In 1963, the "Casey Picks 'em for '63" Flexi-disc captured the wisdom of Casey Stengel, then managing the New York Mets and hailed as the "winningest manager in the history of baseball." This exclusive recording was commissioned for representatives of the Aetna Life Insurance Company and Aetna Casualty and Surety Company. Interviewed by Keith Morris of Sports Illustrated, Stengel, known for his rapid-fire Stengelese, offered his predictions for the finish of the ten teams in the National League. Amidst his forecasts, he also shared insider insights into his beloved Mets, shedding light on their prospects for the upcoming season.
The flexi-disc, a sought-after "collectors item," was distributed through magazine and newspaper coupon order forms or available at local Aetna insurance agencies. Packaged in a bi-fold promotion sleeve, the 7-inch, 33⅓ RPM record included instructions on its back cover for optimal playback, with the front cover featuring Stengel donning an Aetna baseball cap, peering into a baseball like a crystal ball. Inside, three images captured Stengel in his iconic New York Mets uniform, symbolizing his connection to the team he guided through pivotal times in baseball history.. As we look back, it’s fascinating to compare his predictions to the actual season outcomes.
1. Los Angeles Dodgers
Prediction: 1st Place
Stengel predicted the Dodgers would clinch the top spot, citing the crucial roles of pitchers Sandy Koufax and Don Drysdale, provided Koufax’s arm was in good shape.
Outcome: 1st Place
Stengel’s forecast was spot on. The Dodgers, led by the stellar performances of Koufax and Drysdale, finished first in the National League, validating Stengel’s assessment of their pitching strength.
The 1963 Los Angeles Dodgers were a powerhouse, boasting a remarkable 99-63 record. Sandy Koufax had an extraordinary season, winning both the Cy Young Award and the Most Valuable Player Award. Koufax's dominance on the mound was a key factor in the Dodgers’ success, as he posted a 25-5 record with a 1.88 ERA and 306 strikeouts. His performance not only earned him individual accolades but also set the tone for the Dodgers’ dominance throughout the season.
The Dodgers' impressive regular season was capped by a six-game lead over the runner-up St. Louis Cardinals, securing the National League title. In the World Series, the Dodgers made history by sweeping the New York Yankees in four games. This victory marked the first time the Yankees were ever swept in the postseason, underscoring the Dodgers' dominance. The combination of Koufax’s pitching prowess, strong defense, and timely hitting propelled the Dodgers to one of their most memorable seasons.
2. San Francisco Giants
Prediction: 2nd Place
Stengel foresaw the Giants securing second place, attributing their previous season’s near miss to poor performance in the final weeks.
Outcome: 3rd Place
The Giants finished third, slightly below Stengel’s prediction. While they remained competitive, they couldn’t outpace the Cardinals, who took second place.
The 1963 San Francisco Giants continued to build on their strong presence in Major League Baseball, marking their 81st year and sixth season since relocating from New York. Playing their fourth season at Candlestick Park, the Giants ended the year with an 88-74 record, securing third place in the National League. They finished 11 games behind the Dodgers, who dominated the league.
The Giants' season was marked by solid performances from key players like Willie Mays, who continued to be a powerhouse both offensively and defensively. Mays, along with other notable players like Orlando Cepeda and Juan Marichal, provided the team with a competitive edge. Despite their efforts, the Giants were unable to close the gap with the Dodgers and Cardinals, but they remained a formidable team throughout the season.
3. Cincinnati Reds
Prediction: 3rd Place
Stengel believed the Reds would secure third if they improved their relief pitching, a key weakness from the previous season.
Outcome: 5th Place
The Reds ended up fifth, underperforming relative to Stengel’s expectations. Despite some strong individual performances, the team’s inconsistency cost them a higher finish.
The 1963 Cincinnati Reds, managed by Fred Hutchinson, finished in fifth place with an 86-76 record. They played their home games at Crosley Field, a historic ballpark known for its intimate setting. The Reds ended the season 13 games behind the dominant Los Angeles Dodgers, who went on to win the World Series. The Reds had a solid lineup and pitching staff but struggled with consistency, particularly in relief pitching, which Stengel had accurately identified as a potential issue. Key players such as Frank Robinson and Vada Pinson provided strong offensive contributions, but it wasn't enough to propel the Reds higher in the standings.
4. St. Louis Cardinals
Prediction: 4th Place
Stengel placed the Cardinals fourth, noting the veteran presence of Stan Musial and the team’s potential for another strong season.
Outcome: 2nd Place
The Cardinals exceeded Stengel’s prediction, finishing second with a 93-69 record. This season marked the team’s 82nd in St. Louis and their 72nd in the National League. They ended the season six games behind the Dodgers, who went on to win the World Series.
The 1963 season was particularly significant for the Cardinals as it was Stan Musial's 22nd and final season. Musial, one of baseball's all-time greats, continued to contribute significantly to the team, demonstrating the same dedication and skill that had marked his career. This season also marked a first for the Cardinals: players' last names were featured on the back of their uniforms, a move that would become a standard in Major League Baseball.
Under the guidance of manager Johnny Keane, the Cardinals displayed strong performances both offensively and defensively. Key players such as Bill White, who led the team in home runs and RBIs, and Ken Boyer, who provided solid leadership and consistent play, were instrumental in their success. The pitching staff, anchored by Bob Gibson and Curt Simmons, also played a crucial role in the Cardinals' impressive season. The team’s balanced approach and depth across the roster allowed them to stay competitive throughout the season and secure a strong second-place finish.
5. Milwaukee Braves
Prediction: 5th Place
Stengel saw the Braves in fifth, identifying their need for a good center fielder and first baseman as critical gaps to fill.
Outcome: 6th Place
The Braves finished slightly below Stengel’s prediction in sixth place. Their struggles in filling key positions were evident, contributing to their lower standing.
The 1963 Milwaukee Braves marked their 11th season in Milwaukee and their 93rd overall. The Braves concluded the season with an 84-78 record, placing them in sixth position, fifteen games behind the league and World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers. Despite a respectable record, the Braves faced challenges, including low attendance, with only 773,018 fans coming to watch their games, ranking them ninth in the ten-team National League.
The Braves' lineup featured star players like Hank Aaron and Eddie Mathews, who continued to deliver strong offensive numbers. However, the team's inconsistency, particularly in finding reliable players for key positions like center field and first base, hindered their ability to climb higher in the standings. The pitching staff, led by Warren Spahn and Tony Cloninger, provided some stability, but it wasn't enough to offset the gaps in other areas. Despite these challenges, the Braves remained competitive and showed potential for future improvement.
6. Philadelphia Phillies
Prediction: 6th Place
Stengel praised the Phillies’ impressive late-season surge and predicted a sixth-place finish.
Outcome: 4th Place
The Phillies outperformed Stengel’s forecast, finishing fourth. Their young, ambitious roster, as Stengel noted, showed significant improvement and promise.
The 1963 Philadelphia Phillies season was the 81st in franchise history, and the team finished with an 87-75 record. Despite being 12 games behind the dominant Dodgers, the Phillies' fourth-place finish was a testament to their growth and potential. Manager Gene Mauch guided the team effectively, leveraging a mix of veteran leadership and youthful enthusiasm. The Phillies' roster featured standout performances from players like Johnny Callison, who led the team in home runs and RBIs, and pitcher Chris Short, who provided stability and strength on the mound. The team's progress was evident as they continued to build a foundation for future success.
7. Chicago Cubs
Prediction: 8th, 9th, or 10th Place
Stengel grouped the Cubs, Colt .45’s, and his own Mets in the bottom three, citing significant deficiencies in each team.
Outcome: 7th Place
The Cubs exceeded Stengel’s expectations, finishing in seventh place. This marked a notable improvement for the franchise, achieving their first winning season since 1946.
The 1963 Chicago Cubs season was the 92nd season of the franchise and the 88th in the National League. The Cubs played their 48th season at Wrigley Field, one of the most iconic ballparks in baseball. With a final record of 82-80, the Cubs secured seventh place in the National League. This season was particularly significant as it marked the Cubs' first winning season in 17 years, indicating a positive shift in the team's performance and prospects.
The Cubs' roster featured several standout players who contributed to their successful season. Ernie Banks, Mr. Cub himself, continued to be a key player, providing leadership and consistent performance. Ron Santo, another cornerstone of the Cubs' lineup, delivered strong offensive numbers, including a team-leading number of home runs and RBIs. The pitching staff, led by Dick Ellsworth, who posted a 22-10 record with a 2.11 ERA, played a crucial role in the Cubs' winning record. Ellsworth's performance was one of the highlights of the season, earning him recognition as one of the top pitchers in the league.
Despite not contending for the pennant, the Cubs showed significant improvement and competitiveness throughout the season. Their ability to finish with a winning record was a positive sign for the franchise, suggesting that with further development and consistency, they could become a more formidable team in the National League in the coming years.
8. Pittsburgh Pirates
Prediction: 7th Place
Stengel predicted the Pirates would finish seventh, emphasizing their need to rebuild the infield and strengthen their pitching staff.
Outcome: 8th Place
The Pirates finished eighth, slightly below Stengel’s prediction. Their rebuilding efforts fell short, and the team struggled to find a consistent rhythm.
The 1963 Pittsburgh Pirates season marked the 82nd season for the franchise and the 77th in the National League. The Pirates ended the season in eighth place with a 74-88 record. Despite having talented players like Roberto Clemente and Bill Mazeroski, the Pirates couldn't muster enough wins to move higher in the standings. Clemente, known for his exceptional batting and defensive skills, continued to be a bright spot for the team. Mazeroski, celebrated for his defensive prowess, also contributed significantly. However, the Pirates' overall performance highlighted the need for a stronger supporting cast and more reliable pitching to compete at a higher level. The team’s struggles underscored the challenges of rebuilding and the importance of depth and consistency across the roster.
9. Houston Colt .45’s
Prediction: 8th, 9th, or 10th Place
Stengel grouped the Cubs, Colt .45’s, and his own Mets in the bottom three, citing significant deficiencies in each team.
Outcome: 9th Place
The Colt .45’s finished ninth, aligning with Stengel’s low expectations. Their struggles, particularly with slugging, kept them from rising in the standings.
The 1963 Houston Colt .45’s, in just their second season in the National League, continued to experience growing pains as a relatively new franchise. They ended the season with a record that reflected their challenges in building a competitive team. Despite having strong pitching performances from players like Turk Farrell, the Colt .45’s lacked the offensive firepower needed to compete with more established teams. The team’s focus remained on developing young talent and laying the foundation for future success.
10. New York Mets
Prediction: 8th, 9th, or 10th Place
Stengel grouped the Cubs, Colt .45’s, and his own Mets in the bottom three, citing significant deficiencies in each team.
Outcome: 10th Place
As expected, the Mets finished last, consistent with Stengel’s realistic outlook on their challenges.
The 1963 New York Mets, managed by Casey Stengel, continued to struggle in their second season. Despite the challenges, Stengel remained optimistic about the team's potential for growth. The Mets' season was marked by numerous losses and ongoing efforts to build a competitive roster. The new ballpark, Shea Stadium, set to open in 1964, provided a glimmer of hope for the future. Stengel’s candid assessment of the team’s deficiencies underscored his realistic approach to managing a fledgling franchise in the midst of a rebuilding process:
"We lost 39 games by one run. I thought we'd do better. We finally started with the pitching staff. They only had utility men as starting pitchers. In other words, the pitchers were relief pitchers."
Stengel acknowledged the shortcomings of relying on utility players in key pitching roles, highlighting the team's transition towards establishing a more structured starting rotation:
"Now the utility men we had on the infield, we tried to make them regulars. At the end of the season, we just discovered we had to get rid of 20 regulars on the ballclub. We have 40 men on the roster now."
He expressed optimism about the Mets' revamped pitching staff, specifically mentioning the new additions:
"We now have Craig. That's a great pitcher. We have now Mr. Hook. That's a very good pitcher. And we had Mr. Jackson, who was outstanding in pitch four shutout games. We are at least starting with three starting pitchers."
Conclusion
Casey Stengel’s 1963 predictions demonstrated his deep understanding of the game and the teams within the National League. While some teams outperformed or underperformed his forecasts, many of his insights were remarkably accurate, particularly regarding the top and bottom positions. Stengel’s ability to analyze team strengths and weaknesses remains a testament to his expertise and legacy in baseball. The Dodgers’ dominant season, led by the unparalleled Sandy Koufax, stands out as a highlight, affirming Stengel’s keen baseball acumen. Additionally, the Cardinals’ strong second-place finish in Stan Musial’s final season underscored their resilience and competitive spirit. The Cubs' first winning season since 1946 and the progress of teams like the Phillies also highlighted the dynamic and evolving landscape of the National League in 1963.
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