Enos Slaughter's Mad Dash
1946, GAME 7
In the bottom of the eighth of a 3-3 game, Cardinals outfielder Enos Slaughter took off from first with the pitch, which was shot into left-center by Harry Walker. Red Sox center fielder Leon Culberson bobbled the ball briefly, and there was no stopping Slaughter who recklessly ran through a stop sign at third and charged home. Second baseman Johnny Pesky’s relay throw was late and one of baseball’s most contended stories was born. Was it a double? Walker was credited with one, but he would surely have stopped at first if Slaughter hadn’t drawn a throw home. Thus, we say, Slaughter scored the Series’ game-winning run from first on a single (and fielder’s choice). The ultimate moment of hustle.
Next: Willie Mays' Catch
Willie Mays' Catch
1954, GAME 1
“I had it the whole time,” Giants center fielder Willie Mays quipped after making his famous catch of a shot off the bat of Cleveland’s Vic Wertz. He probably did. Depending on whom you talk to, Wertz hit the ball between 450 feet and 450 miles in the cavernous Polo Grounds, with runners on first and second in the top of the eighth of a 2-2 game. Mays’ improbable over-the-shoulder catch saved two runs, and the Indians now had runners on first and third with one out. New York reliever Don Liddle had been brought in to face Wertz but now was being taken out of the game. “Well,” he said to incoming pitcher Marv Grissom, “I got my man.” Grissom squeezed out of the jam, and the Giants went on to win the Series.
Next: Don Larsen's Perfect Game
