Monday, July 16, 2007

Musings for Monday 7/16/07

Sports


If you listened to my baseball pick yesterday you would have won again. I am now 5-2 on my picks and if you made simple $10 wagers, you would be $27.94 richer. No picks today, I don't want you guys to get too greedy, but I do have a cool sports list for you...


Best Damn Sports Shows list of the 50 greatest baseball plays

This is a good list. One can always debate a list of this sort, but this is solid. I wasn't alive for the the #1 pick, but is doesn't seem to be on the level of the previous three in my book. Plus, how about some White Sox love? I seem to remember some memorable moments in the 2005 World Series...read to the end for my 5 most memorable White Sox moments.



50. Griffey Slides Past the Yankees1995 ALDS - Game 5
One of the most memorable moments of Mariners history happened in Game 5 with a double by Martinez in the 11th inning that scored Joey Cora and Griffey to win the game 6-5 and the Series "The Double", as Martinez's clutch hit has since been called by Mariners fans, is credited as being the moment that "saved baseball in Seattle" by generating interest in the team and making a new stadium possible.

49. The Curse is Reversed2004 World Series - Game 4
The American League champion Boston Red Sox defeated the National League champion St. Louis Cardinals to claim the 2004 World Series Trophy. It had been 86 years since Boston last claimed the prize by defeating the Chicago Cubs in the 1918 World Series.

48. Kevin Mitchell's One-Handed GrabApril 26, 1989
Ozzie Smith hit a fly ball toward the left-field corner, hooking foul but still within Mitchell's grasp. Except that Mitchell overran the ball, had to reach back and pluck it barehanded from the sky, a guaranteed end-of-the-millennium highlight film clip. The classic Mitchell explanation: "I was running as hard as I could, and it just came back on me. All I could do was stick up my hand and there it was."

47. Bonds Hits #71October 5, 2001
Bonds' record-breaker came at Pacific Bell Park on a tailing fastball from Los Angeles' Chan Ho Park and landed in right-center. The San Francisco star connected on a 1-0 pitch to break the mark that McGwire set in 1998.
After hitting his 442-foot shot, an elated Bonds trotted around the bases and was mobbed by his teammates at the plate and his 11-year-old son, Nikolai -

46. Gionfriddo Robs DiMaggioGame 6 - 1947 World Series Left fielder Al Gionfriddo made a spectacular catch and robbed Joe DiMaggio of a game-tying home run in Game Six of the World Series. The Brooklyn Dodgers beat the Yankees, 8-6.

45. The Braves' New World1992 NLCS, Game 7
Atlanta won the series in seven games to advance to their second straight World Series. The 1992 NLCS ended in dramatic fashion, as in the bottom of the ninth inning of Game 7, with Atlanta down 2-1 and the bases loaded, the Braves' Francisco Cabrera cracked a two-run single that scored David Justice and Sid Bream. Bream famously slid to score the Series-winning run, beating the throw by Pirates left fielder Barry Bonds.

44. Edmonds' Catch for the AgesJune 10, 1997
Top of the fifth inning. Two men on, tie score. David Howard at the plate. Edmonds, in center field for Anaheim, was playing shallow. Howard lined a shot to straightaway center. Edmonds turned his back and took off running, then dove, fully extending his body horizontal to the ground, and caught the ball over his shoulder. He landed on the warning track, a few feet from the wall.
"That was one of the greatest plays ever," veteran umpire Dave Phillips told the Kansas City Star. "That made Willie Mays' play look routine."

43. The Rocket Sets the Strikeout RecordApril 29, 1986
In 1986, Clemens became the first pitcher in history to strike out 20 batters in a complete 9-inning major league game against the Seattle Mariners.

42. Tino Ties It Up2001 World Series, Game 4
In the 9th inning the Yankees trailed 3-1. With one out, Paul O'Neill lined an opposite-field single in front of left fielder Luis Gonzalez. After Bernie Williams struck out, Tino Martinez drove the first pitch he saw from Kim over the wall in right-center field to tie the game at 3-3.

41. "Mr. November" Wins It2001 World Series, Game 4
As the clock in New York struck midnight, and with two outs in the tenth on a 3-2 pitch, Derek Jeter completed the comeback with a walk-off solo homerun to right, earning the title "Mr. November". The Yankees won 4-3 and evened up the series at two games apiece.

40. Brosius Gets Kim Again2001 World Series, Game 5 With the Diamondbacks leading 2-0 in the ninth, Brenly again went to his closer and again the Yankees dramatically came back. Jorge Posada doubled to open the inning, but Kim retired the next two batters. Then, with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Scott Brosius knocked the 1-0 pitch out for a home run to tie the game at 2-2.

39. "Go Crazy, Folks ... Go Crazy"1985 NLCS, Game 5
Tom Niedenfuer came in to hold the Cardinals at bay in the ninth. After inducing McGee to pop up to third, Ozzie Smith came to bat from the left side of the plate. Never before in his career had Smith homered from the left side - until now. He golfed a Niedenfuer fastball down the right field line and over the fence for a home run, ending game five as a 3-2 Cardinal victory.

38. Jack Clark Does In the Dodgers1985 NLCS, Game 6
In the ninth. Willie McGee singled and stole second. The Dodgers walked Smith and induced a ground out from Tommy Herr. With runners at second and third and two out, the obvious question faced Tommy Lasorda: do you walk Clark to the open first base or do you pitch to him? But Tommy Lasorda opted to pitch to Clark, and he drilled Niedenfuer's first fastball 450 feet into the left field stands for a pennant-winning home run.

37. Charlie Hustle Saves the Day1980 World Series, Game 6
With one out in the ninth, the bases full and the Phils on top, 4-1. McGraw induced Frank White to hit a foul pop near the Philadelphia dugout, and catcher Bob Boone camped under it. The ball popped in and out of Boone's mitt — the Royals' hopes rose for a fleeting moment — but first baseman Pete Rose, also giving chase on the ball, was there to snatch it out of the air. The Royals' Wilson struck out for a Series-record 12th time, ending the 1980 fall classic.

36. No. 7 for the Ryan ExpressMay 1, 1991
Nolan Ryan pitched his seventh no-hitter on May 1, 1991, striking out Roberto Alomar of the Toronto Blue Jays for the final out.

35. Ozzie's One-Handed WonderApril 20, 1978
In the fourth inning the Braves' Jeff Burroughs hit a ground ball up the middle. Base hit all the way. Smith, who dives as often as Greg Louganis, hit the dirt, glove extended. But this time the ball took a bad hop and bounced up over his hip. No problem. Smith reached back with his bare hand, caught the ball, climbed to his knees and threw to first in plenty of time to catch the incredulous Burroughs.



34. Jeffrey Maier Steals One For the Yanks1996 ALCS, Game 1
On October 9, 1996, the Yankees were behind the Orioles 4-3 in the bottom of the eighth inning. The then-12 year old Maier reached over the fence separating the right field stands and the field of play and deflected a deep fly ball hit by Yankee shortstop Derek Jeter.
The Yankees went on to win the game and series.




33. Renteria Wins it for the Marlins1997 World Series, Game 7
The 1997 World Series. The Marlins were huge underdogs as they capped a stunning season by beating the Indians in seven games, four games to three. The final of Game 7 was decided in extra innings on an Edgar Renteria single off Jay Powell. This World Series was the first won by a wild card team

32. Ortiz Keeps the Sox Alive2004 ALCS, Game 4
The game remained tied until the bottom of the 12th. Ramirez led off with a single against new pitcher Paul Quantrill, and Ortiz hit a two-run walk-off home run to right field. Ortiz became the first player with two walk-off homers in the same postseason; his first capped a Red Sox sweep of the Anaheim Angels in the American League Division Series.
The Boston Red Sox became the first MLB team to come back and win a seven-game series after losing the first three games. Following the amazing comeback the Red Sox went on to sweep the St. Louis Cardinals in the World Series. The victory ended one of the longest droughts in MLB history, as the Red Sox hadn't won the World Series since 1918.

31. Derek's Fabulous Flip2001 ALDS, Game 3
With the Yankees down 0 games to 2 versus the Oakland Athletics in the 2001 American League Division Series, and holding on to a 1-0 lead in Game 3 and with an A's runner on first base, Yankees pitcher Mike Mussina served up a high fly ball to deep right field to the A's Terrence Long.
With Oakland's Jeremy Giambi about to round third, Yankees right fielder Shane Spencer retrieved the ball and threw home. The throw sailed over the heads of both cut off men . With Giambi nearing homeplate, Jeter ran across the field, and nearing the 1st base line, caught the ball off a bounce and shovel passed it behind himself to his right to catcher Jorge Posada, who promptly tagged the back of Giambi's knee, a fraction of a second before his foot hit homeplate. The Yankees later went on to win the series in 5 games

30. I Am The GreatestMay 1, 1991
On May 1, 1991, Henderson broke one of baseball's most famous records when he stole the 939th base of his career, one more than Lou Brock.
Rickey also took some heat for his famous speech afterwards where, with Brock looking on from the field, he proclaimed, "Lou Brock was a great base stealer, but today, I am the greatest.

29. David vs. Goliath1978 World Series, Game 2
Game 2 Dodgers up 4-3. Los Angeles Rookie Bob Welch struck out Reggie Jackson with the bases loaded with two outs in the ninth inning to put LA up 2 games to none.
The 1978 World Series matched the defending champion New York Yankees against the Los Angeles Dodgers in a rematch of the 1977 Series, with the Yankees winning in six games to repeat as champions.

28. Rose Rides Into the Record BooksSeptember 11, 1985
On September 11, 1985 Rose broke Cobb's all-time hit record with his 4,192nd hit, a single to left-center field off San Diego Padres pitcher Eric Show.

27. The Curse Continues2003 ALCS, Game 7
Tim Wakefield pitched a scoreless 10th for Boston and in the bottom of the 11th faced Aaron Boone, who had entered earlier as a pinch-runner. Boone launched the first pitch into the upper deck of left field. The Yankees won the series 4 games to 3 to advance to the World Series.

26. Raising Arizona2001 World Series, Game 7
In a tie game, facing the greatest closer in postseason history, Luis Gonzalez sent a blooper to center field to win the 2001 World Series.

25. Third Time's a Charm for Reggie 1977World Series, Game 6
The Yankees led 7-3 in Game 6 of the World Series. Leading off the eighth, Reggie smashed his third home run of the game. Jackson set a record with five home runs in that Series.



24. The Pine Tar IncidentJuly 24, 1983
George Brett hit a ninth-inning, two-out, two-run homer off Goose Gossage that gave the Royals a 5-4 lead. Yankees manager Billy Martin came out to talk to umpire Tim McClelland. As they examined Brett's bat, McClelland ruled that Brett used excessive pine tar and called him out. An enraged Brett stormed out of the dugout to argue. The Yankees ended up winning the game. The Royals did protest, and the game was replayed with the Royals winning.




23. Teddy Ballgame's Last Career At-BatSeptember 28, 1960 One of the greatest hitters in baseball history, Ted Williams ended his career with a home run in front of a home crowd.

22. Kirby's Unforgettable Catch1991 World Series, Game 6
The Braves were threatening in the third when Ron Gant sent a fly ball to center. Kirby Puckett jumped for the ball and seemed to float as he made the grab before crashing into the plexiglass at the Metrodome.

21. Chambliss' HR in the Bronx Zoo1976 ALCS, Game 5
The Yankees and Royals were tied 6-6 in the bottom of the ninth in the deciding game of the ALCS. Yankees first baseman Chris Chambliss hit a solo shot over the right field fence. Fans poured onto the field as Chambliss had to fight his way around the bases.

20. All-Star Collision1970 All-Star Game
Although the game is supposed to be an exhibition, Pete Rose only knows how to play one way: full speed. With the game tied 4-4, Rose came barreling home and bowled over catcher Ray Fosse giving the NL the win and Fosse permanent shoulder damage.

19. Maris Hits No. 61October 1, 1961
In the season finale of the 1961 campaign, Roger Maris put his name in the history books. With his 61st home run, Maris passed Babe Ruth for the record.

18. McGwire Hits No. 62September 8, 1998
Mark McGwire took over as the single-season home run king with a screaming liner to left field.
17. We'll See You Tomorrow Night1991 World Series, Game 6
In his signature performance, Kirby Puckett blasted a Charlie Liebrandt pitch into the left field stands ending Game 6 in the 11th inning.

16. Jackie Steals Home1955 World Series, Game 1
Jackie Robinson stole home in the eighth to bring the Dodgers within a run of the Yankees. It was the ninth swipe of home in World Series history.

15. Denkinger's Blown Call1985 World Series, Game 6
In one of the worst calls in sports history, Don Denkinger calls the Royals' Jorge Orta safe at first base, despite being out by a step. The Royals rallied for two runs in the 2-1 victory. Kansas City goes on to win the Series in seven games.

14. Hendu Crushes the Angels1986 ALCS, Game 5
The Red Sox were one out away from being eliminated from the postseason, when Dave Henderson nailed a go-ahead two-run home run. The homer demoralized the home crowd and capped a four-run ninth.

13. Bartman2003 NLCS, Game 6
The Cubs sat five outs away from their first World Series appearance since 1945. The Cubs had a 3- 0 lead over the Marlins in the eigthth when Luis Castillo sent a fly ball to foul territory in left. Cubs left fielder Moises Alou leaped for the ball but it was tipped by lifelong Cubs fan Steve Bartman. Instead of the third out, the Cubs collapsed and the Marlins went on to win the game and the series.






12. Bucky's Blast1978 A.L. East One-Game Playoff
The Red Sox led 2-0 in the seventh when an unlikely power source added to the Curse of the Bambino. With two on, Bucky Dent shocked crowd with a 3-run homer. That gave the Yankees the lead and the win.

11. Babe Ruth's called shot1932 World Series
Whether or not it actually was a called shot has always been part of baseball debate, but why else would legendary Babe Ruth point his bat toward the outfield seats moments before depositing a ball in those same seats in the '32 World Series against the Cubs?

10. Larsen's Perfection1956 World Series, Game 5
Adding another chapter to Yankee lore, Don Larsen pitched the only perfect game in World Series history. Larsen struck out pinch-hitter Dale Mitchell to end the game.

9. Cal's Night to RememberSeptember 6, 1995
The same night he took over as baseball's new Iron Man, Cal Ripken Jr. celebrated by blasting his second home run in as many days.

8. Maz's Moment1960 World Series, Game 7
In the bottom of the 9th of a tie game, Bill Mazeroski made World Series history. He led off the inning with a solo shot becoming the first player to end the Fall Classic with a homer.

7. Oh Canada!1993 World Series, Game 6
Staring at a one-run deficit, Joe Carter dug in against Philadelphia's Mitch 'Wild Thing' Williams. With two on, Carter sent a slider into left field ending the 1993 World Series and giving Toronto its second consecutive championship.

6. Hammerin' HankApril 8, 1974
Hank Aaron became the owner of the most hallowed record in sports as he slammed his 715th career home run, surpassing Babe Ruth.

5. The "Say Hey" Kid1954 World Series, Game 1
With the score tied 2-2 in the top of the eighth, the Indians put the pressure on. With two runners aboard, Vic Wertz sent a long fly ball to the deepest part of center field, well over 400 feet away. With his back to the infield and running full speed, Willie Mays caught the ball and flung it back toward the infield.

4. Fisk Pushes It Fair1975 World Series, Game 6
In the bottom of the 12th inning of a 6-6 game, Carlton Fisk looked to extend the World Series to a seventh game. Fisk blasted a long fly ball toward the Green Monster, that danced with the foul line. The Red Sox catcher slowly made his way up the first base line, waving at the ball to stay fair. The ball hit the foul pole sending Red Sox nation into a frenzy.

3. Buckner1986 World Series, Game 6
The Red Sox took a 5-3 lead into the bottom of the 10th and the champagne was literally on ice in the Boston clubhouse. But with two out and nobody on base, the Mets rallied and managed to tie the game when Mookie Wilson stepped to the plate. With Ray Knight on second base, Wilson sent a grounder down to first base that rolled right through the legs of first baseman Bill Buckner. Knight scored, capping the unlikely comeback.





2. Kirk Gibson Gets the Best of Eck1988 World Series, Game 1
The Dodgers trailed 4-3 in the bottom of the ninth, facing the future Hall of Famer, Dennis Eckersley. With a runner on, Tommy Lasorda sent in a hobbled Kirk Gibson to pinch hit. In a scene straight out of Hollywood, the reigning NL MVP delivered with the game-winning two-run homer in his only at bat of the World Series.










1. The Shot Heard 'Round the World1951 N.L. Playoff, Game 3
The Brooklyn Dodgers took a 4-1 lead into the bottom of the ninth against their rival New York Giants. The Giants scored a run before Bobby Thomson dug in for his at bat with two runners on base. Thomson sent the ball into the left field stands for the 5-4 win and sent the Giants to the World Series.



Ringmaster J's 5 most memorable White Sox moments: (thanks to Booter for some help on this list) These are in no particular order...



1.Disco Demolition-It started as a wacky radio promotion, but quickly turned into not only one of the most memorable moments in White Sox history, but in music history as well.

2.Konerko Grand Slam in the 2005 - Game 2 World Series

3.Ted Kluszewski hits 2 homeruns in the 1st game of the 1959 World Series in a White Sox victory, but they went on to lose the series to the Dodgers.

4.Harold Baines ends the longest game in baseball history with a homerun in the bottom of the 26th inning...8 hours and 6 minutes after the start of the game.

5.Four White Sox starters pitch consecutuive complete games in the 2005 playoffs vs. the Anaheim Angels (Buehrle, Garland, Contreres, and Garcia)

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