1934-1935 Seasons
In 1934, Bridges was 22-11 with 23 complete games to help the Tigers win their first pennant in 25 years. Bridges also surrendered Ruth's 700th home run on July 13, 1934. In the 1934 World Series, Bridges pitched a complete game victory, in a pitching duel with Dizzy Dean. Bridges beat Dizzy Dean 3-1, but the Tigers lost the Series in 7 games.
Bridges had another strong season in 1935, going 21-10 with 23 complete games. He also pitched a complete game victory in the last game of the 1935 World Series. With the score tied 3-3 in the top of the 9th, Bridges gave up a leadoff triple to Stan Hack, but retired the next three batters without the runner on third scoring. In the bottom of the 9th, Goose Goslin drove in the winning run with 2 outs, and the Tigers won their first championship. After the game, manager Mickey Cochrane said the following of Bridge's gutsy performance: "A hundred and fifty pounds of courage. If there ever is a payoff on courage this little 150- pound pitcher is the greatest World Series hero."
In a nationwide poll Bridges was named the No. 2 sports hero of 1935, behind Notre Dame football player Andy Pilney.
Read more about this topic: Tommy Bridges
Famous quotes containing the word seasons:
“A sober mind will walk alone,
Apart from nature, if need be,
And only its own seasons own;
For nature leaving its humanity.”
—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)