Moments in MLB history that had fans holding their breath
Moments in MLB history that had fans holding their breath
Major League Baseball (MLB) has been around for over 120 years. In that time, its fans have witnessed some truly remarkable moments, some of which have changed the sport and become etched in its history.
In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of those most memorable and breathless moments, including the “shot heard ‘round the world.”
But first, let’s take a brief look at the history of the MLB.
A brief history of the MLB
The MLB is, in fact, the oldest major professional sports league in the world. 30 teams compete in the MLB, of which 15 play in the National League, with the other 15 competing in the American League.
Each team plays 162 games per season – a huge number – with the top six teams in each league advancing to the post-season tournament. The winners play in the World Series, a best-of-seven clash for the MLB championship.
Nowadays, the MLB is watched by millions of fans – in 2018, it racked up around 69.6 million global spectators. Many of those fans enjoy betting on the outcomes of matches and the teams they follow. If you’re one of them, check out the best MLB odds today – this could help give you an edge when it comes to picking your bets.
Mazeroski’s World Series-winning home run
Arguably one of the most gripping games in MLB history is the final game in the 1960 World Series between the Pittsburgh Pirates and New York Yankees.
Pirates player Bill Mazeroski batted in the last inning of the final game, with the score locked at 9-9. The crowd at Forbes Field could barely believe what they saw next.
The pitch came in and Mazeroski swung with everything he had. The ball went high up into the air. Mickey Mantle and Yogi Berra for the Yankees tried to catch the ball, but Mazeroski had sent it out of the stadium.
Mazeroski’s incredible strike secured the winning run for the Pittsburgh Pirates, and also the World Series, and shocked baseball fans across the globe.
Jackie Robinson becomes the first black player to play in the MLB
One of the most iconic and memorable moments in MLB history came when Jackie Robinson became the first black player to play in the MLB.
Back in 1947, Robinson joined the Brooklyn Dodgers at a time when the United States was still segregated. But what was refreshing, especially for the time, is that the Dodgers ignored race altogether and picked Robinson purely on talent.
And it paid off. In 1947, he was awarded Rookie of the Year. In 1962, he was inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame. And he was the first professional athlete to have his jersey number, 42, retired across the whole league.
Many fans will remember Robinson fondly, not just for his baseball skills but for being an inspirational figurehead in the fight against racism.
The “shot heard ‘round the world”
Back in 1951, the New York Giants faced off against local rivals the Brooklyn Dodgers in a three-game affair for the National League pennant.
With the teams tied at 1-1, they went into the final game. The Dodgers took a 4-1 lead and looked to be heading for victory – until Bobby Thomson stepped up to bat.
At this point, the score was 4-2, with the Giants having players on second and third bases. The pitch came in at pace and Thomson smashed it, sending it across the field and into the stands.
In one swoop, the game spun on its head. The Giants went wild and Thomson’s incredible hit was coined the “shot heard ‘round the world.”
Kirk Gibson’s home run in the 1988 World Series
In the 1988 World Series, the LA Dodgers faced off against the Oakland Athletics. In the run-up to Game 1, Dodgers star Kirk Gibson suffered injuries to both of his legs.
The injuries were considered severe enough to rule him out of the batting lineup. But amazingly, at the bottom of the 9th with two outs, the Dodgers called Gibson to bat.
Against all odds, he struck the perfect shot, sending the ball straight out of the stadium. His defiant swing changed the game, allowing them to make two home runs and helping the Dodgers take a 5-4 lead.
Everyone loves an underdog story. Gibson’s is one of the most celebrated in MLB history and one that fans will always remember.
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