A Memorable Season

Robert Fettgather, PhD, joined Mission College in 1979 and continues to teach psychology courses as an associate faculty member. Robert Fettgsther holds advanced degrees in both psychology and educationIn his spare time, Robert Fettgather enjoys sports and the history of baseball.

The year was 1962- a special year for San Francisco Giants fans.

The 1962 San Francisco Giants were one of the most memorable teams in the history of the franchise. Led by the legendary Willie Mays, the team finished the regular season with a record of 103-62, which was the second-best record in the National League that year. They won a thrilling three-game playoff series against the Los Angeles Dodgers to advance to the World Series, where they faced off against the powerful New York Yankees.

The Gians had exceptional hitting and pitching throughout the line-up. The Giants had a number of future Hall of Famers on their roster in 1962. In addition to Willie Mays, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, the team featured Juan Marichal, Orlando Cepeda, Willie McCovey and Gaylord Perry. Marichal was one of the most dominant pitchers in the game, winning 25 games that season and posting a remarkable 2.41 ERA. Cepeda was the team's cleanup hitter, driving in 142 runs and hitting 35 home runs, while Perry was a young pitcher who would go on to have a Hall of Fame career of his own.

But all that was not enough- the Giants ultimately fell short in the World Series, losing to the Yankees in seven games. However, their remarkable season and memorable playoff run are still celebrated by Giants fans to this day, and the team's many Hall of Famers are remembered as some of the greatest players in the history of the franchise and the sport as a whole.

Boys Of Summer

Robert Fettgather's writings have been published in the Transactional Analysis Journal (Translated to French per the Centre Pour La Formationet L'intervention Psycho-Sociologiques), Voices: The Art and Science of Psychotherapy, and Lifelong Learning. He is a adjunct professor of psychology at Mission College. Robert Fettgather is also a baseball fan.

It is baseball season again!

In the lexicon of American sports, few phrases evoke nostalgia and reverence quite like "the boys of summer." Coined by the legendary baseball writer Roger Kahn in his book (a worthwhile read) of the same name, this phrase encapsulates the timeless allure of baseball and the enduring legacy of the players who graced the diamond during the golden era of the sport. In this essay, we will explore the significance of "the boys of summer," their impact on the cultural landscape, and the lasting memories they have left behind.

"The boys of summer" refer to the baseball players who competed in the Major Leagues during the 1940s, 1950s, and early 1960s. This period is often romanticized as the golden era of baseball, characterized by iconic players, fierce rivalries, and a sense of innocence that permeated the game. Stars like Mickey Mantle, Willie Mays, Jackie Robinson, and Ted Williams became household names, captivating the nation with their athleticism, skill, and unmatched charisma.

As the years pass and the game evolves, the legacy of "the boys of summer" endures, cherished by fans young and old who revel in the nostalgia of bygone days. Their feats on the field and their larger-than-life personas continue to captivate the imagination, serving as a reminder of the timeless allure of baseball and the enduring power of sport to unite, inspire, and transcend.

"The boys of summer" occupy a very special place in the annals of American sports history, their legacy immortalized in the hearts/minds of fans around the world. As we celebrate their achievements and honor their memory, we pay tribute to the enduring spirit of baseball and the enduring legacy of the players who graced the diamond during its golden era.