1977–1993
Free Agency Era
October became a national broadcast, and a ground ball could be shown again for twenty years. Most of these entries come from a series that was an out, or a call, from being over.
Where the retelling put a whole championship on one player, the record says what the inning actually was. Buckner's error came after the lead was gone. Denkinger missed the out, and the Cardinals then missed the rest of the night.
In this chapter
All 20 entries
Disco Demolition Night
The White Sox blew up a crate of disco records between games of a doubleheader. Fans took the field, a fire started, and the second game was forfeited.
Chicago White Sox · Detroit Tigers
The Pine Tar Game
George Brett's go-ahead homer was taken off the board because there was too much pine tar on the bat. The league president put the homer back.
Kansas City Royals · New York Yankees
No. 1984.10.07
1984
Durham Lets It Through
One out from a pennant-clinching chance slipping away, Tim Flannery's grounder went through Leon Durham's legs. San Diego scored four and won the National League.
Chicago Cubs · San Diego Padres
Denkinger Calls Orta Safe
With St. Louis one out from a championship, Don Denkinger called Jorge Orta safe at first. Replays showed he was out. The Cardinals never got the inning back.
Kansas City Royals · St. Louis Cardinals
The Ball Gets Through Buckner
The Red Sox were one out from a title when a ground ball went through Bill Buckner's legs. By then the lead was already gone.
Boston Red Sox · New York Mets
Lonnie Smith Stops at Third
In a scoreless Game 7, Lonnie Smith was on first when Terry Pendleton doubled. A decoy at second base held Smith at third. He never scored.
Atlanta Braves · Minnesota Twins