The history of Major League Baseball is a tapestry woven with many unforgettable moments. From the early days of the league to the modern era, baseball has provided some of the most iconic and unforgettable moments in the world of sports. In this article from Bovada Sportsbook, we take a look at the best moments in MLB history.
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From record-breaking feats to walk-off heroics, these moments have become the stuff of legend. As we delve into Major League Baseball’s top 10 moments, we’ll relive the magic and pay homage to the players who made them possible. So sit back, grab some peanuts and cracker jacks, and join us on this journey through Major League Baseball history.
#10 – Ripken Breaks Lou Gehrig’s Ironman Record
Once considered one of baseball’s most unreachable records, Lou Gehrig held the all-time mark for consecutive games played at an incredible 2,130 games. That record stood for 56 years before Orioles legend Cal Ripken eclipsed the mark on September 6, 1995. Having not missed a single game since his streak began all the way back in 1982, Ripken became baseball’s symbol for commitment, dedication and perseverance.
#9 – Dock Ellis’ No-Hitter
There are usually a handful of no-hitters recorded every season, but none are quite like the one thrown by Dock Ellis in 1984 when the Pirates pitcher was high on LSD throughout the entire performance. According to Ellis, he had taken the drug without realizing that he was scheduled to pitch that day. This seemed to help him on the mound, however, as Ellis struck out six batters and somehow completed a no-hitter while high on the mind-altering substance.
#8 – Jackie Robinson Breaks Color Barrier
Major League Baseball was segregated for over 50 years before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier as a Brooklyn Dodger in 1947. A talented athlete, Robinson disarmed his critics by producing great results on the field and displaying even greater character away from the ball park. Robinson’s accomplishments are still recognized today, with every MLB team having retired his number 42 and the league celebrating Jackie Robinson Day every year on April 15.
#7 – Reggie Jackson Becomes Mr. October
Yankees slugger Reggie Jackson earned one of the best nicknames in all of baseball with this great performance back in Game 6 of the 1977 World Series. You don’t get a moniker like ‘Mr. October’ without doing something incredible, and that’s exactly what Jackson did when he hit not one, not two, but three home runs against the Dodgers in a pivotal World Series victory. The three home runs helped seal the game for the Yankees and secured the World Series title.
#6 – Red Sox ALCS Comeback
Boston had fallen down 0-3 in the best-of-seven ALCS to their hated rivals, the New York Yankees. The Red Sox managed to win the next two games in walk-off fashion and then got a memorable performance from pitcher Curt Schilling in the next matchup to force Game 7. Boston left nothing to chance in that final game, blowing out the Yankees by a score of 10-3 and becoming the only MLB team to ever come back from three games down to win a playoff series.
#5 – Gibson’s Walk-Off Home Run
It was Game 1 of the 1988 World Series and Dodgers star Kirk Gibson was forced to sit out after injuring his legs in the NLCS. Yet with the team down by one run with two outs in the bottom of the ninth, Dodgers manager Tommy Lasorda decided to send the injured Gibson to the plate as a pinch hitter and the rest is history. The image of Gibson limping around the bases pumping his fist has since become an iconic MLB moment.
#4 – Don Larsen’s Perfect Game
As one of the rarest accomplishments in baseball, there have only been 23 official perfect games thrown in MLB’s 140-year history. The most famous of them all was thrown by Yankees pitcher Don Larsen in Game 5 of the 1956 World Series. Facing the Brooklyn Dodgers with the series all tied up at two games apiece, Larsen achieved perfection by retiring 27 straight batters for the win. The Yankees went on to win the 1956 World Series and Larsen’s remains the only player to ever record a perfect game in MLB postseason history.
#3 – Joe Carter’s World Series Walk-Off HR
Every kid who’s ever played baseball has dreamed of being in this situation – bottom of the ninth, two outs, down by one. Joe Carter had this exact scenario in Game 6 of the 1993 World Series and made the most of his opportunity. Needing a single to tie the game and force extra innings, Carter made history when he took a pitch off Phillies closer Mitch Williams over the left field wall. The home run won the game for the Blue Jays in walk-off fashion and sealed the team’s World Series victory.
#2 – ‘The Catch’ by Willie Mays
Known to baseball fans as simply ‘The Catch’, this grab by Giants hall of fame outfielder Willie Mays is one of the most iconic defensive plays of all-time. It was Game 1 of the 1954 World Series between the Giants and Indians, with the score tied at 2 in the top of the 8th inning. Cleveland had two men on when Vic Wertz hit a ball deep to centerfield. All eyes were on Mays as he sprinted back towards the wall to make an over-the-shoulder catch just as he reached the warning track. This play not only saved the game for the Giants, but has also become one of baseball’s most famous moments.
#1 – Ruth Calls His Shot
It’s moments like this that have made Yankees legend Babe Ruth one of the most beloved figures in sports history. Facing the Cubs in the 1932 World Series, Ruth surprised the crowd at Chicago’s Wrigley Field by pointing upwards towards centerfield, seemingly calling his shot to opposing pitcher Charlie Root. What happened next has become a part of baseball lore, as Ruth hit a towering home run over the centerfield wall on the very next pitch. While some may argue about the accuracy of this legendary tale, it has become an undeniable part of Major League Baseball history.
