With World Series fever spreading, what else could this month's column focus on? Sports also were an important part of American entertainment in the '50s, and 1951 was a monumental year for the favorite American pastime: baseball.

Last year's “Subway Series,” a World Series played between two teams within one city, was not the first. In 1951, two New York teams also played for the baseball championship. In fact, the New York Yankees and New York Giants played six well-fought games to determine the series winner. In the end, the Yankees prevailed, winning the series 4-2 to claim the title.

In 1951 a young man named Willie Mays joined the major leagues and made a tremendous difference in the baseball world. In his first year in the National League, he became “Rookie of the Year,” hitting 20 home runs and attaining 68 RBIs. In 1954, Mays earned the “Most Valuable Player” title, finishing the season with 41 home runs, 110 RBIs and a .345 batting average. Mays was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, the first year he was eligible for the honor.

The United States loves not only its baseball and apple pie, but also its cars! Legislation throughout the past 50 years has helped protect the driving consumer as well as automotive business owners. Representation by association lobbyists in Washington has allowed tremendous changes and growth in the automotive industry. Furthermore, the contribution that representatives from the Automotive Service Association (ASA), the Automotive Recyclers Association (ARA) and other groups make in international automotive conferences is outstanding and unique.

So as you're watching the World Series this month, be sure to think not only about baseball and apple pie, but also about the automotive industry and ASA's contributions.

History Quiz:

What New York Yankee slugger retired in 1951 with a lifetime batting average of .325? (Hint: This Yankee was also married to movie star Marilyn Monroe.)

See the November issue of AutoInc. for the answer.

History Quiz answer for September:

What two New York baseball teams played a “subway series” during the 1951 World Series?

Answer: New York Yankees and New York Giants

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