EDITOR’S NOTE: A version of this article originally ran on the 60th anniversary of this game, in 2023. I’m reposting it, lightly edited, as part of the walkoff wins series.

1963 was a watershed year for the Chicago Cubs. The widely-mocked College of Coaches was quietly ended. Bob Kennedy led the team for the entire year, though his title was still given as “head coach,” and the team got off to a surprisingly good start. A good 16-12 May had them in contention, led by two fine young hitters — Billy Williams and Ron Santo, both having their first big years — and the outstanding pitching of Dick Ellsworth, who had gone 9-20 with a 5.09 ERA in 1962. Entering June 1963, Ellsworth was 6-3 with a 1.22 ERA in 10 starts.

The Cubs went 5-1 to begin June. They swept a doubleheader from the Giants a

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