Today is the 100th anniversary of Merkle's Boner, otherwise known as the best example of how not to walk-off.
Stories on the subject vary, but the basic details were that the Giants and Cubs were playing a key game in New York inthe 1908 pennant race, and the Giants were on the verge of winning. Al Bridwell appeared to single in Moose McCormick with the winning run.
However, Fred Merkle, the baserunner on first, did not touch second base, and this was spotted by Johnny Evers. Craziness ensued, with Christy Mathewson attempting to steer Merkle back to second, while Giants pitcher Joe McGinity and Cubs second baseman Johnny Evers wrestled for position. Eventually, with fans having come on to the field, one got ahold of the ball and heaved it into the stands.
Eventually police were called in and no decision was rendered as to the status of the game. The next day, the game umpires decided that Merkle was out, and that thus, the game was not over. League officials ruled the game had to be replayed.
It was. The Cubs won. The Cubs won the pennant by one game. The Cubs went on to win the World Series, the last time they've done so. One hundred years later, they find themselves in New York on this date again, probably wondering how the Mets will hand them tonight's game.
Stories on the subject vary, but the basic details were that the Giants and Cubs were playing a key game in New York inthe 1908 pennant race, and the Giants were on the verge of winning. Al Bridwell appeared to single in Moose McCormick with the winning run.
However, Fred Merkle, the baserunner on first, did not touch second base, and this was spotted by Johnny Evers. Craziness ensued, with Christy Mathewson attempting to steer Merkle back to second, while Giants pitcher Joe McGinity and Cubs second baseman Johnny Evers wrestled for position. Eventually, with fans having come on to the field, one got ahold of the ball and heaved it into the stands.
Eventually police were called in and no decision was rendered as to the status of the game. The next day, the game umpires decided that Merkle was out, and that thus, the game was not over. League officials ruled the game had to be replayed.
It was. The Cubs won. The Cubs won the pennant by one game. The Cubs went on to win the World Series, the last time they've done so. One hundred years later, they find themselves in New York on this date again, probably wondering how the Mets will hand them tonight's game.
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