Kirk Gibson HomerunWatch The Homerun Kirk Gibson homerun. Game one of the 1988 World Series between the Oakland A's and the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bottom of the ninth, two out with Dodger Mike Davis on first base. The A's are up 4-3 as pinch hitter Kirk Gibson limps to the plate. Kirk Gibson had a stomach virus and injuries to both of his legs. He was not expected to play at all. Future Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley was on the mound for the A's. He quickly got ahead of Gibson 0 and 2. On the 2-2 pitch, Davis took a huge gamble and stole second base. He was the tying run and Gibson now had a full count. Just before the pay off pitch, Gibson stepped out of the box. He later explained that he suddenly remembered the scouting report that said Eckersley would most likely throw a left handed batter a back door slider on a full count. The scouting report proved to be correct. Kirk Gibson took a "front foot" swing at the slider and hobbled towards first base as the ball sailed into the right field bleachers. The Dodgers won game one 5-4 as Kirk Gibson limped around the bases pumping his fist. Broadcaster Jack Buck proclaimed, "I don't believe what I just saw...I don't BELIEVE what I just saw!" Dodger announce Vin Scully exclaimed, "In the year of the improbable, the impossible has happened." I know I said I wasn't going to list these Baseball's Greatest Moments in any order, but I can't think of another moment in baseball history that could be better than this one. It was Kirk Gibson's only at bat in the 1988 World Series. The Dodgers beat the A's four games to one.
|
