The Shot Heard ‘Round the World

We recently received an email from Steven Jackman, and well, maybe he should tell the story:

“My father wrote a poem in 1951 about Bobby Thomson’s home run. It’s a take-off on Casey at the Bat. He was 20 at the time, and is now 81. He says he sent a copy to the Giants shortly after he wrote it. I would have thought the Giants would have recognized it as a potential instant Giants classic, but somehow it must have slipped through the cracks, and he never heard back. He gave me his copy many years ago, and I recently came upon it in my files. Then I read the news about Don Mueller’s passing, and it occurred to me that I should try sending it to the Giants again while there are still people around who would fully appreciate it.”

We couldn’t agree more and hope everyone likes it as much as we do.

Click to view Norman Jackman’s copy of his poem: Bobby Thomson at the Bat

Bobby Thomson with "The Bat"

Norman Jackman

On October 4, 1951 Willard Mullin commemorated the event by drawing this for the World-Telegram and Sun

Willard Mullin drew the cover of the 1952 New York Giants Yearbook

Bobby Thomson with Peter Magowan before the Dodgers game on October 3, 1993

BOBBY THOMSON

BOBBY THOMSON AT THE BAT

It looked extremely rocky for the Giant nine that day
The score stood one to four with but an inning left to play
A straggling few got up to go leaving there the rest
With that hope which springs eternal within the human breast

Then Dark let drive a single and Mueller did the same
Prayers were uttered by the faithful at the game
For up stepped Monte Irvin, the hero of them all
He stood at the plate and took a mighty swing at the ball
Yet the best he could do was a weak pop to Hodges
And it looked like the pennant would be won by the Dodgers
But the much beloved Lockman had other things in mind
He swung with all his power to bring the Giants from behind
And when the dust had risen and they saw what had occurred
There was Lockman safe at second and Mueller hugging third

Then from the frenzied multitude there came a joyous yell
It bounded on the rooftops and rattled in the dell
It struck upon the hillside and rebounded on the flat
While the mighty Bobby Thomson was advancing to the bat

Ralph Branca warmed up then tugged his belt around
And began the long trip from the bullpen to the mound
Now Branca holds the ball and now he lets it go
And now the air is shattered by the force of Thomson’s blow

Oh somewhere in this favored land the sun is shining bright
Bands are playing somewhere and somewhere hearts are light
Somewhere people are laughing and somewhere children are having fun
But there is no joy in Brooklyn, Bobby Thomson hit a HOME RUN!

©1951 Norman H. Jackman