I'll never forget when Lofton came to the Cubs in 2003 after Corey Patterson suffered a season ending injury. While taking his position in the outfield in his first game, the bleachers crowd cheered him in appreciation for simply being on the team. I loved that moment.
@@theRealUmpZY Up there. A trade that aquired key pieces in their first world series in 108 years. We received a cy young winner, a guy who pitched lights out in the world series, and a solid bullpen arm for 6 seasons. What other trades are "up there"? Cashner for Rizzo? Hee Soo Choi for Lee?
@toadlst what trade in cubs history was better than the arrieta/strop trade? We got a cy young winner. Dude had a no hitter going into the 6th every damn start in 2015-16. Strop was great until year 4.5/6. We traded a bag of rocks for two beyond solid players. Idk man I disagree.
Lol. Larry Walker is significantly better than Lofton. However. I do think Lofton probably belongs in. Crazy how Larry Walker wasn't 1st ballot in my opinion.
Why is it called the Hall of Fame when it's the Hall of Career Wins and Career homeruns? A few exceptions in the last couple of years but they were Yankees and Red Sox, imagine any other team getting that treatment. A SS known for his leadership that refused to change positions for a superior talent. A closer who was iffy in clutch situations. (-3.66 clutch) idk nostalgia isn't fair.
@@photobobomb I think Derek jeter was incredibly overrated (very clutch tho and a for sure HOFer) and I completely agree with you. Plenty of home run hitters not in.
Wow I had almost forgotten about that game! You're totally right, that is a huge huge mistake not sending him there but you can almost get why he held him..Lofton had a pretty great career compared to most players that make it to the Show. .299 lifetime average, 2400+ hits etc
I fail to see any reason why he held him... no way ramirez makes a play at home. That bare hand momentum throw is something a lot of, well, us could even do with a decent arm and the perfect hop like that. But to scoop up a ball and fire it home on speedy Lofton... never. But I guess without review and close plays being too 50/50, are why the coach held him up... the biggest what if in indians history
Keep making more videos like this. You have a very down-to-earth narration style that is rare to find on RUclips, or anywhere for that matter. Thank you for choosing to do this.
Living in Cleveland and being a teenager in the 90s who was the fastest girl on her softball team, Kenny was my favorite player. It saddens me the way he gets ignored despite his greatness. Thank you for showing this so others can appreciate the purely ridiculous fact that he is not in the hall of fame. His famous "spiderman" catch alone should be enough...
Outfields used to be so stacked back in the day, everyone was .300 could hit 20+ homers, steal 20+ bases, field and throw. Now we got Trout and Betts and whatever DH some team tries to hide in the corner.
The Braves traded for him in 97. They gave David Justice and Marquis Grissom. Two guys that wanted to be Atlanta, for one that did not. Worst trade in Braves history
Justice had already commented the previous year that he wished Atlanta fans had the enthuisiasm that Cleveland fans had. Next year, he was an Indian. Not such a coincidence.
Lol, they traded that two for one to make room for Andruw Jones who could now have a real rookie year in 1997. Baseball-reference says Kenny Lofton was the Braves' most valuable position player in '97, ahead of Chipper Jones and Javy Lopez. The Braves would have won the World Series that year if it weren't for Eric Gregg umpiring the worst game of all time. It was a good trade, not the "worst trade in Braves history".
@@billypowermax2264 I feel like it's one of the worst but not the worst. I think the mark teixeira trade is way worse. got one year of mark teixeira, but gave up a pretty good shortstop in Elvis Andrus, who had a pretty successful career in Texas, Matt Harrison had a decent career in Texas with 2 impressive seasons for the team, and neftali feliz was a pretty good closer for a couple of seasons in Texas. those prospects could've been really great for Atlanta, but they just got one full calendar year out of mark teixeira.
Manny Ramirez played with Kenny on those powerhouse Cleveland teams of the late 90’s. Kenny was a great competitor, the embodiment of great competition.
Lofton was my favorite player growing up and remains so to this day. When I played, I wanted to be like him. His drive and effort was inspirational. Thank you, Kenny Lofton!
Truly Kenny Lofton’s career can not be underestimated. Thank you for this insightful perspective 👍 …. He was one if those players that was always fun to watch and follow .
Great video man. As a Jays fan, I remember the 90's well, when he would steal bases at will. When Lofton was young he was blazing fast, totally unreal how fast he was. And he kept that speed throughout his career. He was a great player. Too bad no ring though
This was a really good, straightforward, low-key type of video, and I really liked it. I’ve been a Red Sox fan since I was a kid back in 1982, and remember this game, and how tense that inning was. You’re right that the hesitation to send Lofton had to have been based on the results of the fifth inning at bat, even though by that point Manny had kind of a noodle arm, and lackadaisical defensive style. Good summary and analysis. One note: the first name of the Boston starter for games 3 and 7 is pronounced like “Dice-Kay”. You got his last name perfect, though.
Cleveland had such an amazing offense in the mid 90 to early 2000s. 1-9 were incredibly great and even Thome and Manny were batting like 6 and 7 with power when they were young. If we had a better pitching staff, that team could have been a WS dynasty. Then in 2016 17 18 they had the best pitching in the majors but lack of offense and they dont spend much money but damn they should have won 1 WS at least.
Being up 3-1 on the cubs still hurts so much. With the Cavs winning that year too could you imagine have crazy that would have been to win the World Series too.
Lofton should have been elected to the hall of fame 2nd or 3rd ballot. Best base stealer after Henderson and Raines. Pretty close to 3k hits too I think and a great glove. WAR is like 60 something.
Don't Forget #2 All Times After Ricky H Lou Brock, Only To Stole 50+ Bases 10 Years in a Row...Also He Broke 1962 Maury Willis Record Of 104 SB in 1974 At 34 or 35 Years Of Age.....He Was Tie With Ricky With Most World Series Stolen Bases With 14. But in Less W.S. And Games Than Ricky👉🏾 Props To Him.👉 Luis Aparicio, i Think Was Leader in Stolen Bases in The A.L. For 9, Or 10 Years in a Row. 1956 To 64.👉Ty Cobb, 367 Batting Average.Lifetime #1 All Times. 12 Times Batting Champion #1 A.T. Over 4,000+ Hits #2 All Times.Behind Only To Pete Rose.Ohhh And Over 900+ Stolen Bases And 96 in a Season...That When Retired Were. Both Records For 40+ Years .Until Wills With 104. Broke His Season Record Of 96. And Then Lou Brock in 1979 Broke The Most SB For A Career With 939...👉Even Vince Coleman Was a Superb Stealer Of Bases Only Player With 100+ Stolen Bases, 3 Years in a Row....Ricky Did it 2 Years in a Row, And 3 Times in 4 YEARS....But Never 3 Years in a Row.....But The Most Efficient Of All Was 👉 Tim Raines....He Had Better % Of Been Caught Less Time Then Ricky Henderson....And i Think is #4 Or #5 All Times in Stolen Bases
Manny “was able to throw him out” not due to any perfect circumstance, but just because the umpire couldn’t see that he actually wasn’t able to throw him out
I think there's a chance if Lofton runs there, the indians win the world series tbh Idk I was 7 when I watched that and I'm just trying to find a reason to see them win it all
Kenny should be in the Hall of Fame. The combination of being the best center fielder, lead-off hitter, base stealer in the game for over a decade should push him above guys that might have accumulated bigger stats just because of time.
@@kenw2225 I yield to a more learned colleague. Yes, Junior was better. But my point that Kenny should be in the HOF stands. There are a lot worse players in the Hall. Harold Baines was a better than average player over an extended period of time, but I think every GM or manager would take a Lofton over a Baines any day of the week.
You’re right, numbers should not be all that matters for the hall of fame. I have no doubt that in the mind of any pitcher his presence on the base path was second only to Ricky Henderson.
One of the first years I got really into baseball (third grade) I went to this game that had a similar story to Guthrie game but It doesn't show up anywhere because the game got rained out before it could be completed. (story from BR-Bullpen) "Cleveland Indians needed a starter for the May 18th game against Detroit. Scott Sanders got crushed by the Tigers, however, allowing back-to-back home runs to Luis Polonia and Gregg Jefferies to lead off the game. He gave up six hits, four runs, and those two dingers in an inning and two-thirds before Charlie Manuel finally gave Sanders the hook. The game was rained out, the stats were wiped out, and by the end of the day Sanders had been designated for assignment. He never appeared in another major league game, and is not listed in reference books as having played for the Cleveland Indians as a result of the game's cancellation"
I don’t subscribe to a lot of channels. You got the nod because you understand both the game and what sidebars are relevant and interesting. Congratulations to your mentors, and continuing success to you. ✌🏼
Kenny Lofton was my favorite player growing up, and may be my favorite of all time. He absolutely should be hall of fame. I don’t watch baseball anymore, but this video popped up in my feed and I’m glad it did.
Kinda surprised that Lofton called it quits after 2007. I get that he was 40, but he was coming off a 3 WAR season in which he was a full time player, played good defense and hit .296. Surely, somebody would have signed him.
@@tima.478 - True enough, but if, hypothetically he managed a couple of additional seasons playing at this level, he might have cemented himself a strong HOF case.
@@semperconstance Lofton is from the Atlanta area, (where I live). He has a pretty nice baseball facility set up here in a suburb called Union City. He has said many times that he wishes he had more time to dedicate to his facility. I'm sure this factored into his decision to retire as he is a HUGE supporter of the local youth and their programs. HOF was not the highest on his list of priorities.
@@tima.478 I can totally respect that. He was a heck of a player and by all accounts seems like a super stand up guy. 15 years later, I'm glad to see baseball analysts (and subsequently HOF voters) now getting a better handle on the values that Lofton brought to the table. I think the election of Tim Raines shined a light on similar types of players who were overshadowed by home run totals in the steroid era, but were no less deserving given their speed, defense, and ability to consistently get on base. Just an fyi, I moved from NJ to Alpharetta, GA 15 years ago and I'm routinely impressed by the quality of the training facilities down here.
Why would you give Casey Blake the green light to swing on the first pitch there? One out, runners at the corners, Lofton ninety feet away from tying the game, and Grady Sizemore on deck: this is as ideal of a bunting scenario as it gets.
First of all, you (and the camera) made it clear that Lofton was safe at second and it was a bad call. Second, the third base coach held him up, obviously not Loftons' fault. Third, saying anything could have happened is true, but thinking that Boston wouldn't have scored the 8 runs if only Cleveland had scored the one to tie it up is extremely dreamy wishful thinking. I thought this was going to be about how Lofton made some big mistake. That never happened at all.
The video is titled "the most disappointing ending". It says nothing about a gaffe. I'd have to agree that this is right up there with the most disappointing finishes to a career ever.
@@staringatthesun861 thats what I said, its dissapointing, not bad. This title is completely valid, I dont think this guy knows the difference between bad and dissapointing lmao.
the butterfly effect is just so massive here. Lofton scores, and the inning keep going and Cleveland scores more. OR Lofton scorers, Cleveland uses a different reliever or throws different pitchers and the entire inning changes and Boston might score none. One send or non send can have massive ripple effects that are impossible to fully understand because that's not how it happened.
You forgot one element! Manny can just pull a Manny and try for the heroic throw home negating the double play opportunity. Cleveland very well could have been tied 3-3 2 out and a man on 3rd if Lofton was never stopped. Never underestimate the randomness of Manny Ramirez
Thanks for highlighting this play! As an Indians fan I remember it vividly. Holding him at third strangely did paplably stop the momentum the Indians had that inning.. it was like that was our chance and we missed it.
I was there the day he came back to Cleveland. Drove up for the game with my girlfriend (now wife). Got to the stadium and saw an incredible amount of Lofton jerseys. I asked someone about it and they told me about the trade. I was happy to cheer when he came up to bat.
I remember the first time I saw Nolan Ryan pitch. It was 94 or 95, when the Mariners still played in The Kingdome. I’m a Mariner fan, but adored Ryan and was giddy about getting to see him play. He got shelled. Mike Blowers crushed a grand slam and I think they pulled him after that. Next day Ryan announces that he’s retiring. I felt bad for him, ending it like that, but was happy I at least got to see him play.
Wedge blundered in managing the inning. Blake had hit into over a dozen double plays that season. He was a rally killer. Wedge needed to have Guitierez steal. In that case a ground ball doesn’t kill the inning. The look on Wedge’s face after Lofton was held tells it all. Deer in the headlights.
But at the same time, if Lofton is given the green light to get home and the left-fielder (Ramirez still?) throws him out from short left, the Cleveland manager would have been second guessed every which way but loose. I do not recall very many runners from second score on a ball that hit that wall in Boston simply because the rebound puts you not that far from the plate in left field…but I’m willing to be corrected on that!
Lofton only played in one World Series for the Indians, and that was in '95. Also, Hideki Okajima's last name is pronounced oh-ka djeema, not oh-ka heema.
I think Ruben Rivera's base-running blunder is easily the worst way to end a career. Plus he stole Jeter's glove and was released from the Yankees AND he is related to a legend, Mariano Rivera.
Manny did not took him out, a bad umpire call did! So did the bad judgement of the 3rd base coach, desicions all outside his reach and beyond his abilities. He did have a very rewarding and fulfilling career up to his 40's, up to the last day he played. A good player is always remebered and an inspiration for all generations and Kenny is a hell of a good player. Thanks for sharing!
I know a lot of work went into this vid and the content was great. That being said either get someone else to do a non monotone narration or listen to a few hours of Vin Scully to get the hang of things.
As a Cleveland fan I don't blame Lofton for our lack of a title. It was Jose Mesa's inability to close out game Seven in the World Series that hurt the most. Manager Mike Hargrove was a great player and manager but he wasn't the best at managing the pitching staff in the playoffs. Sadly, many of us older fans who have waited over 40 years to see our Indians win a title have lost that chance because our current owner decided to play politics and change the team name. We hope someone buys them out and changes the name back.
I mean, really tough to make this argument given the way that game ended. If that ball makes the corner, Lofton gets waved home. Instead, it's a short throw, one that Manny can make, and they're still in a spot where even a deep fly ball ties the game.
Fun fact: Lofton was traded away for David Justice by Cleveland and then Justice was traded to the Yankees in a package that contained game 7 starter Jake Westbrook
Even more fun, this trade tree started in the mid 80s and is still going as Westbrook got traded for Kluber who got traded for Guardians lights out closer Clase
Unreal not to send him, could have also forced a pitching change on Boston. That could have changed the entire dynamic of that game. Baseball is gonna baseball though. Its why I love this game.
I had bleacher tickets shortly after Kenny came back to Cleveland up near where John Adams sits with his drum. Kenny ended his first warmup of the game by throwing an absolute heater at John, who held the drum up and bounced it back. A cocky guy but a good dude. I don't think there was a single called third strike in the 90's he agreed with lol.
Hell of a relay by Manny. Not so much the throw which was damn good but how quick he fielded the call and especially how he turned and got the ball off.
Lofton was safe at second. That is overturned in age of replay. Skinner held him because it hit the outrcropped wall. But you're right, he probably would've been safe. Really tough call and totally 50/50 in the moment, especially with 1 out.
Thanks for the video. I've always liked Lofton but didn't realize he has the most playoff appearances without a ring. I hope he make Cooperstown at some point. Just a suggestion... Add a little energy to your delivery. You speak a little too slowly for my tastes, but the content is great!
Worst ending to anyone's career was Ray Chapman's, killed by a beanball in 1920. Then Mickey Cochrane's career ended when a beanball fractured his skull the plate appearance after he hit a home run is 1937. Going farther back, check out Ed Delahanty.
The worst was Cal Ripken’s. He was 0-for in his last game, and was in the on-deck when the batter ahead of him struck out to end a meaningless game in a loss to Boston.
That's a rough outing for Guthrie. He did make it to the Show though. Also Rolen is probably a Hall of Famer. Pretty close. Plus I'm a Phillies fan so I have zero love for the crybaby. I'm kind of stunned Loften doesn't have a ring as he was always on the playoffs.
It's even worse because in 2007, the Indians were fully a "moneyball" team and simply would not steal bases. Nope. Never. And they had a slow roster. BUT, they were very aggressive running the bases while the ball was in play--they would go first to third or try to score from first on a double as much as any team. So what happened wasn't just a bad decision by Skinner--it was a bad decision to do the opposite of what had worked all year.
If lofton had started his career earlier he would probably be in. He wasn't a full time player until he was 25. Those later start guys are usually not appreciated as an exciting young player during their careers and of course don't get to compile the stats as much
1764.2 innings pitched hardly says disappointing career. Guthrie might have ended it on a bad note, but to pitch over 1,000 big league innings is hardly disappointing while many of us go to our graves with the wish of begin able to make the big leagues.
I agree with holding him at third base. It was a no-relay throw home, and looked like it would have been close. Have to go with the coach on this one. Only regret? It’s Lofton. HE might have made it. Game of inches and what ifs.
The Dodgers CF, Willie Davis, had more hits, 2B's, 3B's, HR's, RBI's, World Series appearances (3) and Championships (2) than Lofton and he's not in the HOF. Arguably even more of a travesty don't you think?
@@kellykarcher7179 Willie Davis’ OPS is far less than Lofton’s. Lofton had far more steals. Lofton had far more highlight reel defensive plays. That’s why Lofton has a better case for the Hall of Fame.
@@stephenjohnson9632 I'm not saying that Lofton isn't worthy of the HOF, because he is. I just can't believe that Davis wasn't even considered for it. Davis was a 3-time gold glove winner and also played in an era when pitching dominated the sport. He also played in a league without the DH. If you compare their stats, you can make a great argument that they had very comparable careers. It's just that Davis won a couple of rings while being a premier center fielder, base stealer (even though he batted 3rd in the lineup) and hitter in a pitching dominated era.
I'll never forget when Lofton came to the Cubs in 2003 after Corey Patterson suffered a season ending injury. While taking his position in the outfield in his first game, the bleachers crowd cheered him in appreciation for simply being on the team. I loved that moment.
Kenny Lofton, Aramis Ramirez, and Randall Simon were great pickups.
Up there with Arrieta/Strop for Feldman as greatest trade in franchise history.
@@chicagodude8888 franchise history? nah
@@theRealUmpZY Up there. A trade that aquired key pieces in their first world series in 108 years. We received a cy young winner, a guy who pitched lights out in the world series, and a solid bullpen arm for 6 seasons. What other trades are "up there"? Cashner for Rizzo? Hee Soo Choi for Lee?
@toadlst what trade in cubs history was better than the arrieta/strop trade? We got a cy young winner. Dude had a no hitter going into the 6th every damn start in 2015-16. Strop was great until year 4.5/6. We traded a bag of rocks for two beyond solid players. Idk man I disagree.
I’m glad I found this video, partly because I was a fan of Kenny Lofton’s… but mostly because it cured my insomnia.
Ong homie is telling a bed time story
Lethargic narration... 😴
Tough break and not Kenny's fault , guy deserves a Cooperstown plaque
The fact that Larry Walker is in the HOF and Kenny Lofton is not is one of the greatest unsolved mysteries of all time.
Lol. Larry Walker is significantly better than Lofton. However. I do think Lofton probably belongs in. Crazy how Larry Walker wasn't 1st ballot in my opinion.
Why is it called the Hall of Fame when it's the Hall of Career Wins and Career homeruns? A few exceptions in the last couple of years but they were Yankees and Red Sox, imagine any other team getting that treatment. A SS known for his leadership that refused to change positions for a superior talent. A closer who was iffy in clutch situations. (-3.66 clutch) idk nostalgia isn't fair.
@@victorunger The way you just described Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera gave me a headache.
@@photobobomb I think Derek jeter was incredibly overrated (very clutch tho and a for sure HOFer) and I completely agree with you. Plenty of home run hitters not in.
Wow I had almost forgotten about that game! You're totally right, that is a huge huge mistake not sending him there but you can almost get why he held him..Lofton had a pretty great career compared to most players that make it to the Show. .299 lifetime average, 2400+ hits etc
I fail to see any reason why he held him... no way ramirez makes a play at home. That bare hand momentum throw is something a lot of, well, us could even do with a decent arm and the perfect hop like that. But to scoop up a ball and fire it home on speedy Lofton... never. But I guess without review and close plays being too 50/50, are why the coach held him up... the biggest what if in indians history
Keep making more videos like this. You have a very down-to-earth narration style that is rare to find on RUclips, or anywhere for that matter. Thank you for choosing to do this.
Living in Cleveland and being a teenager in the 90s who was the fastest girl on her softball team, Kenny was my favorite player. It saddens me the way he gets ignored despite his greatness. Thank you for showing this so others can appreciate the purely ridiculous fact that he is not in the hall of fame. His famous "spiderman" catch alone should be enough...
Kenny has been my favorite player since the 90s! Greatest center fielder of our generation! I'm proud to say I do have his autograph! 🔥
@@Samshorror wish I had his autograph.
I have great respect and admiration for Kenny Lofton's baseball playing skills. Loved having him in a Giants uniform.
Outfields used to be so stacked back in the day, everyone was .300 could hit 20+ homers, steal 20+ bases, field and throw. Now we got Trout and Betts and whatever DH some team tries to hide in the corner.
The Braves traded for him in 97. They gave David Justice and Marquis Grissom. Two guys that wanted to be Atlanta, for one that did not. Worst trade in Braves history
Justice had already commented the previous year that he wished Atlanta fans had the enthuisiasm that Cleveland fans had. Next year, he was an Indian. Not such a coincidence.
Lol, they traded that two for one to make room for Andruw Jones who could now have a real rookie year in 1997. Baseball-reference says Kenny Lofton was the Braves' most valuable position player in '97, ahead of Chipper Jones and Javy Lopez. The Braves would have won the World Series that year if it weren't for Eric Gregg umpiring the worst game of all time. It was a good trade, not the "worst trade in Braves history".
@@rmdthe4 It was the worst trade in Braves history period. Eric Greg is the worst umpire period.
No, the Barker one was worse. And the other one was essentially a salary dump. Michael Tucker didn't pan out so it looks awful.
@@billypowermax2264 I feel like it's one of the worst but not the worst. I think the mark teixeira trade is way worse. got one year of mark teixeira, but gave up a pretty good shortstop in Elvis Andrus, who had a pretty successful career in Texas, Matt Harrison had a decent career in Texas with 2 impressive seasons for the team, and neftali feliz was a pretty good closer for a couple of seasons in Texas. those prospects could've been really great for Atlanta, but they just got one full calendar year out of mark teixeira.
Manny Ramirez played with Kenny on those powerhouse Cleveland teams of the late 90’s. Kenny was a great competitor, the embodiment of great competition.
And Manny liked to get picked off at first base quite often while playing in Cleveland.
Lofton was my favorite player growing up and remains so to this day. When I played, I wanted to be like him. His drive and effort was inspirational. Thank you, Kenny Lofton!
Truly Kenny Lofton’s career can not be underestimated.
Thank you for this insightful perspective 👍
…. He was one if those players that was always fun to watch and follow .
How come Lofton is not in the baseball hall or fame?
@@courtgizzle good questioned, especially considering Harold Baines entry!
Great video man. As a Jays fan, I remember the 90's well, when he would steal bases at will. When Lofton was young he was blazing fast, totally unreal how fast he was. And he kept that speed throughout his career. He was a great player. Too bad no ring though
This was a really good, straightforward, low-key type of video, and I really liked it. I’ve been a Red Sox fan since I was a kid back in 1982, and remember this game, and how tense that inning was. You’re right that the hesitation to send Lofton had to have been based on the results of the fifth inning at bat, even though by that point Manny had kind of a noodle arm, and lackadaisical defensive style. Good summary and analysis.
One note: the first name of the Boston starter for games 3 and 7 is pronounced like “Dice-Kay”. You got his last name perfect, though.
Thanks for the comment, I appreciate what your wrote.
Agreed, really appreciate your low key and direct style. A tremendous break from "RUclips voice"
Lol Manny did not care at all to be on the field
"Greatest non-PED player that isn't in the HoF"
My guy has never heard of Fred McGriff, Dale Murphy, or Andruw Jones
Cleveland had such an amazing offense in the mid 90 to early 2000s. 1-9 were incredibly great and even Thome and Manny were batting like 6 and 7 with power when they were young. If we had a better pitching staff, that team could have been a WS dynasty. Then in 2016 17 18 they had the best pitching in the majors but lack of offense and they dont spend much money but damn they should have won 1 WS at least.
Being up 3-1 on the cubs still hurts so much. With the Cavs winning that year too could you imagine have crazy that would have been to win the World Series too.
Lofton should have been elected to the hall of fame 2nd or 3rd ballot. Best base stealer after Henderson and Raines. Pretty close to 3k hits too I think and a great glove. WAR is like 60 something.
Don't Forget #2 All Times After Ricky H Lou Brock, Only To Stole 50+ Bases 10 Years in a Row...Also He Broke 1962 Maury Willis Record Of 104 SB in 1974 At 34 or 35 Years Of Age.....He Was Tie
With Ricky With Most World Series
Stolen Bases With 14. But in Less W.S. And Games Than Ricky👉🏾 Props To Him.👉 Luis Aparicio, i Think Was Leader in Stolen Bases in The A.L. For 9, Or 10 Years in a Row. 1956 To 64.👉Ty Cobb, 367 Batting Average.Lifetime #1 All Times. 12 Times Batting Champion #1 A.T. Over 4,000+ Hits #2 All Times.Behind
Only To Pete Rose.Ohhh And Over 900+ Stolen Bases And 96 in a Season...That When Retired Were. Both Records For 40+ Years .Until Wills With 104. Broke His Season Record Of 96. And Then Lou Brock in 1979 Broke The Most SB For A Career With 939...👉Even Vince Coleman Was a Superb Stealer Of Bases
Only Player With 100+ Stolen Bases, 3 Years in a Row....Ricky Did it 2 Years in a Row, And 3 Times in 4 YEARS....But Never 3 Years in a Row.....But The Most Efficient Of All Was 👉 Tim Raines....He Had Better %
Of Been Caught Less Time Then Ricky Henderson....And i Think is #4 Or #5 All Times in Stolen Bases
Glad I found your channel. Love the video. Love the content! Keep it up brother
Thank you
Lofton was a well liked guard at the University of Arizona for 4 years. He only played Baseball for one year there.
Feel sorry for Lofton. He was obviously a great player who deserved better luck
Deserved hall of fame consideration . Nearly 70 war! .300 BA. 622 steals. Almost 2500 hits. Amazing fielder
What the hell , hall of fame voters?!
He’s a millionaire who played in the MLB doing what he loves but we gotta feel for him lmao
Manny “was able to throw him out” not due to any perfect circumstance, but just because the umpire couldn’t see that he actually wasn’t able to throw him out
I think there's a chance if Lofton runs there, the indians win the world series tbh
Idk I was 7 when I watched that and I'm just trying to find a reason to see them win it all
Just Manny being Manny lol.
The perfect circumstance is the reason it was even close.
Amazing video bud! Brought back slot of memories!
You can see the frustration in his face once he stops and sees where the play is. Has to rely on the 3rd base coach, but instantly regrets it
Kenny should be in the Hall of Fame. The combination of being the best center fielder, lead-off hitter, base stealer in the game for over a decade should push him above guys that might have accumulated bigger stats just because of time.
Griffey Jr? Lofton was good. But
@@kenw2225 I yield to a more learned colleague. Yes, Junior was better. But my point that Kenny should be in the HOF stands. There are a lot worse players in the Hall. Harold Baines was a better than average player over an extended period of time, but I think every GM or manager would take a Lofton over a Baines any day of the week.
You’re right, numbers should not be all that matters for the hall of fame. I have no doubt that in the mind of any pitcher his presence on the base path was second only to Ricky Henderson.
Great analysis! Kenny will always be one of my favorite players. Man was a pure speed demon, and great fielder and hitter.
Kenny Lofton is my favorite player of all time. I have a blue Indians jersey of his
Jim Edmonds hit a home run in his final at bat...because he tore his Achilles during his home run trot.
One of the first years I got really into baseball (third grade) I went to this game that had a similar story to Guthrie game but It doesn't show up anywhere because the game got rained out before it could be completed.
(story from BR-Bullpen)
"Cleveland Indians needed a starter for the May 18th game against Detroit. Scott Sanders got crushed by the Tigers, however, allowing back-to-back home runs to Luis Polonia and Gregg Jefferies to lead off the game. He gave up six hits, four runs, and those two dingers in an inning and two-thirds before Charlie Manuel finally gave Sanders the hook. The game was rained out, the stats were wiped out, and by the end of the day Sanders had been designated for assignment. He never appeared in another major league game, and is not listed in reference books as having played for the Cleveland Indians as a result of the game's cancellation"
I don’t subscribe to a lot of channels. You got the nod because you understand both the game and what sidebars are relevant and interesting. Congratulations to your mentors, and continuing success to you. ✌🏼
Scott Rolen in a Reds uni...that's soul crushing. Haha
That lineout at the end was icing on the cake.
Ouch.
Finished his career with .299 BA (regular season), too.
Gaffe? Bro the gaffe was by the umpire 😂 dude was safe
(Talking about the play in the 5th)
I've always had the same opinion of that play. Lofton should definitely be in the Hof
Real ones know what an absolute stud Lofton was
I loved Lofton
Kenny Lofton was my favorite player growing up, and may be my favorite of all time. He absolutely should be hall of fame. I don’t watch baseball anymore, but this video popped up in my feed and I’m glad it did.
Kinda surprised that Lofton called it quits after 2007. I get that he was 40, but he was coming off a 3 WAR season in which he was a full time player, played good defense and hit .296. Surely, somebody would have signed him.
Probably but damn bro he was 40, that's way up there for a position player, no matter how well he's doing in that current season.
@@tima.478 - True enough, but if, hypothetically he managed a couple of additional seasons playing at this level, he might have cemented himself a strong HOF case.
@@semperconstance Lofton is from the Atlanta area, (where I live). He has a pretty nice baseball facility set up here in a suburb called Union City. He has said many times that he wishes he had more time to dedicate to his facility. I'm sure this factored into his decision to retire as he is a HUGE supporter of the local youth and their programs. HOF was not the highest on his list of priorities.
@@tima.478 I can totally respect that. He was a heck of a player and by all accounts seems like a super stand up guy. 15 years later, I'm glad to see baseball analysts (and subsequently HOF voters) now getting a better handle on the values that Lofton brought to the table. I think the election of Tim Raines shined a light on similar types of players who were overshadowed by home run totals in the steroid era, but were no less deserving given their speed, defense, and ability to consistently get on base. Just an fyi, I moved from NJ to Alpharetta, GA 15 years ago and I'm routinely impressed by the quality of the training facilities down here.
@@semperconstance I'm in Dunwoody, been about 25 years now...
Why would you give Casey Blake the green light to swing on the first pitch there? One out, runners at the corners, Lofton ninety feet away from tying the game, and Grady Sizemore on deck: this is as ideal of a bunting scenario as it gets.
I don't think Casey Blake could bunt. Some players just can't get it down. I think Blake was one of those guys.
The narrator sounds drunk. Dont forget the Astros traded him to Cleveland for Eddie Taubensee.
I mean there’s also Scott proctor who’s last career pitch was Evan Longorias walk off on night 162
First of all, you (and the camera) made it clear that Lofton was safe at second and it was a bad call. Second, the third base coach held him up, obviously not Loftons' fault. Third, saying anything could have happened is true, but thinking that Boston wouldn't have scored the 8 runs if only Cleveland had scored the one to tie it up is extremely dreamy wishful thinking. I thought this was going to be about how Lofton made some big mistake. That never happened at all.
Its DISSAPOINTING ending to a career, its disappointing that the 3rd base coach held him up, its not bad ending to a career, its disappointing.
The video is titled "the most disappointing ending". It says nothing about a gaffe. I'd have to agree that this is right up there with the most disappointing finishes to a career ever.
@@staringatthesun861 thats what I said, its dissapointing, not bad. This title is completely valid, I dont think this guy knows the difference between bad and dissapointing lmao.
the butterfly effect is just so massive here. Lofton scores, and the inning keep going and Cleveland scores more. OR Lofton scorers, Cleveland uses a different reliever or throws different pitchers and the entire inning changes and Boston might score none. One send or non send can have massive ripple effects that are impossible to fully understand because that's not how it happened.
The last three years of Chris Davis' career might challenge this.
You forgot one element! Manny can just pull a Manny and try for the heroic throw home negating the double play opportunity. Cleveland very well could have been tied 3-3 2 out and a man on 3rd if Lofton was never stopped. Never underestimate the randomness of Manny Ramirez
Thanks for highlighting this play! As an Indians fan I remember it vividly. Holding him at third strangely did paplably stop the momentum the Indians had that inning.. it was like that was our chance and we missed it.
Just a tip brother, you should talk a bit faster in your videos. Sounds like you don’t really care at the speed your talking at
Sounds like he just got a tongue ring.
I was there the day he came back to Cleveland. Drove up for the game with my girlfriend (now wife). Got to the stadium and saw an incredible amount of Lofton jerseys. I asked someone about it and they told me about the trade. I was happy to cheer when he came up to bat.
You cannot change the past, you can only influence the future.
I don’t know how anyone could end his career in a worse way than Ray Chapman did.
How ya gonna call Lofton getting called out at 2nd HIS gaffe? The ump clearly blew the call.
Kenny is a great player, awesome video.
I remember the first time I saw Nolan Ryan pitch. It was 94 or 95, when the Mariners still played in The Kingdome. I’m a Mariner fan, but adored Ryan and was giddy about getting to see him play. He got shelled. Mike Blowers crushed a grand slam and I think they pulled him after that. Next day Ryan announces that he’s retiring. I felt bad for him, ending it like that, but was happy I at least got to see him play.
Wedge blundered in managing the inning. Blake had hit into over a dozen double plays that season. He was a rally killer. Wedge needed to have Guitierez steal. In that case a ground ball doesn’t kill the inning. The look on Wedge’s face after Lofton was held tells it all. Deer in the headlights.
But at the same time, if Lofton is given the green light to get home and the left-fielder (Ramirez still?) throws him out from short left, the Cleveland manager would have been second guessed every which way but loose. I do not recall very many runners from second score on a ball that hit that wall in Boston simply because the rebound puts you not that far from the plate in left field…but I’m willing to be corrected on that!
Lofton only played in one World Series for the Indians, and that was in '95. Also, Hideki Okajima's last name is pronounced oh-ka djeema, not oh-ka heema.
Silly me. I forgot about that one season he was on the Braves. Thank you for that and the correct pronunciation
I think Ruben Rivera's base-running blunder is easily the worst way to end a career. Plus he stole Jeter's glove and was released from the Yankees AND he is related to a legend, Mariano Rivera.
I remember this game. It hurt me for the guy. Didn't he only pitch for the Nat's for that one game?
This video begs to be played at 1.25 speed.
Manny did not took him out, a bad umpire call did! So did the bad judgement of the 3rd base coach, desicions all outside his reach and beyond his abilities.
He did have a very rewarding and fulfilling career up to his 40's, up to the last day he played.
A good player is always remebered and an inspiration for all generations and Kenny is a hell of a good player.
Thanks for sharing!
As a Yankee fan, he always scared the hell out of me.
I know a lot of work went into this vid and the content was great. That being said either get someone else to do a non monotone narration or listen to a few hours of Vin Scully to get the hang of things.
I was at this game... was an insane 1st inning at The Bank
This is how I used to talk when doing a speech or presentation for school that need a required minimum time lmao
As a Cleveland fan I don't blame Lofton for our lack of a title. It was Jose Mesa's inability to close out game Seven in the World Series that hurt the most. Manager Mike Hargrove was a great player and manager but he wasn't the best at managing the pitching staff in the playoffs. Sadly, many of us older fans who have waited over 40 years to see our Indians win a title have lost that chance because our current owner decided to play politics and change the team name. We hope someone buys them out and changes the name back.
The name has nothing to do with the teams success.
@@nickhall8319 it's about tradition my friend. A mindset that you can't erase after 40 years.
@@wjatube tradition is just an excuse to never change.
SKINNER!!!!!
Literally gotta speed this man's voice up to 2.0 speed to make this video watchable.
That was an excellent video
I mean, really tough to make this argument given the way that game ended.
If that ball makes the corner, Lofton gets waved home. Instead, it's a short throw, one that Manny can make, and they're still in a spot where even a deep fly ball ties the game.
Great video
Fun fact: Lofton was traded away for David Justice by Cleveland and then Justice was traded to the Yankees in a package that contained game 7 starter Jake Westbrook
Even more fun, this trade tree started in the mid 80s and is still going as Westbrook got traded for Kluber who got traded for Guardians lights out closer Clase
Great video! But he only played in one ws with Cleveland as he was in Atlanta in 97
Unreal not to send him, could have also forced a pitching change on Boston. That could have changed the entire dynamic of that game. Baseball is gonna baseball though. Its why I love this game.
I had bleacher tickets shortly after Kenny came back to Cleveland up near where John Adams sits with his drum. Kenny ended his first warmup of the game by throwing an absolute heater at John, who held the drum up and bounced it back.
A cocky guy but a good dude. I don't think there was a single called third strike in the 90's he agreed with lol.
Hell of a relay by Manny. Not so much the throw which was damn good but how quick he fielded the call and especially how he turned and got the ball off.
Great video - you got a sub and a like!
Thank you that means a lot
Lofton was safe at second. That is overturned in age of replay. Skinner held him because it hit the outrcropped wall. But you're right, he probably would've been safe. Really tough call and totally 50/50 in the moment, especially with 1 out.
Thanks for the video. I've always liked Lofton but didn't realize he has the most playoff appearances without a ring. I hope he make Cooperstown at some point.
Just a suggestion... Add a little energy to your delivery. You speak a little too slowly for my tastes, but the content is great!
Nothing worse than a guy who isn’t naturally energetic trying to add unnatural energy to his delivery.
Exciting to watch him play ⚾️
Wish I could've watched but you put me to sleep in 30 seconds
You can see his reaction when he looked back after the coach put up the stop sign. It was a wtf did you tell me to stop for type of reaction.
Manny still had a rocket arm here. Play at plate might have been close.
Worst ending to anyone's career was Ray Chapman's, killed by a beanball in 1920. Then Mickey Cochrane's career ended when a beanball fractured his skull the plate appearance after he hit a home run is 1937. Going farther back, check out Ed Delahanty.
The worst was Cal Ripken’s. He was 0-for in his last game, and was in the on-deck when the batter ahead of him struck out to end a meaningless game in a loss to Boston.
Nice video. One suggestion I have is picking it up on the narration. It somewhat sounds like you’re reading a book out loud in class.
Lofton totally deserves to be in the HOF
I will never forgive Joel Skinner for holding up Lofton at third. A huge momentum killer.
That's a rough outing for Guthrie. He did make it to the Show though. Also Rolen is probably a Hall of Famer. Pretty close. Plus I'm a Phillies fan so I have zero love for the crybaby. I'm kind of stunned Loften doesn't have a ring as he was always on the playoffs.
How is he not in the hall of fame?
Great player at the mercy of bad calls, sub-par team, numerous trades, and bad coaching?
Yeah, not Loftons fault.
Lofton was a very good player, a quiet, solid career ..
It's even worse because in 2007, the Indians were fully a "moneyball" team and simply would not steal bases. Nope. Never. And they had a slow roster. BUT, they were very aggressive running the bases while the ball was in play--they would go first to third or try to score from first on a double as much as any team. So what happened wasn't just a bad decision by Skinner--it was a bad decision to do the opposite of what had worked all year.
If lofton had started his career earlier he would probably be in. He wasn't a full time player until he was 25. Those later start guys are usually not appreciated as an exciting young player during their careers and of course don't get to compile the stats as much
1764.2 innings pitched hardly says disappointing career. Guthrie might have ended it on a bad note, but to pitch over 1,000 big league innings is hardly disappointing while many of us go to our graves with the wish of begin able to make the big leagues.
Too bad. Big fan of Lofton. A real old a school all around lead off guy.
Moral of the story = if your name is Scott and you play baseball...the pattern shows you will leave your career a disappointment
I agree with holding him at third base. It was a no-relay throw home, and looked like it would have been close. Have to go with the coach on this one. Only regret? It’s Lofton. HE might have made it. Game of inches and what ifs.
Wow and this guy isn’t in the HOF? That’s nuts
They don’t make a fast enough playback speed to watch this video
Challenge that arm. Manny has never had a arm, stuck in LF, replacement for Al Belle another guy with no arm
The dude who got hit the the nuts and called it quits
He still looks the same as this too. Ageless
Dale Murphy should be in the HOF. He was overlooked worse then Kenny Lofton. Kenny was great though.
Lofton made it. Red Sox early 2000s got all the calls. I mean they just had a steroid user get into HOF and everyone just say how lovable he is
Lofton not being in the Hall of Fame is a travesty that must be corrected.
The Dodgers CF, Willie Davis, had more hits, 2B's, 3B's, HR's, RBI's, World Series appearances (3) and Championships (2) than Lofton and he's not in the HOF. Arguably even more of a travesty don't you think?
@@kellykarcher7179 Willie Davis’ OPS is far less than Lofton’s. Lofton had far more steals. Lofton had far more highlight reel defensive plays. That’s why Lofton has a better case for the Hall of Fame.
@@stephenjohnson9632 I'm not saying that Lofton isn't worthy of the HOF, because he is. I just can't believe that Davis wasn't even considered for it. Davis was a 3-time gold glove winner and also played in an era when pitching dominated the sport. He also played in a league without the DH. If you compare their stats, you can make a great argument that they had very comparable careers. It's just that Davis won a couple of rings while being a premier center fielder, base stealer (even though he batted 3rd in the lineup) and hitter in a pitching dominated era.