The anniversary drew little fanfare aside from the Audie Murphy American Cotton Museum – leaving many in Greenville unaware of a legendary game that remains a cherished chapter in Greenville ' s baseball heritage .
Mattie McClerg , a lifelong Greenville resident and avid Majors fan from back in the day , vividly recalled the game in a 1977 Herald- Banner interview .
“ The Yankees came to play what they expected would be an easy game and slept through most of the game before realizing they were losing to us and would probably lose the game .
Despite the cold and overcast weather , almost 3,000 enthusiastic hometown fans filled the stands of what was then known as Truett Majors Stadium , named after the first Greenville resident killed in World War II . The stadium , which had been realigned for baseball , witnessed an electrifying contest as the short-handed Majors took on the Yankees . A David vs . Goliath battle of biblical proportions , if you will .
The game culminated in a thrilling ninth inning . As the last Yankees batter faced Big Tom Pullig ' s devastating slider , the Greenville crowd erupted in cheers when the final strike was thrown .
McClerg fondly remembered the scene .
' All of the people started to stand on the benches waving handkerchiefs and screaming as loud and happily as they could . Everyone was going completely wild . We had just beaten the New York Yankees !”
Greg Sims , CEO of the Greenville Board of Development , eloquently summarized the sentiment during the 65th anniversary commemoration in 2014 by reading from the New York Times recap of the game – reminding us of the power of determination and the joy of unexpected triumphs .
The Majors ' 4-3 victory over the Yankees sent shockwaves through the baseball world . New York Times sportswriter James Dawson captured the moment – noting how the underdog Majors " plastered a 4-3 defeat " on the Yankees , sending them away " shrouded in disappointment ." This unexpected triumph not only boosted local morale but also cemented Greenville ' s place in baseball lore .
Today , the legacy of “ The Game ” is preserved at the Audie Murphy Museum , which features an exhibit dedicated to local baseball legends , including memorabilia from Monty Stratton and souvenirs from the Majors . Among the treasured items are autographed baseballs from Yankee stars and Majors players .
A crumbling arch standing and a Texas Historical Commission marker at the entrance to what was once Majors Stadium are the only noticeable sign of what took place that overcast April day – a silent witness to the game that took place 75 years ago when the Greenville Majors shocked the baseball world .
Pullig , the Majors ' winning pitcher , stands out as a hero of that historic game . At 6 ' 3 " and 210 pounds , Pullig ' s mastery of the slider proved instrumental in defeating the Yankees . Just a few months later , Pullig would pitch a perfect game against Denison , further solidifying his legacy in Greenville baseball history .
The 75th anniversary of the Majors ' victory over the Yankees serves as a testament to the enduring spirit of baseball and the lasting impact of one extraordinary game .
So play ball , Greenville . Here ’ s to 75 years of unforgettable baseball history .
GREENVILLE LIFE 27 SUMMER 2024