The World Series, for what its worth, is a staple pin of Americana. Although baseball is no longer the predominant sport of choice in the United States, the World Series is still renowned as one of the country’s most famed sporting events. Coupled with the drama of a Fall Classic, a home run in October can increase the popularity and stature of a World Series innumerably. So, with the collapse of Detroit imminent, allow us to get a quick look in at some of the game’s most prolific World Series round-trippers.
10. David Justice, 1995 World Series Game 6
A dark horse entry into the list, the 1995 World Series was a critical stage for baseball, coming off the disastrous strike season in 1994. The Atlanta Braves, the perennial “almost won it but didn’t quite get it done” team of the 1990s, finally won their first World Championship since 1957 behind the much maligned the home run of David Justice in Game 6. Justice, who had criticized the fans of Atlanta for not supporting the Braves, had been booed heavily up until his home run in the sixth and final game, the only run of the contest. It was the twilight of Justice’s stay in Atlanta – in May of 1996, he would injure himself during a game against Pittsburgh. His season over, Justice would be traded to Cleveland after the 1996 season.
09. Scott Brosius, 2001 World Series Game 5
Considered more of a “Can you believe it?” moment as opposed to a genuinely emotional event, Scott Brosius made life interesting in Game 5 of the ‘01 Series by belting the game tying home run off Arizona closer Byung-Hyun Kim. The Yankees, who had tied the series with an emotional walk off home run from Derek Jeter in Game 6, had hit another home run off the same pitcher in back to back games. The Yankees would win Game 5, but lose the Series in seven games.
08. Derek Jeter, 2001 World Series Game 4
In many ways, Derek Jete’s walk off home run in the tenth inning of Game 4 could be considered the last great World Series moment in Yankees history to date. Although Scott Brosius would take to the fences the very next game, it was Jete’s home run as the clock struck midnight that would forever define him as “Mr. November”. Following the September 11th attacks, the city was in dire need of something to pick them up and take their mind off of things going on at Ground Zero. A Game 3 win had helped, but this was the moment that redefined the series as one of baseball’s greatest. Oddly enough, it was the same pitcher, Byung-Hyun Kim that would surrender both home runs.
07. Kirby Puckett, 1991 World Series Game 6
Minnesota’s last World Series appearance to date occurred in 1991, with the Twins taking on the Cinderella team of the year, the Atlanta Braves. In Game 6, the Atlanta Braves were one win away from the World Series title, while Minnesota was battling to force a decisive Game 7. In the see-saw affair, which saw the lead swing back and forth several times, a 3-3 tie sent the game into extra innings. Finally, in the eleventh, the late Kirby Puckett stepped to the dish. Against pitcher Charlie Leibrandt, Puckett smashed a deep home run into left field. Memorialized for pumping his fist in the air rounding the bases, Puckett’s blast would force a memorable Game 7, won by the Twins in extra innings.
06. Joe Carter, 1993 World Series Game 6
The nation of Canada has hosted two World Series, both in Toronto, where the Blue Jays captured the title twice in remarkable fashion. One of the more memorable home runs in World Series history occurred in Game 6, when Joe Carter belted a walk-off three run home run over the left field wall to give the Blue Jays their second consecutive World Championship. The home run came off reliever Mitch Williams, to whom Carter had gone 0-4 against in his career. To date, it is the last World Series played outside of the United States.
05. Kurt Gibson, 1988 World Series Game 1
With leg injuries hobbling him and the game’s most dominant closer on the mound, Kurt Gibson took a mighty swing for the fences”¦ and connected, on what has become one of the greatest moments in baseball history. His classic “jackpot!” mannerisms coming around second base are iconic reminders to that fateful October night in Chavez Ravine. On an interesting side note, it was important that Dennis Eckersley had gone since August of the previous year without allowing a home run. The Dodgers would use the emotional uplifting from their captain to stun the A’s in five games.
04. Reggie Jackson, 1977 World Series Game 6
The New York Yankees, coming off a World Series loss to the Cincinnati Reds the year previous, were dipping heavily into the Free Agent market, landing “Mr. October” and setting up one of the game’s most historic hitting performances. Reggie Jackson connected for three home runs, on three consecutive pitches, against three consecutive pitchers. His three home runs helped push the Yanks past the Dodgers to claim their first World Series championship in over fifteen years.
03. Bill Mazeroski, 1960 World Series Game 7
The New York Yankees, pre-1970 are not really loathed like the Yankees of the Steinbrenner-Era. Nevertheless, if you enjoy a good Yankee-bashing (and what sane person doesn’t), then you should take heart in revisiting this classic. In a see-saw Game 7, played in Pittsburg’s Forbes Field, Bill Mazeroski clocked a walk-off home run to stun the New York Yankees. The home run remains the only Game 7 walk-off home run in World Series history, and one of only two home runs to end a Series.
02. Carlton Fisk, 1975 World Series Game 6
One of the most famous home runs in World Series history came in 1975, during what is arguably the greatest World Series games ever played in one of the greatest World Series of all time. In the 12th Inning of Game 6, Carlton Fisk connected on a blast that hit the left field foul pole, giving the Red Sox new life and forcing the decisive Game 7 the next night. Most people remember Fisk “waving” the ball fair as he danced down the first base line before exploding with the rest of New England when it hit what has now become known as “Fisk Pole”. The Reds won the series, 4-3.
01. Babe Ruth, 1932 World Series Game 3
Up until 1975, this home run was perhaps the most revered baseball moment in history. Today, most fans remember Babe Ruth for his home runs, this being his most famous shot. In the 1932 World Series, the New York Yankees came to Chicago for a date with the Cubs (you read that right). Ruth and Lou Gehrig both hit back-to-back home runs in that game, but it was Ruth who stole the show. Legend has it that Babe Ruth “called his shot” prior to the pitch, pointing to the left field bleachers before sending a towering blast into the left field stands. While it’s hard to prove or disprove that Ruth was pointing to the intended destination of his home run, video can confirm that he was definitely pointing his bat. In any event, the moment is one of the most symbolic at-bats in baseball.
