Major League Baseball has long been associated with summertime, hot dogs, overpriced beer and outdoor baseball parks. As America’s favorite pastime, Major League Baseball often invokes a wide variety of thoughts, sentiments, opinions and truly memorable moments for fans of all ages.
In my article, Baseball’s Winningest Pitchers, I wrote how George Vecsey eloquently shared his childhood baseball memories and experiences in his book Baseball. In doing so, Vecsey educated readers “on the little known history of baseball’s early workings and the lesser-known figures that were instrumental in forming the organization, over a century ago, into the game as we know it today — both players and management alike.”
Events that define a memorable moment
Baseball, like so many other events in life, has the wonderful power to engrave pieces of history into our minds and memories. Many of life’s pleasurable events are considered near and dear to us. For the purpose of this article, a memorable moment is defined as an event that floods your mind with emotions and memories that makes you remember where you were when the particular event happened and what you were doing at that particular time.
Sure, I could rant and rave about some of Baseball’s most outstanding plays at the plate or mesmerizing moments, such as Nolan Ryan’s record-setting 5000th strikeout or Joe DiMaggio’s unbelievable 56-game hitting streak. But instead of dissecting some of Major League Baseball’s greatest moments, this article will attempt to open your eyes to some of Major League Baseball’s most memorable moments.
The return of baseball. Just 10 days after the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center, baseball returned to New York. The emotional game was filled with patriotism and a game-winning home run by Mike Piazza. Shea Stadium’s 41,235 fans in attendance peppered the stands with patriotic symbols including red, white and blue ribbons. Rescue workers were honored by the U.S. Marine Corps with a 21-gun salute. Players from the Braves and Mets hugged and shook hands before and after the game in which the Mets won 3-2.
The humble Iron Man, Cal Ripken Jr., celebrated his 2,131st consecutive game played on September 6, 1995, with a brief speech, “Tonight, I stand here, overwhelmed, as my name is linked with the great and courageous Lou Gehrig. I’m truly humbled to have our names spoken in the same breath.” The blue-eyed, balding short stop will always be remembered for his remarkable endurance. He loved to play and refused to miss a game. The city of Baltimore honored Ripken with a parade and an entire week of celebrations.
Bill Buchner’s miscue in Game 6 of the 1986 World Series will forever overshadow his career at first base, despite being known as a workhorse. Buchner had been hampered with leg problems. After Roger Clemens left the game with a blister on his finger, the Mets began a slow attack and were within one (5-4) after Gary Cater scored in the tenth inning. Mookie Wilson managed to knock a skipping roller down the first base line which passed under the glove and through the ailing ankles of Bill Buchner — the winning run would score. His career would be blemished forever. I was in awe.
Read more from this contributor:
“A fan’s thoughts on hitting and baseball’s greatest hitters”
“Baseball’s greatest pitchers versus the greatest hitters”
“How do I buy a fishing license in Pennsylvania?”
Sources:
Giovanni Badalamenti, “Baseball’s Winningest Pitchers”, Associated Content from Yahoo!.
Yahoo!News, “9/11 Remembered. World Trade Center attack photos”
“Sporting News Selects Baseball’s 25 Greatest Moments”, Ron Smith 2002
Historic Baseball, “Bill Buchner — Remembered for play in the World Series”