One of the reasons that fans love sports are the moments that come from them. Players too, live for those moments. These moments consist of big plays, records, accolades and players getting recognition for their craft. It takes a lot of those combining together to make an all-around great moment that will be remembered forever. Here is a list of baseball’s greatest moments of all-time.
Cal Ripken Jr.’s Consecutive Games Streak
Nothing beats getting recognized for continued hard work. That’s exactly what happened when Cal Ripken Jr. played in his 2,131st straight game in 1995 for the Baltimore Orioles. Playing in that many games in a row broke a record held by legend Lou Gehrig.
It takes guts, heart, skill and an extreme amount of luck to be able to pull off what Ripken did. He played 21 seasons, batting .276 with 431 home runs. Ripken played both shortstop and third base in his career, which also helped him play in the most consecutive games of all time. The crowning moment of his career had to be the celebration that came with him breaking the record.
Hank Aaron Breaks Babe Ruth’s Home Run Record
Hank Aaron was the home run king for a long time, before Barry Bonds broke his record in 2007. The good thing about Aaron is that he didn’t have to answer any questions of steroids. He hit so many home runs that he broke the record of one of the biggest icons in the sport’s history, Babe Ruth, who finished his career with 714.
The Hall of Famer played for 23 seasons in his storied career. He finished his time in baseball with 755 home runs and 2,297 RBIs. Aaron was known as “Hammering Hank” and for good reason with the numbers he put up. No moment greater encapsulated his greatness than when he broke Ruth’s record.
The Shot Heard Round The World
In the first nationally televised game in baseball history, “The Shot Heard Round The World” delivered one of the sports great moments. The New York Giants were trailing the Brooklyn Dodgers 4-1 entering the ninth inning. Bobby Thomson came up to bat after the Giants had scored a run, making it 4-2. Thomson hit a walk-off home run to win the Pennant for the Giants. Coincidentally, Willie Mays was on deck for the Giants.
Not only does this moment still live on, it is notable for a few reasons. It was the first baseball game ever televised and it was also broadcast over radio to troops stationed in Korea. Anyone who wanted to pay attention to the game could, which is how the game got its nickname. The pure joy that can be felt through watching the video comes through in a collective effervescence.
Mike Piazza’s Home Run After 9/11
September 11, 2001, is a day all Americans will remember. The nation was under attack and extra security precautions were taken. New York specifically had to be on alert after the Twin Towers came down.
In New York’s first pro sporting event after the event, Mike Piazza hit a home run to put the Mets up 3-2 over the Braves. There was a lot of emotion in the stadium that night.
Another moment that goes with this one is President George W. Bush’s first pitch before Game 3 of the 2001 World Series in Yankee Stadium. It’s not exactly a moment that happened by a player on the field, but it is worth mentioning.
Pete Rose Breaks the All-Time Hits Record
Pete Rose is one of the most polarizing figures in sports. When he was on the field, he was an expert at hitting the baseball. He finished his career with 4,256 hits, but his most notable hit was 4,192, the one that broke Ty Cobb’s record.
What has come out since his playing days about Rose has not been good. But at this moment, he set a new record and produced a great memory for fans.
Joe Carter Walk-Off Home Run in the World Series
Joe Carter isn’t a Hall of Famer, but he still had one of the best moments in baseball history. He was a five-time All-Star, who played 16 seasons in big leagues. Carter finished his career with a .259 batting average, but he had one of the biggest hits in history.
In 1993, Carter was a key part of the Blue Jays, who made the World Series. They were up 3-2 on the Philadelphia Phillies. The Blue Jays needed a walk-off to win and Carter delivered.
Game 6 World Series Home Runs
There have been two World Series that have had Game 6 walk-off home runs. The 1975 World Series was an absolute classic. Carlton Fisk hit a home run in Game 6 to win it for the Red Sox. Boston was unable to beat the Big Red Machine of the Cincinnati Reds in Game 7.
In 1987, Kirby Puckett hit a walk-off home run for the Twins against the Cardinals in the bottom of the 11th inning. The Twins would go on to win the World Series.
Cursed Teams Winning the World Series
In the 21st century, two “cursed” teams won the World Series, which created great moments. The 2004 Boston Red Sox had a unique run through the playoffs that saw them knock off their rivals, the Yankees, and then defeat the Cardinals in the World Series to rid themselves of the “Curse of the Bambino”. It was their first World Series Championship since 1918.
The Cubs hadn’t won a World Series since 1908, but the 2016 Cubs were able to get the job done. They played in a classic World Series against the Cleveland Indians and were able to celebrate for the first time in over a century.
Kirk Gibson’s World Series Home Run
In 1988, Kirk Gibson helped the Dodgers get to the World Series. He had injuries in both of his legs so he was not in the starting lineup, but was inserted in the bottom of the ninth to pinch-hit. The Dodgers were down 5-4 to the Oakland A’s and were down to their final out with one runner on base.
Instead of blowing a fastball past Gibson, Hall of Famer Dennis Eckersley decided to throw a changeup. The rest is history.
Don Larson’s Perfect Game in the World Series
In the 1956 World Series, Don Larson threw a perfect game. It was Game 5 of the Fall Classic and the Brooklyn Dodgers beat the New York Yankees. Ultimately, the Yankees would go on to win the World Series, but it is the only perfect game in World Series history.
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