A Memory Of The Little"Big" Man

I saw the "scooter" play many times at Fenway and despite being an avid
Sox fan I always secretly rooted for him.

I believe it was in 54 and the afternoon game of the then annual
morning/afternoon Patriots Day DH. Phil "saved" and then "lost" a no
hitter for journeyman Jim Mcdonald. In approx the 4th inning 1B Dick
Gernert hit a ground ball deep into the hole to Scooters right. The ball
no more hit his glove that it was gone toward first.A high rainbow
throw that nipped Gernert by half a step. Granted Gernert was slow afoot
but the swiftness in which the ball left Phil's glove still impresses me
today.

Oh the "lost" part. I believe it was the 7th when the late Harry Agganis
hit a hunchback liner just over Rizutto's leap for a hit. The only hit
the Sox got that day. What would be considered a normal sized SS for
that era would likely have caught the ball and McDonald would have had a
No No. On the other hand I don't think any other SS in the league could
have made the great play on Gernert.

"Sweet Lou"