1965 Sandy Koufax Attacked by Juan Marichal Historic Roseboro Incident Original AP Press Photo

One of the most infamous moments in Giants-Dodgers rivalry history:

The Incident — August 22, 1965 During a tense game at Candlestick Park, Giants ace Juan Marichal was batting against Sandy Koufax. Dodgers catcher John Roseboro, returning a pitch, threw the ball back very close to Marichal's ear — intentionally, Marichal believed. Words were exchanged, and Marichal turned and struck Roseboro over the head with his bat, opening a two-inch gash. A massive brawl erupted. Willie Mays, to his great credit, rushed in and cradled the bleeding Roseboro, helping calm the situation.

The Fallout Marichal was ejected and later suspended for nine games and fined $1,750, considered a light punishment by many. The Giants were in a tight pennant race with the Dodgers at the time, and missing those starts hurt San Francisco badly. The Dodgers went on to win the World Series that year.

The Bigger Cost The incident almost certainly cost Marichal votes for years in Hall of Fame balloting. Despite having arguably better career numbers than Koufax, he wasn't inducted until 1983, widely seen as a direct consequence of the bat incident lingering in voters' minds.

The Reconciliation The two men eventually made peace. Roseboro later said he forgave Marichal, and the two became friends in their later years. Roseboro even supported Marichal's Hall of Fame candidacy publicly, which carried enormous weight.

It remains one of the darkest and most dramatic moments in the long, bitter Giants-Dodgers rivalry.

Offered is an original 9.75” x  7” AP wirephoto (TYPE III) from 1965.  The caption reads:

AUG 23 – PEAK OF BATTLES--  San Francisco pitching star Juan Marichal (27) swings his bat in hassle yesterday at Candlestick Park over a return throw by Los Angeles catcher John Roseboro, right center, that came close to his head as he waited at the plate. Roseboro is being pushed by shortstop Tito Fuentes (26), who was to bat next, and pulled by pitcher Sandy Koufax. At left is plate umpire Shag Crawford and Giants coach Charlie Fox. Marichal's outburst developed into a general fracas with both dugouts being emptied.