On June 1 1961 — 1961 – Joe Torre’s “most embarrassing moment” comes today. The Braves’ rookie is victim No. 7 out of 27 on the season for Pirates right fielder Roberto Clemente, a somewhat sick total of outfield assists for a man seven years in the league. While nothing out of the ordinary for Roberto, this moment will be impossible to forget for Joe Torre, no matter how much he may want to: “I got a hit to right field and rounded first base as most runners do. Clemente picked up the ball, faked a throw to second and threw it so fast behind me to first base I was caught and tagged out. It was my most embarrassing moment on the field.” The sixth-inning, rally-killing baserunning gaffe is somewhat differently portrayed in Pirates beat writer Les Biederman’s contemporary account: “The only time the Braves had a chance to score on Harvey Haddix after the 1st inning came in the 6th inning when Torre singled to right with Frank Thomas on second. Torre rounded first and Dick Stuart cut off Clemente’s throw home and politely tagged out Torre. Then Clemente completed the inning by going to the 375-foot mark and spearing Joe Adcock’s long shot.” Whether Biederman or Torre’s account is most accurate, this remains a truly cringe-worthy moment and a valuable lesson for the young rookie, learned the hard way.
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