A controversial scoring decision cost Ken Brett a shot at a no-hitter in the White Sox 1-0 win — their 11th in a row — in 11 innings over the Angels in Anaheim, Calif. on May 26, 1976.
Acquired just eight days earlier from the Yankees, the lefty was denied his no-no with two outs in the ninth when third baseman Jorge Orta couldn’t handle a roller by Jerry Remy.
Official scorer Don Merry, a local sports writer, ruled hit in a decision that was greeted by groans and boos immediately and disappointment by most afterwards.
“It’s nice to hear our fans booing someone other than our players,” Angels manager Dick Williams said in the Tribune.
Said Otra: “I put my glove down and thought it was far enough down. I thought it would come up to me but it didn’t.”
Brett was in the camp that included Angels broadcaster Don Drysdale who believed the play should have been ruled an error.
“This is no reflection on Jorge, because he’s a teammate of mine, but I thought it should have been called an error,” said Brett, who was perfect for 7.2 innings before issuing a four-pitch walk.
“He tried for it and I feel for him because he’s not always a third baseman here. He switches back and forth between there and the outfield.”
Shortstop Bucky Dent was in the minority.
He had a bird’s-eye view of the play and said the scorer was probably in the right.
“I feel bad for Jorge on that play but I think the guy might have made the right call,” Dent said. “That’s one of those plays where you either do or your don’t. I was right beside him and he either had to pick it up or he didn’t.
“He didn’t but we won anyway, right?”
Thanks to Dent.
He drove in Jack Brohamer with the winner with a two-out single in the 11th.
Clay Carroll pitched a scoreless 11th for the save to secure Brett’s gem.
The masterpiece capped a wild 48 hours for Brett.
After returning to New York to clean out his apartment, Brett flew cross country to rejoin his new Sox teammates in Anaheim.
The first plane Brett was on lost a wing in flight.
“I didn’t know if I’d make it to California’” Brett said. “(I) left New York for a noon flight Monday but after were in the air for an hour, the plane turned back.
“The pilot got on the PA and said part of the wing fell off. My first thought was to have a drink. My second thought was to have another drink.
“I finally made it here in the sixth inning Monday night, none of my teammates would believe me.”