The 1967 American League Pennant Race: Four Teams, Six Weeks, One Winner

In 1967, in the midst of a nail-biting six-week pennant race, the Red Sox, Tigers, Twins and White Sox stood deadlocked atop the American League. Never before or since have four teams tied for the lead in baseball’s final month. The stakes were high—there were no playoffs, the pennant winner went directly to the World Series. Here, for the first time, all four teams are treated as equals. The author describes their contrasting skill sets, leadership and temperament. The stress of such stiff and sustained competition was constant, and overt psychological and physical intimidation played a major role throughout the season. The standings were volatile—so were emotions. The effects on players and managers varied: some wilted or broke, others responded heroically.