MLB games today are watched by millions of fans around the world. The game of baseball is steeped in history, with many iconic moments etched into the collective memory of fans. From Babe Ruth’s called shot to Kirk Gibson’s home run, baseball has produced some of the most thrilling moments in sports.
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In this article, you will take a closer look at some of the most iconic plays in MLB games.
The Shot Heard ‘Round the World
On October 3, 1951, the New York Giants faced off against the Brooklyn Dodgers in a playoff game to determine who would represent the National League in the World Series. With the score tied 4-4 in the bottom of the ninth inning, Giants outfielder Bobby Thomson stepped to the plate with two men on base.
Thomson hit a three-run homer off Dodgers pitcher Ralph Branca to win the game and send the Giants to the World Series. The moment became known as “The Shot Heard ‘Round the World” and remains one of the most famous plays in baseball history.
Don Larsen’s Perfect Game
On October 8, 1956, New York Yankees pitcher Don Larsen threw the only perfect game in World Series history. Facing off against the Brooklyn Dodgers in Game 5, Larsen retired all 27 batters he faced, striking out seven.
Larsen’s performance helped lead the Yankees to a 2-0 victory and a 3-2 series lead. Larsen’s perfect game remains one of the greatest pitching performances in MLB games.
Carlton Fisk’s Home Run
In Game 6 of the 1975 World Series, the Boston Red Sox faced off against the Cincinnati Reds. With the game tied 6-6 in the bottom of the twelfth inning, Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk stepped to the plate. Fisk hit a long fly ball down the left-field line that appeared to be heading foul.
Fisk famously waved his arms, willing the ball to stay fair, and it bounced off the foul pole for a walk-off home run. The play helped the Red Sox force a Game 7, but they ultimately lost the series to the Reds. Fisk’s home run remains one of the most memorable moments in MLB games’ history.
Derek Jeter’s Flip Play
In Game 3 of the 2001 American League Division Series, the New York Yankees faced off against the Oakland Athletics. A’s outfielder Terrence Long hit a double to right field with the score tied 1-1 in the bottom of the seventh inning. As the outfield throw sailed over the cutoff man’s head, shortstop Derek Jeter raced across the field, scooped up the ball, and made a backhanded flip to catcher Jorge Posada, who tagged out a sliding Jeremy Giambi at home plate.
The play saved a crucial run and helped the Yankees win the game 1-0. Jeter’s flip play has been praised as one of the most heads-up and athletic plays in MLB games history.
Kirk Gibson’s Home Run
In Game 1 of the 1988 World Series, the Los Angeles Dodgers faced off against the Oakland Athletics. Injured outfielder Kirk Gibson limped to the plate as a pinch hitter with the Dodgers trailing 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth inning. Despite being hobbled by injuries, Gibson managed to hit a two-run home run off A’s closer Dennis Eckersley to give the Dodgers a 5-4 win.
These iconic plays have not only provided you with some of the most thrilling moments in MLB games history but have also become part of the cultural fabric of the sport. They have been replayed countless times, discussed in sports bars and living rooms around the world, and have inspired generations of baseball fans. Seeing these memorable moments in baseball history reminds us of the magic of the World Series; make sure you don’t miss any upcoming nail-biting action by securing your cheap world Series Tickets.
