Loading ...June 1, 1956: With the Reds down 3-1, in the 8th inning of a game against the Giants at Crosley Field, Frank Robinson steaps out of the batter’s box to argue with home plate umpire Larry Goetz. When Robinson wouldn’t return to the plate, Goetz ordered Giants pitcher Steve Ridzik to throw a pitch, which was called strike three. The Reds were furious with the call, and Johnny Temple and Joe Nuxhall were ejected in the ensuring argument. The Reds lost, 3-2.
All “Reds trivia” posts come from Greg Rhodes and John Snyder’s fabulous book, “Redleg Journal” (see link for purchasing) and are used with Greg’s permission.
Thanks again to Greg Rhodes for permission to use his material.
Rookie Frank Robinson, leave us not forget. 1956 was his rookie year. Temple was a notorious hothead. Still, interesting to see him back up the rookie.
It’s hard to picture Joe Nuxhall getting thrown out of a game. He always seemed more level-headed than that.
Nuxhall was the starting pitcher in the game and Temple was hitting leadoff (Robinson was hitting #2). Also, interesting to note that Big Klu was pinch run for in the 9th inning after drawing a walk (in Adam Dunn mode). Two Giants were ejected in the bottom of the 9th (Westrum (C) and Rigney (?)).
The game ended on a DP on a line out to RF and a play at the plate…