The mound was more than a bump then, and those who stood on it appeared particularly tall that year, 1968. It was the Year of the Pitcher. To read Bob Gibson's ERA, a microscope was required. And six other starters produced ERAs lower than 2.00. Thirteen of the 20 big league teams had an ERA below 3.00. The leagues batted .243 (National) and .230 (American). There were 82 games with a final score of 1-0. The only run in the All-Star Game was unearned. Had Carl Yastrzemski produced one fewer hit, the American League would have been without a .
Harper's homer outburst stirs memories of Howard's huge week
