Schlitz and Baseball folklore;
Mel Famey was a pitcher for the Yankees back in the 30's. He was a relief pitcher who usually came into the game in the later innings. He was pretty good but had one bad vice - drinking.
One of his more famous outings came in the 7th game of the World Series one year. It was a real pitcher's duel with neither team getting more than a few hits. Since it was a hot day and the starter seemed to be in the groove, Mel took to drinking. Beer after beer was consumed while Mel watched the game. When the bottom of the 9th inning came around, the game was tied 1-1 and the Yankees' starter was exhausted. The manager sent word to the bullpen that he wanted Mel to come in to take over. He had confidence in Mel because even in his condition, Mel was usually better than the other relievers on the team. Besides, the team they were playing had never scored a run against Mel during the season.
Upon hearing his name called to enter the game, Mel staggered toward the mound. With a beer still in his hand, he slowly made his way onto the field. On his way, he tossed the just emptied beer bottle toward the opposing team's dugout. He warmed up with a few pitches that appeared to be strikes with good velocity. Then it came time to face the opposing batters.
Four straight pitches clearly missed the strike zone with the fourth sailing over the catcher and umpire's heads. With the first batter on base he looked seriously at the next one. But, that batter too failed to see a pitch that came anywhere close to the strike zone. After walking still another batter to load the bases, the manager came out to talk to Mel. Mel assured him that he had the game under control and that he had a plan. Having confidence in Mel because of his impressive stats for the season, the manager decided to leave him in the game. Unfortunately, Mel walked yet one more batter giving up the winning run. During the celebration, one of the opposing players was seen holding the beer bottle Mel had thrown toward their dugout. At that point, the player muttered the immortal phrase that is still heard today....
"This is the beer that made Mel Famey walk us!"
