In the only game scheduled on this Monday evening, the New York Mets pound Pittsburgh, 9 – 6. Obscured amidst the offensive fireworks is the sorry plight of poor Jerry Buchek, a career backup infielder on the verge of his career year who’s got to be wondering what he ever did to Pirate right fielder Roberto Clemente, likewise embarking on his own best-ever season. Clemente abuses Buchek on both sides of the ball, starting with his 2nd-inning snatch of his 400-footer to right center. Pirate beat writer Les Biederman reports: “Clemente went toward the exit gate for a startling back-handed stab of Buchek’s long drive.” Next inning, one of Roberto’s patented one-hop rockets undresses the Met second baseman even as it dares him to return Clemente’s favor. “Clemente slammed a vicious one-hop shot right at Buchek,” writes Biederman, “but the second baseman dropped the ball as he set himself to throw.”