouldn’t be so foolish to trade Delgado for two month rental Dempster!
jim
July 23rd, 2012
2:44 pm
he is a lifetime 117-120 with a 4.31 era. Lowe is 174-154 with an era of 3.99. So yeah you are right, Dempster isn’t Lowe. One half of a season does not make him the holy savior
jim
July 23rd, 2012
2:47 pm
btw I wouldn’t want Lowe or Dempster. 35+ year old pitchers making more than Greg Maddux ever did does not appeal to me….
Sam
July 23rd, 2012
2:59 pm
Just got Dempster
IlliniBrave
July 23rd, 2012
3:07 pm
Can’t believe we traded long-term potential in Delgado for a two-month rental – who BTW may not be any better.
Big Crimson 75
July 23rd, 2012
3:11 pm
Dempster has been one of the beat Pitchers in the NL this year.
I’d prefer Grienke over Demp considering we give up Delgado.
It sucks Beachy got hurt or we’d have the best staff in the Majors again!!
LAG
July 23rd, 2012
3:11 pm
So our rotation from here on out will be (not in order) Hudson, Hanson, Minor, Sheets, Dempster?
reckingball
July 23rd, 2012
3:11 pm
I heard that they traded Fredy Freeman for Dempster.
Philco
July 23rd, 2012
3:12 pm
Yes, it is posted on MLB.com……and a BIG Mistake!!! This team is much more than a Dempster…and few other re-treads….worthy of making a run (other than a Wild Card playin game) in the playoffs.
I hate mortgaging the future…..with such a flawed team……thinking a marginal quick fix will carry them over the top…..aka….Tex trade. Just another example of budget minded ownership trying to excite the asses of the masses….for a temporary “high”….and not building a legitmate contender
IlliniBrave
July 23rd, 2012
3:14 pm
You just can’t fix stupid. Lost a lot of faith in Braves front office.
reckingball
July 23rd, 2012
3:21 pm
What I saw on MLB.com said that it could ‘potentially’ send Delgado to the Cubs.
Philco
July 23rd, 2012
3:22 pm
I am surprised Liberty and Wren didn’t trade Freeman, Minor and Prado for the Dumpster……wellllll, anybody else the Cubs might have asked for………after all look at the payroll savings that would have resulted!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JC Boscan III
July 23rd, 2012
3:23 pm
This trade works best if it’s only part of the upgrade — a solid bench hitter (OF?) who can HIT lefties (notice, I didn’t say a right-handed hitter, necessarily). Also, try to get 1 good reliever so that Medlen can also join the rotation IF any one of the current starters does not get the job done.
LAG
July 23rd, 2012
3:24 pm
It’s weird… there was a whole crowd here that wanted Dempster. And now that we got him, there’s another crowd that says it was a dumb move.
Unless Dempster is willing to re-sign for a much smaller contract than what he’s currently pulling down, I’ll call it a bad move as well. Especially since we sent Delgado away.
reckingball
July 23rd, 2012
3:27 pm
The AJC is right on top, and all over this story.
IlliniBrave
July 23rd, 2012
3:28 pm
Jim Bowden, the supposed “GM Expert” on ESPN – who BTW replaced the disgraced Steve Phillips (where the hell do they get these guys from?), claims that this is a great trade for both teams, believing that Delgado will develop into a 15-game winner by 2014. If that is so, we got royally screwed!
reckingball
July 23rd, 2012
3:28 pm
If Wren did trade Delgado, the AJC might be in shock.
Virginia Brave
July 23rd, 2012
3:30 pm
LOL @ reckingball
IlliniBrave
July 23rd, 2012
3:32 pm
“Microwave” Wren – looking for an instant fix – making a dumb move. Yes, Bourn was a great trade, and even Uggla seemed good at the time and may yet turn out. But this one reeks.
Playing GM
July 23rd, 2012
3:45 pm
This looks like a possible Smoltz in reverse trade.
Drexel Gal
July 23rd, 2012
3:46 pm
Uh … the 1957 Milwaukee major league team was named the *BRAVES*, and not the Brewers. The Brewers were the minor league entry in the old American Association, as well as the current name of the relocated Seattle Pilots. The book in question is sub-titled “The Wild Saga of the 1957 Milwaukee Braves …” [and so on] …
It was the *BRAVES* … not the Brewers.
Morris Code
July 23rd, 2012
3:49 pm
They haven’t announced the final details yet, but read on mlb tweet, that we may send Delgado, Uggla and get back Soriano and Dempster and cash. That will allow us to move Prado to second base.
Fire Frank Wren
July 23rd, 2012
3:50 pm
The Braves acquire the major league leader in ERA, and THIS is the topic?
Good reporting, AJC! Way to be on top of things.
http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20120723&content_id=35420372&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb
Art T. Bear
July 23rd, 2012
3:51 pm
I was ten and living in La Crosse Wis. when the Braves won that memorable series. I remember our class in school all listening to the games on the teacher’s transistor radio. Braves outfield was Covington, Bruton and Aaron-all fantastic players and possibly one of the first all black starting outfields in the league. Johnny Logan, the shortstop was my favorite player. Spahn, Burdette and Buhl were great starters, but they also had a lights-out closer named Don McMahon! The acquisition of Red Schoendienst mid season and the one year wonder named Bob Hazel also helped win the pennant. I’ve been a Braves fan ever since. Now lets go and make some more great memories in 2012!
The Truth....
July 23rd, 2012
3:53 pm
any trade news out there? I heard things….
jim
July 23rd, 2012
3:55 pm
I have not commented on this apparent trade. My imposter is back again. I hate to give up Delgado for what could be a rental. I think Delgado is the third best pitcher in the current starting cast — behind only Sheets and Hudson, and he is only likely to get better.
Braves fan forever
July 23rd, 2012
3:57 pm
Do you guys ever proof read what you put on paper? There should never be an error in anything put out for consumption by the public. Mistakes happen but come on!!!
stew
July 23rd, 2012
4:04 pm
Is Jair still in the rotation? What about Upton?
Ryan
July 23rd, 2012
4:10 pm
Great article, DOB.
…I mean Carol.
…Meant Chris.
Yogi Berra
July 23rd, 2012
4:11 pm
Dempster has right to refuse all trades. He said there’s no deal. They will have to sweeten his pot $$ to get him to approve.
Tumbledown
July 23rd, 2012
4:14 pm
Maybe the AJC is waiting to be sure of all the facts before they prematurely report on a trade that never materializes. Of course, the AJC could at least give a progress report on what may be happening.
Tumbledown
July 23rd, 2012
4:15 pm
If Dempster does not want to come here, let us not force the issue.
Yogi Berra
July 23rd, 2012
4:16 pm
news is slow in Fla where ajc reports are with Braves.
Yogi Berra
July 23rd, 2012
4:17 pm
Maybe give two year contract.
lee maye
July 23rd, 2012
4:20 pm
Dodgers wouldn’t give their top pitching prospect Lee for a 2 month rental. But, Wren did. Another colossal Wren mistake. Delgado will win many more games for the Cubs than Dempster will in 2 months for the Braves and the Cubs get Delgado for what at least 4 more years. Colossal mistake of overpaying.
Braves still need another pitcher for Hanson. He is as bad lately as JJ. And, Dempster is another who doesn’t touch 90 MPH. Bad mistake of many by ole Frank.
dumbster
July 23rd, 2012
4:21 pm
Atlanta is dempsters second choice next to dodgers. he is okay with it. see ya later delgado. he still has a chance to be a good pitcher, wren is attempting to keep his job.
dumbster
July 23rd, 2012
4:23 pm
frank wren stinks.
IlliniBrave
July 23rd, 2012
4:23 pm
Dempster’s holdout could be our salvation – keeping Wren from making a regrettable trade.
Yogi Berra
July 23rd, 2012
4:24 pm
where do u see he is ok with it?
lee maye
July 23rd, 2012
4:24 pm
They haven’t announced the final details yet, but read on mlb tweet, that we may send Delgado, Uggla and get back Soriano and Dempster and cash. That will allow us to move Prado to second base.
If this is true and we get rid of Uggla for Soriano, I would say “praise the lord” but I don’t think the Cubs are that stupid. That would even it up a little if the Cubs would take Uggla. Please hope.
IlliniBrave
July 23rd, 2012
4:25 pm
Wren looking desperate if he sweetens the deal to bribe Dumpster.
done
July 23rd, 2012
4:25 pm
Do AJC reporters have the day off? Where’s the coverage?
What's the deal?
July 23rd, 2012
4:25 pm
DOB, Chris or whoever is running this bIog today……I heard the Braves aquired Dempster from the Cubs…..True?
Yogi Berra
July 23rd, 2012
4:27 pm
MLB on TV..just said Dempster trade with Braves and Cubs was done except Dempster a 10-5 player has to approve it.
dumbster
July 23rd, 2012
4:29 pm
ESPN said dempster is cool with going to braves and that they were his second choice
What's the deal?
July 23rd, 2012
4:30 pm
Nice to see some activity by the Braves before July 31
What's the deal?
July 23rd, 2012
4:31 pm
why wouldn’t he approve going to a contender? He’s here, but what did we give up?
Yogi Berra
July 23rd, 2012
4:32 pm
Dempster just said again no trade..per MLB TV
he’s got to be wanting something!
What's the deal?
July 23rd, 2012
4:33 pm
The updates are becoming very slow lately from AJC Braves beat writers.
What's the deal?
July 23rd, 2012
4:36 pm
Always like the “and player to be named later” part of trade! lol
jim
July 23rd, 2012
4:36 pm
AJC your reporting today on what is considered a big story is atrocious. When hometown fans have to go to the Chicago paper not to mention every other sports media outlet for information it makes you look like amatuers.
Oldham
July 23rd, 2012
4:38 pm
The AJC used to have the top sports department in the nation, however, that was long ago. Now they are usually behind most folks. Not the current staff’s fault, it’s mostly a numbers game.
IlliniBrave
July 23rd, 2012
4:38 pm
Agree with the critics of AJC reporting. Nobody except East Coast transplants gives much of a rat’s behind about how many centuries of probation Penn State gets. What we want to know about is our hometown Braves.
Yogi Berra
July 23rd, 2012
4:40 pm
Dempster will agree when Braves $$ to waive his no trade. I wish they would sign him for two years.
ijonathan
July 23rd, 2012
4:41 pm
Things that could have been written about in the Braves Blog today (but alas, aren’t)…
1) What future does Jair-Jair Stinks have on this team?
2) How can this team expect to content with so many 4+ ERA’s in the starting rotation?
3) Why the marked decline in velocity over time for both Hanson and Mr. Stinks?
4) Hey, is there a trade?
5) Related to #4…are the Braves apparently trading Delgado because he was more in demand by other teams, or because the Braves have more long term confidence in Minor?
6) How about that 1957 Milwaukee club
Morris Code
July 23rd, 2012
4:41 pm
I think the holdup is Soriano, because of his services with the cubs, he has to approve the trade. I think Soriano may be wanting the extension.
Tampa Gator
July 23rd, 2012
4:45 pm
Medlen in the rotation is nearly as good as Dempster in my opinion…..and Delgado has an extremely bright future in the ML. This had really BAD DEAL written all over it. As I have posted…..make a deal to get a solid late inning reliver for one of the other good minor league pitchers…..and still Medlen in the rotation.
@Lee Maye……
The Cubbies have an outstanding, young second baseman (the best fielding second baseman in baseball that can hit some). They are not trading for Uggla unless they are planning other moves….in my opinion. Although I like Sariano over Uggla bat wise…..he is not as good in the clubhouse. I simply do not see that rumor at all. Could be wrong. But I don’t think it becomes reality…..unless….the Cubs are making another deal.
DOB doing his thing on twitter
July 23rd, 2012
4:47 pm
If playoffs started today the Braves would play Pittsburgh in the 1 game wild card playoff.
Let that settle in your brains for a moment and imagine…..Pittsburgh?!? Are they back again after all their mediocrity. Even worse than mediocre in recent years.
DOB doing his thing on twitter
July 23rd, 2012
4:51 pm
Not sure I’m liking this new 1 game wild card “play-in” game….of course it’s great if you’re the second wild card team.
Hankie Aron
July 23rd, 2012
4:52 pm
IT would be nice to have some info from the AJC
updates anyone
July 23rd, 2012
4:53 pm
I refuse to go on shtwitter….bring us some news on the AJC!!…OK AJC writers?
ijonathan
July 23rd, 2012
4:54 pm
DOB making no mention of Uggla on twitter…
IlliniBrave
July 23rd, 2012
4:57 pm
You guys are smokin some serious crack if you think that a swap of Uggla for Soriano is in the works. That would be pure insanity.
Yogi Berra
July 23rd, 2012
5:03 pm
well said..llliniBrave..
Ryan
July 23rd, 2012
5:10 pm
Here is a piece if you guys are looking for actual coverage:
http://www.suntimes.com/sports/13951060-419/cubs-ryan-dempster-denies-reports-of-being-traded-to-braves.html
Original is from 130p. CST. Link, story being updated to the minute. Also coverage on the Tribune, and local radio Web.
LaBrenda Chenile Watson
July 23rd, 2012
5:12 pm
The paper box is empty. So is the paper. Where’s the news? Last one out at the AJC please turn off the lights.
Morris Code
July 23rd, 2012
5:13 pm
@IlliniBrave
Insanity on who’s part?
jim
July 23rd, 2012
5:14 pm
Did AJC get sold to Twitter?
Yogi Berra
July 23rd, 2012
5:17 pm
Morris Code..Both
Yogi Berra
July 23rd, 2012
5:25 pm
DOB is in Dugout with team in Fla. His laptop is in prssbox. So give him a break. Fredi said things were in holding position.
Constanza is called up….Go Braves!
eddie G
July 23rd, 2012
5:27 pm
In regards to Ryan Dempster rumors, I stopped listening to DoB & his “Done Deal” trades when he blew it on Ken Griffey JR a few years ago!……..